downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk March, 2022, Issue 104
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022 -2023 budget. At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life. It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network. This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year - 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.
Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: • Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance • Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million • A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library • Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year– the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year • Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays - a
lifeline for some families • Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.
Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see page 2). In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.
Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike. The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.
Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives
View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage
Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate WELCOME - We’re very pleased to partner again with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund. We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too - spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies. I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.
such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district. In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for
nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits. Continued on next page
2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
BUDGET CONTINUED
A new jubilee park A brand-new park in Cadbury Heath will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and provide a green space for everyone to enjoy. The council is spending £500,000 on this unique project to enhance an existing open space in the community. As well as new landscaping, paths and planting, the new park will focus on wildlife and biodiversity to enable residents to reconnect with nature.
Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.
Looking after our environment Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.
self-sufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy. Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com
Join in the spring clean
Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid. Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid singleuse plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment. More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become
Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April. If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team. They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit southglos.gov.uk/springclean
Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog
Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone. The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly. Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.” The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years. If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF
Financial help for you Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open. Find out more and apply online at www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on 01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.
downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk March, 2022, Issue 104
FREE EVERY MONTH IN DOWNEND, MANGOTSFIELD, STAPLE HILL, BROMLEY HEATH & FRENCHAY
New church opens in Staple Hill Pastors Osien and Fatima Sibanda have opened a new church in the building that formerly housed the Sanctuary Church in Staple Hill. PAGE 13
Family devastated as nurse dies in collision THE family of a nurse who died following a collision with a van in Downend say she will be "missed beyond belief and loved forever". Deborah West was walking to a hair appointment when she was hit by a van pulling into a car park off Chestnut Road. She suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital, where she later died.
Deborah, who was 56, lived in Congresbury in North Somerset but had previously lived in Downend and often returned to the area. Her family and Avon and Somerset police have appealed to anyone who has information or video footage that could help their investigation into the collision to come forward. Turn to Page 7
Deborah West
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Staple Hill & Mangotsfield look set to get a parish council - despite concerns that fewer than one in a hunded people wants one. PAGE 5
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downendvoice
4
March, 2022
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Is there another solution to easing your back pain other than taking harmful painkillers? More and more people are accepting their back pain as a normal part of life, but Willow Chiropractic holds the key to you living a healthier, pain-free life. Pain can be frustrating, exhausting and upsetting. You might be missing out on the moments that matter; spending quality time with loved ones, a hobby you love, or playing with your children in the park. Some activities may seem almost impossible now, but you’ve accepted this as your normal and can’t imagine ever being back to feeling yourself. But this isn’t something that you have to accept. It’s just about taking that first step; deciding that you want to take back control over your life and not let your pain hold a power over you. Chiropractic has been proven to help with so many different types of pain. Using over 100 years’ of experience and an award-winning proven process, they have helped thousands of people like you get out of pain and live life to the fullest. It’s not just about getting you out of pain. That’s only the first step. It’s about enhancing and optimising your health and wellbeing, protecting your body now and for the future. Living the life, you deserve. When you’re in pain, that’s your bodies way of telling you it’s
struggling to cope. It can be a balancing act, but Willow can guide you on your journey. “We’re a little different here at Willow,” says Juliana Chattey (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Willow Chiropractic. “Yes, we can help with you back, knee, neck, and shoulder pain, but our goal is to help you achieve your goals and live a healthier life. I’m confident we can help you run a marathon or keep up with your grandchildren.” Age shouldn’t be used as an excuse either; “I’m getting old” doesn’t normalise your pain. “Society tells us that as we age, we must take a step back from what we love because we’re too ‘fragile’. It’s not true. Your quality of life can be the same, or you might even feel better than you did 10, 20, 30 years ago. You can still do what you love and enjoy. Don’t let anyone tell you differently,” says Dr Juliana. So yes, Willow Chiropractic can help you, but it takes dedication. 20 years of pain will not disappear after one or two treatments. “We want to be honest with you, chiropractic isn’t a quick fix. Healing takes time. You wouldn’t start
going to the gym and expect to lose a stone after the first session or be able to lift as much as someone who has been training for years. It takes commitment and patience like everything else in life,” says Dr Juliana. Mark, a patient at Willow commented, “for 12 years I have suffered with awful acid reflux, and, more recently, sciatica in my right arm and leg. It was affecting my day-to-day life massively. Now, after chiropractic care, the sciatica has disappeared completely, I am sleeping properly again, and I no longer need to rely on medication to cope with my acid reflux. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined such a significant difference in my health. It hasn’t been a quick fix, but is there ever one? The healing process needs time. I’m grateful I trusted my chiropractor and body.” In conjunction with the Emersons Voice, Willow Chiropractic is offering a discounted consultation where they will carry out a full examination and tell you exactly what they find. There is no obligation, all for £10 So, whether you have been suffering with your pain for a while, or it has started recently, call on 01275 380 048 today to start on your journey to a happier and healthier life.
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downendvoice
March, 2022
5
n NEWS
New parish council on the way A PARISH council will be created to represent people in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield – despite claims that only one in every hundred residents actually asked for it. South Gloucestershire Council's Regulatory Committee voted to set up the new council in February. It will be elected in 2023 and put Staple Hill and Mangotsfield on an equal footing with neighbouring Downend and Emersons Green, which already have parish and town councils. Committee chair Paul Hughes said the move would provide "enhanced levels of local democracy and help to further develop a positive community identity". He said: "Town and parish councils have the potential to really impact communities for the better and the response we have seen through this consultation has certainly shown that residents felt this was the
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case." But the decision has been criticised by the council's Labour group and ward councillors, after a report showed just 2.71% of Staple Hill & Mangotsfield residents had responded to the three-month public consultation held between October and January. Ward councillor Michael Bell said leaflets had been delivered to every household in the area, which has just over 10,100 voters. Just 274 people responded and of those, 39% were in favour of creating a new parish council, with 49% wanting things left as they are. Another 6% wanted to join a neighbouring parish council and 6% didn't express a preference. Cllr Bell said: "This means that only one resident in 100 actually commented that they wanted a new parish council." He said he had voted against the plans as he "felt that the
consultation results did not reflect enough public support". Labour group leader Pat Rooney accused the council's ruling Conservatives of "riding roughshod over the wishes of local people" who had "clearly said they don’t want a town or parish council". She said: "Why spend thousands of pounds and hours asking people what they want, if you won’t listen to what they’ve said?" Parish councils are the most local level of government, with unpaid councillors and limited powers. They can take over responsibility for some neighbourhood services such as parks and bus shelters, and comment on – but cannot refuse or approve - planning applications. Four drop-in consultation events held in November were attended by 28 people in total. A report into the consultation said concerns had been raised
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V
over the potential cost of a new council and added: "Respondents also expressed satisfaction with existing political arrangements and representation." Cllr Hughes said the decision to create the new council was "taken by a cross-party committee" and described Cllr Rooney's comments as "thoroughly disappointing". He said: "Now that the proposals have been approved, I am pleased we will soon review the special expenses paid by unparished areas, with a view to reducing it partially or entirely." Band D taxpayers with no parish council are due to pay a special expenses charge of £31.08 for services in their neighbourhood in the coming year. The special expenses bill for Downend band D taxpayers is £18.91 – but they will also pay a parish council precept of £65.98.
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downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk
Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377
Follow us on Twitter @downendvoice ADVERTISING sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our April edition deadline is March 16. 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
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ downendvoice 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am to 2pm
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.
March, 2022
n NEWS
Man hurt in hate attack
POLICE say an attack on a man in Soundwell is being treated as a homophobic hate crime. An appeal for information about the incident has been made by police, who also issued a description of the attackers. Officers say the victim, who is in his 50s, was in the Leicester Square area when two men, both in their 30s, got out of a small red Nissan car and attacked him, leaving him with leg injuries. The victim told police one of the attackers was white, about 5ft 8in tall, slim and clean-shaven. He had a West Country accent and wore a navy hooded top, blue denim jeans and black trainers. The other attacker was of mixed race, about 5ft 11in tall and slim, with short, black, braided hair. He wore a grey long-sleeved jumper, green and black camouflage trousers, a black padded coat and white trainers. Police say the incident
happened on December 7 at around 10.30pm and the appeal was made after two months of enquiries failed to trace the attackers. A police spokesperson said the incident was being treated "as a hate crime due to the language one of the offenders used". The spokesperson added: "House-to-house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out as part of the investigation into the incident, while the victim has also been provided access to specialist support services. "Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who recognises the description of the offenders, is asked to contact us." People with information should call the police on 101, quoting crime reference number 5221 287 682 or report the information online. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
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COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Downend Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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downendvoice
March, 2022
7
n NEWS
'A beautiful soul who was always helping people' From page 3 Deborah had parked in the Co-op car park and was walking along the pavement past the entrance to the Openreach car park, behind the Downend exchange, when she was knocked down. She was on her way to an appointment at the hairdresser on the corner of Chestnut Road and Downend Road, where she had been a customer for many years. The road was shut as emergency services tried to save Deborah, who died later at Southmead Hospital. Her family said: "Debbie was a very much loved fiancée, mother, daughter, sister and auntie. "We are all heartbroken at the sudden loss of Deb, as she was such a special person, always smiling. “Deb had a beautiful soul and was always helping people, be it family, friends or in her work as a mental health nurse. "Her career spanned over 35 years, in which she helped and touched the lives of countless people in Bristol and Somerset. "She will be sorely missed by colleagues and clients alike in the mental health service for her outstanding work and dedication. “As a family we are utterly devastated at her untimely death and are struggling to come to terms with it. We would like to thank everyone for their
Flowers left at the spot on Chestnut Road where Deborah West was fatally injured messages of support and love we have received. “Deb will be missed beyond belief and loved forever.” Deborah had lived in Downend between 1996 and 2007. She was a member of the Christ Church congregation and her son George, 25, attended Christ Church infant and junior schools. Her parents, Diane and Derek West, still live in Frenchay, where her grandfather founded the Riverside Drive Park Homes estate. Deborah had trained and worked as a mental health nurse at Glenside Hospital in Fishponds, also working in Australia and at Barrow Hospital in North Somerset before taking on a variety of roles nursing in the community, including on crisis teams providing emergency
Warning over roadworks DRIVERS are being warned to expect delays when temporary traffic lights are installed at one of Downend's busiest junctions. The temporary arrangement was set to replace the regular traffic lights at the junction of Badminton Road, Cleeve Hill and Cleeve Road, by the former Lloyds Bank building, for three weeks from February 21, as Wales & West Utilities carries out work to replace a gas main. South Gloucestershire Council said the work had been timed to fit around the school half-term holiday, to minimise disruption, saying there would be "less impact on traffic flow after the first week". The council's StreetCare department is carrying out major resurfacing work overnight between 8pm and 6am along Badminton Road from March 7-23. The council said: "This is part of £174 million investment in improving our network over a four-year period. "These works will create a significant amount of noise and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. "For the duration of the overnight surfacing works, the road will be closed and all traffic will be diverted around the area."
support and assessing people in the early stages of mental health treatment. Although she had officially retired in 2020 she continued to work part-time for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Deborah's fiance Tim Palmer
said she was a keen gardener and after retiring she achieved a commendation in her Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 certificate in horticulture. She had been due to take more exams on February 7, just over a week after she died. She was also a dog lover and the couple had four dogs. Tim and Deborah's sister Donna Walsh have added to calls from the police for anyone who saw the collision or the events leading up to it, or has CCTV or dashcam footage from nearby around the time, to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5222 022 479. Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the incident, at the entrance to the Openreach car park. The Voice understands that the white van involved was not being driven by an Openreach employee or anyone working on behalf of the company.
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downendvoice
March, 2022
9
n NEWS
Controversial road closures removed ROAD closures on two streets in Staple Hill have been removed, more than 18 months after they were introduced to encourage cycling and walking. The concrete blocks in Signal Road and Charnell Road were installed by South Gloucestershire Council, which is now looking for an alternative solution to the area's traffic problems. The two roads were blocked in July 2020 under experimental traffic orders, to divert through traffic away from the nearby entrance to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path. They immediately divided opinion: people on the two closed roads and on Charnhill Drive, which connects to Signal Road, said they had stopped up a rat run used by often-speeding drivers to avoid the traffic lights at the top of Teewell Hill. Many cycle path users also backed the change. But people in other streets nearby, particularly Teewell Hill, said the closures had made traffic problems around their homes worse. South Gloucestershire Council held public consultations on the scheme and initially announced it was making the closures permanent, citing the support of Signal Road and Charnell Road residents. But the council changed its mind after further protests, saying it would remove them because the closures "had not been well received by residents in the wider area". A last-ditch attempt to keep the road blocks in place, including a petition signed by almost 300 people, failed and although a legal challenge stopped the blocks from being removed in December, they were finally taken away in the first week of February as the traffic orders expired. A council spokesperson said no legal proceedings had been initiated against the authority to further delay the removal. The spokesperson added: "We will continue to work with residents and local members to provide a solution for this area to help reduce traffic and congestion and to make active
Signal Road reopened to through traffic in February Residents opposing removal of the blocks in Signal Rd travel more accessible." Signal Road resident Bee McNamara, who was involved in the campaign to keep the closures in place, said that since they had been removed on February 4, traffic had started to slowly increase again. He said drivers who had found alternative routes when the roads were closed appeared to be realising they were open again and changing back to using them. Bee said: "I'm really concerned, as a lot of pedestrians and cyclists are still using the roads as they did when the closures were in place, and I have witnessed a couple of times cars travelling along Signal Road at what looked like 60mph. "It's not really a good mix and it really worries me – it feels like an accident waiting to happen. "I think I have also noticed that the numbers of kids cycling to school might have dropped a little, which is really sad to see." The streets are part of the Staple Hill & Mangotsfield council ward, and ward councillor Ian Boulton submitted a petition on the council's website calling for a "thorough traffic management review of Staple Hill", including reducing through traffic, lowering emissions and improving access to public transport across the whole area. The petition on the council website has been signed by more than 100 people and Ian said he was hopeful of some "constructive action" on the issue. He said: "I believe that
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local traffic can engage in, and help inform, any proposals that will be made. "At the end of this process it would be great if we could get a scheme that reduced and slowed down vehicular traffic passing through our area and helped to support greener and safer active travel options for all of us."
considering the community as a whole is the only way we will be able to sensibly plan to reduce and slow down reported traffic concerns, as piecemeal schemes only seem to push problems into neighbouring roads. "I have asked for a thorough consultation process so that everyone who is affected by our
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eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.
I WAS reflecting this month that we’ve had our second practice for over 5 years. Has it always been a smooth road? Well honestly, no. But I’ve learnt a lot, enjoyed meeting many new patients and been humbled by the significant number of patients who have chosen to return to see us too! So as an Optician, what do we offer? Our primary offering is advanced eye care. How does this look? Well it starts with our ethos. We aim to make you, our patient, feel relaxed, informed and reassured following a visit to us for your eye care. How do we do this? We start by allowing enough time to listen to any vision concerns you may have and we carry out a good number of checks of your eyes and visual system. The latest addition to our clinical practice is a new, super sophisticated, instrument (it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the latest tech!) which lets us look into both the front and back of your eyes with more detail and clarity than ever before! Why are we so focussed on eye care? Simply it’s our passion, and the reason why we invest so much in our Optometry practices - for the benefits of our patients. Almost all of us rely on our eyes and vision for so, so many of the day to day aspects of our lives, it’s easy to take our sight for granted. We also firmly believe in preventative steps wherever needed, and regularly advise our patients on the best way to care for their eye health and vision to keep them seeing clearly far into the future too! There’s another reason to come and see us at Turner's Opticians this month. We’ve an amazing new range of frames to show you! I’ll say from the outset that this is probably the fastest I’ve ever stocked a new range of frames, such is my excitement at having viewed them. I will also say that I’m the proud owner of a set of Walter & Herbert frames myself! As you can see from the picture, I’ve changed from my chunky Ray-Bans to a new look for this year. Walter & Herbert have been designing and making glasses in the UK since the 1940’s. They bring an innovative and creative outlook, through which the family have honed and perfected not only the frame style & design, but also the exquisite quality of the finished frames. I’m super chuffed with the look and feel of mine too. I appreciate that how glasses feel may be an interesting thing for an Optometrist to say, but yes, the details matter, well to me anyway! When it comes to your eyes, we’d love to see you and for you to experience the advanced eye care we firmly believe you deserve. A visit to Turners Opticians gives you so much more than just a sight test. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses that both look and feel great too, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
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downendvoice
March, 2022
11
n NEWS
Stanbridge children are Lego champs
A TEAM of young engineers and problem-solvers from Stanbridge Primary School have won a regional contest. The team took on children from schools across the area in the second IET First Lego League Challenge Whirlpool Bristol tournament. The one-day virtual tournament encouraged children to develop their programming, design and teamwork skills with a series of challenges using Lego robots. Judges from science, technology and engineering industries watched online as the teams demonstrated their robot designs, competed in short games and presented an innovation project they had been working on over the last school term. The organisers said Stanbridge excelled across all of the challenges and the team ase crowned overall winners of the Bristol tournament, securing a place in the national finals, which were due to take place at the end of February. A SHOW dedicated to all things Lego raised nearly £2,000 for a Downend infant school. The Brick Show at Christ Church Infant School was organised by Luke Beadle, a member of Bristol Lego group GertLUG, whose daughter Bella is a Year 1 pupil. Luke and a team from the group, which meets regularly to build, trade and discuss all things Lego, put on the show free of charge to the school to help raise funds for its new playground
The winning Stanbridge Primary School team with computing teacher Andy McGovern On their way to winning the Champions’ Award Stanbridge secured the top score in the robot game, where they programmed a Lego robot to complete missions on a specially-created playing field. The First Lego League is a global science and technology challenge involving almost 680,000 young people across 110 countries each year.
Stanbridge computing teacher Andy McGovern said: "Over the last few months we have been hard at work in our Lego club preparing for our first ever Lego League competition. "The competition involved us learning to code a robot, writing (and performing) multiple speeches and having fun whilst learning from our mistakes. "It was nerve wracking and
Brick Show builds up funds project. Head teacher Anna Martin said: "The school opened up the show to the local community and hundreds of visitors came along to the school. There were so many families who weren’t from CCI and it was lovely to see the whole community come together to enjoy some brilliant exhibits and enjoy having a go at being engineers themselves.
Bella Beadle at her stall
"Bella also wanted to get involved so she ran her own stall selling Lego badges that she had made. She raised over £40 doing this and will use half of that as her sponsored challenge to raise money for the playground too. "The event raised nearly £2,000 in total and we are extremely grateful to Bella’s family, the engineers who provided the exhibits, the
Friends of the school, the staff who helped on the day and the hundreds of visitors who supported the event."
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challenging yet enjoyable all at the same time. "The whole process has been very challenging but we have worked as a team and been determined to power through and try our best." Mr McGovern said the team had "felt tremendous amounts of pressure as well as excitement" on the day of the competition and it had been "almost like a dream" to be announced as the winners of the robot game and overall tournament. He said: "The team celebrated as though we had just won the World Cup! We were ecstatic." Ian Moverley, of Bristol tournament sponsors Whirlpool, said: "First Lego League is a wonderful introduction to STEM (science technology engineering and maths) for many children, and the added element of the Innovation Project ensures they can develop their research and creativity skills too. "Well done to everyone involved, and best of luck to Stanbridge Primary School in the national finals."
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12
n NEWS
Woman's death not suspicious POLICE say the death of a woman at a house in Staple Hill is not being treated as suspicious. Upper Station Road was sealed off on the afternoon and evening of January 25 after a woman was found with what police described as "serious injuries" inside a house on the street shortly after 3.45pm. The woman was taken to hospital for treatment but died later of her injuries. The road was closed while a forensic investigation took place. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said that the circumstances of the woman's death were not suspicious and the case had been referred to the coroner for an inquest. The spokesperson added: "Her family are aware and our thoughts are with them."
March, 2022
Driver injured e-scooter rider after jumping red light A DOWNEND man who drove through a red light on drugs, ploughing into an e-scooter rider, has been jailed. Avon and Somerset police said Thomas Trott caused "extensive injuries" when he knocked down Jade HodsonWalker on Hartcliffe Way in South Bristol last year. The 27-year-old driver, of Westbourne Road, was sentenced to a year and eight months in prison at Bristol Crown Court after being convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drug driving, driving without insurance and possession of cannabis. He was also disqualified from driving for three and a half years after his release at the hearing on January 18, and will be required to complete an extended retest before he can legally drive again.
Police said they were called to Hartcliffe Way at 7.30pm on May 18 after a Vauxhall Insignia car driven by Trott failed to stop at red traffic lights and hit 20-year-old Ms Hodson-Walker, who was riding an e-scooter over a pedestrian crossing. A police spokesperson said: "Jade suffered potentially lifethreatening injuries and spent several months in hospital, including two weeks in intensive care. "She continues to undergo treatment." Trott was arrested at the scene of the incident. Inspector Andy Barry from the Roads Policing Unit said: “This case is a stark reminder that dangerous driving, or driving under the influence of drink or drugs, can have devastating outcomes. "The victim in this case
Thomas Trott was jailed for 20 months. Picture: Avon and Somerset police suffered extensive injuries, which continue to have a profound impact on her and her family’s life. "I am pleased that the driver is now facing the consequences for his unacceptable actions."
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downendvoice
March, 2022
13
n NEWS
New lease of life for Staple Hill church A CHURCH which closed its doors more than a year ago has reopened and is looking to serve the community again. The former Sanctuary Church at the corner of Staple Hill High Street and Pendennis Road is now God's House, a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Husband and wife pastors Osien and Fatima Sibanda have reopened the building and are running regular services, prayer meetings and youth groups, along with special services such as weddings and funerals, and support for people including exoffenders. The church is planning to run parent and toddler groups, a coffee shop, a bookshop, a group for older people and community events such as concerts and conferences. They are also inviting community groups in need of a space for their activities to contact them to see if the church
Pastors Osien and Fatima Sibanda reopening the former Sanctuary Church in Staple Hill, which is now known as God's House can meet their needs. Osien said: "We heard there were a lot of activities at the church before it closed and we want to make sure groups are aware we are open. "We're making our church hall available for hire to the community – we are open to fill
BRISTOL DOWNEND
C H R I S TA D E L P H I A N S
any gap the community could be having. "We are currently doing an audit as to what community activities the former church was doing, as we would like these to continue." The church's Sunday services, at 10am every week, are also
broadcast live on YouTube. Prayer meetings take place at the church every Tuesday at 6pm, although these would usually be held in person they are currently being held online. Youth meetings are held on Friday evenings and band practices on Saturday afternoons. The Redeemed Christian Church of God was first founded in Nigeria in 1931. It has churches in more than ten other African nations as well as the Caribbean, US, Germany, France. In the UK there are around 860 Redeemed Christian Church of God churches, including around nine in the Bristol area. Community groups who want to enquire about use of the hall should email admin@ godshouseic.org or call 0117 927 7375. For more information about the church visit www. godshouseic.org.
The entrance of thy words giveth light
Sunday BiBle TalkS in March @ 2pM 6th
Getting to know the Bible - Leviticus
13th
Hope in Today’s World
20th
If there is a God, why is there so much suffering?
27th
The Christian and Politics
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downendvoice
14
March, 2022
n NEWS
Council tax on the rise – but rebate will soften the blow AVERAGE council tax bills will top £2,000 across the area this year. The total bill faced by a Band D tax payer, including charges for police, fire and other services, will pass the landmark figure for residents of Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, Frenchay and areas covered by Emersons Green Town Council, joining Downend where the total passed £2,000 last year. But householders in council tax bands A-D – around 80% of taxpayers, will receive a one-off £150 rebate from the government this year as part of a package to mitigate the cost of living crisis. South Gloucestershire Council has raised its share of the bill by 2.99%, one per cent of which is reserved to pay for adult social care. The local authority’s element of the bill to a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45 on the current year, or 93p extra a week. Added to all bills are charges for policing and fire services, which are set independently by the region's police and crime panel and fire authority respectively. This year the policing bill for a Band D taxpayer will rise by £10 – 4.1% per cent – to a total of £251.20. It is the maximum increase the government told police and crime commissioners they could
Band D council tax bills 2022/23 Parish special precept expenses
£150 rebate
Parish area Downend & Bromley Heath:
Parish budget
total council tax
£304,500
£65.98
£18.91
£2,061.70
Emersons Green:
£269,073
£39.99
£19.60
£2,036.40
Winterbourne (includes Frenchay):
£185,350
£47.75
£7.64
£2,032.20
Unparished (Staple Hill & Mangotsfield):
n/a
n/a
£31.08
£2,007.89
Figures from South Gloucestershire Council ask for. The fire authority's charge of £77.95 is £1.52 more than last year, an increase of 1.99 per cent. The total paid by taxpayers varies depending on the tax band their home is in and whether they live in a neighbourhood which is part of a parish or town council area. In Downend the cheapest bill is £1,374.47 in Band A, rising to £4,123.40 for the most expensive Band H homes. The total Band D charge of £2,061.70 – up £38.94 on last year – includes a £65.98 charge for Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council and £18.91 to cover 'special expenses' for local services provided by South Gloucestershire in the area such as open spaces, halls and cemeteries not funded by the
parish council. The parish council's charge is actually 39p less per Band D household than last year, because the council has frozen its budget at £304,500 but the number of households paying council tax has increased. Special expenses have risen by 54p. The Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Band D bill of £2,007.89 – up £39.43 from last year – includes special expenses of £31.08 but no parish council charge, as the area is not currently covered by one, although this is set to change from next year. In Frenchay, which is covered by Winterbourne Parish Council, this year's parish precept charge to Band D taxpayers of £47.75 is £1.16 less than last year as the council has also frozen its budget
HOUSEHOLDERS whose homes are in council tax bands A to D will receive a one-off £150 rebate in April. The move was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the same time as a £200 energy bill "upfront discount" aimed to cushion the expected £700 rise in the cost of average gas and electricity bills this year. But while the £200 energy bill 'discount' will have to be paid back, at a rate of £40 a year over five years from 2023, the council tax rebate will not. The Treasury said: "This oneoff payment will benefit around 80 per cent of all homes in England and is £1 billion more generous and more targeted towards lower-income families than a VAT cut on energy bills."
at £185,350, with extra residents bringing the cost per household down. Special expenses are also down by 79p, to £7.64. Emersons Green Town council has increased its budget by 5% from £256,232 to £269,073 – its band D precept is up by 40p to £39.99 and special expenses rise by £1.86, to £19.60. *All figures courtesy of South Gloucestershire Council
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downendvoice
March, 2022
n NEWS
15
Budget 'will protect Police rise will help frontline services' 'rebuild' service
Toby Savage, Pat Rooney and Claire Young at the budget meeting SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's budget was approved unanimously at a tax-setting meeting. The budget includes more money for street cleaning, school buildings, roads and potholes, and children’s services. Opposition groups secured extra funding to help retrofit homes and reduce waiting times for therapy for sex attack victims from up to 42 months down to three. The Conservative administration’s budget keeps parking free at council-run car parks in the district. But while frontline services are protected, the budget also includes £9.5 million of cutbacks in 2022/23 and £23.6m over the next four years, including staff redundancies, higher pest control fees and the end of subsidies for the HandyVan repairs service for older and disabled residents. Almost £260m will be spent on South Gloucestershire Council day-to-day services, plus £140.5m on capital projects, over the next 12 months. Street cleaning teams will receive an additional £639,000, more than £12m will go on road repairs, and there will be £15.3m extra for children’s services amid ongoing criticism from Ofsted that vulnerable youngsters are at risk. Schools will share an additional £7.3million from increased government funding, up by 6.6 per cent from 2021/22 to £191m for the coming year, with spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities rising by £5m. Another £21m was approved towards major transport projects over the next three years,
including a park and ride for the M32 – although a location has still not been determined – and improvements on the A38 and A432 Downend Road/ Badminton Road. Council leader Toby Savage said: "This balanced four-year budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. "We are protecting the vital frontline services that so many people rely on and we are investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire." The 2.99% rise is the maximum permitted by the government this year without the need for a local referendum. Both opposition groups tabled budget amendments which were approved unanimously following negotiations, and some changes, before a meeting at Kingswood civic centre on February 16. Labour secured £7,300 from reserves for 10 more climate change workshops in schools and £75,000 from the newly created £1m prevention fund to ensure 50 victims of rape and sexual assault will receive therapy within three months rather than up to three-and-a-half years. Group leader Pat Rooney said the money "will have an immediate impact for some of our most vulnerable victims of sexual assault and rape". The Liberal Democrats secured an extra £110,000 to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. Group leader Claire Young told the meeting: “It appears that our repeated calls for more funding for climate action are finally hitting home." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
HUNDREDS more officers and a “relentless focus” on perpetrators will lead Avon and Somerset police to “sunny uplands”, says new chief constable Sarah Crew. The force's top officer said a £10 tax rise for the average Band D household in the coming year – the maximum allowed – was modest compared to the £87 million the force has cut from its budget in the last 10 years. Significant future savings will still need to be made in the coming years, she warned. The force also faces new costs and a 25 per cent hike in gas and electricity bills, and will need to save £3million Ms Crew told the police and crime panel’s budget setting meeting in February: “We’ve been fighting fires for a long time. I liken it to a hard winter where we’ve had our heads down, hats pulled over our eyes and looking just ahead. It’s time for us to look a bit further ahead. “Rebuilding in three years what took 10 years to disassemble does have some challenges. “We’re seeing a growth of 456 officers. That means introducing over 1,300 new officers by next March." CC Crew said the force would “turn the dial up on perpetrators”, with high quality case-building, prevention and disruption at the earliest possible stage.Officers' pay was frozen last year but is expected to increase by a “reasonable” 3.5 per cent in September. By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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16
March, 2022
n NEWS
'Excellent' school earns top Ofsted rating A "HIGHLY ambitious and inclusive" primary school has been given an 'outstanding' rating by inspectors. Ofsted's high praise for Frome Vale Academy, in Frenchay Road, comes less than four years after the education watchdog said the school required improvement. The inspectors said children's behaviour was "excellent" and also praised the teaching, leadership and curriculum. They said: "Pupils excel at this highly ambitious and inclusive school. "Staff strive relentlessly to find ways to improve pupils’ lives, including through the delivery of the very carefully planned curriculum. "Pupils know that staff care for and respect them. "Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational
needs and/or disabilities learn alongside, and in harmony with, their peers." The school, which has 175 pupils aged from four to 11 and draws many of its pupils from Oldbury Court estate, was visited by two inspectors in January. Their report, which has just been published, praised every area of the school and gave it the highest possible rating. They said: "Pupils’ behaviour is excellent. Everyone has high expectations of behaviour. "Staff promote positive relationships in all aspects of school life. Bullying is very rare, and is dealt with effectively if it happens. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are exemplary, especially as they get older. Pupils rightly said that they feel safe and are safe. They truly act as, and value being, Frome Vale Citizens.
Frome Vale Academy principal Jan Saunders and pupils celebrate the school's outstanding rating "Leaders’ moral purpose underpins the success of this highly effective school. Leaders know their school and its community exceptionally well. "Leaders have secured the support and enthusiasm of all. Staff feel, and are, valued. Leaders develop staff to be highly effective, whatever their role. Consequently, the curriculum meets the pupils’ needs with precision. "Skilled staff deliver the intended curriculum very effectively. They have strong subject knowledge across all areas of the curriculum." The safeguarding
arrangements, academy council and board of trustees at the school, part of the Cabot Learning Federation, were also praised. Principal Jan Saunders said: "I am immensely proud of the outstanding Ofsted judgement, which is an endorsement of the hard work and unrelenting approach to developing a broad and engaging curriculum underpinned by a culture of Frome Vale Citizenship. "This approach has involved all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we provide the best life chances for all our pupils."
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YOUR
Community NEWS
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Brought to you by
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
of our community wanting to get involved in our Christmas 2022 planning.
Spring is coming and we are all looking forward to seeing the first snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils throughout our wonderful open spaces. I would like to thank everyone who responded to our most recent article in Downend Voice about graffiti. All the reported instances of graffiti have now been cleared or are on the schedule to be carried out in the very near future. Thank you for your support with this initiative. Potholes still appear to be a problem throughout the parish. If you are aware of any, please report these to South Gloucestershire Council online. Visit https://www.southglos.gov.uk/, click the ‘Report Online’ button and then ‘Pothole or damaged road surface’. Cllr Janet Biggin, Chairman
CHRISTMAS 2022
Building upon the success of 2021, we would like to invite all members of our community to our Christmas Focus Group on 17 March 2022, 5:30pm at Badminton Road Methodist Church to help explore new ideas and what you would like to see on our High Street over the festive period. The Parish Council, together with the help of our community, can make Christmas 2022 more jolly and bright! Please email clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk or call 0117 9567001 for further information or confirming your attendance. We Ho-Ho-hope to see you there!
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE PARISH OFFICE Some of you may already be aware that Downend Library will be closed from Monday 14 February until Sunday 13 March due to the installation of a new public toilet. Open Access will not be available during this time. As the Parish Office is located at the back of the library, this has also meant we will have to close the Office. However, the Clerk to the Council can still be contacted via email or telephone (details below), as she will be working from home whilst the work is undertaken.
CHANGES TO THE HIGHWAY CODE On 29 January, rules for all types of road users were updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses. In total 10 sections of The Highway Code have been updated, with 50 rules being added or updated. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is pleased that our High Street Christmas ‘refresh’ for 2021 was so well received. We received many messages of support, with new ideas, inspiration, and members
This publication is essential reading for everyone, and you can find a summary of all the changes on GOV.UK. The book itself has a new cover design to make it easy to recognise.
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 JON HUNT Tel. 07525 150 103 CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632
CLLR ALVIS WEST 07767 216 412 Staple Hill Ward CLLR PHILLIP ABBOTT Tel. 0117 957 0075 CLLR MATT PITTS Tel. 07837 870 039 Clerk to the Council Mrs Angela Hocking Tel. 0117 9567001 E-mail. clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk
www.dbhparishcouncil.uk
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downendvoice
March, 2022
n NEWS
19
Children rise to fundraising challenge
CHILDREN at a Downend school are chipping in to help raise £26,000 to transform their playground. Christ Church Infant School plans to install all-weather surfacing so pupils can use the area more often and increase the usable size. The school also wants to replace the existing equipment with a new climbing stack and parallel bars. To help raise the money the school's Friends fundraising group challenged each of the 222 pupils to raise £20.22 by February 20 (or 20/2/22). Children were encouraged to
think up their own sponsored events and have come up with a wide variety, from personal challenges and chores to business ventures. Two pupils started making and selling chocolates, another sold sticky buns and a Year 2 class made biscuits, cakes and smoothies with a Valentine’s theme and sold them to parents from a stall. Physical challenges have included running, cycling and climbing a mountain. Another pupil is carrying out household chores in return for sponsorship and a group of
Pupils' random acts of kindess YEAR 2 children at Stanbridge Primary School have been raising money for a good cause by carrying out random acts of kindness. The pupils, aged six and seven, studied people who help them and the local community then found out about ways they could help others, acts of kindness and doing things without expecting something in return. The children investigated several charities including Legs4Africa, Send a Cow and Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, learning about what the charities do and how people can support them by raising money. They wrote to the Grand Appeal charity, asking questions about its work. A school spokesperson said: "Following on from this the children focussed on why they should do kind things and what they could do to be kind in their lives in and out of school. "They created good deed diaries and asked for sponsorship for their good deeds and acts of kindness. "Across the week, the children raised an amazing £470 for the local charity. Stephanie Benson from the Grand Appeal spoke to the children via video link and thanked them for their incredible efforts." The children are encouraging others to find out more about how the Grand Appeal raises money to help staff, patients and their families at Bristol Children’s Hospital and support the charity via its website at www.grandappeal.org.uk.
children have been litter picking in the area to earn their money. Head teacher Anna Martin said: "The children have been very creative and we have seen a lovely range of ideas. "When schools have felt like very challenging places it has been lovely to see the children come together to challenge themselves and raise money at the same time. "The school is in desperate need of a new play area, as theirs
is very old and needs an allweather surface, as it becomes too muddy to use in the winter months, restricting the size of the play area."
Melanie’s Kitchen
Delicatessen, Gift & Refill Shop Did you know our loose handmade Belgian chocolates are now available all year round – like our hampers? Our refill section is growing – come and see the latest lines. We have fully restocked the freezer with Bini’s curries and Lodge Farm ready meals. Fresh bread is still available daily alongside lots of other gorgeous food lines We also have a lovely selection of locally designed cards and mugs as well as other gift ideas suitable for all occasions .
2 Downend Road, Downend BS16 5UJ 0117 957 2662 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
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March, 2022
n NEWS
New wardens aim to keep streets clean
A NEW team of wardens is helping to keep the streets of South Gloucestershire clean. Two street enforcement officers (SEOs) have been employed by the council as part of a £130,000 pilot scheme to target litterbugs and people who leave their dogs' mess on the pavement, encouraging people to either use bins or take their rubbish home. The SEOs are covering the whole district, and South Gloucestershire Council says it has introduced the role following overwhelming support in a public survey, which found 94 per cent of people backed a "proactive approach" to preventing littering and dog fouling. The pilot scheme was funded from the council’s 2020-21 budget and the authority says it is building on the success of the council’s Envirocrime team, which works to protect the environment by preventing and deterring littering.
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member Rachael Hunt with street enforcement officers Jim Bell and Michelle Britton in Kingswood High Street The council’s 2022-23 budget includes an extra £639,000 in the street cleaning teams who work to ensure communities are clean and attractive places to live and work. The SEOs have powers under the Environmental Protection Act to issue warning notices, and fines as a last resort. But a council spokesperson said: "Their emphasis is more on reminding people to be responsible rather than issuing fines.
"They will work closely with local police and council’s Streetcare teams as part of their role, preventing and reporting fly-posting and any abandoned vehicles they see while on patrol." Council cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said: “Our Street Enforcement Officers are already out and about in our towns and in rural areas, with patrols covering parks, open spaces and some residential streets.
"Their role is very much about education and encouraging a change into positive habits. "This is already having an impact, with High Street traders telling us town centres are already looking better, with less litter and cigarette ends being dropped. "Some traders have also been putting out bins and taking litter from customers who are now more conscious about littering since the introduction of the Street Enforcement Officers, so we’re already seeing local communities benefiting from their introduction." The SEOs wear black and green uniforms and have badges and cards to identify them – they also wear video cameras like those used by police officers. They first went on patrol in December and the council says it will evaluate their effectiveness over time. Scrap merchant fined: Page 22
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March, 2022
n NEWS
A tree blown down across Long Road, Mangotsfield. Picture: Sarah Williams Beese
A branch blown across the Bristol & Bath Railway Path. Picture: Paul Hassan
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Fallen tree in Cleeve Wood Road. Picture: South Gloucestershire Council
Storm Eunice tears through trees ONE of the most damaging storms to hit the UK in decades brought down dozens of trees in South Gloucestershire. Storm Eunice – sandwiched between two other named storms, Dudley and Franklin – also led to the closure of most schools on safety grounds and the cancellation of bin and recycling collections. The council had 12 StreetCare tree teams with chainsaws, who
dealt with 46 trees that had fallen or lost branches by 5pm on February 18. Among the areas affected was Mangotsfield, where a large tree blocked Long Road, Cleeve Wood Road in Downend and the Bristol & Bath Railway Path between Staple Hill and Fishponds. Residents in Mangotsfield also spotted a trampoline which was blown onto the roof of a single-storey extension.
Many schools switched to remote learning or simply closed after the council issued safety advice about the storm the night before it hit. Recycling centres were opening for extended hours in the week following the storm to allow residents whose collections had been missed to dispose of extra waste and recycling, as well as storm-damaged items like fence panels.
The Met Office issued a rare red warning of "danger to life" for the region and, while no deaths were reported in the West, four people were killed elsewhere in the UK. Electricity provider Western Power Distribution (WPD) said the day the storm hit saw the most power cuts the South West had ever experienced, with 28,000 homes in South West England without power.
Join us in Providing a Great Education to Every Child CSET is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils. Here at Mangotsfield School we have some excellent job opportunities. All these roles offer term time only working. We have a range of contract, casual and permanent opportunities.
DT Technician 35 hours per week. Permanent contract. Starting Salary £15,643 prorated
Cover Supervisor 35 hours per week. Permanent contract. £17, 968 prorated salary.
Exam Invigilator £9.81 per hour. Casual Contract.
Behaviour Support 35 hours per week. Permanent contract. £17,968 prorated salary.
You will provide technical and administrative support to teaching staff, including in-class support with lessons. You’ll be enabling our pupils to receive a full experience of DT in engaging lessons. You do not need to have specific education experience as we can provide on the job training. If you are interested in considering a career move into a role which develops your design, manufacture and/or DT interests, but also gives you an opportunity to contribute to developing student knowledge and skills, this position could be for you. This is an interesting role that offers flexibility to someone who has an interest or some experience of education, and is looking for a position to fit in with their lifestyle. Join our team of casual invigilators and help support your local students.
You will supervise classes or groups of students, working out of the Cover Hub, undertaking activities that have previously been prepared by appropriate teaching staff when the assigned teacher is not present on a short-term basis. There may also be a requirement to work with individuals or groups of students at other times to support learning or pastoral activities or to provide other relevant support to teaching staff. So if you’re a personable, approachable, organised self-starter looking for a new opportunity please get in touch!
We strongly believe that in order to change behaviours we need to understand the root cause, so you’ll be carrying out 1-2-1 support and identifying and implementing mentoring plans. You’ll get the opportunity to give dedicated time to students to help improve their self esteem, confidence, behaviour and attitude.
To find out more about any of these roles, to request an application form or for any other enquiries please contact cset-recruitment@cset.co.uk Safeguarding statement: CSET is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates are subject to child protection screening appropriate to the post, which will include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for the children’s workforce and a Children’s Barred List check.
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22
n NEWS AN illegal scrap merchant found with metal in the back of his van in Mangotsfield has been ordered to pay £1,500. Police stopped Gabriel Baloi's Ford Transit van during October last year. He told officers he had collected the scrap metal in the vehicle to take to a dealer in Birmingham. Police seized the van, which was not insured, and called in South Gloucestershire Council's Envirocrime team, who prosecuted him over the scrap metal. Baloi, aged 52, who lives in the Soho area of Birmingham, was charged with transporting the waste metal without a scrap metal dealer's licence or registered waste carrier's licence. He failed to show up at Bristol Magistrates Court, where he was found guilty of illegally transporting the scrap. He was sentenced in his absence and ordered to pay a fine of £1,000, plus £500 in costs. Police have crushed the van Baloi was using without insurance. Council cabinet member
downendvoice
March, 2022
Rogue scrap merchant fined £1500 after police stop van
Scrap metal and other waste was found in the back of the van driven by Gabriel Baloi when he was stopped by police in Mangotsfield for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said: "This is an excellent example of us working closely with the police to ensure waste and scrap metal is
handled and processed lawfully by reputable individuals and businesses. "We are very clear that we won’t tolerate anyone who
behaves in this way, and we won’t hesitate in taking these matters before the courts so justice can be served. "We all have a responsibility to make sure that our waste is disposed of in the appropriate manner and anyone who handles waste as part of their job is responsible for holding the relevant licences – otherwise you could find yourself in court." Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be disposed of with no charge at the council’s Sort It centres in Mangotsfield, Yate, Little Stoke and Thornbury. Residents who see illegal fly tipping are being urged to report it by calling the council's StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@ southglos.gov.uk or by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/ flytipping
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March, 2022
n NEWS AMY Esposito had not heard of Pancreatic Cancer UK just over a year ago. But she has been running a mile every day for a month to help the charity, in recognition of the support it gave her family when her mum Angela Truman was diagnosed with the disease in December 2020. Angela, a retired teacher from Staple Hill, was told she was likely to have months to live and began gruelling chemotherapy treatment. Amy, who lives in Bromley Heath with husband Mike and daughter Mollie, 10, said her "whole world fell apart" and she did not know where to turn. But she said Pancreatic Cancer UK "answered the questions I had, held my hand over the phone, heard me cry, explained what medical terms meant and what appointments would happen next, heard me not being able to breathe and take the information in, and ultimately supported me through the trauma". Amy added: "Tracey, the nurse at the other end of the
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Amy runs for cancer charity
Amy Esposito and her mum Angela Truman PCUK helpline, became my friend in the darkest of times. "I vowed then I would try to offer something back to her one day and to all the sufferers of this harrowing disease and their families who watch in terror and helplessness." Amy, who works as a sales rep, said the only running she usually does is "to run a bath" but she took up Pancreatic Cancer UK's Jog 28 challenge to run a mile each day in February
to raise money and awareness of the disease, which she said claims more than half of people diagnosed within three months. She aimed to raise £400 – but the total had passed £2,100 as the Voice went to print. Angela, who worked as an English, literacy and special needs teacher for 35 years, at schools including Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Whitefield Fishponds and Lockleaze, said: "I got up one
morning and I was yellow. I was admitted to hospital, diagnosed and given a few months to live but over a year later, I'm still here." Angela finished the last of 12 chemotherapy treatments in November and is now having check-ups every three months. She has been left with neuropathy – nerve damage to her hands and feet. She said: "It has been incredibly hard and the only thing that held me together was my daughter, family and friends. "I'm extremely proud of Amy." Amy is urging people to be aware of pancreatic cancer's symptoms, including jaundice, loss of appetite, indigestion and tummy or back pain. For more information visit pancreaticcancer.org.uk. To donate to Amy's fundraiser visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/amy-esposito
FUNERALS FROM £975 Unattended Funerals Attended Funerals Bristol Funeral CONTACT US AT: 9 Chessel Street
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W W W.RDAVIESFUNER AL S.CO.UK Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral.
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March, 2022
FOCUS ON
Staple Hill TShirts 4 You
range of leisure wear including tees, polos, hoodies and sweatshirts. Attached to this section is also the signmaking set up where all shopfronts and general signage is catered for with van livery a speciality. Ask Paul about the latest trend of bespoke wall art for your home decor, with a top quality canvas printer now available.
As well as T-shirt & vinyl printing we have a huge stock of workwear with a large selection of industrial shoes and boots available with high vis jackets, gloves, trousers and tops — why waste time looking anywhere else for your quality named workwear? The T-shirt printing and embroidery service with a full
Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 18 years.
Sheen Studios Instant Passport Photos ID, OCI Visa
The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote, lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. All the flower and vegetable plants are purchased locally from independent small nurseries. Our hay and straw is grown on a farm near Pucklechurch. Our wooden furniture is made out of drift wood from the river Severn and other woodwork is all made locally by craftsmen. A sharpening service for tools is also available.
BM Motoring Centre
Bella Silver 925 Jewellery Figurines - dogs horses etc Limited Edition Bristol Prints Vast range of photo and picture frames
Ladies and Gents Watches
Watch batteries and straps fitted free
Bristol Blue Glass Tel: 0117 956 0967
110 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH
L L L OY D B O T T OM S
At BM Motoring we pride ourselves on our 5 star service, the team are always approachable and will go
We are a well-established, friendly firm of Chartered Accountants, on Staple Hill High Street. We provide a full range of accounting and tax services to local businesses and individuals. Our goal is to provide an outstanding tailored and personal service to our clients: helping our business clients to achieve greater profitability, and our individual clients to enjoy greater wealth. Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing assistance with VAT or payroll, or a new start-up seeking experienced
TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS
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118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk
• Bird tables from £25 • Over 200 different types of Lightbulbs • Decorating • Electrical • Household & Kitchen • Hardware • Plumbing & Tools • Veg & Flower seeds • Paraffin • Pet Supplies
Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.
Freephone 0800 781 8783
Lloydbottoms
STAPLE HILL STORES
chartered accountants
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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
88-90 High Street, Staple Hill
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0117 956 8318
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March, 2022
advice, Lloydbottoms are here to help you. To discuss how we can help you, please contact us for a free initial consultation. We look forward to working with you.
Farleys Farley’s Pet Foods & Supplies has been on Broad Street in Staple Hill for nine years. It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and have grown the garden supplies part of the business. The garden supplies section
includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have just started supplying trellis and picket fencing made locally. Within the pet foods section we have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live insects and bedding. Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell that any more.
FARLEYS
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Sheen Studios
Spectrum Accountancy Solutions Spectrum Accountancy Solutions is an established practice based in Staple Hill. We provide professional advice to all businesses and individuals. The practice is supported by a team of friendly, skilled and experienced staff who will ensure you meet all compliance requirements.We offer a full range of accountancy services from personal taxation, VAT and year end compliance to business advice and Cloud accountancy. If you are affected by the new Making Tax Digital requirement you might want to get in touch with us to discuss your approach further. For an initial, free consultation, call us on 0117 902218.
This father and son business has been running now for 45 years with Michael Sheen the 4th generation of picture framers. Terry, Michael’s father, was one of the founder members of the Chamber of Trade and is still striving to improve the local area. Expert picture framing has been the mainstay of the business for the local area and beyond, where they are able to offer framing advice and ideas as well as picture restoration and renovation. A wide range of jewellery, watches, limited edition prints, gifts and Bristol Blue glass are also available with a watch battery and strap fitting service. If you need passport/visa photos just pop in for their instant photography service.
PET FOODS & GARDEN SUPPLIES
Stockists of James Wellbeloved and Burns Dog Food • Arden Grange Dog & Cat food • All pet supplies • Seasonal Plants & Seeds
40 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 9566787
EMBROIDERED WORKWEAR PLEASE CHECK OPENING HOURS
BIRTHDAY BANNERS
PRINTED HOODIES & T-SHIRTS LATEST TECHNOLOGY PRINTING
TSHIRTS4YOU, 108 High Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 956 8606
info@tshirts4you.co.uk
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downendvoice
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March, 2022
n NEWS
Champ Joe's message to children CHILDREN at Bromley Heath Junior School learned a lesson about resilience when they had a visit from a former boxing champion. Bristol-based professional Joe Hughes, who held the European light-welterweight title from 2018 to 2019, visited the school during Children’s Mental Health Week in February. The children learnt about how Joe has overcome the challenges of Erb’s palsy, a physical condition which affected the development and movement of his right arm, to become a champion. Initially starting to box at a young age as a form of physiotherapy, Joe's hard work and dedication to training, combined with support he has had from family, friends and colleagues, has seen him build a career which has so far spanned more than 20 professional fights. As well as his European light-welterweight title he has also held the English and IBO International titles at the same weight. Joe also heard about the school's afterschool boxing club, which has been held over the last term. Head teacher Tracy Serle said: "Throughout the term, the children of BHJS have been exploring the theme of resilience, one of the school’s core values.
Boxer Joe Hughes with pupils from Bromley Heath Junior School "Joe’s core message about resilience to the children was that anyone can succeed through hard work, despite the setbacks or challenges life can send you.
"It was a real privilege for children of Bromley Heath Juniors to meet with Joe and learn from his real life examples of resilience, courage and self-belief."
We aim to always offer a fast, efficient and reliable service at a great price with no hidden extras
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March, 2022
27
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
The chiropractic connection Headaches are not normal! However they are very common, but aren’t if your spine is in good health. We at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend specialise in the effective and safe treatment of headaches, from migraines to tension headaches. Over 10 million people in the UK suffer from headaches on a regular basis and for many people this is a daily occurrence. Often we are quick to take painkillers to reduce the headache when it happens and soldier on as best as possible, but never address the cause of the headache is in the first place. Thankfully Chiropractic has the answer! We’ve been helping patients with neck tension, headaches and migraines live pain-free for years. Research has discovered that most headaches are caused by damaged structures around the neck; joints, ligaments, muscles, and cervical discs, all of which
have lots of nerve endings. As chiropractors we are trained to find, examine, and correct these problems in the neck that cause these headaches. The most common forms of headaches are tension headaches, migraines, along with headaches from the side effects of medication.
Tension Headaches (Cervicogenic headaches) Tension headaches involve pain and discomfort of the neck, head, or scalp. It’s normally accompanied by muscle tension in these areas as well, which can lead to feeling like your head is in a vice.
Migraines Migraines are usually a severe headache at the front or side of the head. This is often felt as a throbbing pain. Other symptoms can be nausea, vomiting and
Matt Sutton increased sensitivity to light. Migraines are a very common condition affecting as many as 8.5 million people in the UK, with 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men being affected.
days off school and can happily play with his friends without pain! The angle we hold our heads at is a major trigger for these issues, such as when texting on our mobile phones, or reading propped up in bed. Another frequent cause is working at a computer with poor ergonomics, such as the screen being in the wrong position and long stints of screen time at work etc… Whatever the reason you’re experiencing these headaches, you should see a trained chiropractor to get to the cause. We are skilled in the detection headaches and their root causes, along with any serious problems masquerading as a headache. Headaches are not a normal part of life. Find the cause, fix the problem, enjoy life!
The Chiropractic Connection Headaches are often the result of muscle contraction or joint misalignment in the head and neck. These muscle contractions are commonly triggered by stress, anxiety, and poor posture. Which is why we see teenagers with these types of headaches. In fact our youngest patient with headaches to date is 9 years old! Thankfully he’s having far less
Talks run by Sutton Chiropractic CALL TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Headaches – how to live a pain free life Natural Immunity talk with local Kinesiologist Donna Holgate
Posture – It’s not age, see to it now and live a life full of bounce Women’s health Menstrual issues, pre & post pregnancy pelvis, year 1 of motherhood
Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk
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downendvoice
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March, 2022
n NEWS
Cycle team's 1,000-mile challenge
A GROUP of cycling enthusiasts is aiming to ride from one end of Britain to the other in just 10 days. The group is named MaD because most members live in Mangotsfield and Downend. But members say it is an "appropriate banner" as they prepare for the challenge of riding from Land's End to John O'Groats in May, with the aim of raising £10,000 for charities. The cyclists regularly meet up on Sundays for rides of around 70 miles, and go on shorter 'social' rides of around 20 miles during the week. Most members of the group are in their 50s, and they have been cycling together for about six years. The group has set up a fundraising page and already has pledges for more than £1,500 towards the target. Writing on the page, members said the charities – Diabetes UK,
Members of the MaD LEJOG team Retina UK, Alzheimer's Research UK and Prostate Cancer Research and the Terrence Higgins Trust – were all causes close to their hearts. They said: "The Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG) ride has long been a bucket list item for a
number of us. "We will ride as a team with a common fundraising target of £10,000 and have selected five charities, each receiving an equal share. "You will know that Covid-19 has had a real impact on the big
fundraising events such as fun runs and marathons with most being cancelled. We would be delighted if you could sponsor us and help us achieve our team target – every penny makes a difference!" Group member Andy Chivers said they were looking for a challenge and were originally set to make the journey in May last year but had to postpone it because of Covid restrictions. The event has now been rescheduled for May 20-29. The cyclists have picked out a route which is around 1,000 miles long and will see them cover around 100 miles per day. Andy said: "We've got all the routes sorted and have a support vehicle and driver in place to carry spares, food, drink and blister plasters!" To donate to the MaD LEJOG challenge visit donate. giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/ lejog2022.
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27 March, 2022
WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
Sort your Will and support Bristol Children's Hospital We are so lucky to have Bristol Children’s Hospital on our doorstep. It provides an unrivalled level of service when our youngsters are most in need. However, there are many extra things that the NHS cannot cover that the Grand Appeal finances, that make life a bit more bearable for sick children and their families. Our local Will experts – Simpson Solicitors – have teamed up with Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal - the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity. Many families who have benefited want to make a donation to support the Children’s Hospital but perhaps do not have the spare money - especially if they have taken time off work to look after their sick child. This scheme provides you with a way to leave
a gift in your Will, so you do not have to pay now but you will know you that in your Will you have left a gift to help sick children. Even giving a small percentage of what you leave behind could make a tremendous difference to help future generations of local children. Under the scheme, Simpson Solicitors will prepare a Will for you (or two mirror Wills for a couple), absolutely free to you. And you will still receive their full award-winning service. They hope is that you will then leave a generous legacy in your Will for the Grand Appeal. Sigrid Grind says “I am so proud that Simpson Solicitors has been selected . I am hoping that many people will take advantage of the scheme. I also hope that many who participate will leave a generous gift in their Will to the Grand Appeal.
Melissa Witter
Sigrid Grind
0117 960 8594 is the number to call the friendly team at Simpson Solicitors if you would like to make or update your Will under this scheme. Call now to book your meeting as there is limited availability. By leaving a donation in your Will, you can gift a sick child a brighter future.
Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood
0117 960 8594 www.simpsonsolicitors.com
FREE WILL REVIEW
WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT REMEMBERED FOR LEAVING BEHIND LEGAL PROBLEMS Simpson Solicitors’ award winning team will help you do the job properly. Protecting those you most care about with Wills and Powers of Attorney. At the FREE review meeting we’ll take as long as you need to consider what is best for your particular situation. Then we offer clear fixed prices with no hidden costs.
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On your own Your Will is how you decide who will inherit from you. Living Together Avoid disputes and provide for your partner in the
way you want.
Parent Wills In case the worst happened, provide for children under 18 and decide who you would want to raise them. Later Life Wills Protect your family’s inheritance from Care Home fees and Tax Lasting Powers of Attorney Ensure your wishes are followed by appointing those you trust, in case of serious injury or illness.
“We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R.
Powers of Attorney
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BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING: Call 0117 960 8594 OR message@simpsonslawuk.com OR Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR pop into our Kings Chase Shopping Centre offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa). If getting to us is difficult, our FREE Home Visit service covers Bitton, Downend, Fishponds, Hanham, Kingswood, Oldland, St George, Staple Hill, Warmley, Willsbridge and surrounding areas.
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Email: news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk
March, 2022
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31
n CHURCH NEWS
Youth groups are back at Christ Church THE Ignite Youth Groups run by the volunteer youth team at Christ Church Downend, have successfully reopened after closing for the lockdown. The number of young people attending is gradually growing, back to how it was pre-pandemic. Ignite Youth Groups are dynamic, interactive, free youth groups, serving the heart of Downend, Mangotsfield and Staple Hill from the Youth Hub behind the parish hall in North Street. If you’re a young person looking for a safe space, with fun interactive activities, to meet up and hang out with friends, then the Ignite youth groups are the place! The youth team runs a vibrant youth programme and encourages community engagement, regularly getting involved in social action projects like litter-picking, tree planting and running free family fun days. There are currently places available, though there are limits of 30 per group.
Volunteers needed A BEAVER scouts group is looking for extra volunteers. Lyde Green Beavers have recently re-launched and the colony, which is for children aged from six to eight, is currently full. Now the group is looking for additional volunteer leaders, and parents or local residents, to help out. Anyone who thinks they could help should contact Simon Budd of Kingswood District Scouts by email at simondbudd@gmail.com or call 0776 520 1435.
An Ignite Youth Group session The youth groups run on Thursday evenings in term-time from 6.30-7.45pm for children in school years 6, 7 and 8, and 8-9.15pm for those in years 9, 10 and 11. If you are interested in finding out more or joining a group, you
can contact the youth team via their website www.igniteyouthchristchurchdownend.co.uk/igniteGary Smart and Diane Paddon (Youth leaders, Christ Church)
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Email us at news@downendvoice.co.uk
Celebrating the mess of life
FAMILY life can be messy, from piles of toys and untidy bedrooms, to sticky toddlers and sicky babies. Relationships can get messy too, as we cope with each other when we’re tired or snappy, anxious or unwell. Thankfully Messy Church is there to provide a safe place to get messy together as a family! It’s a place to make stuff, explore what life is all about and find that you’re not alone. We meet at Christ Church Downend on the third Wednesday of the month from 4.30pm to 5.15pm with a story, puppets, crafts and a snack tea to eat there or take home. In April we will meet instead on Good Friday morning, April 15, from 10-11.30am for a special Easter activities morning. Visit our Facebook page Messy Church at Christ Church Downend or call 07753 233950 to let us know you're coming. Anita Dobson
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
We offer you flexible hours of care for 2-4 year olds
Abacus Pre School are recruiting We are looking for Super awesome team members including a Deputy Manager and Assistants who have a level 3 or above qualification in Early Years. Please note a qualification is essential to apply. The position is term time only Monday to Friday 8.30am til 3.30pm allowing for a perfect work/home life balance. We have ofsted registered settings, based in Bradley Stoke, Mangotsfield and Stoke Gifford, all rated good or outstanding. We offer a competitive salary and a fun supportive team environment with opportunities for progression.
Applicants are encouraged to be: • fun loving, • happy go lucky, • ready to release your inner super hero • able to dance your way into the day rain or shine • enjoy four conversations and be your best self still • celebrate all achievements like you won gold at the Olympics • enjoy supporting regular hygiene skills • be an awesome team player. If this applies to you, and you would love to join our awesome team to deliver the curriculum in a fun, caring environment, we need you! We would love to hear from you. Please forward your cv to
enquiries@abacuspreschool.co.uk or give us a call on 01454 867285. Informal visits can be arranged.
March, 2022
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n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP
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n NEWS
Three-part plan will help heat homes CONSTITUENTS have contacted Jack Lopresti, me regarding the much-reported MP for Filton & rise in energy bills expected from April this year, and it’s clear that Bradley Stoke the rising cost of living is a serious concern for many households across our area. I have seen many unsubstantiated claims by commentators and across social media that attempt to pin the blame for these rises on inaction by Government, as well as the Government’s active commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The truth, however, is that a record increase in global gas prices has led to wholesale energy prices reaching record levels across Europe. In short, many smaller suppliers committed to selling gas to their customers at a lower cost than it is now costing them to buy. Despite many suppliers having purchased energy in advance to shield themselves from any cost increases, multiple suppliers were faced with no option but to liquidate their businesses, resulting in many consumers being transferred on to variable and more expensive rates with new suppliers. This will cause an unwelcome increase in household energy bills and the cost of living at a time when the need to heat homes and workplaces is peaking over the colder months. For the last two very difficult years, the government has led the country through the pandemic, whilst committing unprecedented financial support to protect employees, jobs and businesses. In addition to these financial support measures and in response to the global energy price rise, the Government has committed a further £9.1 billion to further support consumers via the Energy Bills Rebate; a three-part plan - recently announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The three-part plan includes a package of £350 of support per household ; consisting of a non-repayable council tax discount of £150 to 80% of households in April, a £200 repayable discount for domestic electricity customers in October and a discretionary fund of £144m to enable local authorities to help lower-income households who are not eligible for the council tax rebate. The £200 energy price discount will be automatically recovered from people’s bills in equal £40 instalments over five years, beginning in 2023. Prior to the Government’s Energy Bills Rebate announcement, I met with the Minister for Industry, Lee Rowley, to raise my constituents’ concerns over the energy price increases and I am pleased that this Government subsequently responded with this three-part plan to ensure that all households will be properly heated this winter. With the crisis on the Ukraine-Russia border causing concerns about Russian supplies to Europe, the Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Greg Hands, announced we should continue drilling for gas in the North Sea for “reasons of energy security” and said our domestic production gives this country a distinct advantage over our European neighbours who rely on Russia for a substantial proportion of their gas provision. Greg Hands has also vowed that the energy price cap is “here to stay”, despite calls from some gas suppliers to scrap the policy. If you have concerns about your ability to properly heat your home this winter or you would like to contact me about any other matter, please contact me via my constituency office: email jack.lopresti.mp@ parliament.uk or call 01454 617783.
Pupils from Frenchay Primary School dressed up like children from bygone years
Back to the old school days
THEY are looking to the future as they eagerly await the move to their new school. But pupils from Frenchay Primary School have also been learning about the past history of their current building and the village. The children's spring term topic has seen them learn about life in the local area, including the current school, which was built in 1842 and is a Grade II-listed building. Former head teacher Carol Thorne, who was in charge between 1986 and 2003, has been a regular visitor, sharing her knowledge of what life was like in the school. The children have visited Frenchay Museum to look at artefacts, some of which have also been brought to the school, and dress up in clothes like those worn by some of their predecessors in the school's early years. Head teacher Katherine Marks said: "As we prepare for our move to a new state-of-the-art Passivhaus building in September, it is an appropriate time to learn about our past. "The children have enjoyed dressing up in traditional outfits, which can be borrowed free of charge from the museum."
Foodbank helps 400 families THE Resound Foodbank helped around 400 families – more than 1,100 people in total – and gave out around 18 tonnes of food last year. The foodbank on Blackhorse Road, which is open on Fridays between 10am and noon and also has donation points at local shops, has published its latest 'shopping list' for the donations it needs in March. They include chicken in white sauce, tomato soup, tinned tomatoes, tinned mushrooms, macaroni cheese, meat or fish paste, 1 litre cartons of apple or orange juice, long life/UHT milk, female deodorant, shampoo and disposable razors. The foodbank does not need any pasta, bottles of fizzy drinks or water. For more information email resound@northbristol.foodbank. org.uk or call 0117 305 0969.
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman
Hours: 37 per week – options are available for flexible working and some remote working Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme Annual leave (in addition to statutory Bank Holidays): 24 plus one additional statutory day The application pack is available on the Town Council website (scan QR code): For further information please contact clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 27TH March 2022
Emersons Green Town Council Strategy – have your say! EGTC is currently in the process of preparing a long-term strategy to inform our future priorities and decision making. A key part of this process is to consult with a wide range of service users and stakeholders to establish thoughts and opinions. We are asking residents for your view on the services we provide, the standards to which they are provided, suggestions for improvements, and your aspirations for the future of our local area.
Emersons Green Town Council Strategy – have your say!
Please scan the QR code to complete the survey, or alternatively visit our website or Facebook page. The deadline for completion of the survey is midnight on Sunday 13th March.
EGTC is currently in the process of preparing a long-term strategy to inform our future priorities and decision making. A key part of this process is to consult with a wide range of service users and stakeholders to establish thoughts and opinions. We are asking residents for your view on the services we provide, the standards to which they are provided, suggestions for improvements, and your aspirations for the future of our local area. Please scan the QR code to complete the survey, or alternatively visit our website or Facebook page. The deadline for completion of the survey is midnight on Sunday 13th March.
AllTown TownCouncillors Councillorsare are availableforfor All available contact by contact by the public. Contact members of members the public.of Contact details can be found ourbe website, or by detailsoncan found on ourscanning website,the or QR by code toscanning the left. the QR code to the left.
All Town Council meetings are to members of the All Town Council meetings are open toopen members of the public public areTown heldCouncil at the Town offices Road. on and are heldand at the officesCouncil on Westerleigh Westerleigh Road. our website for meeting Please see our website forPlease meetingsee agendas. agendas.
Open Spaces Committee 7.00pm 1 March Open Spaces Committee 7.00pm 1 March Committee 10.30am 14 & 28&March clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Planning Planning Committee 10.30am 14 28 March clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / Full Full Council 7.00pm 10 March Tel: 0117 3026989 Council 7.00pm 10 March www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Finance Committee 7.00pm 24 March Finance Committee 7.00pm 24 March
Tel: 0117 3026989
JOIN OUR TEAM!
JOB VACANCY: TREASURER We currently have an opportunity to join the team at Emersons Green Village Hall. We are recruiting for a part-time Treasurer to provide accounting support to the Village Hall Trust. Working alongside the Board of Trustees, the role is part-time, requiring approximately 10 hours per month (variable). Part-time hours and salary to be agreed. The role is home- based but will also require attendance at evening Trustee/Management Committee meetings at the Village Hall. Duties will include: • Providing accurate, timely financial information.
• Administering accurate data entry and reporting. • Month end accounting. • Maintaining robust financial controls and managing risk. • Ensuring audit requirements are met. • Budgeting. • Attending Management Committee meetings. • Plus dealing with ad hoc management queries. For a full job description and application details please email secretary@egvh.org.uk The closing date for applications is Friday 4th March 2022
March, 2022
n NEWS
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Firefighters remember Fleur Lombard SERVING and former firefighters gathered in Staple Hill to remember the loss of one of their number. Fleur Lombard was aged just 21 when she was killed by intense heat while fighting a fire at Leo’s supermarket in Broad Street on February 4, 1996. Fleur was one of only eight women employed by Avon Fire Brigade at the time, and became the only female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain. She was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal and Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation in recognition of her bravery. Two of her colleagues who were with her that day were also awarded the George Medal and the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. Fleur had received the Silver Axe Award, for most outstanding recruit in her training school, when she graduated in 1994. Avon Fire & Rescue Service marks the anniversary of her death every year to ensure her sacrifice is never forgotten. Chief fire officer Mick Crennell said: "Fleur’s loss is keenly felt across the service to A NEW chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service has been appointed. The service's current assistant chief fire officer, Simon Shilton, has been appointed by Avon Fire Authority to take over the top job from Mick Crennell, who will retire at the end of March. Simon's nomination was approved unanimously by the authority on February 11 and he said it was "truly an honour" to take charge. He said: "Having spent most of my career with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, I’m looking forward to all that the role has in store. "I will of course be building on the outstanding contribution made by Mick and personally, and on behalf of the service, I wish him all the very best on his next adventure. "I am committed to working hard to ensure the highest levels of safety for all who live and work in our communities and, working side-by-side with our dedicated and hard-working staff, we will continue to make our communities safer and make
Fleur Lombard.
Firefighters remember Fleur Lombard, who was killed fighting a blaze in Staple Hill, at her memorial on Broad Street. Picture: Avon Fire & Rescue Service this day and it is something we shall never forget. “This tragic loss goes to show just how dangerous our profession is and that it can take the best of us. Fire does not
distinguish, just like we don’t distinguish when we answer the call. “Fleur paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on that dreadful day in Staple Hill in
1996 and is someone who rightly will never be forgotten. "Every year since Fleur’s passing, her anniversary is marked by staff from across the Service who come together to pay their respects by marking a minute’s silence to ensure her memory and bravery lives on.” The memorial to Fleur stands opposite the Tesco supermarket built on the site of the Leo's store after the fire, which was started deliberately.
New brigade chief takes over
Simon Shilton is set to become the new chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service our service stronger." Having been part of the fire and rescue service for 28 years, Simon has been a station manager, incident command trainer and training manager. He spent the first 15 years of his career at Avon Fire & Rescue Service as an operational firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations, before moving to
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service in 2008 and rising to the rank of area commander. He rejoined the Avon service in 2017 as assistant chief fire officer for service delivery support. Avon Fire Authority chair Brenda Massey said: “On behalf of the fire authority, we are delighted to unanimously approve Simon’s appointment as the new chief fire officer for Avon
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Fire & Rescue Service. “The process for appointing the service’s next chief fire officer was incredibly rigorous, and both candidates involved in the process were of high calibre. "Simon’s passion and wealth of operational and strategic experience gave us full confidence he is the right person to lead the organisation. “The fire authority would also like to thank Mick for the dedication and leadership he has shown in the role of chief fire officer, particularly in leading the organisation through a difficult time following the Baker Review and throughout the ongoing pandemic. We wish him well in the future. "We are assured that, under Simon’s leadership, the service will continue to thrive on its continual improvement journey in being the best fire and rescue service for the communities we serve."
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
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March, 2022
n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB PREVIEW PETER KNIGHT & JOHN SPIERS (WITH SUPPORT FROM EVE APPLETON)
Spring/Summer Programme 2022 Friday 18th March
PETER KNIGHT & JOHN SPIERS Support from Eve Appleton
Friday 22nd April
MAIREARAD GREEN & ANNA MASSIE Support from Chris Elliott & Caitlin Jones
Friday 20th May
CUP O’JOE Support from Charlie Limm
Friday 17th June
INDIA ELECTRIC CO. Support from Susie Dobson
Friday 15th July
KIT HAWES & AARON CATLOW Support from Good Habits
All concerts held at
Christ Church Downend
Tickets £14 in advance - £16 on the door 8.00pm start (doors open at 7.30pm) For tickets & further details, please visit
www.downendfolkclub.co.uk.
FRIDAY 18TH MARCH 2022, CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND.
PETER KNIGHT & JOHN SPIERS
DOWNEND Folk & Roots (the new name for Downend Folk Club) kicks off its new year programme In the summer of 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival had the grand idea of pairing the legendary Steeleye Span fiddle-player Peter Knight and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers (a founder member of folk juggernaut Bellowhead) for a special one-off concert at that year's festival. In the event, it ended up being a genuine festival highlight, with no space to be found in the Marquee and people standing five deep in pouring rain. For a few minutes at the close of their performance, with a standing ovation and roars for more, it didn't seem as though the audience was going to let them go. As the MC commented, it was one of those occasions when people could say "I was there”. It was also clear that leaving matters there was not an option, and plans were made to record an album tour together… and their tour diary brings them to Downend this month; a rare opportunity to see a duo labelled “one of the most intriguing and exciting collaborations on today's folk scene” by Folk Radio UK. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Peter Knight and John Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something to inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage. Opening the evening’s entertainment will be Eve Appleton, a young singersongwriter performing in the folk tradition but bringing a fresh, contemporary voice to the genre. Born and bred in the Dorset town of Bridport (noted for its bohemian colour and cultural vibrancy), Eve has been writing and playing live since she was 15
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EVE APPLETON
years old and now, at 18, has a considerable experience of live shows behind her and a collection of captivating, enchanting, selfpenned songs. Eve is currently studying songwriting at the prestigious British Irish Modern Music (BIMM), in Bristol. Tickets for the event, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 18th March 2022, are available online at downendfolkclub.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and locally-brewed real ale from Hambrook-based Hop Union Brewery (formerly GWB). Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard/ bucket, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the club’s drive to be more environmentally aware. There is a 50p discount for those bringing their own receptacles. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of the Radstock-based Great Cake Company, as well as the “stealth raffle” which helps to fund the support artists. The club are expecting tickets to be in great demand for this concert, so don’t delay in getting yours! For further information, please email downendfolkclub@ live.com.
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
March, 2022
37
n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB REVIEW JIM CAUSLEY (SUPPORT FROM KATIE GRACE HARRIS)
Christ Church Downend, Friday 21st January 2022. "WHAT about a little drop o’ cider," sings the lone performer on Downend Folk Club’s stage this month, "just to warm the cockles of your heart.” It’s freezing outside, probably the coldest day of this chilly January so far. The MC reveals in his welcome that his boiler at home has broken down, and there’s collective empathy because it's bitter out, really cold. But, in here, wrapped in the cosy warmth of Christ Church Downend for the first time in 2022, there are no such issues. Warmth is all around and, whilst there is cider (and lovely local real ale) available at the bar, that’s not the main cause of this warmth. Most of it exudes from Jim Causley. It’s Jim’s second visit to Downend Folk Club, his first coming back in 2018, and he has lost none of his charm. A warmer, more engaging personality on-stage you’d struggle to find. Jim’s repartee is superb, packed with wit, quip and wisecrack. He immediately puts you at your ease, it’s like having a bit of goodnatured banter with a friend. There are tales of Devon, stories from the Cornish tin mines and, perhaps most entertainingly, that one about when Jim was invited on Countryfile to play Pride of Devon and celebrated the occasion by stepping on, and completely destroying, John Craven’s spectacles. But, whilst his stage presence
JIM CAUSLEY is perhaps amongst the very best of those treading the boards of the folk circuit today, it’s the musicianship and the voice that really set Jim apart. Mojo Magazine once called Jim, "… the finest singer of his generation" and, whilst there’s more to that story than there might at first appear (I’ll not spoil it here, go and see a Jim Causley gig to find out!), it’s still very easy to see why they said that. Jim has a lovely, resonant baritone voice with just the right amount of a West Country twang. He accompanies himself on accordion and piano and is clearly a master of both. His set is varied and well-chose, including a good number of songs that began life as poems, written by his relative, the celebrated poet Charles Causley. Jim has made a couple of albums of these poems
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set to song, and this evening he wheels out the highlights, which include My Young Man’s A Cornishman, Angel Hill and I Am The Song, which Jim uses for a well-deserved encore and has the audience singing along with gusto. There are West Country classics a-plenty, too, including a nice medley of The Blue Flame and Queen of Hearts, as well as Childe the Hunter and the aforementioned What About a Little Drop o’ Cider?, all taken from Jim’s latest, self-recorded lockdown offering, Devonshire Roses. Alongside a couple of selfpenned numbers, notably Home, which touches on the trauma of moving house, and nice versions of Ralph McTell’s Barges and Annie DiFranco’s Your Next Bold Move, there’s something for everyone… Jim Causley really is an all-round
entertainer. Before all this loveliness, there’s a very promising selection from the fast-emerging Katie Grace Harris. Katie has popped over from her home in rural Oxfordshire to get proceedings underway, and she’s brought her cellist, Andy Nice, with her. Another who uses piano and accordion to showcase her voice, Katie provides the perfect warm-up as people come in from the cold. Hard Times and Rio Grande both stand out, the set goes by too quickly and it’s easy to see why Katie has been turning heads. So, on a cold, cold night, South Gloucestershire’s music lovers were sent away with a lovely warm glow. Let’s hope it was enough to keep the MC warm throughout the night... Words: Bea Furlong Photo: Barry Savell
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
38
March, 2022
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Cost of living crisis needs urgent action
T
HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the
number of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so
RM O N S A N E P O
AL
National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice
cut their bills. What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.
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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
March, 2022
39
n STYLE ADVICE
Dressing for the return to the office AS COVID-19 restrictions relax and the work from home guidance is dropped, are you worried about what to wear as you head back to the office? After adopting a ‘working from home’ uniform of 'anything goes', for many people it's now time to start thinking about what to wear as they return to the workplace. For some people, it could even be the first day of a new job. Time has moved on and, while formal suits still have a place in certain situations, for most office workers a smart appearance is all that's needed. That said, after months of wearing slippers and lounge wear, working out exactly what to wear might feel a little overwhelming. Flexibility is always key to getting the most out of your
wardrobe, and there are a few key pieces that you can own, which will ensure you not only dress to impress but elevate your weekend wardrobe too: Classic blazer – one of these in black, navy or beige is perfect for the warmer months ahead. It smartens any outfit and looks chic with jeans if your office has a smart-casual dress code. White shirt – the ultimate wardrobe staple for men and women due to its efficient versatility. Modern men can find details to collars, cuffs and buttons to suit their style, while women can choose oversized and fitted versions to wear with statement accessories for a clean, polished look. Black trousers – find a cut and style that suits your shape and makes you feel confident, then buy two pairs. You’ll wear them
all year round. Classic loafers – in black or neutral tones will ease you out of the slipper and trainer habit you’ve happily adopted during lockdown. There’s also a spring 2022 trend in women’s footwear for block heel loafers, if you want to add some height. Smart-looking skirt – one that’s comfortable to wear, in a colour that is bright for spring or in animal print, which can be neutral. Trench coat – money is well spent on this timeless coat. Most versions come in beige, making it easy to mix and match with neutral tailoring and coloured separates. Other colour options can be found, including tobacco and olive green. Dark blue or black denim – if you can wear jeans to work,
Gail Painter writes for the Voice
these are the colours to choose, in straight cut styles for a smart appearance. Not sure what to wear or how to wear it? Email your fashion and style questions to info@ notgivinin.com and look out for the answers in future issues of the Voice. www.notgivinin.com
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.
We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible
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We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home...
Give us a call on 0117 969 0990 or visit our website at bristolcarehomes.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
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March, 2022
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Mental health made simple
HELLO and welcome to The Thrive Programme - mental health made simple. I am a licensed Thrive Programme Coach, based in Bristol. The Thrive Programme is a step-by-step training programme that teaches you to take control of your mental health and wellbeing. It has enabled over 38,000 people to overcome a huge range of challenges; including anxiety and panic attacks, depression, fears and phobias, low self-esteem, social anxiety, addictions, sleep disorders, weight loss and many more. Here at The Thrive Programme we believe everyone has the right to learn these skills - to resolve any mental health issue and live the very best life they can.
This is not therapy, counselling or an open ended series of sessions. It is a structured training programme that will empower you to make the necessary changes for yourself. In just 6-8 weeks, I will coach you to learn everything you need to know to master this skillset - to become the specialist of your own mental health. Once you have this knowledge you can resolve the root cause of your problems, replacing them with a powerful mindset to take control of the life you want to lead. It’s important to realise you won’t just be learning to overcome symptoms - you will build psychological strength so you can thrive in all areas of your life. This will give you
the knowledge to create and maintain thriving mental health - taking ownership of your thoughts, feelings and actions to achieve the results you want and get the best from yourself in any situation. I went through the programme myself to overcome Emetophobia, OCD, low self-esteem and social anxiety. I learned to resolve all of my symptoms and now apply a thriving attitude in everything I do. Having been through my own mental health journey, I am now driven to help others do the same and achieve the wellbeing they deserve. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your situation might be. We have seen tens of thousands of people go through this process. They have
Joseph Weaver
all learned to get thriving - and you can do the same. If you would like to know more about the programme and how I can help you to reach your goals, get in touch with me today to book a free introductory session. www.thrivewithjoseph.co.uk joseph.weaver@ thriveprogramme.org 07411 818 484
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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
March, 2022
n NEWS PUPILS from a Mangotsfield school learned how to spot dangers and what to do in an emergency in a variety of real-life situations on a school trip with a difference. Year 6 children from Barley Close Primary School visited Lifeskills, the safety charity based at the Create Centre in Smeaton Road, for a 90-minute guided tour of film set-style recreations with realistic props and special effects. The interactive sets give children the opportunity to find out about common hazards in a safe environment and handle risky day-to-day situations. Scenarios include crossing roads, visiting a beach, making emergency 999 calls, carrying out first aid and learning about the dangers of railway lines. Barley Close was one of the first schools to visit the attraction, which opened 22 years ago, and has been making regular returns ever since. The children joined in the celebrations for volunteer Judy Lee, from Westbury-onTrym, who was recognised
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Children learn vital life skills
Barley Close Primary School pupils with volunteer Judy Lee outside the 'Lifeskills Co-op' at the Create Centre for completing over 1,000 volunteering sessions, having taught over 4,000 children. She said: "Although every group is different, the level of excitement and willingness to
take part is always the same. It's such a rewarding way to spend my time." The centre needs more volunteers to reduce its waiting list, and runs regular
hour-long ‘taster sessions’ for anyone interested in exploring volunteering with children. Centre manager Gemma Graville said: "Teaching children at this age and in such a practical way alerts them to the risks and consequences of everyday life. It’s a valuable element to their education which means that school visits are always in high demand. “We know what we do makes a difference and saves lives; one child helped his family escape a house fire, another prevented a gas explosion, and a boy knew how to make a 999 call to help his mother. None of this would be possible without volunteers like Judy.” Open during term-time, Lifeskills offers flexible volunteering, pays expenses, and provides full training and support. To find out more, call Dan Radford on 0117 922 4511 or email dan@lifeskills-bristol-org. uk.
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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
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March, 2022
n LETTERS Hospital? We're still waiting ... BY now, we should have a community hospital with outpatients, diagnostics and a GP surgery built at Frenchay, on a site reserved for the purpose. You can be forgiven for not knowing this, as the community hospital has been in the ‘pipeline’ since 2005 but has still not materialised, for reasons that have not been explained. In 2010, after patient and public involvement, a plan for the project was formally approved. The community hospital was to provide 68 ‘step up’ and ‘step down’ beds for patients using Southmead Hospital. The incoming government cancelled the project immediately on taking office in 2010. Work
began again in 2012 but when the new Southmead Hospital opened in 2014, Frenchay was still only being discussed. Southmead Hospital is now acknowledged to be 200 beds short of the requirement and failed in its objective to combine all services on one site. Overall, we lost 320 acute beds in South Gloucestershire with the loss of Frenchay Hospital. We also lost the Phase 1 building, built in the late 1980s as the start of the new hospital, with 250 acute beds and four new operating theatres, which the NHS decided to grind to dust rather than refurbish. We also lost the Macmillan Cancer Unit and the Barbara Russell Unit, built with money raised from public funding. During the last 30 years South Gloucestershire has had massive
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developments. Since 2005 the population has increased by 30,000 but with no additional health infrastructure: no new community patient facilities, including GP surgeries, dental surgeries or NHS dentists, and no intermediate care beds either. Each day there are between 130 to 170 ‘bed blockers’ in Southmead hospital because there are simply no community beds to take them upon discharge, only beds in eight private care homes. The community hospital at Frenchay should have opened in 2018, then 2020 and now, in 2022, we have just been told a "real estate agent" (Jones Lang LaSalle) has been appointed. What we are clear about is it will not be our promised community hospital of 68 beds, diagnostics and out patients but 50 rehabilitation beds – and probably built within a care home facility. So, 16 years after the original decision in 2005, we are still waiting. It will not be built with NHS money. A private developer must be found to buy the land and put up the facility and recoup the money via a lease. I have concluded that our NHS is more interested in selling land than meeting our needs. Barbara Harris
Metro Mayor did not act alone METRO Mayor Dan Norris, in a recent piece for your paper (Voice, January), stated that he had delivered on his election pledge for a £50 million Green Recovery Fund. His election pledge was actually for £20m and the remainder was
achieved through the collaboration of the three WECA local authorities – the 'hokey-kokey' three in his insulting words - which Dan Norris seems incapable of acknowledging. Christopher Lamb
Graffiti tags blight our area THERE has been more senseless, eyesore graffiti in Mangotsfield – this time on the Western Power substation behind the Alec Large Memorial Park. This is not the only location – most of the telecoms cabinets at the side of pavements & roads in Mangotsfield have received the same treatment. The Staple Hill shop fronts were targeted last year. I phoned Western Power, who came out to clean it off. They told me that they have 1,000 substations in the Bristol and South Glos area and the majority have had graffiti scrawled or sprayed on them in the past few years. Perhaps the secret band of 'taggers' can explain to the rest of us why they do it? Michael Bell Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillor
We need to see CCTV pictures WHY did South Glos Council refuse the Downend Voice an image to print from the CCTV Camera (Voice, February), which the residents of Downend have funded? CCTV images are clearly shown
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March, 2022
43
cardboard is left on the pavement, no longer neatly stacked as we left it. Surely this is daft. We are needing to recycle as much as we can these days. Here(left) is a picture of our cardboard box. Why can it not be collected and recycled? Andrew Powell
Campaigner says thanks to Co-op on many crime and police shows on national TV. These images do not have to focus on people or car registrations, but just show the clarity from the devices. Downend Voice is a well-read magazine and should be able to present to the residents the worthiness of the devices for which they have contributed through their taxes. John Hague
'Collect our cardboard' plea WE put our recycling out but if it is not in a green box, cardboard is not recycled by the kerb collection. This is so frustrating, as there is not always enough room in the green box for the cardboard to be folded into it. My neighbours and friends have had a similar difficulty. The
A BIG thank you to staff and customers at Downend Co-op and members of Bristol Epilepsy Support Group for helping me raise epilepsy awareness and money for epilepsy charities. We raised enough money to donate 182 epilepsy information packs to schools, libraries and the NHS too. It was really exciting taking them to the NHS office in Bristol, South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council. They will be distributed to every local doctors' surgery and hospital epilepsy
ward, schools and libraries, with the profits left over being shared between three epilepsy charities which have been a huge support over the years The epilepsy information packs contain my daughter Layla's epilepsy book for kids, along with child-friendly epilepsy first aid leaflets and stickers and young carers' leaflets inside to help raise epilepsy awareness and money for epilepsy charities at the same time. Sarah Reid
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March, 2022
nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA March 3 n SPEAKER MORNING AT LINCOMBE BARN. Coffee available at 10.15 am, talk 10.45 am until 11.45am. Subject Moscow to St.Petersburg via The Volga/Baltic Waterway with Bruce Gibbs. Entrance to hear talk £2.50. Refreshments extra. Please do come along - you will be made to feel very welcome. March 5 n KINGSWOOD Y'S MEN CLUB COFFEE MORNING, raising funds for local charities at Staple Hill Methodist Church (main entrance), 10am until noon. Further date on April 2. March 10 n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meets at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road. For more information call Roger Davis on 0117 957 1703. March 16 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE OVER 50S FORUM event at Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close, from 2-4pm. Speaker: Toby Savage, leader of South Glos Council. Stalls from organisations including the police, public health and community transport providers. Open to anyone over the age of 50. For more Information contact Janice on 07426 862121. March 18 n LUNCHTIME CONCERT BY
GOT AN EVENT? email us at: news@ downendvoice.co.uk or call us on 07715770377
THE BRISTOL VETERANS BAND at St. Mary’s Church, Manor Road, Fishponds. 1pm - 2pm No admission charge but a retiring collection to cover expenses. Tea/ coffee served from 12.30pm. NB. This month the concert is on the 3rd. Friday of the month this time.
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.
March 19
Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. We shall be restarting the meditation groups at Frenchay chapel in September beginning with an introductory Talk on Meditation practices. It will relate to ways we can achieve peace and happiness - including an award winning programme element to share and discuss. Free to anyone, 4pm Sunday 5th September at Frenchay Chapel . We look forward to seeing you. Or just come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20Sept for the Person-centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@btinternet.com. n SINGALONG 4 ALL - Mondays 10.30/11.30, Grace court, Dial Lane, Downend BS16 5UP. £4 ...£1 tea n bikkies Tel: Barbara 07816839141. n SOCIAL BADMINTON every Monday at Kingswood Leisure Centre from 2-4pm. Intermediate level, all welcome. n EDDS & TALES Baby & Toddler Group Every Monday, Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street, Downend. 10.00 - 11.30 (term time only) £3 per family (first visit free) including drinks, snacks and craft activity ALL WELCOME - Just turn up Join our Facebook group Edds and Tales n STAPLE HILL JOB SEEKER SUPPORT GROUP, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, 1A Berkeley Rd, every Monday from 1.30-3.30pm. Laptops and Wi-Fi available for job searches, free tea and coffee, welcoming environment. Run by local councillor Katie Cooper and volunteers. Call Julie on 01454 868374 with any questions or to let us know you are coming. n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really
n FRIENDS OF LINCOMBE BARN WOODS spring clean and woodland management morning, Lincombe Barn woods, 10am to noon. All welcome for however long you can spare. March 21 n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB Monday 21st March at 2pm Twelve Angry Men (U) Starring Henry Fonda. The jury in a New York murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose sceptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict. Tickets: £4.00 including tea & cake. Carers welcome, easy access. For more information and to book, please call 0117 435 0064. Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG April 23 n TABLE TOP SALE, LINCOMBE BARN, 11am to 3pm. Tables are available for hire, for £10 each. Contact merlehosking@live.co.uk for more details. April 30 n FRIENDS OF LINCOMBE BARN WOODS dawn chorus walk. Meet by play area next to Lincombe barn at 5am. Free event.
REGULAR EVENTS n BRISTOL U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Welcome. For more information ring Kath 07517 1297 Tuesday n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB Meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. Venue as usual: Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Time 10.15am. New members and Visitors welcomed. Varied speakers. n BROMLEY HEATH GARDENING CLUB Meets at Christ Church Centre, Quakers Road, every third Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm. Talks, day trips and short holidays - everyone welcome. Call May on 0117 957 3695 for details. n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.0011.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875 Wednesday n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For more information call Joyce on 0117 956 8978.
n DOWNEND BRIDGE CLUB - NEW MEMBERS ARE WANTED Come and join us and play duplicate Bridge at Lincombe Barn Downend on Wednesday afternoons 2pm. We are a small, easy-going and friendly club. All levels are welcome although some knowledge and experience is necessary as we cannot offer lessons. Just a fun afternoon playing Bridge with like-minded people. Please contact eveforbes77@ gmail.com or 01179836886 or Yvonne Scoulding rscoulding@ google.com or 01179568944 n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. You would receive a warm welcome by this happy choir who have at least three concerts a year whose repertoire includes items from Shows, Abba, Beattles
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
March, 2022 and general popular songs which includes appropriate pieces for the time of year. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881. n DOWNEND SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB starts back on Wednesday October 27th. Musical entertainment from 2-4pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at North Street Church Hall. All are welcome. n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the third Wednesday of every month in the afternoon. We meet at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quizzes and handy craft afternoon finishes with tea. If you are interested in our activities please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805. n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class is free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. n FRENCHAY PROBUS CLUB We meet at Frenchay Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. For further details contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk. n MEET THE BEAT TEAM, Bean Tree Cafe, Page Park. Every Wednesday afternoon, 2-3pm. If you have any problems or issues you would like to discuss with the police neighbourhood team, please come along. n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets Wednesday evening at 7.15pm at Upper Horfield community Centre ( next to Eden Grove Church ) New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For more info contact Sheila on 01179570792 or shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk. Thursday n BARN BELLS handbell ringers meet at Lincombe Barn, Downend, from 2-4pm weekly. Anyone who can read music is welcome to join. n IGNITE YOUTH GROUP. Thursdays, term time only, at the Youth Hub & Parish Hall , 57 North Street, Downend. Year 6-8, 6.30-7.45pm. Year 9-11s, 8-9.15pm. A place to relax and have fun
downendvoice with friends. Free entry. Tuck available. Visit www.igniteyouthchristchurchdownend.co.uk to sign up and see the full programme.
n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR are rehearsing for our 2022 concerts and warmly invite you to join us; the ability to read music is helpful but not essential as we regularly rehearse our wide-ranging repertoire, from classical to pop, traditional male voice favourites to musicals and gospel songs in various languages. We meet every Thursday at 7.00pm in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. For further information see our website, www.bristolmvc.org. uk, or Facebook, or phone 07587 143 220. Our next concert is on March 19, 2022, in Christ the King Church, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8EE For details phone the above number. Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844) n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text 'Ukulele' to Ben on 07910 668258. n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. Every Week day n MATHS TUITION IN EMERSONS GREEN. AM/ PM week days. Years 1-11 (primary/secondary), GCSE, 11plus, problem solving. 1-1 and group sessions. Email numerikstutoring@ gmail.com, facebook.com/ NumeriksTutoring. Enhanced DBS. Safeguarding trained. FREE assessment.
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Saturday n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to make sugar flowers and models we hold workshops with instruction. Beginners very welcome. call Jean Kington on 01454 314178. Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH has now resumed normal face-to-face church services. Church services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am-11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. For more information contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church.egbc@outlook.com or visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH. In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. We are still taking a cautious approach and ask people to wear a mask. Contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk
We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:
WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@downendvoice. co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148
SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION Visit our showroom at:
41 Victoria Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5JP Visit our website:
www.firesandfireplacebristol.co.uk Or call us on:
0117 956 4797 :: 0117 571 889
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46
March, 2022
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Volunteering for Staple Hill Community Hub THERE'S no doubt that the Staple Hill Community Hub and the people we support get a huge benefit from the time and dedication shown by our volunteers. The Hub simply could not deliver its services without them. But what’s in it for the volunteers? I asked a few of them to give us their thoughts... Alan is retired, after filling a management role for most of his working life. He said: "I find that offering advice through the Job Searchers Support Group helps keep my brain active." Angela said: "Volunteering for a local charity that gives back to the community gives me great satisfaction and enables me to meet far more local people than I ever would just staying at home. "It might sound daft, but sometimes it gives me a reason not to stay in bed all day!" Roger finds that helping the Hub is "like having a large family and loving them all whatever
Staple Hill Community Hub volunteers Sally and Carolyn helping deliver the ‘fresh air and free food’ service in Page Park last year they do". Sally really enjoys being part of a great team supporting the local community. She said: "It’s so rewarding being able to offer practical
help when people are in need, as well as being involved with fun activities and events which I believe make a difference to those living locally." Carolyn said: "I really enjoy
volunteering, as it allows me to meet new people, learn new skills and to use the skills and experience I have to help others. It’s also usually fun!" Finally, Jane, who moved to the Staple Hill area ten years ago, found that she always had a very warm welcome wherever she went. She said: "Just giving a little time to those who need some support in their hour of need is my way of saying thank you and of helping to keep that 'community spirit' here in Staple Hill." As you can see, volunteering is rewarding for the volunteers as well as for those we help. If you would like to get involved, even if only for an hour or so per week, then please do get in touch. We would be happy to tailor a role to fit in with you and your availability. You can call Julie on 01454 868374 or email hello@ staplehillcommunityhub.org.uk. William Lee
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VOLUNTEERS are battling against litter on the streets, fields and verges of Mangotsfield. A group filled bags with rubbish picked from the hedges and undergrowth in Cossham Street in February, and Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillor Michael Bell is calling on more people to join them. He said: "Litter, flytipping and dog mess are a blight on our community and to be honest shows little sign of reducing despite increased fines. "Plastic Bottles in Two of the Mangotsfield volunteer litter particular seem to be pickers discarded without any thought, into roadside kerbs, or thrown into hedges, on many occasions within sight of a waste bin. "Mavis and Carol are two of our Mangotsfield Residents Association voluntary litter pickers and are totally committed to keep Mangotsfield free of litter – and woe betide anyone who fails to place their litter in a bin. They take no prisoners: you have been warned!" Anyone who would like to take part in future litter picks can call Michael on 07875 631817, email MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com or contact the MRA via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page. Mangotsfield Residents Association: Page 48
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March, 2022
n NEWS A MUSICAL theatre company based in Staple Hill is preparing its first show since before the lockdown. St Mary’s Players is an awardwinning amateur company which usually produces two shows per year. But the coronavirus pandemic meant the company had to call off its production, Titanic The Musical, weeks before the curtain was due to rise in April 2020. The show is now back on and the St Mary’s Players are preparing to finally bring it to the stage at the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton. Performances are due to take place from April 19 to 23 – just days after the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the White Star liner on April 14, 1912, a disaster which claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people. Rehearsals for the show, whose characters are based on real people from the ship, started in November at the group's base at Page Hall in Page Road. St Mary’s Players has more than 50 members from all over Bristol, aged 18 upwards, and
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Musical theatre company returns with Titanic performance
Members of St Mary's Players rehearse the opening number of Titanic The Musical at Page Hall rehearses twice a week in the lead up to each main show, on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Formed in 1959, the group's first ever show was a performance of the pantomime Aladdin at St Mary’s Church in
Singers wanted to join in 800th birthday celebration SINGERS are wanted for a choir which will perform in a celebration of the 800th anniversary of St James Church in Mangotsfield. The choir is set to perform at the closing concert for this year's Ham Farm Festival on July 31. Festival organiser Emily Correa is linking up with the church for the performance of Misa Criolla, a 20-minute mass by Argentinian composer Ariel Ramirez, with a professional soloist, conductor and ensemble. Emily is looking for between 40 and 60 singers who can commit to ten rehearsals, either in Mangotsfield or central Bristol, between May and the festival performance. No previous choir experience is necessary but members will contribute towards the cost of the coach teaching them the music. Last year saw the first ever staging of the Ham Farm Festival, in a half-acre private garden off Emersons Green Lane. It is the creation of Emily and husband Francisco, who are both professional musicians. The choir's concert will take place at St James Church on July 31 from 5-6pm. Emily, a flautist and mezzo soprano singer who teaches the flute at Downend School, said: "It just seemed like the perfect opportunity to team up with our local church and involve even more of the local community in our festival." To take part in the choir email hamfarmfestival@gmail.com. For more information on the festival visit www. hamfarmfestival.com.
Fishponds. Anyone who is interested in joining St Mary's Players can email membership@smpmtc. co.uk and more information about the company and the show can be found at the website www.smpmtc.co.uk.
Titanic the Musical first opened 25 years ago and won five Tony awards for Broadway theatre productions in the US. Kathryn Francis from St Mary's Players said: "We are very excited to be back rehearsing for Titanic The Musical. "This beautiful and moving piece of theatre is based on actual people aboard the ship. It is sincere and heart-warming, with beautiful melodies throughout." Tickets for the show cost £12.50 each for the opening night and £15 each for all other performances. They can be bought online at the 'what’s on' page of the Redgrave Theatre website, at www.regravetheatre.co.uk, or by calling 0117 315 7800 on Tuesday to Friday, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 with Bristol Women’s Voice
Come and be heard. Join our movement. Every voice matters. Together, we can #BreaktheBiasBristol Find out what women like you can do to break the bias More than 25 FREE workshops and activities, with creche and translation To find out about community transport, email info@bristolwomensvoice.org.uk
Saturday 5 March 2022, 10.30am – 4pm Bristol City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR
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March, 2022
n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Landmark village tree had to go IN our last article we commented on our Christmas tree, with its new lights and star. We certainly didn’t anticipate that a few days after taking the lights and star down, the tree would come down as well! It caused some adverse comment on local social media, which was disappointing and unfair. As renovation work started on Roy Preddy’s undertakers it was discovered that the tree was undermining the foundations of the building, so there was no option – it had to go. Preddy’s were as disappointed as anyone. However, all is not lost, there will be a tree in 2022: we already have a few ideas. We held our first “hour a month” or HAM on Saturday February 5. Eleven hardly souls armed with litter pickers attacked the hedges and undergrowth from Cossham Street to the Pomphrey Hill entrance. They filled at least 10 bags – a fantastic effort. We are happy to organise more litter picks, so if you know of an area in need of tidying up, please let us know. We have mentioned our desire to make more and better use of the Dame School on a number of occasions. Last month we met with South Glos Council to discuss having mains electricity
installed. It will make our Christmas Nativity so much easier to light and also allow us to run some small-scale events. Our next HAM on March 5 will focus on planters – it’s about time they were made and deployed. Help to make them would be very much appreciated: please let us know if you can. The next South Glos Council community engagement forum is on Tuesday March 22, at 7pm. It’s a great chance to have your say on local
issues and it would be great to see more of you there. More info can be found by searching for CEFs at the southglos.gov.uk website or direct at bit.ly/3GUeppY. Finally a few thoughts from Clive Heath, our Chair: "Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is around us. "It is a time of encouragement and hope, a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be. "This spring we can now have hope that things will continue to change and return to normal for us all. "But, not forgetting that there will always be those among us that may lack hope, we must encourage and support them. "Hope is being able to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. So let hope shine within you, let others see it, be a beacon for those who need it. Be encouraged, stay encouraged and encourage others." If you’d like to get involved or need any help, please get in touch at MangotsfieldRA@gmail. com, via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or call Clive on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Chris Amos
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
March, 2022
n NEWS
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Jubilee appeal for memories of Downend PEOPLE who remember the Downend area in the 1950s are being asked to share their memories. As plans are made to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee around the country, the Community History and Arts Project, or CHAP, is collecting memories and pictures from the 1950s, which will be shared with the community. The voluntary group has already set up a page dedicated to the 1950s on its website, at www.downendchap.org/Downend-1950s, and will add more pictures and words as they are collected. Helen Rana, from CHAP, said: "The idea is to reflect on what Downend and Emersons Green was like back then, and to get people thinking about and discussing changes for the better – or worse – since that decade." CHAP has put details of some key local and national events from the decade on the site, from the Queen's succession to the throne on February 6, 1952 to the Britannia air crash in Downend on November 6, 1957. Facts and figures form the decade are also being shared, such as the average price of a UK new-build house in 1950 - (£1,891 or around £65,224 in today’s money) - and the average salary (£10 a week, the equivalent of
The Crescent, Downend, in the 1950s. Picture from Bristol Archives
Mangotsfield Station. Picture courtesy of Bob and Anne Powell
£339 today). Anyone who would like to share memories of the 1950s for the project can contact CHAP by email at downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS. The group has asked anyone posting pictures and documents not to send originals but to use good-quality scans or photos instead, as items sent in cannot be returned. Anyone sending in pictures should include a description of who or what is in the pictures, the approximate date they were
taken and the name of the person who took the photograph. The group is also keen to receive written reminiscences without pictures, to gain insights into how local residents or visitors experienced life in the 1950s. CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation which aims to bring local history to life and help build an identity and sense of belonging for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past.
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downendvoice
March, 2022
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
BTEA joins the Olympus Academy Trust
BRISTOL Technology and Engineering Academy (BTEA) joined the Olympus Academy Trust in September 2021. We plan to merge BTEA with Abbeywood Community School and retain the specialist Engineering/STEM curriculum pathway for Years 10-13. Our purpose is to develop young people with the skills, qualities and qualifications necessary to progress successfully within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field in the local, regional and national employment market. Our Key stage 4 and Post 16 curriculum enables students to study specialist Engineering courses alongside GCSEs and A-levels. BTEA works closely with a range of local employers to develop Employer-Led Projects (ELPs) that enable our students to work alongside industry professionals and develop soughtafter employability skills and sector-specific work experience.
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n NEWS
St Augustine's head teacher Mark Hilliam and members of the school council with the time capsule plaque
School's time capsule A PRIMARY school has buried a time capsule to teach the children of the future about school life now. A plaque at St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in Downend marks the spot where the capsule, which contains items including a globe, a school tie and a face mask, was buried as part of the school's 50th anniversary celebrations, with the intention of digging it up in 50 years’ time. Head teacher Mark Hilliam said: "Every class considered their object really carefully. "It will be a wonderful taste of what school life was like in 2021, looking back to St Augustine’s during the covid pandemic. "With this marvellous new plaque they will know where to dig!”
Rediscover St Nick’s Market St Nicholas Markets, also known as “St Nick’s” is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old City. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, the historic indoor and outdoor markets house over 60 stalls, selling a range of unique gifts, quality crafts, clothing and fashion, accessories, books, records and food. Eat in or take away, it is a food lover’s paradise, with food and flavours from across the world. From shoe repairs to key cutting and knife sharpening, you’re sure to find a trader to fix anything that’s broken. Open Monday to Saturday, enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Old City.
stnicholasmarkets.co.uk Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ Reopening High Streets Safely / Welcome Back Fund delivered with funding from:
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downendvoice
March, 2022
53
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
It's good to talk Matthew 24 verses 6 and 7 ‘You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.’ Although these words were spoken by Jesus 2000 years ago, when we look around our world, we still see famines, earthquakes and other natural disasters, we see reports of wars on the news and hear rumours that new wars may be imminent. And even though many restrictions have been lifted we are struggling to see a proper end to the pandemic that has brought suffering to many. Jesus tells us to see to it that we are not alarmed but this can be easier said than done. It is widely recognised that the pandemic has had a significant effect on the mental health of people of all ages caused by the sudden changes to our normal social interactions. The need for vulnerable people to selfisolate, workers had to work from home if they could, children doing
home schooling and then when they did return, they were in and out randomly as and when the need to isolate arose. Even the wearing of facemasks has created a barrier to the normal interactions of our daily lives, it is much harder to see someone smile. Thankfully we are seeing the end of these restrictions from a legal perspective at least, however there is still the legacy of what has happened over the past couple of years that many people are struggling to deal with. When Jesus carried out His ministry on earth, He spent much of His time talking to individuals and small groups, often whilst eating. Many of the people He spent time with were those on the margins of society, the ones the rich and powerful considered were beneath them and Jesus was criticised for spending time with them. Jesus knew that they needed to be loved and the best way to show that love was to spend time with them and talk to them; to allow them to express their deepest needs and then He could minister to those needs so
bringing healing and restoration, physically, mentally and spiritually. Our church is running a group called Shared Place, 1 to 3 pm on a Monday afternoon, it is a drop in where we serve tea, coffee and cake and the aim is to provide a place where people who want to can come and be themselves. If they need to talk there are people to talk to, if they want to join in the activities then they can do that, if they want to sit quietly and/or pray that is perfectly fine as well. Many churches and other organisations are offering similar activities and support but we can also do our part as individuals to reach out those struggling in our community and start re-building the social bonds that bind us together. The period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 2nd March and runs to the start of Easter. Traditionally people give up things for Lent with the aim of refocussing their lives on God so improving their spiritual and mental health. This year wouldn’t it be nice if, rather than giving up something that just benefits ourselves, we could give up a bit of
David Quintin Downend Baptist Church our time to meet with people who have been isolated, have suffered loss or through all that has happened feel anxious and just struggling with life. Use our time to meet up with them, have a cup of tea or coffee, maybe a piece of cake and to spend time with them, talk to them, allow them to express their deepest needs and this too may be the start of healing and restoration, mentally and spiritually.
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March, 2022
n AROUND THE WIs BROMLEY HEATH WI WITH the real possibility that our lives could soon be free from the 'chains of covid', our February meeting seemed an ideal one for us to consider a style update and wardrobe revamp for the 'postpandemic' era. To assist those of us who might enjoy the benefit of some professional style advice, we were joined by wardrobe editor and personal stylist Gail Painter, of Not Givin In. Gail has started writing a monthly article in the Downend Voice providing guidance tips on sustainable shopping, thus allowing you to save money and our planet at the same time. What women could object to a fuller wardrobe, higher bank balance, greener environment and a clearer social conscience? Certainly not me. In the early part of her presentation Gail asked about our style icons and if we were aware which of various 'style personalities' we came under? When Kate Middleton’s name was mentioned by a few ladies I nodded my head but as for my own style personality I had to pass. After completing Gail’s questionnaire, it appeared that many of our members came within either the 'classic' or 'natural' group. Not to say that we haven’t all enjoyed our more chic, dramatic or romantic looks previously, and indeed some of our members clearly still do! With the ever-reducing numbers of clothes shops on our high street and the increasing trend towards shopping online, Gail told us that it was vital that we all know our current measurements. I confess that, notwithstanding this excellent advice, I have yet to get the dreaded tape measure out. Following her interesting and informative presentation Gail was happy to host a lively Q&A session, which our members thoroughly enjoyed. Earlier in the evening Liza, our president, had enthusiastically welcomed our return, proudly announcing that BHWI was open for business and delighted to announce that several new ladies had opted to join BHWI. A huge welcome to you all. Liza followed up with good news and the bad news – the good was the leaflet revealing a diverse range of speakers and activities for 2022, the bad was that our annual
WI subs of £40 would soon be due. At a time when the price of everything around us is rising dramatically, this represents fantastic VFM for more than 11 nights out with the girls. Although the traditional letters WI could have a bit of a dated feel to them, here at Bromley Heath Women's Institute we like to see ourselves as a modern relevant 21st Century WI-FI: Women's Institute – Friendly Individuals! Most women would agree that after a busy day working at home, externally or both, it is all too easy to say “I’m too tired or can’t be bothered to go out”, so we just stay in and don’t allow ourselves even the shortest respite from home and work responsibilities. Remember, a change is as good as a rest. Not far away is your local WI, where one evening per month you have a chance to make new friends, acquire new skills and contribute towards both improving your community and the life opportunities of women everywhere. Please email us at bromleyheathwi@gmail.com if you would like to attend a meeting free of charge. Margaret Hanwell
STAPLE HILL WI WE are thoroughly enjoying the year so far. It really is great to be back together and in the swing of meeting up. We look forward to welcoming Steve Loader, chaplain of the Port of Bristol Seafarers Centre, on March 15. He has asked us to bring along donations like knitted hats, scarves, clean warm clothing or notebooks and pens. Further to our meeting, on March 26 from 10am to noon we are holding a fundraising coffee morning at Staple Hill Methodist Church. Coffee, tea and cakes will be available, as well as a sale of bric-abrac, books and other things. Please come along to support us and enjoy a cuppa and a cake. Are you reading this and thinking you would like to meet new people? You may not be able to commit lots of time – that’s OK, we meet once a month. As a member you can participate in as much or as little as you like. We have a diverse membership and anyone is welcome.
We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive to us and we meet on the third Tuesday of most months. Join us in Christ Church Hall on North Street in Downend. Come and make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy a cuppa and some cake! Looking forward to seeing you all soon. You can drop us an email to find out more at katetarr@avonfwi. org.uk. Kate Tarr
MANGOTSFIELD WI AS an established local WI in Mangotsfield – founded in 1976 – we have a vibrant and lively membership ranging from those in their thirties to the nineties; we always set great store in providing all our visitors and members with a warm and friendly welcome. We have a busy social scene, with regular pub lunches, curry nights and coffee mornings, always with a view to include those who are working and maybe not able to attend events during the day. With covid restrictions hopefully now easing, we are going to restart our craft sessions. Our new events team is working hard on this year’s hall programme, which will also be part of an update to our website in March. In January we held a silent auction of Santa’s Mistakes and a quiz consisting of ten questions on the WI movement, 20 on music and ten general knowledge. It was a great evening, with lots of laughs. Our next meeting is on February 28, when we will be having our platinum 70th celebration of the Queen’s accession to the throne, with an afternoon tea – but in the evening. Bunting is going up and red, white and blue or purple is the dress theme. For more information, take a look at our Facebook page or go to our website, www.mangotsfieldwi. org.uk. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing president@ mangotsfieldwi.org.uk.
DOWNEND WI
OUR first meeting of 2022 was a non-alcoholic wine tasting. We tried six different drinks throughout the evening, ranging from sparkling wines to reds and
whites. A selection of cheese and nibbles added to the occasion. I think it’s fair to say the reaction to non-alcoholic drinks was varied, and not everyone was a convert! It was also our eighth birthday so members were treated to a special Downend WI cake, complete with candles, to mark the occasion. A fun evening was had by all. Local personal stylist Gail Painter was our speaker for the February meeting, advising on developing personal style and how to dress with confidence in a really informative and interesting talk. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Badminton Road Methodist Church, starting at 7.30pm. If you would like to find out more please contact our president, Julie, at Downendwi@yahoo.co.uk. Deb (on behalf of the committee)
LONGWELL GREEN WI SO far it seems to have been a long and grey winter with only a few sunny and frosty days. Our first WI meeting in January hopefully lifted the spirits of our members. We played games including Handbag Bingo, Scattergories and Quizzes. We have an interesting and varied programme for this year which includes talks from St.Mungos for the homeless, Queen Victoria's life and local arts and crafts amongst others. We also have a skittles evening and a quiz night planned. We have trips organised to Chavenage House and Windsor which includes a boat trip on the Thames. We have lots of groups that our members can participate in and most of them are up and running now. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group and craft club. On the first Thursday of the month we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat. Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting us please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening. Linda Muller
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
March, 2022
55
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Tax increase is a positive step for policing LAST month, I announced that I would be increasing the policing part of the council tax – known as the precept – by 4.1% for local residents, equivalent to 83p more per month for the average band D household. I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel and local people for their support. This increase will help deliver my ambitious Police and Crime Plan, which aims to provide you with an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people but, without it, it is likely cuts would have had to be made that would impact frontline services. This is why I was determined to hear from as many residents as possible and, through my consultation, I heard from 6,335 residents, of which the majority were in support of an
increase to support policing. This increase is a really positive step for policing. It allows the force and my office to work towards our vision of more visible policing, better community engagement, preventing crime, strengthening partnership work, and improving outcomes and support for victims of crime. The increase will also allow us to give pay rises to the policing family, ensuring we are recognising the hard work of officers and staff that go above and beyond for our communities. If you want an outstanding police service you have to fund it and, as your PCC, I will ensure Avon and Somerset Police deliver. I’m also delighted to announce that my team and I have been successful in securing over £100,000 in additional funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services in Avon
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and Somerset; an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of Justice’s Critical Support Fund and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West. As PCC, my team and I will continue to work with other commissioners – including health and local authorities – to ensure there are effective and efficient services across Avon and Somerset that can be accessed by everyone, which supports victims and survivors to cope and recover. Preventing and fighting crime is a priority in my recentlypublished Police and Crime Plan and this includes tackling male violence against women and girls, specifically domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. As well as ensuring there are good provisions for victims and survivors, we must address the attitudes and behaviours of the
With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford perpetrator and ensure police investigations are evidence-led and focus on the actions of the offender rather than the victim. Finally, for anyone who is a victim or survivor of sexual violence or domestic abuse, remember help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. You can find you more about local services at www.survivorpathway.org.uk
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56
downendvoice
n MUD PIE EXPLORERS
Family fun and free food! MARCH sees the return of foraging to Forest School with the highly anticipated arrival of wild garlic in the woods. This can be used in a variety of ways. Some people use it to make pesto but we enjoy cooking wild garlic risotto and wild garlic bread over the campfire the most! One of our groups decided to try experiment with cooking with wild garlic. They tried a mixture of garlic bread and campfire pizza, which they named “Wild Garlic Cheesy Pizza”. Here are the instructions so you can try it for yourselves. First of all, pick some wild garlic. It can be found in areas near water. It is not difficult to identify- the smell makes it easily recognisable. However, lords and ladies can grow in amongst wild garlic which has leaves that are poisonous to us. So, you need to check each leaf when you wash it. Wild garlic flowers, which are also edible will bloom in the next month of so. Once you have checked and washed your leaves, chop then mashed them with butter. We used a pestle and mortar, you can use a bowl and spoon if you like. Next spread the garlic butter on a wrap, cover it in cheese and added another wrap on top. We cooked ours, on both sides, over the campfire in a frying pan. We all loved it- hope you do too!
March, 2022
n PAGE PARK NEWS
Park needs more volunteers NEW opportunities to volunteer to help keep Page Park looking at its best have been set up. The Friends of Page Park and South Gloucestershire Council's grounds team have organised a new set of sessions to carry out a variety of jobs helping maintain the park, improving the landscape and planting. The sessions will provide Volunteers working in Page Park's "a variety of jobs and projects sensory garden to suit all ages and abilities" at different times of the week. Weekly volunteering sessions are held on weekdays, with general maintenance sessions on Tuesdays from 12.30-2.30pm and Fridays from 9.30-11.30am, sensory garden sessions on Wednesdays from 9-11am and allotment sessions on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm. The sensory garden volunteers meet in the garden while the other sessions start form the bowls club gate. Weekend sessions are also starting for people who cannot make a weekday – anyone who would like to be involved should email friendsofpageparkbs16@gmail.com for more information. Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said: "It's a great deal of work keeping our park looking beautiful so your help is very much appreciated, plus it's an opportunity to spend time out in the fresh air, improving your health and well being and meeting up with others. "All you need is suitable footwear and clothing and turn up at the times stated. "Without our volunteers we couldn't look after the park the way we want to. "Although the pandemic made people realise how important their green spaces are, it also made some people wary of mixing and we need more people to come together and help." The friends are also looking for volunteers for this year's Platinum Jubilee event on June 4 and for behind-the-scenes roles within the group: to find out more, email, visit the group's Facebook page or attend its next meeting on March 10 at 7pm, at the Nest by the Bean Tree Cafe.
Musicians wanted THE Friends of Page Park are keen to hear from musicians of all sorts who would like to perform at informal weekend music events planned for later this year on the bandstand and in the sensory garden. Solo artists, groups, choirs, bands and orchestras are all welcome to take part. For more information email Melody Beard at beantreecafebristol@ gmail.com.
Plea to parents PARENTS of young children are being asked to help protect the flowers in Page Park's sensory garden. Bulbs which have been bought through fundraising and planted by volunteers are starting to shoot up in the flower beds and grassed areas of the garden. But vice-chair Steph Purser said every year plants were damaged by people climbing and running through flower beds. Steph said: "Even the tiniest feet can destroy a young plant and picking or damaging flowers in the park is illegal and risks a potential fine. "It is important that all children should be supervised whilst in the garden." Visitors are also being reminded that the sensory garden is an area of the park where dogs are not allowed.
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
March, 2022
n NEWS
57
Frenchay 10k is back for 40th race ONE of the country's oldest 10k races is back after two years away. The Frenchay 10k will be run for the 40th time on April 24, with hundreds of people of a wide range of ages and abilities set to help raise money for two charities. The race was founded after a resident, John Honeywell, attended a talk given by pioneering Frenchay Hospital neurosurgeon Hugh Coakham about brain tumour surgery in 1979. John and his friend John Laurie decided to raise some money to fund his research, and the following year the first ever Frenchay 10k was run. The event raised money for the same cause for seven years, until funding of the research was taken over by a national charity. Since then a variety of local charities have been helped. This year two good causes will share the money: Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service, which provides a free 'bloodbikes'
Runners at the start of a previous Frenchay 10k out of hours motorbike courier service for hospitals, and Ronald McDonald House Bristol, which provides free 'home from home' accommodation and support to families of critically ill children being treated at Bristol Children's Hospital. All the proceeds from the race, minus costs, are donated each year to the charities, which provide volunteer marshals on the day. Since the first race almost
A GROUP which combines keeping fit and raising money for charity is holding a oneday festival in Mangotsfield. Active Soul UK is a volunteer-run group whose members take on fitness challenges and support good causes. It will stage its Family Festival of Running on April 9 at Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield and is encouraging people to sign up. Group spokesperson Wayne Ellis said: "Our last event in 2019 was a massive success, with runners of all ages and abilities competing in all race disciplines. "Due to Covid, we have not been able to host the event for the last two years, but this year we are looking for the event to be bigger
£175,000 has been raised in total for charities. The race has started and finished at a variety of places, from the former home of Cleve RFC at Bromley Heath playing fields in the early days to Frenchay Hospital and the village hall. For the past 20 years it has gone from the UWE Glenside campus at Blackberry Hill. The inaugural event had 120 contestants and numbers have
Join the Family Festival of Running and better." Active soul is working with local charity events company Wishy.org.uk to give entrants the chance to support a local charity as they take part in races including a 5K race for adults and children over 14, an adultsonly 10k race, a children’s 2k race and a toddler dash, which Wayne says is "always the most exciting race of the day".
All race registration fees will be donated to Children's Hospice South West. The festival takes place from 8.30am to 3pm and as well as the races there will be stalls, a bouncy castle, face painting and a raffle, a fire engine and police vehicle. For more information visit the website Wishy.org.uk/run or the Active Soul Facebook page. Active Soul UK has raised nearly £30,000 for Children's Hospice South West over the past five years. The group meets on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm at Mangotsfield School's running track.
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risen over the years to an average of 600 per year, with organisers hoping for a record field of 700 this year, which will be John Honeywell's last as race director. Up until 2020 the race had been run every year except for 2001, when restrictions to fight an outbreak of foot and mouth disease among livestock meant it could not go ahead. With the 2020 and 2021 races also called off due to coronavirus restrictions, this year's race will be the 40th in the event's history. Race spokesperson Dave Guyatt said: "We always have a field of established runners, casual runners and people who just enjoy a leisurely jog or stroll around the course." People can enter online at frenchay10k.co.uk. Entries are also usually accepted on the day, but organisers are encouraging runners to guarantee their place by booking in advance. The race starts at 11am on April 24 from the UWE Glenside campus.
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March, 2022
n C OMMUNITY NEWS
Legion branch wins awards for community work THE Staple Hill & District Branch of the Royal British Legion has been presented with several awards from the Gloucestershire County RBL for members' work in the community. At the recent annual general meeting of the County of Gloucestershire, the Staple Hill & District Branch was given awards for branch efficiency and for their fundraising efforts for the Poppy Appeal. Branch chairman Ian Campbell said: "I am truly grateful to the county for the awards we won. "This is a huge boost to us locally and proves we are doing well. "It wasn't long ago we thought we may close, but in four short years we have turned things around and are growing every week!" The branch committee were also successful in nominating Graham Hitchings for a County Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts on the branch committee
Staple Hill & District Branch members with the awards. Picture: Andy Bly and as the previous standard bearer. The awards presented were: *The Pearce Cup for branch efficiency in the county of Gloucestershire, for a branch with more than 70 members. *The Clee Shield for the branch with the highest increase in Poppy Appeal fundraising on the previous year.
*The Hewitt Cup – awarded personally by the county chairman to Ian Campbell for his work in the county and at branch level. *County Certificate of Appreciation – presented to Graham Hitchings for his work on the committee and as the past branch standard bearer. Gloucestershire county chairman Jackie Robertson
Graham Hitchings with his certificate of appreciation. Picture: Andy Bly presented the branch with the awards at a monthly social event at Page Community Association in February. Membership secretary Aileen Hulin said: "Everyone is welcome to come and join us. "We meet at the Page Community Association on the first Friday of the month at 7pm. Pop along and see what we get up to!"
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March, 2022
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n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH DOWNEND CAMERA CLUB
Concorde at Home by Dave Britton
Our first competition winners OUR first competition of the year saw a good crop of entries, with the usual wide variety of subjects. That said, almost a third of the images submitted were of birds – perhaps no surprise, as the restrictions that came about as a result of the pandemic made travel more difficult and, we are told, has prompted a greater appreciation of the natural world around us. There were some fine and unusual examples entered, but bird photography is a specialist subject, and in an open competition, such images can struggle to win. What did not help their cause was coming up against some stiff competition. Third place went to ‘Pink’, a delicate, dreamy image with subtle
The Morning Gallop at Deauville by Alan Thunhurst lighting and unusual composition. Nothing much is sharp or in focus, but that is the point; it is this treatment that creates the mood and gives the image its impact. Mood is also an important aspect of the second-placed ‘The Morning Gallop at Deauville’. The low viewpoint helps to emphasise the size of the horses, the morning light brings out the texture of their skin, and the sky and buildings form a slightly hazy pastel background that serves to bring them to the fore in the picture. First place was awarded to ‘Concorde at Home’. A familiar local subject, but beautifully photographed, extremely sharp, the entire aircraft in the frame, and with two figures on the left to give a sense of scale. So, in the end a shot of a truly graceful and elegant bird did win the competition after all! Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group who meet on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend.
Pink by Ian Boulton
Meetings were held on-line through the pandemic, but actual meetings are now restarting, with a schedule of photographic presentations, events, and competitions. The club is on both Facebook and Instagram and has a website
at www.downendcameraclub. org.uk that shows details of the club, members galleries, past competition winners, plus a forum for discussion of all things photographic. Ed Shorney
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MOVING YOU SINCE ‘92
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March, 2022
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n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Bissex Mead, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7DY
HE RE TO GET
Asking Price £650,000 A highly Impressive detached family home that really requires an internal viewing to fully appreciate all this wonderful family home has to offer. The property was originally built by Bryant Homes and has been much improved by the current owners, having been extended with a part garage conversion to create a fantastic well balanced family home. The property offers an enviable position within Emersons Green with an open outlook over a green to front and being within easy reach of the local shopping centre, parks and schools and within close proximity to the Ring Road and Cycle Track. In brief, the property comprises to the ground floor: entrance hall, cloakroom, stylish lounge with feature bay window, stunning kitchen/diner with quartz work tops and breakfast bar leading to a superb garden room/family room with log burning stove (dining area and garden room with dual aspect bi-folding doors out to garden), utility room with integrated appliances and study (part converted garage). To the first floor can be found a good size master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a modern en-suite shower room and 3 further bedrooms and a luxury family bathroom with walk in shower. The property has several smart home Tech Gadgets to include: CAT6E structured cabling to garden room, living room, master bedroom and study,
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Monitor Audio ceiling speakers in kitchen, living room and master bedroom, 4 flush mount Monitor audio ceiling speakers, active sub and front speakers for 6.1 surround in garden room, Hive heating with Hive heating down lighters in garden room and kitchen. Externally the rear garden has been beautifully landscaped with decking and tiling areas giving ample outdoor seating space, artificial lawn, raised sleeper borders, space and electric supply for a hot tub, 2 car driveway to front and garage with loft storage.
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Call Dave on 07798 905337 www.thebristollocksmith.co.uk Based locally in South Glos
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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March, 2022
63
n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
M
E S T A T E A G E N T S
M.Coleman are offering a fantastic incentive for vendors looking to put their property on the market during the months of March and April 2016. For all properties instructed during this period proceeding to a successful completion M.Coleman Estate Agents will meet your Energy Performance Certificate and Solicitors Selling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements. We provide a quality service to all our clients based on traditional values of honesty, integrity and courtesy. Our team benefits experience extending beyond 100 years and this expertise is passed to you to ensure we achieve the best possible price for the sale of your home. We listen to our client’s needs and believe communication is paramount in providing the best level of service throughout the selling process. * Terms & Conditions Apply – Please ask for details
M
Coleman
M.Coleman Estate Agents are delighted to have the rare opportunity of offering this executive four bedroom detached family home situated in a highly sought-after area. This fascinating property has spacious accommodation that will appeal to families of all ages and a landscaped garden that will set it apart from the competition. Upon entering the home, you are greeted with a welcoming entrance hall that gives access to a light and airy sitting room that benefits from a dual aspect and a feature fireplace housing a ‘Living Flame’ gas fire. French doors open into a conservatory offering views over the garden and also double doors to a well-proportioned dining room. The fitted kitchen has perfectly balanced proportions and simple clean lines, sleek brushed steel handles and dark Granite worktops lend a contemporary edge to the classically styled Shaker doors. There is space for a Range style cooker and an integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and extractor. The utility room is fitted with a sink, wall and base units, plumbing for a washing machine and offers personal access to the garage; there is also a ground floor cloakroom accessed from the hallway. You will be pleasantly surprised at the size of the first-floor
NO SOLICITOR SELLING FEES*
Coleman
Filton Road, Hambrook, Bristol, BS16 1QG £950,000
accommodation with the master bedroom offering fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. There are a further three double bedrooms, the larger of which also has an en-suite shower room. The fully tiled family bathroom consists of a white three-piece suite with a shower attachment over the bath. Large enough for even the most energetic of children the rear garden is predominantly laid to well-tended lawn and boasts two patio areas and a decked terrace which has inset feature lighting, provision for a hot tub and an outdoor bar with power. Additionally, the property boasts
E S T A T E A G E N T S
a spacious gated driveway with off road parking for several vehicles, access to a double garage
19 Cleeve Wood Road Downend Bristol BS16 2SF Tel: 0117 9566221 www.mcoleman.co.uk
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March, 2022
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n OCEAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
Stanley Park Road – Offers over £350,000 THIS extremely well presented 3 bedroom semi-detached home is located on the popular Stanley Park Road in Staple Hill. Ideally positioned for the Bristol to Bath cycle path, bus links, local shops and St Stephens Primary school this property would make an ideal first time purchase or family home. Upon entering you can find an entrance hallway with doors leading into a separate lounge with bay window, a great size dining room and a galley kitchen. To the first floor you will find 2 double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes, a single bedroom and a family bathroom. Externally there is a large rear garden mainly being laid to lawn with off street parking for several cars situated to the front of the house. Additionally you will find a single garage.
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www.alpine-landscaping.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
66
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n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB
Coastal colour by Wendy Rayner
Back together FEBRUARY was time for a tentative toe into the water as, once again, we returned to live meetings. Zoom has its uses and kept our regular programme of activities going, but is no substitute for the pleasure of human contact. Even masked, it’s possible for separate conversations to take place, which you can’t do on Zoom. The first meeting was our annual Ladies versus Gentlemen competition where, once again, the ladies came out easy winners. The judge, Mike Dales, was relaxed in his assessments and, like all the best judges, pointed out every photo’s best points as well as indicating how they might be improved. There were no individual winners (this was a team competition) so this month’s
Tower Bridge by Pete England
choice of photos merely indicates my own preferences. I have also scrupulously kept a gender balance. First up is Reflecting, by Linda Meaton. A beautifully composed and lit black and white portrait, the face of its subject conveys exactly what the title says. I’ll Just Wait, Shall I? by Jeff McKinstry is a fine composition in dazzling light. What makes this so effective is the two figures in colours that balance perfectly, divided by the lamp-post but drawn together by common shades. Wendy Rainer’s Coastal Colour is an example of how effective a limited palette can be, allowing the red of the flowers to jump out from the dominant blue. Finally, Pete England’s Tower Bridge is a familiar scene caught in great detail, the bridge standing out against a dramatic sky. Pete is a new member of the club but I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of his work in future. Next month we’ll be back to normal competition, on the subject of movement.
Reflecting by Linda Meaton New members and guests are always welcome to our club (£3 if you just want to try us out). 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 future, take
a look at our website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or contact us at lincombe.barn@ gmail.com. Stay safe and virus-free – and keep on snapping! Sid Stace
I'll just wait shall I by Jeff McKinstry
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
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March, 2022
67
n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS
Teaching basic woodwork ANOTHER month has flashed by, but we are pleased to report the Lincombe Barn noticeboard refurbishment, which we mentioned in the February issue of the Voice, has been completed. The notice cabinet and its support structure is now like new, and should withstand many more years serving the barn and its members. Covid continues to impose some restriction and all members now take a lateral flow test before attending each session. Partly as a result of Covid, and the continuous period of cold weather, we still have not completed all the orders taken at the Lincombe Barn craft fair last November; again we apologise for the delay but will do our utmost to complete the work. To improve our working environment the group have recently purchased two more fan heaters, which have gone some way to combating what seems to be everlasting cold weather. Two members have managed to continue running a series of introductory woodwork courses for small groups of school children at Barley Close Primary School, but recently this has been disrupted by the latest omicron outbreak. The project group normally consists of two boys and two girls, plus a teaching assistant. Each pupil is given an information pack describing the tools to be used and drawings providing information needed to undertake the project. In addition to understanding the use of basic woodworking tools, exercises involve measuring and marking out wooden parts,
DOWNEND MEN in SHEDS
Men in Sheds members make final adjustments to the Lincombe Barn noticeboard which are then taken back to our workshop and cut, ready to start assembly in the next session. Assembly involves use of glue and screws and using battery operated drivers to drill holes and fix screws. Finally, the item is painted with water-based paint, although this activity requires some enhanced guidance.
Most groups make a simple bird box, but one group were given the challenge of making garden trugs (harvest baskets). Throughout the project pupils are given tasks to complete before attending the next session, such as making a drawing of a bird box and remembering the names and purpose of the tools used.
Children take their completed project home and, in the case of bird boxes, need to find a suitable spot to fix the box. After that it is a matter of seeing if the birds approve: for the lucky children there could be the thrill of witnessing a new generation of young emerge. Overall this activity has been rewarding for our members, but more importantly for the children, with the girls showing equal enthusiasm and competence to the boys. Taking part in these practical activities gives pupils a break from their day-to-day lessons and may help them realise they possess hidden talents to be exploited in later years. Despite the setbacks caused by the virus we hope to continue providing this support to the school. Thoughts are now focusing on preparations for the summer, in particular the Frenchay Flower Show, which is being scheduled for July. This suggests it is time to rack our brains for new ideas, so as to expand on our past favourites and proven winners. You can contact us by email at meninsheds.downend@gmail. com or visit us at the Bromley Park pavilion on a Tuesday or Thursday morning.
n LIBRARY NEWS News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries Downend Library will be re-opening on Monday 14th March. This follows the installation of an accessible public toilet which necessitated having to close for a few weeks. We will return to our usual staffed days – Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 10am – 5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm. Pre-School Rhyme Times also resume on Wednesdays at 9.30am. Emersons Green Library’s Digital Champion
is back and available to help to get you online, or improve your confidence using a computer, tablet or smartphone. For more details or to book a FREE appointment please ask staff or email emersonsgreen.library@southglos.gov. uk. Staple Hill Library will be hosting another FREE Improving Your Wellbeing session on Thursday 24th March from 10.30am. So if would you like to improve your health and wellbeing, but not sure where to start or you want to be more active, eat better or manage your weight. Why not come to meet your
local Wellbeing Coach for a friendly chat, get information, advice, 1 - 1 support and make a basic plan to help you start to make those change? More details and free booking – see https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improvingyour-wellbeing-staple-hill-registration. Or phone 01454 868583. This session is run by Southern Brooks Community Partnerships on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council. Also all of our libraries have new photocopiers offering colour as well as black and white printing, A3 as well as A4 copying (only available during staffed hours).
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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WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY
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March, 2022
n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN
69
Birds and beasts
Daffodils are a welcome sign of spring
New life springs up in the garden THE first seeds are coming up, bringing new life into the garden, if only in the greenhouse or windowsill. The spring bulbs and shrubs are starting to look good, the last of the winter veg is still in the garden. The first rhubarb in the forcing pots is starting to look good. We have had a good winter of horticultural talks and are looking forward to our next on March 10, at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road in Downend. For more information call 0117 957 1703. Roger Davis
WE enjoyed a lovely evening with speaker Robert Bryant, who enthralled us with his wonderful photographs of villas and lakes in Italy. It was good to see the wonderful views set in beautiful sunshine, which cheered us up immensely. In March we have Yvonne from the Hedgehog Rescue centre in Yate, and we shall hear how we can attract hedgehogs into our gardens. How have you enjoyed walking around and admiring the snowdrops that are in gardens at the moment? I have enjoyed the ones in my own garden and have just purchased some double snowdrops in the green from Brackenwood, so look forward to them flowering. I have noticed quite a few early daffodils in bloom, and that is a good sight to see, giving us some mindful moments as we walk around and try to spot some different varieties, and perhaps put them on our list for next year? The early crocus and the miniature iris are making a show wherever they are. Springtime is a wonderful time of year. Walking round the garden centres there is a good selection of seed potatoes, which looks good for our tables later this year if we give them a go. If you haven't the space, try a container – I have tried
this over the last year or so and been fairly successful. We need to get bare root plants in now, and get them settled in. There are always jobs to do around the garden. We can begin planting seeds of bedding plants, tomatoes, cucumbers and many vegetable plants, giving them an early start if we have a greenhouse. Otherwise, if we have a cold frame, we will soon be able to start them off in that. We can also begin cleaning our garden furniture and giving it a coat of paint or oil, depending on the type we have. Fences can also be spruced up a bit. Don't forget to clean your bird feeders regularly – also clean the water containers to stop the spread of disease in our bird visitors. Did you take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch? Always a fun hour to spend seeing who comes into our gardens. I think this gives you all enough to be carrying on with for the moment. Don't tidy up too much leave something for the wildlife to crawl around in and something for the birds to eat, and when you buy your seeds, think of the bees and have plants with flowers to give them a pollen hit and provide us with honey. Enjoy your gardens: it's good for our health and well-being and provides good conversation. Mary Head, Secretary
n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN
My Red Letter Day
MANY thanks to all of you who came to the speaker morning on February 3 at Lincombe Barn. Jackie Baker gave a wellpresented account of Downend in Bloom and it was illustrated throughout. Unknown to me it turned out to be not my Red Nose Day but red letter day! Several days before, Zoe, the new administrator at Lincombe Barn told me she was going to sit in on the next speaker morning. I have known Zoe through the barn, as she has worked in the office in the afternoons.
I was not unduly worried, I thought as long as we get a good crowd we will be OK. I really enjoy organising the speaker mornings. It has been a bit disappointing over the last speaker mornings, with the worry of Covid etc, but I hope audiences will increase. My confidence has grown so much so I could stand up in front of a football crowd and it would not worry me! I must say here a really whopping big thank-you to those who have supported us throughout the autumn to winter meetings.
The February speaker morning went very well. I was so pleased with having an audience back again – and Zoe's verdict was that it was excellent. At the end of the meeting, Jackie Baker was given a vote of thanks, the audience clapped and I encouraged them to return to the next month's speaker morning, which will be our very own Bruce Gibbs, photographer and well-travelled barn member. The title of the talk is Moscow to St Petersburg via the Volga/Baltic Waterway. Please do come along! As
with
Christine Broadway usual, you will be made to feel very welcome.
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March, 2022
n SPORT
Tributes to a stalwart of Bristol boxing
DOWNEND Boxing Club is sad to report the passing of West Country boxing stalwart Jim ‘Jimmer’ Hill. Jim died in December after a long and brave fight with cancer. He was 74. He started boxing with the Bristol and District club in the 1960s, joined the Royal Navy team, then competed in Bristol after his service, becoming a favourite in tournaments throughout the West and Wales. Jim started the Bedminster Down club, had a 40-year association with Broad Plain boxing club and served as Western Counties mobile coach, building the early foundations of St George ABC and then Downend Boxing Club. The thousands of young people Jim supported include Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, who said: "Jim was a huge part of my life. "I wandered into the gym as a 13-year-old – a bit lost, wanting someone to push and guide me. I found that in Jim. "He was always giving. "I was privileged to be able to spend some time with him as he fought during those final days. "A special man." Jim was diagnosed seven years ago and even
‘Jimmer’ Hill though extremely unwell from his treatment, could be found supporting Parkinson’s sufferers at Broad Plain as part of the England Boxing and Parkinson’s UK programme, and was dedicated to his role as President of Western Counties ABA. Broad Plain Boys club director Dennis Stichcombe said: "I am proud and privileged to have had Jim as a friend by my side for such a long, long time and his family can be forever
proud of him for the thousands of young men that he has helped change their lives and make something of themselves." Former WBC world super middleweight champion Glenn Catley said Jim was a "truly great man, who guided, inspired, mentored, and delivered an education to so many". He said: "If I can make even half the impression on other people’s lives (for the better) as Jim has done in his time here on Earth, then I will leave this world a happy man." We were all Jimmer’s ‘Babbies’, as he called us, in a voice that couldn’t be more Bristolian, and has lifted and warmed my heart for the past 39 years. His bravery in the later stages of his illness was astounding. In the last four weeks of his life Jim drove himself to the Harry Crook Centre, the week after he was given a lift, the week after he was in a wheelchair, but he was determined to be there if it meant crawling on his hands and knees! A hard man with an amazing capacity to love, who taught us that to play the game is good, to win the game is better, to love the game is best. Craig Turner
Emphatic win over Midsomer Norton for Cleve BEFORE the first home game of 2022, the Cleve coaches were predicting that the team was being built for success in the future. Indeed Cleve are a very young team that play with enthusiasm and commitment. The game started with Cleve moving the ball wide to the right and then the left. Eventually it ended up with Adam Lambert on the wing with a one-on-one with the Midsomer Norton winger. Adam stepped him perfectly and in the first five minutes it was 5-0 to Cleve. Cleve then went back to defending, with Norton having
the ball on halfway. A fumble led to a pickup by Dominic Callaghan in the centre. He raced away to score from the halfway line. Harry Owens converted for 12-0 to Cleve. This caused Norton to rally. They took the ball to Cleve’s 22. Cleve showed what they have learnt over the last few months and held out to the pressure being created on them. After absorbing the pressure Cleve began a drive towards Norton’s try line. They gained a scrum on the 5 metre line. Number 8 Dan Connibar picked up and went over, and Harry
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converted to make it 19-0 to Cleve at half time. The second half began with the same positivity as the first half ended and Cleve in the ascendency. From a line-out the ball was moved wide. The attacking move resulted in continuous drives towards the line. Eventually Dan Connibar got his hands on the ball and went over. It was converted for 26-0. Midway through the second half Dominic Callaghan made a break and linked with Andy Priddle who, with some clever passing, enabled Cleve to
take the ball into the 22. Dan Connibar again got hold of the ball and went over for his third try, converted for 330. But Cleve were not finished, and in the last remaining minutes, after some clever interplay, Harry Owens went over and converted his own try, to make it 40-0. This was the best performance of Cleve’s season. One wag in the crowd said "it won’t be over until Nally sings". Well, Nally was singing. Stephen Bateman
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n SPORT
Club celebrates 60 years in good shape SOUNDWELL Swimming Club is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2022, having just taken its largest number of swimmers to the British Winter Championships in recent years. The club, based at Kingswood Leisure Centre, took five swimmers to the championships in December and there was further good news as two members qualified for the British Championships in April, with more expected to follow. Another has been selected to represent the South West at the National Schools Gala. Head coach Jon Wills said: "The past two years have been exceptionally difficult for competitive swimmers, and it is a credit to the hard work of our swimmers that they were able to qualify for a national competition." PRESEASON plans are coming along well for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club. The adults have switched to Yate for indoor training on a Sunday afternoon. This was a difficult decision, as the club appreciated that club members had other sporting interests during the off season. Yate were able to offer a larger hall and an additional lane. The decision has paid off, with the numbers attending surpassing what has been achieved over previous winters. Indoor sessions will last until the end of March – hopefully the club will be able to then start using their outdoor nets. During a recent survey there was overwhelming support from the members to have a club coach and once the outdoor sessions commence, they will be coached by Damian Forder, from DFCA. Damian is an established coach and in high demand,
The club, which has more than 200 members, went online during lockdown, with Zoom workout sessions provided by Jon. With swimmers having now returned to a full training schedule, the club is expecting a bumper year for members qualifying for county, regional and national competitions. As well as competitive squads, the club has a swim academy, providing swimming lessons to youngsters, with a feeder system through to its competitive squads for children who want to continue their swimming. For more information about squad trial email HeadCoach@ Soundwellswim.org.uk or for swimming lessons email learntoswim@soundwellswim. org.uk. Sarah Taylor
Members of Soundwell Swimming Club
Coach appointed as cricket sides get set for new season having run his own business for nearly 20 years. It is hoped that his experience and coaching abilities will help the club to continue to move forward. The club are very grateful for his commitment over the course of the season. Damian will also be running his cricket academy at Pomphrey Hill on a Saturday morning during May, June and July. If you are interested in playing adult cricket for Carsons and Mangotsfield CC please contact iancoles7@sky.com or sambrayley69@gmail.com. The youth section continues to go from strength to strength.
Learn to play bowls A COURSE to train to basic level for anyone wanting to play bowls will be held at Page Park. The course runs for seven consecutive Saturdays, beginning on April 23, from
With the resurrection of our mixed under-9s, and our girls teams continuing to build on their brilliant work of last summer, we can now cater for mixed/boys cricket from U9 to U19 and girls teams U9 to U13. Carsons and Mangotsfield are especially keen for more girls to come and join us, be they new to cricket or experienced players. As with all our youth teams they will find a supportive and fun environment where our focus is on development for all, from novice players to girls with aspirations of Gloucestershire representation. The club will again be delivering an ECB All Stars
10am to noon under the tuition of five qualified Bowls England coaches. Equipment will be provided for all, but flat-soled shoes are essential, with no heels or ribbed soles. The course, which is required to join Page Park Bowls Club, has proved very popular and there are very few places left for this year, with applicants accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However people who take part do not
programme this summer at Pomphrey Hill. Aimed at girls and boys who are 5 to 8 years old, it provides a fun format for children to experience cricket outside of school for the first time. More experienced or confident players may wish to join one of our teams direct; indoor training is underway and we will move outdoors in April. If your child is interested in joining us please email either carsonsandmangotsfieldgirls@ gmail.com or timravspurs@ outlook.com. Ian Coles
have to join the club, and can join other clubs which accept new members who have successfully completed the course. There will be an initial registration fee of £5 and a charge of £2.50 per session to cover costs. To register an interest, call Don Willcox on 07718 306623 or donwillcox@hotmail. co.uk. More information is available at the website www.pageparkbowling.org.uk.
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March, 2022
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Our local link with skeleton medals success in Beijing with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
The World Championship race with Jackie in the middle (gold) and Kim on the left (silver), Rahneva Mirela (Canada Bronze)
I
T’S a very long way from Mangotsfield to Beijing – but somehow the amazing Winter Olympic Games made it all seem a lot closer. I’d like to say right now that I’ve never before followed a blog with another one on the same subject, but events in faraway China meant this was too big a chance to miss! Please bear with me as I tell a dramatic story of sporting glory that features two of our Cleve Chiropractic patients. I left off the last blog with Australian Jackie Narracott and Kimberly Bos, from The Netherlands, approaching the final World Cup race of the season in St Moritz – the home of skeleton. Kimberly was holding first place in the table with Jackie in a respectable 17th. By the end of their two slides, Jackie had actually soared up the table to win gold – her first ever medal – and Kimberly weighed in with the silver, making it perfect preparation for the Beijing Games. Understandably, the Olympics
presents skeleton competitors with the toughest test of all. They face four slides in two days, a huge challenge of their mental toughness, courage and skill. I was so excited by the prospect that I woke up early to see the result of the first session that took place in the middle of the night UK time. I found that Jackie had kept her winning form going and was in first place with Kim well placed in 6th after a tricky first slide. There was not such good news for the GB team, who have become synonymous with skeleton in recent years. They ‘blew up’ and finished way down the order, citing problems with slow sleds. The irony here is that super-fast Jackie and Kim are on British-manufactured sleds made by former GB skeleton athlete Kristan Bromley, who is married to Olympic silver medallist Shelly Rudman. Kristan is Kim’s coach and is probably the best sled technician in the world – he adapts the sled to track conditions, sometimes before each slide.
In the second race, Jackie went first and enjoyed a good run but was quickly overtaken by a supreme effort from young German star Hannah Neise. However, Kim had a good run to get up to fourth place, with Jackie second. We were left with the nervetingling final slide and an exciting end to a four-year dream of Olympic glory. One mistake and it would be all over – the pressure was immense. With the athletes competing in reverse order – the highest placed going last – Kim pulled out a really fast run to snatch top spot with three of her rivals still to go. Then a big mistake from German Tina Hermann left Kim still first with just the last two women remaining, which meant a guaranteed bronze. I was jumping up and down with excitement, much to the amusement of the kids. Jackie was next with me imploring her to make it down cleanly… the tension was unbearable as Dom Parsons, her
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husband and coach, my friend and GB Olympic skeleton bronze medallist, shouted her off from the top. She took a couple of knocks on the way down… the commentator thought she had blown it... but no... she finished well to take first place – a guaranteed Olympic silver! By this time, I was jumping around and crying at the same time, with the kids wondering what the heck is going on. I had to explain that these were ‘happy tears’. To cap an emotion-charged day, the wonderful Hannah Neise shocked the world with an astonishing gold medal winning finale. But all I could think about was that Jackie and Kim, who are also best friends and our patients, would be on an Olympic podium together. It was such a shame that, because of Covid regulations in China, Cleve Chiropractic couldn't go to Beijing as part of the athletes’ support team. But I was in contact with Jackie, Kim, Dom and Kristan throughout and they know how much we love them. On a different subject entirely, I managed to get through ‘dry January’ and enjoyed my first beer again watching Bristol Bears thump Newcastle – a good day. And I promise the next blog won’t be about skeleton.
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Phil Bater returns to manage Mangos THE biggest story of the last month from Cossham Street was the departure of manager Ray Johnston following the 3-0 defeat at Cinderford, which left Mangotsfield United in deep relegation trouble. He was quickly replaced by former boss Phil Bater, the ex-Bristol Rovers player, and his assistant, Neil Arndale. Both have previous Mangotsfield connections: Phil previously managed at Cossham Street from 2009-2012, during which time the club reached the FA Cup 4th qualifying round and the Southern League play-offs. Neil, also a former Bristol Rovers player, spent six years as a player at Mangotsfield, including the 2009-2010 FA Cup run, having been a previous captain of the club. Both men were in charge at Larkhall Athletic for several seasons, until last year. Mangotsfield, like many other clubs, have had matches affected by the weather in recent
weeks. However, improved form by bottom club Barnstaple Town, with other relegationthreatened sides like Cinderford Town, Bideford and Slimbridge all picking up points, put the Mangos are back in the bottom two of the Pitching In Southern League Division One South again, with the business end of the season soon to come. The Mangos had no game on January 15, as scheduled opponents Larkhall Athletic were on FA Trophy duty. The following week they drew 2-2 at home to mid-table Willand Rovers. Kye Simpson gave the Mangos an early lead, but the Devon side rallied and were ahead by half time. The Mangos recovered in the second half, with Joe Beardwell hitting the post with one fierce drive, but they deservedly levelled in stoppage time when Daniel McBeam fired home to secure a valuable point. A week later, however, the Mangos went down 3-0 away to
promotion-chasing AFC Totton, watched by a near-600 home crowd. Spirits at Cossham Street were boosted by the welcome distraction of a Gloucestershire FA Trophy semi-final tie against neighbours Yate Town, and the Mangos battled well against their higher-level opponents from the Southern League Premier Division, holding the Bluebells to a goalless draw, but were beaten 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out. The following Saturday, however, brought things to a head, with a generally poor performance at relegation rivals Cinderford Town, which included an own goal by Josiah Dunstan and a red card for Luke Smith, following a dangerous challenge. The club announced Ray Johnson's departure several days later but with no game on February 12 and the home game v Highworth Town called off due to a waterlogged pitch on the
Phil Bater
15th, the new managerial duo had to wait to start their bid to keep the club up. David Smale
Forthcoming fixtures:
February 26 Lymington Town (Home) March 5 Barnstaple Town (Away) March 19 Frome Town (Home) March 26 Winchester City (Away)
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n COMMUNITY NEWS Kingswood Heritage Museum set to reopen KINGSWOOD Heritage Museum will feature revamped permanent displays and three new temporary exhibitions when it reopens for the new season on April 2. The Lucas and Tizer factories in Kingswood will each have their own exhibition, as will the Ambassador cinema, which later became the Odeon cinema and Kingswood Bowling Centre. Further exhibitions will spotlight the areas of Cadbury Heath, Barrs Court, Longwell Green and Willsbridge.
The first of this year’s programme of monthly talks will be held at the museum on April 13, starting at 7.30pm and is one of two telling the story of the Roman invasion, occupation and settlement of the area. The first talk will be provided by Stephen Bird MBE, the recently retired head of heritage services for Bath & North East Somerset Council, and will cover the early Roman military and invasion period, the laying out of roads and the establishment of civilian settlements. Admission costs £4, including tea or coffee, and seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664. For more details about the museum visit www.kingswoodmuseum.org.uk.
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Third generation family business offering professional exterior and interior painting and decorating services locally.
Tiler • Mason • Painter Traditionally trained
Quality workmanship Paperhanging specialist Friendly and reliable Competitively priced
FULLY ACCREDITED WITH
Call Steve Painter on:
Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality 01179 565 190 / 07853 250Finish 035 Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry PAINTING & DECORATING Interior & façade painting
Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator
Builder & Interior Decorator
17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior Facade T: 0117 401 8568& / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience
T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING & HEATING
CREST HEATING & PLUMBING
629179
BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE
TEL: 07765 250816 PLUMBING
56746
07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk
PLUMBING
Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk
Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available Finance also available
518308
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
78 PLUMBING & HEATING Bristol: 0117 9000 986 Mobile: 07834 633376
March, 2022 WASTE DISPOSAL
RUBBISH CLEARED
3 generations in the plumbing and heating industry and a quality service from a local family business.
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
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
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
WIGS
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
J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Providing general building, factory facilities work, gardening, pest control
Tel 07779242184 ROOFING
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
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.
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
We stock many styles and makes.
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 6556
TREE SURGEONS
WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS
A p r i c o t E l e c t r i c a l
0117 956 3285
07976 665448
Please book an appointment on:
www.wigsbristol.com
N . BROWN
ROOFIN G LIMITED
SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS
We replace & install all new Windows, Doors, Bi-folding Doors, conservatories and much more!
FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES Give Nigel a call he’s local and has a wealth of experience
✆ 07779 786072 ROOFING
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.
TREE SURGEONS
J.A. Cole & Sons FLAT ROOFING Tree Surgeons A MURPHY
Mastic | Asphalt | Felt Roofing Contractors Downend based BS16 6AP Over 40 years experience References available on request
TEL: 0117 431 5880 MOBILE: 07976 442703
• Tree Surgery • Hedge & Shrub work • Precision Felling • Size Reduction • Fully insured • Domestic & Commercial .
FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL
PROFESSIONAL EXPERT SERVICE - 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF TREE WORK Free Quotations & Advice
0117 9567298 07768 973291
www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
077867 30804 or 0117 279 9409 info@treadwellwindows.co.uk treadwellwindows.co.uk BASED IN DOWNEND!
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3
Improving our places
South Gloucestershire communities will see yet more exciting improvements and a boost to our local economy thanks to the new budget’s spending plans.
Regenerating Kingswood In a major step towards the regeneration of Kingswood’s town centre, the council completed a £10million acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park last year. Alongside the funding in place to pedestrianise Regent Street, and the restoration of the Whitfield Tabernacle, the acquisition will transform the town. Options for redevelopment of the Kings Chase centre include leisure, housing and community services to complement shopping. As part of these plans, the council is also looking at reviewing the parking charges. The acquisition, and other regeneration plans, are funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Following extensive public consultation last year, the council will be bringing a final masterplan for Kingswood before its Cabinet in March. Feedback from local people included the potential for new leisure centre facilities in the town centre. Others commented that the council should prioritise connecting the green and open spaces across the area.
Yate on the move Yate’s new £4.5million park and ride is now open. Located on Badminton Road, the facility is already helping to reduce traffic by providing attractive alternative travel options such as public transport, Cllr Steve Reade at the new park and ride cycling or car sharing. The park and ride is open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) and includes 198 parking spaces, cycle parking for 46 bicycles, and improved bus stops. The car park will also be available for rail users at Yate Station. Looking ahead, a new masterplan, which sets out the aspirations for developing Yate, could see around £600million invested in the town over the next 15 to 20 years. Produced with partners including the town council, local business and residents’ groups, the Town Improvement Masterplan for Yate’s vision sets out how organisations can work together to help the town change. During public consultation last summer on the draft vision, local people fed back that they wanted to see more investment in Yate and a modernised town. Their responses shaped the final masterplan which you can view on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/yatemasterplan
Helping Thornbury Thrive The council has secured a further £4.577million to progress its plans for Thornbury’s historic high street to create a welcoming destination. The scheme is also set to boost the town’s economy. The investment will create dedicated blue-badge parking, loading and drop off bays, stopping through-traffic, widened footways, increased cycle parking and new seating, planting and wayfinding along the much-loved high street. The next steps are for the council to complete a detailed design, taking on board views expressed so far by the community, and prepare the full business case. It will then engage again with local people and stakeholder groups. In further good news for the town, the council has bought the former Thornbury Hospital site with a focus on developing a much needed new health centre and at least 70 extra care homes. Demolition of the hospital buildings will start later this year. The council is working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to progress plans for the replacement health centre.
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be fully open by September this year, with metrobus services then commencing on the CPME route in spring 2023. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus
New bridge in place at Gipsy Patch Lane
Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.
4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee. The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.
Digital Champions here to help get online The council’s digital champions can help if you, or someone you know, needs help to get online or would like to learn more. The digital champions run free one-to-one support sessions to help you feel more confident using the internet and online services. Based in seven South Gloucestershire libraries Downend, Emersons Green, Hanham, Staple Hill, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate - digital champions can help you complete specific tasks such as applying for a blue badge, setting up an email account or learning how to make video calls. You can book a session and bring your own device along (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone), or use one of the library computers on the day. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12pm). With 12 libraries, a mobile library and many community libraries open throughout the week, the council is here to help. Find your nearest library at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries
Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services. To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter
Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on 01454 868009
Follow our social media channels at southglos.gov.uk/twitter southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call 01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk
WE'VE BEEN BOOSTED GET PROTECTED JOIN US LET'S 3016 Keep In Touch.indd 1
18/02/2022 10:27
Over time, two doses do not give enough protection against Covid-19. Find your nearest vaccine clinic at bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/COVID ›››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››