Downend Voice August 2021 by Gary Brindle

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk August, 2021, Issue 97

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Bee a winner on our high street trail Your chance to win a share of £10,000 and support local traders THIS summer, 16 bright and beautiful bees will be buzzing about on our local high streets and community spaces. Over the next eight weeks, you can ‘collect’ these bees by taking a photo of yourself with them and entering a weekly draw to win £150 vouchers per South Gloucestershire high street to spend with our independent traders. The trail is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s campaign to support local high street traders who have so much to offer customers: whether it is food and drink with friends and family, shopping for essentials, leisure, learning or looking good. Pete Scragg, from Melanie’s Kitchen, said, “Covid-19 has been a difficult time for traders. We now want people from across South Gloucestershire to rediscover their high streets where most restrictions are now removed. Come and see what we have to offer. The bee trail creates something for everyone to enjoy and win vouchers to spend in independent shops. “All the traders in Downend and Staple Hill are buzzing for you to spend time here.” All the fibreglass bees are very different and have been decorated by local artists.

Frenchay artist Emma Beavis painting Astronobee – one of sixteen bees on the trail challenge

Enter the bee trail challenge Follow some simple steps to be in to win £150 of high street vouchers for independent traders - also, learn more about how your high streets are changing.

Page 2 Which traders are accepting vouchers A list so far of the business where you could spend the high street vouchers if you enter and win - and where you can find the latest list online.

Inside back page

Where are the bees on your high street? Find out in which locations you can discover the bees, take a selfie and win prizes.

Back page

buzzing to summer

We are see you this 2704 Voice Header.indd 1

16/07/2021 14:03

2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Your high streets are changing Your high streets are changing – now its time to get behind them, says South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage

How to take part in the Bee Trail challenge Our sixteen bees buzz onto South Gloucestershire high streets from Saturday 24 July and will remain until 18 September. Step One: Find your two bees on a South Gloucestershire high street. Use the Bee Trail map on the back page to discover the location of the bees on the high street or visit southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos where you can also find full terms and conditions.

Step Two: Take a selfie with your mobile device at the first bee. You can then scan the QR code or website URL displayed on the information panel (see right) to access our competition site. Upload your photograph and name/ details.

Step Three:

‘Everyone at the council is proud that we are funding the bee trail challenge. I cannot thank the local artists enough who have decorated the fibreglass bees that will become a colourful, vibrant part of our high streets and community spaces for the next eight weeks. Ultimately, the challenge is about supporting our high streets to thrive. They were already changing before the pandemic. Covid-19 has simply accelerated that change and we are supporting them in that reinvention. Shopping is part of the picture. But following the pandemic, people increasingly use high streets for leisure, learning, meeting up with friends, family, and work colleagues. The different high street uses all reinforce each other. For example, a family may take out books at the library, visit a café for lunch, buy hardware items for a DIY project, and finish their trip at the local play park. So, I’d like to ask all Voice readers to please participate in the bee trail. Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful changes taking place on the high street driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of our traders. Good luck winning high street vouchers!”

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BEE TRAIL CHALLENGE Help create a buzz around South Glos and take a selﬁe with the two bees in Staple Hill for a chance to win £150 of shopping vouchers! TO ENTER VISIT OR southglos.gov.uk/stapletrail

SCAN THE QR CODE

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Repeat Step Two but at the second bee at the same town location. You are now entered into the competition. You must be over 16 years old to submit a photograph.

Step Four: Enjoy the hive of activity in the high street and repeat the process on a different high street for a chance to win again. Now, take time and rediscover your high street. If you are a winner, we will let you know in the next 10 days.

Find out how more visit www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.

FREE E

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk August, 2021, Issue 97

EVERY MONTH IN DOWNEND, MANGOTSFIELD, STAPLE HILL, BROMLEY HEATH & FRENCHAY

Dreams can come true

Shop at heart of the community Staple Hill Stores owner Jill Barnes has received an awardfor the way that she and her team have kept going for the community during the pandemic. PAGE 16

Downend dancer Ava May Llewellyn has landed her dream job with the Royal Ballet after years of hard work. Full story: Page 13

World's longest covid case A RETIRED driving instructor has recovered from the world's longest recorded case of coronavirus. Dave Smith, who lives in Downend, caught Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic and the virus remained active in his body for 290 days. During that time he was taken to hospital seven times and even arranged the music for his own

funeral as he came close to death. He only finally recovered after being given the same cocktail of antibiotics used to treat Donald Trump – and his case is now making headlines around the world. Full story: Page 5

Yoga marathon to help beat cancer Rich Long, from Mangotsfield, an RAF wing commander staged a 'yogathon' in Page Park to raise awareness of prostate cancer. PAGE 11

It's 100 not out for cricket club Carsons & Mangotsfield Cricket Club is thriving as it marks its centenary year. PAGE 57

HAIR DESIGNERS Why not give yourself a boost and feel uplifted during these times by trying out a new style, cut or even a vibrant colour? All of our stylists aim to offer a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience to help you feel and look amazing. Looking forward to see you soon! Craig & the team

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downendvoice

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377

Follow us on Twitter @downendvoice ADVERTISING sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our September edition deadline is August 18. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Downend 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. Downend Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pickup points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@ downendvoice.co.uk.

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Downend 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 found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

A member of the

August, 2021

n NEWS

Teens attacked in park A TEENAGER has been locked up for stabbing another boy in a Downend park. The incident was one of two at King George V playing fields in the space of ten days, in which boys with bikes were targeted by youths armed with knives. Police arrested a 16-year-old boy after the second incident, on June 9, in which a 13-year-old boy and a friend had been confronted by older youths and had their bikes stolen. The bikes were given back but the younger boy was then stabbed in the leg and hand, and was left bleeding after the attack, which happened between 6pm and 7pm. Avon and Somerset police said the victim did not require medical treatment. The 16-year-old was sentenced to a total of 14 months in youth custody on a detention and training order by a judge at Bristol Youth Court on June 30, after admitting charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was also in breach of an earlier behaviour order for criminal damage, arson and stealing a car in January. The first incident took place on May 31 between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, when a 16-year-old boy was approached by a group of youths, one of whom took his bike. A police spokesperson said: "When the victim sought to confront the male, a second male revealed what appeared to be a knife before they made off with the bike." Police searched the area after the victim got home and told his family what had happened, but no-one was arrested and the bike, a Giant brand mountain bike, is still missing. Officers say the incident is not believed to be connected to the June 9 attack and are appealing for anyone with information about it to call 101 and quote the incident number 5221 120 138. They say the suspects are both aged around 16. One was black, and wearing a black hooded top, and the other was white.

Assault suspect wanted POLICE are trying to trace a teenager they want to question about an assault on a boy in Downend. Officers have warned people not to approach 18-year-old Rakim Fanty if they see him but instead to call 999. They say he is wanted in connection with a "serious assault" on a teenage boy in the Badminton Road area of Downend on June 23. Fanty is black, 5ft 8in and slim, with short black Rakim Fanty hair. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 140 799.

Arrest after school lockdown ARMED police were called an a primary school was locked down after a man was seen "displaying threatening behaviour" towards other people in a Soundwell street. Police said staff and students at St Stephen's Junior School were kept indoors "as a precautionary measure" during the incident on the morning of July 15 in Church Road, near Kingswood Leisure Centre. There were unconfirmed reports that the man had a machete. Later in the day Avon and Somerset police said they had arrested a man in connection with the incident. A spokesperson said: "Neighbourhood officers will be maintaining a visible presence in the area. There is no ongoing threat to the public."

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

August, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Dave has world's longest Covid-19 case

A RETIRED Downend driving instructor has had the world's longest recorded case of coronavirus. Dave Smith caught Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic last year, falling ill in March. He had only been given the all-clear from leukaemia a week before he first became ill. The chemotherapy treatment he had taken for leukaemia left his immune system weakened to the extent that he was unable to fully recover from the coronavirus, which remained active in his body for almost a year. Dave, who taught thousands of Bristolians to drive during 43 years as a driving instructor and whose EL Passo cars were once a familiar sight on local streets, was diagnosed with Covid-19 around a month after first falling ill. Over the course of the next 290 days he underwent 43 tests before he was finally clear of the disease. Dave, 72, joked: "They even kept a room for me at the hospital." Suffering chest infections, sepsis, pneumonia and an abscess, he was close to death several times and even arranged the music for his funeral service. Antibiotics were able to get rid of some of the infections but the covid was still there and kept causing more. Dave joked: "They even kept a room for me at the hospital." When he was discharged he was looked after by his wife Lyn at home, where one of the bedrooms was transformed into what was effectively a hospital room. Lyn, who herself tested positive twice but had only mild symptoms, said the whole experience had been "absolutely horrendous". It was only after Dave, who was part of a covid research programme run by Bristol University and North Bristol NHS Trust, was given the same experimental cocktail of antibodies used to treat former US President Donald Trump that he was able to fight off the disease. He received his first negative test in early March, 45 days after the treatment, and has stayed

Dave with Lyn back taking charge of the Langley Arms pub quiz

Lyn and Dave Smith clear during regular tests since. Dave has now had two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and, with his immune system recovered, is confident he will not be infected again. News of his case has been reported around the world, with a Russian TV company getting in touch and reports published in India, Australia and New Zealand, where Dave has family. But the world's longestknown covid infection has left its mark. Dave, who has two sons, four grandchildren and a great-grandson, as well as three stepchildren and seven stepgrandchildren, still has no sense of smell. He has been left with pulmonary fibrosis, a form of lung disease which leaves him short of breath and from which he has been told he will never recover. He is only able to walk short distances, joking that there "has to be a tea shop, for tea and a bun, at the end". Dave said: "My mind feels that I'm getting better but my body sometimes disagrees." Nevertheless he has returned to his weekly booking as a pub quiz master at the Langley Arms in Emersons Green, where he has been setting the questions for regulars for 22 years. Dave said that the regulars and staff at the pub had been "fantastic" while he had been sick and had sent good wishes. He added: "When I did my first quiz back there in June they gave me a standing ovation." Dave also hopes to go back to singing and playing guitar,

having performed for 57 years, including a long stint in the house band at Bristol's Locarno club in the 1970s. NBT consultant in infectious diseases Dr Ed Moran, who treated Dave, said it was "wonderful" that the research team had been able to help him using the laboratory-engineered

antibodies, which were supplied on a "compassionate use basis" by US firm Regeneron. He said: "Whilst such cases are rare, there will be a number of people across the country in similar situations. The small numbers make it difficult to perform trials of experimental therapies. "However, it is important that we find a way to access and develop treatment regimens for these individuals, both for the well-being of the individual and to protect public health."

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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downendvoice

n NEWS

Signal Road was first closed to traffic in July last year

6 Eldonwall Trading Estate, Bristol BS4 3QQ

Road closures set to be permanent SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks set to shut two roads near Teewell Hill to through traffic for good. Residents of Signal Road and Charnell Road have been sent letters telling them that the authority is proposing to make the closures, which were brought in using experimental traffic orders as part of the council's coronavirus response last year, permanent. The decision comes as nearby Teewell Hill is set to be shut for a period of up to three weeks to allow a gas main to be replaced. The council introduced the Signal Road and Charnell Road closures last July on the grounds that they would improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the nearby Bristol and Bath Railway Path from nearby White Lodge Road and Charnhill Drive. An 18 month experimental traffic order was introduced and the council held a consultation from August until February this year on the scheme. A letter sent to residents by the council and shared on social media says: "In response to the consultation we are proposing to make the existing closures permanent." The letter says 11 of the 17 Charnell Road residents who responded to the consultation were in favour of the closure continuing in some form, as did all 15 of the Signal Road residents who responded. When all public responses were considered, only 45% backed the closure of Signal Road and just 35% backed the Charnell Road closure. The letter says: "Considering the results from the public consultation a report will be

prepared recommending the experimental traffic orders are made permanent." It adds that the final decision will be made by the council's director of environment and community services. Meanwhile drivers will face diversions when Teewell Hill is closed to traffic so that a gas main can be replaced. Wales & West Utilities, which is carrying out the work, says it will start on September 27 and is expected to finish by October 30, "barring any unforeseen circumstances". Wales & West Utilities programme controller for Downend, Mick Gallavin, said: “This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future." The work will include a threeweek road closure on Teewell Hill at its junction with Broad Street and Teewell Avenue, starting on September 27 and ending on October 17. Signposts will go up to divert through traffic away from the area to the ring road and the company says residents' access will be maintained. Mr Gallavin added: "As our work continues, rolling two-way traffic lights will be in place along Station Road and Teewell Avenue. We appreciate that working on roads such as these is not ideal, and we’re trying to keep disruption to a minimum." Anyone who wants more information can call Wales & West Utilities on 0800 912 2999 or email enquiries@wwutilities. co.uk

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August, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

Celebrate together

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O what a month it’s been. We’ve lots to be proud of, whichever of the national football teams you were supporting! If like me you have family from more than one home nation then we’ve even more to be proud of! It’s got me thinking a lot this month. I appreciate that at times thinking can be considered a dangerous thing, but this was reflective thinking. As it led to a feeling of genuine & heartfelt appreciation for my team and all they do in caring for our patients, I think I can be excused for this line of thinking! I’ve written before, on just the odd occasion, about how much I enjoy the work I do. I genuinely feel blessed to be able to meet and care for so many of you year after year as patients. It’s also my privilege to be able to lead the superb team of professionals who look after you in our practices. Now before you think that I’m going to take the credit for carefully and painstakingly hand picking each of them, for who they are, and what they bring to our team, don’t worry I’m not! That honour belongs to our practice manager Nikki, who as operations manager has been central to so many aspects of our success as a team. So to my personal experience. I have recently been experiencing long arm syndrome, or perhaps starting to realise that I was born enough decades ago to need a little extra help focussing up close. With so many clear focus lens options to choose from, again I took the dangerous route of thinking! I decided to try a two pronged approach. For much of my work looking close up at eyes I use a sophisticated microscope. I decided a single vision pair of midrange lenses would work well here, which unsurprisingly they do! For everyday I decided that my general vision would be best suited with a pair of our superb relax lenses - which I can now highly recommend from personal experience. If you’ve yet to try these, they have a relaxed focus at the bottom so you can see your phone or small print easily as well as seeing clearly from the rest of the lens for sharp viewing such as the sports scores on the TV. This second pair will be particularly useful for watching the Olympics, which we shall now be watching, for the first time, in ultra HD multi-screen view. I particularly like the harmony & unity of our home nations competing together under the banner of team GB at the Olympics. Our family can all support the same team for a change! With around 350 hours of competition to watch, there is definitely something for everyone to cheer for. When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or to make sure you’re definitely getting the best out of the Ultra HD Olympic broadcasts, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

August, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Ava's courage inspires big haircut

A GROUP of primary school girls have donated their long hair to a charity that helped one of their friends after she lost hers during chemotherapy. Lyde Green Primary School pupil Ava Maynard, from Downend, found a lump on her head last July. Doctors sent Ava for a scan and discovered that the lump was a tumour, caused by a rare condition called Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, or LCH. The condition causes histiocyte cells, which normally help protect the skin, to build up and start to move around the body, causing damage to bones and organs. It is diagnosed in about 50 children in the UK each year and fortunately has a high survival rate. Carly said it had been a huge shock for her and husband Nathan, who also have two sons, Teddy, seven, and Chester, four. She said: "When we first saw

Ava Maynard (centre, in pink) with friends who donated their hair the scans it was an unimaginable thing as a parent." Ava's first tumour was removed in August but in October - on the day after her tenth birthday - another tumour was found and she had to start weekly chemotherapy. By Christmas she had lost her hair. Ava was helped out by the Little Princess Trust, a charity providing wigs made from donated hair for children in her

position. What would usually be inperson fittings had to be carried out online and Ava, who had previously donated to the charity herself, was sent a wig which she wore when she returned to school in March. Ava is still undergoing chemotherapy until this October and after that will go for regular check-ups until she is an adult. But she has continued to go

to school for most of the time, and her bravery inspired another mum at the school, Nesta Francis, to organise a sponsored hair cut which involved 11 girls in Years 4, 5 and Reception, and one mum. The hair was donated to the trust, and a sponsorship page had raised around £1,400 as the Voice went to print. Nesta said: "Ava has been really courageous and just got on with things throughout her illness. It occurred to me that my daughter's hair was unbelievably long after lockdown - it seems such a waste to grow that hair for such a long period of time and it just end up on the hairdresser's floor. Carly said the event was "a lovely afternoon, very emotional," adding: "Ava couldn't believe all her friends would do it." To donate to the event visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ lydegreenprincesstrustcut.

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downendvoice

n NEWS AROUND one in every 10 school pupils in South Gloucestershire was having to self-isolate and learn at home as the summer term came to an end. The council said an increase in infections in school-aged children was in line with neighbouring areas and national trends, as Covid-19 surged to its highest recorded levels in the area. Public Health England figures for the week up to July 18 showed that 2,291 people in South Gloucestershire had a confirmed positive covid test result - almost double the number from a week before. Locally, numbers doubled in Downend from July 6 to 13, from 46 confirmed cases in a week to 93, which was more than four times the number of cases a month earlier. In Mangotsfield the number of confirmed cases was 37 in the week to July 13, up from 17, and in Staple Hill and North West Kingswood numbers rose from 79 to 100 confirmed cases within a week. In Frenchay and Great Stoke

August, 2021

Thousands miss end of term as Covid cases hit record levels there were 102 cases, up by 22 in a week. In Emersons Green there were 80 confirmed cases in the week to July 13, up from 62 a week before and 17 four weeks previously. Case rates varied from between 554 and 762 per 100,000 people across the local area. The ending of lockdown restrictions on July 19 also coincided with the end of schools being responsible for tracing contacts of confirmed cases among pupils, as the summer term entered its final days. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: "Currently around 1 in 10 of South Gloucestershire pupils are in receipt of remote learning due to either a confirmed case of Covid-19, or a requirement

to isolate due to contact inside or outside of the educational setting. This proportion is similar within our neighbouring authorities." Downend School reported cases among Year 7 and 10 pupils at the end of the last full week of term, although there had only been one confirmed case in the two weeks before that. Mangotsfield School reported six cases in the two weeks to July 13 but the council spokesperson said these involved a number of staff having to isolate as close contacts, adding: "Following this, an operational decision was taken by the school to move some year groups to remote learning due to staffing capacity. “The positive cases and staff identified as contacts, both in schools and through the Test and Trace app have followed

a similar pattern to other secondary schools within South Gloucestershire during June and July. "The Academy Trust has acted quickly with support from local and South West public health and health protection teams to contain transmission in the two schools.” Unions said they had heard "many anecdotes of parents starting to keep children off trying to avoid their child having to self-isolate for the first days of a planned holiday" National Education Union joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: "According to the latest Government data, covid cases amongst school children are now at higher levels even than the autumn term peaks." New vaccination centre: Page 24

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Yoga marathon to help beat cancer A DAD who was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer during lockdown has urged others to make sure they get symptoms checked when something isn't right. Rich Long staged an eighthour 'yogathon' in Page Park to raise awareness of the risks of prostate cancer and raise money for charity Cancer Research. Rich, who is a wing commander in the RAF, was diagnosed last year at the age of 48. The father-of-three, who lives in Mangotsfield, said he could have easily ignored the only symptom he experienced: an increased urgency to wee. He said: "I felt absolutely fine and almost didn’t even bother going to the doctors." But after experiencing the symptoms for several weeks, Rich decided to get them checked out and as a precaution was sent for a PSA blood test. He then had an ultrasound scan, which

Rich Long with wife Sarah, sister CherylAnn, daughter Maddy and son Max at the yogathon in Page Park was inconclusive, before a biopsy in August confirmed that he had aggressive prostate cancer and needed to have his prostate removed. He also had a bone scan and faced an agonising wait before it was confirmed that the disease had not spread. After surgery in October Rich has been recovering and will continue to have check-ups for the next five years to ensure he

remains cancer-free. Rich said: "It was massively shocking at my age to get a cancer diagnosis. "I have to keep fit and healthy for the RAF and with minor, only slightly annoying symptoms, I didn't even consider the prospect that I might have a lifethreatening cancer. "I'm lucky, because if I hadn't bothered to go and have it checked, I wouldn't be here now.

BRISTOL DOWNEND

C H R I S TA D E L P H I A N S

"I am sure, like me, most people consider prostate cancer to be a disease only old men get, or perhaps only an issue if you are particularly unhealthy. This is not true - it is indiscriminate and any symptoms, however minor, however embarrassing, need to be discussed with your GP." Rich flew Nimrod MR2 maritime patrol aircraft during his 30-year career in the RAF, which brought him to Abbey Wood more than four years ago. As part of his treatment Rich volunteered to be part of a trial to find better methods of treating prostate cancer, and held the marathon yoga session in Page Park on July 18 to raise money for Cancer Research, having taken up yoga several years ago to help with back pain. He had raised more than £1,500 as the Voice went to print - to donate, visit fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/page/ richs-giving-page-22.

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n NEWS PATIENTS at all of the area's surgeries are finding it increasingly hard to get through on the phone, an NHS survey has found. Fewer same-day appointments were also available, although the proportion of patients having to wait more than a week to see their doctor was also falling. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published in July, found that the majority of patients still rated their experience of using their GP practice as good overall, although there were marked differences between practices. The majority of patients of all surgeries said it was "not easy" to get through on the phone to their practice, with 59% of patients of Downend Health Group, which includes the Willow Surgery and Christchurch Family Medical Centre, reporting problems - up from 44% three years ago. That number rose to 76% among patients of Leap Valley Surgery, which has been plagued by problems with its phone system for several

downendvoice

August, 2021

GP patients still left hanging on the phone years. It installed a new system last year but complaints from patients have continued and the proportion reporting problems had gone up by 6% this year. Emersons Green Medical Centre was the only practice in the area where the percentage of people telling the survey they had problems getting through on the phone was lower this year than in 2020, when it reached 88%, but at 71% it still represented nearly three quarters of patients. The percentage of people receiving a same-day appointment at Downend Health Group surgeries was 37% - down 9% on 2018. The number of people waiting more than a week was down to 20% from 30% last year - but still higher than

the 16% reported in 2018. Most people waited more than a day but less than a week. At Leap Valley Medical Centre, 25% of patients were able to book a same-day appointment - up from just 7% in 2020. And numbers having to wait more than a week for an appointment plunged from 62% in the last two years to 25% this year. The percentage of patients offered same-day appointments at Emersons Green Medical Centre was 21% - down from 34%% last year. But numbers having to wait more than a week were also down, from 55% in 2018 and 46% last year to 35% . Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. Overall satisfaction levels for

the surgeries were 81% good and 9% poor for Downend Health Group, 58% good and 21% poor for Leap Valley, and 66% good and 19% poor for Emersons Green, where the percentage of patients who were satisfied was up 18% on last year. Some patients gave a neutral answer. The survey was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI for NHS England and NHS Improvement, and was based on around 850,000 responses to questionnaires sent out nationwide from January to March this year. The Voice has asked the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to comment on the survey on behalf of the surgeries.

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August, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Ava May lands her dream job

WHEN Ava May Llewellyn was a little girl she already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. After years of relentless hard work and sacrifice, the 19-yearold dancer from Downend has achieved her dream of joining the Royal Ballet. Ava May first appeared in the Voice eight years ago, when she won one of 24 places at the Royal Ballet School amid competition from 800 children. It meant that after finishing Year 6 at Bromley Heath Junior School, she became a boarder at the ballet's Lower School at White Lodge in London's Richmond Park. Even when Ava May, who had started dancing at the age of two at Dance Station in Fishponds, came home for the holidays there were years of summer schools which kept her away from mum Michele, dad John and older brother Theo for much of the time. And when the coronavirus lockdown brought her home unexpectedly last year, she continued to practise day-in, day-out with a ballet barre in front of a mirror in her bedroom, training via Zoom, and going on walks and runs in the area to keep fit. Because of the effects of the pandemic on the creative industries, dance companies around the world have been cutting recruitment, which meant Ava May was the only member of her original year group of 12 girls and 12 boys, from around the world, to join the Royal Ballet Company on graduation. She said: "It's literally a dream come true. "I started dancing when I was two-and-a-half, and joined the Royal Ballet School at 11. "Ever since then, the dream was to be a professional ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet. "Every year we had an assessment, and lots of my friends didn't get through. "We train together, we live together and do everything together - we all moved away from home to go to the school so you do get that bond. "It's been a long eight years, with many ups and downs. "I've had to say goodbye to

pretty much everyone when I graduated. "Some of the boys I had been training with since I was 11 and are like brothers. One of my best friends has moved to Australia to join a company there." Now Ava May is moving to London permanently to learn the company's repertoire and rehearse for its next season of performances, starting with Romeo and Juliet. It will be a life of shows six days a week and rehearsing during the day, but Ava May said: "That's the best bit - it's what I've trained for. "My life does revolve around ballet - my social life is limited." Ava May now aims to rise as high as she can through the ranks of the company and said: "My dream is to become a principal ballet dancer and stay with the Royal Ballet forever." Mum Michele is "immensely proud" of her daughter's achievement, having set her mind on her goal at a very young age. Michele said: "Since Ava May was three she's always said 'I'm going to be a dancer', no matter what we said. We used to say 'if that doesn't work out, what about being a doctor?' but she said 'no, I'm going to be a dancer'. "She's been so focused throughout her childhood, we just felt we had to support her in any way we could, to give her the chance."

sending her to a boarding school. But she said: "We didn't want Ava May to say 'what if' or 'you stopped me'. We've gone along with it, being as supportive as we could and learning along the way. Thank goodness it was the right decision." Michele said that the lockdown had been the first significant length of time Ava May had been at home since the age of 11. She said: "It was lovely to have her back home but it was also stressful for her." Ava May was the school's head girl and was given awards for her leadership and citizenship, before making a speech at her graduation in July that left many parents in tears. After all her daughter's years of work resulted in her achieving her goal, Michele said: "We're proud of her but also so relieved she hasn't had her heart broken."

Michele said it had been a huge decision to let Ava May follow her dream when she was 11, as they had never dreamed of

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Student volunteers revamp school's library MANGOTSFIELD School pupils made the most of a rare chance of some work experience by helping out at the school library. With most companies not able to offer a taste of working life due to Covid restrictions, there was an open invitation for Year 11 students to work in the school library once their GCSEs were completed. Eight Year 11s and a Year 12 took up the challenge and spent six weeks volunteering. Literacy & Library Co-ordinator Helen Buick said: "Their enthusiasm, creativity and hard work has meant

the Learning Resource Centre at Mangotsfield School has had a makeover. Books have been repaired, micro libraries across the school site have become a reality, there are fresh new, informative wall displays and many new books have been donated and added to our catalogue, thanks also to the Facebook Page BS16 Books for Good. But most importantly, these students have been reading buddies to our Year 7 students. "It has been a privilege to work with these fantastic students for the past six weeks.”

'Significant concerns' over secure unit SCAFFOLDING poles and other objects that “could be used as weapons” were found lying around by inspectors at a young offenders’ unit. Education watchdog Ofsted raised “significant safeguarding concerns” over issues including the use of physical restraint at Vinney Green secure children’s home, between Mangotsfield and Emersons Green. The inspectors' concerns were so serious that they demanded South Gloucestershire Council, which runs the unit, take "rapid action" to protect children there from the risk of harm. Their report from the first inspection, in April, found there were “serious failures that mean children are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded”. Ofsted gave the lowest overall rating of “inadequate” to the unit, which is home to 24 of the country’s most troubled youngsters aged between 10 and 18, although they said children’s education, learning support and health was good. The report said: “Dangerous items had accumulated over time in the forest area and outside the cycle maintenance workshop. These items were accessible to children and

included scaffolding poles, and pieces of wood and metal. “These could be used as weapons and therefore pose a significant risk to the children and the staff. “Although these items were removed during the visit, it is of serious concern that this risk was not identified by the home’s staff or managers.” Ofsted said managers had failed to notify it as required on two occasions about concerns raised by youngsters about staff practice. Their report also said the unit's "use of physical restraint was not justified" on all occasions, although there had been an overall reduction in the practice. Inspectors said: “The children’s behaviour has improved. However, the staff use sanctions that do not link meaningfully to the incident and therefore do not support restorative practice." It said the managers' monitoring and oversight failed to identify the serious shortfalls found at the inspection and there were times when the children were not safeguarded and were at risk. Ofsted returned to reinspect the unit in

early June and found action had been taken on its most serious concerns, changing its rating to "good" overall, although managers’ effectiveness still required improvements. It said the children were positive about their experiences of living at the home, felt well supported and safe, and had “trusting relationships” with staff. A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said the April report's findings had been "fully accepted", adding: “We have been able to take swift action to improve in the areas identified. “We are very pleased that this work was recognised when Ofsted reinspected those areas in June. “We were also most pleased to see in the reports the recognition of the importance of the children’s own words, which described how they feel supported and well cared for. “We are also pleased by the recognition of the positive approach we take, and the results achieved by the children in terms of their learning health and well-being, to ensure they leave with the absolute best prospects for the future.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE As this article is being written, unfortunately Covid case numbers are continuing to rise in the South Gloucestershire region. The pandemic is far from over but now that more and more people are being vaccinated, it is clear that we will need to find new ways of living with the virus. Wearing a face covering and social distancing have become part of our everyday life. We must all take responsibility for keeping ourselves and others safe in the days and months ahead. Councillor Janet Biggin, Chairman

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drawings for which there is a statutory 21-day period to do so. As such, an extension of time to determine the application has been agreed until Friday 6 August. We will, of course, update you once a decision has been made. To view the landscaping drawings, please visit the South Gloucestershire Council website and review the documentation under Planning, reference P21/02475/F.

LITTER AT OUR LOCAL PARKS AND PLAYING FIELDS

for your continued support.

As reported in last month’s edition of Downend Voice, litter is a serious problem at the moment. With the school holidays upon us, please enjoy our open spaces but please take any rubbish home with you if the bins are full. A new multi-purpose bin is soon to be installed at the King George V Playing Fields entrance on Westerleigh Road, which we hope will go some way to alleviating this issue. Thank you

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS

PAVILION PROJECT – UPDATE With the recent submission of the landscaping drawings for the proposed new pavilion project at King George V / Badminton Road Playing Fields, there is a need for the Case Officer at South Gloucestershire Council to re-consult on the

D&BH Parish Council is now holding its meetings face-to-face once again. We welcome members of the public to attend these meetings, details of which can be found at www. dbhparishcouncil.uk. Please take a look at our website which provides a wealth of information about the Parish Council and our local area.

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681 CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260 CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486 CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07742 400 474 CLLR SHARON HERNIMAN Tel. 07534 603 704

CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632 CLLR ALVIS WEST 07767 216 412 CLLR ANITA WOODBURN Tel. 07786 360 447

Staple Hill Ward CLLR PHILLIP ABBOTT Tel. 0117 957 0075 CLLR MATT PITTS Tel. 07837 870 039 Clerk to the Council Mrs Angela Hocking Tel. 0117 9567001 E-mail. clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk

www.dbhparishcouncil.uk

downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Award for the 'Arkwright' of Staple Hill A SHOPKEEPER who helped Staple Hill people keep their homes going throughout the lockdown has been given an award for almost 20 years of service to the community. Jill Barnes has run Staple Hill stores, at the corner of the High Street and Page Road, since May 2002. While the store started off as a pet shop, it has become better known for the hardware supplies stacked in its narrow aisles, and displays of plants and garden supplies outside. Jill's huge range and willingness to sell individual screws, washers and other vital bits and bobs means that many residents will drop in when they have an urgent repair or w bit of DIY to do, and has earned the shop the nickname of Arkwright's, after the comedy Open All Hours. During the first lockdown Jill, who lives in Mangotsfield, and her assistants not only kept the shop open for essentials but also made deliveries until 9pm on many nights to customers who were shielding or isolating. In recognition of her work Staple Hill Partnership and Mangotsfield Residents Association made Jill the latest recipient of their community award. Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillor

Jill Barnes is presented with her certificate by councillors Katie Cooper, Michael Bell and Ian Boulton, and Mangotsfield Residents Association chairman Clive Heath Michael Bell said: "Jill represents exactly the type of independent trader that we want to retain, and recruit, into the Staple Hill shopping area. "There is no need to travel to one of the large stores when the nails, washers etc you require are available right here in Staple Hill, and there is no need either to buy a box of 100 when you only need a few. "Jill will disappear into the dark corners of her store, and come back with exactly what you want, and will order if she has none in

stock." Jill said she and her staff just got on with the job during lockdown, although she admitted being a little envious of people who were on paid furlough. She said: "Staple Hill is like a village, it's a lovely community, where people look out for you. "Most of the traders help each other out and a lot of the people who come into the shop have been here since they were kids."

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS THE leader of South Gloucestershire Council has defended £30 million plans to widen the Avon Ring Road, which opponents say would create “monstrous megaroundabouts”. Toby Savage said he wanted to put the record straight after criticism that the money would be better spent on other services, improving the environment or on public transport and active travel. He told a West of England Combined Authority committee meeting that the money for the scheme would come from the Government and would only be allocated if a business case for the changes to five roundabouts on the A4174 was accepted by the Department for Transport. The £30 million scheme would see new lanes built to take through traffic across the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts". The other two – Lyde Green roundabout, near the Bristol and Bath Science Park, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added. South Gloucestershire Council has launched a public consultation on the plans, which it says are aimed at tackling congestion on the A4174 and stopping drivers using nearby residential roads as rat-runs. But they have come under fire from the area's Green Party, which called them "five monstrous mega-roundabouts will do nothing to tackle the climate emergency and will instead cause environmental damage and an increase in car dependency". New West of England metro mayor Dan Norris also said there was a “strong possibility that just widening roads simply causes increased journeys by car and does not alleviate congestion”. And transport campaigner David Redgewell asked the Weca committee why the plans had

Council leader defends 'mega-roundabout' plans

How the Siston Hill roundabout would look if the plans went ahead gone out to public consultation with “very little if any reference to the importance of walking and cycling and improving bus lanes or priority measures”. Cllr Savage told the Weca meeting on June 25: “We are doing the consultation to understand how it can benefit as many transport users in getting around the area in their preferred way as much as possible. “I want to be very clear that it is the DfT that has invited us, as the highways authority, to bid for funds that support improvements through the major routes network. “The debate isn’t about whether it’s £30m we should be spending on something else, the debate is whether this £30m will come into the West of England area. “The idea that this can just be moved around and spent as we see fit as a combined authority is an erroneous statement." The meeting heard pedestrian and cycling improvements and bus priority measures at the junctions were included in the plans.

People can have their say on the proposals until August 16, after which the council could make amendments before submitting them to Whitehall for

approval. A public event at Emersons Green Village Hall to give people a chance to see and ask questions about the plans was postponed from its original date of July 10 due to the delay in relaxing covid restrictions and is now due to take place on August 3 from 5pm-7.30pm. The consultation can be found online at consultations.southglos. gov.uk/A4174Improvements. Anyone not online can call 01454 868 000 for more details. An animation of traffic movements now and under the proposed scheme can be found at bit.ly/3Br0vdw. If the DfT approves the project, work is expected to begin in 2022 in phases and take three years to complete. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Coming together for the Euros

The Mangotsfield England parade on Euro 2020 final day. IT may not have had the ending fans were hoping for but the Euro 2020 tournament still created plenty of positivity in Downend, Mangotsfield and Staple Hill. Around 50 people ignored the rain on the day of the final to take part in an England football parade around Mangotsfield. The event was organised by residents Mike Heath and Matt Proud, and Red Lion

England fans at the Horseshoe in Downend

landlady Mary West. Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath - Mike's dad - said: "It showed the great community and England football spirit in Mangotsfield." While most people watched the final itself from their own sofas, hundreds also went to the area's pubs to enjoy a communal atmosphere in line with covid restrictions.

Downend resident Chris Humphries said there was a "high spirited, enjoyable atmosphere" among those at the Horseshoe, where the "brilliant" staff kept fans who were booked in at tables going with events in the spirit of the occasion, including a charity first goal sweepstake. Chris said: "There's lots to be positive about going into next year's World Cup."

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Frenchay housing scheme is a first

PLANS to build hundreds of homes on land owned by South Gloucestershire Council have taken a big step forward, with a scheme in Frenchay first in the queue. Cabinet members have formally approved a deal to team up with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s construction company Aequus, saying the building programme would meet the needs of communities, get local people on the housing ladder and build high-quality, energy-efficient, affordable homes. The link-up with Aequus will also earn the authority income from the development of sites in Frenchay, Emersons Green, Thornbury, Filton and Warmley. Another site, Mulgrove Farm, Hambrook, will be developed by Wain Homes, next to a plot the housing firm is already developing. The deals will be subject to planning permission and full

What the new homes at Malmains Drive could look like. Picture: AHR Architects business cases, with the council having the option to cancel the arrangement at any point. Malmains Drive in Frenchay will be the first site developed, with Aequus having submitted a planning application for 30 homes, of which 35 per cent will be affordable. The local authority and the housing business would share the profits if the scheme, which has had more than 30 objections from nearby residents, goes ahead. Cabinet’s decision on July 12 gives the green light for Aequus to draw up proposals for similar schemes at locations including Vinney Green House in Emersons Green, which was

demolished in 2019. Aequus will also prepare proposals for the current Castle School Sixth Form site in Thornbury, and the former Grange School in Warmley, which closed in 2016. Councillors also approved an extra £400,000 for costs of securing planning permission, making land ready for sale and legal advice. Opposition Lib Dem group leader Claire Young asked what work had been done to identify the right type of housing need in each area. Conservative cabinet member for corporate resources and Frenchay & Downend ward

councillor Ben Burton said the council would take other aims as well as "the largest capital receipt" into account. He said: “I’m very supportive of the proposal to proceed with the sale and overage agreement on Malmains Drive. “It’s a site in my ward that I know well. It’s important to highlight we have taken on board the residents’ concerns and put forward a proposal which hopefully will meet local needs." The application is currently awaiting a decision on planning permission. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Wall must be moved PLANNERS have told householders in a Frenchay road to move a wall after residents raised road safety fears. The 2m wall in Homestead Gardens was given permission along with a three-bedroom house in 2017 but was built 3ft closer to the road, and with a narrower entrance than had been allowed. The development also breached planning permission by removing a pedestrian entrance, adding windows and making the garage taller. But while the other deviations from the plans were allowed to stand by a council planning committee, the owners were told to move the wall as it caused reduced visibility for drivers. Neighbours protested against the council's "shameful" acceptance of “flagrant” planning breaches, with 19 residents of Homestead Gardens and nearby Malmains Drive raising concerns. A planning committee refused retrospective permission to change the position of the wall but allowed the other changes.

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Crackdown on school parking menace POLICE and council enforcement teams are working together to tackle "dangerous and illegal" parking around a Staple Hill primary school. Action is being taken on Eastleigh Close and other roads near the Tynings School to monitor drivers after a number of complaints from residents about parking on zig-zag lines, over drives, on corners and on double yellow lines. South Gloucestershire Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillor Ian Boulton said residents had cited serious incidents of "dangerous and illegal parking at drop-off and pick-up times". He said: "We have been working with the Council's

Parking Enforcement Team and South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Policing to ensure this will be monitored and action taken if needed. "The safety of our local children is paramount. Please do not be the person who thinks your convenience is more important than that - it's not a good look!" Tynings head teacher Lois Haydon issued a message to parents and residents, saying there had been inconsiderate parking around roads close to the school, particularly the Jubilee Road entrance, which led to concerns children could be at risk. She said: "Whilst I completely understand that parents may

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often be in a hurry when dropping off or picking up, it is really disappointing that we continue to have problems in the local area. "We have spoken to the police, and a beat officer or PCSO will be more present to support us with ensuring that all of our children are able to be dropped off and picked up safely, and that our neighbours are happy with the way this is happening. "Please help us with this – park safely, park considerately, and whenever possible, walk to school." As the crackdown was announced, members of the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield residents Facebook page described parking on roads near the school, including Rodway View, Station Road and Teewell Hill as "crazy". One said they had reported that the yellow zigzag lines outside the main entrance

needed repainting last year but this had not been done. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: "We have included the area in our priority list for monitoring and our camera car and enforcement officers have been patrolling the area at pick-up and drop-off times. "Our officers have had to move on a number of vehicles but no penalty charge notices have been issued at this stage. "We will also be updating the warning signs in the vicinity of the school and refreshing the school 'keep clear' road markings on Jubilee Road in the near future.” A police spokesperson said PCSOs from the neighbourhood team had been patrolling roads around the school to look out for drivers causing an obstruction or parking on white lines.

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

'No one is too small to make a difference'

Designing a tree

Demonstrating flooding from mountains

An experiment for the video presentation

THE youngest children at Staple Hill Primary School made a special video to show parents what they have learned during their first year. Children in the school's Rosen and Donaldson reception classes recorded a performance for their families, who have not been able to visit for the usual presentations and assemblies due to coronavirus restrictions, to share what they had learned about sustainability. Early Years Foundation Stage teacher

Rachel Peters said the pupils had shared their knowledge about trees, flooding and climate change, giving demonstrations of how melting snow from mountains could flood forests. They shared their designs for machines that recycle glass, plastic and water. Children had also designed new types of tree that could withstand climate change, including a fire-resistant tree protected from forest fires and a tree that grows in water

and has broad leaves to absorb more carbon dioxide. Miss Peters said: "They told their families how we were influenced by Greta Thunberg and her slogan ‘No one is too small to make a difference’. "Threaded through their performance were songs the children had invented together and an acrostic poem about trees. "It was a fantastic way to finish the year."

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downendvoice

August, 2021

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill TShirts 4 You

embroidery service with a full range of leisure wear including tees, polos, hoodies and sweatshirts. Attached to this section is also the signmaking set up where all shopfronts and general signage is catered for with van livery a speciality. Ask Paul about the latest trend of bespoke wall art for your home decor, with a top quality canvas printer now available.

As well as T-shirt & vinyl printing we have a huge stock of workwear with a large selection of industrial shoes and boots available with high vis jackets, gloves, trousers and tops — why waste time looking anywhere else for your quality named workwear? The T-shirt printing and

Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has

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L L L OY D B O T T OM S chartered accountants

118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.

Freephone 0800 781 8783

served the locals for the last 18 years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote, lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. All the flower and vegetable plants are purchased locally from independent small nurseries. Our hay and straw is grown on a farm near Pucklechurch. Our wooden furniture is made out of drift wood from the river Severn and other woodwork is all made locally by craftsmen. A sharpening service for tools is also available.

BM Motoring Centre At BM Motoring we pride ourselves on our 5 star service, the team are always approachable and will go out of our way to help explain any work that has been carried out on your car. A family run business B M Motoring invest heavily in training and the latest equipment to ensure we are always able to offer the

very best advise and assistance. A part of the Approved Garages and Autocare nationwide car schemes. These are independent bodies recognising good independent garages with high standards of workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk

Lloydbottoms We are a well-established, friendly firm of Chartered Accountants, on Staple Hill High Street. We provide a full range of accounting and tax services to local businesses and individuals. Our goal is to provide an outstanding tailored and personal service to our clients: helping our business clients to achieve greater profitability, and our individual clients to enjoy greater wealth. Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing

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downendvoice

August, 2021

that any more.

assistance with VAT or payroll, or a new start-up seeking experienced advice, Lloydbottoms are here to help you. To discuss how we can help you, please contact us for a free initial consultation. We look forward to working with you.

Farleys Farley’s Pet Foods & Supplies has been on Broad Street in Staple Hill for nine years. It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and

have grown the garden supplies part of the business. The garden supplies section includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have just started supplying trellis and picket fencing made locally. Within the pet foods section we have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live insects and bedding. Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell

FARLEYS

Sheen Studios Spectrum Accountancy Solutions Spectrum Accountancy Solutions is an established practice based in Staple Hill. We provide professional advice to all businesses and individuals. The practice is supported by a team of friendly, skilled and experienced staff who will ensure you meet all compliance requirements.We offer a full range of accountancy services from personal taxation, VAT and year end compliance to business advice and Cloud accountancy. If you are affected by the new Making Tax Digital requirement you might want to get in touch with us to discuss your approach further. For an initial, free consultation, call us on 0117 902218.

This father and son business has been running now for 45 years with Michael Sheen the 4th generation of picture framers. Terry, Michael’s father, was one of the founder members of the Chamber of Trade and is still striving to improve the local area. Expert picture framing has been the mainstay of the business for the local area and beyond, where they are able to offer framing advice and ideas as well as picture restoration and renovation. A wide range of jewellery, watches, limited edition prints, gifts and Bristol Blue glass are also available with a watch battery and strap fitting service. If you need passport/visa photos just pop in for their instant photography service.

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downendvoice

n PAGE PARK NEWS

August, 2021

n NEWS

Vaccine centre at UWE

Some of the leaf carvings on the new bench

Bench on its way PAGE Park's new celebration bench was due to be installed in time for the start of the school summer holidays. The Purbeck and Caithness stone bench, which has cost around £10,000, has been paid for from a grant awarded to the Friends of Page Park and marks the end of the Heritage Lottery Fund project to transform the park. It was due to be installed in late July on a mound by the park's tennis pavilion, on an area of ground currently covered by two large mounds of earth, which will be landscaped and planted with a selection of wild flowers, shrubs and small trees during the autumn. Steph Purser, of the Friends of Page Park, said the planting around the bench was intended to create a "dingly dell", providing a sheltered spot for park users to sit.

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THE former NHS Nightingale Hospital at the University of the West of England has been turned into a coronavirus vaccination centre. The hospital was created in the Exhibition and Conference Centre at UWE’s Frenchay campus in just 24 days in April last year, at a cost of around £14.2 million. But it was never used to treat Covid cases and was 'stood down' as a hospital in April. However the building has now been taken over by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Vaccination Programme. It is being run as a centre for appointments booked via the NHS national website and walk-in clinics for AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna jabs. Walk-in clinics were being held at the centre on Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30am to 6pm, for any adults needing a first dose or whose second dose was eight weeks or more ago. For more details on booking appointments and walk-in clinics in the area, visit the Healthier Together website www.grabajab.net. The centre has a capacity of up to 1,000 vaccinations a day. Vaccination Programme clinical lead Dr Tim Whittlestone said: “Although we are making good progress in BNSSG, we still have hundreds of thousands of first and second dose vaccinations to give. “If you have been putting off booking your appointment, please don’t delay. We have lots of first dose vaccination capacity at the moment on the National Booking System, in GP clinics and at walkin centres. We’re working hard to make it as easy as possible for everyone in our region to take up the offer of a vaccination by offering as many options as possible."

n GARDENING AT LINCOMBE BARN

Look beyond summer

AS we enjoy summer sunshine, we know we have to look forward, so we need to think of the wildlife in our gardens next spring. This is a good time of year to think about bird boxes: put them up now and the birds will be used to them by next spring, also they may have some shelter in the bad weather of winter. Also keep adding to your bug hotels. We are thinking of building a bug box in the graveyard at church: the children will be able to become involved and we can keep adding things or of courses hotels. Our hedges can be cut now that the birds have flown their nests – this will give us a good time to tidy up and make sure our walls and fences are in good order before the high winds of autumn and winter. Doesn't seem much like gardening, does it? But gardening covers such a wide variety of things to do. We can keep cutting back and dead heading our flowers, and hopefully get a second flush of blooms and stretch the season out. I have had some different-coloured foxgloves in the garden, and that has been exciting: the bees have enjoyed the flowers, and my ferns are growing away in the shade of a bay tree, which needs a trim! The montbretia are just beginning to show some colour, soon to bring a bright orange and red to the garden, and the golden rod should flower in a few weeks or so. Having taken down an old shed, I now have a larger garden, so will have to put some tubs of plants and perhaps plenty of bulbs ready for next year, and somewhere else to sit and enjoy the garden. There is a table and a couple of chairs, so tea in the garden beckons. If you go away, fill lemonade bottles for tubs, turn upside down with a hole in the cap to will drip-feed the water while you are gone. Enjoy your summer and try to find a nursery or garden centre while you are away: you may find a plant you have not seen before, or one you have been looking for. Mary Head (Secretary)

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

New skills for jobs of the future I’M writing this column as my Jobs and Skills Summit, which I pledged to hold during my first 100 days in office, draws to a close. It wasn’t quite as I envisaged (there’s still too much Covid for that) but I have met hundreds of people who are in and out of work, or studying, as well as hearing from businesses and trade unions. One thing that stood out for me was the power of technology. When I visited apprentices training to be locksmiths, I suppose I’d thought it would be about things like cutting keys. But actually lots of keys, locks and security systems are high tech these days. So, it was about transponders, face recognition software and key cards that only let specific people into certain parts of a building at set times. Likewise, when I met apprentice mechanics, they weren’t servicing petrol cars. Instead I found out about the training they are doing to work on electric cars. It’s vital we skill up more people, otherwise there is going to be a real roadblock to the plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and our ambitious West of England plan for net zero by the same year. The Institute of the Motor Industry says that just 5% of garage and

dealer technicians are appropriately trained to work on electric cars at the moment. So we definitely need more great people like those I met at S&B Automotive Academy. I met apprentices studying at the University of Bath, where we talked about the exciting possibilities for quantum computing, where our region is leading the way. Quantum computers can do a calculation in just over an hour that it would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer eight years to crack. Another inspiring visit was to the Women’s Work Lab that is helping mums get back to work. Some had been unemployed for years and others had lost their jobs in the pandemic. What the two inspiring women leading the programme had done was give the other women a rocket booster of confidence, identifying their skills and arranging work experience. We are at a tricky time. There is the danger of the furlough cliff edge, and business owners told me the pandemic has been the toughest time they have ever known. At the same time, Covid case numbers are rising again, which is why we need a science-led approach to reopening. Moving forward, I will be working with

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice employers and trade unions to create 23,000 new green jobs. I plan to introduce a good employers charter to encourage businesses to do the right thing by our communities and their staff. I will keep pressing the Government to support businesses struggling with the effects of covid, because it’s a lot easier to save a job than create new ones. And on skills, I am determined to replicate that supportive go-getter atmosphere I found, so even more people can find a job that allows them to fulfil their potential.

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Dad's appeal buys skate park benches THE dad of a boy who was killed in a plane crash has raised the money to pay for new benches at a skate park built in his memory. Gordon Clapp, from Mangotsfield, wanted a lasting memorial to his son Jamie, who was only 13 when he died in a light aircraft accident in 2007. Mangotsfield School pupil Jamie and his friends loved skateboarding and BMX riding, and Gordon campaigned to secure the £100,000 for a skate park in Emersons Green from local councillors, South Gloucestershire Council and the Big Lottery Fund's People's Millions partnership. The park has now been open for 10 years and is popular not only with teenagers but with much younger children, trying out the ramps on scooters. Gordon, who still regularly visits the park, noticed that many of the younger children were accompanied by parents and grandparents who did not have

Gordon Clapp (left) and Clive Heath on one of the two new red benches at the Emersons Green skate park. enough places to sit. So he set up an online fundraising campaign to find the £1,500 needed to pay for two new metal weatherproof benches. The money was raised in two

months, largely thanks to £1,000 from a donor who asked to remain anonymous. Gordon said: "I've seen a lot of parents and grandparents struggling after coming to watch

their kids enjoy themselves. "It was about time something was done. There were people having to sit on the edge of the flower beds." With support from Mangotsfield Residents Association chairman Clive Heath, Gordon worked with South Gloucestershire Council and Emersons Green ward councillor Rachael Hunt to ensure the benches could be installed, on the 14th anniversary of Jamie's death on July 8. Gordon's next project is a bigger one – park users have asked him if he can raise the £20,000 needed to build a halfpipe to practise skateboard and BMX tricks. He is also waiting for the park to be handed by South Gloucestershire to Emersons Green Town Council, so work to reclaim the overgrown BMX track next to the skate ramps can begin.

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n COUNCIL NEWS

Restoring nature South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage explains how people can work together to make a real difference for our wildlife WE are lucky to have such beautiful open spaces, communities and landscapes in South Gloucestershire and we must safeguard them for the health, well-being and enjoyment of future generations. Restoring nature in our communities is critical, not only for wildlife but also for people, and it is a central part of our response to the climate and ecological emergencies. As our population grows, more pressure is put on nature. The effects of intensive farming, pollution, urbanisation, climate change, nonnative species and overfishing can be seen in declining species, with numbers of hedgehogs falling by a third since the year 2000, for example. The good news is that by acting now and working together, we can make a real difference. Between us we can do an enormous amount to protect and restore nature. As a council we are working with residents and landowners to plant thousands of new trees and managing grassland to support wild flowers

and pollinators. You can also create habitats and support nature in your own gardens, at work, or on land you own. Here are just some of the ways you can help: • Put up a nest box for swifts or other birds • A log pile in your garden provides shelter for insects, amphibians and hedgehogs. Use a mixture of fallen branches or offcuts from pruning, bark and twigs, and locate it under a bush or in a quiet corner • Leave your grass to grow over the summer to encourage more plant life and insects • Planting a fruit tree will provide an incredible year-round resource for wildlife - and food for you • Take part in litter picking. If you are a regular walker, take a bag and pick up litter as you go • Set your outside lights on a motion sensor, angling them downwards, and turn off any decorative lights overnight, to save energy and

reduce light pollution for nocturnal wildlife • Avoid using pesticides and weedkiller, which can harm wildlife • Use peat-free compost or try producing your own, with a composter or compost heap • When buying plants, aim for native, UK-grown species • Save rainwater in water butts and barrels. Pond life will much prefer natural rain water if you need to top up your water features These initiatives will not only support nature and the environment but help to keep our communities as pleasant and healthy places for everyone. For more information about gardening for wildlife visit the Creating a Wildlife-friendly Garden section of the RSPB website or ptes.org/ get-involved/wildlife-action/. A free online climate emergency training course is available at bit.ly/2UDeL1K

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Youngsters celebrate Veterans join protest Armed Forces Day YOUNGSTERS at a pre-school in Mangotsfield marked Armed Forces Day with a celebration. Two parents who are members of the Armed Forces visited to show the children at Abacus Pre-school their uniforms and talk about what they do. Youngsters at the pre-school, based at the United Reformed Church building in Cossham Street, then created medals out of salt dough and made red, white and blue handprints which were arranged into a thank-you message for military parents and carers to take in to work, to show their colleagues. The children then took part in an obstacle course. Charlie Mockridge, from Abacus, said: "The children loved the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to our Armed Forces. "We would like to take this opportunity to thank the families for continued support and thank the children for such a brilliant

Abacus children with their thankyou message day full of fun and learning." Abacus pre-school caters for children aged from two to five and is currently holding tours for parents whose children will be ready to start pre-school from September. For more details about the pre-school, email abacusfh1@ gmail.com.

TWO former RAF military policemen helped organise a protest in Bristol over the treatment of veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces. Andy Davies, from Soundwell, and Wayne Dewfall are members of a veterans support group called West of England Rolling Thunder, whose protest drew around 1,200 motorbike and scooter riders and marchers on foot from across the region to the city on June 26, during Armed Forces weekend. The protest called for better treatment for veterans and an end to prosecutions of Northern Ireland veterans. Bikers met up at locations around the area including Lyde Green before converging on the Downs for a mass ride to the Cenotaph on the Centre, where they parked and held a rally and short service in remembrance of all those who gave their lives for the country. There was also a collection which raised more than £800 in support of the Lee Rigby Foundation, run by the mother and family of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was murdered by terrorists in London in 2013. The foundation collects gifts to send to members of the Armed Forces stationed around the world. The protest was arranged in consultation with the police and Bristol City Council. Andy, who served with the Royal Air Force Police during the 1980s and is now a martial arts coach and motorbike instructor, said veterans were aggrieved that soldiers who served in Northern Ireland were still facing prosecution, while many terrorists had escaped charges as part of the peace process.

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August, 2021

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

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Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke

FOR the last academic year, our children have worked hard to make up for the learning that they’ve lost during the pandemic. It was a hugely uplifting time when we saw children head back to their classrooms in September, giving us a window into life beyond pandemic restrictions. As we have been cautiously unlocking the economy since April, there was an expected rise in cases as people started to mix. Thanks to the success of the vaccine rollout, this was manageable, without the equally increasing numbers of people in hospital and dying with coronavirus that we saw in previous waves. However, increases in case numbers were keenly felt in our education system, leading to whole year groups across the constituency being forced into isolation and a return to remote learning when one of their classmates tested positive. In June we saw the arrival of a new Health Secretary, Sajid Javid. Sajid has very strong Bristol connections, and was educated at Downend School in the 1980s. A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Downend School with concerns about the impact of the self-isolation regime on them; they had suffered with a high number of cases, which led multiple year groups to isolate, often quickly being sent home just after they’d been back in the classroom. This situation has been replicated in schools across the constituency. Immediately after talking to the head teacher Lisa Howell, I got in touch with the Minister of State for School Standards, Nick Gibb, to raise her concerns, and those of schools around our area. While it is absolutely right that we do everything we can to stop the spread of infection, we must have in place guidance which weighs up the effect on children’s education and the requirement on all of us to take personal responsibility for limiting transmission of the virus. We must remember that it’s not just the children who are affected. By sending whole year groups home, tens or hundreds of parents must stay at home too. This may mean not working and missing out on income, and has knock-on effects for the whole community and the local economy. I am glad that the Government has decided to change the rules, scrapping bubbles from August, meaning entire groups will no longer be sent home after a single positive case. From September, this should mean a more normal time in school for our children, staying at home when they are ill, and otherwise catching up on lost learning in the classroom with their friends. As we look ahead over the summer and into winter, we are in a very good position to begin to live more normal lives and live with the virus in the longer term. Part of that is changing the rules about self-isolation for children and those who have had both jabs. Any adult can now get vaccinated: if you haven’t already, please make sure to get your jab, so we can continue protecting everyone in our society and get our economy moving again.

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Children win robot tournament YOUNG engineers from a primary school won their way through to a national competition. Team Jeremy from Frenchay Primary School was crowned the winner of the Champion’s Award in the First Lego League Bristol tournament in June. The team took on six other schools from the area, including nearby Hambrook Primary School, in the event run virtually by Whirlpool Corporation, which provided new LEGO SPIKE Prime Robots for the children to work with. The tournament was part of a global competition involving 38,800 teams with more than 310,000 children across 100 countries. The contest aims to develop children’s abilities and interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, and give them a wide range of skills they can use in the future.

Frenchay's winning team The challenge focused on the importance of play and being more active, with teams competing to design and play 15 competitive games with their robots. They were also given an innovation challenge to identify a problem and come up with a solution to present to the judges. Each team was also judged on

their 'core values', shown in how well they worked together on the tasks. Each school made live recordings of its challenges which were submitted online and judged by a panel of industrybased experts. The teams were all made up of primary school children aged from nine to 11 and led by

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

either a member of school staff or a parent, and put in months of time and preparation to the challenge. As the overall winners, Team Jeremy got to compete in a national final and were also invited for a tour and hands-on experience of Whirlpool's UK manufacturing centre in Yate, where the firm makes tumble dryers. The school was also given £1,000 worth of Whirlpool appliances for its own use. Whirlpool spokesperson Ian Moverley said: "It is fantastic that the tournament has been able to go ahead this year; a tremendous achievement for all teams involved considering the challenges and Covid-19 related issues faced by all schools this past year." Frenchay head teacher Katherine Marks said: "It was an amazing effort by Mrs Price and the children in Team Jeremy."

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman

downendvoice

August, 2021

n AROUND THE WIs

DOWNEND WI

AT the time of writing we are awaiting the lifting of the remaining restrictions, so our outdoor members' meeting can go ahead as planned. The only concern now is the weather: at least we have had Wimbledon, strawberries and Pimms! Our June meeting was another Zoom success. Our speaker was Lindsay Barrell, a WI president from Chelmsford. She also runs a burlesque group; this was a fascinating talk, and so funny. She began by telling us how she got to this point. She was looking to do something for herself and make new friends now her children were becoming more independent. Up to this point she had only been known as someone’s mum and only knew others as the same. She tried craft groups, salsa classes but still didn’t find the friendship she’d hoped for. Eventually, through joining the WI and also being a natural volunteer, whose hand would shoot up at any opportunity, she came across burlesque and found herself running the group of 20 members. Her WI was a large group of hundreds that held their meetings in a cathedral. Their first performance for the WI at the cathedral had a surprisingly large number of men in boiler suits carrying tools around the place, which had never been known before! And so the Burlesque Bombshells were born. She gave us a demonstration

of some dance moves and invited us to join in - it was a really good workout, and actually great fun. We had another good turnout for this meeting, with another two new members and some guests, which is brilliant. Our subgroups are busy making plans for meeting up in person for the first time in ages. The yarn group, the book club and cinema club will soon be back in action and there are plans for a couple of new subgroups in the pipeline, so watch this space. We are always keen to welcome new members, so if you’re interested contact Julie (President) at downendwi@yahoo.co.uk. Ros, Secretary

MANGOTSFIELD WI

HAVING had a number of informal gatherings at the Lamb in Mangotsfield, we are now gearing up for our return to regular meetings. As traditionally we don’t meet in August, as it's school holiday time, all our members are looking forward with anticipation to our first meeting in the hall for almost a year and half, on Monday September 27. We think that everyone will have such a lot of catching up to do that we have entitled the evening ‘Over to You’, where members will have the opportunity just to chat and to have a say in how we restart our WI experience. Reading together, craft evenings and walking events are all activities within our WI that also need to begin again. There is a recognition that

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some of our members will have, over this long period, got out of the habit of going out and perhaps lost confidence. We therefore want to create an easy, relaxed feel, to encourage ‘small steps’ back to normality. Eagle-eyed among you will have spotted from our logo that this year is our sapphire celebration of the first meeting, which was held in St James Church Hall on July 26, 1976. It would have been rash indeed to have organised something on the day this year, but we plan to hold a sapphire Christmas. For more information, take a look at our Facebook page @ MangotsfieldWomensInstitute or go to our website www. mangotsfieldwi.org.uk. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing president@ mangotsfieldwi.org.uk. Carol Coombs

BROMLEY HEATH WI

IN a change from our published event, we were delighted to hear from language graduate Katrina Pitt about the year she spent living and studying in Russia and China. Katrina’s talk and PowerPoint presentation showed her beautiful photographs of the breathtaking architecture, both old and new, in both countries. Each country has a fascinating history dating back centuries and clearly take great pride in their heritage, traditions, culture and the arts. In addition to a common political system, both of the countries' leaders are keen to ensure that they now keep abreast of all the technological advances of today’s modern world. Katrina gave us an entertaining overview of their people’s lifestyle nowadays and shared some of her amusing personal experiences. We were delighted to learn that in Mother Russia, 'Babushkas' get priority and are even allowed to jump queues which sometimes can be very long. (In Russia, a Babushka is an older woman or grandmother, made famous in a Christmas story.) This went down well with our members, many of whom are already grandmothers or fall into the not-so-young category. During her travels around China, Katrina encountered a wide variety of different foods. From her photographs I don’t think you

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would find many of these recipes in either the WI Cookbook or featured in the WI Life monthly magazine! Although Bromley Heath WI will be taking its usual summer break in August, our president, Liza Smith, will be writing our article for the next edition of Downend Voice. Liza will be telling us about her experiences in her role and how the committee’s work changed during the pandemic. Happily, our July meeting was our last using Zoom, because we intend to be revert to in-person meetings back at Bromley Heath Junior School from September. Please email us at bromleyheathwi@gmail.com if you would like to try us out online free of charge or just require some further information about the benefits of becoming a WI member. Margaret Hanwell

STAPLE HILL WI

WITH confirmation that the restrictions would be lifted, we finally had the chance to meet in the hall. So we are back together: it has been worth the wait. For those who came, it was great to see you all. For any ladies who didn’t come along, we have a super programme of events lined up for when you are able to come. Members are looking forward to our cream tea day out at the end of August. I mean, a pot of tea, sandwiches and cake – plus WI ladies in a beautiful place, what more could you want? Maybe you are reading this and thinking you would like to meet new people. You may not be able to commit lots of time – that’s OK, we meet once a month. As a member, you can participate in as much or as little as you like. We have a diverse membership and anyone is welcome. If you are not a member of WI and would like to know more, you can get in touch. We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive to us and we meet on the third Tuesday of most months. You can drop us an email to find out more at staplehillwi@ outlook.com. If you aren’t already a member, come and make friends, learn skills, enjoy a cuppa and some cake! Kate Tarr

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Theatretrain to re-open its centres at Mangotsfield School and St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School THEATRETRAIN are delighted to announce that both their performing arts schools will be re-opening on Saturday 11th September offering classes in dance, acting and singing. After closing both centres last March due to the pandemic, Theatretrain are offering a free trial to prospective new students. Theatretrain is an award winning leading local performing arts school for young people, and widely regarded as one of the leading schools in the country. Established in 1993, it has been providing amazing opportunities to perform locally, in London’s West End and internationally, including Disneyland Paris and New York. Theatretrain has been leading a campaign to help young people get their ‘MOJO’ back after such a difficult time, especially for children and young adults who have missed out on so much and perhaps need

a place to improve social skills, build confidence and have fun in a safe environment. Being part of Theatretrain has such a positive impact on a child’s wellbeing, being able to come into classes for three hours and just forget about

everything going on around them. Lots of local schools have also been on board with the ‘MOJO’ mission, as we believe ‘every student matters’. Suzanne Silcox, Theatretrain’s Centre Director says “As much as

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

we pride ourselves on high-end performing arts training and the skills that we teach, it is also the friendships that people treasure during their tenure with us. So many of our former students will not only recount their favourite shows and numbers but also the friends they shared the stage with. At Theatretrain, we do not just create magnificent shows but once in a lifetime opportunities and memories.” Classes are held on Saturdays at St. Mary Redcliffe and Temple School between 10am and 1pm and at Mangotsfield School between 2pm and 5pm. We operate both in term time and during half term. For further information and to book your free trial, contact bristol@theatretrain. co.uk or call 07850 479674. (Please note: The photograph was taken before Covid-19)

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

n WILL & PROBATE ADVICE Kate Garraway's problems with no power of attorney in place Kate Garraway from Good Morning Britain has shown it really is time to explode the myth that Lasting Powers of Attorney are just for the elderly. Known as LPAs, adults of all ages should have the protection of them. Like many young couples, Kate and her husband Derek Draper did not have LPAs in place. This was a mistake they regret. No LPAs has significantly added to the terrible year they have experienced when Derek became seriously ill and hospitalised battling the effects of coronavirus. Where Derek was the named person it became a huge problem. Bank and savings accounts were frozen as he had not set up an LPA to authorise Kate to access them if he became ill and lost mental capacity. Kate explained “One of the practical problems is the car is entirely in Derek’s name, the insurance is in Derek’s name, a lot of our bank accounts. I can’t get access to things because legally I haven’t got power of attorney.” Chloe Knight at Simpson Solicitors

agrees. “Kate Garraway’s story shows us that however young and healthy you feel, it is really important to plan ahead just in case you are unfortunate enough to lose your capacity to look after your finances and to make important life decisions.” What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? A Finance LPA is a powerful legal document where you can appoint people you trust to pay your bills and manage your financial affairs if you are too unwell to do this yourself. There is also a separate Health LPA to allow those you trust to speak up on your behalf and make the decisions you would want in relation to the treatment you receive and where you are cared for. Next steps Kate Garraway has spoken out as it can happen to anyone. The message is that all adults should plan ahead and set up LPAs whilst they are well. To enable those they love and trust to support

them, in case they became seriously ill or injured. This summer, local specialists Simpson Solicitors offer our readers 20% off their full fixed price their Complete LPA Service. They will guide you through setting up these powerful legal documents. With advice on drafting the LPAs with extra clauses for your particular circumstances and acting as your Certificate Provider (that you have the mental capacity to sign). The difference with Simpsons is that their one-off price also covers answering questions from those you appoint, dealing with the Court registration process and then providing certified copies and an after care service of guidance to those you have appointed. Melissa Witter (legal advisor) says “If you have been meaning to take advice, then please just pop in to see us or give us a call 0117 960 8594 to book your free meeting. With us it costs nothing to find out more.” John Baden-Daintree (associate

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

School 'community fridge' opens A PRIMARY school in Mangotsfield is working with a Downend supermarket to provide free food for people who need it. Barley Close Primary School has linked up with the Co-op in Downend to be part of the national Community Fridge Network. The school has bought a fridge

for chilled foods and has shelves and a table set aside for other food. Head teacher Jo Williams said: "A community fridge is a space where everyone can share surplus food, including donations from local food businesses, producers, households and gardens.

Foodbank acts on holiday hunger THE Resound foodbank in Blackhorse Road has launched a 'School Holiday Hunger' project to provide food over the holidays for children who usually receive free school meals. The scheme is in addition to the Mangotsfield-based project's summer shopping list. In a message to supporters, organisers said the scheme would help provide extra food to families with school age

children during the summer break, when children are not in school to receive meals. It has launched a list of suggested donations including tinned macaroni cheese, ravioli, meatballs or baked beans with sausages; pasta-insauce sachets; cup-a-soups; peanut butter; custard sachets. For its summer shopping list the foodbank is looking for donations of tinned fish (not tuna); mashed potato

sachets/drums; long-life milk; long-life fruit juice; orange or blackcurrant squash; coffee (in small jars); shower gel; female deodorant; razors. Donors are asked not to donate pasta or baked beans, as they have plenty, bottled fizzy drinks or water. Donations can be taken to the foodbank every Friday between 10am and noon. Call 0117 305 0969 for more information.

"The Co-op donate all their food on a Tuesday night which normally would end up in the bin. "The school collects it and then families are able to collect what they need – there is usually plenty of bread, fruit and fresh veg. "The community are encouraged to take what they need and anything they don’t require at home can be donated, helping everyone reduce food waste." Mrs Williams said many families were benefiting from the school's community area, which also includes a community library and second hand school uniform collection point. The fridge project is part of the Hubbub Community Fridge Network, which includes 150 venues around the UK. For more details visit hubbub. org.uk/the-community-fridge. Above left: Food donations at Barley Close Primary School

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

n CHURCH NEWS

No fun

Frenchay gains Eco Church status

TRADERS in Staple Hill have cancelled a family fun day planned for Fountain Square. The event had been due to take place on Saturday July 24: the second in a series planned to bring more people into the square and surrounding shopping area. But a single objection to the Staple Hill Chamber of Trade's application for a licence to hold events in the square meant that artisan market planned for Fountain Square on June 19 had to be moved to Page Park. And with a South Gloucestershire Council meeting to decide on the licence not being held until four days before the fun day, traders decided there was not enough time to organise the July fun day. Chamber of Trade secretary Tina Lewis said the traders were "disappointed" to cancel the fun day but were left with no choice. They hope to stage other events in the square later. Letters: Page 46

FRENCHAY Church – the Church on the Common – is a beautiful Grade II listed building, known to many locally. But the church has an old oil boiler, no insulation, no double glazing and main doors that open straight into the prevailing west wind that blows across Frenchay Common and is in an area poorly served by public transport. Despite the challenges the church has committed to trying to achieve zero carbon by 2030: a tall order. We recognise that climate change is the biggest threat now facing creation and that we all have a part to play; we all need to change the way we live To help us get started, we signed up to A Rocha UK’s award scheme for churches in England and Wales. The scheme provides a framework for looking at all a church does, in five key areas of church life: Worship and Teaching, Building Management, Land Management, Community and Global Engagement, and Lifestyle. In all, there are nearly 100 questions to answer. They cover things as wide ranging as whether church lighting is energy efficient, do we have bicycle racks or encourage car sharing (not easy during the pandemic!), encouraging people to reduce their personal energy consumption, and whether the church organises environmental awareness-raising events (yes, we do), and even toilet twinning.

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Hard work has paid off! Frenchay has recently been awarded a Bronze Eco Church Award, one of the first churches in South Gloucestershire to gain the award. And we have recently held a Climate Sunday service, asking people to make a personal commitment to care actively for God’s creation. However, our church is part of a wider community and we are pleased to be working with others in Frenchay, including our parish councillors and Frenchay Residents’ Association, to ensure we all do all we can to care for our world. The Bronze Award is a good start. Now we need to move on, towards Silver. And that will be quite a challenge! Kate Davison

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS

A celebration of 19 years of service THE community of Christ Church Downend gathered for outdoor worship to mark the retirement of vicar Rev Jo Vickery, after 19 years. It was fitting that the service on Sunday June 27 took place on the field of Christ Church Junior School, for the links with Christ Church Infants and Juniors have been a key focus for Jo and wife Shahne, who has worked in education for many years and has created a range of resources for churches and schools to work in partnership. There was a huge outpouring of joy and celebration as people were allowed to sing together Jo Vickery at his retirement service

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The outdoor congregation – something that has not been possible inside buildings since March 2020 and which is a vital and precious part of worship. The congregation were carefully spaced out in family bubbles but there was a strong sense of togetherness. It was also exciting to welcome back many people who had not been able to attend the main services indoors during the pandemic. After the service there were presentations and a picnic.

Jo and his family expressed their gratitude to the church community for the ways they had been cared for. People spoke of ways that the couple had touched the lives of individuals, and also the whole community, for good. There was a sense of sadness at saying goodbye but also thankfulness at all that Jo and Shahne had shared with the community over 19 years. Anita Dobson

THE pandemic has changed life dramatically for many people. For some this has led to financial pressures they couldn’t have imagined a year ago. Debt can happen for so many reasons but once you are caught in it, it can become a trap that is hard to break. However, hope is at hand. Christians Against Poverty is a national charity helping people to find a way out of debt. Christ Church Downend runs the local CAP Debt Centre. CAP debt counsellors can negotiate with creditors on your behalf and work out a realistic budget prioritising your essential bills. Our service is free of charge. If you want to become debt free but feel overwhelmed then give us a ring. The service is open to all, regardless of faith or none. Call free on 0800 328 0006 and ask for an appointment to start your journey to freedom from debt. Rosie Brydon NE Bristol CAP Debt Centre Manager

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS Making - and teaching A MONTH has passed since members returned to normal activities at our workshop in Bromley Park: time put to good use to complete and deliver the first of our traditional bird tables since before the pandemic (pictured). These bird tables have proven popular in the past, as they are designed to encourage the smaller garden birds by incorporating access-limiting bars on all four sides. This feature prevents entry by larger birds and squirrels, and is something not normally found in garden centre products. Furthermore, the majority of the materials used are recycled, as is

the case with the majority of our items. In addition to the concept of design and manufacture, the group will undertake basic woodwork

jobs to suit specific customer needs and will continue to assist where we are able. A new and recent departure from our work at Bromley Park has involved passing on some of our woodworking skills to a much younger generation. This activity has focused on completing a project involving relatively simple woodworking techniques; so far this has proven to be a satisfying experience for both young and old. The group continues to undertake jobs and activities to aid other local groups aimed at enhancing local amenities. Currently we have a significant workload dating back from before the start of the pandemic. Almost all of this activity will involve outside working, so we are hopeful of favourable weather conditions

which should enable us to make progress in completing the tasks. The fact that we now meet on two MEN in SHEDS mornings of the week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, is expected to increase productivity, as well as offering members greater flexibility in allocating their leisure time. As we have said in previous issues of the Voice, our activities are varied and not necessarily restricted to the interests of current members, so we would like to encourage anyone who thinks they would enjoy sharing their skills or developing new ones. Alan Elkan

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I HAVE just returned from a short trip to the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth. When we go away we always head straight for any gardens or floral displays and I must say the best ones we saw were in Poole Park, from the open-top bus. They were the old-fashioned type of flower beds, which I know some people don’t like because they think they are too regimented. It must be my tidy mind (I don’t think!) that likes the neat rows of the same plants and all of the different types of plants arranged in height order. I do also think that coming back, via Downend village, that our displays are certainly A scarlet tiger moth on comparable, if not better than the ones the flower bed by the we have seen in our travels (of course I Sandringham would!). They are so colourful this year, it is a joy to see. One of our volunteers, Debbie, has single-handedly cleared a neglected flower bed at the end of Oakdale Road by the Sandringham. She has removed all of the weeds, dug over and planted numerous plants, including ox eye daisies, everlasting wallflower, penstemon, sunflowers, small geranium, foxgloves, cat mint and teasels. She has also left the nettles at the end for butterfly young to feed on. When you are walking past, especially if you have dogs or children with you, can you take extra care where you are walking so that the plants do not get damaged? This will then hopefully turn into a little wildlife haven. Debbie has already sent me a picture of a scarlet tiger moth that had landed on the plants. It may be that we can also do the bed above if this is successful. A fantastic community project, and I am sure Bromley Heath would like me to say a huge thank you to Debbie for all her efforts. She has even organised the water. We now sit back and wait for things to grow! Jackie Baker, 07504244361

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

August, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

A momentous decision In the wake of Pride Month and the recent decision of the Conference of the Methodist Church of Great Britain to allow same-sex marriage to take place in its churches, it would be remiss of me not to mention this momentous decision. This follows nearly 30 years of careful and thoughtful discussion, from grassroots congregations in local churches through to the higher organisational levels. It is felt that it is time to move towards being a truly inclusive Church in this way, fully welcoming and affirming all members of our community, and allowing equal marriage for all, in the sight of God. Of course most of us have not grown up with the idea of two brides or two grooms getting married, so the idea might still need getting used to. On the other hand, for an increasing number, especially younger people, it makes complete sense; it allows

two people of the same sex who truly love each other to be able to make this lifelong commitment to each other in church before God. What if we disagree? - As Christians in the Methodist Church, our ministers and indeed all of us have a pastoral duty to care for all our members and adherents, regardless of their viewpoint. The Conference vote passed with 85% of delegates in favour, but some Methodists find the decision very difficult and there has been much care taken to ensure that there is still a way for everyone to remain a loved and valued part of the church. We have much still in common, and many other issues of justice- and peace-seeking, and caregiving, to concern ourselves with in doing Christ’s work. In practical terms, Methodist ministers and church councils will have the choice whether to opt in to registration of the

solemnisation of same-sex marriages, and the necessary legal paperwork will take some months at least, so there will not be any such weddings this summer. As you may know, some Bible scholars interpret various parts of the Bible to say that homosexual relationships are sinful, while some totally disagree. (The 66 books of the Bible and how to make sense of them, are another whole lengthy subject in themselves). However, given the limitations of translation and cultural context from a very different time, and editorial policies from centuries ago as to what was included, my personal view is to use the Bible as a very welcome guide on how to live the Christian life, but with a helping of prayerful common sense to try and understand what the words actually mean for us today. Not always easy… however, the central theme of Christianity,

With

Anna Graham Steward at Staple Hill Methodist Church Jesus’s commandment that we love one another, is pretty clear, and St Paul also provides an excellent definition of what love is and what it is not, in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13) – a popular reading often used at weddings. Interestingly, Jesus is not recorded as making any statement whatsoever on homosexuality. In a few years’ time we may wonder what all the fuss was about.

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downendvoice

August, 2021

nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA GROUPS organising events in the Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Frenchay areas are invited to tell readers about them. Our popular What's On section was suspended at the start of the lockdown, as community events and meetings were cancelled indefinitely. Now some groups are planning events again, we offer free space to publicise non profit-making activities once more. Clubs, charities and societies can send details of events to the Voice by email at news@downendvoice.co.uk. Businesses staging profit-making events and paid-for classes in the area can advertise in the What's On section for a small charge every month, by contacting sales@downendvoice.co.uk. Because of the many changes to venues, groups and clubs since March 2020, regular entries that appeared before lockdown will not automatically be reused in the What's On section so any information should be re-sent to one of the addresses above. August 18 n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION is re starting and are looking for new ladies to join us. Our August meeting will be August 18th the 3rd Wednesday We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month in the afternoon. We meet at 2.00pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the

car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. We have also planned fund raising events and are looking for any one willing to give us ladies a hand. Any age or sex to help us carry and put up our gazebo’s would be a great help. If you are interested in our activities please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805.

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August 23 – September 19 n IRON ISLAND: THE SS GREAT BRITAIN REFLOATED This summer, the iron ship floats again as Limbic Cinema bring the sea back to the SS Great Britain. Dive down into the Dry Dock to discover a new, immersive theatre experience, combining poetry, sounds and digital projections. September 11-12 n ST Mary's Church, Fishponds, celebrates its 200th anniversary on the weekend of September 11 to 12, with an exhibition, tours, music, recitals, cream teas, colouring competitions and worship. Anyone with old photographs of St Mary's which could be scanned to form form part of the exhibition should contact Mary Ewing at mary.ewing01@sky.com, call 07799 108890 or write to Rev. Lizzie Kesteven at 11 Vicars Close, Fishponds, BS16 3TH. Regular Events n BRISTOL U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where you have fewer responsibilities and more time for yourself? Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Why not become a member and find an interest group to join. Go to www. bristolu3a.org.uk for details. n THE CLEEVE SINGERS OF DOWNEND are looking ahead to September and require more singers in all voice departments to join us. Rehearsals, subject to possible alteration, will hopefully begin on Wednesday, 1st September at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend at 7.30 p.m. We are a happy friendly choir who cannot wait to return after the lockdowns. If you like musicals, popular items and would like to give us a try, please contact our Secretary by

email: cleevesingers@gmail.com or 'phone the Barn on 9562367. n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB Monthly meetings will resume on Tuesday August 17. Venue as usual: Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Time 10.15am. New members welcomed. Wednesdays n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For more information call Joyce on 0117 956 8978. Fridays n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire Claire@Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@gmail.com (07815 662844) Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH has now resumed normal face-to-face church services. Church services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. During the service there is an activity for younger children. A weekly Rainbow Tots (for pre-school children and their parent/s, carers, etc) run by Emersons Green Baptist Church will re-commence on Friday September 10 at the above venue, from 1011.30am. Cost: £4 for first child, £2 for each additional child. For more information contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church.egbc@outlook.com or visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org

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August, 2021

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB PREVIEW OUTSTANDING PROGRAMME FOR AUTUMN/WINTER DOWNEND Folk Club has revealed its programme for Autumn/Winter 2021, and what a lineup it is, featuring some of the country's top folk, roots and acoustic artists. Kicking off the programme on Friday 17th September will be The Magpies. It has only been a short space of time since this threepiece burst onto the UK folk scene, but they have already made a huge impression with their fresh brand of transatlantic neo-folk and have been "making waves wherever they play" (Phil Beer, Show of Hands). Three accomplished musicians in their own right, the band is a combination far greater than the sum of its parts. Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winning guitarist, banjoplayer and singer Bella Gaffney, clawhammer banjo player and singer Kate Griffin and acclaimed fiddle-player and tunesmith Holly Brandon draw on their wideranging influences to create a unique blend of transatlantic folk. Friday 15th October sees the return of a DFC favourite as the club welcome Sam Carter for a

gig originally scheduled for last year. In the eleven years since winning Best Newcomer at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Sam has earned a reputation for vivid, narrative-driven songwriting and captivating live performances. He has shared stages with some of the finest guitarists and songwriters, including Nic Jones, Martin Simpson, Richard Thompson, and Chris Wood. Now, finally, Sam embarks on a national tour to support the release of his thrilling new album Home Waters. Recorded in a converted church in rural Northumberland, Home

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Waters captures the full force of Sam's heartfelt songwriting. The Carrivick Sisters are the guests on Friday 19th November as they treat South Gloucestershire’s music lovers to a preview of their new album, due for release early next year. The sisters are one of the UK's top bluegrass and folk acts; twins Laura and Charlotte perform their original songs and instrumentals along with a few carefully chosen covers on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and clawhammer banjo. Having grown up in South Devon, an area rich in folklore and

legends, much of their original material is inspired by their local surroundings and history. The Downend Folk Club Christmas Concert has become a highlight in the local music calendar after a series of spectaculars, and this year should be no different as the club welcome supergroup A Winter Union on Friday 17th December. From five leading lights of the British Roots scene, expect soaring vocals and exquisite musicianship as the band delight with folk songs from across the yuletide traditions. Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts (BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Gilmore & Roberts, Emily Askew Band) and Jade Rhiannon (The Willows) will roll out their festive show. All four concerts will take place at Christ Church Downend to allow for the biggest audience possible. They are very much hope to be able to add support acts to each concert, and also hope to be able to reopen the bar and restart the raffle. To keep in touch, go to www. downendfolkclub.co.uk or find the club on social media.

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n LOCAL HISTORY

Mangotsfield's lost golf course Once popular with Bristol's wellheeled, Rodway Hill Golf Club has now vanished from all but the longest of memories. David Blackmore of Mangotsfield Residents Association tells its story. FOUNDED in 1899, Rodway Hill Golf Club's chief attraction for its members from across the Bristol area was its location. The clubhouse and course were just 200 yards away from Mangotsfield station, which itself was a few minutes by train from Temple Meads and St Phillip’s stations. Its founders included Phillip Fussell, a colliery owner from Bitton, and three Bristolbased Scots: George Imlay, a doctor living in St Andrews, and insurance company managers William Hewat Riddell and Walter Dodds Kellar, of Westbury-on-Trym. The Horfield and Bishopston Record and Montpelier & District Free Press noted: "Doubtless the convenience of getting to and from Mangotsfield from the city, with the additional advantage of returning direct to Clifton Down, accounts in a great measure for the large number of Bristol gentlemen joining the club and becoming regular members." Originally an 18-hole woodland course, the front nine holes were on land that Mangotsfield School and Pomphrey Hill playing fields now occupy, with one hole going down towards the Bridge Inn at Shortwood. Six holes were played over Charnhill and three over Rodway Hill. The 'Donga Hole' – a 300 yard par 4 – played down to a green near the railway bridge at the bottom of Manor Road. A number of the original holes were on Henry Young's Rodway Hill Farm, which are now part of Mangotsfield Secondary School's sports field; Young ran the farm and was the estate manager for the club's landlord, Sir Charles Daniel Cave. In June 1899 the club successfully applied to the parish council to fence in part of the course to stop cattle straying onto it. By its first spring meeting, in April 1900, the club had nearly 200 members. The clubhouse had a large dining/club room, locker, drying and dressing rooms, with hot and cold water, a committee room and a large kitchen. From the large verandah there were views of the surrounding countryside, from Monmouthshire to Lansdown. The clubhouse's formal opening in June 1902 – attended by notables such as club captain and Kingswood boot manufacturer Edwin Woodall Pratt, and newspaper owner and club secretary Charles W Bennett – featured a 36-hole exhibition match. Taking part were two of the most famous British golfers of the era: Harry Vardon, whose record of six Open wins between 1896 and 1914 still stands today, and James Braid, who would retire a five-time Open champion. They had finished third and second respectively in the 1902 Open, just two days before visiting

The Club House, Rodway Hill Golf Club Rodway Hill. Followed by about 500 enthusiastic spectators, in the morning round Vardon beat Braid 2 and 1, but in the afternoon Braid, in addition to winning 5 and 4, also set a new course record of 70. By November 1902 the club was raising its annual subscriptions for new members to £2 a year and entrance fee to £3 3s, as its membership increased. The 1905 Nisbet's Golf Yearbook recorded that its membership had reached 300 and described Rodway Hill as "an interesting course, laid out over common and pasture land”. However by January 1909 the club's finances had diminished to the extent that it wrote to Mangotsfield Parish Council asking to be relieved of a £5 debt – a request turned down after councillor and Mangotsfield C of E School manager Mr Penny described the club as a "nuisance" and said the sum should be doubled rather than written off. By November the club had turned its losses around and made a profit of £11 from an income of £930. The membership stood at 243, including men and women. The Western Daily Press recorded in July 1910 that 30-year-old club professional Alfred Rowland White, of Railway Terrace, Fishponds, had broken the course record with a round of 68 strokes, only to go one better later in the month. The clubhad to close three greens to make way for the shows and roundabouts of the May Fair on Rodway Hill in 1912. As the First World War began in 1914, Rodway Hill's autumn meeting saw all proceeds from competitions, amounting to £5.6s.0d,

Aerial view of part of the front nine holes of the Rodway Hill Golf Course with the Carson's Chocolate factory in the background. donated to the War Distress Fund. A scheme was adopted for the donation of sweaters for soldiers and sailors, and a 'War Medal' fundraising competition was played over the course. Members of many clubs volunteered for the Armed Forces and notices were being displayed in clubhouses appealing for magazines and periodicals for serving troops and sailors to read. In June 1915 the Coliseum Volunteer Corps of the Bristol Volunteer Regiment, which guarded many important industrial sites around the city, was granted the use of Rodway Hill for manoeuvres. The club emerged from the war with a reduced membership – of 225 by 1922 – but had added new holes by 1924, increasing the course's length. However in December 1926 members decided to close the front nine holes, reducing the course to the nine holes over Charnhill and Rodway Hill. The following April, at an extraordinary general meeting, a proposal was made to wind up the club. Donations from members appear to have saved it, however, and during the 1930s Rodway Hill was listed as a 9 hole course with a membership of 250 and Sunday play now allowed, without the use of caddies. It made the news when in November 1930 the club house was broken into by Soundwell man Kenneth Wallington, who had earlier burgled a local shop. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour at Gloucester Sessions. The arrival of the Second World War saw the clubhouse in Rodway Hill requisitioned by the War Ministry in 1941, with an anti-aircraft gun emplacement sited nearby as a response to German bombing raids on Yate's aerospace factories, which had claimed 56 lives in February and March. Bombers would follow the railway line through Fishponds past Mangotsfield to guide them to their target. Throughout the war years the course was still maintained by greenkeeper Harold Bressington, of Shortwood. But the club never fully recovered from the effects of the war and, with a shrinking membership, was forced to close in 1947.

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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August, 2021

n PHOTOGRAPHY

Heron's Supper by Helen Sheppard

FANtastic by Philip Peglar

LU B

WITH

DOW

BIRDS are a favourite subject for quite a few enthusiast photographers. In truth, many are keen birders, who are as interested in watching and recording birds as they are in picture-taking, so their passion for the subject is combined with the creative art of photography. Wildlife photography is a competitive business, with many experts producing brilliant work, so countless excellent images are available – but there is always room for more, as the three pictures shown here demonstrate. ‘Fantastic’ is a quite startling image, the dramatic colours of the peacock contrasting with the nicely blurred background. The eye has the all-important catchlight, while the crest (the ‘fan’ of the title) acts to balance the head in the frame. ‘Heron’s Supper’ is a beautifully sharp, well-rendered image, and it has an element not always provided in stills nature photography: the subject is actually doing something. Here again, there is a nice contrast between the bird and its surroundings, in this case the rocks and the flowing water. ‘Getting Ready for Take-Off’ is an image pretty much guaranteed to raise a smile. The duck has

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Feathered friends

D CA MER

a comical look on its face that seems to show it is involved in doing something difficult, and is determined to have a go. Judging by the look of those wings, it’s right: take-off could be a problem. Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group who normally meet on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. For the time being we are continuing with a programme of online photographic presentations, as well as regular online competitions. The club has a Facebook page and a website at www. downendcameraclub.org. uk that shows details of the club, members' galleries, past competition winners, and a new feature: a forum for discussion of all things photographic. Ed Shorney

Getting Ready for Take Off by Vilma Toms

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August, 2021

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Adopt a planter for Mangotsfield O UR latest Hour A Month work session took place on Saturday 26 June. Some folk carried on their work tidying the Dame School Garden and around the village car park. A couple of us finally got round to making the first village flower planter (see picture) and we are quite pleased with it. It seems to meet the South Glos Council requirement of being heavy, stable and sturdy, and it looks like the council will pay for us to make many more and get them placed around the village. We’ve firm plans for 10 now and possibly 10 more in the future. We will need people to help make them and look after them, adopt them if you like, which mainly means watering the plants. Any offers? The MRA committee recently met with the Trustees of Mangotsfield Sports Field, better known by many as the Hut Field.

Over recent months there has been some confusion over the field, so the meeting was held to get clarity

on who has responsibility and control of the field and what the field can be used for. Both are very clear: the trustees have the final say and the field is to be used for organised sport by teams within the Mangotsfield area. If anyone would like more information, then please get in touch with the trustees via email to roger.coles6@ btinternet.com or us via the contacts below. Our local South Glos community engagement forum took place on June 22. A few key things: • E-scooters continue to be a hot topic and the police continue to remind us that any electric scooter other than the Voi trial ones are illegal on anything other than private land with the landowners permission. • As Covid restrictions are lifted we are all reminded that we should get vaccinated, still get tested regularly and follow basic hygiene rules.

Covid hasn’t gone away. • There is a lot of help available from South Glos Council on Restoring Nature (more information online at bit. ly/3kjFKtW) and Getting Active (more information at bit. ly/3xHYQOb). More good news: we will be holding our first meeting since before lockdown, back in February 2020, on Friday July 30 in the Scout Hall. Kick off is at 7.30pm – we’d love to see you there. We’d love more people to get involved in the community so if you’d like to, or you need any help, then please get in touch at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or telephone 07507 168700. In the meantime, please stay safe, and look out for one another. Chris Amos

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August, 2021

downendvoice

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

What matters most to you? IN June, I launched my Police and Crime Survey as an opportunity for residents across Avon and Somerset to tell me what policing issues matter most to them. The 12-week long survey, which only takes 10 minutes to complete, includes a number of questions focusing on my draft Police and Crime Plan priorities and objectives. These objectives cover a range of police topics, including anti-social behaviour, burglary, hate crime, rural crime, domestic abuse and how you want the police to be open and transparent. It is essential that, as your PCC, I am listening to all communities and their concerns, and that is why I want as many local people as possible to share their views on these draft objectives. My priorities and objectives

are the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan, a legal document that sets out the policing of the area, how the Chief Constable will be held to account and how I will use your money – taxpayers’ money – to deliver an effective and efficient police service and support other services, such as victim support providers. In my role as PCC, I am the bridge between local people and the police, and it is absolutely essential that I hear from as many of you as possible, including victims of crime, about my proposed Police and Crime Plan and the direction I am setting for Avon and Somerset Police. When I came into the role, I promised I would make Avon and Somerset a safer place for everyone, and part of achieving this is listening to your views,

thoughts and concerns. The survey is an opportunity for you to tell me what you want your police service to focus on. To complete the survey online, visit avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-and-crime-survey. Last month, we were told by the Prime Minister that there was to be a big lifting of lockdown restrictions. Most of the coronavirus rules we have lived with since last March, including face masks, social distancing and working from home were set to end on July 19 thanks to the roll-out of the vaccines. Despite the fact that life is closer than ever to returning to ‘normal’, I encourage you to remain vigilant, take personal responsibility and be aware of others around you. We have lived with these restrictions for a considerable amount of time –

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford longer than any of us expected – and not everyone will be as comfortable walking around with no face mask on or being in close proximity to others. Let’s be sensible and, together, ensure we do not have to take a step backwards at any point in the future.

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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August, 2021

n LETTERS Thanks to all my customers and colleagues AS I am now officially retired from the employment of Norville Opticians, Downend branch, I would like to say a big thank you for all your custom over the last 30plus years whilst I was the practice manager and dispensing optician. I took over managing the practice back in January 1989 and the practice really took off that November, when Denise Pinnell joined as practice optometrist. I would also like to thank all the loyal support staff, over the years, who have helped build the practice and made it the friendliest environment to work in: we were a great team. Over the years there were many changes - computerisation, many new instruments - that enabled us to give an improved clinical eye examination and hence quicker and better outcomes for many clients. Lots of new innovations in frames, lenses and contact lenses, both in materials and designs, enabled Norville Opticians to be able to advise them to clients for

continues to serve the area for a long time. I shall miss you all. Ralph D Butcher FADO, FFDO, SMC(Tech) Manager of Norville Opticians until June 30

Staple Hill needs a market in square their benefits. For the funding of the improved instrumentation and the two refits during this period, thanks must go to the board of F Norville Ltd and the sister company, Norville Optical. Thanks must also go to all the other dispensing opticians, optometrist colleagues and support staff from the other F Norville Ltd practices over the years. What a great family-owned group of practices we all were. It was a sad day when the F Norville Ltd group of practices went into administration in late June 2020, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Let’s hope that, under the ownership of the Hakim Group and their merging into Norville Dobinson Opticians, the practice

IT was very disappointing to find the artisan market was moved to the park, as one person had complained about litter and parking (Voice, July). Staple Hill has four car parks, plus a lot of on-street parking, so why stop the market? I am sure the stall holders would have cleaned up afterwards. The people of Staple Hill did a survey asking them what they would like in the square. A lot of people said they would like a market of some kind. We have a square which sits empty, week in, week out, until Christmas comes and a lonely tree appears. Having an artisan market in the park was Staple Hill's loss but the park gained lots of people and the cafe was busy. When we had Christmas on the Hill for many years, the High Street was lined with people, stall holders were on the square and in front of some of the shops. No-one complained about rubbish and parking...so why now? Kingswood has now got five wooden cabins hooked up to electric outside the main shops in their precinct, plus stall holders. Staple Hill needs something in the square to stand out - it has been sitting empty for too long. If there was a market of some kind, a lot of local people would walk to it. It does not have to be every week but once in a blue moon would be nice. The local shops would not lose customers but would gain some more. So let's hope a market comes, perhaps a Christmas one to go with that lonely tree. Laura Rickards, Mangotsfield

Inappropriate language I'M not one to usually complain, however I was just browsing through the latest publication and noticed a headline that I thought needed attention (Voice, July). The headline read: "Awards for helping to feed needy." How utterly disappointing and shameful to alienate someone by calling them needy. Imagine

being someone who is struggling to make ends meet for one reason or another and then reading that, how embarrassing it might feel? How shameful to be identified as needy. The stigma around accepting support from food banks is what prevents families who need it the most but are too proud to step out of their comfort zone and ask for the help available. Headlines like that in local publications do not help the situation and isolate those who need support. Very disappointing. Luke Gibbons by emai n Our use of this word in the headline in question was based on a quote in the story itself, which drew on the traditional definition of the word as someone in need of necessities or in poverty. We understand some people use the word as a pejorative term but this was not our intention and we apologise for any offence caused.

No wonder virus is spreading IT'S no wonder the virus is spreading. I was on a 48 bus in the afternoon from Broadmead to Downend at the beginning of July, and two young girls got on, laughing and talking without masks - and then another two did the same. All us elderly folk do not like wearing them but obey the rules, so why can't they? Pauline Fletcher by email

Library offline IT is rather disappointing that Staple Hill library did not have internet access for at least three weeks. As an older person with no IT at home, I rely on the library to check things and borrow the odd book. When I asked the staff about this, all that was said was 'we're working to fix it' - after this length of time, a bit of a poor show. Bryan Websdell, Staple Hill n South Gloucestershire Council responds: We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the recent technical issues that resulted in public internet access being temporarily unavailable at Staple Hill Library. Our ITD Department worked with providers Virgin Media and OpenReach to identify and address the potential causes, which included repairs being made to the network of cabling. We are pleased to confirm that the service has now been restored.

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August, 2021

n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

Remembering the four seasons NO, I don’t mean Frankie Valli and his friends, or music by Antonio Vivaldi, but the way in which we divide the year into four – spring, summer, autumn and winter. One of the strange things of the last eighteen months has been the way in which the differences between the seasons have been elided, summer in particular, with holidays going by the book. This was illustrated in our club’s last contest, Seasons, when very few summers were presented for consideration and, for all of them, members had to dip deep into their back photos. Brian Braybrooke was highly commended for his entry, Winter Escape, a picture clearly looking back to holidays past – and one to cool us all off a bit during high summer. Rachel Domleo travelled less far afield for second place with Winter Wonderland, a wonderfully atmospheric picture of the countryside in snow. Jeff Mckinstry, however, did manage to find a memory of summer holidays with his amusingly titled Abandon Ship. Despite the loss of crew members, this still achieved third place. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for

Abandon Ship by Jeff Mckinstry company and new acquaintances we always welcome new members. So, if you’re interested and would like to be part of our social re-emergence, take a look at our website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or contact us at lincombe.barn@ gmail.com. You may find yourself being invited to a future Zoom meeting and new faces to meet and socialise with. Stay safe! Sid Stace

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n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH 117 Honeysuckle Road, Lyde Green, Bristol, BS16 7LS Asking price £300,000 HUNTERS Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this middle terrace modern town house which is located in the popular area of Lyde Green. This property offers versatile accommodation and is positioned conveniently for access onto the Avon ring road, for major motorway connections and for the Bristol cycle path, as well as being situated within easy reach of the amenities in Emersons Green. These amenities include a wide variety of independent shops and supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors surgeries, banks, library and dentist. The property is also positioned within easy walking distance of the popular Lyde Green Primary School and the David Lloyd Health and Leisure Club. The well presented accommodation is displayed over three floors and comprises to the ground floor; entrance hall, cloakroom, dining room which could also be used as a home office and a kitchen/diner which has uPVC double glazed French doors leading into the rear garden. The kitchen/diner creates a super social zone in the heart of the

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n OCEAN PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Woodhall Close, Downend Offers in excess of £525,000 LOCATED conveniently for Downend Secondary School and for Stanbridge Primary School is this 4/5 bedroom semi detached 1950s family home. The property has been beautifully decorated throughout and offers bright and spacious accommodation and benefits from fantastic views over Mangotsfield and East Bristol. Presenting as entrance hall, sitting room (bedroom 5), lounge, and a generous sized dining room opening on to the kitchen ( from here there are french doors leading to the garden). On the first floor there 3 double bedrooms, a single 4th bedroom and family bathroom. The double extension was added on in 2016 which created the 2nd reception room/bedroom 5, extended the kitchen which now measures at 5.9 meters in length and created the master bedroom (1) and the en-suite. Making this a

very sizeable family home. Externally there is plenty of off street parking, side access and great views over Mangotsfield and the surrounding countryside. There

is still further potential to extend this home if additional space was needed, subject to planning permission. A viewing is highly

recommended to appreciate this beautiful family home in an ideal location for Downend High Street, transport links and for local primary and secondary schools.

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

August, 2021

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

E S T A T E A G E N T S

M.Coleman are offering a fantastic incentive for vendors looking to put their property on the market during the months of March and April 2016. For all properties instructed during this period proceeding to a successful completion M.Coleman Estate Agents will meet your Energy Performance Certificate and Solicitors Selling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements. We provide a quality service to all our clients based on traditional values of honesty, integrity and courtesy. Our team benefits experience extending beyond 100 years and this expertise is passed to you to ensure we achieve the best possible price for the sale of your home. We listen to our client’s needs and believe communication is paramount in providing the best level of service throughout the selling process. * Terms & Conditions Apply – Please ask for details

Coleman

THIS splendid three bedroom semi detached home, offered For Sale with no onward chain, the property is perfectly located to the vibrant Fishponds Road that offers a selection of cafes, bars and restaurants, local shops and larger supermarkets. The accommodation comprises on the ground floor an entrance porch and hallway which gives access to a lounge with double glazed splay bay window to the front elevation. A square arch opens into the dining room where sliding patio doors lead out to the garden. The triple aspect kitchen has windows to the side and rear elevations and door to garden. There is a range of wooden wall and base units completed with built in matching dresser and breakfast table. There is space with plumbing for a washing machine, under counter fridge and freezer and electric point for cooker. The first floor has three bedrooms two of which are well proportioned doubles. The fully tiled family bathroom has a coloured three piece suite with mixer shower over the bath. Externally, there are well tended gardens to the front and rear; the rear garden offering a fully enclosed space providing peace of mind to those with young children. There is a paved seating area adjacent to the house, perfect for

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39 Vassall Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2LR £400,000”

E S T A T E A G E N T S

19 Cleeve Wood Road Downend Bristol BS16 2SF Tel: 0117 9566221 www.mcoleman.co.uk

alfresco dining and a pedestrian path that leads to the rear with access to a rear vehicular lane where the double garage is located. Located within walking distance to the amenities of Fishponds; the property is close to Avanti Gardens School, Vassall Park, direct bus routes to Bristol City Centre, the Bristol to Bath cycle path and provides easy access onto the Avon Ring Road and motorway networks.”

News: contact usat: news@downendvoice.co.uk Louise Walker Professional Home Organiser

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oes your home need some attention after months of having everyone home, and being out of routine? I am a professional home organiser, and would love to help. Whether it’s a spare room, overflowing cupboards, the children’s bedrooms and toys, your kitchen cupboards, or piles of “stuff” lying around, I can sort it. My Facebook page, Louise Declutter Bristol, has lots of before and after photos and testimonials.

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Minibus arrives

Show is cancelled

A DOWNEND-based fundraising team has delivered a minibus to help children with disabilities to get around more easily. Tracy Hook and her husband, entertainer Dave Hook, along with her cousin Julie The new bus Houselander and aunt, Jan St George, have spent three years staging fundraising events to buy the Variety Children's Charity Sunshine Bus for Claremont School, in Redland. Events staged included a 'pub Olympics' at the Horseshoe in Downend in 2016, a series of ladies lunches, sponsored walks and two sold-out fundraising shows by comedian Jethro at the BAWA club in Southmead Road. In total the team raised £28,000, which was enough to completely fund the new bus for the school, which teaches children and teenagers with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory impairment and health needs. Although Covid restrictions meant there could be no ceremony to officially hand over the bus, Tracy said she wanted to thank everyone who had helped raise the money for it. She said: "A heartfelt thank-you to all the people who supported us and attended the events we organised. We are all so grateful, and a special thanks to Jethro, who so generously gave his time at the two brilliant sold out evenings at the BAWA. "It's been a lot of hard work but great fun."

SADLY, we have had to cancel our 75th Flower Show. The show had been planned for August 14 but a lot of people are still very wary about going to events. Some of the classes would also not have been possible, including judging jams and cakes. We hope that by next year we will be completely back to normal and the show will be on. We had a day out to the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. The weather forecast was bad, but it was sunshine all the way on the good people of Downend. We got away with only one shower. The gardens are split into different parts for each time of the year: in the summer gardens the roses and herbaceous borders look wonderful. After walking around the garden, some members walked into Windsor Great Park and down to the lily ponds, with a great variety of lilies. On the way back the coach gave us a tour of Windsor: a great day for all. If you are interested, and new or old to gardening, come along to a meeting on the second Thursday of the month from September in the Downend Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road. Call Roger Davis on 0117 957 1703 or Hilary Walton on 979 2832 for more details. Roger Davis

n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN

A most beautiful garden, on our doorstep

F you have ever been to Serridge House in Henfield you will agree with this column's headline. In July this year I returned for a second visit. The weather was unpredictable and all those who turned up were clad in waterproofs – just in case of a sudden downpour! Merle, the chairwoman of the social and fundraising committee and vice chairwoman of the management committee of Lincombe Barn, had given me a lift there. Although it was not actually a barn event, it was organised by Anne who is the chairwoman of the barn gardening club. Every year for the last several years (excluding last year) she has been getting a group, mostly ladies, together for the visit to Serridge House,

Clematis Etoile Violette in flower on arch in Christine's garden whereupon a cream tea is served in the interesting and floral courtyard. Some people who came this

year had never been before and others had. The garden is laid out with large, mostly circular, flower borders, with eye-catching unusual wooden sculptures. A huge bear is at the back of one and little furry rodents with long tails are running up and perched on another. After having viewed the lovely eye-catching flower borders I went with Merle and two other friends for a walk around the large lake at the bottom of the grounds, something I did not do before. We were very lucky to see the large flock of Canada Geese swimming on the lake as we walked around it. By the time we had encircled the water feature, we made our way to the courtyard where the rest of the

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

with

Christine Broadway party were seated at wooden tables, ready for their cream tea. It was not long before we were all enjoying cups of tea and scones with jam and cream. A most pleasant afternoon all round, and our macs were shed as we were blessed with a lovely sunny warm afternoon.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

August, 2021

downendvoice

n SPORT

Tough start for Mangos MANGOTSFIELD United face a tough opening month to the new Southern League season, which kicks off at Cossham Street on Saturday August 14. The opening day visitors are Hampshire outfit Sholing, who dropped down to the Wessex League for financial reasons a couple of seasons ago but who have now returned and - like every other club after two cancelled seasons because of Covid-19 - will be raring to go on the opening day. Two days later, the Mangos travel up to Worcestershire to face Evesham United, who have been one of the stronger clubs in the division for several years now. Saturday August 21 sees the return of FA Cup action to Cossham Street, as the Mangos entertain either Tavistock or St Austell in a Preliminary Round contest. Those two clubs meet each other in an Extra-Preliminary Round qualifier on August 7. Whoever wins will be making their first visit to Cossham Street. The August Bank Holiday weekend provides the Mangos with two extremely tasty fixtures. Highly-rated and newly-promoted Plymouth Parkway visit Cossham Street on Saturday August 28 and this, too, will be their first visit to Cossham Street. Parkway will arrive in Mango Land with possibly one of the best playing budgets in the entire division and could well prove to be a very strong side in the coming season. To complete the Bank Holiday weekend, the Mangos will then make the short trip over to the Portway to face old rivals Bristol Manor Farm in the first local derby of the season on August Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. Early pre-season results saw the Mangos win 4-2 at Cadbury Heath & then 4-0 away at Odd Down, with new manager Ray Johnston, assisted by Terry Moore, using 20 players so far. Other pre-season friendlies coming up include Bradford Town on July 24 - check the club’s website for news of any other pre-season fixtures to be played. The Mangos also know how another potential path to Wembley, in the FA Trophy, will unfold. The club joins the competition in the 2nd Qualifying Round on October 9, with a trip to either Willand Rovers in Mid-Devon or Oxfordshire outfit Wantage Town. Dave Smale

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n LIBRARY NEWS

Update from Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries

PACK your bags, we’re headed to the library to join Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021! To get involved, children read 6 books over the summer holiday and collect stickers to complete their special Wild World Heroes poster to get a medal and certificate. It’s FUN and FREE to take part. Join the Wild World Heroes for the Summer Reading Challenge at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries throughout the summer and up to Saturday 11 September, and discover how you can make a difference to the environment too. Details of the opening hours for all South Gloucestershire libraries can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges. NEW this year, there is also the Mini Challenge specially designed for pre-school children. Pick up your FREE craft bag of awesome animal activities to make at home when you join Wild world Heroes. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries and follow us on Twitter @southgloslibs for the latest Wild World Heroes updates.

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downendvoice

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

n SPORT

Camping can damage your back S LOWLY but surely, we’re getting back to normal. It’s great isn’t it? We can get out for a bit of retail therapy and go to the pub or our favourite restaurant. But many of us are still not sure about taking that considerable leap onto an airplane to jet off to our place in the sun. That’s why the staycation was invented! Now we’re all set to take advantage of all the beautiful seaside escapes and countryside retreats this great country has to offer. However, as every caravan and Airbnb seems to have been booked up for months, many people will be taking the family off to a campsite this summer. So as you do your best to get yourself ‘tent ready’, consider a few of these tips to avoid an emergency chiropractic trip halfway through your well-earned break away. Apart from being,

quite literally, a pain for you, the rest of the gang won’t be too happy either. First of all, take your time to pack the car – it won’t get you there any quicker and rushing around is a sure way to injure yourself before you’ve even driven out of your street. Check that your blow-up beds haven’t suddenly sprung a leak before you travel… waking up on a hard floor is a short cut to getting a bad back. Once you’ve checked the equipment, get some help to put the heavy tent into the car. Tents come in all sorts of awkward shapes and sizes and are normally quite bulky. So it’s time to set off and battle it out on the motorway and those picturesque country lanes. Driving can be tiring, both mentally and physically, so make sure you take regular breaks on the journey. Get out of the car

for some fresh air and a stretch – perhaps grab a coffee or a cold drink. When you’re settled in at your destination, don’t forget that regular exercise – even if it’s only a short morning walk around the campsite – will keep things ticking over. You could even try some yoga or Tai Chi while you’re away. The main thing is that you enjoy a relaxing holiday. If you get stuck for help and advice away from home in a far-reaching part of the country, search for a chiropractor using the BCA website here: https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/ find-a-chiropractor/ There’s sure to be someone not too far away who can help. As the country negotiates through the ‘relaxing’ of some regulations, we’re continuing to take a cautious approach at Cleve Chiropractic. We’re adopting the same precautions that have kept our patients and staff safe throughout the pandemic. We ask you to be patient and carry on wearing masks in our clinic, unless you are exempt. Lastly, for those of you interested in my new found golfing hobby, I can tell you that I

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

have managed a lesson with the very patient Emma Brown, one of the highly experienced coaches at The Kendleshire. She figured out that I was holding my breath when I took a shot… turns out that is daft as it completely restricts your swing! So now I breathe while I’m playing golf – an eminently sensible idea and a huge leap forward when I hit a ball.

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

n SPORT

Club is thriving in centenary year THERE are a handful of members who have very special reasons to enjoy the centenary celebrations planned this summer by Carsons & Mangotsfield Cricket Club. Just 15 years ago, the club was struggling to survive, as chairman Andy King well remembers. He said: “Our numbers began dropping away and there were several weeks when we had only seven players for our seconds. “We knew that if went down to just one team, we would be in real trouble, so four of us got together and decided that we had to get our youth section up and running again to make sure we had a proper future.” The plan was a huge success, with wave after wave of youngsters and new arrivals transforming Carsons & Mangotsfield into one of the most vibrant clubs in South Gloucestershire. They are now able to field four Saturday sides, a regular

Back row, left to right: Girls coach Chloe Micklethwaite, president Colin Angell, first XI captain Sam Brayley, chairman Andy King, vice chairman Ian Coles. Front: Under-17 players Jack Woodland and Oli Clatworthy. Sunday XI with an occasional 2nds, a midweek team along with a full set of youth squads, from U19s competing in the GCB Blast for the first time right down through to Dynamos and All Stars. Andy, who is in his 35th season with the club, added: “The big thing this year has been establishing a girls' section to cope with the interest in cricket. It’s been fantastic." The Carsons and Mangotsfield clubs merged in 1999, and the

centenary celebrations honour the formation of Carsons in 1921 to provide cricket for the chocolate factory workers on a ground at the bottom of Rodway Hill. Mangotsfield could trace their history back even further, to the 1840s when Dr Henry Mills Grace, father of the legendary WG, established the club on facilities at Rodway Common before it moved, probably in the 1920s, to Cossham Street, close to where the football club is now

based. That the merged cricket club should move in 2011 to new facilities so close by at Pomphrey Hill seems perfect. And, fittingly, current president Colin Angell keeps alive the proud connection with Mangotsfield during this special year. A match with the MCC was staged on July 11, with former youth team player Richard Trotman captaining the world’s most famous club side. There are also plans for the club to face a team of former players, including Glen Cambridge, Asif Bala, Graham Knight, Paul Dagger and Mark Frost, on August 29. Carsons & Mangotsfield will be taking 30 players on a fourmatch tour of South Wales in August, and also hope to host a centenary dinner in September. For details of how to join the club, visit the website at carsonsmangotsfield.playcricket.com. Steve Hill

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downendvoice

August, 2021

n SPORT

Bowls recruits PAGE Park Bowls Club has a new group of recruits after the latest group of applicants finished this year's beginners course. Almost all of the 24 would-be players who started the course in May came through, with 18 of them joining the club when it finished in June. The level of interest was so high that 12 people have already registered for next year's training course. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the club can call Don Willcox on 0117 908 3249 or 07718 306623, emailing donwillcox@hotmail.co.uk or visiting the club's website at www.pageparkbowling.org.uk.

The new Page Park Bowls Club graduates

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downendvoice

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Call Karina on

07789718422

E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLASTERING

STEVE PAINTER

DECORATING SERVICES

Third generation family business offering professional exterior and interior painting and decorating services locally.

Traditionally trained Quality workmanship Paperhanging specialist Friendly and reliable Competitively priced Call Steve Painter on:

01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

SBS PLASTERING City and Guilds Qualified

Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations

Tel: 07900 551199 Tel: 0117 9567100

email: sbsplastering@aol.co.uk CHECK OUT REVIEWS ON GOOGLE

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

August, 2021

PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

We would be pleased to help you with your

* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES

PLUMBING & HEATING

Boiler/Heating systems installed Unvented Cylinders Electric Boilers Underfloor heating Boiler repairs Boiler servicing Gas & PAT safety testing

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE* Contact us via:

0117 9600269 info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk

Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk

Boiler installation, servicing and repairs

FULLY ACCREDITED WITH

10 Year Warranty’s available Finance also available

*FINANCE PROVIDED BY INPROVEASY

518308

PLUMBING & HEATING

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

ROOFING

629179

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE 56746

PLUMBING

ROOFIN G LIMITED

SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

TEL: 07765 250816

N . BROWN

07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Give Nigel a call he’s local and has a wealth of experience

✆ 07779 786072 ROOFING

A MURPHY Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092

FLAT ROOFING J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Providing general building, factory facilities work, gardening, pest control

Tel 07779242184

Mastic | Asphalt | Felt Roofing Contractors Downend based BS16 6AP Over 40 years experience References available on request

TEL: 0117 431 5880 MOBILE: 07976 442703

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

August, 2021 WIGS

PLUMBING & HEATING Bristol: 0117 9000 986 Mobile: 07834 633376

3 generations in the plumbing and heating industry and a quality service from a local family business.

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre.

Boiler service and repair, New boilers supplied and installed, full system and design, Free 10 year parts and labour warranty on new boilers, general plumbing. We are also Gas safe registered. OAP DISCOUNTS

TREE SURGEONS

SHOWER REPAIRS

B R O K E N S H O W E R ? A p r i c o t S h o w e r s A p p r o v e d C o n t r a c t o r

S h o w e r i n s t a l l a t i o n s A l l m a k e s s u p p l i e d I n s t a l l e d , r e p a i r e d R e p l a c e m e n t u n i t s

F R E E E S T I M A T E S

F R I E N D L Y P R O M P T S E R V I C E , A L L W O R K G U A R A N T E E D

A p r i c o t E l e c t r i c a l

2 0 0 O v e r n d a l e R o a d , D o w n e n d B r i s t o l B S 1 6 2 R H Mobile

0117 956 3285

07976 665448

TREE SURGEONS

J.A. Cole & Sons Tree Surgeons

We stock many styles and makes.

Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com

WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS

• Tree Surgery • Hedge & Shrub work • Precision Felling • Size Reduction • Fully insured • Domestic & Commercial .

We replace & install all new Windows, Doors, Bi-folding Doors, conservatories and much more!

PROFESSIONAL EXPERT SERVICE - 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF TREE WORK Free Quotations & Advice

0117 9567298 07768 973291

www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk

We can also service & repair all types of PVC, Aluminium & Timber windows/doors From Misted Double Glazing - Lock Repairs - Hinge Replacement - Door/ Window Handles and more.

WASP REMOVAL

Kwik Care Pest Control

Wasp Removal

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL

077867 30804 or 0117 279 9409

Fully qualified Competitive prices Call now for a free quote

info@treadwellwindows.co.uk treadwellwindows.co.uk

Jon 07483 826104 0117 9860642 www.kwik-care.co.uk ADVERTISE HERE

WASTE DISPOSAL

LOCAL SERVICES ss

sine Advertise your bu here from just

.30 8 1 £

Give Gary a call 0117 907 8585 or 07799 461169

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue

BASED IN DOWNEND! WINDOW & DOOR SPECIALISTS

Window and Door Specialists • Supply & Fit • Fascias, Soﬃts and Guttering • Conservatories • Commercial & Shop Fronts • Composite Doors • Windows & Doors • Repairs & Replacement Glazing • Bi-Folding Doors • UPVC and Aluminium

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

tel: 07977490777

www.maynardwindows.co.uk e: maynardwindows@mail.com

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

We’re excited to have the support of our local independent traders. They are ready to welcome you and may also have some extra fun activities for you to get involved with.

More businesses are signing-up all the time to accept vouchers over the eight week campaign. For the latest trader lists in Downend and Staple Hill and beyond visit:

southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos

They include: Chipping Sodbury • Card Boutique • Toll House Clinic • Marshfield Mobile ice cream • The Hamptons Delicatessen • Koala Kreations - Fabric And Haberdashery • Natural Treats Ltd • The Health Shop • Amigos Cocina • Swagger Gifts • Brook’s Bar

Downend • Melanie’s Kitchen • Fabrics Plus Ltd • Craig Anthony • Good Frydays Filton Station Road • Crocsrus • Bristol Pet Stop Ltd • Goto - IT • Little Bathroom and Boiler Company Hanham • Eclectic Gift Shop • John Woods Cycle Repair Centre

• 54A Hair & Beauty • A.S.Golding • Fleurtations Florist • Artime - Vincent Brown • Sassy hair studio • Travel Buddy UK • Hanham Florist Ltd Kingswood • Fuzchias Hair Staple Hill • Hair and Beauty @ the Square • American Candy Bristol • Farleys Pet food • Dury and Tippett Eyecare Ltd

Thornbury • Beespoke • Castle Crafts • Celebration Fairs • Rosie & Rex • Bristol Coffee Company • Shampooches • Swan Thornbury Ltd • Castle Crafts • Rosie & Rex • Papilio (Heritage) Ltd Yate • Del’s Café Station Road • Pisces Station Road

THORNBURY High Street/ Castle Street BS35 2AQ High Street/ Chapel Street BS35 2AN

YATE Cranleigh Court Road/ Station Road BS37 5DH

FILTON Community Gardens Gloucester Road North BS34 7PF

Church Road/ Gloucester Road BS34 7BQ

BEE FLYING IN SOON!

CHIPPING SODBURY St John Church Wickwar Road BS37 6BQ

DOWNEND King George V Playing Fields Westerleigh Road BS16 6AH

The Horseshoe Downend Road BS16 6BA

BEE FLYING IN SOON!

STAPLE HILL Page Park Park Road BS16 5LU

KINGSWOOD Kings Chase Shopping Centre Regent Street BS15 8LP

Kingswood Park High Street BS15 4AD

Fountain Square Broad Street BS16 5LN

HANHAM The Maypole High Street BS15 3AB

Laburnum Road Car Park BS15 3DU

# SGBeeTrail The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.

2704 Bees High Streets Trail - Voice.indd 2



southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos

16/07/2021 16:58