downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk August, 2022, Issue 109
20 St James Place Mangotsfield BS16 9JB 0117 910 9002
FREE EVERY MONTH IN DOWNEND, MANGOTSFIELD, STAPLE HILL, BROMLEY HEATH & FRENCHAY
Global celebration Archers close to ambitious target A £500,000 project by Cleve Archers to develop their club on a site off Bromley Heath Road is nearly complete after nine years. PAGE 6
Visitors to Page Park joined in with a Movema World Fusion dance session as the contribution of people from around the world to the community was celebrated at a Bristol Refugee Festival event. Full story: Page 5 Picture by B Squared Studio
Bus services face 'cliff edge' THE boss of bus operator First has apologised for the "unacceptable" level of cancellations across the network. But passengers are being warned that services, already cut back earlier in the year, will face further cuts in the autumn when the withdrawal of government funding pushes them over a "cliff edge". The 48 and 49 services to Downend and Staple
Hill are among those across the network to be hit by cancellations. First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold told a council meeting: “The level of service that First has been delivering has not been acceptable because of the level of cancellations, largely driven by a shortage of trained bus drivers." Turn to Page 3
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GP practices get clean bill of health Leap Valley Surgery in Downend and Emersons Green Medical Centre have been rated good by the Care Quality Commission. PAGE 10
Brain tumour dad starts treatment Staple Hill dad David Gibbs has started brain tumour tteatment after a huge fundraising effort. PAGE 17
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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 17. 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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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.
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August, 2022
n NEWS
New way to pay fares ONE aspect of using buses which has become easier is paying the fare. Operator First West of England and the West of England Combined Authority have teamed up to launch Tap On, Tap Off (TOTO), which allows people to pay for their bus travel using a contactless card or other payment device, such as a smartphone, without having to buy a ticket. Passengers tap their card or device against the reader when they get on the bus and just before they get off Metro Mayor Dan Norris and First MD – a system already used in Doug Claringbold launch the Tap On, London. Tap Off system. First then works out the correct fare for each journey and ensures customers never pay more than the relevant day ticket each day they travel, no matter how many journeys they make. It also ensures each extra day costs less for people travelling more than once a week. Customers will not need to know which zone they are in or which ticket to buy and can check what they have been charged online. First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said: "With Tap On, Tap Off, customers will have the peace of mind of knowing their costs will be capped, and in boarding more quickly through not having to buy a ticket, everyone who uses the new system will be contributing to faster journeys." Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "If it’s good enough for the capital, then it’s the very least that we should expect here in our region."
Row over school service THE future of school bus services for pupils attending Winterbourne Academy from the Downend area has sparked a political row. South Gloucestershire's Conservative-run cabinet has accused Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris of "refusing funding" for the 427, 458, 459 and 460 services, run until now by Stagecoach. But Mr Norris says the council has a "statutory duty" to provide transport for some of the children using the services. Stagecoach told the council it would be withdrawing commercial routes for pupils from Frenchay, Downend, Lyde Green, Emersons Green, Bromley Heath, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Patchway to Winterbourne Academy from September. Announcing a deal for the council to fund them, cabinet member Steve Reade said: “I am pleased we have been able to work alongside Winterbourne Academy to save these buses and keep public transport serving pupils. I am, however, extremely concerned that the WECA Mayor felt ensuring local children have a sustainable method of getting to school was not worth support and was happy to shirk his responsibilities once again, leaving the council to pick up the pieces.” But Mr Norris said: "Once again, South Gloucestershire Tories are dealing in half truths. Like all councils that have combined authorities, it is South Gloucestershire Council that pays the transport levy, like they pay for rat catchers, social services and other statutory services. “But while they offer lots of warm words, they don’t put their money where their mouth is when it comes to transport funding. Despite their huge reserves, South Glos spends much less per head on the levy to support vitally needed public transport than councils in places like Manchester."
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August, 2022
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n NEWS
Service is not acceptable, says bus boss From Page 1 Mr Claringbold said many drivers had been lured away by the doubling or trebling of wages in the HGV sector, while others from Europe had returned home and, while Weca was helping huge efforts to recruit drivers, it would not happen overnight. He said: “I am sorry we have cancelled too many buses across the network.” Mr Claringbold said government Covid funding, which has kept many routes going throughout the pandemic, ends in October and a huge review of the network is taking place with the West of England Combined Authority and other operators ahead of the “cliffedge”. He said: "In October we need to have a timetable which is robust, so there will have to be some planned changes to bring us back into line where our
resources meet the services we operate. “We are not prepared to run a non-reliable service. “We have to make sure we have a set of services people can rely on and not try to do too much. “Those are the difficult decisions we have to make in terms of getting that service network operating in October.” Mr Claringbold said there was a significant gap between the current taxpayer subsidy to run up to 90 per cent of the preCovid network and the number of customers now using buses, which has only recovered to 75 per cent of levels before the pandemic. He said: “People’s lives are different now. We need different people to use the bus. “About 95 per cent of our passengers are travelling again but they are not travelling as much.
“The serial commuters who were travelling five to six days a week are travelling two or three days.” The South Gloucestershire Council scrutiny commission meeting also heard from Metro Mayor Dan Norris and Stagecoach West MD Rachel Geliamassi that while some passengers would suffer in the short term, innovative ways of taking people where they needed to go were in the pipeline. These include running services on request, like taxis, and using minibuses, which can be driven by people with less training, in rural areas. Mr Norris told the meeting on July 6: “We are having this bus review over the summer that will look at commercial services and supported services because the money from the Government is ending in the autumn quite abruptly. That is a cliff-edge, that will be tough, there will be cuts
Things have got worse DOWNEND resident Terry Stevens has been collecting complaints from fellow passengers since the last timetable changes at the end of April. The changes included the withdrawal of the Y2 service, which provided a direct route from Downend to Yate and a faster way into Bristol city Terry Stevens centre, as it made part of the journey on the M32. Terry, who relies on buses since epilepsy left him unable to drive, said: "It has definitely got worse. "If you want to get to Yate from Downend you have to go to Fishponds or Staple Hill to catch the Y5, which goes all the way through Pucklechurch, or get to the ring road for a Y1. "But the other services are also worse. "The 48 is supposed to be every 20 minutes, but sometimes I'll check my phone and find the next two services have been cancelled, then one is running and the one after that is also cancelled. "The ones that are running are more crowded. "Some people are getting back in their cars now – they can't get to work otherwise. "But that's not an option for everyone. "A bus driver told me e-scooters were part of the reason for the cutbacks but disabled people and pensioners can't ride them." Voice readers have also reported cancellations of rush hour, late night and weekend 48 and 49 services. We have asked First for figures on the number of cancellations and which services are worst affected. What do you think of the area's bus services? Write to us at news@ downendvoice.co.uk.
to services. I’m not going to hide the reality of that.” He said £105 million of government money for Weca’s Bus Service Improvement Plan to forge an “enhanced partnership” with operators could be used only for “new and innovative” services and not existing routes. He said: "We need to do some really smart thinking in consultation with local people to get that right. "The public will have to be reasonably patient because these things take time – this funding is over five years. "In the longer-term we should be confident things are going to improve, but it will be bumpy in the shorter term." Winterbourne ward councillor Nic Labuschagne said: "The bus service is so unreliable, we have a crisis right now." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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n NEWS A LANDMARK shop in Staple Hill and a recently-opened restaurant in Downend have closed, as the chair of a traders' group warns of the increasing pressures facing businesses. The Original Factory Shop's Staple Hill branch shut on July 15, after being served notice to quit its premises on the corner of Broad Street and Byron Place by its landlord. Downend restaurant Forage closed in June, less than eight months after opening. The Original Factory Shop had been trading in Staple Hill for more than ten years, taking over the site of the former Somerfield supermarket, selling a wide variety of discount products including clothing, footwear, toys, perfumes, homewares and garden ornaments. The company said in a statement: "As the landlord is looking to redevelop this site, it means that unfortunately we have had to exit the lease at our Staple Hill store. "We are seeking to redeploy colleagues that have been affected wherever possible.
Shop and restaurant close as traders feel pressure
The Original Factory Shop on its final day of trading in July
Our next nearest branch is in Nailsea." The Voice asked the company how many people had worked at the store, how many were being made redundant and whether it was seeking an alternative site in the area, but it declined to
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Forage closed in June
answer those questions. Reports on social media that the building will now be converted into a gym have not been confirmed: no planning applications for the address are currently listed on South Gloucestershire Council's website. Staff and customers posted messages on the company's Facebook page on the final day, with one worker saying: "Very sad closing the shutters for the final time – I nearly cried." Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell said the closure would particularly affect residents without their own transport, who would now have to rely on bus services to reach shops selling the same range of goods. He said: "I used the Factory Shop regularly myself – their prices on many of their items were very reasonable and the staff were always very courteous and helpful. I hope that they find alternative employment quickly." The nearby Compass Project recycled furniture shop is also currently shut and the charity which runs it has not responded to a request for a comment, but Cllr Bell said he understood the closure was temporary. Forage opened on the site of the former Crown's coffee and sandwich shop in Badminton Road last October. Set up by local businessman and "foodie" Jesse Jones and chef Daniel Watson, it aimed to offer fine dining using locallysourced produce, with starters ranging from £8.50 to £25, main
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
courses from £18 to £35 and breakfasts from £8.50 to £12.50. Jesse announced the restaurant's permanent closure on its Facebook page on June 19. He told the Voice the closure was due to a combination of financial and staffing issues, saying: "We tried to make it work. Staffing was very hard, with two chefs cooking from scratch every day. It wasn't like in a pub, where you can just put the food in the microwave. "It's a lot of money wasted, but it is what it is." Jesse is trying to sell the business as a going concern and says he has had interest from some buyers. Forage received a £10,000 grant last summer from South Gloucestershire Council's Help us Thrive fund to revive trade in high streets. At the time Jesse described the grant as a "massive help" and said it had gone towards fitting the restaurant out and paying for items such as tables, chairs, kitchen equipment and flooring. A council spokesperson said: "As the business is being sold as a ‘going concern’ and a business of a similar nature would continue to operate in Downend High Street, there is no requirement to reclaim the grant. This is because once it sells, the investment will continue to benefit Downend High Street in the future." Staple Hill Chamber of Trade chair George Georgiou said high street businesses were in a "desperate" situation, with energy costs up by 60% and rent, stock, fuel and other operating costs all rising. He said: "We're doing our best, organising markets to bring people in, but customers are struggling as well – it's affecting everyone." George said businesses were facing a crisis comparable to the covid pandemic and called for government help with domestic fuel bills to be extended to small businesses. He said: "There will be more closures unless we get some government assistance."
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August, 2022
5
n NEWS
Festival celebrates diverse communities PEOPLE from across Bristol and the world came together for a celebration event in Page Park as part of Bristol Refugee Festival. Around 500 people attended the event to listen to musicians, watch dancers – and join in. The Celebrate with Me event on June 25 was the climax of three weeks of shows, parties, films, sporting tournaments and discussions with the theme Healing Through Community. Bristol Refugee Festival runs arts, cultural and educational events with the aim of celebrating the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to the city, create a better understanding of why people seek sanctuary, help overcome misconceptions and bring together communities. Melody Beard, of the Bean Tree Cafe, co-organised the Page Park event with Penny Caffrey from charity Movema, supported by groups including South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network and funded by South
People join in with Tenzin Tibetan Dance
South Glos-based RISE Youth Dance
Traditional Colombian dancing from Ayahuasca Gloucestershire Council. Melody said: "It was a really memorable day – it felt like it was something different in the
park and represented the whole of the community. "About 30% of people who attended were from the global
majority (non-white ethnic groups). "The feedback was really positive and people want to see it again next year." Pictures by B Squared Studio
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August, 2022
n NEWS
Archers' dream home nears completion A NINE-year project to create an accessible, year-round community sports club near Downend is nearing completion. Cleve Archers moved to their Down Yonder ground off Bromley Heath Road in Moorend, Hambrook, in 2013. Since then the non-profit club has levelled the field to create its target range, created a car park and spent four years planning and then building an accessible clubhouse, with solar power and space for indoor archery and for other groups and activities, from bowls to keep fit. More than 2,000 trees have been planted and a dry stone wall restored as part of the project, which, once complete, will have cost around £500,000. The club's 16-member committee has raised the money through a combination of its own funds, loans from members and a series of grants from sporting and other bodies. A team of ten volunteers has been at work fitting out
Bob Nicholls with members of Cleve Archers at the club's home near Hambrook the clubhouse, doing jobs from concreting and tiling to painting, to reduce costs. Club spokesperson Bob Nicholls said: "It's been quite a project. Members have been
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working almost every day for two years." With the clubhouse finished, the club is holding a grand opening event, and is inviting the local community to visit the site and try archery taster sessions. The final phase of the project will be to build a shooting shelter at one end of the range, to enable archery to take place all year round. South Gloucestershire Council has given the club a grant of almost £30,000, from funds paid by local developers, to help build the shelter. Other organisations which have provided grants for the overall project include Sport England, Enovert, Suez, and county and regional archery bodies.
The club has more than 230 members. They include Olympic archer Larry Godfrey, who represented Great Britain at the Athens, Beijing and London games and has been a member for more than 20 years. About 60 people have joined in the past year, which chair Bob Nicholls says is down to increasing interest in outdoor activities after the lockdown. The clubhouse is fully accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair access, toilet and shower facilities, in line with the club's ambition to create a multi-sport facility and attract people of all backgrounds and abilities to archery. Bob is now looking for a new group of volunteers to form a 'men in sheds group' at the club, to help with grounds maintenance, including care of the club's hedgerows, trees and stone walls, and maintaining archery equipment in the clubhouse workshop. Bob said: "The group would be open to the older or retired age group, who would like to establish new friendships while supporting the club's aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment." The club's opening event takes place from 2pm on Sunday August 28. There will also be taster sessions and beginners' courses starting in September. For more information visit the website at clevearchers.co.uk or the club's Facebook page.
Man dragged by car in 'hate crime' POLICE say an assault on a man in Staple Hill is being treated as a homophobic hate crime. The 23-year-old victim was dragged along the High Street by someone in a car between 11.30pm and midnight on Thursday July 7. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said he "suffered scrapes and grazes", although he did not need to go to hospital. The spokesperson added: "Due to information provided by the victim, it’s currently being treated as a potential hate crime. "We want to speak to anyone who saw this incident happen and we’re particularly keen to speak to three witnesses – two men and a woman – who spoke to the victim’s friend, and were able to take down a partial number plate." Anyone who can help the investigation is being asked to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 162 279.
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downendvoice
August, 2022
7
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Headaches and how to handle them
H
EADACHES aren’t normal, but they are common if your spine isn’t in good health. We at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend specialise in effective safe treatment of headaches, from migraines to tension headaches. Over 10 million people in the UK suffer from headaches on a regular basis and for many people this is a daily occurrence. Here’s our guide to staving them off and handle them if they come. Often, we are quick to take painkillers to reduce the headache when it happens and
soldier on as best as possible, but don’t address the cause of the headache in the first place. Thankfully Chiropractic has the answer! Headaches are often the result of muscle contraction or joint misalignment in the head and neck. These muscle contractions are commonly triggered by stress, anxiety, and poor posture. Which is why we see teenagers with these types of headaches. Here we have wonderful testimonial about Amelia’s headaches from her and her mother:
“Amelia was born with Cerebral Palsy, presenting with weakness on one side, muscle spasms and tension/pain. When she turned 11 years old, she started having debilitating migraines, meaning missing considerable school time and losing confidence. Through word of mouth, we found Sutton Chiropractic when we were at our lowest. Matt took the time to thoroughly assess Amelia and treatment started promptly. As a parent I noticed her migraines disappear, her confidence grow and her posture improve. Amelia is now 15 looks forward to her sessions and remains 99% migraine free. We are so happy, and you have truly given Amelia her life back – thank you so much.” In Amelia’s words: “Matt is kind and explains why my migraines happen, I noticed my migraines improved the first 2 weeks. After a session I notice my shoulders feel more relaxed and comfortable, and I no longer miss things because of bad migraines.” The angle we hold our heads at is a major trigger for these issues, such as when
Matt Sutton
texting on our mobile phones, or reading propped up in bed. Another frequent cause is working at a computer with poor ergonomics, such as the screen being in the wrong position and long stints of screen time at work etc… Whatever the reason you’re experiencing these headaches, you should see a trained chiropractor to get to the cause. We are skilled in the detection of headaches and their root causes, along with any serious problems masquerading as a headache. Headaches are not a normal part of life. Find the cause, fix the problem, enjoy life!
Headache tips: 1. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth, to the base of the skull where it meets the neck – 5-10 minutes 2. Take on more water 3. Rest in a dark room if you can 4. Get checked over by a chiropractor as soon as possible
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downendvoice
August, 2022
n TURNERS VISION
Dry eye doesn’t need to mean the end for contact lenses ANYONE with dry eye knows the symptoms can be anything from a minor nuisance to a major, life-altering issue. At Turners Opticians, we’ve helped hundreds of patients gain relief from their dry eye since we launched our specialist dry eye clinic in 2013. The problem has always been contact lenses for people living with dry eye. For most, they’ve been an absolute no-no. When ultra moist soft lenses came on the market, many of our patients happily returned to contact lens wear. For some, though, even that wasn’t enough to keep them comfortable. That’s why we’ve been offering an alternative lens for a number of years now – the scleral lens. A scleral lens sits gently over the whole cornea, resting on the white of your eye and keeping a liquid reservoir under the lens to keep your eye moist all day. They are available as both single vision distance and multi-focal contact lenses and are an absolute revelation for some patients. As the name suggests, dry eye disease is a condition whereby your tears cannot keep your eyes moist. A lack of tear production or poor tear quality most often comes down to age. However, diet, medications, and certain medical and inflammatory conditions can also cause it. The tears produced by a dry eye sufferer literally evaporate too quickly, causing the eyes to become irritated and red. Allergies, wind, and smoke all make it worse, and sufferers typically are sensitive to light, have blurred vision, tired eyes, or the sensation that there’s something in one or both eyes. All of which leads to difficulties with contact lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses provide great vision for the wearer, but someone with dry eyes may struggle with them. Soft lenses are a good, comfortable choice for dry eye sufferers with extended wear or daily disposable options. While daily disposable contact lenses can be effective for dry eyes, they aren’t always the best choice. Scleral lenses go further as they don’t directly touch the surface of the cornea, which makes them a comfortable option for anyone with dry eye. The gap between the lens and cornea creates a pocket of fluid that provides all-day moisture for the eye’s surface. Everyone’s dry eye situation is unique, making some contact lens options more effective than others. Someone may struggle with daily disposable lenses but find another option that works better for their needs. When you see a contact lens specialist Optometrist at Turners Opticians, they are well placed to assess your eyes and , after completing a thorough eye health exam, recommend the best contact lenses for you. Do take care of your eyes, and come to see us for your glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. Our expert team is ready and waiting to give you the time you deserve to look after your eye health and vision. Please call to book a time to come in. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Ginny Ginny Allwood is an Associate Specialist Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
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downendvoice
August, 2022
n NEWS THE father and friends of a Mangotsfield teenager killed in a plane crash have marked the 15th anniversary of his death at the skateboard park built in his honour. Jamie Clapp was just 13 when he died in July 2007. Mangotsfield School pupil Jamie loved skateboarding and BMX riding, and in his memory his father Gordon and his friends campaigned to secure £100,000 to pay for the skate park, next to Emersons Green Retail Park, from local councillors, South Gloucestershire Council and the Big Lottery Fund's People's Millions partnership. Gordon often visits the park and has met Jamie's friends there every year on July 3, the anniversary of Jamie's death. But he says this year will be his last, after he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and given months to live. Gordon said: "I'm proud that after all these years Jamie's friends still remember him and still think of him – they all still obviously miss him. "But I won't be able to do it next year. I'm going to be joining
9
Jamie's name lives on after 15 years
Gordon Clapp with Jamie's friends at the skate park on the 15th anniversary of his death
him soon – I hope he's there waiting for me. I'm still very proud of what we've done – I know his name will live on." The park opened in 2011 and includes a memorial plaque to Jamie, benches and an imprint of a pair of his trainers. It is being given floodlighting so it can be used after dark as part of the council's Linking the Greens project. But although the park is
Jamie Clapp Picture courtesy of Ollie Nemeth widely known as a memorial to Jamie, this is not recognised in its official registered name, which is Emersons Green Skate Park. A council spokesperson has confirmed that the name could be changed, although this "would need to involve a period of consultation with residents and users of the skatepark to ask for their views". Ollie Nemeth, who chaired the fundraising committee for
the skate park, said: "Jamie was my childhood best friend, so to have the park officially renamed would be fantastic. We had assumed it was already and were surprised to learn it's not. It's a living memorial to Jamie and a lot of people who knew him still go there – it's a special place." Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer has also backed the idea of officially renaming the park after Jamie.
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downendvoice
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n NEWS TWO surgeries that were told they needed to improve by healthcare inspectors last year have now been rated 'good' overall. The Care Quality Commission visited Leap Valley Medical Centre in Beaufort Road, Downend, and Emersons Green Medical Centre in St Luke's Close – both of which are run by Green Valleys Health Group - in May. The inspector reported identical ratings for both centres: good overall, with good ratings for safety, effectiveness, care and leadership. But both still required improvement in the area of responsiveness to people's needs – including accessing help by phone. Green Valleys Health said the new ratings, following inspections a year previously which found both practices required improvement, showed that they had been on a "journey of improvement". The CQC report on Leap Valley said: "The practice had acted upon the areas we highlighted as in need of
August, 2022
Surgeries improve ratings to 'good' in latest inspection improvement at our previous inspection. "The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm. "Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs. "Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect, and involved them in decisions about their care. "The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, personcentred care." Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Dr Rosie Benneyworth, who wrote the report, said the rating for care at the practice had been carried over from last year's inspection, when it was
the only area that did not require improvement. However she issued four recommendations for both practices, including improving phone access, staff training and monitoring of risk. Writing in the report on Emersons Green Health Centre, she said: "The practice responded to patient feedback about access by implementing new systems to monitor call volume and offer additional electronic consultations. However, concerns continued to be raised by patients regarding access to the service by telephone. "The provider should continue to monitor access to the practice by telephone and continue to develop and embed measures taken to improve
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patient access." Responding to the report, Green Valleys Health said in a statement: "The CQC awarded both Leap Valley Medical Centre and Emerson Green Medical Centre an overall rating of ‘good’, but with some improvement needed in one area. "In response to this we are in the process of recruitment to increase our staffing levels, which will improve our response rate and help to alleviate the sustained demands on the operation of both centres. "We would like to highlight the fact that a previous CQC inspection had issued a ‘requires improvement’ overall, so to achieve a ‘good’ overall demonstrates the journey of improvement which the practice is on."
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downendvoice
12
August, 2022
n NEWS
Crowds turn out for 'perfect English FRENCHAY Common came alive with thousands of visitors as the village's flower show returned for the first time since the pandemic. The 77th Frenchay Flower Show on July 9 had more than 150 competition classes ranging from flowers, fruit and vegetables to cake, home produce, paintings, photos, scarecrows and sock puppets. Organisers estimate that nearly 3,500 people attended the show. There were displays from Starlight Cheerleaders and the Winterbourne Down Border Morris, music from Westerly Winds and the Marshfield Brass Band and stalls from a variety of local groups. The flower show combined for the first time with the Frenchay Car and Motorcycle Show, which had 38 classic and vintage cars and more than 20 motorbikes. Frenchay Village CIC and Frenchay and Hambrook Horticultural Society combined
Visitors admire the exhibits at the 77th Frenchay Flower Show to put on the event, which returned after missing two years due to covid restrictions and included new adaptations including extra space and ventilation in the main show marquee. Frenchay and Hambrook Horticultural Society chairman
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Joe Beasant said: "The weather couldn't have been better, with blue skies and a light breeze all day, and exhibits were plentiful, despite the early date in the season. "Thank you to those who worked so hard to organise the show, get well soon to those on
the team who succumbed to covid just before the show and thank you to all of those who attended." Flower show committee chairman Philip Whitby-Coles said: "The sun was out, the sky was blue and a wonderful atmosphere prevailed on a very special day for our Frenchay community. "Any concerns we may have had about people coming to support the show after two years of pandemic restrictions proved totally unfounded. Huge queues quickly formed at both entry gates and very soon the common was full, with literally thousands of enthusiastic visitors. "When they had all gone home, there was not one scrap of litter on our beautiful common – much respect for that." Car and Motorcycle Show coordinator Andy Maxwell said the event had been a "perfect English village show". He added: "There was huge
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downendvoice
August, 2022
13
village show'
Classic cars proved a big draw on the common
Darcey Jeffries, Freya Mai Bateman and Alice and Emma Lambert, Show Princesses, who opened the 77th Frenchay Flower Show interest in the vehicles displayed with owners very happy to speak with anyone who showed interest about the history of their vehicle, tales of barn finds, restorations and adventures they and their vehicles have shared." Highlights included a 1957 Mercedes 190SL, a 1958 MGA, a 1947 Bentley Mk6 Special and a 1930’s Riley Special.
The vehicle show ran from 2003 to 2019 at Frenchay Museum before combining with the flower show this year. Anyone who would like to exhibit next year can email vehiclesattheshow@ frenchayflowershow.com. A date for next year's Frenchay Flower Show has already been set for July 15.
BRISTOL DOWNEND
C H R I S TA D E L P H I A N S
Winterbourne Down Border Morris Dancers in action
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What the Bible says about Fighting and War
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Getting to know the Bible - Acts
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Visit bristoldownend.com for more details To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
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downendvoice
14
August, 2022
n NEWS
Have your say on new parish council wards PEOPLE are being asked to have their say on how a new parish council for Staple Hill and Mangotsfield will be set up. South Gloucestershire Council is proposing to divide the new council into four wards, with a total of 13 councillors. It has drawn up names and boundaries for the wards and is asking for comments on "the number of councillors we are proposing, the internal ward arrangements, the names of the internal wards and any other general comments". The biggest ward the council is proposing would be known as Mangotsfield ward, with five parish councillors and an electorate of 3,931 voters. It would cover most of the Mangotsfield area and part of
Downend, from Stockwell Close, Springfield Ave and Stanbridge Rd in the north to Charnhill Drive in the south, including Northcote Rd, St James St, Mangotsfield Rd, Gerrish Ave and their surrounding roads. The second biggest ward would be known as Soundwell ward and have four councillors, with an electorate of 2,803. It would cover Soundwell Rd south of the railway path and most of the streets around it, including Gloucester Rd, Morley Rd, Gladstone St Hayward Rd and part of Acacia Rd. The Page ward, with two councillors and 1,544 voters, would include Broad St and roads north and south between West Park Rd and Teewell Ave, Teewell Hill and the roads
connecting to it, and the stretch of Park Rd next to Page Park. Pendennis ward, with two councillors and an electorate of 1,474, would cover Staple Hill High Street and an area north and south of it, including Pendennis Rd, Pleasant Rd, Soundwell Rd and Acacia Rd north of the railway path, Page Rd and Upper Station Rd. The new parish does not include all of the South Glos Council Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward: the area between Page Park, Salisbury Rd, North St and Hill House Rd is already part of Downend & Bromley Heath parish. The council's regulatory committee voted to set up the new council in February, to ensure all areas of South Glos are part of a parish. But the decision was criticised after a report showed only 274 people – 2.71% of the electorate – had responded to a public consultation on setting up the new parish council.
Of those, only 39% - around 100 people in an area with more than 10,100 voters – had said they were in favour of creating a new parish council, while 49% wanted things left as they are, with another 6% wanting to join a neighbouring parish and 6% expressing no preference. The latest consultation includes a council statement: "We are not seeking views on whether there is a parish council. This was the phase one consultation, and as that showed enough support for the creation of a new parish council, we are now seeking comments on how the parish council is formed." Comments need to be made by August 21. They can be left online at consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ StapleHillMangotsfield. Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for more information or write to Freepost COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW.
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St Augustines Church Hall Boscombe Crescent BS16 6QU 9.30am and 11.00am Tel.Anna-Marie 07854177308 5.30pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Downend BS16 6QR Claire 07791574353
TUESDAY - FISHPONDS
9.30am at the Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR Claire 07791574353
WEDNESDAY - STAPLE HILL
The Salvation Army 21 Broad Street BS16 5LN Wednesdays at 5.15pm and 6.45pm Tel. Anna-Marie 07854177308
FRIDAY - STAPLE HILL
The Salvation Army, 21 Broad Street BS16 5LN
Fridays at 7.30am 9.00am and 10.30am
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Karen Whiles MCFHP MAFHP To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
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YOUR
Community NEWS
THE FRIENDS OF BROMLEY HEATH PLAYING FIELDS Do you live around the Bromley Heath area? Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you use Bromley Heath Park and Playing Fields? If so, then please consider joining the ‘Friends’ group. A group is being formed to explore ideas about what can be done in the playing fields for the benefit of everyone. This is such a lovely open space, and we want to keep it that way. For further information or to express your interest in joining the Friends, please contact Angela, the Parish Clerk on 0117 9567001 or email clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk.
TRIMMING OF HEDGES AND PAVEMENT PARKING It is that time of year when our plants, shrubs and trees are all growing fast and looking magnificent. However, sometimes this brings with it other problems. If the shrubs and hedges in your garden need cutting back, please ensure that you arrange for this to be done. Not only will it help to keep them under control, but it could also be for the benefit of many, as our photo suggests. Not helped by the pavement parking, this resident must duck under the tree branches to get through, otherwise putting himself at risk by stepping out into the road. For the visually impaired, wheelchair bound or parents with prams trying to pass by, they are putting themselves in even more danger. Please be considerate to others with overhanging planting and parking on the pavements. Thank you.
MAINTENANCE AROUND THE AREA South Gloucestershire Council has recently agreed some additional funding for street cleaning which has been invested into a new team who have spent time around the district. Here are a couple of ‘before and after’ pictures of some
Brought to you by
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
tidying up that has been done, although there are many other jobs which have also been completed. A big thanks to all concerned!
TRAFFIC SCHEMES Following Covid, only 4 bus services cover our parish, and Southmead Hospital is no longer accessible by public transport. The number 5 Downend/Bristol has been re- routed, number 19 Bath/Cribbs Causeway and number 48 Emersons Green/Lyde Green to Bristol (both with reduced services) are all suffering from the latest cutbacks, though number 48 still operates a 24-hour service. The 462 service, which runs through Bromley Heath, is a restricted weekday early morning/peak hour return service that no longer serves Temple Meads train station. The Y2 bus service to Yate has been cancelled altogether and the number 5 Downend/Bristol bus no longer runs through Bromley Heath leaving many residents with no local bus service to reach Downend centre and the shops.
So what can be done about this? We urge all residents to write to First Bus, South Gloucestershire Council and WECA. Express your worries and concerns so they all understand the situation is not acceptable and they need to be aware of that. The number 5 bus route needs to be reinstated. The Y2 must be reintroduced to enable residents to access their bank in Yate following local branch closures. We cannot walk to Yate! The current situation will lead to more cars on the road, so it’s not “green” either. Finally, use the buses we have and show our commitment to public transport. Meantime Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council will continue to campaign for improved bus services for all our residents. The cycle path through our parish between Badminton Road and Bromley Heath Road has recently been resurfaced and is well lit, so some commuters may find that is a good alternative to the everdwindling bus services that still remain.
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681
CLLR ISABELLA BROWNE Tel. 07803 051 684
CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07742 400 474 CLLR JON HUNT Tel. 07525 150 103 CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724
CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486
CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632
CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 956 3566 or 07966 204 260
CLLR ALVIS WEST 07767 216 412 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
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downendvoice
August, 2022
n NEWS
17
Dave starts cancer treatment funded by supporters
A STAPLE Hill dad has started the cancer treatment supporters have raised more than £130,000 to pay for. David Gibbs was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive cancer of the brain and spinal cord, last September. After surgery to remove most of the tumour he has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy but has been told they will not permanently stop it from growing back. Since the end of last year his family and friends have been fundraising to pay the £150,000 cost of a new treatment called a personalised cancer vaccine, which is not available on the NHS. The vaccine sequences genetic information from the patient and tumour to help the immune system target and attack the cancer cells. Dave, 37, who is married with a young daughter, had his first dose of the vaccine in Germany in June and returned to the
CeGaT genetic laboratory in Tübingen, near Stuttgart, in July for more treatment, which he is receiving alongside his regular chemotherapy treatment cycles in the UK. He said: "I've now had five doses of the vaccine administered by the amazing team in Germany. "We've got our fingers crossed that my body will start creating T-cells and they will start to destroy the tumour. "We will have to wait until later this year to find out how my body is responding to the vaccine. "I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has and continues to support me." The huge community effort to support the Dave's Brain Fund campaign, set up by Dave's sister Sarah Burford, has now topped £132,500 and there are more events taking place to push the total higher, including two teams cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats.
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A team of cyclists led by Dave's friends Nick Anstruther and Darren Weston are aiming to cover the distance in 60 hours in a non-stop relay ride starting on August 26. The team has already raised more than £5,000 towards a target of £7,000 and donations can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ cycling-davesbrainfund. Claire and Bill Graham, who are relatives of Dave's niece, started their ride from Land's End on July 16 and were aiming to cycle 70 miles a day to reach John O'Groats by the end of the month. They are aiming to raise £1,000 and their sponsorship page can be found at justgiving. com/crowdfunding/clairegraham-bill-graham-lejog. Other events to support Dave include an ice cream and bake sale, which is free to enter, at the Christ Church Centre in Quaker's Road, Bromley Heath, on July 30 from 2-4pm and a virtual horse racing event at Downend Cricket Club on August 5 from
David Gibbs outside the clinic in Germany where he is receiving a cancer 'vaccine' not available on the NHS 7.30pm, with tickets available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/dbf/tavvqddn. Updates on the appeal are posted on the main fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/davesbrainfund.
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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
18
downendvoice
August, 2022
n NEWS
Partnership brings schools together TWO popular primary schools are joining together in an official partnership. Blackhorse Primary and Emersons Green Primary will have a single executive head teacher and work together in areas like planning and developing the curriculum and training. The two schools will be led by the current Blackhorse head teacher Simon Botten. The current deputies – Neil Fry at Blackhorse and Soraya Young at Emersons Green – will become heads of school. Current Emersons Green Primary School head Karl Hemmings is leaving at the end of term to take over New Siblands School in Thornbury, a school for children with learning difficulties. Mr Botten said the new arrangement would be known as a Primary Excellence Partnership. He said: "We start from a strong starting point: both the schools are already successful and popular with the community. However, we know that there are things which we can do better by working together. "As Executive Headteacher, my role is different to that of a traditional headteacher who takes assemblies, speaks at parent events, gives out stickers for good behaviour (and deals with playground squabbles). The Executive Headteacher’s role is more around developing excellent leaders, developing excellent systems and developing excellent teaching and learning. "Over time we envisage sharing expertise and leadership more widely across the partnership, with staff having more opportunities to lead projects across the two schools. "What the partnership won’t do is try to make two cloned schools. Parents chose Blackhorse or Emersons Green because of each’s unique values, ethos and culture. The governors and leaders at both schools are committed to maintaining these unique differences as they are what makes each school distinct." Mr Botten said the first example of working together will be when Blackhorse computing lead Maisie Stack takes over computing across both schools in September. The schools will also support each other in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, as both schools have Resource Bases to provide specialist support. Mr Botten will lead information workshops across both schools in the autumn. A spokesperson for Emersons Green Primary School said: "We believe this partnership will provide an opportunity to maintain the school’s unique identity and strengths whilst allowing both schools to mutually benefit from the sharing of knowledge and experience held within each setting."
Mobile homes plan approved PLANS to create a site for mobile homes on land at Pomphrey Hill have been approved, more than two years after being submitted. Applicant Jason McDonagh initially asked South Gloucestershire Council in March 2020 for permission to demolish existing buildings at Orchard Farm Cottage, next to the Pomphrey Hill Public Open Space car park, and replace them with hardstandings and landscaping for up to nine mobile homes. A total of 77 letters of objection were received against the plans for the site, which is next to one where permission for four mobile homes had already been granted. The number of homes planned for the site was then reduced to three, and on July 15 the council's planning department granted permission for the revised scheme, with a series of conditions covering access and including the provision of cycle parking and an electric vehicle charging point.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
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downendvoice
August, 2022
n NEWS
19
Festival raises £4,700
Have your say on station future
The Great Day Choir at the Blackhorse School Summer Festival A SUMMER festival at Blackhorse Primary of this does not happen by accident, it's the School raised £4,700 to enrich children's time result of the hard work of many volunteers, at school. who give up time in advance and on the day of Organised by the school parent teacher events. association, the event on July 1 included But it's also thanks to all the generous musical performances from pupils, the Great Blackhorse family who throw themselves into Day Choir and Clube do Choro Bristol, prize events, donate prizes, buy tickets, bake cakes, stalls and visits from the police and fire sponsor the children's activities and spend service – and a chance to soak the teachers by their money to help with the fundraising, for throwing a wet sponge. which the school is very grateful." So far this year, the PTA has helped fund The school is currently looking for 100 new computer equipment, a sunken ship sponsors for its new pavilion. For more details playground area, sound and stage equipment email office@blackhorsepri.org.uk or call and subsidies for school trips. 01454 866570. Katherine Budden, from the PTA, said: "All
RAIL passengers are being encouraged to have their say on a masterplan to turn Bristol Parkway into a "21st Century Living Station". The plan, which South Gloucestershire Council is inviting comments on until August 14, aims to "prioritise public transport (such as bus and train), shared travel (such as hire bikes), and active travel (such as via bike, foot, wheelchair, mobility scooter and wheeled walker) over private car use" by creating a new bus interchange, more cycle parking and walking and cycle routes to surrounding neighbourhoods. The plan also aims to create a "new street lined by parks, workplaces, cafes, restaurants, community facilities and the new station building". Copies of the blueprint are available at Downend Library and can be found online at consultations.southglos.gov. uk/Parkway_Station_Masterplan.
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downendvoice
20
August, 2022
FOCUS ON
Staple Hill TShirts 4 You 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 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.
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 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.
Lloydbottoms We are a well-established, friendly firm of Chartered Accountants, on Staple Hill High Street. We provide
STAPLE HILL STORES TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS £19.99 WITH 10M CABLE
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
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. . . with gifts galore and so much more 6 Broad Street, Staple Hill. Tel 0117 957 6959
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downendvoice
August, 2022
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 that any more.
FARLEYS
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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.
Sheen Studios 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.
The Window Hub The Window Hub is excited to welcome you to Our first showroom 72-74 High Street Staple Hill BS165HN. We pride ourselves
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PRINTED HOODIES & T-SHIRTS LATEST TECHNOLOGY PRINTING
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22
August, 2022
n FOCUS ON STAPLE HILL
on delivering real value for our customers, ensuring peace of mind and helping you get the most from your home. With over 60 years’ industry experience, we know how to achieve value for money for our clients without compromising on quality or professionalism. Whether buying or browsing for new replacement casement, sash, bay or bow windows, Composite Doors, Bifolds, Patio or double doors, Dan, Chris, Omar, Karen in the showroom and their expert survey and Installations team will be happy to help.
Beauty Spot Within our relaxing salon The Beauty Spot provides a warm
friendly atmosphere with a range of superb health and beauty treatments from aromatherapy massage to facials. eyebrow shaping to pedicures for both men and women and using only quality products from beauty leaders Decleor, Tea tree, and Nailtiques. All the treatments are carried out by fully qualified therapists, giving you a totally indulgent experience.
The Card Shop The Card Shop is an independent card and gift shop offering an extensive range of cards, gifts and handmade crafts. Frequently described as ‘an Aladdin’s Cave’, The Card Shop has an extensive choice of cards
those special occasions such as weddings, births and anniversaries. We pride ourselves on being able to offer such variety, be it cards or gifts, combined with excellent customer service - we are always happy to help so please do not hesitate to ask. The shop is open 9am-5pm Monday - Saturday. (large, small, ’wordy’, ages – young and old, and humorous) for every occasion. It also stocks a wide variety of gifts, from fun and quirky (mugs, storage tins, money pots, wine glasses), scented candles, scarves, jewellery and accessories, to more traditional items for
To advertise in the Staple Hill feature Contact Gary
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Sheen Studios Instant Passport Photos ID, OCI Visa Bella Silver 925 Jewellery Figurines - dogs horses etc Limited Edition Bristol Prints Vast range of photo and picture frames
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L L L OY D B O T T OM S chartered accountants
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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.
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Freephone 0800 781 8783
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August, 2022
downendvoice
23
n NEWS
Seven up at St Augustine's
A DOWNEND primary school is celebrating a return to having seven classes. From September, St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School will have a single class for each year group, rather than mixed-aged classes, as numbers of pupils increase. Chair of governors Jenefer Morgan said: "I am delighted to confirm that St Augustine’s will return to seven classes from September, thanks to the families who are choosing our wonderful school." Head teacher Mark Hilliam
The small world area for infant pupils
added: "We are very grateful to everyone who has made this possible. "We know that this good news will delight both parents and pupils alike. We are all very proud of St Augustine’s – we are an inclusive school that welcomes children from all faith or non-faith backgrounds." To celebrate the news, staff and governors held a party, treating pupils and other members of the school community to doughnuts and cakes after school. The school has also completed a project to convert an overgrown raised bed into an area for reception and infant pupils to use. Parents and other volunteers, including staff from bank HSBC, created a "small world" for the children to play with. Mr Hilliam said: "Our raised bed was derelict and overgrown. We felt it would make a wonderful place for infant
Year 1 pupil Milly McCann holding one of the St Augustine of Canterbury '7 celebration' balloons
children to explore, complete with different zones and sensory areas. "I cannot express enough gratitude to all the volunteers who worked so hard to transform this area. It was a real
community effort.” The project was part of a volunteer effort which also saw the school's railings and posts painted, with help from Downend Men in Sheds.
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24
August, 2022
n DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW INDIA ELECTRIC CO.
(with support from Susie Dobson). Friday June 17, Christ Church Downend. IT was an evening for bare feet, bare arms and baring souls. It was an evening for smiling, cheering and enthusiastic seat dancing. It was, for the third time (and very, very much delayed) an evening of India Electric Co. at Downend Folk Club. And those are the best kind of evenings. If there's one band that this folk club has taken to its heart then it is this one. Fantastic songs, wonderful musicians, and a huge dollop of joy; India Electric Co. are absolutely everything that makes the pilgrimage on the third Friday of the month so, so worthwhile. Cole Stacey (guitar and vocals) and Joseph O'Keefe (accordion, keyboards, violin, loops and everything else) spend most of their time touring with Midge Ure and, from the moment that they start, it's obvious that playing with a giant of 80s music in big old theatres has done them no harm whatsoever. They are polished and slick, relaxed and warm and have a set packed full of oh-this-could-be-a-hits. Delving through their impressive archive they first pull out shining baubles from the first album The Girl I Left Behind Me. Lost in Translation is, very simply, a great pop song. Toes are sent tapping before they even reach the chorus. Heimat continues all of the stadium pop feels and Joseph O'Keefe's violin floats a beautiful folk sheen across it. From the same album Beirut is all tango stamps and ruffled
India Electric Co.
Susie Dobson
skirts. All three are superb but they're just the start. Every now and then something a little closer to folk music pops its head up. The Gulley/ Alice Gray are old, old tunes driven along by accordion and guitars. Even the tradition is no match for India Electric Co. though. These old songs still feel new, alive, vibrant. Equally vibrant is a sublime cover of Chris Issak's Wicked Game. Out go the faint twangy Rockabilly overtones, in comes O'Keefe's beautifully sun-kissed violin. Why didn't the original have that on it? It's also a testament to just how good Cole Stacey's voice is that he entirely does this song justice. Another old favourite, The Thought Fox, is performed unamplified whilst strolling through the audience. Perfect acoustics helping the troubadours, more extraordinary violin playing conjuring a whisper of gypsy jazz. The new songs that pepper the second half are mostly un-named, they are taken from a forthcoming album which currently isn't
recorded. They do, however, point to further grown up, thinking person's pop. They are, without exception, gorgeous things that are destined for bigger stages than this one. They are not the only ones, of course. Support for the evening came from Susie Dobson. If India Electric Co. are favourites here-abouts, so Susie is a proper homegrown talent. She's played here on numerous occasions but this is the first time for a while and she was welcomed back with open arms (ably assisted by Ant Miles on guitar). Her short set is remarkable; her voice is glorious, clear and pure, new songs are lovely and an expanding world view gives everything depth. She has charm by the hatful - The Girl in the Red Dungarees is just so sweet in a Kate Nash sort of a way - and is easily as good as any of the current folk-ish popish singer songwriters. Two huge Folk Club favourites on the warmest day of the year, who could ask for anything more? Barely anyone. Words: Gavin McNamara Photo: Barry Savell
n DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS PREVIEW FOLK MUSIC IN DOWNEND GETS A FACELIFT! Downend’s hugely popular folk music concert series, which has run since 2014 under the name of Downend Folk Club, has revealed a new name and new look for the future. Now using the name Downend Folk & Roots, there is also a new logo and a new feel to how the evenings will be running. But regulars need not worry… they will still be treated to the very best that the UK folk music scene, and beyond, has to offer. As well as the new logo and name, the series will now be held exclusively in the glorious surroundings of Christ Church Downend, having previously used a variety of venues including Frenchay Village Hall and Downend School. Gone is the old membership scheme, with music-lovers instead being offered the opportunity to save money by booking for a whole season in one go, whilst the website and social media presence will also get a refresh. Created by graphic designer
Autumn artists Nick Smith, the new logo and branding features a beautiful fox design, echoing the new strapline of “The Village in The City”, along with silhouettes including the church. Explaining the changes, chairman Ant Miles told Downend Voice: “The old branding has served us well but we all felt it was coming to the end of its time… it looks a little dated. We also wanted to come away from using the words ‘Folk Club’ together, as this conjures
certain images in some people’s minds, and what we do is not really that… we’ve never truly been a folk club in that sense, to be honest.” Ant continued: “We hit on this idea of ‘The Village In The City’ a bit by accident, because artists were never sure whether to list it as Bristol or South Gloucestershire… and we realised, it’s very much both. So the fox was sort of an extension of that, the idea of urban wildlife. We’re thrilled with what Nick has created for us, and excited
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to unleash it into the world.” The first four concerts under the Downend Folk & Roots name have already been announced. The Autumn/Winter programme features hometown favourites Road Not Taken on Friday 16th September; Jacob & Drinkwater are the headliners on Friday 21st October; highly-rated duo Janice Burns & Jon Doran pay a visit on Friday 16th November; and the annual Christmas concert, a highlight in the diaries of musiclovers across the area, will the hugely popular duo Belshazzar’s Feast in one of their final concerts before they retire from performing. All four concerts are on-sale now, and more information can be found via downendfolkandroots. com (the old website address of downendfolkclub.co.uk will still also work for the time being).
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downendvoice
August, 2022
25
n NEWS
Baguette baking challenge at Mangotsfield BAKING the perfect baguette was one of the challenges posed to Mangotsfield School pupils as part of their end of term activities. Jeffrey Wright, director of Wild Yeast Bakery in Staple Hill, taught students how to craft baguettes and told them about his career before hosting a tasting session, with some added Brie cheese. The school's Challenge Days take a different approach to learning, with staff dressing up and using new ways of teaching. There was an 'egg drop' challenge in science and engineering, Black Forest gateau making, escape rooms and treasure hunts in foreign languages, orienteering and team-building challenges in PE and drama in the English and creative arts departments. The school's Year 9 football team had a visit to Ashton Gate stadium. Deputy head teacher Gemma
Jeffrey Wright from Wild Yeast Bakery in Staple Hill with Mangotsfield School students and baguettes Lennon, who organised the Challenge Days, said: "There was a great buzz around the school. "Stepping up to new
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Paint attack on house and car
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challenges is a great life skill. Our students are impressing us with every new challenge they face."
POLICE are trying to trace the vandal responsible for an attack on a car and a house in Mangotsfield. Paint was poured over the car and all four tyres were punctured during the incident, which happened overnight on July 9 to 10. The front door of the house it was parked at, in Burley Grove, was also damaged with paint and sealed shut with silicone sealant. Avon and Somerset police have called for witnesses or people with dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage they think could be relevant to contact them. Anyone who thinks they have information which could help the investigation should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 163 575. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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customer@bristolkitchenmakeovers.co.uk www.bristolkitchenmakeovers.co.uk SHOWROOM NOW OPEN: Unit 3, Farrington Farm, Farrington Gurney BS39 6UB
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n NEWS Fast-growing South Glos SOUTH Gloucestershire's population has grown by 27,000 – more than 10% - in the last ten years. Figures from the 2021 Census, issued by the Office for National Statistics, show that between 2011 and 2021 the number of people living in the district increased from 262,767 to 290,400 – a rise of 10.5%. The number of households in the area was up by 9.8%, from 107,538 to 118,100, with 17.2% of the population under 15, 64.2% 15 to 64 and 18.6% 65 and over. The population has grown slightly faster than Bristol, which has seen a 10.3% rise from 428,234 to 472,400. Both areas were above the national average of 6.3% and the average for the South West of 7.8%. On Census Day, March 21 2021, the population of England and Wales was 59,597,300 – more than 3.5 million more than the last census in 2011.
August, 2022
First street collection for two years FUNDRAISERS for St Peter's Hospice made the most of their first opportunity to hold a street collection for more than two years. Downend volunteer Sarah Doughty and her dad, Brian Billington, dressed as a nurse and a doctor to stand outside the charity's shop in Badminton Road. They were joined by SGS College student Gabriella Sibanda, of Bromley Heath, who was on a work experience placement with the charity. And shop manager Jess Budding joined them, dressed as a giant strawberry, after pledging
RM OPEN AS NO
Brian Billington, Sarah Doughty, Gabriella Sibanda and Jess Budding collecting outside the St Peter's Hospice shop in Downend to don the costume if donations passed £100 by lunchtime on July 1. The charity is allowed to have a street collection in Downend on one day per year but missed out in 2020 and last year because of the pandemic.
AL
National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme
The total raised by the street collection and sales in the shop, which included special stalls, was £538. Jess said: "We're really pleased – it was such a great response from the community."
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downendvoice
August, 2022
27
n NEWS
School camp is a week to remember
YEAR 6 pupils from Mangotsfield C of E Primary School had a week to remember when they set off for their first school camp. A group of 80 children from the school in Emersons Green tried a variety of activities from gorge scrambling and cycling to archery
and rope walking at Adventure Okehampton in Devon, finishing with a disco DJed by teacher Ed Crawford. Assistant head teacher Sam Peplow said: "Our learners showed incredible bravery throughout the week: they pushed themselves
Date fixed for car charges BRISTOL'S mayor has confirmed the date that drivers of older, more polluting vehicles will be charged to drive into the city centre. The city's Clean Air Zone will start operating on November 28. From that date, drivers of cars, vans and taxis with petrol engines made before 2006 and diesel engines made before 2016 will have to pay £9 a day to enter an area including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, the Centre, Temple Quay and Spike Island. Larger vehicles such as lorries and buses which do not meet Euro 6 diesel engine standards will be charged £100 a day. Mayor Marvin Rees said: "Most drivers on Bristol roads won’t need to pay the daily charge but if you do then you may be eligible for financial support to upgrade your vehicle." Drivers can check if their vehicles will be charged online at gov. uk/clean-air-zones.
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to their limits with the adventurous activities on offer and showed their independence spending a week away from home. "It was a brilliant way to end the year, and a huge thanks must go to the staff team who gave up time to accompany the children."
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28
downendvoice
n CHURCH NEWS
Summer fun WHAT will you be doing on Sundays during the summer holidays? The children and youth teams at Christ Church Downend are planning a holiday bible club for the children and young people to enjoy during Sunday morning services. There will be an overall theme of prayer including, what is prayer, how to pray and why pray? Activities will include crafts, outdoor games, dancing, memory verses, yummy treats and splat attacks! Children, young people and families are welcome – we would love to see you. If you would like to find out more, please email harriet. jolly@christchurchdownend.com for children or diane.paddon@ christchurchdownend.com for youth. We are really looking forward to seeing the children and young people have fun together as part of the big church family to explore and strengthen their faith. The club runs on Sundays until August 21 at 10.30am, at Christ Church.
August, 2022
n NEWS
Schools unite for AN Olympic legacy event bringing schools together through sport has celebrated its tenth birthday. More than 800 children from 13 primary schools in Mangotsfield, Downend and the wider area took part in the MaD Olympiad, a day of multi-skills and athletics at Pomphrey Hill. The event, run by Castle School Education Trust Sports Partnership and supported by staff at Blackhorse Primary School, saw 76 Mangotsfield School pupils acting as sports leaders to help guide the 834 younger children through the day. The event started with a parade, with children from 19 Year 2 classes carrying school banners and flags before taking part in activities, races and relays. Christ Church Infant School head teacher Anna Martin said: "It felt amazing to be back together for this event and to see the children competing again against other local schools. "To give the children the chance to feel like a school team, representing the school in a public arena and developing their team spirit, competitiveness and compassion for others, was so important.” In the afternoon junior aged children from years 3 to 6 took part in track and field events including sprints, relays, distance races, long jump and javelin.
Bromley Heath Junior School head teacher Tracy Serle said: "It was amazing to be able to come together in this way again this year! "The BHJS children had an amazing time, were proud of their individual and group performances and really felt part of their wider local community." Stanbridge Primary School sent Year 2 and Key Stage Two teams to compete in the event on June 23, and were "thrilled" to take part, with the pupils bringing home a trophy after finishing in second place overall. Year 2 teacher Rikki Passmore said: "It was an absolute pleasure to see the children performing magnificently and having fun! "It was fantastic that several children took home individual medals, including several golds and to bring back the 2nd place trophy overall was the icing on the cake." The MaD Olympiad is one of the events run by the CSET Sports Partnership this summer, including dance, inclusion and multi-skills festivals, sensory and parallel games. A Commonwealth Games Festival and Queen’s Baton Relay has seen a baton taken around 30 South Gloucestershire primary schools, with each hosting the baton for a day. CSET Sports Partnership Lead Wendy O'Donnell said: "It has been a great summer of activities."
Members of the Christ Church Infant School team with the baton
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August, 2022
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29
MaD Olympiad
The Stanbridge Primary School team
The Christ Church Infants team on parade
Some of the sports leaders from Mangotsfield School who helped organise the event
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Members of the Bromley Heath Junior School team
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downendvoice
30
August, 2022
n NEWS
School wins gold for sports provision DEDICATION to sport by pupils and staff has won a Mangotsfield school an award. Barley Close Community Primary School has achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award, which recognises sporting provision and participation, for the current academic year. Along with reopening its swimming pool, following a long fundraising campaign, the school has also run monthly charity football matches, opened a community Judo club, entered local competitions and trained children in Years 4 and 5 to be play leaders, organising games on the playground at lunchtimes. Head teacher Jo Williams said: "We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of physical activity
Barley Close Community Primary School pupils at the recent MaD Olympiad sports event and school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our events
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possible. "We are committed to using the School Games to try and engage those young people who haven’t previously been active or represented our school and to try and ensure that all our students have a positive experience and want to try out new activities
beyond school too in our community. "We believe in the power of physical activity and school sport as a school and give opportunities to those young people that need it most, either as a participant, leader, official or volunteer. "We are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year. "We look forward to applying once again in 2023!" The School Games awards are organised by the Youth Sport Trust and measure a school’s engagement against a national benchmark. Mrs Williams thanked the Castle School Education Trust, particularly sports partnership lead and School Games organiser Wendy O’Donnell, Progressive Sports, Priority Sports, Bristol Sports Foundation and teaching assistant Sonia Burton, who has taken charge of the charity football matches.
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downendvoice
August, 2022
31
n STYLE ADVICE
Five ways to wear colour LAST month I talked about the benefits of wearing colour. In this month’s column I’m sharing how. If you’ve been stuck in the neutral zone for a while and switching things up feels a little overwhelming, I have some tried and trusted ways to move forward in a more colourful way. From dipping a toe in to the colour pool to making a bold splash, here’s a few suggestions: Adding an accent of colour to your outfit – ideal for those who are intimidated by colour but want to add a pop of it to an otherwise neutral base, eg a red handbag to an all-black outfit, or pink neon shoes with a beige dress. It works well if you know which colours suit you and want to add it to your top half. Sandwich dressing – an easy formula to follow, you simply match what you wear on the top half of your body with the colour being worn on your feet.
Wearing colour can be fun. Picture of Gail Painter by Kayleigh Gresty Photography Effortless and chic. Dressing in monotone – an easy one, it involves wearing
one colour from head to toe. Simple to do and can create a dramatic look. This also works well if you’re petite, as it gives the illusion of lengthening the body. Colour blocking – another look that can make a powerful statement. It involves wearing strong colours – up to three at a time, or you’ll look like a rainbow – that are opposite each other in the colour wheel. You can buy wheels online. For a softer approach you could look at different shades of the same colour. Wearing more than one colour through mixing up prints – dressing in an eclectic style might sound easy (mixing separates in an 'anything goes' fashion) but pulling it off in a stylish way takes a little practice. Yes, unconventional can be cool, just remember to have at least one colour that appears in
Gail Painter's fashion tips both separates to make it work. Choose the same background colour for ease. Not sure what to wear or how to wear it? Email your fashion and style questions to info@ notgivinin.com and look out for the answers in future issues of the Voice. www.notgivinin.com
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We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible
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downendvoice
32
August, 2022
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens for the very last time this summer MANY of you will remember visiting Bristol Zoo Gardens as a child, and may have brought your children… or even grandchildren. From 21 July, Bristol Zoo Gardens is marking its last chapter, before closing on Saturday 3 September, with its BIG Summer Send-Off celebration event. The centrepiece of the final summer programme is ‘Wilder’, a specially-commissioned wooden clad gorilla sculpture, which is taller than the largest giraffe ever recorded, and as wide as three king size beds. Sitting tall on the main lawn, ‘Wilder’ delights visitors with surprise movements throughout the day as she ‘eats’ lettuce, sprays unsuspecting families with water and reveals her baby ‘Monty-Alan’ – a name inspired by the national park in Equatorial Guinea where Bristol Zoological Society works to protect western lowland gorillas in the wild. The Zoo is also running ‘Into The Wild' theatre shows where
children get to wear animal-eared headphones and dance around to fun conservation-inspired music, stories and games. BIG Summer Send-Off also features a ‘Past, Present, Future’ timeline exhibition on the Zoo's historic top terrace. It will include poems, pictures, and stories on ribbons, shared by visitors. For a chance to feature on the timeline, Bristol Zoo Gardens is asking people to share their favourite memories using the hashtag #TheZooAndYou, and tag Bristol Zoo Gardens on Facebook @ BristolZooGardens and Instagram @bristolzoo. As well as all of these exciting events, Bristol Zoo Gardens is home to incredible animal species, including the famous gorilla troop, red pandas, penguins and sloths. Enjoy a final special day out to Bristol Zoo Gardens this summer! For information and tickets for Bristol Zoo Gardens and its BIG Summer Send-Off, go to bristolzoo. org.uk.
large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2021
DDIISSCCOOVVEERR AA L MAAL WIILLDD AANNIIM W
Book now before the Zoo closes #TheZooAndYou #BIGgorilla
A DV E N T U R E ! EVERY VISIT HELPS SUPPORT OUR CONSERVATION WORK
Book your tickets bristolzoo.org.uk
J17 M5 Motorway, near Bristol
wildplace.org.uk Registered charity no. 1104986
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
August, 2022
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n NEWS
Award recognises 'inspirational' volunteer Andy
AN Armed Forces veteran from Soundwell has seen his voluntary work on a variety of charitable projects recognised with a community award. Andrew Davies is the latest resident to be given an award for outstanding community service by the Mangotsfield Residents Association and Staple Hill Partnership. He has been recognised for his work as a volunteer Blood Bikes rider, transporting vital supplies to hospitals in the region; for coordinating and collecting donations to the From Bristol with Love for Ukraine appeal; and for helping get PPE and other essential supplies to the NHS, emergency services and care homes during the coronavirus lockdown, when he founded South West Volunteer Riders (Community Response Volunteers). Ex RAF police, civilian police and prison officer Andy is a professional motorbike instructor and also teaches martial art Taekwondo: he is president of the UK Chung Do Kwan and was made a 9th Dan Grand Master a few years ago by the late Supreme Grand Master Kim Bok Man, one of the original Korean pioneers of the sport. Andy coordinates the West of England Rolling Thunder bikers group for Armed Forces veterans, collects clothes for homeless ex-service personnel and donations for both the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Lee Rigby Foundation, which provides homes for bereaved military families and was founded by the parents of the murdered fusilier. As well as delivering vital blood supplies, his work for the Freewheelers Blood Bikes Emergency Voluntary Service includes organising donations of Christmas presents and Easter eggs to children who are in local hospitals and setting up a new cadets section for the Blood Bikes service. Andy is interested in hearing from potential recruits aged between 12 and 18 who would help out with fundraising,
Andy Davies receives his community award from Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath, with Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell and MRA vice-chair Simon Budd. social media and other areas in return for becoming part of the emergency services community, learning about how the services work, how they are coordinated and visit places such as the air ambulance base at Almondsbury. Andy received his award from Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath, who said: "I have known Andy for a good few years now and we have worked together, often supporting several causes. "Andy is an inspiration and encouragement to all who know him, and certainly deserves this award." Andy and Clive are both coordinating collections of donations in the local area for the From Bristol with Love for Ukraine appeal. Andy has been travelling to collect donations from as far as Wiltshire and taking them to the Bristol International Centre for Ukraine in Bedminster, from where they are sent to Eastern Europe. Anyone who has a donation for the appeal can contact Andy on 07598 505299 or Clive on 07507 168700. People interested in becoming a Blood Bikes cadet can call Andy on the number above.
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The Grapevine Brasserie www.grapevinebrasserie.co.uk The Grapevine Brasserie, St James Pl, Mangotsfield BS16 9JB MONDAY & TUESDAY
20% off your food bill from 5pm MONDAY - FRIDAY
Lunch offer - 2 courses £15.95 | 3 courses £19.95 2 cocktails for £12 between 3-6pm Free kids meal with every adult meal purchased between 5-6pm WEDNESDAY
Steak night - Choose two steaks between our 8oz sirloin & our 10oz pork steak and 2 large glasses of wine for £35 THURSDAY
Burger night - mix any 2 of our burgers for £22 OR two GVB burgers for £27 SATURDAY
Bottomless processo lunch 2 courses & unlimited processco for £30 SUNDAY
Roast dinners - 2 courses for £19.95 | 3 courses for £23.95 ALL CAN BE BOOKED ONLINE VIA OUR WEBSITE OR YOU CAN CALL US ON
0117 9570614
www.grapevinebrasserie.co.uk info@grapevinebrasserie.co.uk
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August, 2022
n DOWNEND IN BLOOM
Keeping our thirsty flowers watered GOSH, I have been enjoying how colourful my garden looks - but also thinking about how I must water the plants when it cools down in the evening. Watering is always a difficult task at home – and always has been for In Bloom. When we first started we had 20 wooden flower boxes outside the shops in Downend. We had a watering rota of two people each week throughout the summer and would carry our watering cans around the street to the boxes – I am sure my arms used to grow an inch every year with the weight of all that water! One year when it was our turn, my husband went off to work in Devon for a few days so I was left to carry the can – so to speak – it was very hard work! As In Bloom grew we soon realised that we would need to pay someone to water the displays for us and managed to secure a contract, which has continued for a few years. However, at the start of this year we had the bad news that the company who had done the
watering for the past few years was unable to carry on, due to staffing changes. This was rather a bombshell but Angela Hocking, the parish clerk, suggested someone and, after an email exchange and a meet-up in the village, we had a new partner. We are really pleased that Tim Webb, our new member of the In Bloom team, is now fully established as our watering person. In Bloom will be forever grateful to him for agreeing to take on our contract, as without him we would not be able to function! I was going to take Tim’s picture to accompany this article but he starts at 3am, so I haven’t been able to quite get myself up early enough! There are two of them watering and they finish around 8am, so I think you can see what a task it is. I am sure you will all agree that at the moment, the flowers are looking superb. We have just used our Eco bikes that we have on loan (I will tell you about those next month) to have a wander around
An old view of the Cleeve Hill junction, complete with hanging baskets Downend and do a bit of quick maintenance. I have also had an interesting email from Blaise Nurseries in Henbury, our supplier of the flowers we plant up, with an old picture of the junction at Cleeve Hill/Badminton Road where the old garage used to be. We think it is probably from around the late 1930s, although
we're not very sure, and if you look closely it looks as if there is an upright pole with hanging baskets around it. It is very nice to know that In Bloom are continuing the tradition of floral displays in Downend. If you'd like to get involved with In Bloom, visit our Facebook page or call 07504 244361. Jackie Baker
Ignite
YOUR POTENTIAL Sixth Form Open Event Wednesday 28 September - Register now
Senior School Open Morning Saturday 1 October - Register now Renowned for our warm and welcoming community, Kingswood offers an exceptional education of depth and breadth. Visit us to find out more.
A co-educational independent school for nine months – 18 years in Bath
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
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13/07/2022 10:17
August, 2022
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n NEWS
Bee and Pollination Festival at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden 27th - 28th August 2022
Bee McNamara preparing for his journey
Bruges bike ride for diabetes charity A STAPLE Hill cyclist is taking on a 350-mile ride to raise money for the charity which has helped him to live with diabetes. Bee McNamara was diagnosed with the serious condition, where the body's blood sugar level is too high, ten years ago at the age of 47. He has been helped to manage it by charity Diabetes UK, which offers advice and support, and funds research into the condition. To pay something back, Bee is taking on a five-day challenge to cycle from Bristol to Bruges in Belgium, and has set up an online sponsorship page to raise funds for the charity. Bee said: "I'm a type 1 diabetic, so I know first hand what a valuable service they provide. "When I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I found the amount I needed to learn pretty overwhelming, especially knowing that not managing this condition was effectively going to do me harm. "I received lots of great help from the NHS, but I was told by a doctor that the best thing I could do was to become my own expert on the condition, in order to successfully manage it. "This is where Diabetes UK has been of immeasurable value to me. They have a wealth of information on things like carb counting and more general advice on good diet choices for diabetics. "As a keen cyclist, I also needed to learn how to manage exercise. "For type 1's it can be difficult to judge your medication before exercising. "Through learning from Diabetes UK and a fair bit of trial and error, I have got much better at knowing how to judge my insulin intake before exercising, and thankfully feel able to manage a multiday distance ride such as Bristol to Bruges." Diabetes UK says that almost 5 million people in the UK have the condition, and the NHS spends around 10% of its total budget on patients with the condition, mostly on treating complications including leg, toe or foot amputations and sight loss. More than 36,000 people with diabetes die prematurely every year. The charity funds research projects aimed at providing improved treatments and possible cures for the disease. Bee has benefited from a new way of monitoring sugar levels which helps him track them more accurately. He said: "Developments in diabetes treatments like this make huge differences to many people's lives and as I know Diabetes UK fund research into better treatments for diabetics I am more than happy to put the effort in to earn some much-needed funds for them." Bee will take on the ride solo, apart from the last day when his wife Sarah will join him to ride from Dunkirk to Bruges. To donate to Bee's fundraising ride, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/bristol-to-bruges.
For details visit: botanic-garden. bristol.ac.uk University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Stoke Park Rd, Bristol BS9 1JG. Tel: 0117 428 2041 Email: botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Voice mag ad_bee_22.indd 1
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377 10/07/2022 20:59
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n CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
August, 2022
Raising funds for community project LOCAL mum Kimberley Vallis is launching a new community learning project for children who have difficulties with traditional schooling. Kimberley’s initiation into Home Education came during lockdown of 2020, with a two month old, a lively three year old and a troubled autistic ten year old. Her eldest son started lockdown anxious and angry as he’d been having a troubling time at school. Alongside Kimberley’s teaching experience and skills from several years of working at a school, she experimented with various ways of teaching and found Haydon started to engage more with the quieter and slower paced learning. After a while they began to see a happier, calmer boy. They also found this type of learning equally incredible for their three year old. For them, lockdown and home education was a blessing in disguise. Two years on, both older boys were now struggling with new schools, with her middle son also starting to show signs of special educational needs. This took its toll on their mental health so Kimberley made the decision to home educate her eldest boy who is now once again thriving both academically and
personally. Having been through these challenges, Kimberley felt a desire to help support other families that may have been having difficulties with mainstream school and felt inspired to create The Edventure Project. The aim of the project is to create an engaging community for home educated children where they can go for socialisation and exploration of learning activities. A place where they can feel happier, improve their confidence whilst still learning new skills and developing personally at their own pace. Edventure is launching in October at the newly refurbished mafeking scout hut in Coalpit Heath. As it's a non profit making company & not funded by the local authority they are reliant on grants & donations. Kimberley said: “If you would like to help support the children and their families who could benefit from this project we have a Crowd Funder page, please see details below. We thank you in advance for your help in making this happen”. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/theedventure-project-1 www.theedventureproject.co.uk FB: The Edventure Project CiC
Kimberley Vallis aims to provide an alternative for parents whosechildren struggle with mainstream school
We are Collegiate JOIN US AT OUR NEXT WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2022
Visit collegiate.org.uk to register Collegiate School, Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BJ Telephone: 0117 992 3194 Email: admissions@collegiate.org.uk
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
August, 2022
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39
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Brunel’s SS Great Britain presents: Your Ticket to Taste the World READY to embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol? Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells experienced by visitors every day, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer with a brand new activity, ‘Dishes of Discovery’. They’re inviting visitors to taste the world, offering them the chance to sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship in the 18th Century. From 23 July to 4 September, visitors who step aboard the SS Great Britain will taste historic recipes from Mumbai, Cape Town and Crimea discovering how the world’s first great ocean liner connected people and places around the world. The dishes have been created by Bristol-based social enterprise, Travelling Kitchen, whose team worked with the ship’s archivists to explore historic recipes from around the globe. The dishes created include a zingy Melon and Ginger Jam from Cape Town, traditional Borsch from Crimea and a tropical green coriander and coconut chutney from Mumbai - and are typical of those that passengers would have encountered as they disembarked in the faraway destinations. Your usual favourites at Brunel’s SS Great Britain are open all summer long, too. Don’t forget to visit the two hands-on museums, historic dockyard, dramatic dry dock and the ship herself. And remember - you can enjoy coming back time and time again with your ticket. It’s valid for a year!
Use your tastebuds to explore the world this summer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain as you discover flavours from the ship’s lesser-known destinations. Plan your adventure at ssgreatbritain.org/summer2022
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
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40
August, 2022
n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP
A buzz around Westminster THIS past month there has been a buzz around Westminster, in no small part a result of the resignation of the Prime Minister, subsequent leadership race and media excitement surrounding these events. To address this, I would like to make the following statement: Boris Johnson's place in history is assured. He led our great country out of the EU to freedom, steered us through a terrible global pandemic and demonstrated to the world his fantastic leadership in support of the Ukrainian people in their fight for liberty. I would therefore like to thank the Prime Minister for his service. The next Prime Minister and leader has to unite the party and the country and be able to deal with the many challenges we have both here and abroad. In other news, to address the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures on household budgets, the National
Jack Lopresti MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke
MP Jack Lopresti at the Frenchay Flower Show Insurance threshold rise came into effect on July 6. This tax cut will bring NI thresholds up from £9,880 to £12,570, representing the largest tax cut in a decade, saving 30 million British workers £330 a year in a measure worth £6 billion to provide support to our people. I am also delighted that I was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party on July 9.
I’m looking forward to working with the new Party Chairman Andrew Stephenson and the rest of the team at CCHQ. I also attended the Frenchay Flower Show on July 9, back for the first time in three years. There were some great displays and lovely classic cars. I was also asked to present the prizes at a great community event. On Friday July 1, I held my
regular surgery for local residents. I often hold these in community hubs across our area. Most recently, this was held at Frenchay Village Hall, where I met a number of residents who had requested a meeting with me to discuss their concerns and situations. As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at jack. lopresti.mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance, or to book a surgery.
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
August, 2022
41
n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS
What a busy day at the flower show! AS most of us know, the Frenchay Flower Show has had to be cancelled for the last two years, so we were delighted to hear that this year it would be returning. The weather was hot and sunny, which obviously attracted a lot of interest from the public. Downend Men In Sheds had our stand in a prime position, adjacent to the village hall and under the trees, in the shade. Work to set up our stall started before 8am, to avoid the expected congestion later in the morning. Fortunately we took a photo of our stand before the show started, as it would have been impossible to see much of it once the public arrived. As with previous shows we ran two raffles, one for a bird table and the other for a planter in the form of a steam engine and two trucks, complete with a display of begonias planted in the tender and trucks. We received a number of
The Downend Men In Sheds stand at the Frenchay Flower Show enquiries asking to buy a similar arrangement but unfortunately the project was a one-off, due to the considerable work involved. For the first time ever, all the raffle tickets for both items were sold before the show ended, and the draw took place early. We also donated a raffle prize for the fundraising group of South Gloucestershire Guide Dogs, which coincidentally
occupied the next stall to ours. It was a planter in the form of a wishing well, again complete with a display of begonias in the base. The display attracted much interest, and we received several enquiries from members of the public, referred on by the Guide Dog charity. As most of the wishing well had been constructed from pallet wood, it would be a matter of sourcing
some suitable pallets before making any copies. The results from the day were exceptional and by far the best our group has achieved: we imagine all stall holders would have experienced much the same level of interest. It was nice to see some familiar faces of customers from previous shows and fairs. We were also able to explain our organisation to a number of interested parties and are hopeful one or two may choose to join us at Bromley Park. In conclusion we would like to thank visitors to the show and those that came to our stand for helping to make a memorable day. You can contact us by email at meninsheds.downend@gmail. com or visit us at the Bromley Park pavilion on a Tuesday or Thursday morning, to meet members and view our facilities first hand.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD Fraud and cybercrime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. As the threat continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing - most of it can be prevented. By following just a few steps, you can make it harder for fraudsters to steal your money or personal information when online, on the phone or at your front door.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
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August, 2022
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Protect yourself against cyber fraud AS I’ve mentioned before, I am the national police and crime commissioner lead for economic and cybercrime and, along with my team, I continue to work with Avon and Somerset Police and partners to raise awareness of the signs of fraud and prevent local people from becoming victims in the first place. As part of this work, we have distributed fraud protection postcards to over 160,000 households across 60 postcodes in Avon and Somerset. You can find this postcard in this edition of the Voice,, for you to cut out and keep beside your phone, pin on your fridge or by your front door. I want local people to use this postcard, so if and when a scammer contacts you, you know how to spot the signs of fraud and protect yourself. The postcard is also available on my website to download and print. Moving on, I’m delighted to tell
you about the fantastic results of the latest Operation Scorpion, the regional crackdown on drugs. Colleagues across the South West region carried out operations to disrupt drug supply and prevent drug crime, alongside carrying out preventative, educational and engagement work within communities. In Avon and Somerset there were almost 700 acts of disruption, including 17 arrests for drugrelated offences, 12 warrants in relation to properties and people linked to drug supply, two county lines disrupted, thousands of pounds worth of class A drugs and cannabis seized and 147 visits or safeguarding checks to addresses of vulnerable people. These results are sending a strong message to both criminals and our communities that we are intent on making the South West no place for drugs. The first priority in my police
and crime plan is preventing and fighting crime, and not only does this include important enforcement activity but also education work, to make our communities a safer place. Finally, local businesses can now access Police CyberAlarm, a free tool designed to help organisations understand and monitor the threat they face from malicious cyber activity. Police CyberAlarm, which is government funded, acts like a CCTV camera and monitors the traffic seen by business connections to the internet. The tool will show local businesses how they are being attacked, the source of the attack and will also help law enforcement identify current threats to take action against cyber criminals. Police CyberAlarm can benefit any business with a computer network, including SMEs, not for profit organisations, public
With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford
and private sector, charities, education establishments and local government. More information about this tool is on my website, avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.
STOP. CHALLENGE. PROTECT.
WANT TO KNOW MORE
Go to www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk for more information on keeping yourself safe and to provide feedback.
YOUR MONEY
DON’T FEEL PRESSURED
Protect your money. Don’t feel rushed into handing over money or financial information, take time to think about it and talk to someone you trust.
Just because someone knows your basic details doesn’t mean they’re genuine.
SOCIAL
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over the phone, email or text, be aware of unexpected contact. If you are asked for personal information check that it’s genuine, call them directly using contact details on their official website or correspondence.
STAY SAFE
CREATE STRONG RANDOM PASSWORDS FOR YOUR DEVICES KEEP YOUR DEVICES UP TO DATE VERIFY WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO ONLINE, OVER THE PHONE OR EVEN AT YOUR DOOR
/aandspcc
If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or alternatively call 0300 123 2040. If you receive a suspicious email report it to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you receive a suspicious text forward it to 7726 (free of charge)
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
kingswoodvoice downendvoice
July 2022 August, 2022
21 43
WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
20% OFF with Discount Summer Summer is the time where families and friends tend to get together. Whether travelling together to go on holiday abroad or for a UK holiday or visiting relatives. However, before you set off you really should make sure you have up-to-date Wills and Powers of Attorney in place – just in case something goes wrong. Melissa Witter, a legal advisor at local experts Simpson Solicitors with offices opposite Costa Coffee in Kingswood says: “I would like to help you get the right legal protection in place for your particular circumstances. I find every client is different and I will take as long as you need as I guide you through your options. That way
I will help you have the right tailormade legal solution for you”. Sigrid Grind continues: “The special Summer Offer along with free parking at the Kings Chase Shopping Centre means that if you have been putting off taking legal advice – now is the right time to get sorted. I will explain everything in plain English. I will then oversee the signing process so that your documents are legally valid.” Being a fully regulated and insured law firm, Simpsons give you that extra piece of mind of the work being done properly, with clear fixed prices and free document storage. Don’t leave it to chance. Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
are how you can make sure your wishes are followed if you suffered serious injury (and could not make decisions on your own) or if you died. Book now with Simpsons to make sure those you most care about are protected in the way you want including appointing a Guardian for young children or protecting the inheritance you leave behind from unnecessary tax or care home fees.
Melissa Witter
Sigrid Grind
Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood
DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 Call Simpson's friendly team on 0117 960 8594 or email message@simpsonslawuk.com to book your FREE, no obligation review meeting. When booking mention DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 and they will give you 20% off the their already competitive prices for Wills, Additional Trust Protection and Lasting Powers of Attorney. This is a limited offer and to qualify you do need to quote DISCOUNT SUMMER 2022 when booking and your review meeting must take place before 31 August 2022.
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FREE WILL REVIEW
WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT REMEMBERED FOR LEAVING BEHIND LEGAL PROBLEMS Simpson Solicitors’ award winning team will help you do the job properly. Protecting those you most care about with Wills and Powers of Attorney. At the FREE review meeting we’ll take as long as you need to consider what is best for your particular situation. Then we offer clear fixed prices with no hidden costs.
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BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING: Call 0117 960 8594 OR message@simpsonslawuk.com OR Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR pop into our Kings Chase Shopping Centre offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa). If getting to us is difficult, our FREE Home Visit service covers Bitton, Downend, Fishponds, Hanham, Kingswood, Oldland, St George, Staple Hill, Warmley, Willsbridge and surrounding areas.
Got News?contact Call 07540 383870 Email:Gotnews@kingswoodvoice.co.uk To advertise, Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
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August, 2022
nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA From 23 July until 4 September 2022. n DISHES OF DISCOVERY AT BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN - Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer. Embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol as you sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship. July 30 n ICE CREAM & BAKE SALE, face painting, Elsa from Frozen and teddy tombola, Christ Church Centre, Quaker's Road, 2-4pm. Free entry. July 31 n LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT in Page Park, with The Dings Jazzmen, 2pm on the Bandstand. More information from the Bean Tree Cafe. August 4 n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH invite you to their monthly COFFEE MORNING from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon at Cossham Street, Come along for a warm welcome and a cup of coffee (plus cakes and biscuits) For further information please telephone June Watts on 0117 9566625 August 4-7 BEYOND HEDONISM' THE GREEN GATHERING 2022, award winning, family friendly, off grid festival, 4th - 7th August, Piercefield Park near Chepstow. This is the annual fundraiser for the Green Gathering Charity, which promotes ecology and sustainability through education and the arts. Tickets and info at: http://www.greengathering.org.uk. August 5
n GIDDY UP FOR GIBBS VIRTUAL HORSE RACING EVENT, with six races plus raffle to raise money for Dave's Brain Fund. Downend Cricket Club, 7.30pm. tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ dbf/t-avvqddn. August 16 n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, 10.15am. Nonmembers welcome, £3 including tea or coffee. August 15 n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB 2pm Summer Holiday U (1963) Starring Cliff Richard and Laurie Peters. A fabulous 1960s musical: The summer adventure of four London Bus mechanics who strike up a deal with London Transport to do up a double-decker London Bus and drive it around Europe as a hotel. Tickets: £4.00 including tea & cake. Carers welcome, easy access For more information and to book, please call 0117 435 0064. Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG September 15 n DOWNEND AND KINGSWOOD RNLI branch AGM at Staple Hill Methodist Church at 8pm
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. Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN
FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. Just come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20Sept for the Personcentred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@ btinternet.com. n SINGALONG 4 ALL - Mondays 10.30/11.30, Grace court, Dial Lane, Downend BS16 5UP. £4 ...£1 tea n bikkies Tel: Barbara 07816839141. n SOCIAL BADMINTON every Monday at Kingswood Leisure Centre from 2-4pm. Intermediate level, all welcome. n EDDS & TALES Baby & Toddler Group Every Monday, Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street, Downend. 10.00 - 11.30 (term time only) £3 per family (first visit free) including drinks, snacks and craft activity ALL WELCOME - Just turn up Join our Facebook group Edds and Tales n STAPLE HILL JOB SEEKER SUPPORT GROUP, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, 1A Berkeley Rd, every Monday from 1.30-3.30pm. Laptops and Wi-Fi available for job searches, free tea and coffee, welcoming environment. Run by local councillor Katie Cooper and volunteers. Call Julie on 01454 868374 with any questions or to let us know you are coming. n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. For more information ring Kath 07517 1297 Tuesday n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB Meetings on
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in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@downendvoice. co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 the third Tuesday of each month. Venue as usual: Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Time 10.15am. New members and Visitors welcomed. Varied speakers. n BROMLEY HEATH GARDENING CLUB Meets at Christ Church Centre, Quakers Road, every third Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm. Talks, day trips and short holidays - everyone welcome. Call May on 0117 957 3695 for details. n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.0011.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875 n BOARD GAMES NIGHT every Tuesday from 7pm. All Welcome The Wooden Walls Micropub, 30 Broad Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5NU Wednesday n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB We meet at 7.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month from
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Ear Clear Bristol THE SOLUTION IS HEAR Call Sarah Hayward (Ear Wax Removal Specialist) on
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August, 2022 September to June. At Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, BS16 2RW. For more information call Genise on 0777 245 1217 n DOWNEND BRIDGE CLUB NEW MEMBERS ARE WANTED Come and join us and play duplicate Bridge at Lincombe Barn Downend on Wednesday afternoons 2pm. We are a small, easy-going and friendly club. All levels are welcome although some knowledge and experience is necessary as we cannot offer lessons. Just a fun afternoon playing Bridge with like-minded people. Please contact eveforbes77@gmail.com or 01179836886 or Yvonne Scoulding rscoulding@google.com or 01179568944 n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. You would receive a warm welcome by this happy choir who have at least three concerts a year whose repertoire includes items from Shows, Abba, Beattles and general popular songs which includes appropriate pieces for the time of year. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881. n DOWNEND SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Musical entertainment from 2-4pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at North Street Church Hall. All are welcome. n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the third Wednesday of every month in the afternoon. We meet at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quizzes and handy craft afternoon finishes with tea. If you are interested in our activities please telephone Madeleine Bills
Secretary. 0117 9560805. n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class is free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. n FRENCHAY PROBUS CLUB We meet at Frenchay Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. For further details contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk. n MEET THE BEAT TEAM, Bean Tree Cafe, Page Park. Every Wednesday afternoon, 2-3pm. If you have any problems or issues you would like to discuss with the police neighbourhood team, please come along. n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk. n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORM CHURCH invite you to their regular twice monthly sessions of Friendly Voices. These are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Come along for a sing-along (and coffee) Carers very welcome. For further information contact June Watts on 0117 9566625. n CROSS STITCH Like to learn this absorbing relaxing hobby and have fun at the same time? Why not join the Club at Lincombe
NEW YOGA CLASSES AT FRENCHAY VILLAGE HALL Mondays: 9:30 to 10:30am Tuesdays: 6:30 to 7:30pm Friendly - non-competitive – strengthen – stretch Details at www.yoga2.co.uk or email Chris and Shelagh yoga2@btinternet.com
From beginners to more experienced students
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Barn. Beginners and those with all abilities welcome. New term commences beginning of September on Wednesday mornings 10.00 am until 12 noon. Contact Lincombe Barn on 9562367 for further details. Thursday n BARN BELLS handbell ringers meet at Lincombe Barn, Downend, from 2-4pm weekly. Anyone who can read music is welcome to join. n IGNITE YOUTH GROUP. Thursdays, term time only, at the Youth Hub & Parish Hall , 57 North Street, Downend. Year 6-8, 6.30-7.45pm. Year 9-11s, 8-9.15pm. A place to relax and have fun with friends. Free entry. Tuck available. Visit www.igniteyouthchristchurchdownend.co.uk to sign up and see the full programme. n WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members, especially flute, oboe, trumpet, horn and percussion players, are welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com. n MANGOTFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH invite you to their twice monthly sessions of FRIENDLY VOICES. These are held on the 2nd and fourth Thursdays of each month from 10.30 am to 12 noon at Cossham Street. Come along for a sing-song and a coffee. Carers are very welcome n FRIENDLY VOICES is a dementia friendly singing group. There is no cost and the sessions are led by a qualified music therapist,Sharon, who brings a lot of experience and plenty of instruments to have fun with. The sessions are open to all and if you think that you ,or someone you love, would benefit by them please come along or contact June Watts on 0117 9566625 Friday 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) n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text 'Ukulele' to Ben on 07910 668258.
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n Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday. Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954.
PLE
EXAM
n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. n JIGSAW TODDLER GROUP, Fridays in term time at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, from 9.45-11.15am. Toys, crafts, songs, refreshments and learning about faith in a fun way. No need to book. Saturday n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to make sugar flowers and models we hold workshops with instruction. Beginners very welcome. call Jean Kington on 01454 314178. Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. For more information contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church.egbc@outlook.com or visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH. In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. We are still taking a cautious approach and ask people to wear a mask. Contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.
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August, 2022
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
This summer, let’s explore local THERE’S no place like home when it comes to our summer holidays, for the staycation is back. With the ever-growing cost of living, not to mention the chaos at the Passport Office wrecking even the best-laid holiday plans, many are choosing to play it safe this year and sit out their summer getaway here in the UK. After two years of ‘stay at home’ orders and jumping around the living room with fitness guru Joe Wicks, who fully knew that the solitude of the West of England could help recharge all our batteries? Who realised that we could all feel reinvigorated by strolling through the gorgeous hills of the South West countryside – a walker’s paradise – from which you can see for miles? And who appreciated that from adventure parks to nature parks, from festivals to sporting activities, all the family can have a healthy dose of wholesome fun right here in our amazing region? The secret is now well and truly out. From play and learning at family-friendly favourites like Wild Place Project to the hidden gem that is Radstock Museum, our area is jam-packed with top places to explore.
That’s why, this year, I’ve encouraged all of you to make the most of our fantastic local attractions and get behind them as our pandemic-hit tourism sector gets back on its feet. My Explore Local campaign has already helped bring thousands of tourists back to our great region, but there is a way to go yet. And so, if this to be the summer of the great British ‘staycation’ - this a phrase that’s bandied about every year, but it’s fair to say that it’s never been more fitting – let’s take full advantage by visiting the truly amazing attractions we have locally. The UK may well be the staycation nation, but there is no better staycation destination than the West of England! This summer I’ve been busy visiting many of our great attractions. There are too many highlights to mention but some deserve a special shout out. In Bath I immersed myself in the spooky history of how Mary Shelley penned her bestselling Frankenstein novel in the city. I should warn you, this one ain’t for the faint-hearted – so children will love it! I got a sneak peek of a brand-new (and free!) outdoor photography gallery from Bristol’s Royal Photographic Society, too. And I’ve enjoyed
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice tea rooms and character in abundance in our beautiful historic market towns. We’re lucky to live in such a brilliant part of the world. While an exotic escape may be off the cards this year, have no fear. Let’s all get out there, soak in the atmosphere (and sun) and enjoy a staycation like no other. We should all fall back in love with holidaying at home here in the very special West of England. And a big bonus of keeping it local and travelling less far is that we can help save the planet too. I hope you have a great holiday.
n NEWS
Coins and church relics uncovered PIECES of church history and coins minted more than 300 years ago have been uncovered in fields in the Downend area. Metal detectorist David Upton found a brass cross pendant with a green bead or stone and a silver cross, which he believes is from a Coins from the reign of William III. church standard, in a field near Hambrook in June. The silver cross is believed to date from the mid-18th to 19th century. Older still are the silver William III coins which he found in a different spot nearby, on visits in June and July. One is a crown, three are shillings and the third is a sixpence – all date from 1697 and 1696, making them at least 325 years old. Mr Upton searches fields in the area with permission from landowners, sharing what he finds with them, and keeps the precise locations secret to deter unauthorised treasure hunters. He is now looking for an expert to find out more about the coins and where they were minted.
David Upton with the two crosses he uncovered near Hambrook
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August, 2022
n NEWS
A FOOTBALL match that puts Mangotsfield villagers on rival teams is back after nearly three years away. The Mango Reds v Blues match, organised by Mangotsfield Community Association and played at Mangotsfield United's Cossham Street ground, was first played in 2018, when it raised more than £2,624 for St Peter’s Hospice. The following year more than £4,500 was raised for St Peter's Hospice and Special Friends Autistic Club from the match, played between fans of Rovers and City, and its accompanying bucket collections, food sales, entertainment and raffle. But the pandemic put a halt to the MCA's fundraising activities, which meant the match was not played in 2020 or last year. The MCA has re-emerged this year and has already raised £5,500 for good causes through spin cycling and skittle events. Members are aiming to raise £10,000, and hope the return of the Reds v Blues match, at Cossham Street on Sunday September 25, will push them
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Friendly football match returns to help charities
Players at the first Mango Reds v Blues match past the target. The all-day event, which starts at 10.30am, will include music from local DJs, a bouncy castle, hot food, a bar, a raffle with "quality prizes" and an auction. But the big difference this year will be that instead of City
and Rovers fans choosing to play for their teams' colours, this time the players on each side will be picked out of a hat, to keep the atmosphere light-hearted. Organisers Mike Heath and Gerrian Baker said: "It is not really the result that matters, but that all involved enjoy
themselves, the most important thing being the amount raised on the day. "Please bring the other half, the kids, the in-laws, the outlaws, the neighbours and as many people as you can find to cheer on your local village team, and have a wonderful day out that will last well into the evening." Entry to the ground will be free but there will be collection buckets around the ground, and a sponsored match day programme with player profiles will also be available. Registration forms are at the Red Lion pub in St James Street for players, who can sign up in return for a £5 donation. More information and updates on the event can be found on the Mangotsfield Community Association Facebook page.
Another planter pops up MANGOTSFIELD has gained its 11th planter as part of a commitment to improve the appearance of the area. The latest was unveiled by Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath, secretary Chris Amos and Sim Kaur outside her Spar shop in Northcote Road. More of the planters, made by Chris and Mangotsfield resident Peter Veale, are in the pipeline for roads into and around the village. Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell, who took the picture, said: "On behalf of the community, many thanks to them for their outstanding work."
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Register Now www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk
Introducing...…
Cllr Alka Mehta-Graham “I would like to meet as many residents as possible, listen to their needs, and tr y to help.”
Originally, Alka is an Essex girl and has two teenage sons. One is studying at Oxford University, reading Law, and the other is on track to study Medicine. Naturally, Alka’s family is also proud of their British Asian and West Indian heritage and embraces all cultures in the area. Personally, Alka moved to Emersons Green from the Asia Pacific region in 2000, when her husband was offered a role in an engineering company in South Glos. Since then, Alka has been involved in a variety of multicultural community projects in the local area, with a focus on bringing people together. Professionally, Alka has over 20 years of experience, worldwide, in Human Resources, relationship management, workforce planning, talent acquisition, and Senior Account Management. Alka’s focus on diversity and inclusion has consistently resulted in growth for her business clients. Naturally, Alka has a great network, both locally and globally! For fun, Alka enjoys walking, nature, and a good dance!
Being a Town Councillor, like Alka, is highly rewarding, and there are other voluntary roles available too. All of these roles give you a chance to make a huge difference in the quality of life for people in your local area, and to influence the way issues are dealt with locally. Interested in helping? Get in touch now: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Why not stand for election? Local elections are managed by South Glos Council and will take place in May 2023. More info: www.southglos.gov.uk
downendvoice
August, 2022
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n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH I’VE been thinking a lot recently about power. I wonder what comes into your mind when you think about this topic? When I think about it, one of the things I’m struck by is how there are lots of things in life which are far more powerful than we would necessarily realise. There are ants, for example, who are famous for being able to carry up to 20 times their own body weight. The equivalent for me would be having enough strength to deadlift two adult camels – one, that is, on each arm - and I absolutely guarantee you that this is a feat which I will never even come close to achieving! Something else that is enormously powerful, meanwhile, is water. We’re told how the whole of life is, in essence, dependent on this unassuming substance. But, we know that it is virtually unlimited in its destructive potential as well. And I suspect, all great power has something in common with water in this regard. All great power has the
Unexpected power capability to do good, but it can also be misused, or even abused. There have been far too many examples of power being mishandled widely reported in our newspapers over recent weeks, months, years. All of this, I suspect, has contributed to an increasing distrust, or even fear of those in powerful positions. Now the truth is, of course, that the abuses that have led to this situation are deplorable. But right here, right now, I don’t really want to exert great energy lambasting anyone in a position of power: it seems there is already plenty of energy being expended on this endeavour! But what I want to do, instead, is to encourage each of us to think about the power that we ourselves possess. Because, like the humble ant or the smallest of water drops, this power will be far greater than we might at first imagine. We all of us have the power, both to create and to destroy.
There is a huge amount in the Bible on the topic of human power. One thing it highlights, in particular, is the power of our words. One of the verses in Proverbs, for example, which is a book of wisdom, reminds us how “kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt” (Proverbs 15.4, Contemporary English Version). So, if nothing else, all of us can choose to try and use our words for good – and imagine how different our world might look, if everyone truly did just that! There will be other ways besides in which we can use power to do good, from working together to help care for the vulnerable in our communities to bringing our collective voices together in opposition to injustice, wherever it is found. I would encourage us all, therefore, to think, in this week and this month, about the difference you might be able to make, even if it’s just to one
With
Revd. Pete Gardiner Downend Baptist Church
person, through the way you use your power. You might even want to set yourself a challenge to have a go at one thing, every day, which makes a positive impact for someone. Because if all of us could combine our power in this way, I know the impact would be truly enormous. So, how will you use your power today?
n NEWS
History comes alive at St James Church
MANGOTSFIELD'S St James church took 700 primary school children on a journey through history as part of its 800th anniversary celebrations. Pupils from junior classes at three primary schools – Mangotsfield CofE, Barley Close and Emersons Green – visited the church to find out more about the eight centuries it has been a constant presence. They were greeted at the porch door by a robed Monk who told them how the building – the oldest in the village – has evolved since it was built on the edge of a vast forest. The children then heard from other characters in costume about life for poorer members of society, working for the lord of the manor without modern comforts. They then learned about life in Tudor times, and how William Tyndale had translated the Bible into English before moving into the Victorian era when many local residents working in nearby mines and Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge. A spokesperson for the church said: "The delivery of this History Trail captured the children’s imagination as it was presented by characters dressed in typical costumes of the era that they represented and from the perspective of an ordinary person of
A volunteer at one of the exhibits at St James Church their time. The stories that were told helped the children relate to both their learning in school as well as make comparisons to their own lives today. "To complete their journey, the children were brought back into the current times and they learnt how the recently-refurbished church building is now a more accessible place for worship and for the whole community to share in."
The trail was held in late June and children from Emersons Green Primary School also came to sing at the church's summer fair in the grounds, when the building was open for the public to view the history trail. For more information on the St James 800 celebrations visit years, visit stjameschurch.co.uk online or the St James Church Mangotsfield Facebook page.
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50
August, 2022
n AROUND THE WIs STAPLE HILL WI
WE are not having an official August meeting – we do however have a couple of items in the diary. We will be meeting for a meal in the Grapevine in Mangotsfield: this is always a great evening, with superb food and wonderful company aplenty! In addition to this we have our afternoon tea at the Vintage Birdcage in Yate. Let's hope this glorious summer weather holds out for us. In September we have Astrid Domingo Molyneux coming to talk to us about 'Cycling full circle'. If anyone feels like cycling to the venue, please feel free! Great news – our June cream tea raised £90. Thank you to everyone involved. We have split the funds in half: £45 has been donated to The Breast Cancer Charity and £45 to St Peter’s Hospice. This has been donated in the memory of dear Pauline Harper, who sadly passed away in June. Are you 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. We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive to us and we meet on the third Tuesday of most months. Our meeting starts at 7.30pm – come and join us in Christ Church Hall on North Street in Downend. Make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy a cuppa and some cake! Drop us an email to find out more at katetarr@avonfwi.org.uk. Kate Tarr
BROMLEY HEATH WI
IT had been another long, hot day and our members were both happy and sad to be at Bromley Heath School. Sad, as this would be our last meeting before our August summer break, and happy because this was a BYO drinks get together. This evening not a single cup of tea or steaming coffee mug was in sight: just chilled wine bottles, cool cans, soft drinks and summer snacks that our ladies had brought along to imbibe and share with others. It's not often that BHWI
attempt to fulfil the WI stereotype but this evening we enjoyed the opportunity to buy some delicious blackberry jam that was homemade by Irene and being sold by Evelyn, from our industrious and illustrious allotment group. I did consider asking them to sing me a chorus of Jerusalem, but felt I’d be pushing my luck! Full details of our September trip to the Royal Mint were available but unfortunately, on this occasion, absolutely no free samples will be forthcoming. Liza welcomed us all and handed over to Quiz Master Matt, who had already distributed quiz answer sheets plus two picture sheets to get us in the thinking mood, including an invite to select an appropriate team name. The quiz was close-run throughout, but at the close the Hot Ladies beat the Jams by just a few points. It’s not 100% clear why the Hot Ladies team members selected this name, but it’s probably more to do with the heat, perspiration and their need for hand-held fans rather than mass sex appeal? Anyway, they bagged the first prizes – a choice of wine or chocolate. An enjoyable evening ended with applause and a huge thank you to Matt and a 'well done' to everyone who took part. Undoubtedly all of us learned something new, and many of us met somebody new as well. Finally, we hope you all have a great summer break and look forward to welcoming members old and new to our meeting in early September, when we will be line dancing, led by our very own Sue 'Cowgirl Howdy' Hudson. Get your checked shirts, cowboy boots and Stetsons ready, and let’s hope it’s cooler by then. Margaret Hanwell
DOWNEND WI
WE are looking forward to our next meeting, on July 26, where Bristol Blue Glass will be joining us to talk to us about their historic company and the beautiful glassware that they produce. Upcoming sessions are our annual quiz and fizz, card making, a talk from the homeless charity St Mungo’s and Xmas wreath making. Looking back, our June meeting was all about decluttering. Our speaker, Louise Walker, a professional home organiser, talked about the benefits of removing clutter and organising our homes to create a calmer, less
stressful environment to live and work in. A cluttered, unorganised home can cause anxiety and affect well-being, and living in a decluttered home can have huge health benefits. Louise’s advice was to start small, for example sorting through one box or drawer at a time, otherwise the task of clearing and decluttering can become overwhelming. A useful tip when decluttering clothing is to be ruthless: if a garment hasn’t been worn for a long time or doesn’t fit, then sell it or donate it to charity – don’t hang onto it ‘just in case'. We meet at Christ Church Hall, North Street, Downend on the last Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. If you would like to find out more about joining Downend WI, please contact our President, Julie, at Downendwi@yahoo.co.uk. You are always welcome as a guest, for a charge of £4 including refreshments, to give us a try! Deb (on behalf of the committee)
AVON FEDERATION of WIs AVON Federation held its Summer Lunch on July 5, with members from numerous WIs in the area meeting at Bristol Golf Club to socialise and listen to two guest speakers. First to speak was Sarah Crew, the first female Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police. Her talk had particular relevance for WI as a whole, as it related to the work her force is doing to combat violence against women. We then had an excellent lunch, followed by the second guest speaker – Peaches Golding, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol. Peaches told us about her role, the selection and appointment process, and an outline of the duties of the Queen’s representative for Bristol. Federation Chairman Sue Murphy presented gifts to both Sarah and Peaches, and also to another, unsuspecting, attendee: Susan Marshfield, a long-time member of Winterbourne Evening WI, was celebrating her 90th birthday that very day! Whilst the lunch was taking place, a short distance away – at The Wave, South Gloucestershire – another Avon Federation member was enjoying a special day. Georgina Moore of Frampton Cotterell WI was taking part in Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay.
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, 2022
51
n MESSAGE FROM SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL
Reading challenge will spark children’s curiosity I’M so excited that the Summer Reading Challenge is back this year. My daughter and I enjoy spending time together with books, and I’m very proud that our libraries are taking such an active role in encouraging primary school-aged children to take part and hopefully develop a lifelong love of books. Running for the past 23 years, with a different theme each year, the Summer Reading Challenge reaches over 700,000 children across the UK. This year the challenge is called The Gadgeteers. Libraries and organisers, The Reading Agency, have partnered with the Science Museum Group for a science and innovation-themed challenge, to spark children’s curiosity about the world around
them and celebrate how the imagination plays an important role in reading and the sciences. The challenge is a great way to support literacy over the school holidays, when it can sometimes dip. Why not read a book for a while, if you need a break from the (hopefully) warm sun? It supports children to become more independent readers, maintaining and improving confidence over the summer break, which they can take back to school in September. It also supports positive mental well-being, boosting self-esteem. Here in South Gloucestershire, the challenge is the perfect opportunity for families to explore our local libraries,
®
especially as all Reception and Year 1 pupils have now received their own library card, as part of an initiative in this year’s budget designed to improve literacy and help children develop a lifelong love of reading. The challenge runs until September 10 and is completely free, which we know is important at a time when families are struggling with rising costs. It’s also very easy to join. Children simply sign up at one of our local libraries, read six books over the summer holidays and receive stickers to complete a special collector’s poster. There are also lots of incentives to encourage young readers to participate, such as free swim vouchers – and brilliant books.
With
Rachael Hunt
cabinet member with responsibility for libraries
So, why not pop in to one of our libraries to find out more, sign up, and borrow your first book? You can also find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge.
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downendvoice
August, 2022
n MUD PIE EXPLORERS
n PAGE PARK NEWS
Blackberry season is here
Clock struggles in the heat
BLACKBERRY season is under way! Here at Mud Pie Explorers we love blackberries. Not only are they yummy and juicy but they are also really good for you. They are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese and fibre. Eating lots of blackberries will boost your brain health and oral health. Not only that, but they also grow everywhere and picking them is free! Blackberries are made up of 20 - 50 small segments called Drupelets, each of which are filled up with juice. They vary a lot in flavour, some bushes are really sweet and some have a sharper taste - so it’s worth trying quite a few to find your favourite. In fact there are more than 350 different micro-species of blackberry in the UK. And did you know that people that study and classify blackberries are known as Batologists? Blackberries are great straight from the bush, but there are loads of amazing recipes you can make too. We love making blackberry jam and blackberry pancakes on the campfire. Some of our other favourites are blackberry crumble, blackberry muffins, and frozen blackberry yoghurt. It’s possible to ferment blackberries to make wine, or infuse them in spirits. They can be frozen to use at other times of year, or dried to make fruit leather. Blackberries go so well with apples, which are also ready to eat now. Blackberry and apple tarts and crumbles are classic tastes of early autumn. As well as eating them, at Forest School we love painting with blackberries! We just squish them up with some water and they are ready for daubing onto paper, fabric, faces or trees. It’s possible to tie dye with blackberries by mashing them up and adding warm water. Scrunch up some fabric and tie it up with string then leave it in the blackberry juice to soak for a while. When it’s unfolded and untied there’s a beautiful pattern which can be left to dry or ironed to preserve it. And simply squishing ripe blackberries is a really satisfying sensory activity in itself. But we always leave loads for the wildlife. Blackberries are an important food source for mammals such as dormice, squirrels and badgers, as well as many species of bird such as blackcaps, starlings and blackbirds. And it’s not just the fruit either - earlier in the season bramble flowers are an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other insects. They also provide safe places for birds and small mammals to nest and hide in, protected by the thorns that make brambles impenetrable to people or larger mammals. Make the most of them now, as later in the autumn they are not so good to eat as they go mouldy in damper weather. Because of this, there is a tradition that blackberries shouldn’t be eaten after the end of September. But it’s totally fine if you picked them earlier and preserved them of course! To find out more about the fantastic adventures of offer here in Downend pop along to mud-pies.co.uk.
PAGE Park's familiar clock chimes are believed to have fallen victim to the recent hot weather. July's high temperatures are seen as the most likely cause of an electrical malfunction, which The chiming bells inside the Page Park clock. caused the bells Picture: Friends of Page Park which play the clock's melody to go out of sync with the rest of the clock, including the bells that strike the hour. The malfunction also caused the chimes to sound at night, outside their usual times of 7am and 11pm. The night-time chimes on the clock, which was built by Bristol clockmakers Kemp Brothers and has been in the park since its opening in 1910, were restricted after some people who lived nearby complained about them. Friends of Page Park vice-chair Steph Purser said: "A wire had expanded and shorted out. "A horologist has been working to fix it but the chimes may need to be turned off for a while." "This will happen at times because of the clock's age."
More good news on loos PLANS to transform Page Park's toilets are being upgraded after more money was awarded to the scheme. An extra £40,000 has been allocated by South Gloucestershire Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy – funding from developers who are building in the area collected by the council to pay for improvements. The Voice reported in May that the park was one of six places set to have new "fully accessible" toilets with hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and extra space to accommodate carers, after the council won £135,000 of Government funding under the Changing Places Toilets scheme. The park's old public toilet block by the main Broad Street entrance has been closed for several years, after repeated vandalism, with toilets only currently available when the Bean Tree cafe is open. Now the council and the Friends of Page Park have started planning a rebuild of the existing block, with a view to work starting some time in the next financial year if all goes to plan. The Friends are looking to raise £20,000 towards the new toilets from donations and grants from funds the council cannot apply for itself. Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said: "We're still at the early stages but things are happening. "We've needed new toilets for a long long time - at the moment, when the cafe has closed, it stops some people from being able to go to the park."
Park in running for award THE Friends of Page Park are in the running for a BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Award, for groups who make the area a better place to live. They will find out if they have won at an awards ceremony at the end of September.
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, 2022
53
n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN
The day we went to Wisley THE day dawned bright and with a glorious sunrise. It was June 21, the longest day, and Jayne, Thelma and I were going to Wisley with the Downend Gardening in Retirement Club. We met in the Co-op car park, where the coach was picking us up to take us on our journey. Members and their friends congregated in a group chatting to each other. We sat towards the back and after the coach driver introduced himself, we were off. I had been looking forward to this trip for a long time, and was hoping to buy an Alpine there which would replace one like it I had a few years ago.
We stopped at a garden centre just off the motorway en route, for a coffee and comfort stop. I bought Lance, my beau, an attractive plaque in the shape of a heart with a couple of ducks on it with the words 'You're a quacking friend!' Once back on the coach, we were soon at our destination. The sun was baking hot, and I saw a nice tree providing some shade with a seat around it. I was feeling like my lunch, so the three of us settled down, munching away, and were joined by a pair of ducks, who pecked away at the titbits we threw down. After our refreshment we determinedly walked along a path
in the baking sun. As we ambled through a pinetum, Thelma mentioned she would like a rest, so we found a bench and table in the shade and had another light refreshment and fed a friendly robin. We continued on our way until we came to a pretty extensive bed of heathers and rock plants. It was enchanting, and just up my street. We all admired the layout, with little paths going through it, and took photographs. It was exceedingly hot, and we eventually came back to the entrance. Once again, we had more refreshments, cups of tea and cake in the shade. While Jayne and Thelma reflected on the
with
Christine Broadway day at Wisley I went to the garden centre to look for Alpines. I came home with three exquisite ones: not the one I was hoping to see, but there is always another time!
n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN DURING our July meeting we had a couple of quizzes: one was to do with the Queen's Jubilee, which taxed our brains, and in the other one we had to identify leaves of shrubs and trees. It certainly helped us to recognize different plants. We are having a trip to Serridge House gardens in August. It's a lovely garden, and a cream tea is always served. We will meet back on the second Thursday in September, at 7.30pm, bringing back information and ideas from our holidays. During late August most garden centres will have their spring bulbs arriving, so do have a look and see if there is something you haven’t grown before, and give it a go. Remember, daffodils have varieties that bloom early. With careful planning you can have flowers or shrubs in blossom every month of the year, which is very good for bees and insects.
It can be a challenge, so get creative. Start the year with winter jasmine and snowdrops, then witch hazel and hellebores – I leave you to carry out some research and see what you can find and would like to grow. Even window boxes can have something in bloom most months of the year. Do have a look around for horticultural shows, pay them a visit, see what the gardeners have produced and pick up tips, maybe even put an entry in yourself. Village fairs are another good place to find plants, often very reasonably priced. You may even be able to take cuttings of your own plants, increase your stock and perhaps sell some for a charity of your choice. Keep deadheading, to keep your flowers coming and your garden looking fresh and vibrant. Now is the time to get bulbs to
n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OUR last meeting was a talk on growing and showing sweet peas, with a film show. We have been on a tour of Kent 'Gardens of England', including Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and many more. At Penshurst Place we saw a Union Jack garden made up with The Union Jack garden at Penshurst Place roses. Our next meeting, on August 11 at 7.30pm, at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road in Downend, includes a talk on orchid growing. For more information call 0117 957 1703. Roger Davis
plant up for Christmas, for presents, a sale or just to have flowers in the house during the winter months. I am thinking about hyacinths: they have such a lovely perfume. Keep visiting gardens when
you can to enjoy the creativity and inspiration other people can give you, and even find something new. Have a lovely summer, visiting, researching, relaxing and pottering in the garden. Mary Head,
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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, 2022
55
n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Bromley Heath Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 6HU Asking Price £495,000 � � � after LOCATED on the sought Bromley Heath Road this superb Mock Tudor style family home is displayed throughout in excellent order whist having many period style features throughout. The property briefly comprises to the ground floor: entrance hallway, lounge/diner, the lounge having an attractive bay front and feature open working fireplace and dining room with patio doors out to the rear garden, kitchen breakfast room, utility and cloakroom. To the first floor can be found two double size bedrooms (both with fitted wardrobes), a good size single bedroom with feature bay window and a modern family bathroom. Externally there is a good size rear garden that is laid to both lawn and patio to provide amy seating space and at the end of the garden there is a timber framed summerhouse/office with light and power which could be used as an
HERE TO GET
you
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office. Further benefits include, gas central heating, triple glazing, cellar storage and driveway for several vehicles. The property offers a
convenient location being a short walk to Downend High street with it's array of shops, restaurants and coffee shops whilst being in close proximity of Frenchay Village with
it's vast conservation space and common and access to fantastic river walks. There are excellent transport links nearby to both the Ring Road and motorway networks.
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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, 2022
57
n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
FEES* SITUATED in a prominent corner
M
Coleman
28, Grange Park Frenchay, Bristol, NO SOLICITOR BS16 2SZ SELLING £850,000
E S T A T E A G E N T S
plot on the edge of Frenchay Common and Conservation area, M.Coleman are offering a fantastic incentive for vendors looking to put their we are delighted tothebring to the property on market during the months of March and April 2016. market an executive split level For all properties instructed during this period proceeding to a successful detached residence that has been completion M.Coleman Estate Agents will meet your Energy Performance Certificate and Solicitors Selling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements. extended and updated to boast four double bedrooms and three We provide a quality service to all our clients spacious living rooms. based on traditional values of honesty, integrity Upon entering you are experience and courtesy. Our team benefits extending beyond 100 years and this expertise welcomed into spacious is passed a to you to ensure we achieve the best possible price for the sale of your home. entrance hall with stairs leading We listen to our client’s needs and believe to the first floor and down to a communication is paramount in providing the best level The of servicecapacious throughout the selling vast family room. process. lounge benefits a triple aspect with windows theApply side rear * Terms to & Conditions – Pleaseand ask for details elevations and a splay bay window to the front; a Bath stone fireplace houses a log burner. Wood floors extend from the hallway into the 19 Cleeve Wood Road Downend dining room also benefitting a Bristol BS16 2SF splay bay window to the front and Tel: 0117 9566221 www.mcoleman.co.uk traditional fireplace with wooden mantle and Granite hearth. The family room is surely the heart of this home a vast space perfect for family gatherings and entertaining fitted wardrobes and furniture; the with windows to front and rear master offers a stylish fully tiled wet elevations and sliding double doors room with underfloor heating. The to garden. The kitchen is located to contemporary bathroom consists the rear with windows and French of a white four-piece suite with doors to the garden. Offering a vast mains plumbed shower enclosure range of light wood wall and base and freestanding claw foot bath. units with integrated appliances Fully enclosed by mature including an electric Neff double hedgerow offering privacy and oven and matching Halogen hob, seclusion; the landscaped gardens dishwasher & fridge/freezer. An surround the property and offer arch leads to the utility room various lawn and seating areas completing the ground floor. capturing sun throughout the day. The impressive split-level half Gated access lead to the side of landing is currently used as a study the property providing off street and gives access to two wellparking and access to a single proportioned double bedrooms. detached garage. Stairs rise to the first floor and two further double bedrooms both with Coleman
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August, 2022
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n OCEAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
Offers in excess of £500,000 Field view DriveDownend
New to the market is this extended 4 bedroom detached home located close to local schools and major transport links such as the Bristol ring road and M32. This property is also within reach of Oldbury Court Estate and Snuff Mills making this the perfect spot for a family. Upon entering you will find an entrance hallway, lounge/dining room, W.C, a newly fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and a study/play room that opens on to the rear garden. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms and a recently fitted bathroom with underfloor heating. Externally this property comes with off street parking, a rear garden mainly being laid to lawn with some patio, side access and a single integral garage. Call Ocean now to view! Material Information (Provided by the Owner) - Freehold. Council Tax Band E.
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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
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August, 2022
n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH DOWNEND CAMERA CLUB
Dubs Hut Fleetwith Pike by Ian Miller
Striking structures OLD buildings often make an interesting subject, and enthusiast snappers are invariably keen to photography a bit of dereliction and decay – to be strictly truthful, often the more the decrepit the subject, the more enticing the prospect. Some buildings in particular locations become well known to club photographers, and the news that a particular favourite has been pulled down or refurbished is greeted with regret. The photogenic buildings shown here, though, are happily still standing, the three images all featuring in recent competitions. ‘Wilton Windmill’ is a lovely shot of an oft-photographed tourist attraction. Nothing in the way of decay here, the windmill has been restored and is working. The image is wide-angle and pin-sharp, with a
Castle Stalker by Dave Britton dramatic sky and saturated colours. ‘Castle Stalker’ is an example of how old buildings can blend into their surroundings. The structure is in a romantic location and has been restored, but the old walls remain unchanged, and they have a colour and texture brought out by the side lighting, emphasised by the dark and brooding background. ‘Dubs Hut’ shows some picturesque dereliction. The building dates from when there was mining in the area, and is now a walker’s refuge. The location is dramatic, the hut sits among a field of shattered stone from which it was plainly built, and the dip in the ground shows the way forward into what looks like a spectacular valley. Another threatening sky Wilton Windmill by Helen Sheppard here – let’s hope the weather was not bad enough to require use of that dismal-looking hut! pandemic, in-person meetings and Downend Camera Club is a events have now restarted, with friendly informal group who meet photographic presentations and on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the competitions. Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road, The Club is on both Facebook Downend. and Instagram and has a website LOW Following the easing of the at www.downendcameraclub.
Steve Bellamy Ctta eeetllsllaam S e myy S ev vre epB B
LOW LOW
org.uk that shows details of the club, members' galleries, past competition winners, plus a forum for discussion of all things photographic. Ed Shorney
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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
August, 2022
n COMMUNITY NEWS
downendvoice
61
Lots to celebrate at Staple Hill Community Hub IT feels like we have lots to celebrate at the Hub. Firstly we had a fantastic Queen’s Platinum Jubilee family event, on the Friday of the bank holiday weekend in June. What a terrific variety of attractions we had on offer: graffiti art, face painting, a mobile petting zoo, stocks, bouncy castles, skateboard ramps, fire engines, and a lucky dip stall. All for free, thanks to a couple of grants we had managed to secure. Plus we provided burgers, hot dogs and candy floss for a low price. It was a delight to see so many local people enjoying themselves and coming together for this community event. We even had a visit from the Queen (or someone who looks very much like Her Majesty)! A huge thank you must go to our small team of volunteers, who put in all the effort needed to organise the event and then look after everyone on the day.
We are also grateful to the group of helpers from the God’s House International Church which has recently taken residence at the Sanctuary building. We also received support and donations of items from several local businesses: the Original Factory Shop, Tesco, Farley’s Pet Shop, The Card Shop and Jason’s Trading Post, as well as from
Bromford Housing and South Gloucestershire Council. Our popular Friendship & Exercise Club now has an additional session on Tuesdays. After the first few weeks, attendance numbers are encouraging. The Wednesday Move-It Club has restarted and is now delivered by Progressive Sports. This is an after-school
activity club for children in Years 3, 4 and 5, and has also got off to a good start. In addition, preparations are underway for the launch of a coffee morning at the Hub. It feels like there is a lot going on, with several ways in which we are trying to be useful to more people, and on the whole with success. We also have a few new volunteers, which will be key to enabling us to support all of this additional activity. We had a stall at the big Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event in Page Park and were able to spread the word about what the Hub does, and had several people say they might be able to volunteer for us. This is all good news. No doubt it will also lead to some challenges in managing everything and finding the funding needed to pay for it all. But for now, we can celebrate our successes and keep moving forwards. William Lee
n NEWS
Time to show off your prize pooch DOG owners are being encouraged to enter their pets in a show being held as part of a church's 800th anniversary celebrations. The St James Celebrate 800 Dog Show and Craft Fair will be held in the grounds of the St James church hall in Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, on September 3 from 11am. Organiser Lyn Rainey has set up eight classes for competitors: prettiest bitch, most handsome dog, waggiest tail, scruffiest dog or bitch, golden oldie, dog most like its owner, best trick and best in show. It will cost owners £1 for each class they enter their dog into and people can either register in advance or on the day. There will be prizes for the winners of each class, rosettes for the three best-placed dogs in each class and a bigger overall best in show prize. Entry for spectators is free and there will be a food stall for refreshments. Anyone who would like to register in advance or book a stall should email elgalannah@gmail.com or call 0777 9015509.
Let us know your news EMAIL US AT:
news@downendvoice.co.uk
Lynn Lloyd out with a group of dogs
We're top dogs!
A DOWNEND dog walking business has been judged best in its class. Wags'n'Woofs has won the Bristol Prestige Awards Dog Walkers of the Year 2022 title – the third year in a row that the business, run by Lynn Lloyd, has won the prize. The award judges praised the planning and structure that goes into each walk, and the 75-minute 'training treks' that provide different activities to physically and mentally stimulate dogs. They said: "Each dog is treated as an individual and is carefully pack-matched with up to another seven dogs, to create the perfect level of balance and harmony within the group. "Lynn is the perfect carer for your dog, building exceptional experience throughout almost two decades of business. Her core values of safety, socialisation and structure have been a revelation for dog owners across the region." Lynn said she was "absolutely thrilled", adding: "Being recognised again for being different in our industry means the world to us, as we operate in a very different way to your average dog walkers. "We will also be celebrating the business' 16th birthday in October this year, so it’s a double celebration for us."
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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62
n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB
Storm brewing over Winchester Cathedral by Brian Kinsman
A trip out with your camera MOST of the photographs which I share with the readers of Downend Voice are the products of competitions, something which is, in fact, just a limited part of our club’s activities. Joining us opens up a whole new world of photography: the opportunity to see fine presentations from a range of guest speakers; sharing and discussion of photographs which haven’t quite worked (there’s no better way of learning than from your peers); teaching exercises on a variety of topics which will help you to improve your editing and help you to get the best out of your camera; and last, but not least, trips out.
Trips can be whole day trips, sometimes with other members of the barn, or evening trips out organised at short notice, according to the weather. By the same token, the number of participants can vary. Here are three products of recent trips. First, 'Up on the Landing', by Bruce Gibbs, the product of a May trip to Shepton Mallet prison. Until its closure in 2013 it was Britain’s oldest prison, but now earns its keep as a tourist attraction and film location. You may have seen it in Paddington 2. Secondly, the result of a visit in early June is Brian Kinsman’s 'Storm Brewing over Winchester Cathedral'. An excellent photograph of the cathedral, given added drama by the looming storm clouds. The summer solstice took us to Severn Beach and the opportunity to photograph the bridge on the longest day of the year. I modestly present my own contribution, 'Severn Crossing at Sunset'. That’s Wales over there on the other
Severn Crossing at sunset by Sid Stace
Up on the landing by Bruce Gibbs bank! We continue to see new members joining us. New members and guests are always made welcome (£3 if you just want to try us out), if you’re looking for company and new acquaintances, as well as regular activities. If you’re interested and
would like to be part of a small but flourishing club, take a look at our website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or contact us at lincombe.barn@ gmail.com. Stay safe and, if you’re tripping, why not trip with us? Sid Stace
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August, 2022
63
n LETTERS
Seeing the positive side of lockdown LOCKDOWN – what are the first feelings you associate with the word? Negative, right? Being a mental health advocate and first aider, as well as the recruitment and Skye Taynton training lead for Bristol charity Suicide Prevention UK, I wanted to introduce a positive spin on its impact. Many people ask me if the demand on our service, which runs patrols around Bristol, working alongside emergency services to intervene with anyone who is contemplating suicide, and a telephone helpline, has increased since lockdown. The answer is yes, but I want to focus on how this is a positive, rather than a negative. The impact lockdown 2020 had on our mental health and wellbeing, is undeniable. People who had not previously suffered with mental health illness found themselves anxious to leave the house, afraid to close the 2m distance between loved ones, and found a dark cloud of depression looming after basic human needs and routines were restricted or forbidden. But people started openly talking about their mental health, realising others felt the same. We said words like anxiety, diagnosis, depression, suicide: we started to break the stigma. In turn, we validated people's feelings, because we empathised
with them. We started up groups on social media offering help, and these groups still exist. That sense of community, of helping others, became and is still higher than ever before. After everything we took for granted was stripped away, we now appreciate the little things – it's never felt so good to hug your parents, or playfully push your sibling. We ask our children “how was school” and we stop to listen, instead of hastily bundling them into the back seat. We realised how resilient we are, how strong we can be as individuals, and ‘immediate’ family units were reborn. We bought inflatable pools, and had BBQs in the garden, we splashed, and screeched, and we later played board games or had film night, together. So let's remember the positive changes lockdown 2020 helped us implement. It robbed us of many things, but also taught us a lot. If you are struggling with your mental health, and you need to talk, call our free national helpline on 0800 689 5652.
Stroke charity seeks volunteers BRISTOL After Stroke is an independent local charity helping people in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and surrounding areas to rebuild their lives. We provide information, practical support, friendship and counselling in the months and years following a stroke. We run a stroke support group, currently bi-weekly, at Lyde Green Community Centre
on a Wednesday afternoon and are looking for volunteers to help support the group leaders and members. Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation. Some of the activities that the members have done recently have included tai-chi and art, as well as first aid training. Our volunteers may have a special interest or skill that they wish to share with the group, and they can also help the group leader with planning activities. For more information please contact me at lucy.stockall@ Bristolafterstroke.org.uk or call 07485 302868. You can find out more about the charity at www. Bristolafterstroke.org.uk. Lucy Stockall Volunteer Coordinator Bristol After Stroke
Nobody wants your dirty recycling IF you don’t wash your recycling, it just gets burned or buried in a big hole in the ground. Despite virtually every household and business having special bins to put their recycling in, the sad fact is that we’re just not very good at it. If fact, the recycling rate for England has stalled at around 44% for the last few years, meaning that more than half of all rubbish still goes to landfill, or sent is for 'energy recovery' - the harmlesssounding term for 'setting fire to
your rubbish to generate electricity and stacks of CO2'. The greatest problem from both domestic and commercial waste is contamination. Paper and cardboard can’t be recycled if a load is filled with takeaway cartons that still contain pizza crusts and leftovers. And if a lorry-load of paper waste is deemed to be too contaminated for recycling, it gets dumped. The threshold is very low – about 3% - meaning that just a few households or businesses throwing food waste in with the cardboard in the belief that “they’ll all sort it out at the other end” could mean tonnes of waste heading for the furnace instead. They can’t sort it out at the other end – that’s your job! The same goes for plastic – a quick rinse under the tap could mean the difference between recycling and landfill. These are difficult times and with utility bills going through the roof, those of us on water meters are watching out for every last drop. So rather than rinsing out an empty tin, jar or plastic packet, dunk your messy recycling in the washing-up water at the end of the wash, or perhaps have a bucket of water outside the back door for just that purpose. Or – and controversial opinion here – if you can’t clean your recyclable goods, then don’t. Instead put it in with your general waste, where it won’t contaminate the recycling for the rest of your street. Sometimes we have to think outside the box. And if that box is filled with leftover chippy tea, then put it in the rubbish bin, please. Mark Hall, Divert.co.uk
New children's homes
Teewell Hill closes again
THREE new children’s care homes will be set up across South Gloucestershire to meet rising demand, save costs and keep young people within the area. The homes will be bought by South Gloucestershire Council, with an external organisation providing care for up to nine placements. It is not yet clear where the homes will be. The council's head of commissioning, partnerships and performance, Carol Watson, told a cabinet meeting: “The lack of local provision can lead to young people being placed out of the area, in particular those with more complex needs. This will support the delivery of innovative models of care, while making savings against current prices that we’re having to pay for children’s provision." Council bosses signed off the business case for the three homes at the meeting. The next step will be to find suitable houses to buy, and select an external company or charity to provide the care in the new homes. Currently there are four providers offering only 18 placements. By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
A MAIN road in Staple Hill is being closed to traffic for four weeks, for gas main works. Teewell Hill, which is part of the A4175 linking Broad Street to the Avon Ring Road, will be closed from Monday July 25, while Wales & West Utilities carries out work to upgrade the area's gas network. Part of Gloucester Road will also be closed during the work. It is the second time in just under a year that Teewell Hill has been shut as part of the project, with an earlier closure taking place in September and October last year. South Gloucestershire Council says signs to divert drivers via Mangotsfield will be set up. Wales & West Utilities works manager Simon Lee said the work was essential to keep the gas flowing and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane in future. Anyone with questions about the work can call the firm's customer service team on freephone 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwutilities. co.uk.
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64
August, 2022
n LOCAL HISTORY
Learning about the history all around us THE Community History and Arts Project, CHAP, has taken around 250 Year 7 students from Downend School on walks around the local area to highlight points of interest and encourage them to look at the places around us from a new perspective. The walks were led by Nick Smith, a higher level teaching assistant at Downend School, and Michael Gorely, the local heritage education manager at English Heritage, with support from Downend teachers and teaching assistants, as well as CHAP volunteers. Walking along the streets revealed how Downend has grown from a small village into the large suburban area it is now. Students were shown the history all around them, including where the Cleeve Hill House country estate used to be, and where punishment would have been meted out from the assizes (court sittings) held inside the Green Dragon.
Nick Smith tells Downend School pupils about the 1957 aeroplane crash at Britannia Wood They were helped to spot houses from different eras, revealing which areas were built when, to recognise names of historically influential families like
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Cave and Player on street signs, and to notice where iron railings had been cut down and melted down to make munitions and vehicles during the Second World War. They looked at photographs of shops that used to be here, and learnt that in the late 1800s and early 1900s there were two blacksmiths’ workshops by the Horseshoe Inn, which would have
maintained the carriages and carts stopping overnight there on their way to or from Bristol. They also heard about the local people named on the Scout memorial, who died in action during the First World War, and about a spy who worked for the Nazis during the Second World War. The sixteen walks were put on over four days as part of the school’s activities week. A further 250 Year 8 students also gained skills in researching, by using CHAP’s historical map. The voluntary group intends to run a similar walk for adults in the next few months, possibly ending up at Mezze (the Green Dragon). CHAP’s goal is to build a sense of belonging and commitment to our area through an understanding of its character and history, enthusing people of all ages about our past, present and future. CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation for Downend and Emersons Green, without any premises or overheads. To find out more visit the website www.downendchap.org, email downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS. Helen Rana CHAP
Swimmers take on the best SOUNDWELL Swimming Club is sending a record number of young swimmers to this year's British and English Age Group Swimming Championships. Qualification for the championships is by invitation to the top-ranked swimmers in the country in The Soundwell Swimming Club team each age group and event. The swimmers train seven days a week at Kingswood Leisure Centre, under Jon Wills, head coach at the club which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. They will compete at the end of July and in early August at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, with the British and English events taking place either side of the Commonwealth Games. Club chair Sarah Taylor said: "To qualify for these championships is a huge achievement, and we are thrilled to have 11 swimmers competing this year, which is a club record. "Some of the swimmers learned to swim at the club, and to see them progress over the years to reach this level is extremely rewarding for us." Soundwell Swimming Club welcomes swimmers from beginner level upwards. For more information email headcoach@soundwellswim.org.uk.
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downendvoice
August, 2022
65
n SPORT
Golds for Downend martial arts club TWO members of a Korean Karate club based in Downend have won world championship gold medals. Becky Sheppard and Mitch Hopes, of Downend Tang Soo Do, travelled to the World Tang Soo Do World championships in North Carolina at the end of June. Becky, 24, from Kingswood, returned with two gold medals in weapons and sparring and one silver medal in forms, in the Female 2nd Dan Black Belt category, while Mitch, 31, from Emersons Green, won two gold medals for forms and sparring in the Male 1st Dan Black Belt category. Becky and Mitch have been training in the traditional Korean martial art for 15 and 14 years respectively, and Becky has reached the rank of E Dan, 2nd degree black belt, while Mitch has achieved his Cho Dan, 1st degree black belt. They travelled to America with over 100 members from Team GB, which brought back the overall male and female Grand Champion trophies. The pair train at Downend Tang Soo Do, which meets every Wednesday evening at Christ Church Parish Hall on North Street. For more information contact Ian Crook on 0781 774 4689 or visit the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. Alice Sheppard Pictured right: Becky Sheppard and Mitch Hopes
Mangos prepare for new season NEW Mangotsfield United manager John Allen’s preparations for life in the Hellenic League are well under way, with a whole host of new faces, including some triallists, appearing in the pre-season friendlies. A number of players from Allen’s old club Keynsham Town have followed him to Cossham Street, whilst most of last season’s team, relegated from the Southern League after 22 years, appear to have now left the club. The seven pre-season friendlies started with two wins and a defeat against AEK Boco (3-0), Wells
City (3-2) and Odd Down (0-1) respectively, and was due to finish on July 23 at Hallen. League fixtures had not been issued as the Voice went to press. The Mangos have never played in the Hellenic League before, so to an extent the club is entering the unknown, but it is clear that their 22 years in the Southern League puts a target on their backs. They will take some heart from the fact that former Southern League rivals Bishops Cleeve, relegated into the Hellenic League a couple of years ago, won promotion in April.
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Two FA Cup draws have been made, with Mangotsfield travelling to neighbours Cadbury Heath in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on August 6 and the winners travelling to Didcot Town on August 20 in the Preliminary Round. In the FA Vase, the Mangos will entertain Abingdon United on September 24 in the 2nd Qualifying Round. The club has recently announced the formation of a reserve side playing in the Bristol and Suburban League Premier Division and an A team playing in
the Bristol and Suburban League Division 1. Both these sides will expand the opportunity for younger players working their way through the juniors to play senior football for Mangotsfield United as well as creating opportunities within the wider local community to represent the club. The two sides will play their home fixtures at Blackhorse Road playing fields, with the Reserves playing some fixtures at Cossham Street. Dave Smale
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66
n SPORT Hockey club in hunt for recruits
August, 2022
Hannah's work behind scenes recognised
A HOCKEY club which has relocated to Mangotsfield is on the lookout for new players. Bristol & West Hockey Club, which has 350 members, has moved to Mangotsfield School to play on the school's 2G artificial pitch. The club moved from Winterbourne Academy, where it was based for 19 years, after that school switched to a 3G pitch, which is unsuitable for hockey. The club is recruiting players of all ages and abilities, from experienced veterans to newcomers. It runs six men's teams, four women's teams, under-16 boys' and girls' teams, as well as a junior section starting from seven year olds. The club promises a "social and friendly environment with competitive competition on the pitch". For more information visit www.bandwhc.org.uk or email CommunicationsBAWHC@ outlook.com.
NOT all of the hard work at a successful cricket club takes place on the pitch. Hannah Clatworthy has held a demanding role with Carsons and Mangotsfield CC as its child welfare officer since 2017, as membership has expanded. She has supported, along with husband Phil, her three boys, who all play for the club, often being the scorer as well as being the first to arrive at games and the last to leave. During June she was instrumental in collating the information to maintain the club’s Clubmark status. Hannah's work behind the scenes was recognised when she was named Gloucestershire Cricket’s volunteer of the month for June. On the pitch results also continue to be positive. The first team are sitting 4th in a tight race for promotion. Under-17 player Tom King scored his maiden 1st team century in a 6-run win over league leaders Bristol Aces. The 2nd and 3rd teams also top their respective divisions. The second team are in a race to finish in the top spot with Nailsea, who they beat in a rain-affected match. The third team are being challenged by Hanham and Hambrook for promotion. Against Hambrook in the top-of-the-table clash, Carsons and Mangotsfield were bowled out for 92. But the bowlers took revenge, with James Ward bowling 7 overs and taking 4 for 7 in the process, to bowl Hambrook out for 78. Success has also been achieved by the club’s U9
Gareth Dawson of Gloucestershire Cricket Federation presents Hannah Clatworthy with her voucher team, who have won the Frenchay Cricket Festival. This is a great recognition for all the hard work put in by Tim Ravenscroft, and the other coaches. Ian Coles
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August, 2022
67
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Look out for me on the TV!
S
O finally I can tell everyone about E4 coming to Cleve Chiropractic last year to film us working in the
clinic! I have been treating the Dark Angels, the amazing hip-hop dance sensational group, for around eight years – they’re the current British and World champion group from South Bristol. The group is run by my patient and friend Charlie Bedford and his wife Steph. I met Charlie when he was still dancing but was struggling with huge back issues that he thought would end his dancing career. Needless to say we got him back on his feet to compete at the annual World hip-hop championships one more time before he retired to concentrate on coaching his team. Charlie asked me to go to Florida to help treat the whole squad that year and, never one to turn down a trip to go to the sunshine state, I jumped at the chance. It was great fun and, although the team didn't win that year, they did really well. Ever since then, I have helped to look after all the dancers at the Dark Angel Academy. In 2020, they made it to the finals of the BBC's Greatest Dancer with Oti Mabuse as their captain.
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 Subsequently, E4 contacted the group to follow their journey post-Covid to the British hip-hop finals. The show started with a surprisingly gritty first episode following individual members of the group and how their personal lives interact with dancing. Viewers also see how much support they get from the community in Knowle West. Cleve Chiro was featured in Episode 2. Inevitably one of the dancers, Ruby, hurts her knee and decides it’s time to see me for some rehab. The film crew follow Ruby’s journey as she worries that she will be unable to make the competition that is only a few weeks.
Ruby, who is one of the main dancers, presents at the clinic with the full TV crew in tow – on a boiling hot day when we’re still wearing full PPE. I remember my glasses kept steaming up so I took them off and spent most of the time slightly squinting. Ruby had two problems, with pain behind the kneecap and a pinched meniscus. The TV show doesn't show it well as it reduces the drama, but we pretty much fix it there and then with a couple of top sports injury manipulations that work fast for these things. I saw her a couple more times to make sure but she makes it through to the finals simply enough – which was as much a relief for me as it was
for her! The whole series is a wonderful example of how great Bristol is and what a superb culture we have here, as well as highlighting the Dark Angels as the UK's top hip-hop dance academy. I thoroughly recommend catching up with it if you haven’t already. Just use the All 4 app and search ‘Dark Angels’. A fabulous experience. Catherine, Lucy and I from the clinic will be working at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this month. I will tell you all about it next time!
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www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
LANDSCAPING
Hawthorn Landscapes and Tree Care We are a family run business est 1990 we do all types of Fencing, turfing,patios,power cleaning Trees and shrubs topped shaped and felled All types of rubbish removed - cheaper than a skip Email hawthornlandscapes@yahoo.co.uk
Freephone 0800 858 9803 Mobile 07580 260 676
MACHINE HIRE
Digger Hire Grass Cutter Hire Garden Clearance We can supply the machines manned or unmanned
J AND J CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE & PEST CONTROL LTD Tel 07779242184
JET WASHING
Mark’s Gutter Cleaning All Types of Garage Doors • Third generation Family Business • World Class Customer Service • Independent Specialists • Free Surveys & Advice • 10 Year Finish & “Safe & Reliable Function” Warranty • Downend Based Call Charlie on 07375 883596 or email charlie@egdbristol.com
EGDBristol.com
Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online
www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol
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
70 OVEN CLEANING
August, 2022
PLUMBING & HEATING BRISTOL: 0117 9000 986 MOBILE: 07834 633376
UP TO 10 YEAR
3 generations in the plumbing and heating industry and a quality service from a local family business 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
PAINTING & DECORATING
SJM DECORATING Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & •External Tiler • Mason Painter Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured
Free Quotations
Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411
Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry PAINTING & DECORATING Interior & façade painting
Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator
Builder & Interior Decorator
17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior & Facade T: 0117 401 8568 / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience
T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
PAINTING & DECORATING
J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:
07474573780 0117 2792264 e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com
PAINTING & DECORATING
£400 OFF YOUR NEW
BOILER FORALIMITEDTIME
PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED
PLUMBING & HEATING
STEVE PAINTER
DECORATING SERVICES
629179
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
07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING
Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk
Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available
518308
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING
CREST HEATING & PLUMBING
BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE
TEL: 07765 250816
56746
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
August, 2022 PLUMBING
downendvoice SHOWER REPAIRS
WASTE DISPOSAL
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
* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES
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
71
07976 665448
TREE SURGEONS
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
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
WIGS
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. We stock many styles and makes.
Please book an appointment on:
0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Providing general building, factory facilities work, gardening, pest control
Tel 07779242184 ROOFING
N . BROWN
ROOFIN G LIMITED
SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES
Give Nigel a call he’s local and has a wealth of experience
✆ 07779 786072
TREE SURGEONS
J.A. Cole & Sons Tree Surgeons • Tree Surgery • Hedge & Shrub work • Precision Felling • Size Reduction • Fully insured • Domestic & Commercial .
PROFESSIONAL EXPERT SERVICE - 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF TREE WORK Free Quotations & Advice
WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS
www.treadwellwindows.co.uk
0117 9567298 07768 973291
www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk
WASP REMOVAL
Kwik Care Pest Control
Wasp Removal Fully qualified Competitive prices Call now for a free quote
Jon 07483 826104 0117 9860642 www.kwik-care.co.uk
Local business based in Downend • We replace & install Windows, Doors, Bi-Folding doors, Conservatories + much more • uPVC, Aluminium and Timber Windows & Doors • Service & repairs of all types of uPVC, misted double glazing, lock repairs & hinge replacements • Internorm UK specialist for the South West Call us today for a FREE no-obligation quotation
Windows
Doors
07786730804
Conservatories 0117 279 9409
sales@treadwellwindows.co.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
Create the mood for less than you think with
Solar Sunshades
Shutters Awnings Blinds and Motorisation Conservatories Curtains 0% Finance
availab across ole ur range.
Bristol Showroom 21 Cleeve Wood Road, Downend, Bristol. BS16 2SF
Telephone: 0117 956 4626
www.bristolblindsandshutters.com Formerly Webber & Spencer Ltd