Fishponds Voice - April 2024 - Issue 109

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The

of the A432 which includes the entire length of Fishponds Road, as well as Downend Road and

Easton stretch of Stapleton Road.

The DfT says the project will include "speed reducing measures" and improved pedestrian

Schools SEND crisis

EDITORIAL

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April 2024 - Issue 108

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Police link two knife attacks

POLICE say they are linking the killing of a teenager to another stabbing that took place less than a week earlier.

Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres told the Voice officers believed there was a link between the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Darrian Williams in Rawnsley Park, Easton, on February 14 and another knife attack, on a 16-year-old boy in McDonald’s in Broadmead on February 8.

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LOCAL INFORMATION

Bristol City Council

http://www.bristol.gov.uk

0117 922 2000

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999

Fire

www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999

COMPLAINTS

NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

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

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 Kingswood 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.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Fishponds 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. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents in Fishponds 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@fishpondsvoice. co.uk. This month 8,000 copies will be distributed in Fishponds and the local area.

A 19-year-old Fishponds man has been charged with attempted murder and possessing a knife in public in connection with the McDonald's incident.

Two 15-year-olds, one from Bristol and one from South Glos, have been charged with Darrian Williams' murder after being arrested the following day.

Supt Runacres said: "We said we'd keep an open mind around potential links between recent incidents of knife crime in Bristol. To avoid any distressing speculation and

prevent any confusion, there is no suggestion either victim was in any way responsible, nor had any involvement, in the other incident. We are working hard to establish the full circumstances of these incidents and we continue to update the families."

Supt Runacres told a meeting of the council's communities scrutiny commission at the end of February that two "urban street gangs" had been linked to at least some of the knife crime seen in the city in the past year.

The gangs have not been named but councillors heard that data on serious knife crime 'hotspots' suggested they are operating mainly in East Bristol.

Supt Runacres said: "People sometimes shy away from using the word ‘gangs’, but we have two urban street gangs in Bristol that have been confirmed by the National Crime Agency.

“Young people who are involved in those gangs present a very high level of risk around serious violence."

A member of the

£2m project to improve safety on Fishponds Road

> From Page 1

It aims to bring about "significant reductions in fatal and serious injuries" on the road.

The announcement came shortly after Bristol City Council said it had been granted powers to fine drivers ignoring 'no left turn' signs at a busy Fishponds junction, using traffic cameras. The funding is part of £38.3m for road improvements announced by the DfT under its Safer Road Funding scheme in March.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Britain’s roads are some of the safest in the world, but we are always looking at ways to help keep drivers and all road users safe."

The Bristol and South Gloucestershire A432 Safer Roads Fund project covers five and a half miles of road, between the A4174 ring road and Easton. The first two miles are in South Glos and the rest in Bristol.

Funding was awarded using

the Crash Risk Mapping project published annually by the Road Safety Foundation, based on traffic flow data and figures on reported road casualties.

The RSF says there were 15 collisions involving serious or fatal injuries on the stretch of the A432 covered by the project between 2019 and 2021, a 15% rise on the previous three years.

It estimates the measures will reduce fatal and serious injury accidents on the road by more

than 30% in the next 20 years.

Data site crashmap.co.uk recorded one person killed and another 13 seriously injured in collisions along Fishponds Road, from the Cross Hands junction to Stapleton Road, over five years from 2018 to 2022.

The DfT says the project will involve "speed reducing measures and improving pedestrian crossing facilities, which will help to improve active travel by reducing the risk to pedestrians and cyclists".

The city council was unable to give any further details of the scheme, but has announced it has been granted powers by the Transport Secretary to start enforcing 'moving traffic offences', including driving through a no entry sign or making a banned turn.

Cabinet councillor for transport Don Alexander said the junction of Fishponds Road and Hockeys Lane, next to the former Farriers Arms pub near

Morrisons, would be one of the first six locations in the city where traffic cameras would be used to take enforcement action.

Left turns into Hockeys Lane have been banned for more than ten years, but some drivers have continued to make the turn, while pedestrian crossing lights in Hockeys Lane are at green.

Cllr Alexander said 70% of people who responded to a consultation before the application in November 2022 had backed camera enforcement at the site.

He said: "Hopefully these new powers will ensure that everyone follows the legal rules of the road, which they should be doing anyway.If the minority of drivers continue to break the rules, the council can issue a penalty charge notice of up to £70.By taking on these new powers, it will mean we can play a more active role to improve safety and traffic flow on local roads."

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School issues warning over special needs crisis

LEADERS of a Fishponds school have called on the city council to take "emergency measures" to tackle a crisis in provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Chatsworth Road has three pupils who should be in specialist SEND provision –about 200 children are in the same situation in mainstream schools around the city.

Head teacher Jocelyn Baker said a staff member had to go to hospital following a recent violent incident involving one of the pupils.

Children are arriving at the school with no assessment of their needs and one child has had to stay on despite being in Year 7, because the right specialist provision is not available.

Mrs Baker and assistant heads Jo Garnier and Kevin Conlon said the situation was made worse by a lack of guidance from the council's SEND team.

They said: "We have

countless phone calls and emails unanswered and even, at times when we need an urgent conversation, have been put through to the Clean Air Zone team, as there is no one to answer the SEN calls.

"The mounting pressure felt by the whole staff is tangible and completely unacceptable; I know parents share the same frustrations with being unable to discuss their children with the SEN department.

"We are currently failing these children through no fault of the schools, who are and

St Joseph’s Primary School head teacher

Jocelyn Baker with assistant heads Jo Garnier and Kevin Conlon

will continue to support these children to the best of our ability but know we are unable to fully meet their educational needs."

Governors Claire Atkinson, Joe Gerlach and Evelyn Elliott wrote an open letter to deputy mayor for education Asher Craig to alert her to the "ongoing and increasingly untenable circumstances" facing school staff, and calling for "emergency measures" to improve SEND provision.

The governors said some staff were considering leaving the profession because of "unsustainable stress".

The governors added: "This is to say nothing of the detriment caused to our children’s learning, not least when their teachers are diverted to fill the gaps in inadequate SEND provision, or when children are locked inside the classroom in order to facilitate SEND needs."

They said "aggressive

incidents are happening on a daily basis" involving children with SEND who become upset by noise and movement and should not be in a mainstream school but "remain with us, to their detriment, and to the detriment of their fellow school pupils".

A council spokesperson said the authority would respond directly to the governors' letter.

The council has been promised £53.8m from the government to pay off a deficit in its education budget. But the 'Safety Valve' money comes with a condition that SEND services must be reformed.

A spokesperson said: "The agreement with the DfE provides an opportunity for Bristol to help improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, while operating in a financially sustainable way. It also means that BCC will invest up to £46.5m. The council will also work to co-design, with schools, a standard practice of excellence in supporting children and young people with SEND via local authority-commissioned SEND School Improvement Officers. BCC will work closely with parents, carers, school leaders and partner organisations to develop and implement the Safety Valve programme together and will engage closely with stakeholders in the coming weeks to answer any questions.”

Kindergarten seeks new home

A KINDERGARTEN in Fishponds is looking for a new home.

Willow Tree Little Kindergarten provides daytime childcare five days a week for up to 20 children, and was judged to be 'outstanding' in its latest Ofsted inspection in 2021.

It has been based on College Road in the grounds of what is now Avanti Gardens School since 2017, when the site was the Steiner Academy Bristol.

Run on the Steiner Waldorf approach to education, emphasising learning through play, it was set up as a satellite site by Willow Tree Kindergarten in St Werburghs.

The St Werburghs site recently closed, and children from there moved to Fishponds.

The kindergarten has been

given notice to leave its current premises, as Avanti Gardens needs the site from January of next year.

Kindergarten manager Lily Clark said: “We have such a supportive teacher and parent body and have seen nearly seven years of children thrive in this space. We also use the woodland close by throughout our week.

"We do hope we can continue to run our Kindergarten in the area.”

The kindergarten aims to find a new home from the start of the new school year in September, to disrupt the children as little as possible.

Anyone who can offer any ideas or support in finding a new home can contact the kindergarten at info@willowtreekindergarten. org.uk.

New festival postponed, days after winning licence

A TWO-day dance music festival planned for Eastville Park has been postponed for a year – just a week after winning an events licence.

Organisers of the Kinetics Island Festival cited uncertainty facing the "festival landscape" and time constraints as the main factors in their decision.

It had been proposed to hold the over-18s only event, featuring electronic, jungle, drum & bass and world music, over two days from September 21 to 22 this year.

A consultation was held in February over the plans, with a presentation at an online meeting, before a city council licensing subcommittee granted a licence at a hearing on March 14.

This year's festival would have had a capacity of 15,000 people each day, on a site on the bottom half of the park, towards the M32.

The festival is the idea of Circular Productions, the team behind Bristol venues Motion, the Marble Factory and Document, and We Are the Fair, a London firm with experience of putting on festivals elsewhere in the country.

However a week after being granted a licence the organisers issued a statement,

which said: "As the festival landscape faces uncertainty and with time constraints looming, we've made the difficult decision to postpone our debut event to September 2025.

"This decision was not made lightly, but we believe it's in the best interest of all involved to ensure a successful and sustainable festival for years to come.

"As we shift our focus to planning for 2025, we encourage you to make the most of your summer by supporting the vibrant events scene in Bristol. With venues facing closures and festivals navigating postponements and cancellations, your support is more crucial than ever.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bristol City Council for their support, as well as to all the teams we worked with to bring this project to fruition."

The organisers said updates would be given via social media and added: "We appreciate your understanding and look forward to bringing our vision to life in 2025."

They will also continue to communicate with residents via the community@ kineticsisland.co.uk set up during the consultation, and are planning an in-person meeting before the 2025 event.

At the licensing hearing councillors heard from 15 Eastville residents with concerns over antisocial behaviour, loud music and the potential for violence, who urged councillors not to give permission to the festival.

Resident Michelle Dean told the hearing the noise from previous festivals Tokyo World and Love Saves the Day was "intolerable".

She said: "My front door was vibrating with the sound, and some things I had on a shelf fell off."

Hazel Sutton told the hearing traffic during festivals was a "nightmare".

However licensing solicitor Matthew Phipps, representing the organisers, said: “It’s perfectly legitimate for this park to be used, as it has been over the years, for large scale events."

Licensing sub-committee chair and Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Brown said the fact police had made no objection or representation over the licence application was “very significant” in their decision to grant permission.

Meeting report by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

1,000 support return of Stapleton buses

A CAMPAIGN to return a bus service to Stapleton is stepping up a gear.

The area has been without any buses since the 5 and Y4 were axed by operator First in October 2022.

And while new timetables introduced from April 7 will see services restored to some other areas, including Oldbury Court, the wait goes on for Stapleton residents.

A petition started by councillor Marley Bennett, whose Eastville ward includes part of the area around Bell Hill, had gained more than 1,000 signatures as the Voice went to print.

It can be found online at tinyurl.com/mr5kf884.

Councillors from all parties currently representing the area are supporting residents, with Green Eastville councillor Lorraine Francis and Conservative Lesley Alexander, whose Frome Vale ward includes Broomhill and Begbrook, joining

Labour's Cllr Bennett and almost 40 residents at a meeting in Stapleton pub the Masons Arms in March to discuss possible ways forward.

Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and Cllr Bennett have written a joint letter to West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who has strategic responsibility for transport, to make the area a priority "if and when you are able to subsidise any new or previously-cancelled bus routes".

In a message to constituents, Ms McCarthy said: "We are well aware of the challenges that

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Stapleton residents met councillors Marley Bennett, Lorraine Francis and Lesley Alexander at the Masons Arms meeting

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"For many people, buses are the only way of getting around the city, so for an entire community to be left without a service is not good enough."

Resident Mitchell Webb, who was at the meeting, said residents were told there was no chance of re-routing any services currently using Fishponds Road, adding: "The best we can hope for is a chance of asking for £75,000 for a year's worth of funding, but we would need to use it to show it is sustainable. We need more than this – it seems that despite

having three councillors from opposing parties all backing our cries to give us a bus route back, this fight is far from over."

A West of England Combined Authority spokesperson said that in order to reinstate services to areas like Stapleton, passenger numbers need to rise over the network as a whole, which was "the key to growing a sustainable, thriving West of England bus network with more passengers bringing in more fare income, to invest in more and better services for locals".

The spokesperson did not confirm whether Stapleton might be included in changes to areas covered by the WESTlink on-demand bus service.

Plans to introduce a 47 service between Oldbury Court and the city centre were reported in March's Voice.

Services will run to Gill Avenue roughly twice an hour between 7am and 7pm on weekdays, and hourly on Saturdays between 9am and 6pm.

Coffee van quits park

A COFFEE and snack van owner is quitting her pitch in Eastville Park – and told customers the city council's new contracts for mobile traders are "a big contributing factor" in her decision.

Kate Hassell has run Kind Regards Coffee Co from a vintage Ford Transit box van in the car park at Eastville Park for three years.

But she told customers she would cease trading from the pitch on March 31.

Kate said: "In November, Bristol City Council asked me to re-apply for the pitch, with some extremely shady contract terms, and a painfully convoluted application and bidding process.

"After months of very stressful deliberating, I have made the decision not to reapply.

"I am utterly bereft."

Kate said there were "countless other impracticalities" behind her decision, and running her business solo had become "unsustainable".

But she said: "BCC's inflexibility and lack of support

are a big contributing factor to me coming to this decision".

Kate said she hoped to return in a bricks-and-mortar venue.

She is the second trader in the area to speak out over the council's new tenders for street, park and harbourside concessions, with applicants asked to commit up to 15% of their annual turnover, as well as an increased ground rent.

In January Adam Streames, the owner of the Mi Café Su Café coffee van on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path opposite Morrisons, spoke out against the rent hikes at a council meeting.

A council spokesperson said the concessions are commercial agreements for trading on public land, adding: "Concession pitches are licensed for a limited time period, with defined end dates and are subject to periodic re-tendering.

"This ensures that the council secures value for money on behalf of the public, complies with the relevant regulations and that these opportunities are open and fair."

School's 'journey of improvement' recognised

A FISHPONDS primary school has been praised for its ambitious curriculum and high expectations of pupils, in its first inspection from Ofsted.

The regulator said Avanti Gardens School was 'good' in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management.

Two inspectors visited the school in College Road in February.

Their report praised the good learning habits children formed from Reception year, positive attitudes to learning and "calm and orderly atmosphere".

The inspectors said: "The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievements and conduct. Pupils live up to these expectations."

They said pupils "value how the school celebrates their individual and collective achievements," know how to be active citizens and discuss

philosophical and spiritual issues.

The inspectors said: "Pupils learn a broad and ambitious curriculum. The curriculum has been ordered in a way that supports pupils to build their learning on what they already know and can do."

The report said Reception pupils "get off to a strong start".

Staff had identified where some older children had gaps in their knowledge and modified the curriculum to address this.

Avanti Gardens School was set up in 2020, taking over the

former UWE St Mathias campus after predecessor school Steiner Academy Bristol, which had pupils aged four to 16, was rated inadequate by Ofsted and the government transferred the site to the Avanti Schools Trust.

Now a primary school for children aged four to 11, the number on roll has risen from 130 in 2020 to 267 now.

Ofsted said staff had the required subject expertise and quickly corrected pupils' misconceptions.

Curriculum changes had brought "notable improvements to the quality of education".

The inspectors said: "The school has considered thoughtfully the context of the school when planning the curriculum. In history, for example, pupils learn about local immigration. They learn about different faiths and religions, hearing first-hand from those who practise themselves."

To improve further Ofsted said the school needed to ensure

a new curriculum introduced for some subject areas is implemented and assessed effectively and ensure that all pupils with special educational needs or disabilities have their needs met.

Principal Harry Penny, who took over last year from the first head, Ashley Milum, said: "I am incredibly proud that the tireless hard work undertaken by everyone at Avanti Gardens in the past few years has been officially recognised.

"This good rating is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence, and I am thrilled that our journey of improvement and growth has been acknowledged.

"Our dedicated staff, supportive families, and exceptional pupils all contribute to making Avanti Gardens School a special place to attend.

"We look forward to continuing our journey of improvement and to building upon our recent successes."

Avanti Gardens School principal

Harry Penny

Farmhouse put up for sale

A LANDMARK farmhouse is up for sale, to save a community project to build 12 homes.

The property at Bridge Farm, off Bell Hill in Stapleton, is set to be auctioned online on April 25 by estate agents Maggs & Allen, with a guide price of £250,000.

The sale will provide funds for the Little Bridges "affordable, sustainable, community-led housing scheme", which is "in a precarious financial position" as it has been waiting for 10 months for planning permission from the city council - the legal time limit is 13 weeks.

Bridge Farm Cohousing Group, which is coordinating the scheme, said: "Our project faces unprecedented challenges due to prolonged planning delays, high interest rates and high costs of materials. Each month of delay has been piling on the interest that the community has fundraising to keep on top of."

Included in the sale is the six-bedroom Grade II-listed farmhouse, which dates from the 16th century, along with the

walled garden to the front and side of the building and a piece of land to the rear, with a cheese loft and small barn.

The estate agent's listing says the farmhouse is "in need of complete renovation" but has planning permission in place for conversion into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The group says the farmhouse is "an ideal location and asset for housing cooperatives to join a community with a vision, or for an organisation who might want to have an unusual and quirky site for an office or meeting centre".

The cohousing group says the sale should not affect its community-led housing plans, as they are for a site which is separate and not attached to or near the house. They are seeking people to donate "funds, skills or time" to the project.

You can contact the project at Info@bridgefarmbristol.org.uk.

Government intervenes over planning: Page 12

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Custard pie gangsters in sell-out show

A RECORD 150 pupils from Fairfield High School took part in the school's latest musical performance.

Two separate casts rehearsed and performed classic musical comedy Bugsy Malone at the Horfield school, which draws hundreds of pupils from Eastville, in March.

Best known from the 1970s movie with a child cast, Bugsy Malone tells the story of rival 1920s New York gangsters Fat Sam and Dandy Dan, whose mobs do battle with custard pies and the dreaded 'splurge gun', as nice guy Bugsy Malone finds himself caught in the crossfire –and the attentions of love rivals Blousey Brown and Tallulah.

Fairfield head of performing arts Natalie Thompson said: "The sell-out evenings exuded swift scene changes, strong acting performances, wellchoreographed dance routines plus many humorous moments.

"A massive thank-you to our cast and crew for their professionalism, and all around brilliance for taking Bugsy on with such gusto.

"We were honoured to have 150 members of the Fairfield Family wanting to take part this

year, a new record!

"Finally, a big thank-you goes to all those who bought a ticket and helped Bugsy Malone come to life with their cheering and clapping."

During March the school's Feminist Society (Femsoc)

welcomed Bristol North West MP Darren Jones to deliver a workshop on public speaking as part of the school's International Women’s Day celebrations. Invitations to politicians from other parties are in the pipeline.

Principal members of the two Fairfield High School casts of Bugsy Malone. Picture: Gavin Power Photography

Call for allotments rent rise rethink

A FISHPONDS allotment holder has made an emotive plea to Bristol City Council to rethink plans to more than double rents for some plots over the next two years.

Next year rent for a small plot with water will increase from £50 to £69, then to £89 in April 2026, after the increases were approved by the cabinet.

A medium plot will increase from £70 to £113 next year, and then £178 in 2026.

Several allotment holders pleaded with the cabinet not to press ahead with the rent hike during a public meeting at City Hall on March 5.

A statement was read about on behalf of Lorna Lindfield, who has a plot at Thingwall Park allotments, which said: “I have cancer and chronic fatigue, and I’m a part-time NHS employee but currently am unable to work.

"I’m managing alone living in a flat. I already fund my allotment rent out of household food and fuel budgets.

“Cancer has had a huge impact on my mental health. The allotment is the only thing in life that I positively want to get out of the flat for. It means I can eat a wider range of fresh vegetables that I can’t buy, get out in the sun and fresh air, do an activity without spending money and meet like-minded people.

“I’ve already adapted my methods to my disability and low income by doing things like building irrigation channels, using no dig, accepting help from friends, and growing lower effort produce. How does the council suggest I keep my plot, given the proposed rent rises will mean I will no longer be able to pay the rent?"

As well as individual plot

holders, many community groups are based on allotments across Bristol.

Tessa Price, speaking on behalf of 14 community allotment projects and groups, said: “Far from bringing new opportunities for collective food growing, these rent rises will be really damaging for our projects, and they risk closing some of us down. Some of us may not be financially viable any more, we simply can’t cover our costs."

The council has not increased allotments rent since 2018, when costs were much cheaper, and says current rents don't cover the cost of providing the service, with the rest of the money coming out of the general parks budget.

Cabinet councillor for communities Ellie King said: "What’s happening right now is the parks [department]

subsidises the allotment service a significant amount. Where that shortfall is met by the parks service, that means something isn’t delivered in our parks.

"Our parks are open to all, they’re open to every resident in the city, and we have an obligation to make sure that those people are catered for. I don’t have the luxury of just catering for what is a gated community."

The council's Green group has called in the decision to increase allotment rents and charges: a debate was due to be held at the end of March.

More than 6,600 people have signed a petition opposing the rent rises - it can be found online at tinyurl.com/2m7ur7yy

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Planning delays land council in trouble

DEVELOPERS are being allowed to make some planning applications direct to the government, bypassing Bristol City Council.

Housing and planning minister Lee Rowley issued a "designation notice" in March, stating that the council was "not adequately performing their function of determining applications for planning permission for nonmajor development"

A backlog of hundreds of planning applications has seen some decisions delayed for months, if not years.

In the Fishponds area alone an application to redevelop the Old Tavern pub in Blackberry Hill has been waiting eight months for a decision and an application to turn the bingo hall in Fishponds Road

into a shop has been marked as "pending consideration" on the council's website since 2020. Redevelopment plans for the Merchants Arms in Stapleton were rejected by a planning inspector after the council failed to make a decision after 15 months.

Now developers planning to build between one and nine homes can apply directly to the government’s Planning Inspectorate for permission, bypassing the council.

The rules don't affect plans involving individual home improvements such as extensions of major developments of 10 or more new homes.

Councillors on the growth and regeneration scrutiny commission were told in March that the backlog of applications has been reduced

from its peak last summer, but in February there were still 600 without an assigned case officer.

Council director of economy of place Alex Hearn said: “It’s obviously not positive at all, we recognise that. It’s also important to recognise that there’s a lot of progress being made in the service.

“The officers in the service are doing a brilliant job and are very committed to getting the backlog down to zero, which we hope to be able to do by around summer."

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Planning matters: Page 28

Control of council at stake in election

VOTERS will go to the polls on May 2 to elect new members of Bristol City Council.

All 70 seats are up for grabs in an election which has extra significance, since the abolition of the city's elected mayor means councillors will once again be taking all policy decisions.

While Labour has been in control of the council through elected mayor Marvin Rees since 2016, the Greens have been the biggest party in the council chamber since early last year.

Eastville ward

If no one party wins the total of 36 seats required for an overall majority, deals will need to be made over who runs the council via the returning committee system, which is replacing the mayor and cabinet.

Taking place on the same day is the election for the Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Anyone not on the register has until midnight on April 16

to register to vote, which is also the deadline for applying to vote by post.

People voting in person will need to bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, or apply to the city council for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on April 24.

The same deadline is in place to apply for a proxy vote, nominating another person to cast your vote for you.

Applications can be made via the 'voting and elections' section

of the council's website, bristol. gov.uk. Anyone not online can call 0117 922 3400 and ask to be sent a form.

Nominations close at 4pm on April 5.

Here we profile the Greater Fishponds area's three council wards, each with two seats: Eastville, Frome Vale and Hillfields, and the candidates who have informed the Voice that they are standing for election.

EASTVILLE ward covers Fishponds Road and streets on either side of it, from the junction with Stapleton Road up to Hockeys Lane and Channons Hill.

It includes Eastville Park; Greenbank Cemetery; the areas of Stapleton around Colston's School; roads around Small Lane, south of Blackberry Hill; Thingwall Park; Royate Hill, Rose Green, Clay Bottom and Clay Hill. To the south it extends to parts of Speedwell north of

Marley Bennett (Labour)

I’ve worked hard to support people and improve life here, from working towards clean and safe streets, enhancing our parks and green spaces, building an inclusive Bristol that provides opportunities to all, supporting people with the cost of living, to addressing the housing crisis.

I’m proud to have helped secure funding worth £100,000s for the local area, from road improvements; investment into parks, nature reserves and libraries; and supporting community groups. In Cabinet role, I’ve led on Bristol’s to tackle climate catastrophe, support a nature recovery and ensure quality waste and recycling services.

Lorraine Francis (Green)

As well as working hard as the Green councillor in Eastville, I have also stood up to questionable planning applications across Bristol to ensure that good quality homes are available.

I continue to fight alongside residents to bring back the bus service to Stapleton and have liaised with relevant groups about traffic calming measures.

I am most proud of the winter warm coat scheme and over my last term, I will have helped deliver two defibrillators in the ward placed at the Scouts Hut and the Star pub. I have worked with and delivered initiatives for the whole community.

Speedwell Road, including streets on either side of Brook Road and Whitefield Road.

At the last election, in 2021, Labour's Marley Bennett and Green Lorraine Francis each won a seat. They are both standing for reelection.

The Voice asked the city's political parties to send a picture and some details of their candidates for the election.

Ed Fraser (Green)

Ed Fraser runs a small business helping people with Autism and ADHD in the workplace. He is an experienced project manager, so is good at getting things done.

Paul Boobyer and Kim Stratton-Pow (Conservative)

The Conservative Party has not provided any information about these candidates.

Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats have not provided any information about candidates in Eastville.

Teresa Stratford (Labour)

Local voices need to be heard, and people’s priorities heeded, for a happy and successful city. It’s important for people to feel happy about their local environment, and secure in it”. Teresa has spent her working life in Social Care and says: “With an ageing population, and increasing medical advances, it is vital to keep improving accessibility for people with health conditions. We need a well-trained workforce of carers, properly paid, and we need to use technology to enhance people’s lives in our community. With valuable experience in vital areas, together, Marley and I make a strong team for Eastville.

Frome Vale ward

FROME Vale ward covers an area including Oldbury Court and Broomhill. Bounded by the M32 in the north west, it includes streets north and east of Blackberry Hill and Snowdon Road, and those either side of Fishponds Road between Hockeys Lane and the Cross Hands.

The ward also includes part of Stapleton, around Duchess Way, and streets either side of Frenchay Road, Downend Road and Frenchay Park

Al Al-Maghrabi (Labour)

Road, up to the South Gloucestershire boundary.

In 2021 Labour and the Conservatives won a seat each. Tory Lesley Alexander is retiring, while Labour's Amal Ali is standing in Lawrence Hill, which means both seats will have new councillors this year.

The Voice asked political parties to send a picture and statement from candidates already selected for the election.

Al Al-Maghrabi is a dedicated member of the Labour Party, bringing a wealth of experience to his candidacy for Frome Vale councillor. With a background in law, he has served in various ward roles, from Secretary to CLP Youth Officer, in addition to having represented Bristol West's youth at the Labour Party Conference – he's a passionate advocate for youth engagement. Al-Maghrabi's priorities centre on local development, improving education and healthcare access, preserving parks, and promoting safer, cleaner streets for all residents.

Louis Martin (Labour)

I AM a registered music therapist, and work with people in dementia care. I have extensive experience working in health and care sectors, including as a home carer across Frome Vale. I have strong experience in community engagement, and will strive to improve the area for residents. I promise to represent Frome Vale with integrity, compassion, and transparency, and to ensure all’ voices are heard. Priorities include: Local development for local people/Improving access to education and health care/Maintaining our parks properly/Safer and cleaner streets.

Pooja Poddar (Conservative)

I am your Conservative candidate for the May elections this year. Professionally I am a nurse, yet I am always driven towards community service.

My priorities are towards road safety, better accessible transport and car parking charges.

I am committed towards working with the community to promote a healthy society.

Tommy Trueman (SDP)

I want the opportunity to serve our community and our city. I’ll always be there to listen, act and, most of all, be dedicated; I’ll fight hard for local services, tackle antisocial behaviour, prioritise delivering affordable housing, and oppose public money being spent on wasteful vanity projects. I’ve been involved in countless community building projects, helping those in the cost-of-living crisis and being a voice for Vassalls Park. I’ve lived here for years, raising my family and working as a self-employed cabinetmaker, and I’m passionate about making it the best place to live. Vote Trueman this election!

RESIDENTS will get the chance to quiz candidates at public meetings in the three wards covering Fishponds.

Organised by Fishponds Community Planning Group, the meetings will provide a chance to ask candidates how they will deal with the likely impact of major local redevelopment schemes, and any other issues of concern to local residents.

Co-chair Lori Streich said: "We are inviting all the candidates because the role of councillors will become more important

Hustings meetings

now the Mayoral system is ending. We want to make sure they are listening to local views. We are holding events in each ward, but people can come to whichever is more convenient."

Among the sites with developments in the pipeline are the so-called 'Atlas Place' development near Morrisons, and UWE's Glenside campus, with concern over sites

Tulsidas Poddar (Conservative)

I have lived in the neighbourhood for nearly 22 years. I strongly approve of preserving our green spaces. Promoting efficient use of recycling is very important for our future generations.

Jen Law (Green)

No information or picture has been supplied for Jen Law.

Gabrielle Lobb (Green)

No information or picture has been supplied for Gabrielle Lobb.

Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats have not supplied any information about their candidates. The party said in a statement it would champion the views of people in North East Bristol.

and landmarks including Glenside Hospital Museum, and the Robinson's brick chimneys.

The Eastville ward meeting will be on April 22 at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall, Grove Road.

The Frome Vale ward meeting will be on April 25 at 7pm, in the Old Library, Fishponds Road.

A time and venue for the Hillfields ward meeting, on April 29, will be confirmed nearer the time at fishpondscpg.org.uk and the group's Facebook page.

Hillfields ward

HILLFIELDS ward covers the Hillfields estate as well as Mayfield Park and Chester Park.

It includes all streets leading off Lodge Causeway, Lodge Hill and Lodge Road, from the parts of Ridgeway Road east of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path to the streets surrounding Cossham Hospital, up to Ingleside Road and the boundary with South Gloucestershire.

Filwood Road and Forest Road are also in the Hillfields ward.

Kelvin Blake (Labour)

Kelvin was born in Hillfields (Spotted Cow) and lives locally.

“I know the community well and I’m excited to hopefully serve the community that I know and love, and delivering a fairer, healthier and happier society than the Tories have ever done.”

“I’ve got a lot of experience I can bring to Hillfields. I worked for BT managing large projects. I am a trustee and non-executive for a number of organisations in Bristol.

“I have spent my life campaigning to make Bristol a more just, inclusive city and I hope to do the same for Hillfields as a Labour councillor.”

Jon Eccles (Green)

No statement has been supplied for Jon Eccles.

Conservative

The Conservatives had not selected their candidates as the Voice went to print.

Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats had not selected their candidates as the Voice went to print.

TWO of the Fishponds area's best-known councillors are standing down at the local elections.

Lesley Alexander has been the Conservative ward member for Frome Vale for 21 years, while Labour cabinet member Craig Cheney has represented Hillfields for nine years.

Lesley was first elected in 2003, becoming a councillor after taking early retirement from her job as a bank manager with NatWest.

Tory group leader Mark Weston said he was sad to be losing an "experienced, sensible, and reliable" colleague who had chaired scrutiny commissions, and regulatory committees and sat on outside bodies including Avon Fire Authority, as well as serving as the city's Lord Mayor from 2016-17.

He praised her "unsung, voluntary, and charitable work" including fundraising for the Rotary Club for Bristol and setting up the Begbrook Retirement Club to provide activities for older people.

Cllr Weston said: "Lesley has always

At the last election in 2021 both seats were won by Labour. Cabinet councillor Ellie King will defend her seat in May, while Craig Cheney is stepping down.

The Voice asked the city's political parties to send a picture and statement for any candidates selected.

Those that have confirmed their candidates appear here in the order they will be on the ballot paper:

Ellie King (Labour)

It has been a privilege to serve as a councillor for Hillfields since 2021, and as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities. Despite austerity, Bristol Labour has worked hard to protect our Public Services and it has been a pleasure to bring investment in to Hillfields' parks, community buildings and school streets. But we need Labour in power locally and nationally to ensure Hillfields gets better health care, affordable, quality housing, safer streets and opportunities for our children to thrive. Please vote Labour in May for a brighter, fairer future for our families and friends in Hillfields.

Pair set to bow out

commanded respect from across the political spectrum and is well known for her good nature, common sense disposition and practical approach to problem-solving. She has been a fierce champion of her residents and the greater Fishponds area."

Lesley said her Lord Mayor's costume, which included a three-cornered hat, red robe and jabot or lace bib handmade by Fishponds lacemakers, fascinated children on official visits.

She said: "One day I went to a nursery school and one of the little boys came up to me, very seriously, and quietly asked 'Can I see your hook please' - he thought I was a pirate!"

Lesley said she would most miss being able to help constituents.

She said: "People are lovely – they will thank you for things you thought were very minor –

Rick Lovering (Green)

I am a retired secondary school teacher and have lived in Hillfields since 1985. Local voluntary work has involved community litter picks, work on the railway path with Sustrans, and I am a council snow warden.

My focus for Hillfields is on transport and housing issues, including the new development at Atlas Place. Also to maintain our local green spaces.

I would like to reinstate the regular meetings for residents to express their views.

My interests include cycling, music (attend local gigs), sport (Bears women season ticket) and history (local and family).

although sometimes the big things are never mentioned at all!"

Lesley said she was proud of having set up the Begbrook Retirement Club, after finding the area had very little for older people to do.

She said: "I keep talking about older people and forget I'm an older person as well – I still feel 21."

Last year the Voice reported that Craig Cheney was stepping down after nine years as a Hillfields ward councillor and seven years as deputy mayor for finance in Labour's cabinet. He spoke of his pride at representing "the ward that I live in and grew up around", adding:

"During my time as a local councillor, I’ve worked with local people to improve our ward – securing funding to improve the community centre, co-locating the children’s centre in the library, and founding the Friends of Coombe Brook Nature Reserve – creating the positive changes our area so sorely needs."

Have your say on who runs police

VOTERS are being asked to decide who should be in overall charge of Avon & Somerset police for the next four years.

In just over a month's time, elections will be held across the region to vote for the next Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC.

Coming with a salary of £88,600, the PCC's role is to oversee the force, ensuring it is "efficient and effective".

The PCC's powers include:

● Hiring and firing the chief

Born in Taunton, has worked in TV news and for a coach company. Former deputy leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council. Male voice choir singer and hospital charity fundraiser.

The Lib Dem plan for the police:

• Make policing more visible and community-orientated

• Increase prosecution rates for serious and violent crime

• Help police to work with integrity and without discrimination

• Focus on ‘broken windows’ - small crimes that damage confidence and trust

• Predict and provide policing to help tackle rural crime as well as urban crime

• Help make sure offenders don’t do it again – most want to ‘go straight’

constable, and holding them to account for running the force

● Setting objectives for the area through a police and crime plan

● Setting the budget and determining the precept charge paid by council tax payers

● Contributing to national and international policing capabilities

● Bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners, to 'join up' local priorities.

● Funding crime prevention services

I am a councillor in Bristol, and an Avon and Somerset Magistrate. Before that, I worked for twenty years overseas with the UN on child protection and violence against women.

As Police Commissioner, I will prioritise preventing crime, working with community to support youth services and tackle the social causes of crime. Knife crime in cities will be a focus, with more visible neighbourhood policing and greater services to victims and families. To address poor performance and prejudice within the force, I will enhance the independence of misconduct panels, while recognising the integrity of the vast majority of officers. Above all, we will police by consent; and I will work tirelessly with the Avon and Somerset Police to get closer to and re-gain the trust of the communities we serve.

The current PCC is Conservative Mark Sheldon, who was elected to the role in 2021, in an election postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.

He took over from independent Sue Mountstevens, who stepped down having been in the post since it was created in 2012.

Nominations for the PCC opened on March 19 and will close at 4pm on April 5.

The election will take place on Thursday May 2, the same day

Clare brings rich experience, from her current role as CEO of a charity to her time spent working in No 10. She previously represented our region as an MEP

Investing in neighbourhood policing – to build safer communities and help prevent and solve crime.

Supporting victims of crime – making sure victims are properly listened to, and get the help they need when they need it.

Prioritising reducing violent crime – The scale of violent crime, including knife crime and violence against women and girls, isn't inevitable but it needs focus and commitment to fix it.

Preventing crime – work with agencies across the public sector and civil society to prevent crime and build safer communities.

Restoring trust and confidence in the police –enabling the police to take pride in high standards.

as the city council elections.

For more information on the election, and a full list of candidates after nominations have closed, visit the website www.aspccelections.co.uk

As the Voice went to press, four political parties had already announced candidates.

The Voice has asked them to send a short biography and manifesto to outline their priorities.

They appear in the order they will be on the ballot paper:

Mark has over 35 years of experience of serving our country in the military and local government and has been your PCC since 2021. Resides in Bath with his family.

When elected, Mark pledged more police, a focus on tackling serious crime and to represent every community when holding the police to account. He has delivered. The constabulary has trained over 1,500 new officers, is the best force for illegal drug disruptions and has seen a 300% increase in rape cases reaching court by designing a nationally acclaimed investigation model. He appointed a courageous Chief Constable determined to restore trust in policing.

Mark will prioritise crime prevention, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women. He remains committed to reducing re-offending, supporting skills programmes for prisoners and ensuring victims receive support.

Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats)

Katy Grant (Green)

Clare Moody (Labour)

Mark Sheldon (Conservative)

Contaminated blood victims are dying for justice

AT long last, the Government has relented and brought forward legislation to overturn the convictions of, and pay compensation to, former subpostmasters wrongly accused of stealing from their own tills.

As we saw in the compelling ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, this injustice was caused by the Horizon computer system falsely recording earnings losses at Post Offices across the UK, with devastating consequences for many of those affected.

I’m pleased the efforts of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance have finally paid off, but it should not have taken a TV drama to put this injustice on the Government’s radar.

Now history may be about to repeat itself: ITV has announced it will be making a follow-up series to shine a spotlight on the contaminated blood scandal, and

victims' 40-year battle for justice.

It’s thought that 30,000 NHS patients contracted HIV and hepatitis after receiving contaminated blood between 1970 and 1991.

Around 3,000 victims have now died, including the late Bill Payne, who served two terms as Labour councillor for Frome Vale. Bill was a passionate campaigner, a long-serving Haemophilia Society trustee, an alderman and a voice for the people of Fishponds. I knew him very well and I know many of you will remember him fondly, too.

Bill was born with haemophilia, a blood clotting disorder, and spent much of his childhood in hospital and on bed rest at home. Missing school meant he found it difficult to make friends, but this changed when he joined Treloar’s, a boarding school for disabled children in Hampshire.

Tragically Bill, like his brother Michael and many of his friends at Treloar’s, was treated with a contaminated blood product at the school’s on-site haemophilia centre, and developed Hepatitis C. I paid tribute to Bill in the Commons, when I asked Cabinet Office ministers why it has taken decades to secure compensation for infected blood victims and their families.

Back in December I joined Labour colleagues in voting for an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill to deliver quick compensation for contaminated blood victims. Disappointingly, it took 22 Conservative MPs rebelling from the Government’s position – to vote against it – to get the amendment over the line.

After years of deliberation the Infected Blood Inquiry, led by Sir Brian Langstaff, is due to publish its final report on May

20. In advance of this, many MPs are presenting petitions to the Commons, calling for justice to be done.

If you, or anyone you know in Bristol East, has been affected by the contaminated blood scandal and you would like to sign the petition, please do get in touch at kerry.mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk or call 0117 939 9901

School celebrates poetry and stories

A FISHPONDS primary school had a week of special literary activities and events to mark World Book Day in March.

Fishponds Church of England Academy's celebrations had a special focus on the works of the late poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah, who died in December.

School English leader Adam Jones said: "Throughout the week, the school immersed itself in Zephaniah's vibrant and thought-provoking world, exploring themes of identity, community and stereotypes.

"One of the highlights of the week was the innovative reinterpretation of Zephaniah’s poems by the students. Classes took on the challenge of putting their own spin on his work, showcasing their creativity and understanding of his themes."

The school shared a poem written by a Year 5 pupil inspired by Zephaniah's work, called

The Recipe for a Fishponds

Empanada:

"Cautiously crumble in some British with Somalians and place it in a bowl meticulously.

"Then drizzle in some Turkish, Nigerians, Bangladeshi and Pakistani

With some zesty Cypriots, adding love and unity.

"Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius to get the best flavours

Out of the hot Argentinians, Zimabweans and Jamaicans.

"Finally, add a dash of Filipino, Romanian and Italian

before mixing it all together in one bowl

"Serve with crisps of understanding, peace and tolerance.

"Note: Remember to treat all with equity."

Students and dressed up in elaborate costumes inspired by their favourite literary characters for World Book Day itself.

M Jones said: “World Book Day provides us with a wonderful opportunity to instil a love of reading and storytelling in our students.

"By immersing ourselves in the works of Benjamin Zephaniah, we not only celebrate the power of literacy but also celebrate the diversity within our school.

"The celebration of World Book Day serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where creativity, imagination and a passion for learning thrive."

Staff at Fishponds C of E Academy dress as book characters for World Book Day

Extra places at Bristol Met n NEWS

BRISTOL Metropolitan Academy is taking on extra Year 7 pupils in September to help cope with an increase in applications for secondary school places.

The city council said applications for secondary school places in Bristol went up by 2.3% this year, from 4,945 to 5,061.

Every family who applied to a Bristol school has been offered a place – 3,910 or 78.3% at their first choice school (up from 75.7% last year).

Another 591 children (11.8%) were offered places at their second choice school, 199 (3.99%) at their third choice school and 291 (5.83%) were offered a place at a school they did not choose, down from 8% last year.

At Bristol Met there were 549 applications, 281 of them first preference, for an advertised 180 places, but the school has increased its intake to 216.

Seven places went to children who were in care or with an Education, Health and Care Plan

naming the school, 73 to local siblings of current pupils and 136 to children living within 1.41km (around 9/10 of a mile) of the school.

At Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell there were 623 applications (293 first preference) for 232 places, with 12 given to pupils in care or with an EHCP, 85 to siblings and 135 to children living within 1.3km (4.5 of a mile) of the school.

At Fairfield High School there were 649 applications (221 first preferences) for 216 places, of which 12 went to children with an EHCP or in care, 78 went to local siblings of current pupils, two went to children of school trust employees and 124 went to children living within 1.12km (7/10 of a mile) of the school.

The council said the majority of families who did not receive an offer from any of their three choices of school had applied for schools which allocate places by random allocation, are outside of Bristol, or are faith schools.

Mayor Marvin's farewell speech

MARVIN Rees said Bristol suffers from a “lack of self-belief” and a “debilitating cynicism” in his final major speech as mayor.

Speaking at the Bristol Beacon on March 13, Mr Rees said the 14,500 new homes built since his election, "including many affordable and social" were one of his administration’s best achievements, but criticised a lack of progress on mass transit.

He spoke about his mixedrace and working class heritage, which he said left him "feeling a greater sense of connection with the Cenotaph counter-protestors than I do with the Colston Four", the protesters who tore down the slave trader's statue.

“We are a city of contradictions. Among them is the way we combine being home to some of the nation’s leading talent, a thriving creative sector and a high number of business start ups, with a collective lack of self-belief that, when it’s full blown, turns into a debilitating cynicism," he said.

The failure to agree on a mass transit system, where he and Metro Mayor Dan Norris disagreed on the Bristol mayor's plans for an underground, was a prime example.

Mr Rees said: “It would have taken lots of work. But we are now in danger of guaranteeing it won’t happen because a number of local actors have failed to show the necessary ambition.”

Mr Rees also addressed the controversy over the transformation of the former Colston Hall into Bristol Beacon, with costs that rose from and original £39 million to £130m.

"At every stage the best thing was to proceed, not only because of sunk costs but because of the positive impact on the city."

Mr Rees told historian David Olusoga it had been a "real honour" to be mayor and he would be keen to continue his work “be it political or otherwise”, in future.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Bristol is for recycling* No.1

We saved

52,000 items from going to waste via our three reuse shops, including 410 mobility aids and 3.3 tonnes of paint.

Last

4,000 bags of litter collected through community litter picks we supported.

2,000 homes were powered by biogas produced from the recycled food waste we collected.

Gave back over £30 million in social value.**

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NO HIDDEN COSTS

n LOCAL HISTORY

IN the spring of 1915 the Bristol Lunatic Asylum, as it was then known, was called upon to serve its country.

The War Office requisitioned the site to cope with ever-increasing casualties returning from the Western Front in Europe.

After three months of extensive modifications, for the next four years it was the Beaufort War Hospital.

Most of the asylum patients were relocated to other facilities, apart from 40 who remained to work in the kitchens and laundry.

Almost 30,000 patients would pass through its doors: on one busy night there were 1,487.

There were even German POWs and civilian victims of the Spanish flu, so called because Spain was neutral and the only country reporting on it.

Beaufort War Hospital made leaps and strides in orthopaedics, then a relatively new medical discipline.

The hospital had well-equipped operating rooms and a trades workshop, and a wealth of broken soldiers to mend.

The surgeon who opened Bristol's military orthopaedic centre in March 1917, Captain Ernest William Hey Groves, would select an injured patient and set to work on a suitable piece of orthopaedic engineering to suit.

Up to 50% of soldiers treated, who might have faced amputation or even death, could regain a significant quality of life.

Many owed their lives to the Thomas splint, invented by Welsh bone setter Hugh Owen Thomas for thigh fractures. His nephew Colonel Robert Jones, in charge of orthopaedic military hospitals, fervently advocated its use: from 1916-1918 mortality rates from femoral fractures fell from 87% to under 20%.

Thomas splints are still in use today, and several are on display at the Glenside Hospital Museum's Beaufort War Hospital exhibition.

No article about the Beaufort War Hospital can go without tribute to the

When war came to a hospital

brave souls who provided its clientele in such tragic numbers.

Here are two we know a little about.

Sergeant George Pine, of the 12th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment (Bristol's Own) left Bristol in March 1915, aged 23, and fought with the Glosters until 1918.

He saw action at the Battle of the Somme, sustaining three serious injuries, including shrapnel to his face.

Wounded for the final time in September 1918, taking a bullet to the shoulder and sustaining serious head injuries, he was treated at Beaufort Hospital and discharged 50% disabled, becoming a clippie on the Bristol trams.

Sergeant Harry Cator VC MM joined the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment in September 1914 and arrived on the Western Front as a Sergeant in June 1915.

At Ovillers at the Battle of the Somme on July 3 1916 he was awarded the Military Medal for rescuing 36 wounded men from no man's land whilst under fire.

In April 1917, at Hangest Trench near Arras, Cator and a comrade attacked a German machine gun

firing on his platoon. His friend was cut down but he persevered, retrieved a Lewis machine gun and ammunition drums and attacked the German trench alone, killing an entire machine gun team and holding the trench until reinforcements arrived to capture five machine guns and many POWs.

Cator was injured by an exploding shell a few days later and later

transferred to the Beaufort.

In July the French awarded him the Croix de Guerre for his actions at Arras, and he was presented with Britain’s highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross, by King George V outside Buckingham Palace.

Arriving back in Bristol, Cator was welcomed by comrades from the Beaufort who carried him on their shoulders to a waiting car.

He was greeted outside Ward 8 by the band of the 1st Battalion Bristol Volunteer Regiment, playing “See the Conquering Hero Comes”.

But Cator himself did not glorify conflict, and once said: "Real soldiers curse all war and all war-makers."

Andy Aldrich

*Glenside Hospital Museum is open Wednesday 10am -1pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.

New exhibition Answering the Call, Our NHS Commonwealth Nurses, opens on April 10, celebrating the contribution of Commonwealth nurses to Glenside Hospital and psychiatric care.

Harry Cator is carried on the shoulders of comrades from the Beaufort after receiving the Victoria Cross

n WHAT’S ON

APRIL

April 5

n FREE NORDIC WALKING FOR BS16, with Friends of the Park (Oldbury Court Estate/Vassalls Park), for people with long-term health conditions or who are not so confident about exercise outdoors. Walking poles provided. Advance booking only. Email kate@oldburycourtpark. org.uk for more details.

April 10

n HILLFIELDS WILD WOMEN, monthly group focussed on nature connection, well-being and creative activities, meets at Hillfields Garden, 7-9pm. Activity: Breathe with Subitha. Suggested donation £3.

April 10

n ANSWERING THE CALL EXHIBITION opens at Glenside Hospital Museum, celebrating the contribution of Commonwealth nurses to NHS psychiatric care. Museum open Wednesday 10am-1pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.

April 13

n FRIENDS OF THE PARK (Oldbury Court Estate/Vassalls Park) AGM at the Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, 2-3.30pm. Speaker, Pete Insole, Our Place Oldbury Court. All welcome to share ideas and find out what you can do to make the park a great place.

April 14

n FRENCHAY 10K race, starts at

UWE Glenside campus, Blackberry Hill, 11am. Raising money for suicide prevention UK and Freewheelers EVS (blood bikes). Entries open online at Frenchay10k.co.uk. Spectators welcome - course runs through Oldbury Court, Gill Avenue, Frenchay Road to Frenchay Bridge, Frenchay Common, Frenchay Park Road and Broom Hill before returning to the UWE grounds for the finish.

April 20

n BRISTOL CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY presents a concert by Giacomo Susani, St Stephen's Church, St Stephen’s Street, Bristol, 7.30pm. £18 adults, £10 16 to 18 year olds, free for under-16s. More information from www.bristolclassicalguitarsociety.org.

April 24

n FILTONES CHOIR open rehearsal, St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, 1.45-3.45pm. Free entry. Drop in and listen to how choir prepares for our concerts – and join in if you feel inclined. Free tea and biscuits, warm welcome.

May 11

n LUNCHTIME SINGING SESSION, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, noon-2pm, led by award-winning conductor and educator Ben England BEM. Tickets priced at £12 to cover costs. For more details email singmay24@hotmail.com.

May 12

n DISCUSSION: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS POLITICAL CHALLENGEs, with Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy,

St Anne's church, St Leonard's Road, Eastville, 3-5pm about. Christian Aid Week event, with opportunity for questions. In the garden (church hall if raining).

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n BARTON HILL RFC CHARITY CAFE, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, from noon until 3pm. Food and drink, bargain donated goods, friendly and welcoming place to meet, staffed entirely by volunteers raising money for charity.

n WELCOME SPACE AT HILLFIELDS LIBRARY, 2.30-5.30pm, every Monday – last session on March 25. Free drinks and snacks, activities and WiFi. Food club available. More details from friendsofhillfieldslibrary@ gmail.com.

n CREATIVE GROUP at the Nissen Hut, Eastville Park, 6-9pm. More details from friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

Tuesday

n PHOENIX ART CLUB meets on Tuesdays at Stapleton Church Hall, Park Road, from 10am to midday.

n GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB, Every third Tuesday of every month at 10.15am at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Nonmembers welcome - £3 including tea or coffee.

n WOMEN'S SINGING CIRCLE, Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Oldbury Court. every Tuesday, 10-11am. Friendly singing circle with songs and melodies taught by ear. No experience needed. All welcome, from grandmas to children. More information from 07507 563 289 or email valeriesingingbristol@gmail.com

n FOOD & NATURE CONNECTION GROUP at the Nissen Hut, Eastville Park, 10.30am-2pm. More details from friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

n COMMUNITY CONNECT GROUP at the Nissen Hut, Eastville Park, 11am-2pm. More details from friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

n EASTVILLE YOUTH CLUB at the Nissen Hut, Eastville Park, 3.30-6.30pm. More details from friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

n BROMLEY HEATH PROBUS

CLUB holds fortnightly meeting with Speakers for ladies and gentlemen on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 am till 12:00. We also enjoy lunches/outings together. Please join us at the Assembly Hall, Downend. More details on 0117 9574583 or see our website.

n SONGBIRDS CHOIR at the Nissen Hut, Eastville Park, 7-9pm. More details from friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

Friday

n EASTVILLE PARK FOODCLUB

OPEN FOR COLLECTIONS, every Friday noon-1pm. To enquire about membership, email eastvilleparkfoodclub@gmail.com or call 07591 748548.

n BOWLING, Social lawn bowls at the bowling green, Eastville Park, from 5pm.

n FRIENDS OF HILLFIELDS LIBRARY Silver Explorers social group for retired people living in Hillfields, every Friday, 10am-noon. Activities include talks, music, crafts and history. Free tea and coffee. More information at friendsofhillfieldslibrary@gmail.com or friends' Facebook page.

n IN-THE-PINK Sensible exercise to music for mature ladies every Friday, 9-10am, Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue. Followed by chat & coffee, pay session-by-session. Get yourself fit & make new friends. More information from Julie on 07903 123793.

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and

Mondays 6.30pm & Tuesdays 9.30am

The Beechwood Club, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3TR

Tel: Claire 07791 574 353

Tuesdays 6.00pm & 7.30pm

Speedwell Methodist Church

378 Speedwell Road, Bristol BS15 1ES

Tel: Lesley 07503 524 459

Wednesday

n BARTON HILL RFC CHARITY CAFE, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, from noon until 3pm. Food and drink, bargain donated goods, friendly and welcoming place to meet, staffed entirely by volunteers raising money for charity.

n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Call Genise on 0777 245 1217.

n MUSIC WITH MAYA at the Nissen Hut, Eastville Park, 9.30-10.30am. More details from friendsofeastvillepark@ gmail.com.

n FRENCHAY FOLK DANCE CLUB meets alternate Wednesdays, English and American folk dancing to live music, 7.45-10.15pm, Frenchay Village Hall. New dancers always welcome. More details at www.frenchayfdc.co.uk or email FFDCSecretary@gmail.com.

Thursday

n EASTVILLE PARK COMMUNITY HUB Welcome Space for over 55’s, 11am-2pm.

n CONCORD WIND BAND. Friendly, mixed-ability band, playing music for fun. Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, every Friday 7.30-9.30pm, with tea break. New members welcome. Contact Jayne on 0788 072 4948.

Saturday

n LU LIFE CHURCH 'SHARED SPACES', Fishponds Old Library, Fishponds Road. Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 2-3pm. Singing, dancing and drumming. All welcome. For more details email LULifeChurch@gmail.com or call Rev P on 0750 839 0298.

n VOLUNTEER GROUP at Hillfields Community Garden, every third Saturday of the month, 10am1pm. Meet your neighbours and have fun. Free lunch. More details from hillfieldscommunitygarden@gmail.com.

n FISHPONDS REPAIR CAFE. All All Saints Church on 1st Saturday of the month, 10am-noon. Drop in for advice and help in mending electrical, household or textile items, including toys and computers.

n LEGO AND DUPLO CLUB, Hillfields Library, every 2nd Saturday of the month, 11am-noon. Open to all ages.

Warning over River Frome's 'ecological health'

Warning over River Frome's 'ecological health'

THE River Frome, which passes through Oldbury Court and Eastville Park on its way to Bristol docks, does not have a single stretch in good 'ecological health', a new report has found.

THE River Frome, which passes between Downend and Frenchay, does not have a single stretch in good 'ecological health', a new report has found.

Environmental charity the Rivers Trust analysed Environment Agency figures for 3,553 separate stretches of English rivers in two areas the regulator measures: chemical health – the presence of chemical pollutants; ecological health – the presence, absence and abundance of animal species.

Environmental charity the Rivers Trust analysed Environment Agency figures for 3,553 separate stretches of English rivers in two areas the regulator measures: chemical health – the presence of chemical pollutants; ecological health – the presence, absence and abundance of animal species.

It found that none of England's rivers were in good overall health, and only 15% were in good ecological health.

It found that none of England's rivers were in good overall health, and only 15% were in good ecological health.

The stretch of the River Frome between the Avon Ring Road and Bristol's Floating Harbour was in 'moderate' ecological health.

was in 'poor' ecological health between it source near Chipping Sodbury and where it meets the Ladden Brook, north of Frampton Cotterell.

Factors contributing to the river's condition included nutrient pollution from phosphate fertiliser running off agricultural land and urban pollution.

The Rivers Trust said: "Almost everything we do on land impacts our rivers. Rivers carry the chemical and physical fingerprint of their local catchments – the land area around rivers from which water drains.

around rivers from which water drains. They have been polluted, channelised, fragmented by barriers and rarely still follow their natural course. Their current state reflects what we’ve done across their catchments over hundreds of years."

Metro Mayor Dan Norris called the report "shocking".

He said: "This isn’t just an attack on our precious natural environment, it’s a public health catastrophe."

Park friends

PEOPLE interested in helping improve Vassalls Park are being invited to a meeting this month.

The Friends of the Park (Vassalls Park/Oldbury Court Estate) group holds its second annual general meeting on Saturday April 13 from 2-3.30pm at the Vassall Centre in Gill Avenue.

Co-Chair Kate Spreadbury said: "Everyone who enjoys the Park is a Friend of the Park, you are all very welcome to come to the AGM, share your ideas and find out what you can do to make the Park a great place for everyone."

The stretch of the River Frome between the Avon Ring Road and Bristol's Floating Harbour was in 'moderate' ecological health, as was the Folly Brook, which runs through Lyde Green before flowing into the Frome at Moorend.

the river's condition included nutrient pollution from phosphate fertiliser running off agricultural land and urban pollution.

Further upstream the Frome was in 'poor' ecological health between Chipping Sodbury and north of Frampton Cotterell.

Factors contributing to

Further upstream the Frome

"They have been polluted, channelised, fragmented by barriers and rarely still follow their natural course. Their current state reflects what we’ve done across their catchments over hundreds of years.

Mr Norris said he was funding a suspended floating plant system to help fish and rare eels at Bristol's new Capricorn Quay development and working with partners including the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to reduce road run-off.

attack on our precious natural environment, it’s a public health catastrophe."

The meeting includes a speech from Pete Insole, who led projects mapping Oldbury Court and the River Frome.

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to reduce road run-off.

The Rivers Trust said: "Almost everything we do on land impacts our rivers. Rivers carry the chemical and physical fingerprint of their local catchments – the land area

Metro Mayor Dan Norris called the report "shocking".

He said: "This isn’t just an

TURNERS HEARING CARE BLOG

Gentle and effective relief from troublesome ear wax

We rely on our hearing for so much of life’s important momentsconversations with friends and family, phone calls and entertainment are just a few of the things that become tiring and difficult if for some reason we’re not hearing well. Ear wax is a common and usually easily removed cause of hearing difficulties.

What is Ear Wax?

Ear wax is the natural protection for the skin inside our ears. It is a waxy oil called cerumen, and can protect our eardrum by trapping particles such as dust or other fine particles that could otherwise cause damage to our hearing. How can Ear Wax become a problem?

Ear wax is constantly being produced and often naturally cleared away by the movement of our jaw. Sometimes the ear wax becomes firm and is less easily naturally cleared away, which can occur in those who wear hearing aids.

What does excessive Ear Wax feel like?

Sometimes a build up of ear wax can affect our hearing, or the correct function of hearing aids. Itching, pain in the ear or even dizziness can also occur with excessive ear wax. What can be done about excessive Ear Wax?

Our solution is called microsuction. This is a safe, gentle yet effective method that avoids flooding your ears with water. Our sophisticated technology includes a camera system so, if you choose to look, we can show you what we can see inside your ears.

Who is this available for?

Anyone who has concerns about their hearing or needs to have their ears checked for ear wax can book a consultation - which is ideal especially if you have never seen anyone about your hearing before and are unsure whether you might have wax in your ears - or possibly even be losing a little hearing.

At Turners Opticians in Fishponds you can now book an hearing care consultation with me, Debbie. I’m a fully qualified, registered and experienced Audiologist. I’m passionate about people having access to clear effective hearing and being confident to seek further help where it is needed.

In this consultation appointment you will have the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are having with your hearing and then I can examine your ears and show you through brilliant technology, what your ears look like on the insides. If something doesn’t look or sound quite right with your ears, I’ll recommend a course of action for you.

So, if you have any concerns about your hearing or ear health - including your ears being blocked with wax, come along and see us for a friendly appointment to see how we can help you hear more clearly.

Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians in Fishponds having worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.

The Voice has asked the Environment Agency to comment on the measures currently in place to monitor water quality on the Frome and take enforcement action against any polluters who can be positively identified.

Mr Norris said he was funding a suspended floating plant system to help fish and rare eels at Bristol's new Capricorn Quay development and working with partners including the

The Friends are launching a new free Nordic walks project in April for people who need to build confidence or have a longterm health condition.

Anyone interested should email kate@oldburycourtpark. org.uk.

The Voice has asked the Environment Agency to comment on the measures currently in place to monitor water quality on the Frome and take enforcement action against any polluters who can be positively identified.

Looking for Effective Ear Wax Removal?

The River Frome near Snuff Mills

A stretch of the River Frome near Snuff Mills

A fresh start for the changing season

AFTER several years serving in the community of Stapleton and Begbrook as leader of Waterbrook Church, the time has come for Tony Davies to hand things over.

I am excited to be following Tony, as it has been something of a journey getting to this point. I grew up in Hanham and Mangotsfield, but after getting married, moved away for a decade to lead churches in the South Wales valleys and then Cheltenham. Whilst away we collected a daughter, and the three of us are now back in familiar surroundings but feel like quite different people.

For those who knew us growing up, it could be challenging to see us any differently to the teenagers who were dating and not taking life too seriously.

But life has happened, and it may be relatable to be reminded of a famous quote by CS Lewis: “Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different.”

Some of us may lament that things have changed – perhaps they used to be better, prices were more reasonable and life less complicated. Others could be quite content, knowing positive changes have happened.

Handing over: Tony Davies and Luke Goodway

There is also a third group of people, who are waiting and longing for change. However you are processing your current season, the fact is that things change, we as people change, and whether we like it or not, it is all inevitable.

This leads me on to the heart of the Easter narrative, where we encounter the significant moment we as Christians believe has the power to change everything.

In the gospel and historical accounts of the life of Jesus, we read about this defining moment where Jesus is led to a cross to die, a

moment where all hope seemed lost.

Similarly, it can feel like things are beyond help or even finished for us when life happens, things go wrong or we lose loved ones.

However, the Easter story gives us an insight into a new prospect: things can change for the better. There is potential for new life, a fresh start, a different ending. The story does not conclude with the death of Jesus, but His resurrection, which extended an invitation to a full relationship with God, not just a pardon for what’s gone wrong.

For us who have a faith in Jesus, Easter is our reminder that change can be positive, and that something (or someone) redeemed is beautiful. Whether change has been kind or otherwise to you, there is always hope for the future. We pray you find the joy of the changing season, discovering all the life that may grow in it.

Find us on Sundays at 10.30am, at Begbrook Social Club, Frenchay Park Road, or visit www.waterbrook.org.uk.

Luke Goodway Church Leader Waterbrook Church

Charity opens supported living service

A NEW supported living service run by a Bristolbased charity has opened in Fishponds.

Milestones Trust's Graeme Close service will provide a home to eight young adults with learning disabilities and help them gain greater independence.

An event to celebrate the opening of the service was held on March 14.

The trust said the Graeme Close service has undergone a complete refurbishment, with an innovative design "aimed at maximising accessibility for people with physical disabilities".

It is intended for use by young adults who have a learning disability, as well as other complex needs, including physical disabilities, who will be supported to develop new skills and become more independent. They will learn skills, such as how to apply for a job and manage a tenancy, as well as managing their emotions and building networks.

The charity says the intention is that after around two years, people supported at the service will be ready to move on to more permanent accommodation with less intensive support.

As well as a capital investment by the charity, the service is funded in part by a legacy donation from the family of Brenda Hoskins, who grew up in Staple Hill before emigrating to America, . Her family wanted to fund projects that would make a lasting impact to support disadvantaged people.

One of Brenda's nephews Kim Scudamore, a former South Gloucestershire councillor, said: "I’m so pleased that Milestones Trust have made such good use of our aunt’s legacy and look forward to seeing the service filled up with people."

Milestones Trust chief executive Hilary Crowhurst said: "Our staff will work in partnership with the people we support to help them to achieve the things that really matter to them. We’ve designed this service to maximise independence and enable our support to be flexible and truly collaborative."

A £20 million mental health unit at Blackberry Hill hospital for people with learning disabilities and autism has been given planning permission by the city council.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, which will run it, expects work to start in May, with the unit expected to open in the summer of next year.

The unit is being designed to care for people who would benefit from specialist mental health treatment but whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream mental health hospital or at home.

Building it is intended to bring an end to long-distance placements, and the project is being developed alongside improvements to local community-based care.

People with learning disabilities and autism, and their carers, have helped plan the layout, furniture, landscaping, acoustics and lighting.

A Graeme Close

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING We won't be the last city to lose control

IT is proving a challenge to keep up with events at the moment. Continuing from where I left off last time, a recent local development is Bristol City Council being stripped of some of its planning powers on the basis of poor performance over the last two years.

The poor performance is hardly news to anybody waiting for planning applications to be determined over that period. What is newsworthy is that until the Designation is revoked by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, applicants will have the choice of submitting their planning applications to either Bristol or the Planning Inspectorate. The imperative behind this is selecting which route is likely to yield a faster result. The council have stated that they expect their backlog to be dealt with by the Summer and on the face of it, this would appear to be the

faster route, as long as there is no wishful thinking involved in Bristol’s estimate.

The government has been busy invoking Section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, but not only that. They have announced that Biodiversity Net Gain comes into effect on small sites immediately after Easter. Yes, legislation change is the only thing in the planning system that is happening quickly these days. However, when this new regime, which ensures a 10% improvement over the baseline habitat of a development site, was first put forward, the idea was to allow everyone to get used to it on large sites for about 6 months before having to apply it overall. At least householder applications (basically house extensions) are exempt from this sea change. Not only did it take months for clarification over the distinction between large and small sites, but the large sites element was

pushed back to allow everyone more time to prepare. The large sites came into effect in midFebruary but there has been virtually no time to adapt and learn in practice before the full roll-out. At least boxes can be ticked in Westminster.

The latest consultation from the government puts forward the idea that for large commercial sites, the time limit to decide the application can be shortened from 13 to 10 weeks. It is proposed to charge more for this service, but if a decision is not made on time the fee will have to be refunded.

The idea that this would create a 'two-speed' planning system, which benefits those with more resources, would apparently be a virtue. I suspect that making one part a priority will necessarily slow the rest down.

The Budget mentioned funding to provide training for more public sector planners – by its

nature, a long-term aim.

AI also got a mention, with a study to see how the process of producing a Local Plan can be brought down from the current seven-year average timeline to a matter of months. This suggests not only leaving out planners, but public participation and public scrutiny as well.

The risk of many councils going bankrupt was overlooked, and it looks as if planning will continue to wait for the injection of funds that is desperately needed. So the Designation Notice sent to Bristol is unlikely to be the last one sent out. Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.

BRISTOL u3a

AT Bristol u3a we are dedicated to lifelong learning, and believe that this comes in many forms.

It can be as simple as socialising with people with different life experiences or something more formal.

This month’s column showcases the two very different groups within our East & NorthEast Bristol group. Both meet in Warmley Community Centre and have space for new members.

The first is a Scrabble group, meeting on the first Monday of the month (other than Bank Holidays) from 2-4pm.

This is a very friendly group, and welcomes players of all abilities. There are currently 14 members, but there’s plenty of space for more to join in. The group has been active for 2½ years and everyone agrees that it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

The second is a French conversation group which meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Members converse in French throughout the meeting, discussing a different range of topics each time (chosen in advance to allow for preparation before the meeting).

The group has been running since 2014. During that time, they’ve enjoyed many different activities, including hosting a group of French people from Nantes, who were taken on a sightseeing tour of Bristol, visited a jazz club and even enjoyed fish and chips together in a member’s garden. Some Bristol members have visited them in Nantes.

Alongside general u3a (you in your Third Age) communications, all Bristol u3a members living East and North East Bristol receive a monthly email advertising upcoming social events. There’s also a WhatsApp group.

We come from all walks of life and have (at least) one thing in common: a zest for living and for trying/learning new things.

Find out more at learnlaughlive@ bristolu3a.org.uk

Lindsay Gough

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Be ready for the slopes

IF you’re heading for the Easter ski slopes, here’s some timely advice to ensure your trip will be downhill all the way! The importance of physical preparation cannot be overstated, along with an effective warm-up routine once you arrive.

Physical Preparation

1. Cardiovascular Conditioning: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity cardiovascular activity, like running, cycling, or swimming, at least three times a week leading up to your ski trip.

2. Strength Training for Stability: Include exercises such as squats, lunges and leg presses, to not only enhance your skiing performance but also reduce the risk of injuries.

3. Core Strength for Balance: Incorporate exercises like planks and stability ball workouts to target your core muscles.

4. Flexibility and Range of Motion: Engage in dynamic stretching exercises and consider incorporating yoga into your routine to improve flexibility and enhance joint mobility to handle the twists and turns of the slopes, reducing the risk of strains and sprains.

The Warm-Up

1. Dynamic Warm-Up: Include activities that increase blood flow, elevate your heart rate and activate your muscles, like leg swings, arm circles and jumping jacks.

2. Joint Mobilisation: Gentle rotations and controlled circles for the hips, knees and ankles can help loosen the joints, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.

3. Skiing-Specific Movements: Mimic the movements you'll be performing on the slopes during your warm-up. Incorporate squats, lunges and lateral movements to simulate skiing positions.

4. Balance Training: Stand on one leg, incorporate stability ball exercises, or use a wobble board to challenge and improve your balance.

5. Mindful Stretching and Breathing: Deep, controlled breaths promote relaxation, focus and mental clarity – this all contributes to a more enjoyable skiing experience.

Embrace these insights, hit the slopes with confidence and make your next ski season your best one yet.

Tim Button, Cleve Chiropractic

SPORT

Another medal for Jasmine

ANOTHER busy month for Downend boxing club saw Jasmine Poole travel to Latvia to take part in the Riga Women's Box Cup

Fresh from winning the silver medal in Sweden’s Golden Girl tournament in February, Jasmine's semi-final contest on March 9 saw her face the tough Belgium boxer Siham Snoussi, moving well and throwing eye-catching shots to take a unanimous decision, and a place in the final.

The following day Jasmine faced experienced Polish International Klaudia Budasz.

The bout, more than worthy of the final of the prestigious competition, saw some great technical boxing backed with aggressive attacks.

In the end the gold went to Budasz by split decision after a superb performance from Jasmine, taking the silver in an elitestandard competition.

On March 16, Rudy Watts

travelled to Torrington, Devon to face local lad Josh Pitts.

This was the third encounter between the two – 13-year-old Rudy had won a unanimous points decision as recently as Decemberand it proved as entertaining as the previous two bouts.

Rudy used clever boxing and a height and reach advantage to hold Josh’s strong attacks at bay, to take a unanimous points decision.

Craig Turner

Rudy Watts celebrates his win, with coach Bailey Phillips