Downend Voice December 2021 by Gary Brindle

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk December, 2021, Issue 101

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

Poppies galore Photo: Sean Young

From the youngest Rainbow guides and Beaver scouts to the oldest veterans, people turned out in force to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday 2021, having been unable to do so last year because of Covid. This scene at the Mangotsfield war memorial was one of several across the area. More pictures: Page 15

Fireworks event makes record sum Downend Round Table's 50th fireworks display was attended by 12,000 people and raised a record £45,000 - but the event was marred by the theft of a generator. PAGE 4

Teenagers robbed at knifepoint

Council U-turn on road closures SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is to remove concrete blocks shutting two roads in Staple Hill to through traffic. The council has reversed an earlier recommendation that the closure of Charnell Road and Signal Road, off Teewell Hill, should be made permanent.

The council blocked both roads last year on an experimental basis, saying the move would help encourage walking and cycling on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path during the covid lockdown, by diverting traffic away from its entrance off Charnhill Drive.

In August residents of Signal Road and Charnell Road were sent letters telling them council officers were recommending the closures be made permanent. The council said residents of both streets had backed the scheme. Turn to Page 3

A knifepoint robbery in Downend High Street happened close to new CCTV - but the cameras are not yet connected. PAGE 2

Roundabouts plans go on hold Plans for £30m changes to five roundabouts on the ring road have been 'paused' after a torrent of opposition. PAGE 9

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Downend Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Downend Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pickup points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@ downendvoice.co.uk.

December, 2021

n NEWS

Teenagers robbed at knifepoint TWO teenagers were threatened with knives and robbed outside a shop in the middle of Downend. The incident took place in Badminton Road outside the Sainsbury's Local store shortly after 9pm on October 31, when the area was relatively busy with people celebrating Halloween. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "The two victims were approached at a bus stop by a group of young people and threatened, before their electric scooters were stolen." Police have appealed for anyone with information about the robbery to call them on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 256 006. The incident happened close to one of the area's new CCTV cameras – but the cameras had not been connected to the local camera network as the Voice went to print. The poles for the cameras were installed during the summer and the cameras themselves had been fixed by September and wired up by October. However South Gloucestershire Council, which will operate the cameras, is waiting for internet provider Virgin Media to connect them to its system. The Voice understands the cameras were due to be connected in late November and go live at the start of December. A Virgin Media Business spokesperson said: “We are working hard to deliver seamless connectivity for South Gloucestershire Council and plan to connect the outstanding sites in the coming weeks as agreed with the council.” • Police have made a new appeal to find the mugger who hit a woman over the head with a glass bottle before robbing her of a mobile phone. As previously reported in the Voice, the victim was walking along Westerleigh Road shortly before 10.30pm on August 14 when she was attacked from behind. The mugger, who ran off towards Mangotsfield Cemetery, was wearing a black top, dark trousers and a blue surgical mask. With a suspect yet to be identified, police have again asked anyone who thinks they know who carried out the attack to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 186 990.

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COMPLAINTS

Traditional high street bakery, specialising in handmade Sourdough bread, Baguettes, Sandwiches and pastries as well as a hub to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and treats

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Downend Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Council makes U-turn on road closures From Page 1 But people living in other streets nearby, including Teewell Hill, Teewell Avenue and Lydney Road, said traffic on their roads had become much worse – and accused the authority of disregarding opposition from the wider area, both in consultation surveys and petitions. The council has now confirmed that it will remove the road closures: a spokesperson said this was due to happen on December 23. A scheme to investigate a 20mph zone in the Charnhill Drive area will be added to the council’s local transport priority list, to "address the traffic issues likely to return once the closures are removed". A council statement said: "Whilst we recognise that the experimental road closures have received positive responses from the roads immediately affected, ie Signal Road and Charnell Road, the consultation results show that the closures have not been well received over the wider area. "The general view from the local community is that the closures have introduced further traffic issues on the neighbouring roads. "Properties near the closure points have experienced private driveways being used as turning areas and obstructed by deliveries,

Residents of Teewell Hill, Teewell Avenue and Lydney Road protesting in Charnell Road taxis and visitors, and large vehicles reversing out onto Teewell Hill." Teewell Hill resident Chris Evans, who campaigned against the closures, said the council's change of heart was a victory for residents' "collective spirit", and would make the area safer. She said: "I am sure we will be out celebrating the removal of the bollards blocking the side roads with a glass or two of bubbly. What a great Christmas present!" Chris said residents now wanted an open

meeting to look at suggestions for traffic calming measures across the entire area that "don't favour one road against another". Many residents of Charnhill Drive, which connects to Signal Road, had supported the closures, which had prevented drivers travelling between Mangotsfield and Kingswood from using their road to avoid the Teewell Hill traffic lights. One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It's been lovely and quiet. Once it is opened up it will become a rat run again. "They can bring in a 20mph limit but it's how you enforce it that's the problem. They might need to put in chicanes." Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillors Michael Bell, Ian Boulton and Katie Cooper said a "significant minority" of residents wanted to keep the scheme, which officers had introduced "with the best intentions" of making the railway path safer. But they added: "There has been no evidence to demonstrate that traffic across the wider neighbourhood has reduced." The councillors are calling for a wider traffic management scheme for the neighbourhood, better enforcement of speed limits and support for alternatives to private car use.

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Round Table fireworks raise record sum

DOWNEND'S fireworks display raised a record £45,000 as the event celebrated its 50th anniversary. But thieves have put a dent in the amount which will be available for good causes by stealing a generator which was hired to light the display site on King George V playing fields. Organisers Downend Round Table said around 12,000 people attended the event on King George V playing fields on November 5 - more than in any of the previous five years. Numbers were limited to ensure some distancing could take place on the site - and for the first time ever the event sold out in advance, with no tickets available on the gate. Downend Round Table Fireworks chairman Paul Wells said the event had gone well overall. He said: "We've had some very positive comments - the display was really well-received."

Display technicians added extra fireworks to mark the 50th anniversary and thank the crowd for their support. Paul said: "It was almost like a third display at the end, and went down really well." Fundraising efforts were hit by the theft of a generator, one of several hired to power the lights. The white Stephill 6Kva diesel generator, which was about the size of a washing machine and had wheels and handles like a wheelbarrow, is believed to have been stolen sometime between 9pm and 10.30pm from the narrow area between the two main fields, near to Mangotsfield Cemetery and Farm Court. Paul said it would have taken two people to take the generator and lift it onto a vehicle. The Round Table has yet to be billed by the owner but replacing it could cost the volunteers up to £4,000. Police are appealing for anyone with information about

Crowds enjoy the Downend display Photo: Sean Young the theft to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 262 518. Organisers stopped some people trying to get onto the site without tickets and there were

also reports of scammers trying to sell fake tickets online after the event sold out. A team of 11 volunteers organised, set up and cleared the display, spending two and a half days on the site, with planning having started in January. On the night they were supported by stewards from the Downend 41 Club and Fishponds & Downend Rotary, by Fishponds Baptist 55th Guides, who sold glow-in-the-dark toys, and the 78th Kingswood Scouts, who helped pick up litter after the event, as well as Mama Bears nursery who provided a lost children service and sponsors Great Western Brewery. Local charities, groups and causes who would like to apply for a grant from the money raised should contact the Round Table via Facebook or email ask@downendrt.co.uk. To get involved with round Table email hello@downendrt. co.uk.

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December, 2021

n NEWS

New school opens on old college site STAFF and pupils have moved in to a new school created at the site of the former Soundwell College. Soundwell Academy is a free school operated by the Learn@ Multi-Academy Trust, for children aged from five to 18 with a combination of social, emotional, mental health or speech, language and communication needs. Work began on the £9.3 million school campus last year, while the first lessons took place on a temporary site. Now all 88 students and 48 staff have moved in and are using the new facilities at Soundwell Academy, starting after the half-term break following a two-week induction period. Some of the old college buildings were refurbished and others have been demolished to create the new school, which will eventually offer 136 places and employ up to 80 staff

Head teacher Craig Abbs at Soundwell Academy across teaching, administration, technical support, catering and maintenance by the time it is fully open in 2023. As well as classrooms, sensory rooms and sporting facilities, the school has a vocational area with facilities

for catering, hair and beauty and hospitality as well as vehicle, building and woodwork workshops, a forestry school and horticultural area with a kitchen garden. The school also provides weekday overnight support and

accommodation in a respite unit for up to 12 pupils, as well as a 20-place sixth form. Head teacher Craig Abbs said: "It’s wonderful to finally be in our new school where we’ve been able to specify exactly the sort of spaces we need for our students to help them thrive. "There is still much to do and I’m looking forward to planning events for later in the school year where we can invite the local community." The school serves children from across South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset, with places funded by the councils and students referred through their education, health and care plans. Learn@ Multi-Academy Trust also runs the Knowle DGE Academy in Knowle West and has been working with the three councils and the Department for Education to create the new school.

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Covid snake gets permanent home in park A SNAKE made from hundreds of decorated pebbles left by people during the first coronavirus lockdown has been given a permanent home. 'Woody' was started by the Touzalin family in May 2020 to help try to keep children connected to other people at a time when they were missing friends and relatives they were unable to see. The first pebble was placed on the pavement in Buckingham Place with a simple note inviting people to join in and add their own. But soon it grew until hundreds of pebbles had been added. Mum Emma Touzalin said: "We started it hoping a few of the families on our street would take part and it would be something nice for the children to enjoy doing, but it was a lovely surprise to see how much it grew and how it became such a talking point in the community. "Going out to visit ‘Woody’ and seeing all the decorated stones, counting how many there were and wondering who

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had designed each one became a lovely fun part of the daily routine. "As lockdown measures began to relax, we started to think about how we could keep the stones as a lasting memory and as a reminder of the lovely way the community came together." Emma asked fellow members of Facebook group Heathboard for ideas about a permanent home for the piece of community art, which started its journey to its new home by the play area at King George V playing fields. The family worked with the Friends of King George V & Badminton Road Playing Fields, Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council and South Gloucestershire Frenchay & Downend ward councillors Ben Burton and James Griffiths to find a site and fund the work to create Woody's new home. The two councillors used a scheme which enables them to give financial support to local projects, known as Member Awarded Funding, to pay for materials and the parish council provided a small plaque telling Woody's story to visitors. The Touzalin children – Addy, five, and three-year-old Jakub – helped John Lockwood, who came up with the design for the feature, to install Woody in the park. Emma said: "Woody is now dedicated to all the local children who spent most of 2020 in lockdown and is a reminder of the amazing community spirit in Downend."

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December, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

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Christmas is coming! WELL the title says it all really! My inner child is definitely getting excited this year, perhaps more than usual, which from speaking to friends & family sounds to be a reflection on the times we’ve all been through. I appreciate life isn’t back to normal and there could be rocky paths ahead, but for a short period, conveniently called Advent, I’d like to focus a little more inwards than usual and plan to thoroughly enjoy myself. Advent is an interesting word, meaning coming. Probably not a word we use most of the year, and although we could do we tend not to, perhaps subconsciously reserving advent for this most magical time of year. Whether you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus or as a family winter celebration I’m sure we all have our own ways of relaxing and enjoying ourselves with those we love. It’s probably no great surprise to know that I have Christmas glasses, reserved for one day of the year, and one day only. They come with antlers, tinsel, holly… you may see why I only wear them on Christmas day! They are definitely a good way to bring cheer to those who see me wearing them, not least my dear wife Jo who ‘treated’ me to a pair, and insists I wear them, much to her amusement! Keeping on theme a little longer, my top eye survival tips for Christmas include; remembering to blink while watching all your favourite Christmas TV shows, wear glasses while decorating your Christmas tree to avoid needle spikes, wear (prescription) glasses when driving in the seasonally low sun and continue to drink a good amount of water to keep your tears topped up! If you’re in the Henleaze area on the 1st December, you're most welcome to pop in and see us for drinks. We’ll be offering our usual service, free of charge of course, to keep you warm & fuelled for looking around the street stalls, watching the entertainment & sampling the local cuisine. When it comes to your eyes, we’re here to look after you through the festive season. Whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses (we don’t do glasses with antlers I’m afraid) we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

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

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Roundabouts revamp goes on hold PLANS to spend £30 million on changes to five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road have been put on ice for at least a year. South Gloucestershire Council says it is postponing a bid for government money for the scheme on the A4174, which includes road-widening, extra lanes and turning three more junctions into 'throughabouts', where onward ring road traffic can pass straight through. The decision to put the scheme on hold was made in early November after 84 per cent of the 880 respondents to a 12-week public consultation disapproved of the idea. It was made just a week after the reopening of Wraxall Road junction as a traffic lightcontrolled throughabout, where through traffic uses three lanes in each direction to drive through the middle of the junction, while vehicles making turns use a roundabout. Residents have already branded the Wraxall Road junction, revamped at a cost of £6.9 million, “dangerous” and a “huge waste of money”. An accident involving three vehicles, which saw two people taken to hospital, blocked the new junction two weeks after it opened, although it is not clear whether the design played any role in the crash. The council had hoped the new junction would serve as a template for others on a five-mile stretch between the Lyde Green and Kingsfield roundabouts, to help tackle congestion and stop drivers using nearby neighbourhood roads as

An aerial view of the new Wraxall Road roundabout near Kingswood,which is now open rat-runs. Three roundabouts were earmarked to become 'throughabouts': Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green. Another two – Lyde Green roundabout, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added. More traffic lights and entry lanes would have been installed and land at the edges of the ring road developed to provide the extra space. But no dedicated bus lanes were proposed and the plans immediately came under fire from Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris and Green local politicians who said it could end up generating more traffic. The council said on November 2 that it had listened to residents’ feedback and would not be submitting its bid to Whitehall for the bigger project until at least late 2022. It said people wanted more time to become familiar with the new junction, which would now be evaluated, and there were also

concerns about the impact and disruption caused by three years of roadworks. Cabinet member Steve Reade said: “We would like to thank all those who took part in our consultation and for their detailed feedback on this project. “You have spoken and we have listened. We will not be submitting a funding bid at this time, but we will feed the comments received back into the

proposals. “Whilst pleased with the first few days’ operation of the new Wraxall Road throughabout scheme, we recognise it’s quite a big change for the area and people need time to become familiar with it. We will continue to monitor it to inform the wider project. There remains a strong case both economically and environmentally for junction improvements along the A4174. “It is anticipated that, with no intervention, the congestion along the ring road and on adjacent roads will worsen in the years to come due to planned local growth." Cllr Reade insisted that the paused scheme would "play a part in delivering" the council's climate emergency goals of reducing carbon emissions and encouraging more people to use sustainable transport options. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

Places could be cut at primary school A MANGOTSFIELD primary school could reduce its intake to a single class of children per year. South Gloucestershire Council is asking people to comment on plans to reduce the admission number for Barley Close Primary School to a maximum of 30 pupils from 2023. At present the school has 289 children on its roll, which represents an average of 41 children in each year. Its capacity is 420. If the proposed change is agreed the maximum number of pupils at the school will reduce to 210 after seven years at the new capacity. The council says it is proposing to reduce the admission number in consultation with the school's governing body. A consultation page added to the council website says: "The proposal will bring the admission number more closely in line with recent and anticipated admissions to the school and will apply to new applications received for first admission to the Reception class in September 2023. "No other alterations to the admission arrangements at the school are proposed and children currently attending the school will

remain on roll." A spokesperson for the school and council said: “The proposal currently being consulted on, if implemented, will enable the school to have a more consistent form of entry and intake. "It will also support the school in having greater control over resources which will help maintain long-term financial sustainability. “If the proposal is taken forward, the implementation will be very carefully managed to ensure minimal impact on staff, who will be consulted on an ongoing basis.

“Barley Close is a community minded school and we encourage local people to have their say on the consultation." The number of pupils at the school has risen and fallen over the past 16 years, from 205 in 2005 and just 162 in 2008 to 386 in 2017. At the beginning of last year the school stopped running nursery classes for two to four-year-old children, with independent provider Play Station Nursery taking over provision for pre-school children at the site. When the decision was taken the nursery had 34 children on its roll, with a capacity of 60. People are being encouraged to comment on the proposals by emailing charlotte. johnston@southglos.gov.uk or writing to Charlotte Johnston, Admissions and Transport Manager, Education, Learning and Skills, Department for Children, Adults and Health PO Box 1955, Bristol BS37 0DE. Responses need to be received by December 17. More information can be found online at consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ Changestoschools/consultationHome.

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Teen footballers raise £12k for charity A TEENAGE Downend footballer and his teammates have raised more than £12,000 for charity in honour of his sister. Ted Hill-Nelmes, 15, inspired members of his team, Longwell Green U16s, to collect the incredible sum through sponsorship for a fun run to help charity Anthony Nolan. The organisation started the world’s first stem cell register and found a bone marrow donor for Ted's sister, Phoebe, 18, two years ago when she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Within 24 hours the charity had taken the bone marrow from a donor match in Germany and performed the transplant for Phoebe. Ted and Phoebe's dad, Andy Hill, runs Surecar garage in Fishponds and has sponsored the football team’s kit on numerous occasions. He said: "From the outset people got together to raise money. It really is a fantastic

The fundraising team at the Battle of Lansdown fun run charity and hopefully the money will help future proof things for other young people who need treatment.” Phoebe came along to support the U16s team on the day of the fun run in her honour. Andy said: “It was the first time she’d been out anywhere. "She was on the clinically vulnerable list last year and is in and out of hospital doing a

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clinical trial. "I think she was pleased about the effort everyone had gone to." Four parents and 12 youngsters joined in the 5.7k Battle of Lansdown fun run in October, which included 41 obstacles. Participants had to go down a giant hill slide into a water pit, make their way across monkey

bars and rope swings and crawl through tunnels. Ken Major, from Longwell Green, went along to support his son Jack, 15. He said: “All the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves getting wet and covered in mud, although I’m not sure the adults did! They looked shattered at the end. “The amount they’ve raised is unbelievable, plus there’s about £2,000 gift aid on top of that. “Andy put a video out online which a lot of his business customers saw and the JustGiving site went ballistic. “We contacted Anthony Nolan and they sent t-shirts for everyone to wear on the day. They’ve been really supportive.” To donate to the team’s fundraising page go to justgiving. com/team/Longwell-GreenU16s-Football-Team. For more information about the Anthony Nolan charity visit its website at anthonynolan.org.

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Net Zeroat FrenchayChristmasTreeFarm If COP26 has got you worried about what you can do about the climate crisis, an easy way to start is to visit Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm for your Christmas tree. Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, namely carbon dioxide and methane. Buying local means you can really reduce your carbon footprint. Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is home to 40,000 Christmas trees spread over approximately 18 acres of green belt land next to the M32 motorway. All plants actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the Christmas trees - which are evergreen – do this all year round. With the heavy motorway traffic nearby, there certainly is no shortage of carbon dioxide for the trees to mop up. “I think all of us are wondering what we can do on a personal level when it comes to climate change,” says Simon Maughan, managing director of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. “A good way to start

Kate and Simon Maughan, owners of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm invite you to buy your tree locally this year this Christmas is to make sure that we buy as much as we can for the festive season from local suppliers, whether it is food for the table, presents for the tree, or the tree itself.” “As for the Christmas tree, it’s

also important to consider what to do with it in the New Year. Burning it probably is the worst thing to do as it releases all that stored carbon directly back into the atmosphere. Many of our customers find a second use for their tree, as a bird

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FRENCHAY CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

feeder for example, but by far the most common thing to do with it is to recycle it as chipped mulch.” “We accept hundreds of returned trees in January, and they all get put through the shredder. The bits rot down naturally on the ground, keeping the carbon in the ground, and also making homes for insects and food for fungi.” The Christmas tree site has in itself become a bit of a haven for wildlife. Birds nest in the trees, animals shelter under the trees, wild flowers such as orchids have begun to seed themselves in the grass around trees. 2021 saw the addition of a big pond, which is set to attract all sorts of other interesting residents, such as dragonflies. Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm from Saturday 20th November. You can visit in person or order your tree online at www. frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk – either for delivery or click and collect.

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OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE FROM 9am TILL 5pm To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

Watch out for Santa's spies! A LONG car journey with his kids gave a Downend dad the idea for a story which has now been turned into a book. Chris Wheeler says he was so exasperated with his bored children Reuben and Meg that he warned them Father Christmas could see through the sunroof and would know they were being naughty. The idea fired his imagination and Chris, who is a software developer and runs a tech company called Foldr at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, came up with a story during the rest of the drive. He teamed up with his friend Steve Gunning to create Santa’s Secret Agents, a children's picture book about a Bondstyle spying operation to check children's behaviour, which has now been published. Chris said: "I spent most of the rest of that fateful car journey ignoring the children entirely as my head began to fill with ideas and rhymes and puns. "When I first brought the concept to Steve it was just a simple idea and a few verses. "Together, with the support of our patient and loving families, through the twists and turns of life, at least one narrative reboot and a global pandemic

Chris Wheeler (right) with co-author and illustrator Steve Gunning we were able to turn it into a fleshed-out story and then, with Steve's wonderful illustrations, a complete book." Chris, who was born in Bristol, has lived in Downend for seven years and played many gigs at the Horseshoe and Beaufort Hunt, now the Duck & Willow, in a band called Figment, going on to perform all over the UK and Europe. Although he has been writing from a young age, having won a poetry competition aged six, he "was forced to get a 'proper' job" and it was there he met Steve, of

Clevedon, who has been writing and drawing from a young age, and has illustrated the book. Chris has dedicated the book to his wife Jenny and their children, who both attend Blackhorse Primary School. Santa’s Secret Agents, which

is aimed at children aged five to ten, has been published by Carraway and is being sold online by Waterstones and in bookshops. Steve said: "We are really proud that it will be on sale in bookshops, it’s still a bit difficult to believe!” Carraway Publishing founder Jane Shergold said: “The early feedback from children, parents and booksellers has been really positive. They adore the humorous tongue-in-cheek verse and of course the in-jokes for all Bond fans, young and old, that are vividly brought to life through the detailed and inventive illustrations."

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

downendvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

December, 2021

Fine dining in the heart of Downend WE at Forage are a local business that strives to provide the finest quality food with excellent service. We are located in the heart of Downend, recently taking over the previously named Browns establishment. Our vision here at Forage is to build a beautifully-run restaurant with regular customers who enjoy finer foods and eating with their eyes. Here is a little about ourselves. We are two gentlemen with a love and passion for great food. Our part owner/chef has 25 years worth of experience, working world wide in some of the world's best food locations. We aim to bring this knowledge to our restaurant and put our special touch on some delightful dishes. Although marketed as a high end restaurant, Forage also opens for breakfast and lunch and we bring a twist to your usual ‘fried breakfast’ with home made baked beans to die for and also all locally-sourced produce with a lot of home-made elements. We welcome all to our restaurant, and are excited to join in with the local celebrations throughout the years. Our vision is to maintain a high standard of service and food quality to keep people coming back for more and to establish a great rapport with each individual we welcome into the restaurant. So, if you’re looking for something just a little different than the norm, then please join us at Forage and take a look for yourself. All the best for the Christmas period, Regards, all of the Forage staff.

A restaurant with modern cooking, that uses fresh and seasonal ingredients but also helped support small local suppliers and businesses. A friendly, comfortable atmosphere, where everybody feels welcome, with friendly staff who are as passionate about food as we are! BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

3 1 BA D M I N TO N R OA D • D OW N E N D • B R I S TO L • T E L : 0 1 1 7 9 5 6 9 5 8 2 Email: forage@mail.com • Website: www.foragerestaurant.co.uk To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

A big turnout of veterans, uniformed organisations and the public for the Remembrance Day parade and service in Staple Hill

Together again for Remembrance HUNDREDS of people came to the area's war memorials as traditional Remembrance Sunday parades and services returned in Staple Hill, Downend and Mangotsfield. Events on November 14 began with a parade through Staple Hill High Street and Broad Street, led by the Salvation Army band and including Armed Forces veterans, Army Cadets and members of Scout and Guiding groups from rainbows and beavers up to explorers. A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 people gathered by the memorial in Page Park for an open air service, including the Last Post, two minutes' silence and wreathlaying ceremony.

The uniformed organisations then marched to Downend's Scout Memorial on the corner of Westerleigh Road and Badminton Road for a short remembrance ceremony. Shortly afterwards a ceremony took place at the memorial in Alec Large park in Mangotsfield, attended by up to 500 people. The traditional parades and ceremonies in tribute to those who died serving their country in conflicts returned this year after Covid restrictions last year meant they had to be recorded and broadcast online instead. Staple Hill & District Branch Royal British Legion chairman Ian Campbell said people's enthusiasm to return to traditional

commemorations had been "amazing". He said: "People have been desperate to get back to normal." A less formal remembrance service at the Red Lion in Mangotsfield, led by community pastor Clive Heath, was attended by about 50 people, including veterans. RBL branch president Ian Boulton said:"It was humbling to be able to bring back our live Remembrance Day parade and service after last year's virtual event. Our team of volunteers who organise the day never let us down to ensure we pay our proper respects to our fallen. Thank you to everyone for playing a part on this important community commemoration, however large or small."

A service at the Red Lion in Mangotsfield, above, and the ceremony at the memorial in Mangotsfield, right

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

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downendvoice

n NEWS

E-scooter trial extended A TRIAL allowing the legal hire and use of e-scooters in the Downend area is being extended until next year. The scheme, run by the West of England Combined Authority, councils and e-scooter operator Voi, was launched a year ago. The red and black scooters have become a familiar sight on streets and pavements in Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield. Voi says they have been ridden almost 2.5 million times in the first year of the scheme, making the region "one of Europe's largest and most successful areas of e-scooter operations". Weca has now approved an extension to the trial until next March 2022 in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire. South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for the environment Steve Reade said: "It can take time to adapt to innovative technologies and new initiatives and we are keen to work with Weca and Voi to ensure the trial is a success and e-scooters, which are contributing positively to our climate change ambitions, are given that chance to become a credible alternative to car travel in the region."

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December, 2021

Participation plea on parish proposal SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is encouraging Staple Hill & Mangotsfield residents to take part in a consultation asking whether they would like a parish council to represent them. The Voice reported last month that the local authority wants people to have their say on creating a new parish council, with elected members, to cover the two areas. The local authority announced a series of consultation events in midNovember, where residents could meet council officers and discuss the implications of the proposals. The first was being held at the Nest in Page Park on November 18 from 2pm to 7pm. A second was being held at Staple Hill Library in Broad Street from 9.30am to 1pm on November 20. Two consultation events

were due to be held on November 23 – at Staple Hill Library from 10am to 1pm and at Mangotsfield Scout Hut in Northcote Road from 2pm to 6pm. If approved, the new council would be elected in 2023 and put Staple Hill and Mangotsfield on an equal footing with neighbouring Downend and Emersons Green. But the extra layer of government would come at a cost to residents, who would have new charges added to their annual council tax bills to pay for it. More information on the consultation, which closes on January 7, can be found online at consultations.southglos.gov. uk/StapleHill_Mangotsfield/ consultationHome or by calling 01454 868009. Letters: Page 40

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YOUR

Community NEWS

Brought to you by

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is delighted to announce details of the 2021 Christmas lighting throughout the High Street. • There will be two Christmas trees this year; one outside The Horseshoe and a second, smaller tree outside Michael Nicholas Estate Agents. This second Christmas tree has been funded by the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ at the request of local South Gloucestershire Councillors Ben Burton and James Griffiths. • Festoon lighting has been installed along the two footpaths from the Co-op car park leading up to the High Street. • All the Christmas lights will be switched on at 4pm on Friday 26 November 2021. • The Salvation Army will be performing Christmas Carols around the tree by The Horseshoe from 3.45pm until 4.30pm on 26 November. If you have any ideas or suggestions that can be explored for Christmas 2022, please do not hesitate to get in touch! Councillor Janet Biggin, Chairman

VACANCIES ON THE PARISH COUNCIL Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council currently has two vacancies in our Downend Ward. If you are interested in serving as a Parish Councillor, please send a written expression of interest to the Parish Clerk, along with a short personal statement giving reasons why you are interested in joining the Parish Council and include information on any skills or experience you feel you can bring to the role. Please also confirm that you consent for this information to be passed on to the Parish Councillors of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council. Your name must appear on the current register of electors, or you should, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date, have resided in or within three miles of the parish. Candidates for co-option will be invited to attend the next Full Council Meeting of D&BH PC, which will be held on Thursday 9 December 2021, 7pm at Badminton Road Methodist Church. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Angela, the Parish Clerk, tel. 0117 9567001 or, if you would like to apply, please write to the Parish Clerk via email: clerk@ dbhparishcouncil.uk or post to: The Parish Office, Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council, Downend Library, Buckingham Gardens, Downend, Bristol BS16 5TW.

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

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

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

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Street art festival Upfest has come to Staple Hill with this hedgehog mural by Irony in Fountain Square. The work has already drawn a lot attention. of Report: Page 5

Giuseppe joins Bake Off contest

An engineer Bath Science from the Bristol and Park at Emersons Green is a contestant in this year's Great British on Channel Bake Off competition 4. PAGE 3

Bus route drop ped without

BROMLEY a black hole Heath is "becoming for bus services" after the number 5 service diverted out of the estate. was Bus company First no-notice decision to said the service running stop the via Bromley Heath Road, Queensholm Quakers Road, Drive, Four Acre

Road and Badminton due to low Road was demand. But the change has criticised by residents. been Councillors Liz Brennan, Ben Burton have started and James Griﬃths a petition the West calling on of Authority, England Combined which has a role in

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planning the region's transport, public to fund the can be reversed. 5 so the cut They are also calling for new Metrobus a road at Bromleystop on the ring Heath Metrobus services to and for as a temporary be diverted Report: Page measure. 4

Eight neighbours Road, Downend, in Chesterfield have shared jackpot in a the People's Lottery. Postcode PAGE 7

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Downend Round fireworks display, Table's annual which had be cancelled to Covid, is set in 2020 because of spectcular to return for a 50th anniversary show. PAGE 9

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

Badgers' digging closes the cycle path A SECTION of the busy Bristol and Bath Railway Path will be closed for up to eight weeks to repair damage caused by badgers. South Gloucestershire Council's Streetcare department said a section of the path almost a mile long – from the Charnhill Drive entrance between Staple Hill and Mangotsfield to the entrance near the former Staple Hill station, between Acacia Road and Thicket Avenue – would be closed to cyclists and pedestrians from mid-November onwards. The initial legal notice said the path would close for up to 21 days from November 15, but signs erected at the closure sites and later Facebook posts said the closure would be for eight weeks. The affected section includes the Staple Hill tunnel. The council said: "On this stretch we have a badgers’ sett, and badgers digging the soil over the retaining wall has caused the

A sign near the old Staple Hill station platform notifies people of the closure main drainage ditch to become blocked. "We will therefore install a pipe in the ditch to stop the soil from the badgers affecting the drainage in the future, as well as carry out ditch clearance and widening works to help hold extra rainfall in prolonged spells of very wet weather."

The council has published a map advising cyclists to take a mile-and-a-half long diversion using Signal Road, Gloucester Road, Morley Road, Soundwell Road, Portland Street, Acacia Road, Marshfield Road and Thicket Avenue. The council says the recommended route "avoids unlit or darker wooded areas so people

feel as safe as possible now the clocks have changed". However some path users are likely to favour a more direct route via Teewell Hill, Broad Street ad Thicket Road. The council will carry out the work with government funding via the Sustrans Paths for Everyone programme. A section of the path between Staple Hill and Siston, including the old Mangotsfield station, has recently been resurfaced using a new recycled material. The trial project used shredded car tyres, with all metal parts removed, to create a rubber-based surfacing material. The council said: "This process means we were able to recycle approximately 370 endof-life redundant car tyres. "Forty million waste tyres are generated each year, and this greener surfacing method means less tyres are exported (around one in four go to Asia), ending up in landfill."

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December, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

A frighteningly good pumpkin trail RESIDENTS and businesses combined to give children a Halloween weekend to remember. The second Downend and Staple Hill Big Neighbourhood Pumpkin Trail saw 70 houses and shops in the area decorated with skeletons, mummies, ghosts, witches and a huge variety of carved and illuminated pumpkins. The trail, which started last year as a covid-safe alternative to trick or treating, attracted nearly 700 members on its Facebook page, with many families touring the area visiting the displays marked on the trail map. Nikki Holmes, one of the organisers, said: "There was so much effort put in and they were all such fantastic displays. "Some of the pumpkin carving was incredible – we are

so lucky to have such creative people in our community. Lots of people were also kind enough to leave sweets out for the children to collect, which went down well! "It was also welcomed by those families isolating with Covid during half term, who crafted at home. One family said it was really nice to have something to focus on." Many of the displays were created using recycled materials after the organisers teamed up with the Children's Scrapstore Bristol, a charity which collects business waste to be reused for children's play, arts and crafts. Nikki said: "I'm really grateful to everyone who took part and supported the event. My own children begged me to run it again this year and they were certainly not disappointed!"

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

'Cheaper and simpler' bus service vow A MAJOR revamp of bus services across the region will see daily and weekly fares capped and improved daytime and evening services. Contactless London-style tap-on, tapoff payments will allow passengers to hop across different operators, under-11s will ride for free and under-18s will get half-price discounts. Five months of talks have begun between transport authorities and bus companies to move towards seamless travel, which will eventually include trains, with new local lowfare zones. One common transport brand will be created for the West of England, inspired by Transport for London, with the same livery on all single and double-deckers. Most buses already accept contactless cards but tickets are only valid on services run by the same firm, while ‘tap and cap’ is available only on First buses for daily and weekly tickets in flat-fare zones. The improvements are outlined in the region's Bus Service Improvement Plan, submitted to the government by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council at the end of October. It envisages an “enhanced partnership”

with operators, primarily First because of its dominance in the region. Negotiations with companies are due to be completed by March 31 before the plan undergoes public consultation, with a view to coming into force 70 days later, on June 10. First Bus has welcomed the plan’s “level of ambition” and says it is committed to rolling out tap-on, tap-off capping and more flexible tickets. Up to 1,000 contactless card readers, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, will be installed on vehicles, allowing

customers to tap on entry and exit, with the correct, cheapest fare calculated and boarding times reduced. West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the plan would make bus travel "simpler and cheaper", with "one set daily price" for passengers. He said: "I want to make it as easy as possible for people to do the right thing so they can greatly reduce car journeys and use public transport, walk, cycle and wheel, so we can reach our very ambitious net zero 2030 target and deal with congestion, pollution, and obesity." Frenchay & Downend ward councillors Liz Brennan, Ben Burton and James Griffiths criticised the plan as a "missed opportunity" for not including the restoration of services to Bromley Heath on the number 5 route or including any plans for a Metrobus stop in the area. A spokesperson for Mr Norris said the improvement plan was not intended to give detail on individual routes but was about changes being implemented across the public transport network. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Christmas on the Hill returns STAPLE Hill's Christmas on the Hill event is back, after being cancelled in last year's lockdown. The traditional start of Staple Hill's festive season takes place on December 4, from 10am until 4pm. This year's event will be centred on Fountain Square, where there will be a market, music and entertainment, outside shops on the High Street and in Page Park, where there will be a craft day. There will be performances by musicians and a choir in the square from midday onwards, including a jazz band and a choir, before the event builds to a crescendo with carols around the Christmas tree, featuring the Salvation Army band, from 3.30pm. The market is set to include stalls selling everything from jewellery and gifts to food and drink. Christmas on the Hill will

coincide with other events on the day, including the latest BSpoke16 arts trail, which runs throughout the weekend at the homes of more than 120 local artists, makers and designers selling handmade gifts, a beer festival at the Wooden Walls micropub on Broad Street and a craft day with entertainments at the Bean Tree Cafe in Page Park. A Santa hat hunt around the area's shops promises to keep children entertained. Staple Hill Chamber of Trade secretary Tina Lewis, who is organising the event, said: "There's lots going on for people to do, for Christmas shopping and to get into the festive spirit. "We're trying to bring that feel-good factor back to the High Street that has been lost, and make it somewhere people want to come to." The Salvation Army band will return to Fountain Square on Christmas Eve for an hour-long

Police chief nominated

Carols in the Square event from 5pm. And the Chamber of Trade has more events planned for the square next year, including Valentine's Day and Easter celebrations, and another family fun day in the summer. In Downend the Christmas lights will be switched on at 4pm on November 26. Although there will not be a formal ceremony, the Salvation Army band will perform carols around the tree outside the Horseshoe pub from 3.45pm until 4.30pm. Downend and Bromley Heath Parish council has installed extra lighting for this year, above the two footpaths between the Co-op car park and the high street area. There will be a second Christmas tree outside Michael Nicholas estate agents. Arts trail: Page 49

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

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford has announced his preferred candidate to be the next Avon and Somerset Police chief constable. Sarah Crew, who was appointed deputy chief constable in 2017 and has been the force's temporary chief constable since Andy Marsh stepped down in July, will now go before a Police and Crime Panel confirmation hearing. The area's police and crime panel is made up of the PCC, elected members from the ten authorities in the Avon and Somerset police area and representatives of the public, and is charged with challenging, scrutinising and supporting the PCC in his work. It was due to meet in late November to discuss the nomination. The panel has the power to veto the PCC’s choice but only if two thirds of panel members agree.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

December, 2021

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill TShirts 4 You

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

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

Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 18 years.

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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.

out of our way to help explain any work that has been carried out on your car. A family run business B M Motoring invest heavily in training and the latest equipment to ensure we are always able to offer the very best advise and assistance. A part of the Approved Garages and Autocare nationwide car schemes. These are independent bodies recognising good independent garages with high standards of workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk

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RUSTIC ONES MADE FROM DRIFT WOOD FROM THE RIVER SEVERN

88-90 High Street, Staple Hill

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0117 956 8318

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December, 2021

23 that any more.

Spectrum Accountancy Solutions

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.

Farleys Farley’s Pet Foods & Supplies has been on Broad Street in Staple Hill for nine years.

insects and bedding. Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell

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.

It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and have grown the garden supplies part of the business. The garden supplies section includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have just started supplying trellis and picket fencing made locally. Within the pet foods section we have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live

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PRINTED HOODIES & T-SHIRTS LATEST TECHNOLOGY PRINTING

TSHIRTS4YOU, 108 High Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 956 8606

info@tshirts4you.co.uk

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downendvoice

December, 2021

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill FARLEYS

PET FOODS & GARDEN SUPPLIES

Stockists of James Wellbeloved and Burns Dog Food • Arden Grange Dog & Cat food • All pet supplies • Seasonal Plants & Seeds

40 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 9566787

. . . with gifts galore and so much more 6 Broad Street, Staple Hill. Tel 0117 957 6959

email: info@thecardshopstaplehill.co.uk

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.

card and gift shop offering an extensive range of cards, gifts and handmade crafts. Frequently described as ‘an Aladdin’s Cave’, The Card Shop has an extensive choice of cards (large, small, ’wordy’, ages – young and old, and humorous) for every occasion. It also stocks a wide variety of gifts, from fun and quirky (mugs, storage tins, money pots, wine glasses), scented candles, scarves, jewellery and accessories, to more traditional items for those special occasions such as weddings, births and anniversaries. We pride ourselves on being able to offer such variety, be it cards or gifts, combined with excellent customer service - we are always happy to help so please do not hesitate to ask. The shop is open 9am-5pm Monday - Saturday.

The Card Shop

The Card Shop is an independent

Beauty Spot Within our relaxing salon The Beauty Spot provides a warm friendly atmosphere with a range of superb health and beauty treatments from aromatherapy massage to facials. eyebrow shaping to pedicures for both men and women and using only quality products from beauty leaders Decleor, Tea tree, and Nailtiques. All the treatments are carried out by fully qualified therapists, giving you a totally indulgent experience.

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

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December, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS

Paying tribute to the curry pioneers THE manager of Downend takeaway is backing a special event to celebrate the contribution made to Britain by its 'curry pioneers'. British Curry Day on December 1 commemorates the people who introduced millions of Britons to a taste of the Indian subcontinent in the 1960s and 70s. The event will also raise money for charities, as restaurants across the country donate £1 from every tikka masala they sell on the day to local causes. Naseem Talukdar, who manages the Rajastan Royal in Westbourne Road, highlighted his own father's journey from Bangladesh to the UK in the early 1970s. Hazi Mohammed Siddik Ali opened his first restaurant, the Prince of India in Bath; his Kingswood restaurant, Rupali, was one of the first to use a clay oven tandoor, in 1981. Naseem, who studied an IT degree at UWE and has worked

Above left: Naseem Talukdar at Rajastan Royal in Downend and above right: Naseem's father Hazi Mohammed Siddik Ali as a software engineer, would often help out in the kitchen. His father retired in 1995 and returned to Bangladesh, where he carries out charity and community work. Naseem, who lives in Fishponds, said: “He was hardworking and helped to provide for our future, both supporting our education and instilling a strong work ethic. “British curry has been a key culinary and cultural

contribution made by migrants from the Indian subcontinent. “In turn, it has helped to support future generations in the industry – as well as doctors, teachers, engineers and other professions which help their communities.” Naseem's own community work has seen him receive a Bristol High Sheriff’s Award. He is a project manager for charity Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects,

and his takeaway joined a pilot scheme to reduce its use of single-use plastic. Rajastan Royal also took part in the Food4NHS project, which delivered thousands of free hot meals to NHS staff during the coronavirus lockdown. Naseem has organised the provision of meals and essentials for people on the street, and has donated to 1625 Independent People, which supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of being so. He said: “It’s important to recognise the help we had from those who came before us and to give back where we can.” The British Curry Day event is expected to raise thousands of pounds for small community groups through #AskingBristol, which connects charities with supporters. As well as Rajastan Royal, restaurants Curry Supreme, in Staple Hill, Arjee Bhajee in Soundwell Road and Tikka Raaz, in Downend, are also taking part.

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December, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Avoid seasonal stresses and strains

HRISTMAS is a time of year to be with our loved ones and indulge in the festivities of the season. However it can also be quite stressful and full of pitfalls, so hopefully I’ll be able to help you avoid some of them. The stress and strain of Christmas prep often manifest in our bodies and we see a large amount of neck and lower back tension at this time of year. We tailor patient care to ensure everyone is healthy happy and feeling comfortable on the lead up to Christmas. Ready to handle what comes their way over the festive period. Here’s some tips to keep

you in the best shape over Christmas:

feeling drags on. It certainly helps blow the cobwebs out the next day.

Christmas shopping

Stay active

Load the bags evenly; carry one in each hand so you’re not unbalanced and causing undue strain on the neck and back. Better yet order presents online and get them delivered.

Have a Christmas or Boxingday walk. Make sure your don’t become too sedentary. By all means put your feet up but balance it off with some activity each day. Get those teenagers outside and off the computer too!

Keep it simple Opt for a relaxed atmosphere this year, don’t strive for the ‘picture perfect’ Christmas. Enjoy each other’s company and make sure everyone

Matt Sutton

Have an amazing Christmas period and if in doubt or you’re suffering don’t hesitate to contact us.

mucks in with the jobs to keep the stress low and your body better rested.

Everything in moderation Enjoy your food and drink but make sure you have some water in there between the stronger stuff. I tend to have a lighter day of eating and drinking on Boxing Day so my body recovers nicely, otherwise I find the ropey Christmas

Merry Christmas from us all at Sutton Chiropractic!

SPECIAL OFFER: New patient consultation £20 If a previous patient consultation free of charge

Rates: £38 a session (adult) £22 under 16 years old or blocks of sessions at a discounted rate starting of £31 Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS EVERYONE seems to be looking forward to Christmas especially this year, after so many things were cancelled or restricted last year. At the time of writing, it should be possible to hold a full range of Christmas services and events with something for all ages. Come and explore, come and wonder, come and reflect, come and celebrate. You might bring your children to the Christingle Service. In this interactive and fun service, following a Scandinavian tradition, children are given oranges decorated to symbolise the meaning of Jesus coming into the world. This is held on November 28 at 10.30am and is repeated at 4pm. The whole family might enjoy carol singing around the Pendennis flats on December 15, starting at 6pm, as we join Pendennis Good News Church for carols followed by hot chocolate. Other activities for children include the Christmas Trail – find the nativity figures around Downend, watch the videos to hear the story. The final crib scene at Christ Church is open at 1011.30am on December 18, 20, 22

Christ Church Downend and 24. Children will also love the Crib Service on Christmas Eve at 4pm: a fun interactive service for families to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Booking is essential. Christmas is for adults, too! You might find the Carols by Candlelight services uplifting: a traditional service with readings, choir, carols and reflection on December 19 at 5pm and repeated at 7.30pm. Again, booking is needed for these services. The late-night reflective feel of the Midnight Communion service holds a special place in the heart of many. This is a traditional service of Holy Communion to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is at 11pm on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day everyone is ready to celebrate together. Some prefer the 9.15am at Church Centre, Quakers Road traditional Communion service, while others like the bustle of the 10.30am Family Service where the children show what Father Christmas

brought. We may have some COVID-19 restrictions in place, including masks and distanced seating, and we will comply with any government regulations in place at the time. Buildings and facilities are accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. For details of how to book for these activities please contact the parish office on 0117 908 9867, email office@ christchurchdownend.com or visit our website www. christchurchdownend.com or find us on social media.

Christmas shopping JOIN us for a Christmas Coffee Morning at Christ Church Downend on November 27 from

10am-12.30pm, with stalls including Christmas cards and handmade gifts, as well as coffee and mince pies. If you are interested in holding a stall, please contact our church office at office@ christchurchdownend.com. Money raised will go to support various local projects such as our debt relief charity, Christians Against Poverty, and overseas projects such as the orphanage we support in India.

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

downendvoice

December, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS

Badminton Road Methodist Church THE empty shed is back on the car park at Badminton Road Methodist Church… What will appear as the Advent Calendar comes to life? This year we are celebrating community. We want to recognise the value in community life and the many wonderful people who care for others in different ways. And we want to recognise that the love of God isn’t limited to a stable in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, but is very much alive today. The calendar has been made by members of the Uniformed Organisations, young people’s groups and others at Badminton Road Church and friends. Their work looks fantastic! Do stop by if you can, or take a look at the photos on our website or Facebook: @MethodistsBR or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk It is great to be able to open our doors again this Christmas for a range of services, to which all are welcome. Our seasonal services start with a service of Remembering, led by our new minister, Revd Samuel Uwimana. This is especially for those who have lost loved ones and would like a quiet service to reflect, light a candle, and spend a short time away from the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. For children and young people we have a “Make ‘n’ Do” afternoon with Christingle service, and for the very young a Crib service at 4pm on Christmas

Eve. Children are welcome to come dressed up to join in an on-the-spot nativity. (See advert for all details). We continue to take COVID-19 seriously and take precautions – ventilation, sanitising, asking folks to wear masks if they can etc. If national

guidance changes, please check our website or contact us (see advert) for updated information. Whatever your Christmas plans, we wish you and those around you a blessed Christmas. From Revd Samuel Uwimana and all at Badminton Road Methodist.

Badminton Road Methodist Church wishes everyone a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas The Word became flesh and moved into the neighbourhood. John 1.14 (MSG)

You are warmly invited to our Christmas services and activities Community Advent Calendar – watch the scene build up in the shed on our car park, and follow on Facebook Remembering Service – Sun 5 Dec, 4.00pm Christmas Make ‘n’ Do – Sat 11 Dec, 2.30pm – Crafts and activities for all ages, Christingle Celebration at 3.30pm Carol Service – Sun 19 Dec, 10.30am Crib Service – Fri 24 Dec, 4.00pm Christmas Day Worship – Sat 25 Dec 10.30am

Badminton Road, Downend, BS16 6NU www.badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

We follow COVID-safety precautions. Please check our website/Facebook @MethodistsBR for updates in case of any changes, or phone 0117 239 5984.

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December, 2021

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n CHURCH NEWS

Downend Baptist Church AT Downend Baptist Church, we’re really excited to celebrate Christmas this year. We know that this will be a particularly precious time for many of us after all the disruptions and challenges we experienced this time last year. Our hope and prayer, therefore, is that all our community will know peace, joy and life in abundance as we go through this season and we’d love you to join us in celebrating through our special services, whether this is something you do every year or it’s your very first time! We’ll be kicking off our Christmas programme with a nativity service, a fabulous time for all ages where our children and young people ‘star’ in presenting to us the events and message of Jesus’ birth. Then, we’ll have our Carols by Candlelight, an always joyful time of reflecting through our favourite festive songs, with the warmth of mince pies and drinks to follow. Then, on Christmas Eve, we offer an opportunity to remember, to look back and to reflect on the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ birth as we celebrate the life He offers us through Communion, as well as space to light candles in thanks for loved ones who we particularly miss at Christmas time. Finally, we’ll round off our Christmas celebrations with a special time of thanksgiving on Christmas morning – another brilliant opportunity for all ages to wish each other all the best on this special day. Everybody is welcome, so do come along or get in touch if you’d like to find out more!

Nativity Service 12th December 10.30am

n NEWS

10,000 meals provided by appeal AN appeal for help to support people through the pandemic provided around 10,000 meals, organisers say. Staple Hill Community Hub and the Salvation Army teamed up with local councillors and the Mangotsfield Residents' Association at the start of the first coronavirus lockdown in March last year to launch a community support appeal. The campaign raised more than £2,000 from direct donations and through the Staple Hill Community Hub's online fundraising page, money which was used to buy supplies for emergency food parcels and other support through the worst of the pandemic. Now the last of the money donated to the charity, based at Berkeley House, has finally been used up. Hub chair of trustees William Lee said: "Over the period that the initiative was running, the Salvation Army and Staple Hill Community Hub provided over 500 food parcels, which translates into something like 10,000 meals to people who were struggling to provide themselves with basic food. Since the end of the lockdowns, the remaining money continued to be used to provide supplies for emergency food parcels." In addition to the parcels, the Red Lion pub in Mangotsfield also provided significant food support to local residents. The hub, Salvation Army and councillors Ian Boulton, Katie Cooper and Michael Bell worked with Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath and a "small army of volunteers" to prepare and deliver food parcels, run errands and give support. William said: "The Staple Hill Community Hub and the Staple Hill Salvation Army continue to provide support, including emergency food parcels, to people in need."

Christmas Christmas Carols by Eve Day Candlelight Communion All Age 19th Service Celebration December 6pm 10.30am 6pm

Please note we have no services on boxing day

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n ADVERTISING FEATURE

downendvoice

A magical Christmas in the woods

WE love Christmas here at Mud Pie Explorers! Working with children at this time of year is really very special indeed. This year we have our usual Christmassy sessions taking place where we will be making reindeer with tools, creating beautiful natural decorations, making wreaths and having our family campfire tea with carols round the fire. To book a space for your Explorer please visit www.mud-pies.co.uk. We are chuffed that this year we have been awarded funding from South Gloucestershire Council to provide half term adventures for children that are eligible for free school meals from Staple Hill. This is a part of the central government initiative “Holiday Activities and Food” which is designed to support children to access fun activities and have a hot meal in the middle of the day. If you, or someone you know, is eligible contact nickie@mud-pies.co.uk. Our well-loved free community event is due to return this yearhurrah! We are just awaiting confirmation from Community Spaces… please pencil in Sunday 19th December 10 -1130am in your diary for a magical family event with hot chocolate, crafts, seasonal play and a visit from Santa. We will be taking bookings via our website so please check there! If we don’t see you in the woods before then the team and I would like to wish you and your families a fun filled Christmas, much love, Nickie x

December, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS Tours Galore: Fundraising for St Peter’s Hospice WE are a group of ladies called Tours Galore and we have been running for about three years, with just over 150 members. Since restrictions have been lifted we have been meeting about once a month in the community for coffee and a chat, as well as going on organised coach trips. Each year we raise money for a charity and this year we have been fundraising for St Peter’s Hospice, which is the only adult hospice in the area, who have been struggling financially since the first covid lockdown. Our organiser Sue has worked tirelessly to raise money for the hospice. This is an organisation close to her heart, as her son passed away from cancer. Sue and her family had a lot of support from the hospice and it was agreed by the group that we would raise money to help them through these difficult times by organising raffles, coffee mornings, bring and buy sales, auctions and donations given by local people who wanted to help. We met in a field and, come rain or shine, the ladies turned up with their chairs and umbrellas to support the cause, which was truly amazing. Without the support of the ladies, who have been donating various items for the raffle, baking cakes and even some ladies bringing fruit, veg, plants and flowers from their gardens, we could not have raised so much money. Our organiser's husband has also been involved, making chutney and jam. The target was to raise £2,000 but at the moment, as a group, we have raised just over £5,500 which is amazing. Next year we are continuing to raise money for the Hospice. Jenny Summers

taste taste the

freedom the

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a warm and friendly group today! Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a warm and friendly group today!

MONDAY & TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY

Fishponds

Staple Hill

The Beechwood club Beechwood Road BS16 3TR

The Salvation Army Broad Street BS16 5LN

Groups held on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings

Groups held on Wednesday nights and Friday mornings

Contact Claire to book a place 07791574353

Contact Anna-Marie to book a place 07854177308

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke

A time to remember and reflect THE act of national remembrance which flows through all our communities and lives for me is poignant and personal, just as it is for most people. We must never take for granted the fact we live in a free country and this is only because of the sacrifice and service of previous generations, and the willingness of our current servicemen and women who are doing all it takes to keep us free. This is personal to me because I had the honour of serving in Afghanistan with 3 Commando Brigade on Op Herrick 9, where I saw the fantastic service and sacrifice made on operations by many of our people. One of my sons, Michael, serves with 1RHA Royal Artillery and last year was deployed overseas in Estonia, as part of NATO's enhanced forward presence, and I am very proud of him. There are currently more than 6,000 military personnel deployed on 39 operations in 46 countries around the world. The job of protecting our freedoms is constant, and we must always be vigilant and prepared. I would like to pay particular tribute to the Royal British Legion, who raise £50 million a year for veterans’ welfare. I’m vice-chairman of my local RBL Stoke Gifford branch, and I have seen first-hand the great efforts made to raise money by poppy sales. Thank you to all the local volunteers who have worked very hard during this year’s appeal. If anyone knows any veteran in difficult circumstances, the RBL have local outreach teams which can help. Not only does the Legion do an amazing job with its welfare outreach programme but it brings together a huge community of people with over 40,000 volunteers across the country out in force this month – myself included - collecting donations for the Poppy Appeal. I would also like to offer my congratulations to the Downend Round Table team on the fantastic 50th anniversary of their fireworks display at the King George V playing fields. I remember attending the Downend Round Table as a small boy with my dad, so I always try to ensure I attend this wonderful event – and this year’s spectacle did not disappoint. Well done to all involved for putting on a great show for our community: I particularly enjoyed the mulled wine from the Great Western Brewery Tent! I was however appalled to learn that, later that evening, the generator used to light the event was stolen, leaving a significant dent in the proceeds raised for charity. I do hope that by the time you read this, the generator has been recovered. A JustGiving website where you can make a contribution towards the cost of the stolen generator is at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/abimiles92. Lastly, in the final edition of the year, and with the festive season approaching us, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all readers of the Downend Voice a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I think this festive time of year is a chance for us all to pause, recharge and reflect, and really appreciate and enjoy spending time with those closest to us.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Staple Hill’s first plastic-free shop has opened its doors STAPLE Hill’s very own refill shop, Nom Wholefoods, launched in November giving the local community the opportunity to shop without plastic. With the recent COP26 highlighting the need for the world to improve all aspects of the environment, it’s an important time to help people change and understand how they can make a difference. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers, bottles and bags to fill with a wide range of wholefoods, kitchen, and bathroom products. They enjoy going back to basics with natural cleaning products such as vinegar, citric acid, and bicarbonate of soda. There is also a selection of cleaning and laundry essentials. Staff offer advice on reducing plastic in the home from bamboo toothbrushes to compostable cleaning cloths. Nikki and Matt Watten founded Nom Wholefoods 2 years ago from their home in Fishponds as an online only plastic free delivery service. Nikki said: “More and more of our customers told us that they would love to have a shop to go to. We were also running out of room in our home so needed to find a bigger space! We thought a shop in Staple Hill would fit really well, joining the other interesting and varied independent shops already serving the community." If customers can’t make it to the shop, Nom will continue to offer their delivery service through East Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Customers order online and can choose paper bags, or borrow Nom’s jars for a truly zero waste service. Nom Wholefoods also focuses on sourcing ethically. Nikki said “It’s a top priority of ours to know that the food we sell is sourced in an ethical way. Where the land and people are treated fairly. We have a range of organic and non-organic food, as well as low chemical based household products all from suppliers that source ethically.”

STAPLE HILL'S VERY OWN REFILL SHOP IS NOW OPEN! REFILL WHOLEFOODS REFILL BATHROOM REFILL KITCHEN PLASTIC FREE CHRISTMAS 37 Broad Street, Staple Hill Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Instore, Delivery, Click & Collect nomwholefoods.co.uk

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Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman

downendvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

Frustration at £90 Lidl car park charge A PENSIONER is calling for a supermarket to rethink its car park policy after being hit with a £90 charge after visiting one of its branches. Ray Isaac, of Mangotsfield, is a regular customer of Lidl's stores in Emersons Green, Kingswood, Fishponds and elsewhere, most of which have a simple 90-minute limit on customer parking. But he was shocked to be sent a demand for money when he parked at the budget supermarket's Yate branch, after taking his wife for treatment at the town's Minor Injury Unit. Ray decided to stop off at the branch before going home and was there for just under an hour buying shopping. What Ray did not spot is that the customers there have to scan their receipt and enter their registration number on a keypad before leaving. The rule is listed on the signs in the shop's car park but is not made very prominent and Ray assumed the same rules applied as at other Lidl stores with their own car parks. Six days after his visit in late October he received a letter demanding he pay £90 within 28 days, with a 50% discount if paid within two weeks.

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Ray Isaac with the letter demanding £90 for parking at a Lidl supermarket Ray is taking legal advice about the charge. He said: "I shop a lot at Lidl and all the stores with their own car parks are the same. I've never seen another one like this and didn't check the sign. "I'm 83, I was worried about my wife and a bit stressed, and wanted to get the shopping done and get home. "Because you have to scan a receipt it also means people can't visit the store to browse unless they buy something. "I think they should have a simple time

limit like other branches." Ray also expressed frustration that when he phoned enforcement company ParkingEye and selected the option to speak to a customer service assistant, he was connected to a line with an unobtainable tone. Lidl introduced the charges at the car park off Kennedy Way to stop people using other shops nearby parking there without going in to its store. The company told the Voice it had no plans to change the system in force in Yate and says there is a ten-minute "grace period" for people who do not buy anything to visit without "validating" a receipt. A Lidl spokesperson said: "Our car park management systems are in place to help ensure availability of parking spaces for our customers, and it’s therefore disappointing when we learn that a genuine customer has received a fine. "In the extremely unfortunate event that a customer believes they have wrongfully received a parking charge, we would encourage them to get in touch with ParkingEye directly via the appeals process and explain their situation. "Charges can be investigated and if necessary, cancelled, as swiftly as possible."

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December, 2021

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB PREVIEW NEXT AT DOWNEND FOLK CLUB:

A WINTER UNION (WITH SUPPORT FROM LIZZY HARDINGHAM)

A WINTER UNION

FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2021, CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND DOWNEND Folk Club’s Christmas Concert has been a staple in the diaries of local music lovers for many-a-year, with a series of memorable events since the club’s formation seven years ago, and this year promises to continue that tradition with a visit from a bonafide folk “supergroup”. Now in its seventh year, A Winter Union is a festive folk band like no other. From five leading lights of the British folk and roots scene, gig-goers can expect soaring vocals and exquisite musicianship as the band delight with a repertoire of folk songs from across the yuletide traditions. Glorious wassails, fresh arrangements of traditional carols both well-loved and little-known, and original songs heralding the joys of the season.

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts (three times BBC Folk Award nominees Gilmore & Roberts) and Jade Rhiannon (The Willows) are excited to roll out their stunning festive show. These songs are stirred together with such beautiful 5-part harmonies, accompanied by dobro, fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, guitars a-plenty and a shruti box thrown in for good measure. The five-piece will be joined on the bill by folk singer-songwriter Lizzy Hardingham, who has long been on the radar of the Downend Folk Club organisers after a breakthrough year or two.

A South-East based folk musician and songstress, Lizzy is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with "beautifully delivered songs that sing straight to the heart". 2019 saw her storm the UK folk club and festival scene, including Cambridge Folk Festival, while in 2020 she captivated online audiences with "a voice that could fill a stadium and the sensitivity to bring a room to attentive silence". Having been nominated for FATEA's coveted Female Artist of The Year, Lizzy is currently being mentored by the English Folk Expo and working on "firmly nailing her place as one of the rising stars of the folk scene”.

Her debut album Dusk is "an incredibly strong, top drawer album that packs a punch with every song”. Tickets for the event, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 17th December 2021, are available online at www. downendfolkclub.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £15 each in advance or £17 on the door. There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and locally-brewed real ale from Hambrook-based Great Western Brewing Co. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard/bucket, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the club’s drive to be more environmentally aware. There is now a 50p discount for those bringing their own receptacles. There may be mulled wine and mince pies… watch this space! There are 150 tickets available for the moment, of which more than half have already been snapped up. For further information, please email downendfolkclub@live.com.

Mini Bus Driver Required Salary: Hay 11 - £10.01 per hour Hours: Ad-hoc / casual basis as and when required. Contract: Casual Responsible to: The Federation Headteacher / Business Manager The Forest Hill Partnership is made up of Kings’ Forest Primary School, including Little Forest Nursery, and Staple Hill Primary School. Kings’ Forest and Staple Hill are 1.2 miles apart within South Gloucestershire. We are lucky to have our own minibuses and we are looking to recruit casual/ad hoc drivers to work across the Federation to enable more educational visits to take place. What do I need? You must hold category D1 licence (for at least 2 years) with entitlement to drive minibuses, or a PSV category D licence: without any penalty points. You must be numerate and literate and have a knowledge of the roads within and around the Bristol area. You will act as an adult role model and will possess the ability to communicate with a wide range of people, particularly primary school children and have a commitment to equal opportunities. To be flexible in your approach to the role. Who will I report to? You will be responsible to the Federation Headteacher / Business Manager This is a casual role and will be dependent upon the number of school trips/visits being made throughout the school year. The school offers: 2 high specification mini buses, a friendly and supportive staff team and a caring community. How do I apply? Please contact Lisa Walker (School Business Manager) lisa.walker@kingsforestschool.co.uk or 01454 866466 Closing date for applications: Thursday 25th November 2021 The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and all appointments will be subject to appropriate vetting, including an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

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

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December, 2021

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Thanks to all who will be working in festive season IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! My office has turned into a winter wonderland full of drawings of reindeer, holly and elves from talented local children entering my Christmas card competition. There is a definite chill in the air. In our local shopping streets beautiful store window displays tempt us in, while carols bring muchneeded cheer. And I keep thinking, as I do every single year, I really must get a move on with my Christmas shopping! Christmas is a truly magical time for many. As a child I remember being so excited to find out what Father Christmas had left for me and my brother and sisters. My best ever present was when I was nearly four and got a red ride-on Tri-ang Puff Puff train. I had seen it in a shop window and instantly fell in love. But I also knew it was too big an ask, as it was far too expensive, and I was told that it wouldn’t become mine. So when it was there under the tree on Christmas day it was the most exciting day of my life and it still is! When I was a bit older it remained trains

for me! Christmas was a waiting game to see what extra bits I might get for my Hornby train set. I loved the Brunswick green Great Western Railway engines and their chocolate and cream coaches. Sometimes I’d get some track and points in my stocking or tiny model passengers for the station and trackside. As you can tell, I was super keen on great public transport systems even back then! Nowadays it’s my working cocker spaniel Angel that makes my Christmas special. She loves long walks, her toy pheasant, and best of all, sausages! Boxing Day is obviously a big deal too – I often go to Ashton Gate with my fellow Bristol City fans, and winning hopefully means vital bragging rights over my Rovers mates! For some, Christmas doesn’t mean time off and I’d like to thank our amazing NHS staff, our firefighters and police, those working in retail at their busiest time of the year, and our posties who sort and deliver all the mail. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who works over Christmas! A special Christmas wish also goes to those

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice who are spending the holiday alone – perhaps because of fate or circumstance, or maybe because they have lost a cherished partner. If this is you, you will be particularly in my thoughts. It’s also a time for New Year’s resolutions, but as I’ve got the best job ever, mine is simple. In 2022 I want to really put the brilliant West of England even more firmly on the national and global map and ensure our region thrives. So from Angel and me, we wish you and your family the happiest of Christmases, and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you in 2022.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

What makes Bristol? A new project is trying to find out We’d like you to be part of a citywide project called Bridging Histories We’re inviting people of all ages, political views, and social groups to join in 6 activities and share what they make. We’re offering £100-£300 for you to run events getting people sharing recipes and stories, street history, family history, ‘I am from’ poetry, monument detectives and changemaking. We will feature what you make in a We Are Bristol exhibit next year. We’re particularly keen to bring people together of different ages! Let us know what you’d like to do and why.

We’ll support as many projects as we can.

Visit www.bridginghistories.com and email activities@bridginghistories.com

WHAT is the tastiest recipe in all of Bristol and beyond? Who do you know with the wildest family legends? What are the songs you and your family grew up with? Bridging Histories is inviting people across the Bristol region to join in activities and share what they make. They are asking families, schools and workplaces to get involved in exploring what makes Bristol tick. Groups across Bristol have already been getting stuck in. Barton Hill History Group is creating new heritage trails. At Hoo Haw Children’s Art Festival, Scrapstore and Bristol Beacon created a Bristol skyline and got kids filling it with their own monuments. People have shared poems and their history. Dr Joanna Burch-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Bristol is part of the team behind the Bridging Histories project. They are looking to get as many people as possible involved. She said: “We especially love seeing activities that bring people together across the generations. It helps us be connected and gain a perspective we could never get on our own.” “We are coming through the pandemic having grown and changed, and we are learning so much more about each other as a city.” “Over the summer nearly 14,000 people shared their views on the future of the Colston statue and plinth.” “This is a great moment for us to come together across the city and region, to connect over food, dip into our history, and get inspired to make positive change for the future.”

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

December, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Kermal Singh of the Black Police Association, second right, next to Home Secretary Priti Patel with outreach volunteers and Home Office minister Kit Malthouse at the award presentation

Police award for Kermal's volunteer team A VOLUNTEER team led by a Downend police worker has won a national award. The Avon and Somerset police Black Police Association Outreach Volunteers won the Police Support Volunteer Team Award at this year’s Lord Ferrers Awards, an annual Home Office event which recognises the role that volunteers play in support of policing. The volunteer team works to build up relationships across communities in the area served by the force, promoting police work. It is coordinated by Kermal Singh, who works for the police as a diversity champion and is the general secretary of the Avon and Somerset Black Police Association. He was made an MBE for services to policing and diverse communities earlier this year, in recognition of his work increasing representation of ethnic minority groups in policing and working with young people. Kermal went with his team to receive the award at an event in London attended by the Home Secretary Priti Patel and the Home Office Minister Kit Malthouse in October. He said: “The Outreach Volunteers do groundbreaking work in building strong and lasting relationships with communities. “They play a central role in helping to create a more diverse and representative police force by delivering a wide range of outreach activities.

"They work tirelessly, giving up their time to promote our service’s values, breaking down barriers, dispelling myths and building confidence in the police. “They’ve also been engaging with young people from different backgrounds, helping to launch an interactive knife crime workshop and attending community events at schools, colleges and universities to secure the interest of future officers and staff. They thoroughly deserve this award which is the third they have won in the past 12 months.” Avon and Somerset police have also received an Outstanding Contribution to Diversity Award from Bristol City Council for their participation in the Stepping Up leadership development and mentoring programme, which aims to unlock the potential and develop the talents of people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “I know the hard work that both the force and the BPA Outreach Volunteers undertake to build and improve relationships with communities, support young people and to develop the talent of local people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. "This work must continue to ensure Avon and Somerset are taking steps in the right direction to become a more diverse and representative police force and, ultimately, the most inclusive police service in the UK.

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

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Work starts on new Frenchay primary WORKS is under way on the new Frenchay Primary School. Builders from contractor BAM have been laying the foundations for the new school, which is due to open to pupils in September next year, before adding its framework. The new buildings on the former Frenchay Hospital site will be able to accommodate a two-form entry school, with up to 420 children – three times the current school's capacity of 140. The £9.6 million project is being built to 'Passivhaus' lowcarbon environmental standards, which means its walls and windows will be very insulated and it will need only low levels of energy to heat. Head teacher Katherine Marks said: "We are very excited to see the developments with the new building. "As part of the Passivhaus requirements extra thick insulation has been fitted to ensure that the building is as

Work is now under way on the new Frenchay Primary School energy efficient as possible. November sees the timber frame being installed and we imagine the building will really begin to take shape once this is in place."

The Church of England school recently had a visit from the Bristol Diocese director of education and new chief executive, who had a tour of

AL M R O N S A N OPE National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme

both the existing school and its replacement. Mrs Marks said it gave them "a thorough insight into who we are as a school and what we are striving for". A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said the school was "on track" to open to pupils next September, adding: "The council’s number one priority is to raise school standards, supporting local children to achieve more and this significant council investment will contribute to that within the local community. "The new facilities will provide local children with a first class learning environment in which they can thrive and achieve their best outcomes. "The low carbon design of the school building will make it one of the most energy efficient in South Gloucestershire, and also supports our Climate Emergency goals.”

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

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Enquiring minds A DOWNEND school has started a new way of learning – and the children are "loving it". Christ Church Infant School has moved from a 'topic-based' to an 'enquiry-led' curriculum, where pupils start with a key question and work to find the answers over several weeks, leading to a challenge at the end. Head teacher Anna Martin said the first question posed to pupils was "what could my outdoor classroom be made of"? She said: "The children have been engineers, who had to design and build an outdoor classroom and had plenty of opportunities to improve their models. "They could talk about why they needed to improve their models and what skills they had learnt along the way."

Christ Church Infants pupils made models in an engineering challenge

£9 to drive into Bristol

OWNERS of older cars, vans and taxis will be charged to drive into the centre of Bristol from next summer, the city council has confirmed. The city's Clean Air Zone has received the backing of the Government and will see cars with petrol engines made before 2006 and diesel engines made before the end of 2016 pay £9 a day to enter an area including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, the Centre, Temple Quay and Spike Island. Larger "older and more polluting" vehicles such as lorries and buses will be charged £100 a day to drive in an area which includes Bond Street, Temple Way, Marlborough Street, Hotwell Road, Brunel Way, Coronation Road, York Road and Bath Road below the Three Lamps junction. The council estimates that about three in every 10 vehicles in Bristol will attract the charges, which would not be paid by owners of vehicles with Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol engines or with Euro 6 diesel engines. The authority says it will help people switch to greener modes of transport using £42m of government funding to pay for initiatives, such as electric bike loans, free bus tickets and upgrades to cleaner vehicles. Exemptions will also be available to some drivers, including people on incomes of £27,000 or below who have to travel into the zone for work, patients and visitors to hospitals in the zone, and people with a disabled or disabled passenger tax class vehicle. It is four years since the government ordered the city council to reduce the city’s toxic NO2 levels to within legal limits as quickly as possible.The CAZ is expected to bring those pollutants down to legal levels in 2023. An earlier plan to ban all diesel cars from the city centre was rejected by the Government. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2021

n NEWS

It's green for go on new plan for nature FIVE new nature reserves will be created and tree cover doubled across South Gloucestershire as part of a major new council plan. The green infrastructure strategy, approved by the local authority’s cabinet on November 8, sets out ambitious goals to protect and enhance the natural environment, including establishing a community orchard within a 15-minute walk of every urban neighbourhood. Restoring hedgerows, improving habitats for pollinators and changing the way South Gloucestershire Council manages road verges and grassland areas to support nature are also set out in the 208-page document. It says potential new sites for local nature reserves will be investigated, including designated status at Woodwell Meadows, Magpie Bottom, Cock Road Ridge, Filnore Woods and Thornbury Farm Woodland. Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: “As we rise to the challenges of responding to the climate and nature emergency, this strategy sets out how well-planned, designed and managed green infrastructure can contribute and is central to our plans.

“Across our area we also need to plan for new homes and infrastructure. “This strategy and action plan explains the important work under way to inform our local plan so that green infrastructure is at the start and centre of our work to get the best outcomes for people and nature as we plan and design new places.” Responding to concerns that it lacked measurable targets and was too broad, he

said cabinet members had the power to amend the plan to “keep it live”. Cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt told the meeting at Kingswood Civic Centre that work in partnership with communities, town and parish councils and other organisations was essential to achieving the strategy’s goals, which would be reviewed every year. She said: “Important foundations have been put in place and there remains significant work to do. “Working together is at the centre of our plans and how we will achieve the vision that this strategy sets out.” Council leader Toby Savage said: “It’s very much now up to us to see that identified actions are properly implemented.” The plan also includes a new green investment scheme for businesses and an online green spaces map with information about facilities, accessibility and 'friends' groups. South Gloucestershire currently has nine local nature reserves, while 11 per cent of its total area is covered by trees. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2021

n LETTERS Foodbank's Christmas shopping list WE have had a very good harvest, with approximately two tonnes of food donations from the local community, for which we are extremely grateful. The FoodBank has continued to support those in need of food support in the local community and, as in previous years, we are beginning to see a rise in the number of clients seeking assistance as the run-up to Christmas starts. Your continued support is, as always, greatly appreciated and all at the FoodBank wish you and your families a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year we would like donations of: Small boxes of chocolates Small Christmas cakes

Christmas biscuits/chocolates Yule logs Custard (tins or sachets) Large tins of ham Large tins of salmon Small boxes of gift toiletries – male and female Tins of green beans Children’s toothbrushes Nappies – size 6 only Washing tablets Please, no pasta or baked beans, as we have lots, and no bottles of fizzy drinks or water. Thank you so much for all your kind support – we are open every Friday between 10am and noon, at Resound foodbank, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. We are looking forward to seeing you! Steve Riches Resound Foodbank

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To parish or not to parish? SOUTH Gloucestershire Labour group is encouraging residents to have their say on whether the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield area should have its own parish council or not (Voice, November). Consultations are running until January 7 next year. The Labour group hasn’t taken an official stance either way, but simply wants residents to have access to the information they need to make an informed decision. Labour councillors have been concerned that the costs of bringing in a parish council haven’t been adequately explained to residents in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, who’d be footing the bill in the form of a 'precept' – an extra charge – on top of the council tax they already pay to South Gloucestershire Council. The cost of the parish precept wouldn’t be worked out unless residents voted for a change. The current cost differences between unparished areas in South Gloucestershire, including Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, and other nearby areas range from an extra £26.89 in Emersons Green and £54.30 in Downend & Bromley Heath up to £296.01 in Filton. We’re also concerned that the powers of parish councils – what they can and can’t do – haven’t been made clear enough. For example, while parish councils can have a say on planning applications (like any member of the public), they have no vote on whether the application actually gets permission or not. We can see arguments on both sides for bringing in town and parish councils, and we welcome the opportunity for residents to have their say on it. All we want is for all the facts to be laid out clearly, so they can make an informed decision. Pat Rooney Leader South Gloucestershire Labour Group Editor's note: The consultation can be found at bit.ly/3c2R6gB

Join us in a new way of giving locally THE Bristol 500 is not a race, but a new way of giving locally. Members pay a small regular amount, which collectively turns

into a larger monthly amount. Members are then able to nominate a cause close to their hearts in the BS postcode. Those nominations are shortlisted and members vote on who gets the money each month. Nominations roll over until they either receive the money or are withdrawn. It could be a group providing meals for vulnerable people, equipment for a local walking group or to support a family or individual starting again after suffering domestic abuse. If you know someone in need and it’s not for religious or political reasons, it will be considered. Inspired by Joe Sim's 500 Reasons, we want to find ways to connect and appreciate each other in our local communities. We also appreciate that times are hard right now – and every now and then, we all need a little help. So far this year we have given £500 each to the following individuals and good causes: a survivor of domestic violence, Mud Pie Explorers, Suicide Prevention Bristol, victims of modern day slavery (through charity Unseen), an individual person's electric chair, All Aboard Water Sports, Brain Tumour Support, Love you to the Moon and back (the Jack Hazeldine Foundation), Family in Need and the Baby Bank Network. If you would like to join our community or need more information please do not hesitate to get in touch - email thebristol500@gmail.com or find TheBristol500 on Facebook. The Bristol 500 Team (Beth Rowley, Colse Leung, Dionne Frohofer Rees, Holly Maurice & Katie Collier)

Ring found HAVE you lost a ring in the last two months in the Bromley Heath area? If so, please call 0117 956 6963 with details of where you think you lost it and a description of the ring. I would love it to be reunited with its owner. Name supplied

Let usknow your views EMAIL US AT

news@downendvoice.co.uk

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December, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Suicide prevention helpline calls for volunteers A CHARITY set up to help people considering suicide is looking for more volunteers. Suicide Prevention Bristol (SPB) offers a national phone line for people who are struggling, as well as patrol teams who engage with vulnerable people. Its office has recently moved to near Warmley and the charity is appealing for some new call handlers who can spare some of their free time to help others. The helpline is a 24-hour, national service manned by volunteer call handlers offering support to callers who are vulnerable, distressed, or want to end their lives. They handle up to 300 calls a day Summer Harris, who lives locally, has been a volunteer for six months and trains the call handlers, in addition to them receiving external training. She said: “I’ve always worked in health and social care and I got involved because I wanted to be part of a unique charity who are on the front line saving lives. “Suicide is a taboo subject with a lot of stigma attached to it. The only way we can help beat the stigma is to start talking openly about this topic and about mental health in general.

Suicide Prevention Bristol volunteers Robin, Summer and Sarah “SPB is such a warm and welcoming community to volunteer with, offering lots of support to both our callers and volunteers.” SPB was set up in 2018 after the founder read a newspaper report of a young mother who took her own and her baby’s life. Patrol volunteers walk around at night to try and spot people who are struggling with

their mental health and offer them support. The patrols take place from 9pm to 3am, four days a week. Anyone who would like more details of volunteering can contact the charity at info@spbristol.org. The National Suicide Prevention Helpline number is 0800 689 5652.

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December, 2021

nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA November 23 n NEW YOGA CLASS at Downend Folkhouse starts Tuesday 23rd November 7.15 -8.30pm. First class free. Contact Louise on 07776124710 for details 4-5 Dec, 11-12 Dec & 18-19 Dec n VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS: This December, step back in time at Brunel’s SS Great Britain to celebrate a Victorian Christmas. Take in the smells of Christmas pudding and marzipan on board or meet the Ragged Victorians living history group in the dockyard. You might even spot Old Father Christmas, dressed in traditional green robes! December 5 n Bethesda I.M Church, Soundwell Road Staple Hill Christmas fair 10.00 - 11.30. December 5 n 5pm - Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street BS16 5LN - ‘Light up a Life’ with St Peters Hospice staff, friends and Staple Hill Band and Songsters. Places must be booked on www.staplehillsa.uk or Tel: 0117 9569733 December 2-5 n TREEFEST 2nd - 5th December 2021 open daily 10-5 Sunday opening 1- 5pm. St Mary Redcliffe Church Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6RA A display of up to 100 decorated Christmas Trees. Raising money for Changes Bristol , a community led charity that supports people who need mental health support. They offer peer support groups (both online and in-person), telephone befriending for one-to-one support and a walk and talk service. All Changes Bristol support services are free, available to anyone over 18, open-access. Also supporting St Mary Redcliffe Community Development team's work, which has helped the

community face the impact and fallout of the pandemic, with the introduction of a food bank and a Community Hub opening on Redcliffe parade providing support to the community. There will be a full free Music Programme throughout, including local choirs and musicians. December 10 n LUNCHTIME CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 12.30-2pm; performance from 1-2pm. Monthly concerts on the second Friday of the month return after an 18-month break, with a performance from Bristol Veterans Band. Entry is free – retiring collection towards expenses. December 17 The Cleeve Singers and guests Simply Ukes in concert, 7.30pm at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, with Saturday Matinee on December 18 at 2pm. Limited tickets, £4, includes light refreshments, available from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend Folk House and choir members. Charity collection for dementia. December 19 n 10am – Family Carol Service – Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN with Staple Hill Junior Band, Choir and Children. Tel 0117 9569733 December 19 n 5pm – Community Carol Service – Staple Hill Salvation Army with Band, Songsters and Children. Places must be booked on www. staplehillsa.uk or Tel: 0117 9569733 December 24 n 5pm – Carols in the Square – Fountain Square, Staple Hill with Staple Hill Salvation Army Band. December 25 n 11am – Christmas Day Family Worship, Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN. Tel 0117 January 8 January 8 KINGSWOOD Y'S MEN CLUB

coffee morning, raising funds for local charities, Staple Hill Methodist Church (main entrance), 10am until noon. Further dates on January 29, March 5 and April 2. REGULAR EVENTS n BRISTOL U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where you have fewer responsibilities and more time for yourself? Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Why not become a member and find an interest group to join. Go to www. bristolu3a.org.uk for details. Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. We shall be restarting the meditation groups at Frenchay chapel in September beginning with an introductory Talk on Meditation practices. It will relate to ways we can achieve peace and happiness - including an award winning programme element to share and discuss. Free to anyone, 4pm Sunday 5th September at Frenchay Chapel . We look forward to seeing you. Or just come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20Sept for the Person-centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@btinternet.com. n SINGALONG 4 ALL - Mondays 10.30/11.30, Grace court, Dial Lane, Downend BS16 5UP. £4 ...£1 tea n bikkies Tel: Barbara 07816839141. n SOCIAL BADMINTON every Monday at Kingswood Leisure Centre from 2-4pm. Intermediate level, all welcome. n EDDS & TALES Baby & Toddler Group Every Monday, Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street, Downend. 10.00 - 11.30 (term time only) £3 per family (first visit free) including drinks, snacks and craft activity ALL WELCOME - Just turn up Join our Facebook group Edds and Tales n STAPLE HILL JOB SEEKER SUPPORT GROUP, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, 1A Berkeley Rd, every Monday from 1.30-3.30pm. Laptops and Wi-Fi available for job searches, free tea and coffee, welcoming environment. Run by local councillor Katie Cooper and volunteers. Call Julie on 01454 868374 with

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

any questions or to let us know you are coming. 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 BROMLEY HEATH GARDENING CLUB. No meeting in December - our next meeting is January 18 at 2.30pm at Christchurch Centre, Quakers Rd, Downend. For further information please ring May on 0117 957 3695. Season's greetings to all. n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.0011.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875 Wednesday n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For more information call Joyce on 0117 956 8978. n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton, third Saturday of the month from 2pm to 4pm. We have demonstrations monthly on flowers and models and practice/workshops with instruction. Call Jean Kington 0117 956 8737. n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. You would receive a warm welcome by this happy choir who have at least three concerts a year whose repertoire includes items from Shows, Abba, Beattles and general popular songs which includes appropriate pieces for the time of year. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881. n PILATES CLASS AT LINCOMBE BARN Wednesdays 8.45 - 9.45 a.m. £8.50 per class. Booking essential. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974252486; email: info@teachmepilates. co.uk or find me on facebook and Instagram: Emily Osborne Pilates. n DOWNEND SENIOR CITIZENS

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December, 2021 CLUB starts back on Wednesday October 27th. Musical entertainment from 2-4pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at North Street Church Hall. All are welcome. n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month in the afternoon. We meet at 2.00pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. We have also planned fund raising events and are looking for any one willing to give us ladies a hand. Any age or sex to help us carry and put up our gazebo’s would be a great help. If you are interested in our activities please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805. n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class is free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets Wednesday evening at 7.15pm at Upper Horfield com-

munity Centre ( next to Eden Grove Church ) New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. For more info contact Sheila on 01179570792 or shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk. Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR has returned to regular rehearsals and is looking for new members in its tenor, baritone and bass sections. You don't need to be a reader of music, but if you can hold a tune, and enjoy singing , whatever the style of music in our wide-ranging repertoire, then come along to our regular Thursday rehearsals held from 7 till 9 at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS. We are a sociable and friendly choir, and we are looking forward to two concerts before the end of 2021. We will rehearse observing whatever Covid requirements are in force and we look forward to seeing new singers as well as experienced returning singers. For more information go to our Facebook page, our website - www.bristolmvc.org.uk - or

contact our secretary on 07941 040472. Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire Claire@Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@gmail.com (07815 662844) n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text 'Ukulele' to Ben on 07910 668258. n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH has now resumed nor-

43 mal face-to-face church services. Church services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. During the service there is an activity for younger children. For more information contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church.egbc@ outlook.com or visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH. In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. We are still taking a cautious approach and ask people to wear a mask if they can. For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

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December, 2021

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

New benches at an old seat of learning TAKE a seat and relax. Well, you can now at the Dame School, where four new benches have been installed. One was paid for by two local residents, the others from something called Section 106 money that South Glos Council received from various property developments. We think they look great and are sure they will be well used – perhaps when the weather is a bit better. By the time you read this we will have held our Remembrance service at the War Memorial. A further sign that things are returning to “more normal”, although it might be worth reminding ourselves of the government advice, which says: "COVID-19 is not going to go away completely. We need to learn to live with it, but keep safe while living our lives. Everyone should do what they can to stop it spreading and everything you do will help the NHS during the winter.” A reminder that our Dame

The new benches at the Dame School, off St James Street School Nativity Carol Concert is on December 17 at 6.30pm. All are welcome to come along. Our next meeting is on Friday November 26, and we want to make it more of a social event – there is rumour of early mulled wine and mince pies – let’s hope it’s true. Our local South Glos Council Community Engagement Forum took place on November 2. The level of engagement from the wider community remains disappointing, so we will be working with the council and

our excellent local councillors to see what we can do to make it something people want to be a part of. One problem may be that it is still an online meeting – we aren’t back face-to-face yet, unfortunately. There are probably many other reasons: please let us know. You are no doubt now all aware of the South Glos consultation regarding changes to town and parish councils in the area, including the possible creation of a new parish/town council in Staple Hill & Mangotsfield.

A series of drop-in sessions have been arranged, where people can find out what it may mean and ask questions. None were in Mangotsfield, so we expressed our disappointment and changed that. A session at the scout hall was due to take place on Tuesday November 23, from 2pm until 6pm. We would urge all local residents to have their say: it’s important that your voice is heard. As always, we’d love more people to get involved, so if you’d like to or you need any help then please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com or via the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page. You can also telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Have a great and safe Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you in 2022, when hopefully our existing plans will come to fruition and we can make new and bolder ones. Chris Amos

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December, 2021

n C OMMUNITY NEWS The Cleeve Singers of Downend will stage their first Christmas concerts for two years in December. Group secretary Patricia Holmes describes how the group made it through the pandemic. LITTLE did we think when rehearsing on March 11 2020 that we would not do so again for 16 months. Of course we like to sing but many do not realise that vocal chords actually need exercising on a regular basis, not just by talking, which meant many top musical directors have fought to find ways of keeping people engaged in singing during the pandemic. People reacted differently to covid. We lost some members because we were not rehearsing at the beginning, some had no computer knowledge nor even owned a computer. Some people shut themselves away waiting for covid to disappear. A significant number of members managed to meet up once a month via Zoom meetings, hosted by our musical director. One of the main problems trying to sing on Zoom is that there is a time delay. It is no good a conductor standing in front of a computer screen beating time – because of that delay the music is not coordinated. So our Zoom meetings generally became

First concert for two years

a once-a-month social meeting to help us stay together and our musical director decided we could try to produce a recording. He chose a song we hadn’t sung for some time, did an MP3 to a strict tempo beat, sent it by e-mail to those with computers, i-pads and phones, and then we had to learn the strict rhythm, record it and send it back by email. It was quite different doing it on your own but a good exercise in not depending on the person who usually stands next to you. Christmas 2020 was quiet, with no concerts. It was also a particularly sad time, as always, for people who had lost a family member, friends or acquaintances.

To raise spirits, a Christmas carol recording we made a couple of years before was uploaded onto YouTube: if you would like to hear it, you can search YouTube for In the Bleak Midwinter by the Cleeve Singers of Downend. We are hoping to do another this year. Determined to get back to some normality as soon as restrictions permitted, we commenced rehearsing on September 1. We advertised for more members, as sadly one or two had decided to call it a day, and happily we have some new recruits, although we can always do with more. So if you like what you hear at our Concerts or the Christmas recording please do give Cleeve Singers a try. Jubilee Hall at Lincombe Barn has been booked for our concerts on December 17 at 7.30pm and a matinee on December 18 at 2pm. On both occasions we our guests are Simply Ukes, a ukulele band. We shall also be singing some festive songs for about an hour at Mangotsfield Primary School's Christmas fair on December 4 between 10am and 1pm. We look forward to seeing you at our concerts – but in the meantime we have some hard work ahead of us! Email cleevesingers@gmail.com for more information. LOW

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December, 2021

n LOCAL HISTORY

The miners of Mangotsfield

Historian nd Mangotsfield Residents Association member David Blackmore looks at the lives of the coal miners who worked in the area's pits IN December 1828, Mangotsfield miner Obadiah Powell was descending a shaft at the Pucklechurch Old Coal Works when a stone fell from the side, hitting him on the head and killing him instantly. He had been lowered, as was usual, by two workmates, on a rope tied around his waist. They, in turn, were let down by a boy who had then left until morning. The rope wasn't long enough to reach the bottom and Obadiah was left suspended all night, as the other two men had no means of raising the alarm or drawing themselves back up. At the time it was not unusual for colliers to work 18 hours per day. Between 1809 and 1844 men had to sign a yearly 'bond' with a colliery, submitting to various conditions, under pain of arrest, trial and imprisonment, while the colliery owner gave no undertaking to furnish any work at all. Signing brought a 'bounty' of 2s 6d, with extra for the first few to sign up – usually enough to cause a stampede among the povertystricken workforce. Mines were cramped, poorly ventilated and highly dangerous, with little attention paid to health and safety, and child workers injured by roof falls and run over by carts. The Victorians saw child labour as a normal part of working life. Most children started work underground when they were around eight, some as young as five. The youngest were 'trappers', sitting in total darkness for up to 12 hours, opening and closing wooden trapdoors to let a coal 'tub' through. Older boys would be 'hurriers' or 'thrusters', moving tubs of coal weighing over 600kg along tunnels which were often only 4ft high. Hurriers would use a guss and crook harness – a rope passed around the waist and between the

A hurrier and thruster push a load of coal legs, fixed to a metal hook – to tow a coal sledge, known locally as a putt. Thrusters would push the putts from behind, with their hands and heads. Although the guss was tailormade to fit each collier's back, it continually bruised the skin, causing wheals and sores, and often drew blood. Despite this it remained in use at the workerowned Marsh Lane colliery, at Farrington Gurney, until its closure in 1949. 'Getters', the oldest and strongest miners, cut coal from the seam with a pickaxe. Whole families often worked and ate together underground, living mainly on bread and potatoes. However, images of topless women and girls working down mines caused a furore when reports appeared in the press. The Mines & Collieries Act of 1842 banned women, girls and boys under 10 from working underground. At a meeting in 1858 at the Primitive Methodist Church, Mangotsfield, mine owner Handel Cossham said 650 men and boys worked for him, with at least 220 more probably dependent upon the pits for work. The adult weekly wage varied from 18 to 20 shillings, while boys under 13 were paid up to 6s and teenagers earned up to 12s – but many younger boys were paid only 3d or 4d per day. Colliers didn't meekly accept their lot. In the 18th century they were involved in numerous protests, especially against turnpike toll roads. In 1795 colliers detained several droves of pigs on their way to Bristol market and unloaded every cart and wagon of coal. The East Devon Militia were ordered out, with 100 soldiers quartered in

Mangotsfield. The names of five ringleaders were published and a reward of 50 guineas offered for their arrest and conviction. Two years later a new turnpike was erected on the Sodbury Road, near the Horseshoe Inn in Downend. In the 19th century, miners organised to fight for better wages. In May 1873 up to 3,000 people, including miners from several collieries, set off from Rodway Hill, headed by a brass band and with union banners flying, for the Colston Hall, where they were addressed by Amalgamated Association of Miners president Thomas Halliday. During 1875, Mangotsfield miners went on strike against owners' plans to withdraw the custom of giving them bags of coal for their own use, which had been in operation for well over 100 years. An arbitrator resolved the dispute. In September 1889 a large gathering of miners at the Primitive Methodist Chapel voted unanimously to form a union. The following year, the 3,000 members were urged to pay 3d a quarter to help send the first Labour MPs to Parliament. In December 1907 the Nevarra Coal and Iron Mines company found itself in dispute with miners at Shortwood over pay and 'bag' coal allowances. Some 30 men were suspended and the company threatened workers with dismissal, with the apparent intention of ridding themselves of the union officials involved in the dispute. But the miners all walked out, taking their tools, in solidarity with their workmates. The striking miners, reliant on the union's 10s per week unemployment pay, published a notice explaining their "just and right" struggle, saying: "We consider that our wages are just

A miner with a guss and crook, used to tow a coal sledge or putt enough to live from hand to mouth and, seeing the danger we are exposed to and the risk of life and limb, we are entitled to a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work." The dispute was not resolved until the following July, when wages were put on an equal footing with nearby Parkfield colliery at Pucklechurch. Even as pay and conditions improved, mining remained dangerous. Almost 100 years after the death of Obadiah Powell, Mangotsfield miner Gilbert Mealing suffered terrible injuries when a truck became uncoupled and jumped the lines at Parkfield Colliery, where he was a coal filler, in January 1921. Suffering shock and a compound fracture of the left leg, Gilbert, of Cossham Street, was taken by St John's Ambulance to Cossham Hospital. A fortnight later a pain in his side was diagnosed as pneumonia. He died days later from heart failure, and was buried in St James churchyard. He was 36.

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n PHOTOGRAPHY TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS

DOW

LU B

WITH

D CA MER

Autumn colours WE are now well into winter, but one aspect of climate change is that the seasons seem less clearly defined. This is true for this year, where warmer temperatures gave us an extended summer, which gave the impression that autumn was delayed, so when temperatures quickly dropped, it felt as if there was a sudden switch into winter. This is something of a pity, for a long autumn (at least one that is dry and clear) gives a chance to enjoy the rich colours that the transition from summer to winter brings about. As we head toward Christmas and the depth of winter, that’s a good enough excuse to look at images that remind us of the season we have just left behind. Autumn by Helen Sheppard shows a dense woodland, but as impressive as the trees are, it is the road snaking between them that leads the eye and makes the composition. Autumn by Dave Gregory seems almost a candid shot, the central tree a dramatic shade of red, framed by the leaves of others. Glen Coe Waterfall by Dave

Autumn by Helen Sheppard Britton brings us out into the open, the dramatic colours of the grass and heather contrasting with the sky and the white cascade of water. Downend Camera Club meetings this year have been mostly on Zoom, although we have managed a few memorable outdoor photographic events. Like everyone else, we’re looking forward to getting back to

Autumn by Dave Gregory normal in the New Year. For now, we would like to wish everyone who enjoys looking at and taking pictures a very snappy Christmas! Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group who normally meet on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, although actual meetings are currently suspended. For the time being we are

continuing with a programme of online photographic presentations as well as regular online competitions. The Club has a Facebook page and a website at www. downendcameraclub.org.uk that shows details of the club, members' galleries, past competition winners and a forum for discussion of all things photographic.

Glen Coe Waterfall by Dave Britton

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

What is love?

UR modern society often appears to have a distorted view of love. It is much more about desire, lust, a need to have, possess and control for the satisfaction of our own desires. ‘I love’ has become synonymous with ‘I want’, ‘I desire’. But this is not true love, it is a perverted expression of love. I have been preparing for a wedding this week and the reading is from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 which is a wonderful description of what true love is. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” The problem with this

description of love is that is hard work, it is sacrificial, it means we have to give up things for those we love. God provided this description of true love for us to follow but He also demonstrated its application in the most dramatic way by allowing His son Jesus to come into this world for it says in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We live in a broken world which is full of sin, a world that is cut off from God because of our disobedience to His righteous ways. But God still loves us and does not want it to be that way which is why he sent Jesus to us John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” If we repent, that is turn away from our old lives,

turn away from our old way of thinking and accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour then we can have a new right relationship with the loving God who wants us all to come to Him and have eternal life in fellowship with Him. At this time of year, we are looking forward to Christmas which is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. This familiar story is God acting out the first part of His salvation plan, for Jesus had to be born and grow up in our world to enable the completion of the plan by Jesus dying on the cross at Calvary which we remember at Easter. So, as we prepare for our celebrations with family and friends and go about putting up all the trimmings and getting all the food and presents ready. Please remember the real meaning of Christmas, it is

DavidQuintin DownendBaptist Church to remember and celebrate a demonstration of true love and wouldn’t it be wonderful if we too could all demonstrate that true love to one another at this festive time. I hope you all have a very happy Christmas. David Quintin Downend Baptist Church

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December, 2021

n LOCAL WALKS

Frome Valley – Frenchay to Snuff Mills Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell, a member of South Gloucestershire Council's public rights of way committee, on a walk next to the river Frome IT has been said before how lucky we are to have some marvellous green spaces and parks so close to us, where we can relax and take part in leisure activities. We also have many local walks nearby and I have previously written about Brandy Bottom, Siston Court, and sections of the Cotswold Way. This walk follows paths close to the river Frome from Frenchay to Snuff Mills and passes from South Gloucestershire into Bristol, where the river eventually drains into the City Harbour. The river Frome starts its life as a small spring in Dodington Park, close to the home of the inventor James Dyson, then follows a course through Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne before reaching the beginning of this walk.

Frenchay Quaker Meeting House

Frenchay Bridge

A recommended start point is by parking legally close to the Quakers Meeting House in Frenchay. Friends (Quakers) have worshipped in the area since the middle of the 17th century, first meeting in private houses. In 1673, a meeting house at Frenchay was completed near the site of the present one. A caretaker’s cottage was added at the back in the mid18th century. Cross the road and continue downhill through a choice of gates and then fields through the National Trust Frenchay Moor opposite. The walk continues alongside a paddock which may have horses (please do not feed) and comes

out into a row of picturesque stone cottages, continuing onto the Grade II-listed Frenchay Bridge, which crosses the river Frome. Look out on this stretch of river, as otters and kingfishers have recently been seen. There is a cast iron plaque attached to the bridge with the words "Frenchay Bridge By Subscription 1788" and another plaque which details weight limits imposed by the former Chipping Sodbury Rural Parish Council. Cross the bridge and take the lower path above the river but be cautious, as this stretch is unsurfaced for approximately half a mile and can be steep, muddy and slippery, especially after rain.

An alternative easier higher path can be followed before cutting back to the river path later, when it becomes more even and continues with the river on the right. Along the way we pass many other walkers, and dogs fetching sticks and balls and enjoying a swim. We are now in what is officially named the Oldbury Court Estate and is also known as Vassalls Park, named after a previous owner, and was landscaped by H Repton in the mid-19th Century. We then pass the man-made weir and a stretch of fenced path, and it then crosses a narrow footbridge to eventually reach gardens with a house and the watermill, behind which is the remnants of a working quarry. The watermill, which once used the flow of the river to power the grinding of corn and saws to cut stones from the quarry, has been lovingly restored by a group of volunteers since the 90’s. A short walk through the car park and the small café is reached, and a well-earned rest and refreshments. The return journey is along the same route: the complete walk takes roughly two and a half hours.

us create our bespoke products. Maps are available online and on paper from mid-November from various community venues and shops, tell your neighbours, friends and family and help make this another successful BSpoke16

Arts Trail. Don’t forget our pop-up shops continue through December. Many thanks to Snuffy Jacks Alehouse, Fishponds and The Wooden Walls Micropub, Staple Hill for their continued support.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n AROUND THE WIs

DOWNEND WI AS well as our annual AGM, our October meeting included a talk from Clemi on behalf of Children’s Hospice South West, telling us all about the incredible work of this vital service. Our yarn group had created a beautiful blanket, and this was presented during the evening. The blanket is going to be raffled by the hospice to raise much-needed funds for this very worthy cause. The Yarn Group have also decided to create another blanket to donate to another local charity in the New Year. Our November meeting will be a festive floral demonstration, including a gorgeous table centrepiece by the very talented Becci Hobbs of Bijoux Flowers. Becci did a wonderful spring wreath demonstration for members via Zoom earlier this year, so we are all looking forward to seeing her again, this time in person. The committee are busy finalising our programme for next year. As always, we are offering a wide variety of demonstrations and talks, ranging from a personal style consultant, decluttering expert and belly dancing to an open water swimming coach and stylish food presentation ideas something for everyone. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month. If you would like to find out more, please contact Julie, our president at downendwi@yahoo. co.uk. Deb on behalf of the Committee

BROMLEY HEATH WI WITH the excitement of both Halloween and Bonfire Night over it was great to have a relaxing, fun yet inexpensive evening out on my calendar – the good old WI.

Despite the fact that we have all been washing and de-sanitising ourselves numerous times daily for the last 18 months Liza and co felt that it was about time we all learned how to make soap and bath bombs. Nothing personal, Liza assured us. To help us in this endeavour we were joined by the delightful Kelly from Bristol-based Bubbletastic. In truth I think Kelly is more accustomed to groups of attentive youngsters at birthday parties, but the enthusiasm and eagerness of our members to ‘try out something different' was palpable in the hall. This pleasure was further enhanced by the fact that everything we needed was provided for us and, better still, we would only have a nominal part in the post-activity clean-up. A rare treat for many women nowadays. After collecting our basic mixture, we could select from a wide range of beautiful fragrances and colours, which Kelly had told us to mix and pour into the silicone moulds immediately, as it would set very quickly. It did – possibly because some of us prioritized chatting and finishing their tea over immediate pouring? Whoops! Fortunately, Kelly’s patient salvation was at hand. Then, straight onto bath bomb manufacture. Finally, Kelly provided an attractive selection of decorative bags and boxes for us to proudly take our products home in. My family and friends were really impressed. After many years of fantastic service our vice-president, Sharon, has decided to step down but happily will still continue as a member. A huge thank-you for all your committee work over the last few years. We are delighted that two long-standing members, Karen and Mary, have decided to join our committee and we look forward to enjoying the benefit of both their ideas and labour. We are now looking forward to our December meeting, when we will have the opportunity to enjoy a drink, partake in a few nibbles and rack our brains. It will be interesting to see who can solve the murder mystery and be BHWI’s own detective extraordinaire. More will be revealed next time. Spoiler alert not required as I can solve the mystery of “who donated all the carrier bags of Xmas food to the Resound Foodbank?” I’m sure you can

guess – who else but our lovely members? Thank you for your generous offerings, which should help ensure that struggling local people have a happier Christmas. Margaret Hanwell

MANGOTSFIELD WI

STAPLE HILL WI WELL, Christmas is nearly upon us: we have been busy preparing for our meeting on December 21. I can’t wait – this will be our Christmas party and a celebration of our 25th birthday. As always, we will have nibbles, drinks and cake; hopefully this year we will get to have a dance and sing, too. Ladies, grab your Christmas jumpers and festive accessories to celebrate in style. Our new walking group has been enjoying the delights of Page Park and the café recently. The next walk and details will be announced in the December meeting. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year, members and their families. Local speakers and the community, members and any potential members, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Are you reading this and thinking you would like to meet new people? You may not be able to commit lots of time – that’s OK, we meet once a month. As a member you can participate in as much or as little as you like. We have a diverse membership and anyone is welcome. We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive to us and we meet on the third Tuesday of most months. Join us in Christ Church Hall on North Street in Downend. Come and make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy a cuppa and some cake! Looking forward to seeing you all soon. You can drop us an email to find out more at katetarr@avonfwi. org.uk Kate Tarr

OCTOBER was our annual meeting, where the official tasks all went off well. We also had a bring-and-buy sale, which was well supported: likely members had acquired all sorts of things over the past 18 months, when we have not been meeting in person. A lovely afternoon trip was organised to the Kingswood Heritage Museum, with 16 of our members taking part in a private tour and finding the whole experience fascinating. Our guide Steve was a founder member of the museum and has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the exhibits. He has suggested we return in the late spring or early summer next year and book an evening guided walk. Eight members went to the Bristol Hippodrome to see ‘White Christmas’, meeting up early to have a pre-theatre meal. The performance was wonderful and got us all in the mood for Christmas. We had intended to organise a trip to the National Arboretum on December 9, but transport arrangements proved difficult. Instead, a few of us are headed for the farmers' market at Stow-onthe-Wold. For our November meeting we are having a ‘Murder Mystery Scenes of Crime’ event, with delicious handmade cakes, tea and coffee. In December last year we had to cancel our entertainment but have been in touch and he is going to revisit us this year. We are now currently planning some exciting events for 2022 – watch this space! Mangotsfield WI would like to wish all our readers a merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year. For more information, take a look at our Facebook page or our website at www.mangotsfieldwi. org.uk. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing president@ mangotsfieldwi.org.uk. Carol Coombs

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

December, 2021

downendvoice

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Remarkable effort and sacrifice by those who keep us safe AS we approach the end of another year, I want to reflect on the last seven months of being your PCC. It’s been a whirlwind and there are numerous achievements since being appointed that the team and I are proud of. I’m lucky enough to have met with officers, staff, local people, community groups and organisations across Avon and Somerset, and have gained an understanding of their concerns and views around policing and crime in their area. I will continue to meet with communities, MPs and councillors every Friday to ensure we are working in collaboration for our communities. I’m also proud to be the PCC lead for economic and cyber crime, including fraud: one in ten people fall victim to fraud and it is because of such statistics I was

inspired to take on this role. I will continue to work at a local, regional and national level to raise the profile of this lifedestroying crime, and get a grip of it to protect vulnerable people from harm. Following a rigorous selection process, I’m also delighted to announce my preferred chief constable candidate – Sarah Crew. At the time of writing this column, I am waiting for the Police and Crime Panel hearing to take place on November 25, where I will seek confirmation of appointment of my preferred candidate. At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative chief constable, who is able to inspire their workforce, and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are

dedicated and hard-working, and I believe that Sarah can enhance their considerable efforts and skills. Moving on, I want to take a moment to reflect on the start of the year, which was a difficult time for all of us as we entered another lockdown. During this time – and still to this day – I was blown away by the remarkable efforts of local people and the sacrifices you made. Unfortunately, as we enter the winter, coronavirus cases continue to increase and it is a stark reminder that the virus is still out there. Although the vast majority of the population are vaccinated and many are receiving their booster jab, please continue to exercise caution over the coming months. Finally, I want to thank the police, NHS and other emergency and volunteer services who

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford will be working over the festive season to ensure local people and communities are safe. It’s always a busy time of year for those who work in the emergency services, and their work does not go unrecognised. I wish you all the best with your celebrations and may you have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

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

downendvoice

December, 2021

n DOWNEND IN BLOOM

A new look thanks to new planters A BUSY time at the moment with In Bloom. We have now removed nearly all of our wooden boxes and replaced them with new all-weather planters. The old wooden planters have now been shipped off to their new home in Downend School, to be used by the pupils next year. We have also replaced the large square wooden boxes outside Lloyds on Cleeve Road. These have been replaced with five new long planters on our metal framing system, and they look really good. It was very lucky that we replaced these planters, as when we emptied and moved them, two virtually fell apart! Thank you to the In Bloom crew for their work in making this happen and also to South Gloucestershire Council for the provision of the Thrive grant which enabled us to do this. We have also resumed our monthly tidy-ups in the High Street. For the first one we did a general tidy but also did a focused clean-up of the alleyway between Ocean and Ground It. There were very large weeds along either side but our trusty volunteers once again worked their magic and by the end of the morning it was completely clear. We are hoping that by working monthly we will be able to keep on top of the weeds and deadheading. Unfortunately we have decided to cancel our AGM, as there is so much Covid in the area and we do not want to put our volunteers at risk. We thought it better to be prudent. Rest assured, however, that the small core of the committee will still be meeting to make plans for the future. It will be very soon that we have to put our order of plants in for next year's summer displays, so

The new planters on Cleeve Road we are always planning ahead. We are very excited to be going to the Coop supermarket to celebrate the grant award that we received from them this year. The grant was awarded to us for the continued work we do in the area with our floral displays and also for our work we are trying to do with Downend School. This is enabling us to set up the planters and install a watering system for use when we are planting. We are very grateful to the Coop for their continued support. Jackie Baker Jackie Baker jabaker32@outlook.com.

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December, 2021

n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Chestnut House, Woodland Court, Partridge Drive, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2RE

HE RE TO GET

you

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Asking Price £140,000 Hunters Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this first floor retirement apartment which is located in the popular development of Woodland Court. Woodland Court is situated in a secluded position which is accessed via a private driveway in Downend and offers the opportunity for residents to enjoy their independence, together with the option to call upon professional care and support to suit changing requirements and needs. This development is managed by Brunelcare and offers an excellent choice of social and leisure facilities to enjoy which include; a restaurant, bar and lounge area, as well as mini-bus trips to local shops, supermarkets and a weekly trip further afield. Woodland Court has over fifty self contained apartments which are situated in four separate blocks. These blocks are all surrounded by well kept communal gardens. All apartments are designed to offer independence, together with peace of mind and security for when you feel the time is right for you to seek a degree of support. This particular flat is situated on the first floor in the block, Chestnut House and is offered for sale with no onward chain. The property has recently been decorated

throughout and has new carpets fitted. The accommodation in brief comprises; a lounge/diner with French doors and a Juliet balcony, a kitchen with an integral oven & hob, a bathroom with bath and a separate shower cubicle and a bedroom with dressing area with a fitted wardrobe. Additional benefits include; double glazed windows, electric heating and a security entry system. An internal viewing inspection is highly recommended to fully appreciate all that this extremely popular development has to offer.

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December, 2021

downendvoice

n OCEAN PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Bromley Heath Asking price: £425,000 This double fronted 3 bedroom semi-detached family home is located within the sought after Bromley Heath area and is handily placed a short walk to the ever popular Infant and Junior schools whilst offering excellent transport links onto the Avon Ring Road and motorway networks. The property offers spacious living accommodation including entrance hallway, lounge, dining room and a galley kitchen which leads to a utility, W.C and garage. To the first floor are 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, a single bedroom and a family bathroom. The property further benefits from having double glazing, gas central heating and a garage. Externally is a rear garden mainly laid to lawn and a driveway to the front providing off street parking for several cars.

Alpine LANDSCAPING Established family firm with 25 years experience

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Louise Boustead Your local Family Law and Divorce legal specialist in Staple Hill

0117 943 4800 20 High Street

H Senior Citizens Special H Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off H Patios H Fencing H Tree Work H Turfing H Hedgecutting H Planting (Shrubs etc) H Organic manure delivered — Also applied H Professional and guarnteed work H Brick & Blocklaying

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

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T. 0117 9566221 W. mcoleman.co.uk

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

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

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

Coleman

“Offered For Sale with NO ONWARD CHAIN M.Coleman Estate Agents are pleased to market this charming one-bedroom apartment suitable for those 55 years plus within the ever-popular Woodland Court complex. Situated on the first floor accessible by either lift or stairs the accommodation comprises a welcoming entrance hallway which gives access to an open plan lounge/dining room with double glazed French doors which not only flood the room with natural light but also open to offer a Juliette balcony. The stunning kitchen has been thoughtfully designed to utilise all available space. There are a range of wall and base units fronted with sleek White doors in a High Gloss handleless finish; under unit lighting adds a delightful finishing touch. Integrated appliances include an electric hob, extractor, eye level double oven, washer/ dryer and fridge/freezer plus an additional under counter freezer. Accessed from the lounge the bedroom is a well-proportioned double with professionally fitted wardrobes offering copious storage. The fully tiled shower room has a mains plumbed walk-in style shower, low-level w/c and basin in vanity unit. Externally the beautiful communal gardens are predominantly laid to lawn with well-stocked borders thoughtfully planted with a range of flowers, shrubs and trees. The Village provides a range

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17 Chestnut House, Woodland Court, Partridge Drive, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2RE £170,000

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

of services for residents including a 24/7 staffed front desk, a restaurant, bar, lounge, weekly laundry of towels and bedding, cleaning, and a chauffeured minibus enabling regular trips to local supermarkets and day trips further afield. There is also an option to call upon the on-site professional care team to support changing needs. The property is conveniently located to the amenities of Fishponds, close to direct bus routes to Bristol City Centre and within easy reach of the M4/M5 corridor. This property will not disappoint and we recommend viewing at your earliest opportunity.”lawn and much more.

H. G. Harris Family Funeral Directors 9 Broad Street, Staple Hill Bristol BS16 5LN Tel: 0117 956 9479 Fax: 0117 956 4070 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net

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

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downendvoice

n SPORT DOWNEND Boxing Club's Vinnie Bush continued a proud family tradition in winning the Western Counties title of the National Schools Championship. Vinnie’s great-grandfather Les was a stalwart of amateur boxing and his grandfather Sean was a national champion. After a unanimous win over the stylish Tadhg Moloney of Wottonunder-Edge, 14-year-old Vinnie contested the Western counties final against the talented Tommie Goodwin, of Bournemouth.

Vinnie keeps up family tradition In a wonderful contest deserving of the occasion, the Bournemouth boxer used his height and reach advantage to try and keep the relentless Bristolian away, but Vinnie’s pressure and fast attacks paid off, and he took the first title of his career. In a supporting bout on the card, 21-year-old Usamah Zaman won the first of two fights in quick succession, against Ben Pasco.

Usamah then headed to RAF Cranwell with team mates Liam Whelan and Bailey Phillips to face members of the RAF boxing team. Facing Senior Aircraftsman Deller of RAF Honington, he again used his reach and movement well against an opponent who forced the action to the final bell, and his cleaner punching saw the win come back to Bristol. Craig Turner Vinnie Bush

Councillor VACANCY on the Town Council Emersons Green Town Council has a vacancy for a Town Councillor. If you have an interest in representing your community, live or work in the Town Council boundary and are over 18 years old, you may be interested in joining us? As a councillor, you will help keep it a great place to live and work. Most councillors say that the role occupies around an hour a week, but there are opportunities to get more involved for those who are keen! As a minimum, you would be required to attend the monthly Full Council meeting which takes place at 7.00pm on the last Thursday of the month. The deadline for application is Wednesday 5 January 2022. Please see your Facebook page or website for full details, or scan the QR code to the right:

‘Design a Christmas Streetlight’ competition We are pleased to announce the winners of our Christmas completition as Frankie Summers, age 8, and Olivia Li, age 5. We are sure you will agree that their designs are brilliant! Unfortunately, due to unforeseeable global supply chain issues affecting many sectors at the moment, the streetlight manufacturers were unable to fulfil orders for bespoke lights this year, which we are really disappointed about. We are still hoping to get the wonderful designs manufactured for display with our other Christmas streetlights in 2022. The two winning designs will feature on the front and rear cover of the Christmas Emersons Green Voice publication, and both winners have received family tickets to the Avon Valley Railway Santa Special event (say ‘Hi!’ to Santa for us!). Thank you to everybody who entered the competition. The standard of entries was outstanding and made judging really difficult! By Frankie Summers, age 8 All Town Councillors are available for contact by members of the public. Contact details can be found on our website, or by scanning the QR code to the left. clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Tel: 0117 3026989

By Olivia Li, age 5

All Town Council meetings are open to members of the public and are held at the Town Council offices on Westerleigh Road. Please see our website for meeting agendas. Planning Committee 10.30am 6 & 20 December Full Council 7.00pm 9 December Finance Committee 7.00pm 16 December

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

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December, 2021

downendvoice

n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

The New Build by Jeff McKinstry

Keeping it simple SIMPLICITY: the quality or condition of being plain or uncomplicated in form or design. It’s very easy to define an abstract idea like simplicity, as you can see above, but depicting it in a photograph is much more complicated. This was the test that was set to club members in the first print competition since last year’s covid lockdown but, as always, members rose to the challenge. If the challenge is simplicity then keep it simple. Not too much detail to confuse the eye and a limited colour range were the order

of the day. Consider the following three examples. Jeff McKinstry was awarded third place for his photograph The New Build. Rendered in black and white, it shows a lamp post in front of an undefined building. Very simple indeed and no explanation as to what we are looking at. Who cares? It’s the image that matters. Joy Flood chose an image that, apparently simple, can be very difficult to present effectively. She has passed that test splendidly with her photograph, Water Drop. A bead of dropped water stands atop the water splash: the whole picture in shades of blue. Joy’s photograph was highly commended. Blue is also the dominant

Water Drop by Joy Flood colour of Jackie Worlock’s Heart and Butterfly. Everybody loves a butterfly, and here its delicate yellow and orange offers a contrast that lifts the picture and the heart. Jackie’s photo was commended. If you’re looking for company and new acquaintances, new members and guests are always welcome to our club (£3 if you just want to try us out).

So, if you’re interested and would like to be part of our social re-emergence, take a look at our website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or contact us by email at lincombe. barn@gmail.com. Stay safe and have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Sid Stace

Heart and Butterfly by Jackie Worlock

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

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downendvoice

December, 2021

n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS

Sprucing up a children's play area VOICE readers may remember a short article from Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council recently outlining the involvement of Downend Men In Sheds in the tidy-up of a children’s slide at King George V children’s play area. The slide in question was looking the worse for wear, with fading paint work and a wooden roof that had partially disintegrated. Two of our members attended a site meeting at the play area in July, together with representatives from Friends of King George V Playing Fields, our parish council and South Gloucestershire Council. The scope of the job was discussed but unfortunately the timing of the meeting coincided with a torrential downpour and no available shelter, resulting in everyone ending up rather wet, but nevertheless in agreement on proceeding with the refurbishment. South Gloucestershire Council offered to supply the necessary paint plus sundry material and DMIS committed to undertake the painting, source suitable plywood and make and fix a new roof. The work was postponed until after the school holidays, when the play area would be relatively quiet. Fortunately the weather during September was relatively warm and dry, ideal for painting work. Two members who undertook the painting can be seen in

DOWNEND MEN in SHEDS

the accompanying photo. The repainted slide with its new roof looks much more inviting and is hopefully being enjoyed by local children. A few weeks ago our chairman had a chance encounter outside the Bromley Park pavilion with Monica Cave, from the fundraising group of the South Gloucestershire Guide Dogs. As a result, our group offered to donate a log reindeer to the charity, to use as a raffle prize during their fundraising events leading up to Christmas. One of our skilled members undertook the job, using logs kindly donated by a neighbour, plus a few other branches collected locally. At the end of October we were delighted to receive a return visit from Monica and Jan Peters, who was accompanied by her retired guide dog Celia. The exercise turned out to be

n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Colour in winter

GARDENS may be put to bed but can be colourful in winter, with pansies and polyanthus in pots, and hanging baskets with foliage plants – or watch the wildlife in your garden feeding off the berries. You can also make festive wreaths and table decorations with foliage and berries from your garden, grow your Christmas tree in a pot in the garden and bring it in for Christmas. The first daffodils, hyacinths and amaryllis in pots all make your home a beautiful place at Christmas. Go out for a winter walk to see winter garden with cornus, heathers and helleborus. Who says the garden in winter is boring? Our next meeting is a Christmas party and garden quiz on December 9 at 7.30pm, at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road. Call Roger Davis on 0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton on 0117 9792832 for more details. Roger Davis

a resounding success and we hope the raffle provides a healthy contribution to the charities funds. The following week two ladies, who likely noticed the above activity, enquired if we would make two smaller versions of the reindeer for them. On occasions we are asked by members of the public if we would like to have their surplus tools and carpentry materials. Our answer is almost always yes, as otherwise such

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items could end up at the recycling centre, treated as rubbish. Many of the items we receive are put to immediate use but where there is surplus to our needs, they are taken to a charity called Tools for Self Reliance, based at the Kingswood Heritage Museum. Donated hand tools are refurbished by volunteers, assembled into kits according to trade and shipped to partner organisations at various locations in Africa. There they are put to good use, relieving poverty and helping develop the communities, thus promoting a culture of self reliance. You can contact us by email at downendmeninsheds@gmail.com. Peter Julian

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December, 2021

n LIBRARY NEWS n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries Opening Hours Downend and Emersons Green libraries last staffed day before Christmas is Friday 24th December, closing at 1pm. Staple Hill library’s last staffed day will be Thursday 23rd December 10am – 5.30pm. There will be no staffed hours between 25th – 29th December but for details of how to renew or reseover the Seasonal period see www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries Thursday 30th December : Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries staffed 10am – 5.30pm Friday 31st December : Downend & Emersons Green libraries staffed 10am – 5pm No staffed hours 1st – 3rd January then usual staffed opening hours resume. Seasonal Children’s Activities Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries have FREE Christmas activity packs for children to collect and do at home. Just pop along to any of the libraries on a staffed day between 4th – 23rd Dec to collect yours! Book Start Storytimes & Rhyme Times at Staple Hill Library Staple Hill Library is taking part in a national pilot project to support children’s reading. We have in stock multiple copies of some new picture books for parents and toddlers to borrow and enjoy and then vote on their favourite on our sticker wallchart. Children can also have their photo taken on our promotional stand any time they visit the library, pick up more stickers if they attend Storytime or Rhyme Time (where we are reading the books & rhymes until 11th December) and collect some other freebies as well. Please ask staff for more details or email staplehill. library@southglos.gov.uk. Green Waste Bags Recycling your real Christmas tree? If you purchase a single use green waste bag (£2.30) from any of our libraries you can have the tree collected on your usual recycling day. For more details visit https:// www.southglos.gov.uk/one-offgarden-waste-collection. Our Click & Collect and General Library enquiries phone line will be staffed until 1pm on Christmas Eve, then 30th & 31st December before resuming usual days and times from 4th January : 01454 865022 (Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm & Sat 9.30 -12) or libraries@southglos. gov.uk.

Make your garden ready for winter visitors WE are coming to the close of another year. I hope you have enjoyed your gardens and found them a place of calm and relaxation, with a little exercise thrown in. Our gardens will be shedding their leaves, which we will be clearing and putting away for leaf mould, as well as trimming back dead plants and having a general tidy-up. It gives us time to think about what we would like to change, and to check bird feeders, give them a good wash and fill them with fresh seed and nuts. Check the water containers – as it gets colder, they begin to freeze over, and we need to keep them filled as much as we can. We will all be rewarded with the birds visiting us. I am beginning to get a larger variety already. I have had a young buzzard, a jay and a few starlings, as well as the usual sparrows, blue tits, magpies, rooks and of course pigeons and the resident robin. I think I should get my camera set up near the window, so I am ready for any unusual visitors, who are always welcome. I must admit my biggest wish is for a hedgehog: I have placed a broken pot under a conifer and filled it with hay, so here is hoping. If not, the frogs will make good use of it. The bulbs are all planted and something to look forward to in spring. Pansies are in the planters.

However, I do fancy a few different-coloured blue and white grape hyacinths; if I can still find some they will go in pots so I can move them around. Have you planted anything unusual in the way of bulbs this autumn? I trust you gardeners in the area have enjoyed my ramblings and even, if you do not garden, it has been good to walk around our local area and enjoy other people's gardens – there are so many different kinds about. Even if we have to provide ourselves with a parking space, we can still have plants to the sides or, if we think about, it a row of low lying plants under the car. If we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint, even a strip of lawn will help, or herbs like thyme. It has been good, over the past few months, to have returned to gardening club. Our last speaker on orchids brought some lovely specimens along and we had slides of varieties we had not seen before. Our speaker in January will be Nick Wray from Bristol University's botanical gardens – a really interesting place to visit with plants from around the world. He will be talking about the flowers in Sicily. Gardening Club members send Christmas greetings and wish you all a happy New Year. I wish you a happy Christmas and a year full of happy gardening in front of you. Mary Head, Secretary

n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN

How lucky I am to still have my dog

ON a beautiful autumn afternoon not so long ago, while on a walk with Pepe my rescue terrier, I realised how lucky I was to have him still. A few weeks ago I thought I was going to lose him. He was fine at my birthday coffee morning early in October, jumping around on visitors' laps he knew, and he was well the following weekend, but when Monday came there was something drastically wrong with him. As usual, he sat by the front door after his breakfast to be taken for his morning walk. He was eager to get started as I put his lead on him and he walked down the incline to the lane at the bottom but then he slowed up, barely able to put one paw in front of the other, which was so unlike him. I did not rush to make an appointment with the vet,

hoping that whatever was wrong would pass, but on returning home he started yelping when I stroked him, and on the Tuesday I decided to call the vet. The earliest appointment was not until a couple of days' time and someone offered to give me a lift up to the vets at Emersons Green. But Pepe just yelped when the vet tried to examine him. His yelps could be heard while I waited in the waiting area. The vet gave him a pain relief injection and prescribed him a course of anti-inflammatory Metacam and liquid paracetamol for a week. One thing he never lost was his appetite and, three weeks on, he has made a miraculous recovery. Although very eager to go out, he does slow up towards the end of the walk. Being a rescue dog, I do not know his age. He still loves to roll around on the rug, though, with his legs in

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On December 2 we are having a Christmas get together with entertainment from Geoff Pegler, with his accordion for a Christmas singalong. There will be a quiz and secret Santa. Please bring a gift costing no more than £1. See you there! Christine Broadway

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

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December, 2021

n SPORT

Cleve's tough challenge

Club's thanks to chair Andy CARSONS and Mangotsfield Cricket Club chair Andy King has stood down after two years in the role. Despite the difficulty of having to deal with covid during that time, the club had come a long way on the playing front with promotion for both the 1st and 2nd teams, a thriving junior section with both boys and girls’ teams, and a lively social side. In a report read to the club's AGM at Pomphrey Hill in October, Andy thanked all those who had supported him in moving the club forward. Sadly he was not able to attend as he was having to isolate, so members weren’t able to thank him and show their appreciation for all his hard work. Ian Rosling replaces Andy as chair. Ian is a club stalwart, having served as 1st team captain and been part of the group who set up the junior section. All four Saturday captains were reappointed – Sam Brayley, Mike Wallage, John Douglass and Colin Angell – as well as Jack O’Hara on a Sunday. The club were pleased to be able to confirm Chloe Micklethwaite as the girls' coach and representative on the main committee, to give girls a full voice at meetings. A successful trial of a mid-week team as a trial this year meant that a decision was taken to enter the team into a league. Mike Wallage and some of the 2nd team

Cleve 24 Cheltenham 43

Mike Wallage receives the 2nd team's trophy from England's James Bracey. attended the Bristol and District Cricket's Association awards evening, where they collected the trophy for winning their league from England and Gloucestershire player James Bracey. If you are interested in joining Carsons and Mangotsfield CC please email iancoles7@sky.com or carsonsandmangotsfieldcc@gmail.com. Ian Coles

CLEVE RFC's developing team faced a stiff challenge from second-placed Cheltenham in their continuing effort to adjust to the Tribute Western Counties North league. The game was very competitive in the first half, with Cleve often camped on Cheltenham's line as they responded to the highlyplaced visitors. The first half ended 17-5 to Cheltenham but in fact Cleve were looking the better side, with the forwards, including stalwarts Steven Bush and Chris McCann, contesting the tight exchanges well. In the second half Cheltenham dominated possession and eventually ended with six tries. Cleve were persistent to the end and scored three of their own. The effort is there and the Cleve fans feel that eventually the team will get their just rewards. Stephen Bateman

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December, 2021

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Who doesn’t like an awards ceremony? Ask Ant and Dec! It’s been a strange month for my Cleve Chiropractic colleague Catherine Quinn and I. We hosted the equivalent of the chiro Oscars, doing our best to impersonate the popular Geordie duo. And I think there was just as much pressure on us. We were in charge of delivering and helping to host the national British Chiropractic Association (BCA) conference. During the past nine months, we’ve been heading up the repositioning and rebranding of the chiropractic profession through the BCA and have now launched this huge piece of work to the membership. The project is much too involved to go into details here. Suffice to say, the take home message is that we want to support all chiropractors to put their patients first and practise with the very highest levels of ethics and standards of care. There’s a lot more to digest on this subject so, if you’re interested, please follow the BCA on social media channels. During the conference I was asked to represent chiropractic during an excellent debate with

Jack Chew, one of the country’s leading physiotherapists, and Ollie Coburn, who is the registrar for the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT). We considered the benefits of working alone as a practitioner in our chosen field. The thinking is that you get to learn more techniques to help treat many different conditions. That’s against working as part of a team of professionals but always with the same goal – doing your very best for the patient. I’m fortunate to have worked both on a solo basis and within a team. During my first seven years as a chiropractor, I had my own business but also worked for Bath Rugby in the Premiership – so I enjoyed the best of both worlds. During these early formative years, I spent some time dreaming of the ‘gold standard’ way of working in private practice – and always trying to answer the same question: what is the best environment in which to treat patients? I kept coming up with the same answer. The ‘professional sport way’ seemed like the best solution. At Bath, every player would

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come and see me, followed by a visit to the physio and the sport therapist, then go to the gym with the sports rehabilitator, or out training on the practice pitches. They had access to the team doctor, pilates, yoga and a nutritional therapist. We had the first laser machine I had ever seen, with access to X-rays, MRI and ultrasound scans. So back in the days of no kids or grey hair, I formulated a plan of interdisciplinary working with a big enough clinic that could house everyone and enough equipment to match an elite sports environment. During the next 19 years or so, I formed a ‘collection’ of experts who I knew I could work with. The friends I made at Bath Rugby, then with Bristol Rovers, would become my future colleagues. These people are leaders in their fields and have hugely varied skill sets. They already respect each other and know how to work together effectively to give the patient the best possible treatment. I saved hard to buy and build in stages. This enabled me to furnish my clinic and buy a full range of medical equipment. It’s not just about chiropractic gear – we now have an X-ray machine, 3 diagnostic ultrasound machines, 3 shockwave machines, 2 laser therapy machines, 10 chiropractic and physio beds, an anti-gravity treadmill and we refer out for MRI

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scans…I haven’t quite afforded one of those yet! I believe we’ve made great strides but we’re still improving. Keith Graham, our lead physiotherapist, has completed his prescribing qualifications and can now perform ultrasound guided injections. We’ve taken on acupuncturist Jennie Abraham and we are about to partner with a very experienced nutritional therapist. So you can tell that the conference debate sparked a huge amount of feeling for me as I proudly supported the idea of interdisciplinary working. I love what we’ve created with nearly two decades of hard work and determination. It means each patient at our clinic can be treated like a Premier League elite sports person, whatever their age, sex or physical ability.

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December, 2021

n SPORT

Simpson returns to lift Mangos NEW signing Kye Simpson has had an immediate effect for Mangotsfield United, scoring four goals in his first two matches. Simpson had a previous spell at Cossham Street and later played for Evesham United but more recently had been playing for Chipping Sodbury Town. In his first game, at home to Paulton, Simpson scored for the hosts on 12 & 84 minutes, but unfortunately Paulton striker Leighton Thomas did even better, bagging all four goals for the visitors, on 13, 43, 66 and 69 minutes, the latter two being penalties. Nonetheless, it was a much improved performance by the Mangos, and having a proven Southern League striker in Kye Simpson up front made an immediate difference to the whole team. The team's visit to Bristol Manor Farm may have been

'only' a Gloucestershire FA Trophy tie, but that didn’t matter, as the Mangos tore into the hosts and came away with an amazing 4-0 away win, proving that they were never too far away from putting a team to the sword. Farm were hampered by the sending off of Kyle Tooze on 30 minutes with a straight red card. Kye Simpson had already put the Mangos ahead on 22 minutes, and made it 2-0 before Wayne Nderemani added a third in first half stoppage time. The hosts had more of the play after the break, but Mangotsfield were able to cope with Farm’s 10 men and Daniel McBeam added a fourth goal with 10 minutes to go to wrap up a memorable win, which saw another new signing, Sam Larkins, playing in central defence. The Paulton fixture followed a 2-0 home league defeat to Melksham Town, despite a

spirited performance, and a 3-0 loss in their first meeting with Lymington Town, who were the stronger side in the first half and scored all their goals before the break. Writing in the club programme before the Paulton Rovers match, manager Ray Johnston summed up the first 3 months of the season, saying: "Looking back at our performances, there have only been two or three games in which we have been thoroughly outplayed, and in quite a few games, we have been the better team for long periods of the games, but a lot of the goals we have conceded this season have been self-destructive; so if we can eradicate these mistakes and strengthen the team in the attacking areas as we overcome injuries and unavailability, then we should, hopefully, start converting performances into points."

Ray Johnston He said the situation was not "all doom and gloom" but the club needs to start picking up points to stay in contention with the teams just above us in the league. Dave Smale Forthcoming fixtures: Nov 20: Sholing (away) Nov 27: Frome Town (away) Dec 4: Barnstaple (home) Dec 11: Cirencester Town (away) Dec 18: Winchester City (home)

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Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator

Builder & Interior Decorator

17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior Facade T: 0117 401 8568& / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience

T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com

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

downendvoice

December, 2021

PLUMBING

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLUMBING & HEATING

J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator

We would be pleased to help you with your

No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:

07474573780 0117 2792264 e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com

PAINTING & DECORATING STEVE PAINTER

DECORATING SERVICES

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

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

UP TO 10 YEAR FINANCE PLANS AVAILABLE Contact us via:

0117 9600296 or 07970122137 info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk

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

Traditionally trained Quality workmanship Paperhanging specialist Friendly and reliable Competitively priced

FULLY ACCREDITED WITH

Call Steve Painter on:

01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035 PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

629179

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

TEL: 07765 250816 PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk

Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available Finance also available

56746

518308

07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

0117

957 5092

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

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

Tel 07779242184 Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

December, 2021

71 WIGS

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

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

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

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

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

ROOFING

TREE SURGEONS

We stock many styles and makes.

Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com

WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS

N . BROWN

ROOFIN G LIMITED

SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS

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

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES Give Nigel a call he’s local and has a wealth of experience

✆ 07779 786072 ROOFING

TREE SURGEONS

J.A. Cole & Sons FLAT ROOFING Tree Surgeons A MURPHY

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

TEL: 0117 431 5880 MOBILE: 07976 442703

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

0117 9567298 07768 973291

www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk

WASTE DISPOSAL

SHOWER REPAIRS

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

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

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

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

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

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

0117 956 3285

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

07976 665448

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

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

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

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

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL

077867 30804 or 0117 279 9409 info@treadwellwindows.co.uk treadwellwindows.co.uk BASED IN DOWNEND! WINDOW & DOOR SPECIALISTS

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

tel: 07977490777

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

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

We are running a prize draw for £1,000 of TUI holiday vouchers. ered into t n e e b To draw the prize give to you need e to nc us a cha urrent c r u o y t bea ge offer a g t r o m re r bank. u o y m o r f

Simply book a meeting with us and bring in your remortgage rate offer from your lender or bank, and you'll automatically be entered into the prize draw which takes place the 23rd of December 2021 Contact your expert adviser today

0117 9679240

www.mabdownend.co.uk Award-winning mortgage advice Terms & Conditions: No purchase necessary to enter the prize draw following full pre booked mortgage appointment with a qualified MAB Downend mortgage adviser. Only one entry per person. The Promoter will use any data submitted by entrants only for the purposes of running the prize draw, unless otherwise stated in the entry details. By entering this prize draw, all entrants consent to the use of their personal data by the Promoter for the purposes of the administration of this prize draw and any other purposes to which the entrant has consented. The winners will be notified via Facebook tag. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook. You acknowledge that all information and material that you submit to enter this Promotion is submitted to the Promoter and not Facebook and you agree that Facebook shall not be liable to you in any way in respect of this Promotion. The winners agree to take part in reasonable post event publicity and to the use of their names and photographs in such publicity.

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.