Downend Voice July 2021 by Gary Brindle

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk July, 2021, Issue 96

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Blackhorse Primary School has created a farm in its grounds where children are growing crops. Head teacher Simon Botten said the project was having a positive impact on pupils' mental health and wellbeing - as well as providing produce for school meals and enhancing science, history and geography lessons. Report: Page 9

Scarecrow trail boosts schools A trail of scarecrows depicting storybook characters raised money for Christchurch Infant and Junior Schools. PAGE 7

£30m ring road scheme unveiled

Ban on street drinking NIGHT-TIME drinking on the streets of Staple Hill has been banned at weekends after a rise in assaults, drug dealing and crowds gathering. Police say the Public Spaces Protection Order, which is in

force on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to 4am, is in response to increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in the area. There have been nine separate incidents of assaults and public order offences, police

say. Some pubs in the area are now closing at 10pm, which has led to "significant numbers of people buying alcohol in off licences and continuing drinking in the High Street". Full story: Page 5

A £30m scheme to upgrade five roundabouts on the ring road over three years has been unveiled. PAGES 10 & 11

Police diversity champion's MBE Kermal Singh, from Downend, a diversity champion for Avon & Somerset police, has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. PAGE 19

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July, 2021

n NEWS

www.downendvoice.co.uk

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Strictly star drops in

Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377

Follow us on Twitter @downendvoice ADVERTISING sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our August edition deadline is July 21. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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

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

A member of the

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Katya Jones dropped into a Staple Hill dance studio to hold workshops for more than 100 eager students. The Russian-born professional dancer, who has appeared on five series of the hit BBC show, and won the 2017 series when paired with actor Joe McFadden, visited RedX Dance Studio in Page Road with West End musical actor Sahsa Latoya in June. Katya ran sessions for dancers from eight year olds to adults, teaching them a high-energy street dance routine as seen on Strictly, before holding question and answer sessions for each group. RedX Dance is run by sisters Gaby and Jasmine and SorisiThomas, who founded the studio in 2012, when they were still in their teens. They said: "Everyone loved having Katya come to the studio – it was a lovely end to Lockdown."

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Father v son match in memory of Wendy A VERY special cricket match is taking place in memory of a Downend mum. Wendy Pound was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suddenly falling ill in May last year. Just five months later, the previously fit and active motherof three died. Wendy, mum to Rachel, Hannah and Matt, was known by many pupils at Christ Church Junior School, where she was a lunchtime supervisor before moving on to work at Silverhill School in Winterbourne. Now her husband Andy will go head-to-head with his son in a friendly match at Downend Cricket Club, to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Research. The charity supports scientists improving treatment and working to find a cure for a disease which kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Despite that statistic, only 1% of national spending on cancer research is allocated to brain tumours. Andy said that Wendy had never had any hint she had a tumour until she started to feel unwell while out picking up a package last May. Andy went to collect her but before they reached home, she had a seizure and had to be taken straight to hospital by ambulance. Andy said: "Because of covid I couldn't go with her. Two days later they sent her home with a discharge note saying she had a potential tumour." A biopsy confirmed the tumour, and the family were given the devastating news that it was inoperable. Radiotherapy was not possible and, while Wendy had a course of chemotherapy during the summer, by late September her condition had worsened to the extent that doctors said there was nothing more they could do. Wendy passed away at home in October. Andy said: "It was as if someone had flicked the offswitch. "To see it happen to someone who had been perfectly fine, doing keep fit classes in the garden during lockdown and doing handstands and headstands – it could happen to

Matt Pound with his dad Andy. Inset, mum Wendy anyone. "There are thousands of people who are walking around now with a brain tumour, with no idea they've got it." Andy held a Facebook fundraiser on his birthday in March, which raised £3,500 for the charity. Downend Cricket Club, where Andy helps manage the under17s team and Matt, 18, has been playing for nine years, suggested staging a match in her memory. The intra-club match, involving members of the first, second and third XIs, will take place on Sunday July 25, the day after what would have been Wendy's 54th birthday. Andy will lead one side while his son Matt will captain the other. There will be entertainment, including some of the T20 soundtrack used by Gloucestershire, and a big raffle to add to the occasion. Among the prizes already donated are a Bristol Rugby shirt and tickets courtesy of insurance broker Andy's employer, Premiership sponsors Gallagher. Gloucestershire Cricket, Bristol Rovers and City, the Kendleshire golf club, Wessex Garages and the Butcher's Hook and Fruit Tree in Staple Hill have also stepped up to offer prizes. Andy says that, while Wendy "wasn't a huge cricket fan" she made many friends at the club when she came to watch Matt play. She loved the club's social events, particularly 80s discos where she and her friends would sing and dance to Spandau Ballet's hit Gold at the end of the night. The song was played at Wendy's funeral and there will be an 80s playlist at the match in her honour.

All are welcome to attend the match, which will start at 12.30pm. Brain Tumour Research estimates that £2,740 is enough to fund a day of its research work and Andy is aiming to raise that at the match, and an online fundraiser will also be set up and accessible via the cricket club's Facebook page. He said: "It's going to be a tough weekend – Wendy's first birthday without her – but while

there is a serious side to it, we're going to have a laugh, too." Matt is planning to bring some competitive spirit to the intergenerational match-up with his dad, joking: "It won't be a friendly match when we get out there!" Brain Tumour Research was launched in 2009 and receives no government funding, relying entirely on supporters' donations to pay for its research programme. Community development manager Melanie Tiley said: “We are really grateful to Andy and Downed Cricket Club for hosting this memorial cricket match. Increased investment in research is vital if we are to improve outcomes for patients. "Please come and support the event and help us get closer to cure." For more information on the charity visit braintumourresearch.org online.

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

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Pupils sent home after more than 30 go down with Covid

DOWNEND School had to suspend face-to-face lessons for pupils after more than 30 coronavirus cases were reported. The move came against a background of rising Covid-19 cases in the area, as the more infectious delta variant of the disease started to spread. The secondary school moved back to remote learning during the week from June 14-19 for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12, with all pupils except children of key workers asked to work from home using work set online. Year 11 GCSE and Year 13 A-level candidates had already finished work and assessments for the year, although transition sessions for Year 11s planning to return for sixth form in September also had to be suspended. The school had planned to hold Year 10 pupils' exams in school, until cases were reported which meant they also had to be run remotely. More than 400 pupils were told to isolate, as close contacts of the people who had tested positive.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said a total of 31 cases, some confirmed following PCR tests and others suspected after lateral flow tests, had been reported as of June 14, involving children and staff. After making the decision, a Downend School spokesperson said: "Over the last few days, we have experienced a number of cases of Covid-19 within the Downend School community. "This has meant that we have advised some students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 12 to self-isolate. "We also have a number of staff who are confirmed cases and other staff self-isolating as contacts. "We are working closely with the South Gloucestershire and South West Public Health teams, and are taking a number of temporary measures to contain

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transmission and prevent further spread of the virus. "Due to the number of staff having to isolate, we have taken the difficult decision to move some year groups to remote learning for the remainder of the week. "The safety of our students, staff and community is of paramount importance, and we will continue to monitor the situation carefully alongside our colleagues from Public Health." By Sunday June 20 the school was able to announce that faceto-face learning would resume, following a deep clean of the site. It reintroduced rules requiring that all staff and students wear face coverings in corridors and indoor communal areas, although masks were not required in class. In a letter to parents, the school said: "Switching to remote learning was the very last thing we wanted to do but the number of cases and speed of transmission meant that this was the best thing for the safety of our community. "It has been good to hear that those staff and students who have been unwell with Covid have, for the large part, only suffered fairly minor symptoms and are on the mend. We wish them a speedy and full return to

health." The closure came as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the area rose sharply in the space of a week. Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that, in the week to June 15, the total number of confirmed cases in South Gloucestershire was 217, more than double the 107 recorded over the previous week. In Downend, numbers of confirmed cases rose from 4 in the week to June 8 to 27 a week later. In Mangotsfield, confirmed cases rose from 2 to 10 over the same period and in the ONS areas covering Staple Hill, numbers rose from 9 to 14. Confirmed cases in Emersons Green were up from 2 to 17 over the week to June 15, but in Frenchay and Great Stoke they were down, from 23 to 13. In the year to June 4, 144 deaths with Covid-19 had been registered among South Gloucestershire residents.

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Staple Hill bans street drinking

A BAN on street drinking in Staple Hill High Street has been brought in after a rise in assaults, drug dealing and crowds of up to 100 people gathering. Police say the Public Spaces Protection Order, which is in force on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm to 4am, is in response to increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in the area. Over the past two months there have been nine separate incidents of assaults and public order offences, according to the Avon and Somerset force. They include the stabbing of a man in his 20s near the junction with Acacia Avenue on May 7. Police arrested two 18-year-old men afterwards on suspicion of affray in relation to the incident – one remains on police bail as investigations continue, while the other has been released without charge. Police say there have been reports of verbal abuse, fighting, dealing in "controlled substances" and some evidence of people on the street carrying knives and other weapons. They say some pubs in the area are now closing at 10pm, which has led to "significant numbers of people buying alcohol in off licences and continuing drinking in the High Street".

"This is leading to larger groups gathering, fighting and general nuisance behaviour," said a spokesperson. Neighbourhood Police Inspector Clive Summerill said: “We’ve been working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to deal with these ongoing issues, which have become more prevalent since the easing of lockdown measures in the spring. "Unfortunately, a small minority of people are continuing to engage in public disorder and anti-social behaviour, which is having a negative impact on the local community. “This PSPO gives us additional powers to tackle the root cause of the criminality we’ve been experiencing.” The order bans street drinking between

the junction with Lower Station Road, at the Bristol end of the High Street, and the junction of Broad Street and Park Road. It will be enforced by police officers, who can impose fixed penalty £100 fines. People can also be prosecuted under the Anti-social Behaviour, Police and Crime Act. South Gloucestershire Council licensing officers are working with pubs and bars to re-establish the area's Pub Watch and 'behave or be banned' schemes. Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: “Street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour is affecting other members of the community as well as businesses which have already struggled so much over the past year." Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillor Ian Boulton said stories of large groups gathering outside late-night shops and causing trouble had been circulating for some time but police were unable to act until residents started to officially report incidents. He said: "We need all incidents of criminal or antisocial behaviour to be reported to the police, as they need to know about developing problems before they become a crisis." He urged people to report incidents by calling 101, or 999 if a crime was in progress.

Teenager on e-scooter punches man in head A MAN was punched in the head by a teenager on an e-scooter in Staple Hill. Police, who described the incident as an unprovoked assault, said the 50-yearold victim was walking on Morley Road at about 9.45pm on May 31, the Spring bank holiday Monday, when he was approached by a man in his late teens on a red electric

scooter. A police spokesperson said: "The offender spoke briefly to the victim before punching him in the head, causing minor injuries." Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or thinks they know the attacker, who was white with ginger hair and wearing a white T-shirt and jogging bottoms, to call 101

and quote the crime reference number 5221 120 437. Police say they have been dealing with a series of issues of anti-social behaviour involving youths in the Mangotsfield, Lyde Green and Emersons Green areas. PC James Rochford of the neighbourhood policing team told a meeting of the Downend, Emersons Green and Frenchay

community engagement forum on June 15 that officers are currently working with local schools to identify youths involved in low-level offending who could be drawn in to violent crime. High-visibility patrols have been increased in the area, including more uniformed officers and mounted police.

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Scarecrows depict storybook favourites FAMILIES took to the streets of Downend and Staple Hill to hunt down scarecrows and raise money to buy some new school play equipment. Hundreds of people went out and about in the fine weather on June 11 to 13, to track down the 76 scarecrows created by families and businesses for the Christ Church Infant and Junior schools' fundraiser. Favourite characters from children's fiction popped up in front gardens and windows, from Alice in Wonderland and Willy Wonka to Harry Potter and Gangsta Granny. The event raised more than £1,000, which will go towards new play equipment for both schools. The Friends of Christ Church Junior

School are aiming to raise £23,000 for a large climbing frame, known as a 'clamber stack', which includes nets and a climbing wall. They have raised £8,500 so far. Friends co-chair Kelly Ballard said: "The Junior school playground and field currently has very little climbing equipment. The current trim trail is over 10 years old and contains wood that is rotting and in constant need of repair. "After the challenging year that our children have had to face, we wanted to bring something really special to the school that they, and many generations to come will enjoy." Christ Church Junior School head teacher Pippa Osborne said: "I cannot impress on you enough the need within some of the

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families in our community for enhanced play equipment and time to recover from COVID. "Our school serves a very varied community, many of whom do not have their own garden or personal playing space, which is why the offer at schools needs to be as fun and engaging as possible. "I believe it is our duty to both educate but also enthuse every child in our care and providing suitable, safe play equipment is one of the ways we can do this.” More details about the new equipment can be found at the school's crowdfunding page, www.newplayforccj.org. Offers of support and donations can also be made by emailing FriendsofCCJ@outlook.com.

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IF you're like me and were born in the 70’s, you may be finding that your close focus is not quite what it used to be. If you’re an 80’s child you’ve this to look forward to, and if you're lucky enough to have been a 60’s baby then you most probably know all about this by now - the P word. Yup, I'm talking about presbyopia or long arm syndrome. While we’re on the P word, and I’ll mention this just once, the word looks to be a combination from the Greek 'présbus' (older man) and Latin ‘opia’ (vision problem). It’s perhaps how I feel some days, but not something that I’m prepared to spell out or repeat! Now in the world of eyecare and Optometry we don’t manage all too well with remote working, it’s mostly up close and personal (eye care). This does mean that we have a tendency to notice the close focus changes that come to affect us all, earlier than some (that’s my explanation, and I’m most definitely sticking to it!). So what can be done? Well, for years I’ve looked into the options to keep your eyes feeling as if they’re 21 again, and now I’m going to personally benefit from this. I’m keeping quiet about the option I’m going for, but I’ll keep you posted in a month or two from my personal experience! We have the choice of single vision close focus glasses, a room lens (these let us see all around the room we’re in, but are not for driving/TV etc) or an all vision lens (these let us see far, close and everywhere in between). We used to call these varifocals, but we’ve long since improved this technology to offer sophisticated world class vision to our patients. As the sun’s most definitely been out for a few weeks now, it would be remiss of me not to mention protecting our eyes from the sun. The key is to wear UV400 (or CE marked) sunglasses. The options available are extensive, you can now choose from a range of six shades of transitions - lenses that darken in the sun, a regular sun tint or polaroid sunglasses for the maximum glare reduction benefit. When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve. However it has become increasingly clear that our vision of reassuringly thorough eye care is not compatible with the NHS funded (free) sight test. With this in mind, we evolved during lockdown into a practice offering Advanced Eye Care to every patient. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, advice on how to manage long arm syndrome, sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses, we’re still 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. While lockdown continues, and perhaps for a little longer too, 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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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

July, 2021

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School goes back to area's farming roots CHILDREN at Blackhorse Primary School have been learning how to grow their own food after the school opened its very own farm. The project has echoes of the area's history as a working farm in the years before the school and nearby homes were built. A dedicated horticulture teacher, Simon Evans, is helping pupils learn how to sow and tend to their crops both on the farm and in the newly-created allotment beds, which each class has been allocated across the school site. Head teacher Simon Botten said: "Whilst we’d always planned to develop the children’s understanding of horticulture, health and nutrition this year, we decided to use the theme of ‘Blackhorse Farm’ as a wholeschool focus for all of our science work in Term 5, as a way to help the children reconnect with their school community after such a disruptive year." Mr Botten said the children had enthusiastically thrown themselves into the ‘good life’,

planning science experiments around growing vegetables and creating detailed Victorian botanical drawings. They are learning about how the food they harvest can be used to create healthy meals and how to help the environment by eating locally-produced seasonal food, reducing ‘food miles’ created by importing produce. The school kitchen is planning meals which incorporate the produce grown by the children. Deputy head teacher Neil Fry said: "The farm allows us to teach science, history, geography, and a whole host of other subjects, practically and holistically, and it is amazing how much the children know and can do as a result. "Stop any Blackhorse child and they will tell you exactly how to grow food and how to create healthy meals." Mr Botten said the school had seen benefits to children’s mental health and well-being as a result of the farm project. He said: "Many of the crops

Children at work on the Blackhorse Primary School farm which were planted in the depths of the pandemic winter, by the children of essential workers, are now bearing fruit, and the children have really connected with the idea of re-growth and re-birth after what has been, for all of us, a difficult winter.

"Some of the children who have been badly affected by the pandemic, or who struggled to return to school, have found watering the crops each morning hugely therapeutic, allowing them to successfully re-engage with school life."

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

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Big changes to ring road roundabouts A THREE-year project to transform five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road has been unveiled. The £30 million scheme would see new lanes built to take through traffic across the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts". The other two – Lyde Green roundabout, near the Bristol & Bath Science Park, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shops – would have extra lanes added. South Gloucestershire Council has launched a public consultation on the plans, which it says are aimed at tackling congestion on the A4174 and stopping drivers using nearby residential roads as rat-runs. But the scheme has already attracted criticism from the newly-elected Metro Mayor, Dan Norris, who said "changes might be necessary". The council says that although the scheme, on a five-mile stretch of the road, involves widening, the intention is to encourage “necessary strategic car trips” on the A4174 because it was the most suitable

for commutes in the area. The plans are part of a "wider strategy" that also involves closing potential 'rat runs' such as Henfield Road and Coxgrove Hill near Lyde Green to through traffic. The council claims the scheme will improve air quality by easing congestion. More traffic lights and entry lanes will be installed, some trees removed and replaced, and land at the edges of the dual carriageway used to provide extra space for vehicles. No dedicated bus lanes are envisaged but sensors will detect when buses are approaching to give priority, while improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also included. A council spokesperson told the Voice that the plans had been designed to work "with or without" the proposed new junction 18a for the M4, which could be built near Emersons Green or Pucklechurch. The spokesperson said: "The junctions have been designed to accommodate the expected traffic from a new junction at J18a and other predicted growth across the region, and to be complementary to such a scheme." The council said the scheme would "provide additional capacity and thus

resilience along the ring road", which would make it less susceptible to being blocked by accidents. Work on the five roundabouts would be carried out "in a phased manner to ensure that construction can be completed as quickly as possible and disruption kept to a minimum," said the spokesperson. Responding to criticism about an apparent lack of bus lanes in the plans, the council said: "The provision of bus lanes is not required, as the ring road would enable the buses to travel without delay, using the ‘ahead’ traffic lanes provided at the junction." The council said it had not waited until the first of its "throughabout" junctions, currently under construction at Wraxall Road near Warmley, had been completed before drawing up plans for more of the junctions, as it had a "high degree of confidence that the Wraxall Road scheme will perform as expected". Feedback from the public consultation will be used to form a business case to be sent to the Government for approval and funding, with work expected to start in phases from next year and last until 2025. Council cabinet member for strategic

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

proposed in £30m scheme infrastructure Steve Reade said: “We want to reduce congestion and improve air quality in South Gloucestershire. “This scheme is designed to encourage necessary strategic car trips to remain on the A4174, the most suitable road designed to accommodate longer distance car journeys, and to deter the traffic from re-routing through our local communities.” The council says that without the changes, congestion on the A4174 and nearby roads "will worsen due to planned local growth in the area". Mr Norris, who has strategic regional responsibility for transport, said: "I will be looking at roadworks under way to see whether changes might be necessary. "We have to look at the strong possibility that just widening roads simply causes increased journeys by car and does not alleviate congestion." The scheme was also criticised by South Gloucestershire Green Party, who said: "The proposals for five monstrous Megaroundabouts will do nothing to tackle the climate emergency and will instead cause environmental damage and an increase in car dependency. Local residents have also shared

with us their concerns about many years of disruption to the roads and the potential worsening of air quality, especially for people with respiratory conditions like asthma." In Emersons Green, where work would take place on two roundabouts, town councillor Sadik al-Hassan said: "I, like many people, was surprised to hear that the roundabout needed improvement at all, but also wonder if the disruption is really worth any benefits. "I am amazed that we have money for the roundabout upgrade but no doctors surgery in Lyde Green to reduce pressure in Emersons Green surgery. We need more healthcare, more schools and more green spaces, not necessarily bigger roads." The consultation on the changes is open until August 16. More details can be found online at consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ A4174Improvements. Anyone not online can ask for more information by calling the council on 01454 868 000. A face-to face consultation meeting will be held on July 10 from 1pm to 5.30pm at Emersons Green Village Hall. Includes reporting by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

BRISTOL DOWNEND

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

The Siston Hill roundabout in Mangotsfield is one of three to be converted to what the council calls a "throughabout", with three lanes in both directions going through the middle for ring road through traffic. Another two lanes will be for traffic turning off the A4174 both east and west. Capacity of side roads will also be increased. The existing pedestrian crossing and access steps to the north of the junction will be removed for safety reasons, and nearby lay-bys on both sides of the ring road will be lost as they become part of the widened carriageway. The revised layout will link in with the changes on Carson Road to improve access to the Mangotsfield Sort It recycling centre.

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n NEWS

July, 2021

Shake-up of MP seats is on the cards STAPLE Hill and Mangotsfield could form part of a new Parliamentary constituency if new plans to redraw boundaries go ahead. They would become part of a new Bristol North East seat, along with Fishponds and most of Kingswood. The current Kingswood constituency, which includes parts of Downend, Mangotsfield and Emersons Green, would disappear under the proposals from the Boundary Commission for England, which would take effect from 2023 if approved. The Bristol North East constituency would combine the Lockleaze, Eastville, Frome Vale and Hillfields wards in Bristol with the Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, New Cheltenham, Kingswood and Woodstock wards in South Gloucestershire. All of the wards in South Gloucestershire are currently held by Labour councillors, while the Bristol wards are represented

by four Labour, three Green and one Conservative councillor. The Kingswood constituency, which was formed in 1974, would be abolished, with the Downend, Emersons Green and Lyde Green areas of the seat becoming part of neighbouring Filton & Bradley Stoke, and the Hanham, Warmley and Longwell Green areas becoming part of another new constituency, Keynsham & North East Somerset. The current Kingswood MP, Conservative backbencher Chris Skidmore, has declined to comment on the proposals. Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy, whose seat would be retained but with redrawn boundaries, said it would be a "shame" to lose the Fishponds area if the proposals went ahead but said that it was possible another general election could take place before they do. While the new Bristol North East seat would cross a council boundary, the review would put

to an end the current situation in South Gloucestershire where some council wards are divided between two parliamentary constituencies, following a revamp of council wards at the last local elections. At present both the Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward and Frenchay & Downend wards are split between Filton & Bradley Stoke and Kingswood, while the Emersons Green ward is split between Kingswood and Thornbury & Yate, which covers part of Lyde Green. Under the new proposals all of the Frenchay & Downend and Emersons Green wards would become part of Filton & Bradley Stoke constituency. The changes are being proposed as part of a review aimed at ensuring all Parliamentary constituencies are of a comparable size, taking account of population shifts to add new seats to regions where the size of the electorate

Conservative MP Chris Skidmore's Kingswood seat would be abolished under the plans has increased and take them away from regions where it has declined. The South West would gain a total of three new constituencies if the plans go ahead. They are open for comment until August 2 on the Boundary Commission for England reviews website, bcereviews.org.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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July, 2021

n NEWS

Peter plunges 15,000ft for charity A GRANDFATHER whose 75th birthday present was a 15,000ft skydive has used it to raise £2,500 for charity. Peter Smith, from Downend, plunged from an aeroplane above Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon. His wife Rachel and four children clubbed together to buy him the present last year but because of covid restrictions and weather delays Peter had to wait until the end of May to finally make the jump. He was accompanied by sons Russell and Dorian. Peter, a former deputy head at both St George and Merrywood schools, said: "It was an amazing, exhilarating experience, on a clear bright morning when you could see forever. "The initial free fall from 15,000 ft takes your breath away and sucks your cheeks hollow. When the main chute is deployed, you start to enjoy the amazing views and

float gently to a soft landing. "There was a point in mid-air when the guy I was diving with said 'look over your shoulder and you'll see your son'. It was Brilliant!" Peter thanked all of the sponsors who helped him to raise a total of £2,500 – more than double his initial target of £1,000 – for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent. The charity has a shop in Downend where Rachel has volunteered for several years. Above right: Peter Smith during his skydive Right: Peter with sons Russell and Dorian after landing

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS Francisco and Emily Correa are hosting the festival. Picture: Christina Jansen

The garden where professional musicians and local groups will perform

Garden will host mini music festival A MANGOTSFIELD garden is set to host a music festival this month, with organisers encouraging musicians in the community to get involved. The Ham Farm Festival will take place in the half-acre private garden at Ham Farm Cottage, off Emersons Green Lane, from July 25 to 28. It is the creation of professional musicians Emily and Francisco Correa, who live at the cottage near Vinney Green. Emily, a flautist and mezzo soprano singer who teaches the flute at Downend School, said: "The house has an incredible garden and we thought it would

be nice to have a festival there. "It will be not just professionals but local performers, including choirs and guitar groups." The aim of the festival is to bring together professional musicians, who have been unable to perform for more than a year because of coronavirus restrictions, with local concertgoers and amateur musicians. The musical styles range from jazz-folk and sea shanties to classical guitar and a string quartet. Performances include a hybrid play and concert telling the story of the creation of

Carmen, featuring both actors and musicians, including Emily and her husband, who is a guitarist. Each night of the festival there will be performances by local groups from 6-7pm, before professional groups take to the stage at 7.30pm. During the day the professional musicians will host open rehearsals and educational workshops for community musicians of any age and ability to attend, on subjects including songwriting, improvisation and "active listening". Emily said: "This is a festival for everyone - concert-goers,

amateur and professional musicians and young musicians. It will be a great chance to mix with other music lovers in covidsafe space, while enjoying the long summer evenings." The non-profit festival is being supported by crowdfunding, a donation from Sovereign Housing Association and member-awarded funding from Emersons Green ward South Gloucestershire councillor Judy Adams. More details on performances, tickets and other arrangements can be found online at hamfarmfestival.com.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

BSpoke16 returns to the streets

WE are counting down the days until the return of the popular outdoor BSpoke16 Art Trail on 16th-18th July. With over 80 traders expected, the event will see even more diverse, creative makers than ever before. BSpoke16 is the brainchild of Catherine and Karen. As artists and creators themselves, they understand how important opportunities like the Art Trail are to our local community. Karen Davies, a skilled Graphic Designer of over 30 years, has always been a hands-on creative. She has successfully run Mustard Cuts, alongside her freelancing career for over 7 years, creating beautiful hand-cut paper artwork as well as prints, cards and more. Catherine Williams, a renowned professional artist, printmaker and part-time teacher, specialises in evocative original canvases and print works. Her love of her craft has driven her to inspire and

are underway to make BSpoke16 a more permanent feature in our area. The collective is on the hunt for a suitable, more permanent home that would allow them to not only showcase their members’ diverse products but also begin

offering creative workshops to the local community. BSpoke16 would love to hear from you if you know the perfect place! Check the BSpoke16 website www.bspoke16.co.uk for upcoming events or to get involved.

Outdoor Event...16-18th July...in BS16... share her skills through education; delivering workshops and classes. Working together, this dynamic pair has redefined the creative landscape in our area. From their initial makers’ market in Emersons Green five years ago, BSpoke16 has flourished. In the wake of the Covid19 pandemic, BSpoke16 events are a highlight on the local calendar for both creatives and shoppers alike. With the support of local councillors and high streets, plans

Plan your route in advance and enjoy browsing in a safe environment, outside your local maker’s home.

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

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YOUR

Community NEWS

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE In last month’s edition of Downend Voice, we provided details of how to access the Parish Council’s grant scheme which provides financial support to community organisations. I am pleased to attach some photos of how, over recent years, Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council has been able to support the allotment site at Downend (Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd). These pictures show the wildlife area which is full of bees, birds and foxes. Also, the new gate to the allotment site. In the coming weeks, the lowgrade asbestos cement base will be removed from this location by a licensed contractor. Again, this has been funded by D&BH Parish Council following receipt of a formal request by the group.

Brought to you by

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

If you know of a voluntary group or organisation within the area in need of financial help, please take a look at our website, where the grant form can be downloaded. Visit https://www.dbhparishcouncil. uk/your-council/agendas-applications/grant-applications The applicant must demonstrate that the grant award will benefit the parish of Downend & Bromley Heath and/or its parishioners. There are strict criteria governing the way in which a Parish Council can apply its resources and Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council must be satisfied that the award of a grant will both satisfy a local need and comply with current empowering legislation. Councillor Janet Biggin, Chairman

LITTER The lovely weather we have been experiencing of late has meant an increase in the number of people using our open spaces. PLEASE ensure when using our parks and playing fields that any rubbish is put in the bins provided. Alternatively, please take it home to ensure that the playing fields remain a pleasant place for everyone to use. Thank you for your continued support.

MEETINGS Meetings of the Full Council, Planning Committee and Finance & General Purposes Committee are now being held face-to-face once again. These meetings are open to the public to attend and are currently taking place at Badminton Road Methodist Church. For details of dates and times, please refer to our website, https://www. dbhparishcouncil.uk/ However, please note that numbers are limited due to Covid restrictions, so please advise the Clerk in advance of the meeting if you wish to attend. Thank you.

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

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

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

www.dbhparishcouncil.uk

downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

Grant for restaurant A PARTNER in the business which received the biggest grant from the council's high street recovery fund has revealed details of the project. The Voice reported last month that four grants had been awarded to projects in Downend and Staple Hill from South Gloucestershire Council's Help us Thrive fund. The projects were among 63 across the district awarded grants and were awarded just under £25,000 from the total fund of £400,000. The biggest grant in the Downend area, of £10,000 went to Forage, a start-up restaurant being set up in the former Crowns coffee and sandwich shop next to Coco Hairdressing on Badminton Road by Jesse Jones and Daniel Watson. Businessman Jesse, whose background is in the building trade, is a "foodie" with a long-held ambition to open a restaurant while Daniel has worked around the world as a personal chef. They both grew up in the area and were in the same year at Mangotsfield School. Jesse said Forage would specialise in fine dining using locallysourced produce, from suppliers including Trent’s Food and Beverage Hall in Frampton Cotterell and local fruit and veg supplier Dean Cooper. Jesse said the council grant would go towards the expense of fitting the restaurant out, paying for items such as tables, chairs, kitchen equipment or flooring. He said: "It's been our dream for many years to put something like this together. "The grant's a massive help." Work on the restaurant site is still ongoing with no opening date fixed as the Voice went to press.

Traders take over planters STAPLE Hill's traders have stepped up to make sure planters installed in the High Street stay bright and beautiful. South Gloucestershire Council provided the planters and plants, then told the area's chamber of trade that it was down to members to look after them. Chamber secretary Staple Hill traders Lucy Rhyddid and Tina Lewis said: "The George Georgiou with one of the planters problem was that the first ones went in during lockdown, when no traders were here to look after them." The council sent the latest planters to the nursery at Page Park, where the plants were nurtured before moving on to the streets in June. Lucy Rhyddid, who runs Valkyrie Hair, Beauty and Holistics, has taken charge of ensuring all of the planters have a team of volunteers to look after them. She said: "Fourteen traders said they would volunteer and they are working with us to keep all of them maintained. We also have ten families with children to come and help. "We've put extra flowers and plants in them and are watering them regularly. "It's really lovely to see them bloom."

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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

July, 2021

n NEWS TRADERS in Staple Hill have been left frustrated after events to attract people to the High Street and Broad Street were derailed by a single objection. An artisan market planned for Fountain Square on June 19 had to be moved at short notice to Page Park, after the Staple Hill Chamber of Trade's application for an event licence was held up. South Gloucestershire Council officials told them the objection would have to be heard by a licensing committee – but with no time to hold a meeting before the event, the venue had to be switched to ensure the arts, craft and food vendors waiting to take part had somewhere to go. It has also thrown into doubt the next event planned for Fountain Square: a family fun day due to take place on July 24. Traders have been told a meeting to discuss the licence cannot take place until July 20, leaving them with a choice of either postponing the event by a month or taking a chance on having to cancel at short notice. They are perplexed that the council has told them the objection from an unnamed individual – over potential litter and parking issues – has been categorised as a "reasonable complaint", even though their application contained provision for extra bins, litter picking and cleaning, and any parking needed for extra trade vehicles. Chamber chairman George Georgiou said: "The whole point of these events was to bring people to the High Street, not the

Single objection scuppers artisan market in square

The artisan market was planned to attract people Staple Hill's shopping area – but ended up being held in Page Park park. We have a market square, but no market. "The government and council are supposed to be helping the high street, but isn't. It is souldestroying. "This policy needs to change – it's not democracy." A market and street stalls in Staple Hill was one of the most popular suggestions in a council survey of residents' opinions, which has just been published. Almost 700 people responded to the survey during February and March – and "outdoor events such as a market and street stalls" were backed by 93%

of respondents. More than three quarters of the people who filled in the survey visited the High Street and Broad Street at least once a

week, and 83% of visitors walked there. The most called-for change to the area was planting more trees, plants and creating green space, which 83% of respondents wanted to improve, followed by better paving (73%). While the area's variety of shops was seen as its biggest strength by those answering the survey, there were also calls for more independent shops and a wider range of businesses, with 30% of respondents saying there were too many takeaways, cafes and pubs. Mr Georgiou said the survey did not contain any surprises for traders, who had already been pressuring the council to engage with them and give them the resources to make improvements.

Sendus your news - Email Lindaor Kenat news@downendvoice.co.uk

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

How much longer must we wait for hospital? CAMPAIGNERS are demanding to know why a new community hospital for Frenchay appears to be no closer, despite plans moving ahead in other areas. Barbara Harris, a former member of Frenchay Community Hospital Group which campaigned for hospital facilities on the site, has written an open letter asking why South Gloucestershire Council has bought the site of another former hospital in Thornbury, and is pushing on with plans there, while nothing appears to be happening at Frenchay. She said it was a "public scandal" that a facility promised when the old Frenchay Hospital closed 16 years ago had not yet been built. Plans for a community hospital at Frenchay were completed in 2010 but scrapped by the coalition government under austerity measures.

Two years later the scheme was revived, but since then no plans have been published or date set for opening. Barbara said she had been assured last year that Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in charge of paying for services in the area remained "firmly committed" to developing health and social care facilities at Frenchay. South Gloucestershire Council is now the lead authority for developing the new facilities but Barbara said North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), which owns land at the site of its former acute hospital reserved for the new building, expects to be paid a "market price" to hand it over. She said: "As taxpayers we own the NHS, so why should we pay for the NHS land we already own?"

Barbara is calling on the council to announce an opening date for the hospital. The council has not yet set an opening date. A spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work closely with NBT and the clinical commissioning group on the future development of the Frenchay site and have recently agreed to jointly appoint consultants to help progress the provision of health and social care facilities. "This will provide the three parties with soft market testing, help obtaining pre-application planning advice for the proposed scheme, advice on overall financial viability and a valuation of the site, ensuring that any development meets local requirements and is sensitive to the surroundings. “The council is committed to progressing this scheme and will

be working closely with the other parties to ensure the current momentum is maintained.” NBT said it was "jointly managing the redevelopment" of the site with the council and CCG, and was "committed to getting the right facilities for local people on the Frenchay site". The trust's associate director strategic estate development and sustainable health, Tricia Down, said: "The CCG has confirmed plans for 50 rehabilitation beds and we are committed to providing the land at the value that is appropriate for this type of facility.” A spokesperson for the trust said the price it expected to be paid was the "market value for a care facility", rather than the value of the land on the open market.

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

Honours for police worker and campaigner A POLICE worker from Downend and a mother who has campaigned to improve the NHS have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Kermal Singh, who works as a diversity champion for Avon and Somerset police and is General Secretary of the Black Police Association (BPA), has been made an MBE for services to policing and diverse communities. Announcing the award, Avon and Somerset police said: "Through his work with the BPA, Kermal has been instrumental in moving things forward in recruitment and race relations at Avon and Somerset Police. "He’s increased representation from minority groups into policing, introduced knife crime workshops at schools and colleges, which have been adopted by other educational establishments in other counties, and has engaged the workforce in cultural and ethical working." Kermal said: “I’m very proud to be recognised in this year’s Honours list. "My work with young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds helps to reassure and encourage them to consider the police service as a good career choice. "Through ongoing mentoring, coaching and developing, some of those volunteers now work for our organisation and it’s wonderful to see their careers grow. “It’s important to give your time to others and to install trust and confidence in our communities. It’s all about

Kermal Singh

Paula McGowan

changing hearts and minds for tomorrow.” Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Kermal’s work has been vital in building relationships and trust and bridging the gap between police and the communities we serve and protect. His commitment to building strong relationships, with the ability to listen and understand concerns, has shaped the way our officers engage with people." Paula McGowan, whose teenage son Oliver, from Emersons Green, died in Southmead Hospital after an adverse reaction to an antipsychotic drug, has been made an OBE for services to people with autism and learning disabilities. Oliver, who was 18 and had a mild learning disability and high-functioning autism, was given the drug after suffering a partial seizure in October 2016, despite both him and his parents telling staff he had previously

had an adverse reaction to such medication. After his death Paula and husband Thomas fought for an independent review into his death and campaigned to change the way NHS staff communicate with people with learning disabilities. Paula has worked closely with medical professionals to create

and develop a programme of mandatory training in learning disability and autism for NHS workers which is named in Oliver's honour. Paula said she felt "humbled" to be recognised but added: "The award belongs to Oliver, because without him suffering and dying I wouldn't have been given it. "The bigger picture is that it belongs to the learning disability community and autism community." Paula worked for up to 13 hours a day to get signatures on a petition to secure a Parliamentary debate on training for NHS staff in dealing with people with learning disabilities. Since then she has had up to four meetings a week online with representatives from the NHS and other organisations in addition to her full-time job as a learning support assistant in Australia, where she is currently living.

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downendvoice

n NEWS Charity match DETAILS of an annual fundraising match in memory of a Bristol Rovers fan have been announced. The Martin Belsten Memorial match, between a team of Rovers legends and a side made up from supporters, is held at Mangotsfield United's Cossham Street ground and has raised thousands of pounds for charities since it was first held in 2017. It is organised by Ash Belsten, from Kingswood, in memory of his grandad Martin, who took him to his first Rovers match and died in 2016. This year Bristol Rovers Community Trust is the chosen charity for the match on September 26. For details visit bristolroverscommunity.org.uk/ belstenmemorialmatch2021

July, 2021

Pavilion plans given update DOWNEND and Bromley Heath Parish Council has updated its plans to replace the pavilion at King George V playing fields. The council has issued a statement in response to public comments on its application to South Gloucestershire Council for the new pavilion. Residents raised concerns that the published plans showed a walkway between the pavilion and the gardens of neighbouring homes, in an area which had previously had security fencing installed to stop "large gatherings of teenagers" and anti-social behaviour. One resident said: "Given previous experience, this walkway will also turn the residents' fences into one very long urinal."

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The parish council's update, published with the planning application, said: "A number of residents have raised concerns in relation to the security of the area between the new pavilion and fence line. "We confirm that this area will be secured so that individuals/groups will not use this route to access the wider park or to congregate." The parish council has also responded to fears that the inclusion of a bar and function room in the new facilities, which one neighbour said could encourage "large gatherings of people late at night". The council responded by saying it "has no intention of hiring this facility for late night parties or events given the

proximity to local properties". It added: "The sale of alcohol will be limited to short and defined periods during/after sporting events or infrequent meetings." The council said it would agree to a planning condition limiting opening hours. The parish council has also submitted a landscaping plan for the site, which includes "a well considered and expanded car parking area", including disabled parking bays, electrical charging points and e-scooter parking. South Gloucestershire planners have yet to set a date for considering the application, which can be found by searching for reference P21/02475/F on the planning section of the southglos.gov.uk website.

Vibrocisehelpedmyqualityof life 6 MONTHS ago Rick woke up one morning and couldn't move his leg very well, at first he didn't think much of it and just put it down to sleeping awkwardly. The next day he woke up and had lost movement in his arm as well so called 111. He went on to spending 14 days in hospital with the diagnosis of having a stroke. It was quite a shock as he'd been fit most of his life, playing football and cycling everywhere. After coming out of hospital Rick had some physio which helped but felt like he needed to do more. He still had restricted movement on his right hand side and felt he needed some low impact exercise. He felt embarrassed with the thought of going to a normal gym by himself so decided to try vibration plate training which meant he could go with his wife, Kim. He was amazed after the first session at how comfortable he felt and how much he enjoyed it. He started on a personalised programme which then gave him confidence to push it a bit further. Each week he's progressing with new exercises. "Since joining Vibrocise I'm walking better and I feel stronger. There's a massive improvement in my right arm and hand. I had water retention and swollen fingers and I could barely put it in a press up position. With Kara's support and tailored exercises, it's helped to reduce the fluid in my hand which has improved my joint movement. I can now shuffle a pack of cards and use a knife and fork in my right hand again, whereas I could barely even hold anything before. In just a few weeks it's improved my confidence, independence and quality of life. I feel so much better physically and mentally and I've also lost some weight. I would recommend Vibrocise to anyone who's had a stroke or got restricted movement, it's definitely the best form of exercise for me, the recovery is beyond my expectations".

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

July, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

School's farewell to Year 11s

Photo of Michelle Durnin by Izzabel Yandell, Year 10

Michelle hangs up her mop CLEANER Michelle Durnin is handing back her mop after 31 years of cleaning schools in Mangotsfield. Michelle started working at the Chase School site opposite Cleve Rugby Club in 1983. When the site was demolished in 1996 to make way for houses in Emersons Green, Michelle moved to the main Mangotsfield School site on Rodway Common. In 2003 Michelle moved to Spain, where she lived for eight years before returning to Downend in 2011. She came back to Mangotsfield School as a member of the cleaning team, making sure the school is presentable and is a good learning environment for all the students until her retirement in June this year. Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: “We will miss Michelle’s sparkle and sense of humour. "We wish her well in her retirement”. Daisy Cox (Year 10, Mangotsfield School)

MANGOTSFIELD School has organised a programme of celebrations to make sure pupils leaving the school have a proper send-off. After two academic years disrupted by coronavirus lockdowns, the final week of term for Year 11s focused on one of the school's values - 'Love Learning' - with an emphasis on fun in lessons, with activities linked to each subject. Houses competed against each other in a sports tournament and the school held a quiz afternoon to find Year 11's general knowledge genius. The final day involved a leavers’ assembly, with laughter and tears followed by ice-cream, shirt signing and final farewells. But although GCSE assessments are over, the school will welcome students back to school at the end of July in their finery for photo opportunities before a Year 11 Prom at a local hotel. Head of Year 11 Georgina Vincent said: "After what has been an incredibly tough year for our Year 11 students, with two lockdowns during the course of their GCSEs, we felt very strongly that we wanted to offer them the privileges and celebrations that usually come with being a Year 11 student. "They have had enough taken from them during this pandemic and therefore we wanted to ensure they had the opportunity to celebrate. "We are so incredibly proud of the way in which our Year 11 students have coped with the events of the past year and the mature approach they have taken to their studies. "They are a special group of young people, who will be greatly missed by their teachers and younger peers. We wish them every success in their new ventures."

Focus on mental health BRISTOL musician and youth mental health campaigner Zaid Elgahmi visited Mangotsfield School to discuss mental health issues with Year 7 pupils. The host of music industry show The Cosound Podcast talked to students about his battles with racism as a British Muslim and the tragic loss of a close friend who took their own life earlier this year. He said: "I visited over 25,000 students between 2017-18, talking about online safety, racism and suicide awareness. "But the last 18 months have been absolute hell for some, and it's pushed certain people to the edge. "It's been a massive eye-opener for me. I have a passion for helping, and if I can convince just one student, one adult, to seek help and not suffer in silence, then this whole next journey will be worth every second." Zaid performed for the pupils and shared advice and stories. One Year 7 said: “I’ve learnt that it is good to be truthful about how you feel. "Nobody is as judgemental of you as much as you are about yourself.” Another said: “It doesn't matter how you look, not looking on your phone first thing in the morning will help to reduce anxiety, and how to be confident in yourself.” Zaid plans on visiting thousands of more students across the UK from September, supporting local and national charities. There is more information at his Instagram page @ZaidCreate.

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill TShirts 4 You

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

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

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

Sheen Studios Instant Passport Photos ID, OCI Visa Bella Silver 925 Jewellery Figurines - dogs horses etc Limited Edition Bristol Prints Vast range of photo and picture frames

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110 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH

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

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

Freephone 0800 781 8783

years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote, lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. A sharpening service for tools is also available.

BM Motoring Centre At BM Motoring we pride ourselves on our 5 star service, the team are always approachable and will go out of our way to help explain any work that has been carried out on your car. A family run business B M Motoring invest heavily in training and the latest equipment to ensure we are always able to offer the very best advise and assistance. A part of the Approved Garages and Autocare nationwide car schemes. These are independent bodies recognising good independent

garages with high standards of workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk

Lloydbottoms

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

STAPLE HILL STORES TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS

RUSTIC OUTDOOR FURNITURE AVAILABLE

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LOTS OF PERENNIAL AND VEGETABLE PLANTS AND SHRUBS

130 DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF FLOWER AND VEG SEEDS FROM THE MR FOTHERGILL COUNTRY VALUE RANGE

88-90 High Street, Staple Hill

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

0117 956 8318

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021

bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell that any more.

The Card Shop

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

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

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

EMBROIDERED WORKWEAR PLEASE CHECK OPENING HOURS

The Card Shop is an independent

BIRTHDAY BANNERS

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.

PRINTED HOODIES & T-SHIRTS LATEST TECHNOLOGY PRINTING

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

info@tshirts4you.co.uk

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

downendvoice

July, 2021

n FOCUS ON STAPLE HILL

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

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 your business in the Staple Hill feature

Sheen Studios

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

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

www.beautyspotbristol.co.uk

0117 9560808

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.

Contact Gary on

07799461169

FARLEYS

PET FOODS & GARDEN SUPPLIES

Stockists of James Wellbeloved and Burns Dog Food • All pet supplies • Specialist Reptile Foods • Seasonal Plants & Seeds

40 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 9566787 To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

We can all help our tourism sector to recover THE West of England is truly amazing, as my first month as Metro Mayor has reminded me again and again. With Summer finally here, I’ve enjoyed speaking to a huge range of people and businesses vital to our tourism industry. I had a great time at ‘We the Curious’ playing football with robots and seeing a TARDIS, plus I stuck my neck out and met some giraffes at Wild Place. I rode an e-bike in Bath. The fantastic Julian House is buying a fleet of these, thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, which I now lead, and they plan to get tourists on the bikes to create vital new income for the charity. I discovered another way tourists can see Bath too: by paddle board! Wild Swim Bike Run is a small business that’s making a splash. Run by ex-military man Darroch Davidson, they’ve also benefited from West of England Combined Authority cash and are looking to take on more staff. Now, I have to admit my paddle boarding experience was a bit wobbly! But wobbly probably also reflects the wider mood in the tourism industry. Launching a new events guide for our

region with Visit Bristol and Bath, I found out more about the effect of the pandemic on our tourism industry. Over 3.8 million people used to visit annually, spending over £900m, and that meant local jobs and prosperity - around 8% of local employment is reliant on visitors. The West of England Combined Authority has a number of important schemes to support our tourism sector. I have pledged to double the £9 million covid recovery fund to target those local businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. Then there is a scheme helping people match their skills to new jobs and our successful programme for those creative people working in the cultural sector musicians, artists and tour guides. Worryingly, though, we still haven’t seen the Government’s Tourism Recovery Plan; great swathes of this sector have been excluded from current Government schemes. One thing we can all do is support our local tourism attractions and pop into cafes and restaurants. After all, as the government keeps changing the countries where we are allowed to holiday in, in a way designed to perplex,

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

I’m not sure that many people will be booking overseas breaks. But we are so lucky with what’s on our doorstep. We also need to talk up our area as a brilliant place to visit. And that means all of our villages and beautiful market towns, too. I was in Keynsham laying a paving slab as part of my plan to invest in our high streets because I don’t want people just to visit Bristol and Bath, wonderful as they are, and miss out on the equally brilliant bits in between. We need a tourism strategy that brings jobs and opportunities to our whole region.

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

PART-TIME COURSES

SEPTEMBER 2021/22

Whether you fancy taking up a new leisure activity, boosting your career with professional qualifications, improving your skills or trying something completely different - at SGS College, we have the right course for you. We also offer a range of online courses offering you flexible study. The flexibility of online study means it has never been easier to gain a qualification whilst having accessible study resources and a qualified teacher on hand to support you every step of the way.

For more information on these courses and to enrol please visit:

www.sgscol.ac.uk/study/parttime

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND STROUD COLLEGE

downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

Awards for helping to feed needy COMMUNITY awards have been given to people in two organisations who have been helping families in need. Claire Collins and Steve Riches of the Resound Church Mangotsfield Food bank, were presented with awards for outstanding community service from Mangotsfield Residents Association and the Staple Hill Partnership by local councillor Michael Bell and Clive Heath, chair of the Mangotsfield Residents Association. Cllr Bell said the Resound Foodbank had provided a "wonderful service to local needy families", offering food parcels and toiletries donated by residents. Claire, who recently decided to step down from her role at the foodbank, said: "We both appreciate being recognised in this way, especially after the most interesting past 15 months which have been incredibly tough for everyone in more than a thousand different ways.

Claire Collins and Steve Riches of Resound receive their awards from Michael Bell and Clive Heath

Sally Bartram presents an award for job centre staff to Amanda Pemberton

"However we couldn't have done anything without the generous and consistent support of local businesses, residents, councillors, our FoodBank partners and every one of our amazing volunteers. It really has been a fantastic team effort." Claire said she felt "a little sad" to leave the foodbank, set up by volunteers from local churches and the community in 2013. She said: "It has been a rich and satisfying experience working with people who are so passionate to bring help and change to people's lives. However, I felt it was finally my time to move on from co-leading

FoodBank and to allow new timely change to come." Meanwhile Staple Hill Community Hub nominated staff at Kingswood Job Centre for a community award. Community hub manager Julie Snelling said the hub has had "terrific support" from the job centre team, with regular donations for the hub's emergency food parcels service, along with Christmas presents and Easter eggs for children. Hub Trustee Sally Bartram, who organises the food parcel service, presented the award to Amanda Pemberton from the Job Centre.

MONDAY & TUESDAY

THE

MIDNIGHT WALK Saturday 11 September See the streets of Bristol in a different light. A 5 or 10 mile sponsored walk that makes a difference.

£20 per person

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

bristolmidnightwalk.com Registered Charity No. 269177

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

July, 2021

n NEWS FROM DOWNEND IN BLOOM WELL, what a busy time In Bloom has had over the last few weeks! Firstly, we were up in the village by 6.45am, ready to take delivery of 1,500 plants and 200 bags of compost. We then had the mammoth task of distributing these to over 100 containers of all shapes and sizes that we have around the area (including the High Street, Cleevewood, Quakers Rd and welcome signs). We worked tirelessly (not a very good description, as we were very tired by the end of the day), with only one coffee break! We finally finished around six in the evening, and some of us did manage one quick drink in the Horseshoe – how good is it to see one of our local pubs open once more! I must say a huge thank you to the In Bloom woodworking crew – without them, In Bloom would cease to function. They give so much time and effort in preparation for planting, lugging compost, devising watering systems etc, and also provide transportation for compost and plants. I also know how much people appreciate the effort that all of our volunteers put in to keeping our area so beautiful and I know that you would like me to thank them all for their time and effort. We then followed this by a Sunday evening 10pm rendezvous in the High Street with Plantscape, who have supplied all our large

Summer displays are here

planters this year. Four high-top vans arrived and it was amazing to see how efficiently they erected the tiered planters and rail and pole baskets. A great team. Our watering contract has now started, and with the sun we have had, the plants have already started to flourish. It was lovely this week to walk around the High Street, seeing all the people in the cafes enjoying the sun and hopefully the floral displays. A thanks also to the parish council for installing the CCTV in the High Street, so we can look forward to our plants being safely watched over this summer.

Finally, I would like to thank the two young teenage lads who stopped and asked if we wanted any help – a really kind gesture. Unfortunately we had virtually finished everything, so were unable to take advantage of their offer – mind you, as they had white T-shirts on, I am not sure we would have been very popular with whoever does the washing at home! You can contact us on Facebook or by calling 0750 424 4361. Looking forward to a colourful summer. Jackie Baker 07504 244361

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n VETS' ADVICE HOPEFULLY, the next few weeks will be filled with sunshine so that you and your pets can enjoy the start of the summer season. To prevent a happy time ending in a trip to the vet, we have some advice that you can take to protect your pets from the harmful effects of the hot weather. The RSPCA have been running the ‘Dogs die in hot cars’ campaign for a long time. Leaving a dog in a car during a hot day (it doesn’t have to be sunny), even with the windows open a little way, will not be enough to prevent the dog suffering from heat stroke. This also applies to any animal in a hot, confined space without shade or ventilation - don’t forget that rabbits and guinea pigs in outdoor hutches need shade as well. Heat stroke can also occur when dogs are running around in the hottest part of the day- most of them are unaware of the danger when they are playing and need our help with restricting their time outdoors. Dogs with short faces such as Pugs, Staffies and Boxers, and breeds that have thick coats like German Shepherds and Newfoundlands, can be particularly

Have fun in the sun! prone to this condition. Change your walking and play routine to cooler parts of the day to keep your dog comfortable. Elderly or infirm pets can also get heat stroke if they fall asleep in the sun or are too ill or stiff to get up and move into shade as they feel hotter. Please move elderly animals into the shade or indoors at the hottest parts of the day and ensure your pets always have access to an adequate supply of fresh water. Flystrike is a condition where flies are attracted to any soiling on an animal’s coat. They lay many eggs which stick to the fur and then hatch out into maggots. The warmer the weather, the quicker the eggs hatch and the maggots then burrow into the animal’s skin to feed. It can happen to any animal – especially the overweight or elderly who are unable to clean their bottom themselves, but we see it most commonly with rabbits. Unfortunately, the damage caused by the maggots is often extensive and the rabbit may die of shock.

BARGAIN hunters are being encouraged to get out on to the streets and help a Downend primary school at the same time. The Downend Garage Trail is being held on July 11 from 1pm-4pm to support Stanbridge Primary School. With traditional in-school fundraising events affected by covid restrictions, the Friends of Stanbridge parent teacher association has set up an event which will take place in the community. Householders can host a stall from their driveways, garages, front gardens and porches, with each seller paying £10 to take part.

Prevention is best; so please our services. check that your pet’s bottom and We hope you have a lovely bedding is clean at least twice a summer with your pets. day. Just as we are advised to use sun cream protection to prevent burning, the same advice should be given to white eared cats. The hair in this area is sparse and light so the pale skin underneath is particularly prone to sunburn and over a long period of time may result in cancerous changes in Georgina Haddrell RVN the skin cells which will require Avenue Veterinary Centre surgery. Using sun block on the ear 0117 956 9038 tips will help but not all sunscreen is suitable for cats (not even ‘baby safe’ ones). Pet friendly creams are available but ensure you rub it in well and distract the cat with a tasty treat so that it doesn’t lick it off until it has been absorbed. The Avenue Veterinary Centre Avenue, Staple Hi Pendennis Avenue, StaplePendennis Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW staff would like to thank our clients Tel: 0117 956BS16 90385DW w Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com for their continued support with 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com the CovidPendennis 19 protection measures Avenue, StapleTel: Hill, Bristol An independent practice Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, An independent practice providing a pers we have in place at the surgery. Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com caring and compass An independent a pers Bristol BS16providing 5DW compassionate service Our aim is to keep everyone safecaring andpractice Tel.a0117 956 9038 service caring and compassionate so that we can continuepractice to provide An independent providing personal, Consultation by appointment

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Sale supports Stanbridge Funds from bookings will go to the school to help buy equipment, while sellers can keep the proceeds from the second-hand items they sell, giving them a chance to declutter without having to list everything online. All of the stalls will have their location 'pinned' onto the trail map, so people can seek them out and visit them to look for a bargain.

Sellers can register a stall at the Green Ticket Trails Downend Eventbrite page, at bit.ly/3gHKCXH, by July 9. The trail map will be published online after all the stalls have been registered – for updates, visit the event's Facebook page at fb.me/e/179mF0Hu2. For more information email info@ greentickettrails.com.

Daves Garden Services n Low maintenance specialist n Patio, Walling, Gravels and Sleeper work n Fencing, Decking, Turfing, Planting and more! n 28 years experience, locally based n We aim to beat any similar quote n References/Photos available n Artificial grass available

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

MOT & SERVICING COSTS TO MAKE YOU SMILE

July, 2021

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

An exciting time for our aerospace industry

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Jack Lopresti

A COUPLE of weeks ago, I was very pleased to welcome Kwasi Kwarteng MP, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to Airbus in Filton to open AIRTeC, a brand new £40 million research facility that has been part-funded by the government and will provide a world-class research and development facility right here in our area. This will support skilled jobs and apprenticeships at the heart of the expanding community in Filton, with the Brabazon site providing thousands of new homes, and improved transport links. It’s an incredibly exciting time for the area and represents a great post-Brexit vote of confidence by Airbus, one of the most significant businesses to be based here. During his visit, Kwasi also saw the new GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre, also part-funded by taxpayers, where they are working on exciting developments for the future of aviation, including building the 'Alice' all-electric aircraft. We were shown the components that will go into building the aircraft, part of a project to forge ahead with the future of flight. The Jet Zero programme, which includes both GKN and Airbus, is pivotal to finding ways to eliminate the impact of aviation on climate change and is key to achieving the Government’s goal to hit net zero by 2050. This project puts us at the heart of work to answer some of the greatest questions that we face now, working out how we will recover from the pandemic in a way that is sustainable. But, more than that, it gives our young people an incredible opportunity to make careers at the centre of this work. I was really pleased to see Jess Stone, a superb former apprentice and now engineer at Airbus, and talk about the work she’s doing at AIRTeC. It’s so exciting that young people can join a global business and almost immediately on the front line, learning while earning a wage and without building up student debt. These roles can also be vitally important to the defence of our own nation, be that work to design wings like those on the Airbus A400M used by the RAF, or the Rolls-Royce engines for the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers. I will continue to champion our local aerospace sector, not only because of its importance to our local economy, but also because of the potential it represents for the UK as we build back after the pandemic. The sector directly employs 116,000 people across the country, including roughly 5,000 apprentices. Some £1.7 billion is being invested by the sector into research and development, such as the AIRTeC facility. We are fortunate that companies in our area, such as Airbus, GKN and Rolls-Royce, supply important components that go into aircraft which are bought by airlines across the world. We also host MoD Abbey Wood, which employs over 10,000 people supporting equipment for our military. Our constituency is at the heart of our nation’s defence manufacturing and research and development capability, and I am proud and honoured to promote and represent that in Westminster.

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July, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Natural shows in the skies PEOPLE living in the Downend area were able to see two unusual natural phenomena in the space of a week. A funnel cloud was spotted in the skies above Bromley Heath on the evening of June 6 and captured on video by resident Tim Donovan, who agreed to share the image with Voice readers. The Met Office says funnel clouds, also known as tuba, are "extending, spinning fingers of cloud that reach towards the ground," similar to a tornado, but never touch it. They form when a rotating column of wind draws in water droplets to make visible an area of intense low pressure. If a funnel cloud does make contact with the ground and produce a tornado, very strong winds can be produced, potentially causing damage. A Met Office spokesperson said the number of funnel clouds which form in the UK is not known but between 30 and 35

Partial eclipse by Ken McCormick

Funnel cloud by Tim Donovan tornadoes are recorded each year. He added: "The difference between the two is simply that funnel clouds don’t reach the ground, tornadoes do, although in the UK they are a lot less powerful than those in parts of the USA."

The funnel cloud was spotted as the area went through a period of cloudy weather, which also affected views of a partial eclipse of the sun on June 10. The moon partly obscured the sun during the event, known as an annular solar eclipse or ‘ring of fire’ at its maximum in the far north of the globe. Here, the moon appeared to take a bite out of the sun in the late morning. For most of the event clouds completely blotted out views of the sun but for a short while they thinned enough for the Voice to capture a picture from Downend. The next partial eclipse visible in the UK will be on October 25 next year – the next total eclipse over the country will not be until 2090.

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Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman

downendvoice

July, 2021

n AROUND THE WIs

DOWNEND WI AT last, summer is here – long warm days seems perfect, except for the announcement that the final lifting of the remaining restrictions had been delayed. This shouldn’t make any difference to our planned outdoor event for July, providing there’s no limit on numbers. This is a special event, as it’s the first time we will meet up in person for well over a year and we have not yet met the new members face to face. The social element is so important and cannot be fully felt on Zoom. Although Zoom meetings are not for everyone, I feel we have had an experience that we would not have possibly entertained before. The speakers have been varied and we have had a lot of fun. Having said that, I can’t wait for our normal meetings in the hall – I miss the cake! Surprisingly, our membership has not suffered over the last year and actually has increased, and with more enquiries we are hopeful of even more members, which would be brilliant. For our May meeting we had a self-care massage session with Chris Briggs. He showed us simple techniques to help bring down stress levels. Some standing moves were aimed at those whose jobs involved a lot of sitting down and some massages help to get rid of toxins and even a hangover: all useful stuff. For our June meeting on Zoom

we will be having a Burlesque speaker, which I know nothing about so I looked it up on Wikipedia and apparently it is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. So there you have it! Sounds great fun. As always, you are welcome to join us. More information is available from Julie, our President, at downendwi@yahoo.co.uk. Ros, Secretary

MANGOTSFIELD WI ON May 17 pubs and restaurants were allowed to open, and a good proportion of our members took the opportunity to meet up in person, combining that with supporting one of our local businesses, The Lamb in Mangotsfield. Our regular ‘pub lunch’ is a feature of our yearly programme, originally set up by one of our past presidents, Anne Woolley. It was felt that the lunch provided a place for those who perhaps live alone, or do not like to go out at night, to interact in a safe daytime environment. It has been sorely missed during lockdown, and was wonderful. However, our members who are working, and can’t attend at lunchtime, asked if we could have an evening version. So we have just held an ‘evening supper’, well supported by two thirds of our members at the same venue.

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It was a great opportunity for everyone to chat about their lockdown experiences and how we are all looking forward to resuming normal meetings. We are currently planning for our Autumn and hopefully will be able to welcome speakers back to our hall and get our craft club sessions going again. At our last meeting we discussed this year’s WI resolution, a call to increase the awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer, and have voted to support. We will know in July if this has been nationally adopted. To find out more about us, take a look at our Facebook page @MangotsfieldWomensInstitute or go to our website www. mangotsfieldwi.org.uk. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing carol@applause. co.uk. Carol Coombs

charity shops and providing retraining to help people get back into the workplace. A real challenge by anyone’s standards, but with the advent of COVID-19 they were particularly affected by the need to comply with social distancing. A very worthy cause and a particularly relevant, interesting and informative talk was enjoyed by our members. In July we eagerly await the return of our very own Pauline Curtis, a cake icing expert who will be demonstrating how to apply “the icing on the cake” the professional way, ie no lumps, bumps, tears or patched up bits! Should be a great evening. Please email us at bromleyheathwi@gmail.com if you would like to try us out online, free of charge, or just require some further information about the benefits of becoming a WI member. Thank you and Stay Safe. Margaret Hanwell

BROMLEY HEATH WI LET'S get straight down to it, because this month I have two BHWI Zoom get-togethers to tell you about. It was quite a few weeks ago that we were unexpectedly treated to a spontaneous quiz evening when, as a result of some last minute technical issues, we were unable to connect with our planned speaker for that evening. Fortunately our members are always ready for the unexpected and Linda, Diane and Marianne were ready and willing to make us all rack our brains with their general knowledge quizzes. I confess I did not score very highly; so many answers were on the tip of my tongue but a memory just failed to push the answers over the edge. Watch your backs Alexander Armstrong, Jon Snow and Clive Myrie, because the ladies of BHWI could quite easily replace you, given the chance. Last week we were joined by Jess Gay, a fundraising manager from the Julian House Homeless Charity in Bath, who told us about the various aspects of their work. This includes providing support to vulnerable and marginalised men and women experiencing homelessness; fundraising through special social events; running

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STAPLE HILL WI IT was fab to see such lovely faces in our May Zoom meeting. We talked about the roadmap to meeting again: we have all the wheels in motion so, fingers crossed, we will soon have Government guidance to relax measures! Sheila has a great programme of events scheduled to take us through the second half of 2021. We will be emailing updates about the book group soon, and planning is in place for a day out. If you are not a member of WI and would like to know more, you can get in touch. When the regulations allow, we meet in Christ Church Parish Hall on North Street. We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive to us and we meet on the third Tuesday of most months. You can drop us an email to find out more at staplehillwi@ outlook.com. If you aren’t already a member, come and make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy a cuppa and some cake! Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Kate Tarr

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE FUNERALS are truly personal events which should be a unique and special celebration of an individual. At MW Funeral Directors we work with families to ensure that every aspect of the funeral service is memorable, special and a true reflection of the person who has died. Meticulous planning, ensuring that everything, including the celebrant who conducts the service, the music played and the whole atmosphere of the day is a unique occasion and an opportunity to mark effectively a particular life. Funeral Director Ella Abbott said: “At MW Funeral Directors our funeral packages are tailor-made to allow for personalisation and to meet the needs of family and friends. “We see and value everyone one of our clients. No-one is ever just a name on a death certificate, it is our duty to put together a memorial that lives on in the hearts of guests for many years after.” Sometimes funerals can seem overwhelming for a grieving family.

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the unique. We work closely with all the Bristol crematoria and with Bristol Memorial Woodlands on cremations, burials and ashes interments and scatterings. Our staff will be with you all the way through the process. We also work hard to keep prices reasonable and transparent with early cremations costing £1,995 and services after 10.30 am from £2,395. MW Funeral directors is a small family run funeral directing company. Call us or drop in to see us. We are here to help. 18 High Street, Westburyon-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DU. Telephone: 0117 950 4100. Web: www.mwfuneraldirectors.com

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021

■ WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Shop Local: Simpson Solicitors Wills and Powers of Attorney – a different level of support The last year has made us all aware of the importance of locally based shops and services. Simpson Solicitors are conveniently based in the Kings Chase Shopping Centre, in Kingswood (opposite Costa Coffee), with ground floor meeting rooms. Being designated “key workers” they kept their Wills and Powers of Attorney service open throughout last year – with COVID safe facilities. They were recognised by winning 2 National Awards from both The Law

Society and the Wills and Probate Awards for their work providing face to face support to people locally when they needed it most. Their FREE review meetings are like a legal health check of the issues to cover if you were to die unexpectedly. Including providing for children and avoiding unnecessary tax and care home fees. If you are not sure what you want to do, it is not a problem. Their friendly advisors will guide you through your options. In plain

English. So you feel empowered to make informed decisions. • Free Review Meeting – they take as long as you need • No long complicated forms • Free home visit service • Clear fixed prices – no hidden costs – with 20% off for our readers • Free secure document storage • Fully regulated and insured Melissa Witter (legal advisor) says “If you have been meaning to take advice, then please just pop in to see us or give us a call 0117 960 8594 to book your free meeting. With us it costs nothing to find out more.” Peace of mind service: John Baden-Daintree (associate director at Simpson Solicitors) says “What our clients like is our “clients for life” approach. So, if in the future if

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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

July, 2021

n NEWS

It's not fair, say primary children PUPILS at Frenchay C of E Primary School have been learning about fairness, equality and the fight for rights throughout history. Year 2 and 3 children in Griffin class have been studying a topic asking the question: "Is the world fair to all?" They have been looking at gender roles in jobs and sport, and learning about the fight for women’s rights over the centuries, including the Suffragettes and other strong women who have gone down in history. The children are also learning about racial inequality, particularly in South Africa, studying the country's geography and culture, before looking at the history of the apartheid policy of racial segregation. Head teacher Katherine Marks said: "This topic has allowed for some fascinating discussion and debate in the classroom, and the Griffin teaching team have been very proud of the children’s ability to express their empathic opinions in a clear and thoughtful way. "They particularly enjoyed creating their own Suffragette placards and demonstrating for Votes for Women in the playground." Right: A Frenchay pupil with a placard for the school's Votes for Women demonstration. Left: Children created artwork as part of the project.

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS

n CHRIST CHURCH NEWS

Band is back in action STAPLE Hill's Salvation Army Band is back making music after more than a year away. The band, based at the Salvation Army in Broad Street, has returned to rehearsals and participating in Sunday worship, almost 15 months after the coronavirus lockdown brought its activities to a halt. The band met for its first socially-distanced rehearsal with 25 of its more than 30 members. Brass musicians needed to fit specially-made ‘caps’ to the bell of each instrument, and both the conductor and percussionist were behind The Salvation Army band starts socially-distanced rehearsals Perspex screens. Spokesperson Hilton Baker said: "The band have missed many local events such as the Remembrance parade, the Armed Forces Day parade, Christmas on the Hill and of course its regular Sunday evening spots in Page Park. "Only six players are allowed to participate in Sunday services, which are held at 10am and 11.30am, and places can be pre-booked for these services. "The band are looking forward to returning to full strength music making, and are hopeful that regulations will permit that in the near future."

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Green churchyard OVER the last few weeks, passers by may have noticed that the grass in Christ Church churchyard has been left to grow long. Wild flowers are flourishing as the usual strimming has been delayed to allow insects the maximum chance to feed and breed, as part of the efforts Christ Church Downend are making to be more climate and environment-friendly. No Mow May was endorsed by Sir David Attenborough, and many around the country have left lawns untouched for some weeks to favour insects and birds. What flowers and insects did you spot? We found common vetch, red clover, and some kinds of hawkbit, as yet unidentified, as well as flowering grasses. Anita Dobson

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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

July, 2021

n CHRIST CHURCH NEWS Student Iona Clark, from Downend, has run a 'virtual marathon' to raise money for a charity helping people in food poverty. She describes her challenge. IF you'd told me a year ago that I would complete a marathon there is no way I'd have believed you, but on May 30, I somehow managed to run a whole 26.2 miles! I've never been a sporty person, and have struggled with my weight and body image for as long as I can remember, but when I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) in January 2020, I decided that some huge lifestyle changes were in order. I bravely set out on my first run...which lasted a total of five minutes, walking breaks included! At the start I couldn't even make it round my block. But something just clicked, and I found myself amazed as over a few weeks I was able to run for 60 seconds, then a few minutes and eventually half an hour. Getting out the house and having something I could tangibly track the progress of made a huge difference to being in lockdown and by the end of the program I was hooked. After completing my first 5K in May 2020, which was my only goal to begin with, I steadily built up my distance week by week and, one year later, ran a full marathon. Because of Covid restrictions, it was a 'virtual' marathon, which meant I had to plot my own route and figure out snacks/toilet breaks/water

Quarry Court

Iona’s marathon journey

along the way. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support of my flatmates who met me at various points to provide moral support and Lucozade, as well as random strangers who cheered me along the way. As a teenager I used to drag myself to a treadmill and push myself to keep going until I'd burned a certain number of calories, which was

honestly miserable. Flash forward seven years and I honestly could not love running more: this time out in the fresh air, exploring new places, working on my pace/distance, sweaty, beaming and learning to love my body so much more in the process. I never thought that I'd be a person who chose to go on a long run instead of having a weekend lie in, but starting running was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I really recommend finding something that gets you moving in a way you love; it could be dancing or swimming or cycling or walking in beautiful places, but anything that gives you life and puts the focus purely on how you feel. I started an Instagram account (@iggieskitchen) to track my progress, connect with other people and also because the "fitness influencer" world is full of perfectly-filtered model-like people – and I wanted to offer the messy and imperfect perspective of a complete novice just plodding around Downend. I had an unbelievable response from people saying those videos gave them the courage to give it a go or motivation to get back out there. If I can do it, absolutely anyone can! All it takes is a few steps out the door, and from there you can do anything.

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

Making carers visible and valued A GROUP helping parents who care for children with special educational needs and disabilities is highlighting the work they do and the challenges they face. South Glos Parents & Carers says the demands on parent carers can often go unnoticed, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious or depressed. Group member Adèle Grace-Keevil said: "After the tumultuous year we have endured – one in which children’s mental health has been significantly impacted – South Glos Parents & Carers have seen a significant increase in the number of parents requiring support for themselves and their children.

"The best way families can find support, effect change and help shape services is to join their local Parent Carer Forum." South Glos Parents & Carers is a nonprofit community interest company, set up in 2009 by a group of mums to work collaboratively with the council and service providers and give its 1,400 members a voice. Adele said: "We know there are many more parent carers in South Glos whose voices and lived experiences deserve to be heard. "Parent Carers hold a wealth of information that is useful to professionals planning local and national services, to

meet the needs of our children with special educational needs and disability – and the more voices South Glos Parents & Carers has, the stronger we'll be!" SEND covers areas including communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional and mental health; physical and sensory issues. The forum published a blog to highlight the challenges facing carers for national Carer Week in June. It can be found at bit.ly/3vznjn3. To find out more about South Glos Parents & Carers visit the website at www.sglospc. org.uk or the group's Facebook page.

Helping breast cancer patients for 30 years Downend-based breast cancer charity BUST is celebrating its 30th birthday. Surgeon Simon Cawthorn, from Frenchay, who founded the charity with local patients, tells its story IN 1991, a few months after I was appointed as a surgeon with a special interest in breast cancer, I realised there was a need for a specialist service to enable all patients to be seen quickly and tested as soon as possible, because of the anxiety they were suffering. The consultant radiologist appointed with me suggested a portable ultrasound scanner to take to the clinics and use during breast examinations. I was loaned one, and immediately realised the huge potential it had, as it was pretty clear from the breast scan if the lump was a cancer or not. Biopsies and x-rays were needed to confirm the diagnosis but the scan could be done there and then, speeding up a more accurate diagnosis. Just after I realised the huge benefits – and the £40,000 cost – of the portable scanner, three of my first breast cancer patients asked me if there was anything they could do to help, and I suggested raising the money to buy one. "Great," they said. "We will need to set up a charity, but will need a name for it." Local GP Dr Paul Hepburn

Simon Cawthorn with members of a recent BUST committee came up with BUST – the Breast Ultrasound Scanner Trust. The charity raised the cash, and I took the scanner to clinics at Frenchay and Cossham hospitals. BUST’s aim over the 30 years since has been to help patients get the best care possible. The Bristol Breast Care Centre at Southmead Hospital is now the fourth largest and one of the best-equipped in the UK, diagnosing 1,000 new patients a year. Since it was founded BUST (now the Breast cancer Unit Support Trust) has raised almost £3 million, bought 18 other scanners and many other pieces of advanced medical equipment not funded within the NHS. The most recent piece

of equipment was a Tomosynthesis mammogram add-on computer analysis system, which cost £130,000 and improves the accuracy of mammograms. Patients are our supporters and fundraisers, and it provides a way for them to give something back. BUST also makes donations to support research, and education and training for nurses. It provides information leaflets and holds meetings, where speakers talk about new treatments. These also provide an opportunity for patients to meet others like themselves, supporting each other. BUST is currently raising money for a dedicated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner to investigate patients

with symptoms and screen highrisk women. Preliminary results from clinical trials suggest many women may benefit from MRI screening. These scanners cost over £1m. BUST has so far raised over £870,000 to be one of the first centres to provide this accurate screening. The committee are volunteers and all former patients of the centre, along with myself – now a recently-retired surgeon. Less than 1p in every pound raised goes in expenses. We totally rely on our patients, families and friends to raise money for BUST. For more information about BUST or to donate, visit www. bustbristol.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

July, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Why we must persevere 1983 saw the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon, a trek of approximately 600 miles. Not only was the distance a challenge, but so were the running conditions and it was regarded as one of the toughest in the world. The first ultramarathon was won by Cliff Young, who when he arrived at the starting line was viewed by the other athletes and the event organisers with some scepticism. Why? Cliff was a 61-year-old potato farmer who arrived for the race in his overalls and work boots, although it is reported that he didn’t wear his dentures because he said that they rattled when he ran! At the end of the first day Cliff was miles behind the other racers, but he persevered, running throughout the night and, over the duration of the

race, by running continuously he gradually caught up with the other competitors. He eventually won the race in 5 days 15 hour and 4 minutes, over 10 hours quicker than the person who came second. Not only did Cliff persevere to win the race in an unorthodox way, but he won the race prize which he divided between and gave to the other competitors. It seems to me that perseverance is underrated, but it is something that we have all learnt over the last 15 months. We’ve learnt to persevere with facemasks, persevere with not seeing our family and friends, to persevere when our holidays are cancelled, to persevere at waiting to enter shops. Hopefully, with a little more perseverance we will soon cross the finish line and met and socialise more freely.

In Philippians, Paul writes these words Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-15 As a Christian, my hope is in heaven, a place where there is no more death, or morning or crying or pain (Revelation 22:4), and whilst life brings its difficulties and problems, I persevere, I strain towards, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which Christ has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. As individuals we need to persevere to overcome the pandemic so that we can all be safe. As Christians we

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n LIBRARY NEWS

Update from Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries

PACK your bags, head to Downend, Emersons Green or Staple Hill library to join Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021! To get involved, children read 6 books over the summer holiday and collect stickers to complete their special Wild World Heroes poster to get a medal and certificate. It’s FUN and FREE to take part. Join the Wild World Heroes for the Summer Reading Challenge anytime from Saturday 10 July to Saturday 11 September, and discover how you can make a difference to the environment too. Details of our staffed opening hours can be found at www. southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges. Please encourage your children to visit the library and sign up and see the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to their reading. NEW this year, there is also the Mini Challenge specially designed for pre-school children. Pick up your FREE craft bag of awesome animal activities to make at home when you join Wild world Heroes. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries and follow us on Twitter @southgloslibs for the latest Wild World Heroes update.

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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA

July, 2021

GROUPS organising events in the Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Frenchay areas are invited to tell readers about them. Our popular What's On section was suspended at the start of the lockdown, as community events and meetings were cancelled indefinitely. Now some groups are planning events again, we offer free space to publicise non profit-making activities once more. Clubs, charities and societies can send details of events to the Voice by email at news@downendvoice.co.uk. Businesses staging profit-making events and paid-for classes in the area can advertise in the What's On section for a small charge every month, by contacting sales@downendvoice.co.uk. Because of the many changes to venues, groups and clubs since March 2020, regular entries that appeared before lockdown will not automatically be reused in the What's On section so any information should be re-sent to one of the addresses above. Monday, July 19 n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB - Monday 19th July at 2pm, Singin’ in the Rain (U). Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. The famous uplifting musical with wonderful dance routines. Tickets: £4.00 including tea & cake Carers welcome, easy access. Places must be booked in advance due to COVID measures, please call 0117 435 0064. Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG Thursday, July 8 n BROMLEY HEATH GARDENING CLUB. A coach trip to Sidmouth on Thursday July 8 has been arranged: cost £17. Please ring May on 0117 957 3695 to book. Saturday, July 3 n Summer Fair, St Mary's Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, from 11am. Stalls, auction of promises and light refreshments. (Subject to any covid restrictions in force)> for more details visit stmarysfishponds.org.uk. Regular Events n Bristol U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where you have fewer responsibilities and more time for yourself? Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Why not become a member and find an interest group to join. Go to www.bristolu3a.org.uk for details. n The Cleeve Singers of Downend are looking ahead to September and require more singers in all voice departments to join us. Rehearsals, subject to possible alteration, will hopefully begin on Wednesday, 1st September at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend at 7.30 p.m. We are a happy friendly choir who cannot wait to return after the lockdowns. If you like musicals, popular items and would like to give us a try, please contact our Secretary by email: cleevesingers@gmail.com or 'phone the Barn on 9562367. n Downend Gardening In Retirement club hopes to resume monthly meetings as soon as all restrictions are lifted.

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July, 2021

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB PREVIEW NEXT AT DOWNEND FOLK CLUB

Luke Jackson in Concert Friday 16th July 2021, Christ Church Downend. DOWNEND Folk Club continue their concert series this month as they welcome back a firm favourite in Luke Jackson. The concert will be held at Christ Church Downend, on the third Friday of the month (16th July) and it’s already well on the way to selling out, given the COVID-secure capacity of 60 at the church. Luke is an un-pigeonholeable (is that a word?) singer songwriter who has travelled a fair few thousand miles around the British Isles, initially with his dad Paul into pubs and bars, well run house concerts and more recently into folk & blues clubs, venues and festivals. Luke’s songwriting draws on his experiences, family life, poignant stories he’s been told and fortunately, they’e all written in English as in his own words, he’s dreadful at languages. An accomplished performer who impresses from the outset and takes his audience on a shared journey with a full bus down the byeways of love, hope, sorrow, and melancholy via the service stations of folk, roots, blues, Americana and soul. Luke regularly tours Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and all points of the UK as well as showcasing at the International Folk Alliance

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conference in Kansas, a residential songwriting train journey from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Montreal, Ontario in Canada. Tickets for the event, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 16th July 2021, are available from downendfolkclub. co.uk. They are priced at £15 each and must be purchased in advance. At this stage, capacity is strictly limited to 60. There will be no bar or raffle, but ticket-holders are invited to bring their own refreshments. As part of the club’s online plan moving forward, Chairman Ant Miles will also be sitting down for a back of chips with Luke when he visits for the concert, as Downend Folk Club continue with their hugely successful "an hour

or so" online series, which ran throughout all three lockdowns... but in a slightly different way. Audience questions are invited but they must be submitted in advance. The best will be selected put to Luke. The resulting chat and tunes will then be streamed on Sunday 18th July 2021, at 8.00pm on the simultaneously on the club’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Do make sure that you've liked/followed/suscribed! The show will be available to view for two weeks afterwards. As always, this “an hour or so” event will be free to attend, but there will be an online tip-jar. For further information, please visit the club’s website, find them on Facebook or Twitter or email downendfolkclub@live.com.

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n LOCAL HISTORY

Football in Mangotsfield – a history As football's megastars battle it out in the European Championships, Mangotsfield Residents Association member David Blackmore looks at the history of local side Mangotsfield United IT was more than 130 years ago that Mangotsfield FC, the first football club in the village, was formed at a meeting in the Crown Hotel, St James Place. On that day in August 1888 – years before many present day Premier League giants such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Leeds United were founded – 19-yearold Edward Alway Young of Rodway Hill Farm was made club captain and Jonathon Pendock of Dibden Farm (now the Langley Arms, Emersons Green) was made secretary. The club played its games on land behind the Red Lion pub in St James Street, which was shared with the village cricket team. In 1892 Mangotsfield FC were founder members of the Bristol & District League, which became the Western Football League in 1895. That year saw the advent of professionalism in the sport, although Mangotsfield remained an amateur club and struggled over their first ten years, resigning from the Western League (Amateur) Division 1 in season 1897-98, after finishing bottom. The club had been disciplined on a number of occasions due to the 'ungentlemanly' behaviour of supporters, who earned a reputation for “underhanded tactics”, hacking at the shins of any visiting player who strayed too close to the touchline or chasing after the referee if the team lost. A move to a ground low on Pomphrey Hill earned them the nickname the Railway Men, due to the proximity of their ground to the Midland Railway line at Mangotsfield North Junction. When the Cave family left Mangotsfield in 1922, they auctioned off their estates and farms in the area but left a field off Cossham Street, known as the Hut Field, to the village – and it has been the football club's home ever since. Mangotsfield FC would reform and disband on several occasions

before eventually folding in 1952. The previous year, players left without a team after the reserve XI was wound up had formed a new club – Mangotsfield United. At the start of the 1951-52 season, United entered the Bristol & District League, Division Vll. Season 1952-53 was notable not just for them winning Bristol & District League Division VI but for two records that still stand to this day: the biggest home win, 17-0 over Hanham Sports, and the most goals scored in a season – 172 goals in 30 matches, an average of almost six a game. Five successive promotions saw the club enter the Bristol & District Premier Combination in 1957. This coincided with their first change of colours, from all-black with amber sleeves and hooped socks, to white shirts with black shorts and black and white socks. The club's current colours – maroon shirts, sky blue shorts and white socks – came in the mid-1960s. The club achieved a notable 'double' of the Premier Combination League title and the Gloucestershire FA (South) Senior Amateur Cup in March 1969, defeating the muchfancied Hanham Athletic of the Gloucestershire County League 4-1 in the final at Eastville Stadium. In 1972-73, the club was accepted into the expanding Western League, managed by former Bristol Rovers full back Doug Hillard, and established itself there during the 1970’s. During the 70's and 80's the successful youth team won 13 league titles and 10 knock-out competitions. Players who went on to professional careers, with clubs from Rovers and City to Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa, included Gary Penrice, Nicky Tanner, Phil Purnell, Steve Talboys, Mike Hooper, Gary Megson, Steve White and Gary Warren – a tradition continued this year, when Louis Britton was signed by Bristol City. Former Rovers and City players have come the other way and played for Mangotsfield, including Ray Mabbutt, Harold Jarman, Michael Meaker and David Seal, a former Australian U-23 international who made 246 appearances and scored 170 goals. In 1991 the club, managed by former player Harold Jarman, won the Great Mills League Premier

Mangotsfield FC, 1917

Mangotsfield United's 1952-53 Bristol & District League Division VI champions

The 2004/05 Southern League Division One West title winners Division title but were denied promotion to the Southern League as the Cossham Street ground failed to meet the necessary requirements. Most of the titlewinning team departed but the team generally managed to maintain top-six finishes and in 1992-93 recorded its biggest ever away victory, 14-0 over Dawlish Town. The club's ambitions of promotion were thwarted by the continued success of Taunton Town and Tiverton Town, both of whom did not wish to be promoted and so halted the progression of other clubs. Former player Andy Black returned to the club as manager in

1999, guiding them to promotion to the Dr Martens Southern League and in 2004/05, under Martyn Grimshaw, the club took the Division One West title on a 21-match unbeaten run, reaching the Premier Division, where the club would spend four seasons. The 2020/21 season would have been Mangotsfield United's 21st campaign as a Southern League club, but like the 2019/20 season it was declared null and void, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Often now known as the Mangos, the forthcoming campaign will be the 12th in the Southern Football League Division One South.

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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July, 2021

n PHOTOGRAPHY

Daydreamer by Robin Chun

Eggshells by Wendy Lockyer

LU B

WITH

DOW

THE latest club competition in May was the annual black and white contest, and it’s always a surprise at just how quickly it comes around. Monochrome remains popular with many keen photographers because such dramatic results can be achieved, and after all what makes successful images is not just the black and white, but form and shape and infinite shades of grey. The three entries that were most successful in the competition are shown here, and they demonstrate just how effective monochrome images can be. The picture awarded first place was ‘Eggshells’, a deceptively simple close-up. The soft lighting brings out the fine detail of the surfaces of the shells, the broken edges provide white lines that criss-cross the subject and contrast with the dark background. It’s a clever idea to use such an everyday subject to produce such an image, that has so much impact. Second was ‘Daydreamer’, a triumph of style over traditional technical rules. The lighting is harsh, the window on the right is burnt out while the left side is dark and almost featureless, yet overall the image works. What makes it work is its verité character: the image is one of ‘candid realism’. Third place went to ‘Malvern Hills’. This is a more straightforward

TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS

Simply black and white

D CA MER

picture, but the shape of the hills and the foreground with the grazing sheep under an impressive sky creates a pleasing overall symmetry. Who needs colour? Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group, who normally meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road, 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 new feature, a forum for discussion of all things photographic. Ed Shorney

Malvern Hills by Vilma Toms

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July, 2021

n NEWS Theatre in park

AN outdoor family theatre festival is being staged in the sensory garden at Page Park. The Rambunctious One-of-akind Outdoor Theatre Festival is being staged on July 10 and 18, and August 14 and 22. It is being organised by the Bean Tree Cafe and features performances from small-scale theatre companies Scratchworks Theatre, Adventure Bureau and Brave Bold Drama, with performances recommended for children aged six and over. Tickets have to be booked in advance and can be found online by searching for R.O.O.T Festival at eventbrite.co.uk. Details are also available at the Bean Tree Cafe Facebook page or by emailing nestpagepark@ gmail.com.

Jenny takes charge A LEADING law firm has appointed its first female managing partner. Jenny Pierce, who is head of the wills, probate and mental capacity practice at Wards Solicitors LLP, which has an office in Staple Hill, said: “I am hugely proud to be appointed Wards’ new managing partner. As the first female head of the firm in its 100 year history, it’s an exciting new chapter in my career and also for the business. “The last 15 months have been challenging but from when we first went into lockdown, the firm’s performance has exceeded

expectation – we adapted quickly by using new technology and different ways of working across our teams. Now it’s about keeping the best parts of our working practices in this new environment, although nothing will ever replace one-to-one contact – we are all looking forward to resuming face to face client meetings safely.” Former managing partner David Sheridan continues to advise Jenny and other members of the firm’s senior team as a consultant. He said: “Jenny is dedicated, highly respected professionally

and an experienced leader. She has developed Wards’ Wills and Probate team into one of the region’s largest and most respected." Wards has 12 offices across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset, employing more than 75 legal specialists.

HEDGEHOG HOUSES FOR TOWN COUNCIL RESIDENTS Sadly, the UK’s favourite spiky little mammal is in serious decline. While it is difficult to accurately monitor hedgehog numbers, The Woodland Trust believes that numbers could have decreased by over half in rural areas and a third in urban areas since 2000. In order to try to encourage and protect hedgehogs in our local area, Emersons Green Town Council has a limited supply of hedgehog houses to distribute to residents of the Emersons Green ward area to host in their gardens. If you would like to apply for one of the hedgehog houses, please visit our website or Facebook page for the application form or scan the QR code to the right. Subject to eligibility criteria, hedgehog houses will be allocated by random draw. The closing date for applications is Friday 10 September 2021. It is not too late for children within the Emersons Green ward area aged 4-11 to enter our Christmas Light design competition. Full details are available on our website or Facebook page. The closing date for entries is 25 July. There are collection points for entries at Emersons Green Village Hall and Lyde Green Community Centre.

INTRODUCING…

Emersons Green Town Council plans to return to face-to-face meetings in July. Planning Committee 10.30am 19 July Events Committee 6.00pm 22 July Full Council 7.00pm 22 July Finance Committee 7.00pm 29 July

Councillor Rachael Hunt

Rachael joined the Town Council in 2015, representing the Badminton Ward, and sits on the Council’s Planning Committee. As well as being a Town Councillor, Rachael is also a District Councillor for South Gloucestershire Council. Rachael is married with a young daughter and has lived in the area since 2011. Since moving here, Rachael has made a strong contribution to the community and runs a small local business within the area. When time allows, Rachael is a keen cyclist and likes to read. Rachael enjoys both her roles as Town and District Councillor, supporting and helping our residents in any way she can. Her aspiration for the future is for our local community to continue to thrive and to contribute towards this. If you wish to contact any of our councillors directly, all councillor contact details are available on our website: http://www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk/town-council/councillors/ clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk

www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Tel: 0117 3026989

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

July, 2021

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Funding will help support survivors IT'S been a busy first few weeks in office and, as I’ve toured the patch, I feel honoured to have met some incredibly dedicated, diligent and caring officers, staff and teams doing some great work within our communities to keep people safe. A key role of the Police and Crime Commissioner is to be the voice of local people, and I want to understand your concerns, listen to your ideas and learn how best I can support. My initial focus has been to meet with police officers and staff, to understand the issues faced by our policing family and the communities they serve. As this continues, my engagement will expand to meet with residents, partners and MPs on a weekly basis, from July onwards. I am proud to be working on your behalf and am committed to delivering the pledges I set out in my election manifesto.

Your needs are central to my work, and hearing from you is very important. As a result, this summer I will be launching a consultation survey focusing on what you’d like from your police service, which will then inform our Police and Crime Plan. More information about this survey will be on our website in the coming weeks. My team and I have gathered much momentum and have set our early priority work areas that include the Police and Crime Plan, recruiting a new Chief Constable and other important roles, reviewing governance and scrutiny structures to improve openness and transparency in our police force and reviewing the effectiveness of police stations and buildings across the area. I will continue to update you as this work continues and progresses. I’m also delighted to share

with you that we’ve secured one of our largest funding achievements for victim services, with £1 million in funding to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. This will fund 23 independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) roles and eight independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) specialist roles who will work alongside victim services, partners and local authorities. A number of these new IDVAs and ISVAs will be specialist roles to ensure everyone who is a victim of domestic abuse or violence receives the support they need. Such specialisms include working with black and minority ethnic victims, elderly victims, children and young people, victims in rural communities, victims of economic abuse, victims with complex needs, male victims, LGBT+ victims and victims with

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mental health issues and illnesses. This is one of our largest funding achievements for victim services and I look forward to supporting the work of the new ISVAs and IDVAs.

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July, 2021

n GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN

A splash of colour and summer scents JUNE was a much warmer month, bringing on our plants, and I expect you were all busy putting out your bedding, making sure we all have lovely gardens to enjoy during the summer. July is a month where we can spend time sitting in our gardens and appreciating our work over the past months. Just a little weeding and cutting the lawn needed. Over the next month I will be thinking about what bulbs I will add to my garden: the alliums have been very good, and more of these will go in. The foxgloves are also doing well; there are several different colours and heights, and the bees are loving going in and out of the flowers for pollen. I'm hoping these will self-seed and there will then be plenty of plants for next year. How we gardeners are always planning ahead to keep our gardens attractive, and with plenty of food for wildlife. There was a beautiful jay in the garden this week after the fat balls – such a lovely colourful bird, I hope he returns. The garden centres are busy and there is a good selection of plants available, so no excuse for not having a colourful pot or bed. At Coalpit Heath the churchyard has been a joy, with all the spring flowers, which are spreading around, we try and avoid cutting the grass to let the plants die back naturally, which is the right way to do it.

When I drove through Downend last week I noticed the floral friends were out planting pots and tubs, so once again Downend will be full of colour through this summer. Well done! what a welcome it makes for visitors. What about a miniature water garden? There are plenty of containers around you can use and they only need one or maybe two plants in them, not even a fountain. There is a part water butt at the top of my garden, with just a couple of plants in: a frog has made himself at home there, so that is a success. I have some old clay pots which have broken, so they are dotted around to make little dens for the frogs to rest in away from predators and the heat of the sun. Have a look around and see if you have a container you are not using – you will be surprised how good it will look. There is also a plant saucer with some pebbles in and topped up with water ideal for insects and, if you are lucky, a hedgehog. The red and blue damselflies are making a daily appearance, flying around and lying on plants in the little pond. You do not have to go far to enjoy all the wildlife if you make your gardens a welcoming haven for them. Enjoy your gardening, visiting other gardens, and of course tea, scones and dare I say a little jam and cream. Look at it this way, you have worked hard – you deserve it! Mary Head (Secretary)

n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS Back in business DOWNEND Men in Sheds is back in business: the "lads" were so glad to remeet on June 3, for the first MEN in SHEDS time since March last year. We are still at the pavilion, Bromley Heath Playing Fields, and shall be meeting, as before, on Tuesdays, but additionally on Thursdays, starting at about 9am till 12.30pm or so. Newcomers are welcome to help with joinery work for the community, or just for a chat. Due to covid regulations, we cannot provide any hot drinks to widen the socialising, so it is best you bring your own. For further information please contact chairman Colin Ogden on 0779 298 1799 or email colin. ogden@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk.

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July, 2021

downendvoice

n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

Castle Bridge by Rachel Domleo

Severn Bridge by Bruce Gibbs

Bristol's iconic bridges IT sometimes seems that one of the prerequisites for an immediately recognisable image of a city is a great bridge: London has Tower Bridge; New York the Brooklyn Bridge; San Francisco the Golden Gate; Sydney its ‘Coat-hanger’; and Florence the Ponte Vecchio. All of them bridges that stand to represent their cities to the world. Bristol has been no slouch in this matter with Brunel’s great Clifton Suspension Bridge, an engineering pioneer and a world landmark since its completion in 1864. But, as great bridges have replaced cathedrals as our age’s expression of building endeavour, Bristol has acquired more icons. They also provide uplifting images for photographers. To prove it, here are images of three local bridges by club members – none of them Brunel’s. First up is Roy Shergold’s Severn Road Crossing, showing the Second Severn Crossing, now officially the Prince of Wales Bridge, standing proudly as the sun sets colourfully over Wales.

Bruce Gibbs’s First Severn Road Crossing takes its subject from a very different perspective, getting underneath the old Severn Bridge and showing its carriageway soaring off like a view of a medieval cathedral spire. From the large-scale to the small, Rachel Domleo has photographed Bristol’s newest bridge. Castle Bridge captures a lone pedestrian pacing the elegantly sinuous curves of the bridge. Bridges don’t have to be big to be beautiful. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for company and new acquaintances, we always welcome new members. So, if you’re interested and would like to be part of our social re-emergence, take a look at our website, www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk, or contact us at lincombe.barn@ gmail.com. You may find yourself being invited to a future zoom meeting and new faces to meet and socialise with. Sid Stace

Steve Bellamy Ctta eeetllsllaam S e myy S ev vre epB B

Second Severn Crossing by Roy Shergold

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n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Mangotsfield £325,000 HUNTERS Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this impressive end of terrace home which is conveniently positioned close to the amenities of Mangotsfield, Downend and Emersons Green whilst providing excellent transport links ontoThe Avon Ring Road and Bristol Cycle Path. The property has been much improved by it's current owner having been extended and having a loft conversion to create a lovely size family home with well presented living accommodation over three floors. The property is entered through a porch which leads to an open plan 17ft living room with feature fireplace with the remaining ground floor being made up of a dining room, breakfast room and kitchen with high gloss units and a built in oven and hob. To the first floor can be found two double size bedrooms, the master bedroom of which has an en-suite bathroom. A turning staircase rises to the second floor

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July, 2021

n OCEAN PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Frenchay Asking price: £650,000 OCEAN are delighted to offer to the market this 3 bedroom detached home located in the highly desirable area of Frenchay. This much loved home has been well cared for and benefits from a beautiful landscaped rear garden with mature shrubs and flower beds. The internal accommodation is set over 2 floors and has been well cared for during the previous owners time here. Subject to planning there is further potential with this home and has the opportunity to become a substantial family home. Presenting as entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen, large lounge with dual aspect windows and french doors leading to the rear garden and a WC. The upper floor has 2 double bedrooms and a generous single room, there is also a shower room which has been modernised. Having been the owners pride and joy over the past 20 years the garden really is very impressive, with its generous size and beautifully presented flower beds and shrubbery it will make for a fantastic home for a family or perhaps those looking to downsize. Frenchay village is a short distance away and access to the motorway networks and Bristol Ring road is also very simple from

here ideal for commuters. There are fabulous walks nearby over Frenchay common and along the Frome Valley. A viewing is highly recommended.

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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

July, 2021

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

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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

storage cupboard and spacious en-suite shower room. The garden is enclosed by way of Pennant stone walling and has a patio area perfect for al-fresco dining, a lawn, raised beds and a storage shed. There is also

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local pub just a short stroll; the M4, M5 and M32 is a brief drive away with Parkway Railway Station less than 3 miles distant.

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

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6 4 3

2 n PUZZLES

7 downendvoice

July, 2021

5 4 2 8 7 3 FIEND 9 6 For younger readers Txtpert The Eas 7 4 2 1 6 9 8 9 7 4 Across Down 1 3675 (4) 1 3748837 (7) 3 1 3 738 (3) 2 7689 (4) 7 5 8398873 (7) 3 7327 (4) 6 4 9 423 (3) 4 846 (3) 10 74383 (5) 6 84963 (5) 4 2 8 7 7 7335 (4) 2 3 5 8 743 (3) Txtpert 3 9 6 Easier suduko Solution 7 4 2 1 3 Across Down 1 3748837 (7) 9 7 13 3675 4 (3)(4) 738 2 7689 (4) 2 1 5 8398873 (7) 3 7327 (4) 9 423 (3) 4 846 (3) 7 4 10 74383 (5) 6 84963 (5) 7 7335 (4) 4 2 8 8 743 7(3) 3 Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Theme: Cooking 1

8 9

Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

8 9

Txtpert n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Theme: Cooking 1

Easier suduko

The nightingales' last song 3 2

Down THERE is nothing more moving Across 1 3675 (4) 1 3748837 (7) than to hear the nightingales' 6 song at twilight. 3 738 (3) 2 7689 (4) Some years ago that was 5 8398873 (7) 3 7327 (4) 7 just the wonderful experience 9 423 (3) 4 846 (3) people would have8on Inglestone 10 74383 (5) 6 84963 (5) Common. 9 7 7335 (4) This little episode was told to10me by a friend in Downend 8 743 (3) Natural History Society quite a few years ago. Every year a group of them would meet on Inglestone Common, then walk to where you could hear the sweet sound of the nightingales. There was not even a On one occasion my friend telephone box in sight, or a and the friends she had given a welcoming public house with a lift to walked back to her car but, phone. lo and behold, her car would not Bats swooped and circled start! Everyone in the natural overhead, and the cry of foxes history group had gone home. could be heard in the distance. What were they to do? This On any normal occasion these was before the age of mobile animals would have aroused phones. interest in the natural history Everyone looked around in group, but not this particular the eerie darkness. There was a night. It was getting very late. house not far away, but it was A dog barked at one house deserted. and they hesitated to enter the

1 4 3

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Txtpert

Arithmagon

Solution Txtpert

F O R K S E T O E I R U A N I T E X T U R E T H P Y P E E M I C E R S I E V E L

Theme: Cooking

F O R K S E T O E I R U A N I T E X T U R E T H P Y P E E M I C E R S I E V E L

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Arithmagon

with

garden there. And then in the distance they could see a light coming from a house. The group of friends approached with caution...there certainly was a sign of life. My friend tentatively knocked on the front door and a man answered. She nervously explained the situation and the man asked her in to where the phone was. Bravely, she entered a room where several men were drinking, no women. She

Christine Broadway thought it reminded her of the book Jamaica Inn, by Daphne du Maurier. To conclude this tale of woe, the RAC came to the rescue. As for the nightingales, in time all the shrubbery was removed, so that definitely was their last song on Inglestone Common.

LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS - EMAIL US AT: NEWS@DOWNENDVOICE.CO.UK To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

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July, 2021

downendvoice

n LETTERS Pool memories THE articles about the swimming pool at Christ Church C of E Infant School (Voice, March and May) brought back so many memories. I was a member of the PTA group who decided we'd raise the money to build this pool. It took around two to three years to do so. We held jumble sales, fetes, dances and entertainment nights; we collected tons of newspaper to sell to a scrap paper dealer. Our garage was one of the collection points – when full, another PTA member who had his own business would lend his lorry to convey the papers. We knew it would be hard work to raise the money but we did have a lot of fun, too. If there was a way to raise money, we tried it! Just as the pool opened, my son was leaving to go to senior school, so he didn't benefit from the pool, but it is rewarding to know so many children did, and will continue to do so. I am now 84, and my son is 55! Good luck with the revamp and for the future. Ann Noonan Downend

Staple Hill needs a clean-up, not murals I THINK it was bad for the traders of Staple Hill to pay for the artwork on their windows. Surely the council could have

found some money to fund it? The shopkeepers pay business rates. Putting a mural on the wall and painting above Iceland is a waste of money and time. It will not make Staple Hill any better looking. This is not Bedminster or Southville, this is a different area, with different shops and people. We have a lot of older people in Staple Hill in flats. Many shops are now closed on Wednesday as it is so quiet. I myself was not impressed with the artwork on the shops. What is needed is a good cleanup, of Fountain Square and weeds and rubbish outside shops as well. Before artwork is done, ask the few customers that walk about Staple Hill what they would like to happen to make it a better place to shop in. What needs to be done is the empty shops need filling. The landlords need to lower the rent and get something back on their shops and lower business rates. Having an audio tour of Staple Hill is a waste of time – many people do not have a mobile, and who wants to know about Staple Hill that way? So come on, do something to make Staple Hill different from the other high streets. What is the matter with the chamber of trade? Get your heads together – no more takeaways, cafes or convenience stores! The only shop that shines out is the flower shop – she does her windows lovely. She makes the square stand out, so try and make

n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OUR first meeting back from lockdown was a talk about wildlife in the garden. We learned all about how wildlife is important in the garden, from the birds eating the blackfly and untying the string on the runner beans for their nests, to the foxes eating the slugs and worms. It has kept us all sane in lockdown watching them. Our next day out is an outing to the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park on July 4, then on July 8, in the evening, an outing to a local garden with an arboretum. If you are interested or new to gardening and want to meet people with the same interest, come along on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. All meetings are at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. For more information call Roger Davis on 957 1703 or Hilary Walton on 979 2832. Roger Davis

the other shops shine. Clean the windows, weed outside the shops and make the windows worth looking at. Then perhaps they might get more customers. I know what I am talking about, I had a shop many years ago, and even won a cup and a write-up in the local paper for the best-dressed window display. So come on Staple Hill, wake up, now, before many more shops close. Laura Rickards Mangotsfield

Find out about Rodway Common IN our local area we are much blessed with easy access to locations for recreational activities.

We have two outstanding parks: Page Park in Staple Hill, which has many facilities, and in Downend we have the King George V playing field. A mile or so away, Mangotsfield has two large green open spaces, Rodway Common and Pomphrey Hill. Our fellow citizens in inner Bristol must be in real envy of our assets. Rodway Common also has a long history, and this is depicted on the notice board, which is alongside the parking spaces. There was a recorded battle between the Saxons and Ancient Britons, and it has been regularly used in more recent times, to host both fairgrounds and racing pigeon release points, and is much loved by walkers, with or without their dogs. All of this, plus more, is mentioned on the board, so next time you are there, take five minutes for a read. Councillor Michael Bell Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward

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n SPORT MANGOTSFIELD United have a new manager as the club prepares for its next league campaign. Ray Johnstone is a former goalkeeper who played for Bristol Rovers, Bath City, Gloucester City and many local Bristol sides. There was even a solitary appearance for the Mangos as well, back in December 2017 in a 2-0 home win over Didcot Town. Ray has previously managed Portishead, Wells City, Odd Down and Hallen in the Toolstation League. Ray replaces Glyn Ashton, who will remain at the club, returning to his previous role in player and club development. Announcing the appointment, the club said: "Ray brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role and is excited by the Mangotsfield United project. "We wish him well in what we hope will be an exciting season ahead.” Ray outlined his plans and enthusiasm for the future in an interview on BBC Radio Bristol, with an emphasis once again

New manager as Mangos prepare for 21/22 season

on youth at the club, but with perhaps one or two experienced players helping to gel the youngsters together. He will be assisted in the dugout by his new assistant, Terry Moore. Like many non-league clubs, Mangotsfield United are eagerly awaiting the new 2021-2022 campaign, which will start in early August. With the previous two campaigns both abandoned

because of Covid-19, all nonleague clubs are hoping that next season will go to completion. The club will continue to play in the Pitching In Southern Football League Division One South. The division comes under Step 4 of the FA’s recently updated Non-League Pyramid guidelines, which stated that two clubs would be promoted per division – the champions and the winners of a four-team play-off. Two clubs will be automatically relegated – but both the third and fourth-bottom sides will host a Step 5 runnerup in a promotion/relegation play-off. This means there will be an intense battle for all clubs to keep away from the bottom four places, instead of the usual two. There are two new clubs

coming into Division One South, with three clubs exiting, which means the new division will have only 19 clubs instead of 20. The final two “end-of-season” friendlies in late May saw the Mangos share a 2-2 draw with South West Peninsula League Premier Division East side Stoke Gabriel at Cossham Street, with Mircea Ilea and George Neill scoring the home side's goals, followed a week later by a 3-1 win, also at home, against local side Wick. No player departures or arrivals had been announced at the time of writing, and the club has pre-season friendlies planned at home to Keynsham Town on July 10 and away to Shepton Mallet on July 17, with more expected to be announced. Dave Smale (MUFC Programme Editor)

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n SPORT

Girls' match is a milestone for cricket club CARSONS and Mangotsfield have had a landmark achievement, with the very first match involving a girls' team taking place representing the club. Whilst the match did end in defeat, it was a significant milestone for the club. Club chairman Andy King felt that it was a good time to start the club in a new direction, as it celebrates 100 years of Carsons Cricket Club, and needed to reflect the growing girls' section, led by Mike Dowse and Chloe Micklethwaite. With that in mind Chloe was invited to join the club’s main committee, as it was felt that we needed a female cricketer representing the girls and giving them a voice. Andy was also able to report that the club have received substantial funding from the ECB as Carsons and Mangotsfield look to improve what they can offer to their All Stars and Dynamos Section.

and Somerset players may be playing. The game is on July 11 at Pomphrey Hill, with an 11.30am start. The Saturday and Sunday teams have also continued to progress well. The first team are continuing to adjust to life in a higher division. The second team are still top of their division, only having lost once this season. The Third and Fourth teams are also continuing to be competitive in their respective divisions. Availability has been high, with the club getting close to running a 5th Xl. The Sunday Xl have only lost once this season, by one run to Bristol Pakistanis, in what captain Jack O’Hara described as a “ding-dong of a match”. The match also saw youngster Jack Woodland score his maiden 50 in cricket. Ian Coles

The Carsons and Mangotsfield girls' team They are grateful for the support from the GCB, in what was a small pot of funds. The club are already looking to plan for next season and are holding a social evening following a coaching course with Liam Dawson from the GCB. The coaching course is partly to thank those who have helped this season as volunteers and

also to get them on to the first rung of the coaching ladder. July also sees a landmark game against the oldest club in the world, the MCC, to celebrate 100 years of Carsons. The MCC are being led by former club member Richard Trotman. Whilst the make-up of the side is unknown, it is hoped that a number of ex-Gloucestershire

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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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July, 2021

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Golf has got me hooked DON’T let anyone tell you that golf is a gentle sport – it’s tiring! Yes, I have succumbed to this thoroughly addictive pursuit. I now understand what people who have played the game for years mean when they say: there’ll always be one or two good shots that will tempt you back for your next round. I’ve only been playing golf for two months but I’m already hooked. I’m the sort of person who needs to be serious about a new challenge – there’s no point getting involved if you’re not dedicated to the cause. So I took some good advice from a few people who know about these things and joined a great local club, The Kendleshire at Coalpit Heath. It’s an excellent club and very friendly although, as a pure beginner, the course has a few too many water features for my liking. There are some

wonderful lakes to hit balls into. I already had some clubs from a previous venture into golf but, naturally, I had to invest in all the latest gear and an electric trolley. At this point, I know what you’re thinking: here’s someone who has all the gear but no idea. Well, to some extent that may be true but I have gained a fair bit of knowledge just by talking to and treating hundreds of my golfing chiropractic patients. And I’ve been learning the hard way that golf is a game you need to work on if you want to achieve maximum enjoyment from it. I’m in the early stages of playing just nine holes at a time rather than the full 18. I have to admit I was exhausted after that first game, both mentally and physically. It must be getting easier though, as I don’t feel the need to drive around in a buggy anymore!

So clearly I’m in no position to offer any true golfing advice but I do know that warming up before stepping on to that first tee is an absolute must. I’m sure many golfers rush to the course and don’t have time to limber up beforehand. But I would say it’s with giving yourself an extra 10 minutes to prepare properly, even it’s just a bit of stretching, to warm up some of the many muscles you’ll need to perform properly during what might be a four-hour round. With the sort of hot weather we’ve been enjoying, it’s also extremely important to make sure the sun cream is liberally applied – and don’t forget to pack your golf bag with healthy drinks and snacks, so you don’t run out of energy. On a personal note, I also need to take a generous supply of golf balls… My thoracic spine and my ribs have taken took a pounding, especially when I hit the ground with my 7 iron. But I have to say that chiropractic is amazing for easing the movement through your spine – this will help you to make a full, pain-free swing. Did I mention that moment when, maybe after a less than

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successful game, you hit a really good shot and that’s the one you remember when you look back over your round? I was lucky enough – well maybe there was a little bit of skill involved – to get very close to a hole-in-one on a par 3 hole. My more experienced playing partners, Steve and Paul were even more surprised than me… and then they did the same, high elbows all round! Were our shots a fluke? The only way to find out is to go back and try again. Happy golfing!

Let us knowhowyour teamis doing EMAIL US AT:

news@downendvoice.co.uk

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downendvoice

July, 2021

n SPORT

Bobby takes nine wickets DOWNEND bowler Bobby Naeem took an incredible nine wickets for 22 runs as the club's first XI bowled out Taunton Deane bowling them out for 43 runs. The club's openers reached their target in just six overs in the match on June 12, one of the high points in a mixed season so far. The first XI also picked up a good win on May 15 against Bedminster but have been struggling in the West of England Premier Cricket League Premier One, and

are currently in eighth place after losses to Clevedon, Cheltenham and Bath, being bowled out for under 100 in the first two games and losing by four wickets to Potterne in their most recent match. The fixture at Bath was preceded by the club's sponsored walk, with supporters walking the 12 miles to the away match and raising £2,400, which will be split evenly between the club and nominated charity Marie Curie Cancer Care. The 2XI are struggling to pick up a win but are quite short of players at the moment. The 3XI are a young side and are playing some good cricket, winning some and losing some. Ollie Louch

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Our electricians can also provide extra sockets, low voltage halogen lighting, electrical testing, landlord certificates, kitchen and bathroom electrical work, garden lighting and all your electrical needs

A p r i c o t E l e c t r i c a l D O M E S T I C A N D C O M M E R C I A L

T H E R E W I R I N G S P E C I A L I S T S F R E E R e w i r e s a n d R e p a i r s E S T I M A T E S P I R S e c u r i t y L i g h t i n g T e s t i n g C e r t i f i c a t e s B u i l d i n g S o c i e t y W i r i n g R e p o r t s

0117 956 0695 / 07770 233475

enquiries@markevanselectrical.co.uk

F R I E N D L Y , H O N E S T A N D P R O F E S S I O N 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

Trusted Trader

07976 665448 FENCING

ELECTRICIANS

atom electrical DOWNEND

G FENCIN RVICE)

specialist domestic installers

     

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.

(ERECTING SE

e - All types of 45 years experienc arance etc. cle , irs fencing, repa L AL SM O TO B NO JO

For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

FENCING

TEL: 0797 3381663

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

FRENCHAY FENCING

D. ATTWELL

& PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works

Call Mike on 07962226226 or Andy on 07747148106

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921

all work guaranteed - all quotes free OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE LOCALLY BASED

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

Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021 GUTTERING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

Hawthorn Landscapes and Tree Care Replacement and Maintenance:

Guttering, Downpipes UPVC Fascia Boards Soffits and Cladding Unblock & Gutter Cleaning

We are a family run business est 1990 we do all types of Fencing, turfing,patios,power cleaning Trees and shrubs topped shaped and felled All types of rubbish removed - cheaper than a skip Email hawthornlandscapes@yahoo.co.uk

All work guaranteed Based in Bristol area Call Paul for free quote

Freephone 0800 858 9803 Mobile 07580 260 676

01454 850201 or 07980 001109 GUTTER CLEANING

MACHINE HIRE

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning

Digger Hire Grass Cutter Hire Garden Clearance We can supply the machines manned or unmanned

Call or Book online

J AND J CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE & PEST CONTROL LTD

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol

HOUSE CLEARANCE

Tel 07779242184

OVEN CLEANING

Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance



07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003



House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139

20 years plus experience Cutting womens, gents and children. Styling and blow drying, perming, colouring and highlighting. Wedding & prom hair

Call Karina on

07789718422

Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:

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

PAINTING & DECORATING

SJM DECORATING Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & •External Tiler • Mason Painter Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured

Free Quotations

Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411

Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry PAINTING & DECORATING Interior & façade painting

Builder & Interior Decorator



T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

Hairdresser

J L Painting & Decorating

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



Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

Professional Mobile

PAINTING & DECORATING

Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator



3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179

HAIRDRESSER

E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com

PAINTING & DECORATING STEVE PAINTER

DECORATING SERVICES

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

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

01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035

PLASTERING

SBS PLASTERING City and Guilds Qualified

Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations

Tel: 07900 551199 Tel: 0117 9567100

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

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

July, 2021

PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

We would be pleased to help you with your

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

PLUMBING & HEATING

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE* Contact us via:

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

Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk

Boiler installation, servicing and repairs

FULLY ACCREDITED WITH

10 Year Warranty’s available Finance also available

*FINANCE PROVIDED BY INPROVEASY

518308

PLUMBING & HEATING

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

ROOFING

N . BROWN

ROOFIN G LIMITED

629179

SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

TEL: 07765 250816

56746

PLUMBING

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

07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

✆ 07779 786072 ROOFING

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

0117

957 5092

FLAT ROOFING J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Mastic | Asphalt | Felt Roofing Contractors

Providing general building, factory facilities work, gardening, pest control

Tel 07779242184

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

Downend based BS16 6AP Over 40 years experience References available on request

TEL: 0117 431 5880 MOBILE: 07976 442703 Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

July, 2021

63 WIGS

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

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

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

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

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

TREE SURGEONS

SHOWER REPAIRS

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

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

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

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

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

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

0117 956 3285

07976 665448

TREE SURGEONS

J.A. Cole & Sons Tree Surgeons • Tree Surgery • Hedge & Shrub work • Precision Felling • Size Reduction • Fully insured • Domestic & Commercial .

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

0117 9567298 07768 973291

www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk

WASP REMOVAL

Kwik Care Pest Control

Wasp Removal Fully qualified Competitive prices Call now for a free quote

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

WASTE DISPOSAL

LOCAL SERVICES ss

sine Advertise your bu here from just

.30 8 1 £

Give Gary a call 0117 907 8585 or 07799 461169

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

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

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

We stock many styles and makes.

Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com

WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS

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

ST. ALDAMS FARM NURSERY EST. 1973

BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER

THE BEST PLANTS AT THE BEST PRICES

SALE NOW ON

MOST PLANTS HALF PRICE OR LESS - SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

PICK YOUR OWN READY SOON BLACK & REDCURRANTS + RASPBERRIES MAIN CROP STRAWBERRIES READY MID AUGUST (To avoid disappointment please check St Aldams Facebook page and Website for availability)

ERIN MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST Top Quality

£6.00 each or 3 for £15

GREAT FOR OUR POTS, TUBS, CONTAINERS BASKETS AND GARDENS

LOOK OUT FOR OUR SPECIAL OFFERS WHY NOT COME AND SEE US AT ST ALDAMS? SOMETHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY

OPEN 7

DAYS

9AM-5 P

WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY SEE OUR SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS staldamsnursery.co.uk