Downend Voice April 2020 by Gary Brindle

downendvoice April, 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Issue 86

www.downendvoice.co.uk

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

CORONAVIRUS

We wish you well

Just a few weeks ago, Christ Church Infant School pupils celebrated the opening of their new running track. Now it could be months before they can use it again. Full story: Page 15

Community stays strong NORMAL life has been put on hold as restrictions put in place to fight coronavirus affect every aspect of society and the economy. From schools to pubs to churches, places that are part of the everyday fabric of life have been closed, while long-planned events that form part of the Downend areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yearly calendar are postponed or cancelled.

Supermarket shelves are emptied in panic and loved ones are unable to see each other. But across the area people are coming together to offer support to neighbours in self-isolation, give advice and suggestions for things to do at home and simply cheer each other up. Reports: Pages 2-6

This edition of Downend Voice reflects the rapid changes that have taken place in the past month. Just a few weeks ago, community life was continuing as usual and some of those activities are reported in these pages. Now we must all play our part in helping stop the spread of coronavirus. It is likely we will have to suspend print publication for a while but we will continue to keep you up to date with what's happening locally via our website and our Facebook page. We will be back! Meanwhile, stay safe.

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Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377

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ADVERTISING sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our May edition deadline is April 22. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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

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

A member of the

April, 2020

n NEWS

What to do if you develop symptoms PEOPLE who become ill during the coronavirus outbreak have been given advice on what to do by the NHS at a local and national level. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds the area’s GP surgeries and hospitals, is reiterating NHS national advice to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, which include a new continuous cough and a high temperature. The advice is: • Stay at home for 7 days. • Do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice. • If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine. • If anyone in your home then gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start – even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days in total. • If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service at 111. nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/ that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do. • Only phone 111 if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online. Local surgeries have changed their appointment procedures for all patients, regardless of the reason for getting in touch, in the light of the outbreak. Online appointments have been suspended and all patients who believe they need medical help are being asked to call to arrange an appointment for a same-day telephone consultation. Patients of the Downend Health Group, which includes the Christchurch Surgery and the Willow Surgery, are advised to call 0117 970 9500.

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Patients of Leap Valley Surgery should call 0117 956 4101. Patients of Emersons Green Medical centre should call 0117 957 6000. Repeat Prescriptions can be ordered online, via your pharmacy, or via post – but the CCG has urged people not to stockpile medication during the outbreak to ensure that everyone can get the medication they need, after pharmacies in the area reported running low on essential medications and being inundated by orders for prescriptions. Medical director Dr Martin Jones said: “Huge pressure is being put on primary care and community pharmacists with extra ordering of medicines. We want to reassure people in our area that there is no need for you to do anything new or different with your medicines. People should order their prescriptions and take their medicines as normal.” Stockpiling or purchasing medication that isn’t needed could disadvantage other patients, and there is also a risk of shortages if stockpiling disrupts the normal supply chain. Pharmacist Ade Williams said: “We appreciate this is a very worrying time, but our pharmacy processes are well prepared for additional strain – what we do need, however, is for people to cooperate with the advice not to stockpile. “If you take medicines for a long-term medical condition, please order your repeat medication within 7 – 10 days of your current medication running out. Community pharmacies are part of the NHS front line, working tirelessly to provide ongoing healthcare and medicines. We will be there for you and your loved ones. Our processes are tested to withstand surges in demand – but do please support us and your community by following the usual procedures.”

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April, 2020

n NEWS

Community spirit shines through PEOPLE are joining together to help neighbours in need through the coronavirus outbreak. Thousands of people have signed up to volunteering Facebook groups, where residents can ask for and offer support. Groups have been set up to cover areas by postcode, with residents encouraged to join up to their local group so they can see who needs help in their area. From offering to run errands and buy shopping for people who are self-isolating to organising activities children can do at home, the pages have seen an outpouring of goodwill. Around 40 groups, with more than 5,300 members as the Voice went to press, were being coordinated via the COVID-19 Help, Support And Volunteering South Glos and Bristol page. One of the organisers of the page is Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer, who says the page has been “swamped” by a “phenomenal” level of support since it was set up in mid-March. Matt said: “We are in unprecedented times and people across the whole community are working together to support each other. “The admin team from our Facebook page have been overwhelmed by the community response to the challenges of Covid-19, and the number of volunteers who have pledged their time and support to help those in need. “We are working on a coordinated response to make sure that those who need support receive it and we maximise the

Families across the district are putting rainbows in their windows to give children something to see and to cheer people up during social distancing. People can place their own rainbows on an online map at Google My Maps at bit.ly/3adkyOj. effectiveness of our volunteers, whilst at the same time ensuring our most vulnerable and isolated residents are safe. “We are trying to create a safe, apolitical space filled with love, kindness and hope. “The community really is stepping up across the whole of South Gloucestershire and Bristol from random acts of kindness, singing, dancing, waving through windows, sending emails to food delivering, shopping and dog walking – people are all playing their part. “This has been a volunteer run initiative and we have been pushing the boundaries with what we can do without funding and support from the local authority or MPs.” In the Downend area the COVID-19 Community care BS16 group had more than 1,100 members as the Voice went to print, while more than 200 had joined the COVID-19 Help, Support and Volunteering – Emerson’s Green & Lyde Green group. Many existing locallybased Facebook groups, such as Mangotsfield Matters and Heathboard, have also become hubs for sharing pleas for help and offers of support. Since the groups set up,

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councils have also offered help in coordinating volunteer groups. South Gloucestershire Council announced it was setting up a directory of groups and was making available a support pack for community aid groups, via parish councils and online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ communityaid. The council is asking community groups to email their details to CommunityAid@ southglos.gov.uk so it can offer support. Council leader Toby Savage said: “This outbreak is absolutely unprecedented and will impact in some way on almost all aspects

of almost all of our lives. It is vital that we follow the expert advice, but as restrictive as that may sometimes feel, I am so delighted to see our communities responding with displays of open-hearted generosity to each other. Self-isolation can have a greater impact for those who already feel lonely, which is why it is so heart-warming to see communities rallying round during the outbreak to ensure that no one is forgotten. “I want to express my thanks to everyone for the way they are facing this challenge already and for the efforts that we know will have to come in the future. Anyone in need of help who is not online and is stuck at home can call Matt Palmer on 07738 589329. People in Mangotsfield who are not online and need help can contact Clive Heath of Mangotsfield Residents Association on 07507 168700.

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April, 2020

n NEWS

Covid-19 forces event cancellations COMMUNITY events scheduled for the coming months have been shelved or postponed as the area unites to tackle Covid-19. The biggest casualty of the shutdown is the VE anniversary party at Page Park – an event ironically aimed at bringing members of the community of all ages together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The party was organised by Staple Hill & District Royal British Legion and was due to take place on bank holiday Friday, May 8. Dozens of charities, businesses, entertainers and organisations had signed up to take part. As recently as March 13, the legion confirmed that the event had been selected by the Royal Air Force for a Spitfire fly past during the celebrations. But by March 15, the legion announced the event would be rescheduled due to the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of Covid-19. The party is now being reorganised for Saturday, August 29 to coincide with VJ (Victory over Japan) Day and organisers promise the rescheduled shindig will be “bigger and better”. Branch chairman Ian Campbell announced the news on Facebook saying: “We are deeply sorry that we have had to take this decision, there have been many weeks of planning and I can assure you that we are as disappointed as you will be. But we must do everything we can to protect those that will be vulnerable to this virus and not help spread it.” He went on to post: “Thankfully the majority of the community understand that this has had to be done. We will make sure the August event is bigger and better!” Ian added that he will now be contacting people who had booked stalls or who were hired for entertainment to offer them the rescheduled date. Ian told the Voice a decision was made prior to Boris Johnson's announcement on March 16 that people should avoid gatherings and crowded places. “I didn't want anyone to be

Downend might miss out on displays like this as the coronavirus bites out of pocket, especially the small businesses that were booked and could have been designing and making things for the event. It's going to be a hard enough time for local businesses anyway. I thought it was best to make the decision as early as possible. “I'm obviously extremely disappointed. Myself and the committee have put a lot of work into it so it's not a decision I wanted to make but I think it was the only decision that could be made. The majority of people have been very understanding and certainly businesses have been grateful they've been told now rather than later.” Ian said it was now a case of onwards and upwards: “We found a lot of people were already booked up for VE Day years in advance so we're hoping those who couldn't make it last time will be able to make it in August. “The rescheduled event will take place in the school holidays so hopefully a lot more families will attend, and we're hoping it's going to be much bigger. We've certainly had a lot of support from people saying they are willing to get involved in August.” Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillor Ian Boulton, who has been involved in supporting the event, said: “The decision to postpone our VE Day celebrations was taken after a great deal of thought and has certainly not been reached lightly. By postponing the event now, we have avoided the financial burden that would have

fallen on us if we had to cancel with later notice, meaning that we should be able to plan for a wonderful celebration on August 29, 2020 when we can also celebrate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of World War II.” Steph Purser, vice chair of Friends of Page Park, said: “Ian Campbell and the committee had worked very hard and we're very sad it's had to be postponed. It would have been such a lovely day to bring the community together.” Steph said it was now a case of looking forward to the August event: “Let's hope we can get back to normality and bring our community together.” Downend WI had been working with community groups and schools to make fabric bunting for the party to echo the street celebrations scenes 75 years ago. Committee member Susan Belcher said: “The new deadline for flags to be completed and dropped off at Fabric-Plus in Downend will be end of June, which should give much more time for the community to get behind this.There was a little disappointment however, the ladies are looking forward very much to assisting the Royal British Legion for this community bunting. They will be all fired up and ready for a July start, and really looking forward to seeing all the various designs of flags. "One local junior school has just informed me that they have made six flags, one for each school year. If all the schools do

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this, we will have a magnificent bunting ready for VE Day on August 29.” Another casualty of the pandemic is the popular Frenchay 10k which was due to celebrate its 40th anniversary with the event on Sunday April 5. The 10k has raised more than £150,000 since it launched. Organisers hope to stage the run on Sunday September 6. Heathfest organisers have also taken the decision to cancel this year's event which was planned for Saturday July 4 at Bromley Heath playing field. Already a date for next year has been added to the calender and people are being urged to save the date – Saturday July 3, 2021. The chair of the committee announced the news on Facebook, adding: “It's a shame this decision was made under such sad circumstances, however our community's health and well-being is at the forefront of our minds.” Further casualties include Downend and Bromley Heath In Bloom – a community group responsible for the cheery floral displays in the area. The group's Jackie Baker made the announcement on Facebook: “It is with great regret that, in these difficult times, we are having to temporarily suspend all In Bloom activities. We sincerely hope that we will be able to provide a festival of flowers again this year but this may not be possible in light of the uncertainty facing us all. We will certainly try our best to be able to bring what will be a much needed riot of colour to our wonderful community. We will keep you all informed of any developments but we must keep our volunteers and the community safe.” A bowls course taster course due to take place at Page Park later this month has also been cancelled due to coronavirus. Lead coach Don Willcox said it was disappointing but the club was following government guidelines to protect the virus from spreading. For further updates on the VE party, please visit Staple Hill & District Royal British Legion's Facebook page.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

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April, 2020

n NEWS

Schools and churches shut BUSINESSES, schools and even churches have been forced to close by the coronavirus outbreak. Pubs, restaurants and cafes were among the first to be affected by social distancing rules designed to slow the spread of the disease, with some such as the Horseshoe in Downend and the Grapevine in Mangotsfield closing their doors while others ran takeaway or delivery services to keep going. Schools in the area closed completely from the end of Friday March 20 but the area’s secondary schools, Downend School and Mangotsfield School, closed their doors two days earlier. Libraries and public toilets have been closed by South Gloucestershire Council, which has set up a Service Disruption page on its website southglos. gov.uk to keep residents up to date with the latest changes. All leisure centres in the district had been closed, although the Sort It centre in Mangotsfield and council offices were open as the Voice went to press. Even churches have had to close to protect congregations from the risk: Badminton Road Methodist Church was among the first to announce it had suspended all activities, including services, and while Christ Church in Downend stayed open for a few days with limited numbers of people being allowed in at a time to pray, tightening of social distancing rules resulted in the church announcing

that it was closing its buildings completely to the public on March 23. Worshippers were being advised to visit the church website at www.christchurchdownend. com for support and advice and visit the church’s YouTube channel for services and activities. Vicar Jo Vickery said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to take the decision not to open Christ Church Downend to the public, in view of the rapidly growing spread of the Coronavirus. We do not believe it would be responsible to do this now or in the foreseeable future. “You will find many resources for prayer and reflection on our website and on that of the Church of England.” Even outdoor activities were affected by the closures, with Page Park’s popular junior parkrun one of the many regular events to be suspended while restrictions are in force. Supermarkets in the area have been reserving some hours of opening for pensioners and vulnerable customers, with Tesco doing so between 9am and 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the Co-op also reserving an hour from 8am-9am on Mondays to Saturdays and 10am11am on Sundays, and Sainsbury’s opening for NHS workers only from 7.30-8am and for carers, elderly and disabled people from 8am-9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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Watch out for conmen CRIMINALS are exploiting the coronavirus outbreak to con people out of money, police have warned. Action Fraud says there has been a surge in people reporting frauds related to the pandemic, with online scams where people have ordered protective masks, hand sanitisers and other products that did not arrive netting almost £1 million. There have been more than 200 reports about coronavirus-themed phishing emails, which attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive details. The Local Government Association has warned elderly and vulnerable people who are self-isolating to beware of cold callers pretending to be neighbours or council officials, and has advised people not to give cash or cards upfront to people they do not already know.

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April, 2020

Free food parcels for needy

Bus changes BUS and train services have been changed to ensure essential workers can still use them while many other people stay at home. First West of England started running a Saturday service during the working week from March 23, for those who still need to travel across the region. The change came as the Government advised against non-essential travel and contact to tackle the spread of coronavirus. First said bus passenger numbers had been reducing as many people either work from home or avoid using public transport. Rail services were also being reduced. Meanwhile, to allow pensioners and disabled people who rely on public transport to reach supermarkets that are opening early to let them shop, time restrictions for use of the Diamond Travelcard concessionary pass, which usually allows free travel only after 9am, have been relaxed so pass holders can travel free at any time on journeys starting in South Gloucestershire, Bristol B&NES and North Somerset. The change is due to be reviewed at the end of June.

A HELPLINE has been set up for Staple Hill and Mangotsfield residents who are struggling to afford basic food supplies during the coronavirus outbreak. Ward councillor Michael Bell announced details of the free food parcels service for people in crisis and has also appealed for donations from residents to support it. The service is a partnership between the Staple Hill Community Hub, the Staple Hill Salvation Army and the Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward councillors. The helpline will be staffed between midday and 5pm on Mondays and between 10am and 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Messages can be left at other times. Food parcels can be picked up from the Salvation Army on Broad Street on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 11am and midday. Anyone who is unable to leave their home can have a parcel delivered. The helpline number is 07434 737512 and the service can also be reached by email at hello@staplehillcommunityhub.org.uk or via a message to the Staple Hill Community Hub Facebook page. The organisers said in a statement: “This service will operate whilst we are living

through this health crisis. It will not be operational after this time.” Donations of long-life food such as tins and packets to help support the service can be dropped off at the Salvation Army on Broad Street at the times listed above or at the Bean Tree Cafe in Page Park while it is open. Meanwhile the Resound Foodbank in Blackhorse Road has said the COVID-19 crisis is expected to place increased pressure on foodbanks, with an increase in demand expected. The organisers said: “Our priority, as it has always been, will be to support those with short term problems due to financial difficulties and not issues related directly to CV-19.” Resound has updated its shopping list for donors, which now includes: tinned vegetables, mushrooms, meatballs or vegetable curry; boxes or drums of mashed potato; coffee; tinned minced beef or stews; rice; pasta sauce sachets; boxed soup; shampoo; deodorants; shaving foam; soap; washing-up liquid. Donations can be made at the foodbank between 10am and noon every Friday and there is a permanent collection point at Sainsbury’s in Emersons Green.

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April, 2020

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Community transport faces challenge A COMMUNITY transport charity which has been described as a life-line to elderly people in South Gloucestershire has seen services virtually grind to a halt as the Covid-19 pandemic tightens its grip. Ironically Kingswood Community Transport had just been presented with two new minibuses to expand its services. General manager Mike Vernon said: “We have lost probably 80% to 85% of our bookings. All group bookings for the foreseeable future have been cancelled.Although we have received two new mini-buses and our thanks to Toby Savage at South Gloucestershire Council for obtaining the grant from the WECA - with the huge level of cancellations we now have spare vehicles and we are having to send home our volunteer drivers. “We continue to run our dial-a-ride service for essential journeys, shops and medical appointments. We have been

operating a ‘doctors shuttle’ to the Hanham and Oldland Common surgeries for the last nine months and due to the current situation we are opening up this service to all who live in our area. Anybody who will struggle with transport to get to their surgery can ring us on 0117 961 6016 to book a ride.” Group hire is a major part of income generation

for Kingswood Community Transport, offering accessible and affordable minibus services to 120 groups. The charity covers the entire South Gloucestershire area. Transport groups Green Community Travel in Yate and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport in Thornbury also received two new minibuses each at the handover on March 3. A

further two vehicles for each group are scheduled for delivery later in the summer. South Gloucestershire Council secured £740,000 of funding in 2019 for the 12 buses, which comes from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority. The minibuses are equipped with Euro 6 engines and will replace some of the oldest vehicles in the operators’ existing fleets, helping to reduce harmful emissions, as well as lowering fuel consumption and reducing ongoing maintenance costs. Mr Vernon said: “The next few months will be very challenging for us and our members. Loneliness and isolation is already a big issue for our elderly population, so a lockdown will only make this worse. We are looking at how we can help with this issue.”

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April, 2020

n NEWS

They left me to die - someone must know them A CYCLIST who was stabbed during an attempted robbery on the Bristol and Path Railway Path was a “whisker away” from suffering a fatal injury. The cyclist, who has asked not to be named, says someone must know who carried out the attack, which took place in Fishponds. While the 33-year-old man has been told he will eventually make a full recovery, he remains in pain, has been scarred and has been unable to get back on his bike. The attack happened on December 18 last year as the cyclist, who works in Bath, was cycling home to Fishponds at around 7pm. On the stretch of path approaching the Forest Road bridge, after Thicket Road, he noticed two people walking towards him, side-by-side. He slowed down, trying not to intimidate them by cycling at speed, and expecting one of them to move aside so he could pass. But instead the pair each moved to block him as he changed direction to try and pass. The cyclist said the pair had stood out even from a distance because they were both a similar height – about 5ft 7in – and dressed in similar clothes: parka coats with the hoods up, and masks. One of the masks had a white, grey and black camouflage pattern. The cyclist got off his bike and the muggers demanded his bike, phone and bag. He said: “At this point I didn’t know they had weapons – I was still trying to rationalise what

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path at the approach to Forest Road, where the attack took place was happening. “I took off my gloves and started undoing the clips on my bag – subconsciously I was hoping someone else would go past. “It was at that point the guy who was closest went for me in an aggressive way.” The cyclist said that as the first attacker lunged for him he instinctively punched him in the face and the mugger down, grabbing his victim by the waist. The other attacker then jumped on the cyclist’s back and put him in a headlock. The cyclist said: “I’ve been taking martial arts lessons and getting out of a headlock is one of the things I’ve learned to do.” All three then fell to the ground and after a short struggle the two attackers fled, running off the path at the Forest Road exit. The cyclist said: “At this point I didn’t even know I had been stabbed but I knew something wasn’t right. I looked down and

my shoes were red and there was blood everywhere. “I had cycled 14 miles and my heart was pumping. Then I collapsed – I couldn’t put my weight on my leg.” Help arrived from other cyclists using the path who called an ambulance, with one putting a scarf around the victim’s leg and putting weight on it to stop the bleeding. He called his girlfriend to tell her what had happened. The cyclist said: “I remember her arriving before the ambulance and I heard her scream, which wasn’t a scream I ever want to hear again – it was awful.” He was taken to hospital and, during surgery, doctors discovered the damage had been more serious than it had at first appeared. The cyclist said: “The surgeon said the wound in my right leg was a whisker away from my artery. I asked him what would have

happened if it had nicked the artery and he said ‘best case, we would have had to take the leg but you would probably have bled out in a minute to a minute and a half’ - that’s when I broke down. “If they had angled the knife in a different way or my leg was at a different angle it would have been a different story.” The cyclist has been told he will physically heal in a year to 18 months but he has been unable to ride on the path since. He said: “I see Bristol in a different light now. When I’m in public I’m hyper-aware of where I am, picking out street names, and of those around me.” Police found a kitchen knife at the scene of the attack and a small pen knife a couple of streets away. The cyclist said police believe the attackers, who were in their teens or early 20s, were likely to live nearby as they came and went on foot, running towards Hillfields and dumping the knives nearby. He said: “If they’re coming home covered in blood, someone must know something and the hope is for that someone to come forward. “I don’t know if they meant to stab me – maybe they didn’t expect anyone to fight back. “They must have known they had stabbed me and they left someone to die – they had no idea if I was OK.” Police have called on anyone with information about the attack to contact them on 101, quoting the crime reference number 5219 291 413.

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POLICE have warned residents of Downend to be on the lookout for rogue traders after a series of suspicious incidents. All three incidents happened on the same day, February 29, and two involved elderly people being approached and asked about having work done on their homes One was in Frampton Cotterell, one in Kingswood, and one in Cleeve Lawns, Downend. In two of them, the suspects were seen to be leave in a Mercedes Vito van and a blue Transit van. A police spokesman said the men were white and spoke with Irish accents. One was described as wearing workman’s clothes and an orange jacket Another was aged between 25 and 30, slim and had dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing. Anyone who has information which could help the police should call 101 and quote the reference number 5220 044 191.

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April, 2020

n NEWS

Downend’s high street to be resurfaced this year DOWNEND’S high street is set to be resurfaced this year as part of the council’s £7.24 million transport maintenance scheme. A £200,000 scheme to shield Frenchay residents from ring road noise is another project which will be carried out in the next 12 months as part of a further £2.3m spending on new improvements. The council’s ruling Conservative cabinet has announced a series of works on road, cycleways and footways, structures and road drainage. In Downend, just under £97,000 will be spent on resurfacing the length of the high street area, from the Chestnut Road junction with Downend Road to the Cleeve Hill traffic lights on Badminton Road. A further £12,000 is being spent on footpath improvements alongside Westerleigh Road between Mangotsfield Cemetery and Downend School. In Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, Salisbury Road is set to be resurfaced between the Peache Road and Longden Road junctions, at a cost of just over £66,000, with a further £89,000 to be spent on resurfacing the whole length of Elmleigh Road. Richmond Road will also be resurfaced along its entire length between St James's Street and Windsor Place, at a cost of just

Frenchay & Downend ward councillors Jon Hunt, James Griffiths and Ben Burton in Downend’s high street area under £95,000. Kingston Drive, Kingston Close, Springfield Avenue, Springfield Close, Stockwell Drive, Springleaze and Balmoral Court are also on the list for resurfacing during the next year. The Frenchay scheme will see ‘acoustic fencing’ installed at Fenbrook Close, which is next to the Avon Ring Road by the Hambrook traffic lights. Frenchay and Downend Tory ward councillor Jon Hunt said: “The introduction

of acoustic fencing is something we have been working towards for a while and so I am delighted that £200,000 has been allocated towards this scheme. “This will have a significant benefit on the lifestyle of local residents by reducing noise. We see this as the first phase of a series of work to improve conditions for other streets that are similarly affected.” Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Labour councillor Michael Bell welcomed the resurfacing schemes for the area. He said: “I have worked hard for improvements to our roads. Gerrish Avenue, Burley Grove, Long Road and St James Street have all been partly or wholly resurfaced in recent years and my request on behalf of residents for work on Balmoral Court and Elmleigh Road has been agreed for 2020/1 with Royal Road hopefully to follow soon after. “I receive many requests for repair to potholes as well, and these are filled in, but in many cases this proves to be only temporary and they soon seem to re-appear. A complete road surface repair request has to be assessed by the council as it needs a lot more funding, and there is a much longer waiting time for the work to be carried out.”

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April, 2020

n NEWS

School pulls out all the stops for World Book Day DRAGONS, robots and even trees from some favourite children’s stories were brought to life at Mangotsfield Primary school for World Book Day. Children across the 640-pupil school dressed up as characters from classic and modern books, with the best costumes winning prizes. Staff at the school in Church Farm Road, Emersons Green, picked out the best from each class, with the top two costumes winning their wearers a book token. Among the characters brought to life for the day were Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Red Crayon from The Day the Crayons Quit, the Griffin from the Beast of Buckingham Palace, Tin Tin, Captain Underpants, Sophie from The BFG, the robot from the Robot and the Bluebird, Charlotte the spider from Charlotte’s Web, a trilobite from a dinosaur

book, Dobby and the Whomping Willow from the Harry Potter books, Matilda from the Roald Dahl book of the same name, Miss Root from Demon Dentist, a demon from a Japanese manga book and Lyra Belacqua from the His Dark Materials trilogy. The winning costumes were Lanky Len

from Julia Donaldson’s What the Ladybird Heard and Winnie the Pooh. Assistant head and lead teacher for English Sam Culver said dressing up in costume had help to fire pupils’ imaginations in class and during playtime. She said: “Reading and the love of reading is very important to us here. Driving a passion for books and stories is something we’re doing with children and through parent workshops as well. “World Book Day ties in perfectly with what we’re doing at the moment – the love of reading, right from four years old up to 11.” Miss Culver said encouraging children to come as a book character made the books come alive and helped children engage. She said: “It’s not just reading, it’s the imagination that’s been evident today, like taking a cardboard box and turning it into the Whomping Willow.”

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April, 2020

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April, 2020

n NEWS Penndennis Good News Church Councillor James Griffiths, Liz Misselbrook, Joan Wynne Jones, Anita Dobson, Liz Parsons and Ben Burton with Messy Church young leaders

Hot food for Messy Church A GROUP that brings families together in Downend will be able to provide hot meals again the next time it meets. Messy Church meets at Christ Church Parish Hall, where the heated catering trolley – bought second-hand more than 25 years ago – finally stopped working before Christmas. Frenchay & Downend ward councillors James Griffiths, Jon Hunt and Ben Burton stepped in to secure member-awarded funding grants from South Gloucestershire Council to find a replacement trolley at the hall, which is also used by other groups. The monthly Messy Church meetings are currently suspended but Christ Church children’s leader Helen Buick said it was a “huge relief” to have the new trolley ready for when they start up again.

WHAT’S Easter really about? God’s love. The proof of his amazing love is that he has done something remarkable for us. God sent us His Son, and Jesus gave himself willingly so that you might have true love and life now and forever with him. The Bible tells us the entire human race has a problem far more harmful and serious than any virus. We all have hearts that are infected. Our sinful hearts produce the things we think, say and do that harm ourselves and others. The traces of what our hearts produce are seen everywhere, there is not a person or place in the world where the effects are not clear. Whilst we may be capable of acts of love and kindness, we know deep down that we are also prone to things like selfishness and greed. Our greatest problem however is that due to our sin, we must be isolated from God. In his abundant goodness God provides for humanity, but in our natural condition we cannot go near him – in life or in death. Our infection must be dealt with forever. However, in the bleakness of our situation comes the miracle of God’s healing. God sent his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the only non-sin infected person to ever live. In life he showed us God, in death he swapped places with those who go to him for help. He was willing to take our sin-virus and suffer its awful consequences. He died - but three days later he rose again back to life. He beat sin and the death it leads to. He now provides the only vaccine; the means of forgiveness, life in all its fullness – now and for all eternity. He breaks our isolation from God and brings us into an inseparable life with God! It would be our greatest joy at Pendennis Good News Church to help you find true healing, love and life in Jesus. All our services and activities are cancelled until further notice but if we can help with a phone call please contact us. All details below.

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A message from Christ Church Downend Though we're not able to hold our public

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In the middle of fears, anxieties, isolation, illness and grief, God is always present. He sees and hears all. He responds to those who cry out to him through faith in Jesus Christ—the one who in love and compassion healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, calmed the storm and who gave his life that we might know true love and life with God. You can know peace, joy and hope in whatever comes.

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Pendennis Road, Staple Hill 0117 9571685 www.pendennisgoodnews.com info@pendennisgoodnews.com Join our Facebook page. We’ll be posting help for now and all of life.

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

115 objections can’t stop takeaway plan PLANS for a new takeaway for Staple Hill High Street have been approved, despite objections from councillors and dozens of residents. South Gloucestershire Council has given applicant Erkan Cil to turn the former site of the PAWS animal welfare shop, next door to the post office, into a takeaway. The change-of-use application, which also includes plans to install an extraction fan system at the rear of the building, drew objections from three councillors and 112 local residents. The objections included fears an extra takeaway on the high street would harm the diets of local school children, the living conditions of local residents, air quality and the character of the street. Concerns were also raised over the area being viewed as a place to “get drunk and grab a kebab on the way home”. But the council’s development management committee heard there were “no sound reasons” to reject the application and voted, by five to two, to follow officers’ recommendations to grant permission. They imposed a condition that the takeaway could not open before 10am, rather than the 7am opening applied for.

Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillors Katie Cooper, Ian Boulton and Michael Bell, and Kingswood councillor Andrea Reid formally opposed the application. Addressing the committee on March 5, Cllr Cooper said: “Within a stone’s throw of this application, there are two Indian restaurants, three Chineses, two fish and chip shops, two kebab shops, a pizza shop, fried chicken and a half a dozen cafes. “For us to maintain a thriving high street,

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we must maintain its variety and interest in retail units.” Councillor Boulton said the smells of cooking in the area were already “quite overwhelming”. He said: “This is a busy junction in an Air Quality Management Area, so having increased traffic of people stopping and starting for that short amount of time that it takes to go in and get a takeaway is different from if you have a different sort of retail there.” He said the takeaway could be “too much of a temptation for children going home from school who are already suffering because of their poor diet”, adding: “We know the life expectancy here is lower than elsewhere is South Gloucestershire.” Mr Cil, who bought the PAWS site earlier this year, did not speak at the meeting. A planning officer told committee members they would have to produce evidence the addition of the takeaway would harm the health and well-being of the residents of Staple Hill to reject the application on health grounds, and that council technical experts had judged the ventilation system would “not unacceptably impact” the environment.

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

Running track opened at Christ Church Infants CHILDREN at Christ Church Infant School celebrated the opening of their new running track by raising money for Sport Relief. The school’s daily mile track has been installed to help the school in Christchurch Avenue ensure that all of its 227 children take part in half an hour of physical activity each day. Installed thanks to funding from the Diocese of Bristol, pupils at the Church of England school will be able to walk, run and jog on the track – and anyone who makes it round 22 times will have completed a mile, which takes the average child around 15 minutes. The launch event on March 13 was timed to coincide with the national Sport Relief charity event. Reception children ran 6 laps, Year 1 pupils ran 11 those in Year 2 ran 22 to complete a full mile, raising around £190 in the process.

Christ Church Infant school’s Year 2 Playground Leaders try out the new Daily Mile track watched by PE subject leader Emma Botteley, deputy head Gareth Jones and Wesport Daily Mile co-ordinator Caitlin Stephenson PE subject leader Emma Botteley said: “We very much value our pupils’ physical activity time and we were delighted to receive funding from the local diocese which has enabled us to install a daily mile track. “The children will be able to

use this daily and by completing 22 laps they will have run a mile. “Our aim is that all children participate in 30 minutes of physical activity a day, and this will really help us to achieve our goal. “The children have been so

excited to get out and start using the track and launching the track on Sport Relief day makes it really special. “The long-term plan for the track is for each class to use it every day...ultimately all children will be using the track every day, completing the mile.” The Daily Mile is a free initiative to get children jogging or running with their classmates, at their own pace, for 15 minutes, three to five times a week, improving their physical, emotional and social health and well-being. In the Bristol area the idea is being promoted by sporting charity Wesport. Daily Mile coordinator Caitlin Stephenson said: “It has been great working with Christ Church Infants around The Daily Mile. I look forward to seeing it develop, and I am sure the school will see the long term benefits the Daily Mile can bring.”

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

‘Incredible’ reaction to Joseph’s first novel

A WRITER and actor who was born and raised in Downend has had his first novel published. Joseph Elliott’s teen fantasy story The Good Hawk is believed to be one of the first novels to feature a heroine with Down’s syndrome. And the book has been getting glowing reviews from critics in some of the world’s biggest newspapers, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. It has been released in English in the UK, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with Spanish and Italian versions due to be released later in the year. Joseph went to Oldbury Court Infant School and Christ Church Junior School, where his mum Gill was a teacher for 30 years before retiring last year. His dad Anthony was a caretaker at Emerson's Green Primary School. Joseph spent 12 years as an

Joseph Elliott with mum Gill and dad Anthony at the launch of The Good Hawk at the Waterstones book shop in the Galleries. actor in comedy and children’s TV and is well-known to young audiences for his role

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

particularly those with Down’s syndrome. “My hope is that she will inspire a generation of readers not to judge someone by first appearance and to realise that no matter who you are, or what your strengths and weaknesses are, you can achieve remarkable things.” Joseph returned to Bristol to launch the book at the end of February, at Waterstones in the Galleries. Book lovers joined Joseph, his parents and grandma, Janice Smith, at the event. He said the reaction to The Good Hawk so far had been “incredible”. The New York Times described the book as “thrilling” and “a story fantasy-loving young readers may not even know they’ve been waiting for", while the Wall Street Journal described it as “gripping”. Perhaps more important has been the reaction from families of children with Down’s syndrome. Joseph said: “I’ve had so many people contacting me online, particularly some of the Down’s syndrome community – parents, people with Down’s syndrome and their families and friends – saying the most lovely things about how grateful they are that the book exists. They can’t wait to read it to their kids.”

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

Take part in photography competition

PEOPLE who are out walking for fresh air amid the Covid-19 pandemic are being encouraged to take part in a photography competition at Page Park. The project will see winning images of the green space made into a fundraising calendar to support the work of Friends of Page Park.It is one of a series of initiatives to bring money in to continue to improve the park. Despite the disruption over the coronavirus outbreak, people are able - as long as they abide by social distancing advice - to get out in the fresh air, which means there will be plenty of opportunities for people to capture the nature, features and wildlife found at the park. Steph Purser, vice chair of the Friends of Page Park, said: “If people have nothing to do because they are at home, this is one thing they can do – take photos of Page Park and send them into us. “Producing a calendar will

give us something to look ahead to. We are all looking forward to brighter things after this coronavirus.” The competition is open to all ages and abilities. All entries will be judged by members of the Friends as well as a professional photographer, taking into account originality, appeal of the photograph, composition, technical ability and interpretation of the theme. People are also able to submit photos they have taken in the past as long as they meet the entry criteria. An exhibition featuring the calendar photos plus the next best five photos for each season will be held at the park in October. The criteria are as follows: A maximum entry of two photos per individual as a JPG image (between two and five megabytes), preferably landscape, with the following information:

First and last name Contact phone number Address Age (under 17s should supply a name of parent or guardian giving consent) Where the photo was taken. Images can be digitally enhanced to remove spots and scratches or to make them brighter but not manipulated. The photos should not contain people and must only be of the park itself, the wildlife or nature found there. Full terms can be found on the Facebook page Friends of Page Park. Photos and information should be emailed to pageparkcompetition@gmail. com by June 30. The 12 chosen photos will be used for the calendar with the winning photo placed on the front cover. The calendar will be sold in local outlets and proceeds put towards further park improvements.

Plant sales hope FRIENDS of Page Park are hoping the coronavirus won't scupper plans to hold plant sales this summer in order to raise funds. Members have been busy planting seeds will a view to hosting sales at various events throughout the year. Friends' vice chair Steph Purser said: “We will have some plant sales but it all depends on what happens regarding coronavirus. At the moment we have to go by government advice so we will be seeing what happens as news and information unfolds.”

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

A warm welcome awaits you at Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club

OWNEND & Frenchay Tennis Club (DFTC) is a family friendly club set within the grounds of Frenchay Cricket Club with four floodlit all weather outdoor courts providing plenty of opportunity to play tennis. The club offers a range of coaching and fitness options for both adults and juniors. Once you have learned to play, it is a skill you will have for life…even if it becomes a little rusty at times! Whatever your age and ability, you will be welcome at DFTC. Established in 1906, Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club (formerly Downend & Fishponds LTC) has a long history and counts ex Davis Cup Captain, Paul Hutchins, as a former member. Four years ago, the club relocated from the lower end of Cleeve Hill to the grounds at Frenchay Cricket Club. Since this time, the club have managed without a club building or toilets, but have finally gained planning approval for a clubroom facility, which it is hoped, will be started this year. Today, the club offers a comprehensive coaching programme for players at all levels from junior to adults, to club league, county players & beyond. The coaching is available both as group and individual sessions, holiday camps and if they wish, players are encouraged to take part in competitions and tournaments. The club have been actively involved in promoting tennis initiatives in schools and community organisations, and tennis opportunities are held at the club for brain injury patients from Headway Rehabilitation Unit. One of our members, Maria Budin, has been coached at the club since a child, has since taken up the offer of a scholarship at Rice College, Texas. The photo shows the successful Maria! Keira Gunning, another of the Club’s junior girls is in the process of applying for a tennis scholarship in the US. The Club can also boast juniors Tom Bewley & Arthur King playing National Junior events, and Poppy Rickwood, Niamh

Smith, Kadie Robinson, Dominic Foley, Jamie Salmon, Daniel Mora progressing in Regional events with plenty of other younger junior players chasing their heels. Courts are available for play from 8 am to 10pm every day. Floodlights are free for all members. As well as excellent coaching we offer social tennis, with regular club nights and social events too. The Club is now able to offer pay & play, so any member of the public can book a court online, for a small payment. If you are interested in trying tennis the club have a special trial membership offer for adults, juniors and households. This gives you 2 months inclusive membership to all the club activities and we also offer a taster coaching session for you to try out our coaching groups for free. You may also like to visit us when we take part in the Big Tennis Weekend Open Day on Saturday 16th May 12-3pm For more information about the club please see our website or email us: www.downendandfrenchay.co.uk info@downendandfrenchay.co.uk

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HIS month I’m writing with a different perspective. There’s no escaping the global, national and quite probably local implications of the coronavirus, and as you’d expect we’re following best practice and NHS guidelines to ensure we all stay healthy and continue to provide high quality clinical care come what may. Enough of that though, this month it’s all about my Dad, Phil Turner. Phil qualified in 1969, 30 years after his father Harold and 30 years ahead of me. Clearly It’s not something that we planned, and to have a 20 year gap would have been more appropriate. 20/20 is a key vision standard we all aspire to, but as I’m sure you can work out, as we’re not child prodigies, 20 year gaps would be basically impossible! Back to Phil, he was a committed husband, Dad, clinician and friend to many. And yes sadly he died this week. He’d been battling motor neuron disease for around two years, and died peacefully at home with his family. Many of you will no doubt remember him for his caring attention to detail, in a not pedantic but particular way - unless of course you’d met him in his role as a College Examiner! He was always gently trying to tease answers out, but wouldn’t stand for students trying to bluff their way past him, that never happened! I know this from trying to get out of trouble at home. Dad always seemed to instinctively be at least one step ahead. Phil was a keen walker and DIY enthusiast. Only last year, despite his illness, he was regularly stomping up and down the hills of England and wales. As part of his transition out of work he built a house with his wife Christine. After this they took a year off to go travelling, returned home to build a garage, took another year or so off and then built a garden shed! Technically of course Phil never

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

actually retired, that wasn’t his way, he remained on sabbatical until he died. We’ll all miss him terribly, and thanks to you all for your kind thoughts, well wishes and prayers. They’re all gratefully received. It wouldn’t be an eye blog without at least mentioning glasses, and as Dad wore glasses himself I think I can get away with this one! Our new Maxx collection has been very well received, and as he was always one for a bargain, Dad approved too! You & your family are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care & on trend new Maxx glasses. We’d like to check you can see clearly and have healthy eyes too! To book an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol who also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

YOUR

Community NEWS

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Our Annual Assembly this year, which was due to be held on 16 April 2020, has unfortunately been postponed and we will be guided by government as to when we can now hold this. The Annual Assembly is a public meeting and offers an opportunity for local residents to chat to their Parish Councillors and debate current issues in the community. We will also be presenting awards to our ‘Parish Champions’, recognising and applauding the valuable work carried out by an individual or organisation in the community of Downend & Bromley Heath. This year the awards are going to:• John Honeywell – who is retiring as Race Director of the Frenchay 10K charity road race. 2020 is the 40th anniversary of this event • Prestige Grounds Ltd – who maintain all the playing fields at King George V, Badminton Road and Bromley Heath • Nick Smith – with the support of Downend School, Nick has been researching the Community History and Arts Project (CHAP) •Tracey Lush – lollipop lady and supervisor at Bromley Heath Schools We will announce the new date as soon as we have more information.

Brought to you by

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

TRANSFORM LIVES WITH SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL THROUGH FOSTERING!

Could you care for

Mia?? Mia

Mia* is a lively and affectionate 11 year-old girl with a big heart and a need for a long-term foster family who can provide her with structure, predictability and accept her for who she is. Mia has a passion for dancing and can often be heard singing on her karaoke machine however, she doesn’t always believe in herself and can often feel overwhelmed when faced with new challenges. She has had a very traumatic start in life and is in need of a family who will support her when she is finding things difficult, as well as help making friends and to feel more confident at school. Mia enjoys her own space and spends time painting or reading books on her bean bag, she likes cuddling up to Bear the chocolate Labrador on the sofa and is happiest when everyone is watching a film together with a mug of hot chocolate. Mia has asked to live with a foster family who will celebrate special occasions and be there as she reaches important milestones. Caring for Mia requires a calm, thoughtful and sensitive approach to parenting and the ability to see life through a child’s eyes. To assist you, we will provide a comprehensive package including an existing and dedicated multi-professional ‘team around the foster family’, a mentor for Mia, extra help with activities and ongoing training and therapeutic support.

If you feel that Mia could join your family and would like to ﬁnd out more, please call us on  01454 866423 or email  fostering@southglos.gov.uk

*The name and image have been changed to protect the identity of the child.

www.fostersouthglos.org.uk 1997 SGN Fostering Advert.indd 2

12/02/2020 13:27

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS 2019 Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681 CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260 CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486 CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07988 775 028 CLLR SHARON HERNIMAN Tel. 07534 603 704

CLLR JON HUNT Tel: 07525 150 103 CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632 CLLR ANITA WOODBURN Tel. 07786 360 447

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

downendvoice

April, 2020

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill TShirts 4 You

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

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

Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 15 years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote,

BM Motoring Centre Broad Street, Staple Hill, Bristol www.bmmotoring.co.uk 0117 9567411

We aim to always offer a fast, efficient and reliable service at a great price no hidden extras • Tyres • Exhausts • Brakes • Batteries • MOTs • Servicing • Alloy Wheels • Suspension • Cambelts • Clutches • Diagnostic and Electrical Work

workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. A sharpening service for tools is also available.

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

Lloydbottoms

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

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CALL US TODAY FOR A GOOD HONEST QUOTE 0117 9567411 To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

April, 2020 Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing assistance with VAT or payroll, or a new start-up seeking experienced advice, Lloydbottoms are here to help you. To discuss how we can help you, please contact us for a free initial consultation. We look forward to working with you.

just started supplying trellis and picket fencing made locally. Within the pet foods section we

Farleys

Farley’s Pet Foods & Supplies has been on Broad Street in Staple Hill for nine years. It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and have grown the garden supplies part of the business. The garden supplies section includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have

have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live insects and bedding. Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell that any more.

ble for people to get their cosmetics, it is simply a walk in Avon book - so pop in and pick up the latest brochure in store and call, text or email your order back to me and collect in store. You now have a permanent Avon Lady at 51 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 01454 860 025 Find us on Facebook So come on don't just walk on by, call in and take a look. I aim to make it as easy as possi-

The Card Shop

The Make Up Box

My name is Lynne and I have been a local Avon representative for the last 10 years, I am also a full time bookkeeper. I have a customer base of 225 customers which has built over the years, all of these great customers have helped me achieve number 1 top seller in the area for 2016. I made the decision to open an Avon shop, and it's been fun - hard work, but fun - and already I have met some great new people in Staple Hill and surrounding areas. My loyal customer base have popped by as well to support me for which I am very grateful. I hold a large stock of Avon products, and customers are enjoying the fact that there are testers of foundation, lipsticks and perfumes to sample before buying.

PERSONALISED HOODIES

MUGS, COASTERS & TABLEMATS

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

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Chloe

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

24 The Card Shop is an independent card and gift shop offering an extensive range of cards, gifts and handmade crafts. Frequently described as ‘an Aladdin’s Cave’, The Card Shop has an extensive choice of cards (large, small, ’wordy’, ages – young and old, and humorous) for every occasion. It also stocks a wide variety of gifts, from fun and quirky (mugs, storage tins, money pots, wine glasses), scented candles, scarves, jewellery and accessories, to more traditional items for those special occasions such as weddings, births and anniversaries. We pride ourselves on being able to offer such variety, be it cards or gifts, combined with excellent customer service - we are always happy to help so please do not hesitate to ask. The shop is open 9am-5pm Monday - Saturday.

to swap your old model in for a newer phone. If you are missing a charger or need a new phone cover again this is the place to come, they have hundreds to choose from. They are also able to undertake a full repair service from cracked screen replacement to new batteries or any eventuality. How many old phones do you have tucked away in various drawers within your house? Have a clear out and recycle your phones at Senator Mobile.

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

Spectrum Accountancy Solutions

Sheen Studios

Spectrum Accountancy Solutions is an established practice based in Staple Hill. We provide profes-

This father and son business has been running now for 45 years with

Senator Mobile Senator Mobile provide something a bit different for the area. They are able to offer for sale a wide range of mobile phones and accessories, including the chance

April, 2020

Sheen Studios

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Ladies and Gents Watches

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110 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH

FARLEYS Pet Foods & Garden Supplies Stockists of Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved —oOo—

Michael Sheen the 4th generation of picture framers. Terry, Michael’s father, was one of the founder members of the Chamber of Trade and is still striving to improve the local area. Expert picture framing has been the mainstay of the business for the local area and beyond, where they are able to offer framing advice and ideas as well as picture restoration and renovation. A wide range of jewellery, watches, limited edition prints, gifts and Bristol Blue glass are also available with a watch battery and strap fitting service. If you need passport/visa photos just pop in for their instant photography service.

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

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HUGE SELECTION OF REFURBSIHED IPHONES • SAMSUNG • SONY PHONES AT GREAT PRICES

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99 High St, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HF 0117 329 2332

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

April, 2020

downendvoice

n NEWS

Park is open again after fire A PARK which was wrecked in an arson attack has reopened after repairs and renovations costing £45,000. Springfield Park play area in Mangotsfield was closed to the public for almost a year after a slide and safety matting was badly damaged when it was set on fire. It took some months to find funding and the park was out of action through the whole of the summer before South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet announced it had created a £200,000 fund for improving play areas from a £4 million underspend in the previous year’s budget. Added to £30,000 allocated from the fund was a further £15,000 paid by developers as part of legal deals in return for planning permission. Work to repair the play area started in January but was delayed by bad weather, although this resulted in work being carried out to improve drainage at the site. The play area is now open

Colin Hunt and Rachael Hunt with her baby Thea.

to the public again and already being actively used by local children. Emersons Green Conservative ward councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams welcomed the completion of the work. They said: “We are delighted that Springfield Park has been restored and it looks great. We were appalled last year when we learned that arsonists had caused such damage to play equipment that are used so regularly by young people in this community. “On behalf of our community, we want to thank the Council for their readiness to support residents by finding the funding

E-scooters trial hopes

E-SCOOTERS could be seen on roads in South Gloucestershire under a pilot scheme to test the transport of the future. The West of England Combined Authority is spearheading a £28 million project to test new ways of getting around. It includes trialling e-scooters – currently illegal on UK roads and pavements – that commuters could hire for the first and last mile of their journey to the workplace and home. Weca will test new technologies to make it easier for people to hop between buses, taxis and other transport on a single ticket, with the goal of cutting congestion and improving air quality. The Government has chosen the region to be one of three new “future transport zones” and awarded it £24m, with the combined authority providing the rest. A Department for Transport consultation document, released on March 16, said that the West of England – Bristol, south Gloucestershire and B&NES – had been chosen as one of three pilot areas with Southampton/Portsmouth and Derby/Nottingham. The DfT said: “Most micromobility vehicles (e-scooters) are currently illegal to use on the road or the pavement“The review will look at whether, and how, regulation should change to legalise the use of some or all micromobility vehicles on roads.

and getting the work done. We have already seen plenty of children and their parents enjoying the play area and look forward to seeing even more as the weather improves.”

A 14-year-old boy from Emersons Green admitted starting the fire on April 30 last year and was referred to a youth panel for a decision on how he will be dealt with.

Baby Room (0-18 months) spaces now available every day! Our primary objective is to be welcoming and loving and encourage every child, through play, to develop in all aspects to their full potential. We have an enclosed garden with separate areas suitable for the older and younger children. We love outdoor play – at Sunbeams you child will get dirty and wet whilst enjoying happy childhood experiences. Please contact us to arrange a visit Tel: 0117 9566060 E-mail: sunbeamsnursery@gmail.com Website: www.sunbeams-daynursery.com 31-35 Dibden Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6UE (Minutes from the ring road, Beefeater Junction)

10% discount on sessions for children up to 18 months during their first 6 months, using this advert. Terms and conditions apply – new starters only, for spaces in the Baby room only, subject to available spaces, must produce advert when registering, £70 registration fee applies. Registration forms must be submitted before 31st July to qualify for discount.

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

Wild trip for club CHILDREN from a Staple Hill after-school club had a day out at Bristol Zoo’s Wild Place Project. The trip for members of the Tuesday Move It Club was made possible with a grant from One You South Gloucestershire healthy lifestyle service, which offers community groups funding of between £50 and £1,000 to support their activities, and a bus from Kingswood Community Transport. The free outdoor club at Staple Hill Community Hub or children in school years 3-5 is run by Helen Buick, children’s leader at Christ Church Downend, and Nic Barnett from Pendennis Good News Church. The club has been running for two years. The trip took place before club activities were suspended on March 16. Helen said: “It was so exciting to take our children out for a day trip – we loved seeing all the animals at the Wild Place and thoroughly enjoyed it!”

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

David and Alan win awards for their service

David Blackmore, of Mangotsfield TWO community stalwarts have been given awards in recognition of their service. Alan Cook of Staple Hill and David Blackmore, of Mangotsfield, were among the winners of the South Gloucestershire Council 2020 2020 Chair’s Community Awards. Alan was one of the founders of the Page Park junior parkrun in 2017 and is a co-director of the weekly 2km runs for four to 14 year olds, which have helped 1,00 youngsters to get exercise in the park. He is also a run leader for Staple Hill Runners, organising a weekly 5km run on Tuesday mornings. Described in his citation as “a key figure in helping so many people of all ages, shapes and sizes to take up and enjoy running”, Alan was praised for his leadership of the events and the citation concluded: “His enthusiasm and dedication has enabled so many people to enjoy exercise at no cost.”

Alan Cook of Staple Hill Junior parkrun is a free timed run held in the park on Sundays at 9am, although events are currently suspended due to coronavirus advice. Founded with support from Friends of Page Park and South Gloucestershire Council, it relies on a team of at least 25 volunteers every week. Children and volunteers can take part by registering at www. parkrun.com. Alan said he was “very honoured” to be recognised with the award, adding: “Being involved with parkrun is reward in itself particularly to see the joy children get from being in the park on Sunday morning. “I’ve lived near Page Park for nearly thirty years; my own children practically lived in the park. Anything that enables future generations to get out in the fresh air and enjoy Page Park’s great facilities is a privilege to be involved with.” David founded the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook

group and is a local historian whose articles on the area will be familiar to regular Voice readers. He is also a keen supporter and campaigner for animal welfare and homeless charities. His citation praised David’s work and said Mangotsfield Matters “has helped to bring people together and become a useful hub for sharing local news”. Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell and Clive Heath, chair of the Mangotsfield Residents Association, nominated David for his award. Michael said: “David was instrumental in setting up the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page several years ago, and it now has over 3,000 followers. “He has also researched and had published many aspects of Mangotsfield history, including the names of the soldiers on the Mangotsfield War Memorial, as well as his recent articles on the local workhouses. David is also a committed supporter and

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campaigner for animal welfare.” South Gloucestershire Council chair Councillor Brian Allinson presented David, Alan and 12 other people and groups with their awards. He said: “These people are stars of South Gloucestershire and it is a pleasure to be able to recognise them for their dedication and community spirit. “They embody everything that is positive about our local communities with their selfless contributions, and I’d like to thank them personally, and on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council, for helping to make South Gloucestershire the wonderful place it is. It is uplifting and encouraging.” Other awards included a presentation to Kingswood Community Transport volunteer minibus driver Roger Humphries, who works five days a week to help reduce loneliness and isolation in the community. To read David Blackmore's latest history article, turn to Page 41

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

Refugee story wins pupils' book award YOUNG readers from Downend School were among the jury picking this year’s winner of the Concorde Book Award. South Gloucestershire’s literature prize for young people was won by The Boy at the Back of the Class, a novel which tells the story of a boy who flees from a war torn country and makes new friends in the UK. Author Onjali Raúf was at the awards event, staged at the Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emersons Green on March 10. Hundreds of children from schools and reading groups across the area read their way through a shortlist of six titles, which also included The Truth About Lies by Tracy

Darnton, Whiteout by Gabriel Dylan, Thunderstruck by Ali Sparkes, Potkin and Stubbs by Sophie Green and The Land of Neverendings, by Kate Saunders, before voting on World Book Day, March 5. Eleven schools and book groups across South Gloucestershire took part in the awards, with children giving presentations about their favourite books and interviewing shortlisted authors Ali Sparkes, Tracy Darnton and Gabriel Dylan. Onjali said: “I’m so utterly thrilled to have the Concorde Book Award be gifted to Ahmet’s story - it means the world to me that the story is deemed worthy

enough of this lovely award, and that the story is still striking a chord with so many hearts. Thank you so much for the honour.” The Concorde Book Award was first staged in 2007 and is one of the few literary awards that involves children and young people all the way through from choosing the longlist to the winner, giving presentations and conducting at the award ceremony. Run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries, the scheme aims to promote a love of reading among 11 to 14 year olds in Years 7 to 9, encouraging them to join a group, read six books and talk about them with other

group members, before voting for their favourite. Shortlisted books are put into South Gloucestershire public and school libraries. Council chair Brian Allinson said: “I’d like to congratulate Onjali for winning this award in what was a shortlist full of excellent books. The Concorde Book Award encourages young people to maintain a passion for reading through a time in their life when some turn to alternative activities instead. “My thanks go to the organisers and to the young people for taking part, it is an inspirational event and I have really enjoyed being involved.”

Daves Garden Services n Low maintenance specialist n Patio, Walling, Gravels and Sleeper work n Fencing, Decking, Turfing, Planting and more! n 27 years experience, locally based n We aim to beat any similar quote n References/Photos available n Artificial grass available

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

n NEWS

April, 2020

Grandfather Peter raises funds with skydive WHEN grandfather Peter Smith was approaching his 75th birthday, his family knew exactly what to get him – a 15,000ft skydive. Peter, who lives in Downend, has always loved heights and relishes visiting places where he can test his nerves hundreds of feet in the air. Two of his three sons, Russell and Dorian, had already taken part in skydives and knew their father would be open to the idea. So along with his daughter Ella, other son Ashley and wife Rachel, the family clubbed together to buy a present Peter would be unlikely to forget in a hurry. Peter said: “I've always liked being up high and this was

Peter outside the CLIC Sargent charity shop in Downend

compounded by the fact that two of my sons have done skydives and both enjoyed it. “When my sons were telling me about their jumps I apparently showed enough enthusiasm to make them believe I'd quite like to do one myself. My wife told me 'If you're not careful, you'll get one for your 75th birthday present'. She said it so often that when they gave me the skydive on my birthday in October, it didn't actually come as a surprise. In fact, I would have been more surprised had they not bought me one!” Peter, a former deputy head at both St George and Merrywood schools, decided he would do the skydive in aid of

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April, 2020

children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and has set a target of raising £1,000. The charity has a shop in Downend where Peter's wife has volunteered for several years. Peter said: “I thought why have that much fun without doing something worthy with it? We have experience of people who have benefited from this incredible charity - there couldn't be a finer charity than CLIC.” Peter, who has six grandchildren, said, unlike most people, he has always had a passion for heights. “My family have long got used to the idea that I like heights. When Rachel and I went to Rome I went up all 500 or so steps to the top of St Peter's dome. “We've also visited Cape Town and I enjoyed the ride up to Table Mountain, although my wife didn't and kept her eyes shut. I also like the Heights of Abraham in Derbyshire and whenever I book a hotel I like to be on the top floor, no matter how high that might be.” Peter said he had to pass a

downendvoice medical test because of his age in order to be allowed to jump. “I played football into my 60s so I'm not completely over the hill. If I was to say that jumping out of a plane for the first time at the age of 75 doesn't give me any apprehension, I'd be lying. Sometimes it's the last thing I think about when I go to sleep at night and the first thing I think about in the morning. "It's a tandem jump though, so I will be attached to somebody who will do the main work so I'll just enjoy the journey down.” Peter's jump is scheduled for May 15, and although there is some uncertainty it will go ahead on that date due to the coronavirus, he is determined it will eventually take place. “I'll be very disappointed if it's cancelled but my sons won't allow my birthday present to go begging. Whether it takes place in May or later, it will definitely happen.” You can sponsor Peter by visiting his fundraising page www.justgiving.com/Petersmith1944

School reunion A SCHOOL reunion last year brought two former pupils together who are now trying to organise a further get together. Last July Mangotsfield School held a Saturday morning reunion event of pupils from its predecessor school, Rodway School, with a view to creating an alumni network. The 70 who attended had been pupils at Rodway School before 1982 when Mangotsfield School first came into being following the merger of Rodway School and the Chase Boys School. At the event two former pupils, John Watts and Marilyn Palmer, got chatting about the possibility of organising a reunion specifically for those in their school year. They are now keen to hear from others who were in in their year group, from 1965 until 1970/71, depending on whether they stayed on in the sixth form. The duo are keen to know what level of support there would be for a reunion, and for offers of help with organising it. John said: “We already have a few people willing to form a coordinating committee but we would love to hear from others to know if there is sufficient interest for an event some time later this year.” If you are interested please email John at jgw54@hotmail. co.uk

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downendvoice

n NEWS

April, 2020

Did you see vandals?

Boost for sports club BLACKHORSE Sports and Community Association has been given a donation of just over £4,000 to support its work. The money came from Kendleshire Golf Club Seniors, who made the club their nominated charity for 2019. The cheque was presented to association vice chairman Anthony Smith by last year’s Kendleshire Seniors chairman Ron Adams. Money was raised from events including raffles, competitions and cabaret nights and Ron said every senior player had "chipped in". The association is looking to rebuild its dated changing rooms and pavilion in Mangotsfield, where members look after three football pitches where local junior and senior teams play. Anthony said: “We cannot thank Ron and the whole of the seniors enough for this effort. We are very grateful.”

VANDALS who scratched a Downend man’s car are being sought by police. Pete Hughes parked the blue Vauxhall Corsa in Rockland Road overnight on March 9-10 as resurfacing work was being carried out in his own road nearby. At some point between 5pm on the 9th and 11am the following day it was “keyed”, causing what Mr Hughes described as significant damage to the passenger doors and rear. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson called for witnesses to get in touch. The spokesperson said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously at the time the incident happened. “Also we would like to hear from anyone who might have CCTV in the area, which may have captured the incident.” Anyone able to help should call 101, quoting the crime reference number 5220 058 364.

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April, 2020

downendvoice

n NEWS A YOUNG teenager who has been living with renal failure since birth had a day to remember thanks to a rescue team and a charity. Archie Tantram’s kidney condition means that he has been in and out hospital since he was born. He has had to endure countless operations, takes daily medication and needs to do regular physiotherapy. The 13-year-old, from Soundwell, has always wanted to be part of a search and rescue team, so charity Rays of Sunshine, which supports seriously ill children and their families, contacted the Severn Area Rescue Association, based on the other side of the Severn Bridge at Beachley, to arrange for him and his gramps to go along for an exclusive training session. Archie got to wear the rescuers’ special equipment and go out on the water with a team to take part in lifeboat training. His mum Jemma said: “In his words, it was the ‘best day ever!’ Thank you again for all you have done for Archie.” Rays of Sunshine chief

Young Archie’s wish to join a rescue team comes true

executive Laura Barnett said: “We’re incredibly grateful to SARA for helping us make Archie’s action-packed wish to be a part of the Search and Rescue team a reality. “This is truly a unique wish, and we’re so happy that Archie had such a fantastic day.

“Every day of the year, Rays of Sunshine grants wishes for brave and deserving children, giving them and their families a chance to put their illness on hold and create amazing memories and Archie’s wish is no exception.” SARA spokesperson Richard

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Newhouse said: “We were delighted to grant Archie’s wish and include him in one of our lifeboat training sessions, out on the Severn Estuary. "Being able to carry people of all ages on our boats is vitally important, so Archie was able to make our training more realistic, as well as experiencing our work first-hand. We are so glad that he enjoyed himself.” Rays of Sunshine, which was formed in 2003, was set up to brighten the lives of seriously ill young people and their families across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community. For more information, or to apply for a wish to be granted, visit www.raysofsunshine.org. uk online.

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April, 2020

n OUT & ABOUT

Longleat Safari Park is open for visitors LONGLEAT has announced its drive-through Safari Park is open for visitors. While Longleat House, walk-through animal areas and other attractions are temporarily closed as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19, the world-famous Safari Park will continue to operate under strict hygiene standards. The Wiltshire attraction believes the fact visitors will remain inside their vehicles for the vast majority of the experience will enable people to adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidelines. “We are keen to be able to continue to give people the opportunity to enjoy the Park in a safe and secure environment,” said Ceawlin Thynn, Executive Chairman of Longleat Enterprises. “In order to comply with the strictest hygiene standards, card payment pads will be disinfected after each transaction and cash will not be handled during this period. “Toilet facilities within the Safari Park will be continuously staffed and disinfected, with

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n NEWS

Roy’s legacy to schoolchildren in Nepal ROTARY members have visited a school which was rebuilt thanks to the legacy of a long-standing member. Kingswood Rotary Club, which includes members from Downend, Frenchay, Longwell Green, Cadbury Heath, Hanham and Almondsbury, visited Nepal to celebrate the opening of the rebuilt Shree Amar Jyoti Basic School serving Arba village in the hills outside the city of Pokhara. The primary school had been severely damaged in a massive earthquake in 2015. Kingswood Rotary Club became a partner rebuilding the school with the Rotary Club of Pokhara Midtown, the Pahar Trust Nepal and Rotary International. Funding came from a legacy from Roy Stone MBE, who was a member of Kingswood Rotary Club from 1993 until his death in 2013. David Lewis of Kingswood Rotary Club said: “Roy had a passionate commitment to children, their education and schools and in his will he made a bequest to his Rotary club. “It was his wish that it would support the education of children in the Third World.” There are 46 pupils at the school. Some of them have to walk two hours each way to get

to their classrooms. A group of nine Kingswood Rotary Club members travelled to Nepal for the reopening of the school. David said: “It was an emotional and unforgettable occasion when we arrived at

the school. We were welcomed by children with smiles and flowers and enthusiastic music. “Parents, teachers and villagers were there to celebrate the opening of the school and coincidentally its 44th birthday. There were garlands, singing, dancing and local music. The place was full of colour and cheerfulness. “The school is clearly at the very heart of the community. We ceremoniously presented essential items the children – rucksacks, pencil cases, uniform, writing kit and lunch box; and for the school a Wi-Fi printer and paper to help its day-to-day work.” Roy had been a pupil at Cadbury Heath Primary School and later became its chair of governors. The school’s pupils are working to set up a Friendship Link with Shree Amar Jyoti Basic School, which Kingswood Rotarians will help to sustain. David said: “The nine travellers from Kingswood Rotary Club learnt so much about the life and culture of Nepal and grew to appreciate how cheerful and resilient the Nepalese are in the face of challenges. “We hope that Roy Stone would have been proud of what has been done in his name at Shree Amar Jyoti School.”

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April, 2020

n AROUND THE WIs Editor's note: Some planned meetings mentioned in these columns will have been cancelled since they were submitted. Please check each group's Facebook page for more details.

MANGOTSFIELD WI

SADLY our March meeting was postponed. We look forward to meeting Yvonne Cox, from the Hedgehog Rescue, at some point this year or next. We are hopeful that our April meeting will go ahead: updates will be sent via Facebook and emails. All being well, a VE Day-themed party will be held on April 27. If you a visitor and you would like to join us, please drop us an email. Members, period dress is optional to get in the mood to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. If any of our members need to reach out for support, please get in touch. If you would like to come along to one of our monthly meetings, you do not need to know anyone. We will welcome you and assign a WI member to guide you through the evening. You will be able to enjoy cake and a cuppa and start making new friends. I guarantee that you will be offered the best cake ever; you may learn a new skill too. Our meetings start at 7.30pm and any visitors can attend for one visit free and a subsequent visit at £4. We have a broad range of ways to contact us: email the team directly at mangotsfieldwi@gmail. com, visit our website at www. mangotsfieldwi.org.uk for details about meetings and upcoming events for members or you can Like our Facebook page. Kate Tarr

DOWNEND WI

OUR second meeting of year in February we had a Boxercise session, led by Paul Green, who not only showed us the techniques for it, but explained that the feet and their placement affects the whole body and how to stop some aches and pains! Our March meeting is due on

the 31st and weto were due be joined by Bristol Blue Glass, who will be talking about the history of the company and the production of their lovely pieces. Excitingly, we are proud to be supporting the Staple Hill Royal British Legion and their VE Day celebrations in Page Park on May 8. Our members are busy producing flags for the bunting and then in April we will be sewing together all the flags produced by ourselves, local schools and community groups, to be able to decorate the park. If you would like more information, feel free to contact me by email at downendwi@yahoo.co.uk Julie Walker President

BEECHMERE BELLES: EMERSONS & LYDE WI I NEVER had a self-defence meeting down as hilarious, but we were actually falling about laughing when Rob, from Zenshin Dojo, revisited us to follow on from the meeting he joined us on last year. Previously he talked to us about being aware of our surroundings and to trust our gut feeling, “if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t”. This meeting he showed us different ways we could help ourselves keep physically safe. After some demonstrations – apparently sitting at the back trying to keep your head down doesn’t work when he needs volunteers - he had us all up practising what we had been shown. Black belts we weren’t; a little less clueless we were. Whilst driving through Downend the other day I noticed how lovely the planters had come on and how lucky we are to have the fantastic volunteers in the form of Downend & Bromley Heath in Bloom group. We are very lucky to have a speaker planned from this group to visit us on June 25. I have recently learned that they are building and donating insect houses to local schools: what a brilliant way to introduce children to the importance of insects and bees, especially when we are seeing a decline in some of these important creatures. Another very important volunteer group that we are very much looking forward to have join us is the Blood Bikers. We all expect blood to be there for us, or our loved ones, in the unfortunate

event that we may need it, so it will be great to learn how this vital group came about and the work they do across the country to support the services that need blood. Our raffle themes are usually linked to the speaker that we have that month, so I can only imagine what the committee will come up with for this meeting. For last month’s self defence meeting the theme was anything black, loosely linked to black belts. The bee lady will be anything beginning with B; April’s meeting is on St George’s day, so the theme is ‘quintessentially English’. It all makes sense if you look closely enough and suspend reality for a minute. At last the weather is starting to get better and the nights are drawing out. As a WI the committee are getting busy organising some evening gettogethers outside of our normal meetings. The one club that is a year-round event is the cinema club, and this month we marched off to see Military Wives. We are aware that COVID-19 is having an effect on people’s social lives and we are in close contact with Emersons Green Village Hall about our meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month. If you would like to join us and see what being a member of the WI is all about, please check our Facebook page: we will keep this updated as to whether we are able to open for our planned meeting. For now, stay healthy and we hope to see you soon Beechmere Belles – Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI

BROMLEY HEATH WI

I DON’T know what it is about the second Thursday of the month, but more often than not it’s blowing a gale when I walk over to our monthly meeting at Bromley Heath Junior School! Our latest meeting was no exception and, with the coronavirus threat looming ever larger, I thought that attendance might be down this meeting. Not at all - our members and guests turned up in droves and I even wondered if Liza had swapped our booked speaker for someone selling toilet rolls, hand sanitizer and paracetamol? Happily, this was not the case.

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Notwithstanding the half-empty shelves at local supermarkets, our generous members had remembered to bring along their donations for the Resound Food Bank, who are very grateful for our continued support. Standing in front of a vast display of beautiful indoor plants, Liza was delighted to greet us all, gave a brief update on ongoing activities and announced a newlyplanned trip to the Gloucester Quays shopping outlet. In addition there was time to buy a raffle ticket for the WI’s national annual raffle and secure a ticket to see the musical Nine to Five at the Bristol Hippodrome. Next, Liza welcomed our speaker Meg, from Green Plants in Frampton Cottrell – the lady responsible for the stunning plants on display in the hall that evening. Meg is a self-taught expert on how to propagate, grow and care for a wide variety of indoor house plants. She explained and demonstrated how to take cuttings from various plants, along with advice on the best techniques, soil and surroundings to ensure that they thrive. With cheese plant in hand, she brought back happy memories to many members, including myself, of our very first houseplant way back in the 1970’s. Yes, back then the humble and almost indestructible cheese plant was the pinnacle of stylish living, along with Liebfraumilch and cheese and pineapple on sticks! Meg displayed and described a modern range of indoor plants that would flourish on northfacing window sills or in the moist bathroom air, if you don’t mind sharing. Then, time for a Q&A session. Good thing that Meg was conversant with “that plant they sell in Ikea – the tall one with the green leaves”, as several members seemed to be experiencing problems with theirs! Meg rounded off the evening with a plant sale, giving us the opportunity to buy an exclusive gift for Mother’s Day or a bathroom companion to chat to each morning in the shower. A much more attentive listener than most husbands, I imagine? Our next meeting is on April 2, when we will be hearing from local journalist and author Jane Duffus about her book The Women who built Bristol. Please email bromleyheathwi@gmail.com if you would like to join us as a visitor, as you would be most welcome. Margaret Hanwell

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

Let’s help each other through coronavirus THE COVID-19 Coronavirus emergency is making us all rethink how we organise our lives. This is a particularly urgent public health emergency, which has significant consequences for our jobs, communities and the way we interact with each other. This is a time for us all, as a community, to step up and think about how we can help each other, even as we try to keep ourselves safe. Hopefully everybody has now seen the advice which has been posted by the Government, South Gloucestershire Council, the Red Cross and other agencies. Moreover, this is an opportunity for us to reach out to our neighbours and friends, to ensure their well-being. It is easy to assume that someone else, or the Government will take care of things. Certainly Government is taking the lead, but we as citizens and neighbours have an opportunity to do a little bit extra. My office and I are at

your disposal, to help with any problems you may be experiencing with Government agencies or local authorities. My team will do what they can to assist. We are exercising precautions regarding meeting people, but if in doubt, please call my office. It is heart-warming to see how local community initiatives are arising to respond to this emergency. Elderly citizens and those who have underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable, but they still need to feel that they are part of our community, and can rely on all our support. We can all do something to help: volunteering our time or looking out for our neighbours. Readers will be aware of the general advice, but do please refer to the Government’s latest advice for households on the gov. uk website. Students at the University of the West of England have

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a section on their website for advice. If you are asthmatic and concerned about your particular risks during this outbreak please visit the website asthma.org.uk, where there is a special section on advice and triggers. If you are pregnant, please refer to this advice from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists at rcog.org.uk. First Bus is offering advice for those travelling using their at firstgroup.com and GWR have put up the following information for rail services at gwr.com/safety. For older people in need of assistance locally please visit Age UK’s South Gloucestershire site on: ageuk.org.uk/ southgloucestershire or call 01454 411707. There is also advice on the Age UK website. Citizens Advice have a dedicated page on their website, citizensadvice.org.uk, offering advice related to coronavirus and you can call Citizens Advice

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

History plea

Give up to gain

HOPE you enjoyed your pancakes a few weeks ago on Shrove Tuesday or pancake day as it is often known. That is the day before the beginning of Lent and was traditionally a time of feasting and using up the food that would go off during the 40 days of fasting for Lent that began on Ash Wednesday. Not many Christians fast for the whole 40 days but many give up, or at least try to, certain pleasures or vices as a way of reminding themselves of the suffering that Jesus went through when he spent 40 days in the wilderness. The idea is that that by giving things up, it frees up time to enable us to focus on what Jesus has done for us and allows us to rebuild our relationship with God through prayer and bible study. The idea of giving things up for the prospect of a future gain is quite a normal part of life, people who wish to lose weight

and become healthier give up certain foods and go on diets, or Based in the Downend people give up time to exercise to help themselves get fitter andarea I am a mobile stronger and the VE day 75th hairdresser anniversary celebrations that may take place in May will remind us that people gave up their lives I offer competitive With for our freedom. However, we are now being asked to give up prices with special some of these freedoms to try rates for over 65’s and and gain control over the spread Minister-in-Training, of Coronavirus. students Downend Baptist We are in the middle of Lent and as Christians we look forward Church To make an appointment to celebrating Easter. Good Friday is the time when we remember call me on the great sacrifice of our Lord and Therefore, I would like to Saviour Jesus, that He willingly suggest that this Easter, you allowed himself to be crucified on consider giving up a little bit of the cross for our sake. Then on your time to reflect on the events Easter Sunday we celebrate that that happened 2000 years ago He was raised to life again and for that are being remembered us, we believe that means, that and celebrated by Christians by putting our trust in Him we throughout the world and you too can share in the promise of a may find that you gain much new life. more than you expect.

David Quintin

07577956087

CAN you remember Downend and Bromley Heath in years gone by? Do you have an interest in local history? If so pupils at Bromley Heath Infants School would love to hear from you. Although they are at home for the time being, youngsters in Year 1 will be investigating the history of the area and are keen to get in touch with local people who are able to share information and stories. The project is part of a bid for Heritage School statusDawn Perkins, school administrator, said: “We would welcome visits into school or the loan of photographs/maps/books. We would be especially interested in the Cave family or any other influential people in the locality.” If you have any information that you would like to share with the school, please email Lorraine Gregory: Lorraine.Gregory1@ bhinfants.org.uk

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB

Blooming daffodils brighten gardens HAVING had a couple of days when read it again. the sun shone, haven't the daffodils Our speaker in March was Cyril bloomed and brightened the Routley, who gave us an inspiring gardens and the sides of the roads talk on sundials. Who knew there and some roundabouts? It really were so many different designs? cheers up a journey and reminds us Cyril began by showing us a of William Wordsworth's poem The slide of an Egyptian sundial from Daffodil. around 2000BC It was oblong in The first line, I wandered lonely shape and when the sun's shadow as a cloud, many of you will recall reached noon the sundial had to mrSTAPLEhill(0319)1PP 13/3/19this11:54 bePage 1 around the other way for from your schooldays. Perhaps turned is the time of year to visit it and the rest of the time.

There is a Roman sundial in the floor of a Roman villa on the Isle of Wight which seemed to be made in mosaic. Then we looked at a Saxon sundial, in a church near Cirencester, which was simply divided and was marked at 12 noon with a cross, as this time is special to members of the Catholic Church; they say the Angelus prayer at that time and it had marks at the times of other

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services. They are scientific instruments and in the past there have been two men in Bristol who made sundials. J King, in the 1840's, was an instrument maker, and also Watkins of Bristol. There is a lovely white, blue and gold one, with Roman numerals, in a church in Radstock, and it represents mining as it is the extreme of Bristol coalfields. Some of the sundials around are in a dilapidated state, which seems a shame. Bristol Cathedral has a nice sundial which can be seen from the cloisters, and there is one on the Lord Mayor's chapel, both close together so when it is Open Doors day, why not take the opportunity to visit, unless you can go earlier? Charles Wesley House has an interesting sundial, which you can only see when the Open Doors event happens in in September. Both Wills and Fry's produced cigarette cards which had sundials represented on them, something else to look out for. There are also multi-faceted sundials, with several pointers, which are quite tall columns. There is a modern sundial on the wall outside the entrance to the Lincombe Barn, so have a look at that when you next visit the barn, which commemorates David Davies a previous president. There are wrought iron ones and horizontal ones in Australia, and in the Homeland in Sydney, when the Olympic Games were on, the Queen laid one. There were many more examples and Cyril explained that they had to be set up correctly with the pointers set at the correct angle. They also need to be set up for the place where they are to be settled. They will not tell the correct time otherwise, and one last snippet – in the northern hemisphere they go clockwise and in the southern hemisphere anticlockwise. I think our walks will become more interesting as we visit towns and cities and village churches as we try and find unusual sundials. Thank you Cyril for a very interesting talk. We also welcomed four new members and hope they will enjoy many years of interesting talks and friendship. Mary Head

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downendvoice

April, 2020

n LOCAL HISTORY

The Mangotsfield forger who ended up on a banknote Historian and Mangotsfield Residents Association member David Blackmore looks at the fascinating story of Francis Greenway WHEN Mangotsfield-born architect Francis Howard Greenway was sentenced to death for forgery in 1812 it looked like the end of a once-promising life. But instead Greenway would find fame on the other side of the world, as Australia's first government architect. His work on buildings such as St Matthew's Church in Windsor, New South Wales, St James' Church and Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney, even saw him appear on the back of the Australian $10 note from 1966-93 – probably the only forger ever to be given such an honour. Born in Mangotsfield in 1777, into a family who had been stonemasons, builders and architects for generations, Greenway became an architect "of some eminence" in a private practice in Bristol and Bath. His only surviving UK building is the Clifton Club in The Mall, Clifton, originally the Clifton Hotel and Assembly Rooms. In 1809 Greenway became bankrupt and in 1812 he pleaded guilty "under the advice of his friends" to forging a financial document. He was sentenced to death; this sentence was later commuted to 14 years' transportation. Why he pleaded

guilty is unknown; he may have been told it was the only way to save his life. Whilst awaiting deportation, Greenway spent time in Newgate Prison, Bristol, where he painted scenes inside the jail. Greenway arrived in Sydney on the transport ship General Hewitt in February 1814, followed in July by his wife Mary, whom he had married about 1804, and three children. Allowed much freedom after his arrival, he began private practice immediately. He was self-confident, temperamental and quick to take offence, but his artistic abilities were great and he had a full command of the techniques of his profession. In 1815 Governor Lachlan Macquarie called on Greenway to report on the Rum Hospital being built for the government. His criticism was devastating. The builders had to make costly alterations to the building and Greenway made the first of a long list of enemies. In March 1816 he was appointed civil architect and assistant engineer at a salary of 3 shillings a day, with quarters for himself and family, a horse and forage. His first work for the government was to design a lighthouse, known as the

Macquarie Tower, at Port Jackson. Macquarie was so pleased, he presented Greenway with conditional emancipation. When Greenway was called upon to design a new government house Macquarie left it entirely in his hands. He promptly designed a castle and began a stable block so grand that it was often mistaken for Government House itself. But Macquarie was already in trouble with the Colonial Office over his building programme, and when the new extravagance became known in London, the secretary of state forbade the castle. In the meantime Greenway designed many other buildings, several of which remain and, despite their mutilated condition, are considered valuable gems of Early Australian Colonial architecture. One, the court-house at Windsor, New South Wales, has been beautifully restored and is the closest to a complete Greenway design that has survived. He earned an absolute pardon from Macquarie in 1819 but by that year his arrogance made him misjudge his authority. Having already made many enemies, he now fell out with Macquarie. A long series of quarrels, also involving Commissioner John Thomas Bigge, saw Greenway side with first one politician then another, until he made his position impossible by suddenly presenting a bill for £11,000 for fees for buildings he had designed while an employee of the government. Macquarie's successor, Sir Thomas Brisbane, sought to curb Greenway and, although he continued to design buildings, public servants and builders paid

Greenaway on Australia 10 dollar note, 1968

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Francis Howard Greenway, unknown artist, State Library of New South Wales less and less attention to him, altering his designs without telling him. He was dismissed from government service in 1822 but refused to give up the house which went with the job and produced a document – now thought to be a forgery – which purported to give him title to the house. The government did not recover the property until after his death. Macquarie had granted Greenway 800 acres of land on the right bank of the Hunter River, which he farmed, but it was marshy and poor. Greenway maintained that he had been promised town land for building. He also never relinquished his claim for £11,000 in fees. But as he had made so many enemies, these claims received little attention. Greenway continued his private practice but with only one considerable commission and his professional life ended around 1828. His wife, Mary, ran a small school for young ladies. She bore him five sons and two daughters: one son, Charles, became an archdeacon and canon at Grafton Cathedral. In 1837 Greenway died in the Hunter River Valley and was buried in a small cemetery in a lonely paddock outside East Maitland. There is no tombstone or marker over his grave.

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April, 2020

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Easter Biscuits with Mel of Melanie’s Kitchen

ASTER biscuits are a traditional West Country treat that are bigger than most biscuits and slightly softer . The ones that originate in Bristol and Somerset are flavoured with cassia oil, something the rest of the country doesn’t seem to use. You can use mixed spice or cinnamon in place of cassia oil but it doesn’t give the distinctive flavour I love. The topping of egg white and sugar is something usually only homemade biscuits have these days but it is worth the effort if you are making them yourself. Biscuits keep well in an airtight tin – especially if you hide the tin! A 6inch or 15 cm cutter is usually used but feel free to make them smaller . Easter biscuits are not just for Easter

Easter Biscuits 110g Butter (or margarine or mix of both)

110 g Caster Sugar plus extra to sprinkle 1 large egg separated into yolk and white 225 g plain flour 50g currants 3 tablespoons milk Drop of cassia oil (it’s strong a little goes a long way) or 1tsp cinnamon/ mixed spice Pre heat oven to Gas 3 170 C ( 150c fan) Cream the sugar and fat together until pale beat in egg yolk and cassia oil. Fold in flour and currants Stir in enough of the milk to give a stiff dough. Lightly whip egg white and set aside Roll out to thickness of 50p piece on a floured surface and cut out biscuits. Place on greased or lined baking sheet .Bake for 10 mins then remove from oven, brush with egg white and sprinkle caster sugar over. Return to oven for 10 mins until pale golden colour, cool on wire rack.

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April, 2020

n VETS' ADVICE

Not just a walk in the park!

NO dog owner would disagree that their dog adds an extra dimension to their life; whether its companionship, a reason to exercise, or just because we simply can’t imagine life without a dog. We like our dogs to be a member of the family and part of our day to day lives so we are lucky in our local area and beyond to have so many dog friendly places. We can take our dogs and enjoy wonderPendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW ful walks along the Frome or AvonPendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com Avenue, Hill, Bristol Tel: 0117 956 9038 StapleTel: www.avenue-vets.com valley, Bristol and South Glouces- Pendennis 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com tershire parks, woodlands and Pendennis Avenue, StapleTel: Hill, Bristol An independent practice providing a personal, Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, An independent practice providing a personal, estates. Also Tel:just 0117into 956Somerset 9038 the www.avenue-vets.com caring and compassionate service An independent practice providing a personal, Bristol BS16 5DW beaches of Weston- Super-Mare, caring and compassionate service Berrow and Brean delight many caring Tel.a0117 956 9038 service and compassionate An independent practice providing personal, Consultation by appointment dogs. It is nice to see that many Consultation by appointment caring and service businesses welcome our compassionate dogs to Consultation by appointment 9am-11am and snails and their Monday-Saturday slime 9am-11amslug Monday-Saturday their venues, cafes, and pubs. As 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday Consultation by appointment isMonday-Saturday accidentally 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Fridayswallowed when a dog owner it’s lovely that our9am-11am 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday Monday-Friday eating grass, drinking from 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday faithful companions can enjoy4.30pm-6.30pm the 9am-11am Monday-Saturday outdoor water bowls, playing with 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday things that we like to do. 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday for flea or worm prevention advice. rabbits or birds. If your pet has toys that have been left outside However as a dog owner it’s 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday Worming tablets and ‘spot- ons’ are fleas always worm them alongside or just rummaging through ‘not just a walk in the park’. We included in the Avenue Healthcare flea treatment, clean food and the undergrowth. Worms and have a responsibility to not just our plan. Spreading the cost with our water bowls regularly, and of their eggs can get everywhere own dog’s health but the health monthly payment plan can also course good hygiene in the environment and our of other dogs and humans who provide savings of up to 30% off! At Avenue Veterinary Centre pets are at risk of picking them also use these dog friendly places. Speak to one of our have a good range of parasite up and passing them on. Dogs Of course your pet wouldn’t wish receptionists today! treatment and prevention and frequently have their noses you any harm, but sometimes, they offer free of charge consultations in the hedgerows, fields and can spread infections or carry and sometimes other dogs’ poo! transmit parasites and in particular The female worm living in the worms. This is why we are required intestines lays eggs that are passed to “scoop the poop.” out in the stools and all it takes Worms are parasites that is for a host animal to eat them. live inside the body. There are Dogs and cats can pick up worms many different types of worm by eating a host animal like mice that can affect dogs but the and birds or from raw meat but most common are roundworm, can also become infected with tapeworm and lungworm. Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW tapeworm from fleas which carry Roundworms and tapeworms live Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com the larvae. in the small intestine. Puppies can Some people may not see the often be born with roundworm An independent practice providing a personal, need to worm their pet, as they passed from the mother. A mild caring and compassionate service don’t see any worms but this does infestation in puppies can cause not mean that there aren’t any. a ‘pot-belly’, poor growth and Consultation by appointment Worms often disintegrate before diarrhoea but in severe cases it can they are passed, and some are too cause a life threatening blockage 9am-11am Monday-Saturday small to notice. Dogs with worms of the intestines. In adult dogs 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday may not show any signs of illness. severe worm infestations cause 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday It’s not just a pet’s health that can poor coat condition, vomiting and be affected by worms. They pose diarrhoea, weight loss (despite a real health risk to humans too. ravenous appetite), due to the Some worms accidentally ingested worms themselves receiving by adults and children can cause the nutrients the dog requires. blindness. Remember to wash your Lungworm live in the heart and hands. pulmonary arteries and lay eggs For dogs and cats preventative that hatch to larvae and pass to worming treatment is easy to the lungs. Lungworm infestation administer and it is recommended is potentially fatal to dogs. Dogs that you use a wormer at least become infected through eating twice a year, sometimes more slugs and snails which may frequently. We also recommend be carrying the larvae of the the following: always ‘scoop parasite. While some dogs will the poop’, stop your dog from eat slugs and snails on purpose, scavenging nasty things like dead the hidden danger arises when

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downendvoice

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Sowing the seeds for a bright future WE held what we hope will be the first of many talks on things of local interest at Resound Church in March. Fifty people came along to hear Ian Woodruff, a local, give a very interesting and informative talk about our local mining heritage, followed by a Q&A session, where many of the audience added to the evening by relating their own or family stories giving the whole evening a “personal” feel. We also raised £80 for the residents association to help with our community work. Many thanks to all who came along, to Ian for the talk, and for Resound for hosting us. We will be holding more in the future: exactly when we don’t know, for obvious reasons. Our Dame School renovation project, which has been on hold for some time now, looks like it’s finally up and running again. We met with the council’s Page Park coordinator, who gave us some great advice on what sort of planting we should do at the school and other small pieces of unloved ground around the village. We then met with the council’s community spaces improvement office and landscape architect to resurrect our Dame School plans. There is good news and not-so-good news. The good news is that we still have council funding to carry out the “green space” parts of our plan, including a village noticeboard, benches, a picnic table and a piece of artwork depicting Mangotsfield’s history. The not-so-good news is that the available funding cannot be used to carry out work on the building itself. We may well need to raise these funds ourselves; we’ll know more when we have an estimate for the cost . The Red Lion coffee mornings have remained popular, but we have had to cancel them until further notice. Likewise, our next meeting and next HAM (Hour A Month) have also been cancelled – I’m sure you know why. We had to cancel our last HAM due to the weather. These are challenging times and people need help. We have our own group set in Mangotsfield to help and support those in need. Clive Heath, our chair, is coordinating and regular meetings will take place where possible, as things move on. Anyone needing help or knowing someone needing help should contact Clive via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling 07507 168700. Thanks to all who have volunteered to help. We will keep posting on MM as things progress. We will also be delivering leaflets with guidelines and contact information. Whilst this is great, and there are no doubt many other similar initiatives, please remember that not everyone is a social media user, so please look out for one another – but please don’t put yourself at risk. If you are interested in getting involved in the future or need any help then please get in touch via mangotsfieldourvillage@gmail.com, the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling the number above. Take care, Chris Amos

April, 2020

n DOWNEND IN BLOOM

All set for summer W

e have introduced a regular tidy-up of the High Street and surrounding areas, to keep the planters and surrounding areas looking good. These will be held monthly throughout the year on alternate Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. The first one was held on March 4 and despite the wet weather, nine hardy volunteers turned up! We held a quiz night on March 14 and this raised £157 towards our displays. Many thanks to Colin and Sarah Moore for all their hard work in putting the quiz together, and congratulations to all the winners. A great time was had by all. We are also very excited about a joint project we have set up with Downend School. This involves repairing the poly tunnel in the school grounds and constructing the facility to plant up our putchers (the cone shaped planters) for In Bloom summer displays. This will mean some of the students will be able to help us plant these up and then keep them watered until they are ready to be sited, and to also bring on plants for sale, the proceeds of which will be split between us and the School. We have been very fortunate to receive financial support from the Mortgage Advice Bureau in the High Street, which will fully cover this first part of the project. We also want to make some flat-pack wooden planters for the students to assemble and plant up, and these will be sited outside the school entrance. We also hope to create wild flower seed beds sited on Mezze at the Green Dragon, the corner of Oakdale/ Sandringham, Grace Road and Bromley Heath Road. Hopefully some of the students can look after these. These two elements of the project will cost in the region of £500 for materials, etc, so if anyone would like to donate please have a look at our Just Giving page or Facebook page. We hope to introduce a new dress display (pictured) this year for planting. If any companies or individuals celebrating an anniversary, or wishing to commemorate a loved one, would like to sponsor the planting of it and a plaque, contact Jackie on 07504 244361. STOP PRESS: “It is with great regret that, in these difficult times, we are having to temporarily suspend all In Bloom activities. We sincerely hope that we will be able to provide a festival of flowers again this year but this may not be possible in light of the uncertainty facing us all. We will certainly try our best to be able to bring what will be a much needed riot of colour to our wonderful community. We will keep you all informed of any developments but we must keep our volunteers and the community safe.”

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April, 2020

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

We stand stronger when we support one another

E are living in unusual and unsettling times with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In these very exceptional circumstances, the Government announced that all local elections, including those for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), will be postponed for a year. In light of these developments, I would like to reassure local people that I will of course stay on as the PCC for Avon and Somerset until elections are held. I want to you to know that my office and Avon and Somerset Police are doing everything we can to work with partners in health agencies and local authorities to keep you safe and ensure you can access

essential services during this unprecedented global health emergency. I will continue to work closely with Chief Constable Andy Marsh to ensure Avon and Somerset Police has everything it needs to provide critical policing services and support our communities. My priority as PCC will be to make sure victims of crime are still at the forefront of everything the police do and it is crucial that the most vulnerable still have some level of vital services from the police and partners, despite the unusual measures taken as a result of the pandemic. I am assured by the Chief Constable and his Chief Officer Group that Avon and Somerset Police is in a strong position to

support the response to the virus and I urge you to all follow advice from the NHS, Public Health England and central government, to do your best to lessen the impact of the virus. I cannot stress enough how important our dedicated ‘frontline’ officers, staff and volunteers are. This includes our handy people, mechanics, IT staff and other support functions, who help our officers do their jobs but often go unrecognised. We are all committed to being open with our communities, working in partnership and having courage during these unsettling times and I know officers, staff, teams and volunteers will continue to go above and beyond for our

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens

communities. Finally, remember to have compassion and look out for one another, especially those who are more vulnerable. We stand stronger when we support each other. We face this challenge together. Stay safe.

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April, 2020

n NEWS A DOWNEND woman has been recognised for her services to charity and the community. Dorrett Depass-Williams was one of 14 people recognised for their achievements in Bristol with the award of the Lord Mayor’s Medal. Dorrett arrived in Bristol in the 1960’s from Jamaica and is part of the Windrush generation. She worked for the NHS for more than 51 years until her retirement from North Bristol NHS Trust eight years ago. But her service to the community has continued: Dorrett is a leader and mentor in the Church of God of Prophecy, in Easton, where she has been head of ministry for the past 14 years. She has also volunteered for the charity One25, which helps women affected by the street sex trade, since 2005, offering weekly prayers, holds church services in prisons and hosts prayer meetings for residents of Quarry House care and nursing home in Fishponds. Dorrett was given her award

Bristol Lord Mayor recognises Dorrett’s work for community

in recognition of her services “for charity, church and community, plus spiritual support to prisoners” in a ceremony at the Mansion House in Clifton on March 12.

Bristol Lord Mayor Jos Clark, who presented Dorrett and the others with their medals, said: “I am extremely proud to be awarding the Lord Mayor’s medal to these 14 very worthy

recipients. “They have all made such positive, selfless contributions to their communities and causes. I am struck by just how diverse the range is this year and the people involved. “They should also be very proud of their achievements, and I congratulate each of them” The judging panel was led by the Lord Mayor, along with a panel of councillors representing each of the political parties. It assessed anonymous nomination forms and considered each application on its community impact, how recent the achievement, contribution to Bristol, and quality and strength of support letters. All activities had to be unpaid and scored higher if they were not related to a job or career.

Young and old plant trees for the future THE Friends of Lincombe Barn Park and Woods held a joint tree planting session with young people’s community groups to plant trees. The wild cherry, dogwood, rowan, field maple and aspen saplings at Lincombe Barn Park in a weekend session in February. Volunteers from the friends group were joined by Mud Pie Explorers and members of the youth group at Christ Church. Friends’ treasurer Elizabeth Shepherd said: “Part of the exercise meant that we had to cut back overgrowing brambles before planting the saplings. “Needless to say, the youth members embarked on this exercise with vigour and enthusiasm, and with the help and experience of members of the Friends, this was soon accomplished. “Thank you to South Gloucestershire Council for

supplying the saplings and to the refreshment providers as well as all who turned up on the morning. It was a truly joint local event.

“We look forward to watching the trees’ progress over the coming years.” More information on the Friends can be found

on Facebook or by emailing lincombeparkwoods@hotmail. co.uk.

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April, 2020

TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS

DOW

LU B

WITH

D CA MER

Branching out MOST people like trees, and for enthusiast photographers they are almost a subject category in their own right. They do allow for interesting, often dramatic compositions, as the three examples submitted in Club competitions shown here demonstrate. Sycamore Gap shows a tree that is famous because of where it is situated. Also known as Robin Hood Tree, it stands next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Located in a dramatic dip in the

Sycamore Gap by Wendy Lockyer land, it has become that rare thing, a tree that has become a tourist attraction, and one of the most photographed trees in the country. This shot shows part of the crumbling wall leading down

Alone on the hill by Vilma Toms

to it, the colours are well saturated and it has an interesting sky, so important in landscapes. Alone on the hill, as a monochrome image, relies on shape and texture, and the branches show through to show the tree’s structure. As with the previous image, the slope of the hill helps the composition, as do the darkened corners that give the centre part more emphasis – a kind of subtle vignette. ‘What trees are really made of’ is a picture of the Supertrees sculpture in Singapore. As artificial structures, they mimic the real thing by providing shade, and also bring a sense of nature into an urban environment. At night, they provide solar-powered displays of coloured lights and sounds, and the largest of them has a bar at the top. Now, that is a useful feature for a tree! Downend Camera Club is

a friendly group which meets on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road. Anyone interested in the art of photography is very welcome to come along and see our relaxed and informal approach. Unusually for a photo club, we meet almost every week of the year and initial meetings are free, with no obligation to join. The club has a Facebook page and its website at www.downendcameraclub.org. uk has details of the club, shows competition winners, and gives details of upcoming events on the programme. Until further notice, owing to the coronavirus emergency the club is cancelling all future meetings. Our enthusiasm for photography continues undiminished, so please continue to follow us on our Facebook page and website.

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April, 2020

■ WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Wills & Probate on Westbury High Street This April we welcome a new Wills and Probate service to Westbury on Trym High Street. Simpson Solicitors’ Westbury Office is run by husband and wife team, John and Michelle Baden-Daintree with the aim of making a difference. Michelle says, “ We hope that everyone who contacts us will see the difference from traditional law firms. We encourage people to pop into our new Westbury shop to find out more. We strive to make all of our clients feel Welcome, Wanted and Cared For. “ The service always starts with a FREE review meeting. John says, “With us there is no time limit. We will take as long as each client needs. We think this is key to fully understanding what each client wants to achieve – so

we can give tailored advice on their particular situation. We use plain English without legal jargon. The meeting is entirely free of charge with no obligation to go on to use us”. Michelle adds “With Wills and Powers of Attorney, the issues are very personal. Having a Free Review meeting means clients can decide whether their Legal Advisor is someone they trust and have confidence in before they go ahead.” 20% off OPENING OFFER: Let Simpson Solicitors know you read about them in the Henleaze & Westbury Voice and you will receive 20% off their already competitive fixed price Wills and Powers of Attorney services. Simpson Solicitors have 5 offices in the Bristol area and specialise only in Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate. They are already well known to

many local families as they took over looking after the Wills of a Westbury firm in 2016. The best way to decide which law firm to use is to listen to feedback from people who have used their service. Simpson Solicitors have recently celebrated impressive client survey results. With 99% of respondents saying that they were so pleased that the recommend Simpsons to their friends and family. Michelle whose grandparents were well known in Westbury says, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new Westbury on Trym offices. Whether it is to review exiting documents or to put them in place for the first time – we will give you peace of mind that you and your family are protected in the way you want.” Call 0117 209 2724 to book your free review meeting. As well as your

John & Michelle Baden-Daintree

of Simpson Solicitors, 14 High Street, Westbury

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www.simpsonsolicitors.com message@simpsonslawuk.com Will, the service covers issues such as who you trust to appoint as Attorney to support you, if you became too ill to make decisions on your own.

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April, 2020

downendvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Water Matters!!

t certainly does and Almondsbury based company “Water Matters (UK) Limited” has been helping local companies, institutions and householders to resolve their water supply issues for 18 years now. Specialising in water leak detection, water leak repairs, lead/ poly pipe replacements and water supply modifications (including stop tap replacements or installations), the friendly and experienced team at Water Matters are able to address water related problems on your property. A Water Industry approved company possessing health & safety accreditations such as Safecontractor, Exor, and Constructionline. Collectively, they have many years of water industry experience and the very latest technology at their disposal which is guaranteed to deliver the results that you want. The aim is to locate underground leakage simply and accurately so that repairs can be made with the minimum of disruption to your property. In addition, trenchless equipment is used for new/replacement water supply installations; thereby keeping inconvenience mess and costs as low as possible. Added to their professional approach to your water supply issues, customer care is a priority and it is recognised as the best form or advertising for the business.

Your local water engineers – WIAPS & Watersafe accredited – Water industry approved • Water leak detection • Water leak repairs • Lead, galvanised, poly pipe replacements • New supply pipe installations • Stop tap replacements/installations • Trenchless (moling) or open cut • Contaminated water supply pipe rectification • Sub meter installations • Stand pipe installations

Free, no obligation quotations available

Telephone 01454 620072 Email info@watermatters.biz Web www.watermatters.biz The Barn, Hortham Farm, Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4JW

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Coleman

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

MAKING A DREAM A REALITY CONTACT M COLEMAN FOR HELP IN FINDING YOUR NEW HOME

19 CLEEVE WOOD ROAD DOWNEND BS16 2SF

TEL: 0117 9566221 SALES@MCOLEMAN.CO.UK

downendvoice

April, 2020

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Coleman

CITOR G

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

antastic incentive for vendors looking to put their ing the months of March and April 2016.

during this period proceeding to a successful tate Agents will meet your Energy Performance elling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements.

our clients sty, integrity perience is expertise ve the best ome.

believe oviding the selling

or details

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

Marshfield Park, Cleeve Wood Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2TA Asking price ÂŁ269,500 Marshfield Park is a purpose built block of desirable apartments located on the borders of Downend and Frenchay providing stunning open views across Frenchay and the Frome Valley Conservation area. M Coleman Estate Agents are delighted to bring to the market a GROUND FLOOR apartment that is offered for sale with NO ONWARD CHAIN. The spacious sitting room floods with natural light from the patio doors and benefits a classic marble effect fireplace and hearth. The balcony has been closed in with uPVC double glazed French doors providing a tranquil seating area overlooking the communal gardens and beyond. From the sitting room, a door leads into the kitchen also with large picture windows to the rear of the property.

The traditional Oak effect kitchen offers a selection of wall and base units. There is a built in electric double oven, 4 ring hob, space for fridge/freezer and plumbing for washing machine. Furthermore the dining room is located next to the kitchen. To the front of the property is two double bedrooms, both benefitting modern fitted wardrobes. The four piece bathroom comprises both a bath and a shower cubicle with wash hand basin and WC inset into vanity unit and surround. Externally the well tended gardens are laid to lawn with well planted flowerbeds. Additionally there is a garage and visitor parking located at the front of the property. The property is located perfectly for easy access to the motorway networks of the M32, M4 and M5, Bristol Parkway Railway Station and the shopping centre at Emersons Green is less than 3 miles distant offering supermarkets, chemist, restaurants, cafes and other local shops. Service Charge ÂŁ125.00 per calendar month 999 year lease from 1970.

t: 07795 49 08 34

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

April, 2020

n HUNTERS ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Emersons Green _ £550,000 Hunters Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to bring to the market this executive built David Wilson built detached house positioned within a quiet cul-desac in arguably one of Emersons Greens most sought after locations. The local retail park is only a short walk away, as is local schools, cafes ,restaurants, doctors, library and Village hall. There are excellent transport links onto The avon Ring Road and cycle Path. The property offers substantial living accommodation which is displayed throughout in excellent order. The accommodation comprises to the ground floor: entrance hallway, lounge with feature fireplace, dining room, a superb modern re-fitted high gloss kitchen with integrated appliances which offers a fantastic social area that incorporates a breakfast bar and open out in to a family room, conservatory, utility and cloakroom. To the first floor can be found 4 double size bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes and a modern re-fitted family bathroom and master en-suite. The property further benefits from having a well enclosed private rear garden which is laid to artificial grass, patio and decking, a low maintenance front garden, 2 car driveway and a double

HE RE TO GET

you

THERE

� � �

integral garage which has a remote controlled up and over electric door. An internal viewing comes highly recommended on this superb family home.

downendvoice

Septembe

r, 2017—

FREE EVERY

Issue 55

MONTH IN

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DOWNEND,

Chiro Tim is called up for internationa l duty

WHILE many disappointm of us enjoyed the thrills Championsh ents of the IAAF World and Athletics Downend's ips via our television screens, the action. Tim Button had an inside view of Tim, who in Mangotsﬁ runs Cleve Chiro eld, was selected and Next Step six chiropactors as Olympic Stadiumat the Games at one of only the former in London. Mo Farah his gold and might not have dropped in after races, nor silver medal-winni Usain Bolt ng - or if they after his sad farewell did man did get Tim's not saying departure - but our local to work his many countries. magic on athletes from Tim was part of a team which included in physiotherap the poly clinic, therapists ists and his monthly he describes the and massage experience Downend in Voice blog. "The working environment gets and wonderfully was as "It was amazing enjoyable," he good as it said. and the best work weeks one of the best if not of my life." On the treatment table: Pages 82 and 83 On your marks

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Dad Tom tackles memorial run

Tom McGowan, Green, is taking from Emersons part in the Bristol Half Great Marathon this month in memory of died at the his son Oliver, who age of 18. PAGE 9

Neighbours street party enjoy No2

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the place for youâ&#x20AC;Ś Spring sales, lettings, mortgages & conveyancing. Call: 0117 244 1050

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April, 2020

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n ya

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CLOSE to Frenchay Common this substantial property is tucked away at the end of a private driveway in arguably one of the most sought after locations in the heart of Frenchay. This 4 bedroom detached bungalow is set back from the road. On entering there is a large entrance hall with doors to a third reception /games room with stairs accessing the loft room (fitted with 2 velux windows), a dining room, spacious lounge opening onto the rear garden with wood burning stove set in a stone fireplace, hi spec kitchen with granite work surfaces and a separate utility room. Additionally there are 4 bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 single) a family bathroom and a

separate shower room/WC. Outside there is a lawned front garden with ample off-street parking for several cars, a car port and additionally a larger than normal rear garden. Frenchay village is a popular and affluent area of Bristol that is a particularly beautiful spot offering lovely walks across the common and open land areas down towards the Frome Valley walkway and river. There is a lovely pub overlooking the common that is the perfect spot for lazy summer Sunday lunches, a well-respected primary school and a church. With plenty of other shops and high street amenities nearby at Downend and easy access to the motorway network north of Bristol, this little slice of heaven is sure to be a popular choice for many. The current owners have finished the property to a very high specification throughout resulting in a beautiful family home.

Willowood, 4 Bed Detached Bungalow Asking price ÂŁ800,000

n OCEAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

l of Da

Maureen Ryan School of Dance The Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend

We teach ages 3-18+ Boys and Girls â&#x20AC;&#x201D; All Grades Professional Classes 13+

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We Prepare for Audition for ALL London theatre colleges Qualified staff at all lessons. To book a place, or to find out more call:

Miss Ryan on 0117 305 0914

H. G. Harris Family Funeral Directors 9 Broad Street, Staple Hill Bristol BS16 5LN Tel: 0117 956 9479 Fax: 0117 956 4070 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

April, 2020

n SPORT

Boxers get off to a great start THREE young Downend Boxing Club members have made impressive debut performances. Harvey Drake and Solomon Jacobs both won their bouts in matches in Torrington, Devon on March 7, while Elijah ‘Magic’ Sanchez had his first fight in Dorset at the age of 10. Harvey Drake, 15, displayed quick footwork and a bewildering range of shots to take a unanimous points decision against Torrington's Joe Whittick. Next up was 16-year-old Sol, who faced Lucas Love of Torrington. After a nervous start, he lost the first and second rounds. During the break, head coach Craig Turner advised Sol that he was behind, and the determined Bristolian flew from the corner, catching the Devon boxer with a strong right hand, prompting a protection count and subsequent stoppage from the referee and an emphatic win for Downend. Elijah made his debut at the Dorset show, where his 12-year-old brother La-Mech and team mate Jay Holloway, 15, were taking part in their third and 13th bouts respectively. Elijah first came to the gym aged eight and

showed a natural flair for the sport, to the point that Craig started calling him 'Magic' and the name has stuck, to the point that the young boxer now introduces him self as Magic. Craig said: “He was waiting for so long to become old enough to compete, but kept training hard alongside his brother and at long last the moment arrived.” Magic faced Yeovil's Moken Mills, also making his debut. Both boxers provided an appreciative audience with a great exhibition of technical boxing, displaying how hard they have worked to reach this point. The close decision went to the classy Yeovil lad, but Magic was delighted with his performance and can't wait for his next outing. La-Mech displayed some fantastic slick boxing against Joe Jeff of Portland, making his tough opponent miss and countering to take the judges’ decision and make it two wins from three outings. Middlesbrough's Faisal Hussain gave Jay all the problems he could handle but at the end of three gruelling rounds, the decision came back to Bristol.

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

La-Mech Sanchez, Jay Holloway and Elijah ‘Magic’ Sanchez

Eloise Edwards and Alexa Smith have progressed to the Quarter finals of the National Junior championships, while Bailey Phillips and Callum Smith are awaiting their opening appearances the Elite National championships. Unfortunately the Championships, like other sporting events, have been cancelled and the club is shut until further notice.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

April, 2020

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Flying Finn puts us to the test at winter sports event

ALLING all adrenaline junkies! There’s a scary bobsleigh track in Latvia with your name on it. The venue in snowy Sigulda hosts top-notch competitions where the world stars of bobsleigh, skeleton and luge reach speeds of up to 125 kilometres per hour as they snake their way down the mountainside. It’s one of the few tracks in the world that’s accessible to members of the public and professional athletes – with prices starting at an amazing 10 euros. Sigulda is also renowned as one of the toughest tracks on the circuit. How do I know all this? Well, in my “part-time job” as chiropractor to the winter sports stars, I’ve recently returned from week of working there and, as usual with these events, it was an interesting experience. Just getting to Latvia from Bristol was an adventure in itself. Leaving home at 6.30am, I drove to London and then flew from Heathrow to the Polish capital of Warsaw before a connecting flight to Riga, in Latvia – then it was on to Sigulda by road. On arrival at 6.30pm local time, it was straight to work with a couple of athletes who began their week intent on making an impact at the World Cup and European Championship events. Holland’s Kimberley Bos had already taken a knock as she competed in the women’s skeleton. We had to treat an acute ankle injury while also working on performance to help her slide even faster. And flying Finn Alex Hassen was also in the wars after coming off his sled and smashing on to the ice at 125kph. We had to use all our chiropractic and physio expertise to treat his chest injury and manage the pain – we needed to restore Alex’s biomechanics so he could carry on competing with minimal discomfort. Yes, these guys are tough and it

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

takes a lot to keep them away from the ice. At the end of a long day at these championships, the athletes and their hard-working support teams can always rely on being provided with a great range of food and drink. One of my favourites in Latvia was the Medovik honey cake. A ridiculously tasty multilayered cake which seem like a very complicated set up just to deliver honey to my appreciative tastebuds! You’d certainly be happy to hurtle down an icy slope if you knew a couple of those were waiting at the end of the highspeed journey! The races were very exciting. Despite a very difficult week with chest pain, Alex pushed well of the top but slowed where he had crashed the week before and finished a respectable, considering the week, 23rd. Kimberly had an altogether different experience. We only managed to get Kim pain free for her ankle on her first of 2 slides in the actual race! Therefore she finished a disappointing, for her, 18th on her first run, just making the cut off for the second run. On her second run, buoyed by her pain free push, she pushed the second

News: email us at: news@downendvoice.co.uk

fastest time the track had ever seen and pushed herself up to 9th overall, which is almost unheard of! I had the honour of helping pick up her sled and standing next to her on the podium as the other sliders came in…maybe getting myself on the TV!. Back home in Mangotsfield, our new chiropractor Emily SmythRoberts is settling in well and proving popular with our clients and I’m pleased to announce another newcomer to the team. To help with the increased demand at Bristol’s biggest and best clinic, we’re delighted to welcome Catherine Quinn, who is the President of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and also chiropractor to the Queens

Park Rangers football team. Along with me, Catherine has also worked on the bobsleigh and skeleton Grand Prix circuit so brings a wealth of experience of the industry to the south west. No doubt she’s looking forward to swapping some Cockney rhyming slang for a bit of Brizzle speak (me babber!) when she starts here in March. I’m also happy to report that our X-ray service, which also offers ultrasound scans, is back up and running. Book in for a consultation appointment with a chiropractor or physio so they can evaluate your needs. For some people, it’s more appropriate to have an MRI instead of an X-ray or ultrasound scan. We can refer you privately for as little as £245. Come on down to see us – we’re here to help you make your life easier.

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

April, 2020

n SPORT

Youngsters step up before season stops MANGOTSFIELD United’s new-look young side continued to gain experience with each game, albeit without picking up any points, until recent results became irrelevant following the decision to suspend football at all levels. Late February defeats at Cinderford (1-3) and Bideford (0-3) were not unexpected, but the Mango kids were not disgraced in either of them and it was only their lack of experience against more seasoned opponents that led to defeat in both games. The real test, however, came in the home game against promotion-chasing Thatcham Town on March 7. It was the Mangos’ first at Cossham Street since the Evesham United game on February 1 which saw the resignation of then-manager Ollie Price and the departure of most of the first team squad. It was a strange atmosphere before the Thatcham game. Home supporters watching the Mango youngsters go through their warm-up routine struggled to put names to faces, as they looked at their programmes and team sheets. It was just the same as the teams emerged from the dressing room just before the kick-off (see picture). As a Mangotsfield fan for over 30 years, it was perhaps the only

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Manor Farm. However, with the coronavirus situation worsening all the time, it is anticipated that the suspension deadline dates for all levels of the game are almost certain to be extended. Who knows when – or if – the Mangos will play their next match? This suspension could go on for months. Watch this space!

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occasion where I failed to recognise a single home player! As for the game, the Mangos began brightly, creating two scoring chances in the first 6 minutes through Josiah Dunstan and Daniel McBeam. They matched their more experienced opponents for 25 minutes, before being hit by some clinical finishing as Thatcham notched three goals in just 5 minutes. The youngsters battled well for the rest of the game, even though the situation was worsened following an own goal by Steve Kaca on 58 minutes. Mangos keeper Jakob Glover made several good saves, including a double save near the end of the match, but the visitors’ 4-0 win made them new league leaders on the day. The following Tuesday’s home game against Cirencester Town fell victim to the wet weather and then, the day before the team were due to make a trip to mid-table Highworth Town, it was announced that the Premier League & English Football League were being suspended immediately. The Southern League also announced an immediate suspension of all matches, up to and including March 21, which also put paid to the Mangos’ home game versus Bristol

CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

April, 2020

n HOME IMPROVEMENT

Coping with anxiety over the coronavirus crisis In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the government has advised that if you have an underlying health condition(s) or if you are aged 70 or older, you should be social distancing for up to 12 weeks. It’s really important that you look after your mental and emotional wellbeing during this time, as well as your physical health. Here are a few tips to help you cope with social distancing: • Create a daily routine – this helps to give structure and purpose to your day. • Try to have a good mix of work (be it house work or paid work), rest and leisure activities. • What activities do you usually do? If they’re important to you, have a think about why they are important and see if you can adapt the activity so you can do it at home – eg. If you can’t meet your friend for coffee, can you give them a call instead?

• Create yourself a ‘to do’ list. Nothing gives a sense of achievement quite like ticking everything off. • Identify what might cause you to feel low and look for ways to manage this. • Stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours. • Look after yourself by eating and drinking well – this will help to boost your immune system and energy levels. • Make sure you keep moving – be it around the home or outside if you’re able – this will maintain your fitness and strength. • Keep up-to-date with government guide lines and advice through the media. We Care Home Improvements is the contracted Home Improvement Agency for Bristol City Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council. We are part of a network of organisations supporting local hospitals and

ACUPUNCTURE

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AERIALS

community health services to get people home from hospital. Our HandyPerson service also plays a vital role in helping to prevent hospital admission by helping people to get small jobs and repairs done around the house. When people have health difficulties or find it difficult getting around the home, small jobs can seem like big jobs. But it is important to maintain your home to keep you safe and well, and out of hospital – especially at this time. Our staff are following all government guidelines to keep people safe. If you need any help with home maintenance, please give us a call to see how we can help on 0300 323 0700. We are aware that some of our customers may be struggling with other daily tasks such as getting shopping, prescriptions or walking their pets. Please contact AGE UK on 0117 929 7537 or The British Red Cross Bristol on 0117 301 2619

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downendvoice

April, 2020

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

April, 2020 ELECTRICIANS

61 GUTTER CLEANING

FENCING

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Electricians & Alarm Specialists

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Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199 Trusted Trader

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

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

FENCING

DOWNEND FENCINGE) (ERECTING SERVIC types of e - All 45 years experienc arance etc. cle , irs pa fencing, re L NO JOB TOO SMAL

TEL: 0797 3381663

FENCING, GATES & TRELLIS

FENCING Has your fence Blown Down?

Are you in need of a new fence Then ring Alistair Tweedale early evenings

01179 520076 for a free estimate 45 years experience

PAINTING & DECORATING STEVE PAINTER

D. ATTWELL

DECORATING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works

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

Tiler • Mason • Painter

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

Traditionally trained Quality workmanship Paperhanging specialist Friendly and reliable Competitively priced

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921

on:Finish Classic & Natural stoneCall tiles Steve Painter High Quality 01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035 Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry PAINTING & DECORATING Interior & façade painting

d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

GUTTERING SERVICES

Replacement and Maintenance:

Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator

Guttering, Downpipes UPVC Fascia Boards Soffits and Cladding Unblock & Gutter Cleaning All work guaranteed Based in Bristol area Call Paul for free quote

01454 850201 or 07980 001109

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Builder & Interior Decorator

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

T: 0117 431 2726 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

62 PAINTING & DECORATING

ARL DECORATING Painters and Decorators Internal and External Decorating Free Quotations Quick and Reliable Service Call Andrew on 07979 716594 0117 9570691 email arl.decorating@gmail.com

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLASTERING

Free Quotations

Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411

City and Guilds Qualified

Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations

Tel: 07900 551199 Tel: 0117 9567100

email: sbsplastering@aol.co.uk

J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:

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

PAINTING & DECORATING

South Gloss Decorating Painters & Decorators

Interior and Exterior

Affordable, Reliable, Professional Contact: Dave Beauchamp Tel: 0117 956 9932 Mob: 07739 382 524 E-Mail: davebeauchamp@msn.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/southgloss

Anderson Heating Services Heating Installation • Repairs • Breakdown • Servicing • Light Commercial • Bathrooms • Unvented Systems • Hot & Cold Water Systems • Plumbing • Landlord Certificates • LPG • Gas Fires • Gas Appliance Safety Checks • Gas Cookers

T: 07878249260 E: phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk W: andersonheatingservices.co.uk

CHECK OUT REVIEWS ON GOOGLE

PLUMBING

PLASTERING

D E Price Plastering Ltd PLASTERING, RENDERING AND DAMP PROOFING SERVICES

www.depriceplastering.com 07 899 098 929

www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLUMBING & HEATING

SBS PLASTERING

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

April, 2020

149 REVIEWS

RATED 9.9/10

PLUMBING

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

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

0117

957 5092

ADVERTISE HERE

PLUMBING

LOCAL SERVICES ss

sine Advertise your bu here from just

.33 8 1 £

Give Gary a call 0117 907 8585 or 07799 461169

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

April, 2020 PLUMBING SERVICES

SHOWER REPAIRS

WASTE DISPOSAL

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

RUBBISH CLEARED

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

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

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

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

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

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

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

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727

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

0117 956 3285 PLUMBING

TOENAIL CUTTING

JJ PLUMBING Give your toes a treat

MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk

Wigs Bristol

Free foot massage!

Call 07523299147 or visit www.neatfeet.net

PROFESSIONAL ARBORISTS FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

• FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT • ALL TREE AND HEDGE WORK UNDERTAKEN • ALL WASTE RECYCLED

Tel Eric: 07725 951006

ROOFING

N . BROWN

ROOFIN G LIMITED

SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

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

Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com

T R E E S E RV I C E S

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE 56746

We stock many styles and makes.

WOODSTOCK • FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

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

WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS

TREE SERVICES

PLUMBING & HEATING

✆ 07779 786072

WIGS Toenail cutting and foot care in the comfort of your own home. Affordable, professional.

BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS

TEL: 07765 250816

anytime inc. weekends

07976 665448

e-mail: woodstocktreeservices@gmail.com web: www.woodstocktreeservices.co.uk

TREE SURGEONS

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

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

0117 9567298 07768 973291

www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

We replace & install all new Windows, Doors, Bi-folding Doors, conservatories and much more! We can also service & repair all types of PVC, Aluminium & Timber windows/doors From Misted Double Glazing - Lock Repairs - Hinge Replacement - Door/ Window Handles and more.

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

P R U E LEITH FRAMES

We are delighted to be stockists of the sensational Prue Leith spectacle frames. If you like bold and colourful these are for you!

They look great but no guarantees that they will improve your baking ... DURY AND TIPPETT IS A

dury & tippett

VISION CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

FA M I LY E Y E C A R E P R A C T I C E , R E G I S T E R E D O P T O M E T R I S T S 2 T H E S Q UA R E , S TA P L E H I L L , B R I S T O L B S 1 6 5 L R T E L E P H O N E : 0 1 1 7 9 5 7 3 5 4 2 w w w. d u r y & t i p p e t t . c o . u k