Bradley Stoke Voice - February 2023 - Issue 04

Firefighter awarded BEM following 50 years of service

FORMER firefighter Ian Satherley has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year 2023 Honours List for his exemplary commitment and dedication to the Fire and Rescue Service.

Ian began his 32-year career as a Firefighter for Avon Fire Brigade in 1974, now Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS), serving at Southmead, Patchway, Temple, Avonmouth and Weston-Super-Mare Fire Stations. Climbing the ranks, he progressed from Firefighter to Station Officer and also worked at Fire Service Control in Lansdown and AF&RS Headquarters, formerly in Temple. He also returned to AF&RS between 2014 and 2017 to work as a driver.

Alongside his notable career, Ian has devoted nearly 50 years to support the Fire and Rescue Service through charity work. He currently holds the positions of Treasurer and Secretary at AF&RS Pensioners Association and District Chairman and District Treasurer within the South West District of the

National Association of Retired Firefighters.

On a national and local level, Ian provides unwavering support and connectivity to pensioners, through the modernisation and implementation of technological advancements, voluntarily. He is also a founding member of the Welfare Liaison Team providing care, kindness and understanding to individuals in distress and a prompt, practical and heartfelt response to many calls for help.

Through his volunteering

efforts at the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund between 1975-2006, Ian provided compassionate support, campaigned for help and championed those suffering adverse circumstances, bereavement or facing hardship. His dedication to fundraising for the Firefighters Charity continues to enable the offering of specialist lifelong support of firefighters across the country.

In the little spare time he has, Ian, who lives in Stoke Gifford, Turn to page 4

Unit 4 Fairway Industrial Centre Golf Course Lane, Filton, Bristol BS34 7QS

Ian Satherley

February 2023 - Issue 4

EDITORIAL

Jane Williams news@bradleystokevoice.com

Linda Tanner news@bradleystokevoice.com

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LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999 NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

COMPLAINTS

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

We Are Bristol helpline Tel: (Freephone) 0800 694 0284 Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 5pm Weekends, 10am - 2pm

Local libraries named in top five for children’s reading challenge

LOCAL libraries have been named in the top five authorities in the United Kingdom for the proportion of children participating in the Summer Reading Challenge.

Six thousand children aged between four and 11 took part in the 2022 challenge in South Gloucestershire, reading 100,000 books. This means almost 20 percent of all Primary age school children in the district took part.

The national Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and helps to build children’s reading engagement and confidence during the summer break from school.

Last year also saw the launch of South Gloucestershire Council’s project to give every child a library card, with all children in Reception and Year 1 receiving cards and being encouraged to use them to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

Councillor Rachael Hunt, cabinet member for libraries, said: “This is a fantastic result by our library service working with local schools and partners to reach more children and families. Congratulations to all the children who took part as reading is an essential skill for education as well as supporting healthy wellbeing and development. It is great to see how popular the Summer Reading Challenge is, and more children are improving and maintaining their reading skills as a result.”

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 Bradley Stoke Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Bradley Stoke Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bradley Stoke Voice is distributed each month to local residents in Bradley Stoke and the surrounding areas. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Brookfield Publishing on 07540 383870 or email news@ bradleystokevoice.com. This month 7,500 copies will be distributed in Bradley Stoke and the local area.

Congratulating South Gloucestershire on the result Karen Napier MBE, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge reached over 700,000 children across the UK this year and we are really pleased to see the success in South Gloucestershire. We know from our research that taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge helps children to enjoy reading more, feel more confident about reading and helps support their wellbeing.”

For the 2022 Challenge, libraries and The Reading Agency partnered with the Science Museum Group for a ‘Gadgeteers’ science and innovation themed Challenge to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them and celebrate the role of the imagination in both reading and the sciences.

Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge

EMAIL US AT: news@bradleystokevoice.com

New m4 route opens amid buses crisis

WHILE 42 bus services across the West of England are facing the axe from April, a new Metrobus route has just been launched.

The new m4 bus between Cribbs Causeway and Bristol started running on January 22. It is due to operate between 6am and 11pm on weekdays, with a later start at weekends. Buses are every 20 minutes on Monday to Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The route serves communities in Patchway and Stoke Gifford. It will also eventually serve the new Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield.

Thanks to £57 million of funding from the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), works along the m4’s route - which include the installation of a new railway bridge and bus lanes on Gipsy Patch Lane, as well as upgrades to bus stops, installation of bus shelters and iPoints (combined ticket machines and information displays) - have been completed.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris says First West of England have told him they have enough drivers to run the route without having a negative impact on other local services.

Bus services remain a huge challenge because of a shortage of drivers and a reduction in passenger numbers since the

pandemic.

This led Weca to sign off a package of cuts to subsidised routes across the area. Mr Norris blamed the three local authorities, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and B&NES councils, for paying the combined authority too low a transport levy.

But South Gloucestershire Council’s leader Toby Savage said it had paid as much as it could, and blamed Weca for spending on new offices and temporary staff.

Meanwhile, Mr Norris has announced a £3 million programme of dial-a-ride minibuses to launch in April. People living in areas without adequate buses can call up a minibus on demand and use it to link up with regular transport routes.

Government funding rules mean that the West of England has money to spend on buses, but only in “new and innovative” ways.

Mr Norris told a Weca meeting: “This is not a substitute for proper bus services, it’s a way of linking up people in more remote areas. I’ve asked the government if it’s possible to use the money I’ve received to maybe support bus services that are under threat, and it was very clear that the answer from them was ‘no, it has to be spent on ideas that are new and innovative’.”

Column: Page 21

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, right, with First West of England boss Doug Claringbold

Firefighter

From page 1

volunteers at Aerospace Bristol. Speaking on this recognition, Ian said: “I feel very humbled and extremely honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal. It was for me, a very emotional telephone call some weeks ago from the Cabinet Office to inform me that the Prime Minister is recommending me to His Majesty King Charles III for this award.

“My involvement in the roles I have had the pleasure of holding within the Fire Service Charity and the Pensioners Association continue to be most enjoyable and knowing that I have made a difference to many colleagues and their families gives me much satisfaction.

“This award is also a reflection of the help and support I have always received from the current and many former Chief Fire Officers and number of Service personnel who work quietly in the background for which I offer a very sincere and

heartfelt thanks, and also to my loving family who have helped and supported me through my career and beyond. Thank you one and all.”

AF&RS Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “On behalf of the Service, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Ian. For nearly 50 years, Ian has, and continues to, selflessly dedicate his time to supporting those in the Fire and Rescue Service community on a local and national level. His charitable efforts have helped countless people, in a number of ways, and his exceptional contribution cannot be understated.

“For those that have had the pleasure to know Ian, I’m sure they will agree he is a wonderful person to be around and is extremely deserving of this accolade.”

The New Year Honours List for 2023 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. It celebrates those who have made achievements in public life and/or have committed themselves to serving and helping the UK.

Jabs plea as remedies run short

HEALTH leaders say it is not too late to have a flu or Covid-19 vaccination.

They are calling on people in eligible groups - including over-50s, frontline health workers, pregnant mums and people with longterm health conditions, to come forward if they have not been fully vaccinated.

The call comes as a surge in winter illnesses has seen a shortage of cough, cold and flu remedies in many pharmacies and supermarkets in recent weeks.

GP Dr Geeta Iyer, the clinical lead for the Mass Vaccination Programme in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said: “Covid-19 and flu are continuing to circulate in our communities, with lots of people catching the viruses and many ending up in hospital.

“We’re calling for eligible people, particularly those with longterm health conditions, to come forward if they have not been fully vaccinated yet.

“Vaccination is the most effective protection we have. While a vaccine won’t prevent you from becoming unwell from the viruses, it will reduce symptoms for the vast majority of people and help you get back to your normal self, sooner.”

People who are eligible can contact their GP or local pharmacy for information and details of how to book and locations for walk-in vaccinations are also updated regularly online at grabajab.net

In early January concerns over shortages of cold and flu medicines led to a meeting between health minister Will Quince and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies.

The Department of Health and Social Care said supply problems were “sporadic and localised”.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports of issues with the availability of some branded cold and flu medicines – these appear to be temporary and localised.

“Supply of over-the-counter medicines is not controlled by central government but we are engaging with suppliers to investigate and help ensure that over-the-counter cold and flu medicines remain available.”

International Women’s Day event will be bigger and better than ever this year

By Bristol Women’s Voice

BRISTOL Women’s Voice, and a very dedicated team of volunteers, are shaking off the winter blues and working together on the programme for this flagship event.

Not many free events in Bristol attract as many volunteers to support the programme, or as diverse a range of participants. This year’s International Women’s Day event will bring hundreds of women from different communities across Bristol together, to connect, learn and celebrate. More than 100 contributors and partners will be running workshops, performances, exhibitions,

activities and talks in and around City Hall. Activity strands include health, nurture, poetry, music, film and photography, dance and visual arts. There is something for everyone, and we can provide support to help you get there via free public transport, a creche and translation services.

This year, the day-long event will also include an evening programme of entertainment, as well as a march through the centre of the city, so that women can show their support for one another and make their voices heard.

There’s a lot people don’t know about this small charity that packs well above its weight.

Bristol Women’s Voice is run on a very tight budget by a staff team of five, all part-timers. In building their vision of equality for women in Bristol, the work they do includes working with transport companies and the council to lobby for urgently-needed improvements in women’s safety on public transport in Bristol.

Bristol Women’s Voice holds the police to account and acts as a critical friend via the Women’s Independent Advisory Group. They support and work with women’s organisations, members and other allies across the city to renew and strengthen their call for change. In supporting part of the Council’s answer to

the cost-of-living crisis, they hope to mobilise a team of volunteers to run women-only time slots within the 80 city-wide welcoming spaces. The charity is also putting together a directory of all the services for women across Bristol into one place.

If you’d like to find out more or become a member, visit: bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

If you’d like to volunteer your services and help put on the International Women’s Day event, email: VTcoordinator@ bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

It’s women like you who make these things happen.

Photo credit: Mireya Gonzalez

Census provides first snapshot of sexuality

DETAILS of the number of people in South Gloucestershire who identify as straight, gay or bisexual have been revealed for the first time.

A question on sexual orientation for people aged 16 and over was added to the 2021 Census by the Office for National Statistics.

A question on gender identity - whether a person identified with their sex as registered at birth - was also included among the questions for the first time ever.

The ONS says the information it has received as a result will be "vital in helping shape services in years to come".

However, as the questions were voluntary, one significant factor is the number of people who declined to answer either of them.

In South Gloucestershire, just over nine out of ten respondents (90.64%) said they were straight or heterosexual.

A total of 2.82% of respondents identified with a sexuality the ONS described as LGB+, with 1.29% saying that they were gay or lesbian; 1.24% bisexual; 0.19% pansexual (defined as attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender identity); 0.07% asexual (no sexual attraction to others), 0.02% queer (non-conventional sexuality) and 0.01% wrote in another sexual orientation.

However the second largest group was those who declined to answer the question about sexuality, who made up 6.53% of the population - more than double those who identified in an LGB+ category.

In Bristol 85.45% of respondents said they were straight or heterosexual.

More than twice the proportion of the Bristol population as in South Gloucestershire - 6.06%identified with an ONS LGB+ category: 2.2% said they were

gay or lesbian; 3.08% bisexual; 0.49% pansexual; 0.11% asexual 0.13% queer and 0.05% stated another sexual orientation.

An even higher proportion of Bristol residents, 8.48%, did not answer the question.

Nationally, 43.4 million people (89.4%) identified as straight or heterosexual, 1.5 million people (3.2%) identified with an LGB+ orientation and 3.6 million (7.5%) did not answer the question.

In response to the gender identity question, 94.59% of South Gloucestershire residents said theirs was the sex they were registered with at birth, while 5.02% of respondents did not answer the question.

Of the remaining 0.38% of respondents, 0.14% said their gender was different to birth but did not give any specifics, 0.07% identified as a trans woman (registered female at birth, but now identifies as a man), 0.07% as a trans man (registered female

at birth, but now identifies as a man), 0.06% were non-binary (not identifying as a man or woman), and 0.04% wrote in another gender identity.

In Bristol, 92.45% or respondents identified with their sex at birth, 6.73% did not answer the question and 0.82% identified with a different gender.

Nationally, the ONS said 262,000 in England and Wales identified with a gender different from their sex registered at birth, representing 0.5% of the population or around one in every 200 people.

ONS director Jen Woolford said having figures on gender identity and sexual orientation at a local level was "crucial" to "better understand the extent and nature of disadvantage which people may be experiencing in terms of educational outcomes, health, employment, and housing".

Fewer people in work

THE percentage of South Gloucestershire residents in work has fallen in the past decade, the Census has found.

Office for National Statistics figures show 62.2% of residents aged over 16 were "economically active and in employment", including self-employed, on the day of the 2021 Census, down by 2.3% on the 2011 figure of 64.4%.

In neighbouring Bristol the number of people in employment has gone up by 0.9% since 2011 but at 61.2% is lower than in South Gloucestershire.

A total of 2.5% of South Gloucestershire residents said they were economically active and unemployed, compared to 3.6% in Bristol.

In England and Wales, around 27.8 million over-16s were in employment (57.2% of the population), 1.7m were unemployed (3.4%) and 19.1m were economically inactive (39.4%), including people who were not looking for work or could not work because they were retired, students, looking after a home or family and long-term sick or disabled.

Other facts about South Gloucestershire and Bristol from the Census published by the Office for National Statistics include:

*36.6% of South Gloucestershire residents own their homes outright, while 36.8% have a mortgage, other loan or shared ownership, 10.8% rent socially and 15.8% rent privately - in Bristol 25.2% own outright, 29.7%

have a mortgage, 18.7% rent socially and 26.4% rent privately.

*Around one in eight South Gloucestershire households (12.3%) have no car or van, while 40.1% have one vehicle, 34.1% have two and 13.4% have three or more. In Bristol more than a quarter of households (26.1%) have no car; 45.8% have one, 21.6% have two and 6.4% have three or more.

For more Census information visit www.ons.gov.uk/census.

which supports children and their families after burn injuries is looking for people to help its work.

Frenchay After Burns children’s club (FAB) is entirely run by volunteers, receiving no government support for its work to help young burn survivors make friends, build confidence and self-esteem through free activities, from days out, parties and pantomimes to international residential camps.

Any child aged under 18 with a burn injury can join and the charity aims to support them “from injury through to adulthood”.

Lizzie Evans is one of the founders of FAB, and her own personal experience inspired her.

She said: “I had a burn injury myself when I was eight, and when it happened there weren’t support groups. I was in a school with a thousand pupils and I was the only one who had had a burn injury.

“I had support from my mum and dad, which helped me through. These days, with the pressures of social media, living with disfigurement can be very challenging.”

Lizzie was visiting family when she suffered her injury; her dress caught fire as she dried it in front of an open fire, after playing out in the snow.

Her older sister put the flames out but she suffered burns to her legs and was treated for ten days in Birmingham Children’s Hospital, before going home and undergoing operations and skin grafts at Frenchay Hospital’s burns unit.

Lizzie would go on to become a nurse and work on the same ward were she was treated at Frenchay, and it was while there in 2000 that she met Julie

Helping children with burns injuries to build confidence

Scott, one of the charity’s other founders and current chair.

The group started small, with Lizzie and her fellow volunteers taking three girls away to a national camp for children with burn injuries.

Over the years support has expanded to include events to support the whole family of the child who has had the injury.

But Lizzie, who lives in Almondsbury, says the residential camps remain a vital part of the charity’s work, and in recent years the group has taken children to camps in Canada, South Africa and Lapland.

She said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for children to meet up with others who have had the same experiences as them. A lot is about the child being accepted. Their injury isn’t the focus, what they might look like and any disabilities from scarring - it’s

about peer support and having fun.

“The residential camps offer activities like rope climbing, archery and windsurfing that families wouldn’t be able to provide. It’s very rewarding - you see people that, before they come to a camp, are not confident enough to express their feelings. By the end of the camp that’s disregarded. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Although Frenchay Hospital has long since closed, Lizzie now works as a burns outreach nurse at Bristol Children’s Hospital, looking after children across the region following injuries.

She uses her own experience in a positive way and tells the children she helps about it.

Lizzie said: “It can happen to anyone. It’s made me who I am, helped me develop my role and given me the ability to

empathise.”

FAB relies entirely on fundraising to meet its costs of about £25,000 a year, and as well as volunteers to help on camps it is looking for people to help raise money, from shaking a bucket at a garden centre or a Rovers or City match.

It also needs administrators, event organisers and support with its online and social media presence.

Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering for FAB and the charity’s work is welcome to attend its annual meeting at Christ Church Hall in North Street, Downend, on February 7 at 7.30pm.

More information can be found at the charity’s Facebook page, website fabclub.org.uk, by emailing mail@fabclub.org.uk or by calling 07821 989845.

FAB founder member Lizzie Evans and fellow volunteers

Recruitment event aims to encourage people to take up care work vacancies

CARE workers and employers will be on hand at two recruitment events to encourage local people to find out more about the work and potentially take up some of the jobs available now to deliver care across South Gloucestershire.

They will be promoting vacancies and are hoping to talk to people who live or could work in Thornbury, Winterbourne, Yate, Chipping Sodbury or Frampton Cotterell, where there are currently a number of vacancies.

Local people who are looking for full time work, something to fit around their family or study commitments, or a new direction are encouraged to come along and find out if they could be a care worker, how a job in care could work for them and to get answers to any questions they

may have for local employers and people who already work in care.

Local care providers will also be able to hold informal interviews at the events, so attendees could even leave with a provisional job offer, subject to the appropriate checks.

Care workers are vital in maintaining and improving people’s quality of life and they are also crucial in supporting people who are well enough to leave hospital after an illness or surgery, for example.

As part of the campaign, people who currently work in care have described why they decided to do the job, the type of people who could do it and the satisfaction they get from supporting people to live fulfilling lives.

Andrew provides support to people in their own homes. He

said: “I did hospitality for over 20 years and got to a stage where I kind of fell out of love with that and needed to move on and make a change. I needed something different, I needed something that was a bit more challenging. I didn’t have any caring experience apart from looking after my children. The company I work for does great training. It gives you the tools to go into people’s houses to give them the care that they need. I go in and change that person’s outlook. It’s definitely an area where more people are needed and more caring people are needed. If you enjoy meeting new people, you’re really caring and you really enjoy helping people, I think care work is definitely a job you should look into.”

Ceri, who works in a care home, said: “It’s a very worthwhile job, definitely. You do make a difference. It’s not like any other job. You have to give a lot because that’s what care is, but sometimes you get something great back that can make you feel good.”

Anita, who works in a care home, said: “We have a few people to look after here to give them the opportunity to live the best life they can. This is a home. It’s nice to create a home. You need to be very patient, positive. Mainly, you need to be interested in people. You get out as much as you put in. You can certainly make a difference to people’s lives.”

South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for adult social care, Councillor Ben Stokes, gave his full support to the campaign. He said: “If you’re friendly, compassionate and good with people, a job in care work would be something for you to consider, and you could be a great asset to the care workforce in South Gloucestershire.

“We have a growing number of older people who need some support, but who want to be able to stay in their own homes. Others need more help and choose to live in care homes where they rely on care workers, but are able to live full and fulfilling lives. Ultimately, that’s what they want and what we all want for our loved ones.

“Care workers are vital to our local health and care system, local people and our local communities: they help people recover from hospital stays, to settle back home and to maximise their independence.

“We are investing Government funding allocated to us in order to support the local health and care system and improve discharge from hospitals. And we want to show how important, valued and vital care workers are to our communities and individuals, helping people recover quickly from hospital stays, settling back home and maximising their independence.”

Details of the two local recruitment events to find new care workers are below: Tuesday 7 Feb, 11.30am – 3.30pm at Turnberries Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury BS35 2BB Wednesday 15 Feb, 12.30pm – 4.30pm at Yate Active Lifestyle Centre, Kennedy Way, Yate BS37 4DQ

The events will give you the chance to: find out if you could be a care worker; discover how a job in care could work for you; ask questions directly to our local care employers; and have an informal job interview on the spot.

You can either register for the events online or just turn up on the day, it is completely up to you. Visit proudtocaresouthglos. org.uk for full details and to register if you wish to.

Careers project offers language support

A NEW careers toolkit for Ukrainian schoolchildren and other youngsters where English isn’t their first language will be rolled out across all South Gloucestershire schools.

The West of England Combined Authority will work with EAL (English as an Additional Language) careers experts MYPATH and EAL Inclusive Ltd to create online resources for schools that will include careers activities and employer videos to help the children who have arrived from Ukraine and other non-nativeEnglish-speaking pupils.

Eleven schools across the West of England have 20% or higher EAL students, and this number has gone up after the war in Ukraine forced mothers and their children to leave their homes and head West.

Evidence shows many EAL learners struggle to understand what’s available to them beyond GCSEs which can often result in

poor results in school too.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris is determined to address this and help the West’s new Ukraine neighbours and others reach their full potential, with the careers toolkit to be piloted later this year before being rolled out for all to use from the summer, Mayor Norris confirmed.

Dan Norris is urging all locals who speak Ukrainian and other languages to take part in the videos to help all West of England school children thrive.

He said: “Great career advice matters. It can encourage young people to expand their horizons and put the wheels in motion on their journey to skilled, secure and well-paid jobs that mean something to them. Making sure all our young people understand what’s out there for them is so, so important.

Some 380 Ukrainians have settled in South Gloucestershire under the Ukraine sponsorship scheme with host families.

Action to restore ponds

WILDLIFE habitats in Stoke Park will see a boost this year as a major restoration project is launched. Work to restore three overgrown ponds is expected to benefit frogs, beetles, dragonflies and aquatic snails.

The three ponds will soon become “thriving oases for wildlife” according to Bristol City Council leaders. The project is partly funded by Natural England and some of the work will be carried out by local volunteers.

Also funding the project is the Bristol and Avon Catchment Partnership, to help with training, tools and materials.

The restoration project forms part of the council’s wider work on improving ecology and local wildlife in Bristol.

Writing on the mayor’s blog, Councillor Ellie King, cabinet member for communities and public health, said: “Ponds of any size are havens for a wide variety of freshwater species such as amphibians, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Unfortunately, ponds are under increasing threat nationally, with one estimate putting the loss of ponds over the last century in the UK at 50 per cent.

“Over the years, the ponds at Stoke Park Estate have become overgrown with vegetation and silted up. However, these three ponds will soon become thriving oases for wildlife in Bristol once again. The wonderful array of wildlife that depends on pond ecosystems includes frogs, beetles, dragonflies, water fleas, shrimp and aquatic snails.”

Some funding for the restoration project was received by Natural England, as part of a scheme for great crested newts, whose population is declining. Some of the restoration work will be carried out by volunteers from the Stoke Park Community Group.

Helping you get around the shops

SHOPMOBILITY South Gloucestershire is based in Yate Library in Yate Shopping Centre and provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire on a daily and on a longer term basis to help people who have limited mobility to retain their independence and to use the facilities of the centre and to access other services. The service helps users from all over South Gloucestershire and beyond. It was set up by the late Keith Holloway of Thornbury.

Its opening hours are Tuesdays and Fridays 9.30am to 4pm, and Thursdays 9.30am to 2pm. There is free daily hire with the Concessionary Bus pass.

If you want to pre book a scooter or wheelchair, or check on opening times, please ring 01454 868718 or 07999574474, or email shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo. com, or call into our office at Yate Library.

Vice Chairman David Bell

said: “It’s great to be providing our much needed service, and we look forward to seeing and

serving our many customers.”

Shopmobility is also looking for more volunteers to help operate and promote the service. There are opportunities to help the organisation to deliver the service, especially if it is able to expand its operations, and there are opportunities to deliver its promotion strategy to help the service reach and help more users. Please contact the scheme on the email or phone number above if you are interested in volunteering.

like to thank all the team at Shopmobility who, over the years, have made it so enjoyable in my many roles to work at this charity. I am glad to leave it the capable hands of the Chair and trustees, knowing they will keep up the good work.”

Founding Trustee David Bell said: “Martin was an excellent Trustee and helped to ensure Shopmobility South Gloucestershire’s future.”

Part time ad salesperson

We are looking for a self starter, preferably with previous sales experience. The role is part-time, with flexible hours to suit your situation.

If you are interested and would like more information, email: sales@bradleystokevoice.com

The organisation has paid tribute to two of its long term volunteers. Former Trustee and Chairman Martin Monk retired from the organisation earlier this year, having served for almost 20 years, and the organisation made a presentation to Martin to mark his retirement and to say thank you for his great service.

Janet Biggin, the current Chair, recognising the extensive work Martin has done in the community, remarked: “I know Martin was a great member for Shopmobility and did so much in and for the community, and he received a civic award from the Council a few years ago for his great service to the community as a whole and in particular Shopmobility.”

Martin said: “I would

The organisation also paid tribute to long term volunteer James Wilshire who passed away recently, he volunteered in the Shopmobility office for nearly ten years. James’s volunteering greatly helped the organisation and for this he won the South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s award for volunteering.

Project Manager Sheridan Crew said: ‘’It was with great sadness to hear of James’s sudden passing away. James was a very sociable and well liked person and his sudden death came as a complete surprise by those who knew him. James was a valued member of the Shopmobility team until he retired last year having supported us for nearly 10 years and would often be seen on his mobility scooter within the shopping centre.’’

Brookfield Publishing, publisher of Bradley Stoke Voice, is looking for a person to help sell advertising across all of its local titles.

Some of the Shopmobillity team: Sheridan Crew, David Bell, Christine Howard, Janet Biggin, Martin Monk and Pauline Sealey

ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

For some, seeking Chiropractic Care, is all about being in discomfort and / or pain. A motivation to look after their body driven through a lack of comfort. When we nd ourselves uncomfortable in our body there can be a certain degree of ‘stay quiet and hope it goes away’, put up and shut up’, age (please insert your circumstance here).

The long and short of it is that we are trainable and have a potential to change or not stay the same.

Muscles are adaptable. Where they are weak, they can become strong, where they are uncoordinated, they can learn coordination.

Coordinated muscles are in balance with one another during activity and at rest. Imbalanced muscles are those that can’t seem to rest or switch o staying tense and can sometimes go into spasm.

At Fascia First Chiropractic ‘seeking balance’ is what we are about. With muscular balance

comes greater comfort, less discomfort, and less pain. A sense of ease instead of dis-ease.

The point of pain is to alert ourselves to danger. However, in practise, I nd people will hold the misconception that pain means damage or damaged. Confusing danger and damage is very common. Large imaging (x-ray and MRI) studies have proven that danger is key. Damage is an incorrect notion for ongoing, reoccurring, insidious and chronic pain experiences.

How we relate to a belief about damage within the body can certainly raise alarm bells. Because raised alarm bells could mimic danger, damage and danger can be easily muddled.

Seeking balance to attain comfort within your body could be your positive motivation in looking after your muscles, joints and fascia.

Don’t leave it and leave it hoping for the best.

Book your consultation today at www.fascia rstchiropractic.co.uk/ clinics

VOLUNTEERS are an essential part of any charity, in fact, at the Brightwell we could not run for a day without our volunteers. They are always happy to share how great it feels to give us some of their time, knowledge and experience and we in turn can’t help but shout about how amazing they all are.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our new Brightwell Café. If you can spare a morning or afternoon a week to volunteer, or would like more information, please email hello@thebrightwell. org.uk or call 01454 201 686 and speak to Doro.

Hazel

I am in my 60s and moved to Bradley Stoke almost five years ago. A short time after moving, I decided to get more involved locally. I went to a session at the local library, where I was introduced to the Brightwell and soon after started volunteering there.

I wanted to be of some help to the community and to get involved in local activities. Working at the Brightwell certainly delivers on that score. I have learned new skills operating the oxygen chamber which, in the beginning, was way outside my comfort zone. However, all the training was provided from

experienced operators and the staff are always so helpful and friendly.

Volunteers and The Brightwell: We make a great team! n

It is great to work alongside other volunteers and staff members, getting to know them while developing new skills to keep me on my toes. I do feel that having other outside interests is beneficial to me both for my physical and mental wellbeing.

I am also very involved in a local church in Stoke Gifford. I feel that it is very positive to be involved in contrasting volunteer activities. It is definitely a rewarding experience volunteering at the Brightwell. Stevyn

I’m in my 60s and live in Bradley Stoke. I have been volunteering at the Brightwell as an Oxygen Chamber Operator for 10 years now. I took my daughter there for work experience and became curious about the oxygen therapy.

In my working life. I was a technical manager for a pharmaceuticals company, so the therapy sparked my interest. I wanted to help others in the local community, to meet new people and have the satisfaction of making a difference.

I take pride in the fact that the time I give helps reduce the Centre’s running costs and keeps

service user contributions as low as possible. The challenges of volunteering are realising how fortunate most of us are who can live a normal lifestyle without any ‘real’ concerns.

Volunteering gives me a routine, a worthwhile focus with

a meaningful purpose in life. It makes me proud and satisfied to volunteer, I see it as a privilege and I would absolutely encourage anyone who feels that they could spare some free time to do something to help others.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A NEW e-scooter rental scheme in Bristol and South Gloucestershire will see parking spaces move onto roads in designated spots instead of on pavements. The new rental scheme, expected to be brought in around spring or summer this year, is likely to also include electric bicycles as well as e-scooters.

Swedish company Voi has operated rentable e-scooters in Bristol in a trial that began in October 2020. But the scheme could soon be taken over by a new company, as operators have been asked to bid for a longterm contract across the wider region.

Bristol City Council is planning to address

E-scooter change

some issues on “parking and rider behaviour” with the Voi e-scooters by shifting parking spaces from virtual spots on pavements on to marked areas on the road. The cabinet was due to sign off these plans on January 24.

A cabinet report said: “The current model of unmarked virtual parking spaces on pavements selected by the e-scooter operator resulted from the original trial being set up at short notice, and only being planned to run for 12 months.

“With government plans to legalise e-scooters and for rental schemes to operate in the longer term, a more effective parking

management regime is required. It’s proposed that the majority of parking hubs are sited on roads rather than pavements. Designs for low-cost on-road parking hubs are being developed based on designs currently used in London.”

Pavement parking will still be used where this doesn’t obstruct pedestrians and where parking wouldn’t be possible on the road.

Voi will carry on running e-scooters in Bristol until a new contract for the scheme starts, so there will be no gap in provision. Council chiefs are keen for the new scheme to include e-bikes as well.

The e-scooter rental trial in Bristol and South Gloucestershire is the most popular of the 31 trial areas across the country.

Classrooms will be turned into bird hides, binoculars fixed to eyes and school kids urged to stare out of the window in a bid to chart the West of England’s wildlife.

This is all part of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ annual Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which helps the charity build a picture of birds visiting school grounds and monitor any changes in the population.

All eyes to the skies

spot in the Big School Birdwatch rankings as the most commonly seen bird with an average of seven per school spotted. The blackbird took second place with the carrion crow completing the top three.

taking part in the count.

Mayor Norris said: “For six and a half weeks this new year, pupils gazing out of their classroom window will have a good excuse! Rather than daydreaming they’ll be taking part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch helping paint a vital picture of our feathered friends.

Last year, participants discovered that the woodpigeon claimed the number one

WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 23/09/2020 22:07 Page 5

One school getting involved is Warmley Park special school. Binoculars, books and clipboards were the order of the day for the sixth formers as they joined Mayor Norris in

“ This is a wonderful opportunity for our youngsters to celebrate the species that regularly flock to their school grounds and so get excited about nature, and the world around them. And most importantly, it encourages them to think about the issues involved in protecting our precious planet, and giving nature a home.”

willowbrookshopping.co.uk

SOUTH Gloucestershire schoolchildren are being encouraged by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to discover the birds in their playgrounds as part of the UK’s biggest school bird-watching event.

Warm packs and extra support to help residents beat the winter chill

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is helping residents to stay warm this winter with several offers of support over the winter months.

The council is offering warm packs to those who need help to keep warm as the cost of energy and heating continue to rise. Included in the packs are clothing such as hats, socks and gloves, as well as other items for the home including a blanket, an LED light bulb and tea bags.

Packs are available for men, women and children at the council’s One Stop Shops and Libraries. Vulnerable residents will be prioritised although anyone can request a pack and they will be allocated on a caseby-case basis. Age UK will also be distributing tailored warm packs to pensioners, and some will include an electric blanket.

In addition, the council has purchased packs of radiator panels which will be given to those residents most in need to

help them keep warmth in their homes and reduce energy bills. The panels are placed behind radiators and work by reducing energy loss through walls and by keeping more warmth in, they can help to cut costs.

Each pack consists of 10 panels with two required per radiator. Certain eligibility criteria will apply for the radiator packs and the council’s Handyvan service can be made available to fit them for free if required. Radiator panels are an inexpensive way of conserving the energy we use so if you do not qualify for a free pack, they are worth considering to keep your home warm.

Councillor Franklin OwusuAntwi, cabinet member for public health and equality of opportunity said: “We know things are difficult for many people right now and with the recent very cold temperatures, and the cost of Christmas, times

are even tougher for some. It is important for your health to keep warm at home, especially if you have underlying health conditions, very young children, or elderly people in your household.

“That is why we are stepping forward to help those who need it. We are supporting a network of community welcome spaces that are available for people to go to keep warm in a welcoming and friendly environment, and our warm packs will help to provide some comfort to residents who are struggling with rising energy costs.”

The council’s network of community welcome spaces offers a friendly welcome and are free to use, with some providing hot drinks and activities. For more information on the support available, including how to keep warm and find a community welcome space, visit southglos. gov.uk/CostofLiving

Residents can find out if they are eligible for financial help by calling the freephone helpline 0800 953 7778 (open 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.30pm Friday). Alternatively book an appointment by email OSSAppointments@southglos. gov.uk

The council also recognises that the current cost of living is putting pressure on food aid organisations and has allocated funding to launch the Community Food Fund grant scheme. The scheme enables food aid organisations to apply for grant funding of up to £500 for things such as food supplies, running costs and volunteer expenses.

The funding is available on a first come, first served basis and organisations can visit southglos. gov.uk/community-food-fund to register and apply.

Expert predicts tough election fight for Tories

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's ruling Conservatives face a serious fight to stay in power in this year's local elections, a polling expert predicts.

Independent statistician Nigel Marriott, who is credited with making the most accurate forecast for the last General Election, says the district bucked the national trend in the last local authority elections four years ago - but may not this time.

In 2019 the Tories retained overall control in South Gloucestershire, in contrast to nearby North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, where the party lost power to an independent-led coalition and the Liberal Democrats respectively, with the unpopular government of Theresa May blamed.

Mr Marriott, of Bath, has crunched the numbers on how residents in each of the four unitary authority areas in the

region have voted at local, general and EU elections since 2009.

He says there are some striking similarities between South Gloucestershire and North Somerset in particular, as well as crucial differences.

Mr Marriott says the outcome this year depends on whether South Gloucestershire is once again apparently immune from national trends, as happened in 2019, or if that result was a one-off.

He said: “South Glos and North Somerset are similar politically, with Tories dominant and having grown their vote share notably since 2009.

“The vote shares are practically identical for South Glos and North Somerset.

“One difference is that North Somerset has been more open to independents, so the advance of independents in 2019 at Tory expense was not completely unexpected.

“South Glos has no history of independents or even minor

parties, other than in EU elections.

“It is a solid three-party council and, unless something else is happening on the ground, I think you have to expect it to remain like that at the next election.”

Nationally, the Conservatives are polling at similar levels to May 2019, at around 25%.

Mr Marriott said it was hard to predict whether the Lib Dems or Labour – the second and third biggest party groups respectively – would benefit most in South Gloucestershire.

In May 2019 Labour was polling around 24% nationally, with the Brexit Party on 18%, Lib Dems on 16% and Greens on 7%. The first national YouGov poll of 2023, however, put Labour on 46%, with the Lib Dems on 9%, Greens on 6% and Reform UK on 7%.

Mr Marriott said: "The Tory vote in 2019 in South Glos was very resilient.

"Given the Tories are polling the same level again today as

May 2019, if they are still polling 25 per cent come May 2023 then that points to an unchanged Tory vote in the election.

“The question for South Gloucestershire, though, is whether 2019 was the anomaly that corrects itself in 2023 –ie, big losses – or 2019 is the baseline, in which case they could be unchanged.”

The perils of forecasting individual elections are clear - Mr Marriott predicted the Conservatives would win the 2021 Metro Mayor election, which was won by Labour.

Mr Marriott’s blog can be found online at marriott-stats. com/nigels-blog/

Monday

Christ The King, Mautravers Close, Bradley Stoke BS32 8EE

4.00pm, 5.30pm & 7.00pm Tel: Kelly 07795 951137

Wednesday

Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR 5.30pm & 7.00pm Tel: Sharron 07947 064711

Thursday

Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR 9.30am & 11.00am Tel: Sharron 07947 064711

Thursday

NEW CONSULTANT

St Michael’s Centre, North Rd, Stoke Gifford BS34 8PD 6.00pm Tel: Amanda 07805 606208

Friday

Holy Trinity Church, Broad Croft, Bradley Stoke BS32 0BD 8.00am & 9.30am Tel: Frankie 07519 347243

Saturday

The Brightwell, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke BS32 9DB 9.00am Tel: Dawn 07905 852413

Nigel Marriott

Improving connectivity on the North Bristol fringe

LAST month I met with Rachel, Martin, Karen and Joe from Stagecoach at their depot on Gipsy Patch Lane who were very enthusiastic about the prospects for their Bristol operations. The depot is scheduled for a full refurbishment starting early this year.

They also told me how they are integrating newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine into their workforce, as well as working with local colleges and universities to promote driver apprenticeships.

The Stagecoach team also told me of their ambition to create greater connectivity for the North Bristol fringe which I very much support. I look forward to working with them and local authorities to build a firmer strategy to provide

long-term funding for our bus services.

Recently I again visited the Brabazon development and met with Colin, Seb and Andrew at YTL to show my support for the building of this new community in our area which will now provide 3,000 more homes than originally anticipated.

I am particularly interested and supportive of the levelling up bid, which I have supported and raised in Parliament for the First World War era hangar, which will be converted into a community centre for the area and I will be enquiring into the progress of this funding. In addition, I visited the hangars which will become the new Brabazon Arena which will have a capacity for around 17,000

people.

We also discussed the planned Brabazon station and was pleased to hear that constructive conversations have been taking place between the West of England Combined Authority, Network Rail and YTL which could see the project being completed in autumn of 2025. YTL has the ambition to produce a railway station which could deliver a service of four trains an hour with a connection to Bristol Parkway and simultaneously provide connectivity for industry in the area.

I fully agree with our new Prime Minister that the government must be judged on its ability to deliver its objectives and I will seek to help the

Jack Lopresti MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke

government achieve this in the year ahead, alongside supporting improvements to local policing, transport connectivity and investing in education.

As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at: jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery appointment.

New ID rules

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

VOTERS in South Gloucestershire will need to show an accepted form of identification at upcoming council elections.

Recent changes to the law mean people unable to show ID such as a driving licence, passport at polling stations could be barred from voting in the elections on May 4.

People who do not have an accepted form of ID will be able to apply online or by submitting a paper form to their council for a free ID card — although details of how to

do this had yet to be confirmed as the Voice went to press.

But opposition politicians have raised questions about the new rules, particularly over which forms of ID will be accepted.

Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young told a council meeting in December that it was "outrageous ageism" that photo travel passes for older people are set to be accepted as ID but those for younger people aren’t.

She called on the council to commit to ensuring free ID was available in good time for the local elections.

The Electoral Commission says research shows people less likely to have an accepted form of ID include those over 85 and people

with disabilities.

But council leaders said a recent pilot scheme showed that most people have “an acceptable form of voting”.

Conservative cabinet member Ben Burton said: "The most important thing to ensure is that the democratic process is well run and the people who can vote are able to vote. I have every confidence in the democratic services team, with their experience of elections, to get the message out there in terms of what people can vote with, how they can vote, and to ensure that the electoral process goes smoothly."

The deadline to register to vote for the next local elections is April 17.

STOKE GIFFORD WI

PRESIDENT Sue Grimsted welcomed members and guest Sarah to our first meeting of 2023 and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Unfortunately our speaker for the evening, Mike Brtitton, has been unwell and was unable to entertain us as planned, so we arranged a quiz based on areas of Bristol which was great fun.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 1 at the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford at 7.30pm. Our speaker will be Emma Britton, who was previously a presenter on Radio Bristol and is now a wedding and funeral celebrant.

Visitors will always find a warm welcome so please come along and join us.

n WHAT’S ON

February 16th

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP

Join us at Bradley Stoke Community School on the third Thursday of the month at 7 for 7.30 for illustrated talks on all aspects of the Arts. This month – Ann Haward on “Ceramics”. More details from Sally – 01454 774401

Sunday, February 19

n

COMMUNITY LITTER PICK

Do you fancy an hour of exercise and some feel good factor? Come join this litter pick group for a monthly session. They meet at Baileys Court Activity Centre at 11am. Community litter picks are run each month by Bradley Stoke Zero Carbon Community Group. The group can provide litter pickers, hoops and bags if you don’t have equipment. Full details can be found on our facebook page and we would encourage you to check there to ensure the event is definitely going ahead each month. Everyone is welcome. There is no lower or upper age limit.

Wednesday February 22

n

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT OF LOVE

Rhona returns to host the regular quiz at the Brightwell, with pens and paper and the usual shenanigans. From 7-10pm. Everyone is welcome, but don’t forget to bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tickets are £5 per person, with teams of up to six. Tickets available from the Brightwell reception or at thebrightwell.org.uk/1-events

Regular event

Every Thursday

n

KNIT, STITCH & NATTER

Every Thursday, the Knit, Stitch & Natter group meets at Bradley Stoke Library at 10am to work on their own projects in the company of other like-minded crafters. There is no need to book in advance. Just bring your own project and join the friendly group in the warm and welcoming library.

n NEWS 346 arrests

POLICE arrested 346 drivers across the Avon & Somerset force area during this year’s seasonal crackdown.

A spokesperson said 216 of those arrested during Operation Tonic, which ran from November 21 to December 31, were suspected of drink-driving, while 130 were suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

Some 278 of the arrests came during December - up from 246 the previous year.

Police said 22% of arrests took place in South Gloucestershire and 24% in Bristol, with the rest in North Somerset, B&NES and Somerset.

More than 2,000 vehicles were stopped in total, with other arrests being made for speeding, driving with no insurance, with no seatbelt or while disqualified, as well as possession of drugs and being wanted on warrant.

Vehicles were also stopped due to the condition of tyres, lights and other problems.

A jobs fair is being held to showcase full and part-time opportunities on offer at a new stroke rehabilitation unit at South Bristol Community Hospital opening soon.

Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, health, care and voluntary sector partners are working together to improve services for people affected by stroke.

This includes work to improve the prevention of stroke, as well as to provide the best possible stroke emergency care, rehabilitation and care at home once individuals are discharged from hospital.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, and one of the largest causes of disability. Working with other healthcare partners, the aim is to ensure local people have the best opportunity to survive and thrive after stroke.

As part of this work, Sirona care & health is recruiting to a number of new positions for a dedicated rehabilitation unit, otherwise known as a Sub-Acute Stroke Rehab Unit (SSARU).

The unit will meet the needs of people who are unable to return home immediately after a hospital

New year, new NHS career?

stay as they need specialist rehabilitation following their stroke.

The team is made up of a variety of clinical and support professionals, including registered nurses, therapists and support workers, who all work together

to deliver the best rehabilitation experience possible for people.

There will be on-the-day interviews available, too.

Join us – it’s free: Thursday 2 February 09:30 – 16:30

South Bristol Community

Hospital, Hengrove Promenade, Hengrove, Whitchurch Lane, Bristol BS14 0DE

Register via our website – https:// www.sirona-cic.org.uk/ If you can’t make the jobs fair –Sirona can be contacted by email via sirona.recruitment@nhs.net.

Helping

warm and

WITH the high energy prices we’ve experienced recently, keeping our homes warm has been more of a challenge than ever this winter.

The council is taking action to help people in South Gloucestershire stay warm over the winter months, with several offers of support.

In November, we launched a thermal imaging camera loan scheme with our partner Warm and Well, where cameras can be borrowed from South Gloucestershire libraries to help identify heat loss around the home.

This initiative has been a great success, and has surpassed our expectations, with all of the cameras now booked out for this winter.

The cameras use colour images to display areas where heat

energy

is escaping from areas such as poorly insulated roofs, and gaps around doors and windows. This enables the user to take steps to improve measures in these areas to help keep heat in.

We are offering warm packs to those who need help to keep warm, which include clothing such as hats, socks and gloves, as well as other items for the home, including a blanket, an LED light bulb and tea bags. We are also giving out radiator panels, which are fitted behind radiators and help heat circulation and reduce costs.

The warm packs and radiator panels have been paid for through central government’s Household Support Fund. Certain eligibility criteria applies for both of these offers: visit your local One Stop Shop or library to find

out more.

We are additionally supporting a network of community welcome spaces across the area that are free to use, providing a warm place to go, with some also offering hot drinks and activities. For more information on available support, and to find a community welcome space, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/CostofLiving.

All libraries in South Gloucestershire also provide a warm and friendly place to stay during opening times.

For help with other household costs there are a number of funds and grants available, including the household support fund.

Details can be found on our financial support for residents page beta.southglos.gov.uk/ financial-support-for-residents.

Our partners Warm and

Well, run by local energy charity Severn Wye, also offer a range of home energy advice through their freephone advice line, 0800 500 3076, and can help people access a range of grant funding for energy efficiency improvements. For more information visit warmandwell.co.uk.

With Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council

Gerry Davis began work at RAF Lulsgate Bottom on 1 June 1971 as a member of the duty crew after he left the RAF. By the time he retired on 1 June 1998, the site had become known as Bristol International Airport and Gerry had become the Airport Duty Manager. Gerry has written about his experiences in his book Flying From the Ground’ and shares some of his story with Bradley Stoke Voice readers here.

LET me tell you the story of the very beginnings of flying at what was originally called RAF Broadfield Down, and then changed to RAF Lulsgate Bottom.

Flying started here before the Wimpy bulldozers had finished laying down the 3,900 foot (1,200 metre) main runway. Which, with all the buildings, cost £309,000 in 1941. Work started on the laying down of the runway on June 11, 1941 and the completed airfield was declared operational on January 15, 1942.

Flying high above Bristol

But at 6.10am, on July 24, 1941, the wartime workers had just started work and at this time of year it was light, although quite misty. When out of the blue, to their astonishment, an aircraft landed on the unfinished runway coming to a stop near to where they were.

One of the construction gang recognised that it wasn’t an RAF plane but a German one! He quickly realised that he had better

do something and drove his tractor in front of the now stationary twin engine bomber. Shouting to his mates: “Call out the Home Guard!”

In fact, the airplane was a Luftwaffe JU88 A4 of 3/KG 30.

The four aircrew got out of the plane and the pilot asked the startled Emerald Isle worker, in French: “What part of France is this?” As he did not understand the somewhat strong Goidelic accented reply, he realised that something was amiss, and drew his pistol and made haste back towards the airplane, shouting instructions to his crew. Well, they didn’t get very far as they were hemmed in by the tractor.

Shortly after, the Home Guard soldiers arrived and after a lot of shouting and waving of (possibly bullet-less) rifles, they persuaded the invaders to surrender.

These German chaps had been on a bombing mission to Birkenhead Docks and had become disorientated due to the RAF radiating electronic countermeasures on their homing beacon at Brest. They had mistaken the Welsh coast for Cornwall and, having crossed the Bristol Channel, which they thought was the English Channel, they landed on what they thought was an airfield in France.

Their aircraft was indeed a

prize. This captured airplane was first flown to RAE at Farnborough for evaluation. Then onto RAF Collywestern to join 1426 Enemy Aircraft Flight known as RAFWAFFE. The aircraft was painted in RAF colours, given the registration of EE205 and joined the many other captured German aircraft and used in a variety of purposes.

Under interrogation, the German aircrew were not very communicative, although admitting to their navigational errors, and were eventually dispatched to one of the POW camps to sit out the war.

The flight took off from Lanveoc-Poulmic, Brittany France at 11.35pm to bomb the docks at Birkenhead. On return it was misled by the Meacon transmitter at Lympsham, Somerset, and low on fuel landed intact at RAF Broadfield Down, later renamed RAF Lulsgate Bottom (now known as Bristol International Airport), at 6.20am.

After a harsh initial training as a 15-year-old boy entrant at RAF Cosford in the 1950s, I went on to serve 15 years in the RAF, mainly on air movements, before joining Civvy Street and spending the rest of my working life in a demanding civilian post at Bristol Airport, when I also joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve and served as Training Officer.

My account of the adventures of a career spanning more than 44 years covers a wide range of experiences, from the amusing to the astonishing. They are a fascinating glimpse of the flying business from the inside

In my memoirs, I have written a great deal of my 27 years working at Bristol Airport, and it’s a fascinating story of the airlines, the people who worked there and the incidents that the traveling public got up to.

My book Flying From the Ground is available from Amazon as both a hardback and an e-book.

Flight Lieutenant Gerry Davis

Photo of the actual Junkers JU 88 captured at Lulsgate

A new solution to our bus crisis

LAST year I held scores of mayor events across the West of England to meet thousands of local people face-to-face to discuss buses.

For me, this was all about listening. It quickly became clear the severe bus driver shortage nationally is impacting hard locally.

For the individuals and communities hit by route changes or cuts, this is a very big deal.

The old ways don’t work. It needs new and innovative solutions as soon as possible.

I am proud to announce that a fleet of green minibuses called WEST link will form a new ‘on-demand’ service within the West of England, starting this summer.

Passengers in designated zones will be able hail a ‘WEST link’ minibus by using an app on your smartphone, visiting a website or by phoning up.

Unlike traditional buses, WEST link will be unrestricted by a timetable. Instead, clever tech will use algorithms to link up

several people’s needs, combining them into one trip as efficiently as possible.

The 7am to 7pm Monday-Saturday service will cover much of North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and parts of Bristol including Windmill Hill, Knowle, Brislington and St Anne’s. Within this overall area, there will be local zones. Passengers will be able to use a WEST link minibus in their local zone to get to key transport corridors to then pick up another bus or train.

Vitally, using more minibuses will help address the acute bus driver shortage. How? Well, it’s easier and quicker to train to drive a smaller vehicle and for most people, it is far less daunting!

It also allows drivers already qualified to get behind the wheel of large double-deckers to focus on the busy routes. On demand minibuses also better meet the needs of our more remote or isolated communities.

You have been telling me the status quo hasn’t been working and that unrelia-

ble buses cannot be tolerated.

You have said things must improve to help you get to where you need to travel and to meet our vitally important and ambitious 2030 Net Zero targets.

I agree – so there will be changes.

Change is hard: it’s disruptive and takes time.

I, my staff, and the bus companies, will have to learn lessons as we work hard to put things right. Please play your part by trying WEST link, so we can grab this positive opportunity to shape our transport future for the better.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Don’t fall for romance fraud this Valentine’s Day

I WANT to start by thanking those who completed my precept survey last month. As ever, it was important that I heard from as many people as possible.

I understand how stretched finances are for many of us, so I need to carefully consider what the public has to say on any tax increases before I propose a finalised budget.

It is important to remind you it is also a difficult time for funding your police force; policing is not immune to the cost-of-living crisis, so the budget is being set against a challenging economic environment.

I will continue to update you regarding my precept decision in the coming weeks.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I urge online

daters to stay alert to potential scammers and to not fall victim to romance fraud. Romance fraud is much more common than many of us realise, with fraudsters taking advantage of those trying to find a connection or relationship.

Romance fraud involves fraudsters masquerading as romantic partners and, after laying the groundwork for a ‘relationship’ with a victim, the scammer will ask for ‘favours’, like sending them money, providing personal and financial information, or purchasing items for them.

It isn’t hearts these fraudsters want to steal: it’s bank account balances.

This is an awful, heartbreaking crime; victims invest

time into someone and think they have a genuine personal connection. I know many victims feel ashamed when they realise romance fraudsters have scammed them.

Please know support is available from the police and the Action Fraud website.

If you think a family member or friend is a victim of this terrible crime, please make them aware of the signs and encourage them to report it to Action Fraud.

I would also like to bring to your attention our next Performance and Accountability Board (PAB), which will take place on Tuesday, February 7.

I was elected to be the voice of local people in policing. I will be questioning Chief Constable Sarah Crew to ensure she delivers

an efficient, effective, and legitimate police service for our communities.

I will ask questions about police performance and priorities in Avon and Somerset.

If you have any concerns or questions you would like included in the live broadcast, you can contact me and the OPCC via our website.

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford