Downend Voice August 2023

Motorway bridge is cracking up

A MAIN road in and out of Downend has been shut after "structural failures" were found in a bridge that carries thousands of cars a day over the M4. The A432 Badminton Road has been closed north of the Wick Wick roundabout, near the Willy Wicket pub, after engineers found "accelerated deterioration and cracking" in the concrete.

National Highways, which owns and maintains the bridge, says it does not know how long it will be before the bridge is fully reopened, but expects it to be at least five months before any decision can be made. It has set up an official diversion that adds eight miles to the journey from Downend to Yate. Turn to Page 7

Craig Anthonys

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Musical aid for Ukrainian boy

A Downend man organised a successful concert to help a seven-year-old boy injured in Ukraine and his dad.

PAGE 12

Nurseries earn top marks

Two nurseries in Downend, Red Bus and Great Expectations, have both been awarded the top Ofsted inspection grade of outstanding.

PAGE 8 & 9

No remedy yet for phone delays

Patients are still having trouble getting through to local GP practices on the phone, a new survey shows.

PAGE 22

Members of the Ignite youth group at Christ Church have taken on the task of keeping Downend's unicorn, Gracie, clean and tidy during this summer's Unicornfest. Full story: Page 3

AFTER our recent partnership with Hari Budha Magar (see last month’s article) helping him recover from his Himalayan ground-breaking world first on Everest as part of our mountain athlete performance program, it struck me that the work done with these high-level athletes is really no different to anyone else I see in clinic!

The common central theme is a healthy spine and nervous system, what I mean by this is a strong and supple spine that allows you to perform tasks with no trouble, no niggles and none of the stiffness we often think is age or old injuries.

Combined with good nerve function through correct alignment in the spine, allows us to perform, recover and heal from our endeavours – athletic or not.

Hari’s next big goal is to climb the highest mountains on each of the 7 continents and make meaningful change in the disability sector in Nepal, empowering people to live fuller lives after lifechanging injuries. We will

be there to support him on the mountainside in person and in clinic – more to come on that soon.

To quote Hari’s moto of “No legs, no limits” really underlines the heart of his message about what we can achieve if we actively pursue something we care about, we can achieve it. From big to small things, it’s all the same

– a willingness to commit and the right team of people around us.

For me Hari’s story reminds me that good chiropractic care can be for anyone, regardless of their past troubles, physical hinderances and their future goals.

From keeping up with the grandchildren to scaling the world’s largest mountains,

it’s all up for grabs and our bodies can handle it well with the right kind of physical help.

Look after yourself now, for a better day today and far beyond tomorrow – let us help you achieve what matters to you most in life.

Give us a call today to see how we can keep you pain free and full of life.

“No legs, no limits” – an ode to a full life

Myself and Hari Budha Magar

Unicorns trot on to streets

DOWNEND and Staple Hill have welcomed two magical visitors for the summer.

Unicorns Gracie and Bee Magical Brizzle are part of Unicornfest, a trail raising awareness and money for charity Leukaemia Care.

Over the summer holidays families are being encouraged to visit unicorns across the area, finding them via maps which are being sold at shops, cafes, pubs and other businesses in and around Downend's high street, including Craig Anthonys, Kip McGrath and the Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Gracie, on the corner of Badminton Road and Cleeve Road outside the former Lloyds Bank, was designed by Bristol artist Kim Reed and is being sponsored by Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Parish council chair Janet Biggin has enlisted the help of youth group Ignite, from Christ Church Downend, to keep Gracie clean and, supervised by leaders Gary Smart and Diane Paddon, members of the group are taking buckets and sponges along to give the statue, named in honour of legendary Downend-born cricketer WG Grace, a weekly wash.

Janet said: "When we had Gromit here a few years ago they helped to keep him clean and they were more than happy to help again as they like to find community work for the children to do."

Artist Kim Reed, who paints under the name Kreed, mixed fairytales and inspirations from Downend past and present to create her work.

The dragon's scales on the back legs relate to the Green Dragon pub, now Mezze, while the colours of the horn are taken from WG Grace's cap in the National Portrait Gallery.

The buildings are inspired by the Green Dragon, Christ Church, St Augustine's Church, Cleevewood House and local houses, with added fairytale features.

The rainbow of flowers is

inspired by Downend's floral displays, while the dragon theme returns with Gracie's head and eyes.

Kim said: "I wanted to create a fun, joyful unicorn. Using different paint techniques to add texture, creating a multi sensory experience.

"You can run your hand along and feel the rough then the smooth, look into the details and feel like you are walking into a fairytale.

"I've loved creating her - it was an amazing experience to be painting amongst the public and everyone was so kind.

"I am overwhelmed by the reactions I've had, from Downend people and throughout Bristol."

Bee Magical Brizzle stands in the outdoor seating area of the Forge & Fern pub in Broad Street, Staple Hill, which has sponsored the statue.

Created by Bristol artist Amy Magee and the children of Sefton Park infant and junior schools in Ashley Down, organisers say it is inspired by the Forge & Fern's green 'living wall' which attracts bees that produce honey and promote biodiversity.

Downend-based a property services company BNS is also involved in the trail as a sponsor

of Neuro-Disco-Corn, a unicorn at the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the Leigh Woods side.

Adorned with disco ball tiles, the unicorn carries messages from neurodiverse people - with conditions such as autism or dyslexia - sharing their personal experiences.

Managing director Ian Simmonds said: "We are honoured to support the work done by Leukaemia

Care and are proud that our unicorn sculpture serves as a glimmering beacon, spreading awareness and fostering support and acceptance for neurodiversity."

Unicornfest runs until September 3.

For more information visit website theunicornfest.co.uk.

Parish councillors Janet Biggin, Raj Sood, Phil Abbott and Mike Richards with members of the Ignite youth group from Christ Church and unicorn Gracie

Bee Magical Brizzle at the Forge & Fern in Staple Hill

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Arrest over helicopter laser attack

A MAN has been arrested after a laser was shone at a police helicopter as it flew over Page Park.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday June 30, as the National Police Air Service helicopter was flying over Staple Hill.

The aircraft remained in the area for more than half an hour, until around 2.55am, to help police on the ground search for the offender.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "We’re investigating an incident in which a laser was shone at the National Police Air Service helicopter while it was flying over the Page Park area of Staple Hill.

“A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident.

"He was also arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

"He’s been released under investigation so enquiries can continue."

New driver arrested after crash

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A member of the

A DRIVER who had recently passed his driving test was arrested after a crash on the Avon Ring Road near Downend.

Avon & Somerset police special constables posted pictures of the car on social media after the incident on June 22.

They said the incident involved an 18-year-old driver who had "recently passed his test, lost control of his vehicle and crashed head-on into a tree" on the A4174.

They went on to say the driver was "OK" but had been taken into custody after a positive "drugs wipe" test.

A police spokesperson said: "We can confirm an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with the proportion of a controlled drug over the specified limit.

"He’s been released under investigation pending further enquiries."

Teenager assaulted over music

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy needed hospital treatment after he was assaulted at Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield.

Police say the boy was out with his friends between midnight and 1am on June 23 while other teenagers were at the park.

An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said the boy "made a comment about some music which was being played and was punched and knocked to the ground," adding: "He went home, where patrolling officers attended to take initial details, but he needed to go to hospital for assessment to his injuries.

"We're aware of reports that some of the young people were carrying knives, however no weapons were seen during the incident.

"Although officers have some positive lines of enquiry, we're keen to hear from anyone who was at the park at the time who witnessed the assault or may have phone footage which could help."

Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 148 082 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be given online to either the police or Crimestoppers.

The spokesperson said: "Plans are in place for neighbourhood officers to patrol parks and open spaces over the summer."

The crashed car

Official tribute to skateboarder Jamie is backed

A SKATE park created with money raised in memory of a Mangotsfield teenager could soon be officially renamed after him - 12 years after it was built.

Jamie Clapp was only 13 when he was killed in a plane crash in 2007.

His father Gordon wanted a lasting memorial to his son, who loved skateboarding and BMX riding, and with Jamie's friends he campaigned to secure £100,000 from local councillors, South Gloucestershire Council and the Big Lottery Fund's Peoples Millions partnership.

The skate park opened in 2011 and Gordon still regularly visits, holding a get-together with Jamie's friends each year around the anniversary of his death on July 3.

The fundraisers always assumed the park had been officially named after Jamiesigns at the site call it the 'Jamie Lee Clapp Memorial Skatepark'.

But when the council confirmed plans to transform

the area around the skatepark last year, as part of its Linking the Greens project to improve Emersons Green and Lyde Green, it emerged that Jamie is not recognised in its official registered name, Emersons Green Skate Park.

The council says the name could be changed, and this has moved a step closer after all three of the ward councillors who represent Emersons Green

supported the idea.

The ward's new Labour councillors, Katrina Al-Hassan and Ron Hardie, said: "Ron and I would be happy to support the name change of the skate park.

"Gordon has campaigned for a long time to make it a really nice space for kids in the community, and having the official name for his son will be a lovely way to remember Jamie."

Conservative ward councillor

Rachael

Hunt said: “I’d be delighted to support the bid to have the skate park officially named after Jamie.

"It would be a fitting tribute to his memory and I will take it up with council officers at the earliest opportunity.”

Gordon, who is gravely ill with oesophageal cancer, joined with more than 20 of Jamie's friends at the park to remember him, weeks before what would have been his 30th birthday.

Gordon said: "The park was built in memory of my son and it's got to say the name, that's why we raised the money.

"I'm glad it's being appreciated and the councillors have agreed to do the right thing.

"It's nice to know that after all these years, Jamie is still respected and loved by his friends - it does still make me cry."

Jamie Clapp Picture courtesy of Ollie Nemeth

Friends of Jamie Clapp joined his father Gordon at the skate park in Emersons Green to mark the 16th anniversary of his death. Picture: Harry Veldkamp

Bin strike 'chaos will worsen', warns union

THE union representing bin workers in South Gloucestershire says that "chaos will worsen" after a court ruled that agency workers cannot be used to break its strike.

Unite was among a group of unions that challenged a government decision to reverse a previous ban on using agency staff during strikes, and won their case at the High Court on July 13.

It means that from August 10, council waste contractor Suez will not be able to use any agency workers to do work usually carried out by the 150 workers who have been on strike since the end of June.

Suez has declined to say how many agency workers it has used during the strike, but confirmed it was reviewing their use.

Days before the ruling, council service director Mark King had told the cabinet Suez was "trying to get more agency staff in to support the service".

Recycling, food waste, green

bin and bulky waste collections have been suspended since June 26, as black bin rounds, Sort It centres and new 'deposit points' for waste are prioritised.

Union members rejected an 8% per cent pay offer from Suez for this year, calling it a "significant real terms pay cut", as it is well below the rate of inflation.

Suez believes its offer is "fair and competitive" but says Unite has asked for a 15% increase this year, which would mean

Council leader Claire Young and co-leader

Ian Boulton at the deposit point in Page Road, Staple Hill.

Picture: South Gloucestershire Council

an overall rise of 22% over two years.

Council leader Claire Young and co-leader Ian Boulton wrote an open letter to Unite and Suez in early July calling on them to explain what they were doing to settle the dispute.

The councillors said residents were "justifiably angry that the service is not being delivered", adding: “We have no legal or contractual power to force Suez or Unite to the table, but it is not fair or reasonable for the council or local residents to be held hostage to negotiations that are not yet happening.

"We are calling on both sides to be true to their word and sit down to resolve their dispute

now.”

Unite has called the council's letter a "pretend intervention to cover its back" while failing to use its influence over its contractor, but the authority insists its legal powers over Suez are limited under the contract.

Unite regional officer Ken Fish said he was hopeful talks could resume soon, saying: "We were struggling to get the employer to engage with us and have meaningful dialogue.

“But I have been contacted by Suez and they are trying to table proposed dates for us to reconvene some form of pay negotiation, which I’m hoping will be a positive progression from where we are now.”

Suez has again apologised to residents for disruption caused by the strikes.

A spokesperson said: "We are continuing discussions with Unite over the coming days and hope to progress negotiations with the aim of coming to a positive and fair solution."

She added that following the High Court ruling, “we’re reviewing our use of agency staff and we will work with the council to keep residents informed of any updates to the service”.

points' for waste as Tories warn of crisis

'Deposit

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has set up six 'deposit points' for people to take food waste and recycling during the strike.

Open between 8am and 2pm every weekday, the six sites include Page Road short stay car park in Staple Hill, Cleve RFC car park at Cossham Street, Mangotsfield, and the Lyde Green Park and Ride in Willowherb Road and are open for waste not currently being collected from the kerbside.

A council spokesperson said: "Fortnightly black bin collections continue to be prioritised to ensure the disposal of waste such as personal hygiene items, medical waste, nappy sacks and pet waste.

"Please put your black bin out on your normal scheduled collection day. Please do not put any other containers out."

The council's Sort It centres in Mangotsfield, Yate and Thornbury have extra facilities to take more recycling and black bin waste, but long queues have been reported during the strike action.

And opposition Conservative councillors say two sites which have been opened for people to deposit cardboard, paper, glass, cans and plastic for recycling, in Warmley and Barrs Court, have been "left to overfill".

Tory group leader Sam Bromiley posted pictures of dumped rubbish at the sites online, and deputy leader and Frenchay & Downend councillor Liz Brennan told a cabinet meeting: “As we’ve seen from pictures of rubbish piled high, the delay in getting the temporary bins installed, the small number of sites that have been made available and the delay in emptying them has created an environmental and public health crisis.”

From Page 1

The closure was announced the day before it took effect on July 12.

Explaining the move, National Highways said: "During the current structural inspection, accelerated deterioration and cracking to the South East underside of the structure was identified.

"Due to this, National Highways has taken the decision to close the overbridge for safety reasons while a full assessment of the structure is undertaken.

"Until the investigations and assessments of the bridge are completed, it will remain closed to motorists. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the bridge as normal."

The agency said it was "not possible to currently give a time frame" for the closure, but a decision on whether to reopen it was not likely to be made until December.

A spokesperson said: "It is rare for National Highways to see structural failures like this, though some components, such as bridge expansion joints, fail from time to time.

"The structure is safe and is not at risk of falling down - we have taken steps to limit traffic travelling on the bridge to avoid causing any further damage while we carry out complex, invasive investigations.

"Many structures have cracks in them for much of their life – this is not unusual. The general approach is to monitor and manage the situation, much as you might monitor a crack in a ceiling. We employ a rigorous inspection regime that has identified sudden and accelerating deterioration. Over time the situation has worsened but nothing in previous inspections indicated any compromise to the structure."

Inspection work is taking place from platforms under the bridge, with work on the surface coming later.

National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said: “We fully understand closures are frustrating, but we can reassure drivers that safety is and always will be our top priority. That is why we are carrying out this essential and complex investigation work under a full closure for the safety of those using both the bridge and the M4 below.

'Structural failures' on bridge shut main road

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and ask those travelling in this area to please allow additional time for your journeys.”

The official diversion is via the B4465 Westerleigh Road to the A46 at Dodington, up to the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury and into Yate on the A432 from the east, adding an extra eight miles to the 4.6 mile journey between the Wick Wick roundabout and the centre of Yate.

However, drivers heading to villages usually accessed via Badminton Road, including Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne Down, have been finding their own, shorter diversions.

National Highways owns and maintains the bridge but the A432 is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s road network.

The council has already said it will not reopen the right turn at the Hambrook traffic lights on the Avon Ring Road to give drivers an alternative route.

A statement on its website said: "The right turn at Hambrook lights on the ring road will remain closed, as the arrangements in place are the most efficient way of moving traffic through the junction along the ring road. This was demonstrated during the previous disruption associated with the Bromley Heath Viaduct work."

The council says it will monitor the road network to identify any areas of congestion "where we may need to intervene" and advised residents

to report these 0n 01454 868000 or by email A432bridgeclosure@ southglos.gov.uk

Cabinet member for communities Leigh Ingham said: "The National Highways bridge is a critical part of the South Gloucestershire network, and we will continue to work closely with them to minimise the disruption

this work will create.”

The bridge, built in 1966 and made from concrete with steel cables, is inspected every two years, with more in-depth inspections every six.

This picture of cracks in the concrete was shared by council co-leader Ian Boulton

The bridge has been closed to all motor traffic

Top marks for a 'remarkable' nursery

A NURSERY'S passionate staff and ambitious curriculum means its children are "incredibly curious and excited to learn", an inspector has said.

Ofsted has given Red Bus Nursery & Preschool in Downend Road its highest possible rating after visiting in May.

The education watchdog also gave the nursery an 'outstanding' grade on its only previous visit, six years ago.

Inspectors Kelly Sunderland and Charlotte Adcock said: "The children are at the heart of everything in this remarkable nursery. They create extremely close bonds with staff, who offer excellent support and warmth.

"Staff implement a highly ambitious curriculum with passion that cultivates children, who are incredibly curious and excited to learn.

"There is outstanding support for developing children's communication and language skills. Staff provide a languagerich environment and place high emphasis on ensuring that all children hear and develop a rich vocabulary.

"Children demonstrate exemplary behaviour. They show excellent understanding of the nursery rules and boundaries."

Ofsted's report, published at the end of June, said the nursery was outstanding in all areas -

quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

The inspectors said staff support children's physical development "very well", and support for children with special educational needs or disabilities was a "key strength of the nursery".

They said manger Lynsey Elliott is "extremely reflective and constantly strives to improve the quality of outcomes for all the children".

The inspectors added: "Staff report a high level of well-being. There is a culture of respect that has created a strong team spirit within the nursery. Staff comment they feel that they are

valued and appreciated."

The report said staff "consistently encourage children to be independent" and help both children and their parents with transitions through different stages at the nursery and preschool, which has 233 children aged from babies to four year olds on its roll, with places for 128 each session.

Lynsey said the experience of the inspection was "really positive".

She said: "The inspectors not only acknowledged the challenges the sector is facing, which was reassuring, but commended our response and innovation to these challenges.

"Our team are at the heart of who we are and are our most

valued asset, so it was a proud moment to hear the inspectors admiration for the passion and high quality teaching they were able to observe in all areas.

"With the backing of our exceptional team since our last inspection, we have been able to maintain our high standards and continue to drive an ambitious curriculum full of curiosity and fun for our children.

"The inspectors were inundated with positive feedback and praise from our parents and families showcasing our effective partnership and respect they have for our team; it was certainly a proud moment to be referred to by Ofsted as remarkable!”

Two Downend nurseries have both been rated 'outstanding' by education regulator Ofsted.

Children at Red Bus Nursery spell out their nursery's latest top rating

A BROMLEY Heath nursery has been praised for its nurturing staff, highly-motivated leaders and "extremely ambitious" curriculum.

Ofsted has rated Great Expectations nursery in Baugh Road 'outstanding' in all areasquality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

The verdict - the regulator's highest possible rating - is a huge boost for the nursery and owner Jo Scott, whose mum Sheila Burge died recently after working at the nursery for 13 years.

Ofsted's visit in April was its first for six years.

In her report, published in June, inspector Margaret Dobbs said: "Children are very happy and have strong attachments to key staff.

"They turn to the highly nurturing staff for emotional comfort and reassurance, showing that they feel safe and secure.

"Highly-motivated leaders and managers provide a broad and extremely ambitious curriculum.

"They support staff to excel in meticulous observation, planning and assessment processes, which ensure that any gaps in children's learning or concerns about development are quickly identified and action taken.

"All children make excellent progress and are well prepared for their transition to the preschool."

The inspector said staff are

Great Expectations fulfilled at 'outstanding' nursery

manager Nicola Hunt.

Jo said: "The inspector said it did feel very much like a family and very homely, and that's what we want for the setting - not only our children and their families to feel at home, but our staff as well.

"For the inspector to see that was lovely.

"We make a conscious effort to have practitioners who are unique. Everyone comes with something that will make it feel special, from music skills to forest school."

"extremely skilful" at introducing new words and concepts, communicating with babies "exceptionally sensitively", using expressions and gestures to help them listen and learn swiftly.

She said: "Staff show consistent respect, and they value what children do and their efforts to try to do things by themselves."

The report said the nursery's outdoor activities and outings, which include a forest school and visits to an orchard and local shops, provide "rich experiences" and help children "learn to respect and care for living

Wind wipes out flower show

ORGANISERS of Frenchay Flower Show have launched a fundraising appeal after having to cancel at short notice because of high winds.

The show had been due to take place on Frenchay Common on July 15, including more than 200 competition classes in a large marquee plus stalls, music, dancing and a classic car show outside.

But a yellow severe weather warning, with strong winds that could have made the marquee unsafe forecast, led to the show being cancelled.

The event was one of several in the area to be cancelled on the same day, with the Lyde Green Summer Sizzler at the Bristol & Bath Science Park and Page Park Big Clean Up also being called off at short notice.

Flower show organisers said: "It was a day of disappointment and a few tears, too. But the Frenchay Flower Show will be

creatures".

The inspector said: "Parents say the friendly and kind staff show genuine care for their children. "They have complete trust that staff keep their children safe and support their well-being

"Leaders and managers support the well-being and professional development of staff exceptionally well through access to high-quality training and highly effective supervision."

Jo and husband Marcus own the nursery, which has 40 children aged two and under on its roll, and run it together, with

back, bigger and better than before. All our unbelievably fantastic volunteers are already up for it and ready to go again.

"First we must take stock and repair our finances; with no gate receipts we lost about £5,000, and now we’re thinking of having smaller events in October and December at the Village Hall as fundraisers.

"Just because the worst July storm in 30 years stopped us this year, it doesn’t mean we won’t be back."

An online fundraising page had raised more than £800 in its first two days. It can be found at gofundme.com/f/help-us-keep-thefrenchay-flower-show-alive.

Objections to 5G mast

PLANS to build a 5G mast opposite Downend School have led to a flood of objections.

Network operator Cignal Infrastructure UK wants to build the 15m (50ft) mast at the junction of Stockwell Close and Westerleigh Road, opposite the school's main entrance,

The nursery has been running since 1999 and Jo, who has been working in early years education for 23 years since she was 16, took over in 2014.

Her mother Sheila died at the end of last year and Jo paid tribute to her role in the nursery's success.

She said: "Mum had been such a huge part of the nursery and was very well known in the community as well.

"Her loss was a really sad time for all of us, both the family and the whole team.

"The fact that we now have something to celebrate, something so positive after such a sad time, feels like it was meant to be."

on behalf of provider 3.

The company has applied to South Gloucestershire Council to determine whether the council's prior approval is needed for the site and appearance of the mast.

The company said: "The location has been identified as being necessary for Cignal Infrastructure UK Limited business development and meets its specific technical and operational requirements."

It says options in the area are "extremely limited" and the site is "the only viable solution that minimises amenity issues".

It has submitted drawings of the mast, which would be almost twice the height of nearby lampposts, says it has consulted with both Downend and Stanbridge schools and says the mast complies with guidelines from the International Commission on NonIonizing Radiation Protection.

As the Voice went to print, 70 people had objected to the plans and five supported it.

The application is on the council's planning website, ref P23/02029/PN1.

Great Expectations owner Jo Scott with staff and children from the nursery

It may be over 40 years since Papa Giuseppe Botta opened his first italian restaurant Il Bottelinos but the month of August sees Emersons Green's Botteginos celebrate its 23rd birthday.

Yes, 23 years ago on August 22nd, 2000 the italian restaurant opened its doors in the heart of Emersons Green.

Sons Raf and Gino started the restaurant as a brother company to the original Bottelinos group of restaurants and through the years has established itself as a top local restaurant.

Things haven't always been smooth with a devasting fire in April 2004 wiping out the building and the loss of earnings before it was able to rebuild and start again. Covid as for all restaurants was another massive problem and the loss of family members, Papa, passed away 2001, brother Mike in 2020 and Mamma passing in 2022.

The restaurant also underwent a name change when it was dcided in 2012 to change its name to todays name, Botteginos.

But the core values always remain the same, their passion for their food from their italian heritage comes through in all their recipes today.

Our reputation is built on providing the traditional Italian dining experience. Inspired by their love of food and desire for

Come and celebrate Botteginos 23rd birthday with some fabulous offers

excellence.

Please make your selection from our menu with the assurance that over 40 years of Italian cooking experience have provided the flavours delivered to your table today. We use, only the finest locally sourced produce. All our pasta and pizza are prepared freshly to order by our enthusiastic dedicated team of chefs.

The unique split level restaurant at Emersons Green provides the perfect environment for diners. Whether an informal lunch time snack, a romantic dinner for two or a celebration dinner party, we intend to surpass your expectations.

Family Values

At the heart of Botteginos are their family values instilled from their parents Giuseppe, (pictured right), and Maria.

Auntie Tonia and Uncle Miguel have been with the business since day one and are still at the heart of the kitchen as head chefs and also shareholders of the company. But the other key members of the family are the staff. From kitchen to floor, to full or part-time it is their committment to the business that has seen it thrive.

But the restaurant also considers its regular customers as part of the family whose support have enabled Botteginos to celebrate their birthday.

Throughout the month check out our website for all our latest offers: Every Day (Lunch and Dinner)

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E-SCOOTERS on the Downend area's streets will have a new look in the autumn.

The West of England Combined Authority is replacing current operator Voi, which has operated the hire scheme since it launched, with a new contractor, German company Tier.

It means the distinctive pink fleet of e-scooters which has been on the streets - and parked on pavements - since 2020 will be replaced by 4,000 new green 'WESTscoot' e-scooters, 1,500 e-bikes and 20 electric cargo bikes that can be hired by businesses.

Voi says it was "disappointing" to be leaving the region but changes to the new contract for the region would have left it running "at a loss".

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who announced the changes at the end of June, said the new operator would be fined if parking problems continue.

Mr Norris said the contract with Tier would bring in an estimated £9.7 million for public transport spending in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

He said clauses in the contract would address parking concerns, and that 100 new e-scooter parking racks would be provided.

Mr Norris said: “WESTscoot must build on the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region, which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in Europe.

“But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.

“Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030 target, it is vital that these bright green electric WESTscoot, WESTbike and WESTcargo e-vehicles become a common and welcome sight across our region,

All change for e-scooter fleet

for they are an important means to allow residents to reduce car use or give it up completely if they should so choose.”

He said contract clauses included “parking performance monitored on a monthly basis, with penalties on the operator if high standards aren’t met”.

They include stricter requirements to keep vehicles parked tidily within designated bays, and agreed numbers.

An exact date for the changeover has not been announced.

Tier’s Northern Europe vice-president Fred Jones said: "The expansion of the service to include e-bikes and e-cargo bikes makes it easier for the people of the West of England to choose to leave their car at home and pick the perfect vehicle for their journey, whether that is commuting, going to see friends or even doing the weekly shop.

“We are proud to have been selected as the operator for this UK-leading flagship service and look forward to the full launch this autumn.”

Voi UK, Ireland and France general manager Jack Samler said: “We are very proud of what

we’ve achieved in Bristol and Bath and the legacy we’ve built. It is disappointing to be leaving these cities.

“There are several differences in the new contract compared to our existing contract, many of which will impact on our overall costs.

“At Voi, we believe schemes must be financially sustainable for operators to allow for

continued investment in rider experience, safety and integration with other road users and pedestrians.

“This is critical for the industry long-term.

“We are not prepared to run any shared e-scooter trial at a loss."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

E-bikes will also be available for hire

The new Green e-scooters

The nowfamiliar pink Voi scooters parked in Downend

Ukrainian songs 'enchant' festival-goers

A UKRAINIAN refugee's traditional songs were one of the highlights of an event raising money for an injured boy in her homeland.

Katrin Ananieva sang at the festival organised by Downend accordionist Andy Coles, which was dedicated to supporting Roman Oleksiv, who is seven years old, and suffered severe burns in the Russian missile attack that killed his mother and more than 20 other people.

He met Roman's father Yaroslav online when they both served on international juries for world accordion championships during the pandemic.

Andy's employers, insurance company Motorcycle Direct, donated their at base in Thornbury as a venue for the event in June.

Andy said: "The event was a great success. In fact, I’m already being asked if I would arrange something similar for next year.

"As well as accordion soloists, duettists and the wonderful Marlborough Accordion Orchestra, we were blessed with a huge range of diverse talent, much of it local.

"The event opened with the Bristol Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble before we headed into the main accordion competition.

"A 14-year old Ukrainian refugee, Katrin Ananieva treated us to a couple of enchanting

traditional songs from her homeland.

"Also, by video, we had contributions from two Ukrainian accordionists who are currently studying in France under the worldrenowned teacher and friend of mine, Fred Deschamps.

"A further video featured 35 of the world’s top accordionists performing a piece of music called ‘Romance For You’. Yaroslav Oleksiv had written this for his wife, Halyna, just months before she met her death as a result of a Russian attack. There were tears!"

Other performers at the South/South West Accordion Festival, the local area festival held on behalf of the National Accordion Organisation, included the South Gloucestershire women-only barbershopstyle choir Black Sheep Harmony.

Andy said: "The day ended with the audience dancing and singing along with the talented Panache Steel Band from Thornbury, which produced the most joyous sound.

"We are so lucky to have such talent on our own doorstep.

"The day would not have happened without the performers, but I’d equally like to thank Ray & Anna Bodell, (another worldclass accordion teacher and adjudicator) for helping with running the event, Anne and

Steve Takel of Thornbury and, of course, Europa Group for allowing me use of their premises for the day."

So far Andy has raised more than £400 for Roman - donations can be made online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/musiciansfor-ukraine.

Yaroslav Oleksiv and his son Roman, who was badly burned in a Russian attack

Park celebrates world of culture

PAGE Park came alive with music, dance and culture from around the world as part of the Bristol Refugee Festival.

The Celebrate With Me event in late June was part of two weeks of events across the Bristol area, and was organised by Melody Beard of the Park's Bean Tree Cafe, with South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network and dance and culture charity Movema.

It included performances from people from nations across the world who have now made Britain their home, including dance from Columbia and Tibet,

food from China and music from Ukraine.

Hundreds of people came to the free five-hour event, to sit and watch, try food and visit stalls, and even join in with the dancing.

Melody said: "The event was a wonderful success and we were so happy to see the community connecting.

"It was a day filled with music, dance, and intercultural sharing. We can't wait to bring it back again next year."

Among the performers was Kateryna Kalinova, her sister Liza and brother Matvii, who

with mum Olena are now living in the UK after their home city of Pavlohrad, near Donetsk, was attacked by the Russians last year.

As well as performing traditional music, Kateryna brought pieces of shrapnel from a missile attack on her home city, which had been painted to turn them into miniature works of art.

Her brother wore a traditional Ukrainian shirt made by a soldier known as Skipper, who had been fighting since the first Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014 but was killed last year.

Kateryna said people at the

festival had been interested in their instruments and costumes, and very supportive of Ukraine's fight for freedom.

She said: "Before the war people didn't know about Ukraine so much, and thought it was part of Russia. Now they see Ukrainians are a different people.

"So many people here are telling us they are really sorry and hope the war will soon finish. Their support has been a motivation and made us want to fight even harder."

Picture of Liza, Matvii and Kateryna Kalinova by Chris Taylor. All other pictures by Matt Jarvis (@mattjarvismedia)

n TURNERS VISION

100 Blogs Strong: How to choose the right optician for you

Well, here we are, our 100th blog for the Voice!

If I’m honest, I never imagined I’d still be writing into 3 figures, or that what I’d have to say could run to 50,000 or so words. But the world of optometry is ever-changing so there is always plenty to talk about.

“How can we help you?”

In every town you will always find a number of opticians vying for your business so it can be easy to assume they are all much of a muchness when it comes to deciding who you are going to trust to care for your eye health. So, for this blog, I thought I’d try to offer some clarity here for you by referring again to my favourite question, ‘How can we help you?’ which is really the best way to understand the different levels of service available. It’s also the question that epitomises the ethos of our Optometry Practice. We’re here to help all of you who choose to book to see us.

So what do we offer that’s different?

We give you time

You should never feel that you have to rush an explanation or that your optician isn’t really interested in what you have to say. At Turners Opticians we value giving you the time to explain any concerns you may have about your eyes and vision. We also give you the time it takes to explain our findings and what they mean to you.

We’re investing in your eye health

In recent years, we’ve been upgrading our sophisticated equipment, to ensure we’re even better placed to continue developing the eye care services you can receive when you visit Turners Opticians. We firmly believe in preventative health care, and deliver this for you through first-class eye care.

Specialist Dry Eye Treatment

Most recently we’ve added Eye-Light, which is a truly revolutionary treatment for those of us who experience dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. It’s a comfortable, relaxing treatment that takes 5-10 minutes and can give life-changing relief from dry eye from just a few treatment sessions.

Patients' trust

One of the most frequent things patients feedback to us is that they leave feeling reassured about their eye health and vision, which really is a huge thing for us. The satisfaction of our patients does mean so much to each of our team, who genuinely care about our patients & their eyes.

At Turners Opticians, we want to help you, to see as clearly as you can, to understand your eyes & vision and to be reassured that you’ve seen an expert. To book an eye care appointment or view our glasses range, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434, or you can visit our website www.TurnersOpticians.co.uk and book your appointment online.

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, who also works as a Senior Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital. Peter has a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance.

Battle over retirement homes plan

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is set to fight an appeal by a developer that wants to build 42 retirement flats on the site of the former Staple Hill Infant School.

Churchill Retirement Living submitted plans for four-storey apartment buildings with oneand two-bedroom flats, communal facilities and car parking on the corner site in Page Road last September.

The application was validated in October, giving the council a three-month window to decide whether to approve or reject it.

The time limit ran out in January and the Voice reported in April that the developer had appealed to the Planning Inspectorate over the council's failure to determine the plan in time, which means the final decision on whether to build the flats now rests with a government inspector.

Churchill Retirement Living has also submitted a revised plan, with some amendments to its original scheme.

However the council has issued a statement of its own case, saying that, had Churchill not made the appeal, it would have refused the application on six grounds: massing and

density that did not "respect the character" of the surroundings; inadequate private or useable communal amenity space; insufficient parking, with no disabled parking; no safe non-vehicle access route; no provision of public open space to mitigate its impact on the area; no appropriate provision for affordable housing.

The council said it "will show that the proposed development will result in adverse impacts which significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits".

Churchill Retirement Living has now submitted a 42-page proof of evidence and a series of other documents ahead of an appeal, which is due to be heard over four days in August.

The company, which has already built New Pooles Lodge retirement development on nearby Staple Hill Road,says the site is a "highly sustainable location" and its plans "accord with national and local planning policy".

There have been five objections to the plans, mainly focusing on parking, congestion, design and the size of the development, on the site of the old infant school building demolished in 2019.

Expansion bid opposed

DOWNEND & Bromley Heath

Parish Council has formally objected to plans to expand the size of an multi-occupancy home (HMO) in Hurstwood Road.

Applicants Fox and Fox Property want to convert the "small" five-bedroom house in multiple occupation at number 3 to an eight-bedroom home.

But the plans have sparked 17 objections from neighbours, who say the existing HMO occupants and those in another one nearby have been the subject of numerous visits from the police and fire service because of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Neighbours also say the plans include a car park that can only be accessed from a lane the property has no access to, and could only be built by affecting trees which are home to bats.

The parish council has objected on grounds of overdevelopment, inadequate parking access, a lack of electric vehicle charging or cycle storage.

wishes

Kids go free this summer at Brunel’s ss Great Britain

THIS year marks 180 years since the SS Great Britain was launched into Bristol harbour – changing global travel forever.

To celebrate, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming children 16 years and under for free this summer when you book tickets online.

Highlights include an exciting new food trail – ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ – where families can follow a series of clues hidden throughout the ship. The trail will teach children about the food that passengers would have eaten on board.

Iona Keen, Head of Interpretation at Brunel’s SS Great Britain said:

“The new ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ family trail is a fun way of showcasing the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian voyage. And there’s a culinary twist to tie in with our 180th anniversary this summer – families can help solve party preparation blunders, all based on real life events that happened on board the ship.”

Visitors can also step back in time by peering through a pair of augmented reality binoculars that will transport them to 1843. Created by Zubr, a leading augmented reality studio based in the South West, the experience will allow visitors to see the ship and the floating harbour as they were 180 years ago.

Book a visit between 19 July and 3 September to redeem the ‘Kids Go Free This Summer’ offer. Terms & conditions apply.

ssgreatbritain.org/summer

Rat complaints over Frenchay development

RESIDENTS living near a Frenchay development say they have been plagued with a series of problems ranging from closed roads to rats.

Thirty homes are being built at Malmains Drive by Aequus, a building company owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council, in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council.

The council-owned site was previously set aside for Frenchay Primary School, which was built on part of the former Frenchay Hospital site instead.

Frenchay & Downend ward councillor Raj Sood said he had been contacted by "a wave of residents reporting issues such as rats, parking obstructions, unofficial road closures and abusive behaviour" involving developers and contractors working on the site.

Cllr Sood said he had raised the issues with South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for planning Chris Willmore after talking to residents.

He said: "We want to ensure that this development achieves the standards expected and respects local residents."

The councillor said a site visit by officers had been arranged to give him and local campaigners the opportunity to address the issues firsthand. A council spokesperson said: "A number of issues have been raised with the council and the developers about this project, which will deliver new market and affordable homes.

"In response, a series of meetings have now been held with local councillors, officers and Aequus, the developer, to resolve these matters and close monitoring of all site activities will continue.”

Cllr Willmore said "I greatly appreciate Raj raising these local issues with me. Residents feel their concerns have not been listened to in the past."

VACANCY FOR A PARISH COUNCILLOR

• Do you want to help make Downend & Bromley Heath a better place to live?

• Do you have time or expertise which could benefit your community?

• Do you want to make a difference to all those around you?

• Are you concerned about your local area?

• Do you want to represent the views of local people?

If you would like to make a difference, and be involved in shaping the future of your local community, why not step forward and apply to become a Parish Councillor? Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council currently has two vacancies.

For further information, or if you would just like to chat about what is involved, please contact Angela, the Parish Clerk (contact details below).

UNICORNFEST

Downend & Bromley Heath

Parish Council is thrilled to be a proud sponsor of The Unicornfest Art Trail, taking place in Bristol from 1 July to early September.

The Unicornfest Art Trail is a unique, family-friendly event that celebrates the magic and beauty of unicorns. The art trail features 60 life-sized unicorn sculptures that have been individually designed and painted by some of the South West’s leading artists.

Schools and community groups have also got involved with the trail, with 40+ smaller unicorn foals going on display as part of the trail too. The sculptures are placed in prominent locations throughout Bristol and some across the wider South West area, creating a free-to-access trail that encourages visitors to explore the city and discover its many attractions.

GRACIE, THE DOWNEND UNICORN, IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CLEEVE ROAD/BADMINTON ROAD.

As a sponsor of The Unicornfest Art Trail, Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is excited to support this wonderful event and help bring the community together to celebrate art, creativity, and imagination. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council believes that events like The Unicornfest Art Trail play an important role in promoting local culture and creativity, and is proud to support this initiative.

Visitors can pick up a trail map from various locations locally and throughout the city, or download the app to their smartphones. The event is free to attend, and visitors are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #TheUnicornfest.

The charity beneficiaries of the trail are Leukaemia Care, the UKs leading leukaemia charity. Once the trail has been concluded, all the large and small statues will be gathered at Propyard for a final farewell weekend before they’re sent to auction in early October to raise thousands for the charity providing care and support to individuals, families and friends affected by leukaemia and associated conditions.

For more information about The Unicornfest Art Trail, visit the event website at https://theunicornfest.co.uk/

For more information about Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council, visit www.dbhparishcouncil.uk.

THE death of a crane company boss who was crushed by a falling hot tub was an accident which could not have been predicted, a coroner has ruled.

Michael Burcombe, who was 73, was hit when a crane lifting the tub from the front to the back garden of a house in Springleaze, Mangotsfield, tipped as the concrete drive it was parked on collapsed.

An air ambulance landed at nearby Barley Close Primary School and several other ambulance crews were sent to help after the incident on September 13, 2021.

However Mr Burcombe died of his injuries at the scene.

Mr Burcombe was a director of Burcombe Crane Hire Ltd, a family-run company which operated from Coalpit Heath, near Yate, where he lived.

An inquest at Avon Coroner's Court in July heard that his son Ashley was driving the crane and his grandson Ty Nethercott was signalling, as Mr Burcombe guided the load in the back garden, the BBC reported.

Suddenly part of the concrete

Hot tub death was an unpredictable accident

extended in the confined space available.

Ruling that Mr Burcombe's death was accidental, coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said: "He could not, and neither could Ashley, have predicted that the concrete would fracture and give way when it did."

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation after the incident but delayed its conclusion to wait for the inquest to be completed.

driveway the crane was sitting on gave way and the tub swung forward further than expected, trapping him, and while his son and grandson prised it off him, he had suffered multiple fatal injuries.

His son told the inquest the

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business was now being wound up and he would never drive a crane again.

Mr Burcombe had carried out a risk assessment which found that the crane could safely lift the tub, although its stabilising outriggers could not all be

An HSE spokesperson said: “We took immediate enforcement action at the time of the incident to ensure the company had procedures in place to ensure future lifts were planned safely.

"We will review the matters raised at inquest before concluding our investigation.”

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The crane after the accident in Mangotsfield

School lives up to 'brave' motto

A PRIMARY school's "broad and ambitious" curriculum, expert teachers and enthusiastic pupils have been praised by an inspector.

Ofsted visited Stanbridge Primary School in Downend in May and the regulator's report, published in late June, said it continues to be a 'good' school.

Lead inspector James Oldham said pupils "know the school motto, ‘Be brave, not perfect,’ well".

He said: "They like to be recognised for living up to this motto and for demonstrating the other school values of ‘ambition, creativity and community’."

The inspector said leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, and children understand how the rules create a "safe and positive learning environment" and follow them well.

He said: "Parents speak highly of the school. They appreciate the school’s high expectations and the care their children receive.

"Pupils learn a broad and ambitious curriculum. Leaders have a clear vision to prepare pupils for the future by providing a good quality of education.

"Teachers have expert subject knowledge. They present information clearly and have a sharp focus on improving pupils’ vocabulary."

The inspector highlighted strengths in the teaching of language and reading, assessment and encouraging pupils to think like an expert in each subject, with children talking enthusiastically about the different "states of being" they take on to be authors, historians or engineers.

Provision of clubs and trips at the school, which has 416 pupils aged from four to 11, was also highlighted.

The inspector said that to further improve, the school should ensure the needs of all pupils with special educational needs or disabilities are identified and met to help them follow the curriculum and learn well.

Ofsted's visit, its first since 2017, took place during Year 6 SATs week at the school, whose head teacher Kirby Littlewood is moving to another school in September after four years in charge.

Acting head teacher David Payne said: "Over the last four years, we have been on an unwavering mission to create a rich curriculum that engages our children and we have been tirelessly developing our teaching practice to ensure we are delivering this curriculum with a deep understanding of how children learn.

"We are proud of the education we deliver and the safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment we have cultivated.

"The Ofsted inspector spoke extremely highly about our children: they showed their dedication to learning, their compassion for others and eloquently shared their knowledge and understanding."

Co-chairs of governors Arpana Paterson and Nick Richley said: "Our amazing community of staff, families and children rallied round supportively on our Ofsted days and the inspector was so impressed by the behaviour of our polite children, the lovely comments from parents and the high standard of teaching and learning evident across the school.”

Acting head teacher David Payne with Year 5 pupils in Stanbridge Primary School's library

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Festival prize for school's Latin scholars

CHILDREN at a Downend primary school returned in triumph from a Latin competition.

The Year 4 team from St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School took their version of Echo and Narcissus to Bristol Classical Association's annual Festival of Latin Drama at the end of June.

It was the first time the competition for primary schools had been held since the pandemic.

Despite being the youngest team at the event, held at Bristol University’s Victoria Rooms, the St Augustine's team took home the first prize.

Year 4 teacher and language lead Rachael Swonnell said: "The six children performing had all joined the Latin after-school drama club.

"Over the term, they worked hard on researching and understanding the Greek myth, making appropriate props and learning to perform the story in

Latin.

"The children performed on a grand stage in front of Latin experts including Bristolian Barbara Bell, who wrote the Minimus Latin course for primary children.

"Although the youngest

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competing this year, the children were not put off at all by a full theatre, although they said that they had loads of nerves and butterflies crashing in their tummies.

"I was so proud of them, and was extremely impressed with

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their first prize.

"The competition was of such a high quality.

"Well done to everyone from the Latin drama club, who worked so hard to create such an energetic and exciting piece of theatre."

The winning St Augustine's Primary School team celebrate their success

GP patients still hanging on the telephone

PEOPLE are still having trouble reaching surgeries on the phone, according to the latest NHS GP Patient Survey.

At least three quarters of patients at all three practices in the Downend and Emersons Green area said it was "not easy" to get through on the phone.

Problems are getting worse at Downend Health Group, which runs the Willow Surgery and Christchurch Family Medical Centre, with 94% of patients reporting problems – up from 80% last year. Five years ago more than half of patients (56%) told the survey it was easy to get through.

The 85% of patients at Leap Valley Medical Centre reporting problems was down on last year's figure of 89%, while Emersons Green Medical Centre's 77% was down from 98% last year.

Leap Valley, in Beaufort Road, and Emersons Green, in St Luke's Close, are run by Green Valleys Health, which installed a new phone system in 2020 following years of complaints. However, back in 2018, 69% of Leap Valley patients and 52% in Emersons Green said it was easy to get through.

Nationally, 50% of patients said they found it easy to get through.

The percentage of people offered a same-day appointment at Downend Health Group surgeries was 34% - down 1% on last year. The number of people waiting a week or more was 25%, down from 26% last year.

Others waited more than a day but less than a week, or could not remember how long they waited.

At Leap Valley Medical Centre, only 16% of patients were offered a same-day appointment – down from 21% last year. And numbers having to wait a week or more rose from 37% in 2022 to 45%.

The percentage of patients offered same-day appointments at Emersons Green Medical Centre was 17% - down from 23% last year. The proportion of patients waiting a week or longer fell from 44% in 2022 to 39%.

Nationally, 52% of patients were offered same-day appointments if they wanted one.

Overall patient satisfaction levels for all three practices

remain below where they were five years ago.

The percentage of patients saying they had a good overall experience of Downend Health Group fell from 61% in 2022 to 58% this year, with the number saying it was poor up from 17% to 28%.

Five years ago 81% said they had a good experience.

Some patients gave a neutral answer to the question.

Good ratings for Leap Valley rose from 38% to 46% this year, with 'poor' ratings down from 46% to 27%. The surgery had a 73% 'good' or 'very good' rating in 2018.

At Emersons Green Medical Centre the percentage of patients who said their experience was

good rose from 37% to 48%, while those saying it was poor fell from 47% to 35%. Five years ago 65% were happy with the surgery. Nationally, 71% of people said they were happy with their surgery, down from 72% last year.

The survey was carried out by Ipsos MORI with NHS England, based on just under 760,000 responses to questionnaires sent out nationwide between January and April.

A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which funds GP services, said: "We welcome this valuable feedback on local GP services, and are pleased to see that results across our area are above the national average in many areas of the survey, including people’s overall experience of an appointment and overall experience of making an appointment, the performance of healthcare professionals and their ability to recognise mental health needs.

“We also recognise there are areas for improvement. We are continuing to share learning between practices about what works well, and are working to support practices to deliver highquality services to patients.

“General practice is continuing to develop. Practices are working hard to make sure everyone can access the right support when they need it; whether that’s online or face-toface.

The Willow Surgery in Downend was hard to reach on the phone

'Graduation' celebration at junior school

MORE than 130 children at a Downend junior school have celebrated their 'graduation' from a special learning programme.

The children at Christ Church Junior School worked with Children’s University, a charity that works in partnership with schools to develop a love of learning by encouraging and celebrating participation in extracurricular activities, both in and outside of school.

Pupils took part in a variety of challenges and activities, including attending clubs, visiting attractions and completing tasks such as the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Deputy head teacher Alex Desmond said: "To graduate, children had to complete 30 hours of extra-curricular activities outside school, and the children really rose to the challenge!

"The school also provided opportunities for pupils to try new skills during the school day, by having a daily lunchtime club and special afternoons once a term, where they could choose to take part in a club run by a member of staff. Children have enjoyed a wide range of activities such as learning sign language, paper curling, song production, animation, boxing and much more."

A ceremony was held for children to

receive their certificates, complete with gowns and hats they made themselves, in front of parents and special guest Ian Boulton, the co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council.

Head teacher Pippa Osborne said: "We are incredibly proud of all the children who have taken part in Children's University this year, and the children graduating today should treasure their achievement.

"It has been lovely to see such a varied range of new skills being learned, and the children have been inspired to pursue new interests.

"At Christ Church Juniors, we are committed to ensuring that all children have exciting, engaging and inclusive experiences, and this project has inspired the children to try something new and hopefully develop a lifelong passion along the way!"

Creative students receive awards

MANGOTSFIELD School has held its first awards to celebrate the creative arts.

The Go Creative! awards evening in July featured an exhibition of student GCSE, 3D and art club works, including a mural about the history of Mangotsfield and canvases celebrating the French and German languages.

There was also an exhibition of GCSE photography work, including a special section on food photography.

Music, dance and drama students took to the stage and performed an array of pieces from GCSE, BTEC KS3 lessons and individual works.

The evening finished with a 'teaser' performance of the school's upcoming drama show, Roald Dahl’s Matilda Junior, which is set to be performed in full at the school in February next year.

Throughout the evening the school's art, drama, music and dance departments presented awards to pupils who had particularly excelled within their subject, with particular focus on the school values of "respect, challenge, love learning and community".

Four special awards were presented to 'Creative

Champions': the Love Learning award for Lydia Horseman, Challenge award for Zoe Robb, Respect award for Keira Lane and Community award for Thomas Sheppard.

Head of art Dawn Beedle said: "The students were proud of their achievements as they collected their awards on stage.

"Many parents commented

Boost for gym

EXERCISE bikes, rowing and ski machines and dumbbells are among the equipment Mangotsfield School has been able to buy for its gym thanks to a grant.

on the high quality of art and photography work created by our students.

"The evening was incredibly positive and a truly joyous community event: hopefully the first of many."

The school is already making plans for its Winter Festival in December.

The money came from the West of England Sport Trust, Wesport.

The school has created a 'pop-up gym' for students to use, with specific times for younger and older pupils and a girls-only session, which have all been "extremely well attended".

Petition launched as school buses saved

A NEW petition has launched demanding buses in the Bristol area be brought back under public control.

The petition has been signed by more than 1,800 people in its first two weeks and organisers hope it will provide evidence of the “huge public support” for bus franchising.

Reclaim Our Buses is urging Dan Norris, the West of England Metro Mayor, to formally begin a legal process exploring how franchising could work in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

Mr Norris has said the option was “on the table” but is "not a magic bullet", and the bigger issue is a shortage of bus drivers which WECA has been

trying to address by helping to train new ones.

The petition can be found on the Megaphone website at tinyurl.com/3bpanw75.

It was launched as three bus services used by children attending Winterbourne Academy were saved for the coming academic year, after South Gloucestershire Council struck a deal with operator Stagecoach.

Families living in Hambrook, Frenchay, Downend and Fishponds were among those sent letters in June by head teacher Jenny Cartwright, warning that the future of services was in doubt from September because of funding issues.

The affected services

included the 427 from Frenchay via Hambrook, the 458 from Fishponds via Downend, the 459 from Emersons Green and Lyde Green via Blackhorse and Bromley Heath, and the 936 from Patchway, Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke.

Four of the services are run by Stagecoach, with the other run by Transpora.

Now the council has said the 427, 459 and 460 will run for another year after it "stepped-in and found a solution to keep them running", using funds paid by developers as part of planning deals.

The authority said it would "work with partners to look at options" for securing the 458 and 936, but did not "have a timeline" for making a firm

announcement on their future.

Council cabinet member for infrastructure Chris Willmore said: “The scrapping of these services would have resulted in significant disruption for the many children who use them to get to school safely throughout the year.

"I am pleased that we were able to find a solution to fund them as it is vitally important that that children can continue to get to school.

“We are also looking at solutions with other services under pressure, so it is important that we work together to try and keep the wheels turning on bus routes that provide a transport lifeline in our communities."

Year 7 student Zoe Robb receives the Creative Champion award from teacher Pippa Gentry

Mangotsfield gym

n DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW

DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW:

BELLA HARDY + HANNAH SCOTT

FRIDAY 16 JUNE 2023, CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND.

ALMOST exactly nine years ago Downend Folk & Roots peeked, slightly hesitantly, into the world. Back then it was Downend Folk Club but the first, proper, headline act was Bella Hardy, fresh from winning The BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year award. She was astonishing that night and gave the folk club a glow of confidence that, to be honest, it's never lost. Tonight, Bella Hardy returned to Downend for a rapturously received set. She was, to put it simply, magnificent.

The first thing that you notice about Bella Hardy is that she is effortless. Everything that she does seems entirely natural, she makes the difficult look easy. Set opener, Summer Daylight Winter Darkness, is an instrumental tune, Hardy's fiddle in harmonious, excited conversation with Danny Wallington's keyboards. Sam Carter's guitar joins just as the tune becomes Hares on the Mountain. They slide together beautifully, all three taking this very familiar song and reminding just why we all love it so. Hardy is a masterful storyteller. On The Herring Girl she tells of strong women

living tough lives but does so with an assurance and eloquence that few have. Violin and guitar, again, combining to help tell the story and the piano filling in the details. The Navigator's Bride is another that looks at the male world with a sense of bewilderment. Hardy inhabits these people but, unlike so many folk songs, there's no sense of the victim here. There's a twinkle amongst the toughness as the trio build to a beautiful crescendo. Her own songs have the same timelessness that any number of trad songs have. When she does dip into the canon, however, her interpretations have subtleties that lesser artists can't hope to match. Awake Awake (also known as Drowsy Sleeper or Silver Dagger) comes from her latest album, Love

n DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS PREVIEW

DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS PREVIEW: AUTUMN/ WINTER PROGRAMME.

DOWNEND Folk & Roots have announced their programme for this Autumn/Winter. The season begins on Friday 15 September with a highly-anticipated return for Downend Folk & Roots favourites The Black Feathers. To say they're back for a third appearance by popular demand would be an understatement... they've been the most requested artists over the last couple of years! Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. Joining them on the bill will be Barney Kenny, who is quickly carving out a name for himself as a solo artist across the folk circuits. This concert will be live-streamed in partnership with Live To Your Living Room.

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage headline the next concert, on Friday 20 October. Since emerging in 2016, Hannah & Ben have been defying all conventions of style, genre and compartmentalisation. A touch of Americana, yet quintessentially English. Traditional, yet contemporary, with their individual writing style. Opening the evening will be Lauren South, a Rugby-based singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist.

Songs, and is a showcase for her extraordinary voice. Freed of the violin she allows Carter to provide the pop-tinged stylings whilst Hardy coos soothingly. My Johnny was a Shoemaker is more upbeat, full of whoops, and has that quality that's impossible to put your finger on, you can just feel it in your heart. Loving Hannah is best known for the Mary Black version but Hardy's version does incredible justice to it. An a capella take on Down to the River sees jaws dropping and hearts exploding. Echoes of Alison Krauss, of course, but Hardy, once again, proves that she is a match for any of the great female singers you could name. As befits an artist who is ten albums into her career and has made music influenced by Japan, America and the British Isles, her willingness to try anything

proves that she is a graceful master of her art.

The set ends with Tequila Moon, a song that sways with a heat-haze shimmer. On this humid evening it seems the perfect fit, plucked violin creating a ukulele strum, piano and guitar setting up a porch-swing rhythm whilst Hardy easily sends us off, humming into the night.

Before Hardy's triumphant return was Hannah Scott, a singer of contemporary folk songs. She opened her heart and showed us the inner workings of her soul. Every song that hit the hardest uncovered something about the relationships that she has with those closest to her. My Dad & I was wonderfully sweet, her high voice never wavering. The Boy in the Frame is about her grandmother and also carries huge emotion within the most delicate vessel. Just piano and voice, yearning and memory.

All of this emotion is dealt with with the lightest of touches. It is, however, with Skimming Stones that Scott's potential as future headliner can be seen, as clear as day. Taken from her lovely new EP, Ancient Lights, it is almost hymnlike.

Both Scott and Hardy have an easy charm and, I suspect, both will be welcomed back to Downend time and time again.

Words: Gavin McNamara

Photos: Barry Savell

Headlining the now legendary Christmas concert on Friday 15 December will be one of the most exciting young trios to emerge in recent years, The Wilderness Yet. Lockdown saw the trio record Turn The Year Round, a winter album featuring classic carols and carefully arranged seasonal favourites. The album has proven to be hugely popular, with the band even playing live on BBC Radio 3 on Christmas Day 2022. Joining the trio on the bill will be Leo MacKenzie, a singing cellist who is unique in using the baroque cello to accompany his own voice. This concert will also be live-streamed.

Ward Knútur Townes found their sound when the world fell silent. In 2020, these three singersongwriters - Lucy Ward (Derbyshire), Svavar Knutur (Iceland) and Adyn Townes (Canada) - were selected to take part in a virtual global music sharing experiment called Global Music Match. They spent several lockdowns turning their stories into soft harmonies and intricate melodies. This year, they cashed in their stagnant travel points and recorded their debut album in Iceland. It will be released in Autumn 2023 and they headline the concert on Friday 17 November, where they will be supported by Maddie Morris. Maddie strives to make a difference in the world. Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, she takes traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues.

All four concerts will take place at Christ Church Downend. Seating is unreserved. The concerts are all priced at £14 in advance, £16 on the door, but you can also buy a season ticket for all four concerts for £50 (no booking fees!), a saving of almost £10. All tickets are non-refundable. They are available online at downendfolkandroots.com, and they will also be available from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend ahead of each individual gig. Please note that Melanie's Kitchen can only take cash payments and season tickets are not available at the shop. There will be a full bar at all concerts, as well as a prize draw, all proceeds of which go towards booking our support artists. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. For further information, email info@downendfolkandroots.com

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 20 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 a full range of accounting and tax services to local businesses and individuals.

Our goal is to provide an outstanding tailored and personal service to our clients: helping our business clients to achieve greater profitability, and our individual clients to

enjoy greater wealth. Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing 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.

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.

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 and hoes.

Our range of frozen reptile food and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell that any more.

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.

n CHURCH NEWS

Warm spaces cafe becomes dementia friendly Salvation Army moves for revamp

THE successful Warm Spaces Café at Christ Church Downend is launching monthly dementiafriendly sessions.

The café has been running at Christ Church throughout the year, every Thursday from 11am-2pm.

Maggie Nichols, who felt called to lead the team that opened the café last winter in response to the huge rise in energy bills, said: "It’s a fantastic community.

"The church space is warm, full and thriving with people from across the area gathering for friendship, community and a spot of lunch.

"The second and fourth Thursdays we are joined by Music Train and many differently-abled people, young and old, come and dance and sing and enjoy one another’s company."

From the autumn every third Thursday of the month will be a 'dementia friendly' café session, starting on September 21.

Maggie said: "Many of the volunteers have accessed training and are now able to support folk living with dementia and those that care for them.

"There will be simple crafts and games that build memory and increase fun, conversation and sociability.

"It’s important that we recognise that many of us are living with and supporting loved ones with dementia, so we want to offer love, support and hospitality to them as well."

Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by different

diseases that damage the brain, which get worse over time and include: memory loss; confusion and needing help with daily tasks; problems with language and understanding; changes in behaviour.

The Alzheimer’s Society has produced a symptoms checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, to support people to get a vital diagnosis.

There are many types of dementia but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. The next most common is vascular dementia. You can find out more at www. alzheimers.org.uk

A report in 2019, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science, found there are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040.

An estimated 209,600 people develop dementia each year - one every three minutes.

There are over 42,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK, known as young-onset dementia. More than 25,000 people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected.

It is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia, and at the moment research is desperately underfunded. While new treatments are being developed with increasing speed, they are not coming quickly enough for people affected by dementia now.

All proceeds from the Christ Church Downend Dementia Friendly Café will go to the Alzheimer's Society.

Please pop in and say hello and please donate.

THE Staple Hill Salvation Army congregation is moving out for around four months, to allow extensive renovations to take place to the building.

Major Colin Hylton-Jones, who is the Corps Officer in charge jointly with his wife Nicola, said that the building is in need of significant change to accommodate the range of activities that are now taking place.

He said: "As well as installing new toilet and washing facilities, the main hall is being renovated and a new flexible layout is being introduced, so that we can use it for a variety of different purposes." The church is continuing to grow and has seen many new people joining its congregation since the return from Covid.

In addition to the modernisation work, a new balcony is being included so that additional seating capacity is available for both Sunday worship and the many concerts which the Staple Hill musicians are well known for arranging.

A significant part of the cost is being met from a charitable donation but the church itself is also making a contribution to the overall cost, as are church members themselves.

The work is expected to be finished by the autumn. Until then worship services are being held in Page Hall at Page Road on Sundays at 10am, and weekday activities are being accommodated in Staple Hill Methodist Church, Downend Baptist Church and Kingswood Salvation Army Hall.

The website www.staplehillsa.uk provides details of all activities and their relocation details.

The main entrance on Broad Street

School ditches timetable for new experiences

DOWNEND School gave pupils a week off regular lessons to given them new activities and experiences to bring learning to life.

The school's annual enrichment week in July saw the usual timetable suspended and replaced with trips, projects and performances.

Year 7 students had a three-day residential trip to Devon with adventure activities including paddleboarding, surfing at Croyde Bay, a water adventure course and team building activities as part of their community-themed week.

They also had a historical walk around Downend, made collages themed around school values and put on their own performances of Roald Dahl's Matilda.

Year 8s had a two-day

humanities trip to London, taking in the Imperial War Museum, Florence Nightingale Museum, Science Museum and Old Operating Theatre Museum.

They also had a Thames river cruise and a guided tour of the 2012 Olympics site.

Back at school they worked on art, photography and design & technology projects and had a sports day with individual and team based challenges.

Year 9 pupils focused on science, technology, engineering and maths, with interactive hands-on science activities including launching rockets and discovering the chemistry of colour.

During the week 100 Year 9 students completed their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award assessed expedition in Cheddar, while a number of Year

10 pupils completed their silver expedition.

The Year 10 enrichment programme had a life skills theme and included virtual work experience supported by companies including Barclays Bank, Vodafone, Pret and Airbus, CV writing and mock job interviews, lessons on money management and first aid with the air ambulance.

They also had an "immersive day" on their GCSE text ‘An Inspector Calls’, including a

virtual escape room, murder mystery and drama workshop.

Year 12 pupils had a residential trip to London, work experience, volunteering and support to help prepare for life after school.

School community council chair Emma Jukes said: "It was a brilliant week that showcased practical learning, working together and providing experiences that will undoubtedly stay with pupils and teachers forever."

Team building for Year 7s

Year 7s surfing in Croyde Bay

Year 8 students in London's West End

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Natural abundance may be the answer!

IT is not simply because I’m British that I often talk about the weather, it is because weather is so remarkable. There is simply so much of it!

Of late we have experienced heat waves and deluge’s and wind galore. The British weather seems to do nothing by halves. For most of us these vagaries of the weather are mostly simply a mild inconvenience, or a rich source for small talk. That is unless you are a farmer, or perhaps a cyclist! lately we are beginning to feel as if something is changing. Are the extremes of weather a sign? (Is this the point when I place a billboard over my shoulders and proclaim, in a dour ‘Scottish’ voice … The end is nigh!) (Apologies to Scottish readers, but there is something about the accent which brings out the portents of impending doom, in a way that a Bristolian accent, just doesn’t quite work!)

For a few years now I’ve been cycling, I really like to get out

every Monday if I possibly can. This hobby has made me more aware of the weather. Whilst I accept that it’s reasonable that I should get drenched and cold in November or February, I am more grumpy when a ride in July feels like a swimming lesson. On the other hand it was just a few weeks ago that we were scorching hot, and the news still speaks of a dangerous heat wave over parts of Europe. Is something, extreme happening?

I suspect the answer to this is both yes and no. At one level our ‘weather’ has always been extreme. On the other hand, it is beginning to be realistic to point out that real statistical anomalies are happening, at a statistically improbable level, that is, unless you factor in the reality that man made climate change is happening.

Do I once more don my afore mentioned billboard, and shout of our doom? I think once again the answer is yes and no. There

is clearly a massive problem, an unprecedented challenge that faces both humanity, and indeed many other far more innocent species. However it is my view that we should definitely NOT abandon hope. But it is time to work for a real ‘change in the weather!’ There’s an old saying, ‘When you are in a hole, stop digging!’ I argue that we are most definitely in a hole, it seems utterly reasonable to me that we should STOP DIGGING as quickly as possible… Digging for coal, for gas and every other fossil fuel is clearly crazy. On the other hand, we have only relatively recently begun to reconnect to the power and abundance that our weather represents. We still have a massive problem, but we also are beginning to harness the abundance of ‘natural’ energy which is all around us.

As a cyclist I realise that I can’t ‘change the weather.’ However as humanity we need to wake up to the reality that we must change

something. As a believer I don’t believe I should simply proclaim a message of doom, there is still real hope. The world that God has gifted to us is still abundant, the weather, for all its vagaries is still intensely powerful. We have the right equipment, we simply need to learn to make better choices. We are all responsible, for what happens next!

Stephen Newell

Companion Elder at Mangotsfield and Castle Green URC (Cossham St)

Praise for 'warm and nurturing' preschool

CHILDREN "flourish" at a Downend preschool with caring staff and inclusive curriculum, says an inspector.

Ofsted says St Augustine of Canterbury Preschool is 'good' in all areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development - retaining the rating it received at its last inspection in 2017.

Inspector Stella Orfanidou said: "Children flourish in this warm and nurturing pre-school.

"Caring, attentive and friendly staff members give them a warm welcome. Children demonstrate they feel safe.

"The manager and staff collaborate to organise an

ambitious and highly inclusive curriculum for all children under their care, particularly for those with special educational needs or disabilities."

The inspector said the staff tailored activities to "stimulate curiosity and foster development", recognising each child's interests and abilities, adding: "This adaptive and attentive approach ensures that all children make substantial progress in their learning and development."

Ofsted visited the preschool in Boscombe Crescent, which has 21 children aged from two to four

on its roll, in May.

The regulator's report, published in June, highlighted several areas including work to develop children's communication and language skills through stories, phonic activities, talking and listening.

The inspector said the preschool "brims with opportunities" for drawing, and its garden enabled children to improve their physical skills and enjoy sensory play with sand and water.

She said: "The manager and staff nurture children's problemsolving skills and independence,

preparing them for future learning opportunities."

"Parents highly praise the staff and setting, maintaining familiarity with their child's key person for easy communication."

The inspector said manager Kelly Breslin "passionately embraces her role, demonstrating dedication and commitment to providing children with exceptional learning opportunities", adding: "Her contagious enthusiasm positively supports the professional growth and wellbeing of the staff."

To improve further the inspector recommended that the committee-run preschool, which first opened in 1978, work with parents to ensure packed lunches fit the healthy eating teaching.

Kelly said she was particularly pleased the inspector had picked up on the preschool's "warm and nurturing" nature, the work on the curriculum, and the relations with parents.

She said: "The staff and preschool committee are delighted by our recent Ofsted report."

Children at St Augustine of Canterbury Preschool

Still time to make kart race start line

TEAMS who want to test their racing and engineering prowess have days left to enter the first Page Park Billy Kart Derby.

The park will be turned into a race circuit for a day on Saturday September 9, as 'pushcarts' - nonmotorised go-karts - go head to head for prizes and bragging rights.

The races will take place around the park's clock tower and part of the path heading towards South View.

People are being encouraged to enter teams then design, build and race their own karts for the event.

Entry is open to individuals, schools, clubs and community groups, who can use the event to raise money for charity, with separate races for children and adults.

Businesses are being encouraged to sponsor or enter teams or the event as a whole.

Each kart needs a crew of three people - two to push and one to drive.

But anyone who wants to enter a team needs to act quickly, as the deadline for entering is Tuesday August 1.

Teams can build their karts out of anything they like, with use of recycled materials encouraged.

There will be prizes for the race winners as well as for the best karts, best competitors and best-dressed team, with people encouraged to wear fancy dress.

Mystery trail

Friends of Page Park chair Lorna CarterStevens and vicechair Steph Purser with the group's kart at the Coronation Big Lunch

The event is being organised for the Friends of Page Park by Tom and Melody Beard, of the park's Bean Tree Cafe.

Melody said: "Your kart can look however you want - as long as it's got wheels, it's safe and is completely people-powered.

"We're really interested in hearing from community groups or businesses who want to enter a kart or sponsor one."

To enter the derby and find more information visit the Page Park Billy Kart Derby page on eventbrite.co.uk, at bit.ly/3WlASp8.

Anyone not online can ask for more details at the Bean Tree Cafe.

A MYSTERY trail is giving families a new way of exploring Page Park over the summer.

The free audio trail, called The House with Twelve Doors, is available to use on a smartphone via the Echoes.XYZ app, and tells the story of an elf living in Page Park who needs some human help to foil a plot dreamt up by devious goblins.

It has been created by a longstanding local resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, and approved by the Friends of Page Park.

The trail's creator said: "I was inspired to create this after doing the Staple Hill Story Walk.

"When I realised I could create my own Echoes.xyz trail, several things of interest all came together - a love of escape rooms, puzzles, walking in a nice place such as Page Park, creativity.

"Creating it was a lot of fun. Hopefully others will get some fun from it also."

The trail can be found by searching within the app or at tinyurl.com/bdf8r3rz.

Children take up reading challenge

CHILDREN from a Mangotsfield primary school have helped launch this year's South Gloucestershire Summer Reading Challenge.

Pupils from Barley Close Community Primary School took part in an educational workshop run by the University of the West of England’s School of Engineering at Downend Library to kick off the holiday reading event.

Libraries and the Reading Agency have partnered with the Youth Sport Trust for this year's challenge, called ‘Ready, Set, Read!’, which has a sports, games and play theme to highlight the positive impact that reading, keeping active, and having fun have on a child’s development.

From now until September 9 children aged between four and 11 can sign up at their local library during staffed opening hours and collect a free goodie bag to get them started.

They then read books of their choice over the summer holidays and collect stickers to complete a collectors’ card, receiving a medal and certificate once it’s completed.

The aim of the challenge is to help children become more independent readers and improve reading confidence over the summer break from school.

Council cabinet member for libraries

Leigh Ingham said: “We know that children's reading can dip during the long summer holidays without regular access to books and

encouragement to read for pleasure.

"The Challenge increases children’s reading engagement and confidence and it's free to participate, which will help with family budgets feeling the impact of cost-of-living pressures at present.

"There are lots of free activities taking place at our libraries over the summer which are great for keeping the children occupied

and having fun; my advice to parents is to take the children along to your local library and see what is on offer.”

For more details of the events going on locally, see the library events section on page 55.

For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge visit www.southglos.gov. uk/summerreadingchallenge.

Children from Barley Close Community Primary School with councillors Mike Drew and Leigh Ingham, and Joshua Warren from UWE, at the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge at Downend Library

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP JACK LOPRESTI

Producing a new generation of scientists and engineers

THIS month I have focused on three issues in our area: our national defence and defence industries, jobs and access to health services.

I was recently part of a roundtable discussion at the National Composites Centre with multiple employers including MBDA, Leonardo, GKN, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Babcock. We discussed multiple issues relating to the work the NCC does to support the defence industry in our area and enhance the technology base in our area.

The NCC is part of the catapult network, designed to massively progress regional technology investment, encourage cooperation between companies and promote high-value manufacturing in the UK economy to help give British manufacturing a competitive advantage.

In the discussion I emphasised the importance of educational engagement by STEM-field companies and the necessity to get young people engaged in science and engineering, so that

we can maintain excellence in manufacturing and produce the next generation of scientists and engineers.

I was also able to visit Babcock and meet with chief technology officer Dr Richard Drake, for an interesting discussion about their innovative projects. It was great to see such cutting-edge technology being developed right here in our area, such as the Skynet satellite programme.

In parliament I also got to meet with apprentices from major Filton employers Airbus and RollsRoyce to hear about their progress and their future career plans.

At the SGS College Employer Conference this month, it was good to see so many local employers.

I also visited the engineering centre at Abbeywood School to discuss the new University Technical College sleeve concept being introduced with representatives of Olympus Trust, UT Colleges, The Baker Dearing Educational Trust and several employers in our area.

The UTC sleeve concept involves an advanced engineering facility located within a wider school framework.

This should provide not only Abbeywood students, but students from across the Olympus Academy Trust with the ability to gain practical experience of engineering and technical education in a first-class environment; it is very encouraging that local students will have access to such a highquality resource.

Access to health services is one of the most important issues for our area. I recently visited Almondsbury Surgery to discuss primary healthcare provision. We also talked about their new access model, which will enable greater access to clinical professionals at the practice through an online system.

I also had the opportunity to have a very informative meeting with Maria Kane, CEO of North Bristol NHS Trust at Southmead Hospital. We discussed the improvements

made to cancer care by the trust, as well as domiciliary care and their impressive apprenticeship program with several hundred apprentices currently at the trust. I also heard about the exciting proposals for a new elective care centre, with four theatres, which will be a major boost to their operation.

Should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm.

Call me on 01454 617783 or email me at jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery.

Jack Lopresti MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke

Helping families through the summer holidays

THE summer months are a busy time at the Staple Hill Community Hub.

We continue to run our weekly sessions, but we’ve also got some special events coming up as well.

We know that the school holidays can be a challenge, whether that’s trying to find things to entertain youngsters at low or zero cost or just get them out of the house before another sibling argument ensues!

This summer the Hub’s 'Fresh Air and Free Food' event is back at Page Park, but we’ve made it bigger and better.

Just pop along to the Sensory Garden in the park between 10am and 11am on August 7, 9 and 11.

The Hub will be serving breakfasts from the terrace in the sensory garden next to the cafe.

This summer we are also working with the Juice Project, who will be providing sports activities for children, along with arts and crafts from 11am until 12.30pm.

No booking is required - all you have to do is to turn up, and it’s absolutely free!

Previous events have proved incredibly popular. Parents have told us how it’s helped them, saving money and getting their children away from the computer screen.

We know just how popular Page Park is in our local area and we now know the benefits, both physical and mental, to being outdoors and around nature.

That was reinforced by Sally Bartram, one of our volunteers at a previous event, who said: “It was lovely to see such a buzz in the sensory garden as the children were eating their breakfasts and completing their activity sheets."

The Fresh Air and Free Food breakfast is one of a

Nurseries sold

TWO Downend nurseries and one in Soundwell have been sold to a national provider by Bristol-based Mama Bear's.

Grandir UK has bought a total of nine Mama Bear’s Day Nurseries, including those in Downend Road, Coronation Road and Pembroke Road.

The Downend Road nursery, which has a total of 44 places, was inspected by Ofsted last September and given a 'requires improvement' rating.

Both the Coronation Road nursery, which has 64 places, and the Pembroke Road nursery, which has 73, received 'good' ratings from Ofsted at their last inspections in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

number of events happening throughout the summer for people of all ages.

Wednesdays are a particularly busy day for us. We hold our coffee morning between 10.30am and 11.30am.

It’s free and open to all, so please come along for a free coffee or tea and a biscuit, and hopefully make some new friends.

Our hugely successful Sprouts club runs on a Wednesday afternoon at the hub, between 4pm and 6pm, and is open to children aged from seven to 11 living in Staple Hill and surrounding areas. Over the summer they will be busy growing vegetables, building dens, cooking outdoors, watering, weeding and pruning our flower beds, making outdoor art, building bug hotels and plenty of other outdoor fun.

To sign your child up, or for more information, please contact Aimee-Claire on 07972 919159.

You may well have seen the work we’ve been doing to brighten up the planters in Fountain Square and along the High Street. Keep your eyes peeled on social media for details of our next Community Gardening Day.

If you have a bit of time to spare and fancy helping with any of our activities, or are looking for other volunteering opportunities, please get in touch with Julie at the Hub on 01454 868374.

Mama Bear's nursery and preschool at the Stanbridge Primary School site in Stanbridge Road is one of 15 - seven in the Bristol area - staying under the ownership of the Hanham-based group. It was registered last year and has yet to receive an Ofsted inspection.

Grandir has also bought nurseries in Brislington, Hengrove, Bradley Stoke, St George and Hanham as part of the deal, taking its total number of settings across England to 81.

Mama Bear's owner Tony Driffield said Grandir UK "will be a great fit to continue what we have successfully achieved over many years”.

Grandir UK chief executive Lydia Hopper said: "The nursery teams will reap the rewards of being part of a larger group with benefits such as a dedicated resource to professional development and access to the savings and rewards and recognition employee platform, GrandCentral."

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A previous Fresh Air and Free Food event

Learning about the old days

MORE children have taken part in a guided walk to learn about the history of our area, thanks to voluntary group CHAP, the Community History and Arts Project.

Downend School teachers and teaching assistants, along with Michael Gorely, Historic England's local heritage education manager, took nearly all Year 7 students on a walk around Downend, as part of the school’s activities week.

They pointed out how the ghosts of the past are evident in Downend’s streets, and how buildings and roads have grown up here over the centuries.

Students were shown some important aspects of the history all around them, such as where the Britannia aeroplane crashed during a test flight, and where Cleeve Hill House country estate used to be.

They learnt that assizes (court sittings) were held inside the Green Dragon in the 1700s and 1800s, where decisions were made about what punishment should be handed out for which ‘crime’ –

things that today we would not consider criminal, such as being a noisy neighbour!

They were shocked to learn that some unfortunate people were whipped at a whipping post there.

Some of the children enjoyed a short spell in the reproduction stocks, made by Downend Men in Sheds.

Nick Smith, from Downend School, said: "I’ve been so

impressed by the students’ enthusiasm for their community’s history, and really encouraged to know that the stories of our ancestors will live on in another generation."

CHAP’s historical map can be viewed and downloaded at www. downendchap.org/historical-map.

CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation that aims to produce a community history resource and encourage the local community to take part in all its activities.

It aims to create a coherent identity and sense of belonging for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past, through enjoyable and inclusive community activities that bring history to life.

To contact CHAP visit the website, email big.gin@talktalk. net or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.

Helen Rana

Michael Gorely explains the Green Dragon’s assizes to children from Downend School.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

RODWAY RUBIES WI

THIS year we are supporting the Great Western Air Ambulance charity and held a cards and plant sale at our June meeting on its behalf.

We are planning a coffee morning in August to raise further funds.

Our speaker in June was a former policeman who gave us an insight into ‘A Bristol Murder’ in the 1980s, and this month we have two policewomen talking about cyber crime and fraud, very much a 2020s concern.

A coach trip to view the Pam Lewis Gardens on July 4 was well supported, and included an enjoyable lunch. More members are off to the Hippodrome to revel in Kevin Clifton Strictly shortly. Further theatre visits, a BBQ and Avon Gorge River trip are all planned in the next couple of months.

Members also take part in Avon Federation events, most recently the Federation Quiz. We entered two teams of four and both did very well. Congratulations to them.

Several members joined Wick and Doynton WI at their June Barn

Dance - great fun and a few sore feet afterwards.

A coffee, crochet and chat morning at Warmley Station was organised to provide a beginner’s guide to the craft - and sample the cakes, of course! We have various craft initiatives planned for the rest of the year and are always open to new projects that members want to try.

Our meetings take place every third Monday evening of the month at 7.30pm, except August, in the United Reform Church on Cossham Street, Mangotsfield. We supported the URC with cakes for their coffee and plant sale during the Mangotsfield Festival, in aid of the Jesse May Trust. They had a lot of passing customers who were pleased to stop and partake.

DOWNEND WI

WHILST Downend WI always has interesting and engaging speakers, we were blown away that author Susan Lewis came to speak to us in June.

It was a full house of members and we were delighted to also welcome a great number of guests. We were treated to a whistle-

stop tour of Susan’s life story and her journey into writing.

Born in Downend, Susan shared her experience of losing her mum at a young age and her experiences at school.

She explained how she worked in television, including with greats such as Morecambe and Wise, and on household programmes such as The Bill.

In time, Susan moved into publishing, starting with a children’s fantasy that didn't

get published. She shared the loneliness of the job, and how this had motivated her to move to the South of France.

After a relationship with one of the FBI’s most wanted, she moved to LA where George Clooney was her neighbour!

Susan is now working on her 52nd book. It was such a privilege to get a glimpse into her world and to understand some of the motivations behind her writing.

The whole WI was enthralled

Author Susan Lewis with WI president Shelley Brown

by her stories, which were told in such an engaging, humorous and genuine way and we finished the evening off with a book signing!

I can safely say that it has been one of our best nights yet.

Our July meeting speaker Jutta Blumenthal is a medical herbalist, iridologist and Skenar therapist, practising in Bristol since 1996.

August is the time of year for our annual Quiz & Fizz, which is competitive yet relaxed and really good fun: our lovely members pit their knowledge against each other, whilst having a little drink and some nibbles!

Our members continue to be super-generous each month, bringing items to go in our collection for the local foodbank.

As a reminder, we meet at Christ Church Hall in North Street, Downend, on the last Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. Guests are welcome, for a small charge of £4.

As a member, you can participate in as much or as little as you wish within our varied programme throughout the year.

If you would like to know more, please contact us via our email address downendwi@yahoo.co.uk.

We’d love to see you – we are a really friendly bunch!

Pippa

(Vice-president) and Shelley (President)

BROMLEY HEATH WI

SADLY our July meeting was our last before our summer break, but we definitely finished on a high.

This evening was a BYO meeting – an empty glass for the committee to fill with Prosecco or a soft drink (if you prefer?) and your brain ideally full of general knowledge to help your team triumph in our quiz.

Back by popular demand was Quiz Master Matt, whose first question - “what’s your team name

going to be?” initially produced a number of sighs, but ultimately resulted in a range of amusing titles.

As the various rounds proceeded it was a fairly close-run thing, but ultimately The Secret Seven triumphed.

Congratulations followed, along with individual prizes for the victors of either a mini bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. Bet they didn’t last long after the winners got home!

Although our theatre trip to 42nd Street is now sold out, we are planning trips to see Blood Brothers and Hamilton in 2024, so please don’t spend all your holiday money on summer frocks and ice cream.

Our meetings resume on Thursday September 14, with our very own Sewing Bee, making party bunting to help celebrate a decade of Bromley Heath Women’s Institute – time really does go by quickly when you’re having fun.

We'll have to remember to bring our own sewing needles and, for most of us, our reading glasses so that we can actually thread the things!

We hope you all have a relaxing summer break, with a particular mention for our lovely committee ladies, whose continuous hard work is much appreciated by all our members.

To them a huge thank you, and we all look forward to getting together again in September.

Please feel free to contact us at bromleyheathwi@gmail.com if you would like any further information.

Margaret Hanwell

STAPLE HILL WI

WE had a most interesting talk this month from Gary Bressington, about the RNLI.

Who knew that there were so many different kinds of lifeboats

for different duties, not to mention all the fully trained lifeguards that they provide to keep our seaside safe during the holidays?

At our next meeting we are going to have a DIY games evening, which will be a lot of fun, to complement our tea and cake.

Perhaps you would like to check us out at a more informal evening?

Our book club will be meeting by Zoom, as usual, and our walking group will be heading off again for some more pleasant exercise.

We are a small but welcoming group, always pleased to meet new members.

We meet at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, Downend on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm (except August).

We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive.

You can find out more about us online at staplehillwi.weebly.com.

Maureen Wood

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

This year is certainly hurtling by - it

MANGOTSFIELD LADIES

won’t be long until the “C” word is mentioned - but we still have plenty to look forward to.

In September we will be joined by the Space Detective: I’m sure we all look to the night sky and wonder what’s out there, so it will be great to hear all about it.

Our Saturday coffee morning is booked in - we meet at different local independent coffee houses for a couple of hours, to chat, eat cake and get to know each other a bit better. It is very important to our WI that we support the local traders: the “big boys” can look after themselves.

As well as our monthly meetings we try to organise extra events. Locked in a Room Bristol is in September and looks to be great fun, followed by a drink or two on the harbourside.

If you'd like to come along and meet our lovely members, we meet the fourth Thursday of every month at Emerson Green Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Please feel free to email for more details at beechmerebelles@ gmail.com.

JULY has been a very busy time for us, with lots going on.

Firstly, some sad news. Mollie Trubridge, one of our friends of many years, passed on June 16.

Mollie and her husband Trevor lived in Mangotsfield and moved to Frampton Cotterell a couple of years ago, to be nearer her daughter, Sarah.

Mollie was a lovely lady, who liked to be involved in village life and take any opportunity to dress up.

All those from Mangotsfield Ladies who knew Mollie attended her funeral at the Frampton Cotterell Zion United Church on July 11. Her daughter Sarah gave us all a very warm welcome and said her mum had so many happy memories of times spent together.

Also on the 11th, we had our planned visit to Jekka’s Herb Farm. Jekka had kindly moved the time to the morning because of the funeral in the afternoon, and also gave us each a sprig of rosemary, the fragrance of which induces calm and well-being.

We had a fascinating tour, which gave an insight into the many different herb types and their properties for health. For instance, she has at least 60 different types of mint.

Useful tips included freezing leftover herbal tea into ice cubes, for use in cocktails. We then had a break for herbal tea and locallymade cake, before having a wander round the gardens and making purchases in the shop. The whole tour took about a couple hours.

Our boat trip, organised by the Bristol Jazz Society, from the SS Great Britain up to Beeses Tea Gardens, enjoyed wonderful weather.

The Dart Valley Stompers Four played all the way, much to the amusement of those on the towpath and a couple of wild water swimmers. Our ladies took a cream tea picnic. Kingfishers were spotted. It was a really super day.

One of our ladies organised a fundraiser day on July 8. She invited her Tuesday morning walking group to join us.

We all enjoyed home-made scones, a choice of blackcurrant or strawberry jam and a nice cup of tea or coffee, all served up by her three granddaughters.

Our August meeting will be a celebration of our first year anniversary, which is ‘paper’, so we will have a craft evening.

Carol Coombs - Mangotsfield Ladies - carol@applause.co.uk

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA

19 July to 3 September

n KIDS GO FREE THIS SUMMER

From 19 July, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming children 16 years and under for free when you book tickets online. Highlights this summer include a brand new family food trail, AR binoculars and a cricket display. ssgreatbritain.org/summer

July 22

n FRIENDS OF LINCOMBE BARN woodland management day. Meet in the car park from 10am. Tools provided, with refreshments for all volunteers.

July 27

n NA16 Cup fundraising event for Bristol Rovers player Nick Anderton, at Mangotsfield United, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield. Social media influencer teams versus a Mangotsfield select team. Gates open 11am, all-day event. Tickets and more details from event website thena16cup.com.

July 28-30

n HAM FARM Festival at Ham Farm Cottage, off Emersons Green Lane. Daytime community group concerts and free educational workshops, evening professional concerts with food and bar. Nonprofit event supported by local councils. For more information and tickets visit www.hamfarmfestival. com.

August 4

n SUMMER INFLATABLE DAY, Emersons Green Village Hall. Bookable hour-long slots between 9.30am and 2pm. Adult £1, 1-3 years old £4, 4-12 years old £6, under 1 free. Refreshments available. Book via www.egvh.org. uk/tickets to guarantee a spacetickets may be available on the door if there are spaces left.

August 7

n STAPLE HILL COMMUNITY

HUB’S Fresh Air and Free Food at the Bean Tree Cafe, Page Park. Free kids' breakfasts between 10am and 11am, sports, arts and crafts activities with the Juice Project in the Sensory Garden from 11am12.30pm. Also on August 9 and 11. more information from Julie on 01454 868374 or Melody at nestpagepark@gmail.com.

September 7

n SPEAKER/COFFEE MORNING, Lincombe Barn,Overndale Road, Downend. Talk: Arnos Vale Cemetery by Janine Marriot, £3 entry, coffee extra. Doors open 10.15am for coffee/tea, talk starts 10.45am. All Welcome

August 8 and 21

n 3D DANCE SPECIAL, Emersons

Green Village Hall. To book call Louise on 0775 403 9059.

August 18

n SUMMER INFLATABLE DAY, Emersons Green Village Hall. Bookable hour-long slots between 9.30am and 2pm. Adult £1, 1-3 years old £4, 4-12 years old £6, under 1 free. Refreshments available. Book via www.egvh.org. uk/tickets to guarantee a spacetickets may be available on the door if there are spaces left.

August 22

n ART SUMMER CLASS, Emersons Green Village Hall. To book a space contact Catherin on 07966 3285253.

August 30

n BABY SENSORY SUMMER SPECIAL, Emersons Green Village Hall. To book a space visit www.babysensory.com or email bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk.

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? Go to www. bristolu3a.org.uk for details.

Monday

n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY 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. 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 are looking for new players. We meet every Monday evenings and Sunday & Wednesday afternoons at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Refreshments available. For more information contact John 0117 9372873.

Tuesday

n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB Meetings on 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 BOARD GAMES NIGHT every Tuesday from 7pm. All Welcome The Wooden Walls Micropub, 30 Broad Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5NU

n LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB meets every second, fourth and fifth Tuesday of the month at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. New members always welcome. For information see website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or email lincombe.barn@gmail.com.

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 PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to 10.15p.m

All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 0784324014.

Wednesday

n DOWNEND FLOWER

ARRANGING CLUB We are a friendly group, we meet at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, BS16 2RW. Ring Genise on 0777 2451217 for more information.

n DOWNEND BRIDGE CLUBNEW MEMBERS ARE WANTED Come and join us and play duplicate Bridge at Lincombe Barn Downend on Wednesday afternoons 2pm. All levels welcome. Please contact eveforbes77@gmail. com or 0117 9836886 or Yvonne Scoulding rscoulding@googlemail. com or 0117 9568944

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. 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 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION now meet once a month on the first Wednesday 2.00pm to 4.00pm New members welcome come and spend an afternoon with us before you join. We have lots of events in the pipe line including a visit to Tyntesfield House and an Alpaca Farm Telephone Madeleine Bills 0117 9560805 for more information.

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 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 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 Tania by email at tanialake@ yahoo.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 Barn. Beginners and those with all abilities welcome. New term commences beginning of September on Wednesday mornings 10.00 am until noon. Contact Lincombe Barn 9562367.

n THE FRENCHAY FOLK

DANCE CLUB meet fortnightly at Frenchay Village Hall from 7:45 until 10:15pm. All standards of dancer are welcome to enjoy live Bands and experienced Callers. Visit frenchayfdc.co.uk or call 0117 3021543 for more information.

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 come along or contact June Watts on 0117 9566625

n WEDNESDAY CAFE FOR SENIORS, at Badminton Road Methodist Church (BS16 6NU) every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon. All Welcome – just come along – make new friends over a cuppa and cake. Information: 0117 239 5984

n DOWNEND FLOWER

ARRANGING CLUB We are a friendly group, we meet at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincolne Barn, Overndale Road, BS16 2RW. Ring Genise on 0777 2451217 for more information.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH Fellowship group 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2.153.45pm Coffee/tea, homemade cake and a chat!

n WELCOME WEDNESDAY

Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (14th December), 2-3.30pm

at The Grapevine Brasserie, St James Place, Mangotsfield, BS16 9JB. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063.

n MOTHERS UNION - worship, friendship, supporting charities, refreshments: First Wednesday of the month, 2.15pm at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street. Non-members welcome. More details from 0117 908 9867.

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 BRISTOL MALE VOICE

CHOIR are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire, no audition. No need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc.org.uk email secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk Telephone 07764447699.

n WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members, especially flute, oboe, horn,trumpet,euphonium and percussion players are welcome. For information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com.

n IGNITE YOUTH GROUP. Thursdays, term time only, at the Youth Hub & Parish Hall , 57 North Street, Downend. Year 6-8, 6.307.45pm. 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 DEWDROP INN CAFE, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every fourth Thursday of the month, 2-4pm. A place for the community to relax and unwind with old & new friends. Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits £2.

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon

n SCRABBLE Downend Folk House Thursdays 10-12noon Info: 0117 9562367 Maureen Walker.

n WARM SPACE CAFE at Christ Church, Downend. Every Thursday 11-2pm, Soup and roll lunch served from noon. Free. Live music from Music Train on 1st and 3rd

Thursdays, other musicians on other weeks.

n HAMBROOK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-noon at Whiteshill Chapel, Hambrook, with a speaker at each meeting. Friendly group, new members welcome. For details call the secretary on 01454 778250.

Friday

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. 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.

n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am.

n JIGSAW TODDLER GROUP, Fridays in term time at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, from 9.45-11.15am.

n LATER LIVE MUSIC, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every second Friday monthly, except August & December, 8-10pm, £2.50. More details at facebook.com/ lateratresound.

n ARTWINGS, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every fourth Friday, except August & December, 7.30pm. Explore new ways of creating and making, natter over refreshments. £5, includes materials.

n RAINBOW TOTS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP meets at Emersons Green Village Hall every Friday morning in term time, from 10-11.30am. For more info email church.egbc@outlook.com

n IN-THE-PINK We are a group of mature ladies who meet for sensible exercise to music every Friday 9am - 10am followed by chat & coffee time. Pay sessionby-session basis. Get yourself fit & make new friends at Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue. For details call Julie 07903123793.

n MESSY VINTAGE Come and Share God-Centred Fun & Fellowship for the Older Generation at Badminton Road Methodist

Downend, 2nd Friday monthly 10.30am to 12 noon. Contact Information 0117 2395984

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.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday

n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST

CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services - please check our Facebook page for dates Contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church. egbc@outlook.com or visit www. emersonsgreenchurch.org

n BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH BS16

6NU. All are welcome to worship each Sunday, 10.30am. First Sunday of the month is usually a service of Holy Communion. Information: 0117 239 5984

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.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH, High Street BS16 5HQ Sunday services 10.30am + Sunday Club for ages 5-17. Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month – all invited. Taizé worship 6.00pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana 07482 550888, Philippa Church Liaison at staplehillmethodist@ hotmail.co.uk or www. staplehillmethodist.com

n CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND:

9.15 am Traditional morning worship (Holy Communion on 2nd & 4th Sundays) at Church Centre, Quakers Road BS16 6NH. 10.30 Morning worship with youth and children's groups at Christ Church Downend, Downend Rd BS16 5UF

Local service for peace of mind

Death and dementia are upsetting issues to think about, yet you know you need to see a law firm to make sure your legal affairs are properly sorted to protect those you care about.

John and Michelle opened Simpson Solicitors to make sure everybody in our area could easily access FREE legal advice from a proper regulated law firm. They offer our readers:

● A friendly service when you phone to find out about booking a FREE meeting on 0117 960 8594

● A welcome and wanted feel when you come to see us in our Kingswood office (opposite Costa Coffee).

● Put you at ease as they guide you through your various options for

making a Will to provide for those you most care about.

● An understanding service, whether your concerns are guardians for young children or protecting against care home fees.

● Use of plain English (not legal jargon).

● Help deciding the best options for you in the event you lose the ability to manage without support by setting up our Lasting Powers of Attorney.

● Take as long as you need when having your FREE review meeting.

● Home or Hospital Visit service if getting to the office is difficult - at no extra charge.

● Clear fixed prices with no hidden costs if you decide to instruct them.

● Help you making changes – so everything works in the way that is right for you.

● See you to sign your Will and LPAs – to make sure everything is legally valid.

● Provide a complementary aftercare service that leaves you feeling cared for.

It all adds up to a service that leaves clients with peace of mind. They currently have a special offer of 20% off the price of LPAs for our readers. To book your free review pop into our Kingswood Office (opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping Centre) or call 0117 960 8594.

Ensure

Nature ExhibitionPhotography and Prize Giving

Thursday 7th September 2023

7.30pm Emersons Green Village Hall

with talk by photographer Nick Wilcox-Brown who specialises in wildlife and bird photography.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Free bus travel offer is up and running

HAVE you applied for your free month of birthday travel?

If yes - fantastic - and thank you! If notplease head to www.birthdaybus.co.uk.

There’s nothing to lose and lots to gain.

So, what is Birthday Buses? In simple terms, I’m proud to offer all West of England residents the chance to ride the buses of our region for free throughout the whole of their birthday month. There’s no limit on the number of journeys you can make, or the time of day. So, what are you waiting for?

Importantly, Birthday Buses helps your pocket during this frightening cost-of-living crisis. But it is also a serious plan to get our region moving and tackle the climate emergency.

I’m very keen to see new people become bus passengers.

The latest figures show that the vast majority of people who used to travel on buses before Covid are doing so again.

But - and here’s the catch - they are making fewer journeys.

If you think about it, it makes sense. People are working from home more; doing more online shopping and there are more virtual appointments for things like speaking to a GP.

So, passenger journey numbers are down and that means less fare income coming in. That’s not sustainable.

Birthday Buses is designed to encourage new people to hop on the bus and try it out - for a regular commute, to go to the shops, or to spend their weekends enjoying the amazing attractions of our region. Because I think if you try buses, you might like them.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is different. A day isn’t enough to make or break a habit. But a month? Hopefully.

We have thought about this carefully. The month of your birthday seemed a great time to give you a free travel gift, but I’ve also worked closely with bus companies.

The phased nature of Birthday Buses means you won’t face overcrowded buses. We also need to make sure it’s definitely you applying, so please have a passport-style digital photo ready to apply at www.birthdaybus.co.uk.

A staggering 44% of our carbon emissions come from transport, and fewer than one in ten regional commutes are made on public transport.

Worse, there are a shocking 300 preventable

premature deaths due to air pollution annually. Getting people to use the car less and use the bus more is key to reaching our ambitious 2030 net-zero target here in the West, and it will reduce traffic and delays that cost our local economy £300 million a year.

Finally, I want to put our region on the map. Birthday Buses is doing just that.

We’re the envy of England, with Bus Users UK calling it “brilliant”.

So please sign up now at www.birthdaybus. co.uk and tell your friends, family and workmates.

And may I wish everyone many happy returns - and singles!

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

'We need more people like Mavis'

A RESIDENT who gives her time freely to improve the surroundings of Mangotsfield's war memorial has been given a community award.

Mavis Maybee stops off at the Alec Large Park in Mangotsfield whenever she sees some gardening that needs doing around the memorial.

Mavis joined Mangotsfield Residents Association soon after moving to the area from Kingswood in 2007 and volunteered to help tidy up the border around the memorial in 2020 just before the pandemic, after noticing it was in need of attention.

She said: "It was such a mess - it was solid with weeds. I thought it was a shame it looked so awful, when everything else around it looked so nice.

"So I asked if anyone tidied the war memorial, and would they mind if I did it?"

After filling three bags with weeds to clear the border, with help from some neighbours, Mavis decided to return to keep it clear, and now drops in regularly to see what needs to be done.

She said: "Sometimes I'll come over with my hoe and sometimes I'll just pull a few

weeds up."

Mavis and her friend Sue Fletcher also look after one of planters in the park and are involved in work to improve the gardens at the Dame School, at the corner of St James Street and Richmond Road.

Mangotsfield Residents Association and the Staple Hill Partnership gave Mavis an award for outstanding community service in July.

MRA chair Clive Heath said: "We often see Mavis out doing things around the memorial. She does it just because it needs to be done.

"She works hard and does a great job, which is really appreciated by the residents association and the community.

"If we had more people like Mavis the place would be better, and I'd encourage other people to come forward to help our community.

"We especially need some younger people to help keep our work going into the future."

Pictured: Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath hands Mavis Maybee her certificate at the memorial, with Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillor Michael Bell and Simon Budd, of Emersons Green Town Council

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Recognising our quiet helpers

IT'S always nice to recognise someone who quietly goes above and beyond to help out in the community.

This month the Staple Hill Partnership and the Mangotsfield Residents Association presented Mavis Maybee with an award to recognise outstanding community service (see picture above).

We’ve had a couple of incidents of petty vandalism recently: a bench at the war memorial, a bus shelter and newly-planted trees have been damaged.

There have also been a few incidents of

antisocial behaviour, one quite serious.

We urge people to report all such incidents to the police via 101, or 999 if it's an emergency.

I know some of you may well be thinking “what’s the point, as nothing gets done?” but if enough people report things action will be taken, even if it’s not as quickly as we’d like.

Saturday July 29 is our next HAM (Hour A Month) where we get together and, as the name suggests, spend an hour doing something useful and hopefully noticeable.

There are quite a few things to do, including painting the window bars and door on the Dame School and tending to our planters, some of which are looking a bit sorry for themselves.

Dame School gardening is always on the

list, and we thought we might clean up various local road signs that look a bit grubby. So if you’d like to join us, please get in touch.

Our next Red Lion coffee morning will be on Wednesday August 2, at 10am.

All are welcome - the more the merrierand if you are wondering whether to come along then perhaps it would help to know that the cakes are still awesome?

We will be holding our overdue AGM in September, on a date to be advised, when we’ll plan events for the next year.

If you want to get involved then please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@ gmail.com, via the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Chris Amos

n CLEEVE HILL TENNIS CLUB

Cleeve Hill Tennis Club is the third oldest sports club in Downend

We hope you’ve enjoyed Wimbledon this year and it’s inspired you to pick up a racket. There’s nothing better than taking advantage of the long (mostly) sunny days and lighter evenings to get on court.

If you’re seriously thinking about getting back into tennis, then why not come along to a free coaching taster session? If you are a complete beginner or your child is aspiring to be the next Wimbledon superstar, Taylor Tennis Coaching run LTA junior courses, adult improvers, beginners, match practice and cardio tennis, which is great for fitness and a lot of fun.

Chris and his team of excellent coaches will be running our children’s Summer Holiday Camps from Monday 24th July, so get in touch as soon as possible to book a place. The camps are a great way to introduce tennis to juniors or for those who already play to learn and practise their tennis skills.

After our call out in June to find out more about the history of the tennis club, one of

our members, Ann Edwards, and her husband Ralph, shared some wonderful stories and photos.

When Ralph joined the club in 1957 aged just 17, he said there were two small wooden huts, one for the ladies and one for the Men. Only the ladies was connected to the mains plumbing. I didn’t like to ask much more about the men's facilities! Members regularly painted the white lines on the metal tapes of the red shale surface before the club invested in concrete hard courts, followed by artificial grass courts which the club has today (obviously they’ve been upgraded).

The club was first formed in 1929 which makes Cleeve Hill LTC the third oldest sports club in the Downend area, after Downend Cricket Club and Cleeve Rugby Club.

In 1963 – 64, the clubhouse was designed by Ralph and built by members, and Anne remembers digging the foundations. The Club organised a social event every month which saw over 50 members and each time a different member provided the entertainment.

In the early 1960s floodlighting was installed on the top court, only the second tennis club in the Bristol area to do so.

Anne also told us about Mrs Alice Williams, who was Secretary of the club for 50 years until 1998.

The volunteering and social spirit continue in the club today with a dedicated committee

who have been instrumental in the development of our court. If you’re passing, pop in and take a look. You’ll be amazed at how peaceful the setting is.

If you’re interested in coaching or becoming a member, head to Cleevehilltennis.com or email info@taylortennis. co.uk (coaching) for more information.

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF

Asking Price - £425,000

NO ONWARD CHAIN

M.Coleman Estate Agents are pleased to have the rare opportunity to market this three bedroom semi-detached property situated in a sought after cul-desac.

Arranged over two floors and offering the perfect opportunity for a buyer looking to make their mark on their next home. The accommodation comprises, on the ground floor, a spacious hall that gives an immediate impression of the space that continues throughout.

The open plan lounge/dining rooms extends across the entire width of the property and is flooded with natural light, French doors lead out to the garden. A door leads from the dining area into the kitchen which has a range of wall and base units, space for a cooker and plumbing for a washing machine. There is a useful pantry style cupboard and doorway leading to a side lobby with space for a fridge freezer, storage cupboard and door to the drive. Additionally there is also a ground floor shower room accessed from the hall.

Accessed from a central landing the first floor accommodation comprises three bedrooms, two of which are well proportioned doubles with both boasting fitted storage. There is fully tiled bathroom with dual aspect windows and a separate WC.

Externally the mature rear garden is fully enclosed with gated access to the side; predominantly laid to lawn there are two paved patio areas. To the front is a drive which offers off road parking and leads to the detached single garage.

Situated in a quiet cul-desac close to the Frome Valley conservation area, the property

is within easy reach of the local amenities of Downend and Frenchay providing a variety of shops and bus routes to the centre of Bristol as well as popular primary and secondary schools. With such easy access to the motorway networks of the M32/M4 and M5, Bristol Parkway Railway Station it could perfectly suit the busy commuter.

Unicorn looks great...shame about the shops

THE unicorn has arrived in Downend.

She looks lovely. The person who painted her did a very good job: she sparkles in the sunshine.

But it's a pity the shops don't look so good - they all look sad.

It's about time they made an effort and looked cheerful to try and get some customers to look in the windows and be surprised. We have too many estate agents and places to eat. People just look in their windows and look away, because they are boring and not very exciting.

Spending £9,700 on green screens has not done anything for Downend. People now know how much money was wasted on these screens - a year's wages and more for someone.

Perhaps the new working group will come up with some better ideas to make people come to Downend to shop and not just eat.

Take down the tatty bunting and the crowns: it's all over with now.

Take a leaf out of the lovely coloured unicorn Gracie, and make Downend sparkle.

Have a window competition or something, so the shop windows make people look at them.

Perhaps Gracie will work her magic on Downend, I hope so, but we will see.

The Horseshoe pub is now looking so much better after it has been painted - it stands proud in Downend.

Laura Rickards Mangotsfield

Thanks to helpers

I WOULD like to thank the many

Garage Conversions

passers-by who helped me when I fell in Downend on Saturday July 1, including the ladies from Freshly Ground cafe and Ocean estate agents.

Special thanks to two others: a lady with a young child who phoned for both an ambulance and my wife, and stayed with me, and the young man who was a first aider, with his equipment. He bound my hand and arm very well.

Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to thank them personally for their kindness.

David Powell

Ticket office closure plans are deeply worrying

I HAVE written to Mark Harper, the Secretary of State for Transport, to express my concern over plans to close rail ticket offices in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, including at Bristol Parkway station. On July 5, the Rail Delivery Group confirmed plans to move staff out of ticket offices and into stations, with the consultation on these significant changes to last just 21 days.

That news will be deeply worrying to elderly and disabled residents, people employed in our rail industry and all those who rely on the support and advice provided by staff in ticket offices.

One in nine tickets are still sold at physical ticket offices - over 150 million of the 1.4 billion rail journeys recorded over the past year.

Given that many of those passengers relying on ticket offices will be elderly and disabled rail users, who may otherwise struggle to use digital alternatives, it is vital that they still have access to the support they need to use our rail network with confidence.

I have asked the Transport Secretary to tell us what will happen to the rail staff currently deployed in rail ticket offices, the impact on their job security, the impact on the safety and accessibility of the rail network for disabled and elderly passengers,

and when digital and pay-asyou-go ticketing technology will be available across the whole network.

Under this Government, private operators have been allowed to profit whilst cancellations have reached record highs, basic services like Wi-Fi are at risk of being taken away, plans to bring reform have been scrapped and now ticket offices are facing closures, without thought for the vulnerable users that rely on them.

Our rail network is already failing passengers here, and is in desperate need of reform.

Claire Hazelgrove Labour Parliamentary Candidate Filton and Bradley Stoke

Closures will take away my independence

THE proposed mass closure of rail ticket offices will have a hugely detrimental impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to buy tickets, arrange assistance and, critically, travel independently.

Ticket offices are not just about selling tickets. They provide a reliable first point of contact for many kinds of staff assistance, such as arranging sighted guidance through the station and safely on to the train, to advising on any changes to a journey that may be required.

I have sight loss, and I cannot use the touch-screen ticket machines that rely on the customer being able to see the screen. If the ticket offices close, I will not be able to travel independently.

The Government claims it wants to “bring staff out from behind the glass” but in truth it risks leaving blind and partially sighted people behind a new barrier.

Modernisation of our railways shouldn’t be a byword for apps and touchscreens; modernisation should mean building a rail network that takes into account everyone’s needs and doesn’t leave anyone behind.

I urge the Secretary of State for Transport to rethink these proposals.

Steve Hyde Regional Campaigns Officer South West Royal National Institute of Blind People

Claire Hazelgrove

Eileen is still helping others at 95

A DOWNEND pensioner has vowed to keep up her volunteer work at the age of 95.

Eileen Savage, who lives at Woodland Court retirement village off Overndale Road, has been giving up her time to raise funds for Cossham Hospital for more than 30 years.

In that time, she has made 700 tissue box holders shaped like cottages, which she sells in aid of Cossham League of Friends.

Eileen, who previously lived in Hillfields, began volunteering in 1992 after the death of her husband.

When someone showed her a design for a tapestry cottage tissue box holder, she settled

on this as a way of generating money for the group.

Her designs have been bought to send to people all over the world, and she has even made special orders for people she’s met on cruises.

She even made a special ambulance-shaped tissue box cover as a thank you for a paramedic who helped her at home when she was unwell.

Eileen's daughter, Janet Paice, said: “Mum has been making cottages for tissue boxes for 30 plus years and has sold them all over the place.

“When she was ill earlier this year we had to call an ambulance, and the paramedic noticed one of the cottages and said she would like to have one for her desk like her ambulance.

“So we took a few photos and

Mum produced this one as a one-off for her paramedic.

“She also collects up strips of knitting and crochet squares and joins them up, and crochets around the edges to make overknee blankets for the elderly.”

Over the years, Eileen has also served teas and coffees in the hospital's League of Friends café, been a trustee of the charity, and helped price up items for sale by the group.

She said: “I quite enjoyed helping out. It got me out of the house.

“The tapestry keeps my fingers active and my brain ticking over, and it’s great to be helping out. I’m going to keep going!”

North Bristol NHS Trust volunteer services manager Kat Tudor said: “It’s wonderful that Eileen has volunteered for the Cossham League of Friends for more than 30 years now.

“To have made 700 of these tapestry tissue holders, and show no sign of stopping, is such an amazing feat and we are so thrilled that Eileen continues to support us."

Eileen Savage with the ambulanceshaped knitted tissue box holder she created for a paramedic who helped her

n GARDENING CLUB AT THE BARN

Helping plants survive the holidays

MANY of you may have already been on holiday, or are about to go.

It is always good to get away for a few days.

However, many of us worry about our gardens whilst we are away.

As I am writing this we have had some good rain showers, which have helped.

You may be lucky enough to have a family member or good neighbour who will look after our garden for you.

If not, what else can you do to try and help your plants survive?

These are a few things you can do that will not cost much: put plant saucers under our pots to catch extra water when it does rain; many people make a hole in the top of a plastic bottle, enough for a small drip to continue into the pot and keep the plant damp; place potted plants in a shadier area of the garden to stop them drying out.

You can get self-watering systems, but shop around for these; mulching is another way to keep the earth damp around plants.

Whatever you do, I hope your plants survive and you enjoy a few days' break.

August is a time when you can relax a little and enjoy tea in your garden: perhaps invite a friend or two to join you.

You can also take photos of your garden and look to see where you might make an alteration or add something new, plan for this to be ready when plants have died back and you can begin the work.

Peruse the seed catalogues at your leisure, sitting in the garden, and make your selection for next year's displays. Make sure one or two varieties are good for insects.

Our gardens are very important for wildlife. They provide a lot of their food - even a small balcony garden can attract bees and butterflies.

It is all very necessary to help nature survive and play our part in keeping climate change under control.

Keep up the good work and enjoy your patch, however large or small. Happy gardening.

Mary Head, Secretary

Quality matters

IT is the variety of images that makes club photography so interesting.

In terms of subject, wildlife - birds especially - tends to dominate these days, but it is the quality of the pictures that counts in the end.

Irrespective of the subject, the fundamentals of exposure, focus and composition all have to be right to make a shot work, but to be successful in competition, winning images have to have that extra quality to make them stand out.

The three images shown here have that, and all did well in the latest club event.

‘Inbound’ deservedly came first: a terrific shot of a barn owl ready to pounce. The light coming from the left is soft enough to show the details in the feathers, and acts as a rim-light to the head, while the diffused background is of just the right kind not to distract from the subject.

Second place went to ‘Dandelion Clock at Sunset’. This certainly falls into the category of 'something different'. With such low light, this is a subtle image about style and mood, perhaps with most appeal to enthusiast photographers. Simple, but effective.

‘Tufty Squirrel’ is a pleasing shot of an endangered red squirrel that just missed out on a top place. It is nice and sharp, with light coming from behind that has helped to soften the front side and bring out the colour variations and detail of the fur. There is that important catch-light in the eye, and it shows clearly those sharp little claws. Just as well these animals are so timid!

Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group, who meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road, Downend, with photographic presentations, events and competitions.

The club is on both Facebook and Instagram, and has a website at www.downendcameraclub.org.uk that gives details of the club, members' galleries, past competition winners, and the upcoming programme of events. Ed Shorney

Inbound by Russell Smith

Tufty Squirrel by Ben Newby

Dandelion Clock at Sunset by Wendy Lockyer

n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS

Butterflies help patients on road to recovery

WITH the summer months upon us, we are looking forward to a number of events where we hope to show and sell some of the items that have been manufactured during the winter months.

By the time you read this, hopefully many of you will have visited our stand at the Frenchay Flower Show and perhaps bought something that took your fancy.

At past events our raffles have proved popular, so these will again be a feature, offering the possibility of winning a desirable prize.

Our parish council has been active in creating a keep fit circuit at the Westerleigh Road end of King George V playing fields.

The route has been identified by a series of markers, which were installed by members from our group. Expect to see visitors to the park enjoying the challenge, no doubt with stopwatch in hand!

Unfortunately the sports pavilion at the Sutherland Road side of King George V playing fields has suffered at the hands of graffiti vandals, who have defaced a number of external walls. In order to avoid the area taking on an atmosphere of neglect, their efforts need to be deleted.

A similar attack occurred on the walls

of the pavilion at Bromley Park, which the Parish Council allow us to use for our weekly meetings. There, the walls were cleaned by South Gloucestershire Council, using chemicals

and high pressure water. Even so, it has not been possible to remove all traces of the vandalism and the wall surface shows the effect of the chemical cleaning agents.

In the case of King George V pavilion, two of our members have spent a few hours rollerpainting over the graffiti with paint bought by the parish council, in an effort to hide the offending eyesore; this work is ongoing, since a second coat of paint will be required to effectively hide the damage.

We have also agreed to install some additional signs at both KGV and Bromley park, requesting dog owners to pick up droppings by their pets.

Our ongoing involvement with the brain injury therapy unit (BITU), at the old Frenchay hospital site has continued, resulting in two members cutting some butterfly profiles for patients to decorate, as part of their rehabilitation programme. The profiles vary between five and eight inches across and can be decorated on both sides.

Earlier this year we also prepared some bird box kits for the BITU, in flat pack form, again with the aim of providing an interesting and creative activity for the patients whilst attending the unit. We hope this helps with their recovery.

Butterfly profiles made for patients at Frenchay's brain injury therapy unit to decorate.

n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

Why photographers still choose black and white

BACK in the days when everyone used film cameras, taking black or white pictures was an important choice, governed by preference and cost.

The advent of the digital camera changed all that, colour now being the default; black and white has to be a choice of taste.

However, photographers are still drawn to black and white images: why should that be?

Let’s consider what are known as the formal elements of photography: line, shape and form, pattern, tone, colour, texture and space.

Of those, all but one - colour itself - can be enhanced by using black and white, given the right picture. Removing colour can help the eye concentrate on those other formal elements.

So how does theory work in practice?

A recent Lincombe Barn Camera Club competition, called Black and White: Modern Architecture, offered a good test, as modern architecture is all about the formal elements.

I’m glad to say that the club passed the test with flying colours, and choosing the best couldn’t have been easy for the judge.

Take a look at three examples and see what you think.

First off is The Elizabeth Line, a commended contribution by a new member to the club, Owen Richards. For those who don’t know, the Elizabeth Line is the newest addition to London’s tube network. The newness and modernity are clear, in a picture which at first looks like two mirror images. Closer inspection shows this to be the tunnel design. This is all about line, form and, with

repeated tiles, pattern.

Also commended was Bristol Uni Life Sciences Building, by Bruce Gibbs. Again, line, form and pattern are important, but the use of perspective, emphasised by the walking figures, brings space into play as an important part of the composition. The pattern of the building’s exterior and line are emphasised by the absence of colour.

Lastly is A Modern Approach, by Rachel Domleo, which was awarded first place. This is something of a puzzle piece, with the intersecting lines and repeated patterns making it look at first like an abstract design. Then the eye catches the two people behind the glass barrier, and a vast architectural space becomes apparent. Would this have worked as well in colour? I doubt it.

Are you interested in photography and want to find out more? Why not join us?

If you’re looking for company and new acquaintances, as well as regular activities, we always welcome new members, visitors and guests (£3 if you just want to try us out).

If you 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 lincombebarn. cameraclub@gmail.com.

Sid Stace

n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN

ONE Saturday in June this year, Finn, Logan, Kirsty, Dawn and I visited Prior Park in Bath.

None of us had been there before and, having only seen pictures of the Palladian Bridge, we didn't really know what to expect.

Well, we had an inkling it was going to be steep down to the bridge.

Dawn is our friend, who lives in Bath, and she is rather limited to how far she can walk.

Once inside the grounds, we ambled along a path to a place where there was a view of the

A visit to Prior Park

historic bridge.

It was very near lunch time, so we retraced our steps and made our way to the cafe, where there were picnic benches. Luckily there was an empty one.

When lunch was out of the way, the boys wanted to explore the path leading to the adventure area. Although small, it was interesting to see, as there was a wooden train engine made out of logs. Photos were taken of the boys sitting on it,

and even one of me.

Once back at the viewpoint for the bridge, it was decided Kirsty would go with Logan and Finn down the steep path to get a closer look at it.

Dawn and I sat on a wooden bench and had a natter.

Kirsty and the boys were back sooner than we expected and they were very excited to tell us how steep the path was, and the photos their mum had taken of them on

the Palladian Bridge.

It was then time to head back to our homes and reflect on the day's adventure, at a place we had often dreamed about going to.

Thank you to all who came to the last speaker/coffee morning at the barn, when Mike Vernon came and told us about a day in the life of Kingswood Community Transport, which was very informative.

Our meetings start again on Thursday September 7, with a talk on Arnos Vale Cemetery with Janine Marriot. See the what's on pages for more details.

A Modern Approach by Rachel Domleo

The Elizabeth Line by Owen Richards

with Christine Broadway

Bristol Uni Life Sciences Building by Bruce Gibbs

Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club

ALONG with 15 other fabulous women from Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club, I had the pleasure of attending Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Enclosure.

The anticipation and excitement were palpable as we embarked on our journey, a merry group of ladies ready to bask in the glory of this renowned event.

We met in the car park of the Frenchay Cricket Club and Bristol Golf Centre for our coach journey. It was a beautiful vision seeing the women walk towards me in their best clothes, each one looking like an elegant flower.

The vibrant colours and flowing fabrics swayed with elegance as we strolled through the festivities. And let us not forget the hats and fascinators, those whimsical accessories that added a touch of charm to our already dazzling outfits.

As we arrived at Ascot, the atmosphere was electric.

Amidst the bustling crowd, we found our way to the Queen Anne Enclosure, a haven of elegance and sophistication.

The enclosure was abuzz with excitement as everyone awaited the races, eyes filled with anticipation. We positioned ourselves strategically, ensuring the best view of the track while relishing the company of our fellow tennis enthusiasts. I shouted out ‘God save the King’ as King Charles and Queen Camilla passed us in their carriage.

With each race, the air crackled with anticipation. The thundering hooves and the roar of the crowd intensified the exhilaration. We cheered and gasped as the magnificent horses raced towards the finish line, our hearts pounding in unison with the galloping steeds.

But Ladies Day is not just about the races: it's a celebration of style, grace, and friendship. Between races, we mingled, people watched, and drank. Conversations flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and camaraderie. We exchanged betting tips, complimented each other's outfits, and revelled in the joy of the moment.

The memories we created, the laughter we shared, and the bonds we strengthened will forever be cherished.

Our journey home consisted of snoozing at the back of the coach, singing loudly in the middle of the coach and chatting at the front of the coach. Guess where I was sitting!

And so, my dear reader, if you ever find yourself at Ladies Day at Ascot, may you be surrounded by wonderful friends, bask in the warmth of the sun, and let your attire be a true reflection of your radiant spirit.

Wanda Keenan

n NEWS FROM THE LIBRARIES News from Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries

Ready, Set , Read – the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge is up and running at all of our libraries. If you are aged 4 – 11 years old and haven’t signed up yet drop into any library during staffed hours to sign up. Its FREE, you get lots of rewards (including those smelly stickers). Whats not to like?

There are also regular FREE craft activities for primary school aged children too.

Ready, Steady, Go – Tuesday 1st August at Staple Hill Library @ 10.30am / Monday 7th August at Downend Library @ 10.30am / Tuesday 8th August at Emersons Green Library @ 2pm & again on Saturday 12th August @ 10.30am

Ready Set, make – Tuesday 8th August @ Staple Hill Library @ 10.30am / Monday 14th August at Downend Library @ 10.30am / Tuesday 15th August at Emersons Green Library @ 10.30am and again on Saturday 19th August @ 10.30am

Junk Box Challenge – Tuesday 15th August @ 10.30am / Monday 21st August at Downend Library @ 10.30am / Tuesday 29th August at Emersons Green Library @ 2pm

More details at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries or find us on Facebook, twitter or Instagram.

Pre-school Rhyme Times also continue during August :

Downend Library – Wednesdays @ 9.30am

Emersons Green Library – Thursdays @ 9.30am (please email emersonsgreen.library@southglos.gov.uk to book a FREE place)

Staple Hill Library – Thursdays 9.30am

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Changing the culture of policing

LAST month, Chief Constable Sarah Crew made an announcement regarding institutional racism in Avon and Somerset Police.

This is about vital work to change the culture of policing, following the results of many reviews and reports, including those conducted by Macpherson and Casey, which also looks at wider issues of misogyny, homophobia and general police conduct and standards.

Culture change is not something that happens overnight: it takes a minimum of five to ten years and involves looking at many areas within the service.

This includes improving our vetting and selection processes, retention, and progression of staff, how police complaints are handled and, crucially, the training given to the workforce within the wider police family.

I have let the chief constable know I support her and have full confidence in her leadership.

This is a challenging issue to face. However, through initiating

and continuing these uncomfortable and difficult conversations, the chief constable is demonstrating openness, courage and willingness to be held accountable by the communities that she and our police officers and staff serve.

It’s important to note that institutional racism is not just about policing alone.

Policing is one element of the criminal justice process and, as the chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board, this is about our joint work with the wider criminal justice system (CJS) agencies like the Crown Prosecution Service, courts, prisons and probation to tackle racial disproportionality within our respective organisations.

Such work is already underway, with the recommendations in the Identifying Disproportionality in the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice System report.

I will continue to update you on this area of work and, as your PCC, support the scrutiny and accountability of the chief constable on these issues, as Avon and Somerset

Police continues towards its vision to deliver outstanding policing for all of our communities.

Moving on, Avon and Somerset Police has joined all five police forces and PCCs in the South West and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) as part of the region’s ongoing work to target and disrupt organised crime groups harming our communities through drug supply.

Avon and Somerset Police is the top out of all forces for the number of operations focused on drug supply disruptions; all five police services in our region are in the top 10, and have been for the past two years.

In Avon and Somerset, officers have seized over £3 million worth of cannabis and arrested 20 people in relation to crimes linked to the illegal cultivation of the plant.

This operation continues to go from strength to strength. We collectively continue to make our communities safer by targeting the criminals bringing drugs and violence to our region, as well as protecting the vulnerable they seek to exploit, as

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

workers or as users of the drugs they supply.

Taking a regional approach really does make a difference, so much so that the number of county lines in our region is decreasing, as criminals are having to change the way they operate.

The message is clear: the South West is no place for drugs or drug dealers.

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Welcome back Luke, let’s walk on the moon!

IT’S time to open up the honours list at the clinic – for a very deserving cause.

We’re celebrating a huge success story for sports therapist Luke Almond, who has now graduated as a fully-fledged chiropractor.

For the last two years, Luke has not only overcome the challenge of commuting from Bristol to Bournemouth so he can study and still work for us but also, despite being partially sighted, he’s passed all of his exams with flying colours.

The masters degree conversion to chiropractic is considered to be one of the hardest vocational graduate entry courses in the country. It squeezes three years of typical learning time into two, with a huge emphasis on practical skills.

Both Catherine and I, from the clinic, are associate lecturers at the AECC University College in Bournemouth. From talking to the staff there, we know that

Luke made a huge impact on the course and was considered to be an all-round star in every aspect.

So now that Luke has attained his grades, he can start back with us properly in August, after a welldeserved short break, of course.

Talking of stellar achievements, let’s look at a piece of kit that can make you feel like you’re walking on the moon…

During a day in July, our Alter-G – an anti-gravity running machine that gives you a superb feeling of weightlessness – was out of action for its annual service. Despite this, we managed to squeeze all the patients into the day after, but it did create a busy time.

First up was a former Bristol Rovers player who got in early so he could zip off for training in a whole other city. He is recovering from a severe injury, a fractured and dislocated ankle suffered during a game. The anti-gravity environment is the perfect way for him to rehabilitate. He was able

to start walking at just 20 per cent of his body weight and now, nine weeks later, he’s running at 90 per cent and looking forward to a return to full training soon.

Next up was one of my patients who has experienced mixed fortunes after knee replacement surgery. He’s been having treatment that includes mobilisation, manipulation, shockwave and soft tissue therapy – as well as regular sessions on the Alter-G.

After just a couple of months his knee pain is significantly reduced, his range of motion is fab and he can walk five times faster on the treadmill than he could at the beginning. It’s such a great tool to watch as patients make progress.

The next person I want to mention came to see us after being completely immobile for two years following a serious accident. Their only previous ‘go’ on the Alter-G had not been too successful and they had ached for

a few days afterwards. Currently they can only walk around 0.5 km per hour. Over the next couple of months, however, I expect that we will be able to help them progress from their current shuffle to a proper walk.

This is what we do best at the clinic. We aim to improve quality of life, help with mobility issues and often – dare I say it – make you feel younger again. Too often people are left to rot on waiting lists and just told to take pain killers.

Every life is important. We can’t cure everything or everyone, but we can try to help – the first thing is just to listen and then formulate a plan.

Maybe you, too, need some time ‘walking on the moon’ to restore your confidence. Come and give it a try!

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

n SPORT

DOWNEND Flyers FC's annual tournament was a thrilling showcase of local talent and passion.

Around 1,000 girls and women took to the field across the weekend of June 24 and 25, with teams from across the region and further afield, including one which had travelled from Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Each team displayed exceptional skills and dedication.

With meticulous planning and flawless execution, the tournament organisers created a fun-filled weekend which celebrated inclusivity, unity and inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams.

The tournament’s success affirms the rising prominence of women’s football, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and supporters.

We would like to thank the local residents around Pomphrey Hill for their understanding and cooperation around that busy weekend.

Meanwhile the club is busily planning for the new season, with a record 19 girls' teams set to play in the Bristol girls league and 3 women’s teams in adult regional leagues.

This summer we have also launched player sponsorship deals and mascot packages - for more information contact info@ downendflyers.com.

Duncan Gardner

Women's teams move to Mangotsfield

MANGOTSFIELD United will have two new women’s teams next season.

The former Oldland Abbotonians FC women’s teams have moved to Cossham Street to represent Mangotsfield, with the switch ratified by the FA.

The first team will maintain their position in the South West Women’s Regional Football league, while the reserves will be in the Gloucestershire County League.

The club has retained eight of its first team squad from last year, with an additional eight new signings as the Voice went to print, including strikers Debbie Small and Leonie Blanc from neighbouring Downend Flyers.

Small is one of the most experienced players in local women’s football, while Blanc offers the side a real physical presence

Flyers' tournament is a showcase of talent

up front.

The new Mangotsfield side has also signed four of last season's successful Downend Saints under-16 team: defenders Ellie Curtis, Emma Brown and Abbie Thomas, as well as midfielder Lola Hicks.

The women's side said their integration into Mangotsfield United had been "fantastic".

The club is looking for support in all areas, from players to sponsors, with all enquiries by email to slavis1@googlemail. com.

Mangotsfield's men's side is now well into its pre-season schedule, with a 2-1 win in its opening match away to Longwell Green and a 2-2 draw away to Southern League Division 1 South side Yate Town in the opening two games.

The final pre-season fixtures include a home game against another Southern League D1 South sides, Paulton Rovers, on July 25 at 7.30pm.

The Hellenic League campaign begins on Tuesday August 1 away to Fairford Town, with the first home fixture the following

Tuesday, August 8, when Brimscombe & Thrupp are the visitors.

On August 12 the Mangos visit Highworth Town, followed by a home game against Thornbury Town on August 15. Mangotsfield will be the hosts in both opening first team cup games.

On August 5 the Mangos entertain Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup, with the winners travelling to Ascot United on August 19.

The team entertains Thornbury Town in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Saturday August 26, with the winners travelling to Bourton Rovers in the next round on September 23.

The Youth team (U18s) will host either Bradford Town or Bristol Manor Farm on Monday September 4 in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary round.

The club has confirmed that Tom Warren, who has had several spells with the Mangos in the past, is re-joining the club from Larkhall Athletic.

Dave Smale

Carsons and Mangotsfield push for promotion

THE end of June brought the half-way point of the cricket season, with Carsons and Mangotsfield's first team fourth in the 6th Division of the Bristol and District Cricket League.

Over the last month the team have enjoyed victories over Knowle and Patchway but lost to Keynsham.

The second team are second in their division, by 7 points from Nailsea. They have won all three games in the last month, with the fourth being abandoned due to the weather.

The stand-out performance was from batsman Steve Sykes, who scored 162 not out against Cleeve.

The 3rd team are having a mixed season and currently sit comfortably in 7th position

in their division. The main purpose was to give the young players stronger opposition, and provide developmental opportunities. The team regularly fields six or seven youth team players.

The 4th Xl are also sitting mid-table in the 30-over league.

They have only completed two games over the last month, losing to league leaders Stoke Gifford but beating Blagdon. They are also providing opportunities to the younger junior players as they take their first steps in adult cricket.

The Sunday Xl have won two of the three games completed in the last month, with the fourth also washed out. The team are fourth in Conference 2 of the North Somerset Cricket League.

The academy section is also having a strong season.

The club has again been running an All Stars programme to attract new players to the club. The feedback from the young players has been very positive. It has also provided the opportunity for some of the older youth team players to take their first steps in youth coaching.

All the teams are mixed, which is a positive position to be in. The club also offers girls the opportunity to play as part of the North Bristol Girls Hub, in girls-only fixtures.

At the time of writing the U16, U17 and U19s fixtures had just started.

Ian Coles

Downend Flyers' tournament-winning team.

Swim club breaks national qualifiers record again

SOUNDWELL Swimming

Club has smashed its record for producing national championship qualifiers, for the second year running.

Last year the club sent 11 swimmers to the English National and British meets, as it celebrated its 60th birthday.

However this year the club, which trains at Kingswood Leisure Centre and Winterbourne Academy, has built on last year’s success, increasing the number of qualifiers to 15.

The young swimmers will compete in Sheffield in late July and August at the separate British and English Age Group National Championships, and in Rotherham for the English National Open Water Championships, which involve the top 2% of young swimmers across the county.

Training under head coach Jon Wills, swimmers have also qualified for all three relay events in the 14 to 16-year-old boys' category at the British National Championships

The club is hoping for national medal success to build on its club record-breaking county and regional successes this year already.

Club chair Sarah Taylor said: "We are incredibly proud of all of our swimmers who have qualified this year for National Championships.

"These young people train seven days a week, all year round, and it is brilliant to see all their hard work pay off."

The club takes new swimmers through its Swim Academy, all the way through to national qualifiers, and many of this year’s qualifiers learned to swim at the club.

New staff and new ambitions for Cleve

CLEVE Rugby Club will start the season with a new director of rugby, new head coach and backs coach.

Director of rugby Lenrie Sheriffe is the prime mover organising coaches and players to be ready for next season.

The First XV are training, with new head coach Paul Vinnicombe and new backs coach Lewis McKissic, every Thursday night at 6.30pm, along with the second team and Colts (U18).

Training is full, but new players are always

welcome.

Sarah said: "The club moto is #oneclubonefamily, and it is celebrating the success of all its swimmers in this exceptional

The season starts in September, with a home game against Longlevens on the 2nd, but the team is getting ready by playing warm-up games in August, starting on the 5th, when the first team hosts Imperial at 2.30 pm.

A colts match is programmed to run parallel to the first team game, and the clubhouse has a cider festival on, with ice cream for kids.

The game on the pitch is followed by a live TV game in the clubhouse, England versus Wales.

This the start of live TV coverage at the club. With the Rugby World Cup starting in September, Cleve are hoping people will come to the club to watch either the rugby on the field or World Cup Rugby in the bar.

year of achievement."

For more information about the club, email headcoach@ soundwellswim.org.uk.

The club house is also under new management, with a new selection of beers and food available.

Bare Grills Smokehouse are providing food during the afternoon of the festival on August 5.

There is a second home warm-up game versus Combe Down on August 19, again with live international rugby on TV in the clubhouse, as Ireland take on England at 5.30pm.

A working party has been held to make sure the club looks spick and span for the new season. There was a really good turnout of players, past and present, who rolled up their sleeves, did gardening and muchneeded maintenance.

Steve Bateman

The 15 members of Soundwell Swimming Club who have qualified for the national championships

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