Downend Voice October 2022

School's hard work recognised

HAIR

BUS users in the Downend area will see major changes this month with a new Bristol to Yate route, the 47, replacing the axed 5 and Y5 services.

Operator First says the changes are necessary because of a 25 per cent fall in passenger numbers since the start of the pandemic and "acute driver shortages".

Our farewells to Her Late Majesty

People in Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield have been mourning the late Queen Elizabeth II by taking part in public events and sharing private memories.

PAGE 5

Help for hungry

As the cost of living crisis continues, we turn the spotlight on foodbank provision in our area.

PAGES 10 & 11

Tim's milestones

Our columnist Tim Button hits a century and reveals his role in helping Bristol Bears favourite Kyle Sinckler cure his back pain.

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Full story: Page 6

But Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council says the 47 route misses out areas the 5 covered and will leave a substantial part of the parish with no bus service. It is urging residents to protest to First.

Here at Craig Anthonys we pride ourselves not only on the styles but also the advice that we can provide. Our award winning team with years of experience in colouring and cutting can provide a style unique to suite you.

To arrange a no obligation consultation pop in or give us a call.

Staple Hill Primary School head teacher Sharon Boult and pupils from across the school are celebrating after the school was rated 'good' by inspectors, four years after being told it needed to improve. Full story: Page 3

IF you’ve ever spent a few hours or more on your computer or phone screen, you probably know the pain that is “TechThatNeck.”stiffness, soreness, and often injury is caused by holding our head forward for too long whilst using technology, typically a mobile phone. Thankfully, we at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend, specialise in the treatment of this issue and the postural problems it causes.

This really is a global phenomenon, straining our bodies and altering our posture, which affects children to the most senior members of ourTechcommunity.neckcauses more than simply the stiffness we feel. It alters our posture often resulting in headaches, neck pain, upper shoulder pain, and sometimes even tingling or numbness in the hands!

This increased pressure on our spinal nerves is the key issue which we must correct to maintain a healthy balance in the body.

'Tech neck' – technology and our bodies

So, with this in mind we’ve created a guide to help you navigate the negative effects of technology on your body.

What can I do to help myself?

Chin tucks

Standing up straight, draw your head straight back to make a double chin.

Do not to tilt your head back, keep your chin tucked in, head still parallel to the floor. Hold for five seconds, release. Then repeat.

Ear tuck

Place your right hand flat against the right side of your Tryhead.to tilt your head to your right shoulder while pushing against your hand.

Hold for five seconds, release slowly, and repeat on the other side.

Back tuck

Place both hands on the back of your head, with your head upright chin parallel to the floor. Now push your head backwards into your hands. Hold for five seconds, and Thisrepeat.will work those underused muscles that keep our head upright normally.

Check your spine alignment

Hold your phone at eye level, not your head at phone level!

It’s great workout for your arms and lifesaver for neck posture. If it gets too tiring, lye on your back holding your phone up in front of your face to save your arms.

Standing desks

Brilliant for posture, promotes gentle movements throughout the day, keeps our legs strong and even helps lower blood pressure!

Take regular breaks

Five minutes break each hour, make a coffee, change position markedly or have a pace around. Best to set an alarm to prompt you.

Limit screen time

If work involves plenty of screen time, be sure to limit phone usage after work and prioritize outdoor movement & activity wherever possible.

What Matt has to say “I’m often asked what’s the best posture? It’s a simple one to answer: the one you’re not constantly in! The key to a healthy spine and posture is movement. We are not

Matt Sutton 0117

designed to sit or stand in the perfect static position –movement is key! You see we are designed to move, and our modern lives contradict this basic biological principle.

It’s no wonder sitting has been described as the new smoking.Thisis why standing desks; Chiropractic care and regular yoga have rightly become so popular. At Sutton Chiropractic we’ve taken this a step further and designed a posture alteration program in clinic to help people reverse the negative effects of technology usage.”

BOOK

With this in mind be sure to book your posture screening by calling our reception team. It’s never too early for prevention, nor too late to improve.

School's 'relentless drive' to improve is praised

A PRIMARY school is celebrating the seal of approval from Ofsted, four years after the education watchdog said it required improvement.StapleHill

Primary School's staff and head teacher Sharon Boult have been praised for their "relentless drive" to make it the "best school it can be", after inspectors said it was good in all areas.Athree-person team from Ofsted visited the school in Page Road during the summer term, for the first time since 2018.

Their report, published in September, praised the school's "vision to ensure pupils become confident and independent learners, who can ‘make a difference’ to the world in the future".Theinspectors said: "Staple Hill is a welcoming school, where pupils’ different cultures, experiences and abilities are celebrated."Fromthe early years, children learn how to behave well. The vibrant and relevant curriculum captures pupils’ interest. They engage with learning. There is little disruption in lessons.

"Pupils and parents often comment on the community spirit of Staple Hill.

"As a parent put it: ‘Honestly, it feels like a family.’"

The inspectors said leaders at the school, which has 292 pupils aged four to 11, "are determined that pupils succeed".

They said children with special educational needs or

disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and the many who spoke English as an additional language "learn well"

Thethere.inspectors said: "Pupils are proud of themselves and their"Theyschool.enjoy roles of responsibility, such as becoming one of the class ambassadors who greet visitors and describe theirThelearning."inspectors said the curriculum was carefully considered and ordered, helping build knowledge and understanding in subjects from Bristol's history and the food chain to numeracy, phonics and reading, which benefited from "high-quality training" of staff and individual support for pupils who fall behind.

The inspectors recommended improvements in some subjects on the curriculum, including geography.Theuse of assessments to adapt teaching was praised, and the inspectors said "no limits or barriers" were put on pupils' achievements.Theysaidpupils became "articulate speakers", expressing their views confidently with "a strong awareness of equality, tolerance and respect for others".

Mrs Boult said: "We know our children ‘will make a difference’ to the world, as they are such wonderful children to have in school.

"We have a terrific staff team here at Staple Hill and everyone works extremely hard for the benefit of the children at all

Drought declared

SOUTH Gloucestershire and Bristol are officially in drought following some of the driest conditions in nearly 90 years.

The Environment Agency announced at the end of August that its Wessex area, which also includes Somerset, Dorset and parts of Wiltshire, had joined the rest of the South West region.

The official status, declared using a combination of data relating to rainfall, river flow, groundwater and reservoir levels, and soil dryness, indicates the impact the year's prolonged dry weather is having primarily on the environment.

Bristol Water has said it does not expect to need to impose a hosepipe ban in the remaining months of the year.

But the Environment Agency is "urging water companies to continue with their precautionary planning to protect essential supplies in the event of a dry autumn".

The agency’s area drought lead, Chris Paul, said: “River levels across our Wessex area are exceptionally low - many showing the lowest flows on record. This places incredible strain on local wildlife and this is why we are moving to drought status."

times, and we are very pleased this has been recognised in such positive comments.

"We were also delighted that our involvement with the community was recognised, along with the work of our family link worker, who offers guidance and support for our parents.

"Indeed, the positive parental feedback that we received during the inspection and afterwards has been astounding.

"We will use the report and its findings to build on the strengths of Staple Hill within the community and look forward to the journey ahead."

Executive head teacher Ross Newman said: "This change in Ofsted grade to Good represents a lot of hard work by staff and governors and, of course, the children who were ambassadors for our school throughout.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Boult and her team for their relentless drive to make Staple Hill the best school it can be."

Staple Hill Primary School head teacher Sharon Boult praised the school's "wonderful children" and "terrific staff"

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COMPLAINTS

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Drink attackeddriverpolice after Downend crash

A DRINK-driver who crashed into several cars in a Downend street, then attacked police officers called to the scene, has been jailed for more than sevenJamesyears.Wilson tried to gouge the eye of one officer and spat at another as he attempted to escape arrest after the incident in Lulworth Crescent just before Christmas last year.

Avon and Somerset police said Wilson was seen getting out of the driver's side of a black BMW which had crashed into "multiple parked cars" on the street off Westbourne Road.

The 33-year-old driver told PC Luke Watson, who arrived soon afterwards, that he had ‘found his car like that’.

PC Watson detained Wilson on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and put him in the back of a police car to await a breathalyser test.

A police spokesperson said: "In an attempt to escape, the offender attempted to gouge PC Watson’s eye, but luckily officers arrived in time to pull Wilson off their colleague.

"In the process, PC Craig Waters was also spat at."

Wilson was then taken into custody, where he refused to give a breath sample.

The force said PC Watson had to be signed off work with severe swelling and bruising around his right eye for more than two weeks after the incident, which happened at around 5pm on December 22. Wilson, of Albert Road in Hanham, was found guilty by a jury of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm at Bristol Crown Court in lateHeAugust.wasalso convicted of assaulting an emergency worker, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, failing to provide a specimen of breath and driving without insurance.

Wilson was jailed for a total of seven years and four months.

Afterwards investigating officer PC Alex Higham said: "The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and how seriously the courts take these "Violencematters.against anyone will not be tolerated, especially emergency workers who are there to protect and serve the public.

"PC Watson was very lucky not to lose his eye or sustain any permanent damage, which could have been the case if not for the intervention of his two colleagues."

School opening delayed

THE opening of Frenchay Primary School's new buildings has been delayed by a week.

The new £11 million school on the site of the former Frenchay Hospital, which will have capacity for 420 pupils, was due to host its first classes on September 12 when reception pupils started there.

Year 1 to 6 pupils were then due to follow on September 19.

However the date was pushed back a week to allow contractors BAM to finish getting the building ready.

The old school building was set to close for the last time on September 20, with staff moving in and unpacking over the following three days, with a view to reopening on September 26.

James Wilson

Residents mourn Queen as King is proclaimed

LOWERED flags, floral tributes and books of condolence were the outward signs of mourning in the Downend area following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Churches held memorial services and people gathered to mark a minute's silence in a "National Moment of Reflection" on the night before the Queen's state funeral took place.

Civic leaders led tributes to the Queen after her death was announced on September 8.

South Gloucestershire Council chair Sanjay Shambhu said: "On behalf of all councillors and staff of South Gloucestershire Council, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time.

"Her Majesty The Queen was a much loved and respected leader who will be remembered with great fondness. Her dedication to the nation and to the Commonwealth was both unstinting and inspirational.

"We were fortunate to receive Her Majesty into the district on several occasions, including her visits to Badminton Horse Trials, which she enjoyed for the first time in 1952 and on official engagements, such as when she opened the Severn Bridge in September 1966, and on visits to the aerospace works at Filton, home to the assembly line of the British-built Concorde."

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "Her Majesty The Queen has been a constant presence during all of our lives and during so many periods of immense change, not just in the West of England and the UK but across the"Sheglobe.has been an exemplar who always put service first. It is almost unimaginable such a reliable fixture in our lives is no longer with us."

Flags at council offices were flown at half mast as a mark of respect, and were also lowered at churches, pubs and other buildings in the area - even the Downend in Bloom Platinum Jubilee displays were adjusted.

Books of condolence were opened at churches, including Christ Church in Downend and St James in Mangotsfield, as well as at the offices of Emersons Green Town Council in Westerleigh Road.

South Gloucestershire Council opened both a

physical and an online book of condolence, enabling residents to post messages online.

Among those who posted messages was Downend resident Joanna Sparkes, who said: "You will be sorely missed – you represented us to the world with poise, grace and manners."

Fellow Downend residents Anthony and Elaine Rudrum said: "As pensioners old enough to remember Her Majesty’s wedding day, we feel desolated at her passing.

"She exemplified everything that is good and worth preserving in this country.

"As an ex-serviceman, I can only imagine how members of the Armed Forces must be mourning her death. Sleep well Ma’am – you’ve earned it."

Flowers were left in a number of places across the district, including at the Dame School in Mangotsfield and in Kingswood Park, where tributes placed in other parks and public spaces were being gathered together.

Schools also held events for pupils to reflect on the Queen's reign.Among them was Stanbridge Primary School in Downend, where a spokesperson said: "We have reflected on the wonderful life of the Queen in class and during"Weassembly.recognised her long service and commitment to her role and explained that we now have a king, King Charles III."

Across the country on September 18 a minute's silence was held as part of the National Moment of Reflection. Gatherings for people to mark the silence together were held in a number of places, including Kingswood Park.

On the day of the state funeral schools and most shops and offices were closed, and council services including waste and recycling collections were suspended.Residents whose usual collection day is a Monday were being advised to wait until the following week, when up to two extra bin bags per household were being accepted for disposal.

Proclamation ceremonies were held at Kingswood Civic Centre and on College Green in Bristol on September 11.

South proclamationGloucestershire'swasmadeby Cllr

Sandhu at Kingswood Civic Centre, while in Bristol it was delivered by the High Sheriff of Bristol, Alex Raikes, who said: "The joyful reception of the people gathered is testament to the value placed in His Majesty.

"On a fine, and sunny day on College Green, we followed in the footsteps of generations past in marking the accession of the Monarch with dignity and respect."

Floral tributes left at the Dame School in Mangotsfield

Flags on Downend in Bloom's Platinum Jubilee display were lowered to half mast

South Gloucestershire Council chair Sanjay Shambhu lays a wreath in Kingswood Park. Picture: Rich McD

First confirms bus cuts - and new service

BUS operator First has confirmed that it is cutting eight services operating in Bristol and SouthAmongGloucestershire.theservices being withdrawn from October 9 are the 5 between Downend, Oldbury Court, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton, Eastville and the city centre, and the Y5, which links Staple Hill and Pucklechurch to Yate, Chipping Sodbury and the city centre.First says a new service, the 47, will "provide a partial replacement for the majority of customers" who use the 5, Y5 and two other services being axed, the Y3 and Y4.

But the changes mean there will no longer be a direct bus service between Staple Hill and Yate - and the timetable published for the new 47 has no advertised Sunday or bank holidayDownendservices.&Bromley Heath Parish Council says differences between the 47 and the former

5 route, along with the failure to reinstate any services in Bromley Heath, will "leave a substantial part of our parish with no bus service".Firsthas also said there will be "minor timetable changes to improve punctuality and

reliability", as well as changes to stops, for services including the 48 and 49, which link Downend and Staple Hill respectively with Fishponds, Bristol city centre and Emersons Green.

Details of these changes had not been confirmed as the Voice went to print, although earlier in the summer there were warnings that the frequency of all services could be sacrificed to improve reliability, as a driver shortage led to widespread cancellations.

First says the changes are "designed to balance customer demand with available resource to deliver reliable services" and says they result from both a 25% fall in passenger numbers since the start of the pandemic and "acute driver shortages".

First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said: "The very last thing any transport operator wants to do is reduce or cut any services."Werecognise the impact these changes will have on some of our communities and we are truly sorry for those who will be affected.

"Our data shows that passengers do not use these services in sufficient numbers and are unlikely to return in the future. Along with the significant driver shortages, this means we simply have no choice but to withdraw or reduce those services and ensure we focus on running buses where there are enough customers travelling."

The new 47 will run from the city centre through St Paul's and Eastville, along Fishponds Road and through the Oldbury

Court estate before heading up Frenchay Road and Croomes Hill to join the 48 route through Downend and Emersons Green, before heading to Pucklechurch, Westerleigh and Yate.

The new timetable advertises hourly services between 5.20am and 6.10pm from Bristol, and between 6.08am and 7.08pm from Yate. The entire journey takes around 90 minutes.

Areas served by the 5 which are not on the 47 route include Overndale Road and Cleeve Hill, while the areas served by the Y5 but not the 47 include Stapleton, Staple Hill and Shortwood.

In a statement published in full elsewhere in this month's Voice, the parish council said: "It was assumed that the route from Oldbury Court to Downend would be unchanged. However that is not the case.

"The revised route will leave a substantial part of our parish with no bus service."

The council said residents would demand that the route through Bromley Heath, which was axed last year, or up Cleeve Hill be reinstated, adding: "Affected residents are urged to contact First without delay."

Passenger Terry Stevens, who has been collecting complaints from passengers since first axed the direct Y2 from Downend to Yate in April, said: "Staple Hill and Mangotsfield are going to be missed out altogether from the new service - a big area where services will now be worse."

He said the area also needed a service which would link it to Coalpit Heath, Yate railway station and South Gloucestershire Council's offices in the town, which are not on the Y5

route.Metro

Mayor Dan Norris, who held a consultation on shaping future bus services over the summer, said he was pleased some of the 5 and Y5 route would still have a service with the new 47, but said other areas were "paying the price" for the driver shortage.Hesaid:

"The major issue driving these cuts is not money, but the severe driver shortage. That's why I am working with companies like First on driver recruitment and training, though I’m sure residents will appreciate this is not a short-term fix."

The new 47 route

Outstanding! Pre-school celebrates Ofsted verdict

of it follows on from there.

"The feedback the inspector got from parents was fantastic.

The pre-school, which has 48 children aged from two to five on its roll, was founded 56 years ago and until 2019 was based at St James Church Hall in Richmond Road, Mangotsfield.

Since then it has had its own building and outdoor area in the grounds of Emersons Green PrimaryInspectorSchool.Sian Bath said in her report: "All children positively thrive in this warm and stimulating pre-school.

"Staff are extremely caring and knowledgeable, and they meet all children’s needs exceptionally well."

She said all children, especially those with special educational needs or disabilities, made "excellent" progress, adding that staff "expertly differentiate for each child according to their stage of development".Theinspector said: "Children feel extremely safe and secure. They behave exceptionally well and independently follow the well-planned routine.

"Staff are very consistent, so children know what to expect and when.

"Children are very confident and have a can-do attitude. They stay focused at activities for long periods of time, as staff expertly offer challenge and help children to succeed."Thereport praised children's "excellent communication and language skills", developed through an understanding of rhyme and love of books, and "deep level of understanding of mathematics", including the learning of sums by older children.Theinspector also highlighted the pre-school's use of the nature surrounding the site to help children learn about the world, including watching foxes and newts living nearby.

The report highlighted the pre-school's links with the neighbouring school and outside agencies, "extremely effective" partnerships with parents and

"strong bonds" with the children themselves, who feel "valued and respected".Theinspector said: "Children from a range of complex backgrounds with different needs are exceptionally well supported to feel secure and express their feelings."Parents feel their children are highly valued and supported.

"Staff expertly share children’s learning and next steps regularly with parents."

Safeguarding and special needs support was also praised, and the inspector said manager Tracey Ashford was "incredibly reflective and ambitious for all children", adding: "She goes above and beyond what is expected to ensure all children thrive and are ready for the next stage in life.

“She inspires her team to be the best it can be. She constantly finds ways to improve the pre-school to meet each child’s needs."Tracey said: "We were very pleased with the rating; we have been striving for it for years."

She was particularly pleased that Ofsted had picked up on the pre-school's work on maths and the "great pains" staff go to to ensure parents are involved with pre-school life - the inspector had arrived on the morning of a sports day, attended by around 70 parents.

She said: "We didn't do anything we haven't done in the past."It's not that we have changed

the way we work but that Ofsted have picked up on it.

"Our basic ethos is always the same, which is to make every child relaxed and confident enough to go to school - the rest

"It's really important to get parents on your side. We get to know them all intimately and they can talk to us about what's going on at home, so we know the children inside and out."

Tracey said when the preschool had to find a new site in 2019 it had taken a long time to find the right place but its current home, with its open space, had been ideal for its emphasis on outdoor play and learning about the environment and how to live with nature.

She said: "We've just gone from strength to strength."

Tracey singled her deputy Karen Sheppard out for special praise, saying she had been "one of the main reasons why we got our outstanding rating".

Staff and children at Mangotsfield Pre-school

How yourhelptherapyvisioncouldyouandchild

Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 962 2474 0117 965 4434

IT’S definitely one of those times where we can really feel as if we’re watching history being written. So much has been covered about the process of transition from Queen to King, it was nice to have a little time out recently to process our emotions as we mourned & celebrated the life of probably the greatest Monarch to ever live.

There is no doubt still much to be learnt from such a wise & experienced person as our Queen Elizabeth was, who as Queen was renowned for keeping her thoughts to herself.

I, on the other hand, am clearly not encumbered by any high office or elevated position! Through writing this blog I am regularly able to share my thoughts on a couple of topics close to my heart. One is vision stress, particularly when it impacts the learning potential of children & young people.

For our eyes to work properly, we need them to work in harmony with our brains. Throughout childhood, we learn how to see. As newborns, our eyes work, but we haven’t yet developed most of the visual skills we need throughout our lives.

As babies, primitive reflexes kick in to help us develop the movement, posture, control and perception skills we use and rely on. Sometimes these don’t fully integrate, and when that happens, the person may display all the hallmarks of a vision issue.

It could be difficulty reading or writing, words moving or jumping on a page, visual perception issues or concentration problems. We often see these issues at Turners Opticians, especially now that the children have returned to school, with parents worried about their child not achieving their learning potential.

That’s why we offer Vision Therapy to our patients - of all ages! What is Vision Therapy?

Vision Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free programme of specific vision training exercises that have been shown to be effective.

The goal is to help patients achieve clear, comfortable vision, help the development of fundamental visual skills key to our reading and learning processes and improve how visual information is processed.

In short, Vision Therapy is like physio for the visual system, including the eyes and the parts of the brain that control vision. So what does Vision Therapy look like in practice?

• STEP ONE is an initial vision assessment where your specialist optometrist will thoroughly assess your eye health, ensure you have optimal vision from any glasses you wear and will be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for vision therapy or tinted •lenses.

STEP TWO is a detailed functional vision assessment with a Specialist (Behavioural) Optometrist. They will look into the finer aspects of your vision system, how it functions and assess your visual skill level.

• STEP THREE is to attend Vision Therapy sessions regularly and consistently where you or your child will be guided through a vision therapy programme. On average this can take between three and nine months.

If you have any questions that have not been covered here, please email: eyegym@ turnersopticians.co.uk

To book an appointment, please call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, with a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance. TURNERS VISION

PREPARATIONS are underway for this year's Downend Round Table fireworks display.

The Bristol area's biggest annual display will take place on Friday November 4 at King George V playing fields.

Last year's display marked the event's 50th anniversaryand it is heading into its second half-century with some new innovations.Organisers are making entry to the event cashless, with tickets on sale online beforehand and entry on the gate via contactless card

Mostreaders.ofthe stalls will also be card-only, although sparklers and light-up toys are likely to still be sold for cash.

And for the first time the stalls will include a gin bar, joining the Hop Union (formerly Great Western Brewery) bar, food and funfair stalls and rides.

But while there have been some changes, the event will include the traditional attractions such as the quieter children's display before the main show, and a bonfireweather permitting.

Fireworks display returns to help good causes

being made to causes including homelessness charities Caring in Bristol and the Julian Trust.

The 2021 display sold out in advance for the first time ever, as crowds reached the 12,000 limit introduced to ensure some distancing could take place on the site as the country emerged from pandemic restrictions.

And to help people trying to cope with the rising cost of living, ticket prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.

Downend Round Table Fireworks chairman Paul Wells said: "We have seen our costs rise slightly but we think we can absorb these costs to try and help as many people as possible to join us, so tickets have been held at 2021 prices.

"As always, all profits from

Last year's display.

Picture: Sean Young

the event go towards local charities and causes; if you think there is a charity or group that supports people in Downend or the surrounding area that we could support, please put them in touch with us.

"We haven't had as many requests this year and we are inviting them to apply for support for local projects."

Last year's event raised a record £45,000, with donations

Tickets will go on sale soon from the downendrt.co.uk website, with updates on both the Downend Round Table and the event's dedicated Facebook page.Downend Round Table is a non-profit club that is part of the world's largest voluntary organisation for young men, aged 18 to 45.

To get involved with Round Table, or request funding for a local good cause, email hello@ downendrt.co.uk.

Fire service staff turn to foodbanks

SOME Avon Fire & Rescue Service staff are having to use food banks to get by, the chief fire officer has said.

Simon Shilton spoke out as firefighters and control staff prepare for a ballot for strike action, after receiving an annual pay offer of 2%, which has not been increased despite inflation reaching around 10% and the coming hike in energy bills.

The CFO said he was "seriously worried" about the welfare of staff and the measures they are resorting to as they face "significant hardships" due to the increased cost of living.

He spoke as a Bristol NHS trust also warned staff could strike over below-inflation pay offers, with the Royal College of Nursing union currently holding a ballot.

Mr Shilton said: "All our staff deserve a properly-funded pay rise, in line with the increasing cost of living and in line with those offered to other public sector services.

Chief fire officer Simon Shilton

"Unfortunately, the pay afforded to fire and rescue service staff has not reflected the roles within the service for some

time."The

number of applications we receive for roles within the Fire Service is declining. Many applicants for firefighter roles are applying in the knowledge they will need to take a drop in salary from their current employment.

"This has led to difficulties in us recruiting and retaining staff and, more recently, has despairingly led to some staff

having to access food banks to get by – this cannot be right.

"Following on from the recent period of hot weather and going into the winter, the imminent threat of industrial action with unresolved pay negotiations would stretch our organisation beyond its capabilities.

"I know for many, taking part in industrial action it is not a decision they will be taking lightly.

“When I speak to staff, they will tell me that they do it for the love of the job, because they care

about the future of their local communities and ultimately, they want to keep people safe from harm.

“But as we’re already seeing, this doesn’t pay the bills or put food on the table and staff should be able to do this job, support their families and their communities."Thechiefexecutive of University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Trust, which runs the Bristol Royal Infirmary and other city centre hospitals, said there was a "real risk" of strike action as unions held ballots over a “miserable” 4% offer they say would leave staff £1,000 a year worse off in real terms.

Eugine Yafele told a meeting of the trust board in August that the increases were not fully funded by NHS England and any shortfall would have to be "drawn from existing budgets", but the "greatest risk" to services was if the pay offer was rejected and strike action followed.

New foodbank opens in Staple Hill

A NEW foodbank has opened in Staple Hill, as more people seek help to cope with the rising cost of living.Thedrop-in foodbank in Staple Hill High Street, near the junction with Overnhill Road, is being run by Kingswood charity IgniteOpenLife.on Mondays between midday and 1pm, and Tuesdays from 10am until 2pm, the foodbank is staffed by a team of five volunteers and available to anyone in need of help in the short or long term.

Since it opened in midAugust it has helped more than 100 people, providing tinned and packet food, jars and fresh fruit and vegetables, plus bread and pastries.Thefoodbank also provides toiletries, cleaning and sanitary products.Funded by grants, with donated products from Sainsbury's Kings Chase branch in Kingswood and Morrisons in Fishponds, it also accepts donations from the public, who can bring them in during openingAmongtimes.theitems currently needed are toilet roll, baby

Help on offer

products, instant coffee, tea, sugar and tinned sweetcorn. While many foodbanks are only open to people who have been referred, the Ignite Life foodbank operates on a trust basis, with people encouraged to come and ask for help when they needIgniteit. Life chief executive

Bethanie Cundy said: "There are so many barriers to accessing support already. There's a lot of stigma and shame around it, which stops people asking for help."It takes a lot for someone to come and ask for help - more often than not they are reluctant to take it.

• School uniform reimbursements - up to £50 for primary school and £80 for secondary school pupils available for eligible families, for essential school clothing, bought between July and September; up to three children per household.

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council and local charities are offering financial and practical support to people feeling the impact of the rising cost of living.

Council support includes:

• The Household Support Fund, for people who are struggling to buy food, pay energy and water bills or cover other essential living costs.

• The Community Resilience Fund, providing emergency and long-term financial support for people whose income or outgoings have been impacted recently, for example by redundancy, cuts in working hours or income.

People can find out if they are eligible and apply for the grants at the council's One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway or Yate, call 01454 868009 for advice or visit the council website at beta.southglos. gov.uk/financial-support-for-residents.

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STAPLE Hill Community Hub is offering help including emergency food parcels and Tesco food vouchers.

The hub, in Berkeley House next to Nelson Road, also runs a subsidised lunch club on Mondays and Fridays, a children’s free after school club on Tuesday evenings,

"People are going to really struggle over the coming months. We want them to know that if they really need help, we will be Bethaniehere."said while some people had come in every week, others only needed help once, including a woman who was working but had been faced with a sudden "huge" bill, others who had run out of money as they waited to be paid at the end of the month or had a delay in receiving benefits.

Ignite Life started as a youth mentoring charity in 2019 but has expanded its services to include food for young people and families during school holidays, and ran a service delivering around 120 food parcels a week during the covid lockdown. It continues to deliver parcels to families in areas including Downend, Staple Hill, Emersons Green, Kingswood, Hanham and Willsbridge.

People who would like to volunteer or make a donation to the foodbank can email hello@ignite-life.co.uk, or visit the charity's Facebook page or website at ignite-life.co.uk.

a free coffee and cake morning on Wednesday mornings from 10.30-11.30am and a free job club on Mondays from 1.303.30pm.

It is launching a Staple Hill Sprouts free gardening club for children aged 7-11 soon and offers free breakfasts for children, in partnership with the Bean Tree Cafe, on some school holiday mornings. To find out more call 01454 868374 or email hello@ staplehillcommunityhub.org.uk.

n n n

RESOUND foodbank in Blackhorse Road offers food and household items to people in need in Mangotsfield, Emersons Green, Staple Hill, Downend and the surrounding area.People need to be referred by a frontline health and social care agency to access emergency food support.

Ignite Life chief executive Bethanie Cundy at the foodbank in Staple Hill

Schools celebrate GCSE success

SCHOOL leaders have praised the determination and dedication of GCSE students who "exceeded expectations" after two years of studies affected by the pandemic.

The 16 year olds picking up their results at the end of August were the first to sit the exams in their conventional form since 2019, with results in the last two years decided using assessments instead.

At Mangotsfield School, head teacher Hetty Blackmore said the 2022 results had been an improvement on 2019, with the number of students achieving a grade 5 or higher - known as a 'strong pass' - in both English and maths up by 15.3% on three yearsMrsago.Blackmore said: "There are so many individual successes to be proud of, and the school is delighted by the personal achievements of the entire cohort."While it is hard to select students to praise individually,

several have exceeded expectations at a national level."

The school highlighted the achievements of six pupils:

• Cora Stone, who achieved five

grade 9s, two grade 8s and two grade 7s

• Jay Evans: three 9s, three 8s, three 7s

• Richard Robinson: three 9s, three 8s, one 7

• Sam Hollister: two 9s, four grade 8s, three 7s

• Sienna White: two 9s, three 8s, four 7s

• Thomas Hardwell: two 9s, three 8s, one 7

Mrs Blackmore said: "This year group has overcome significant challenges and uncertainty during their GCSE years.

"The effort and dedication shown during their final year has been inspiring and I am delighted with their progress and results. We wish you all the best for your bright and brilliant futures."AtDownend School, head teacher Lisa Howell said teachers were "absolutely delighted" with the "excellent" performance of GCSE

Shecandidates.said:"Wehave always known that this year was a ‘transition year’ between 2021 and 2019.

"This means that overall grades will be about halfway between the two nationally, and makes any comparison to previous years impossible.

"We are, however, delighted to see excellent results across the board, with a number of students achieving top grades."

The school highlighted the performances of Lucy Beresford and Corin Yelland, who each

achieved eight Grade 9s and one Grade 8, while Poppy Beresford secured seven Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and one Grade 7.

Mrs Howell said: "The disruption of the last few years has varied for individual communities, families and students and as a result it is difficult to single out any particular performances.

"We are, of course, so proud of all those who have achieved a whole set of top grades, but we are equally proud of those who have achieved their own personal bests and of those who have overcome huge challenges over the last few years to achieve the grades they need for their next steps in education and in employment."Theseyoung people have shown determination,extraordinarydespitean extremely difficult set of circumstances in the latter part of their secondary education, and we could not be prouder of their achievements."Wecongratulate them all and thank their parents, teachers and other school staff for all the ways they have helped our students."What the last two and a half years have taught us is that our young people are more than a grade. The resilience they have shown under such conditions is remarkable."Theyare all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of them."

Mangotsfield School GCSE students with head teacher Hetty Blackmore on GCSE results day

'Welcoming nursery where children thrive' praised

A "VERY welcoming" day nursery in Downend has been praised by an inspector for its relationships with children and parents.Regulator

Ofsted visited Sunbeams Day Nursery in Dibden Road for the first time in six years in June.

The inspector's report, which has now been published, rated the nursery good in three out of four areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and managementand outstanding for children's personal development, with a 'good' rating overall.

Inspector Joanne Neenan said: "Children thrive at this very welcoming nursery. They come in enthusiastically and are greeted by caring staff, who are genuinely excited to see them.

"Children have lovely relationships with staff, excitably hugging and welcoming back staff who have been away for a while.

"Children have access to a variety of inviting, interesting resources that help them to develop and make good progress in all areas.

"Staff have high expectations of children and are good role models."Children behave well in this very calm and safe environment and show positive attitudes towards learning.

"Staff feel supported by a highly effective, caring management team."

The inspector praised the "interesting curriculum" at the nursery, which opened in 1999 and has 77 children, aged from babies to four year olds, on its books, with 19 members of staff.

She also praised safeguarding arrangements, links with health specialists and the community, including a nearby residential home, and the nursery's relationship with parents.

The report said: "Parents love the nursery.

"They say the low staff turnover makes them feel confident that staff know their children and families well.

"They feel listened to, with any concerns they may have quickly addressed by the strong management team."

The inspector recommended that the nursery work further with parents to help children's learning at Sunbeamshome.proprietor Jackie Offer said: "We were overjoyed to read our latest Ofsted report. "Realising how much detail our inspector was able to capture on one of the hottest days of the year was extremely rewarding.

"As an independent, familyrun setting, we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere and super, nurturing staff.

"Our inspector appreciated all of the improvements that have been made since the last inspection and congratulated us on our ethos of ongoing review

and staff training.

"It’s a huge honour to be entrusted with taking care of our parents' most treasured possessions and we take it very seriously."

She said staff "should all be very proud" of the outstanding rating for children’s personal, social and emotional development.

Staff and children at Sunbeams Day Nursery

Seating area commemorates past players

A BOWLS club has created a new seating area where members can relax and remember absent friends.Page Park Bowls Club used the space from a disused scoreboard overlooking the bowling green to host an eyecatching new shelter, which now surrounds an existing memorial seat.The wooden structure includes a tiled roof, a picture, a message encouraging people to "rest and ponder on good times had" and space for plaques remembering departed members to beThemounted.structure was built by members Gerry Johnson, Martyn Seabourne and Nick White.

Gerry, who coordinated

Club president Eve Forbes, Alderman Shirley Potts and club captain Mike Conlon at the unveiling ceremony

the project, said: "The old scoreboard was in a poor state of repair and in danger of collapse,

after being there for more than 25 years."Dismantling it gave us a clean sheet of paper to work with."We decided to construct a seating area but didn't want it to be like a bus shelter - we wanted it to have character.

"We also wanted it to be more than just a seating area - we wanted it to be special and have meaning to members.

"We could not think of a better tribute to our past bowlers than to turn this into a memorial area."

QUALIFIED FOOT PROFESSIONALHEALTH

Changes to number 5 Bus Service

There will be a number of changes to Downend buses from 9 October 2022.

The first change is the number 5 bus service will now be known as the 47 service. This will be a combination of current (or recently cancelled) bus route services 5, Y2, Y3 and Y5. These routes have been combined in order to save money and due to a lack of bus drivers. The proposed 47 bus route is as follows:

Lewins Mead, City Road, Ashley Road, Sussex Place, St Werberghs, Eastgate, Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Oldbury Court, Downend, Emersons Green, Pucklechurch, Westerleigh, Yate.

It was assumed that the route from Oldbury Court to Downend would be unchanged. However that is not the case. The new route will be via Croomes Hill onto Downend Road then follow the 48 service route through Downend to Emersons Green. The revised route will leave a substantial part of our Parish will no bus service.

First have not publicised details of the route from Oldbury Court into Downend. This is a concern as the Traffic Commissioners (who approve the bus routes) may not be aware of the problems this will cause for those residents who will be left with no bus service. This is a particular issue for the Bromley Heath estate area and residents will demand that the route between Oldbury Court and Downend through Bromley Heath or up Cleeve Hill be re-instated to provide a bus service to Downend and Eastgate shops.

Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council will continue

to press for re-instatement of this route but affected residents are urged to contact First without delay.

The 47 service will stop at the Bus Station in the shopping area at Yate.

There will also be some changes to the timing of the 48 service to enable a more punctual and reliable service. This will be a welcome change as there have been a number of cancellations without warnings due to lack of bus drivers, leaving residents stranded for up to an hour, which is not acceptable. There will also be changes to stopping arrangements in Bristol City Centre, as yet unspecified.

Cyclists raise £9,000 for dad's cancer treatment

FRIENDS who teamed up to cycle a non-stop relay the length of Britain completed their challenge in under three days - and raised more than £9,000 to help a Staple Hill dad battling cancer.

Nick Anstruther, Darren Weston, Andy Hunter and Ben Ridgway took on the journey from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Dave's Brain Fund, the campaign by family and friends of David Gibbs to raise £150,000 to pay for cancer treatment not available on the NHS.

Dave was diagnosed in September last year with glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the brain and spinal cord.

An operation at Southmead Hospital the following month removed 95% of the tumour and he has also undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy.ButDave,who is married with a young daughter, has been told this will not stop the tumour from growing back again.

The fund is paying for him to receive a personalised cancer vaccine, individually prepared using sequenced genetic information, at a clinic in Germany.

Nick, Darren, Andy and Ben, who live in Downend, Staple Hill and Warmley, decided to take on the Land’s End to John O’Groats route, which usually takes around 10 days for

an individual cyclist to complete, in a nonstopCyclingrelay. in two-and-a-half hour shifts, covering around 30 miles at a time before swapping for a fresh rider, they completed the 882-mile route in just 62 hours.

Nick said: "The wheels didn’t stop from

start to finish!"

Each rider would change and rehydrate between legs, catching rest wherever possible in the back of a motorhome.

Starting their first day at 6am, they passed a party of supporters at the Willy Wicket in Downend that evening, cycling through Wales overnight and into Lancashire the followingReachingmorning.Scotland on the second afternoon, they made it to John O'Groats just before sunset on the third evening.

Nick said that as well as coping with 44,748 ft of climbing, the team lost Ben's bike after hitting a metal bar in the middle of the first night - he borrowed teammate Andy's bike for the rest of the challenge - and had a puncture in their support van.

The trip was the culmination of fundraising by Nick and Darren which included several other events, including a 24hour cycle ride on static bikes in May.

Nick said: "Thank you to everyone who has kindly and so generously sponsored the challenges."Todonate, visit crowdfunding/cycling-davesbrainfund.justgiving.com/

Video from the trip and updates on fundraising events can be found on the Dave’s Brain Fund Facebook page.

Nick Anstruther, Darren Weston, Andy Hunter and Ben Ridgway at John O'Groats

Waste collector fined

A MANGOTSFIELD man who collected rubbish for cash then dumped it behind his own street has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines and costs.

Jason Edgecombe, aged 41, was prosecuted by South Gloucestershire Council after waste he had collected from other people was found in a communal area behind Northcote Road.

An investigation found that, during or before the first covid lockdown, Edgecombe had advertised a waste collection service on social media under the names Westcoast Removals and Westcoast Waste Removal.

A council spokesperson said: "Edgecombe subsequently collected controlled waste for payment from many locations, without the correct licence or paperwork.

"Some of this collected waste was then found deposited in a communal area at the rear of Northcote Road, Mangotsfield.

"During interview Edgecombe denied fly-tipping, claiming he was assisting a friend who must have fly-tipped the waste.

"However the magistrate said he had no doubt it was Edgecombe who communicated with customers and received payment from them, and was collecting waste without the appropriate licence and paperwork."

Following a trial at Bristol Magistrates Court on August 15, he was found guilty of fly-tipping waste, not having a registered waste carrier licence or waste transfer notes.

Edgecombe was fined £484, ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £1,479 in costs: a total of £2,011.

Afterwards council cabinet member for environmental enforcement Rachael Hunt said: “This case saw waste collected without the correct legal paperwork from across South Gloucestershire and then fly-tipped without any consideration of the impact it would have on residents or the environment.

“Our zero-tolerance approach means that anyone who fly-tips in South Gloucestershire is five times more likely to be prosecuted than anywhere else in the country.

"Our award-winning environmental enforcement team has a 100 per cent record of securing successful prosecutions for this type of offence and if you fail in your duty of care and allow rubbish to be fly-tipped here, you can expect to be caught and brought before the courts.

“We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste in a responsible and lawful manner.

"If you hire a company to dispose of your waste, always ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken.

"Failing to carry out these simple checks could mean you are found liable and face a considerable fine if the waste is illegally deposited.”

People who see illegal fly-tipping are being urged to report it by calling the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/ flytipping.

Residents are being reminded that unwanted goods and household or garden waste can be disposed of at the Sort It recycling centre in Carsons Road, Mangotsfield, which is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm every day.

Rubbish was dumped behind homes in Northcote Road

Charity quits landmark Downend House

A CHARITY that ran a supported housing project in one of Downend's best-known buildings has closed the scheme after almost three Milestonesyears.Trust, which is based in Staple Hill, took over Downend House in North Street in the autumn of 2019, following extensive refurbishment by owners the John Turley Memorial Trust.

The birthplace of England and Gloucestershire cricketing legend WG Grace hosted a supported living service for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

Despite the project resulting in "incredible" progress for the residents, Milestones Trust, which has been providing support services across the region since 1986, said it had now finished following a "significant" financial loss.

Chief executive Hilary Crowhurst said: "We are very sorry to confirm we have taken the difficult decision to close

Downend House.

"The building was leased from the John Turley Trust and has now been returned to them.

"This decision was taken for several reasons. These include the unsuitability of the small bedsit accommodation, problems maintaining full occupancy, and issues around rising costs and maintaining the building to an expected"Thesestandard.factorscontributed to a significant financial loss.

GracelegendofbirthplaceHouseDownendisthecricketingWG

"Many of the tenants had made incredible progress, and no longer required this level of support."Before the closure we worked proactively with them and other stakeholders to find suitable alternative accommodation and support packages.

"As a charity specialising in supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health issues, our focus remains on ensuring that all our services continue to deliver the high

quality of care and support the trust is known for."

The landmark Grade II listed building on the corner of North Street and Salisbury Road, where Grace was born in 1848, had been in steady decline as an office building before the John Turley Memorial Trust bought it.

After renovation work, including removing dry rot and asbestos and recreating the house’s original staircase, it was converted into nine selfcontained flats with en-suites, kitchens and living areas, with those on the ground floor accessible to people with physical disabilities.JohnTurley Memorial Trust chairman Bruce Simmonds said the charity was actively looking for a new tenant to run a similar scheme in the building, and hoped to start negotiations soon.

He said: "It has worked very well, so I hope we can find somebody else to continue to use"Itit. has got lots of potential."

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.

are impossible to list.

The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 20 years.The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote, lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items.

All the flower and vegetable plants are purchased locally from independent small nurseries.

Our hay and straw is grown on a farm near Pucklechurch.

Lloydbottoms

We are a well-established, friendly firm of Chartered Accountants, on Staple Hill High Street. We provide a full range of accounting and tax services to local businesses and individuals.Ourgoal 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.

Staple Hill Stores

Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they

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.

Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing assistance with VAT or payroll, or a new start-up seeking experienced advice, Lloydbottoms are here to helpToyou.discuss how we can help you, please contact us for a free

initial consultation. We look forward to working with you.

Farleys

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

It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and have grown the garden supplies part of the business.

The garden supplies section includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have just started supplying trellis and

picket fencing made locally.

Within the pet foods section we have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live insects and bedding.

Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food.

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

Spectrum Accountancy Solutions

Spectrum Accountancy Solutions

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

Sheen Studios

This father and son business has been running now for 45 years with Michael Sheen the 4th generation of picture framers. Terry, Michael’s father, was one of the founder members of the Chamber of Trade

and is still striving to improve the localExpertarea. 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.

Archers welcome community to new home

A SPORTS club has officially opened its new home near Downend after the end of a nineyear, £500,000 project.

Cleve Archers invited the community to the Down Yonder ground off Bromley Heath Road in Moorend, Hambrook, for a grand opening event at the end of August, which was also attended by old members, representatives from county clubs and the national governing body, Archery GB.

People had a chance to try out the sport, while visitors were also able to look round the new solar-powered clubhouse, which includes accessible toilets and space for indoor archery and other activities, from bowls to keep fit.

The club's project manager and fundraiser for the scheme, Bob Nicholls, said: "The archery taster sessions were very popular, with 79 residents from the local community taking part all afternoon."Everyone enjoyed the event,

and we now have more interest in our ‘try archery’ sessions.

"We had a lot of interest in viewing the new clubhouse, especially the power plant room, which holds the equipment for our solar system. This, together with our low energy air source heat pumps, means the facility is on the verge of becoming carbon neutral."Theclub's new shooting shelter, which enables archers to use the outdoor ranges in all weathers, was completed in time

for the event.

The shelter was funded by South Gloucestershire Council, and Winterbourne ward councillors Trevor Jones and Nic Labuschagne visited to officially open the new clubhouse.

Bob said: "We would like to thank them for their support on this special occasion."

The club has also had interest in a new 'men in sheds' group it is setting up to help with maintaining the site, and is looking for more potential

recruits to get in touch.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the website at clevearchers.co.uk or the club's Facebook page.

Since moving to the site in 2013 the club has levelled the field for its target range, created a car park and spent four years planning and then building an accessible clubhouse.

More than 2,000 trees have been planted and a dry stone wall restored as part of the project, which has been paid for through a combination of fundraising, loans from members and grants from sporting and other bodies.

A team of ten volunteers fitted out the clubhouse, from concreting and tiling to painting, to reduce costs.

The club, which was founded in 1960, has more than 230 members, including Olympic archer Larry Godfrey, who represented Great Britain at the Athens, Beijing and London games.

Visitors try out archery on the range at Cleve Archers Down Yonder ground, with the new clubhouse in the background

School lends families a hand with new PE kit

WHEN a Downend primary school decided to update its uniform to include a new PE kit, it did not want to leave parents too much out of pocket.

So St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School bought enough of the new bright yellow T-shirts to ensure there was a free one for every child.

School leaders decided to update the PE kit from the previous plain white T-shirt, and also introduced a branded hooded sweatshirt, in response to demand from parents.

Head teacher Mark Hilliam said: "The old uniform wasn’t exciting."Wewanted to celebrate our PE curriculum with these vibrant new T-shirts and comfortable hoodies."Parents have been asking for a hooded sweatshirt, so it was a pleasure to provide one, along with a free T-shirt for every child.

"We think they all look great!”

Year 5 pupils from St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School with their new kit

A STAPLE Hill-based band is joining forces with a choir, dancers and soloists in its "most ambitious project to date".

Westerly Winds and the Bristol School of Performing Arts are performing some of the best known songs from musicals in their show. Encore: The Best of Broadway.Theshow will be staged in two performances at Bristol's Redgrave Theatre on Sunday, October 2.

The band has around 45 members who rehearse every week at the YOU Foundation in Staple Hill.

For the show its concert band will be joined by a youth choir, dancers and soloists from BSPA.

Each performance will include a "spectacular array of showtunes", including hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, The Lion King, We Will Rock You

faceThousandslongwait

MORE than 4,700 residents of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are waiting more than a year for hospital treatment, new figures reveal.Areport to the region's integrated care board (ICB) meeting in September said the number increased at both North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Southmead Hospital, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust, which runs the BRI, Bristol Children’s Hospital and Weston General.

The total waiting list for nonemergency hospital treatment rose by more than 3,900, from 76,803 in May to 80,712 in June, it said.The report to the meeting on September 1 said only 57 per cent of emergency patients at the area’s A&E departments were admitted or discharged within the four-hour maximum target –a drop from 62 per cent in May –and that this was the same as the national average.

Less than half of urgent cancer referrals were completed within the expected fortnight limit, which was also worse than the previous month.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Bringing Broadway to Bristol

and many more musicals.

A band spokesperson said: "It’s the second time BSPA and Westerly have worked together, having produced a hugely successful Christmas show at King’s Weston House in December 2019.

"This will be their first joint project since the lifting of Covid restrictions and the evening promises to be an exciting celebration of emerging talent, community and live performance.

"Westerly’s Musical

Director, Andy Loveridge, calls it ‘the perfect venture for entertainment, aspiration and all things musical theatre’."

There will be performances at the theatre, in Percival Road, Clifton, at 2pm and 7.30pm on October 2.

Tickets cost from £10 to £13 and can be booked by visiting redgravetheatre.com or calling 0117 315 7800.

“Pupils say they are happy here and love learning, because adults ‘make it fun’.”

n DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW

ROAD NOT TAKEN + BELLA GAFFNEY

FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2022,

This night could have been a sad one. Leaving aside the queue addled, BBC stoked countrywide grief there are other reasons for sadness. Bellowhead stalwart and folk club friend Paul Sartin tragically died on Wednesday leaving a delightfully clever, oddly amusing, oboe-shaped hole in the world. This is also the last (for the time being, they say) Bristol gig for headliners Road Not Taken. So, it could have been a sad one. Instead, Road Not Taken and Bella Gaffney remind us how brilliant a sing-along feels, how important a community is, how healing a damn good song can be.

If Downend Folk & Roots has a house band then Road Not Taken is probably it. They played their very earliest gigs here, have launched albums here and founder Ant Miles plays guitar and sometimes sings with them too. They are welcomed as hometown heroes, playing to a home crowd, shooting in front of an open goal.

Not that there is the slightest chance of them missing. This show is deep in extra time of their final tour and you can tell. Songs have been polished and honed, onstage banter is that of four friends that get on famously and everything is just

Haresright. on

The Mountain, My Love is like a Red, Red Rose and The Blacksmith are all cast iron folk favourites, played by hundreds of folk bands in hundreds of folk clubs. In the hands of Road

Taken

Not Taken you remember why those songs are so loved. Anita Dobson has a voice as pure and crystalline as blown Bristol glass, it's infused with melancholy and longing, a beautiful focal point around which the rest of the band easily swirl. Claire Hamlen gently agitates that swirl with her wonderfully understated fiddle playing, never taking centre stage but casting delicate garlands across the songs.

In Joe Hamlen and Ant Miles the band have twin multi-instrumental mischief makers. Banjo, harmonium, guitars, bass and a piano are passed around with glee, adding colour and splashes of oddness; spooky drones, high hammerings and muted sighs. It is when Miles takes his place at the church organ, literally pulling out all of the stops, and Hamlen unfurls a plaintive trumpet that you realise that Road Not Taken are way more than an ordinary folk club band. Harry Belafonte's Scarlet Ribbons becomes an enormous, pulsing, lush epic of a thing. They make a huge field of sound, both uplifting and unbearably sad.

Just like any band that finds a home in the folk world, Road Not Taken are absolute masters

n DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS PREVIEW

FILKIN’S DRIFT

Downend Folk & Roots welcome back one of the most popular duos to have appeared at the venue in its eight year history, as Jacob & Drinkwater return to headline this month following their first appearance back in 216. It’s been too long, but this concert was rescheduled twice due to youknow-what!Jacob&Drinkwater have been called “stand out new folk” by BBC6  Music with their live show described as “intense and spellbinding” by Folk Radio UK. They formed in 2014 playing their first gig together at the iconic Glastonbury Festival.

The duo’s dynamic and emotionally charged live show with all its energy, musical chemistry and spontaneity has drawn comparisons with the virtuosic pairing of John Martyn

and Danny Thompson. Tobias ben Jacob's sweeping vocals never fail to captivate, delivering many a spine-tingling moment; the fluidity and precision of his finger-picking underpinned by Lukas Drinkwater's nimbly rhythmic double bass; at times sweetly soaring, haunting, percussive and driving, the layers of depth a perfect counterfoil. The added complement of stirring vocal harmonies nicely rounds off the Jacobmix. & Drinkwater’s latest album More Notes from the Field, released October 2021, is an exploration of the theme of friendship and connection through song. Written and developed remotely between the duo’s lockdown homes in Bydgoszcz, Poland and Stroud, Gloucestershire,

of tweaking the familiar. Plenty of trad-arr tunes are given their gentle, cobweb-y dusting but it's some of the contemporary songs that shine.

James Keelaghan's Cold Missouri Waters is spine-tingling with its acapella outro, Suzanne Vega's The Queen and The Soldier is delightfully haunting and their own The White Gown is a modern folk song with traditional sensibilities.

Bella Gaffney is a member of The Magpies, the Americana/Celtic-y/folkish three piece that played here not too long ago. Back then she supplied sunburnt vocals and sublime harmonies; today the stage is all hers. Stepping out on her own you can see the John Martyn and Richard Thompson influences just a little more clearly, especially in her guitar playing that’s full of tricks and cleverness. Martyn's Seven Black Roses starts proceedings and is sublime. A self-effacing dry Yorkshire wit hides a gorgeous, earthy voice but each passing song forces it to the surface. By the time she shreds a Zepplin-esque Hangman (also known as Gallows Pole) there's no doubt that, with or without The Magpies, Gaffney is "alright". Her new single, Blood in the Earth, is a contemplative, sensitive, bluegrass-y meditation on climate change and Australian devastation. There's that lovely voice, a social conscience and a great song.

If there was sadness in the air this evening then both Bella Gaffney and Road Not Taken soften the edges and quietly remind us that things will always be OK. Those things lost will be remembered and gently celebrated.

Words: Gavin McNamara Photos: Barry Savell

Tobias & Lukas made their most ambitious recording to date. It has been met with glowing reviews from Folk Radio UK, Fatea and Folking, was playlisted by USbased Americana magazine ‘No Depression’ on a ‘best of 2021’ list and included in Folk Radio UK’s Top 100 albums of 2021. More Notes from the Field was described as “..beguiling, lyrical, and perfectly attuned..” by Songlines magazine in a rave

Joiningreview.Jacob & Drinkwater on the bill will be Filkin’s Drift, who will get the music underway with a 25-minute set at 7.45pm. Meeting in the multicultural city of Birmingham, the duo weave together intricate melodies from the folklore of their homes, Wales and Gloucestershire. Their music combines the traditional and the contemporary, blending fiddle, guitar, harmonium and mandolin with their close vocal harmonies. Ornate interplay between two fretted instruments conjures up a Baroque soundworld; meanwhile their foot-stomping fiddle and guitar tunes have been igniting audiences across the UK.

Tickets for the event, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 21 October 2022, are available online downendfolkandroots.com.comemail info@downendfolkandroots.artistswhichCompany,theavailableThereaenvironmentallyasasownareBrewery.fromandcider,thedoor.each(cashfromdownendfolkandroots.comatandMelanie’sKitcheninDownendonly).Theyarepricedat£14inadvanceor£16ontheDoorsopenat7.30pmandmusicstartsaround7.45pm.Therewillbea bar,stockingsoftdrinks,wine,hotdrinkslocally-brewedrealalelocally-basedHopUnionAudiencemembersencouragedtobringtheirglass/mug/tankard,aswellreusablebottlesforwater,partofthe drivetobemoreaware.Thereis50pdiscountforthosethatdo.willalsobesweettreatsatthebarcourtesyofRadstock-basedGreatCakeaswellasaprizedraw,helpstofundthesupportforeachconcert.Forfurtherinformation,pleaseorvisitthewebsite

NEXT AT DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS JACOB DRINKWATER&

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2022, CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND.

Jacob &

Brothers walk in memory of Carolyn

TWO brothers walked 125 miles to raise money for charities that helped their step-mother before she lost her life to motor neurone disease.Pete Britton, from Fishponds, and Mark Britton, from Downend, and their friend Steve Ladd, from Fishponds walked from Bristol to Paignton in Devon in memory of Carolyn Britton, who died from the disease last year.

Carolyn, who was 57, had only been diagnosed with motor neurone disease three months before she died at St Peter's Hospice last November.

After learning how much it cost to run the hospice and how much it relied on fundraising, Pete and Mark decided to raise money for the hospice and for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which provides support to people diagnosed with the disease, funds research and campaigns to improve care and treatment.

Motor neurone disease is a debilitating condition which leads to muscle weakening and wasting, affecting mobility, talking, eating, drinking and breathing.

It shortens lives and there is currently no cure.

Pete, Mark and Steve decided to walk to Paignton as it was where their dad and Carolyn, who lived in Bradley Stoke, bought a holiday lodge which they planned to enjoy in their retirement.

Pete's wife Hayley said: "Sadly it was not to be.

"Carolyn spent her last weeks at St Peter's Hospice in Brentry, and the care and support she and my father-in-law received was totally exceptional."Pete,Mark and Steve wanted to give something back. Walking isn't something they have always done, and they don't go to the gym, so it was out of their comfort zone."

The trio started doing long walks to get into practice for the event.

After walking for four days from the end of August to early September, they were met by their families in Paignton, and also picked up support and donations on the way.

Pete said: "The walk was physically and emotionally challengingwe walked 273,812 steps!

"Thank you so much for everyone's donations, and messages of support - this really helped us along the way."

An online fundraising page is still open for donations and can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/walking4carolyn.

After setting an initial target of £1,500, it had passed £3,000 by mid-September.

eveningFundraisingforMND

A FORMER GP from Downend who has lived with motor neurone disease for 13 years is organising a fundraising event to help support others with the illness.

Peter Moore worked at Kingswood Health Centre for 30 years but had to retire after being diagnosed with MND.

Dr Moore is holding the event in memory of his friend Martin Brown, also from Downend, who died of MND three years ago.

Taking place from 7pm on November 12 at Christ Church, the evening will include refreshments and live music covering popular songs from recent decades.

All funds raised will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.DrMoore

said: "MND is a horrible disease. Unfortunately, Martin’s disease progress was rapid.

"Although I can’t speak, swallow or breathe without ventilation and am completely paralysed, I still enjoy life.

"I look forward to November 12 hoping to raise awareness of MND as well as raising funds for the MNDA.

"We are aiming for an informal atmosphere where friends can catchMoreup."details of the event, including ticket arrangements, will be confirmed nearer the time.

Carolyn Britton

Pete and Mark Britton and Steve Ladd at the end of their walk

Dr Peter Moore

Vintage fun

FEELING bored and lonely? Worried about the coming winter? Come and join us for some enjoyable and freeBadmintonevents!

Road Methodist Church and Christ Church are working together to present funfilled, God-centred community events twice a month.

Messy Vintage and Vintage Adventure welcome everyone, from whatever faith or non-faith background, to come and join them for refreshments, craft, prayer opportunities, singing and a reflection for the day at two centres in Downend.MessyVintage is at Badminton Road Methodist Church on the second Friday of the month from 10.30am to midday.

Vintage Adventure is at the Christ Church Centre in Quakers Road on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 2pm-3.30pm.

Choose either or both to discover congenial company and activities.Come and find new friends and do what you find enjoyable and

meaningful.Ifyouenjoy a cuppa and a chat with like-minded people, come along and try it!

Anne-Louise Critchlow

Trunk or treat

CHRIST Church Downend is holding a 2fun alternative to the darker aspects of Halloween" on October 31 from 5.30-6.30pm.

The Trunk or Treat event takes place at the Christ Church and medical centre car park, off North Street.People are encouraged to dress up in bright clothes, bring a lantern and find out what's in some car boots, or Children'trunks'.must be accompanied by a parent and supervised at all

Givingtimes. thanks for the Queen

AFTER the death of Queen

Elizabeth II, the team at Christ Church Downend opened the church for times of private prayer and a book of condolences was put together, so that people could record their thoughts andOnecomments.couple, Stan and Doreen Cruse, had received a special framed card from the Queen just two days before in celebration of their platinum wedding anniversary.Thecard, which must have been one of the last sent from the Queen, was put on display alongside the book of

condolences.Athanksgiving service was held on September 18. Anita Dobson

The Christ Church book of condolence

Getting down to work on Super Serving Sunday

VISITORS to Lincombe Barn play area and woods may have wondered why soapy sponges were being waved around the play equipment, and why secateurs and litter pickers were in action along the paths.

The church family of Christ Church Downend were out in force on the Sunday of the August bank holiday to tidy pathways, clear litter and clean the railings and play equipment instead of being inside the church

Theybuilding.callthis annual day of practical help to the community Super Serving Sunday. A multigenerational team of around 30 people took part.

A short open-air service was followed by a morning of work and rounded off with a shared church family picnic.The aim of the event is to show God’s love in practicalYoungways.people at Christ Church have regular serving Sundays each month, and once a year the whole church family joinsYouthin. leader Eloise Phillips said: "Super Serving Sunday provided a fantastic opportunity for our young people to get involved with caring for their community.

"It was wonderful to see everybody get stuck in together, and really encouraging for all to see the difference made in a few hours; plus the picnic was a real winner!”

Two young churchgoers, aged six and three, enjoyed the day so much that they were inspired to ask for their own litter pickers, and went out in their local neighbourhood over the following two days tidying the area.

DIY church service

ONE Sunday in September, faced with no visiting minister, members of Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church agreed to organise their own service.

They decided to ask their members how it was that they became members of the Church and why they continued to come to worship.

Within a framework of appropriate hymns and Bible readings, they invited three members of the Church to stand up and tell their stories.

Each story was both different and fascinating and once the ice had been broken, so to speak, five more members of the church volunteered their own stories.

The one common theme which became very clear was that they enjoyed both the friendliness of members and the joy of worshipping with each Members'other.backgrounds

came from the Caribbean, Guyana, Somerset, and various other parts of England. None of the speakers had originated from Mangotsfield!

The service was considered to be a great success, bringing members much closer together and it is hoped to build on this and organise another such service in due course.

Anita Dobson and Diane Paddon

Clearing the path

June Watts

Helen lifts the lid on workplace cultures

A WRITER and researcher has drawn on her own experiences for a book lifting the lid on work culture.Helen

Rana's book

‘Workplaces’ looks at a variety of contrasting cultures, including her experiences at the Finnish Embassy, investment bank JP Morgan, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and other companies, as well as two periods of freelancing, 30 years apart.Helen, from Emersons Green, says the book is an "amusing, entertaining and sometimes shocking" look into the world of work.Her experiences range from living in the "most dangerous square mile in Britain" and being

chased by a furious elephant in Zambia to the consequences of not recognising a famous footballer in Sheffield.

Helen, who is a freelance writer, researcher and editor

Helen Rana with bookher

working with museums, universities, heritage and cultural organisations, also helps run the voluntary Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP).

The book shared episodes from her career since 1989 and argues that workplace culture has "as much, if not more, impact as strategy or leadership".

Helen said: "It shows that

when you join a new organisation you are expected to dress, speak and act in a particular way to fit in there."This makes certain behaviours prevalent – for better or worse."Inone chapter I encountered illegal and unethical practices whilst working at a (nowbankrupt) financial services company in London.

"I’ve had to give it a pseudonym, because what went on there was so awful.

"The boss just wanted to have fun with other people’s money, so much of my time there was spent eating out, socialising and spending lunchtimes in the pub. The work itself was secondary."

Helen says ‘Workplaces’ also provides food for thought about careers.Thebook is available as a hardback, paperback and ebook, online and in bookshops.

For more information visit www.helenrana.com.

n STYLE ADVICE

Save space at seasonal switchover

WE'VE’ been enjoying some rather nice September weather (at time of writing), so you might have delayed your seasonal wardrobe switchover. Get as much out of your summer clothes, with clever additions of light knits and shackets, as you can.If, like me, your storage space is tight, you’ll be plucking up the courage to ask your husband to get up in the loft (not my husband’s favourite job) to retrieve your autumn/winter clothes.Inhiding for half the year, it’s a whole wardrobe of what feels like ‘new’ pieces to wear, without having to spend a pound.

This is also a great time to do some wardrobe weeding. Yes, before you pack away summer, I suggest you do a seasonal detox. Taking the time to do this now not only saves you storing more than you need, it forms the foundation of what you’ll be wearing in spring/summer 2023.

Now is the time for some 'wardrobe weeding' as you pack away your summer clothes.

Picture: Kayleigh Gresty Photography

I suggest you start by splitting your spring/summer clothes into two piles: what you wore and what you didn’t.

All the pieces that you enjoyed wearing all summer long can simply go into storage. Use vacuum storage bags that you can suck the air from, so they can go under the bed. If pieces are too worn to keep, take them to a

clothes recycling bin.

Then it’s time to get up close and personal with the items you haven’t worn, and consider why you haven’t worn them.Try on each piece and listen to the answers in your head andDoesheart.it still suit your lifestyle? For example, corporate summer dresses may no longer be needed in a more casual work environment.

Does it suit the look/vibe you want to achieve? People's style evolves over time. Unless you’ve had a baby recently, I would let go of clothes that no longerSimilarly,fit. if there are pieces you haven’t worn for a few years, you should let them go. Perhaps the pattern isn’t you, or the colour doesn’t make you feel good. In either case, let them go.

Taking the time to do this now will serve you well. You don’t want to get to next year and

GailfashionPainter'stips

unpack a bunch of things which you’re still not going to wear.

Not sure what to wear or how to wear it? Email your fashion and style questions to info@ notgivinin.com and look out for the answers in future issues of the Voice.

www.notgivinin.com

• Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply

• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand

• Safe face-to-face visits where possible

Council will draw up own housing plans

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council will forge ahead with its own blueprints for tens of thousands of homes and jobs over the next two decades, following the collapse of the regional masterplan.Thecouncil has decided to join neighbouring Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset to press on with individual local plans after Metro Mayor Dan Norris told the government in May that agreement on a West of England spatial development strategy, spanning the three areas, was not possible.

The failure of the SDS came amid a huge political row over who was to blame and whether it was even possible to abandon it.

Labour’s Mr Norris – who heads the West of England Combined Authority – accused South Gloucestershire Council's Conservative leader Toby Savage of “gambling with the greenbelt”, having “walked out” of talks.

Cllr Savage claimed the Metro

Mayor had failed to include him in the first place and had taken a “mushroom farming approach” to the housing strategy by working in secrecy while trying to impose 37,000 homes on the district. He said this was almost 10,000 more than government calculations suggested were needed in South Gloucestershire.

Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, Steve Reade, said: "I am delighted that we are taking strides with our new Local Plan, which will be a comprehensive holistic approach towards supporting our new and existing communities in the years ahead, so that South Gloucestershire remains a place that people are proud to live and work."While it is disappointing that we are not progressing with a regional approach towards the delivery of a new plan, it is reassuring to be able to have control over the process once again after being

kept in the dark by the Labour Weca mayor who sought to flood South Gloucestershire with unsustainable levels of new housing, threatening our communities and our environment."Hesaidthe council would "continue to unashamedly champion South Gloucestershire’s needs".

The council updated its Local Plan webpage in September to say: “Following the decision of the Weca mayor to stop all work on the West of England Combined Authority Spatial Development Strategy, the Local Plans for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire will now provide the strategic planning framework for the West of England Combined Authority area.

“The issue of housing need will now be addressed through individual Local Plans for each of the local councils.

“The councils will continue

their long-standing history of joint working and cooperate with each other and with other key bodies on strategic, cross-boundary matters as they prepare their Local Plans.

“The evidence base prepared so far to inform the Spatial Development Strategy will be published on the Weca website and will be reviewed and used as appropriate to inform the councils’ Local Plans.”

More information on the local plan can be found online at southglos.gov.uk/new-local-plan.beta.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Steve Reade

Pumpkin Patch returns to park

PAGE Park's popular Pumpkin Patch event is returning for the first time since before the pandemic.Theevent on October 15 will include competitions for carved pumpkins and children's fancy dress, with prizes on offer for the best Peopleentries.whowant to enter the pumpkin carving competition should carve their entries at home beforehand then bring them along to the event, which runs from 11am to 4pm.

The children's fancy dress competition will have a joint autumn and Halloween theme, with two age categories for children aged between one to six and six to 16.

Each competition will have three prizes on offer.The event, which takes place in conjunction with the Bean Tree Artisan Market, will also include funfair rides and silly games stalls, including hook a duck and hoopla.

The Friends of Page Park are looking for volunteers to help set up the event between 8am and 11am, clear away between 4pm and 5pm and run the silly games stalls for an hour or two during the event.

To volunteer, email friendsofpageparkbs16@

gmail.com.

Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said: "We haven't been able to hold a Pumpkin Patch event for a few years but wanted to bring it back for the children and the community."

This year's winning entry and cover photo for the calendar was taken by Terry Graham.

A series of sales are being held in the park, with the next two on October 15 and November 19, from 11am to 3pm.

Calendars are also available from 11 traders in the area: Woodland Court, Mokka, Melanie's Kitchen and Fabrics Plus in Downend, and Perfect Balance, Sheen Studios, ABC Blinds, Jason's, The Card Shop, Bunch Florist and the Bean Tree Cafe in Staple Hill.

Yoga fundraiser

AN online fundraising page is collecting donations to ensure Page Park's free outdoor yoga sessions can be held again next year.

The popular sessions have been held on Sunday mornings from May to September in the park's sensory garden since 2018, in conjunction with Park Yoga UK.

Calendars on sale

THE Friends of Page Park 2023 calendar is now on sale.The biggest fundraiser for the group over the past few years, the calendar costs £5 and features views of the park captured by local photographers for the Friends' annual calendar competition.

Sessions were attended by an average of 85 people this year, with as many up to 145 attending on some weeks.

The Friends cannot charge for the sessions but a bucket collection was held after the last one of the year and now a donations page to help pay for next year's sessions has been set up at offriendsofpagepark-parkyogapicnic,justgiving.com/fundraising/withatarget£800.

Terry Graham's winning picture in this year's Page Park photographic competition is on the front cover of the calendar.

Downend Flyers in their new kit

New kit for Flyers

MEMBERS of the area's biggest dedicated girls' football club, Downend Flyers, have new kit and training equipment, thanks to their volunteer coach's employer.

The club received a £300 donation from Wales & West Utilities after under 11 coach Matthew Fowler, who works for the gas emergency and pipeline service, made a request for support.

Matthew, who has worked for Wales & West Utilities as a network technician for over 11 years, said: "We are seeing increased numbers of girls coming forward wanting to play football, but the pandemic has sadly had an impact on sponsorship support, which means that our money is being stretched a lot further.

"It’s great that Wales & West Utilities has been able to get behind the club and the sponsorship will make a huge difference to our girls."

The company's people and engagement director Sarah Hopkins said: "Volunteer coaches like Matthew give up so much of their time to support the development of others, so when he came to us for support we gladly agreed."

New parents 'abandoned'

FAMILIES with newborns were “abandoned at a time of need” during the pandemic, health chiefs have admitted.

Health and care provider Sirona's head of public health nursing, Nikki Lawrence, told a council meeting that a Government directive to redeploy most health visitors away from new parents and into adult services was the “wrong decision” - and would never be repeated.

The issue was highlighted by Healthwatch South Gloucestershire, which gathered first-hand accounts from 118 mums in the district who gave birth between 2020 and 22.

Parents described their experiences as “pot luck”, with many feeling unsupported, including those suffering with depression, the patient watchdog’s report said.

Ms Lawrence told South Gloucestershire Council's health scrutiny committee it had been a mistake to temporarily change the roles of most health visitors, who take over from midwives to care for families a couple of weeks after babies are born.

She said: "We basically abandoned families at a time of need, and that decision will never, ever be taken again, from what I’ve been told.

“In hindsight it was the wrong decision to make, and it did have a detrimental impact on families and we really regret that, but it was out of our hands.”

Ms Lawrence, who is responsible for NHS health visitors in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said during the covid pandemic a Department of Health directive stopped the national Healthy Child programme, redeploying 70% of health visitors into adult services.

She said: “We concentrated on phoning families for antenatal contact, before the baby was born, and also for that new birth visit.

“The role of health visitors is to support parenting and provide holistic assessments and then refer and signpost on, but the issue for us during the pandemic was there were no services to refer on to."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Kingswood is renowned for an environment that nurtures, while supporting and challenging students to achieve their greatest results. Our bespoke and personal care, pastorally and academically, means that students leave us as kind, powerfully educated, rounded young adults, ready to make a difference.

Visit us to find out more.

Farewell, Mrs Riggles

A teachingMUCH-lovedassistant has retired from Bromley Heath Junior School, after 25 years of service.

Staff and children have waved goodbye to Jill Riggs, fondly known by the children as Mrs TracyHeadRiggles.teacherSerlesaid:

"Jill started her career in education as a teaching assistant at Blaise School when her children were young."After moving to the local area, she began working at Bromley Heath Junior School in 1997.

"Jill took on a multitude of roles over the years, including teaching assistant and lunch break supervisor, and also initiated the start-up of a breakfast club to provide wrap-around care for families who needed it.

"Always one for a challenge, she’s the most decorated Year 6 residential camp leader, achieving her 20th attendance this year at Manor Adventure, Wales.

"Many staff and pupils, past and present, will have treasured memories of working with her. We wish her a long and happy retirement."

Peanut donation

Jill Barnes, (pictured above), of Staple Hill Stores donated peanuts to the Somerset Badger Group from the charity pot at Staple Hill Stores. They are used in helping the group catch badgers to vaccinate them against bovine TB, something they have been doing now for ten years. They are run by volunteers and survive on grants and donations. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can contact 07774 127313 or vaccinations@somersetbadgers.org.uk

Bromley Heath Junior School head teacher Tracy Serle with Jill Riggs

n DOWNEND IN BLOOM

Flags at half mast for the Queen

AS I wrote this, I was watching the coverage of the cavalcade taking the Queen to lie in state.

We were so pleased at In Bloom to have been able to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in June, and people really enjoyed the decorations that were put up in the High Street.

Terry, who made the flag decorations for the jubilee, replaced all the flags at half mast in preparation for the funeral.

A very sad day, but what a role model her late Majesty has been to the whole country.

She dedicated her life to our country and that is exactly what she did.

By the time you read this article most of the summer displays will have been taken down.

We have no choice in the date they are removed, as we are scheduled in by the contractor Plantscape.

Unfortunately this has meant the large displays were being taken down just as the flowers seemed to have had a September resurgence. I did try to keep them for a bit longer but to no avail.

However, by the beginning of October we will have our winter panolas in place to cheer us all up!

We had a painting morning last Sunday and

have refreshed some of our wooden planters, which always look good.

Next on our list is the large tree boxes which have been graffitied - the graffiti was covered over previously but unfortunately the paint was a slightly different colour, so we will give them a total coat of paint.We are also looking at choices for next year’s summer flowers - it never stops!

Jackie Baker

Celebrating Age Festival returns

THE Celebrating Age Festival (CAF) takes place annually in October, launching on the International Day of Older Persons on October 1. This festival is about challenging stereotypes around ageing and encouraging everyone to try something new. There will be free and low-cost events and activities taking place from musical performances, art exhibitions and tours, to discos and shared reading groups.

The festival showcases what’s going on across Bristol for people over the age of 50. To mark the occasion Downend Senior Film Club will be running a special event on Monday October 17, when the recently released and highly acclaimed Baz Luhrmann film, Elvis will be shown, followed by a cream tea.

The Film Club takes place at 2pm at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, BS16 5SG. Booking is required, Call Home Instead on 0117 435 0063/64.

Let your little monsters run wild this Halloween at Wild Place Project

JOIN us at Wild Place this half term to explore our spooktacular Halloween trail, the perfect activity for all energetic little monsters!

From Friday 21 October to Sunday 6 November grab a Halloween activity trail leaflet to guide you around our site. Can you find all of the exciting, spooky scenes that we’ve hidden?

Explore the ‘wild wood’ at Webb's Brake, which will be transformed with over 300 pumpkins and spooky Halloween scenes!

Children who come dressed in their favourite Halloween costume, or bring a carved pumpkin to add to our trail, will receive a 20% discounted entry by using the voucher code: WILD20. Plus everyone who completes the Halloween trail will receive a ‘sweet’ prize at the gift shop.

There’s so much to discover at our 50-acre site (the equivalent of 25 football pitches) Be amazed as you travel through the award-winning Bear Wood with brown bears, lynxes, wolves and wolverines living in the natural surroundings these species would have done in England thousands of years ago. And in the walled garden, from South Africa, there is the everpopular colony of meerkats and a family of dik-diks, some of the smallest antelopes in the world.

In the space of a few hundred yards your little ones can see giraffes from Cameroon, lemurs from Madagascar and gelada baboons from Ethiopia and get close to our lemurs in our amazing walk-through exhibit!

This half term is also the perfect time to explore 50 acres of beautiful, autumnal outdoor space as our woodlands and the glorious Tower Meadow turn from green to gold.

Don’t miss our fun animal feeds and talks throughout the day (see the website and information board at the Wild Place entrance for details).

There’s soooo much to do at Wild Place Project this half term!

Every visit helps support Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation work across four continents.Book now! wildplace.org.uk

Flags

Starting school in September 2023?

Come and see what Hill Primary School has to offer

Join a of our wonderful

Saturday 8th Oct at 10am

Wednesday 12th Oct at 2pm

Thursday 13th Oct at 9.30am

Wednesday 9th Nov at 6.30pm

Tuesday 15th Nov at 2pm

Thursday 17th Nov at 9.30am

Thursday 8th Dec at 2pm

Thursday 5th Jan at 9.30am

Call 01454 867240

Making endangered swifts welcome

THEY may have left to fly back to Africa but a community project is aiming to ensure that swifts have a warm welcome when they return to the area next year.

Ecologist Sarah Roberts, of Mangotsfield, and Kelly Allen, of Emersons Green, have been working to map and increase the number of nesting sites for the endangered birds.

The fast-flying migratory species is on a red list of at-risk birds, with numbers having fallen by more than a half since theBut1990s.Kelly says the BS16 postcode area is a "swift hotspot", with many birds liking to make their home in buildings here.She said: "Swifts are awesome birds, amazing flyers - they only land to "Theybreed.spend months in the air and sleep on the wing. They travel huge distances to migrate to Europe in the Summer from Africa, and are only here from May to August, their cries being

A swift in flight. Picture: Robert Booth

the sound of summer.

"Yet they only weigh the same as a Cadbury's Cream Egg!

Sarah said: "They only nest in buildings, in small gaps, under tiles and in fascias, so a lot of nest sites are lost inadvertently, when people do repairs and re-

roofTheproperties."recentheatwave was a

worry for conservationists, as excessive heat can cause Swifts chicks to fledge before they are able to fly to escape it.

Sarah and Kelly delivered leaflets in swift hotspots locally

and posting on Facebook to ensure local people knew what to do should they find a grounded fledgling.Locally 12 nest boxes have been fitted by the project, with several more planned. Activity will continue throughout the autumn and winter in conjunction with a local fitter to increase nesting sites ahead of the 2023 migration.

Sarah and Kelly can supply boxes at cost price and will provide advice on the best place to mount them, along with general information and advice.

They are especially keen to work with local businesses.

Sarah said: "Commercial buildings and churches often provide great opportunities for colony boxes and are a great way to demonstrate corporate social responsibility."Anyonewho wants to find out more should email Sarahseeksbirds@gmail.com or look for recent posts in the BS16 Wildlife Group Facebook group.

“Daft place to put bollard.”a don’t just fix it.

Call Nick Abraham today 0800 145 5118 for a FREE estimate on repairs to bumper scuffs, paint scratches, minor dents and alloy wheels. Find out more at chipsaway.co.uk

Finding Downend in England’sHistoricarchives

FOR the last 10 years I have been managing the Heritage Schools Programme for Historic England in the south west of England.

The programme’s aim is to support schools in engaging with their local heritage and exploring how it relates to the national and global story.

In this article I want to show how we use Historic England’s resources (and others) to do this, and how you can use them to explore Downend’s rich heritage.

I always start with historic maps from the Historic England archive in Swindon.Theyprovide a fascinating record of how a place has changed over time, but also, if you look closely, at what has remained.

The next stage is to go out for a walk, to see what you can find using CHAP’s Historical Map as a guide. copies were given away with the Voice last year and it can also be found online at atAerialcoveredatGloucestershireexploringdownendchap.org/historical-map.www.AnotherwonderfulwebsiteforhistoricmapsinSouthisKnowYourPlace,kypwest.org.uk.DownendisparticularlywellonHistoricEngland’snewPhotoExplorerwebsite,

bit.ly/3RUD1VR, with some excellent post-war images of the area showing how it grew as a suburb in the second half of the 20th century.

It is fascinating picking out familiar places from a bird’s-eye view and equally intriguing seeing what the Downend landscape looked like 80 years ago.

The next stage is to discover the stories of some of the people who lived in Downend in the past.

I like to do this using historical street directories, which have been digitised by the University of Leicester and can be accessed for free.Kelly’s 1897 directory tells us that James Bussell was the landlord of the Green Dragon, and Blagdon Russell was a local carpenter, for instance.Further detail on the residents of Downend’s streets can be found

by searching the census returns, which can be done free from libraries and the Bristol archives.

Downend has a rich and varied history, and using some of these resources is a great way to begin to explore its Downendstory.Community History and Art Project (CHAP) is a notfor-profit voluntary organisation that aims to produce a community history resource and encourage the local community to take part in all its activities.Formore information visit CHAP’s website at www. downendchap.org, email downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.

Michael Gorely Historic England

Below: A map of Downend and Staple Hill from 1888, when most of the area was still fields. The area that would become Page Park in 1910 can be seen at the bottom right of the map.

Picture: Historic England

Above: An aerial photo taken by the RAF in 1946 shows Downend before the development of Bromley Heath, the Avon Ring Road, the Willow Shopping Centre or Downend School. Picture: Historic England

IT'S been a busy summer at the Staple Hill Community Hub.

Our new gardening club for children, the Staple Hill Sprouts, has been a huge success.

It's all about getting young people outdoors and interacting withThey'venature.been planting in Page Park and making crumble for their parents from fruit they foraged at the allotments on Morley Road. We had rhubarb, apple and plum!

The group has also secured funding to carry on with the project into the autumn term, which is great news.

Inside the hub itself, we've just launched a new coffee morning on Wednesdays at 10.30am and continue to run our successful lunch club on Mondays and Fridays - keep across our Facebook page for weekly menus.

There's also the Job Searchers Support Group, helping people find their way back into employment.Weknowmany people in the area have heard of us, but we are aware that many are still unsure exactly where we are. If you know

Hiding in plain sight

and there is vehicle access off Pendennis Road.

We are based at the bottom of Berkeley House at the end of Nelson Road - you can't miss us, as we have a big sign!

If you are coming from Page Park, via Pleasant Road, we are just behind Gwendoline House residential home.

Of course, you can just give us a call on 01454 868374 for directions or more information about what we have going on.

There'll be plenty more exciting news to come this autumn, and we are constantly updating the partnership notice boards around Staple Hill with what we are up to.

We exist for the community, and we can't wait to invite you through the front door!

where the Post Office is on the High Street, then you are just two minutes away.

We are just around the back. You can easily find us on Google Maps, our postcode is BS16 5HS

Have you heard about Shared Lives yet?

It’s a bit like foster care – but for an As a Shared Lives

What does it mean to be a Shared Lives carer?

“I’m proud to be a Shared Lives carer and and exactly what Shared Lives does -placing people in homes with families where they are cared for, loved and respected.”Kwame, Shared Lives carer

The Staple Hill CommunityHubTeam

The Staple Hill Hub is in Berkeley House, next to Nelson Road.

WILL ADVICE

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Free Legal Stock Take meeting

Nowadays we all have so much admin to sort out at home – it is easy for things to get out of date. Local experts - Simpson Solicitors - offer our readers a FREE (no obligation) review meeting to take stock.The Free Review is centred on making sure your legal affairs are in order - so that those you care about are protected if you were to die unexpectedly. This includes: -

We are so lucky to have Bristol Children’s Hospital covering our area. It provides an unrivalled level of service when our youngsters are most in need. The Grand Appeal charity covers the many extras that the NHS cannot – making life a bit more bearable for sick children and their families.

✓ A legal validity check of any existing Will or Powers of Attorney, that they are signed in accordance with the complex rules that apply.

✓ HM Land Registry home and property search to check they are owned in the way you think and that this will not cause problems.

✓ Recording what you own

(property, bank accounts, investments, on-line accounts, life insurance) and how it can be accessed if you weren’t here.

✓ Offering to arrange independent financial advice where that might help protect your savings.

✓ Advice on how to protect those you leave behind – as family relations may have changed over the years, altering who you want to benefit. Adding provision for new additions such as children grandchildren or step-children. With advice on Guardians for children under 18.

✓ Tax and care home fee rules review – covering recent changes – with advice so your family don’t receive an avoidable tax or care home bill.

This September our local Will experts – Simpson Solicitors – have again teamed up with The Grand Appeal.Thescheme means you can make a donation to support the Children’s Hospital in your Will. With nothing to pay now, even giving a small percentage of what you leave behind could make a tremendous di erence to help future generations of local sick children. To thank you, under the scheme, Simpson Solicitors will prepare a Will (or two mirror Wills for a couple) absolutely free to you. You will still receive their full awardwinning service. They hope that you will then leave a generous legacy in your Will for the Grand Appeal. As a further thank you, if you also need Additional Trust Protection or Powers of Attorney,

✓ Decide who you trust to be able to help you make decisions or pay bills or sign for you if an accident or illness meant you could not do this yourself. Advising on modern Powers of Attorney.

✓ Free secure storage service offered for your legal documents and the information you might want your family to be able to Toaccess.arrange your free review either email message@simpsonslawuk. com or call 0117 9608594.

GrindSigridWitterMelissa

Simpsons will take 30% o the usual full Michellecost.Baden-Daintree who

runs Simpsons’ local o ce says: “I hope many people will take advantage of the scheme and leave a generous gift in their Will to the Grand Appeal. Call our friendly team on 0117 960 8594 if you would like to make or update your Will under this scheme. By leaving a donation in your Will, you can gift a sick child a brighter future.”

Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood 0117 960 8594 message@simpsonslawuk.com

On your own Your Will is how you decide who will inherit from you. Living Together Avoid disputes and provide for your partner in the way you want.

Parent Wills In case the worst happened, provide for children under 18 and decide who you would want to raise them.

Later Life Wills Protect your family’s inheritance from Care Home fees and Tax

Lasting Powers of Attorney Ensure your wishes are followed by appointing those you trust, in case of serious injury or illness.

“We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R. Probate

BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING: Call 0117 960 8594 OR message@simpsonslawuk.com OR Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR pop into our Kings Chase Shopping Centre offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa). If getting to us is difficult, our FREE Home Visit service covers Bitton, Downend, Fishponds, Hanham, Kingswood, Oldland, St George, Staple Hill, Warmley, Willsbridge and surrounding areas.

To Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. On 0777

Michelle Baden-Daintree 0117

September 25

n MANGO REDS V BLUES

CHARITY FUNDRAISING

MATCH at Mangotsfield United FC, Cossham Street, all day from 10.30am. Raising money for St Peters Hospice and Special Friends Autistic Club, with music, bouncy castle, hot food, bar, raffle and auction. Free entry, collection for charities around the ground. To register to play visit the Red Lion in St James Street.

October 1

n JUMBLE SALE FOR UKRAINE, 2-4pm, Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, Downend. Entrance 20p.

October 1

n HARVEST SUPPER at 7pm at the Church Centre, Quaker's Road Downend BS16 6NH. Tickets £5 from janet.bacon@missiondirect. org. Hear about the work of Mission Direct in Uganda.

October 2

n WESTERLY WINDS and the Bristol School of Performing Arts present Encore: The Best of Broadway. Spectacular show tunes performed by Staple Hill-based band, including hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, The Lion King and We Will Rock You, at the Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, at 2pm & 7.30pm. To book tickets visit redgravetheatre. com or call 0117 315 7800.

October 6

n SPEAKER MORNING. (Coffee Available from 10.15 am.) Thursday 6th October. 10.45 -- 11.45.am. Talk The History of Clifton Suspension Bridge Speaker. Mike. Blue Badge Certified Guide at Lincombe Barn.

October 6

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research, 10.30am-noon. Join us for coffee and cakes and support this worthy cause.

October 8

n CHARITY BAG PACK BY 74TH KINGSWOOD SCOUT GROUP, Downend Co-op, 10am-2pm. Beavers, cubs and scouts will be on hand to help with bag packing at the manned tills and collecting donations at the shop entrance. First group public fundraising event since the pandemic, raising money for group activities including weekend camps, forest skills and climbing.

October 8

n Family prayer time at Christ Church, Downend, 10am-noon. Refreshments served.

October 9

n HARVEST ALL AGE CELEBRATION SERVICE at Christ Church Downend, 10.30am, followed by 'bring and share' lunch. All welcome.

October 12

n WELCOME WEDNESDAY

Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (12th October), 2-3.30pm at The Grapevine Brasserie, St James Place, Mangotsfield, BS16 9JB. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.

October 12-29

n DOWNEND CAMERA CLUB free exhibition at Christ Church, Downend. Public launch on the 12th from 7-9pm, all welcome. Viewings also available during the day from 10am-4pm on the 15th, 21st and 29th, plus whenever the church is normally open.

October 13

n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETING at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Talk on beekeeping. More information from Roger Davis on 0117 957 1703.

October 15

n PUMPKIN PATCH, artisan market and Halloween fancy dress

competition, Page Park,11am-4pm. Pumpkin carving competition and silly games stalls.

October 15

n RNLI DOWNEND AND KINGSWOOD MORNING,FUNDRAISINGBRANCHCOFFEE

Staple Hill Methodist Church, High Street, Staple Hill, 10am-noon. All welcome.

October 17

n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB Special event as part of the Celebrating Age Festival in Bristol. at Baz2pmLuhmann’s Elvis (12A) 2022 The story of Elvis from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star. Tickets: £4.00 including cream tea. Booking essential, please call 0117 435 0063/4. Carers welcome, easy access Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG

October 25

n Vintage Adventure - activities, reflection, friendship and refreshments for seniors, 2-3.30pm each fourth Tuesday of the month, Church Centre, Quakers Road, Bromley Heath.

October 30

n ‘MESSY CHURCH’ 4pm at The Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad street, Bristol BS16 5LN Tel 0117 9569733 for more information –creative worship for the whole family.

October 31 n Trunk or Treat, 5.30-6.30pm, Christ Church/medical centre car park. Bring lanterns, dress brightly and see what games and goodies are in the car boots.

November 12 n CHRISTMAS MARKET, 11am3pm, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, BS16 2RW. Downend Flower Arranging Club will be selling beautiful Christmas arrangements for your home or to give as gifts to your friends and family at reasonable prices December 7

n A DEMONSTRATIONCHRISTMAS by Marie Munday at Downend Flower Arranging Club, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, BS16 2RW 7.30pm. Come early for free coffee and mince pies. Visitors £8 pay at door. Everyone welcome.

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 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: ukwww.badmintonroadmethodist.org. or 0117 239 3875

n BOARD GAMES NIGHT every Tuesday from 7pm. All Welcome The Wooden Walls Micropub, 30 Broad Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5NU

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

Wednesday n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB We are a friendly group who meet at 7.30pm on 1st and 3rd Wednesday from September to June at Lincolne Barn, Overndale Road, Bs16 2RW. For more information ring Genise 07772 451217

n DOWNEND BRIDGE CLUBNEW 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. Please

contact eveforbes77@gmail.com or 01179836886 or Yvonne Scoulding rscoulding@google.com or 01179568944

n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. You would receive a warm welcome by this happy choir who have at least three concerts a year whose repertoire includes items from Shows, Abba, Beattles and general popular songs. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881.

n DOWNEND SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Musical entertainment from 2-4pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at North Street Church Hall. All are welcome.

n 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 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 frenchayprobus@outlook.comcontact:

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 every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk.

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORM CHURCH invite you to their regular

twice monthly sessions of Friendly Voices. These are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Come along for a sing-along (and coffee) Carers very welcome. For further information contact June Watts on 0117 9566625.

n CROSS STITCH Like to learn this absorbing relaxing hobby and have fun at the same time? Why not join the Club at Lincombe Barn. Beginners and those with all abilities welcome. New term commences beginning of September on Wednesday mornings 10.00 am until noon. Contact Lincombe Barn 9562367.

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

n FRIENDLY VOICES is a dementia friendly singing group. There is no cost and the sessions are led by a qualified music therapist, Sharon, who brings a lot of experience and plenty of instruments to have fun with. The sessions are open to all and if you think that you ,or someone you love, would benefit by them please come along or contact June Watts on 0117 9566625

n WEDNESDAY CAFE FOR SENIORS, at Badminton Road Methodist Church (BS16 6NU) every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon. All Welcome – just come along – make new friends over a cuppa and cake. Information: 0117 239 5984 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 christchurchdownend.co.ukwww.igniteyouth-t o 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, horn and percussion players, are welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo. com.

n SCRABBLE Downend Folk House Thursdays 1000-12noon

Info: 0117 9562367 Maureen Walker 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: ClaireTaichibodyandmind.co.ukClaire@(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 services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am 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 BS16

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

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.

n

Rest in peace, Your Majesty, and thank you

WE were all, I'm sure, stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved Queen on September 8.

Here in South Gloucestershire, events were held to mark the passing of a remarkable person.

A life dedicated to service of the people of our great nation and the Commonwealth. Rest in peace your majesty, and thank you.

On September 11, I was present for the Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III at the Kingswood Civic Centre, read by Councillor Sanjay Shambhu, the chair of South Gloucestershire Council.Ialso attended for King Charles III’s paying tribute to his mother Queen Elizabeth II in his first parliamentary address in Westminster Hall, where he spoke to bothWestminsterhouses.

Hall is the oldest building on the parliamentary estate. The hall has played a

central role in British history, seeing the development of parliament, law courts and various government offices over its fascinating 900-year history under its magnificent roof. It is in this hall that Queen Elizabeth II lay in state.Here is an excerpt from the remarks I made during tributes to the Queen in the Commons on September 10:

Sadly, I never met the Queen. It was something I’d always hoped to do. However, like most people in our country and the Commonwealth she was always a positive presence in myHerlife.Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was not only our Head of State and the mother of our nation, she indeed had the same responsibilities and duties for the peoples of our dependent sovereign territories, as in far-away places like the Falkland Islands and the

governments and peoples of the Commonwealth nations around the Yesterdayworld. evening, I rushed back to my constituency to attend a church service at St Peter’s Church in Filton.Thecongregation was told by the Reverend Lizzie Gregory that it wasn’t a service of commemoration – that would come – but this was a time for the community to come together, support one other, grieve together and give thanks.

It was a wonderful service and it was great to see so many people there, most had come from very nearby on foot.

You could sense and feel the pride and the real depth of emotion.

In conclusion, I don’t normally quote French Heads of Stateunless they were born in Corsica - but I thought President Macron’s comments on the passing of the Queen sum up how we and the rest

Jack Lopresti for Filton & Bradley Stoke

of the world saw her.

He said: "To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was The Queen. She will be with all of us forever."

If you would like to see my full remarks, they are available on my website.Asalways, 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 or to book a surgery.

Challenges ease new pupils into senior school

MORE than 120 new pupils took part in a series of challenges to help them with the transition from junior to senior school.

The Mangotsfield School Challenge Tri was described as an "action-packed three days", with the new Year 7s taking part in activities including climbing an assault wall, building a trebuchet siege engine and completing survival training.Theevent took place at the end of the summer holidays, as the school's departing Year 11s arrived to pick up their GCSE results, with some teachers giving up part of their break to lay on a series of sessions including building clocks and a bake off.

Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: "The students were able to make new friends, familiarise themselves with their new secondary school and start to build relationships with staff who will support them over the next five years.

"Investing in this additional transition is a win-win for us.

"It’s a good opportunity to get to know the cohort in a more informal way to start their time with us, and it’s great for us to be able to share our values with them so early on.

"They are a fantastic year group and we see a bright future ahead for them.”

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Event taking place on Thursday the 20th of October 2022 at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

Join us at the exhibition of photos celebrating the natural beauty of the neighbourhood and prize giving ceremony for the winners of the photography competition. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to hear from local groups who are caring for nature in our area. 2023 Calendars featuring the winning photos will be available later in the autumn.

Scan Here For More Info on How to Get Your Calendar:

n AROUND THE WIs

STAPLE HILL WI

I CAN'T quite believe we are about to enter the last quarter of 2022.

October brings our Annual Meeting; this is the business side of WI.Whilst any visitor is welcome, you may find this meeting a little lessThereengaging.willbe a quiz to finish the evening off for our member group.

However, we have got something for visitors on November 15, when our speaker will talk about Bristol Zoo.

The Zoo closed its Clifton doors in September and we have been lucky to secure a speaker.

We will be taking part in a coffee morning on October 29.

There will be bric a brac, tea, coffee and a cake sale.

Come along to see us at Staple Hill Methodist church, from 10am to midday.Areyou reading this and thinking you would like to meet newYoupeople?maynot 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 youWelike.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 mostOurmonths.meetings start at 7.30pm: come and join us in Christ Church Hall on North Street in Downend.

Make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy a cuppa and some cake!Looking forward to seeing you all soon.Youcan drop us an email to find out more at katetarr@avonfwi. org.uk. Kate Tarr

DOWNEND WI

HOW terribly shocked and saddened we have all been that our beloved Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8.

It’s been terribly sad to watch the new King suffering his own personal loss, and yet he doesn’t have the luxury of time that we all have at such times.

King Charles III has to almost immediately turn his head to the business of succession, and continue where the Queen left things. God Save The King.

We members of the Women’s Institute have been so blessed to have the Queen as a member, even though her group met far away in Sandringham.Thepointis that when she attended her Institute, she was able to leave behind all the other responsibilities and just be herself. That’s what we all feel when we attend our meetings: we are just with our friends.

Last month we were so excited at receiving a card from Her Majesty the Queen. Yet almost in the blink of an eye, she has passed away. What we must remember is that the Queen was very fond of a quiz - her own WI at Sandringham loved to play Pointless!

Our Downend WI equally loves to have a quiz, which is what we did at our last meeting.

Many thanks go to Carey Down, who was our quizmaster.

Great fun was had by all, as we whispered and laughed during our team discussions while having some nibbles and some fizz; it was indeed a lovely, happy evening.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday September 27, and we will be making cards with Kate from Kate’s Kards. We are all looking forward to seeing Kate again, as we were lucky

enough to experience her artistic guidance over two years ago.

A last note: we have to thank all those keen gardeners who have nurtured their gardens throughout the drought and even now, as we drift into autumn and walk by the beautiful gardens of Downend, we see the tall golden sunflowers waving in the September breeze to brighten our days.

Thank you - they make us smile.

Suzzie, Committee Member

BROMLEY HEATH WI

HAD somebody asked me on September 1 what I would be doing on the following Thursday, September 8, I would have happily told them that I would be going to Bromley Heath WI’s meeting, at which we had planned to have some fun performing line dancing.

Before that date, we had already received a 'welcome back' note from our president, Liza, via both email and on Facebook and we were all looking forward to seeing friends after our August break.Upon the sudden and sad news of Her Majesty’s death later that afternoon, the committee confirmed that the evening’s meeting would just be one where our members could gather for tea, a chat and mutual sympathy.

Our late Queen was president of the Women's Institute and naturally, we were all very sad to hear of her passing.

Thank you for your outstanding service Your Majesty - we will always remember you.

God bless you, and may you rest in peace.

Margaret Hanwell

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

WOW, what a fantastic summer we haveOurhad!grass may not be as healthy as it should be, but the effects of the good weather can be well and truly seen on our faces. We all look a bit healthier, with a gentle glow, and being able to get out and about in the fresh air does wonders for our well-being.

The lovely weather enabled us to have one of our meetings based outside of the Emersons Green Village Hall. Two of our lovely committee members sent us off on a walking scavenger hunt/quiz. It was a beautiful evening, not too hot, which was just as well due to the competitiveness of the teams, sending us all literally running out

of theFirst,hall.find the answer of clue number 1, then after shouting out the answer, thankfully there were no other teams close to us at the time, off we went in what we hoped would be the right direction. The next hour and a bit saw us walking around the local area of Emersons Green, finding the answers to the clues - some of us even involved passers-by or people going in or out of their homes to help point us in the right direction.Oneof the clues took us into the quiet area of the park, where there are stones painted with different words.

We were asked to take a picture of the stone with the word that made us think of the meaning of our WI. Everybody sent back the same picture: "friendship".

A quick selfie in the park with the flower commonly linked to the WI, the sunflower, and then a race back to the village hall, for wellneeded refreshments and cake.

Everyone had smiles on their faces; we had talked, walked and laughed for the whole evening. Sharing the events of the hunt with the other teams led to more laughing, especially when the team I was in found out there was a map in our paperwork to help us outoh well!Ourcommittee, having started planning the events for our 2023 programme, are excited about the range of speakers and events we have for our members to enjoy.

Planning 2022 was a difficult one, as we were still unsure what the Covid restrictions would be: thankfully we are now back to normal.Over the last couple of months we have had a talk about Downend, Mangotsfield, Kingswood and the surrounding areas, which brought back great memories, and were joined by a lovely lady from the Bristol Hippodrome who gave a fantastic insight to all the goings on, we could have listened to her all night.

If you would like to visit and see what we do at Beechmere Belles, please pop in on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7.30pm, in the Willow Room at Emersons Green Village Hall.

If you park in the hall's car park, pop your vehicle registration into the pad on arrival in the reception.

The Queen kept her promise to serve

THE passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has given all of us something of a shock.

For, as much as her death was not unexpected at the age of 96, having reigned over the United Kingdom for 70 years, she was the only monarch that most of us have ever known; a constant and reassuring presence for so many during a period of remarkable change throughout the world.

We mourn her passing and offer our condolences to her family as, in addition to being our Queen, she was a mother, grand mother and great-grandmother, with a family who loved her.

She meant different things to each of us and, while she was instantly recognisable across the world, many people locally will have their own personal memo ries of Thereher.have been some won derful recollections and stories

told in the aftermath of her passing. For someone who lived such a public life, some of these stories are still new to us, and we have found out more about our Queen in the past days.

Many people in South Gloucestershire may remem ber her visits to the area over the course of her time as our sovereign.Herlove of horses was well known, and she very much enjoyed her attendances at the Badminton Horse Trials over the years. She first visited in 1952 and then in 1953, her first year as Queen.She opened the Severn Bridge in 1966 and she visited the fac tories in Filton where Concorde wasAsbuilt.chair of the council, I have attended a number of ceremonial events to mark the Queen’s life, and spoken with local people

with their own personal stories.

I was, for example, fascinated to learn that in 1981, the Queen took refuge in the Cross Hands Hotel in Old Sodbury to shelter from a blizzard. The weather led many people to seek a room for the night but, fortunately, room was found at the inn and Her Majesty was able to take shelter before leaving when the snow eased later that night.

Perhaps you have your own memories of her reign?

As with the passing of anyone, it is comforting to think about the time spent with them and how their lives affected us; it can help their memory live on.

The council is sharing images from Her Majesty’s visits to the area over the years, which you can see on our website at www.

Princesssouthglos.gov.uk/photos.Onher21stbirthday,asElizabeth,shepledged

that her whole life would be devoted to our service. Today we all know that the Queen kept to her Wepromise.lookforward to the reign of His Majesty King Charles III and trust that he will offer the same constancy and strength as did his mother.

Welcome to the pole jungle

PUPILS at a Downend primary school are enjoying a new piece of outdoor play equipment.

The 'pole jungle' is for junior-aged children at Stanbridge Primary School and was installed in time for the start of the new school year in September.Theschool is holding open days for parents with children due to start their education in 2023 on September 27 from 9.30-10.30am, October 19 from 9.30-10.30am, November 19 from 9-10am, December 5 from 5.30-6.30pm and January 6 from 9.30-10.30am.

For more information email admin@stanbridgeprimary.org.uk.

Bike ride to help homeless

STAFF and members of Kingswood Leisure Centre are taking on a group cycling challenge to help a Bristol homelessness charity.

Sue Green, who works at the centre in Soundwell, volunteers for Roots Independent Street Team, a charity running a pop-up service every Thursday evening at Champion Square, near Cabot Circus, providing a hot meal, snacks, hot drinks and other essentials to people who are homeless.

Sue has volunteered for homelessness charities for nine years, and joined the team of 40 Roots volunteers last year.

She said: "We are seeing a growing number of street homeless and now families who cannot afford to eat - we feed anything from 60 to over 100 people per week.

"Before covid we had lots of donations to enable us to provide hot meals, snacks, clothing and toiletries.

"We now have to fund this ourselves - we have regular donations from Greggs and Pret, which is amazing, but need to find the money for hot food, rent and lock-up fees."

Sue has teamed up with Lisa Leonard, one of the leisure centre's cycle instructors, and regular Kaz Maziarz to organise an eight-hour group indoor cycle, using the centre's cycling machines, on November 12 from 11am until 7pm.

Some people are planning to cycle the full eight hours, while others are setting up relay teams or cycling part of the event.

Anyone who would like to take part can do so for £10 per person, per bike, or £40 for the whole eight hours - call 07763 277 885 for more

Theinformation.teamhasalso

set up an online donations page at justgiving. com/fundraising/rootsandklc.

To find out more about Roots visit www.rootsindependentstreetteam.co.uk.

News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries

THE 17th to the 23rd October is Get Online Week. At Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries we have Digital Champions (volunteers) who run free one-to-one support sessions to build confidence using the Internet. They can assistyou with applying for a blue badge on line or show you how to do on line shopping safely or make video calls. You can bring your own device in to work on or use our public PCs for free. And of course we also have free WiFi available too.To book a session with a Digital Champion please ask staff, email libraries@southglos.gov.uk or call and leave a message on 01454 865022 (Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm).

SGS College offer free 17 week IT beginners courses at Downend Library. For more information about these and to book a place contact Cindy on 0117 9092296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk

South Gloucestershire Community Learning and Skills Service offer IT courses at Staple Hill Library. Contact them on 01454 864613 or email community.learning@southglos.gov.uk in Bromley Tel 07970 793590

Stanbridge Primary School children explore the school's new pole jungle

Celebrating

Hunters Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this charming detached cottage located in the heart of the popular Frenchay Village with extensive views of semi-rural countryside.

This property is offered for sale with no onward chain and although the property requires some modernisation it still retains some of its original features and charm and should be viewed internally to fully appreciate all that this property has to offer.

The accommodation comprises to the ground floor; entrance hall, as lounge with exposed brick chimney breast which houses a cast iron wood burner, a separate dining room with exposed brick chimney breast, a study, kitchen and bathroom. To the first floor there are two double bedrooms. The master bedroom has the

benefit of having its own en suite shower room.

The property also has the added benefit of having an additional room in the basement. In our opinion this versatile room could be used as an additional bedroom, reception room or a home office for those looking for a quiet area in

order to work from home. Additional benefits include; gas central heating, uPVC double glazed windows, an off street parking space situated to the rear of the property and established gardens.

Asking7JNPrice

LUXURIOUS barn conversion with a truly individual style, retaining the intrinsic characteristics of a traditional barn originally constructed in the 1600s while introducing contemporary design and an elegant modern feel.

The quality of craftmanship and finish is exceptional with all doors and window frames being solid Oak, there is a delightful blend of period features including several original Oak beams spanning the property.

The accommodation on offer comprises a capacious lounge/dining room with a partially glazed door leading to an Oak framed, double glazed conservatory which benefits from heated flagstone flooring and exposed stone wall. The modern kitchen has sleek linear lines; brushed steel handles and black Granite work surfaces give the classic Shaker style doors a contemporary twist. Integrated appliances include oven, hob, dishwasher, washing machine and fridge-freezer all complementing the modern design with the classic country style of a fine barn conversion.Tothefirst floor are two double bedrooms accessed from the galleried landing, both benefit from vaulted ceilings which help aid the sense of space which

is apparent throughout this property. The master bedroom has built-in storage and an en-suite bathroom boasting an impressive stand alone roll top bath. The family bathroom has a traditional style white three piece suite with a mains plumbed shower over the bath.The external space is made up of a courtyard laid to gravel at the front offering off road parking for several vehicles and access to a garage with power and lighting. The private rear garden has a country feel bounded by mature evergreen hedging and natural willow fencing. There are two patio areas, a well tended level lawn and well stocked mature borders.

the place for you…

Scan to get an instant valuation for your property.

n ESTATE PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Hambrook, offers over £450,000

OCEAN are delighted to offer to the market this unique and charming 3 bedroom cottage. Fuchsia Cottage is set back from the road and has fantastic transport links into Bristol City Centre via the Bristol Ring road and along the M32. There are also good links onto the wider motorway networks such as the M4/M5. Parkway Station is located X miles away which offers transport into central London in less than an hour and a Hambrookhalf.is

a small and semi rural village, home to Hambrook Primary School, voted the second best Primary School in South Gloucestershire by the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2022. There is lots of open green space to explore around the area including the Frome Valley walk way and Hambrook Common. Shopping outlets can be found in neighbouring areas such as Downend, Abbey Wood Retail Park and Emersons Green Retail Park.

The cottage itself is beautifully presented and is full of character in every room. Presenting as dining room with its first feature fireplace, lounge with double

doors opening out onto the garden with another feature fireplace, playroom with a further access point to the front and back garden, large lobby leading to the kitchen, WC and utility area. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and a good size family bathroom. The master benefits

from built in wardrobes with the other 2 bedrooms featuring exposed beams and skylights.

A viewing is highly recommended to appreciate this

beautiful stone built home situated on the outskirts of Bristol. Material information (provided by owner) : Council tax band C. This is a freehold property.

lochsandLakes

VERY often landscape photography has water included somewhere in the vista, and stretches of inland water can bring a stillness to a scene that adds greatly to a sense of peace and tranquillity.

A similar mood can be generated by the sea and rivers as well, but even in calm conditions they are usually in constant movement, so there is rarely a chance to capture clearly-defined reflections.Themirroring quality of still water is often seen in photography, and is very evident in two of the three pictures shown here, all of them successful in Club competitions.‘ConistonWater’ shows the trees and mountain clearly reflected, with some small ripples evident in the water, and a neat selection of rocks and stones in the foreground to balance the scene. Everything is crisp and sharp, the colours vibrant and pleasantly contrasting.‘LochLeven’ shows the land and sky even more perfectly mirrored, to the extent that the image can be viewed either way up. Everything is balanced; no ripples here.

The balanced perfection appears quite deliberate, and changes the nature of the picture, not simply a glorious, high-quality view of a natural vista, but a graphic image.

Back to the Lake District with ‘Early Morning in the Lakes’.

This image has a softer aspect than the other two; a dreamy scene, and one showing more than just natural surroundings.

There is a pleasing, balanced composition, with the land showing in the hazy distance, but it’s still those reflections that add much to the Downendscene.Camera Club is a friendly informal group who meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road, Downend.Theclub offers an active and interesting programme including photographic presentations and competitions.TheClubis holding a free exhibition at Christ Church,

Downend, with a public launch on the evening of October 12, and open viewings during the day on the 15th, 21st, and 29th, so come along and enjoy some stunning images.TheClub is on both Facebook and Instagram and has a website at org.ukwww.downendcameraclub. that shows details of the club, members' galleries, past competition winners, plus a forum for discussion of all things photographic.

Ed Shorney

Early morning in the lakes by Wendy Lockyer

Coniston Water by Derek Britton

Loch Leven by Dave Gregory

n LETTERS

Hard work of factory staff will live on

MANY local people worked at the Wathen Gardiners factory, which is now coming to a sad end (Voice, September), a lot of them being female sewing machinists.

Most of the workers that I knew will now be mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers.

I started in December 1951, and worked there until September 2000, when I retired.

To those who worked there during this time, your efforts were not wasted or lost, as all your hard work lives on in the brand name Bristol Uniforms.

As I remember, it began with Mr Pat Hill working on aluminium silver suits and fleet suits for fire station and airport firefighters and oil tanker workers, with head, hand, and feet protection coverings.

Following the Kings Cross Underground fire, where the firefighters' leggings melted in the intense heat, changes were introduced to improve the level of fire protection clothing, with flame, heat and water protection.

The first and largest order of thousands of suits came from the London Fire Service. They were made by Wathen Gardiners, with the help of others, under our inspections.Theouter material was a flame resistant, waterproof, and breathable cloth, a waterproof liner, and a quilt inner. These closed with zips and Velcro fastenings, reflective strips on the body, sleeves, and trousers.

These fire uniforms were ordered from other European countries and other parts of the world.Wathen Gardiners also produced bullet-proof vests for lightweight body armour. These were made with Kevlar panels, special threads, and various strong stitching patterns.

To keep up with the demand and quantity of garments that needed to be produced, we had to seek out modern computerised machines.Forthe design process, we turned to a German computer and for the cutting process, we found a French computer. We also added a hanging rail system in the factory.

Mr Hill, and the people who worked for him, searched out the tools and supplied the best testing to supply uniforms in boxes that

were specially made.

This is how Wathen Gardiners' Bristol Uniforms was created.

So, when you see a local firefighter, be reminded that what they are wearing, from top to bottom, came from the workers at Wathen Gardiners, who made it happen.Tomy former colleagues: though the factory is gone, you are not forgotten. What you achieved is all around the world and you are still helping to save lives.

On behalf of Mr Hill, who is unfortunately no longer with us, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and loyalty.

Duncan PucklechurchGill

Robert Bateman did not survive the Titanic

CLAIMS made regarding the Reverend Robert Bateman being a survivor of the Titanic disaster in the article on the Staple Hill Story Walk (Voice, September) need to be corrected.Hewas my great-great uncle and is very well thought of by his present-day family.

By 1912, he had long since emigrated from this area to the US and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. The main purpose of his return visit here was to arrange a headstone for his mother's grave in Christ Church Cemetery, Downend.

As a Methodist minister, he had also conducted services, the last one being at the Kingswood Evangel Hall - a memorial stone in the Kingswood Heritage Museum celebrates this.

On the trip back to the US, he was accompanied by his sisterin-law, Ada, who was visiting her sister, his wife, and he actually helped her into a lifeboat before joining others in the singing of hymns on the deck as the ship sank.The White Star Line official record shows that Ada survived the disaster and Robert died. His body was recovered and he was taken back to Jacksonville, where he was buried on May 12, 1912, at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The audio trail provides a true account of his visit and the night of the sinking of the Titanic and is a moving tribute to a brave and honourable man.

Y1 bus should be diverted

IN your last edition someone mentioned that you had to get to the ring road to catch the Y1 to Yate.Please note that, oddly, the Y1 bus service does not stop at the Willy Wicket bus stop on the ring road but at the bus stop at Cuckoo Lane, further along the Badminton Road towards Yate - although it does stop at the previous stop on the ring road, at Hambrook.

In order to provide a direct service to part of Downend, the service needs to be diverted (both outward and inward journeys) along Badminton Road towards Downend, and turn around at the Trident pub before heading down the ring road. This would utilize one stop before and two after the Trident pub.

A precedent has been set, as the Y1 has been diverted to serve the Yate Park and Ride for the dozen or so drivers who use it! Or they could simply restore the Y2 service.Iwas unable to get to the meetings organised by Dan Norris in early August regarding the bus service, as there are no direct bus services from Downend to any of the four meetings he had.

RobertDownendOrchard

Editor's note: We apologise to readers for the mistake in our article on the story trail, which resulted from a misreading of the information supplied by the trail creators.

We all have to help save water

A SHORTAGE of water in this area is not exactly new information.

We have recently been told we are in a drought area, yet surprisingly there is no hosepipe ban yet. So is that why in Bromley Heath I recently saw a tiled roof to a house being powerwashed?

Do some people have no conscience or awareness outside of their little castle, for instance of the problems for the farmers who are even slaughtering cattle due to dried up pastures?

AlanDownendElkan

Thanks volunteersto

PICTURED here is one of the six benches in the Alec Large Park in Mangotsfield that have recently had a renewed life, and are now looking spick and span, thanks to the volunteers from the Mangotsfield Residents Association.Sinceits formation a few years ago, the MRA and its volunteers have made many improvements to the appearance around the village centre, and there are plans to continue with this work well into the future.

Michael Bell

South Gloucestershire councillor Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward

Angela Boyle

The Bristol Uniforms factory, formerly Wathen Gardiners, in Staple Hill

The art of the crop

ONE of the simplest tasks when editing modern digital photos is the Tocrop.'crop' an image is to remove or adjust the outside edges to improve framing or composition, or to draw a viewer's eye to the imageWithsubject.modern editing programs that is the work of a moment, but the complexity lies in choosing what to crop.

To show this I’ve chosen three pictures from our previous competition entries, which have been cropped to a wide view.

While this is normal with landscapes, to show the breadth of the view, I have deliberately chosen three town views in order to show how a wide crop can enhance the picture.Roy Shergold, our club chair, is particularly good at black and white photography, where shade, form and composition come to the fore. His picture 'The Avon at Redcliffe' has been cropped so that the building on the right is cropped to the corners, minimising the sky and allowing the subject (the water) to sweep diagonally, and powerfully, across from right to left.Left

at the original dimensions, the power of that sweep would have been lost.

Peter England’s 'Castle Bridge', which keeps us on the water in central Bristol, but this time in colour, is cropped to allow the bend of the bridge to flow naturally into the flow of the river. The movement is further enhanced by the presence of the two figures on the bridge.

Moving away from the Avon, and back to black and white, we have Jeff McKinstry’s highly dramatic 'Shadowland'.

Shot towards a bright, late afternoon winter sun, we see a group of silhouetted figuresbut the drama of the picture is contained in the shadows.

The picture is cropped very wide, to be just about the figures and their shadows which, thrusting out to the bottom corners, fully justify the picture’s title.

We are now back to normal meetings, so why not join us for the coming year?

New members and guests are always made welcome (£3 if you just want to try us out), if you’re looking for company and new

acquaintances, as well as regular activities.Ifyou’re interested and would like to be part of a small but flourishing club, take a look at our website at gmail.com.orlincombebarncameraclub.co.ukwww.contactusonlincombe.barn@Staysafe-andtakeawideview.

Sid Stace

Shadowland by Jeff McKinstry

Castle Bridge by Peter England

The Avon at Redcliffe by Roy Shergold

I WOULD like to begin my column this month to mark my respect for the Queen, as it will be a significant year for me, being 70 in October.Iremember when she came to Bristol when I was a very young child.My father was a manager of a shoe shop in Park Street, so I had a ringside seat as I watched her smile and wave from the royal limousine.Formany years now I have designed my gardens to be cottage-style but this year I decided to have a gravel garden

for cushion-forming Alpines, too big to be planted in my Alpine troughs.Regular readers of my column will know I am an Alpines fanatic.

One recent Saturday evening I did a drastic thing to my garden - I took down my rusty rose arch.

It was only a cheap arch and, once I had unravelled the roses and clematis from it, it did not take long to break it up. One rose, with the two clematis, I trailed along a nearby fence, and tied the rose stems in with string after screwing a vine eye into a fence post. That rose is called School

Girl. The other rose on the side is Golden Showers, for which in due course I will get an obelisk.

From cottage to gravel gardening BroadwayChristinewith

It has certainly opened up the garden, and I intend to add more gravel in Readerstime.will be pleased to know that speaker mornings are returning to Lincombe Barn on Thursday October 6, with a talk on the history of Clifton Suspension Bridge.The event will start with coffee, available from 10.15am, with the speaker at 10.45am. For more details, see the what's on section.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all again.

n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN

A good time for WEplantinghaveatlasthad

some rain, so our lawns are beginning to become green again, and our plants are showing signs of recovery. All will be well!October is a time when we can start to plant bare root trees and shrubs: dig a good-size hole and make sure you water well.

Also, plant in the right soil type for your plant. Most nurseries and garden centres have tags on their plants, which tell you what the plant needs. Have a good look around your area at trees and shrubs to see what grows wellthat will help you with what you choose, which will in turn help you be successful.

n NEWS

The coming month is also a time to weed before winter and top dress the borders to suppress the weeds and protect the buds as theyClipappear.some of the overhanging plants back to tidy up a little, but leave some of the seed heads for birds and insects to feed on: don’t forget they need water as well.

It is still not too late to plant tulip bulbs, so see what there is still around and you may find some exciting varieties still on the shelves.Weare still all recovering from the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II, who was a keen gardener and went to RHS Chelsea, as do many of us each year.

What better way to mark her life than perhaps add a plant to your garden, in a special corner? Many

Choir seeks recruits

WOULD you like to join an afternoon choir, but don’t think you can sing, or are too shy to try? Well, here’s your chance to give it a go.

The Filtones choir is looking for new members to swell its ranks, and this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for!

Come and join us free for four weeks – no obligation – all voice ranges are welcome as we sing four-part harmony.

You will not be subjected to an audition and, although it can be useful to read music, this is not an obstacle, as we provide other audio aids for learning.

We meet at St Teresa’s Community Rooms at the rear of the church, 71 Gloucester Road North BS34 7PL from 1.45-3.45pm every Wednesday.

Just come along, or for more information please ring me on 0117 9690654 or 07870 984760, or Janet on 0117 9241534.

You can also check out our website on www.thefiltones.weebly. com. We look forward to seeing you.

of you will have perhaps written in a book of condolence or sent a card, to add to the thousands who have wanted to express our sympathy to the Royal Family.

Adding a plant to our gardens will be good for the environment and the wildlife and remind us of the pleasure our Queen brought

us through all her work and dedication to our country.

Let us all see what we can do to make our gardens have a beautiful corner, as we remember our late Queen and look forward to the reign of King Charles III.

Happy gardening.

Mary Head

A time of change

AS the weather begins to turn and our new season draws close, we as a collective process the loss of our Queen Elizabeth II. For many this is a sad time, an ending of an era, for others it’s a time to look to the future and the start of the new, as we welcome in our new King Charles III.

Just as our monarchy is changing so is our season, on 23rd of this month we celebrate the autumn equinox, where for a couple of moments (around 02.03am to be exact) the sun is directly above our equator, meaning on this day, day and night are almost of equal length all around the planet.

The balance of the equinox promotes a great time to bring more balance into our lives, now is a great time to have a clear out of items no longer serving you.

As well as a time of letting go, it is also a good time to gather, harvest has begun: crab apples, pears, blackberries, elderberries, juniper berries, rosehips, rowan berries, hazelnut and walnuts ready to be foraged around now.

By the end of this month our daylight will have reduced by just under two hours since the start of the month, meaning dark evenings in the garden with bonfires and toasting marshmallows can begin.

We will be marking these seasonal changes in the woods with all of our groups. If your child would like to join us for an adventure please pop along to mud-pies.co.uk

Downend made 1858 in their innings as they hosted the inaugural Bristol T20 final - enough for a 39-win Burnham-on-Sea.over

T20 win for Downend

DOWNEND Cricket Club finished the season with a title after winning the inaugural Bristol T20 final.

After winning the midweek T20 league - despite losing their first game of the season - the club hosted the final against the winners of the Weston midweek league, Burnham-on-Sea.

Downend hosted the final at the WG Grace Memorial Ground on September 24 and posted 185-8, before restricting the visitors to 146-6.The win came the day after Downend's 1st XI secured their place in the West of England Premier League 2 for another season, courtesy of a six-wicket win over Ilminster in their final game.

Cleve start season with defeat, then victory

CLEVE RFC started their league season with two home games, a defeat to Cinderford II followed by a win over Old Bristolians.

The club had warmed up with a preseason game versus welsh side Tondu, welcoming two returning players, Brad Horman and Steve Bush, who were asked back by coach Nathan Huntley

The team started well against Tondu and went into a 7-nil lead after five minutes.

Drives by Ashley Wildgoose and a break by Aaron Grant kept Cleve on the front foot.

This was a game of lineouts, with catch and drives. Tondu did this to put them back into the Clevegame.thenresponded and did this twice to set up a 17-7 lead.

Tondu showed their determination to succeed and spent the last 10 minutes in Cleve’s 22, but Cleve stood fast, with some superb defence, to hold out for a 17-7 win.

In their first league match Cleve were up against a National league outfit, who are well coached in a big club.

Cleve started the game with real intent and effort. Cinderford however countered well, moving the ball wide. They gained a lineout in the corner and with a catch and drive went over for 5-0.

Cleve's 2022/23 squad

Cleve responded well and drove frequently to the line but without success.

There was a feeling that Cinderford were being let off the hook, and after slotting over a penalty, they were 8-0 up at half time.

The second half saw Cleve start well, having one try disallowed before Harry Owens who broke through and scored, after 15 minutes of pressure.

Owens converted his own try to make it 8-7 and at the 25-minute stage, Cleve were looking good, with good ball movement and Owens controlling the game.

But towards the end Cinderford

pressurised the line and the forwards drove over to make the final score 13-7 to Cinderford.Cleve'ssecond league game was against Old Bristolians. The sides had shared two close games last season, so this game was going to be a measure of how well the team wasAfterprogressing.apoorstart, Cleve started to attack the Bristolians' line, moving the ball with greatHarrycontinuity.Owens led the back line and the ball went wide to Ross Collins, who went over to score, with Owens converting for 7-nil to Cleve.Bristolians had a good young running team and went back to Cleve’s try line and eventually levelled.

Cleve then put in a wholehearted effort in tackling and hold Bristolians out, before the second half saw Cleve's forwards beginning to dominate.Ashley Wildgoose and Louis Bartlett both scored as the game opened up, finishing 3124 to ThisCleve.was a really pleasing performance, from a Cleve team growing with confidence.

Steve Bateman

Four milestones

Milestone 1 – 100 blogs

That’s 100 months… or 8 years and 4 months… or roughly 75,000 words. Now that’s a milestone!

I WOULD like to take a moment to thank you all for reading this, whether this is the only blog you have read, or if you have been with me since the beginning, when my little angel and first-born Molly arrived, through to Harry and now little Oscar. There have been so many highlights, from working at the IAAF World Athletics in London 2017 and witnessing Bristol Rovers achieve back-to-back promotions, to building the new clinic, welcoming a host of new staff and working at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – and lots more in between.

Milestone 2 – 20 seasons working with Bristol Rovers

OK, so the 20th season has only just started, but it’s here and I’m pleased I made it! It all started with the amazing Junior Agogo. After a day working at Bristol Rugby, with whom they were sharing a ground at The Mem at the time, I got a call from Bristol Rovers asking me to: “Please help Junior with his neck injury. He’s our best player, but he can’t move his head and we need him tomorrow”.

So typical Junior (as it turns out) arrived 30 minutes late for his 45-minute appointment and walked in as though it was no big deal, sat down and asked me to fix him. Thankfully, despite the high pain levels and heavily restricted neck movement, he responded well to some classic chiropractic treatments. He played the next day and scored the winning goal. Sadly, Junior passed away in August 2019 at just 40.

Milestone 3 - Kyle Sinckler

Kyle is one of the best rugby props in the world, a Bristol Bears favourite and regular England and Lions player. And now the secret’s out – he was referred to Cleve Chiropractic for help with the acute back pain that saw his season cut short earlier this year. He kindly mentioned the clinic in a double-page spread in The Times as one of the big reasons he has recovered from a potentially career changing injury. When Kyle arrived at the clinic he was in a pickle. He couldn’t sit and had to lie down in the car to travel anywhere. He was adamant that he didn’t want the back surgery that had been proposed, so he was recommended to me, which is always humbling. He was ready to do anything, so we got to work. Kyle quickly became one of the most committed players I have ever seen, showing a brilliant attitude that undoubtedly aided his recovery. Clearly, it’s a quality

which has seen him rise to the top of his game. Kyle’s journey was full of highs and milestones, along with some of the lows that come with major injury recovery. His ultimate milestone though is this…He started the first game of the new season for Bristol Bears, with no surgery, months earlier than expected. I am so proud of, pleased for and impressed by him. Life has thrown Kyle many hurdles to climb but I don’t believe he jumped over any of them – I think he just dropped his shoulder and smashed through them!

Milestone 4 - Marcus Stewart

Marcus and his wife Louise are dear friends. I got to know him really well when he returned to work as a coach with Bristol Rovers. He was amazingly successful – as he had been as a player with Rovers – and helped the team bag back-to-back promotions. Ever since then I have treated him in clinic and we regularly catch up socially. He is kind, generous with his time and quick to smile and laugh with you.

As I’m sure many of you know, Marcus was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Despite this, Marcus and Louise are still going strong and enjoying life. They have been planning a series of events to raise money for the Darby Rimmer MND foundation.Thefoundation, which has

given Marcus and Louise lots of support, information and guidance, was founded by former Liverpool footballer Stephen Darby and his close friend and army veteran Chris Rimmer, who both have MND. The charity supports people and their families who have been diagnosed, as well as the search for ground-breaking treatments.Medical science can be truly wonderful and a cure for MND will be found. So, the final milestone of this month’s blog lies in the future – to help speed up the search for a cure for MND. Marcus and Louise hope to raise £100,000 for the foundation. To support them, please search for ‘Team Stewart’ on Just Giving, or find the link on our social media accounts.

Firsts miss out on promotion

THE final weekend of the season was nail-biting for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club's first team, as they tried to secure promotion from Division 6 of the Bristol and District Cricket Association league.

With only a couple of points between them and Bristol Lions, who were in second place, Carsons & Mangotsfield went into their final match against Bristol Pakistanis aiming to

secure more points than Lions, who were playing the alreadypromoted Aces.

The firsts managed to secure maximum points, bowling out their opponents for 118, with George Sutton taking 4-26, and losing just one wicket on their way to their target, James Cathro scoring 53 and Tom King 38.

They were optimistic, but unfortunately Lions also managed to secure maximum

points to guarantee second place, with Carsons and Mangotsfield missing out on promotion by 3 points.Both the second and third teams managed to secure their respective championships. The seconds won their championship, having secured a convincing win over Nailsea, who finished second, in their penultimate game.Over the course of the

season the young players led the way, with U15 player Matthew Clatworthy finishing the season with 1,585 runs, including two centuries. U17 players Tom King, with 951 runs, and Max Buckingham (859 runs) also both secured centuries for the club.

The leading wicket taker in the club was U17 player Jack Woodland with 54, beating his dad Craig into second place.

Mangos climb table with successive away wins

TWO successive away wins have brought Mangotsfield United's season to life.

After a tough start to life in the Hellenic League Premier Division, picking up just one point in their first three league games and being knocked out of the FA Cup by neighbours Cadbury Heath, the wins at Bradford Town and Thornbury Town have seen the Mangos climb the table.

Before the victories, however, the club had suffered late heartbreak with a 2-1 away defeat at the hands of league leaders and local rivals Cribbs FC.

The Mangos went behind after just 15 minutes and their North Bristol hosts had the better of the first half, with Mangos keeper Ashley Clark needing to make several good saves to keep Cribbs at bay.

However, a better second-half showing saw Mangotsfield level on 65 minutes through Isaac Flynn. Although both sides went for a late winner, it was Cribbs who got it in stoppage time, breaking Mangos’ hearts at the same time.

August Bank Holiday Monday afternoon saw the team pick up their first win of the season, a very creditable 1-0 away result at high-flying Bradford Town.

While the Mangos withstood any pressure

Action from Mangotsfield United's home game against Wantage

that came from the hosts, the Field’s Jack Dancey had the best chance of all early on, hitting the post on 16 minutes.

The only goal of the game finally came on 80 minutes, through Harry Haughton, and the Mangos stood firm for the rest of the game to pick up three very hard-earned points.The following game turned out to be even better, as Mangotsfield romped to a 5-1 away win at basement club Thornbury Town.

It was the hosts who scored first, on 8 minutes, but the Mangos levelled ten minutes later, thanks to a header from Scott Gregory.

Haughton put Mangotsfield ahead on 40 minutes with a shot from 35 yards and Will Hailston then made it 3-1 right on half time, with a header following a cross from Jordan Metters.Thornbury tried to get back into the game after the break, but a Metters free kick on 68 minutes made it 4-1 to the Mangos, and substitute Ollie Williams completed a neat move with 2 minutes left to make it 5-1, a win that hoisted the club into mid-table.

The scheduled home game against Cribbs on September 10 was postponed, along with all other football matches at all levels, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The game has now been rescheduled for Tuesday October 12, at 7.45pm. Dave Smale

Forthcoming fixtures:

September 27: Chipping Sodbury Town

October(away)

1: Corsham Town (away)

October 4: Shrivenham (home)

October 12: Cribbs FC (home)

October 15: Longlevens (away)

October 22: Lydney Town (home)

October 29: Malvern Town (away)

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