Downend Voice May 2022 by Gary Brindle

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk May, 2022, Issue 106

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FROM THE WEST OF ENGLAND COMBINED AUTHORITY

SOUTH GLOS AND BRISTOL AREA RESIDENTS URGED TO ‘LOVE LOCAL’ AND EXPLORE WEST GOING GREEN

Local attractions are going green. When she was launched, the SS Great Britain incorporated the very latest in maritime technology, now 180 years later the curators and engineers who look after her are turning to modern day tech to ensure her preservation is not at the expense of the planet thanks to a £13,000 cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority to invest in a pioneering heat recovery device.

We are really lucky because local residents have an amazing array of brilliant things to do right on our doorsteps. That’s the message from West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris who is encouraging residents to get out and explore all that is on offer locally. There are family-friendly activities, dog-friendly days out (enjoyed by the Mayor’s special four-legged friend, his Cocker Spaniel Angel) and free fun for all. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “You can have a brilliant day out in the West of England - home to worldfamous historical attractions, beautiful countryside and much, much more. Over the last few years, we have all spent far too much time cooped up at home, so what better time than now to get out and rediscover our fantastic region.”

Find out more at www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/ love-local

It is part of plans to go carbon neutral by 2030. Matthew Tanner, CEO of the SS Great Britain Trust, said: “The West of England Combined Authority’s grant has helped us cut more than 160 tonnes of carbon annually. This is vital as we all work together to meet our ambitious net zero targets by 2030.”

SUPPORTING JOBS

A record 45,000 people across the region were employed in tourism and hospitality back in 2019. But the £2.3 billion sector was hit hard by Covid-19 as attractions closed and visitors stayed away. But you can help - and have a great day out at the same time just choose to explore local.

FREE FUN

The cost-of-living crisis is biting but exploring local doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of our region’s best parts are there to be enjoyed at no cost at all. Pop in to an exhibition at the M Shed, relax with a picnic in Queen’s Square or get active with a walk on the Cotswold Way.

VIEW FROM DAN NORRIS METRO MAYOR I’m proud to be partnering with The Voice, a great champion of everything local, to launch my ‘Love Local. Explore Local’ campaign. I’m encouraging everyone to get out and rediscover our brilliant West of England region. Let’s make the most of our fantastic local attractions, green spaces, and museums, connect with nature, explore our history or soak up some art. At the West of England Combined Authority, we’re supporting our region’s local museums, galleries and shops and places to eat out, to welcome you and your family back. Together let’s show our support and enjoy a great day out. Let’s ‘Love Local. Explore Local.’

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FROM THE WEST OF ENGLAND COMBINED AUTHORITY

DON’T WORRY, BUS HAPPY!

Make the most of your day out and take the bus. Many of the region’s top tourist attractions can be easily reached by public transport with the SS Great Britain, Bath Spa, the Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park and many more on bus routes. Dan Norris said: “Why not take the bus when you explore local? There’s no need to worry about finding a parking space, or the price of filling up the car. Don’t worry, bus happy!” Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in the West of England said: ”Travelling by bus is the perfect way to explore everything the West of England has to offer and our Group ticket is ideal for getting about with friends or family. This ticket allows up to 5 people, of any age, unlimited travel in their chosen travel area. Just buy through the First Bus app or direct from your driver using your contactless card or device.”

DATING AGENCY FOR JOBS A new website which Metro Mayor Dan Norris has called a “dating agency for jobs” has launched. The process is simple. Job seekers and businesses upload their profiles, and the website plays matchmaker. Local people can do personality tests to figure out their compatibility, and there are top tips to make sure you stand out from the crowd. Metro Mayor Dan Norris also wants to change perceptions of hospitality jobs: “It doesn’t mean a temporary solution of waiting tables to see you through; it can be a varied, high-skilled, and well paid career for life,” said the Metro Mayor. James King from the Salamander Pub said: “Working in hospitality is a great career choice. It’s interesting, varied and there is great career progression. Once you’ve found your role, at my pub we do everything we can to make sure our staff are thriving in their roles and want to stay.” Find out more at jobsconnect.cognisess.com

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM TO EXPLORE? Please let us know those local places that you love and think others would like to explore too. Email info@westofengland-ca.gov.uk with your top tips and a selection will feature on the website.

PUTTING OUR REGION ON THE MAP

The West of England’s new ‘Cultural Plan’ showcases the people that make the region great, including artists and games designers; highlights our visitor attractions; and puts a spotlight on why we are the go-to place for investment in the creative industries including in film and TV production. The plan will be used to promote the West of England, and ensure that everyone locally from film makers, tourist attractions and universities to cafes and councils are singing from the same hymn sheet right across the West of England.

Every month 800 million people globally watch digital content made in the West of England Planned for completion this Summer, thanks to a £11.73 million investment from the West of England Combined Authority, The Bottle Yard Studios are expanding from eight to eleven studios. This is part of a plan to grow film and TV production in the West of England. Laura Aviles from The Bottle Yard Studios said: “An expanding studio, supportive Film Offices, skilled crew, some of the best filming locations in the UK; it’s no wonder the South West is attracting record levels of screen production.”

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk May, 2022, Issue 106

20 St James Place Mangotsfield BS16 9JB 0117 910 9002

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

We did it! Football-loving Archie's dream Archie Purnell, 9, who has lifelimiting heart defects, is hoping a charity will make his wish to watch Liverpool FC at Anfield come true. PAGE 11

Dinner lady Joy says farewell Children at Christ Church Infant School in Downend try out the new play equipment they helped to pay for with a huge fundraising effort. Story and more pictures: Page 7

Grandmother Joy Bennett is retiring after 33 years as a muchloved dinner lady at Staple Hill Primary School. PAGE 5

Warning on 'reckless' vandalism

Community backs refugees

POLICE have called on parents to talk to their children about "reckless" antisocial behaviour after a series of fires, vandal attacks and stone-throwing by teenagers in Mangotsfield. In one incident a brick thrown from Rodway Common smashed the windscreen of a car being

Residents young and old from the Downend are rallying round to support refugees from Ukraine. PAGES 14 & 15

driven by a mum with a young child inside. Several fires started on the common are being treated as arson attacks, and police are also investigating a vandal attack nearby on a temporary structure built as part of an art installation at the Turn to Page 6

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downendvoice

May, 2022

ADVERTISING FEATURE

‘I went from taking 30 tablets a day to feeling better at 60 than I did at 50. My life has completely transformed’ One award-winning proven process is transforming the lives of thousands of people around Bristol, including Shaun. There’s a lot of scepticism around chiropractic, who needs it and whether it actually works. Whilst there are statistics out there, there are also a lot of myths and common misconceptions surrounding the industry. So, what is out there that you can believe and rely upon? Interviews with real people who have been in the same position that you are now. Shaun, who visited Willow Chiropractic, shared his journey. “One day I woke up to go about my day as I usually would and before I knew it, I had collapsed. I had to crawl into the car and lay across the backseat for my wife to drive me to hospital. A few weeks beforehand, I had felt a few twinges in my back, but I just took painkillers and got on with life. I had never experienced anything like this before; the pain was excruciating and I had pins and needles all down my legs. I couldn’t dress myself, walk, drive, the list goes on. I began to wonder whether I would ever be able to walk again. I was taking 30 tablets a day ranging from Naproxen and Co-Codamol to Omeprazole and Gabapentin.

Eventually, my wife drove me to Willow and I was amazed. After the first session I was able to stand by myself and almost able to walk by myself too! As time went on, my back got better and the pins and needles started to go away. I started to walk normally and with greater ease, and I could even drive myself to the clinic. Fast forward to today and my sleeping pattern is better, and I have so much more energy now than I’ve had in years. Overall, my health has improved. I feel better coming up to 60 than I did when I was 50. I can garden for longer, I enjoy cycling and walking the dog. I choose to continue with my chiropractic care every three weeks. For me, it’s all about my well-being, keeping active and preserving myself for the future. Chiropractic care is a proven process that can help with your pain and wellbeing, now and in the long-term. Willow Chiropractic can not only help to get you out of pain and back to doing what you love, but also act as an invaluable tool to prevent problems from developing in the future. Everyone’s journey with chiropractic

is different, and everyone will make progress at different speeds, so be patient. Bodies heal differently, you should never compare your progress with someone else’s. You will achieve your health goals, you just have to trust in your body to heal in its own time.” If you’re ready to start living your life to the full again, in conjunction with the The Week In, 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 pain for a while, or you want to take back control of your life and health, call 0161 524 7075 today to start your journey to a happier and healthier you.

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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

downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

School dinner lady retires after 33 years

SHE has helped hundreds of children in over three decades as a dinner lady, but it is now time for Joy Bennett to put her feet up at lunchtimes. The lunch break supervisor first started working at Staple Hill Primary School 33 years ago, when her son Jody, now aged 39, and daughter Amanda, now 42, attended the school at its previous site on the other side of Page Road. Joy said: "It was Mr Kemble, the headmaster at the time, who phoned me up about a job going as a dinner lady. I thought he meant cooking the dinners, and I panicked before he said I'd be looking after the children. "I've been here ever since, and I've seen a lot of changes. "I'll find it so strange when I retire. I'm going to miss the children terribly – they've been a big part of my life for a long time – and the staff." Joy is now looking forward to being able to take her two-year-old granddaughter out on day trips. She lives in Staple Hill and often sees former pupils who recognise her. One former pupil, Kelly Harris, became one of her colleagues. Joy said: "Now she's a dinner lady herself – it's a strange old world!" Before she retired Joy was supervising CHANGES to two of the area's major roads are being planned to make them easier for buses, cyclists and pedestrians to use. New metrobus stops, cycle tracks and reduced speed limits are planned for the A4174 Avon Ring Road between the Wick Wick roundabout and UWE if the changes go ahead. On the A432 Badminton Road, between Wick Wick and Yate, cycle tracks, new junctions and crossings are planned. And a new "bus gate" is proposed for the Hambrook junction to allow bus-only crossings from Frenchay towards Winterbournet. South Gloucestershire Council has announced the "preliminary proposals" to support sustainable travel, having been allocated £105m in Government funding for transport infrastructure through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. On the ring road the proposals would see the 'shared use' cycle and footpath alongside the ring road expanded into a two-way cycle track with a separate footpath between the

Staple Hill Primary School lunch break supervisor Joy Bennett with children from Year 5 Zephaniah class and deputy head Matthew Hillier-Brown children in the school's Zephaniah Year 5 class, who made her a farewell card and gave her flowers in a leaving presentation. Deputy head teacher Matthew HillierBrown said Joy's 33 year career at the school was "an amazing achievement" and she had set a great example to the children. He said: "The children genuinely adore her – they speak so highly of her because

she's so kind and caring. "She's just a lovely person to have around the school and shows off our school values in abundance. "Every single person at the school helps make the school thrive, and Joy is a major part of that. "She will be hugely missed by all the children and adults."

Planned changes to ring road will favour buses and cyclists

The proposed new metrobus stops Wick Wick roundabout and Coldharbour Lane, by UWE's Frenchay campus. Pedestrian and cycle crossings at the Wick Wick and Bromley Heath roundabouts, Hambrook lights and M32 junction would be improved and new bus stops, including metrobus stops near Bromley Heath Park and Wick Wick, would be created. The changes would also see the speed limit for the ring road

reduced from 50mph to 40mph from Bromley Heath roundabout to Coldharbour Lane and to 30mph around the roundabout. The 'bus gate' would allow buses only to cross from Frenchay towards Winterbourne. At present no northbound traffic can cross, under an experimental traffic order introduced in 2019, which also banned right turns for westbound ring road traffic. A council spokesperson confirmed that the new proposals for the Hambrook junction are "based on the ETO being made permanent". The council was originally told by the Government to keep the order for 18 months and monitor air pollution. But after the lockdown changed travel patterns, the spokesperson said the Department for Transport had told the authority the ETO must

"remain in place until traffic returns to more normal volumes and patterns, so we can fully assess their effectiveness over a representative period". The council said provision of bus services to Bromley Heath could also be looked into if a public consultation on the proposals "demonstrates significant interest in better direct services". The consultation was announced by the council in late March, a day after April's Voice had been published, and ended on April 20. Changes planned on the A432 between the Wick Wick roundabout and Yate include improvements to bus stops, changes to the junctions with Park Lane and Beesmoor Road, and a two-way cycle track, with separate footpath, along the eastern side of the A432 between Coalpit Heath and Kendleshire.

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

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downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk

May, 2022

n NEWS

'Please explain how dangerous this is'

From Page 3

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 June edition deadline is May 11. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards

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

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

A member of the

former Mangotsfield Station, on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Police, who have stepped up patrols in the area in response to the incidents, have warned someone could be "badly hurt". Two incidents involving stone throwing at cars driving on Manor Road, next to the common, were reported. Just after 4pm on March 26, a woman driving with her child in the car had her windscreen smashed by a brick thrown from the embankment at the side of the common. On March 28 at about 5.20pm another car was scratched by stones thrown on to the road, and the driver reported seeing two boys throwing the stones. Neighbourhood PCSO supervisor Georgia Bush said: "This reckless behaviour could lead to someone being badly hurt and I urge people to report any such incidents to us straight away. We'd also like parents and carers to speak to their children. Please explain how dangerous this behaviour is." Anyone with dashcam, CCTV or smart doorbell footage which could help to identify the offenders should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 072 919. Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to five fires in four days on the common at the start of the school holidays, three of which are being treated as arson. A fern bush was set alight at around 12.20pm on April 8, with grass and bracken set on fire at around 2.45pm on April 10. The following day an area of grass and woodland was set alight shortly after 4pm. Police are also investigating damage to a temporary wooden structure erected at the former Mangotsfield Station as part of a planned year-long arts project called Mangotsfield Folly, organised by transport charity Sustrans and funded by Emersons Green Town Council and Arts Council England. It was put up by architects Artel 31 in April but before any of the planned artworks could be displayed it was damaged.

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

The damaged installation at Mangotsfield Station Picture: Rob Higgins

The installation before it was attacked. Picture: Charles Emerson A police spokesperson said "six or seven youths" were seen damaging the structure at around 5.30pm on April 14, adding: “Officers attended and the youths fled the scene on foot. The offenders were described as being in their late-teens and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas." Anyone with information should call 101 and give the reference number 5222 088 763. A Sustrans spokesperson said damaged panels from the structure had been removed and there would be discussions with the architect on "remedial action". She said: "Before the project started we had not had any reports of antisocial behaviour on the site (other than a bit of graffiti) so it would have been really difficult to predict what the reaction would be to the project." Cyclist Rob Higgins, who lives near the site, said: "This area has its fair share of anti-social behaviour, albeit by a small group which partake in alcohol and smoking of weed, trying to block the track with debris. "This structure in its present form creates an ideal area of late night congregation and unwanted additional concerns, worries and extra work for us people trying to keep the area maintained."

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

May, 2022

downendvoice

n NEWS

Play area opens after children help raise funds

The parallel bars A NEW play area at a Downend infant school has opened after years of fundraising. The play area at Christ Church Infant School cost £29,000 and includes a new 'climbing stack', parallel bars and a large area of safety and allweather flooring needed so it can be used all year round. The school's Friends group raised £15,000 towards the total, and the children’s own sponsored activities raised a further £3,000. They included a recent challenge to each of the 222 pupils to raise £20.22 by February 20 this year (or 20/2/22). Children thought up their own sponsored events, from making and selling chocolates, sticky buns, biscuits and cakes to running, cycling and climbing a mountain. Other pupils carried out household chores and picked up litter picking in the area in

Pupils at the opening ceremony

The new climbing stack return for sponsorship. A Lego show organised by Bristol enthusiasts GertLUG, including Christ Church parent Luke Beedle, raised £2,000. The school also put up proceeds of previous fundraising and money from its annual capital devolved funding of £6,000 per year, and reached its goal with a member-awarded funding grant from Frenchay & Downend ward councillors Ben Burton, Liz Brennan and James Griffiths. The school invited the councillors to an opening ceremony, where Cllr Burton cut a ribbon to a "huge cheer". Head teacher Anna Martin said: "The school is so grateful to the whole parent community for doing such fantastic fundraising and donating a huge amount of money to make the playground a better place for all of the children. "We were delighted to

welcome our Friends team and the councillors to the opening ceremony. Hundreds of parents and their children came to the event and it was clear to see how much it meant to the whole

community. "It was even more meaningful because it was fitted so soon after the children’s sponsored events, so they really feel they have contributed."

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May, 2022

n NEWS

New pavilion could be open by end of year A NEW pavilion for Downend's King George V playing fields has been given the go-ahead – with parish councillors hopeful it will be open by the end of the year. The pavilion will replace the current 1960s building, which was described as "a bit of a monstrosity" by parish councillor Ben Burton during a presentation to the Downend and Bromley Heath annual assembly. Planning permission was granted for the new pavilion by South Gloucestershire Council in March, almost a year after the plans were first submitted. The parish council will now push ahead with the next stages of the scheme, which include appointing a project manager, tendering for building and landscaping contracts, and securing all of the money needed to pay for the project. The parish council already has around £115,000 available, a combination of contributions

handed over by developers building in the area, money previously earmarked for repairs to the old pavilion, and around £18,000 from its revenue budget. But the biggest slice of funding will be a contribution of around £150,000 to £200,000 from sports charity the Football Foundation, which distributes funding for grassroots sport from the Premier League, FA and the government. The parish council is still waiting for the foundation to confirm how much it will pay but, in response to a concern raised over the money at the parish meeting on April 21, Cllr Burton said the charity had worked with the council on the project "from the outset" and was not expected to fall short in its support. An overall estimate of around £390,000 was put on the entire scheme when it was first proposed at the end of 2020.

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How the new pavilion could look The final overall cost of the project will depend on the bids the council receives during the tendering process, with builders among many industries facing big increases in costs. The pavilion will be a modular design, which means different parts can be used separately without opening the whole building every time. It will have four separate changing rooms, which have been designed to comply with safeguarding rules for children's sports teams. It will have a reception area with office and meeting space space, which could be used by the parish council or for police drop-in surgeries, and toilets, including accessible provision. There will also be a recreational area, with a bar and seating, for use by sports clubs for social activities during and after matches and available for community use at other times. Cllr Burton, who is also a Frenchay & Downend ward South Gloucestershire councillor, said: "This is not only for the sports teams but for the wider public, to be used not just on Saturday and Sunday." But he said it was "never the intention" for the building to be a late-night venue. The conditions include limiting its use to between 7am and 11pm, with amplified music only allowed 6 - 10pm Monday to Saturday and 6-9pm on Sundays and bank holidays. The pavilion will be a prefabricated building, manufactured off-site and assembled in parts, cutting the time residents will be inconvenienced by building work, as well as the gap between the old pavilion being demolished and the new one being ready. The intention is to have the new building in place by

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

the end of the year. Some aspects of how the pavilion will be run still need to be worked out before it opens, including whether refreshments would be provided by a commercial operator or sports clubs, and whether nearby Downend School will be involved in its operation. South Gloucestershire Council received more than a dozen objections to the plans, with neighbours raising concerns over issues including noise, car parking, security and the hours the pavilion would be open. But there were also comments made in support, pointing out that the current pavilion, which has not been able to open its changing rooms for the last 18 months, was not "fit for purpose" and its replacement would improve the experience of visitors and increase community use of the fields. In response to concerns about security raised during a public consultation, the area between the pavilion and neighbouring residents' gardens will be fenced off, with locked gates to stop people gathering there. The plans were approved by South Gloucestershire Council officers without going before a council planning committee, as they were not referred by any council members. The parish council is still waiting on permission for its plans for two storage containers for sports equipment. The containers will be clad with timber and have hedgerows planted around them. Blending in is also the intention of the design of the new pavilion, which will be green with timber cladding. Around 20 car parking spaces will be provided, with electric vehicle charging points, bike racks and scooter parking.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022

n ADVERTISING FEATURE I’VE lost track of the number of times patients have told me “I’ve got arthritis, I’ll just have to live with it” or “my mother got hunched over as she got older, so I’ll end up like that too”. Well, the good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. The dowager’s hump people often develop later in life is wear and tear (osteoarthritis) of the neck. This means the joints of the neck have become misaligned and slowly but surely have started to degenerate. The head starts to tilt forward putting increased pressure on the neck and for every inch forward the head goes it puts an additional weight of 10 pounds on the neck joints! One of my most recent patients to see me with is the wife of a GP, and they were both resigned to the fact that

Arthritis and posture – how we can help out, so help it along with chiropractic care and not by masking it with pain and antiinflammatory medication. If you want long term, sustainable health changes, Chiropractic is the way to go. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you get back to doing the things you love, or simply getting rid of that ache you thought was just your ‘age’ contact us, we’d love to help.

this was a normal part of aging. Thankfully we’ve made huge changes in her case, people now notice her posture is better, she feels far more comfortable, her tennis has improved, and she reports her energy levels have increased!

Here’s what one of our Doctor patients had to say: "Matt has a wonderful bedside manner. Takes time to listen to any concerns and always is clear with what he is doing and

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how it is going to help! I feel extremely safe in his hands and absolutely recommend! Thanks Matt!"

Dr Sophie B - GP Most people’s bodies will have some level of wear and tear (arthritis), but what people don’t realise is that if these joints are realigned by a chiropractor and the nerves are ‘happy’ you get less pain symptoms and often none at all. The body heals from inside

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May, 2022

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DID you catch the sun recently? I did, and I’m enjoying every fine day I can! I was reading this month about 5 key ways we can look after our eye health & vision. It’s probably no surprise that this is always a hot topic of mine. At number 1 it’s - yes you guessed it, get an eye exam! And I don’t mean a basic sight test either, I mean please see someone who can take the time to look after you properly! We enjoy taking the time to care for each of our patients - appointments are around 45 minutes in fact, if you include the sophisticated eye health checks our team provides for you too. The RNIB, who do know an awful lot about vision and the consequences of not looking after your eyes properly, helpfully say “Some sight-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, have no symptoms and could cause you to lose sight before you notice a difference. That's why having regular eye tests is the best way to make sure that your eyes are healthy.” 2. Protect your eyes from the sun. I’m a sunglasses fan, which is no secret. From my Rockstar days to my well loved (read worn out) Ray-Ban Wayfarers, I’m often out and about in prescription sunglasses. I’d strongly encourage you to do the same. 3. Eat healthily. I know that, as a self confessed cake lover (and don’t forget chief cake tester to none other than Mrs Turner herself!) this one isn’t always easy. Trust me, it takes effort, but if I can balance my diet and add more healthy foods - for eyes and vision it’s the bright coloured fruit & veg as well as omega 3 rich fish, nuts and seeds, then I’d hope you can try too! 4. Keep your eyelids clean. It’s important to bathe your closed eyes on a regular basis, this cuts the risk of bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis & styes building up. You can use a warm, clean flannel or a specially designed eyelid wipe - another thing I’m a fan of. We’ve lots of these if you’d like to call in and get some for yourself! If you wear mascara please remember that it usually needs replacing every three months, our eyelid wipes are also good for makeup removal. 5. Protect your eyes from injury. These tend to occur when you least expect it. Recently I’ve seen an eye injury from a direct hit by a Nerf dart (other projectile firing toys are also available), scratches to the surface of the eye from stray twigs and toddler finger nails too. Some injuries are easier to protect from than others, but the message is the same; it’s not just drilling or grinding that risks damaging your eyes so please take care wherever life takes you. If you’d like regular eye health tips just see our website for details. Please take care of your eyes, you & your loved ones are most welcome to come and see us for your glasses, sunglasses & contact lenses. Our expert team is ready & waiting to give you the time needed to look after your eye health & vision 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

May, 2022

n NEWS

Help Archie's wish to come true

A BOY with a life-limiting condition who goes to a Staple Hill school is looking for someone to help make his wish come true. Archie Purnell was born with a range of heart defects including dextrocardia – a congenital condition which means his heart points to the right instead of left, sometimes known as having a ‘wrong-way-round' heart. The Tynings Primary School pupil, who lives in Emersons Green, has had four heart operations, and was given only a 20% chance of surviving his last one. Mum Donna calls her nineyear-old son her “miracle man”. She said: "He’s beaten the odds every time." "It is a life-limiting condition, but with medicine changing all the time, we just don’t know what the future holds. "We’re grateful for every single day that he’s here." Archie's condition means he struggles to get oxygen and may need a heart transplant in future. He loves football, but Donna said: "Because of the medication he’s on, he’s not allowed to do contact sports. "We got him into a little football team and he was allowed to do training, but they couldn’t let him play a match because of insurance purposes. It’s just too dangerous for him." Archie says his "dream come true" would be to see his favourite team, Liverpool, play at their Anfield home. He is one of 44 children in the South-West who are waiting for their wish to be granted by

Archie Purnell with his mum Donna and sister Elisha, 16 Archie in hospital for a heart operation as a baby

Charity Make-A-Wish UK. He has been on the charity's list for almost three years, since 2019, and Make-A-Wish is launching a new campaign to raise the money it needs to make more wishes come true. Archie said: "I’ve been outside

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the stadium, but I haven’t been inside. That would be my dream come true." Make-A-Wish UK hopes to raise the £1.25 million it needs to grant every one of the 503 wishes currently on its waiting list across the UK, which cost an

average of around £2,500. Chief executive Jason Suckley said: "When Covid hit, we suffered a 40% drop in income, with almost 2,000 wishes forced to be put on hold. "Wishes like Archie’s, which involved travel and contact with others, became almost impossible. "Now 44 children just like Archie across the South West are still waiting for their wish to come true. Some have been waiting for years, like Archie himself, and some may not have long left." Anyone who would like to donate towards fulfilling Archie and other children's wishes can do so at www.make-a-wish.org. uk/south-west To see Archie and his family tell their story, visit youtube. com/watch?v=qGLVAQsPns4

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Property to be turned into ten bedsits A LARGE house in the heart of Downend will be turned into ten bedsits, despite objections from neighbours and the parish council. Owner Dr Housam Ghazzawi applied to turn the ten-bedroom house at the Orchard, off North Street, into a house in multiple occupation (HMO). The plans were referred to South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee by Councillor Ian Boulton, whose Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward includes the site opposite Downend Cricket Club, amid concerns about "overdevelopment and the density of dwellings". But council officers recommended the scheme be approved and the committee voted it through with minimal debate when it met in March. Planning agent Lloyd Jones of LRJ Planning said the large two-storey house already had ten bedrooms, a private drive and an "extensive" parking area in a "backland setting off North Street". Under the scheme it will be converted into a "high quality 10 bedroom HMO", with residents sharing a common kitchen, kitchen-

diner, living room, dining room, toilet and two shower rooms on the ground floor and one bathroom on the first floor. Four of the bedrooms will be on the ground floor and the other six, two with ensuites, on the first. The agents said the plan was "acceptable in planning terms and in accordance with the relevant policy and guidance" and the site was "capable of the conversion". A total of 17 nearby residents opposed the plans, on grounds from obstruction of a shared access lane and parking issues to increased noise and transient residents. One neighbour wrote: "This is a quiet residential area, with young families and retired people – the unavoidable increase in noise that a multiple occupancy development would bring would have a hugely negative impact on the neighbours of this property." The neighbour said parking plans for the site were "unrealistic", and parking on North Street was already "maxed out", with residents using nearby Coronation Road already. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council also raised objections on the grounds

of overdevelopment, the scheme not being in keeping with the area and a lack of detailed information provided by the applicant. Last September another 10-bed HMO, in a three-storey building on the opposite side of the cricket ground on Dial Lane, was approved despite more than a dozen objections. After the latest decision, Cllr Boulton and colleagues Michael Bell and Katie Cooper said: "We understand that HMOs can provide much-needed accommodation options in a difficult housing market. "However the current legislation, which is seemingly in favour of developing more HMOs, does not appear to recognise the strain HMOs can put on neighbourhoods where a higher density population has a greater demand on local services. "It is concerning that the approval of this application disregards local objections, including from the local parish council. "It is clear from this example that town and parish councils have no more influence than any other group or individual when it comes to objecting to planning applications."

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS PEOPLE working at a farm which provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities have been left "shocked and upset" after thieves cut through a fence and stole a newborn lamb from its mother. It is the second time in recent years that Elm Tree Farm, a social enterprise and care farm, run by charity Brandon Trust, has been targeted by criminals. The farm team said the incident had left the lamb's mother and sibling "very distressed". Around 80 people with a learning disability or autism – including some from the Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield area – work at the farm in Stapleton, where they gain work skills. The lamb was a rare Soay sheep, one of twins which had been born just four days earlier. Soays are small sheep descended from a population of feral sheep on the island of Soay in St Kilda, off the West coast of Scotland. Animal care project leader Declan Winslade said everyone

Thieves take newborn lamb from mother at care farm The lamb, on the right of the photo with its mother and sibling, was just four days old. Picture: Brandon Trust at the farm had been "deeply saddened" by the theft. He said: "We recently took delivery of some very special little sheep, who are called Soay sheep. They're so new to the farm that we hadn't even had time to post an update about their arrival. The lambs are much smaller and look very different to our other sheep and their lambs. "They've been a huge hit with the people we support and the staff alike, but it was

BRISTOL DOWNEND

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

heartbreaking when we arrived to check on our little ones and discovered that someone had cut through one of our stock fences into the sheep field and stolen one of the twins. "The theft has left the mother Soay and her remaining lamb very distressed, searching for the lost lamb. The gap in the fence also left the other sheep vulnerable. As a farm team we're shocked and upset that someone would do this. Without its mum,

sadly the lamb’s chances of survival are very slim." The theft took place from a filed at the farm in Park Road, sometime between 4pm on Easter Monday, April 18, and 8.30am the following day and has been reported to the police. A police spokesperson said: "The lamb was male, with a brown and white face and purple spray on his belly. Our Rural Affairs Unit have been notified and we’ve issued an appeal through Farm Watch." Anyone with information is being urged to call 101 and quote the crime number 5222 091 987. Information can also be given to the farm office on 0117 958 6206. In December 2019 the farm was ransacked by burglars who stole money, woodworking tools, garden equipment and the farm's van. Individual donors, groups and businesses gave more than £11,000 to help the farm recover.

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Big bike challenge for Ukraine PUPILS from a primary school have been cycling around the area in a joint fundraiser to support their school and children in Ukraine. They have been cycling throughout April with the aim of raising £2,000 to divide between the Friends of Staple Hill Primary School and UNICEF's Emergency Appeal for the Children in Ukraine. The friends charity, which raises money for activities and equipment the school cannot fund from its budget, had been planning the event for months. Lisa Whiting, from the friends, said: "A group of children said they were keen to do the challenge so we were waiting for the spring to arrive to go ahead. "In the meantime, the war in Ukraine had broken out. A few of the children had already been talking about what they could do to help there, after seeing reports on Newsround and on TV, so it was agreed that we would make the cycle challenge a 50/50 split. "We're so proud that the children want to support each other in this way by working as a team to reach the total, fundraising for their school and now wanting to support the children they see suffering in Ukraine. "Not only that, they are getting fit and healthy and enjoying the great outdoors by cycling throughout the month." Anyone who wants to support the children's fundraising can make a donation online at justgiving.com/fundraising/ friendsofstaplehillprimarycyclechallenge.

Children from Staple Hill Primary School at the old Staple Hill station on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Tynings goes blue and yellow for refugees CHILDREN at the Tynings Primary School in Staple Hill dressed in blue and yellow for a day to raise money to support refugees from the war in Ukraine. They also made flags with the country's national colours and sunflowers – Ukraine's national flower – on the fundraising day on April 1, which made just over £430 for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal. Head teacher Lois Haydon said: "The children asked for a special fundraising day. "I received lovely letters requesting the school do something to help, which I could not refuse! "This followed school assemblies where the children learned about refugees as part of the school’s focus on 'acceptance and kindness'.

Staff and pupils at the Tynings Primary School in Staple Hill on their fundraising day for Ukraine "Our children are so empathetic and kind, and really wanted to do something.

"They, and their families, have been so generous."

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Leiah's ribbons help children A SCHOOLGIRL from Staple Hill raised more than £180 for children in Ukraine by making yellow and blue ribbons. Leiah Rigby made 140 of the lapel ribbons and sold them to family and friends and at her school, St Stephen's Juniors in Soundwell, for a minimum donation of 50p each. Many people paid more and in total Leiah, who had help from six of her friends to sell the ribbons, raised £180.45 for the Save the Children Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. Leiah got the idea when her guide group, the 40th Kingswood based at St Stephen's Church, suggested members made a few to sell to family and friends. Mum Lindsay said: "Leiah wanted to take it a step further and made them over a weekend. "She was amazed when we counted it all up and found out how much she had raised." Leiah's school posted a message on Facebook praising Leiah's actions, saying she was "truly an inspiration".

Leiah Rigby (front row, centre) with friends who helped sell the ribbons

Area prepares to welcome almost 200 refugees SOUTH Gloucestershire is welcoming refugees from the war in Ukraine, with almost 200 expected to come to the area. People have been offering places to stay to families escaping from homes threatened by the Russian invasion. A council spokesperson said that at the latest count, 198 refugees were expected to arrive in South Gloucestershire. The council has set up a Ukraine crisis support page in the asylum and immigration section of its website. It is making school places available for any children who arrive and "preparing the relevant support to help them integrate into their new school environment". The government is providing funding for councils of £10,500 per person to support provision

of services for refugees. Council leader Toby Savage said: "South Gloucestershire has always played its part in helping to support and to resettle people affected by conflict who have come to this country. Our thoughts are focused on the terrible events in Ukraine and of course we stand ready to play our role in resettling people forced to flee the war in that country.” People are able to offer to host refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, enabling them to become a named sponsor for Ukrainian nationals and their family members. Some sponsors are linking up with refugees via social media or through charities such as Chernobyl Children's Lifeline, which has hosted children from areas of Ukraine and neighbouring Belarus affected

by the 1986 nuclear disaster for short breaks for many years. The charity is also carrying out work in northern Ukraine.

People trying to help refugees to the UK from Ukraine have described visa arrangements as "shambolic" and "painfully slow".

THE

Janine Chrispin TRAVEL EXPERT

Beauty shop raises £600 A DOWNEND beauty salon raised more than £600 in just over a week to help Ukrainian refugees. When Victoria’s Health and Beauty co-owners Lesley and LillieMae Maddox heard that Kingswood Rotarians were collecting for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal they contacted clients and friends and held a collection at their Cleeve Wood Road salon, then made their own matching donation. Lesley's father is a member of the Rotarians, who had already raised £1,000 from a bucket collection in Kingswood town centre. Kingswood Rotary club president David Lewis said: "Kingswood Rotary Club is deeply grateful for the generosity of Victoria’s Health and Beauty. Their donation will surely help those who have lost so much. This was a marvellous amount and will help those who have been made refugees because of the conflict in their country."

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downendvoice

n NEWS A MAN who was subjected to a homophobic attack as he walked home in Soundwell says the experience has left him wary about being out alone after dark. Wayne Harris-Topps had been out for a quiet drink with his brother at a nearby pub and was on his way home when two men followed him in a car, threatened and pushed him to the ground, injuring his knee. They shouted insults about his sexuality and one of them pulled out a knife before they drove off, leaving him shocked and terrified. Wayne and his brother had visited the Turnpike pub on Soundwell Road on the night of December 7 last year. He walked with his brother to a nearby bus stop on Soundwell Road and, after his brother caught a bus, headed for his home nearby. The car started following Wayne at a slow pace as he walked along Leicester Square

May, 2022

Homophobic street attack left victim 'terrified' before the occupants attacked him as he reached the junction with Gorse Hill at around 10.30pm. He said: "They pushed me down and my head hit the ground – thank God it was the grass." Wayne ripped his trousers and gashed his knee on the pavement. After the men drove off he ran to the home he shares with his husband Nick and his father. He said: "I was shocked, terrified and I was panicking. "My husband phoned the police but at first I didn't want to speak to anyone about what happened." Nick, who has also been left

"traumatised" by what happened, bandaged Wayne's wound but he has been left with a scar from his injury. He said that before the incident he never used to lock his door but now always locks it, and he started carrying a torch and a panic alarm when he was out on his own. Wayne said: "I still look out for people and am wary about staying out after dark. Normally this area feels safe and quiet." The attack also brought back memories of previous physical abuse Wayne suffered and caused him to have nightmares. He did not recognise his attackers and thinks it is possible they may have targeted him after seeing him in the pub. They were both in their 30s and drove off in a small, old red Nissan car. One 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. Wayne recently appeared on the BBC's Crimewatch programme in a bid to jog memories and hopes Voice readers may recognise the description of the attackers. He said: "Someone must know who these people are." A police spokesperson said the incident was being treated as a hate crime, adding: "House-tohouse 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 with information should call the police on 101, quoting crime reference number 5221 287 682. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

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Wayne Harris-Topps (right) with husband Nick at the spot where he was attacked at the junction of Leicester Square and Gorse Hill in Soundwell.

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YOUR

Community NEWS

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council has, over the years, installed defibrillators throughout the area. We want to ensure that everyone knows where they are and how to use them, should this become necessary. The five defibs we have provided are located at: Cllr Janet Biggin, - North Street (to the side Chairman of Michael Nicholas Estate Agents) - Cleeve Wood Road (on the side of the chemist) - Quakers Road (by the tea rooms) - Badminton Road Methodist Church - Pavilion at King George V Playing Fields (off Sutherland Avenue) In the event of a suspected cardiac arrest, the following procedure should be used: 1. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the ambulance service. 2. When asked by the operator, please give the telephone number from where you are calling and the location of the cabinet. 3. The operator will ask a series of questions which you will need to answer to the best of your ability. This will only take a few moments and will not delay the ambulance. 4. The operator will then provide you with the access code to open the cabinet. 5. The defibrillator and resuscitation pack should be removed from the access point and the ambulance service will stay on the line and give verbal instruction if required.

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DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

6. Switch on the defibrillator and it will then provide you with verbal instructions for use. 7. The defibrillator cannot be used incorrectly as it will only deliver a shock to the patient if it detects it is necessary. 8. There are scissors in the resuscitation pack to assist with removal of clothing and a pocket rescue breath mask for use with ventilations in CPR. 9. If you are unable or unwilling to give ventilations, simply do “hands only” chest compressions. Remember THINK safety. Look around before pushing the button to shock and SHOUT the command STAND CLEAR SHOCKING and then check to make sure everyone is clear. FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS Take advantage of 12 hours of free business support available for businesses and residents of South Gloucestershire. Delivered by business consultancy Cool Ventures, this support is aimed at helping small businesses, including local charities, to recover from the impact of Covid and reach their full potential. It also can help aspiring entrepreneurs learn what it takes to start and run a successful business. Get in touch to find out how your business can benefit from this free service (www.coolventures.co.uk, T: 08000 418293, E: info@coolventures.co.uk).

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681

CLLR ISABELLA BROWNE Tel. 07803 051 684

CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07742 400 474 CLLR JON HUNT Tel. 07525 150 103 CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724

CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486

CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632

CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260

CLLR ALVIS WEST 07767 216 412 Staple Hill Ward CLLR PHILLIP ABBOTT Tel. 0117 957 0075 CLLR MATT PITTS Tel. 07837 870 039 Clerk to the Council Mrs Angela Hocking Tel. 0117 9567001 E-mail. clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk

www.dbhparishcouncil.uk

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Schools launch happiness project SCHOOLS in the Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Emersons Green area have come together to launch a project to help children feel brilliant about their futures. The project, called 'Brilliant, resilient, you!' will be aimed at children in Year 5, who have a year or so to go before they move up to secondary school, and is designed to counter some of the negative impacts of the pandemic on children. Nine local primary schools are involved: Blackhorse, Christ Church Juniors, St Augustine's, Stanbridge, the Tynings, Bromley Heath Juniors, Mangotsfield, Emersons Green and Hambrook. Blackhorse Primary School head teacher Simon Botten, who is co-ordinating the project, said: “One of the biggest impacts of the last two years of pandemic is the children feeling less resilient to change, and less confident

Children from Blackhorse Primary School, which is leading the project about their futures. "We have also seen a large increase in children feeling anxious about the world around them and their ability to shape it. "As a group of schools, we feel that it is vitally important that children grow up feeling empowered and have teamed up with Andy Cope, international author of many books about positivity. He is also a Professor of Happiness – having

completed a PhD in what people need to feel happy in their lives." The project will launch for the children with a ‘conference’ for all the participating schools' Year 5 pupils on May 19 at BAWA in Filton, led by Andy Cope’s team. Children will be taught how to play to their strengths, develop grit and purpose, and find their ‘inner superhero’. There will be a parents’ workshop beforehand at

Blackhorse Primary, where they can learn techniques to use at home, and children will receive a copy of a book and weekly webinars with Andy’s team,. The children will meet again for a second conference in September, when they have reached Year 6, to showcase what they have learnt, before taking charge of the project. Mr Botten said: “We have noticed that it is these slightly older children who have been most impacted socially and emotionally by the pandemic. "Next year, when the children are in Year 6, they will take on the role of ‘positivity champions’ for their schools. We think that by creating a sense of optimism and empowerment, our children will once again see themselves as the next generation to change the world for the better. And with everything that’s going on in the world right now, it’s a generation which is most definitely needed!”

Two major community festivals cancelled ORGANISERS of two of the area's biggest community festivals have expressed their regret at having to cancel the summer events. The Mangotsfield Village Festival had been due to take place on June 11, and Heathfest usually takes place in early July in Bromley Heath. Both have been called off for a third consecutive year, having had to cancel due to Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021. Organisers of both festivals have been short of support, with the number of volunteers lower than pre-pandemic levels, and are urging people who would like to see

the events return next year to step up and get involved. Mangotsfield Festival chair Chris Amos said: "As we have come out of the Covid pandemic we have faced many logistical challenges in trying to organise this year's festival. After much deliberation we have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel it, at least in the traditional 'big day event' format. We are hoping to run or support a number of smaller events around the village. We are also making a small donation to each of our local primary schools and St James Church to spend on children’s entertainment at their own summer fayres

or fetes. We look forward to being back next year.” Heathfest's organisers said: "With much regret, Heathfest will not be running for 2022. Like many voluntary organisations in the area, we have seen a decline in volunteers over the pandemic, which we did not anticipate.Please contact us directly if you have any questions or would like to join the committee for next year. " Both groups can be reached via their Facebook pages. Mangotsfield Village Festival also has a website at mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk and email at chair@mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.

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Private Hire Drivers Needed If you have a South Gloucestershire licence or would like to get one

www.silverlinecarsbristol.com/driving-positions or Call Mike 01454 313 227

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

downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Plans to turn paddock into traveller site are thrown out PLANS to turn a paddock between Downend and Winterbourne into travellers' pitches have been refused by South Gloucestershire Council. The site at Bury Hill Lane, at Moorend, near Hambrook, currently has permission for use in agriculture and keeping The site is off Bury Hill, near Hambrook horses. An application to create pitches for two mobile homes and two touring caravans, along with two day rooms in permanent structures, was submitted last year by a firm of Surrey-based architects on behalf of applicant Dean Smith. The plans received 276 objections from members of the public, with just one person writing in support. Objections to the scheme ranged from concerns over harm to the Green Belt and biodiversity to an increase in traffic on nearby roads and "pressure on school intake". Winterbourne Parish Council said it was making the "strongest objection" to the scheme, saying it was "contrary to both conservation and environmental policy" and would "spoil the local natural beauty and rural feel of the area". The parish council said: "The application does not benefit the local area, nor serve to preserve or protect the natural environment. There is also the issue of the invasion of privacy for neighbouring properties. We would anticipate setting a dangerous precedent for future development leading to the destruction of the local habitat." A trustee of the charity Empowering Futures, which runs the neighbouring Moorend Farm care farm – itself subject of a recent planning battle which the charity won – spoke out in support of the plans. Maria Needs said a caravan park "with a huge carbon footprint" was already located close by and the impact of the travellers' pitches would be "no more than any of the stables in the area". She said the application was for a "working man and his family" to live on land they already owned and added: "The objections raised on this application are both personal and shameful." However South Gloucestershire Council officers rejected the application using delegated powers, which meant it did not go before a planning committee. Explaining their decision the officers said the planned development would be "harmful to the setting and significance" of nearby Bury Hill Fort, a designated ancient scheduled monument. They added: "The public benefits of the proposal do not clearly outweigh the harm." Historic England had raised concerns over the effect of development near the Iron Age settlement, saying: "The proposal in our view will cause harm to the significance of a highly designated heritage asset. That harm is less than substantial but any level of harm is harm and should be given great weight in the planning balance." The council said not enough information had been supplied on archaeology on the site, which meant it could not ensure any possible archaeological assets were protected. Officers said the scheme "does not fall within the limited categories of development normally considered appropriate within the Green Belt," adding: "Whilst very special circumstances have been put forward, they are not considered to outweigh the harm identified." The applicants have the right to appeal the decision.

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Advice office closes after 47 years following funding cut STAPLE Hill's Citizens Advice Bureau has shut after a cut in council funding to the charity that ran it. The office in Staple Hill High Street closed as a new council contract for advice services was introduced at the beginning of April. The authority says the South Gloucestershire Advice Services partnership with the area's Citizens Advice and Age UK branches, along with Bristol Law Centre, North Bristol Advice Centre and Talking Money, is providing advice and guidance on financial, legal and benefits issues "through more channels than before the pandemic". But the authority has confirmed that a cut in overall funding for the service by 35 per cent, which was made in 2019 but delayed because of the Covid pandemic, means Citizens Advice can no longer provide face-toface services in Staple Hill or Cadbury Heath. The nearest place people

The closed CAB office in Staple Hill High Street can receive face-to-face advice is now the One Stop shop at the council's Kingswood offices, and the nearest CAB is in Yate. Staple Hill CAB ran debt appointments on Tuesdays and had an open-door session on Thursdays before it closed. Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire chief executive Chantal Watts said: "The decision has been made as we can no longer afford to maintain the service. This is as a direct result of the 35% funding cut."

No redundancies have been made, but Ms Watts said the closure of the rented office had brought to an end the charity's 47-year presence. The Citizens Advice Yate offices open on Tuesdays from 10am-3pm and Fridays from 10am-1pm, with a phone service available on 0808 278 7947 and webchat service at www. citizensadvice.org.uk. The council says the new five-year contract will give its partners £193,540 a year to

deliver advice services alongside council staff and resources. Some agencies will be able to work from One Stop shops, and the council says there is also advice available by phone, online and on home visits. People can visit the Advice Services section of the council's website or call 01454 868009. Cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: "The most important thing for people to hear is that if you or your family is struggling, that help is available, whether you need financial advice or support in managing some family legal matters." A council spokesperson said the areas of "highest demand" for advice were in Patchway, Kingswood and Yate. Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillor Ian Boulton said: “Losing the CAB from Staple Hill High Street after so many years will undoubtedly be a blow for local residents who have relied on their expert advice."

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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

downendvoice

May, 2022

STAPLE HILL TAILORING - Custom tailoring & alterations - 101 High Street, Staple Hill BS16 5HF Tel: 0117 329 0640

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill TShirts 4 You

As well as T-shirt & vinyl printing we have a huge stock of workwear with a large selection of industrial shoes and boots available with high vis jackets, gloves, trousers

and tops — why waste time looking anywhere else for your quality named workwear? The T-shirt printing and embroidery service with a full range of leisure wear including tees, polos, hoodies and sweatshirts. Attached to this section is also the signmaking set up where all shopfronts and general signage is catered for with van livery a speciality. Ask Paul about the latest trend of bespoke wall art for your home decor, with a top quality canvas printer now

available.

Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 18 years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote, lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. All the flower and vegetable plants are purchased locally from independent small nurseries.

Our hay and straw is grown on a farm near Pucklechurch. Our wooden furniture is made out of drift wood from the river Severn and other woodwork is all made locally by craftsmen. A sharpening service for tools is also available.

Lloydbottoms We are a well-established, friendly firm of Chartered Accountants, on

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

Ladies and Gents Watches

Watch batteries and straps fitted free

STAPLE HILL STORES TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS

RUSTIC OUTDOOR FURNITURE AVAILABLE BENCHES • CHAIRS BIRD TABLES We offer a full sharpening service for all your garden tools

Lawnmower blades • Shears • Loppers • Secauters

Spares for lawnmowers and strimmers stocked

Tel: 0117 956 0967

110 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH

ALL TYPES OF COMPOST NOW IN

MINI INCINERATOR BIN Ideal for burning personal documents, bank statements etc

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

88-90 High Street, Staple Hill

Bristol Blue Glass

0117 956 8318

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

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

Freephone 0800 781 8783

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022

STAPLE HILL TAILORING - Custom tailoring & alterations - 101 High Street, Staple Hill BS16 5HF Tel: 0117 329 0640 new start-up seeking experienced advice, Lloydbottoms are here to help you. To discuss how we can help you, please contact us for a free initial consultation. We look forward to working with you.

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

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,

FARLEYS

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.

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.

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

Sheen Studios This father and son business has

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

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

downendvoice

May, 2022

STAPLE HILL TAILORING - Custom tailoring & alterations - 101 High Street, Staple Hill BS16 5HF Tel: 0117 329 0640 been running now for 45 years with Michael Sheen the 4th generation of picture framers. Terry, Michael’s father, was one of the founder members of the Chamber of Trade and is still striving to improve the local area. Expert picture framing has been the mainstay of the business for the local area and beyond, where they are able to offer framing advice and ideas as well as picture restoration and renovation. A wide range of jewellery, watches, limited edition prints, gifts and Bristol Blue glass are also available with a watch battery and strap fitting service. If you need passport/visa photos just pop in for their instant photography service.

The Window Hub The Window Hub is excited to welcome you to Our first showroom opening 72-74 High Street Staple Hill BS165HN. We pride ourselves on delivering real value for our customers, ensuring peace of mind and helping you get the most from your home. With over 60 years’ industry experience, we know how to

achieve value for money for our clients without compromising on quality or professionalism. Whether buying or browsing for new replacement casement, sash, bay or bow windows, Composite Doors, Bifolds, Patio or double doors, Dan, Chris, Omar, Karen in the showroom and their expert survey and Installations team will be happy to help.

To advertise in the Staple Hill feature Contact Gary

sales@downend voice.co.uk

COME &

MAR CH 2 T 6 H

VISITOUR

SHOWROOM 72-74 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HN

Rated ‘Excellent’

Trusted trader

T: 0117 313 4862 E: info@thewindowhub.co.uk

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Children showcase musical talent CHILDREN at a Downend primary school have been able to tread the boards and put on a show for parents for the first time in more than two years. Stanbridge Primary School's performance of The Bee Musical was the first big show parents have been able to attend in person since before the first coronavirus lockdown. Key Stage 1 Lead Becky Hall said: "It was amazing for the parents to see their children perform face to face. "It was a heart-warming performance, all about how important our ‘little fuzzy friends’ the bees truly are. "Performed by our superb Year 1 children, this show set off our spring break with a bang! "Including solos, dance moves and top rate acting from some of our youngest children, the Bee Musical wowed all who attended. "The whole school staff, especially the Year 1 team, were incredibly proud of the children's

Stanbridge Primary School pupils perform The Bee Musical talent and bravery." The school has also been putting a donation of old Comic Relief merchandise to good use. The leftover Red Nose Day stock was donated by the Downend Sainsbury's Local store

for use in projects including a project to make stop motion animation in IT sessions led by computing teacher Andy McGovern. The results can be seen on the school's Facebook page.

LOW ON STOCK?

EDA NOT AT

A spokesperson said: "Stanbridge Primary School would like to say an enormous thank you to all at Sainsbury's Downend for their generous donation."

With lots of stores experiencing low stocks on items

We have plenty of new stock arriving on a daily basis

• NO HIDDEN EXTRAS • LARGE RANGE OF STOCK IN STORE • OLD APPLIANCES REMOVED • • STORE TO DOOR IN 24 HOURS • QUALITY AFTER SALES SERVICE • GUARANTEED DELIVERY TIMES

EDA

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✆ 0117 958 4769

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

downendvoice

May, 2022

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB REVIEW Three Cane Whale

(support from Eve Appleton with Ben Parfitt) Friday March 18, Christ Church Downend “We’re an instrumental band,” explains the man holding a trumpet (yes, a TRUMPET!). “We don’t sing, we don’t use words; we use music to paint pictures”. Three Cane Whale weren’t even supposed to be here. We were supposed to be listening to Peter Knight & John Spiers, but that nasty covid got its tentacles into that plan, and Downend Folk Club heroically found a replacement with just a day or two’s notice. Of course, we wish John a rapid recovery and hope we’ll see them at Downend in the future. But their replacement did not disappoint... far from it. This trio of men in flower-patterned shirts sit on their chairs, surrounded by a dazzling array of instruments both familiar and considerably less so. There’s the aforementioned trumpet, a guitar (albeit a right-handed one being played upside down by the left-handed player) and a mandolin. That’s fine, we know what they are. Indian harmoniums are pretty familiar to the regulars here too, but it’s probably the first time we’ve seen a flugelhorn, a bowed psaltery, a zither and a mandocello. And the first time I’ve seen a glockenspiel since school, I think. As soon as this trio launch into their first number, Brazen Head, it’s clear they’re a little bit different than most of the artists featured at the club since its inception back in 2014. We’ve got used to the trad numbers, the fiddle and guitar

duos, the singer-songwriters and a sprinkling of blues and bluegrass. This doesn’t fit into any of those boxes. In fact, it doesn’t really fit into any conventional genre-box at all… and it’s all the better for it. This is hyponotic, it’s beautiful, it’s fascinating and no words are needed. Pete Judge (mostly trumpet but sometimes flugelhorn, glockenspiel and harmonium) sits in the centre of the three and most often, but not always, carries the melody. On one-side of him sits Alex Vann (mostly mandolin but sometimes mandocello and, most interestingly zither and bowed psaltery), and the other side Paul Bradley (always the upside down left-handed acoustic guitar, but making it sound like an orchestra all on its own). The three parts weave around one another and intertwine, creating sounds that are unique and fascinating. And they really do paint a picture. Pete introduces set of tunes and tells the transfixed audience what inspired it, very often being landscapes, but even those words are hardly needed. The highlight comes in

the second half as a set of tunes from their latest album 303 takes us on a journey around Cadbury Castle in South Somerset. Pete describes how the tunes take us off the A303 and down dark lanes and by the landmark itself… but close your eyes and you’re there anyway, meandering along. There are no words that can describe just how enchanting the music of Three Cane Whale is. Before all this, there’s a set of huge promise from Eve Appleton, who’s brought her fellow third-year songwriting student Ben Parfitt with her. Together, the pair treat us to a five-song set that showcase their talents, and Eve’s voice in particular… there are shades of Suzanne Vega at times, and that is some compliment indeed. The Railroad Blues is a particular highlight. Written by Eve, it’s the tale of someone travelling the vast land to be with their love, but facing difficulties along the way: alcoholism and hard weather to name a couple. Whether Even and Ben continue as a duo or forge their own paths as solo artists, you can be sure that there’s plenty more to come from both of them. But it’s to Three Cane Whale that this evening belongs, and the rapturous applause and demands for an encore show just what a hit they’ve been with the Downend faithful. A departure from what they’re used to? Yes, perhaps, but hopefully this is a sign of things to come as there just aren’t the words to describe this wonderful evening. More please. Words: Bea Furlong Photo: Barry Savell

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB PREVIEW Cup O'Joe

(Support from Charlie Limm) Friday May 20, Christ Church Downend Downend Folk Club welcome one of the most exciting cross-genre bands to emerge in recent years to headline their May concert. Cup O’Joe is a progressive bluegrass and folk band founded and based in Northern Ireland by three siblings, Tabitha, Benjamin and Reuben Agnew, and later joined by Tabitha’s husband David Benedict. Their unique mix of original compositions and re-imagined traditional songs paired with their lively performances has given them a growing presence in the acoustic music scene surrounding Ireland, The United Kingdom, Mainland Europe, and beyond. Their quartet lineup features tight sibling harmonies, tasteful arrangements, compelling originals and virtuosic solos. Tabitha Benedict brings her unique style of banjo playing and delicate vocals to the group, which were both recognised by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She holds the 2020 Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year Award. Her sensitive and tasteful touch on both banjo and lead vocals blends effortlessly with her bandmates. Reuben Agnew’s frenetic guitar breaks, rhythmic drive, and unwavering vocals make him another pillar of this group’s sound. Both Tabitha and Reuben are songwriters with a rare understanding of their own creations and what they want the listener to hear. David Benedict, the newest addition to the group, is a mandolin player of the first order. His leading style of playing is described as “thoughtful, elegant and tastefully complex.” Winner of the

Cup O'Joe

Charlie Limm

IBMA Momentum Award for Mandolin in 2018, his mandolin playing is intricately sophisticated, while also being well established in the deep understanding of the instrument's heritage and early sounds. He plays like he has been with the group since the very start, slotting in on the backbeat effortlessly. Benjamin Agnew beats out the all-important bass tones and lead vocals-oftentimes giving the impression he wandered on to stage by accident, but flawlessly holding the backbone of the music. In January 2020 they released In The Parting which features nine original songs and one reimagined traditional song from their native Ulster. This new album embodies their fresh new original sounds of progressive bluegrass and Irish folk roots. For several tracks they are joined on fiddle by Niall Murphy (Breaking Trad, Cara Dillon, Nathan Carter) as well as Josh Clark, Dave Molloy and Eilidh Patterson. Most recently they have released their first collection of Christmas songs, in their five-track EP, Christmas Kin. This short but sweet collection displays a refreshing take on several holiday favourites including In The Bleak Midwinter and Holly Jolly Christmas,

as well as the traditional carols Sussex Carol and The Holly Bears a Berry. Opening the evening’s entertainment will be Charlie Limm. Charlie Limm is a musician, actor, composer and theatre maker who has been performing since an early age. Her passion for the arts began in Somerset in a village called Stoke St Gregory where she was born and raised, as part of her local theatre group. Charlie's has recently recorded her second EP Falling Everytime and is very excited to release it later this year. Tickets for the event, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20th May are available online at downendfolkclub.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are £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. For further information, email downendfolkclub@live.com.

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Create the mood for less than you think with

Solar Sunshades

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Telephone: 0117 956 4626

www.bristolblindsandshutters.com Formerly Webber & Spencer Ltd

downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Huge computer boost for Mangotsfield School A SECONDARY school has taken delivery of a big donation of computer equipment courtesy of an Emersons Green company. ALD Automotive, an international vehicle leasing business which has its UK head office at the Vertex Business Park, has provided new equipment for a full upgrade of one of the computer rooms at Mangotsfield School and donated 300 refurbished computers for use in schools run by the Castle School Education Trust, which runs Mangotsfield as well as Downend School and Lyde Green Primary School. Mangotsfield School careers coordinator Carey Phillips said: "We are hugely grateful to ALD Automotive. "We are really excited for future partnership activities with ALD – and for their staff volunteers working with our students and staff at school. "As part of National Careers Week, ALD staff gave

Stewart Warr of ALD hands over some computer equipment to Carey Phillips of Mangotsfield School a presentation to students to support our careers programme in school." Stewart Warr of ALD said: "We are really pleased to be able to support Mangotsfield School

RM OPEN AS NO

and CSET with the computers and monitors to help improve the learning experiences for students. "I really hope we can make a difference by bringing business

National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme

and schools closer together as we develop programmes and engage colleagues within ALD to support with volunteering, learning and life experiences."

ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS DIESEL SPECIALIST CLEANING AIRCON REGAS AND REPAIRS ELECTRICAL REPAIRS FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY FREE COURTESY VEHICLES WOMEN & PENSIONER FRIENDLY FLEETWORK

0117 939 5555 www.sure-car.co.uk

*10% OFF labour when you mention this advert

Unit 1 Stoke View Road, Fishponds Road, BS16 3AE Tel: 0117 9395 555 Email: admin@sure-car.co.uk OPEN: Monday - Friday: 08.30 - 17.30 Saturday: 08.30 - 12.30 | Sunday: Closed *must be mentioned at time of booking

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Chewy seeks new owner A CAR that has helped raise thousands for charity is looking for a new owner. Chewy The Bunny Car has been the public face of charity the Littlest Lives Rescue since being bought by founder Bev Taylor, of Staple Hill, several years ago. But since the pandemic put a stop to the fundraising events Chewy used to visit, the vehicle – an X registration Ford Ka – has been in a garage gathering dust and now has a flat battery. Bev, who has now retired from the charity, is looking for a new home for Chewy, either a charity that can use the car for its own fundraising or an individual prepared to take him on in return for a donation for his "adoption".

Bev said: "He has been off the road for well over a year now, so he will most likely need some TLC and a new MOT. "He will also need to have a safe garage to live in, as his fur needs to be kept dry. "We are so sad to be letting him go after all the fundraising he has done over the years, and the amount of animals he has helped is countless." Anyone who would like to take on Chewy should call Bev on 0786 105 3863 or 0117 956 1981. Chewy has a Facebook page, @Chewythebunnycar, where people can find out more. Pictured right: Bev Taylor with Chewy The Bunny Car in 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Book now for your September place at Abacus AT Abacus we provide an enhancing environment for the children to play, learn and develop within. Our site consists of one large room based within the church hall, an adjacent small room used for small group activities. We have the use of two outside areas within the grounds providing an opportunity to offer various outside activities. Our curriculum is based on children learning through play with practitioners extending on from their interest and development. Learning through play is continuously developed through observations of children’s individual interests and development needs in support of building their confidence to go into the world as an independent learner. Abacus Pre-School love celebrating all year round with different festivals, as well as

armed forces day! We work closely with parents and run open days throughout the year where new and existing parents can come join in with the activities their children have available to them during their pre-school day. The manager of

the pre-school, Charlie, has a BA Honours degree in Early Childhood Studies as well as over 12 years experience developing and supporting children’s development. We are currently registering our spaces for September 2022.

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

Abacus Pre-School in Mangotsfield is term time only, open Monday-Friday 8:30am3:30pm. If you are interested in paying us a visit, please contact Charlie on 07803124099.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022

n CHURCH NEWS

Finding your way home THE labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tradition which leads on a meandering path that leads to a centre and out again, symbolising going deeper in exploring faith and then journeying out again into the world. At Christ Church Downend there will be a labyrinth laid out on the floor over a two-day period. Visitors will be able to walk the labyrinth, pausing to reflect and pray at points along the journey. The labyrinth will be open on Tuesday May 24 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and on Wednesday May 25, from 10am-midday 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. For more details please contact the parish office on 0117 908 9867.

Free events for the May bank holiday and jubilee

www.christchurchdownend.com bristolthenoise

bristolnoise

BRING your friends and family to an Afternoon Cream Tea with entertainment on Saturday April 30 from 2-4pm at Christ Church Downend. You’ll be able to relax with friends old and new as you enjoy good food and a cup of tea. On Monday May 2 there will be a free family fun afternoon from 2-4pm, also at Christ Church, with a bouncy castle, pace painting, refreshments and more. Come and let off steam, whatever the weather! Christ Church Downend has an accessible building, including loos, baby change facilities. Parking is available behind the Medical Centre on Christ Church Lane BS16 5SG. Why are the events free? Our team of volunteers look forward to giving of their time and resources as an expression of God’s love for the community. These events are part of The Noise, a city wide initiative as churches in the region show God’s love in practical ways. Another free event will be held on Saturday June 4. The Platinum Jubilee Royal Cream Tea will take place at the Church Centre, Quakers Road in Bromley Heath. There will be non sugar and vegetarian alternatives available at the event, which will be held outside if the weather is fine and inside if it is wet or cold. Come and enjoy a right royal event, with old fashioned games and opportunity to wear a tiara! All are welcome. For details contact the parish office on 0117 908 8867 or office@christchurchdownend.com. Anita Dobson

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

downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS PEOPLE in the Downend area who have given up their time to serve the community have been recognised in this year's South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Awards. The council says the awards are a chance to "celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers in our communities who display outstanding commitment in giving their time and effort to help others". In total 18 awards were given to people and groups from across the district who give up their time to help others. They included Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council chair Janet Biggin, for her work with charity Shopmobility South Gloucestershire, Staple Hill Royal British Legion chair Ian Campbell, Staple Hill Salvation Army and Resound Foodbank co-founder Steve Riches. South Gloucestershire Council chair Ruth Davis presented the awards along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Susie Hewson, and the executive principal and principal respectively of sponsors South Gloucestershire & Stroud College, Kevin Hamblin and Sara-Jane Watkins. Cllr Davis said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and recognise the volunteers who make such a significant and important contribution within South Gloucestershire. “Volunteers have been a vital lifeline for many residents through the pandemic and I was moved to learn of people’s selfless actions which became a real beacon of light for those who were coping with the effects of Covid-19. "Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, many volunteers managed to continue with their voluntary work to support our public open spaces and local wildlife, which is testament to their commitment. “It’s important that we shine a light on the work of our local volunteers who do so much to help others. These people are community heroes and I personally thank each of them for their efforts.”

Janet Biggin Janet's citation praised her "valuable contribution" during six years as a trustee and

Awards celebrate service membership to 120, organising the Remembrance parades, visits to the National Arboretum and Royal Albert Hall, and welfare visits to ex-servicemen and women, and attends funerals. The citation added: "Ian not only has a great work ethic, but he is also a great team player and has a friendly disposition."

chair of Shopmobility South Gloucestershire, which helps people with disabilities access Yate Shopping Centre. Her citation said: "Her leadership has contributed to its great success, helping it to provide a valuable service to its many users, and helping Shopmobility South Glos to become a much-needed service, enabling users to access shopping, services, and social activities." Janet's other voluntary roles over the years, including trustee and chair of Kingswood Community Transport and trustee of Friends of Page Park, were also recognised.

and infirm."

Steve Riches Staple Hill Salvation Army The Salvation Army in Staple Hill was recognised for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic providing and delivering food parcels to elderly, disabled, vulnerable and less well off residents, fetching prescriptions, making home visits and giving welfare advice, as well as longerterm provision of free meals and Christmas dinners. The citation said: "The Salvation Army really captures the soul of Staple Hill, by its place of worship and its contributions to charities in particular the vulnerable, elderly

Steve received the Lord Lieutenant’s special award. A school governor for the Forest Hill Partnership, which runs Staple Hill and Kings Forest primary schools, since 1998, he has held various roles including chair. His citation said: "His primary focus is always what is best for the children. No matter what the task, he does it to the best of his ability, simply to make his community the best it can be." The award also recognised Steve's work helping to establish and run the Resound Foodbank in Blackhorse Road since 2013, working with donors, agencies, and the North Bristol Trussell Trust to provide emergency food supplies to people in need in the community.

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS FROM PAGE PARK Visits top 700,000

New loos on the way for Page Park

VISITS to Page Park reached almost 715,000 last year.

The park has sensors by each gate which count the number of people entering and exiting, and figures have been recorded since 2014. Over the next few years the number of visits rose from around 400,000 past the halfmillion mark. There was then a jump of 112,000 in 2020, to just over 680,000, as lockdown restrictions on movement saw more people looking to their local green spaces for exercise and relaxation. The upward trend continued last year.

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PAGE Park is set to have new toilet facilities as part of a scheme to improve provision for people with severe disabilities. The park is one of six places set to have new "fully accessible" toilets with hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and extra space to accommodate carers, after South Gloucestershire Council won £135,000 of Government funding. The park's old public toilet block by the main Broad Street entrance has been closed for several years, after repeated vandalism, with only the toilets at the Bean Tree cafe currently open. The Friends of Page Park are looking to raise £20,000 towards the new toilets from sources including grants which the council cannot apply for itself, and hope the scheme will lead to wider improvements in the park's toilet facilities. Friends of Page Park vice-chair Steph Purser said: "The park is ideal for people with any disability because it's flat but not having fully accessible

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facilities means they often have to leave early. This toilet will allow them to stay in the park longer." The Changing Places Toilets are for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and are being built with support from charity Muscular Dystrophy UK. Other locations where they will be installed include Grimsbury Farm in Kingswood, and both Bradley Stoke and Yate Active Centres. The council says the new toilet facilities will "open up our well-loved public and open spaces to more people who currently are unable to enjoy them due to the current facilities not meeting everyone’s needs". Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: "Changing Places Toilets make a real difference to users and their families enabling them to take part in more recreational activities with dignity, confidence and freedom."

Park's 5-star rating PAGE Park has been awarded the top rating in an awards scheme. The park was awarded five stars in the Pride in Parks category by South West in Bloom, the regional section of the Britain in Bloom contest. It is the third time the park has received the five-star rating and adds to a separate award given to the park's sensory garden in the South West in Bloom It's Your Neighbourhood awards last autumn. Volunteers and grounds staff picked up the award at the South West in Bloom Spring Seminar in late March. Page Park grounds crew Friends of Page Park vice-chair members receive the Pride in Steph Purser said: "Thank you to all Parks award. our volunteers, ground staff and officers at the council for all the work you put into our beautiful park, which I know is appreciated by so many."

Volunteers needed for Jubilee PAGE Park's Platinum Jubilee celebration on June 4 is fast approaching. More details of the entertainment are set to be announced in the coming month but the Friends of Page Park need volunteers to help ensure the event can go ahead. Especially needed are people to help with setting up between 7am and 10.30am, clearing the site between 5pm and 6.30pm, and running the Friends' fundraising stalls, including hook-a-duck. Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said the group also needs volunteers to come forward to offer longer term help with its activities supporting the park. She said: "The volunteers we already have are amazing but like lots of groups we need more. "We can only keep the park as it is if people come forward to help us." People coming to the Platinum Jubilee celebration event are being urged to walk or park away from the streets surrounding Page Park, which are expected to be busy with pedestrians and site traffic on the day. To volunteer visit the Friends' Facebook page, website at friendsofpagepark.co.uk or email friendsofpageparkbs16@gmail.com

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

downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

Employers are delivering high-quality apprenticeships AT the time of writing, my thoughts remain with the people of Ukraine, who continue to endure the invasion of their country by Russian forces and the atrocities which are taking place as a result. Following on from my questions in the House of Commons during the March Ukraine debate and subsequently in Prime Ministers’ Questions, I remain very proud by the support and assistance that our Government and country continue to provide Ukraine, both in terms of military equipment and the enormous generosity shown by members of the public in making their homes available to Ukrainians, who have had no option but to flee their

homeland – via the UK Homes For Ukraine scheme. Following on from National Apprenticeship Week in February, I take an ongoing interest in the vital role our local employers play in delivering high quality apprenticeship schemes. Recent visits have included the proveterans employer Amazon, where I heard more about the action they are taking to make this year a record year in the creation of new apprenticeships. An impressive 1,500 apprenticeships are anticipated to be created in 2022. Other local visits have included the Ibstock Brickworks factory at Cattybrook, where I met site manager Jon Rogers to hear about their apprenticeship programme and how they had navigated the challenges of the last two years in particular. I continue to keep in touch with a range of stakeholders, council officers and ministers on the crucial M49 junction project. I have received assurances from South Gloucestershire Council that a full project team has been established locally to review the design work and to ensure that this project moves forward at a more progressive pace. Discussions are progressing with the relevant landowners to agree a process for the transfer of land currently required to

Jack Lopresti,

MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke

enable the link road to be delivered. Parallel contingency planning is also in progress, in the event that a compulsory purchase order may be required. Subject to the CPO position, the current expectation is that the link road could be open in late 2024 or early 2025. The national Armed Forces Day this year is June 25. Locally, the Armed Forces flag will be raised from June 18 at South Gloucestershire Council. As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at jack.lopresti.mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance.

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downendvoice

n NEWS

Frenchay Primary School children taking part in the 'Easter in a Box' project

Egg boxes help children learn Easter story VOLUNTEERS from churches helped children at a primary school learn more about the Easter story, with a little help from some egg boxes. The 'Easter in a Box' project at Frenchay C of E Primary School saw the most important story in the Bible split into six 'movie scenes', with objects and activities for children in Year 3 and Year 4 to handle and discuss. The volunteers were made up of local clergy, members of the congregation,

governors and representatives of Bristol Schools Connection, which brings churches and schools together. Frenchay head teacher Katherine Marks said: "Each adult led a group who were fascinated by all the items and offered some thought-provoking views on each part of the Easter story. "It was wonderful to see both adults and children equally engaged and enthused by the session – the excitement was tangible.

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"We would like to say a huge thank-you to Shirley, Angela, Revd. Charles, Mel, Liz and Ruth for their time and hard work. Whilst Easter in a Box took place in school, other year groups visited the church to further their understanding of the Easter story. "An Easter 'Break out Room' was thoroughly enjoyed by year 5 and 6, whilst those in the earlier year groups enjoyed making church rubbings as part of their activities."

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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

May, 2022

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OUR annual general meeting took place on Friday March 25 at the Scout Hall in Mangotsfield. It was all the things you want an AGM to be: well attended and short. The existing officers were reelected (no early release for good behaviour), the accounts look healthy, our policies pass muster and we’ve achieved a bit more than we thought. Following the AGM we had a more social chat about the St James Church 800 celebrations and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. We are thinking / planning: Decorate Your House with a Jubilee theme – There aren’t any specific rules, we just want it to be a bit of fun. We’ll publicise more on local social media and noticeboards nearer the time. Friday June 3 – Mangotsfield Treasure Hunt, starting at the Scout Hall and finishing at a place where you might just be able to buy a cream tea. Sunday June 5, 2pm-4pm – Jubilee Picnic on a green space. We thought it would be a nice idea to have a picnic on a green space,

Jubilee plans and new planters

The planters waiting to be finished and put in their final location. so we are thinking of the Dame School garden but you could do it on any green space. It’s very much an informal “turn up with a picnic, meet people, have a chat” sort of thing, rather than a formal event. Has anyone noticed the new noticeboard in the Dame School garden? It’s a community resource,

so if you are a local organisation and want to use it to publicise your events then please make contact via the details at the end of this article. You might notice that the village now has some planters dotted about. These were put in place on Saturday April 23.

They’ve been a long time coming, I know, but hopefully they’ll soon look great and if they are successful, we’ll put more out. Do you remember the days when few of us had heard of a spike protein and even fewer knew what one was? In those days there was a regular coffee morning in the Red Lion public house. Well, they are making a welcome return, starting on Wednesday May 4 at 10.30am. They’ll be monthly to start with. All are welcome to come along for coffee and a chat. As always, we’d love more people to get involved, so if you’d like to or you need any help then please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Chris Amos

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n DOWNEND IN BLOOM

Platinum preparations under way THERE is lots going on at In Bloom this month. We are preparing for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the end of May and have now made a large gold crown and 20 smaller ones for the tops of our poles. These will be adorned with red, white and blue ribbons. We have also made rail displays, in various colours, which will house Union Jacks. The High Street will also be filled with the community bunting that we are making. We had a very good session at Cleeve Hill Tennis Club recently and had volunteers from In Bloom, as well as members of the community, cutting, sewing, turning through and ironing our red, white and blue pennants – it really was a very colourful day. We even had Megan, a pupil from school who is working as a volunteer for her Duke of Edinburgh scheme, who came along and sewed all afternoon for us. Well done and thanks to everyone involved. We have recently been treated to wonderful displays of daffodils and crocus around the area and the panolas which are in the High Street and various outlying planters are really blooming.

I’m sure you all agree it does really make the High Street area a pleasure to walk around. We actually also managed to finally hold our delayed AGM last month, and it was good to get together and update everyone on things that have been happening. We have been lucky enough to secure a

grant from South Gloucestershire Council to carry out work in the High Street – thank you to the Thrive Grant and MAFF funding. In Bloom would like to thank Kathryn Leeming, Cllr Phillips, Cllr Burton and Cllr Brennan for their help and support in securing this funding. This will allow us to complete the work in renovating the stone tree planters in the High Street, which are in real need of refurbishment. The work will be started as soon as possible after the Jubilee decorations are finished. It will take quite a while to complete, but will improve the look of the area considerably. One final thing to mention this month was not such good news. We alarmingly had an email saying that the company that carry out our watering contract were unable to continue to do so. After the initial panic we have now agreed a new contract with “Tim”, who is going to water our plants this summer. Such a relief to have that organised. The plants will be arriving at the end of May, so we are really looking forward to it! To get involved call 07504 244361 or visit our Facebook page. Jackie Baker

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downendvoice

May, 2022

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Clients are provided with a record of storage with clear instructions for your executors and attorneys on how to access them when needed. Certified copies are also provided free of charge to clients. Simpson Solicitors offer to store these for our readers - free of charge – even if they were prepared by another firm. They also offer you a free review to check that they are legally valid and work in the way you want. Also, when the time comes they offer a free meeting with those you have appointed to make sure they understand the legal steps they will need to take. With Simpson Solicitors you will have the peace of mind of their award winning service. So, pop in to see them (opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping centre) or call them today on 0117 960 8594.

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

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

20mph limit could be on the way for Charnhill Drive A NEW 20mph speed limit could be introduced on roads in Staple Hill where controversial closures were introduced, then removed. South Gloucestershire Council will carry out a "detailed investigation" into new limits for the Charnhill Drive area as part of its latest local transport capital programme. Concrete blocks were installed in Signal Road and Charnell Road by the council in 2020 under experimental traffic orders, to divert traffic away from the nearby entrance to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, where Signal Road meets Charnhill Drive. Residents said the blocks stopped drivers using them as a rat run to avoid the traffic lights at the top of Teewell Hill but people in other streets nearby said their own traffic problems had been made worse. The council reversed a decision to make the closures permanent and removed them in February. A council spokesperson said: “We will be carrying out a detailed investigation into whether to introduce a 20mph speed limit in the Charnhill Drive area of Staple Hill. "We are continuing to work with residents and local members to provide a solution that helps to reduce traffic and congestion and

Residents protest in support of the Signal Road closure makes active travel more accessible in the area.” Signal Road resident Bee McNamara, one of many who campaigned to keep the closures in place, said he supported a 20mph limit but said it "doesn't go nearly far enough". He said: "Signal Road is a major access point to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path and the general public who access the path, both on foot and by bike, need to be properly protected by reducing the number of cars they share the space with. "When the recent traffic management scheme was in place, residents witnessed a major change to the area, a massive increase in pedestrians and cyclists using the roads, more kids getting to school independently, kids feeling safe enough to play on the street

again. "These benefits have now pretty much been lost and only a more comprehensive traffic management scheme will bring them back." Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillors Ian Boulton, Michael Bell and Katie Cooper raised a petition calling for a comprehensive review of traffic management across Staple Hill, which was signed by 139 people. They said: "The 20mph speed limit being proposed here is a direct result of our local efforts to respond to residents' concerns about speeding traffic on this residential road. "We wholeheartedly agree with this proposal, however we would also want policing resources in place to ensure that the speed limit here is enforced, otherwise it will be soon perceived as meaningless." The councillors called on residents to report all concerns over speeding to the police on 101 or online at avonandsomerset. police.uk/report, to "justify getting the resources we need". They added: "This is a positive response to our concerns and we are hopeful that our call for a wider review of local traffic issues will be considered favourably."

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May, 2022

nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA May 2 n FREE FAMILY FUN AFTERNOON, Christ Church, Downend, 2-4.30pm. Inflatables, games, face painting, craft zone, café area and much more. Part of a series of free family fun afternoons as part of Bristol churches' annual event, The Noise. May 2 n PHOENIX ART CLUB that meet up at Stapleton Church Hall are holding an Affordable Art Exhibition at Iron Acton on Mayday, 2 May between 10 and 4. There will be portraits, landscapes and abstracts in a range of mediums, oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolours. The event is free entry and refreshments are available. It is a wonderful day out as it coincides with the village Mayday festivities of music, dancing and lots of stalls and other activities. Telephone 01179658455 for further information. May 5 n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORM CHURCH are holding a FREE Coffee Morning at the Church in Cossham Street from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Everyone welcome - see old friends and make new ones. For any more information telephone June Watts on 0117 9566625 May 5 SPEAKER MORNING AT LINCOMBE BARN (coffee available). Thursday 5th May, Chris Bigg talking about 'Broadmead and Beyond' Time 10.15 Coffee and Tea available. Talk starts 10.45 until 11.45am. Cost of talk £2.50 coffee and tea extra Should be most interesting!! Everyone welcome. May 6: n QUIZ NIGHT at Doynton Village Hall,7.30 for 8pm, to raise money for resources for the new Memory Cafe for Three Shires Medical Practice area. Teams of up to six

members, £3 per person. To book a place, text 07817 311001 May 25-26 n LABYRINTH PRAYER ACTIVITY at Christ Church Downend. Church open on Tuesday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and on Wednesday from 10am-midday, 2-4pm and 7-9 pm. No need to book. June 2 FIRST MEMORY CAFE for people living with dementia and their carers who are in the Three Shires surgery area, which includes Pucklechurch. Event at Doynton Village Hall starts at 2pm and will be a Platinum Jubilee celebration. Future cafes will take place on the first Thursday of the month. June 4 n ROYAL CREAM TEA FOR THE PLATINUM JUBILEE, 4-6pm at the Church Centre, Quakers Road, Bromley Heath. Outside if fine, inside if wet. Old fashioned games and refreshments. For details contact office@ christchurchdownend.com or 0117 908 9867. June 5 n BIG JUBILEE LUNCH, Oakdale Road, Bromley Heath, 11.30am to 6pm. June 18 n EVENING CONCERT Emerson's Green Village Hall, 7.30pm Internationally-acclaimed musicians Emily Andrews and Francisco Correa will perform a concert of classical music and South American folk songs on flute, voice and guitar, as the finale to 3 Greens Festival. Tickets £15/£10 on the door, or in advance from www. franciscocorreaguitar.com

REGULAR EVENTS

n BRISTOL U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where you have fewer responsibilities and more time for yourself? Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities

or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Why not become a member and find an interest group to join. Go to www. bristolu3a.org.uk for details. Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. Just come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20Sept for the Personcentred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@ btinternet.com. n SINGALONG 4 ALL - Mondays 10.30/11.30, Grace court, Dial Lane, Downend BS16 5UP. £4 ...£1 tea n bikkies Tel: Barbara 07816839141. n SOCIAL BADMINTON every Monday at Kingswood Leisure Centre from 2-4pm. Intermediate level, all welcome. n EDDS & TALES Baby & Toddler Group Every Monday, Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street, Downend. 10.00 - 11.30 (term time only) £3 per family (first visit free) including drinks, snacks and craft activity ALL WELCOME - Just turn up Join our Facebook group Edds and Tales n STAPLE HILL JOB SEEKER SUPPORT GROUP, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, 1A Berkeley Rd, every Monday from 1.30-3.30pm. Laptops and Wi-Fi available for job searches, free tea and coffee, welcoming environment. Run by local councillor Katie Cooper and volunteers. Call Julie on 01454 868374 with any questions or to let us know you are coming. n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening

7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. For more information ring Kath 07517 1297 Tuesday n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB Meetings on 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

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May, 2022 01179836886 or Yvonne Scoulding rscoulding@google.com or 01179568944 n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. You would receive a warm welcome by this happy choir who have at least three concerts a year whose repertoire includes items from Shows, Abba, Beattles and general popular songs which includes appropriate pieces for the time of year. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881. n DOWNEND SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB 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.

downendvoice 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 with friends. Free entry. Tuck available. Visit www.igniteyouthchristchurchdownend.co.uk to sign up and see the full programme. n WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members, especially flute, oboe, trumpet, horn and percussion players, are welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com. 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. n JIGSAW TODDLER GROUP, Fridays in term time at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, from 9.45-11.15am. Toys, crafts, songs, refreshments and learning about faith in a fun way. No need to book. Saturday n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to make sugar flowers and models we hold workshops with instruction. Beginners very welcome. call Jean

Kington on 01454 314178. Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH 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 n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORM CHURCH are back holding regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m. with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more information contact Peter Redding (Ch. Sec.). on 0117 9657075

Street party for jubilee RESIDENTS of a road in Bromley Heath are planning a big street party to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. South Gloucestershire Council has agreed to shut a section of Oakdale Road between 11.30am and 6.00pm on Sunday June 5 to allow the community to come together for the Big Jubilee Lunch. Resident Fiona Konteh said: "Bunting-making workshops are under way, which have already formed new friendships, and everyone is looking forward to joining together for a fun time." The council has waived charges for street parties and events in public spaces for the jubilee from June 2 to 5. it has also provided grants to fund a number of events. Are you holding a street party you would like to tell Voice readers about? Email the details to news@ downendvoice.co.uk.

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May, 2022

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Turning green words into green deeds

ONE of my favourite metaphors is that good politicians are ones able to make the weather. Sadly, this has acquired a literal sense as the deadly extent of the climate and ecological emergency has become clear. As Metro Mayor of the West of England, I’m constantly in awe of the fact that the people of our great region are more aware and determined to protect the planet than anywhere else in the country. The public are certainly way ahead of our politicians. Very many local people tell me that tackling global warming is a huge issue for them. But while the current government has some constructive words for our planet, in truth, a desperate situation is not improving anywhere near quickly enough. Great British species, including the red squirrel and hedgehogs, have been and are in worrying decline. Shamefully, our natural water sources – rivers, lakes, coastal and groundwater – are among Europe’s most polluted. In fact, some of our leading environment and conservation

organisations say we are now “among the most nature-depleted countries in the world”. Under my leadership, the West of England Combined Authority is getting on with the deadly serious business of fighting the climate crisis head on. I was delighted that the West of England’s brand-new climate action plan was voted through in April, as well as £10.4 million of new cash to get down to work on meeting our region’s necessarily ambitious net-zero targets. This includes making homes warmer through a retrofitting programme and kickstarting an electric vehicle revolution, both crucial to cutting today’s sky-high energy and fuel bills. These are steps we can all get behind, wherever we live in our region – from our most rural of communities to our impressive market towns and the great cities of Bristol and Bath. Together we can overcome the climate and ecological crisis. But as Metro Mayor I’m not able to do everything necessary and quickly enough.

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice It will also require a massive input from national government if we are to succeed. I am therefore, irrespective of our different political colours, keen to work with government, or indeed, anyone else, to achieve net zero as quickly as possible and rebuild our regional wildlife and plants. As we know, words are easy. It is action that is now required. Let’s work together to tackle the climate emergency and protect our brilliant part of the world – before it is too late. Let’s make the weather together.

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n NEWS

Riders take cancer fight on the road A GROUP of cyclists from Bromley Heath are taking part in a three-day, 300-mile event to help fight testicular cancer. Sharon Herniman, Adam Smith and Justin Evans are part of a team of 24 cyclists taking part in Le Tour de Balls Trois, organised by volunteer-run charity It’s in the Bag, which supports men and their families in the South West through testicular cancer. The trio and friend Will King, who is a support driver this year, are returning after taking part in the second Tour de Balls in 2019. Starting from Cerne Abbas in Dorset on April 30, they were set to cycle through Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire en route to the finishing point at the Globe pub in Frampton Cotterell on May 2. The aim is to raise £10,000 and the team was close to achieving its target as the Voice went to press. Sharon, a legal personal

assistant and former Downend & Bromley Heath parish councillor, said: "I did LTDB in 2019 and was absolutely inspired by the people I met along the way – having a son myself, I just feel it’s so important to get the message out there, especially amongst men who are not prone to talking about these things." Adam, who has taken part in the previous two Le Tour de Balls events, said: "Mates have had testicular cancer, and other types of cancer.

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Drug arrests A TEENAGER was arrested in Staple Hill and a man held in Soundwell as part of a regional police operation to target drug dealing networks. The 17-year-old boy was stopped while riding a suspected stolen motorbike, by officers who found controlled drugs in his possession. A man was arrested on Colston Street in Soundwell, on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, after he was found with more than £1,000 in cash and a quantity of Class A and B drugs. Both have been released while police enquiries continue. The action was part of Operation Scorpion, to tackle socalled 'county lines' drug gangs, which operate across borders. Eight further raids and six arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs took place in south and east Bristol from March 8-10 with further suspected drugs, cash and phones recovered.

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

The 5-second Pause Challenge IF you are finding life a struggle at the moment, perhaps more so than you have experienced before, you are not alone, there’s a lot of it about. We are well aware of a horrific and threatening war on our own continent and may also still be feeling the exhausting after-effects of two years of the covid pandemic or even, like me, experiencing the infection again. We are all affected by soaring energy costs and price rises of basic commodities and this can feel very unfair, depending on our own situation. Longer daylight hours this time of year (one of the only certainties in life!) and warmer weather at least mean that we may be able to save temporarily on heating and lighting our homes, and maybe to enjoy spending more time out and about. Like spring flowers such as the beautiful Downend in Bloom displays, there are still signs of hope everywhere, even if it seems more difficult to find them. So the need remains for us to continue to be kind to ourselves

and to others, even if we do not feel like it, as it’s like paying into a bank balance to build up good mental health to be drawn on in hard times. Then if we’re feeling low, we can tell ourselves how well we did on a previous occasion, or hopefully we know someone caring who can tell us (and we can return the favour another time). Christians and people of other faiths also have their own personal relationship with their God, who is there to be asked for help. However I do not believe that we should expect God to step in and fix our problems, it doesn’t work like that; if you pray long and hard for a “genuine” cause and the negative outcome still happens, this is potentially very damaging to your own mental health and any relationship with God. Rather, God is with us, this was the point of Jesus coming to earth: to experience life alongside us in our sufferings and joys too. Jesus was of course a man, but treated everyone fairly, including women, at a time when they were often

treated as second class citizens (that’s a whole other article!). Maybe you are feeling overworked, whether in a paid job, at home perhaps with children, or in a voluntary project; it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of why you are engaged in that particular activity, and for working relationships with other people to become fraught. So I would ask you, and myself, to “take 5 seconds” if at all possible, to stop, think, and breathe out, before you respond in a tense situation, whether this is in a conversation in person, or in writing such as in a group WhatsApp. Text messages can easily offend as we know how much nuanced meaning is lost when it’s just the raw words, with no clue as to tone of voice. It may even be best to walk away physically, or put your phone away, for the sake of your own wellbeing. So if you can build up a good record of kind and gracious behaviour towards other “coworkers”, it will pay dividends in the long run in the way that

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Anna Graham Steward at Staple Hill Methodist Church you are regarded by others, and will help to affirm and motivate them too – you don’t know what struggles they may be going through. From a Christian point of view this is really living God’s kingdom on earth, and it is lovely to see this happening very often in places where I am an observer, such as at my church where my co-workers are proud of the welcome they give to anyone who comes to our services, and to call our church community inclusive and affirming of all. Wishing you strength.

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downendvoice

May, 2022

n AROUND THE WIs MANGOTSFIELD WI

OUR craft evening in March was a great success: members brought all sorts of decorative shapes, patterns, textures to liven up the tea boxes. The boxes were glossy black, which provided a perfect background to work on. For our meeting on April 25 we invited Andrew Stocker to present his personal history of 38 years working with the Bristol Old Vic (Theatre Royal). Having seen his talk recently, I was really looking forward to hearing once again his experiences and the history of this fascinating theatre, which is unique to Bristol. In our May meeting we will be discussing this year’s WI resolutions, which have been voted on by WI members across the country. On May 6, a few of our members are travelling to the Malvern Spring Show. Hopefully the weather will be kind. Our monthly pub lunch social ‘meet up’ is continuing at The Lamb in Mangotsfield, and strongly supported, with 18-20 members each time. We are delighted, as MWI wherever possible likes to support local businesses. We are all looking forward to the new WI year: we have a lively 40-strong membership and are planning a vibrant program for 2022/3. If you would like to join us, please let me know by emailing president@mangotsfieldwi.org.uk. You can take a look at our Facebook page or go to our website, www.mangotsfieldwi.org. uk, to find out more. Carol Coombs

STAPLE HILL WI

I PREVIOUSLY told you about our coffee morning on March 26, which was well supported. Thank you to everyone involved in this event. Our walking group is back up and running – well, walking, not running! Their first walk was most enjoyable, although the weather has been quite changeable. May might be my most favourite meeting so far in 2022. Becky Barnes from Becky Barnes Style will be coming on the 17th. She makes her living from giving ladies confidence in their clothes, inspiring us to build a wearable and sustainable wardrobe. Not only is she a joy to listen to, you will come away inspired

and informed. Becky is everything sustainable and empowering. June is already shaping up. We will be participating in the Flower Festival. This will take place over the Jubilee weekend at the start of June in the Staple Hill Methodist Church. We will also be holding an afternoon tea, limited to members only – but if you are a member, a good reason to join us. Are you reading this and thinking you would like to meet new people? You may not be able to commit lots of time – that’s OK, we meet once a month. As a member you can participate in as much or as little as you like. We have a diverse membership and anyone is welcome. We have ample parking for ladies who need to drive to us and we meet on the third Tuesday of most months. Our meeting starts at 7.30pm: come and join us in Christ Church Hall on North Street, 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

BROMLEY HEATH WI

AT our April get together we heard from one of BHWI’s best kept secrets, our very own Spice Girl – Mel, of Mel’s Kitchen – Downend’s only speciality delicatessen. Mel has been a keen BHWI member since its launch back in 2013, a hard-working committee member for around five years and our dedicated treasurer for the last three. (No offshore bank accounts and “Green Card” wise, it’s just the boxes of green tea sold in her shop.) Whenever you fancy a treat and want to ‘spice up your life’, just pop in Mel’s deli and ‘Tell her what you want – what you really, really, want’: she will be delighted to assist. This evening Mel was joined “live onstage” by her lovely husband Pete, who had come to speak to us about one of our favourite subjects – food, and in particular, cheese and its development. Nowadays we regularly read how milk is often bought up by large supermarkets from dairy farmers at below production costs; hence some farmers opt to produce hand crafted dairy-based

products that can give them the chance to earn a better income. Whilst Pete was speaking to us all about historic and current cheese production methods, Mel came around providing us with taster samples of four different cheeses: crumbly white Lancashire, lovely smooth tasty Red Leicester, locally made 'Wyfe of Bath' organic cheese (pronounced 'wife' and not 'whiffy') and finally West Country farmhouse Cheddar. The cheese was served at room temperature for maximum enjoyment and was absolutely delicious, although we all had our particular favourite. Pete encouraged us to let each cheese melt slowly in the mouth and take time to savour the products’ unique textures and flavours – making it easy to make a favourable comparison with many of the mass-produced cheese sold with similar names. Before our meeting closed we had the chance to buy some of these yummy cheeses to take home to share – or maybe just stash in the back of the fridge for sole consumption at leisure? Our existing sub-groups are reopening post-covid and plans for new ones are being finalised. One of our groups largely unaffected by Covid was our award winning allotment group, and some of the more hardy members have already been out weeding, digging and planting. Our May meeting is scheduled for Thursday 12th at Bromley Heath Junior School Hall, when we look forward to meeting Jo Richardson, who is coming to enlighten us about the night sky. Let’s hope it’s not a cloudy evening. Margaret Hanwell

DOWNEND WI AFTER three months at a different venue, we have decided to move back to Christ Church Hall in North Street. So if you would like to join us, please meet us there from 7.30pm on the last Tuesday of each month! For our March meeting, we had a bit of last-minute rearrangement to do, as unfortunately our original speaker for belly dancing was unwell, so thank you to Alan from Frenchay Village Museum, who stood in at very short notice. We had a really interesting talk on the life of Frederick Denison Maurice, titled ‘An Utterly Good Man’. He was one of the great Victorian reformers, who had the ambition to provide a means for

young women to gain a serious education. He was the founder of the Committee for Education and established the very first college for women. This fitted perfectly with the ethos of WI of educating women. Our April meeting speaker was Rowan Clarke, the outdoor swimming coach at Clevedon open water pool, talking about the benefits of outdoor swimming, providing advice on how to get started and encouraging members to give open water swimming a go. If you would like to join us, the cost of the annual subscription is £44, covering the year from April to March 2023. For this you get 11 meetings, the opportunity to join some subgroups as well as a national WI magazine, online resources for crafts, cooking and much more, and also access to days out with Avon Federation. If you would like to come along as a taster to see what it is all about, then you will be more than welcome as a guest. We make a small charge of £4, but this includes refreshments. If you would like to find out more, please contact our president, Julie, at Downendwi@yahoo.co.uk. Deb (on behalf of the committee)

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

AS the nights are drawing out, it’s great that we can arrange additional activities outside of our normal group. Last month saw a much soughtafter walk around the local area on the search for bluebells. We are always looking to arrange extra events and activity days or evenings out, and have some lovely trips and craft days lined up for the rest of the year. Speaking of nights drawing out and being on the hunt for something tranquil, last month we were joined by Lynne Pick, who spoke to us about mindfulness and the art of meditation. It was certainly the quietest we’ve all been in a meeting, but a wonderful opportunity to take time to pause and reflect on our day. Beechmere Belles meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at Emersons Green Village hall starting at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome – and cake is always to hand! Beechmere Belles Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI

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

May, 2022

n NEWS

Surgeries 'return to normality'

frustrations. "Taking this into consideration, together with the lifting of Covid restrictions, we are now in a position to make changes which we hope will improve your experience." As of April the group's surgeries have ended the requirement for patients to use an intercom to ask to be let in, scrapped one-way systems around the surgeries, and say patients "have the option to choose a face to face or telephone appointment". The letter said the majority of appointments will now open on the day and more GPs and Urgent Care Team members have been employed, to increase the number of appointments available. The group said: "We understand that many of you now value the telephone appointment service and the convenience this offers, and as such we will continue to provide this as an option." A team of 20 patient assistants is answering calls and greeting patients, the group said, but staffing levels continue to be affected by Covid and NHS requirements to isolate. The letter concluded: "There may be a few teething problems as we transition to these new changes so, please bear with us."

DOCTORS in charge of two of the area's surgeries say they are offering patients face-to-face appointments again as part of "plans to return to normality". Downend Health Group, which runs Christchurch surgery in North Street and the Willow Surgery in Hill House Road, published a letter to patients on its website thanking them for "adapting to the different ways of working" introduced over the past two years. The letter said: "It has been a difficult challenge for us all. We are very proud that despite our own struggles with unprecedented staff absence due to Covid, we have continued to maintain healthcare services. "Of course, these challenges have meant that demand for healthcare services has exceeded our capacity to provide appointments for every request. "We are aware of the dissatisfaction with access and have listened to your

The pool at Barley Close

Pool opens after revamp A SCHOOL in Mangotsfield is about to welcome swimmers back to its pool after a major refurbishment scheme. Work started to replace the roof on the pool at Barley Close Primary School, which has stood for over 35 years, back in January last year. A new floor, drainage, changing rooms and plumbing have now been installed, to allow the pool to reopen on the first day back from the Easter holidays. Head teacher Jo Williams said: "We are so pleased to be able to continue to provide a pool to our children but also for the local swim schools that provide lessons for so many children in our area. "The new roof and floor will enable us to extend our opening months from April to October to February to November. A huge thank you to local builders Beefree who have worked tirelessly to get the pool open on time." The work has been funded by a combination of grants and fundraising by the Friends of Barley Close. A hoist makes the pool accessible for people with disabilities.

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May, 2022

n MUD PIE EXPLORERS

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I was taught in the tradition of Gitananda Yoga, which is based on the authentic teachings of various paths of Yoga that include Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga promotes subtle exercises, gentle and relaxing movements, and postures (Asanas), along with conscious breathing. It helps bring into union breath, mind and body. Hatha Yoga is accessible for everyone. You don’t have to be super ﬁt or super bendy. Visit www.ahimsayogabristol.co.uk Hatha Yoga Classes are held at Portland Therapy, Staple Hill every Saturday 9.15 – 10.15am and Tuesday 6.00 - 7.00pm & 7.20 - 8.20pm All levels welcome For more information contact Bob on 07514 298827 or email: seygas1883@gmail.com

Willow Catkins

Spring in the woods SPRING is really starting to get under way in the woods. New beginnings are everywhere: tiny shoots pushing their way up through the ground, tiny leaves starting to appear on the trees. It’s much easier than usual to spot smaller canopy dwelling birds who are really vocal and active at this time of year. Great Tits, Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaffs and Floral headband even the tiny Goldcrest are busy finding food, building nests and making a great song and dance about it. Look up and it’s usually quite easy to pick them out before the leaves fully appear in a few weeks’ time. It’s a brilliant time to spend some time being still in the woods. Find a comfortable spot and tune into all your senses. What do you notice? If you remain still for long enough you never know what creatures might appear. But simply being still and mindful in nature for a few moments is a really nourishing thing to do. Flowers are starting to appear on the forest floor. Lesser Celandine (pictured) is everywhere with its bright yellow flowers and heart shaped leaves. This little beauty is in the Buttercup family and is one of the first flowers to appear in spring. These early flowers are particularly important to bees and other insects emerging from hibernation, as are the flowers of Wild Garlic and Dandelions. Trees are also starting to blossom, including the enormous Willow at the top of Lincombe Barn Woods. The fluffy catkins pictured below not only look beautiful, they are also a great source of pollen for early insects. The children at Mud Pie Explorers have been making floral headbands from shop-bought flowers to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Working in partnership with Bristol Rovers Community Trust

To reserve your place please contact Portland Therapy on 0117 9565855 or email: enquiries@portlandtherapycentre.co.uk

Price per class: £8 Portland Therapy Centre, Church Court, North View, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 4NQ 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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May, 2022

n MESSAGE FROM SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL

Help for groups that support our communities SUPPORTING the diverse array of community groups across South Gloucestershire is important to the Council, given the vital services and opportunities they provide to local residents. Many of these groups, despite facing their own challenges, were indispensable in supporting our communities through the toughest times of the pandemic, and I’m pleased there are a number of ways the council is able to continue supporting them. Our Area Wide Grants help us support community organisations that are working for residents across South Gloucestershire, with the latest round having just opened for applications. A total of £70,000 is available this year and groups, as well as town and parish councils, have

until midnight on May 9 to apply. The maximum grant amount available for each recipient is £3,000, although we do have some flexibility for higher awards to be made in exceptional circumstances and subject to budget availability. The type of initiatives that could be eligible include projects that reduce isolation and exclusion, events that bring communities together, activities that promote health and well-being or services that address a particular community need. If you are a voluntary, community and social enterprise organisation or a town and parish council with community projects, services, events or activities that will benefit residents in at least six of the 14 Community Engage-

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ment Forum areas, I strongly urge you to apply. We greatly value what you do and are there to support you. Find out more and how to register and apply on our website www.southglos.gov.uk/AWG. In addition, our Member Awarded Funding is also available. Local voluntary community groups, social enterprise organisations and town and parish councils can apply to South Gloucestershire councillors for funding for their local projects, events and services. Member Awarded Funding can also be used to support Mutual Aid Groups, helping residents throughout the pandemic. Each councillor has a budget of £3,000 to spend on projects that benefit residents in their

By Franklin Owusu-Antwi, cabinet member for public health and equality of opportunity wards. Please contact your local ward councillor to discuss your project proposal and to request an application form. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/MAF. You can view all of our community grants available at www. southglos.gov.uk/grants.

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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

May, 2022

n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Downend - £650,000 HUNTERS Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this very well presented double bay fronted 1930's extended semidetached family home�� which has � undergone many improvements that have been carried out by the current owners in recent times and occupies this highly desirable location. This property is conveniently situated for the amenities of Downend and for access onto the Avon ring road, for major commuting routes and for the Bristol cycle path. The amenities of Downend include a wide variety of independent shops and supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors surgeries and dentists. Many popular schools are also located within easy walking distance. In our opinion this charming property would ideally suit a growing family due to the spacious and versatile accommodation it has to offer. Entry is gained via a door with original stained glazed surround. The entrance hall has engineered oak flooring and doors leading into both receptions and kitchen. The front reception is bay fronted and has a feature fireplace and stripped floor boards, whilst the reception to the rear has been extended and has a Stockton Driftwood gas fire, engineered oak flooring and leads into a dining area with glazed roof and provides an excellent social area overlooking the rear garden. The dining area flows into the kitchen which has under floor heating and is fitted with an extensive range of hand painted wall and base units and incorporates integral appliances which include; double electric oven, five ring gas hob, microwave and dishwasher. Extended to the side of the property is a ground floor shower room with under floor heating and access leading into the garage.

HERE TO GET

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THERE

To the first floor there is a family bathroom and three bedrooms. A bespoke staircase leads from the landing to the second floor where an additional bedroom can be found with wonderful open views to the rear. The property has a beautifully maintained South West facing garden to the rear measuring approximately 175ft in lenght. A wooden decking leads down to a paved patio with a large area of lawn beyond. The borders are stocked with a wide variety of trees, flowers and shrubs. Situated to the rear of the garden there is an insulated wooden workshop which has power and light and could easily be transformed into an office for those seeking a home work space. The garage has power and light and been extended in recent times and has benefited from having a replaced roof. Ample off street parking spaces are located to the front of the property. Additional

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and an early internal viewing appointment is wholeheartedly encouraged to fully appreciate all that this lovely home has to offer. To arrange an appointment to view, please contact us on (0117) 9561234."

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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

May, 2022

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH NO SOLICITOR SELLING FEES*

29 Ducie Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JZ

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

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

by a low level wall, has a drive offering off road parking and a lawn bounded by flower beds. The property is conveniently located to the local amenities of Staple Hill and Downend providing a variety of shops, bus routes to the centre of Bristol as well as popular primary and secondary schools. There is easy access to the Bristol-Bath cycle path, the motorway network for the busy commuter as well as Page Park which offers playing fields, a children's play park, sensory park, tennis courts, bowls lawn and much more. LOW

Steve Bellamy Ctta eeetllsllaam S e myy S ev vre epB B •Home selection carpet and vinyl’s

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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.

Coleman

M.COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS are delighted to offer For Sale this extended four bedroom semidetached family home in a sought after location close to Page Park. The welcoming entrance hall gives an immediate impression of the space that continues throughout and gives access to the open plan dining room/ lounge which has a splay bay to the front elevation and feature fireplace; there are patio doors opening into the conservatory. The kitchen has a range of wall and base units finished with sleek High Gloss doors. There is space and plumbing for a washing machine and dishwasher, freestanding cooker and fridge freezer. Windows to the side and rear elevations flood the room with natural light whilst a door opens into the conservatory. To the first floor and arranged around a central landing are three bedrooms, two of which are double in size one of which benefits from copious fitted storage. The family bathroom has a white four piece suite with a separate shower cubicle, luxurious roll top bath and obscured double glazed window to the rear elevation. There is an additional double bedroom positioned on the second floor. Externally the rear garden is fully enclosed and is laid to lawn with a concrete patio area; there is gated side access to the drive. The front of the property is bounded

Coleman

Asking Price £400,000

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

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

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

New help for communities fighting crime I AM delighted to tell you about a significant new approach that sees Avon and Somerset Police team up with partners across the South West to combine their operational powers in tackling cross-border drugs supply activities, known as Operation Scorpion. Coinciding with National County Lines Intensification Week, the aim of this activity was to send a strong message to criminals that the South West is #NoPlaceForDrugs. The five regional police services – Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire – alongside their respective PCCs, the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Crimestoppers, set aside regional boundaries just as criminals engaging in drugs activity do, to harness

their collective power and disrupt the South West drugs market, dismantling drugs supply networks and arresting those who profit from them. The forces used a range of tactics, including enhanced surveillance of the road and transport networks, increased high-visibility patrols in areas of high demand, carrying out warrants at addresses used for drug dealing and welfare checks on vulnerable people. As a result, a number of successful results were achieved in our force area, including 64 arrests and 17 warrants executed. Five known county lines were disrupted and at least 41 weapon sweeps took place, along with 178 visits to vulnerable people’s addresses. The results from this collective action speak for themselves and highlights what can be achieved

when a borderless approach to drugs enforcement is taken. By coming together collectively in this way, we can send a strong message to criminals and those who exploit young and vulnerable people in Avon and Somerset that the South West is no place for drugs. In other news, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Hiscott as my Deputy PCC to support me and my office in ensuring Avon and Somerset Police is an effective, efficient and legitimate police service. Claire was a councillor for eight years in the Horfield Ward area, a cabinet member for education and skills, and an area chairman for Bristol and Gloucestershire Conservatives. With the recent publication of my Police and Crime Plan, work is well underway in delivering against my priorities and

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford objectives. I know Claire has a particular interest in violence against women and girls as well as disproportionality, and I look forward to her supporting me in these workstreams. Claire will also support me on engagement days, meeting with local people, partners and organisations to find out how we can support them and address their police and crime concerns.

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CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

May, 2022

n LOCAL HISTORY AS you cast your eyes southwards from the Lyde Green development you will see a chimney rising above the trees along the cycle path. If you then cycle or walk from the Mangotsfield to Westerleigh end of the cycle path you will find the chimney is part of the Brandy Bottom coal mine complex. It is listed by Historic England and reputed to be one of most complete Victorian mines in England. As you gaze at it from the cycle path, the chimney and the Old Pit, circa 1837, are on the left and the New Pit, circa 1875, is on the right. The most obvious parts are the raised heapsteads either side: this was where the coal was raised to before being fed by gravity into coal trucks. The cycle path is built over the coal mine sidings and if you follow the path along towards Westerleigh, you will pass a pithead winding wheel set either side, from a Welsh coal pit, and then a dilapidated hut on the right. This platelayers' hut marks where the sidings joined the main railway line. The Old Pit was originally known as Lord Radnor’s pit after a local landowner. It is first referred to as ‘Brandy Bottom’ in a coroner’s report of 1856 for a miner who was killed when a heavy chain being lowered into the pit broke and fell on him. The 680ft deep shaft, now flooded to about 30ft below ground level, accessed four coal seams. Although steam power had been around for 200 years, the mid-1800 engine was low on power and the shaft was narrow, so the amount of coal that could be raised daily was limited. Handel Cossham, a local geologist of some renown and later benefactor of Cossham Hospital, realised the potential of the coalfield and developed Parkfield colliery in 1851, near to where the Westerleigh path now goes under the M4. Parkfield had raised 750,000 tons of coal between 1869 and 1875. Cossham bought Brandy Bottom in 1872, renamed it Parkfield South and set about redeveloping it, with the two pits linked underground. He sunk a new wide shaft from February 22 1875. We know the exact date as there was a ceremony that the local newspapers reported on. Mrs Cossham and her daughters turned the first sod of

downendvoice

Rediscovering our mining heritage at Brandy Bottom

Avon Industrial Buildings Trust volunteers working at the former Brandy Bottom colliery. the new sinking. A new engine house was built and powerful engines of the latest technology were installed, which dramatically increased the output. Avon Industrial Buildings Trust volunteers have been on site for 14 years trying to uncover and conserve facets of the complex. In the last five years, the Old Pit engine house has been cleared of rubble, revealing the pits that housed the cable drum, flywheel and crank. The bed stone where the – it has "finished 1923" scratched piers on which the horizontal cylinder was mounted still shows into the concrete capping of the engines were mounted, with the imprint of the 2ft diameter pumping shaft. congealed waste oil from their cylinder. We welcome new volunteers lubrication. On the heapstead a footprint of and hold our work parties starting The movement of water around a building has been uncovered. at 10am on Saturdays and the site was important for drainage The Cornish engine house, Wednesdays: the upcoming ones and supplying the boilers and we which housed a 60in diameter are on May 11 and 21, and June 1, are discovering various culverts steam engine, has had some of the 11 and 22. and trying to work out how they walls rebuilt. Please pay us a visit on one of link up. The large condenser pit has these dates – contact me on 07816 Parkfield, both the main pit and also been cleared of rubble. Steam 085579 for more information. Brandy Bottom, finished in 1936. for the engines was raised in a 30ft We will have the site open for At the end of its life Brandy long egg-end boiler situated by the the Heritage Open Doors in Bottom was only used for Cornish engine house. September. If you would like to maintenance and ventilation. For The boiler mountings have now contribute to a worthwhile and the ventilation a new fan house been cleared of rubble and a boiler important piece of our heritage we was built, with an electric powered of contemporary age is planned to would be pleased to see you. fan, sometime after the First World go in its original setting. For more information visit the War. In the New Pit the suspended AIBT website at aibt.org/brandyPowerful electric pumps were concrete floor had an opening cut bottom.html and search for Brandy installed at Parkfield in 1920, and in it so the undercroft could be Bottom at the Historic England it is likely the Cornish pumping explored. This revealed the brick website. Steve Hake engine shut down around then

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

downendvoice

n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

Sri Lankan Blue Mormon by Jeff McKinstry

If spring is here, is summer far behind? THE advent of spring, with its warmer, drier weather and the greening and colouring of the countryside, has helped to give more expression to the release from lockdown. Our meetings have begun to feel more relaxed and group trips out have begun to take place on a regular basis: so far Lacock Abbey (the birthplace of photography), Gloucester and Malmesbury have been graced by the presence of our members. Some of the results, no doubt, will appear in future competitions. Our competitions usually have two parts: a set subject and 'open', where anything goes. I’ve chosen this month to choose some pictures from the latter. To start with, Roy Shergold’s second place winner, Muddy Field Gate in Winter, reminds us of what we have so recently left behind. The sharp contrasts and hints of

winter mist make black and white the ideal way to present. The mud, mist and naked trees belong to nature, the composition is Roy’s. Rachel Domleo’s contribution, Ace Street, has an air of mystery about it. In sharp sunlight and long shadows, a lone, be-coated walker approaches a dilapidated, apparently abandoned, shop front. Is it spring? Is it autumn? What is the shop-front about? The mystery remains. Finally, bringing us firmly to summer, we have Jeff McKinstry’s Sri Lankan Blue Mormon. A beautiful relaxed image – but anyone who has ever tried to photograph a butterfly will now difficult it must have been to take. As we open up to our regular meetings and other activities, why not join us, too? 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 on www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or contact us at lincombe.barn@gmail. com. Keep on snapping! Sid Stace

Ace Street by Rachel Domleo

Muddy Field Gate in Winter by Roy Shergold

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Crime and punishment in Downend's old days SCHOOLCHILDREN will soon be finding out first-hand how punishment used to be meted out to criminals and miscreants, thanks to two community groups. Year 8 students at Downend School will encounter the historically accurate stocks, made by Downend Men in Sheds, during an entertaining walk organised by the Community History and Art Project (CHAP) and supported by Historic England. The walk will begin at Downend School and take in sites of interest depicted on the history map created by CHAP, including the 17th century Green Dragon Pub on Badminton Road. Although this is a place for

Jack Lockwood tests out the stocks made by Downend Men in Sheds in partnership with CHAP leisure nowadays, in the past it was where magistrates would meet in local courts, or ‘assizes’,

and hold trials to deal with serious offenders like murderers, highwaymen and forgers, as well as civil disputes over land or money. People found guilty of wrongdoing were handed out penalties such as spending time in the stocks, or were given an even more brutal punishment at the whipping post, which used to stand outside the pub. If you would like to try out the stocks for yourself, come along to CHAP’s stall at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in Page Park on Saturday June 4, where we will be sharing these and other historical artefacts c. CHAP will also be running a further history walk, open to

n DOWNEND MEN IN SHEDS Obviously, it is necessary to exercise a Building the stocks degree of selectivity, since storage facilities for LIKE almost all commodities, the cost of items which our group needs to purchase has increased significantly in recent months, and shows no sign of easing in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately these increases will inevitably need to feed through to some of our sale prices. Fortunately pallets can still be picked up free of charge, although not all types can be dismantled without causing the wood to split – or at least that is the case with the tools we have available. Donations of clean wood, particularly off cuts of roofing timber, are always welcome. We have also become accustomed to taking notice of skip contents, where house improvements are in progress, and to knocking on doors if they contain useful timber. These materials provide unlimited opportunities for members to indulge their skills and to create saleable items that can brighten up any garden, as well as attracting wildlife.

timber are limited. In the case of almost all other materials, such as tools, paint, glue and screws, we have no option but to accept the cost. At least our labour is free, so even with rocketing material costs, our products can still be considered good value for money. Earlier this year our chairman was contacted by the chair of the Community History and Arts Project in Downend, asking if DMIS would make a set of non-working stocks for display at events this summer, celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and other local historical festivities. The project was discussed with one of our members, who also happened to be involved with CHAP and agreed to undertake the work. It involved designing the stocks and sounding out numerous sources for suitable materials. Much of the timber was obtained and recycled from the treads of an old staircase that had been dismantled in Thornbury. The timber,

everyone, later on in the year, where the stocks will once again be set up in their old location in front of the Green Dragon. CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation established in 2018 and run by volunteers, to create a coherent identity for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past. The historical map can be downloaded online from downendchap.org/historicalmap and you can email downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, BS16 5DS with enquiries. Helen Rana

when collected, may have been a little grubby but with some detailed attention and a coat of varnish has resulted in the completed article. In addition to having an authentic look, the stocks should cater for all ages, with the option of experiencing the punishment either standing or sitting. For a realistic impression of how the stocks may be displayed, look at the photo with the CHAP article above. We take no responsibility for the conditions endured by the prisoner commissioned for the photo! Local children can be expected to be queuing for their portrait when the stocks are exhibited later this summer: expect some unusual, and possibly painful, facial expressions. Our raised beds and planters for the Oldbury Court Children's Centre childminder group have all been completed, so will be available to the various groups for planting up by the toddlers. 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 FREE things to do at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries While joining the library in itself remains something you can do for FREE, as does borrowing books, did you know that all these other things are FREE as well? From April you can now reserve books, audio books and DVDs for FREE too. There are over 2 million different items on the Libraries West catalogue and all of them can be reserved free of charge and delivered to your local library for you to borrow from there.

Using our Computers and WiFi use are FREE (there is a small charge if you wish to do printing) Need some assistance with an IT or IPhone problem? Then book a FREE appointment with our Digital Champions (available in all 3 libraries) – either see staff for details or call 01454 865022 Pre-school Rhyme Times and Storytimes are FREE see Library activities for babies and young children | South Gloucestershire Council (southglos.gov.uk) or email libraries@ southglos.gov.uk to book a place. Every child aged 0-12 months is eligible for a FREE Bookstart Baby Bag to help you share stories, rhymes and songs with them.

The content varies, but will include two board books, a rhyme sheet and a booklet of tips and ideas for sharing books with children from a very young age. Baby Bags are available from all South Gloucestershire Libraries. You can pick up a Baby Bag by visiting the library during staffed hours. Our monthly Saturday Lego Clubs are FREE (suitable for primary school aged children) – to book either email or call on the above. Please note as Monday 2nd May is a Bank Holiday our libraries wont be staffed but Open Access will be available 8am - 7.30pm or your can renew or reserve books on line at www. librarieswest.org.uk (PIN required) or on the Libraries West App on that day.

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

May, 2022

n LETTERS Dogs should be on leads in park JUST wondering if there is a reason dogs are allowed to run around freely at Page Park? There used to be signs on the gates advising people to keep their dogs on a lead. Not everyone likes animals running at them, or running at their dogs. The park is a place for everyone, dog owner or not, including elderly out for a stroll, and for children to play. It appears to be a place where dogs can run freely – and people have to keep out of their way. We are an animal-loving family but not everyone is, and we do keep our dogs close to us and on a lead whilst in public places. Green Space Admirers (Name and email address supplied)

Smooth surface will not last long I READ about the resurfacing on Badminton Road (Voice, April) and

Bruce Gibbs' comments about the nice smooth surface there now. I suggest Bruce and his neighbours enjoy this while it lasts. I live further up the road, where it was resurfaced between the Willy Wicket and the Trident last year. It was also a great improvement, as the surface was really bad before – but a year later, they are digging it up again for gas works! It winds me up – isn't anyone thinking ahead when planning these works? A Britannia Close resident

Thanks to workers for floral displays AS Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillors we would like to thank the South Gloucestershire Council Streetcare gardening team for their superb effort in lifting the spirits of our residents with this year's display of plants in both Page Park in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield War Memorial Gardens. Councillors Michael Bell, Ian Boulton and Katie Cooper

Liz Brennan, Ben Burton and James Griffiths at the flooded junction

Work will start to tackle flooding AS the local councillors for Downend, we have been working hard to tackle the flooding issue on Downend High Street at the crossing near the junction of Cleeve Hill (outside Taylors Estate Agents). Whenever we have even remotely wet weather, the crossing becomes almost unusable to pedestrians, wheelchair and buggy users, as well as the partially sighted, and we have been working with South Gloucestershire Council find a solution. We are pleased to confirm that we have secured funding from the council to undertake resurfacing works that will prevent water pooling and again make the

crossing hassle-free to use. The works are going to be starting in the coming weeks, and we will confirm the date in due course. This is expected to last around two weeks – removing the existing road surface, relaying kerbs and adjusting the paving slabs behind them before resurfacing the road and reinstalling the road studs and markings. In order to achieve this, there will be a 24/7 lane closure throughout the works, and we apologise in advance for any problems this causes, but we hope you will agree that this is a short inconvenience to help us fix a much bigger issue. If you have a local issue that we have help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Councillors Liz Brennan, Ben Burton and James Griffiths

Alec Large park in Mangotsfield. Picture: Michael Bell

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May, 2022

n STAPLE HILL COMMUNITY HUB

Fresh air and free food for families WE have been delighted by the popularity of our ‘Fresh air & free food’ initiative that has been on in the run-up to the Easter weekend. Our volunteers have been offering a free light children’s breakfast at the side of the Bean Tree Cafe in Page Park, plus an activity sheet and a chocolate Easter egg. This proved to be so popular that we had to re-stock on the chocolate eggs after just the first day! We are lucky to have a lovely green space like Page Park in Staple Hill, so being able to encourage families to get out into the park in the school holidays has been a treat. Sally Bartram, one of our volunteers, said: "It’s been so lovely to see the families interacting in the Sensory Garden as the children have been working on their activity sheets. "We’ve had lots of comments about the positive ‘buzz’." We have partnered with the Bean Tree Cafe on this and a few other initiatives. During the most challenging periods of the pandemic, we partnered with the Staple Hill Salvation Army and the Red Lion pub in Mangotsfield to provide food parcels and other support to people who needed it. More recently we have been in contact with two other local organisations and able to add benefit by working together.

Hub volunteers hand out free breakfasts in Page Park Respite Explorers provide "a place for children to grow, learn and play". Working with families, they are constantly

exposing the children they care for to new activities and environments, giving them the opportunity to thrive. Emma, who runs the organisation, came to us explaining that they didn’t have anywhere suitable to take the children for their lunch break when the weather wasn’t so good. We were very pleased to be able to offer them the use of the Hub when the space is free, and they are now regular visitors. Ignite Life provides young people in need with access to life-changing experiences and opportunities. The aim is to help young people form positive relationships with adults and peers, build their self-belief and resilience, and support them to engage with education, employment and training. They also support numerous families with a weekly delivery of food. We were able to exchange experiences of working in this area and to link Ignite Life up with a possible source of additional funding. At the Staple Hill Community Hub we are energised by the services we deliver and the benefit that brings to people in our community. In addition to that, though, we are excited by opportunities to work with other organisations in the area so that together we can do much more than we can in isolation. William Lee

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n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH DOWNEND CAMERA CLUB

Waterside by Ben Newby

The use of light AS their interest and expertise in taking images develops and matures, many keen photographers find themselves engaged in a continual quest for pictures that have that quality, sometimes elusive, that makes them arresting, different, special. This can make it a frustrating pursuit. The very nature of the search means that final satisfaction can be impossible to achieve: a fine image attained leads, inevitably, to a search for the next one. At least this aspect of photography keeps it (and us) evolving. Three images from the recent second club competition follow this theme of producing different, less conventional images. Kodak Man is a shot taken looking into the interior of a hot-air balloon as it is being inflated, the light from outside illuminating the

May, 2022

Kodak Man by Chris Bigg fabric and creating the silhouette of the figure outside. The uniform colour, and the pattern of the ribs of the balloon, creates a striking image. Waterside is a timed exposure of a recognisable view, but the lights of the harbourside buildings reflected in the water produce a dramatic light show. There is enough light to be able to see the outline of the buildings and the sky, and this adds to the impressive overall quality of the picture. Ball of Fire is an example of a kind of light trail photography that has become a kind of speciality, with many examples on the internet. It is a timed exposure of a ball of wire-wool ignited and spun on the end of a length of cord. For adherents, the aim is to create perfect spheres of light, though definitely not something to be tried indoors! Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group who meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road, Downend.

Ball-of-fire by Phil Powell Following the pandemic actual meetings and events are now restarting, with photographic presentations and competitions, often shown simultaneously online. 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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n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN

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Discovering bulbs OUR last speaker gave a talk on unusual and rare flowering bulbs from around the world, featuring beautiful flowers of all sizes, from the tall to the little rockery bulbs. We have had a small tour of Somerset and Devon spring gardens: Forde Abbey, Rosemoor and Castle Hill gardens were all very good. Our next meeting is on growing vegetables on May 12 at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Call 0117 957 1703 for more details. Roger Davis

WE had an enjoyable April meeting, wearing our Easter bonnets. We had a quiz, and there was a selection of cakes to buy, as well as some plants. We enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee and paid our dues for one of our summer trips. which our club members always enjoy. We are quite an active group and it is good to ask questions of one another about a plant if we are not too sure how to grow it. If you would like to join us, do come as a visitor to try it out. At our May meeting we will be having Yvonne from Hedgehog Rescue. So, what have you been up to over the last month? We have enjoyed some days off over the Easter break, and hopefully you have caught up on a few jobs. The trees that are in blossom have been wonderful, with cherry blossom all around in Downend. Garden centres are getting their plants in: keep them sheltered for a while yet, as we could still have a frost. If you plant them outside, be sure to cover them over at night if a frost is likely – newspaper over their tops will help protect them. I have noticed there are plenty of vegetables in trays for planting out, so if you just want a few plants

to go in between those you already have, they will be just the job. I have a lovely apricot-coloured epimedium: it is very pretty and delicate, and only about 12-18 inches tall, so are ideal for a small border. I have a profusion of forget-menots and have pressed quite a few to make cards with. The birds are very busy trying to find bits and pieces to build a nest with: the blackbirds are digging around in my pots for insects and bits of twigs for nest building. The bees are enjoying the flowers and I have tadpoles in a small pond. My garden is not very big, but I have plenty of wildlife. When you are planting flowers this summer, make sure they are bee-friendly: feed the bees and they will pollinate your plants for next year. I expect most of you have given your lawns their first cut. It will make the other plants in your garden able to show off and give a good display Enjoy your gardens over the next month, and hope the weather is good and you can enjoy tea in the garden, sit back and enjoy your hard work. Mary Head, Secretary

n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN

All creatures great and small

RIGHT from an early age I had an attraction for creatures great and small, from stickleback fish to slow-worms. I could not tell you how it all started or the first creature I had as a pet. I am not talking about domestic pets but wild ones. I was very withdrawn as a child, and I found solace in these animals I found in our garden or in Eastville Park lake. I loved going to the park with a small bucket and a net, to fish with what ever I could get. Sometimes it was only tiddlers but once I caught a fish with a lovely red breast. I was overjoyed to see such a fish and I proudly took it home. My dad, like me, was most interested in the wildlife on

our doorstep and told me this particular fish was a stickleback. We had a tank already, as we used to have shubunkins, so the stickleback lived in this for quite a long time, so much so that my dad used to talk to it. It became very tame, coming up to the top of the water to be fed with domestic fish food. My mum would not have any of my new-found friends in the house so, they had to live in the cellar, underneath the kitchen and the dining room. Below the kitchen was my dad's workshop, and this is where the stickleback lived in the tank on a window sill. I believe my dad called it Robbie after a robin bird. I also brought home newts from the lake. These were my

favourites, and still are. I would catch these by running my hand up the side of the lake and, if I was lucky, there would be a newt in there! I know some of my readers will think it was cruel to take a creature from the wild and bring it back to an unknown environment. Sure, you are right – but they probably lived a longer life under my care. I will tell you more about my wildlife escapades another time. Thank you to all those of you who came to hear Roger Mellor talk about interesting plants and their uses. It was a fascinating insight to the world of plants. We have not quite got to standing-room only yet, but the numbers are creeping up!

with

Christine Broadway Our next talk is on Thursday May 5, from 10.15am, with Chris Bigg talking about Broadmead and beyond – see the what's on section for more details.

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May, 2022

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

When it comes to back pain, there’s really no need for anyone to suffer in silence FOR some people, however, there seems to be almost an air of resignation that nothing can be done to make things better. So stop right there – now is the time to take control of your back health! The recent Chiropractic Awareness Week was celebrated by our colleagues up and down the country. Here at Cleve Chiropractic, we encourage the #CleveFamily to take action, as research reveals that 80% of the nation will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime In the UK, 10 million people are currently living with back problems and, as we emerge from the pandemic, the impact is continuing to be felt. During lockdown, cases of back pain rose by a third. Despite this, only 10% of people who experienced symptoms sought support from a GP or chiropractor, with 46% not taking any steps to ease their pain. The good news is that, by actively making changes to your daily routine, the risk of developing a more challenging musculoskeletal condition can be reduced. Here are five top tips that the #CleveFamily can take to support their back health: 1. Start the day right and keep on moving: Physical

activity can be beneficial for managing back pain, so aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of movement into your day. It’s important that, if this is of a moderate to high intensity, you warm up and down properly to get your body ready to move. If a previous injury is causing you pain, adapt your exercises or seek some advice. Activities such as swimming, walking or yoga can be less demanding on your body, while keeping you mobile. 2. Take a break: If you sit for long periods as part of your job, ensure you stand up and move around every 30 minutes – this is particularly important in for hybrid set-ups and working from home if you don’t have the right ergonomic office equipment. 3. Lifting and carrying: If you’re taking on DIY or spring cleaning projects, remember to bend from the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy items. Face in the direction of movement and take your time. Hold the object as close to your body as possible and avoid carrying objects that are too heavy to manage alone –

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ask for help and use the right equipment. 4. Sleep comfortably: The Sleep Council recommends buying a new mattress at least every seven years. Mattresses lose their support over time so, if you can feel the springs through yours, or it’s no longer level, you’re not getting the correct support. Everyone has different requirements – if you share a bed and require different mattress types, consider two singles that are designed to be joined together, to ensure you both get the support you need. 5. Get some help: If your symptoms of back or joint pain last more than two weeks, or prevent you from carrying out your daily routines, see a chiropractor or GP for advice. You can find a registered chiropractor on the BCA’s ‘Find a Chiropractor’ page. Experienced Cleve Chiropractor Catherine Quinn has been doing her usual rounds of chatting to the local and national press about this. She said: “Feeling physically well positively impacts every aspect of how we live our day-to-day life, so maintaining good back health is extremely

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

important. Lower back and neck pain specifically are the greatest causes of years lost to disability in the UK. In addition to this, musculoskeletal conditions account for 30% of all GP appointments. “The good news is that there are simple steps that individuals can take to help alleviate symptoms. At the British Chiropractic Association, we want to raise awareness about these steps and show that anyone can be proactive about their back health. Easy changes can make a significant difference, but if your pain doesn’t reduce or is prolonged, you should always see a health professional for further guidance.”

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May, 2022

downendvoice

n SPORT

Cleve draw with local rivals under lights CLEVE'S game at Chipping Sodbury brought out a large crowd of local supporters. The game kicked off with Cleve showing why they are the in-form team in this league. Cleve attacked relentlessly for the first 10 minutes. From a scrum, then an offside penalty, Harry Owens stepped up to kick the points and put Cleve 3-0 up. Cleve were on the attack. Some good kicking put them in Sodbury’s 22, however Sodbury broke out, with their fly-half going 50 yards, then fed the scrum half, who went over under the posts to put them ahead.

Cleve then had to show why they have become a force in the league. Their defensive display was outstanding. A good take in the lineout by Ash Wildgoose created an opportunity to send the ball along the line. Ubi Onyekwelu took advantage and went over on the wing to make it 8-7. Cleve are a young team, who are well organised as a result of good coaching. During the game their lineout was very efficient, with Wildgoose taking a number of clean lineouts. In the second half Cleve continued with a number of close try experiences.

Close to the line the forwards executed a superb catch and drive: Myles Raymond was at the back of the drive and went over. The try was converted for 15-7 to Cleve, but Sodbury started to claw their way back into the game. They were awarded a penalty making it 15-10 and, with two minutes left on the clock, Sodbury made a desperate bid to attack Cleve’s line and went through to score but missed the conversion, so the match ended 15-all. Stephen Bateman

Harry Owens. Picture: Zoe Morgan

Downend ready for cricket season DOWNEND Cricket Club starts the season with the first team at home to Bishopston on May 7. The second team is away to Lansdown and thirds are away to Lodway. This year will be Callum Loud's first season as 1st Xl captain, with Joe Tolman leading

the 2nd Xl for the first time. Jason Robinson is resuming his role as 3rd Xl captain. Unfortunately due to local people abusing the ground by not picking up dog mess, we have put up signs to ban the walking of dogs on our ground and would be grateful of the local

community's support of this. Our latest ground improvement is brand new fencing running along the length of the clubhouse end.

New players are welcome to come along for practice on Thursdays at 6pm. Miles Davis

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Stapleton sets up extra team STAPLETON Cricket Club is now running four adult men's sides each week, alongside its women's and junior teams. The club started its pre-season games with an inter-club match and is inviting people to get in touch or pop down to its ground at the Hollow, off Park Road. Chairman Andy Chidgey said there would be cricket on Saturdays and most evenings during the season, adding: "Membership and fixtures right across the club are at all time highs and the club is booming." The new fourth men's team "provides opportunity for cricketers of all standards and chances for our junior players, as they make their way into adult cricket," said Andy. The club's women's section, founded last year under Charlie Dorman, and the junior section led by Ian Crawford, who was recently awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to cricket and the community, are also welcoming new recruits, from ages five and over. Andy said: "As you can see, things are blossoming at SCC and we're looking forward to a tremendously exciting season and we would love you to share it with us. We hope to see you in the near future and look forward to giving you a warm welcome at The Hollow." For more information about joining the club or visiting to watch a match, visit the website at stapleton.play-cricket.com.

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May, 2022

n SPORT

Mangos relegated from Southern League MANGOTSFIELD United’s season came to an end in the worst possible way, with relegation from the Southern League confirmed after the Easter Saturday drubbing at Plymouth Parkway. April began badly, with a 5-1 home defeat by play-off contenders Cirencester Town. Despite knowing they really needed to win most (or all) of their final six games to stand any real chance of avoiding relegation, a poor performance against their bogey side did nothing to raise supporters’ optimism about avoiding the drop. By the time Dawid Regula scored the Mangos' only goal on 73 minutes, it was already 4-0. Hopes were raised slightly with a hardearned 1-1 away draw at Paulton Rovers, with Isaac Flynn netting a cracking 84th minute equaliser. However, results elsewhere were beginning to go against the Mangos. A superb 2-0 away win at Larkhall Athletic on the following Wednesday evening kept Mangotsfield’s hopes alive. Larkhall had a player sent off and the Mangos made full use of the extra man, with second half goals from Mircea Llea (50) and Wayne Nderemani (87) gaining a valuable three points, but results elsewhere meant the overall picture hadn’t really changed.

Action from Mangotsfield United's away draw at Paulton. Picture: Dave Smale Easter Saturday saw the Mangos face their stiffest test of all – a daunting trip to promotion-bound Plymouth Parkway. The result went by the form book, with Parkway comfortably winning 4-0, and Mangotsfield relegated at the final whistle. The pressure was off for the Easter Monday home game against Slimbridge and despite the gloom hanging over Cossham Street, it was a decent match and a good final home performance. Goals from Harry Haughton (15) and Isaac Flynn (58) also guaranteed that Mangotsfield would not finish bottom of the table, with Barnstaple

Town’s goal difference more than 20 goals worse! The final game of the season was a hugely disappointing 4-0 defeat at Bideford, with two goals in the opening minutes of the second half doing the main damage. So Mangotsfield finished the season second from bottom with 27 points, relegated after 22 years of Southern League football at Cossham Street. However there are rumours doing the rounds that some sides across the non-league pyramid could be reprieved from relegation. The Southern League Division 1 South has operated this season one team short, so it is possible that the FA might only relegate one club. But right now, no one knows what will happen until the FA meets in the close season to discuss the set-up across the non-league pyramid for next season. If relegation is officially confirmed once the arrangements for next season are announced by the FA, the rules are that teams should normally go back to the league they came from, which for Mangotsfield would be the Western League, known these days as the Toolstation League. Dave Smale

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Give bowls a try WANT to try something new? Want to have some fun? Did you know that there is a friendly lawn bowls club not far from you?

Begbrook Green Bowling Club is located in Frenchay Park Road, alongside Begbrook Park and Stapleton & Begbrook Social Club. To welcome the warmer weather we are holding a series of free open days for people to come along and give bowls a try. All you need is a flat pair of shoes and we’ll provide the rest. These open days will kick off between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29, to

celebrate the Bowls Big Fun Weekend taking place nationally. Bowls is truly a sport for all: whether you are young, or young at heart, there is no age barrier. It is a very social activity, which only takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master. As well as providing an essential social lifeline, it is a good means of exercise but most important of all, it’s great fun. Check out our website – begbrookgreenbc.org.uk – or

find us on Facebook at Begbrook Green Bowling Club. For further details and to register your interest or book a session please contact Jane Warburton by calling 07712 315981 or emailing jewarburton12@gmail.com. Alternatively, register via the Bowls England website at bowlsweekend.com/register. Once on the website, click on “Find your nearest club” using our postcode, BS16 1HY. Ken Maynard

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ELECTRICIANS

Apricot Electrical DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

THE REWIRING SPECIALISTS FREE Rewires and Repairs ESTIMATES PIR Security Lighting Testing Certificates Building Society Wiring Reports

DOWNEND G FENCIN RVICE) (ERECTING SE

e - All types of 45 years experienc arance etc. fencing, repairs, cle L AL SM O NO JOB TO

FRIENDLY, HONEST AND PROFESSIONAL

TEL: 0797 3381663

200 Overndale Road, Downend Bristol BS16 2RH Mobile

0117 956 3285 CLEANING SERVICES

07976 665448

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

ELECTRICIANS

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

Local domestic cleaning company covering BS16 and surrounds Min 2 hr cleans • Weekly and fortnightly cleans. Also offering one off deep cleans and end of tenancy cleans to local landlords and tenants. Please feel free to contact Bonnie on 07813240011 http://maidtobe.co.uk Facebook @Maidtobe1 Instagram – Maid2b

From as little as

£20.00 +VAT

Per month

Call Nick on 0117 2872392 0117 303 9000

E-Mail: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022 GARAGE DOORS

HOUSE CLEARANCE

All Types of Garage Doors • Third generation Family Business • World Class Customer Service • Independent Specialists • Free Surveys & Advice • 10 Year Finish & “Safe & Reliable Function” Warranty • Downend Based Call Charlie on 07375 883596 or email charlie@egdbristol.com

EGDBristol.com

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

D. ATTWELL

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

GUTTERING SERVICES

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

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £99 1/4 Load Load £99 £99

67 MACHINE HIRE

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

Half Half £149 Half Load Load Load £149£149

J AND J CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE & PEST CONTROL LTD

3/4 Load 3/4 £199 3/4 Load Load £199£199 Full Load Full £249 Full Load Load £249£249

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

HAIRDRESSER

Tel 07779242184

OVEN CLEANING

Professional Mobile

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

    

Call Karina on

07789718422 JET WASHING

PAINTING & DECORATING

SJM DECORATING Replacement and Maintenance:

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

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

Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411

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

Free Quotations

01454 850201 or 07980 001109 GUTTER CLEANING

LANDSCAPING

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

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

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

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

Freephone 0800 858 9803 Mobile 07580 260 676

Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator

Builder & Interior Decorator

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

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

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

downendvoice

68 PAINTING & DECORATING

May, 2022

PLUMBING & HEATING

J L Painting & Decorating

BRISTOL: 0117 9000 986 MOBILE: 07834 633376

Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator

UP TO 10 YEAR

No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:

07474573780 0117 2792264

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

e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com

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

OFF YOUR NEW

BOILER FORALIMITEDTIME

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED

PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

PAINTING & DECORATING

£400

STEVE PAINTER

DECORATING SERVICES

629179

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

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

01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035

07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

PLUMBING

Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk

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

518308

PLUMBING & HEATING

We would be pleased to help you with your

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

UP TO 10 YEAR FINANCE PLANS AVAILABLE Contact us via:

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

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

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

FULLY ACCREDITED WITH

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

TEL: 07765 250816

56746

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

May, 2022 PLUMBING

WASTE DISPOSAL

RENDERING

Neil and James, father and son duo who are experienced and reliable renderers based in Downend who specialise in lime rendering for older properties, as well as Fassa and Concrete render. We also help with other aspects of property maintenance and landscaping.

07871 657196 Churchillandsons@gmail.com PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

A p p r o v e d C o n t r a c t o r

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

Tel 07779242184 ROOFING

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

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

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

WIGS

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

J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES

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

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 .

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

0117 9567298 07768 973291

www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk

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

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL

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

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

Roadworthy (Bristol) Limited is trading as Roadworthy Suzuki and is a credit broker and not a lender.

Request a Test Drive today: roadworthybristol.co.uk

Roadworthy Suzuki

574-590 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3DD, 0117 9654990 Model shown: Vitara 1.4 Mild Hybrid SZ5 at £26,584 on the road including optional dual-tone metallic paint at £835. Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Suzuki Vitara range in mpg (l/100km): Combined 48.3 (5.9) to 53.0 (5.4). CO2 emissions: 132 to 121 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend on a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *0% APR and No Deposit available on all Mild Hybrid and Full Hybrid Suzuki Vitara models. Hire Purchase product available on 0% APR over 24-60 months. Personal Contract Purchase product available on 0% APR over 25-49 months. Mileage limit, terms and conditions apply. Offer is available from participating Dealers only. Excludes Channel Islands and Isle of Man Dealers. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Credit is available to UK residents aged 18 years or over, subject to status, from Suzuki Finance, a trading style of Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. This offer is subject to availability and Suzuki Financial Services Ltd reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer without notice or prior warning. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Offer correct at the time of being published.

LOVE LOCAL EAT.SHOP.EXPLORE Rediscover our region at westofengland-ca.gov.uk/love-local