Downend Voice September 2024

Moving on up

CAMPAIGNERS say Page Park is finally accessible to everyone, after the completion of a £245,000 project to provide toilets for people with severe disabilities.

The park's original toilet block, which closed seven years ago, has been transformed with the help of a £52,000 grant from the government's Changing Places scheme.

That money has paid for a toilet with extra facilities for people with severe disabilities,

HAIR DESIGNERS

including hoists, curtains, extra space for carers and an adult-sized changing table.

But the revamped block also includes two other toilets open to all, which include a baby changing table, space for wheelchairs and hands-free washing and drying facilities.

Opened near the start of the school holidays, the loos are already proving popular with park users.

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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.

Ofsted praises childcare club

Oldbury Court Out of School Clubs has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for going "above and beyond" to meet children's needs.

PAGE 11

Issues remain for GP surgeries

Patients of GP practices in the Downend area are continuing to have problems contacting their surgery – both by phone and online.

PAGE 21

Historic cup win for cricket team

Carsons and Mangotsfield 1st Xl have won the Bristol and District Cricket Association Bateman Cup for the first time in 30 years.

PAGE 48

Students from Downend School are looking ahead to university courses, apprenticeships, jobs and gap years after some "outstanding achievements" in their A-levels Results round-up: Pages 8 to 10

Posture, more than meets the eye! (part 2)

DID you know your posture is directly linked to the health of your body and brain?!

We at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend specialise in, postural correction, pain relief and performance.

A recent study found that as our posture slumps forward, markers of good health deteriorate, and we become less mobile (ref1). Along with this, a landmark study in 2022 of 411 patients over 50 years old, found even minor hunching forward of posture was directly linked to a decline in cognitive (brain) function!

This research is now being used to help delay dementia onset or prevent it all together (ref2).

In a nutshell, our posture is paramount for a healthy body, brain and life.

With this in mind, we have put together 2 case studies to highlight how we can help you with your postural health, regardless of what stage of life you find yourself in.

Case 1

(Left image) Here we see this gentleman has developed a head posture forward of the ideal by 10cm, resulting in considerable daily headaches which limited his day-to-day quality life. This created a strain of 27kgs through his neck instead of the normal 7kg’s! (Right image) Midway through his course of chiropractic care his head position has shifted back 9cm easing the strain on his neck to just 9kgs, the headaches have

disappeared, and minor neck stiffness is all that remains.

He looks and feels younger and has that bounce back in his day that the posture and headaches had taken from him.

This started with a small postural change that went un-noticed and progressed to the issue we see here, thankfully we have manged to help improve his situation vastly and he’s back to being himself again.

Case 2

This gentleman is keen cyclist in his 70’s who has subtle postural imbalances (Left image) which would have been missed if not assessed without a professional postural assessment.

These changes resulted in listing to the left, a slight unsteadiness and lower back ache whilst cycling.

As you can see in his Right-hand image, part way through his Chiropractic care, he’s upright, easier and more balanced.

Over the years he had developed this forward hunching, (Left image) and he was concerned with this becoming much worse later in life which would affect his mobility, health and most important to him his joy of cycling.

Left image) his head was 8cm forward of where it should be, placing 23kg of strain on his neck.

(Right image) midway through his Chiropractic care he is now 2cm forward of the ideal position with 13kgs less strain on the neck.

He even gained 4cm in height with the postural changes!

Small changes that go unnoticed cause problems now or later, so do come in and have an assessment to avoid problems or simply improve your health and performance.

To book into our free posture clinic

Friday 6th September 1- 5pm contact us on the details below.

ref 1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/16166889/

ref 2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/35589972/

£245,000 transformation for park toilets

Councillors, Friends of Page Park volunteers, disability campaigners and park users at the opening of the revamped toilet block

From page 1

The revamp has taken years of planning, with South Gloucestershire Council working with disability groups including Muscular Dystrophy UK and volunteers from the Friends of Page Park, who raised £20,000 towards the project.

Another £40,000 came from Community Infrastructure Levy money paid to the council by developers, which was secured by Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillors Ian Boulton, Michael Bell and Katie Cooper.

More than 30 people including councillors and council workers, Friends of Page Park, disability groups and park users

celebrated the official opening of the block at the end of July.

Colin Ivey of Aspirations Support, a charity based next to the Park on South View which supports people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions, said: "This is massive – you can't really achieve inclusion without facilities like this. It's really vital for people with disabilities themselves and those who support them."

"This is a beautiful park and it should be able to be accessed by everyone, at any level of ability and disability. That kind of access should be a right and not a privilege for people."

Council cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes said:

"We want to make our parks and open spaces available to everyone, and having accessible toilets and facilities that meet everyone’s needs are important to enable all visitors to spend time in the area.

"Everyone has the right to access green and open space, and not being able to use the toilet has been a barrier to using one of our busiest parks."

Ward councillor Katie Cooper said: "Having a facility like this is liberating - there should be on in every community."

Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said: "It's an amazing facility and it opens the park up for lots of people.

"It makes standing in the cold

selling our fundraising calendars worthwhile."

Steph said that since the toilets opened they have been proving popular with all park users and said: "We hope everyone will respect them."

The toilets are open from 8am to 7pm, seven days a week, from April to September and 8am to 4pm between October and March.

An electronic fob is needed to open the Changing Places toilet.

People who need one can register and pick one up to keep at the council's One Stop Shop in Kingswood Civic Centre.

Park news: Page 23

Bridge demolition date moved back

NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.

The government agency says the bridge next to the Wick Wick roundabout, which was condemned last year after engineers found "structural failures" during a routine inspection, will not now be removed until next March.

It says this is because the amount of time needed for construction of the new bridge has been reduced, which means the old one can stay open to pedestrians and cyclists for longer.

National Highways issued an update on the plans on July 31.

The agency said: "We’re continuing to work with utility providers and other authorities to ensure services can be moved prior to demolition of the bridge.

"This work is due to start in October, following the installation of the new routes under the M4.

"We’ve also been working with our construction partners to refine the programme for demolition and installation of the new bridge.

"We’ve reduced the amount of time needed for construction, meaning we’re able to continue to allow pedestrians and cyclists

to use the bridge until we start preparing for demolition.

"We’re working towards a demolition date of March 2025, subject to the successful diversion of all utilities within the bridge."

Workers have been clearing vegetation next to the bridge and building a temporary compound.

National Highways said: "We’ve also implemented environmental mitigation measures to protect wildlife in the area. Once work is complete, the compound will be removed, and the area returned to an improved condition.

"We’re working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to

align any proposed work along the A432 and at the Wick Wick roundabout.

"You may also see a reduction in traffic management along the ring road, following changes to road markings that should improve vehicle movements along the A4174."

The M4 will be closed between Hambrook and Tormarton as part of the work, overnight on September 12.

The bridge was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July last year, severing the A432 between Yate and Downend.

The replacement bridge is scheduled to open in early 2026.

Ward councillors Michael Bell and Katie Cooper and cabinet councillors Sean Rhodes and Jayne Stansfield inside the Changing Places toilet for people with severe disabilities

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Man's death 'unexplained'

POLICE say they are treating the death of a man at a house in Soundwell as "unexplained".

Detectives are waiting for the results of "further forensic medical analysis" after an initial post-mortem examination could not give a conclusive cause of death.

The man, who was in his 40s, was found when officers were called to a house in Hayward Road, shortly after 5.40pm on July 25.

A police car outside the house in Hayward Road, Soundwell, where a man was found dead in July

A police spokesperson said: "They found a man who was unresponsive and sadly, despite the efforts of officers and ambulance crew, he died at the scene.

"A man, known to the deceased, was arrested from the address. He has been released under investigation as the cause of death is yet to be confirmed."

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Police had initially said they were treating the death as "suspicious" but said the results of a forensic post-mortem examination had "proved inconclusive".

A spokesperson said: "Pending the results of further forensic medical analysis, officers are treating the death as unexplained."

The Avon & Somerset force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the incident, as there had been "prior police contact" with those involved.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family in their loss.

"We'll continue our thorough investigation into what has happened and will prepare a report for the coroner, should no criminal offences be identified."

He called on anyone with information which could help the investigation to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5224 194 416.

Woman's assault arrest

A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after a man suffered head injuries in an assault on Staple Hill High Street.

The incident happened by the junction with Acacia Road and Pendennis Road, outside the Old Mail House pub, at 10.10pm on August 9.

A police spokesperson said: "One person was taken to hospital with a head injury; their injuries are not thought to be lifethreatening or life-changing.

"A 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

"She has been released on police bail."

Murder case in court

A MAN who is accused of murdering his father in Hambrook is due to enter a plea in the case later this year.

Gary Moore, aged 64, was arrested shortly after the body of his father Robert, who was 93, was found dead at his home in Mill Lane on June 22.

Moore, also of Mill Lane, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on August 2, charged with murder.

He is next due to appear at a plea hearing in November, when a trial date is expected to be fixed.

Help Meadow face the world again

AN appeal has been launched to raise £2,000 so a teenager from Frenchay who is fighting cancer can replace her hair – and regain her confidence.

Meadow Ferns, who is 13, was diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of November last year after feeling unwell for some time.

Mum Sarah said that at first doctors thought she had a virus or chest infection, but when she didn't recover she was given a blood test.

Sarah said: "We had the blood test on a Tuesday morning and at 6pm that day they said 'come into hospital, and bring an overnight bag'."

Meadow was diagnosed the following day and began chemotherapy two days after that, spending 52 days straight in Bristol Children's Hospital.

While there she suffered a lumbar puncture leak, where fluid escaped from her spinal column after part of her treatment, confining her to her bed for four weeks.

She also had to be treated for a mass, or growth, on her lung, kidney failure and a collapsed heart valve.

Sarah said her daughter had "been through hell", adding: "We thought we were going to lose her."

She praised the "amazing, absolutely fabulous" staff on the hospital's Apollo 35 ward for their treatment of Meadow and the many other children on the ward.

But it is the loss of her hair during chemotherapy which has affected Meadow, who has autism, the most psychologically. It fell out following

intravenous chemo on the ward, followed by daily oral doses, which she is due to take for two years in total.

Meadow, a former pupil of St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in Downend, has been given a wig provided by charity Young Lives vs Cancer.

But Sarah said her daughter, now a pupil of Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common, is anxious that the wig could be pulled or fall off after catching on something, and as a result she is unwilling to go out.

She said Meadow losing her hair is a "wall she can't overcome," adding: "We've had times when we've driven into town and she won't get out of the car.

"Her hair is her shield, it's her armour. She had beautiful long fair locks before her treatment."

Sarah has found an alternative to a wig called Intralace, which involves using a breathable mesh to combine Meadow's existing hair with additional human hair, disguising her hair loss.

Her own hair can grow back through the mesh, and the whole system is checked and adjusted every six weeks.

But it is only available privately and will cost almost £2,000.

Sarah, who works as an administrator at Winterbourne Academy, having previously worked at St Augustine's, has launched an online fundraiser to help find the money.

She said: "At the moment Meadow's natural hair is starting to grow back but it's very short.

"Wigs are stuck to the head and hair can't grow underneath. With the Interlace system her hair can grow under it.

"When they said it was over £1,900 I burst into tears.

"I do work but I've had to cut my hours to part time, so I can be with Meadow.

"It's such a lot of money, but this is what's going to get her back into school, back into society – she's very isolated at the moment."

Meadow said: "It would mean I'm more confident and I would feel like myself.

"I know it's nothing to be embarrassed about, but it doesn't make you feel very proud of yourself when you're wearing a wig – you feel like you're hiding underneath it.

"When I do get my hair back I'm going to absolutely cherish it – you don't know how much it means to you until it's gone.

"I wish I could have it back, but this is the second-best thing until it does grow back."

Donations to the fundraising appeal can be made online at gofund.me/46f84bfd.

Meadow Ferns and mum Sarah at home in Frenchay

Meadow lost her hair during chemotherapy

More 'express' buses – but Frenchay link broken

DOWNEND and Staple Hill will have faster bus services from the city centre when a new timetable comes into effect this month.

But direct services between Frenchay and Downend are being lost, as the 19 service is rerouted as part of changes announced by operator First.

Stagecoach is also axing its 462 commuter service, which linked Emersons Green, Mangotsfield and Bromley Heath to the Centre.

First says it is introducing "express" 48x and 49x services, which use the M32 at Eastville instead of travelling along Stapleton Road and Old Market, outbound from the Centre from September 1 onwards.

Until now the 48x and 49x services, whose journey times are around 10 to 15 minutes shorter than the 48 and 49, have only operated into town from Emersons Green.

First says it is introducing outbound services "following customer feedback".

It is also extending the 49x

service and some 49 journeys beyond Emersons Green to Lyde Green and the Bristol & Bath Science Park, "following customer demand".

On weekdays there will be around two 48x, two 49x, two 48 and two 49 services per hour in each direction.

First has also confirmed the timetable for the new 50 service, reported in last month's Voice, linking Frenchay and Stapleton to the city centre, which will run every half hour from Monday to Saturday between the Centre and Beckspool Road.

But the operator has changed the route of the 19, which will no longer go through Frenchay between Downend and Bristol Parkway station. Instead the bus will go straight from Downend to UWE's Frenchay campus along the Avon Ring Road.

South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor for transport, Chris Willmore, said re-routing of the 19 away from Frenchay means residents will no longer have a direct service to reach their local

GP surgeries in Downend, as well as its local shops.

First says the move is due to "the increased journey times by having to double back on the ring road via the M32 Junction in this direction".

A spokesperson said the change was "to help us minimise disruption to our services caused by congestion on the ring road", and said Frenchay passengers would be able to use the 50 as "an interchange for other local bus services, improving connections to other parts of the area".

However to use the 50 to reach Downend, passengers would have to take it all the way to Robertson Road in Easton and change onto an outbound 48.

Stagecoach's decision to axe the 462 means that the last service to run through Bromley Heath is being lost.

The commuter service ran three times inbound in the morning and twice outbound in the afternoon, linking Emersons Green, Mangotsfield and

Bromley Heath to the centre via the ring road and M32. Service had already been cut back from four in each direction in April.

Stagecoach said the decision was made "due to declining customer numbers".

Bromley Heath commuter Claire Lewis, who used the 462 to travel to and from her job at a city centre school, said the service was "very busy in the mornings" and is often full, although afternoon services were quiet because it only ran at 4.05pm and 6.25pm.

The Voice asked Stagecoach if it had figures on passenger numbers.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, the usage on this service is still very low over the course of the day and whilst there is a busy journey, there is still not a sufficient number of customers over the course of the day to cover the costs of operation. We have therefore had to make the difficult decision to withdraw this service."

Families left without school bus as term starts

FAMILIES who relied on an axed bus service to a secondary school say some children will now struggle to get to lessons.

The 458 from Downend to Winterbourne Academy was withdrawn as a commercial service last year and the school, which ran a replacement service itself last year, says it can't afford to do so again from September.

Parents whose children used the bus have been putting pressure on South Gloucestershire Council and WECA to provide a solution, but so far neither authority has answered their call.

The council has responsibility for funding buses where children are entitled to free transport, while WECA has overall responsibility for the region's transport system.

Parent Libby Rogers said: "WECA and South Glos council have now confirmed that there will be no replacement for 458 - each pointing to each other in terms of who is responsible for funding this – so we are stranded and with no public transport, having to find other ways to get our children to school.

"Families are having to change working hours and try and sort lift shares but there are going to be children who will struggle to get to school on time or at all.

"Lots of parents have contacted the council department highlighting that there is no safe walking route and we have been advised that the route has not been reviewed for 10 years, and cannot be until the new school term.

"We are meeting as a group of parents again in early September

to coordinate further action. We are stranded but still fighting!"

Libby said the 458 was not the only service hit by uncertainty.

An operator for the 459 from Lyde Green to Winterbourne Academy, via Emersons Green and Bromley Heath, had yet to be announced as the Voice went to print, as had details of a "lottery" for deciding which children not entitled to free transport would be allowed to use the oversubscribed service, in return for a £200-a-term upfront

payment.

South Gloucestershire Council's Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley has called on the authority's Labour and Lib Dem leadership to find "a long-term funding solution" for the 458 with Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

• First Bus is introducing a new SB4 service to link Mangotsfield to St Brendan's Sixth Form College.

For more details visit tinyurl. com/yx6tssu7.

Shop licence suspended over illegal vapes

A MANGOTSFIELD convenience store has had its licence suspended after trading standards and police seized 275 illegal vapes.

Councillors heard the e-cigarettes seized at News Extra in Burley Grove included the "largest oversize devices" ever found in South Gloucestershire: 15,000-puff vapes, with 12 times the maximum legal nicotine liquid capacity of 2ml.

Senior trading standards enforcement officer Alan Cahill said in April police received a complaint that non-compliant vapes were being sold to under18s, and a 14-year-old girl had been sold vodka.

Police licensing officer Wes Hussey visited the shop and saw e-cigarettes which did not look legally compliant, as well as tobacco products openly on sale.

Police and trading standards officers returned 12 days later and found the illegal vapes stored in crisp boxes.

The incident followed the seizure of 15 illegal disposable

vapes from the store in 2022, which led to a warning.

Mr Cahill said: "In the last couple of years we’ve received intel or complaints that the shop is allegedly selling e-cigarettes, tobacco products and alcohol to underage people."

He was speaking at a council licence review hearing on July 25, when trading standards and police asked for the shop’s alcohol licence to be revoked and shopkeeper Sabna Begum be removed as the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

Solicitor Andrea Forrest, representing Mrs Begum, said she had “taken her eye off the

News Extra in Burley Grove

ball” at the store to raise children and left her husband Syed Imran Ali to run it; he had ordered the illegal vapes.

Mr Ali is the sole director of News Extra parent company Burley News Ltd but, as licence holder and DPS, Mrs Begum is responsible for day-to-day operations.

Miss Forrest said the family had run the store for 21 years, apart from a brief period in 201718, and claims they sold vapes and alcohol to children were "unfounded allegations".

She said: "Throughout these 21 years there has never been one test purchase where there’s been

evidence of an underage sale.

"Over the years they have been refusing sales (to children)."

Miss Forrest said Mr Ali made a mistake because of a lack of knowledge about illegal vapes, and he was waiting for the supplier to come and collect them when officers found them in boxes.

She added: "This is not about deliberately flouting the law."

Licensing sub-committee members suspended the shop's licence for four weeks.

Panel chair Cllr Alex Doyle (Lab, Filton) said: "The subcommittee was concerned that Mrs Begum showed a lack of understanding regarding her role and responsibilities as the premises licence holder and considered that a period of suspension would allow her time to reflect and address the issues raised by trading standards and the police."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Rice or Naan: Choose Pilau Rice, Boiled Rice, Plain Naan or Garlic Naan (TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY)

: Onion Bhaji, Chicken Kebab or

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Starter: Onion Bhaji, Chicken Kebab or any

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Dish: Bombay Aloo,

SGS celebrates 'impressive' results

STUDENTS at SGS Sixth form have achieved an "impressive set" of A-level, T-level and BTEC results, say tutors.

The college in Filton says 75% of learners attained grades A*-C in their A-levels, with 70.6% achieving an A* or A in maths, 77.5% achieving A*-B in psychology and 89.5% gaining an A*-C grade in biology.

The college described overall pass rates as "strong", with 97.3% of candidates achieving a grade in all of their qualifications.

The first T-level students, who studied the new qualification combining classroom learning and workplace experience, achieved a 100% pass rate.

Performances on BTEC courses were described as "excellent", with all students achieving pass grades and

60% of learners being awarded distinction or distinction* profiles.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud college has six main campuses from Bristol to Gloucestershire, with around 3,800 learners aged 16 to 18, the same number of adult learners and 900 apprentices.

Among those celebrating was T-level learner Kayla Date, of Patchway, who was awarded a distinction in early years and childcare and is heading to Bath Spa University to study primary education. She hopes to become a primary school teacher.

Kayla said: "I am really happy with my results. I had such supportive teachers which helped me throughout my course and I am now I am really looking forward to going to university.”

Isaac Lee received an A* in A-level maths, and As in further maths and economics. He will study economics at Bristol University.

Isaac said: “I am very happy with my grades. I would really like to become a financial advisor and this is the first step in my journey.”

Ahmed Elhjaje will study sociology at the University of the

West of England after achieving Bs in sociology and law, and an A in philosophy.

He said: “I have been stressing out so much but I am so happy. The teachers have been amazing and I don’t think I could have done it without them."

Other students are set to start degree apprenticeships with major accountancy and building firms.

Head of SGS Sixth (academic) Becky Riddell said: "I am delighted with the achievements of each and every one of our learners.

"The grades they have

Ahmed Elhjaje celebrates his A-level results with his mum

achieved and the distance each learner has travelled is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to their studies at SGS.

"It is important to acknowledge our fantastic curriculum teachers and wider support teams, including our heads of year and well-being team, who have contributed to the academic success through their 121s, consistent and unwavering support and their extensive and exceptional subject expertise and pastoral care.

"Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

School hails 'outstanding achievements' of A-level students

Lewis Jefferies, of Emersons Green, will study history at Bristol University after gaining B grades in geography, history and religious studies.

Lewis said: "I'm slightly surprised as it's less than I needed but I got in, and that's what matters.

"It was quite a thing to build up to but I'm pleased, and relieved to be moving on.

"I'm looking forward to studying at Bristol."

LEADERS at Downend School have praised their hard working students and supportive families after recording "exceptional" A-level results.

This year's students were the first to sit GCSEs after the pandemic, and their A-levels took place under the same system of grading that was in place in 2019.

Across England, the government said top grades had risen from 26.5% at A* or A last year to 27.6% this year – also above the 25.2% recorded in 2019.

At Downend Sixth Form Centre, which is based at Downend School but also serves post-16 students from Mangotsfield School, head of sixth form Kate Long said the proportion of entries receiving A* to B grades was 47% - up from 46% last year.

In total, 99% of the school's A-level entries resulted in a pass at A* to E – up from 98% last year.

Mrs Long said: "We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in this year's A-level examinations.

"Our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and academic excellence.

"These exceptional results are a testament to the hard work of our students, the unwavering

Max Williamson, from Mangotsfield, is planning to take a gap year, go travelling and hiking after gaining C grades in art and photography, and a D in geography.

Max said: "I'm going to do a gap year because I'm not sure I want to do university. I'm looking to do something in the RAF afterwards.

"I'm happy with what I've got."

support of their families, and the commitment and expertise of our dedicated teaching staff."

Many students are now heading off to university, with destinations including Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol.

Others are beginning apprenticeships with companies and organisations including global accountancy and consultancy firm Ernst & Young, BAM Construction and the NHS.

Mrs Long added: "Some of our students have also chosen to enter the workforce directly, leveraging the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their time with us.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students and wish them continued success in their future endeavours. Whether they are moving on to higher education, starting an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce, we are confident that the skills and knowledge they have acquired will serve them well."

Downend School head teacher Linda Ferris said: "We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements.

"Their success reflects not only their hard work but also the collaborative effort of our entire school community.

"Our teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure that every student had the support

Lucy Beresford, of Downend, will study biochemistry at Manchester University after achieving A grades in biology and chemistry and an A* in geography.

Lucy said: "The waiting for the results was the most nervewracking part but it's over now.

"I'm happy that I got a place at university – that's the main thing.

"I'm hoping to go into research."

and resources they needed to excel."

• GCSE results were announced

Laci Hawkins, of Mangotsfield, will study medicine at Manchester University after gaining A grades in biology, chemistry and psychology, and hopes to become a doctor.

Laci said: "The exams were quite overwhelming – trying to do your best in all of them so close together.

"I've got what I want.

"It's crazy to be leaving now after being here since Year 7."

after the Voice was published, and will appear in October's edition.

MANGOTSFIELD SCHOOL Mangots

(Ofsted 2022).

Mangots eld School Rodway Hill Mangots eld Bristol BS16

Students' 'tremendous success' in A-levels

SIXTH form college St Brendan's says its students' A-level and BTEC results are a "tremendous success".

The college in Brislington, which draws sixth form students from across the region, had more than 900 people collecting results on August 15.

Leaders said the overall A-level pass rate was above 95%, including 629 "high grade" passes.

The college has also seen another increase in BTEC grades, with 287 Level 3 BTEC and Applied General courses either distinction or distinction*.

A spokesperson for the college said the students had performed well despite the disruption they had experienced in their education during the pandemic and subsequent years, and a toughening of grade boundaries.

Among those celebrating was Joseph Westwood, from Downend, who is heading to Manchester University to study

physics after achieving A* grades in physics and maths, and As in chemistry and further maths. more than 500 St Brendan's students had applied to university through UCAS this year and the majority are set to go to their first choice University. They include Ben Todd, from Emersons Green, who achieved two A* grades and two As, and

will now study law at Oxford University.

Ben said: "Don’t just follow your friends or be somewhere out of convenience. I could have stayed at my school, which was right on my doorstep, but I chose to travel further for more options and opportunities."

The college said a record number of students had secured

apprenticeships in fields including accounting, law, computing and engineering, with employers across the region including Airbus, Burges Salmon, BT and the NHS.

Principal Marian Curran said: "I am immensely proud of each and every one of our students for their outstanding achievements.

"Their hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit have resulted in excellent results.

"Not only have they excelled academically here at St Brendan’s, they have also become well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in shaping the future of our students.

"The success of our students is a true reflection of the collective commitment of our entire college community."

Hard work pays off at Winterbourne Academy

WINTERBOURNE Academy

students produced "some truly impressive results" in this year's A-level and vocational exams.

The school, which has many young people from Downend, Frenchay, Emersons Green and Lyde Green among its pupils, highlighted successes in a wide range of subjects, from English to engineering and sport.

A spokesperson said the 67% of further maths candidates had achieved an A* or A grade, with 58% of English literature grades also at A* or A.

In BTEC courses, every sport student achieved a distinction* or distinction grade, as did 78% of engineering candidates.

All of the school's A-level art and drama students received A*-B grades, with 69% of geography and 67% of physics grades at A* to B.

Among the individual success stories highlighted by the school were:

Charlotte Allam, who will study maths at Exeter University after achieving an A* in maths and As in chemistry, further maths and physics.

Ella Parry, who will study

biological sciences at Oxford University after gaining A*s in biology and maths, and As in chemistry and further maths.

Archit Prakash, who will study law at the London School of Economics after achieving three A*s in further maths, maths and physics and an A in English Language.

Ella Anderson, who will study law at Bristol University after gaining As in history, law and sociology.

Louisa Dare, who will

also study law at Bristol after achieving A*s in history and sociology and an A in classical civilisation.

Joshua Barraclough, who will study English language and linguistics at the University of the West of England after gaining As in English language, psychology and sociology.

Sam Bennion, who will study biological sciences at Sheffield University after achieving an A* in biology and As in psychology and Spanish.

Jacob Campbell, who will study physics at Manchester University after gaining A*s in physics and maths, and As in further maths and chemistry.

Head teacher Jenny Cartwright said: "I am so proud of all the results of our students this year.

"They are testament to the hard work and commitment of the impressive young people and the fantastic staff at Winterbourne, where the outcomes for every student matter."

Head of Post 16 and assistant head Charlie Peake said she was "thrilled" at students' achievements, adding: "There are some truly impressive results that will support them in their next steps for the future."

Dave Baker, chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: "It is easy to forget that this cohort of students had a challenging experience during their secondary education because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This makes their achievements all the more impressive."

Joseph Westwood is heading to Manchester University

Ben Todd is heading to Oxford University

Winterbourne Academy students Sam Bennion, Archit Prakash and Josh Barraclough celebrate their results

Club goes 'above and beyond'

AN inspector has praised an out of school club's staff team and variety of activities for children, including pupils from schools in Downend and Staple Hill.

Oldbury Court Out of School Clubs, based in Delabere Avenue, was visited by Ofsted in June, for the first time in nearly six years.

The club, which looks after more than 100 children from five primary schools, was found to meet the education regulator's requirements.

Pupils from Staple Hill Primary School and Christ Church Junior School in Downend are among those who attend a combination of breakfast clubs and after-school clubs in term time, and an allday out of term holiday club.

Children from Frome Vale Academy, Fishponds Academy

and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School also attend.

Inspector Amy Fedrick said: "Staff are welcoming and friendly and talk to children about their day. Staff prioritise children's well-being and encourage them to talk about their feelings and emotions. Children are very happy and clearly feel safe and secure."

The inspector said club's indoor and outdoor areas are "very well planned" to cater for children of different ages.

She said: "Children's views are valued and staff plan a variety of activities linked to children's interests.

"Staff promote healthy eating and exercise, and children have plenty of opportunities for physical activity in the large outdoor area."

The inspector said the 19 members of staff "work well as a team" and ensure there is adequate supervision of all areas.

Feedback from parents is "positive", highlighting the extra

workshops and trips offered during the holidays, which their children enjoy.

The inspector said: "Parents of children with special educational needs or disabilities state that staff are fully inclusive, and go above and beyond to meet their child's individual needs to ensure that they can access the club."

Manager Amy Brewer said: "We are privileged to have a well-established staff team, dedicated to providing quality play opportunities. They go above and beyond to organise extra activities and fundraising events, which is vital to our running as we receive no other funding, and with rising costs means we can remain affordable to our local community, which is fundamental to our values.

"Our staff team genuinely care about all the children who attend and we were glad this was picked up by the inspector.

"Educating the children to make healthy choices and providing varied and fun exercise opportunities has been a key aim this year, so we were also really pleased this was evident during the inspection."

Children and staff at Oldbury Court Out of School Clubs, which has been praised after a visit by an inspector from Ofsted.

M32 park and ride shelved

A PARK and ride planned to take drivers off the M32 has been shelved.

Plans to build a car park near the Hambrook junction with the Avon Ring Road have been under discussion for more than 20 years, but were frustrated by a failure to find and agree on a suitable site.

Leaders and officials insist they remain committed to reducing congestion on the motorway, as part of a sustainable transport project allocated £39.5 million of government funding in 2021.

The park and ride was planned alongside other measures, including new bus lanes on the M32 to speed up journeys on public transport at the expense of road space for private vehicles.

Now traffic modelling for the West of England Combined Authority has suggested drivers would simply use residential roads in

Frenchay and Fishponds as alternative routes if there was less space on the motorway.

An update was given to WECA's overview and scrutiny committee, which includes councillors from Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset, on July 22.

The combined authority has overall strategic responsibility for transport in the region.

WECA interim delivery director for transport infrastructure Malcolm Parsons said the scheme had potentially "damaging impacts", including traffic spilling over into residential areas.

He said: "Effectively, you would reduce the capacity of the M32 to move people into a park and ride scheme, when in reality the satellite navigation systems in people’s cars just mean they’ll find another route."

Transport planners are now looking to "reset" the project.

At a WECA committee meeting on July 26, chief executive Stephen Peacock said: "Just for clarity, the M32 sustainable transport project has not been scrapped.

"Put simply, the original plan, because of the nature and scope of it, would not have passed the [Department for Transport] value for money test, so it was clearly not going to work as it was.

"The scope of that piece of work has now been broadened, so it’s a broader geographical area, and it will look into things like travel behaviour, not just along the M32 but around it, including making sure that if we make it harder for people to get onto the M32, we don’t make it as easy for them to take alternative routes."

Nobody at the second meeting mentioned a park and ride.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “We have got to get this right because the traffic, as it currently is, is wholly unacceptable."

South Gloucestershire Council co-leader Ian Boulton added: “We want to be evidencebased in everything that we do. At that time, the evidence wasn’t stacking up as was originally hoped. Widening this project, so we can look at how people are using the M32 and the destinations they’re going from and to, I think will really help this.”

Afterwards a WECA spokesperson also did not mention a park and ride when asked to confirm whether it was still part of the M32 project, but said the authority was "fully committed" to addressing congestion.

WECA expects to submit an outline business case for the project early next year.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Two new lifesavers on the wall

A NEW defibrillator has been installed on the wall of a Mangotsfield pub.

The life-saving device has been bought thanks to a fundraising campaign by staff and regulars at the Lamb in Windsor Place, with support from other local organisations.

Defibrillators can be used to give a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest and, along with CPR, can keep a patient alive until they can be given professional treatment.

General manager Kate Poole said fundraising started after a medical emergency involving a customer last summer, where staff called 999 and were advised to find a defibrillator nearby.

She said: "That spurred us on to raise money for it."

In total around £2,500 has been raised, from bingo nights, Halloween and Christmas events, drag nights and children's parties, as well as individual donations from customers.

Support has also come from St James Church quiz nights,

whose attendees have raised around £300, and a donation from the Mangotsfield Residents Association.

The defibrillator has been mounted on the outside of the building, so that it can be used when the pub is closed, and went online in August.

In an emergency when it is needed, 999 operators can give a caller a code to the box's combination lock.

Bleed kit installed

A CHARITY set up in memory of a teenager who was stabbed to death has installed a 'bleed kit' that could save someone else's life in Staple Hill.

Mikey’s World was founded in memory of 16-year-old Mikey Roynon, who died after being stabbed in Bath last year. Three boys, all aged 16, were jailed this year for his murder.

The charity, founded by Mikey’s mum Hayley Ryall, has teamed up with Avon & Somerset police, HeartSafe and NHS England South West as part of the Avon and Somerset Bleed Kit Partnership.

It is installing 20 bleed kits, red boxes containing dressings and tourniquets to stop bleeding when someone has suffered a traumatic wound, around the area.

One has been installed outside Bar 501 on Broad Street in Staple Hill, next to the Soundwell Road traffic lights, with others being placed across an area including Kingswood, Speedwell and Hanham.

Customers at Bar 501 made donations totalling almost £50 in a collection for Mikey's World in July.

Hayley, who is supported by family and friends including her partner Scott and Mikey’s Dad Spike, channels her grief over Mikey’s death into the charity and into efforts to reduce knife crime.

She said: "A bleed kit wouldn't have saved Mikey, I know that.

"But it's not about that: it could save another family from going through hell.

"We wanted to raise awareness of the severity that a knife injury can cause and how quickly somebody can lose their life. They've got three minutes on an artery wound.

"I don't think that people are aware of that. An ambulance can't get there in three minutes."

Avon and Somerset police are aiming to install 500 kits by the end of the year.

A map of bleed kits can be found at heartsafe.org.uk.

Another defibrillators is mounted on the wall of the Grapevine.

Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath said: "Thanks to Kate, Tracey and the team at the Lamb, who have worked hard with charity events to raise the money, and also to all who donated.

"This is a great asset to the community and could be a lifesaver."

• CLEEVE Hill Tennis Club also has a new defibrillator, mounted on an outside wall of the clubhouse so it can be accessed by the community as well as club members.

The defibrillator was bought using club funds, plus grants from Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council and Department for Health & Social Care Community Automated External Defibrillator Fund.

Jackie Baker, from the club, said: "There are around 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests a year in the UK, so the more defibrillators people have access to the better.

"Now we have the defibrillator in place, we hope that it will never have to be used. However, it is very reassuring to know that it is there, if ever we do!"

The club is planning an open day in September – details will be published on its Facebook page.

Clive Heath of Mangotsfield Residents Association with the Lamb's general manager Kate Poole, shift manager Tracey Jeffries, councillor Michael Bell and Roger Long of the St James Church quiz night.

Mikey Roynon

TURNER'S VISION

5 mistakes to avoid with dry eyes

DRY eyes can be a real nuisance, and anyone who suffers from them knows the symptoms can be anything from a minor inconvenience to a major, lifealtering issue.

The constant irritation, disrupted vision and persistent discomfort can wear you down and affect your daily life and well-being.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality. This can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, a burning or itching feeling or a sensation of having something in your eye.

While eye drops can provide temporary relief, it can be all too easy to avoid the problem. Here are five common mistakes people with dry eyes make:

1. Using the wrong kind of eye drops: Consider using preservative-free artificial tears (eye drops), as recommended by your optometrist, to lubricate your eyes when they feel dry or irritated.

2. Ignoring the 20-20-20 rule: Extended periods of screen time can strain your eyes and aggravate dryness. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to focus on an object 20 feet away to keep your eyes from becoming too dry.

3. Rubbing your eyes: As tempting as it can be to rub your eyes, doing so can exacerbate dryness. Instead, try using a warm compress to gently soothe them.

4. Not staying hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps your eyes (and body) properly hydrated, so be sure to drink enough water.

5. Ignoring the symptoms: If you are suffering from dry eyes, it is important to treat the condition. The best thing you can do is to schedule your next eye examination and get your eyes thoroughly checked. Without treatment, your pain and discomfort will not disappear and your quality of life will not improve.

How can I stop my eyes from being dry?

At Turners Opticians, your eye health and comfort are our top priority, which is why we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) as a treatment for dry eyes.

The treatment can relieve your symptoms and help with healthy tear production in just one session. It isn’t painful or invasive and you can go home the same day.

The IPL treatment emits polychromatic light to melt solidified oil blockages in your meibomian glands and is paired with the LLLT treatment which gently warms and unclogs stubborn glands. When used together these treatments help promote healthy tear production and provide relief from dry eyes.

At Turners Opticians, a leading dry eye specialist in Bristol we are happy to offer advice and help find the right treatment for you. To book your advanced eye examination, or dry eye consultation, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.

See you soon!

YOUR Community NEWS

Brought to you by

New pavilion is on its way

The old pavilion has been demolished and the site cleared

THE project to replace the sports pavilion on King George V playing field has taken some exciting steps forward.

In July contractors moved in to demolish the old pavilion, which was no longer fit for purpose.

The site has now been cleared so that groundworks can begin, foundations can be laid and utilities put in.

Also in July, Downend & Bromley Heath received the welcome news that the Football Foundation had approved our application for a grant to meet a significant part of the cost of the pavilion.

With this news and final legal agreements in place, the construction project can now start in earnest.

The new modular building is being constructed and fitted out off-site, and will be installed by crane near the end of the project.

This will minimise noise and other disruption to neighbours and park users, and also means that construction will not be affected by any adverse weather conditions.

Plans are being put in place to ensure that the fireworks display at the beginning of November, with the contractors making parts of the site needed for the display available for that weekend.

The new pavilion will be a modular building with upgraded facilities

The parish council expects the pavilion to be ready to welcome its first users at the beginning of next year.

It will have four separate changing rooms, designed to comply with safeguarding rules for children’s sports teams, a reception area with office and meeting space, and toilets, including accessible provision for disabled people.

There will also be a recreational area, with a cafe and seating, for use by sports clubs for social activities during and after matches, and available for community use at other times

Councillor Ben Burton is the chair of the parish council’s Sports Pitches Working Group, and has been involved with the project since its earliest stages in 2017.

Cllr Burton said: “This will be an important and attractive building, which will really elevate Downend & Bromley Heath to where it should be in terms of providing children and parents with one of the best possible facilities to undertake healthy activities.

“Football clubs, cricket clubs and the community as a whole will soon have a focal point where they can meet up and socialise.”

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS

Downend Ward

Councillor Phillip Abbott

phillip.abbott@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 0117 957 0075

Councillor Janet Biggin

janet.biggin@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 0117 957 6987

Councillor Ben Burton

ben.burton@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07870 639 486

Councillor Jacky Dockerty

jacky.dockerty@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07963 841 270

Councillor James Griffiths

james.griffiths@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07988 775 028

Councillor Matt Pitts matt.pitts@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07837 870 039

Councillor Mike Richards

mike.richards@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07846 893 543

Councillor Raj Kumar Sood raj.sood@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07901 621 632

Sam Burch

sam.burch@dphparishcouncil.co.uk 07812592256

Staple Hill Ward

Councillor Dave Somers dave.somers@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07831 239 195

Councillor Stephen Pick stephen.pick@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07584 425 242

Clerk to the Council

Mr Kevin Spratt

Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council

Parish Office, Downend Library, Buckingham Gardens, Downend, Bristol BS16 5TW

Tel: 0117 9567001

Email: clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk

DOWNEND & BROMLEY

HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

Housing targets set for 30% rise

NEW planning targets that will force a 30% rise in housebuilding in South Gloucestershire are a "fairytale" and an “attack on green spaces”, critics say.

The new Labour government has announced what it calls “radical” changes to how many new homes it thinks each local authority should be required to find land for.

In South Gloucestershire it means an increase from 1,317 at present to 1,717 new homes every year over the next 15 years – a total of 6,000 more than currently planned.

Other authorities have also been told to allocate more land for housing, but Bristol’s target, like many urban areas, will fall by 10%, from 3,378 to 3,057 a year.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which underpins the planning system, in the House of Commons on July 30.

The reforms, subject to eight weeks of consultation, change the method used to calculate how many homes should be built in each area, with targets increased depending on how much higher property prices are than earnings.

Some existing Greenbelt land deemed to be low quality, such as disused petrol stations and car parks, will be redesignated “grey belt”, with less protection from development.

In South Gloucestershire, opposition Conservative councillors say the changes come on top of proposed increases in housing on Greenbelt sites in the

A protest against the latest Local Plan was held in July

current Local Plan, which is in its latest stage of consultation, including "large swathes" of land near Shortwood and north of Lyde Green.

Tory group leader Sam Bromiley said: "These new rules are yet another attack on South Gloucestershire’s precious green spaces and we will continue to fight them every step of the way.

“Reclassifying greenbelt land as ‘grey belt’ in order to force developments through while ordering South Gloucestershire to take ever increasing amounts of housing, all while completely dismissing the views of local people, is, quite simply, an appalling way for a government to behave."

Former council leader Claire Young, who is now Thornbury & Yate's MP and remains a Liberal Democrat ward councillor in Frampton Cotterell, branded the proposals a “fairytale”.

She said: “I know how important it is that we see houses built – especially smaller, more affordable homes that young people and new families can afford to buy or rent.

“But seeking to simply jack

up the top-down targets without addressing concerns about supporting infrastructure or protecting our green spaces is not the way to make this happen.

“Here in South Gloucestershire, we’re already struggling to meet current targets – never mind having to also locate space for 6,000 extra properties. It’s frankly a fairytale.

“That’s why I’m urging the Government to rethink these proposals and instead ensure developers build the infrastructure and quality social homes we need.”

In July campaigners held a demonstration outside a council cabinet meeting, as Lib Dem/ Labour coalition members approved the next stage of a 15year blueprint for the district’s future.

It added a further 17 sites, nine in the greenbelt, to those already identified, potentially allowing the development of 22,241 homes from 2025 to 2040.

That would represent almost 1,500 new homes a year, which is more than in previous blueprints but still short of the new

government target if 1,717, which could require the council to go back and find even more sites for housing.

Asked to comment on Ms Rayner’s announcement, a council spokesperson said the authority would "evaluate the impacts" of the proposed NPPF reforms as part of the current Local Plan consultation, as they "have implications across our Local Plan".

The council said some "immediate good points" of the NPPF reforms were changes to allow councils to set "ambitious climate targets" and ensure as many new homes as possible are social housing.

The spokesperson added: “Other elements, particularly in relation to housing numbers, are more complex to interpret and have some unexpected implications that require working through before the council can comment on the impact."

The council is inviting comments until September 13 on the latest stage of its Local Plan online at southglos.gov.uk/ newlocalplan.

People who are not online can call the council on 01454 868009.

Campaign group Save Our Green Spaces-SG is planning another demonstration in September: a march from Warmley to Bridgeyate on September 7, leaving at 11am.

It is encouraging people to dress up and carry posters and banners.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Allotment becomes outdoor classroom

CHILDREN returning to a Downend primary school in September will not just be learning indoors.

The allotment at Stanbridge Primary School is being used as an outdoor classroom, where pupils can learn hands-on about the life cycle of plants, develop respect for nature and responsibility for the environment.

It has been named Stanley’s Patch following a competition run by the school's class ambassadors.

Started at the beginning of the year, the allotment had already produced its first fruit and vegetables before the summer holidays.

The school has set up the allotment to encourage teamwork and communication among pupils to plan and grow their plants, learning to problem-solve, make decisions and look after the shared space, getting their hands dirty, digging, planting, and tending to crops.

School gardener Simon Evans said: "It was a privilege to be asked to help set up and run a new allotment at Stanbridge Primary School.

"So far, the children have been able to sow, plant and grow onions, garlic, radishes, carrots, potatoes, strawberries and herbs, among other things.

"My priority this year is to engage as many children as possible with practical gardening

activities such as seed sowing, weeding, transplanting, digging, and most importantly, eating their produce!

"Every group that comes to Stanley’s Patch will always leave having sampled something they are growing.

"Working on the allotment will teach the children about how to work with and respect their environment, think about where

our food comes from, how to produce it responsibly and encourage them to try eating new things – we already have some radish converts!

"Additionally, being outdoors and engaged in gardening is a proven boost for mental and physical health and well-being, and gives children a break from the classroom without a break in their learning."

Stanbridge Primary School pupils harvesting potatoes

Pupils with produce outside the school kitchen

Downend firework show gets bigger

DOWNEND'S popular annual firework show will feature an extended main display and a special theme, organisers say.

Downend Round Table has confirmed that this year's fireworks and bonfire will take place on Friday November 8, at King George V Playing Fields.

The event is the biggest firework display in the area and has sold out its 12,000 tickets in advance for the last three years.

Organisers expect this year's display to sell out again.

This year's display has a theme, 'A Night At The Movies', and the event's professional pyrotechnicians are working to create a display to match it.

Once again Downend Round Table has engaged SkyBurst, the overall winners of the 2023 British Firework Championship, to produce a display choreographed to a soundtrack led by the display's main entertainer, Party Peeps.

Downend Round Table chairman Paul Wells said: "We are incredibly excited to host the Downend Round Table Fireworks, which has become a cherished tradition in our community.

"This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring an extended main fireworks show with a wider range of dazzling effects, vibrant colours, and

stunning visual displays. "We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees, as their contributions allow us to make a positive impact on our community."

The event will also feature a range of stalls selling food, drink and snacks, and the organisers promise "something to satisfy every appetite".

As well as entertaining a huge crowd and celebrating community spirit, the display is expected to raise thousands of pounds for

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local good causes.

Proceeds from last year's event enabled Downend Round Table to make donations to nearly 30 charities providing support across a range of needs, from helping homeless people to families of seriously ill children.

Paul said: "By attending, spectators not only can enjoy a magnificent display but also contribute to improving their own community."

The event is run by Downend Round Table, a non-profit voluntary organisation for men aged 18 to 45, which offers a platform for like-minded individuals to come together and socialise, meet new people, form friendships and expand their social circle.

The fireworks display is one of a number of fundraising events, volunteer work and community initiatives run by Downend Round Table.

The group also runs activities for members: this year's events have included a weekend trip to Berlin, and sports and games like padel, Scalextric, crazy golf, baseball and mountain biking.

Tickets for the Downend Round Table Fireworks will go on sale from the beginning of October.

For more details about the show and joining Round Table, visit www.downendrt. co.uk.

Last year's display. Picture: Downend Round Table

Praise for 'warm and welcoming' nursery

OFSTED has praised a Downend day nursery for its "warm and welcoming atmosphere".

An inspector from the education regulator visited Buckingham Gardens Day Nursery in May.

Her report found the nursery, which has 92 children aged four and under on its roll, to be good in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

Inspector Tracey Cook said: "The manager and the staff create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where all children and families feel they belong.

"The manager and the staff develop positive relationships with children from the start, and these help children to feel happy, safe and secure at the nursery."

She said the nursery's 21 staff members fill children's days with "exciting learning experiences", reassure babies with cuddles and play with the toddlers.

The inspector said: "Older children are very independent and have good self-esteem. They are motivated to learn and show they are ready for their transition to school.

"Children develop good social skills and show kindness and respect towards one another."

She said the "extensive outdoor area" enabled children to practice their physical

skills.

It was Ofsted's second visit to the nursery in Buckingham Gardens since it was founded by sisters Georgina, Harrie and Billie Bristow in 2017.

The last visit, in 2018, also found the nursery to be 'good' in all areas.

The inspector said: "The manager and the staff have clear intentions for every child's learning.

"They have high expectations of what individual children can achieve.

"All children, including those who learn English as an additional language, progress well from their starting points.

"Staff encourage children to follow daily

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routines, and children are clear about the rules and expectations."

The report said the nursery has an "ambitious curriculum", with staff finding out children's starting points early on and using observation and assessment to identify gaps in learning, seeking support from specialists if there are any concerns about development.

The inspector said: "Parents express that they are very happy with the high level of care and education their children receive.

"Staff encourage parents to share children's learning from home, and this provides continuity in children's learning and development."

The inspector said manager Georgina Bristow is a "confident and enthusiastic leader", adding: "She knows her staff team well and is committed to support staff's professional development and emotional well-being.

"There is a strong team spirit, and staff say they feel well supported by the manager."

To further improve, the inspector recommended that the nursery review the organisation of small-group times for older children, and ensure children are given sufficient time to think about and respond to questions.

The Voice has invited the nursery to comment on the report.

Buckingham Gardens Day Nursery

Survey highlights strains for GP practices

PATIENTS of GP practices in the Downend area are continuing to have problems contacting their surgery – both by phone and online.

The latest annual NHS GP Patient Survey found that just 6% of patients of the Downend Health Group, which runs the Willow Surgery and Christchurch Family Medical Centre, found it easy to get through on the phone – against a national average of 50% - with 93% saying it was fairly or very difficult.

Only 19% of patients said it was easy to contact the practice online and 23% using the NHS app, compared with national averages of 48% and 45% respectively.

At Leap Valley Medical Centre, in Beaufort Road, 14% found it easy to get through by phone, with 82% reporting problems, a slight improvement on last year.

A third of patients (33%) found it easy to contact the surgery online, with 24% saying it was easy to use the app.

At Emersons Green Medical Centre, 9% of patients said it was easy to get through by phone, 25% said it was easy to use the website and 11% easy to use the app.

Anna-Marie

When making appointments, 22% of Downend Health Group patients said they were offered a choice of time or day, against a national average of 53%.

Just under half said they waited the right amount of time, with same-day appointments offered to 17% of survey respondents, 11% next day and 42% waiting a week or more.

At Leap Valley, 51% of patients were offered a choice of appointment time or day, with 19% being seen on the same day, 5% the next day and 53% a week or more later – 61% felt they waited too long.

At Emersons Green, 31% of patients were offered a choice of time or day for their appointment, with 6% offered

a same-day appointment, 4% next day and 57% waiting a week or more – the proportion of patients who felt they waited too long was also 57%.

Overall, 54% of Downend Health Group patients said their experience of the practice was good, against a national average of 74%.

At both Leap Valley and Emersons Green, the proportion was 51%.

The survey was published as GPs voted overwhelmingly to take 'work-to-rule' action,

including limiting the number of patient appointments per day, as representative body the British Medical Association warned practices had reached a "desperate point" due to underfunding and extra pressures.

A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding surgeries, said: "We welcome this valuable feedback on local GP services and are pleased to see that results across our area are above the national average in many areas of the survey, including people’s overall experience of their GP Practice, the trust patients have in their healthcare professional and how helpful our GP reception and administrative teams are.

"We also recognise there are areas for improvement, and we are continuing to work together with all our practices and wider partners to share learning and support each other to deliver high-quality services to patients."

TEL 07854 177308

Group - St Augustines Church Hall, Boscombe Crescent, Bristol, BS16 6QR

Group times - Tuesday 9:30 am and 11;00am

Anna-Marie

TEL 07854 177308

Group - The Salvation Army 21, Broad Street, Staple Hill Bristol. BS16 5LN

Lesley

TEL 07503 524459

Group - Lyde Green Community Centre. Thistle Close, Lyde Green, Bristol. BS16 7GW

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

Group Times- Wednesday 6pm & 7:30pm. And Thursday 9:30am

Claire

TEL 07886 443709

Group Times- Friday 7:30am, 9:00 am and 10:30 am

Group - ST Augustines Church Hall, Boscombe Crescent, Bristol, BS16 6QR

Group Times - Tuesday 5:30pm and 7:00pm

Christchurch Family Medical Centre

Driver banned over tipper truck crash into gantry

A LORRY driver from Downend who crashed into an overhead gantry on the M5 has been banned from driving for a year.

Anthony Baker was convicted of dangerous driving by a jury after a two-day trial at Bristol Crown Court in June.

In August he returned to the court for sentencing.

In addition to the ban, the 48-year-old driver, of Garnett Place, was told to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the community over the next 12 months, and pay a £114 victim surcharge.

Baker had driven a 32-tonne lorry tipper truck from a construction site onto the motorway near Cribbs Causeway

on March 2 last year, without noticing that the truck bed was raised.

After it hit the gantry on the southbound carriageway between Cribbs Causeway and Avonmouth, the truck bed came off the lorry and was left wedged in the gantry, knocking one of the traffic matrix signs off.

The motorway was closed for about 14 hours due to concerns

the gantry, which carried digital speed limit and information signs, could collapse. It was later demolished.

Baker had denied the dangerous driving charge, although he had admitted a lesser charge of careless driving.

During the trial the jury had heard that the truck was not fitted with an alarm to alert a driver that the bed was

still raised, and Baker had not checked either through his rear window or using his mirrors to see whether it was down.

The truck did not have an alarm to warn drivers that the rear was raised, although Baker's employer, GTI Transport, had since fitted them to all of its vehicles.

Police said that in an interview Baker, of Garnett Place, told officers he did not usually check the lorry bed had lowered after making a delivery "but in hindsight stated he should have".

The jury viewed CCTV and dashcam clips showing the lorry being driven with the truck bed raised along Highwood Lane and the southbound M5 before the collision.

The BBC reported that the sentencing hearing was told by Baker's representatives that he felt "utterly ashamed" by the incident and was a decent, hard-working man who had been overwhelmed by the aftermath.

Sentencing him, Judge Julian Lambert said Baker had missed an "obvious" hazard, adding: "The consequences could have been catastrophic."

The truck bed was left lodged in the damaged gantry.

Picture: National Highways

Nature reserve plan for park

A GREEN space in Downend could become home to a new nature reserve.

Hill House Park is currently mainly used by dog walkers and as an informal space for young people to socialise.

But it could become home to a new wood, hedgerow, pond and picnic area as part of plans for an accessible nature reserve.

A meeting to set up a volunteer friends group, to help push the scheme forward and look after the park, is now being planned.

The park is at the Downend end of Hill House Road, on the former playing fields of Page School for Girls, which was later part of Downend School.

When the school buildings in North View were demolished and redeveloped in 2008, the field was retained as green space.

The field is within the boundaries of Downend & Bromley Heath parish council but is part of the Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward.

Councillor Katie Cooper has been liaising

Tree felling

A NUMBER of trees have had to be removed from Page Park because of disease.

Two lime trees in the park's main avenue were removed in July and August because of a disease caused by their compacted roots, which caused dieback in their canopies and branches.

New trees will be planted to replace them in the autumn.

with South Gloucestershire Council, which owns the land, and the parish council over the plans.

She has set up a meeting for people who want to help set up a friends group and get involved in the park's future at Staple Hill Community Hub in Berkeley Road, on October 21 at 7pm.

Cllr Cooper said a decision from South Gloucestershire Council, to rule out permanently the prospect of development and allow the nature reserve plan to go ahead, is expected to be taken within weeks.

She said some funding for the project was

A horse chestnut tree by the junction of Broad Street and Hill House Road has also been removed because it was dying back, with deadwood in the canopy and decay fungus at the base.

Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said that over time, all of the trees on the avenue will eventually have to be replaced, but this will be done gradually over many years.

"Sadly, after 114 years or so, action has to be taken," she said

Fine for ring road waste

A SCRAP metal collector has been ordered to pay a total of £530 in fines and costs after waste flew off one of his trucks onto the side of the Avon Ring Road.

The waste, including a large piece of metal in cardboard packaging, was recorded on a council CCTV camera flying off a flatbed truck on the Mangotsfield to Shortwood section of the A4174, travelling towards Emersons Green on November 30 last year.

The truck was traced to Jacob Manfield, trading as Manny’s Metals, of Downend Road in Kingswood.

The 30-year-old businessman appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on August 13 after

Fun day returns

expected to be available from Community Infrastructure Levy payments made by developers locally.

Cllr Cooper said: "It's an underused field at the moment.

"The main focus is to increase biodiversity and help create a green corridor for wildlife.

"It's very important to the dog walking community, so it's important that we still make it dog-friendly."

There was previously a friends group and the meeting will be held to re-establish it, including a leadership team, before the first tree planting opportunities later in the year.

THE next event in Page Park is an emergency services fun day on September 7, from 11am to 3pm.

The fun day was first held last year and is returning with attractions including police vehicles, horses and drones, bike security marking, advice

being arrested and brought to court, having failed to attend a previous hearing.

He pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care to take reasonable measures to prevent the escape of waste from his lorry, failing to attend an interview with the council and failure to provide required documentation.

He was fined £250 and ordered to pay £200 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge within 14 days.

Cabinet councillor Sean Rhodes said it was the first prosecution secured using evidence captured by the Ring Road CCTV camera.

Sign vandalised

AN information sign at the old Mangotsfield railway station has been rep[aired and

on crime prevention and opportunities to meet the local police beat team, fire and ambulance personnel.

The event will also include the first sales of the 2025 Page Park Calendar along with a plant sale by the Friends of Page Park.

Donations of plants and produce for the sale can be brought to the park's clock tower at around 10am.

returned after being vandalised.

Graffiti was daubed on the sign, which provides information about the Bristol & Bath railway Path and the history of Mangotsfield, in August.

A panel from the sign was also knocked out of its mounting - South Gloucestershire Council says it is not aware of claims the initial damage was done by a council vehicle.

After an appeal by South Gloucestershire councillor Michael Bell for help in fixing the sign, Emersons Green Town Council staff stepped up to complete the job.

Council environmental services manager Paul Kearsley said: "The sign has been reinstalled and cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Unfortunately, once something has been vandalised, it’s difficult to restore it to its original condition."

Mangotsfield Residents Association: Page 38

Most of the park is currently open space, with some trees

Hill House Park

HIGH levels of pollutants have been found in waterways across the Downend area in sampling by 'citizen scientists'.

Every summer the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust asks volunteers to collect samples from waterways across the region to test them for common pollutants, including phosphates and nitrates.

This year more than 130 volunteers collected 202 samples in early July as part of the ninth RiverBlitz campaign.

The results have been published by BART, which found that locally, high nitrate and medium phosphate pollution was found in the River Frome at Lincombe Barn woods, and close to Frenchay Bridge.

Samples taken from the stream at the Overndale Road end of Lincombe Barn woods had varying levels of pollutants, but three out of four of them contained high levels of nitrates.

At Leap Valley, high levels of nitrates and varying levels of phosphates were found in the stream, with medium levels of both pollutants found in a pond in the woods.

Medium levels of nitrates and

Citizen scientists find high levels of water pollution

high levels of phosphates were found in the Frome at Moorend.

The nearby Bradley Brook, which runs into the Frome at Hambrook, had medium levels of both nitrates and phosphates.

BART says nutrients, particularly phosphates and nitrates, are among the most common pollutants of freshwater worldwide and are widely used as indicators of water quality.

Although they occur naturally in healthy rivers, high concentrations lead to harmful algal blooms which can harm other plant life and fish.

High levels are caused by pollutants including fertilisers, manure, sewage, urban surface water run-off and household products like detergents.

Across the region, BART said 69% of samples had high nutrient loads of phosphate and nitrate combined, with 3.5% recording low nutrient levels.

However, this was an improvement on last year, when 88% of samples confirmed high nutrient loads and only one out of 290 samples showed low nutrient concentrations.

BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: "The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz provides a snapshot of the catchment’s water quality during a week in July.

"While it may not offer detailed insights into individual streams, the expanding dataset from multiple years reveals trends across the catchment."

He said that across the region, high pollutant levels were recorded along the Bristol Frome, River Trym, and the Avon between Bristol and Bath.

Areas with high nitrate levels included the Avon between Bristol and Bath, the lower Bristol Frome, south Bristol streams and most sites on the Trym, with only 5% of samples

showing low nitrate levels.

Mr Hunter said: "The data collected suggests, during the week of the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, that nutrient pollution is likely impacting water quality and, consequently, the health of some watercourses and wildlife across the Bristol Avon."

He said this year's milder summer may have resulted in lower nutrient levels than in the previous two years' surveys, adding: "It's important to note that the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz captures water quality measurements at a specific moment in time, and there are several other parameters we did not test that could also impact river health, such as bacterial and chemical readings."

To view figures from the survey visit bristolavonriverstrust.org/ riverblitz.

Luca recognised

A TEENAGER from Mangotsfield has been recognised for his "courageous journey" and good influence on others.

Luca Jackson was named a runner-up in the Avon and Somerset police Children and Young People Policing Awards in July.

He was one of 11 finalists recognised for their "significant community contribution" at the awards, at Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier.

A police spokesperson said: "Luca has been on his own courageous journey over the last couple of years.

"He was taken on as a participant of Wheels – an alternative education provision that offers highly supervised courses in motor vehicle repair and road safety – as well as engaging with the Violence Reduction Partnership.

"During his time with Wheels, Luca was positive, respectful and helpful to others.

"He was, and still is, a good influence on other young people around him and should be commended for his self-reflection and effort to achieve."

Organised by the force's youth project and engagement coordinators, the awards aimed to promote four key values of caring, courage, inclusivity and learning, shown in hard work, kind deeds and public-spiritedness of young people.

Police lead for children and young people Detective Chief Inspector Larisa Hunt said: "It’s heart-warming to hear the amazing work our young community members have been doing, and to be able to thank and reward them."

Luca Jackson

James is new vicar for Mangotsfield

MANGOTSFIELD'S St James church has a new vicar – but he is a familiar face to members of the congregation and community.

The Diocese of Bristol announced in August that Rev James Cannan has been appointed as the next vicar of the church in St James Street, whose parish also includes Emersons Green and Lyde Green.

James has been the curate at St James for two and a half years, having previously been leader of the Resound church in Blackhorse Road.

Rev Teresa Taylor, who had been the vicar since 2012, retired last October, and James has been curate in charge since then.

James has lived in the area for the past seven years, having moved from California in 2017 with his English wife and three children, who are 16, 18 and 20 years old.

Among the innovations he has introduced at St James since becoming curate are the Wild series of outdoor services, which follow ancient Celtic Christian traditions and raise awareness of the environment and seasons.

James said: "I’m entering into my first incumbency with the Church of England, having walked this vocational path, both in my home country of USA as well as here in the UK, for nearly forty years.

"From the moment of my connection to Jesus I have had both a modern and ancient connection. A draw to a charismatic, a catholic, Celtic, and a global expression of our faith.

"This calling is a direction to service, and to sacrament, to community and to God, and I am both excited and sober before the responsibility I have been given to serve the parish in Mangotsfield and Emersons Green.

"I thank God for the team at St James, and look forward to continuing to build an inclusive sacred place for all to experience something of the love of God.”

James will be licensed by the Bishop of Swindon the Rt Rev Neil Warwick on September 25 at 7.30pm in St James’ Church.

The bishop said: "I am thrilled to welcome James as the new vicar of St James Mangotsfield.

"His experience as assistant curate at St James and over forty years in this vocational

path, provides him with the tools needed to serve as vicar there, and I look forward to licensing him.”

Heritage on the High Street

HERITAGE Open Days is upon us, and buildings up and down the country will be opening their doors for visitors to have a look round.

At Staple Hill Methodist Church we are proud to be taking part this year, to celebrate 150 years on the High Street.

Our doors are open for all to come in and look around our traditional Victorian chapel.

We have also put together a special anniversary exhibition, looking at how life for us as a church in Staple Hill and in the world has changed.

There are also displays by two of our local schools.

Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

We look forward to welcoming you on any of the following days: Saturday September 7, from 10am-4pm; Sunday September 8, from noon-4pm; Wednesday September 11, 10am-4pm; Saturday September 14, 10am-4pm; Sunday September 15, noon-4pm.

Heritage Open Days runs from September 6 until the 15th, and you can find out more by visiting www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

You will see on the website that various buildings in our local area are taking part.

You can find out about their history and the connections they have with our local community.

Jane Hole

Staple Hill Methodist Church is 150 years old

Rev James Cannan

Meeting you in our community

I HOPE you are enjoying the summer and, like me, many of the brilliant community events put on by great local organisations.

My first month as your new MP has flown by. I’ve been hitting the ground running, both giving us a strong voice in Westminster and getting things set up here too.

It’s not widely known, but when you’re elected you set up a small business from scratch, from creating job adverts to recruit a team, to finding an office – that’s all me –

TURNERS HEARING CARE BLOG

Wax or hearing loss?

Ear wax factoid: Your ear canal needs to be totally blocked before it causes hearing loss. What causes ear wax to build up?

alongside attending inductions, speaking and voting in parliament, attending events, asking questions of ministers, and working to solve urgent casework for people locally.

I’ve now recruited a great and full team, all starting across the next month, who share my commitment to serving you well. Thank you for your patience while it’s just me.

Despite a challenging financial backdrop, we’ve been making quick progress wherever possible in this first month.

Here’s just some of the change our new government has already brought about:

• Voted to bring our railways into public ownership

• Met NHS leaders to get the 40,000 extra appointments each week and 700,000 urgent dental appointments in place as quickly as possible

• Started hiring 6,500 new teachers

• Lifted the ban on onshore wind

• Scrapped the Rwanda scheme and started setting up a new Border Security Command

• Created a national wealth fund to help grow our economy.

I’ve asked questions for our community in the House of Commons, both on ensuring that we can have improved access to vital infrastructure, including GP

Excessive wax build up can be hereditary - as it is mostly based on how oily your skin is. Sometimes the ear canal's natural self clearing just doesn’t happen as quickly as it should and wax builds up in your canal.

Ear technology like earbud headphones, some hearing aids, and noise reducing plugs can stop the wax naturally escaping. This can contribute towards a blockage, especially if you are already prone to excessive ear wax build up. Is it wax blocking my ears?

If you have muffled or reduced hearing, it could be that you have so much ear wax that it has formed a seal in your ear that sound has trouble getting through.

What should I do if I think I might have a wax build up?

Whatever you do - please don’t poke it with a cotton bud! This can potentially push your wax further into your ear. Just book in for a consultation.

I’m here at Turner’s Opticians to check your ears for you and see if you have a wax build up - I can even show you videos of the insides of your ears! At the same appointment you can also have your hearing checked too.

appointments and NHS dentists, as our communities grow, and of the previous government about the £22 billion financial black hole impacting our services.

I’ve also taken part in important briefings, including on special educational needs and disabilities, raising our local challenges with the Education Secretary, and on the recent violent disorder. I’d like to thank Avon and Somerset Police and all involved in protecting our communities and country in the face of this.

As the Prime Minister made clear, those who took part will now face firm justice.

From Frenchay’s Flower Show to Lyde Green’s Summer Sizzler and Patchway’s Throwback Festival, alongside brilliant school fairs, it has been lovely to see and speak with so many of you at community events.

We’ve had some big celebrations too, marking Coniston Community Centre’s 20 years of service and ten years of FACE (Foundation for Active Community Engagement) in Filton. Thank you to everyone involved.

If you have any challenges that you need support with, or any other enquiries, please email claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.

If your ears do have surplus wax that is causing you the problem, I can use our sophisticated micro-suction equipment to gently and effectively remove it for you.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Debbiehaving worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.

Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians in Fishponds

Claire Hazelgrove with Patchway mayor Dayley Lawrence and FACE director Debbie Teml at the charity’s 10th birthday celebrations

Jim celebrates 60th with 60 big rides

A KEEN cyclist is celebrating his 60th birthday year with 60 big bike rides to support the charity that helped him recover from a stroke.

Former RAF squadron leader Jim Phillips, from Downend, has set himself the target of cycling 3,600km (2,250 miles) in a year in aid of Bristol After Stroke.

The independent charity offers practical, social, emotional and psychological support to nearly 1,400 stroke-affected people, their carers and families each year, relying on donations to help fund its work.

Before he had a stroke in May 2020, Jim had regularly been doing long distance rides with friends in the cycling club he ran, covering up to 100 miles in a day.

He had always led an active life, with 33 years service as an engineer in the RAF, serving in several combat zones.

As he started recovering from a stroke, he says one of his first thoughts was: “When can I get back on my bike?”

Jim said: "I knew it was going to be tough, but until then I had no idea just how much the stroke had affected my energy and stamina.

"On my first ride I ran out of energy after just 15 miles, and had to crawl back the remaining miles in a rainstorm. It was devastating.”

Since then Jim has steadily increased his

Join Pete on stroke walk

A STROKE survivor from Mangotsfield is encouraging people to join him on a fundraising walk to raise money for Bristol After Stroke.

The charity is holding its annual walk on September 28, with people able to choose either a one-mile accessible walk around Eastville Park or a six-mile walk from the park along the Frome Valley Walkway to Oldbury Court and back.

One of those who took part last year is Pete Ward, aged 58, from Mangotsfield. He raised more than £800 by walking a mile – and this year plans to take on the sixmile route.

Pete he had his stroke in April 2022.

He said: "I was leading a busy life as an insurance surveyor, assessing claims.

"I was also in the gym four or five times a week, and very fit.

"The stroke really knocked me backwards at first, and I wasn't able to walk very far at all without getting really tired.

mileage: his 60 in 60 challenge is more than the equivalent of going from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again.

Jim, who fits his rides around a full-time engineering job, says he is on course to reach his target by New Year’s Eve, doing trips of up to 75 miles.

He said: "I’ve been lucky to have a very supportive group of cycling friends – the ‘Church Lane Cranks’ – who have patiently been going out with me and encouraging me to keep pushing.

"I saw doing the one-mile course as a challenge to really push myself and did lots of training around Page Park to build up my stamina.

"My wife, Tracey, my daughter Leah and my friends really got behind me – lots of them came along on the day to help me round.

"I’m also keen to turn around what happened to me, and make sure that other people who have strokes can get the best possible support and care in the weeks, months and years that follow."

Jim suffered a lacunar stroke, which happens when an artery supplying blood to the deeper portions of the brain becomes blocked, and accounts for up to a quarter of strokes.

He said: "While it was serious, and I still have symptoms, I think of myself as one of the luckier ones because the effects have not been as damaging or as long-term as some other people’s experience."

Jim said the key to making as full a recovery as possible was receiving assistance after leaving hospital.

He said: "Some 100,000 people every year have strokes in the UK and there are 1.3 million stroke-affected people. It affects people of all ages as well as their family and friends.

"I know from the support that Bristol After Stroke gave me that every pound raised matters, as the charity could support even more people locally with additional funding."

Jim has set himself a fundraising target of £1,000.

Donations can be made at tinyurl. com/2b2hff2m, where Jim is also posting updates on the routes he has ridden.

“A mile was much further than I’d walked since my stroke, and Eastville Park isn’t flat either. I was really pleased to get round, in 37 minutes, and to raise over £800 in the process.

"I have a big circle of friends and family, and people who donated realised just how tough doing this was for me.

"I really want to do the six miles this time."

Bristol After Stroke fundraising officer Jenny Hollis said last year's walk involved almost 100 supporters, including some in wheelchairs, and raised more than £9,000.

She said: "There’s an open invitation for anyone who would like to come along and join in the fun.

“We will have a wildlife guide sheet along our six-mile walk and history notes for both walks, as well as refreshments at the Nissen Hut, who have kindly sponsored us again this year."

Charity chief executive Rebecca Sheehey said: "All proceeds from the walk will help people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire to rebuild their lives after a stroke."

Entry to the walk costs £10 for adults and £1 for children. For more details visit tinyurl. com/4mm63pvj.

Pete's fundraising page can be found at tinyurl.com/2x89dzw5.

Jim Phillips Pete Ward

DOWNEND

FOLK & ROOTS PREVIEW:

FILKIN'S DRIFT + MICHELLE HOLLOWAY

FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2024

DOWNEND Folk & Roots return to their normal third-Friday-of-themonth pattern after the excitement of their 10th Anniversary, but there's no drop in quality as they welcome one of the most exciting young duos in the country to kick off their

Autumn/Winter series.

Filkin’s Drift reimagine traditional melodies through pizzicato grooves, intricate guitar tunes, and boundless improvisation. Their 870 mile foot-powered-tour, described as ‘committed and fascinating’ by BBC 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews, has recently propelled them into the spotlight. This radical approach to sustainable touring has earned the duo global attention from major news outlets including BBC News, Billboard, The i, Radio New Zealand, Canadian Broadcasting Company, and The Times.

The music of Filkin’s Drift captures the essence of their 870 mile walk, ‘weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences’ (Songlines). Their compositions are sophisticated, yet rooted in tradition. From delicate Welsh folk-songs to traditional English dance tunes, the pair blend fiddle and guitar with their ‘gorgeous close vocal harmonies’ (Folk Radio UK).

Seth Bye and Chris Roberts have earned widespread acclaim with extensive national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, and BBC World Service. Renowned for their live performances, characterised as ‘utterly mesmerizing’ (Bristol 24⁄7) and ‘hugely entertaining’ (RnR), the duo have enchanted audiences across the UK including FolkEast, Warwick Folk Festival, St George’s Bristol, and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

Filkin’s Drift are dedicated to exploring innovative avenues in music creation. In tandem with their commitment to sustainable touring, the duo’s latest endeavour involves the formation of Filkin's Ensemble, a 15-piece orchestral-folk band, which also includes Michelle Holloway, who will open the evening with a short solo set.

Peeling back the noise and focusing on the song itself has become a new focus point for Michelle’s work. She sings songs of past and present about women, social justice and Birmingham’s heritage. Fatea Magazine has praised her “extraordinary vocal work [which] acutely voices the song’s drama...[a] distinctive lead vocal taking no prisoners”.

Tickets for the concert, at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20 September, are available from downendfolkandroots.com and from Melanie's Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm.

Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/ mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for waterFor further information, please email info@ downendfolkandroots.com, visit downendfolkandroots.com

DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW:

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND

FRIDAY 19TH-SUNDAY 21ST JULY 2024

IN a time when live music venues are struggling, when any number of festivals have packed it all in, when musicians are finding it hard to make a living, this is something to celebrate.

Downend Folk & Roots (formerly Downend Folk Club) is ten years old and they're throwing a party. Three days of music, dancing, community action, three days of friendship, of laughter, of beautiful revelry.

Friday starts with a ceilidh, and it is an absolutely glorious thing. Young dance with old, pink mohicans dance with sensible cardigans, everybody smiles and laughs and smiles again. As The Molecatchers provide the square dances, so hands and feet twirl around in intricate little knots, up and back and back again, dancers weaving and spinning. Some of them do it right nearly all of the time. This is exactly what Downend has always been about; a sense of community and fun, an overwhelming love of the music but a refusal to take it all too seriously. By the end of the evening the party is well and truly underway, ready for a whole day of music on Saturday.

One of the more recent innovations at Downend has been the Saturday afternoon Family concert. A space where everyone is welcome, where the noise from little ones is celebrated and everyone is allowed to have a good time. Katie Grace Harris, a singer songwriter from Oxfordshire, fits the bill perfectly. Switching effortlessly between piano, accordion and dulcimer, as well as between trad and her own songs, Harris is never anything other than full of joy.

It just wouldn't have been right to throw this party and not invite Road Not Taken. If this folk club has a house band, then they are probably it, although they have been on a self-imposed hiatus for the last few years. Formed in the club and featuring Ant Miles,

Downend's founder, Road Not Taken are fantastic. Anita Dobson's voice has always been their focal point and, on I'll Weave My Love A Garland and Suzanne Vega's The Queen and The Soldier, it is as high, pure and expressive as ever. They take these wonderful, familiar, traditional songs and remind us just why we love them.

Janice Burns & Jon Doran also cast a hazy warmth over the Saturday afternoon. Burns’ voice is a fabulous thing, giving a sense of defiant beauty to the Song of the Fishgutters, it is upbeat and pacey. As Doran lends her his harmony, the two voices blend seamlessly. Georgie and Love You No More are sublime.

Saturday afternoon ends with a Downend Folk & Roots favourite. Jim Moray has been the club's patron since the very beginning and has played here twice before. To help with the celebrations he plays a set that is, more or less, one that he would have played in 2014. Even after 20 odd years of making music, folk is still startling in Moray's hands. He doesn't try to make things beautiful or nice, instead you feel the anger, the pain, the desperation when he sings. The storytelling on Lord Douglas and Jenny of the Moor is extraordinary, the simple electronics on Lemady still thrilling, the ferocity of Jim Jones in Botany Bay breathtaking. It is, however, Sounds of Earth that continues to be Moray's greatest (should have been a) hit. It is the best song that anyone plays all day, probably the best song that Downend Folk & Roots has ever heard. There are tears being shed at the back, the fact that he follows it with a version of Roy Orbison's Crying makes it even better. Touchingly Moray dedicates two Morris tunes to the much missed Downend stalwart Cliff Wooley, and in doing so he emphasises everything wonderful about this place.

After Moray's inventiveness, Saturday evening carries with it echoes of a more traditional Folk Club. It turns out that this is a brilliant thing. Gavin Osborn & The Comment Section are delightfully

funny, a throwback to those days of old when Billy Connolly and Jasper Carrott played folk music. The Comment Section is just one man, John Hare, but he adds keyboards, accordion and, best of all, trumpet. With his musical nouse and Osborn's clever songwriting they are gloriously entertaining. Bath Not Bristol is wry and knowing, What Kind of Thing endearingly self-deprecating and Albert Went Out to See Rock Bands is as intimate, heartwarming and delightfully observed as Victoria Wood or Alan Bennett. After their set, Downend whispered to itself, "How good were they?". The answer, simply, is that they were so good.

Equally good were Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones. Unlike every other act over the weekend, they haven't played Downend before, but they were welcomed like homecoming heroes anyway. As Yorkshire as a good strong cup of tea, Griffiths and Jones proved to be exceptional company.

Lady Maisery have a similar relationship with Downend. Over the years Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans have played here in so many different iterations that they were, really, the only band that could possibly bring the day to a close. True to form, they were exactly what was required. Mainly playing songs from their most recent album, Tender, Lady Maisery were as glorious as ever. Although their own songs are lovely - Birdsongbeing a glorious evocation of freedom and song - it is three cover versions that tie the whole of their set together. Lal Waterson's Child Among the Weeds is brim-full with delicious harmonies, Tracy Chapman's 3000 Miles has an intensity built around a banjo and Rheingans’ incredible voice but Bjork’s Hyperballadis jaw dropping. It is a cover that easily eclipses the original as James replaces Icelandic quirk with wide-eyed wonder. It is a song that makes your heart feel good.

Those hearts continued to feel good for the final day. Sunday was a little more relaxed, starting with some local community action, taking in the very first band that ever played Downend Folk Club, continuing with Bristol’s finest folk choir and ending

with Morris Dancing in the sunshine. The first band that ever played Downend were Bright Season, the trio led by Michael J Tinker. They haven't really existed as a band for years, so this represented something pretty special. Tinker, Ella Sprung and Simon Dumpleton are consummate musicians, weaving traditional songs and sea shanties around folk tunes from around the world. Sprung's nyckelharpa beautifully jaunty on a Danish Jig, Tinker heart-wrenching on a darkly haunting version of Strange Fruit and Dumpleton helping bring something almost Lau-like to Arrival. The unbridled pleasure that they, clearly, got from being back in Downend was infectious, it was, after all, them that started this whole thing. They seemed to radiate a pride that we were all still here.

Finally, the celebration was brought to a close by Heartwood Chorus, a choir that is becoming synonymous with celebration at Downend Folk & Roots. They have sung at a couple of Christmases so it was a pleasure to see them do a full set. Christ Church Downend is the perfect venue for rejoicing with thirty voices, the perfect venue to worship at the temple of song, and Heartwood were more than ready to play their part. From traditional songs to contemporary folk classics, the choir raised the roof, voices in glorious harmony, a dynamic, overwhelming experience. The traditional Byker Hill sits comfortably next to Bjork’s Cosmogony, Heartwood showing that a great song is a great song regardless of where it comes from.

At a time when things can sometimes feel uncertain and unfriendly, Downend Folk & Roots has embodied everything that is good in the world over the last ten years.

A welcoming community, a friendly face, a brilliant song, a wonderful singer, Downend gives us all of these things. As I walked away on Sunday afternoon, the sun on my face, the sound on Morris bells still in the air, I realised that Downend Folk & Roots is one of my favourite places in the world. This weekend was the perfect celebration.

Words: Gavin McNamara

Photos: Barry Save

LADY MAISERY

Violent few do not represent us

THE recent riots we witnessed nationally were deeply troubling.

We saw a small but violent group instil fear in our communities and bring chaos and disorder to our streets.

Since that Saturday night we have seen disruption reverberate across our area.

What took place was not a protest: what we witnessed were criminal acts, plain and simple.

These actions do not reflect the values of the Avon and Somerset area. We are known for our strong, diverse and vibrant community, where people from all walks of life live peacefully alongside one another.

The scenes we witnessed are a stark reminder of how a few can disrupt the harmony that so many work hard to maintain.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the police officers who were on the front lines, displaying professionalism and courage in the face of direct attacks aimed at them individually.

Their dedication to protecting the public and maintaining order, while distinguishing between legitimate protest and criminal behaviour, is commendable.

The individuals involved are now facing the consequences of their decisions, with the whole criminal justice system recognising the need to respond quickly and firmly.

It is essential that we send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that those who engage in violence and disorder will be held accountable.

No one should feel they cannot live their lives as normal, living in fear of Islamophobic or racist attacks.

I want to reassure our residents that I will continue to engage with our diverse communities to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.

I also encourage anyone who is the target of attacks or witnesses them to report them to the police or Crimestoppers.

Our response to those that want to divide us should be to find new

ways to develop our understanding of each other and create connections, and build on existing work to bring people together.

We must focus on what kind of place we want Avon and Somerset to be.

I am deeply committed to using my role to achieve real, tangible outcomes.

One way I will do this is by developing a police and crime plan to guide policing priorities and strategies over the next five years.

I have spent the past few months listening to people across our area, and identified five key priorities that reflect your concerns: strengthening neighbourhood policing, reducing violent crime, preventing crime, supporting victims, and improving the standards of policing.

Your input is crucial in shaping this plan: you are best placed to speak about the needs and concerns of your area and identify changes that will really make a difference.

It’s important to me that your voices are heard, which is why I hope you will participate in a consultation underway until October 28.

The feedback I receive will directly influence how the issues that matter most to you are tackled.

You can get involved via my website at tinyurl.com/rxzaj6cw, where there is an online survey and details of public forum meetings.

If you are not online you can contact 01278 646188 for details of how to participate.

Pupils praised for 'extraordinary achievements'

PUPILS from Downend School and Mangotsfield School were among those whose "extraordinary achievements" were celebrated at an awards ceremony.

The awards were staged by Castle School Education Trust, which runs both schools along with seven other secondaries and primaries in South Gloucestershire.

The ceremony at the University of the West of England, held at the end of the summer term, saw awards made to reflect a wide range of achievements in areas from sports and teamwork to community service and kindness.

Downend School pupil Jake McKnight was recognised for the weekly work that he does in a homeless shelter.

Leo Smith, who left Downend in the summer after sitting his A-levels, won the award for outstanding personal achievement for overcoming a "host of challenges" throughout his education.

Mangotsfield School pupil Emily King won the creativity award in recognition of her achievements in the arts.

As well as taking part in the recent school production of Matilda, the trust said she was recognised for her "encouragement and

inspiration of others".

CSET deputy director Clare Bradford said: "The event was a source of enormous pride for all involved.

"Young people can sometimes be given a bad press, but we are inspired by them, and the commitment they show to making their communities and the world a better place. "It is so important to recognise the good they do."

Emily King with CSET director of secondary education Joe Docherty.

Jake McKnight

Leo Smith

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Free Legal Stock Take meeting

Trust Funds - Who do you trust?

Nowadays we all have so much life admin to sort out – it is easy for things to get out of date.

Setting up a Trust Fund may sound very “Downton Abbey” but it has become a device that can bene t so many people. And it’s no longer very expensive!

A FREE review meeting with our local, friendly team at Simpson Solicitors is like a Free Legal Stock Take meeting. Being a fully regulated law firm there is no pushy follow up as there is no obligation to instruct them. Just the peace of mind that you have received proper legal advice.

Usually they are set up in your Will and only take e ect when you die.

• So when you die, the gift in your Will (whether it is your home or savings or both) is not transferred directly to the person you want to bene t.

The Free Legal Stock Take meeting focusses on making sure your legal affairs are in order and if needed they can help you with a new Will or Lasting Powers of Attorney. It is all about making life as easy as possible for those that you care about - if you were to become seriously ill or die unexpectedly.

• Instead, the gift becomes “looked after” by the Trust Fund and managed by people you trust –appropriately called your Trustees – on behalf of the person you want to bene t.

Michelle says, “At Simpson

Solicitors we o er xed price packages for Additional Trust Protection to be added to our Wills. We will also help you prepare a Letter of Wishes to guide your Trustees and we then o er aftercare to help them.”

√ Checking any existing documents are legally valid: Checking your Will or Powers of Attorney are signed in accordance with the complex rules that apply, with advice to make sure they still reflect your current family arrangements.

Care Home Fees: A popular Trust Fund for couples is to protect the assets of the rst to die, so they do not get used up in paying Care Home Fees for the survivor.

√ Property ownership: Advice to make sure it’s owned in the best way to prevent problems. There is a £3 charge from HM Land Registry.

Vulnerable Person: Here the vulnerable person is not considered able to manage their inheritance – they may have special needs, disability, or an addiction. So, it is protected for them and released as and when needed.

√ Reviewing what you own: Making sure those you trust can find and are legally able to access your bank accounts, investments, and life insurance if you were seriously ill or had died.

√ Inheritance Tax and Care Home Fees: Applying the current rules to your situation with advice so your family don’t receive an avoidable bill for tax or care home fees.

Divorce or Bankruptcy of an Adult Child: This type of Trust Fund protects your child’s inheritance until it is safe for them to receive it - without leaving your family.

√ Free secure storage service: Offered for your legal documents and the information you might want your family to be able to access.

Children's Trust: Used where a couple have children from a previous relationship or might have further children with a new partner after one of them has died. The survivor can continue to live in the home, but the share of the partner who died is guaranteed for their children.

To arrange your Free Review meeting you can pop in to their Kingswood Office or email message@simpsonslawuk.com or call 0117 960 8594

Remember, they offer a FREE home meeting service if you find it difficult getting to their offices.

John says, “To nd out more about how a Trust Fund in your Will may help your family, please call us or email message@simpsonslawuk. com for a Free Review Meeting with advice in plain English.”

On your own: You choose who you want to inherit from you

Living together: Decide if and how your partner is protected Parent Wills: Provide for children & name Guardians to raise them

Later Life Wills: Protect inheritance from

Lasting

Holidays

In January when I wrote, I spoke about planning holidays. Well, after a lot of planning, we went camping to Scotland during July and had a lovely, albeit it, challenging time. As part of our holiday we were camping at the foot of Ben Nevis, and thought that it be good to climb. I say we, my son and myself, Nicola who is infinitely more sensible and who recognises her limitation, declined preferring to stay back drinking coffee and reading her book. Occasionally, I should listen to Nicola, especially when she pointed out the sole of my walking boots was coming off. Undeterred we picked up some superglue and tape, a route map and some provisions, and planned our assent. The next day Nicola, in the support vehicle (a car not a helicopter, which would be of little use if we needed help), dropped us off with our rucksacks full of additional layers of clothing, food, water, walking poles and a spare pair of shoes

just case the superglue didn’t hold.

We started our walk. My son, who is 18, powered ahead and I was left thinking, I was like that once, 41 years ago, but not now. We planned to stop at a couple of key points, but as we progressed up the mountain, that plan went out of the window as the stops became longer and more frequent. It was during these many stops that I thought, no one would know if I just stopped and went down – just my son and I could pay him off. Four and a half hours after leaving the base of Ben Nevis we arrived at the top. Just the journey down to navigate – another four and half hour of torture and pain, followed by a week of very sore muscles.

During the Olympics many athletes who were interviewed spoke of the personal battles they had to overcome, the mountains that they had to climb, to achieve their success,

but went on to thank those who supported them on their journey. Whilst we might not be Olympic athletes, many people have ‘mountains to climb’ every day. I am reminded, as I was on the side of Ben Nevis, of the words of Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give wayN and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake

with their surging.

Whatever mountain that you face today, I would encourage you to lean on God, who when everything is giving way, is our refuge, our strength and an everpresent help. And on the side of the mountain just to take time to 10 … “Be still, and know that I am God; and remember 11… The Lord Almighty is with us; Whilst I’m not an Olympian, I did manage to conquer my mountain. I hope that you are able, with God’s help to overcome yours.

Power of the press?

MY thanks to the Downend Voice for achieving in ‘hours’ what an individual taxpayer and an entire parish council couldn’t achieve in months.

My letter about blackberries growing through the pavements in Frenchay was published in August’s Voice, and I was advised that the South Gloucestershire Council had been asked to respond.

The response was evident so quickly –brambles and weeds had been removed from the pavements, which were now passable by all.

This must raise the question, if a job requires doing, does it matter who reports it?

Clearly in the case of this council it does: the payer of bills seems to count for nothing!

Obviously, I’ve looked at the pavements and other questions come to mind.

Does one remove the problem or the cause of the problem? The brambles have been largely removed but the ‘growth medium’ – dust, dried leaves etc – remain, ready for the next lot of weed seeds to settle and create a problem in the near future.

The other question is, who checks that the job has been completed satisfactorily?

I suspect it will be the same person who is happy to leave temporary signs and cones behind when the work has been done!

Geoff Collard Frenchay

How can the metro mayor also be an MP?

YOU report that Dan Norris says he can do two jobs: MP for North East Somerset & Hanham and West of England Mayor (Voice, August).

I have done two jobs with the condition that I would be paid pro-rata for the two activities, as doing two full-time jobs would not be possible (and illegal).

Presumably, Mr Norris will be restricting his division of responsibilities in the same way, although one wonders if his two groups of constituents were aware that their representative would be part-time.

However, if he does decide to work 80-odd hours a week, he will be in receipt of more

than £178,000 in salary plus reimbursement of all the necessary travel expenses incurred (also funded by the taxpayers) and the allimportant "support" roles so vital to our elected representatives.

You also report him stating that "to call a byelection when you've got an electorate of about a million people is a hugely expensive thing."

This wouldn't be so much of an issue if the ousting of his ex-chief executive hadn't cost £344,000 (£219,000 pay off plus £125,000 for a stand-in).

I look forward to what happens with this early test of whether the Prime Minister really wants to ban second jobs for MPs.

Christopher Richardson

Come fly with us

Stanbridge Flyers

AS autumn draws closer and the nights get a little darker, keeping safe and fit through group running is a great idea.

Now in its eighth year, Stanbridge Fliers running group is welcoming new runners to join its Wednesday evening 5k runs.

Four experienced and qualified run leaders organise a varied training programme across the school year, whether you’re a seasoned runner or enjoy the occasional parkrun.

This autumn the Group will host another of its popular Couch to 5k courses.

Our original founders wanted Fliers to focus on fitness, fun and friendship. Eight years on we remain true to that mission of encouraging people to take up running fitness, achieve their goals and form great friendships in the process.

We keep it simple, with no costs to join or run with us: we want Stanbridge Fliers to remain an inclusive running group.

Stanbridge Fliers runs from King George V park at 6.15pm each Wednesday.

For more information visit tinyurl.com/ bdha8d72 or check out our Facebook group.

Ian Browne Run leader

Volunteers needed

ARE you a parent or grandparent?

Charity Home-Start Bristol & South Gloucestershire is looking for new volunteers who have parenting skills.

We support families with under-5s across Bristol and South Glos who are going through tough times.

Volunteers are needed for home-visiting or to help at parent groups, for 2-3 hours a

week. The next volunteer training course starts on September 26 in Southmead. Visit www.homestartbsg.org.uk, email admin@ homestartbsg.org.uk or call 0117 950 1170 to find out more.

Catherine Potter Trustee

Macmillan Coffee Day

ONCE again John and I will be holding our annual coffee day in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday September 27, at 6 Cleeve Gardens anytime after 10am.

We do hope that you will be able to come and help us raise funds for this very worthy cause, and you are very welcome to bring along any friends that may be interested.

We look forward to seeing everybody on the day.

Summer party success

Summer party

EDGECUMBE Lodge Residential Care Home in Downend was a hub of joy and celebration as it hosted its highly anticipated annual summer party on August 10.

Residents, their families, staff, and neighbours came together for a day brimming with laughter, games, and a strong sense of community.

A standout moment of the afternoon was the wet sponge contest, where courageous staff members volunteered to be doused with cold water—all in good spirits and for a charitable cause. The contest successfully raised funds that will contribute to enhancing the amenities and activities available at the home.

The summer party at Edgecumbe Lodge has become a beloved tradition, uniting the local community and providing a festive occasion for residents, staff, and families to come together and celebrate.

This year's gathering was no exception, leaving all attendees with cherished memories and a lasting sense of unity that will endure long after the summer season fades.

Prasilla Ambati Health and Wellbeing Coach Edgecumbe Lodge

Sally Lockwood Downend

Brambles have been cleared from the pavement in Frenchay

Mixed weather helps our displays take off

GOSH, I can’t believe it’s nearly the end of August already!

With the mixture of rain and sun that we have had recently, our flowers have really taken off.

We have been really pleased with the tower displays this year, as the surfina plants have been flowing over the sides, making a superb display.

The guys at our site behind Downend School have continued to work hard over the summer and have now built a wood store, a covered working area and also a veg plot, with tomatoes growing!

This means that they will now be able to get back to making items for sale.

As many of you know, this has always been a great way to provide funds for In Bloom and people have always appreciated the wooden items that we sell.

We try, as much as possible, to use recycled wood to make our items, which is obviously good for the environment.

Also thinking of the environment, we have now installed a large cage water container at the site for watering all of the bee friendly plants in the pollinator garden.

Talking of bees, I don’t know if you have noticed the blue annual salvia plants that we put in to the centre of the large containers. These are fabulous value plants, as they

last all summer and have swarms of bees constantly round them, taking the pollen. The blue colour is also such a beauty – they are real impact plants!

I know a lot of people have been interested in the construction of our new bee garden, and we will be having an open day very soon for people to come and have a look.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of this event – it will probably be towards the end of September.

You can keep up with what we are doing on the Downend & Bromley Heath In Bloom Facebook page.

If you are not online you can also get in

touch by calling 07504 244361.

Finally this month I just wanted to mention how good the begonias have been this year, with their glorious golden colour.

I think, unlike me, they must like the wetter weather!

Jackie Baker 07504244361

jabaker32@outlook.com

The blue salvia has been very popular with bees

LOCAL HISTORY with CHAP

HAVE you ever noticed the unicorn in Downend?

Take a look at the carving on the right-hand side of the entrance to the playing fields on Westerleigh Road.

The unicorn plaque there is actually a sign that this is one of 471 King George’s Fields in the UK.

When King George V died on January 30, 1936, a committee was formed to design a national memorial to the king.

As well as putting up a statue in London, the committee decided to celebrate the king’s passion for accessible green spaces by setting up a new scheme across the whole country.

This was the King George’s Fields Foundation, whose remit was to preserve open spaces for public recreation. This was at a time of urbanisation and mass house building, when there was concern about increased building, loss of countryside and the need to protect certain areas so that people would have room to exercise, play games and sports, and enjoy a walk in the fresh air.

As every King George’s field

Downend’s unicorn

forms part of a national memorial to King George V, the foundation stipulated that they must all be marked by official emblems which it would provide.

These are two heraldic panels, designed by George Kruger Gray (who studied locally at Bath School of Art), which have to be

Pop in and see Ric, the EDA man for a great deal

displayed at the main entrance to every King George’s field.

The panel on the left depicts a lion holding a royal shield, with the words "George V" and "A.D. 1910–1936" underneath.

On the right is the unicorn, holding a similar shield with the words ‘King George's Field’

underneath.

The King George’s Fields Foundation is now part of Fields in Trust, which champions and supports our parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy forever. For more details visit tinyurl.com/4n6rnpyb.

So next time you’re spending time in the playing field, remember that it’s there in memory of the king who reigned from 1910 to 1936, and who loved the outdoors!

Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit group aiming to produce a community history resource, build a sense of belonging and bring history to life through arts, publications, music and events for the local community.

For more information visit www.downendchap.org, email big. gin@talktalk.net or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.

Helen Rana

n The unicorn and lion plaques. Pictures: Helen Rana

Honorary degree for Amber

A RUGBY World Cup winner from Downend has been awarded an honorary degree for her work to spread awareness of mental health in sport.

Amber Reed has been awarded an honorary master of science degree by the University of the West of England.

Amber is co-captain for Bristol Bears Women, where she has played for 15 seasons, and has 67 caps for England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses.

She has taken part in nine Women’s Six Nations Championships and two Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments – and was part of the England squad that lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014.

Amber, who works as a PE teacher at Collegiate School in Stapleton, was awarded her honorary degree "in recognition of her work tackling the stigma around mental health within sport".

A UWE Bristol spokesperson said: "Despite her success on the pitch, Amber has had to navigate several injuries in her professional career which, as she’s discussed

publicly, has had a knock-on effect on her mental health.

"This experience prompted Amber to become an ambassador for the mental health organisation Looseheadz, which opens up conversations around mental health within sport."

UWE deputy head of student support Sarah Garlick said: “Amber is really a worthy recipient of this award, proving that you can turn challenging experiences into a force for good that will help others dealing with similar issues.

"As well as a hugely successful career on the pitch, off the pitch she’s making a difference to the lives of others with her dedication to discussing mental health and supporting the health and well-being of people within Bristol and beyond."

Amber was among nine people receiving honorary degrees at UWE Bristol’s fortnight of graduation ceremonies held at the Bristol Beacon, in recognition of outstanding achievements in their chosen fields and significant contributions to Bristol.

She said: "I have never been one to actively seek the limelight or recognition.

"If sharing my story helps just one person, I’ll be happy, so receiving this award is truly a surprise and a huge honour."

Among the other recipients of awards was Guy Bailey OBE, a civil rights activist instrumental in the Bristol Bus Boycott, who was made an honorary doctor of letters in recognition of his "outstanding contributions

to race equality, creating communities, and supporting underserved communities".

Guy was denied an interview for a job as a bus driver at the Bristol Omnibus Company in 1963 because he was black.

His experience sparked the Bristol Bus Boycott that helped bring about the Race Relations Act and Equalities Act.

Guy later became the first black education welfare officer in Bristol, one of the first black governors for inner city schools, was a youth worker and founded the United Housing Association.

Amber Reed

Positives and negatives

or two.

Another coat of paint to go on and they’ll be ready to withstand whatever the weather the next few years has in store for

I know we’ve said this before, more than once, but it just goes to show the positive impact a few people can have in just an hour

So if you see anything in your immediate area that needs some TLC, why not get a few people together and do it?

We are here to help if you want or need it: just get in touch.

It’s taken a while but we have now submitted our formal planning application to erect a flagpole at the war memorial.

We are hopeful it’ll be approved in time to get everything in place for this years Remembrance service: time will tell.

Not strictly speaking in our patch, but it was sad to see the Mangotsfield Station information board be the subject of an act of mindless vandalism.

It has been repaired, but it’s not the first time this has happened. If you see this sort of thing going on don’t just turn a blind eye, please report it.

OUR next monthly Red Lion Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday September 4 at 10am, and all are welcome. We are now getting a really good turnout, so why not come along?

If you want to get in touch then please do so via our email, MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, or via the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page.

You can also telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.

Graffiti on the signs at the old Mangotsfield railway station

Chris Amos Secretary

A busy autumn ahead at the hub

WITH the school holidays ending and the days becoming shorter, we are busy preparing for a busy autumn ahead at the Staple Hill Community Hub.

We regularly post updates on our social channels, and you can check out many of our events in the what's on pages in this edition of the Voice.

If you’re after a friendly community lunch club, offering freshly home-made cooked meals and a warm welcome at very reasonable prices, why not come along every Monday and Friday at 12.15pm?

It’s open to everyone in our community, but booking is essential. Call us on 01454 868374.

Menus change week by week, and are posted on our Facebook page.

We work with many people and young families who continue to struggle with the cost of living.

To help those most in need, we provide emergency food parcels for anyone struggling to afford the basic supplies.

You can call us anytime on 01454 868374, and parcels can be collected on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 2pm.

As we head towards autumn and the prospect of having to put on the heating again, did you know that you can use the kitchen at the Community Hub to prepare your meals? It means you don’t have to turn on your oven so much, saving you money!

Free kitchen use happens on Monday to Thursday, between 2pm and 4pm.

For younger people in Staple Hill, we are offering a new free after-school club for those aged between six and 11.

Terrapins runs on a Tuesday between 3.30pm and 4.30pm and offers sports, games, arts and craft.

Please stick to the speed limit

OUR annual meeting and discussion evening will be at the Sandringham pub towards the end of October.

We are just lining up the date to ensure police, parish and South Glos representatives can be there, as well as you.

We'll be discussing the apparent ignoring of the 20mph speed limit across Bromley Heath and the remedies for that – hence the headline. When remedies are put into action, we don't

Call Barbara on 07510 380596 for more details.

The much-heralded Staple Hill Sprouts will be back this winter, on Sundays at 2pm.

It’s a free gardening and nature club, for children aged between seven and 11 years old.

If your child is interested in joining, please contact AimeeClaire on 07972 919159.

In a recent edition of the Voice

want the embarrassment of 'locals' in the frame!

Also up for debate will be the underwhelming performance of the WECA Mayor and team, with the new electric scooter and bike provider. It feels that we were talking to ourselves when we wrote expressing our concerns and suggesting acceptable marked parking bays for the vehicles.

BHNW is writing a Freedom of Information request to the Mayor to ask for details of the specification to the company to see exactly what the position is.

We'll also ask the Beat team what realistic and practical actions can and are being taken to take the illegals off the road.

Steve Bellamy

Look out for the timing and date of the meeting in the next edition.

We have had reports from the police of

we highlighted the great work of our dementia choir, Singing for the Brain, which takes place on Tuesdays.

Throw in our Job Searchers Support Group and Wednesday coffee morning, and you can see we have a lot to offer all members of our community.

For any further questions or enquiries, please call us on 01454 868374. Matthew Pick

people being burgled when they’re away on holiday.

We’re recommending people take time to ensure their homes are secure whilst they’re away, as returning home to find you have been burgled would be upsetting and stressful.

This includes ensuring doors, windows and locks are in a good state of repair, setting an intruder alarm, making use of timer plugs with lamps and radios to make your house seem occupied.

Don’t leave valuable items in view of windows, and don’t forget the outside of your home too. It is important that your home does not appear unoccupied whilst you are away. Visit www.bhnw.org.uk or call 0117 956 3325 to contact us.

Bill Crocker

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New powers will bring more growth

THE new government has made economic growth its overriding mission.

That’s also been mine. Growing the economy is how we improve living standards for everyone and create the wealth we need to help get our public services back on track, and improve things like public transport.

You won’t be surprised to learn that I completely support this national focus on economic growth. As West of England regional mayor, I have a key role in helping the government to deliver this ambition.

Indeed, one of the very first meetings our new Prime Minister held at 10 Downing Street, just four days after being elected, was with all the regional mayors of England.

He wanted to make clear to us the vital role we have to help deliver the new government's objectives against a backdrop

of very, very tough economic circumstances.

Compared to the other regions outside London, the West of England has a very strong economy. We can take pride in that, and the major contribution we make to UK national wealth.

But our wealth is not spread widely or fairly enough locally.

If we harness our untapped potential, our region can become an even greater economic powerhouse, raising living standards right across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

We already have an important record of delivery across the West of England.

Just last month, the West of England Combined Authority Committee approved £9 million of investment into the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone.

When finished, this site

will offer state-of-the-art facilities for new and growing businesses, and create up to 1,300 jobs for local people. Creating jobs outside of the most populated areas will also help ease congestion and shorten people’s commutes.

The Somer Valley is just one of the focussed growth zones that we have in the West of England, along with the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire, Bath to Bristol Corridor and the Severn Estuary. All will be key to local and national wealth creation.

By focusing on our areas of strength, and taking a strategic approach to the infrastructure needs of the region, we can deliver greater returns on investment and attract even more money – private as well as government.

It is also essential that we give all our workforce the skills they require to make full use of

the new opportunities.

Through services like Skills Connect, my mayoral combined authority has already helped thousands of local people find training and new jobs.

The government will give me as mayor more new powers over employment and skills, that will allow us to go much further and more quickly.

The progress we’ve made so far across the West of England is good, but I'm determined to use these new mayoral powers and responsibilities to bring about greater economic success in the future – something you, your family, and our region deserve.

DOWNEND WI

I HOPE you have all enjoyed a lovely summer break, and have been able to spend quality time with friends, family and loved ones.

In July, we enjoyed a very interesting talk with Heather Norman, a local milliner who is based in Chipping Sodbury, and were given the chance to try on some of her wonderful creations.

If you are in need of a one-off bespoke creation, or need to hire for a special occasion, then please do go and visit her.

Our annual Quiz & Fizz meeting takes place on the 27th, with questions kindly written by our treasurer Carey – it’s time to brush up on your general knowledge!

On September 24 we are very much looking forward to welcoming Liz Ferguson, from Frenchay Museum, with local history and stories.

Later in the autumn we have our AGM on October 29 and Christmas crafts on November 26

We are very pleased to hear local feedback whilst walking around Downend (not just from our members!) on how we are continuing to cheer up the community with the wonderful topper creations.

I hope you have been able to visit and see the wonderful Olympics display outside the post office.

If you would like to come and see what we are all about, you would be more than welcome.

We meet at Christ Church Hall in North Street, Downend, on the last Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. Guests are welcome for a small charge of £4, which includes a tea or coffee.

As a member, you can participate in as much or as little as you wish within our varied programme throughout the year.

It’s a chance to meet new people and experience new things.

If you would like to know more about joining us, please contact us at downendwi@yahoo.co.uk. Shelley Brown, President

STAPLE HILL WI

WE had the most interesting, enlightening and entertaining talk at our last meeting from a local auctioneer, from local company Auctioneum.

He told us many tales of the interesting things that he had handled, such as Ronnie Barker's script for the famous Two Ronnies "Fork Handles" sketch, Del Boy's Robin Reliant and all of Dave Prowse's Star Wars memorabilia and Green Cross Code items, which made a lot of money for charity.

The best story though was about an elderly gentleman who needed a bit more cash and suddenly thought about an old pair of spectacles that had been in his bedside drawer as long as he could remember.

He had been told that they may have belonged to Mahatma Gandhi. So with not much hope and no provenance, he put them up for auction. Such was the worldwide interest that they made a six-figure sum.

So ladies, check your drawers, cupboards and attics – you never know what treasure you may have!

Our usual monthly activities continue and, by the time you read this, we will have enjoyed our 'Cruise Down the River' on what we hope will have been a sunny afternoon.

We meet as usual on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, at Christ Church Parish Hall in North Street, Downend. There is plenty of parking.

We welcome visitors, as we are a very friendly group.

If you want to know more about us, visit our website at staplehillwi. weebly.com.

Maureen Wood

FRENCHAY WI

AS we don’t have a regular meeting in August, over 20 members made their way into town and enjoyed a scrumptious afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols, which proved a great success.

Our next meeting is on September 16: it will be great to be back from our summer recess and catch up with old and new friends.

We will be entertained by the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew, so hope that a very interesting and lively evening will be had by all.

Susan Lewis, a local author of thrillers and crime stories, will be telling us all about her books at our October meeting.

We have many other events

lined up for the year ahead.

We meet on the third Monday of every month at Frenchay Village Hall, at 7.30pm.

There is always a friendly reception awaiting new members.

If you are interested in joining us or would like more information please email me at Frenchaywi@ gmail.com.

Linda O’Carroll

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

HELLO from Beechmere Belles WI.

September is nearly here, the children are going back to school and the nights are drawing in.

The year is speeding by, but we Beechmere Belles have three more meetings to look forward to in 2024.

We’ve had some amazing talks recently – but our August meeting was very different.

Four teams set off with guidance, clues and a map.

It wasn’t strictly speaking a race, as they had to identify and answer questions en-route, but it turns out our members are very competitive and arrived back at the hall in good time, having navigated their way round Emersons Green: did you see five or six women behaving strangely on your street on August 22?

Don’t worry though, if you are thinking about coming along to a meeting, our September

meeting will be back in our room in Emersons Green Village Hall.

The lovely Katie is coming to talk to us about reiki, an energy healing technique.

Katie was previously a member with us and found a talk we had on healing therapies so interesting that she re-trained and is now qualified to practice reiki – and so busy that unfortunately she doesn’t have time to come to meetings regularly – but we’re very happy to welcome her on September 26.

Our committee is busy just now planning ahead for our 2025 programme but this year we still have our AGM in October and a craft evening in November to look forward to.

If you would like to know more about our WI please contact us via email at beechmerebelles@gmail. com or follow our Facebook page, which is Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI Beechmere Belles.

Or why not come along as a guest for the evening? It’s free for your first visit (unless it’s a craft evening, when we have a charge of £5 to cover materials used) and we promise you a warm welcome, as well as tea or coffee and cake!

We meet at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pn on the fourth Thursday of each month except December.

MANGOTSFIELD DOLLY MIXTURES

WE had a beautiful sunny day for Bristol Jazz Society’s boat trip along the Avon Gorge.

The boat set sail at noon on July 30 with Jeremy Huggett’s Jazz Friends on board to entertain us throughout the day. Walkers on the towpath were dancing to the tunes as we passed along.

It was really hot and the crew were brilliant, passing round iced water and sun cream.

Next year’s river cruise is already booked for Sunday July 6, and will be an evening event, from 6-9pm. It will also be part of the society’s 30th year.

We have just had our second anniversary, which is ‘cotton’.

One of our dollies brought a karaoke system along and, of course, we started the evening with a rousing rendition of ‘Hello Dolly’: we have now made this our signature song for every meeting. Plates of food were brought along to share, plus birthday cake, and it was a marvellous evening.

Next year’s anniversary is already being planned.

It is ‘leather’, so we are thinking of a Wild West cowgirl night!

We have a Dolly seriously ill at the moment, so a card was signed by all of us to let her know we are all thinking of her.

The social calendar is looking very busy: in November we are hosting the reforming of Kevin Grenfell’s ‘Hot Banana’ on the 2nd, from 2-4.30pm; Blenheim Palace with the Christmas lights is booked; in December there will be a 19 bus trip to Bath for lunch at the Coeur de Lyon pub and to visit the Christmas market; later in the month there will be a celebration pub lunch at the Lamb in Mangotsfield.

Carol Coombs

August 30

n FREE BAT WALK AND TALK, Lincombe Barn Woods. Meet at 7.30pm by the play area off Rockland Road. Event organised by the Friends of Lincombe Barn Park and Woods.

September 1

n ALL AGE SERVICE AT CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND, 10.30am. Education Sunday, celebrating all who teach and support our children. Sunday children and youth groups start from September 8.

September 4

n MOTHERS UNION meeting, Parish Hall, North Street Downend, 2.15pm. Talk, worship and refreshments.

September 5

n SPEAKER/COFFEE MORNING at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Doors open 10.15am for coffee. Talk on lost Bristol buildings, 10.45-11.45am. £3 entry. All welcome.

September 5

n WARM SPACE CAFE reopens at Christ Church Downend, 11am-1.30pm. Featuring The Music Train on September 12 & 26, and Dementia Friendly Cafe on September 19.

September 7

n COFFEE MORNING at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, 10am-noon.

September 7

Emergency services fun day, Page Park, Staple Hill, 10.30am-4pm. A variety of police equipment and activities in the park.

September 7

n HERITAGE OPEN DAYS at Staple Hill Methodist Church, Staple Hill High Street, 10am4pm. Part of church 150th anniversary celebrations. Also open on September 8 from noon-4pm, September 11, 10am4pm, September 14 10am-4pm, September 15, noon-4pm.

September 10

n BEREAVEMENT GROUP at Christ Church Downend, 2-4pm. For details, contact the parish office 0127 908 9867.

September 10

n TEA AND TOAST AFTERSCHOOL DROP in at Parish Hall, North Street, 3.15pm. Weekly during term for primary age children and families.

September 13

n KOOKY UKES CONCERT, St Mary's Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 1-2pm. Refreshments on sale 12.30-1pm. Free entry –retiring collection.

September 14

n DOWNEND CRICKET CLUB FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL.

Includes food vendors from the Bristol area, drink, live music, street art and DJ Set. Community celebration raising money for club funds. More details at downendcricket.co.uk/festival or club Facebook page.

September 15

n PAGE PARK PRAISE with Staple Hill Salvation Army Band and musicians. Page Park Bandstand, 3pm, admission free.

September 16

n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB at 2pm Sometimes Always Never (12A) 2018

A detective fantasy/family drama where a love of words helps a father reconnect with his missing son. Starring Bill Nighy and Jenny Agutter. Carers welcome, easy access Refreshments £4 Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG For more information please call 0117 435 0063

September 22

n MESSY CHURCH family craftbased afternoon followed by cooked meal, from 4pm. Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street.

September 24

n VINTAGE ADVENTURE at the Church Ventre, Quakers Road, Bromley Heath, 2pm. Activities, refreshments and thought for the day for seniors and carers.

September 27

n COFFEE DAY in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, 6 Cleeve Gardens, from 10am. Help raise funds for a worthy cause – all welcome, bring along friends.

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? 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 for the Kundalini movement meditation. Contact Andrea on 0117 956 5826 Homewards.ma@icloud.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 PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB are looking for new players. We meet every Monday evenings and Sunday & Wednesday afternoons 3.15pm6pm at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Refreshments available. For more information contact John 0117 9372873.

n SILK PAINTING at Downend Baptist Church. Come along to an enjoyable afternoon, every alternate Monday 2pm-4pm. Make cards, tuition given, tea and biscuits provided, cost includes all materials. One large card £2 or 3 for £5, small cards £1 each. Please contact 0117 9608935 for more details.

n COFFEE MORNING at Percy Walker Court, Lincombe Road, Downend, every Monday, 10.30am12.20pm. All welcome.

n LUNCH CLUB AT STAPLE HILL COMMUNITY HUB, Berkeley House, Berkeley Road, every Monday, 12.15pm. More details from the hub on 01454 868374.

n KINGSWOOD LACE MAKERSNew members welcome We are a friendly self-help group making bobbin lace We meet at Lincombe Barn Downend Monday afternoon 2 – 4 pm On third Monday we meet in evening 7.15 - 9.15 The cost of membership is £70 for afternoon and evening, £20 just evening. We can help people but would like them to give some experience of making lace. First meeting free to see if you like us. Contact Beverly on walkingwithlace@yahoo.co.uk

n DOWNEND SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB meets on Mondays, 2-4pm at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street. New members welcome. No experience necessary – tuition and bowls provided. For more details contact Mike on 0779 136 6894.

n JOB SEARCHERS SUPPORT GROUP, Staple Hill Community Hub, 2nd Monday of the month, 2-4pm. With a benefits advisor. Call 01454 868374 for more information.

Tuesday

n DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB Third Tuesday of every month at 10.15am Varied Topics Non Members welcome at £3 including Tea / Coffee. Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road. Downend. Easily reached by any bus into Downend

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 information see website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or email lincombe.barn@gmail.com.

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 PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to 10.15p.m All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 07843240414.

n MESSY SPACE, Badminton Road Methodist Church Downend. Term-time group for toddlers and their carers, 10-11.45am. Toys, books, play dough, paint & craft, singing and refreshments. First visit free, then £3 per child or £5 per family. More information at www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk or 0117 956 1106.

n FRIENDSHIP & EXERCISE GROUP, Salvation Army, Broad Street, Staple Hill, every Tuesday 10-11.30am.

n MOVE-IT CLUB for children aged 7-11, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, Berkeley Road, every Tuesday 3.30pm. More details from hub on 01454 868374. n TEA AND TOAST after school drop-in for primary aged children and families, Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, Downend, term-time Tuesdays, 3.15-4.30pm. All welcome for tea, squash, toast, board games, colouring and play in a friendly atmosphere.

n DOWNEND WI meets at Christ Church Hall, North Street, Downend on the last Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. For details email downendwi@yahoo.co.uk.

n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB meets every Tuesday evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. For more information contact Graham on 07968 050 320

n SINGING FOR THE BRAIN, free music club for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, Staple Hill Hub, every Tuesday 2-3pm. Call 01454 868374 for more information.

n COFFEE AFTERNOON with free coffee & cake, friendly conversation and a ‘thought for the day’. First Tuesday of the month, 2pm at

the Pendennis Good News Centre, Pendennis Road, Staple Hill. All welcome.

n KARATE FOR MUMS AND DADS, 7pm, Page Community Association Staple Hill. More information from www.zenkarate. club.

Wednesday

n DOWNEND BRIDGE CLUBNEW MEMBERS ARE WANTED Come and join us and play duplicate Bridge at Lincombe Barn Downend on Wednesday afternoons 2pm. All levels welcome. Please contact eveforbes77@gmail. com or 0117 9836886 or Yvonne Scoulding rscoulding@googlemail. com or 0117 9568944

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. 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 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION meets once a month on the first Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm. New members welcome - come and spend an afternoon with us before you join. We meet at the Youth Building by the long stay car park and Page Hall. Telephone 0117 956 0805.

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 contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com

n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, Every Wednesday except first one of the month, 7.30pm, Cadbury Heath Social Club, £7 on the door. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk.

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. Information: Jo Hunter by email atpurplewellies@live.co.uk

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 dementiafriendly singing group, Mangotsfield & Castle Green URC, Cossham Street, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 10.30am to noon. No charge, carers welcome. Sessions led by music therapist. More details from June Watts on 0117 956 6625.

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

n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB We are a friendly group, we meet at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June

at Lincolne Barn, Overndale Road, BS16 2RW. Ring Genise on 0777 2451217 for more information.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH Fellowship group 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2.153.45pm Coffee/tea, homemade cake and a chat!

n LADIES ENTERPRISE CLUB every 1st and 3rd Wednesday afternoon at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, 2.30pm4pm. If you would like to belong to a warm, friendly group we would love to see you. Contact Ruth on 07733413823 for more details

n MOTHERS UNION - worship, friendship, supporting charities, refreshments: First Wednesday of the month, 2.15pm at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street. Non-members welcome. More details from 0117 908 9867.

n FRENCHAY & HAMBROOK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meets at Friends Meeting House, Frenchay, 7.30pm first Wednesday of the month from September to March. Talks on garden-related topics, meet other gardeners, trips in April & May. Phone 0117 967 2390 for more information.

n COFFEE MORNING, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, Berkeley Road, every Wednesday 9.30-10.30am. More details from the hub on 01454 868374.

n KEEP FIT, God's House International Centre, The Sanctuary, 55 High Street, Staple Hill, every Wednesday 10-11am, followed by cup of tea and a chat. For adults 50+. More information from Lin on 0770 707 6281 or email Lincornish@hotmail.co.uk.

n SPROUTS, free gardening and nature club for children aged 7-11, Staple Hill Hub every Wednesday, 4-6pm. Call 01454 868374 for further information. Thursday n LADIES-ONLY KARATE GROUP, 7pm Page Community Association Staple Hill. Confidence-building exercise. More information from www.zenkarate.club.

Thursday

n BARN BELLS handbell ringers meet at Lincombe Barn, Downend, from 2-4pm weekly. Anyone who can read music is welcome to join.

n IGNITE YOUTH GROUP. Thursdays, term time only, at the Youth Hub & Parish Hall , 57 North Street, Downend. Year 6-8, 6.30-7.45pm. Year 9-11s, 8-9.15pm. A place to relax and have fun with friends. Free entry. Tuck available. Visit www.igniteyouthchristchurchdownend.co.uk to sign up and see the full programme. n DEWDROP INN CAFE, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every fourth

Thursday of the month, 2-4pm. A place for the community to relax and unwind with old & new friends. Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits £2. n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon n SCRABBLE Downend Folk House Thursdays 10-12noon Info: 07789772538 Jonathan Seegrove. n WARM SPACE CAFE at Christ Church, Downend, free every Thursday 11-2pm. Soup and roll lunch from noon. Live music, including Music Train on 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Dementia-friendly cafe on 3rd Thursday of the month, 11am-1.30pm.

n HAMBROOK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-noon at Whiteshill Chapel, Hambrook, with a speaker at each meeting. Friendly group, new members welcome. For details call the secretary on 01454 778250.

n SOCIAL WALKING GROUP meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, Badminton Road Downend. For more details contact Janet Pearce on 0799 058 4008.

n BROMLEY HEATH PROBUS CLUB, holds fortnightly meetings with Speakers for ladies and gentlemen on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 am till 12:00. We also enjoy lunches/outings together. Please join us at the Assembley Hall, Downend. More details on 0117 9574583 or see our website.

n FRIENDSHIP AND EXERCISE GROUP, Staple Hill Methodist Church, High Street, Staple Hill, every Thursday - first session 9.30am, second session 11am.

n BROMLEY HEATH WI meets at Bromley Heath Junior School Hall on the second Thursday of each month (except August) at 7.30pm. Email bromleyheathwi@gmail.com for more information.

n FAMILY DROP-IN with free after-school refreshments and activities for families. Every Thursday, 3.15-4.45pm during term time, at Pendennis Good News Centre, Pendennis Road, Staple Hill. n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meets every second Thursday of the month at Downend Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, at 7.30pm. New members welcome. More details from downendhortsoc@gmail.com.

Friday

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Continued on next page

ALEXANDRA CORK

Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16

2RW. Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844)

n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text 'Ukulele' to Ben on 07910 668258.

n JIGSAW TODDLER GROUP, Fridays in term time at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, from 9.45-11.15am.

n LATER LIVE MUSIC, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every second Friday monthly, except August & December, 8-10pm, £2.50. facebook.com/lateratresound.

n ARTWINGS, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every fourth Friday, except August & December, 7.30pm. Explore new ways of creating and making, natter over refreshments. £5, includes materials.

n RAINBOW TOTS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP meets at Emersons Green Village Hall every Friday morning in term time, from 10-11.30am. For more info email church.egbc@outlook.com

n IN-THE-PINK We are a group of mature ladies who meet for sensible exercise to music every Friday 9am - 10am followed by chat & coffee time. Pay sessionby-session basis. Get yourself fit & make new friends at Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue. For details call Julie 07903123793.

n TUTTIFLUTTI, an inclusive ensemble welcoming flautists of all ages from Grade 3 up, rehearses at Lincombe Barn on Fridays in term time, from 6.30-7.30pm. New members always welcome. Details from Fiona on 07817 629 691.

n LUNCH CLUB, Staple Hill Community Hub, Berkeley House, Berkeley Road, every Friday from 12.15pm. For details 01454 868374.

n AFTER MORNING SCHOOL DROP-OFF KARATE GROUP for mums and dads, 9am, Page Community Association Staple Hill. More information at www. zenkarate.club.

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.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday

n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST

CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services - please check our Facebook page for dates contact Simon on 07765 201435, e-mail church.egbc@outlook.com or visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org

n BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH BS16

6NU. Sunday worship followed by sharing refreshments, 10.30am – all welcome. Service of Holy Communion usually fourth Sunday of the month. More information from www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

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 welcome. For details contact Peter Redding (Ch. Sec.) on 0117 9657075.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH, High Street BS16 5HQ Sunday services 10.30am + Sunday Club for ages 5-17. Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month – all invited. Taizé worship 6.00pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana 07482 550888, Philippa Church Liaison at staplehillmethodist@ hotmail.co.uk or www. staplehillmethodist.com

n CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND: 9.15 am Traditional morning worship (Holy Communion on 2nd & 4th Sundays) at Church Centre, Quakers Road BS16 6NH. 10.30 Morning worship with youth and children's groups at Christ Church Downend, Downend Rd BS16 5UF

n COMMUNITY GARDEN

WORKING PARTY, Percy Walker Court, Lincombe Road, Downend, every Sunday 10am-noon. All welcome.

n KARATE FOR MUMS AND DADS, 7pm, Page Community Association, Staple Hill. More information from www.zenkarate. club.

So, what do we do?

WE at Downend Men in Sheds are often asked what we are about, and 'what do you do?'

There is not a straight answer to this, as much of our work is varied.

It is thought that Men's Shed started in Australia in the early 1950s, when retired miners had very little to do, and often lived thousands of miles from the next town, so got together to repair and make things for the local community.

In the 1970s they set up on a more permanent basis, with committees to run the groups on a more formal basis, and with premises from which to work.

Soon Men's Shed spread worldwide, for the benefit and mental health of retired men.

Downend Men’s Shed started in 2017, with a committee of four and a membership of around 15 men. This number has remained fairly constant, as new members join and older ones no longer attend because of ill health.

Our aim is to give our members a focus to do things they enjoy, which is hopefully good for their mental health and well-being.

No skills are required, as we can offer guidance on a number of skills, whether you want to make our usual things, or something for yourselves. You could come along for just a coffee and a chat, to see if this is something you would like to do.

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between 9am and noon, at Bromley Park playing field pavilion: look for the playing field signs between the houses where Wedgewood Road joins Queensholm Crescent, or contact us at downendmensshed@gmail.com.

Now that our container is in its final position, we are pushing ahead with the cladding of it, which will be finished in forest green to match the existing one. This is another type of work that we do.

Now we just need to get the electrics sorted inside, before the winter, to make a warm working environment. John Lockwood

BRISTOL u3a

U3A has been active in Bristol for 40 years, and September marks the start of our anniversary celebrations.

The first event is at The Foundation, Triodos Bank in Deanery Road on September 17. This is our regular monthly talk, and is open to all.

Doors open at 10am, and there’ll be a speaker talking about the British Raj in India from 10.30am.

As it's our 40th anniversary, a few long-term members will share their experiences of u3a over the years. The Lord Mayor of Bristol will also be there to say a few words, and the event will round off with a celebratory buffet lunch.

Don’t worry if you can’t attend, as we’ll be in the Crafty Egg in Fishponds from 2.30pm on September 18 and the Orchard Cafe in Clouds Hill Road, St George, from 2.30pm on September 20.

Do drop in for an informal chat over a cuppa.

Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves. There’s no lower age limit but most of our members are retired or semi-retired.

Bristol u3a members have access to over 170 interest groups across greater Bristol and around 30 that are local to East and North East Bristol.

This month’s feature group is Ukulele For Fun, which meets on the second and fourth Friday afternoon of the month at All Saints Parish Church in Fishponds. The group started in January and is enjoying playing popular songs chosen by the members. The group does not offer formal tuition, so everyone pitches in to help each other.

No prior skills are required to join, and new members are welcome.

There's a spare ukulele to try, the songs are mostly well-known favourites and there are chord sheets to practice at home if you want. Contact Bev Weekes at popnted@googlemail.com.

To find out more about u3a, contact learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk. Lindsay Gough

n Cladding the new container

Blurred lines and happy accidents

INTENTIONAL camera movement is a photographic technique that defies the conventional norms of capturing sharp, static images.

Instead it embraces the dynamic interplay of motion and light, to produce captivating and abstract visuals.

By deliberately moving the camera during exposure, photographers can create a range of ethereal effects, from streaks of colour to dreamy blurs, transforming mundane scenes into mesmerizing works of art.

Intentional camera movement (ICM) challenges the notion of precise composition and sharp focus, inviting photographers to explore the fluidity of their surroundings.

With a simple shift or rotation of the camera, familiar landscapes morph into painterly abstractions, imbued with a sense of movement and energy.

This technique transcends traditional photography, blurring the lines between representation and interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with images on a more visceral level.

At its core, ICM is an exercise in spontaneity and experimentation.

Each image is a unique expression of the photographer's vision, shaped by their movements and the environment's nuances.

Whether it is the gentle sway of trees in

a forest or the bustling streets of a city, ICM captures the essence of motion, freezing moments in time while conveying a sense of fluidity and rhythm.

One of the most compelling aspects of ICM is its ability to evoke emotions and a sense of wonder. Through blurred lines and abstract forms, viewers are encouraged to see beyond the surface and contemplate the essence of a scene.

Colours blend and merge, creating harmonious palettes that speak to the ephemeral beauty of the world around us.

Moreover, ICM encourages photographers to embrace imperfection and the unexpected.

While traditional photography often prioritizes technical precision, ICM celebrates the happy accidents and serendipitous moments that arise from embracing spontaneity.

It encourages photographers to relinquish control and embrace the unpredictable, leading to images that are imbued with a sense of vitality and dynamism.

In essence, intentional camera movement is more than just a photographic technique: it's a creative mindset that encourages photographers to see the world in new ways.

By embracing motion and spontaneity, ICM opens up endless possibilities for artistic expression,

BROMLEY HEATH PROBUS CLUB

AT a recent meeting Jackie Baker, the leader of the Downend and Bromley Heath in Bloom group, gave an energetic and vibrant presentation.

She explained how, from Cleeve Hill Tennis Club beginnings, the voluntary group started to fill our local streets and roads with displays of flowers, firstly in summer, but now throughout the year.

The group has about 20 regular volunteers but receives occasional help from many more in response to Facebook coverage, mentions in the Voice and meeting people in the streets. They have a woodworking team of four men who create the wooden planters and display

inviting both photographers and viewers alike to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration.

figures seen on lamp posts and outside shops.

In early autumn they plant for the autumn/ winter period and then again in the spring for the summer displays. This summer they have 166 planters.

The expenditure includes £9,000 for plants, £1,000 for compost £1,000 and £5,500 for watering, carried out by a contractor, funded by donations from the public and businesses, grants from local government, street collections and attendance at local events and festivals.

The group has never taken part in the ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition but in 2017, without entering, was awarded a Gold Medal in the Small Town category, a justifiable credit and worthy

accolade to Jackie and her band of volunteers.

Jackie’s talk was illustrated by many photographs of the work carried out by these enthusiastic volunteers, who brighten up our neighbourhood. It was a most fascinating talk and an inspiration to us all to volunteer to support our locality.

We meet on the first and third Thursday morning in the month at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road, Downend, from 10am.

For more details please visit our website, www.bromleyheathprobus.org.

David Britton

n Beth by Dave Gregory

n Bluebell Wood by Dave Gregory

n Dolly by Dave Gregory

Eric Arnold

Say cheese!

WE'RE all familiar with having our portrait taken for the identification we need to carry with us, such as driving licences, bus passes and passports.

But the electronic reader of our biometric details is interested only in mathematical details: the width of our face and mouth, the length of our nose, the shape of our head. It says nothing about who we are or what we do.

We see much more informal portraiture from mobile phones, either selfies or pictures of others: quick, snatched photographs, made to capture a moment.

But you may want a photograph which seeks to capture some essence of the subject and for this, a camera will be your best choice. If your camera has a zoom lens it will enable you to be at a distance from your subject, not ‘in their face’.

Consider the three photographs on this page. None of them have square-on figures, such as you will find in a passport, and two are actually looking away from the camera.

In all three, the face is in light while the surrounding area is darkened. The object is to allow the subject to speak for itself.

Jeff McKinstry’s photo, Jaz, brings out the youth and joy of the subject, removing any possible distractions by the use of a vignette, a dark halo to frame the subject.

My own photograph, At the Taverna, was

taken in Northern Greece, the subject having an afternoon coffee but with a face that seemed, with every line and shadow, to tell of her life.

She was unaware that she was being photographed and was therefore completely natural. Old Fireman, by Owen Richards, is exactly what it says on the tin. In a posed picture, a lined and lived-in face stares challengingly from beneath an even more antique helmet.

Are you interested in photography and want to find out more? Do you want to learn more about using the full extent of your camera?

Why not join us when we restart on September 10, with an informal introductory evening where members will share some of their images from the summer?

Make a date in your diary for 7.30pm – visitors and guests are always made welcome (£3 if you just want to try us out).

We have a full year’s programme of activities: competitions, presentations from guest speakers, outings in search of good subjects and learning exercises for members.

If you would like to be part of a small but flourishing club, take a look at our website at www.lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or email lincombebarn.cameraclub@gmail.com.

Sid Stace

CHRISTINE'S COLUMN WITH CHRISTINE BROADWAY

MY neighbours Tony and Louise live across the way from me, and in the last couple of weeks have been having some work done on their garden.

It's not just pulling up weeds and mowing the lawn, which in actual fact Tony does himself. No, this is the real stuff, excavation work with a JCB!

From my bedroom window I get a bird's-eye view of the work that is going on.

Pete, the very experienced project manager, came round to speak to all the people living in the houses whose gardens back onto Tony and Louise's garden, to

Going to work on a garden

explain what they planned to do.

The existing fence that belonged to Tony and Louise was to be replaced by a Venetian fence.

There was much activity at the far end of the garden, with excavation work and a diseased silver birch tree being cut down, uprooted by the digger.

When all the branches and the root ball had been cleared away, work started on building a substantial wall, to stop the soil from the sloping garden from

running away.

Much careful and detailed planning has gone into this stage of the garden, and I am looking forward to seeing the next.

As mentioned last month, our speaker/coffee mornings at Lincombe Barn will be returning on Thursday September 5, from 10.15am.

Chris Bigg will be talking about 'Bristol Lost' – buildings no longer around, including Bristol Zoo –illustrated with marvellous pictures

projected onto the screen on the

Autumn is just around the corner, so why not come along and make new friends?

wall.

n At the taverna by

Sid Stace

n Jaz by Jeff McKinstry

n Old Fireman by Owen Richards

Cup triumph for Carsons & Mangotsfield

CARSONS and Mangotsfield

1st Xl have won the Bristol and District Cricket Association Bateman Cup for the first time since 1994.

The team received a bye in the first round, progressing to meet Stoke Gifford in the quarterfinal. Struggling at 52-7, captain Sam Braley took the score to 114-9.

The bowling unit restricted Stoke Gifford to 48 all out, with Sam Wilson taking 4-8.

The semi-final was against Stoke Bishop and whilst initially under the cosh, a flurry of late wickets saw them restrict the opposition to 132.

The run chase was led by Kieran Gallagher, hitting 62 off 45 balls.

When he fell in the 16th over, victory was far from certain. The team lost quick wickets, and seven runs were required off the last over. Vice-captain Craig Woodland and George Sutton managed to eke out the runs to win.

The final was against

Stapleton, with Carsons and Mangotsfield opting to bowl first, having won the toss. Stapleton scored a total of 129-3 following several good partnerships.

The run chase was led by

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The side lost quick wickets and there was some panic, despite having large club support

who had come to watch.

However youth player Ollie Catton, who has been at the club since the age of nine, hit the winning boundary – ensuring pandemonium from the players and supporters.

In the league the 1st Xl are sitting at the top of the table with three games left, but with only a handful of points separating the top three teams.

The crunch game is likely to be the final match against Bristol Aces, who are second.

Meanwhile the 2nd Xl are all but promoted and on the verge of winning the division.

The 3rd team, following a loss of form, need a couple of wins in the final matches to secure their position for next season. The 4th team have had a good season, finishing in the top half of the table.

The Sunday team are also having a mixed season and, like the 3rd Xl, require a couple of victories in their final three games to secure their status.

Ian Coles

Cleve blow off the cobwebs

CLEVE RFC's first preseason game saw our senior squad take on St Mary’s at the Hayfields.

It was a great contest from both sides, with Cleve winning 38-17 in an absolutely packed ground!

Head Coach Paul Vinicombe said: "It was fantastic to see a mix of our established players, graduating colts, debutants and returning players pull on the maroon stripes and blow out the cobwebs!

"The game was far from perfect but wow, am I excited for what the future holds?

"Everyone in the match-day 25 took their chance with both hands, and has left the coaching team with some serious selection headaches.

"We want to say a big thank you to St Mary's, who provided not only an enjoyable, hard-fought game but were a great craic in the bar after!"

It was also great to see the Hayfields packed with supporters cheering us on: we can’t thank them enough and can’t wait to see them again.

Steve Bateman

openers Tom King and George Britton, who put on 47 for the first wicket in seven overs.

Carsons & Mangotsfield 1st XI players celebrate their victory

Action from Cleve's friendly win over St Mary's

Positive start to Mangos' long road trip

MANGOTSFIELD United's long run of away games, as work to replace their pitch continues apace, has started well.

The team has seven points from its first four matches of the season in the Hellenic League Premier Division – although the Mangos have already made an exit from the FA Cup.

An opening day defeat to Corsham Town, one of the early promotion favourites, saw Mangotsfield defender Micea Ilea give the visitors the lead in the third minute, scrambling the ball over the line after a free kick. But Corsham equalised in the 18th minute and went ahead in the 84th minute, with the Mangos denied an equaliser in added time by the home keeper.

Four days later Mangotsfield were knocked out of the FA Cup in the

It’s good to talk...

preliminary round by Royal Wootton Bassett Town, who went ahead in the 10th minute.

The Mangos equalised 11 minutes before half time after Michael Barry was fouled in the box and Will Ashton converted the resulting penalty.

Mangotsfield went behind in the second half, also losing captain Harley Purnell to injury and, despite hitting the crossbar near to full time, were unable to get an equaliser.

The team picked up their first points of the season away at Thornbury Town on August 6.

Level at half time despite plenty of possession, Mangotsfield finally took the lead just before the hour mark, when Jack Ball beat the offside trap and played in Will Ashton, who calmly slotted home.

James White doubled the lead in the 68th minute with a shot from 20 yards and new signing Joe Cattermole sealed the victory in the last minute of normal time, with a low shot into the corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area.

Four days later the Mangos gained revenge for their FA Cup exit by beating Royal Wootton Bassett in a very competitive league match.

minute proved to be the difference, with Bassett hitting the post in the second half as they piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

On August 13 Mangotsfield made Fairford Town drop their first points of the season.

An injury-hit Mangos competed well against strong opposition, with the first half ending goalless as Ball had an effort ruled out for offside and Ilea produced a goalsaving tackle to deny the hosts.

Fairford went ahead from a penalty awarded in the first minute of the second half, but Mangotsfield pressed hard and, in the 78th minute, Ball beat the offside trap to rifle home the equaliser.

The Mangos have six away league fixtures during September, with a home FA Vase fixture on September 21 to be played at a venue to be arranged.

For more details visit tinyurl. com/2m6fftbn.

Work to install the club's new artificial is progressing well and was ahead of schedule as the Voice went to print, with levelling work nearly finished and the new floodlight columns ready for testing.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

Man-of-the-match Jack Ball's first-time strike from the edge of the area in the 37th

Maria, Bristol “ ”

The first team is due to complete all of its away league fixtures by mid-November.

Match details courtesy of Shaun Lecrass/Mangotsfield United

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.

Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.

Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories

Tackling that pain in the neck

WE’RE all hampered by a few aches and pains now and again but my message this month is: Don’t suffer in silence.

I want to tell you about one of the most common conditions treated by chiropractors – it’s known as upper cross syndrome. Have you ever suffered from pain between your shoulder blades? Do you sometimes feel that you have to move around to get comfortable when you are sitting? Do you have occasional neck and shoulder aches or headaches? Maybe you feel

hunched over all the time, with the base or your neck feeling larger than it should.

If any of this applies to you, then you may have upper cross syndrome, which is basically an imbalance of the muscles in your neck, shoulders and chest. Over time, some of these will have become too weak or too tight. This results in the classic poor posture appearance of rounded shoulders and an anterior head carriage, often referred to as a stooped or hunched back.

The severity of upper cross syndrome can vary a huge amount from mild poor posture to a severe stoop. Our aim is always to try and prevent the most serious cases – so how can we do that?

The obvious place to start is to strengthen the weaker muscles and loosen the tighter ones. While this can be a long process, it’s possible to achieve a lot just in a few weeks of consistent stretching and exercising. In addition to this, your practitioner can direct you to some excellent mobilisation methods.

Over the last year or so at Cleve Chiropractic, we have introduced our patients to a new piece of equipment called The Balance Wedge. We have successfully learned and developed a 10-minute routine that is amazing for helping to correct upper cross syndrome and its associated aches and pains.

Combined with a few sessions of hands-on therapy, the wedge helps patients make a first move to feeling better. First, your chiropractor might adjust your cervical and thoracic spine, ribs and even your lower back. This can have a huge impact in reducing your aches and pains. Then there are lots of techniques to loosen the tight pec and neck muscles to help relieve the pain and stiffness. Normally patients will notice an improvement as soon as they get off the treatment table and, after a handful of sessions, they report a consistent improvement in their symptoms, from headaches to neck and shoulder problems. So the good news is that there are many straightforward methods

that can help prevent the upper cross hunched back. The first and foremost is to make sure that we don’t sit for hours on end. Always do your best to move, move and then move some more! No amount of moving is too much when you have a job that requires you to sit for most of the day.

Take the time to set up your desk properly – there’s so much advice now available online for this. If you enjoy the gym, try to do more back strengthening or pulling style exercise than pushing, maybe with a ratio of 3 to 1, to help achieve a strong looking posture.

Remember, if you want the best chance of staying young and healthy at heart, stay strong and keep moving!

Club's food festival

DOWNEND Cricket Club is planning to end the season in style with a food festival.

The festival will take place at the WG Grace Memorial Ground on September 14, from 11am to 11pm, and will raise money for the club.

A selection of vendors from across the Bristol area will be setting up pitches at the event, with food ranging from Middle Eastern-inspired vegan street food and sub sandwiches, Mediterranean hand-made bread and dips to slow-cooked, smoked and pulled meats, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

There will also be alcohol marquees and

ACUPUNCTURE

an ice cream seller.

Aside from eating and drinking, visitors will also be able to try their hands at street art, see Bristol artists create works live, then listen and dance to live music and a DJ.

Club president Miles Davis said: "The aim is to celebrate everything about Downend and the local community, and finish the cricket season with a real bang.

"With an autumnal theme, there will be a range of refreshments on offer and even an opportunity to create your own pieces of street art."

Tickets for the festival are on sale at £10 for adults, from the club or online at downendcricket.co.uk/festival

There is free entry for under-18s.

Carers' support

CHARITY Carers Support Centre Bristol and South Gloucestershire is encouraging unpaid carers who need help accessing healthcare to contact its dedicated team working with GP practices.

The GP carer liaison workers work with practices to provide information, guidance and support for carers, including emotional support, advice, help with communicating needs or concerns and advice on financial support and assessments. For more information contact the GP Carer Liaison Workers team on 0117 965 2200, email carersline@carerssupportcentre.org.uk or visit www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk.

Gisela Norman, a highly experienced acupuncturist of 30 years

Gisela treats a wide range of conditions from physical complaints, including infertility to emotional and stress related problems. Call her to discuss your health issue on: 07968 855 001 or make an appointment direct at the Willow Surgery, Hill House Road, Downend on: 0117 970 9505 A Member of British Acupuncture Council and Lecturer

As

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