Bath Voice March 2020

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March 2020 No. 6

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bear Flat, Oldfield Park and Widcombe INSIDE

Play park opens in Bear Flat Page 11 Charity’s £30m poverty pledge Page 17

Volunteer at the RUH! P15

‘Keep our green space’ Thousands of people gave their views on the future of Entry Hill Golf Course as club members cried for the “wonderful green lung for the city” to stay.

The results of a public consultation are now being reviewed by the council ahead of a decision on April 30 which will be

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keenly watched by many.

Cabinet member for community services Councillor Paul Crossley told Bath Voice: “Entry Hill Golf Course is managed and maintained for people to enjoy all year round.

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bathvoice Contacts

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Follow us on social media:

Sam Petherick News Editor 07907 589905 news@bathvoice.co.uk Erica Benson Publisher and sales 07402 441485 erica@bathvoice.co.uk

on Twitter @bath_voice

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is March 25th

My councillor?

Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk

Rich Coulter Sub Editor 07775 550607 George Benson Distribution 07970 767606 george@bathvoice.co.uk

March 2020

on Facebook Bath Voice My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk

Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk Dine Romero 01225 477496 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk Combe Down: Gerry Curan 01225 330349 / 07900684562 Gerry_curran@bathnes.go.uk

Bharat Ramji Nathoo Pankhania Bharat_pankhania@bathnes.gov.uk 07464 867554 Odd Down: Joel Hirst 07792 869044 joel_hirst@bathnes.gov.uk Steve Hedges 07971270879 steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk Twerton: Sarah Moore 07807013635 Sarah_moore@bathnes.gov.uk Tim Ball 01225 400834 / 07970461674 Tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Westmoreland: June Player 07967 920064 June_Player@bathnes.gov.uk Colin Blackburn 07796 807157 Colin_Blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk

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COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bath Voice, contact the News Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/ nuj-code.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@bathvoice.co.uk or by post: 1 Camerton Close, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3BT or by phone: 07402 441485 All stories and pictures are © Bath Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission.

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March 2020

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n NEWS

Thousands complete survey on golf course Members of the golf club are unhappy with the way course has been maintained

From Page 1 “However, golfing numbers have fallen in recent years and usage levels are low.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation about the future of this important community site, contributing thousands of comments online and in person at our public events.

“We are currently reviewing the responses and the resulting report will inform a decision scheduled to be made by cabinet on April 30 on the future of the site.”

Options on the table include continuing to provide a golf course or redeveloping it into anything from an urban mountain bike park, a community growing space or outdoor education.

Entry Hill Golf Club members said 3,000 people responded to the online survey, 400 attended

consultation meetings and that the club has more than 1,000 signatures on a petition to keep the course open.

They counter accused Bath and North East Somerset Council and the course operator GLL of “a lack of care, promotion and investment”.

“Members of the golf club, who pay GLL to play on the course, as do members of the public, feel very let down by both parties as the condition of the course has declined,” Ruth Black, Anne Hallows, Barbara Hale and Liz Hallam said in a joint

statement.

“It is a 9-hole handicap-rated course, affiliated to England Golf, providing gentle exercise for all ages, abilities and incomes.

“It has wonderful views, abundant wildlife and flora.

“Recent large research studies in the UK and USA have proved that golf has excellent health benefits, both mental and physical.

“Once closed it will be lost forever and there is no alternative course in Bath or the surrounding area with the same environmental advantages or

similar affordability.

“It is not only used by Bath residents but people from surrounding districts. It is a wonderful green lung for the city and should be promoted as a great asset.”

Lower Weston resident Glenna Gillingham said: “If the proposal was to close the Two Tunnels, or the cycle track to Bristol or the playground in Victoria Park, there would be an uproar.

“These seem to be sacrosanct leisure activities which are mostly for the young.

“None of these make any money and cost a lot to maintain.

“Entry Hill golf is our leisure activity and we pay for it.

“Older people are constantly being told they must get out in the fresh air and exercise for their mental and physical wellbeing.

“What is golf but that, with some arm swinging thrown in?”

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n NEWS

The litter pickers of the Westmoreland ward and on-board volunteers assembled along with the Mayor of Bath Cllr Gerry Curran for the civic reception

Civic thank you for Westmoreland litter pickers A group of citizens were thrilled after being thanked for their litter picking and gardening efforts by Bath’s mayor.

Over the past 13 years the Westmoreland ward litter pickers and on-board volunteers have given their time to keeping their community tidy.

Councillor June Player said the recognition “means a great deal” to the team after she attended a civic reception held by Mayor of Bath Councillor Gerry Curran.

Independent councillor Player

has represented Westmoreland since 2011 and said: “I would like to thank the mayor for hosting this event.

“For those who do not know, the on-board volunteers are a group of residents who do the gardening at Oldfield Park Railway Station which was set up some 13 years ago now.

“I know this reception meant a great deal to them and the mayor was most welcoming.

“They also thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the mayoralty and various items

in the parlour, which was put over in such an interesting and entertaining way by Anthony Martin, mayor’s finance and administration officer.”

The Mayor said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Councillor June Player and her volunteers to the mayor’s parlour to thank them for the time they give to their local community.

“Their work litter picking and gardening is much appreciated and an example to all working to enhance their locality.

“They deserved a big thank

you.”

Paul Pearson, franchisee of McDonald’s at Weston Lock Retail Park, has long been involved in litter-picking initiatives in the area.

He said: “I would like to thank both the Mayor and Councillor Player for recognising my team and their work in Westmoreland in litter picking our local streets together with local residents.

“We are tremendously proud to be involved in our community, and to receive recognition meant a great deal to us.”

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March 2020

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n NEWS

5

Danger road may get 20mph limit

Mass planting at Moorlands

Trees taking root

New trees will soon be sprouting up in Moorlands to the delight of its councillor Jess David.

The ward was awarded some 70 trees by the not-for-profit group More Trees for Bath and North East Somerset.

This will see: 20 trees planted in the grounds of Moorlands Infant School; 20 in housing association Curo properties; 30 households given new trees to plant in their gardens Green-fingered Moorlands residents will be lending a land on a tree planting day which takes place on Saturday, March 7.

If you’d like to lend a hand email moretrees@live.co.uk or contact them on social media.

An accident “blackspot” looks set to have a reduced speed limit after a campaign by local residents and politicians.

The stretch of Widcombe Hill near the junction with MacAulay Buildings has seen a number of collisions in recent times, including two fatalities between October 2018 and January 2019.

Councillors Alison Born and Winston Duguid said it was a “safety blackspot that has gone on for far too long”.

It will now be subject to a 20mph maximum limit if Bath and North East Somerset Council approves the change.

The Liberal Democrat councillors for Widcombe and Lyncombe said in a joint statement: “We inherited a situation when elected in May last year in which feelings were understandably running high.

“In the previous year there had been eight accidents and two fatalities.

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“One resident had gone to the trouble of setting up a petition and over 830 people had signed it calling on the city’s MP to intervene.

“Through acting with residents we have been able to build the case and make sure this is in the next year’s financial budget.

“We view this as only a first step as we believe an engineering solution will also be needed to force motorists and cyclists to slow down to protect themselves,

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but also pedestrians alighting from the skyline walk.’’

Guy Simpson, chair of the Macaulay Buildings/Prospect Road Residents’ Association, said: “We very much welcome the news.

“The sooner this sensible and proportionate traffic calming measure can be implemented, the safer it will be for everyone (road users and pedestrians alike) using Widcombe Hill.

“We trust this change will have a successful outcome.”

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March 2020

n NEWS

Road safety and pollution on Entry Hill’s agenda A new residents’ association in Entry Hill has been created – and has made improving safety on the main road its number one priority.

The steep road is a key route connecting Bear Flat with Odd Down.

The new chair of Entry Hill Residents’ Association believes traffic, safety and pollution levels from it have “worsened significantly” in a year.

More than 30 people met on February 4 when a new committee was voted in, with Katina Beckett as the group’s first chair.

She told Bath Voice: “The traffic, associated safety and pollution issues on Entry Hill have worsened significantly in the last 12 months.

“Commuter parking, incredibly dangerous driving habits and the increase of traffic from the continually growing Mulberry Park are the

contributing factors. Our number one concern as a community is safety.

“Doing nothing is no longer an option.”

Ms Beckett said “speeding, overtaking and tailgating on the more open stretch of the hill as well as accelerating to get through the narrow piece of Entry Hill” were the examples of dangerous driving that most concerned her. “Where Entry Hill meets Greenway Lane is chaotic at rush hour,” she said.

“As a residents’ association we can carefully look at the options and present a case to the council on traffic but also issues like the future of the golf club area, which we feel was sprung upon us,” Ms Beckett added.

“I have already attended my first meeting of Fobra (Federation of Bath Residents Associations) and am grateful for the support from them and neighbouring residents’ associations.”

Councillor Winston Duguid (Widcombe and Lyncombe) said he raised the need for an active association at a meeting last October.

Mr Duguid said: “I am delighted, as in my first year as councillor the evidence is that areas where councillors work

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n NEWS

Bank plans to close branch on Moorland Road Lloyds bank in Moorland Road is closing later this year.

The branch is set to shut on August 26.

Older and elderly residents are most likely to be affected by the move, as figures released

by Lloyds Banking Group show that some 45% of users of the Moorland Road branch are over the age of 55.

It is used by about 365 people per month. The group said “changing customer behaviours” were behind the closure.

It announced a total of 56 Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland stores will close between April and October.

This follows the closure of 151 branches between January 2018 and August 2019.

Lloyds said: “We are committed to having the largest branch network in the UK and, in addition to our branches, all our customers can also use the Post Office to access their banking locally, alongside our mobile

Located on the corner of Moorland Road the branch of Lloyds Bank is set to close in August of this year branches which visit many rural communities.”

“We have confirmed that a number of branches will close between April and October this

year.

“This is in response to changing customer behaviours and the reduced number of transactions being made in

branches.”

The closure will leave Bath with one remaining Lloyds bank, in Milsom Street, a 1.2-mile walk from Moorland Road.

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n NEWS

Health care improved after massive fundraise Bath students and residents raised £554,000 for British Heart Foundation by donating their unwanted items to the charity.

The BHF’s Pack for Good campaign has been backed by the Student Community Partnership (SCP), comprising University of Bath, Bath Spa University and Bath and North East Somerset Council, since 2012.

It encourages students to donate any quality unwanted items as they clear out their accommodation at the end of term.

A record 14,000 bags were collected in 2018. Each bag is typically worth around £14, meaning £196,000 worth of items may have been donated to the charity.

Typical products include books, clothes and DVDs, which the charity turns into money for research into heart and circulatory diseases.

In the last 12 months, the BHF said the campaign has directly funded a broad range of projects and resources within the Bath area, including: 17 health-at-work schemes, six healthcare professionals, 15 cardiopulmonary resuscitation award schemes and eight defibrillators.

The campaign has also diverted 77.83 tonnes of items from the waste stream. This means that 718.272 kgs of CO₂ emissions were saved from entering the environment, helping to reduce Bath’s carbon footprint.

SCP chair Megan Robertson said: “Both of the universities, students’ unions and the

Students fundraisers outside the British Heart Foundation’s shop after they helped to raise cash for the charity along with residents, while inset is Oldfield Park In Bath, home to many students who took part in the efforts council work jointly for this fantastic initiative and as the SCP chair and vice-president community at Bath Spa University Students’ Union, I am proud of what the city of Bath has donated to the British Heart Foundation.

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tonnes of food to Fair Frome food bank from the move out as well.”

University account manager at the BHF Amanda Purkiss said: “We want to say a huge thank you to the students and local residents of Bath for their support.

“We really value these donations enormously, as they

deliver much-needed stock for our shops. We’ve also been able to divert unwanted items from going into landfill.

“Without these items, we could not have raised vital funds for life-saving research and help beat the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases for families in Bath.”

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March 2020

n NEWS

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Oldfield Park’s former cinema set for major changes Plans for 96 student rooms, much-needed housing and an upgraded shop on the site of a former Oldfield Park cinema have been unveiled.

If approved, Rengen’s development will preserve the facade of the Scala and create a new hub for Norland College, a world-renowned trainer of nannies for royalty and the rich and famous that currently relies on various sites across Bath.

The Co-op that has been at the Shaftesbury Road site since 1961 is now unfit for purpose and will be upgraded, and Freedom Through Dance’s dance centre will be fully refurbished.

The plans say: “The ambition to combine much needed housing, along with an enhanced retail provision, community use facility at the Scala site are pivotal to both retaining and enhancing the quality and unique character of this place within the heart of Oldfield Park.

“At a time when local high streets are seen as unfashionable and continue to suffer on a daily basis due to wider economic pressures, there is real opportunity with

this proposal to provide a new local development that is grounded on the specific uses and needs related to this place.”

The neo-classical former cinema opened in 1921 as the Oldfield Picture House, and then in 1935 was billed as the Scala, when it was also licensed for dancing, singing and music.

It was damaged and repaired during the Second World War, but in peacetime the growth of television saw its popularity decline.

The Scala Cinema closed in 1961 and the Co-op moved in soon afterwards.

The plans add: “The historic parts of the main Scala building will be retained.

The remainder of the Co-op store (comprising the 1960s extension) will be demolished.

“The new extensions to the building proposed will stand clear as new additions to the 1920s cinema building and will be a significant improvement on the existing crude extension on the site.

“The building would remain as two storeys at the front and the new extension would incorporate three storeys, although significantly set

back from the frontage of the historic façade.

“Ninety-six student rooms, including two accessible rooms, have been proposed in order to meet the brief given by Norland College to provide accommodation for their entire first-year intake.

“The intention of this is to consolidate Norland College’s first year accommodation from a disparate mixture of HMOs (homes in multiple occupation) throughout the city into a sustainable and purpose-built location nearby their teaching spaces on Upper Oldfield Park.”

The student accommocation will be in a self-contained block.

The application includes 32 one and two-bedroom homes flats, 10 of which will be affordable. They will have high standards of natural light, ventilation and thermal performance and be

“generously proportioned”.

Eighteen car parking spaces will be lost and 100 for bikes will be added.

Bath and North East Somerset Council will decide the fate of the application.

Rengen chief executive Iestyn Lewis said: “I am proud of Rengen’s portfolio of sensitive and sympathetic redevelopment projects throughout Bath and we’re excited to submit our planning application for the much-loved Scala building.

“If approved, this project will bring a new lease of life to the building and retain the fantastic frontage which is something of a local landmark in Oldfield Park.”

Some of Rengen’s previous projects in Bath include the former Labour Exchange building on James Street West, Widcombe Social Club and the Bath Sea Cadets headquarters on St John’s Road.

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bathvoice

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Accessible playground opens with the snip of scissors A play area in Bear Flat is now the first site in Bath to be fully accessible to children of all ages and abilities.

Upgraded facilities in Alexandra Park were opened to the public on Monday, February 17.

It was part of a £480,000 investment by Bath and North East Somerset Council to improve play and outdoor family fun.

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basket, parent and baby, flat and a wheelchair swing, complete with harnesses for securing a wheelchair onto the swing.

There is also a tarmac path access to the play area and a disabled toilet nearby.

The council said it has been working in partnership with community groups and parish councils on major upgrades to parks to encourage children to play outside more and improve their health.

Councillor Paul Crossley cut a ribbon with council leader Dine Romero to officially open the new facilities.

He said: “We know that space for physical and imaginative play is important to children’s development and health, so I am delighted to announce the large-scale improvements we are making to play areas in our district.

“We’ve also carried out a review and consultation of

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Cllr Paul Crossley opens the playground with council leader Dine Romero some of our play areas.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation which we will be reporting back on.”

Other areas benefitting from investment include Kelston Road in Keynsham and

Shakespeare Road in Westfield where major refurbishments are ongoing, new equipment in Writhlington and Peasedown St John and a replacement zipwire in Bath’s Royal Victoria Park.

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bathvoice

March 2020

National statistics reveal the best connected place Drumroll please: Bath’s best connected neighbourhood is…

Oldfield Park.

It came out on top thanks to its close proximity to schools, a doctor’s surgery, shops and transport hubs.

An analysis of official figures by the Reach data team for Bath Live found people living in Oldfield Park can walk to their primary school in an average of just six minutes, or eight minutes to a secondary school.

Residents can walk to the doctor’s in five minutes and to reach a hospital it takes 29 minutes by foot or 18 minutes

in a car.

Bristol Airport is an hour’s journey by public transport or 48 minutes’ drive. The nearest ‘hub’ railway station, Bristol Temple Meads, is 27 minutes away by walking and catching a train.

By contrast, the most isolated villages in Bath and North East Somerset are Nempnett Thrubwell, Ubley, and Compton Martin, Bath Live reported.

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Dirty show at Rondo

Cllr Jess Davids of the Friends of the Sandpits group is keen to find out what residents feel about the play area

Survey poses questions on play spot

The Sandpits are a popular play spot for young children, but could it offer more for bigger kids?

That’s what is being asked in an online survey by Lesley Hall of the Friends of the Sandpits group and Moorlands councillor Jess David.

She said: “The purpose of the consultation is to gather feedback from residents on how the park could be improved

and what new facilities or equipment older children would use.

“Options in the survey include putting in a basketball hoop, outdoor gym equipment or a fitness trail, but we want to hear any other ideas from people who use the park.

“We will use the feedback to develop a bid for funding from the neighbourhood community infrastructure levy.”

Moorfields Sandpits are in the park on Monksdale Road.

The survey asks people how often they visit the sandpits, satisfaction with the current equipment and play space, what age groups it serves well, if they would support new facilities and for any other comments or ideas.

You can take the survey by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ wj7x5c3

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

Widcombe Hill-based Natural Theatre Company explore the darker side of the city in their new comedy Dirty Bath this March.

The company best known for their quirky street-theatre and comedy characters are celebrating their 50th birthday this year.

It was born out of multidisciplinary community arts group Bath Arts Workshop and has gone on to establish itself as one of the world’s leading street-theatre companies.

The globe-trotting group of more than 40 professional actors regularly surprise visitors and inhabitants of Bath with their pop-up street performances.They can be seen 363 days of the year beside the Great Bath at the Roman Baths, where they entertain visitors to the popular tourist attraction with historical costumed characters.

Dirty Bath combines the company’s passion for history with their love of making people laugh.

The show will shed a light on the darker and lesser-known aspects of Bath’s past and promises to offer an amusing alternative (though no less accurate) history of the city.

It will be shown at the Rondo Theatre in Larkhall from Wednesday, March 11 to Saturday, March 14.

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American crayfish damage in park leads to traffic lights Two-way traffic signals may be in place for up to two and a half months on a road between Widcombe and Combe Down.

Prior Park Landscape Garden is carrying out a £2.2 million project to restore its dams and temporary signals are needed on the A3062 Ralph Allen Drive while concrete is delivered to the site.

The dams are in need of repair work after damage caused by the passage of time and American signal crayfish, an invasive species.

The grounds of Prior Park were the home of Ralph Allen, one of the founders of Bath, and in 1993 the landscape garden became a National Trust site.

When the repairs are completed and the lake refilled, visitors will once again be able to see the reflection of the iconic Palladian Bridge in the water.

Prior Park Landscape Gardens in Bath, where crayfish from America have damaged the water features leading to renovation work, with the contractors needing to access the park from the road leading to traffic lights outside the park. Pic: National Trust The trust said: “Working down the garden from the bridge, the middle dam needs the most restoration.

“The middle lake has already been emptied to take the load off the dam and to allow it to be fully restored and then the middle path reopened.

“A small cascade – one of Allen’s original features – will also be reinstated here,

and the lower dam is to be strengthened.

“With your support we can restore the dams, reinstate the paths and refill the lakes, so visitors can enjoy tranquil reflections once again.”

Prior Park was closed over the weekend of February 15-16 as Storm Dennis battered the country.

The A3062 road signals

began on February 17 and could last until Thursday, May 14, Bath and North East Somerset Council said.

Motorists should also be aware of Wessex Water utility works on the A367 Wellsway between Bear Flat and Odd Down.

These began on Monday, February 24 and are set to last until Friday, March 6.

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Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Sam on news@bathvoice.co.uk

Prostate cancer: What you need to know Prostate cancer has recently benefitted from increased visibility due to highprofile figures, such as Stephen Fry and Elton John, opening up about their diagnosis and life after treatment.

However, with no national screening From left to right: Professor Mark Beresford, programme in Consultant Clinical Oncologist plus Jon place, many men McFarlane and Jaspal Phull, Consultant choose to defer Urological Surgeons from the Bath Prostate thinking about the Centre at BMI Bath Clinic subject until the condition becomes aggressive or symptoms interrupt everyday life. Resident urology consultant surgeons and oncologists from the Bath Prostate Centre at BMI Bath Clinic explain what men should know about prostate cancer and how new technology is increasing the safety of prostate treatment.

What is prostate cancer; is it really that common?

Around 130 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day in the UK¹. It tends to affect over 50s, although younger men can get prostate cancer too. Only men have a prostate. It’s a gland that’s normally the size and shape of a walnut, and it sits below the bladder and around the urethra – the tube that men pass urine and semen through. In some cases, the cancer is aggressive and can grow quickly. It can also spread to other body areas, most commonly the bones or lymph nodes. A family history of prostate cancer; and certain other cancers, can increase the risk. Whilst age and race are well-established links also, there is emerging evidence about risks that may be lifestyle related.

What are the symptoms?

At the Bath Prostate Centre, we offer a prostate assessment clinic to get to the source of associated symptoms quickly. These can include difficulty or a frequent urge to urinate, signs of blood in urine or semen, painful ejaculation and urination and problems gaining an erection. Not all these symptoms mean a man has cancer, which is why careful assessment is advised. Finally, some men do not have any symptoms but are concerned about their risk of cancer or know someone with prostate cancer. Our specialists can discuss the need and value of PSA or other testing.

How is it diagnosed?

Often, the first test will be physical, where the physician uses a gloved finger to assess any abnormalities in the texture, shape or size of the gland. A blood test may also be recommended, looking at the level of PSA, a substance that’s naturally produced by the prostate gland.

To find out more information, call 0808 101 0337 or visit bmihealthcare.co.uk/bath

If an abnormality is discovered, you may be referred for additional tests. This could include an ultrasound probe to create a picture of your prostate gland, or an MRI scan to identify suspicious areas of the prostate that require further evaluation.

There has also been a great deal of research into other tests that may be relevant to a small number of men.

It is possible you will be offered a prostate biopsy, where small samples are taken from your prostate with a needle, to examine it for disease. If cancer is confirmed, a pathologist will determine how aggressive it is. A scale called the Gleason grade is used to rate the degree of aggressiveness (from 6 to 10 where 6 is the lowest risk prostate cancer).

How can it be treated?

The treatment options available to you will vary depending on a huge number of circumstances such as how far your cancer has spread, how quickly it is growing and other factors such as your health.

When prostate cancer is detected at the earliest stages, there are three treatment approaches. This may include regular checkups and PSA tests for ultra-low risk cancer, while for higher-risk cancer that has not spread, you may be offered minimally invasive surgery or carefully planned radiotherapy.

Surgery seeks to remove the prostate in its entirety. External beam radiotherapy involves targeted radiation to the prostate to kill cancer cells. The goal is to minimise the risk of the cancer spreading. Your specialist can help you to choose the treatment most suited to you, including any novel treatments.

If your prostate cancer has already reached a more advanced stage, you may be offered alternative treatment options such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

What’s new? Are there ways of reducing the risks associated with treatment?

Radiation therapy Prostate is effective in targeting and Space OAR treating prostate cancer, but as with any procedure there are potential side effects. These High Dose Region can be mild and Rectum go away on their own, but for some patients they can last for years after treatment is completed and profoundly impact quality of life. Side effects can include rectal pain and bleeding, chronic diarrhoea, urinary urgency/leakage, and erectile dysfunction. To potentially reduce these side effects after treatment we are delighted to offer an innovative treatment named SpaceOAR Hydrogel.

What is SpaceOAR Hydrogel?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is an absorbable hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and the rectum, reducing the dose delivered to the rectum during prostate radiation therapy.

It has already been used to help over 50,000 prostate cancer patients worldwide² plus it has been shown to reduce the risk of side effects such as rectal bleeding, bowel dysfunction and incontinence plus can help to maintain sexual potency.³ ⁴ ⁵ 1. Cancer Research UK, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancerstatistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer#heading-Zero 2. Data on file with Boston Scientific.

3. Mariados N, Sylvester J, Shah D, et al. Hydrogel spacer prospective multicenter randomized controlled pivotal trial: Dosimetric and clinical effects of perirectal spacer application in men undergoing prostate image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2015 Aug 1;92(5):971-7.

4. Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Continued benefit to rectal separation for prostate radiation therapy: Final results of a phase III trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys.

2017 Apr 1;97(5):976-85.

5. Karsh LI, Gross ET, Pieczonka CM, et al. Absorbable hydrogel spacer use in prostate radiotherapy: A comprehensive review of phase 3 clinical trial published data. Urology.

2018 May;115:39-44.

March 2020

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n NEWS

Volunteers at the Royal United Hospital have spoken of the rewarding work they do through the Friends of the RUH Group and urged more to join them

Our work at the RUH is ‘satisfying and rewarding’ Volunteers are being sought for the accident and emergency department of Bath’s biggest hospital.

The Royal United Hospital said they help to free up time for busy clinical staff to focus on providing high quality care for patients.

One of the volunteers, Andy Edwards, decided to volunteer after the death of his wife, who was an oncology patient.

He said: “I approached the

hospital to see how I could help. The RUH had been so good to us that I wanted to give something back.

“If you’re willing to really put your heart into it you’ll get so much out of it. It’s a very satisfying and rewarding role.”

He added: “It’s always very busy because there’s so much going on. I’ll serve tea and coffee to patients, their relatives and friends and help out at meal times too.

“A big part of the role is listening to patients. They are in unfamiliar surroundings and often scared, so you can help to reassure them.

“Sometimes patients or their relatives just want to sit and talk and we provide that listening ear.”

The call for assistance was made by the Friends of the RUH group.

Its manager of volunteer services Samantha Nolan said:

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“Just a few hours a week or a fortnight can really help and you’ll receive training and support.”

To volunteer to help at the Royal United Hospital in the city, call telepone 01225 824046 or visit the website at www.friendsoftheruh.org.uk for details.

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March 2020

n NEWS

Ben Ashman and Ruby Roberts are taking part in the event on March 6

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Calls to join sleep-out to raise cash for Julian House These two young best friends will join many in giving up their beds for the night to take part in the Big Bath Sleep-Out. And homeless charity Julian House is asking whether you’d dare to join them.

Last year, the charity provided life changing support to 1,400 vulnerable individuals who were suffering from, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol and the South West.

The annual sleep-out, now in its 11th year, sees participants fundraise money for this vital work.

Without support like Julian House, the life expectancy of a long term homeless person is just 45 years.

Event organiser Jessica Gay said: “Everyone who has done it before will tell you what a memorable experience it is.

“Of course, no one is under any illusion that spending one cold night in Alice Park could possibly come close to the stark reality of being homeless and sleeping on the streets.

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

“People taking part in the Big Bath Sleep-Out may be cold and a little wet.

“However, the next morning people taking part can go home, have a warm bath, a cooked breakfast, chat to family and friends about their experience or just catch up on lost sleep.”

Of her involvement in the event, 10-year-old Ruby said: “I like helping people and I feel that people don’t realise that homeless people are just as important and special as we are. Last year I found sleeping out fine but obviously I only did one night, and the weather wasn’t actually too bad.

“By taking part before, it has helped me explain to others how lucky we are to have a roof and walls every night.”

Could you join Ben Ashman and Ruby Roberts from Paulton in Alice Park, Bath, on Friday, March 6?

Sign up at www. bigbathsleepout.co.uk or by emailing Ms Gay on jessica. gay@julianhouse.org.uk

March 2020

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n NEWS

The Guildhall was the venue for a gathering of members and guests of the city’s oldest charity St John’s Foundation who are commited to fight poverty

Charity vows to fight poverty with a £30m spend Bath’s oldest charity vowed to spend £30 million to tackle “unacceptable” levels of child poverty in the area.

More than 300 guests attended an event in the Guildhall where St John’s Foundation’s new 10-year strategy was unveiled.

Chief executive David Hobdey said: “We know that there are over 8,000 children in B&NES officially classed as living in poverty but we believe the real number to be so much higher when you include the children of the working poor.

“And children from disadvantaged backgrounds are far less likely to meet agerelated expectations, creating an ‘attainment gap’, where children who live in poverty will typically not do as well at school as their more affluent counterparts.

“And this gap only widens as the child gets older. This type of inequality is shocking, with B&NES having one of the

widest attainment gaps in the UK.” Mr Hobdey added: “Through the implementation of the Foundation Fund, our commitment is to invest over £30 million over the next decade to ensure every child from birth to 12 years old is supported to grow into a healthy, happy and educated member of our community.

This is our vision.”

St John’s director Louise Harvey told the room: “We are seeing families struggling to put food on the table and provide a nurturing environment for their children.

“On a daily basis we witness families whose standard of living falls far short of what we in this rooms would accept for ourselves or our children. This is unacceptable.”

To try and address these issues, Ms Harvey set out the four commitments of the Foundation Fund.

“We will ensure every child

has access to nutritious food, professional emotional and behavioural support, extra support with reading, writing, oracy and maths and a safe space outside of school hours,” said.

“We will build on and enhance the current work already being delivered in these areas and support the dedicated professionals in their field.”

David Hobdey, Louise Harvey and Ben Fletcher of the Bath charity

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Sam on news@bathvoice.co.uk

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n WHAT’S ON

March 2020

GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@bathvoice.co.uk

MONDAYS (ZUMBA) at St Mark’s School, Larkhall, Bath 7:15-8pm £6 WEDNESDAYS (ZUMBA) at The Hub, Mulberry Park, Bath 9:30-10:15am £6 THURSDAYS (STRONG by Zumba) at St Marks Sports Hall, Larkhall, Bath 7:15-8pm £8

Mondays Walking Football on Mondays 10am - 11am at Odd Down Sports Ground (Chelwood Drive, Bloomfield, Bath). £4 Pay-as-youplay (no membership) active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.

Yogalates is a fusion of Yoga moves and Pilates, a dynamic energising class to build strength improve flexibility, mobility and core.

Suitable for all levels, ages and abilities. Monday 9.30am at The Hub Mulberry Park Combe Down, Children welcome.

Barty’s Parents and toddlers.

Every Monday of term time 9.3011am at St Bart’s Church, King Edwards Road, BA2 3PB The Bath Chorus meet in St Bart’s Church, 7.45-9.30pm. A young mixed-voice choir where a simple voice test is required. www. thebathchorus.org.uk

Tuesdays Bumps and Babies every Tuesday (term time). For ages 0-18 mths, come along and meet other parents/carers and enjoy a range of activities. 10am-12pm at Twerton Village Hall, Landseer Rd, BA2 1DX. Call Becky 07703883995 Bath: Art Group, Tuesdays 10am 12pm at St Michael’s Centre. £3 inc refreshments. Some of the Tuesday group also choose to stay on for Lunch Club. Some resources are available, but students also provide their own materials. To book your place, contact active@ageukbanes. co.uk or 01225 484510.

Bear Flat Community Market and Cafe Roots & Shoots Toddler group at Bath City Farm. Tuesday 10am-1pm.

No need to book just turn up with your little one and enjoy the farm.

The National Autistic Society runs two weekly out of school sessions on Tuesday in Central Bath. The session for children and young people aged 8-14, 6.30pm until 8pm & 8pm to 9.30pm for those aged 15-21. For further information email OOSC@nas.org.uk Bath Male Voice Choir meet 7.459.30 at Beechen Cliff Methodist Church, Shakespeare Ave. Come along and meet us! www. bathmalechoir.org

FREE support to stop smoking or switch to vaping (e-cigarettes) available from the B&NES Wellbeing Service 4.00pm-6.00pm every Tuesday in the Meeting Room at St Martins Hospital, Odd Down.

Walk in sessions- all welcome, no need to make an appointment. Just call in and talk to one of our experienced, friendly advisors.

For more session times and venues please call 0300 247 0203 or email BATHNES.thehub@virgincare.co.uk

Helping you quit, your way

www.bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk

Bath Gaming Group at Widcombe Social Club, 7:30-11pm. Contact bathgaming@gmail.com Book Group at Widcombe Social Club. Last Tuesday of the month,

8-9pm. For more information clarelestrange@yahoo.co.uk Bath GO Club at Widcombe Social Club, 7:30-11pm. For more information paul@widcombe.me.uk

Wednesdays AGE UK Book Club Second Wednesday of the month at 10.30am - 12pm. Bath Central Library. £3 suggested donation.

The groups are open to everyone of 55+ and those attending will decide what books they would like to read for future sessions. For more information contact active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.

Gadget Buster sessions offer support with using laptops, tablets and phones. People your own ‘gadget’ along and ask our volunteers questions and learn how to get the most out of your technology. St Michael’s Centre.

Every Wednesday, 10am - 12pm.

Cost: £3 Barney’s Community Cafe - Every Wednesday. St Barnabas Church, Mount View, Southdown. Cakes and free refills of hot drinks. During school term times, 9am to 12 noon, outside of school term times, 10am to 12 noon.

Widcombe Wayfarers – Join us for a friendly stroll, we meet 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10am at the west end of Widcombe Parade. Walks last 1-2 hours and are medium paced. Come dressed for the weather. All walks are free. For more information contact events@ widcombeassocation.org.uk

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

Bath WI meet on the first Wednesday of each month at St Mary’s Church in Bathwick, a short walk from the centre of the city.

Doors open at 7pm for a drink and a chat, with the meeting starting at 7.30pm.For more info please email thebathwi@gmail.com.

Cribbage Club at Widcombe Social Club, 9:30-11am. Contact barbgray@blueyonder.co.uk The Welcome Choir meet at Southdown Methodist Church, Rush Hill. 7.45-9.30pm. No auditions for this popular choir led

by Grenville Jones.

The Bath Stroke Support Group meet in Chelwood Community Hall, Odd Down. 2-4pm.

Thursdays Community Tea Party first Thursday of the month at 2:30 pm.

All are welcome, it’s free of charge though we take a collection for charity. In 2020, the chosen charity will be Julian House.

Zumba every Thursday evening in La Scala in Moorland Road (above the Co-op) 7.00-7.45pm, £5 per class. No need to book, just show up. All ages and abilities welcome.

Chat ‘n’ Craft at St Lukes Church Coffee Shop, 1.30-3.30pm every Thursday. Join us for a chat, a cuppa

March 2020

bathvoice

n WHAT’S ON and to be creative. £1 donation for refreshments. All welcome. www. stlukeschurchcentre.com or 01225 331898 Anorexia & Bulimia Care.

Support Hub at Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, BA2 6AA. 9.30-5pm. Free weekly drop in for anyone affected by eating disorders. All welcome, free to attend and no booking required.

For more information email hub@ anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk or call 03000 11 12 13 Bath Quilters Meeting. Every third Thursday of the month. St. Lukes Church Hall, Wellsway, BA2 2BD. 7.30pm. For more information www.bathquilters.weebly.com

Fridays Wellbeing Café for anyone under 25, 4-6pm at Open House Centre Café, Manvers Street, Baptist Church, BA1 1JW Carers’ café 2nd Friday of the month 10.30am - 12.30pm at Costa Coffee, Lower Bristol Rd. New to caring for someone with a mental illness? If you need a break, chat or advice drop into the carers’ cafe. The drinks are on us! For more information contact Lee on 07917 210817 l.rawlings@nhs.net Articulate Craft Club. Hillside Hall, 6-9pm. Twice monthly meetings

19

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on every other Friday evening.

New members pay £5 on their first night which includes membership & entry fee. After that, each club night costs £3 for entry. Open to everyone 18+. www.articulatebath.com

Saturdays The Bear Flat Community Market is on the third Saturday of every month from 9.30am – 12.30pm, in the Methodist Church hall in Bruton Avenue. Our aim is to promote local food and to provide space where the community can get together.

Bear Flat Wombles monthly community litter pick. Meet at 10am third Saturday of every month at the Bear Flat Community Market, Bruton Community Hall.

Litter kit provided. Contact Sarah for more info bearflatwombles@ gmail.com

Events Wednesday 11th March 6.30 for 7pm start at Widcombe Social Club. Bath Welcomes Refugees – Charity Quiz For tickets Amanda.stone@ bathwelcomesrefugees.org.uk Wednesday 16th March

Advertise your event in our What's On section ONLY

£15 + VAT FOR A 5cm X 1 COLUMN DISPLAY ADVERT

Exercise Movement and Dance class for ladies

LE

P EXAM

Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints.

6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net .

Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)

7.15pm, at Widcombe Social Club.

WA Garden Club. Marcel Floyd, A talk on Clematis.

Friday 20th March Social Night at Widcombe Social Club. Dan Reid Trio. Funky trumpeting jazz goodness will set you in good stead for the first weekend of spring. Bar open 5pm , music 6pm-8pm.

Sunday 22nd March (and 19th April) Oasis Church Bath, Free film night,

n THE DRAGONFLY JAR ... Spandex Speedy Pants Jeanne Fairs: Mid-life musings

I

am out of self-inflicted retirement again and marathon training is mission-creeping my life. I spot the tell-tale ‘anorak’ behaviours which always accompany the pyramid schedule of long distance running. Like child birth, running has a habit of allowing you to forget former contractions and gaze broodingly at Lycra and Hi-Viz jackets with no thought about impending stretch marks.

As the mileage creeps up, I start remembering how running takes over and how many hours a tortoise needs to train if she is to break through ‘The Wall’ that awaits.

The challenge is to fit all those I love into my life without cutting into the large swathes of running time now ring-fenced on my kitchen calendar.

I start wondering which is worse – to sneak off for an afternoon nap after a long run or to soldier on and pretend I am feeling sociable.

I guess the dream would be to pair up romantically with another long distance runner, but then we would surely bore for England as we compared mileage and split times I am distracted by a running website allocating my potential t-shirt running name for this next marathon.

It uses the first letter of my first and last name. I am not totally convinced that this will give me the crowd support I need. ‘Spandex Speedy Pants’ may lift spectator endorphins but I doubt it will do the trick for me.

By reverting to my maiden name, my running moniker could switch to ‘Spandex Wobble Bum’. I am not sure if this is better or worse.

More moral dilemmas to consider but at least it will be something to discuss with my training partners Ten K Twinkle Toes and Gluteus Bouncy Boobs – and we do have many hours ahead to fill. www.thedragonfyjar.com

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Sam on news@bathvoice.co.uk

7pm on 22nd March & 19th April.

Oasis Church, Fountain Buildings, The Paragon, Bath. 01225 422604

Bath Library in March Bath Central Library, BA1 5AN Wednesday 4 Baby Bounce and Rhyme. For ages 0-3 from 11.15 – 11.45. Drop in session, free of charge.

Thursday 5 Special Storytime. With author of Tractor Ted for ages 0–5 from 10–11am. Drop in session, free of charge.

Wednesday 11 Baby Bounce and Rhyme. For ages 0 -3 from 11.15–11.45am. Drop in session, free of charge.

Thursday 12 Storytime. For ages 0– 5 from 11–11.30am. Drop in session, free of charge.

Wednesday 18 Baby Bounce and Rhyme. For ages 0-3 from 11.15–11.45am. Drop in session, free of charge.

Thursday 19 Storytime. For ages 0–5 from 11–11.30am. Drop in session, free of charge.

Wednesday 25 Baby Bounce and Rhyme. For ages 0 -3 from 11.15–11.45am. Drop in session, free of charge.

Thursday 26 Storytime. For ages 0 – 5 from 11–11.30am. Drop in session, free of charge.

More from Bath Library, turn to Page 22

20 March, 2020

bathvoice bishopstonvoice

March 2020 45

n NEWS ADVERTISING n FEATURE

Police:contribution bike The of older people in Bristol Age Proud Bristolwill is an marking awareness campaign help to fight that challenges perceptions of older thieves people in Bristol and

encourages people to Police hailed a bike marking and prevention event feelcrime proud of their agein Bath centre as a success. and city experiences.

The event was one of many being held across Avon and A COMMON misconception about Somerset this year as part of older people is that they do not efforts to reduce bicycle thefts. contribute to society. However, far It was held at Green Park from being a ‘burden’ or a ‘drain’ on Station and officers marked a society, older people contribute total of 54 bikes and arranged more resources than they use. a further 21 home visits with Research carried out by the Royal residents who weren’t able to Voluntary Service identified bring their bicycles along.that nearly half of people aged 55-74 Members of the public who volunteer, were while figures attended able tofrom havethe Office of National Statistics their bicycles registered show on that BikeRegister over 50s make database up nearly onethe and third of the entire UK workforce. get their bikes marked with a As a part ofsticker. the Age Proud tamperproof Bristol campaign, Bristol Ageing People were also given a Better has voucher gathered to thebuy views discount a of a variety of inspirational people Secure-by-Design-approved from across Bristol about their D-lock.

community groups. Catherine experiences and advice regarding has formed bonds with younger later life. This article features people volunteering as a part Catherine Wescott (65), Creator of of BS3 Helping Others. “Lots of BS3 Helping Others and Zehra Haq youngsters are looking for the (64), CEO of Dhek Bhal. company and knowledge of adults “The average 65-year-old still and lots of adults are looking for has an awful lot to offer in terms the company of youngsters. We can of wisdom, passion, love, care and, help each other.” says Catherine. most of all, time.” says Catherine, For Zehra, who works full who set up BS3 Helping Others time as the CEO of Dhek Bhal, after asking in a neighbourhood supporting the community is her Facebook group whether anyone lifelong work. Dhek Bhal means ‘to needed any help. Within 24 hours, take care of’, and Zehra has been she’d received 350 likes and 60 either volunteering or working comments. in Barton Hill since 1986. Zehra “We must learn to befriend all has always encouraged the older those whom we meet in our daily women she works with to have lives and never assume that they their sayinand inform are . You can thisRoberts no matter Ben‘OK’ Ashman anddo Ruby are taking part theto event on others.

March 6“I tell them, you are very lucky,” says how old or young you are and Zehra. “You havedetails a lot of being skills and no The matter where you are - at the BikeRegister database result of their knowledge you can contribute. bus stop, in a cafe, in a store, ” says is used by every police force in registered on the database. ” Zehra it is important Catherine.

“You’ve got officers something the UK and enables to At thebelieves event, residents also for younger and older people that someone else needs. ” quickly and easily identify the had the opportunity to speak to interact andabout to recognise Many owner older people original of anydevelop stolen or with officers the latest the contributions side and can close, supportive relationships recovered bicycles. crime preventioneach advice bring to their community. In with younger from Avon and generations; Somerset police discuss any crime-related the past, Dhek Bhal has set up grandparents who look after said officers have recovered concerns. intergenerational activities and theirreturned grandchildren, to older and a number of bikes PCSO Paul Childs, who led events withsaid: local schools. would people volunteer through to theirwho original owners as a the event, “It was “Igreat to

meet so many bike owners and help them register and mark their bicycles. very like “We to seetake olderburglary people going seriously and these free bike into schools more,” says Zehra. marking events are just one “If a school does a cookery class, of a number of our proactive let older people teach it and initiatives helping tackle show what we can do. Create burglary.” opportunities for conversations Bicycle thefts account for -2% I think conversations are crime of all police recorded very important in breaking across England and Wales, and down barriers and sharing lifehave 50% of all bicycle owners experience. had a bike” stolen.

As welland as the contributions Avon Somerset police older in themarking first people startedmake the bike workplace and volunteering, is security scheme last year it and also to recognise haveimportant significantly grown the its operation force-wide. unpaid caring roles that many With more than 4,000 older people undertake.

Research bikesthe marked the past from nationalincharity, Ageyear, UK, theshown force said it isinthe most has that one three people proactive inprovide the country using aged over 80 vital unpaid the BikeRegister scheme. care for loved ones in the UK. Bikeismarking events This the second articleare in a beingofsupported

by Operation series three, inspired by older Remedy as just one of a people based in Bristol.

Find number of proactive out more about the Ageinitiatives Proud being campaign rolled outbyacross Bristol visitingthe www. region to tackle residential agefriendlybristol.org.uk or search burglary. #AgeProudBristol on Twitter and Find out about future events take part in the conversation about by visiting https://tinyurl. ageism in Bristol. com/wlu8oqy

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Agreement reached over increase in policing cost

L

AST month, the Police and Crime Panel backed my decision to increase the policing part of the council tax by £10 a year – less than 84p a month – for the average band D household. The decision follows a public consultation with local people who said they would support an increase in the precept.

I was pleased that the Panel supported my decision but I am always conscious that any increase in household bills is felt by local people. I never take the decision to raise the policing part of the council tax lightly.

It continues to be a priority of mine to put victims first and this increase means we can invest in an additional 75 police staff investigators who will help improve outcomes for victims. It

has never been more important to me to ensure victims have a voice and feel encouraged to come forward and speak out.

Concerns have quite rightly been growing across the country as we hear of more young people becoming involved in serious violence. The additional funding will also go towards maintaining the 15 additional PCSOs who are working closely with local schools. This work allows the police and partners to capitalise on opportunities to intervene early to prevent the harm that such violence causes to young individuals, families and communities. We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to stop young people becoming victims of serious violence and the Panel’s decision to back the increase will help this

on-going work.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) awareness day is taking place this month. CSE is a form of child abuse in which victims are manipulated or forced into taking part in sexual activity often in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation.

Victims of CSE are extremely vulnerable and many do not recognise that they are being exploited. We can never underestimate the damaging effects such a crime can have on victims.

In order to tackle CSE for good, we need long term and consistent support to help children to survive and recover from their experiences. The police, educators, healthcare professionals and charities need

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens

to continue to work closely in partnership and be the ones to ask, ask again and keep asking so we can stop this horrendous crime and help victims rebuild their lives. The exploitation and abuse of children is happening now and together we need to stop it today.

advertise, erica@bathvoice.co.uk oremma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. call 07402 441485 ToToadvertise, contactcontact Emma onErica 0117 on 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

March 2020

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March 2020

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Titles for all Adult Fiction Eye of the Needle – Ken Follett Eye of the Needle is one of the 100 Books that Shaped our World as March’s theme is adventure. No wonder, as it is one of the best thrillers of the last half-century and screams “just one more chapter”.

This is quite something, given that the plot – a German spy is on the brink of scuppering the Allies’ plans for D-Day in 1944 – has a well-known real-life ending. In fact, the Allies’ plans went undiscovered and D-Day was a success.

So why, given the reader knows how things turn out, is the book such a page-turner? Firstly, as with another “what if?” – Frederick Forsyth’s Day of the Jackal (based on an attempted assassination of French Charles de Gaulle) – you

are willing to suspend disbelief. So you are never quite sure what will happen next.

Second, the quality of the writing – pacey and as clear as a pane of glass. This was Ken Follett’s breakthrough book and although he went on to write many others – including the Century trilogy and Kingsbridge series – nothing lives up to Eye of the Needle for characterisation and those twists and turns that make you want to read on.

The book was made into a film in 1981 starring Donald Sutherland but nothing matches the immersiveness of the book itself.

So, if you’re looking for a holiday read, or an absorbing alternative to a box-set, this may be for you – but be warned, there are some adult themes. Just make sure you put up the “do not disturb” sign while you’re reading it.

Adult Graphic Novel Habibi – Craig Thompson, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant Habibi (darling in Arabic) is a

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beautifully drawn, and well written, fiction comic book. We follow Dodola, a young lady, who has been abused, and is many times captured to be sold as a slave. In one of her captivities she takes pity of a 3-year-old boy she will call Zam and escapes with him.

We follow their lives in a middle-eastern fantasy world, full of Quoran stories, orientalism of the harem, sultan, and souk. The creativity and pictures make us think we are far from reality, but sometimes elements of modernity hit us and make us uneasy about the proximity of their distress.

I can feel a second volume could be written, and hope for it, because Craig Thompson did a brilliant job with this one.

Adult Non Fiction Catch and Kill – Ronan Farrow Ronan Farrow is a prestigious American journalist who writes for the New Yorker and previously worked as an investigator at NBC News. This book won a Pulitzer prize for its investigating reporting. In 2017, while the author was working at NBC, he started to hear whispers of abuse swirling around a powerful Hollywood producer – Harvey Weinstein.

As Farrow and his producer investigated deeper they found themselves up against a conspiracy of silence and even intimidation.

In fact I was quite shocked on how far and to what methods where used to stop the story from being told – from the use of spies to very expensive lawyers. Intimidation went even so far as to use Farrow’s own family troubles – Ronan Farrow is the son of the film director Woody Allen and his ex-wife Mia Farrow.

In this story it is the victims of Weinstein’s that come out as very powerful, like Rosie McGowan and others who were terrified of retaliation and their careers ending if they spoke out.

This is a very in-depth book and at times can be quite complex, particularly for a UK audience but it is well written and a very current

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story which of course sparked the #MeToo movement.

Children’s Fiction As part of the picture books in the Children’s Area of Keynsham Library there is a section called Parachute Books – these are picture books that help young children get to grips with new experiences, fears and issues. Here are two to look at: Mummy’s Suitcase – Pip Jones & Laura Hughes A book to help when Mummy goes back to work. The story revolves around the fact that Mummy is going away for three whole days!

Ruby Roo knows that Mummy will miss home very much so she decides to pack Mummy’s suitcase will all the things that she loves the best. So we follow Ruby Roo around the house and garden packing all of Mummy’s favourite things from the lawnmower and her easel to some chocolates! Of course the main item is left right till the end! A delightful book.

Everybody feels sad – Moira Butterfield & Holly Sterling Some days everyone feels sad – because you may have lost a favourite toy or a family pet has died. Share the stories of Chloe and Omar and see what they did when they feel sad with the help of their friends and family.

An important book which gives children an introduction to their feelings.

Beautifully illustrated.

Library News All of Bath & North East Somerset libraries have a successful social media presence and are buzzing with community groups, activities and events. Never miss a thing, by following our social media accounts at: www.facebook.com/ BathnesLibraries1 and www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries’ Sing along to your favourite rhymes at Baby Bounce & Rhyme, now every Wednesday during term time at Bath Library, at 11.15 – 11.45am.

Also come and listen to stories and rhymes at Story Time every Tuesday during term time at Bath Library from 11-11.30am.

March 2020

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