Downend Voice April 2021 by Gary Brindle

downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk www.downendvoice.co.uk March 2021, Issue 93

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

Indoor skate park for Staple Hill Skateboarding has become increasingly popular during the pandemic and now Staple Hill is to get an indoor centre. PAGE 10

Pupils rise to 10k challenge

Give your views on high street

Children, families and teachers at Christ Church Junior School joined in a 10k for CCJ challenge, inspired by Lewis Keegans-Wood, centre, who decided to run the distance for his tenth birthday. Others cycled, ran or found other innovative ways to cover the 10k over three weeks. Report: Page 5

People are being asked to take part in a survey giving their views on the future of Downend's high street area. PAGE 4

Police target pest drivers SPEEDING and noisy drivers who have been making life a misery for residents are being put on notice that police are coming for them. An operation targeting anti-social motorists is being launched in the Downend area, focusing on both residential streets and the Avon Ring Road. Staple Hill Neighbourhood Police Team has

been given access to specialist equipment to measure the noise made by modified exhausts and detect derestricted motorbikes. It will be used in days of action on anti-social driving across the area, alongside officers' regular speed, alcohol and drug testing kit. Turn to Page 3

Primary school gets go-ahead Planning permission has been granted for the £9.6m new Frenchay Primary School. PAGE 33

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Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377

Follow us on Twitter @downendvoice ADVERTISING sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our May edition deadline is April 21. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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

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, 2021

n NEWS

Tributes to mum and child TRIBUTES have been paid to a mother and her young daughter who were found dead after disappearing from their home. Bennylyn Burke had lived in Staple Hill after moving there around two years ago. The mother-of-two, who then moved to Kingswood last year, was reported missing at the beginning of March. A man was later arrested and charged with murdering Bennylyn, who was 25, and her two-year-old daughter Jellica, and on Burke. Picture: March 18 two bodies were found hidden in a Bennylyn Avon and Somerset police house in Dundee by Police Scotland. Staple Hill and Mangotsfield South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Boulton knew Bennylyn and her two daughters when they lived in the area. He said she had been an active member of the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Residents Facebook group and had “regularly engaged with our threads and posts”. Ian said: “As one of Bennylyn's ward councillors I met her and her beautiful daughters. As you can imagine, the news (of her death) knocked me for six.” He urged anyone who had knowledge of Bennylyn’s life and circumstances which might help police understand more about her to call 101 and ask for Police Scotland, then quote the incident reference number 1434 of March 5. Bennylyn, who moved to the UK from the Philippines, has been described as “friendly and such a loving mother” by a friend. Police Scotland say the bodies of Bennylyn and Jellica were “discovered concealed within a house in Troon Avenue, Dundee, following extensive enquiries by detectives and forensic experts”. Her other child is being supported, the police added.

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April, 2021

n NEWS

Drivers targeted From Page 1 Patrol cars and police motorbikes will be looking for suspect vehicles, which will then be taken to a specially-arranged testing site. The days of action, under an initiative known as Operation Torque, are expected to start within weeks and will continue into the summer, when complaints of anti-social driving and riding increase. Dozens of readers contacted the Voice after we reported on the "unbearable" noise experienced by residents living near the A4174 from drivers using it as a race track during the first lockdown last year. Many residents also complained to the police and politicians about the problem. Staple Hill Neighbourhood Constable PC Neal Scarborough said: "We've had lots of complaints about vehicles being used anti-socially, and quite often people refer to the loudness of the vehicle.We now have the tools to set up our own initiative, tackling anti-social vehicles and the behaviour of drivers." Drivers who are suspected of having modified their exhausts to make their vehicle louder will be pulled over and taken to a test site, where a decibel meter will be used on them. Any which are found to be louder than the manufacturer's limit will land their owner in trouble. That could range from being given advice and required to change back the exhaust to court

action where appropriate. Officers are also targeting young motorbike and scooter riders, particularly those aged under 17 who have illegally derestricted their bikes to drive at over 30mph. Those who are stopped will have their vehicles checked on a 'rolling road' device which can uncover illegally modified engines. PC Scarborough said that in the case of young riders safety concerns were uppermost. He said: "Young people are most at risk of a fatal or serious road collision." "We're also going to be looking at other road users that cause anti-social behaviour, from motorbikes with a big racing exhaust screaming up and down the ring road to modified cars. "Some of the ring road drivers don't even live in South Gloucestershire but they are keeping the community up all night. You can hear motorbikes or cars that are just massively excessive and it's those people we are targeting. "However it's not just the ring road, it's the back streets we are looking at as well, as some of these people are living within our communities – the cars could be parked in neighbours' driveways." PC Scarborough told a recent meeting of the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Community Engagement Forum that one driver had recently been caught speeding at up to 60mph on Staple Hill High Street and Station Road – he was given a £2,000 fine after taking his case to court. Some actions will involve specialist road policing teams while others may involve

inspectors from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, who can comb cars for defects and take unsafe ones off the road. The resident who raised concerns with the Voice last year, Tim Hockey, welcomed the action. Tim, who lives yards from the ring road between the Bromley Heath and Wick Wick roundabouts, has contacted the police, South Gloucestershire Council and local MP Chris Skidmore over the past year to call for action. He said: "I am pleased that the police have finally acknowledged that there is an issue with speed and noise along the ring road. Hopefully this monitoring will result in actions which will make local residents’ lives more bearable." Mr Skidmore has launched a petition to take measures to improve fencing next to the A4174 to cut noise from vehicles. Another voice reader, Mangotsfield resident Sian Spring, is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to standardise the speed limit on the A4174 to 50mph along its

PC Neal Scarborough entire length. Sian believes the changes between the 50mph limit on some stretches and the 70mph limit on others mean some drivers either don't see or ignore the lower limit. She said: "It is absolutely crazy the speed at which drivers drive at. I have witnessed several times drivers racing one another. "Some of these sections of the ring road are less than a mile long – it is absolutely ridiculous to have cars travelling at such high speeds on such short roads."

Did you see crash? A CYCLIST was badly injured in a collision at the Hambrook traffic lights. Police are calling on anyone who saw the incident at the junction of the Avon Ring Road and Bristol Road to come forward. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage they believe could be relevant. The collision happened at about 2.35pm on March 9, and involved a man in his 20s on a bike and a grey Volkswagen Golf. Paramedics took the cyclist to hospital, where he was said to be in a critical but stable condition afterwards. The road was closed for a number of hours while police carried out a forensic investigation. Anyone who can help the investigation should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 050 612.

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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April, 2021

n NEWS

High Street survey as CCTV is installed PEOPLE are being asked for their views on the future of Downend’s high street area. South Gloucestershire Council has published a survey on its website asking people to spend five minutes giving their views to help shape “how Downend will look, feel and work in the years to come”. The shopping area on Badminton Road, North Street and Downend Road has been badly hit by the pandemic, with non-essential shops having to shut during lockdown, cafes and restaurants open for takeaways only and visits reduced as people were told to stay at home. The most recent blow came in early March, when the Lloyds Bank branch shut, leaving an empty unit on the corner of Badminton Road and Cleve Road. But the area has been promised a share of more than £500,000 which the council is allocating to schemes to help traders bounce back. The council said: “We know that our local high streets have faced significant challenges for a number of years, and the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, making trading difficult in these uncertain times. “The council is committed to supporting high streets and has allocated an additional

Downend’s high street area, with the recently-closed Lloyds Bank branch on the left £120k support on top of the recently launched £400k ‘Help us Thrive’ grant – from which Downend will directly benefit. “We are interested in understanding how we can support Downend now and into the future to help it thrive.” “By taking part in this 5-minute survey you can shape how the Council utilises this

funding, influencing how Downend will look, feel and work in the years to come.” People can find the survey online at the consultations section of the council’s website or directly at southglos.researchfeedback. net/s/DownendHighSt. Anyone who is not online can call the council on 01454 866 895 to ask to be sent a paper copy, which can then be returned by Freepost. The survey is live until April 23. While it is underway, work to instal the area’s CCTV camera system is set to start. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is paying the initial installation costs of around £30,000, using money paid by developers into the Community Infrastructure Levy fund. The cameras will be monitored remotely and can tilt, pan and zoom to pinpoint suspicious incidents or behaviour. Once it is installed the costs of monitoring the system, estimated to be around £10,000, will be picked up by South Gloucestershire Council. A council spokesperson said installation work was due to begin at the start of April with a view to having the system up and running around July.

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April, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

10k challenge raises £3k for school

Fitness and fundraising for Christ Church Juniors, Downend, inspired by Lewis Keegans-Wood, 10, on the right A SPORTS fan inspired his fellow pupils at a Downend school to run, walk, scoot and cycle 10 kilometres to raise more than £3,000. Christ Church Junior School pupil Lewis Keegans-Wood couldn’t take part in his usual football, cricket and swimming sessions during lockdown, so he set himself the target of running 10k for his tenth birthday in January. His mum Lisa is a member of the school’s friends committee and suggested Lewis could raise money to help buy new playground equipment with his run. Lewis decided to get some friends involved and from there the plan snowballed, with children, families and teachers across the school joining in, pledging to complete 10k over three weeks in January and February. As the Voice went to print the 10k for CCJ event had raised more than £3,000 towards the £25,000 the school aims to raise for the project. Some children who were still attending school used its daily mile track to run their 10k distance, while others could be seen in Page Park, King George V playing fields, Ashton Court and local pavements and paths, completing their challenges. A spokesperson for the Friends of Christ Church Juniors said: “It was an event that could go ahead despite the Covid restrictions, and something positive we could do together (while apart!) as a school community.

“We were amazed by the response during such challenging times for everyone and we’d just like to say a massive thank-you to everyone who took part and sponsored the children (and adults!) to do their 10ks.” Lisa said Lewis had started joining in the Pomphrey Hill parkrun with her before the first lockdown put a stop to them. She said: “We relied on walks and cycle rides to keep Lewis and his younger brother Dylan active during the first lockdown, but it wasn’t long before Lewis was joining me on my runs. “Having seen me complete some 10K runs, he decided that he wanted to make that his target for his 10th birthday. “This ambitious aim inspired the whole 10K for CCJ event. I am very proud to say that he completed his 10K on his 10th birthday, as well as two cycle rides and two long walks within the three week timeframe – totalling over 50K in all! “However I am equally proud of all the other CCJ children who took on their own challenges during the event – there were some really amazing achievements. “Receiving their messages and photos and seeing their smiles was really heart-warming, and made a tricky time seem brighter.” School head teacher Pippa Osborne said: “I am so incredibly proud of the determination the children have shown in completing this challenge and the creative and innovative ways they have done it. “It is also amazing to have

raised almost £3,000 for the new playground equipment and it means that the £25,000 target doesn't feel so unmanageable now. “A massive thank you to Lewis and all the Friends of CCJ for organising such a successful event. As always, it makes me

feel so lucky to have such a supportive community to work in.” The school’s fundraising page will stay open until the end of April and can be found online at donatemyschool.com/friendsof-christ-church-juniorschool-2451.

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

downendvoice

April, 2021

n NEWS YOUNG skateboarders will have a new place to practice their skills when a youth club builds an indoor skate park. The YOU Foundation has ordered a 20-piece modular park which can be arranged the way its users want. It will be set up over the next month inside the old assembly hall at its home, the former Staple Hill Primary School off Page Road, now known as the YouF Centre. The young people at the club, which caters for 11 to 19-yearolds in the area, will be able to help build the ramps and vote on how to arrange them for skate sessions once the indoor park is up and running. YOU Foundation manager Rob Sharp says the idea for the project, which will be known as the Boarding School, came after the pandemic meant the centre had to close its indoor activities last year. Youth workers were asked by the council and police to go to areas where children and teenagers were gathering and

Old school hall is being turned into skate park

Rob Sharp with some ramps at the former school assembly hall, which will be transformed into an indoor skate park noticed how many of them had taken up skateboarding. Sporting body Skateboard GB estimates 70,000 people have taken up

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skateboarding nationwide in the last year. Rob said: “It’s the perfect sport for a pandemic. You can do it on your own and if you have a lot of time on your hands you can learn a new skill.” You Foundation workers took a ramp and rails to Page Park last summer but the equipment could only be used in dry weather, which prompted the plan to build an indoor facility that could be used in all weathers, once restrictions allow. The £4,000 cost of the scheme is being met by a combination of grants and fundraising, and the charity also aims to raise money to provide coaches, plus skateboards and scooters for people who don’t have one of their own to use at

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the indoor park. Before lockdown the YouF Centre would host up to 30 young people and Rob plans to hold two or three skateboarding sessions per night for around 10 people at a time at the Boarding School, once restrictions allow. He said: “As restrictions lift we hope it will grow and grow. “It’s a modular design so we can set up as big or small as we want and there are hundreds of thousands of different layouts we can do. “We can get the young people using it to vote on some different designs and vary it week by week.” Since news of the park was shared on social media there has also been interest from older skaters and parents of younger children, but Rob said these would need to be organised separately from the YOU Foundation sessions. The charity grew out of the Staple Hill Methodist Youth Project, which started in 2005, becoming an independent organisation in 2015 and moving into the old primary school building in 2017. Young people who want to find out more about the Boarding School should visit the website at theyoufoundation. org. Fundraising and other enquiries can be made by email to staplehillyouth@hotmail. co.uk.

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April, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

School computers hacked DOWNEND and Mangotsfield schools are among 23 in South Gloucestershire which had their computer networks disabled by hackers. The “targeted ransomware attack”, where malicious software is installed on a system to block access until a ransom is paid, took down IT systems at schools across the Castle School Education Trust and 16 other South Gloucestershire primary schools which use the same network. Problems started on March 16 and school computers were still offline six days later. A joint statement from CSET and South Gloucestershire Council said: “This was a highly sophisticated attack, which breached multiple layers of protection of the IT system shared by schools in Castle School Education Trust and partner primary schools in South Gloucestershire. “CSET and South Gloucestershire Council are working together with external partners and agencies to investigate this attack and restore IT systems to the schools. “A cautious and methodical approach is being taken to ensure that systems are restored safely and securely. “Although some systems have already been restored, others remain offline, and there will be continued disruption over the coming days. “This highly sophisticated ransomware attack has caused significant disruption to our schools, and we are grateful to our staff and pupils for their patience and understanding as we work together to restore IT systems. “We would like to reassure the community that all of our schools remain safe and no pupils are at risk as a result of the ransomware attack, and we are working to ensure that their education continues with minimal disruption.” Other schools within CSET affected by the attack included Lyde Green Primary School. The council has not revealed which of its schools were affected. Children were advised not to log on to the schools' WiFi connections, while parents were advised to phone the school with an urgent enquiries and not to rely on email. The attack has been reported to the police and the National Cyber Security Centre. An NCSC spokesperson said: "We are aware of this incident and are working to fully understand its impact. "The NCSC works closely with the education sector and we have published practical resources to help schools and colleges improve their cyber security and response to cyber incidents.”

E-scooter trial expands A TRIAL of rentable electric scooters is expanding to cover Downend and the surrounding area. The one-year West of England e-scooter trial, originally launched in central Bristol and Bath last October, is the only way to ride the vehicles legally. Electric scooter firm Voi Technologies now has more than 500 vehicles available for hire across the region and has announced that from now, Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Emersons Green will be added to the trial, along with Kingswood, Hanham and more areas of Bristol, including Southmead Hospital. Since the launch of the trial there have been more than 225,000 rides taken and almost 615,000 miles travelled, averaging about two and three-quarter miles per journey. Metro Mayor Tim Bowles said: “The West of England has really embraced our e-scooter trial and I’m pleased that many more people will now have a chance to benefit from this low-carbon alternative to the car for short journeys to access essential work and services."

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What do the Metro Mayor manifestos offer for residents in Downend, Staple Hill, Shortwood, Mangotsfield & Frenchay? View from Dan Norris, Labour Metro Mayor Candidate

The coronavirus crisis has been devastating for lives and livelihoods. But it has also shown us what matters most. People have come together through mutual aid groups, our key workers have been heroic, and we have rediscovered the value of local services and local green spaces.

Jobs first. After the economic devastation of the pandemic Dan Norris has pledged to be a 'Jobs First' Metro Mayor. His manifesto includes plans for 23,000 new Green Jobs. Invest in our local shops. Dan Norris has criticised the current Mayor for leaving millions to support our High Streets unspent. As Metro Mayor he plans to allocate the much-needed cash as soon as possible. Valuing what matters. Dan Norris promises a focus on quality of life, so our area is the best place to grow up in and and grow old in.

Labour Leader meets West of England Ambulance Workers Local paramedics received a visit from Labour leader Keir Starmer and Dan Norris to say thank you. Ambulance workers told the Labour duo about their tireless work throughout the pandemic. But the one per cent pay rise the Government plan for NHS staff has been called an insult. Dan Norris said: "I heard about the impact

Labour Leader Keir Starmer and Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris speaking to ambulance workers

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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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April, 2021

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ANOTHER month of lockdown goes by, and with the vaccine rollout gathering pace I can sense a feeling of hope in the air. Of course I think the usual signs of spring help us too! Whether it’s the new shoots from the bulbs, the warmth in the air or the lighter days I think taking time to appreciate the little things can make such a difference to us all. One thing that we’ve been aware of for many years, and is perhaps gaining traction as more treatment options are becoming available, is myopia. Now for those of you who haven’t swallowed an Optometry encyclopedia, myopia is short sight in everyday language. Those of us who are short sighted need glasses or contacts to see in the distance, which for example can be watching TV or driving. I really should add a note for parents here; just because your child can see an aeroplane in the sky or an animal in a field doesn’t mean that they don’t have a degree of myopia! Now I’ve not changed prescription since my mid teens, which as a 70s child does mean I have a superb collection of 1980s glasses - think big brown plastic (thanks Dad for that!) that I can still wear. Great for the retro look, or even the odd fancy dress party, but nothing I can wear to work under any circumstances! Seriously though, increasing myopia does matter. The risk of eye health problems increases if your myopia developes past a certain point. The exact dioptric value of the myopia is not as much of a concern as the growth and thinning of the key part of the eye, the retina. In the past there was not thought to be much that can be done about myopia development. The good news is that we now have more options to offer you than ever before. I’ve talked before about Ortho-K, the overnight vision correction, as well as daily disposable contact lenses that can help slow down myopia. The exciting news, drum roll please… is that we now have a glasses lens option too. This really is quite exciting news for our younger patients who decided against contact lens wear, and previously had no clear option to help slow their myopia progression. If you’d like to know more about this for yourself or those you love just visit our website and click the Myopia tab. We’ve a dedicated email address on the website you’re welcome to use to contact us if you have any concerns or questions about myopia. Don’t forget, whether you’re myopic or not, we’re still here when you need us six days per week. For eye care, advice, glasses and contact lenses just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. Times are tough for many of us, and as a thank you for choosing us for your eye care we’re continuing to offer to help you in return with a glasses voucher with your extended eye exam. Just ask about our ‘look in to help out’ offer. To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

April, 2021

n NEWS

Retired doctors return to work for vaccine roll-out RETIRED doctors Janet and David Spence have gone back to work as volunteers to help give people in the Downend area their COVID-19 jabs. The married couple are part of the team of more than 500 volunteers, aged 16 to 75, who have joined in the effort to vaccinate more than 300,000 people in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset over the past three months. The volunteers include students, farmers, air crew, bar staff, artists and drivers, who have worked alongside retired doctors, nurses and dentists on the UK’s biggest ever vaccination programme. Dr Spence and Dr Spence are part of the volunteer team at Network 4 Primary Care Network, which includes the Downend Health Group, Leap Valley Medical Centre and Emersons Green Medical Centre, and has been vaccinating people at Christchurch Family Medical Centre in North Street. Janet said: “David and I were keen to get involved as soon as we could, so we started off marshalling outside the practice and then completed our online training so we could vaccinate and act as clinical shift leads. “Supporting our colleagues with vaccinating their patients has been a brilliant

David and Janet Spence. Picture: Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group

experience. It’s so uplifting to work as part of a GP surgery team again and to be back in a patient-facing role helping with the COVID-19 response.” People were being reassured that every

adult in the region will still get the vaccine by July despite supply problems which mean that plans to vaccinate people under 50 will be “paused” until May, to prioritise giving second doses to those who have had their first. Bristol director of public health Christina Gray told the city’s health and well-being board on March 18 that there was “sufficient vaccine” to give all over-50s their second jab by the end of April. *The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the week ending March 14 was 4 in the Office for National Statistics’ Downend South area, down from 20 four weeks earlier. No exact figure was published for Downend North, where the ONS said the number was “less than 3” (down from 13). In Staple Hill North the total was 5 (down from 12 on February 14), in Staple Hill South & Kingswood North West it was 13 (up from 6), in Mangotsfield it was 5 (down from 20) and in Frenchay & Great Stoke it was 4 (down from 17). In the four weeks to March 5, 32 South Gloucestershire residents died with COVID-19: 17 in hospital, 12 in care homes and three at home. The total number for the year to date is 130.

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n NEWS

April, 2021

Road closures for anti-floods work Weapons seized in drugs raid THIS antique firearm was one of a number of weapons seized along with drugs during a police raid in Staple Hill. Officers searched a property in Gloucester Road, Staple Hill, on March 4 and found the gun along with knives, two knuckle dusters, suspected cannabis and suspected cocaine. A 36-year-old man from Staple Hill was arrested the same day on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. He was later released under investigation. It came just a day after neighbourhood officers uncovered a cannabis factory in a warehouse at Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh. About 600 plants and the growing equipment were seized with support from the police's Operation Viscount team specialising in tackling cannabis production. Two men, aged 21 and 46, have been charged with production of a controlled drug and abstracting electricity, and are due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on April 7.

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A BUSY road through Frenchay will be closed during April as work to protect it from flooding gets under way. Drainage pipes on the B4058 Bristol Road/Frenchay Park Road are being replaced as part of a £3.7million project to improve the flood resilience of key roads in South Gloucestershire. Daytime temporary traffic lights were being put in place for two weeks from March 22 between the Begbrook Park and Old Gloucester Road junctions, next to the Frenchay Hospital site. And from April 6 a combination of temporary traffic lights and complete closures were due to take place along the same stretch of road, which is used by many drivers travelling between Downend, Frenchay and the A4174 ring road. South Gloucestershire Council says signed diversions will be in operation during the closures and it will "endeavour to keep access open for local residents and businesses", with workers at each end of the closure to let residents in and out. Bus routes along the road will be diverted, with passengers advised to check the Travelwest website for updates. The flood resilience project will take place in seven locations in South Gloucestershire,

including Coldharbour Lane in Filton and roads in Filton, Frampton Cotterell and Yate. It is being funded with a £3.2m grant from the Department for Transport and a further £500,000 from council budgets. Council cabinet member for infrastructure, Steve Reade, said: "These sites are key routes within South Gloucestershire and being able to resolve long-standing issues with flooding will benefit all road users, as well as save the council money by reducing the need to carry out repair work." Later in the year £475,000 will be spent across in Frenchay and Downend to resurface areas of Badminton Road and Bromley Heath Road, as well as Cleeve Wood Road and Cleeve Road. The council is spending a total of £8.75million on transport infrastructure and road maintenance across South Gloucestershire. The works also include new traffic calming measures for North Street in Downend, which will be linked to safety improvements planned for access to Christ Church Infants School, and resurfacing work on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. And South Gloucestershire is also set to see £2.82m of a £2.5 billion government Potholes Fund to make repairs.

Sports funding A GRANT of £610,000 will help Kingswood Leisure Centre to reopen after lockdown. The centre and others run by the Circadian Trust in Longwell Green, Bradley Stoke, Thornbury and Yate are due to reopen on April 12, although not all activities will be available at first, and people will have to use the centres on their own or in household groups. Restrictions are due to be further eased in May, when indoor adult group sports and exercise classes are set to be allowed, and in June, when the government plans to remove all legal limits on social contact. South Gloucestershire Council has been awarded £610,000 from Sport England’s National Leisure Recovery Fund to support leisure centres in the area to safely reopen. Circadian Trust chief executive Mark Crutchley said: "This funding is a lifeline. We are so fortunate to have such a high quality of leisure centres in South Glos and we are grateful to DCMS for this funding."

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April, 2021

n NEWS

Noah runs to help the homeless NOAH Martin needed something to keep himself fit through lockdown, and also wanted to make a difference. So the nine-year-old Bromley Heath Junior School pupil embarked on a challenge to run 50km in a month, inviting family and friends to sponsor him to raise money to help homeless people. Noah’s challenge caught the imagination of more than 100 supporters, who donated £1,500 between them for charity Help Bristol’s Homeless. Noah, who lives in Downend, had started to run in January after the latest lockdown meant he was no longer able to train with his football club, Bromley Heath United. Keen to ensure he returned to training in top shape, the Liverpool and Bristol Rovers fan joined mum Anna on some of her runs. Once he started his challenge, Noah’s brother Reuben, 7, joined

Noah Martin, right, with his brother Reuben, who rode alongside him as he ran his 50km challenge him on his bike as he did 11 runs around Downend, Moorend and Page Park. Anna said Noah had carried on running through some of the most “horrendous” cold and wet weather the British winter could throw at him.

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She said: “The sponsorship really spurred him on." Dad Tim said Noah had raised money for homelessness charities in the past and was inspired by the Help Bristol’s Homeless project to create micro flats out of shipping containers

at its base in Bedminster, to give homeless people stable temporary accommodation while they find a permanent place to live. Noah said: “I’ve always wanted to help the homeless because I feel sad for them because they don’t have a house to live in.” He said he was proud of the amount raised to help the charity provide homes for people and added: “It was good for me too because I’ll be fitter than everyone else when we go back to football!” Tim said: “Noah has been blown away by the support and generosity of the local community especially his friends at Bromley Heath Junior School. I am probably biased as I am a very proud father, but he has said on numerous occasions he just wants to make a difference.” Noah’s fundraising page can be found at justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/anna-martin-511.

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n NEWS Bromley Heath Infant School pupils try out the 'reading egg' seat in the revamped school library

April, 2021

Activities help welcome children back to school SCHOOLS have been welcoming back children who had been home learning for two months during the latest lockdown. Secondary schools have had to put in place testing regimes, with pupils having three Covid-19 tests before returning to Downend and Mangotsfield schools, and being sent home with kits to carry out two more every week. Teachers at all schools, which had remained open to key worker and vulnerable children throughout January and February, faced the challenge of settling those who had been learning remotely back into the classroom routine from March 8. At Bromley Heath Infant School, staff delayed World

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April, 2021

Book in a Box competition entries at St Augustine of Canterbury school

A drone was used to take this picture of Bromley Heath Infants reception pupils making the shape of a blue whale on the school field She said the revamped library “really looks amazing”, with new furniture including a “reading egg” which allows children to sit and read together. For the school’s reception classes the return was marked with an innovative art project, which saw them create the outlines of a life-size blue whale and whale shark by standing on the field, with pictures captured by a drone flown above them. Mrs Harris said: “It was a brilliant start to learning in school for all of our children. “A huge thank-you to our Bromley Heath community for their support and enthusiasm, for making our first week back to learning together such a success.” At St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, head teacher Mark Hilliam said children had “settled back brilliantly”. He said: “We are exceptionally proud of how they have come back, with smiling faces and an eagerness to get back to their learning. “Teachers are working hard to help the children get back into the swing of school life and

have been careful to make the transition back as smooth and positive as possible. “We are still in our class bubbles and are now very used to working in this way.” Mr Hilliam said the school had held World Book Day events on March 4, running “book-fuelled” activities for both children who were in school and pupils learning at home. He said: “Home learners and children who attended school dressed as their favourite story characters and many children took part in the ‘Book in a Box’ competition, choosing a scene from a favourite book to recreate in miniature. “The teachers recorded ‘book at bedtime’ videos to be shared at home and families shared pictures of the book activities they had enjoyed at home, with children in school. “We had a wonderful day of dressing up, making, painting and storytelling.” The return to school has seen children and parents at Barley Close Community Primary School able to take part in a project to encourage active travel – walking, cycling or scooting to

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school. Children are able to log their journey to school on a Travel Tracker app and receive monthly badges for successfully completing an active journey. The school has set up a ‘park and stride’ scheme with Living Streets and South Gloucestershire Council for people whose journey from home is too far to walk or cycle the whole way. Parents who drive are encouraged to park their cars up to ten minutes’ walk away and

the school has created an active travel zone map on its website. Families can use it to see where the 5 and 10 minute walking zones are around the school, then look out for ‘walking bubble’ stickers on lamp posts five minutes’ walk from the school. To record their journey as a ‘park and stride’, children need to walk, scoot or cycle past a sticker to ‘burst’ the bubble. The school is working towards a Modeshift STARS silver award for sustainable travel.

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April, 2021

n PAGE PARK NEWS

Concerns over 'modern' flats ignored COUNCILLORS have enthusiastically backed plans for a three-storey block of flats in Frenchay, despite objections from dozens of residents. Members of a South Gloucestershire Council planning committee called the design of the flats “elegant”, “clever” and “brilliant” before unanimously approving them. But residents and two local councillors said the block was too big for the “postage stamp”-sized piece of land on Bristol Road, and that neighbours would lose their privacy. Thirty residents objected to the application, along with Winterbourne Parish Council. Committee members heard that Ludwell Property Ltd planned to demolish the existing two-bedroom bungalow and build five two-bedroom flats on the site opposite Malmains Drive. The modern design, with bronze zinc cladding and

The site as it is now

An artist’s impression of the flats Picture: Ashley Kennedy / South Gloucestershire Council.

stone and brickwork, would include eight parking spaces, five charging points for electric vehicles, bicycle storage, bin storage, solar panels, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and LED lighting, a planning officer said, with one flat on the top floor of the three-storey building. It would have a garden terrace set back from the edge, and its lounge, like those of the two flats on the second floor, would face the road.

Architect Marcus Fox, speaking on behalf of the developer, told the development management committee meeting in February that the design meant there would be “no loss of privacy” for neighbours. “We also feel that a new building of this quality and calibre will have a very positive impact on the area and enhances the street scene,” he said. But Adrian Collins from Frenchay Parish Council said the building was too big for that part of Bristol Road, and residents in the top flat would “easily overlook all of the neighbouring gardens”. It would be “very dangerous” to have at least eight cars coming and going opposite Malmains Drive, a “busy rat-run” with “a lot of speeding”, he added. “We don’t feel there’s any need for five flats to be built on such a small postage stamp of land amidst these seven bungalows,” Mr Collins said. Ben Burton, who represents the Frenchay & Downend ward on South Gloucestershire Council, said the flats were “completely out of context” and would likely be occupied

by “young professionals” or “couples”, with ten cars altogether. The planning officer who recommended the application for approval said the building was only “marginally” taller than other houses nearby, and that the street had a “surprising mix” of houses with “no defined character”. Officers were “happy with the impact in terms of overlooking” and thought the design made the “best use” of the land. Members of the planning committee took it in turns to praise the proposal, in increasingly admiring terms. Brian Hopkinson (Con, Bradley Stoke Central) called it “elegant”, Shirley Holloway (Lib Dem, Thornbury) described it as “clever and cunning”, and Judy Adams (Con, Emersons Green) called it “absolutely brilliant”. All nine members of the committee voted to approve the application, which was resubmitted after a previous proposal for six flats was withdrawn. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

We welcome children from all faiths and backgrounds. Call 0117 956 1166 or email staugustinesstaff@gmail.com

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YOUR

Community NEWS

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE I AM thrilled that the lockdown restrictions are gradually being lifted, enabling us all to get back to some form of normality at long last. That said, we must remain vigilant and cautious in the months ahead. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council holds an ‘Annual Assembly’ each year. The Annual Assembly is a public meeting and offers an opportunity for local residents to speak with their Parish Councillors and debate current issues in the community. For the first time this year, we will be holding this meeting via Zoom (joining information below, or via the link on our website). This will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 15th April. During the course of the meeting, there will be a presentation and update on the new pavilion project at King George V / Badminton Road Playing Fields and we will also be presenting awards to our Parish Champions. These awards are to recognise and applaud the valuable work carried out by an individual or organisation in the community of Downend & Bromley Heath. The recipients of the awards this year are:John Honeywell – John is retiring as race director of the Frenchay 10K Charity Road Race. 2020 would have been the 40th anniversary of the event, which is all about giving back to the community and bringing families, neighbours and people from further afield together to enjoy the day. Nick Smith, Downend School – Nick has worked at Downend School since 1996 and became the education representative for the Arts Council Bristol and South West giving a voice to schools at the heart of our communities’ cultural sector and bringing back numerous opportunities for our young people. He has worked with the Downend

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DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

Community History & Arts Project, Downend Men in Sheds, Downend & Bromley Heath in Bloom, Historic England, Downend Folk Club and alongside the award winning leading British folk trio ‘The Young Uns’. Prestige Grounds – Brad and his team have provided incredible support in getting the sports pitches and playing fields at King George V, Badminton Road and Bromley Heath to an excellent standard over recent years. Brad’s attention to detail, professionalism and understanding of what we require has been outstanding. We are very proud of Brad and are delighted he is one of our Parish Champions this year… a well deserved award. Tracey Lush – Tracey is a Lollipop Lady working with the staff and children at Bromley Heath Infant & Junior Schools, in addition to being a lunchtime supervisor and supporting the breakfast / tea clubs. Tracey is outside in all weathers welcoming the pupils to and from school. This is a hugely important role and the Parish Council would like to thank Tracey for doing such a sterling job in our community.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97178537395?pwd=bm9tdmdxTyto RGZKeTVoMnFCV3FiZz09 Meeting ID: 971 7853 7395 Passcode: 874408

We look forward to welcoming you.

DOWNEND HIGH STREET South Gloucestershire Council has allocated an additional £120K support on top of the recently launched £400K ‘Help us Thrive’ grant, from which Downend will directly benefit. On SGC’s website is a 5-minute survey – please take part to influence how Downend will look, feel and work in the years to come. https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/connect.ti/ DownendHighSt/consultationHome

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681 CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260 CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486 CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07742 400 474 CLLR SHARON HERNIMAN Tel. 07534 603 704

CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632 CLLR ALVIS WEST 07767 216 412 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

www.dbhparishcouncil.uk

downendvoice

n NEWS THE artist who created a giant sculpture on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path that was attacked by arsonists hopes to see the landmark repaired and back in its rightful place. Professor Jim Paulsen created the 25ft tall Sentinel I gateway, known to many people as the 'Pencils', and supervised its installation as part of a series of artworks commissioned by travel charity Sustrans. South Gloucestershire Council removed the artwork, which stood over the path between the old Mangotsfield Station and the ring road, on safety grounds in early March, after vandals set fire to one of its legs, damaging the wood. It is now being stored by the council while the damage is assessed. Prof Paulsen, who lives in the US state of Maryland, created the sculpture and a smaller Sentinel piece on the cycle path after being introduced to then Sustrans boss John Grimshaw while teaching at the University of the West of England on an academic exchange programme. It was one of two he created on a voluntary basis between 1992 and 1993, as the path was being set up. Prof Paulsen told the Voice the sculpture was inspired by Native American tipi design and the use of colour, having grown up in Blackhawk country in Illinois. He used timber from Bendrey Brothers

April, 2021

Arsonists damage 'Pencils' landmark on cycle track

Council workers at the Sentinel sculpture, also known as the Pencils sawmill in Warmley, painting it with assistance from friends and several of his students at UWE's Bower Ashton campus before supervising its installation by crane before he returned to America. He has since returned several times to visit the sculpture with his wife, whom he met

in Bristol. After the Voice informed him of the damage, Prof Paulsen said: "It's a darn shame but that's the life we live today. The sad reality is that the Sentinel couldn't protect itself. "I would be very happy to talk to anyone who would have an interest in repairing it and I could instruct them how to do the chainsaw work. "If it's just one leg that's damaged it could easily be repaired." Prof Paulsen has been a sculptor for 50 years and has created more than 30 similar Sentinel sculptures, but the Bristol one and another which Sustrans later commissioned on a cycle path near Glasgow are the biggest in the series. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Unfortunately the Pencils sculpture has been damaged by fire and we’ve had to take it down due to concerns about the stability of the structure. "The sculpture will be kept in storage as we assess the damage and decide on the most appropriate course of action.”

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April, 2021

n NEWS

Award for helping emergency food service STAFF and customers of a Downend supermarket have been thanked for their help in supporting others through the pandemic. Sainsbury’s Local in Badminton Road has held money and food collections, and the company has made its own donation, to support the Staple Hill Community Hub’s emergency food parcels service. The combined efforts of customers, staff and the company have raised £2,300 towards the service, and donations to food collecting points in the shop are providing a regular boost to the hub’s supplies to make up the parcels for people in crisis. Over the past year the service has seen demand surge because of COVID-19 restrictions. In recognition of the help given to the store the Staple Hill Partnership, Mangotsfield Residents Association and local councillors have given it an

William Lee of the Staple Hill Community Hub presents a community award to Downend Sainsbury’s Local store manager Rachel Brooks outstanding community service award, which was presented on March 17 by Staple Hill Community Hub chair William Lee. He said: “We were offering emergency food parcels before the pandemic but since March last year there have been a lot more people who either have been isolating and unable to get to the shops or have been

furloughed, or lost their jobs. “There’s a steady stream of people coming who say they need help because they can’t put food on the table. “Thousands of meals have been provided. We’re only a small charity but the service does make a difference. “The hub cannot thank Sainsbury’s Local in Downend enough. It’s only a small shop

but the staff have gone the extra mile to help us, and we feel they are more than deserving of this small token to show our appreciation.” As part of the firm’s Help Brighten a Million Christmases appeal, customers were invited to round up their bills to donate to the hub. Sainsbury’s added its own financial donation and in January offered the hub’s volunteers £300 worth of shopping for the parcels service. Store manager Rachel Brooks said: “We’re proud to be supporting the Staple Hill Community Hub. “Our customers have been very generous with their donations since we set up the partnership and together with the support of our colleagues we’re proud that those contributions will help to support the local area at such a challenging time.”

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April, 2021

nM ETRO MAYOR ELECTIONS In May voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES get to choose their next Metro Mayor. The boss of the West of England Combined Authority, or WECA, is in charge of coordinating the region’s transport, housing jobs and skills policy and will oversee the spending of more than £1.1 billion over the next 30 years. The first Metro Mayor, Conservative Tim Bowles, is standing down and, while nominations were still open as the Voice went to print, the main political parties had already announced their contenders for the post.

Samuel Williams

Dan Norris

Aiming to keep it for the Tories is Samuel Williams, the founding director of Hodos Consultancy. Labour, runners-up in 2017, have selected former Wansdyke MP Dan Norris.

Stephen Williams

Former Bristol West MP Stephen Williams is the Liberal Democrats’ choice. The Green Party has picked Jerome Thomas, deputy group leader on Bristol City Council.

1) What are the three biggest issues facing the region?

safe cycling. Third, a plan to build socially balanced new communities with climate-friendly homes.

how we could work together to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.

Dan Norris: Jobs, climate change and housing. The pandemic has exacerbated the need for effective leadership. It’s not good enough to have money to support our High Streets languishing in the Metro Mayor’s bank account. We can’t wait any longer to take action on climate change and we need more affordable homes. I have a vision for a green recovery, building a society where we value what’s truly important.

Jerome Thomas: Obviously our recovery after Covid – we need to support communities and businesses to rebuild and adapt, ensuring that we are creating jobs that have a future. To protect the climate, we need to build homes in places with good local services and transport links which allow people to get around quickly without needing to use their cars. And for our well-being as well as the environment, we must protect and improve our green spaces and wildlife areas.

Dan Norris: I’ll be a jobs-first mayor, holding a jobs summit in my first 100 days in office and launching my Green Recovery Plan. I’ll set out plans to double investment in affordable housing, shifting resources to support councils and housing associations.

Samuel Williams: Jobs, Jobs and Jobs! Our region is full of opportunity; as we recover from the impacts of Covid, following the tremendous vaccine roll-out, I will connect all communities across the West of England with the opportunity to secure our future progress. I will invest over £100 million over the next four years to secure the recovery of our skills, training and business. In addition, I will invest in our transport network with new services and build homes for the future. Stephen Williams: First, a recovery from the twin economic shocks of Covid and Brexit. I will lead a recovery that is green and socially just, setting up a Centre for Green Technology Excellence and using the skills budget to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Second, putting more oomph and vigour behind plans to revolutionise our bus and train networks and to enable

2) If you win the election, what would your first action be? Samuel Williams: It is vital that the mayor works with Government not against it. Once in post, I’ll pick up the phone to the Prime Minister and Chancellor to secure their support for the region – and it’s a call they’ll take. Stephen Williams: I have a detailed manifesto for transformative change in the West of England, on my website at www. stephenwilliams.org.uk. I would run through my top priorities with all the staff of the regional authority, setting out milestones for action. Jerome Thomas: I would meet with local town and parish councils to hear what their priorities are and

3) What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job? Stephen Williams: To be successful, this major role needs a mayor with deep knowledge of both business and government. I was a small business consultant before becoming a Bristol MP and then Minister for housing and local government. Jerome Thomas: I’ve had a long career in business and been a city councillor for six years. I’ve lived in this region most of my life. Above all, I know how to create a realistic plan bringing people together, whatever their politics. Dan Norris: I’ve lived and worked locally all my life as an NSPCC trained child protection officer, an MP and Environment Minister, and I’ve run my own businesses. I’ve got a record of securing jobs and investment. I’m a children’s charity trustee. Samuel Williams: As an

Jerome Thomas

As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer four interview questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans. international business and charity leader, this is the chance to recover with a mayor who embodies the future, who connects opportunities and is committed to business minded and community hearted leadership, not the time for old solutions.

4) How would you raise the profile of the Metro Mayor and WECA? Jerome Thomas: First, I want to do a good job for the region and deliver a solid plan with communities at its heart. Second, I will stand up for the West of England and secure more funds and local control of services. Dan Norris: I’ll be a visible, active mayor holding regular Town Hall meetings. I’ll win more funding and push for more powers for our region. With strong leadership, I’ll ensure the West of England is a key part of the national conversation. Samuel Williams: Having led an organisation that works with some of the world’s biggest brands, I know how to grow our profile. With Conservatives at the top levels of Government I am well connected, with a region full of talent. Stephen Williams: I’d stage a Meet the Mayor roadshow around all the region’s towns and villages and in the distinct communities of Bath and Bristol. I would use my experience to deliver my ambitious plans and win great deals from Westminster.

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downendvoice

April, 2021

n NEWS

Upgrade for play area SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is set to spend almost £45,000 upgrading a Downend play area. The play area, near the corner of Beaufort Road and Walker Close, was last revamped more than 12 years ago and over the past three years some of the equipment, including a climbing frame, has had to be removed: for two years a traffic cone has been covering the spot where one piece previously stood. The project was announced as part of a £360,000 investment in sports facilities and biodiversity projects, using contributions made by developers in return for planning permission across South Gloucestershire. A total of £44,827.74 has been allocated for the upgrade, using money originally allocated to another play area that has now been decommissioned. Councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams, whose Emersons Green ward includes the play area, said: “We are pleased to see this funding being reallocated to make improvements at Beaufort Road Play Area. "It is important that we as a council continue to improve our local public open spaces and we look forward to seeing what positive impact this investment will have." Elsewhere Pucklechurch Parish Council will receive £4,551.40 to fund improvements to its allotments. The biggest projects are at Cribbs Causeway, where rugby clubs Bristol Saracens and Clifton RFC will each see just over £88,000 spent to improve their facilities, and Redmaids High School will be given £84,000 to fund upgrades to its netball and tennis multisports courts, which will be available to the public out of school hours and during school holidays.

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Girl harassed in street A TEENAGE girl was left “shaken” after being accosted in the street and harassed by a man in Emersons Green. Police have appealed for help in identifying the man, who took the 16-year-old girl’s hand and told her to go with him in Wadham Grove at about 4.50pm on March 5. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said the girl refused to go with the man, who walked off in the direction of Cossham Street in Mangotsfield. He was described as white, in his 30s and of average build, with a long blond goatee beard and a Bristol accent. He wore a green jacket with the hood up and jogging bottoms, possibly grey. PC Richard Gay said: “While the victim wasn’t physically harmed in this incident, it has understandably left her shaken. “We’re taking this seriously and, as well as keeping the victim updated with our inquiry, we continue to ensure she has access to the support she needs. “House-to-house enquiries have been carried out and neighbourhood officers have been made aware of the man’s description. “We’re keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man or who lives in the area who may have a doorbell camera or CCTV which captured him." Anyone with information should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 047 987.

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n PAGE PARK NEWS

Get snapping PEOPLE are being urged to enter the Friends of Page Park photo competition, which is now open. Amateur and professional photographers alike are welcome to enter up to four pictures each in the competition, with the best 12 photos chosen to form the Friends’ 2022 calendar. Photos must be in landscape format only, and must not contain any people. The judges are looking for pictures depicting the passing of the seasons and will judge them on originality, appeal, composition, technical ability and interpretation of the theme. Photos should not contain any images of people or children and entries should say where in the park they were taken. The contest is open until June 30 and photos should be in JPG format and between 2 and 5 megabytes. Entries can be emailed to pageparkcompetition@gmail. com. Find details at www. friendsofpagepark.co.uk.

April, 2021

Tributes to Beryl Page A MEMBER of the Page family and strong supporter of Page Park has passed away. Beryl Page had been married to John Page, the grandson of the park’s original benefactor Alderman Arthur William Page, after whom the park is named. The Page family have retained close links to Staple Hill and have continued to be keen and active supporters of the Friends of Page Park, making donations to start the restoration fund in 2010 and towards the restoration of the clock tower. After John died in 2012, Beryl, who lived near Bristol, continued to play her part, attending events including the opening of the bandstand and the reopening of the revamped Page Association centre, and supporting the Friends of Page Park in their work. Her daughter Clare confirmed that she had died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary on March 5,

Beryl Page opening the bandstand after it was refurbished in 2013 after complications following a fall at home. Steph Purser of the Friends of Page Park said: “We all feel so fortunate that Beryl has played a part in the Page Park story over the past few years as she joined us at our events and also gave practical support to our projects. “Beryl was a lovely, special

lady. Small in stature, she was a strong and independent woman with an amazing zest for life. “Beryl will be greatly missed. “We send our love and thoughts to Beryl's children, Clare and Peter, and the rest of the Page family at this very sad time.”

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April, 2021

n PAGE PARK NEWS

Work to start on aviary and bandstand WORK is set to start on a revamp of the aviary in Page Park after residents and groups donated £1,200 to get the project up and running. The aviary in the park's Sensory Garden has been a favourite with young children and families for decades but is in need of improvement. From April, once the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions allows volunteer work teams to operate in the park again, work will begin to improve the pathways around the aviary to stop visitors getting muddy feet, to paint the mesh and instal a skylight to make the inside less gloomy. The existing central structure is due to be removed and replaced, with improved perching and a breeding box for the birds inside. A trellis with climbing plants is also set to be erected around the aviary.

Work to transform the aviary in Page Park will start in April The Friends of Page Park set up a donation page which raised more than £1,100 for the project, with further donations from local councillors and the Mangotsfield Festival fund. Steph Purser from the Friends

of Page Park said: “I would like to thank everyone for donating to the aviary fund on the Virgin Giving Page – to date we have £1,200 to start the project. “It has been amazing response from our local

community.” The Friends are taking advice from Bristol Zoo on any new birds which can be added to the aviary. Steph added: "Some people would rather we didn't have the birds there but the general feeling was that people want to keep it. The birds are bred in captivity." Work is also due to start to restore and redecorate the park's bandstand during the Easter holidays. The cost of the work has been made possible by a £10,000 grant from landfill operator Enovert, which also helped fund renovations ten years ago, and £1,000 from the Friends. The work will involve roof and stonework repairs, painting and redecorating. For details of how to donate towards work in the park visit the website friendsofpagepark. co.uk.

Keep off the flower beds! PARENTS visiting Page Park are being asked to make sure children do not run over the flower beds in the park's Sensory Garden. Signs have been put up in the garden by the Friends of Page Park to remind visitors that, even when they are not in flower, the beds contain plants and bulbs, which have been damaged by unsupervised children. Some damage has also been caused by people allowing dogs into the garden, which is the only part of the park where they are not supposed to be taken. Volunteers are about to start planting work in some of the beds and Steph Purser, of the Friends, said it was heartbreaking to see children – and even some adults – climbing on to the raised beds and running through them. She said: "We're a little disappointed to see some people not respecting the garden."

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Wanted - Clerk to Governor Governors Wanted - New Bromley Heath Junior School are currently looking for a new Clerk to Governors would beofdelighted toahear Our governors come to us and through a variety routes and with range from of different backgrounds, skills and experiences. anyone who:They are all volunteers who work together for the benefit of the school and are the link between the Is IT literate school and the community it serves.

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Has good communication skills

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You should be reliable and have a flexible approach. Previous clerking experience is desirable though not If you match the above description you may be the very person to become a essential as training and support will be available. governor at Bromley Heath Junior School. Everyone has something to offer and we Meetings will takea range place duringasterm time. like to recruit people with as wide of interests possible. If you are interested, please contact Michele Weeks, Clerk to Governors for For further details please email more information about this role and the appointment process Donna Whinham, Chair of Governors c/o school@bhjs.org.uk Email: michele.weeks@bhjs.org.uk or telephone 07525931379 and look at our recruitment section in the home section of the school website www.bhjs.org.uk

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

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downendvoice

April, 2021

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill TShirts 4 You

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

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

Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 18 years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote,

garages with high standards of workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk 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.

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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

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April, 2021 clients to enjoy greater wealth. Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing assistance with VAT or payroll, or a new start-up seeking experienced 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.

and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell that any more.

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Farleys Farley’s Pet Foods & Supplies has been on Broad Street in Staple Hill for nine years. It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and have grown the garden supplies part of the business. The garden supplies section includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have just started supplying trellis and picket fencing made locally. Within the pet foods section we have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live insects and bedding. Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food

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. So come on don't just walk on by, call in and take a look. I aim to make it as easy as possible 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

The Card Shop 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.

Spectrum Accountancy Solutions Spectrum Accountancy Solutions is an established practice based in Staple Hill. We provide professional advice to all businesses and individuals. The practice is supported by a team of friendly, skilled and experienced staff who

23 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.

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 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.

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

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Reptile Foods & Frozen 40 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 9566787

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

downendvoice

April, 2021

Welcome to your Easter feature for our local churches

Standingtogether

It ISgreat news!

EASTER this year feels especially significant. It’s a year since we first entered national lockdown, huge sacrifices have been made and many lives have tragically been cut short. We have stood together and wept together and also longed together for a brighter day, though in the darkest hours it may have been hard to see how such a day could ever be. Yet we believe in all of these experiences we have much in common with those who experienced the events of that first Good Friday. However, the message of Easter is fundamentally a message of hope, declaring that ultimately death does not get to have the final say. So, this Easter we invite you to both remember with us and to look forward in hope as we celebrate this message together. Our services will be accessible online via our YouTube channel, which you can access through our website or by searching for Downend Baptist Bristol. As with all our services, we also have space for limited numbers to join us in person. Simply book in advance by contacting the office, or completing the online form at www.downendbaptist.co.uk/services. For children, our service on Easter Sunday will include a virtual easter treasure hunt, with a chance to follow the clues to claim a genuine chocolatey prize! Our building will also remain open for an hour or so after both services, for anyone who would like to make use of the peaceful space for private reflection, as we continue to remember and look forward together.

The two historical events that Easter is based around are the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The good news is that because of those events, we can have peace with God through Jesus. In and of ourselves we cannot be at peace with God. We do not, and cannot, live up to God’s perfect standards. There are good things we fail to do, and wrong things we do. We sin against ourselves, others and ultimately our Maker. The Bible tells us that God has appointed Jesus to return to the world one day as judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). We will each be accountable for our all crimes, every sin. The good news however comes in the following verse, that ‘everyone who believes in him (Jesus) receives forgiveness of sins.’ If you stood in the dock, before the High Court Judge whose home you had been caught on CCTV robbing, you would have little peace. Jesus, however, is not only our judge, but he can be our Saviour. In his death on the cross (Good Friday) he died the sinner’s death – the judgement for sin fell on him. His resurrection (Easter Sunday) proved the penalty had been paid in full for us. So, if we go to Jesus, believing in him as the Son of God and Saviour, the judge grants us forgiveness. The condemnation is lifted, and we have peace with God – now and forever. It IS great news! Find our services on YouTube. Search for Pendennis Good News Church.

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

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

April, 2021

n EASTER ADVERTISING FEATURE

Hopeisspringing WE offer a warm welcome to all who want to try church or explore faith and life together. Join us as we worship, support each other get involved in supporting the local community. Discover how your talents and passions can be shared. Find true wellbeing and hope as we emerge from lockdown. Connect with us to find out more about wellbeing courses and the Alpha Course. Ask about our young people’s groups and our groups for families. Currently our services are in person and some are live streamed on YouTube on our channel Christ Church Downend. Activities have been running online and we hope to begin more in person activities soon. Weddings are able to be held, with some restrictions in guest numbers until the summer. What better time to dip your toe in and try out being part of the community. We’d love to hear from you! www. christchurchdownend.com

Easter at Staple Hill Celebrate a time of new life and new beginnings

We are looking forward to being able to meet again on our Church premises very soon. with the wonderful sound of the organ, the beautiful flower arrangements and music to ‘raise the roof’ once more. In the meantime why not look us up online? Our Sunday 10.30am services are now recorded each week and can be accessed on our website – we invite you to join with us in this way from your own home at a time of your choice. Once we are open, our covid-safe services in the building will be limited to 30 bookable places only but will continue to be recorded and available online. The church is the people – we invite you to experience thoughtful and inclusive worship in a friendly atmosphere. Happy Easter! Website: www.staplehillmethodist.com/our-services email: staplehillmethodist@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: @staplehillmethodist

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

downendvoice

April, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS WELLBEING is one of those buzz words at the moment. The covid pandemic has caused mayhem and the effect on people’s emotional health has been widely documented. Young adults have been particularly vulnerable with a combination of economic and social factors bearing down on them. Parents tasked with home schooling whilst maintaining other responsibilities have felt extreme pressure, and many people living on their own have experienced isolation and a sense of loneliness. The fact is, no-one has been exempt from the emotional effects of covid, our resilience has been tested and our sense of well-being threatened. Christ Church Downend is seeking to support people of all ages through a series of wellbeing courses. Twenty five local teenagers are meeting weekly to explore issues through material produced by Kintsugi Hope. This special course helps equip people with strategies

Wellbeing under threat Former Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas fronts the Wellbeing Journey to help protect their health and well-being in these difficult times. It consists of a structured yet flexible series of 7 weeks of content, which includes group and individual activities designed to help participants to accept themselves, understand their value and worth, and grow towards a more resilient and hope-filled future. After Easter, the team,

Rev Paul Peterson Associate Minister Christ Church Downend

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trained by Kintsugi Hope, plan to offer the material more widely to people of all ages. Meanwhile around 40 adults from the Downend area have been engaging with the Wellbeing Journey on Zoom – an eight session video and discussionbased series fronted by former Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas and TV presenter, actress and

author Joanna Adeyinka-Burford. The material explores wellbeing through the lens of six dials, physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial and vocational, combining interviews with experts with down to earth practical wisdom. One person who took part said it had brought her “closer to like-minded people, who want to improve their understanding of themselves and learn techniques to cope with all areas of life”. As lockdown is relaxed we hope to be able to run these face to face in due course. If you would like to know more about Christ Church’s wellbeing courses, email parishadmin@ christchurchdownend.com or call 0117 908 9867.

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downendvoice

April, 2021

n CHURCH NEWS

Tree of hope unveiled SO many have lost so much in the last year. Come to the churchyard at Christ Church Downend and tie a white ribbon onto one of the branches of our Tree of Hope in memory of a loved one, or simply as an act of prayer and reflection. Ribbons will be available at the tree from now until Easter Saturday, April 3. Please avoid March 30 and 31 during school time, when school children will be doing activities in the churchyard. From Easter morning on Sunday April 4, we invite you to bring a flower to the tree and add to the display as a sign of hope, turning our tree of sorrow into a Tree of Hope. Please observe restrictions, use sanitiser before and after touching the ribbons, and be aware that the ground around the tree is uneven. Anita Dobson

Tuesday Move It Club leaders Helen Buick and Nic Barnett are ready to restart the Tuesday Move It Club

Club ready to restart

A CLUB for children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 is getting ready to start again. The Tuesday Move It Club, which is run outside the Staple Hill Community Hub in Berkeley Road, had to stop its play sessions for the latest lockdown. But with rules being relaxed from the end of March, plans were in place to hold the first session in months for the club on Tuesday, March 30. Pendennis Good News Church family worker Nic Barnett and Helen Buick, from Christ Church, have been running the free after-school club every Tuesday from 3.30-4.30pm since 2018.

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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, 2021

n DOWNEND IN BLOOM

Here comes the sun ... we can't wait! WELL, the vaccine roll-out is going really well and I think we are all looking forward to the possibility of things slowly opening up, and our lives getting back to something near normal. With that said, at In Bloom, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our summer displays and the beauty and joy that will bring once again to our area. We continue to work behind the scenes to get things ready for June, and all that it will bring. We thank everyone for their continued support of In Bloom and especially to the parish council, whose grant each year makes our provision of the displays possible. We are also looking forward to welcoming the return of our businesses, old and new, as they start to reopen and hope that, after these difficult times, we as a community can support them as much as possible. There are many initiatives, which we at In Bloom hope we can assist with, to help our High Streets thrive and survive! We have been very busy making planters for people, and these funds continue to supplement the provision of our In Bloom displays.

We have also been hearing from people who have installed our bird boxes in their gardens and who have had robins, blue tits and others checking them out, with a view to nesting. A new addition to our portfolio (doesn’t that sound professional?) has been making hedgehog houses and runs . Let’s hope we can encourage more wildlife to come to our area: how good would that be. The panolas have certainly started to bloom this month – someone recently asked me if we had been out planting recently, but these are the same ones we planted in October last year. They are, however, just like me – they thrive in the warm weather. Finally, we had an order to make some raised beds for one of our residents, so it is

good to see people thinking about going out into their gardens – roll on the summer! Jackie Baker Facebook: downendandbromleyheathinbloom

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Government guidelines strictly followed with social distancing

oes your home need some attention after months of having everyone home, and being out of routine? I am a professional home organiser, and would love to help. Whether it’s a spare room, overflowing cupboards, the children’s bedrooms and toys, your kitchen cupboards, or piles of “stuff” lying around, I can sort it. My Facebook page, Louise Declutter Bristol, has lots of before and after photos and testimonials.

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April, 2021

n VETS' ADVICE

OW spring is in the air many people will pick flowers or buy plants such as daffodils and lilies, these beautiful plants are unfortunately poisonous to our furry friends. In most reported cases it is daffodil bulbs that are poisonous. They contain alkaloids which give plants a bitter taste and glycosides which are a sugar compound, remember if you have cut flowers the petals can also contain these. The effects on your pet can vary from case to case, the most common effects are vomiting diarrhoea painful tummy, tremors or convulsions and in rare cases death. If your pet does ingest flowers or blub don’t panic bring them straight to the vets where we can administer an injection and induce vomiting to remove the poisonous flowers. Lilies are another favourite these are toxic to cats, causing kidney failure. The usual problem is not the cat eating the lily, but getting the sticky pollen on their fur and then grooming it off, swallowing some in the process. Most cut flowers now contain a warning that they may be poisonous to cats, be aware all parts if the plant are dangerous including the water your cut flowers are in. With the summer approaching and it staying lighter for longer, you take a longer country walks. Ticks are a spider like parasite that wait on long grass and attach themselves to your pet and feed on their blood for several days. Ticks can transmit a serious condition called Lyme’s disease. If ticks are not properly removed, the head and jaws can remain in the skin and cause infection or abscess, so they need to be carefully removed

Beware, this is a dangerous time of year for our pets Another tradition for this time of year is Simnel cakes and hot cross buns these contain raisins, currants and sultanas which can be toxic to dogs. Some dogs seem to be able to eat lots without ill effects and others can be poisoned by just a few. It’s not possible to list all potential poisons, and not always safe to assume that something that is ok for humans is ok for pets, so if your pet eats something unusual, please contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.

using a tick removal device. These can be purchased at the surgery or our nurses can remove ticks for you. Lyme’s disease can affect humans too so we advise you wear gloves if removing ticks and to remove a tick as soon as you notice it. Ticks are most prevalent between March and September and can be prevented with the use of a tick collar or a chewable tablet (for dogs) –as tick season is just around the corner; make sure your tick prevention treatment is in hand Before you know it will be Easter Sunday and children will on an easter egg hunt. Remember to hide those eggs up high so they can’t be found by our four-legged friends. Do you remember Lucky Lucy

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from our Facebook page? Lucy a 9kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel found and ate a 300g bar of Galaxy chocolate which contains theobromine. Treatment is needed Georgina Haddrell RVN if any chocolate is eaten, the Avenue Veterinary Centre higher the quality chocolate the 0117 956 9038 more toxic it can be. Thankfully Lucy’s owners were aware that chocolate is unsafe for dogs and brought her to the surgery for treatment of induced vomiting and some activated charcoal to stop her absorbing any chocolate that had already been digested. She was able to go home the same day and suffered no ill effects. Pendennis Avenue, Staple H Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW Dog chocolate does not contain Pendennis Avenue, StapleTel: 0117 956BS16 90385DW w Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com theobromine, so is safe to give, 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com but checkPendennis the ingredients and Avenue, StapleTel: Hill, Bristol An independent practice Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, An independent practice providing a pers rememberTel: it’s0117 not the 956healthiest 9038 www.avenue-vets.com caring and compass An independent practice providing a pers Bristol BS16 5DW treats. caring and compassionate service

Tel.a0117 956 9038 service caring and compassionate An independent practice providing personal, Consultation by appointment Consultation by appointment caring and compassionate service Consultation by appointment 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday Consultation by appointment 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday

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MOT & SERVICING COSTS TO MAKE YOU SMILE

April, 2021

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

Brighter future after year of hardship

SERVICE FROM £99 MOT FROM £35

Jack Lopresti

JUST over a year ago, the Prime Minister gave us one simple instruction: stay at home. In response to a global pandemic, we suddenly had to move our lives indoors and online and rapidly adapt to a new way of living. This has been an extremely challenging 12 months. Many have lost loved ones, and the restrictions which we have had to endure have often made coping with the loss of family or friends even more difficult. The pandemic necessitated rapid decision-making from Government. The Government would never claim to have got every single decision right; this situation was unprecedented, and decisions which often had to be taken daily had a big impact on us all. This crisis has touched every single aspect of our lives, and I have been very moved by the displays of compassion and generosity throughout the last twelve months: neighbours caring for neighbours; people taking extra care to check on and look after one another; volunteers delivering food packages to the most vulnerable; the nation coming together to applaud our NHS and key workers. I would like to pay tribute and grateful thanks to the NHS, people working in care homes, delivery drivers, post office workers, people working in supermarkets and shops and everyone else working to keep us all going. It is a collective effort that will see us through to the other side of this pandemic. Nobody wanted to be back in lockdown, but it was the only option in the face of a resurgent virus that threatened greater loss of life and the overwhelming of our NHS. This time, though, it has been different. The huge success of the vaccine rollout gives renewed hope that life will soon return to normal. But that collective effort places on us all the responsibility to take the vaccine and keep adhering to the guidelines as we gradually unlock. In the fight against coronavirus, what we do individually matters. We could be out and about, when we can, and whilst we feel fine, we could be an asymptomatic carrier of coronavirus. That’s why, in tandem with the vaccines, rapid testing will continue to be an invaluable tool in keeping coronavirus suppressed when we go back to something more like normal life. We mustn’t forget the chain of transmission and continue to be mindful of others, especially those who will take a little more time to adapt to life out of lockdown. Looking ahead, the roadmap out of lockdown is making good progress. By April 12, we can get a haircut and sit in a beer garden. By May 17, we can be back in a restaurant. And, all going well, by June we will be back to something much closer to life as we knew it. We will never forget the hardship of the last twelve months, but we can now look ahead to a brighter future.

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April, 2021

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n NEWS

Nightingale Hospital shuts doors BRISTOL’S Nightingale Hospital, built to cope with a surge in coronavirus cases, is to close – without ever treating a Covid-19 patient. The hospital was created in the Exhibition and Conference Centre at the University of the West of England’s Frenchay campus in just 24 days in April last year, at a cost of around £14.2 million. It was intended as an emergency back-up to provide, up to 300 intensive care beds for coronavirus patients – six times the intensive care capacity of most acute hospitals in the region – in case existing hospitals became overwhelmed. But even at its opening ceremony, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was hoped the hospital’s beds would “not have to be used” and NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said it represented a plan to “hope for the best but nevertheless to prepare for the worst”. At the end of June it was moved into “standby mode”, with staff who had been seconded to the site from other parts of the NHS returning to their regular roles, as the first lockdown cut case numbers and meant fewer covid patients were being admitted to hospital.

“stand down” the hospital from April 1, with all outpatient and day case treatments currently carried out there moved back to the Eye Hospital. A spokesperson for NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol said: “The NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol has played an invaluable role to support non-Covid routine care in the region, hosting outpatient and day case services for NHS trusts. “The NHS has been building resilience across permanent services throughout the The opening ceremony for the NHS Nightingale pandemic and the time is now right to stand the Nightingale hospital down.” Hospital Bristol on April 27 last year A UWE Bristol spokesperson said discussions were currently underway over the return of the building to the university. Later in the year it was put to use by Asked whether it would be converted back University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS to its previous state and whether this work Trust to provide extra capacity for Bristol Eye would be carried out by UWE or the NHS, Hospital, which had to significantly reduce its the spokesperson said this was also under space because of social distancing rules and discussion, adding: “UWE Bristol is reviewing devote beds to Covid-19 cases. its options regarding usage of the building Critics had said that Nightingale Hospitals once it is returned to the University by the had not been put to use, even as other NHS.” hospitals dedicated increasing numbers of The total cost of the UK Nightingale wards to coronavirus patients, because the hospitals programme, including set-up, NHS did not have sufficient staff to open running and decommissioning, is estimated them in addition to its other hospitals. at around £532m. Now the NHS has confirmed that it will

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Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman

downendvoice kingswoodvoice

February 2021 32

15 April, 2021

n WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Staying open at Kings Chase, Kingswood LOCAL Wills experts Simpson Solicitors remain OPEN in the Kings Chase shopping centre in Kingswood (opposite Costa Coffee) during the lockdown to help readers of Kingswood, Downend and Fishponds Voice. The Government have identified the importance of having up to date Wills and Powers of Attorney in place during the COVID pandemic. The team at Simpson Solicitors have again been designated as key workers. So please support this local service and “Shop Local”. Solicitor, John Baden-Daintree says “If you became seriously ill or died, having Powers of Attorney and a Will in place is the only way you can make sure your wishes are followed. Not having them in place can cause great difficulty to your family.”

To find how they can help you or members of your family, just telephone 0117 960 8594 or pop into Simpson Solicitors to arrange a FREE Review Meeting with a friendly advisor. They will take as long as you need to guide you. They provide a COVID safe environment and you can choose your preferred way to get the ball rolling: ● Telephone Meeting ● Zoom Video Meeting (they can help you set this up)

● In person at your home ● In person at their offices If you then go ahead our readers will be offered 20% OFF their already competitive charges. Their No Hidden Costs service includes amendments and a supported Signing Meeting as well as free storage of your documents. This local, award winning service is designed to give you the peace of mind that everything has been prepared properly and is legally valid.

John and Michelle Baden-Daintree of Simpson Solicitors, Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood

0117 960 8594 www.simpsonsolicitors.com jbd@simpsonslawuk.com mbd@simpsonslawuk.com

FREE WILL REVIEW

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No one wants to leave behind a legal mess for their family to sort. Simpson Solicitors will give you peace of mind that your Wills & Powers of Attorney are properly prepared. Our friendly legal advisors are all fully trained, regulated and insured. Start with a free review meeting. Then we offer clear fixed prices with a promise of no hidden costs.

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On your own Wills: It’s how you decide who you want to inherit from you. “We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R.

Living Together Wills: Without one, your partner will not inherit anything from you, if you are not married or in a registered civil partnership. Parent Wills: Provide for children under 18 and chose who you want to raise them. Retirement Wills: Care home fee protection and avoidance of unnecessary tax.

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

Got News?contact Call Gary 07540 383870 Email: news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk To advertise, on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

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April, 2021

n NEWS

Go-ahead for new school Paddock objections

WORK on the new Frenchay Primary School is expected to start within months after planning permission was granted for the £9.6 million scheme. The new buildings on the former Frenchay Hospital site will accommodate up to 420 children, three times the capacity of the school's current Churchside home, next to Frenchay Common. Funding for the project was approved in this year's South Gloucestershire Council budget. The council expects work on the site to start during the summer, with the aim of staff and pupils moving in from September next year. It says the building has been designed to low-carbon standards known as Passivhaus, which aim to "substantially reduce energy consumption" and will not only make the new school cheaper to run but help the council meet its environmental aims. Council cabinet member for education Erica Williams said: “It is fantastic news that the plans for Frenchay Primary School’s new home have finally been approved. Our number one priority at the Council is to improve school standards and this very much means improving the learning environments for local children. “By designing this building to Passivhaus

MORE than 200 people have objected to plans to turn a paddock between Winterbourne and Downend into pitches for travellers. The Voice reported last month that plans had been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council to provide pitches for two mobile homes and two touring caravans, along with two dayrooms in permanent structures, at the site at Bury Hill Lane, near Hambrook. The land currently has permission for use in agriculture and the keeping of horses. Spaces to park four vehicles on new hardstanding are also included in the plans, submitted by a firm of Surrey-based architects on behalf of applicant Dean Smith. But the scheme has been objected to by 216 people, who have written to the council. The objections published on the council's website include claims that the proposed site would make the surrounding lanes "busier and more dangerous", would "bring discontent to the existing established residents of Moorend" and be a "blot on the landscape". Many also called on the council to preserve green space in the area, which was used for walks by people living locally. No date for a decision on the plans had been fixed as the Voice went to print.

Frenchay & Downend ward councillor Ben Burton at the site of the new school standards, it will not only make the school one of the most energy efficient in South Gloucestershire, but it will also help us to meet our Climate Emergency goals.” Fellow cabinet member and Frenchay & Downend ward councillor Ben Burton said: “I am delighted that we are able to progress these long-awaited plans for a bigger and more environmentally-conscious primary school in Frenchay. “This multi million-pound investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering the services local families need and is the first step in shaping Frenchay by delivering the key infrastructure that residents have been asking for. "I look forward to work beginning later this summer and to doors opening next year.”

NIN

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JONATHAN BESSELL Principal

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Tel: 07702 052807 | 0117 9574689 Email: jonathan.bessell@sjpp.co.uk www.bessellfp.co.uk

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances. The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk SJP11763e V2 TYE A5 Landscape Ad - Practice.indd 1

Got News? Call Ken On10/01/2021 0771520:58:02 770377

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April, 2021

n AROUND THE WIs

BROMLEY HEATH WI AS well as all of the noise from this month’s gales, March has not been a quiet one for the ‘online’ ladies of BHWI. A large number of our current sub-groups are now actively getting together regularly on Zoom, and we have launched Elevenses: a day time natter group on the fourth Monday of the month. Our March Zoom meeting saw the long-awaited return of Lynn Barrow’s Quirky-Bird online paintalong, which was both great fun and really relaxing. Our artistic ladies, plus moi, sat at home with our laptops, tablets, mobile phones, plus watercolours, paint pots, brushes and paper at the ready, keen to follow Lynn’s tutorial. This time we learnt how to paint tulips, roses, pot plants and (best of all) a very happy and friendly-looking chicken. Clearly the initials KFC or words Sunday roast had never darkened its horizons! At the close of the paint-along we were all delighted with our efforts but, despite the fact that we had all been following the same instructions, the variety in our output was extremely wide. I think they call it artistic licence or maybe personal interpretation but, either way, I doubt that any of it will be appearing on the Antiques Roadshow in the near

future. Certainly, I’ve told my daughter not to get her hopes up, but if Van Goch or Lowry had ever fathered children maybe they could have been told the same? In April Sarah Slater, a Historic Royal Places guided lecturer, will be revealing the ‘Sex, Scandal and Salacious Gossip’ in Hampton Court Palace at the time of good old Henry VIII. Move over Oprah Winfrey and guests, talk in today’s media probably pales in comparison to half of what that Henry got up to in court and with his six wives, in the first half of the 15th century. Back then. it was best to say nothing – or you could be off to the chopping block! Please email us at bromleyheathwi@gmail.com if you would like to join this meeting online free of charge or just require some further information about the benefits of joining the Women's Institute. Thank you and Stay Safe. Margaret Hanwell

All went well, with no computer hitches and, after the meeting finished, we ran a game of bingo with Peter Coombs as the caller. All a bit of fun. On March 8 our craft club section held a Zoom session making paper flowers from magazine pages, scissors and glue. Depending on the colour of the magazine, various effects could be achieved, creating multicolour or individual coloured flowers. I have a pair of serrated edge scissors, which also enhanced the final effect by creating a feathered edge to the petals. I also sprayed my flowers with clear lacquer to give a polished finish. Our March meeting on the 22nd was ‘armchair exercises’, for everybody looking to be a bit more active but currently restricted by the lockdown. This was a first in our own homes, as usually these evenings are in our hall. All of us at Mangotsfield WI would like to wish all of you readers a very Happy Easter. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing carol@applause. co.uk. Carol Coombs

MANGOTSFIELD WI IN February we finally managed to hold our annual meeting – by Zoom, of course. Not all of our members are able to use this technology but we managed to get sufficient numbers, one member joining by telephone.

DOWNEND WI OUR February meeting was another cracker: we were joined by Baroness Bolsover, what a hoot! She took us through afternoon

tea etiquette, the dos and don’ts of how to conduct oneself – for example, dunking biscuits in one’s tea is definitely a no no. She was suitably attired in Victorian costume which added to the occasion. The Baroness gave us an insight into the life of Victorian ladies, from posture to using the loo – or not, as bladder control apparently was very important because of their dresses and corsets. She showed us how to hold a teacup and use a napkin correctly: the height of good manners, “don't you know”? For our March meeting on the 30th we have arranged a chocolate demonstration, with local company Dame Chocolate, just in time for Easter. This is a good excuse for anyone thinking of joining the WI to come and join us via zoom for a ‘taster’ session. We also have subgroups currently meeting on Zoom for members. Contact us on email at downendwi@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested, in either the March meeting or becoming a full member from April. As we look forward to more spring-like weather, we may be thinking about getting out in the garden and planting – but what to do with the lovely flowers we have grown? Well, for our April meeting, we are hoping to have a florist join us to show us just that. With lockdown restrictions slowly being lifted, we are aiming to be back in the hall later in the year, with perhaps some outdoor activities planned for the summer if permitted. Watch this space. Ros, Secretary

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

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downendvoice

April, 2021

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Freekeh and roasted veg

with Mel of Melanie’s Kitchen

AN easy one roasting tin dish that tastes just as good served cold the next day. I used up sweet potatoes and half a cauliflower from the fridge plus a red onion. Vary the vegetables depending on what you have available or like. I used Chip seasoning from Hill and Vale (available in the shop) to coat the veg before roasting; you could also use smoked paprika and garlic powder or turmeric. Freekeh is a lovely nutty wholegrain that keeps its shape and texture when cooked but brown rice, quinoa or bulghur wheat will work too. Fresh herbs add a lovely fresh flavour, the green leaves from the cauli give the dish some extra colour too. Serve as a side to meat or for vegetarians stir in some ready cooked lentils (from a pouch is quick) or crumble over some feta cheese. The basic grain and veg dish will freeze or keep in the fridge for a few days. One tin freekeh and roasted veg - serves 4 generously 500g Freekah 2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed 1 large onion peeled and cut into 8 wedges 2-3 sweet potatoes either peeled or scrubbed and chunked Small cauliflower cut into bite size chunks or assorted vegetables 2 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil mixed with 1 tablespoon “Chip” seasoning Juice of a lemon plus salt and pepper extra olive oil Generous handful of parsley Method 1. Heat oven to 200/180C fan/Gas 6 2. Toss the vegetables( not the garlic) in the oil and seasoning , place in a large roasting tin. Bake for 25-40 minutes until the veg has softened and is starting to brown .

3. Meanwhile cook the freekeh according to packet instructions ,drain and keep warm. 4. Chop parsley finely if using and mix in a bowl with the lemon juice, garlic a tablespoon or more of olive oil .Pour this over the freekeh and stir the lot into the roast veg. Season with salt and pepper as required.

Melanie’s Kitchen DOWNEND’S OWN DELI, GIFTS & REFILL SHOP Thank you for shopping locally!

Did you know we have a growing range of items in our refill service? We now stock more ‘Bio-D’ household products, including laundry and cleaning lines, as well as ‘Faith in Nature’ toiletries and soaps. You will also find a growing range of other low environmental-impact items, such as toilet rolls and tissues from sugar cane waste, foil from recycled aluminium and loose pulses and rice (Bring your own container. We don’t require you to buy a special one!)

Handmade Belgian chocolates for that special gift (or a treat for yourself!) Easter gifts with a difference, including hampers

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April, 2021

n EDUCATION ADVERTISING FEATURE

Post-Pandemic Post-Pandemic Boost for Creative Education BRISTOL educator boomsatsuma is expanding, teaming up with George Ferguson to drive for change, with new studios in the Tobacco Factory to host four creative BA (Hons) degrees. Work is underway installing the purposebuilt education facility, which will welcome students in September 2021. It will comprise two new film studios, a screening lecture space, computer suite, games lab, darkroom and specially designed creative space, where students can develop and discuss ideas in an inspiring environment. Mark Curtis, boomsatsuma director, states: “We’re very excited to be located at the Tobacco Factory - what a great place to live, learn and tap into the opportunities afforded by the Bristol Creative industries. Tobacco factory’s success perfectly illustrates what can be achieved by and for the people of our city. “ The new degrees have been accredited by Bath Spa University, whose Head of School of Creative Industries and board member of Bristol Creative Industries, Dr Susan McMillan states: “I am a huge supporter of boomsatsuma: they are reaching parts that Universities and other colleges cannot reach, as well as developing future creative talent in new and exciting ways. “The creative industries deliver significant economic, social and reputational value to Bristol, the region, and the UK's economy.”

Pictured Left to Right: George Ferguson, Mark Curtis and Freya Billington Freya Billington is the course director of boomsatsuma’s two new BA (Hons) Filmmaking degrees specialising in production and post-production. She says: “In keeping with boomsatsuma’s ethos, this degree has been designed alongside our industry partners to specifically address where the skill shortages are and help develop graduates that are completely prepared and ready for employment. The two pathways, Production and Post-Production, allow for students to engage with and develop an understanding of the whole filmmaking process but also specialise up to a professional level in their chosen field. Whilst the studios will

be equipped with current Industry-standard equipment and software, capping the intake also enables a focus on each student’s individual career and personal development.” Alongside the Film degree, the Tobacco Factory will house boomsatsuma’s Games Art VFX BA (Hons) and Documentary Photography BA (Hons) degrees, in addition to the Bristol School of Acting’s new partnership, located in Tobacco Factory Theatres, with its Acting for Screen BA (Hons) and accelerated Acting for Stage & Screen BA (Hons). Building on 13 years of successfully delivering post-16 level 3 diplomas in digital and creative qualifications, the new location strengthens boomsatsuma’s partnerships, adding to course locations with Bristol creative companies at The Royal Photographic Society, The Bottle Yard Studios, Films @ 59, Ashton Gate Stadium and the Engine Shed. George Ferguson CBE, the city’s first independent Mayor, and creator of the Tobacco Factory mixed use project, states: “We are delighted to be part of what we see as a sustainable recovery from this culturally and economically bruising pandemic. We could not have a better start than giving our young people the chance to grow and meet their full potential.” Applications are open for courses at https:// www.boomsatsuma.education

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

April, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

James runs for dads’ charity A DOWNEND dad ran 70 miles to raise money and awareness for a charity which helps men through family breakdowns. Support from Dads Unlimited helped James Porter work through problems with access to his two children from a previous relationship. The charity provides help including mentoring, mental health and court support for dads and children in separated families, with issues including co-parenting, separation and single parenting. James, who lives with partner Bethany Plummer and their two children, Jax, two and four-month-old Sonny, found the charity online when he needed help to see his older children during the lockdown. He said: “I was struggling and I didn’t know where to turn. I was feeling very low at one point.

Quarry Court

“I found Dads Unlimited online and they were very understanding, keeping me positive and giving me the right steps to get the best outcome. They were getting me to talk to other dads in a similar situation.” Plasterer James has been running for around three years and says it helps his mental health. He said: “I think a lot when I’m running and it releases good endorphins.” To give something back to the charity and raise awareness of its work, James decided to set himself the challenge of running 70 miles in seven days – 10 per day for a week. Starting on February 26, James ran on routes near his home, finishing on March 4 and raising £300 for the charity in the process. Bethany said: “There are

James Porter with son Jax, 2. very few charities that support dads, so raising more awareness that there are some that can help with things like access to children, mental health and what steps to take next, could make sure others don't have to suffer in silence.”

Adelaide Place, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2FX

To donate to James’s fundraiser search for James Porter Dads Unlimited at uk.gofundme.com. For more information about Dads Unlimited visit dadsunltd. org.uk online.

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April, 2021

downendvoice

n NEWS

Surprise for local choirs MEMBERS of two choirs based in Mangotsfield were joined by a professional for their latest online singalong. The East Bristol Great Day Choir and Bella Mamas, who usually rehearse Great Day Choir Sound of Music singalong at Mangotsfield's United Reformed Church, have now spent a year meeting via video with fellow Great Day Choir network members. For their latest get together, a Sound of Music-themed choir night in March, they dressed as nuns and had a surprise guest, Bristol raised actor, musical director and presenter Ben Stock. Ben, who has appeared in musicals, pantomimes and solo shows across the country, led a rousing finale of Do Re Mi with the singers. Ben is an ambassador for charity Acting for Others, and choir founder Beth Morgan said the musical evening raised £208 for the charity. The Great Day Choir is a network of daytime pop and soul choirs for women based in Bristol and Bath, singing upbeat songs. There are no auditions and no previous experience is needed. For more information visit www.thegreatdaychoir.co.uk or email info@thegreatdaychoir.co.uk.

Tight squeeze for abnormal load THIS abnormal load squeezed through the streets of Downend thanks to a police escort and some very careful driving. The modular building, en route to a building site in Fishponds, made it through a gap between houses on Downend Road and a lamp post on a traffic island in the middle of the road with inches to spare. Avon and Somerset police's road safety unit escorted two trucks with super-wide loads through the area, stopping traffic oncoming traffic to help the vehicles pick their way through on the afternoon of March 3. It was one of a number of loads taken through the area by the police in recent weeks. A few days earlier the fuselage of a Boeing 727 airliner was transported along the Avon Ring Road past Downend, Emersons Green and Mangotsfield on its way from an airfield in Gloucestershire to a business in Brislington where it will be transformed into an office and events space.

Join our NHS heroes

Are you ready to take on a new challenge by joining our established Community Rehabilitation Teams (CRTs) supporting the residents of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire? Come and build a career within a NHS community healthcare provider with many development opportunities. We have both full and part-time flexible roles to meet the needs of your life. We have a variety of roles available, find out more on our website. Recruiting now: •

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http://ow.ly/Av9l50D8gH3 Or you can use your mobile phone and this QR code to find out more: To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA

April, 2021

n NEWS

GROUPS organising events in the Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Frenchay areas are invited to tell readers about them. Our popular What's On section was suspended at the start of the lockdown, as community events and meetings were cancelled indefinitely. Now some groups are planning events again, we offer free space to publicise non profit-making activities once more. Clubs, charities and societies can send details of events to the Voice by email at news@downendvoice.co.uk. Businesses staging profit-making events and paid-for classes in the area can advertise in the What's On section for a small charge every month, by contacting sales@downendvoice.co.uk. Because of the many changes to venues, groups and clubs since March 2020, regular entries that appeared before lockdown will not automatically be reused in the What's On section so any information should be re-sent to one of the addresses above. Downend Local History Society n Mindful of the safety of our members and guests and given the requirements imposed on large groups at The Barn to be Covid-19 compliant, the committee had decided not to resume our meetings at the present time. We will review the situation again in a few months. Gill Delve , programme secretary n Bristol U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where you have fewer responsibilities and more time for yourself? Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Why not become a member and find an interest group to join. Go to www.bristolu3a.org.uk for details. We, at Bristol U3A, are still very active and ‘meeting’ despite the lockdown.

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Find us at Unit 5 WBP (behind Kingswood Heritage Museum) Tower Lane, Warmley BS30 8XT naturaltreatsbristolwarmley

A heron on Eastville Park lake

BS16 Wildlife Group: Join us FOR the past couple of years, budding groups of conservationists have been busying themselves with protecting and enhancing the conditions for wildlife in their local green spaces. Most of them volunteers, they are driven by the passion to coexist alongside wildlife in a more balanced way and to provide it with a better chance of survival in our dramatically-altered world. This has seen groups carrying out a wide array of tasks over the years, from creating nature trails to reintroducing native wildflowers to the green spaces, with many things in between. One of the current projects currently being undertaken is the creation of wildlife groups for each postcode within Bristol. These aim to map out and survey all the green spaces in and around the city, from cemeteries to local nature reserves, to determine the extent to which nature is thriving. This information will then be presented in a report and updated regularly, in order to monitor the distribution of wildlife over time and highlight any issues, such as species loss. My Wild Bedminster and the Avon Wildlife Trust were the catalyst of this extensive project, which has now attracted the help of Groundwork’s Young Ranger groups and students from the University of the West of England. All share the passion to improve the environment and understand the importance of an abundant variety of different species in our habitats, in order to keep ecosystems strong and resilient. We hope you would agree that our green spaces are important for the health and well-being of not just us but of all the species we share this space with, and that every one of us has a part to play in the journey towards strengthening the biodiversity of our beautiful city. Therefore, we’d love to invite all to join the BS16 Wildlife Group on Facebook, to receive local updates on this project, and to share any wildlife news, photography, ideas and events with fellow nature lovers. Alternatively, we’d love to hear what you have to share through email at bs16.wildlifegroup@gmail.com. A great place to start is to think about things you can do in your own green space. Adding a birdhouse or limiting the use of harmful pesticides in your garden will help to increase the variety of species that will come to enjoy your garden, providing them with the food and shelter they need to let their numbers thrive. Whatever you spot or decide to do in your garden and beyond, we’d love to hear about it. Maya Loaiza BS16 Wildlife Group

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

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downendvoice

April, 2021

n NEWS

Band needs new members to bounce back A COMMUNITY wind band based in Staple Hill is planning its return from lockdown and is calling for new members to swell its ranks. Westerly Winds usually rehearses at the You Foundation in Page Road but, like other bands, has had to put its regular gettogethers on hold during the lockdowns of the past year. Now the amateur musicians, who normally perform in venues across Bristol, including the SouthBank Centre in Southville, Kings Weston House and The Folk House in the city centre, are planning a return once restrictions are lifted under the government’s roadmap. The group is aiming to resume full rehearsals from June 23 – and is on the lookout for new recruits to join. Secretary Jo Lawrence said: “We're open to anyone over 18 who can play any wind instrument to grade four or five standard and are a friendly, sociable band.” The band last held socially distanced rehearsals in October and November, but members have kept themselves busy while waiting to play together again. Several of them decided to use the time to increase their musical knowledge, meeting online to complete the Grade 5 Theory

Members of Westerly Winds at one of the group’s last concerts before the lockdown

syllabus together, with some due to take the exam in May. Jo said: “It’s been a really enjoyable experience and a nice way to keep in touch with everyone over the last few weeks.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the band when they are able to resume rehearsals should email westerlywindssh@gmail.com. For more information, visit www. westerlywindsstaplehill.com.

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downendvoice

April, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Peace be with you! I’M sure you, like me, have been inspired and moved by the huge range of ways so many people have gone to extreme lengths to bring love, to show kindness and offer support to others, often to those they don’t even know. You will have done such things and been the recipient of them too, no doubt. It is one of the great signs of hope that we have witnessed in local communities all over the nation. If we were to use religious language, we might call it, ‘blessing someone’, for the word blessing can literally mean to speak well of another or to do them good. Whatever we may call it, there is a vision here of what it means to be a person truly alive. What a vision for living – to be a person whose primary purpose is to bless others! It is, of course, a vision for humanity that was completely embodied in the person of Jesus. In this painting, by the

Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey in Bedfordshire, the Risen Christ extends his hands in blessing. I can imagine him coming like this to those few

disciples gathered in a securely locked room after Jesus had been crucified. St John describes it like this: “Jesus came and stood among them and said ‘Peace be with you!’ “After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (John 20; 19, 20) Why does the writer add this detail about showing his hands and side? Could it be that he wanted to communicate the fact that it was the same Jesus who had suffered so much, hands scarred by nails, his side by a spear, who was now blessing and speaking words of peace? For me, it is a poignant reminder that we do not have to be people who have got it all

JoVickery Vicar of Christ Church Downend together and are ‘strong’ to be able to bless others. Rather, it is so often those who have been through the toughest times and have great vulnerabilities who can best become bearers of blessing. May you know God’s blessing this Easter. Peace be with you! Jo Vickery Vicar of Christ Church Downend

Happy Days Nurseries are recruiting in Bristol! Happy Days is an established provider of nursery childcare in the South West. Our mission is to provide high quality childcare, early year’s education and play experiences, which meet the individual needs of all children.

We are looking for Childcare Practitioners for our Bristol Nurseries in Bradley Stoke, Thornbury, Cheswick Village (Stoke Gifford) and Lyde Green • Do you yearn for a new challenge for 2021? • Are you a L2/L3 Childcare Practitioner looking for the next step in your career or looking to return to the early year’s sector? • Do you want a career not just a job – we’ll support your CPD you need to succeed • Discover the benefits of working within the early years sector • Happy Days mentor and support their employees along the way • We can offer the choice of permanent or supply roles to suit your lifestyle • Find out what new Apprenticeship opportunities we have - work whilst gaining a Level 2 DfE recognised Early Years qualification

Apply before 30 April 2021 and you will be eligible to receive our £300 welcome bonus* (*Terms & Conditions apply)

Interested in finding out more? Email your CV and your location preference to: hradmin@happydaysnurseries.com

“Happy Days, committed to safer recruitment” 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, 2021

n PHOTOGRAPHY

Sand Bay Sunset by Phil Powell

LU B

WITH

DOW

LAST month, the three images that came top in our January competition were shown here. As in all competitions, where there are winners there are also losers, but in photo club competitions there is traditionally compensation for some of the also-rans, as places for ‘highly commended’ and ‘commended’ entries are also awarded. In this latest competition, four entries were judged to be good enough to be highly commended. ‘Wernddu Farm, Brecon’ is a beautiful early morning shot, with the fence lit by soft yellow sunlight leading the eye along to the tree and the mist that lays across the field to obscure the hill in the distance. Vague details are visible in this haze, that would otherwise sit as a featureless band across the middle of the picture. ‘Sand Bay Sunset’ is an image taken at the other end of a day. It also has evocative lighting and classic composition with regard to where the people are placed, with sea and shore held in the bottom third of the picture. There is a lot of sky, but there is enough interest

TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS

Commended

Wernddu Farm, Brecon by Ian Boulton

D CA MER

in terms of faint details and colour graduation, and again there are tantalising details in the distance: the pier on the left balanced by the island just visible on the right. ‘A Bit of Rough’ is a simple composition, a straight view of the sea crashing in on a rocky shore. This is a familiar enough scene, but there is drama in the waves and the jagged rocks. This is a picture that evokes memories of times walking on such beaches; you can almost smell the salty air. ‘Tintern Abbey’ is a shot of a well-known location taken from a high vantage point (the dramatically named Devil’s Pulpit).

A bit of rough by Trevor Toms It is something of a mystical place that is much photographed, but this image has the advantage over those taken at ground level in that it shows the glorious location. Let’s hope we’ll regain the freedom to get to such places soon. Downend Camera Club is a friendly informal group who normally meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, although actual meetings are currently suspended.

For the time being we are continuing with a programme of online photographic presentations, as well as regular competitions. The club has a Facebook page and a website at www. downendcameraclub.org.uk that shows details of the club, members’ galleries, past competition winners and a new feature, a forum for discussion of all things photographic. Please do check it out. Ed Shorney

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Tintern Abbey by Ed Shorney

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, 2021

n GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN

Get your garden ready for sunny days to come SPRING is officially with us: we are enjoying the bulbs and flowers as well as flowering shrubs which we see on our walks around the area. Plenty for the bees to feed on, and we can look forward to some honey later in the year. I have a small garden, so am not able to have a hive, although I have some single bee boxes around. It is a good idea to take a photo of your garden and then, come the autumn, you can see where you need to make improvements and decide what bulbs you might like to add, or a shrub which needs cutting back or replacing, or rearranging part of the garden. I know it's a long way off, but forward planning keeps us on our toes and a beautiful garden. Hopefully you have begun to sow bedding plants, tomatoes and cucumbers, ready to bring on. If you haven't a greenhouse, you may have room for a cold frame and this

will help the plants get a good start before they are planted out in the garden. If not, a windowsill works well. Summer bulbs are coming into the garden centres, as well as dahlia tubers, which will make a good late summer display, and they make good cut flowers for the house. The soil is warming up, ready to sow vegetables and herbs. The snowdrops can be split into smaller clumps and spread around the garden before their green leaves disappear: it will be something to look forward to next spring. We gardeners are always looking forward: there is always something to do and it keeps us fit and active. Time now to clean your garden furniture and give it a coat of preservative if it needs it. If we do it now, it will be ready to use when we get a good sunny day and are able

to sit and relax, and admire our works. Also, perhaps, a time to clean the patio and have a tidy up, but leave a couple of leafy areas for hedgehogs, frogs and insects. The birds also like a rummage around – the blackbirds in my garden certainly do. We are all being encouraged to plant a tree in our garden. If you have room it is a good idea: there are a few smaller trees which are suitable for small gardens and Landcare Nursery in Chipping Sodbury specialises in small trees: you can see what is available and get some advice. A crab apple is good – you can use the apples to make a jelly. A cherry or silver birch might be attractive additions. When on your local travels, be aware of what others have planted and you will have some idea if it would fit in your garden. Good luck, and enjoy the spring time. Mary Head, secretary

Youth Works returns to the streets! Emersons Green Town Council funds Youth Works, a streetbased youth project in Emersons and Lyde Green. Sessions are run by the Youth Workers Emily and Sam, on Monday evenings from 7pm, for young people aged between 11-16. After another Covid-19 enforced break, Emily and Sam are really excited to be back out meeting young people again. They are looking forward to lots of outdoor fun over the coming months. New members are always welcome! Emily Crane, Youth Worker

Sam Tilley, Youth Worker

Subject to the smooth progression of the timetable for Covid-19 lockdown exit, a programme of activities will return on-line. Please follow the Youth Works Facebook page for more information and updates on the weekly sessions.

INTRODUCING…. Councillor James Hunt: “I joined Mangotsfield Rural Parish Council in 2004, as I was interested in helping the new community of Emersons Green strengthen. I grew up in the Leap Valley area and live with my wife, who is also a Town Councillor, and young daughter in the Badminton Ward of Emersons Green. I established the Emersons Green Village Hall Trust and sat as its first Chair. I was also heavily involved the process of transforming the former Mangotsfield Rural Parish Council to Emersons Green Town Council, as it is known today. I am proud to represent the Badminton Ward and sit on the Finance and Events Committees, helping to ensure that our residents receive the best possible service.”

SEASONED WALKERS – WE NEED YOUR HELP… With the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the changing of the seasons, many of us are itching to get outdoors and be active. Those who are relatively new to the area, however, may not have the same knowledge of the beautiful walking routes in our area. The Town Council Events Committee is looking to compile a leaflet of routes within the local area to share with residents. We are looking for ideas for a range of routes, suitable for everybody - from long, to short, to buggy or wheelchair accessible. If you have any favourite walking routes within the area, please do get in touch and share them with us. The top submissions will be featured in the leaflet. Please email your suggestions us on: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk

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

All Town Council meetings are open to members of the public and are currently held remotely by Zoom. Please see our website for meeting agendas, including joining instructions, or contact us on: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Planning Committee meetings 10.30am 12 & 26 April Full Council meeting 7.00pm 8 April Finance Committee 7.00pm 29 April

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

April, 2021

downendvoice

n LOCAL HISTORY Descended from Norman knights who settled in Yorkshire after 1066, over the centuries members of the Cave family gradually moved south until they settled in Mangotsfield and Downend, where their name is still well known. Mangotsfield Residents Association member and historian David Blackmore tells their story. THE family name Cave has a long association with Mangotsfield and Downend but its roots are in two Yorkshire manors of that name granted by William the Conqueror to a follower, Lord Wyamarus, after the Battle of Hastings. Wyamarus left his estates to his brother, who became known as Lord Jordayne de Cave, and the surname continued for several centuries until the French preposition 'de' was dropped. By the 15th century the family had moved to Stanford on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, and then to Worcestershire. It was during the Civil War that the family name was first mentioned in relation to Bristol, when Sir Richard Cave took part in the storming of the city by Royalist forces in 1643. Member of Parliament for Lichfield from 1640 until he was barred in 1642, because of his support for the King, Sir Richard was Governor of Hereford Castle from that year until April 1643, when he surrendered to Parliamentarian forces under General Waller. Cave was courtmartialled for this act but acquitted after explaining how reluctant the citizens had been to defend their town. He was killed at the decisive Battle of Naseby on June 14, 1645 while serving King Charles I. It was a century later that John Cave, who had been born in Herefordshire, settled in Bristol, living in Arnos Vale and becoming the first member of the family to take up banking in 1786, when he became a partner in the private bank of Ames, Cave, Harford, Daubeny and Bright at 16 Corn Street. Also known as the Bristol

Cave family history: From Normans and Cavaliers to slavers

John Cave settled in Bristol and became a banker

Slave trader Sir Stephen Cave bought Cleve Hill House in Downend for the family

New Bank, it later joined up with other Bristol banks to become the Old Bank, then Prescott’s Bank, with branches all over the south of England. At the beginning of the 20th century, Prescott’s amalgamated with the National Provincial Bank, which eventually became part of the National Westminster Bank. It was John’s son Sir Stephen Cave who would buy the family’s seat, Cleve Hill House, from the slave trader John Gordon in 1804. The house, which stood on the north side of Cleve Hill Road, on the site of the present-day Cleve Lawns, had been noted as a “lodge well within the King's Forest” during the 1600s, and had been bought from the Blount family by early coal industrialist William Player. After his death in 1739 it passed to his nephew Charles Bragge. who lost a fortune in the collapse of the Warmley Brass Company in 1768 and whose son, of the same name, sold up to Gordon. Sir Stephen, born in 1763 in Arnos Vale, would also make a fortune through the African slave trade and Caribbean sugar plantations. He received £13,795.4s.10d – equivalent to more than £1.8 million today – in compensation under the 1834 Abolition of Slavery Act for the 675 enslaved Africans he had owned in Jamaica. His brother John, of Brentry House, owned slaves in Antigua and received £19,337.15s.10d, while his brother-in-law Thomas

Daniel was also a major claimant. Sir Stephen’s fourth son, Charles Cave, had married Sarah Cumberbatch, daughter of another prominent slave owner,

after meeting her at her family’s plantation in Barbados while visiting his own relatives in 1816. A Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Justice of the Peace and Quartermaster in the 103rd Loyal Bristol Regiment of Foot, which was typically formed from the propertied classes, Sir Stephen was a director of The Old Bank and the Flint & Crown glass manufacturers of Redcliff Back, who made Bristol Blue Glass. Sir Stephen died on 18th February 1838 at Cleve Wood and was buried at St Paul's, in Portland Square. The elderly men of the parish, who had been former pupils at Cave's school near the Green Dragon Inn, lined the route of the funeral procession in Downend. Next month: The Cave family from the 19th to 21st centuries.

Hilary Bloor DSCh, MInstChP

Chiropodist HCPC Reg No 18014

is relocating to:The Fishponds Practice. 834 Fishponds Road Bristol BS16 3XA. Telephone: (0117) 9491290 www.soletosoulbristol.co.uk With effect from 1st November 2020.

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, 2021

n POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER ELECTIONS Voters will have the chance in May to choose the next Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. The PCC is responsible for the effective policing of the region, drawing up a budget – including the annual precept charged to council tax payers – setting priorities for the force through a police and crime plan and holding the chief constable and officers to account for delivering it. Since its creation in 2012 the post has been held by independent Sue Mountstevens, who is standing down. Among those vying to replace her is John Smith, who is also standing as an independent and was Ms Mountstevens’s chief executive before she made him her

Kerry Barker

Cleo Lake

deputy last year. Labour has nominated barrister Kerry Barker, runner-up in 2016, as its candidate. The Conservatives, third in 2016, have nominated Mark Shelford, a retired Army officer, B&NES councillor and member of the Police and Crime Panel which scrutinises the PCC.

What are your top three priorities for policing in Avon and Somerset?

building safer communities would be my way to achieve these three things.

Kerry Barker: Successful policing depends upon the gathering of local intelligence by local police officers. My priorities are: to strengthen community policing with more officers who live and work in the areas for which they are responsible; stop the closure of police stations; bring back and strengthen specialist detective teams, such as burglary teams and sexual assault teams. Each will have the aim of improving the welfare and safety of women.

Mark Shelford: Reassure residents the police are there for them: increase visible policing and work with communities to increase their resistant to crime; Refocus the police on fighting crimes people care about by freeing officers up from non-policing tasks; Rebuild morale on the frontline: overhaul training and cut paperwork to allow Police more time on our streets. Boost Special Constable numbers, review the use of police buildings, and investigate the efficiency of the current PCC office.

Cleo Lake: Trust – the police need to reflect the communities they work for. This requires active recruitment among under-represented groups, and supporting recruits through challenges. Prevention – reform of drug laws, which create needless criminals and victims - is required. Focus should be on cybercrime, which denies many their savings, and road safety, including pavement parking. Despite budget pressures, the public deserve valuefor-money policing and for their priorities to be met. Heather Shearer: Catch and prosecute burglars and scammers – currently only 8% of burglars are detected; Invest in responsive neighbourhood police teams so they can truly be part of their communities; Work more effectively with partner organisations across the county to target drugs and knife crime. Focusing on crime prevention and

Heather Shearer

John Smith: As the only independent candidate, I will answer only to local residents, not to party politicians in Westminster. If elected, I will make keeping everyone safe and secure my main priority, and my first focus will be on: Supporting the police to enforce Covid-19 regulations appropriately so we can get back to living normally as soon as possible; Protecting the most vulnerable in society, including children and victims of domestic violence; Tackling burglary, knife and drug crime including County Lines.

What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job? Cleo Lake: I have wide experience in public life. Current Bristol councillor, Avon Fire Authority since 2017. Chair – Diversity Inclusion Cohesion Equalities,

Mark Shelford

John Smith

Police and Crime Panel vice-chair Heather Shearer is the Lib Dem choice. The Greens have nominated Bristol councillor and ex Lord Mayor Cleo Lake. As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer questions to find out more about who they are, their priorities and plans.

and People & Culture committees. Former Chair of St Paul’s Carnival and Independent Advisory Group. Bristol Lord Mayor, 2018/19. Heather Shearer: I scrutinise the PCC as vice chair of the Police and Crime Panel and protect communities as a Safer Somerset Partnership member. I am not a career politician. I worked in many jobs so see the world from many viewpoints. Mark Shelford: I was a soldier for 30 years, working with police around the world to fight crime and establish peace in diverse communities. As a councillor and member of the region’s Police and Crime Panel I’m clear what local police need. John Smith: I have almost 12 years’ experience as a leader in Avon and Somerset police governance. I led the PCC’s team for eight years; in 2020 I was appointed Deputy PCC to help meet the challenges of policing during the pandemic. Kerry Barker: As a criminal barrister working in Avon and Somerset, with 50 years’ experience, I know how budget cuts and local strategic decisions impact the ability of police officers to do their work; to detect crimes and to keep people safe.

How will your approach to the role differ from the current PCC’s? Mark Shelford: I know how to lead and motivate a uniformed service,

and how to properly consult and engage with voters. Our police do a difficult job with courage and skill: they need leadership that understands their and the community’s needs. John Smith: As well as continuing current priorities such as road safety and anti-social behaviour, I will prioritise more areas that local people have told me need additional resources such as cyber crime and fraud, rural crime and business crime. Kerry Barker: I will change strategies to make local policing the priority; stop closures of police stations; emphasise the welfare and safety of women and move back to specialist teams of detectives. The soaring levels of violent and sexual offences are unacceptable. Cleo Lake: I would be highly visible. I would like to work more closely with unions and Independent Advisory Groups to inform from a community perspective. I would support setting up both a youth and African Heritage IAG. Heather Shearer: I would ask difficult questions of the Constabulary and partners but also build effective working relationships. My decisions would be evidencebased but you have to take people with you, especially when the decisions are not what everyone wants to hear . • The election takes place on May 6, 2021

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, 2021

n PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

Chainsaw Carver by Brian Braybrooke

Boat Wash by Rachel Domleo

Back to work – photographically speaking WE may still be enjoying virtual meetings, courtesy of modern technology and Zoom, but some degree of normality was restored at our meeting of February 24, with the return of normal photographic competition. Zoom has its limitations, not least that we are unable to have printed images, but the virtual world served us well with a goodsized entry of excellent images from members. With a competition title of ‘People at Work’ (chosen well before lockdown) the opportunities for current photographs were limited, so we all dived into our archives in search of entries. A time also for reflection and memories of past trips. Rachel Domleo very much caught this mood with her entry

from Funchal, Madeira – Boat Wash – which was awarded first place. Wet work, by the look of it. Rachel also took third place with another boat-based entry, Mending the Nets, an elegant composition that could have been admired by many of the great painters of the past. Both Rachel’s Mending the Nets by Rachel Domleo entries also made excellent use of subdued light which conveyed the heat of her location without showTickets Please. Any more fares? ing any of the bright light. We always welcome new memBrian Braybrooke’s second place bers so, if you’re interested and picture was much drier. Called would like to be part of our resurChainsaw Carver, it showed exactly gence, take a look at our website what it said on the tin, carving with www.lincombebarncameraclub. a chainsaw. co.uk or contact us on lincombe. Highly commended was Joy barn@gmail.com. You may find Flood, who dived much further into yourself being invited to a future the past with her charming and zoom meeting. Get your tickets please nostalgic photograph of an antique Stay safe! by Joy Flood bus ticket machine in Get Your Sid Stace LOW

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downendvoice

April, 2021

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

FEES* Asking price £215,000

Coleman

19 Overnhurst Court, NO Overnhill SOLICITOR Road, Downend, SELLING BS16 5DR

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

M.Coleman are offering a fantastic incentive for vendors looking to put their property on the market during the months of March and April 2016. For all properties instructed during this period proceeding to a successful

completion M.Coleman Estate Agents will meet your Energy Performance OFFERED for sale with no onward Certificate and Solicitors Selling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements. chain, M Coleman are pleased to bring to the market this well We provide a quality service to all our clients presented two based onbedroom traditional values ofpurpose honesty, integrity and courtesy. Our team benefits experience built apartment on extending positioned beyond 100 years and this expertise is passed to you to ensure we achieve the best the first floor of this ever popular possible price for the sale of your home. development. We listen to our client’s needs and believe communication is paramount in providing Modernised throughout in the best level of service throughout the selling recent years,process. evidence of this is apparent from the moment you * Terms & Conditions Apply – Please ask for details enter the welcoming entrance hallway with wood effect laminate flooring that extends to the dining area and bedroom two. The capacious lounge/dining 19 Cleeve Wood Road Downend room benefits from a dual aspect Bristol BS16 2SF Tel: 0117 9566221 with double glazed windows to www.mcoleman.co.uk maintained communal gardens. both the front and rear elevations The sleek family bathroom is fully allowing light to flood the room. tiled and fitted with a modern Thoughtfully designed with simple white suite including a mains clean lines in mind the kitchen plumbed shower over the bath. has a range of wall and base units; There is also a separate cloakroom. Shaker style doors in a delicate Externally, communal gardens Cream colour combine with extend to the front and side of contrasting wood effect worktops the apartments and resident and to create a delightful contemporary visitor parking is available at the feel. Integrated appliances include front of the development on a first a gas hob, self cleaning oven, come and first served basis. This extractor, and slim line dishwasher apartment is also one of the few on plus space for a freestanding fridge the development with an allocated freezer, washing machine and garage. tumble dryer. There is a squared Located within what we believe opening between the kitchen to be a realistic walking distance and lounge creating means of to the high streets of Staple Hill, interaction on social occasions. Downend and Fishponds with Both of the bedrooms are well all the associated amenities. The proportioned doubles and enjoy relaxing green views of the well property is approximately five Coleman

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

miles from Bristol City Centre and provides easy access to public transport, the Bristol-Bath cycle path and the Avon Ring Road and

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

motorway networks. Service Charge: £115 per month Ground Rent: £20 per year Lease Length: 950 years

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

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Come see us in branch, book online or give us a call. DOW NEND@ HUN TERS .COM / 0117 956 123 4 SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT / HUN T ERS .COM

* If you are under contract with another agent, you may still be liable to also pay their fee. Source: RealCube, 1,152,785 active people registered in the network.

downendvoice

April, 2021

n HUNTERS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Old Gloucester Road, Frenchay, BS16 1QR HERE TO GET

Asking price £725,000

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HUNTERS Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this detached characterful family home which is believed to date back to the early 1900's. The property is conveniently situated for access onto the Avon road, for major commuting routes, Bristol Parkway Railway Station and for the Bristol cycle path, whilst also being within close proximity of pleasant countryside walks towards Hambrook and Frenchay Village, both providing excellent outdoor recreational space. In our opinion this property would ideally suit a growing family or for those working from home due to the spacious and versatile accommodation throughout. To the ground floor there is an entrance hall, a lounge with an open fireplace, a separate dining area, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility area, a large brick built

uPVC double glazed conservatory, cloakroom and a third reception which is currently used as a study, but could also be a play room,

snug, or dining room. To the first floor can be found a family bathroom and four good sized bedrooms. The master bedroom

has its own en suite shower room. The large landing area also has access leading onto a small balcony area.

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April, 2021

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n OCEAN PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Badminton Road - Offers over £400,000 OCEAN are pleased to offer to the market this larger than average 3 bedroom semi-detached home that is in need of full modernisation throughout. Situated in a very sought after location within Downend and close to the local high street, this property is also in an ideal location for access to the Ring Road, M32 and other motorway networks such as the M4/M5. The property consists of a large entrance hall, lounge with bay, dining room, kitchen, conservatory and W.C all to the ground floor with 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom to the floor above. *This property is now SSTC, we received multiple offers over asking price and have several left over & disappointed buyers. We are now looking for similar homes. If you would like a free valuation on your property please call Ocean Downend on 0117 2441050.

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

downendvoice

April, 2021

n GARDENING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Getting children involved with growing plants SPRING is officially here! We have had quite a few splashes of colour already, with the vibrant yellow of the daffodils and the pinks, whites and reds of the camellia japonica. I have been enjoying the hellebores, with their pretty bowing heads, lighting up the shaded areas of the garden. This month I have been thinking about hope. Hope is like a rabbit running through a lush forest. Sometimes I can catch up with it and have it within arm’s reach and sometimes I can see it dashing and glinting away ahead, through the trees. Sometimes, in my darkest times, I cannot see it at all. Spring is a time for many of us when we catch up with that rabbit, and this year, after the pandemic, it is perhaps even more poignant. I have been thinking that it is time for me to let go of some old unhelpful feelings that I have been carrying with me since last summer. Sometimes in life things end that have not been

serving us and whilst that is sad, it often leaves us with more time and energy for new chapters in our lives. This has been like a reawakening for me that is in tandem with the new growth happening all around us. Last year, in October, I helped a young lad aged five plant some daffodil bulbs in his mum’s special planter. Recently when I visited the garden, he was incredibly happy with his handy work and ran out to tell me that they were blooming! I think it is so beneficial when children have the chance to grow things. It is great for their mental health and their learning, and a lovely way to get some exercise. I have been lucky enough to have been given the chance to work in a school setting helping the children to grow things. I always grew things with my son when he was young and, whilst he is not interested now (he is 16), I hope he will come back to it when he is older.

If children can get involved with growing and producing edibles when they are young perhaps, they will wish to protect the natural environment more when they mature. In this way perhaps we can produce an army of environmentally protective adults. There are quite a few things that you can easily grow with children no matter how much space you have available. Runner beans are easy to grow and can be sown straight into pots. They require regular watering and staking, and the occasional check for blackfly. Radish and carrots are easy to grow with children if you have a little space. They can be sown thinly, directly into the soil in lines. They need thinning and watering, and that is pretty much it. Pumpkins can be grown in large pots. They were always a favourite of ours. If you get the large orange type, you can grow

with

April Hulin

one for Halloween. Sunflowers are easy to grow, also. They can be directly sown into pots or into beds. If they are the giant type you could have competitions to see who can grow the tallest one. Thank you so much for all your questions and comments that you have been emailing to me: I will try to feature some answers in the following months’ blogs. The time for growing is here. Wishing you many happy hours ahead! April Hulin Hulinapril@gmail.com

n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN

Hoping for warmer weather THIS is a photo of my garden as it is now. It’s jolly chilly at the moment. I had to get my winter coat down off its hanger this evening when I took Pepe out for his evening walk. I hope by the time you read this the weather will have warmed up! I have just bought, at a well known supermarket, a pot of blue anemone blandas and four pots, all joined together, of narcissus canaliculatus. The flowers have a yellow trumpet with white petals round the outside. I was looking forward to enjoying planting them but it was so very chilly, I hurriedly dug holes with a trowel in suitable places, popped them in and quickly formed the soil around them.

They were not in flower by a long chalk – they were only just beginning to come up – but it will be something to keep an eye on over the coming days. The anemone blanca I found a

welcoming space for, in between the tête-à-têtes and snowdrops. Although there were flowers on them I did not stop to admire them, as the cold air just made me want to return to the warmth of my living room. Today the sun is shining and I hope it will warm up enough to get out in my small garden. When Easter comes I'm going to start doing some design jobs, like making a slate garden and buying some silver leaved plants to contrast with the slate. I have one plant already – a lychnis which I transplanted the other week and seems to have taken. I can't remember if this is a white or maroon one. This is a seedling – pretty big now – of a plant I bought some years ago. Other silver leaves plants are artemisias: one in particular you

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

with

Christine Broadway always see in gardening books is Powis Castle. They are a very good group of plants, as they withstand dry conditions. Happy Easter to Everyone!

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

April, 2021

downendvoice

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS

Great response to litter-picking sessions IN the last month our local South Gloucestershire councillors have organised two litter-picking sessions in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield. It was great to see so many turn up, both young and not so young. What wasn’t so great was just how much litter they managed to pick up in an hour. Some say that overspill from recycling collection causes a lot of it, especially if it’s windy, but based on what and where stuff was collected, that’s not true. As a society, we need to do better! The latest Staple Hill, Mangotsfield and New Cheltenham Community Engagement Forum took place on February 25. The full minutes can be found on the council website at bit. ly/3tB9owk but we said we’d report back, so here are some key points: • Public health – generally a good news story re Covid-19, and all

the advice and guidance was re-stated. Public Health would do more to ensure those with learning disabilities could access vaccination. • Avon Fire and Rescue – incidents down over the last year, almost certainly due to Covid-19. They will still carry out domestic fire safety visits if requested. • Avon and Somerset police – Overall violent crime is down 11.5%. Electric scooters remain a problem, they are illegal to use in a public place without a valid driving licence and insurance. Everyone urged to report crime, incidents, anti-social behaviour. • Climate and Nature Emergency Action – A very interesting and thought provoking presentation, well worth a read. If you want to know more or get involved then the information is also on the council website, at bit.ly/3twrHTl. • Our local councillors reported

back on all the work they are doing. The next meeting will be in July. Some help, please. Our nativity scene figures need a new home. Their current home is soon to be demolished, so we need somewhere else to store them. There are six figures about 4ft 6in high and, no surprise, a smaller one! If anyone can help, please get

in touch. We’d love more people to get involved in the community, so if you’d like to or you need any help then please get in touch via email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail. com, through the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling 07507 168700. In the meantime, please stay safe, and look out for one another. Chris Amos

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01/09/2020 11:11

downendvoice

n BYELECTION LETTERS SPECIAL On May 6 a by-election will be held to fill a vacant seat on South Gloucestershire Council's Frenchay & Downend ward. The Voice has given the opportunity to the three candidates who have so far been announced to write about local issues. We are including them here, in alphabetical order.

Liz Brennan

Investment boost for high street AS we are all aware, our High Streets face both a great relief and a great challenge as we again look to come out of lockdown over the coming weeks and months with businesses that, in many cases, will have lain dormant for much of the past year opening back up. It is important that we all do our part to support High Streets, both in terms of helping them find their feet again and take positive steps forward past the challenges they face. Downend High Street is one of many such social hubs across our area that is in need of such support in a changing world and, having put its case to South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet earlier this year, I am proud to have secured a share of a brand new £120,000 investment boost for our High Street to benefit this exact kind of support. Despite being a vibrant place and a credit to our community, it too is being affected by the same problems being seen across the country. Many local people that I have spoken with would probably agree that, despite being beautifully kept by community groups like Downend in Boom, even before Covid, it’s not often people will go just to browse. The share of this £120,000 funding heading to Downend is merely the start and could be used in a range of ways, supporting ideas that will provide even more reason for people to visit – whether

it’s things like creating a new market or repurposing unused buildings for community and business. While these are just some of the ideas I have put forward, it’s important that as many residents and businesses get the chance to have their voices heard on what our High Street means to them and what their vision for its future looks like. With this in mind, it is great to see that the council have launched a survey for the public to put forward ideas and am really looking forward to seeing what comes out of it. I would encourage as many local people to take part as possible! Liz Brennan (Conservative)

Sean Rhodes

Don’t let Downend get left behind AS we emerge from the various lockdowns of the past year, we are looking forward to being able to meet with our friends and neighbours again; and our local Downend shops and businesses will play a big part in getting us “back to normal”. For years our Downend businesses have paid many hundreds of thousands of pounds in business rates, getting little back in return from the Conservativerun South Gloucestershire Council to maintain and enhance our High Street as an attractive place to visit. The amazing floral displays that we enjoy each year are the result of the hard work of some amazing local volunteers and fundraisers,

yet we see little from South Gloucestershire Council. As a result, we can be forgiven for feeling more than just a little suspicious when the Conservative administration have been talking up a storm about a £120k high street fund, just before a key council by-election in Downend and Frenchay. At the time of writing, the current local Conservative councillors have failed to explain how or when this money can be accessed; what it can be used for; or even how it will be allocated. Furthermore, this money is being used to develop high street areas in Chipping Sodbury and Filton too! So, how much will be left for Downend? Considering that the CCTV system that the Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council have paid to be installed cost £30k, (and £10k per year to maintain) it makes you realise that this amount of money may not go far...if it arrives at all. £25 million is being invested into Kingswood Town Centre, making Downend’s un-guaranteed share of £120k look inadequate by comparison. You might begin to feel that neighbouring areas are getting a much better deal (and remember council tax in Downend is going up by nearly 5%, just like it is in Kingswood)...you might begin to wonder if our two Conservative councillors are allowing Downend to get left behind. Sean Rhodes (Labour)

Raj Sood

Transport is a top priority I ASKED my fellow Frenchay and

Downend residents about their concerns in a survey last year. After a massive response, the message was clear: transport is a top priority. This chimes with what I hear as a Downend parish councillor and in my shop on Quakers Road, too – I have listened to you. There are problems which have dogged our community for years, like the blight of ring road traffic noise on nearby homes, but we have to go further than just fixing existing problems: we have to build back greener following the pandemic and we need a local councillor who will take action. Making it safer to walk and cycle is vital. I have raised local people’s fears about safety at the Hambrook lights with South Gloucestershire Council, following the recent incident in which a cyclist was seriously injured – I will work with officials to find a solution. I want to help more families feel safe walking and cycling to school, for example by tackling speeding outside the schools on Quakers Road. Making public transport more attractive will help cut congestion and air pollution. I’m delighted people are backing my campaign for a direct bus to Southmead Hospital. Demand for buses is growing – the number of people parking all day in residential streets in Frenchay to use the Metrobus shows that. We need to help people use the bus without clogging up local roads with parked cars, including improving park and ride provision, and providing safe storage for bikes too. With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars coming to an end, there will be increasing demand for electric vehicle charging points, particularly for those who can’t charge their car at home. As well as incorporating them into park and rides, we need charging points near our local shops. Running my shop in Downend, I know how important it is to encourage people to return to our high streets and to spend more time there supporting local businesses. I will work hard to sort out these issues to help all of us who live locally. Raj Sood (Liberal Democrat)

LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS - EMAIL US AT: NEWS@DOWNENDVOICE.CO.UK To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

April, 2021

n LETTERS

Virgin problems no surprise to me I AM not at all surprised to hear of the despicable treatment Don Willcox (pictured above) suffered from Virgin at an already distressing time. It seems that treatment and general attitude is a way of doing business. Eighteen months ago, I tried to close my account with them when Openreach fibre broadband reached us. The new account was set up without hassle and I have since moved to another company for a better deal. No need even to

contact the old firm. Very smooth. Within the past month I have submitted my third case against Virgin to CISAS/CEDR, the people authorised by Ofcom for arbitration cases. Twice Virgin's disputes team accepted that I had closed my account and they should not still be sending monthly bills. The first time, I received a cheque for the settlement, but the bills still came in. The second case saw the same acceptance of the situation, but the settlement was paid into the still-existing account in my name. Now that the 'credit' has run out I am getting demands for payment again. Hence the third case against them. On top of the amount incorrectly charged, I have doubled the extra amount for compensation with each case. From the last case, they owe me the agreed amount and that will be substantially increased if they, again, agree the position. I would rather be clear of them and the stress and time and sheer harassment of dealing with these people. Derek Metson Frenchay

Thanks to litter pickers THE three Conservative councillors representing Emerson Green/Lyde Green ward would like to say a big thank you to Mr Nigel Richardson and his son Tom, and others for litter picking during lockdown. We are very happy to acknowledge the effort and contribution that they have made to keep the ward looking nice. Councillors Judy Adams, Rachael Hunt and Colin Hunt

Famous namesake: is there a link? IN Mangotsfield Cemetery there is a faded inscription on a headstone (pictured) in memory of Harriet Beecher Stowe Wren and her

husband Frank. Harriet died in 1948, at the age of 94. Harriet shares her name with the influential American Harriet Elisabeth Beecher Stowe, author of the famous book Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which depicted slavery in the USA and was published in 1852. Does anyone know the background to Harriet, and why she was so named? Councillor Michael Bell Mobile: 0787 563 1817

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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, 2021

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Gardening and getting ready for sport

SN’T it fantastic to see the sun peeping through now and again, the days becoming just a little longer and the birdsong sounding that much more tuneful? I’m sure you’ll remember that we finally had an unusually warm weekend last month. Then, as sure as night follows day, the Cleve Chiropractic phone rang off the hook with patients who had hurt themselves in the garden, taking advantage of that lovely weather. Who could blame them? The end of those, dark winter days is a cause for celebration every spring but, because of the pandemic, everyone seemed a bit keener to get outside. Patients are always frustrated by long winters and look

longingly into their gardens waiting for the time they can upgrade, fix or simply tidy their garden. Whether its digging, weeding or trying to accomplish what a team of builders would take three weeks to do, we all tend to be a little too eager to help nature produce that annual transformation. For sure, gardening after a long winter’s rest will always keep us busy as the cold weather abates. Landscape your entire garden within a weekend? No problem! But perhaps we need to be more cautious and aware of the damage we can do to our bodies by taking on too much, too soon. Here are my top tips for making sure you adopt a safety first approach to avoid

unnecessary injury when you venture out to tend your pride and joy: nB end your knees when lifting to look after that back n Take regular breaks n Invest in a kneeling mat or sitting stool n Use the correct tools – for example, a garden hoe with a long handle n Use protective clothing where necessary n Do your potting on a work bench or garden table n Keep warm – not all these spring days will be quite so benign as that weekend last month n Make sure you get help from someone else with tasks like moving heavy pots Meanwhile, it’s great to see the route out of lockdown taking shape, with hopefully more outside sports and leisure starting up very soon. As with gardening, it’s so important to just gently ease your way back into things. Whenever you’ve had a long break, you must make sure you prepare well and build up gradually before returning to your favourite sport, or going back to the gym. You need to take some time to get fit and supple again after such a long lay-off. Hopefully, you’ve been able to get in some stretching and exercise at home during lockdown – but don’t think you can start back in the gym just where you left off. It won’t take you that long to get stronger again so please don't

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

0117 957 5388

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

rush. Be happy to make steady progress by starting much more gently than you think you should. Your first few sessions back should be easy ones – you’ll have plenty of time to catch up in a measured and sensible manner. Whatever your chosen outdoor activity in the coming weeks, whether that’s in the garden or your favourite sporting environment, I wish you all the best. Let’s make sure we really enjoy all that spring has to offer. And remember, when you do need some help to get back on the straight and narrow, the dedicated team at Cleve Chiropractic are here for you.

Let us knowhowyour teamis doing EMAIL US AT:

news@downendvoice.co.uk

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 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

downendvoice

April, 2021

n SPORT

County star Jared comes to coach WITH the season now only a few weeks away, subject to guidelines, Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club are preparing for the start of the new season with optimism. They have appointed a club coach for the first time, Jared Warner. Jared has signed to play for Gloucestershire this season, having moved south from Yorkshire. He came up through the Yorkshire youth ranks and toured Australia with England U19’s. One of his reasons for making the move was to work with Richard Dawson, Gloucestershire and England Lions coach. Jared is a current level 2 coach, working towards his level 3, and the club are hoping that his experiences of playing and training with top level coaches and players will give the club a different perspective. Last summer Jared set up Cutting Edge Cricket with his Yorkshire county colleague, Matthew Waite.

Jared Warner The appointment is on a trial basis for April, although the club will review during the month and then decide on the rest of the season. The sessions are on a Tuesday evening at Pomphrey Hill. In addition to the coaching

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sessions the club are also organising preseason fitness sessions. These will start at the beginning of April. During the season Carsons and Mangotsfield are also celebrating 100 years of “Carsons Cricket Club” and have arranged some additional matches. The first is on the May 31, when they play Somerset Over 60s, then on July 11 the visitors are the MCC. The club are also participating in the All Stars/ Dynamos Cricket programme, which is aimed at children aged from five to nine years old. These sessions will start at the beginning of May. Within this they have a specific girl’s section, with the aim to encourage more girls to come forward and try playing cricket. If you are interested in or have a child interested in playing cricket, please contact me on 07746 112998. Ian Coles

Jasmine leads way A DOWNEND Boxing Club member is being featured in a video by the sport’s national body thanks to her efforts to stay fit during the latest lockdown. Jasmine Poole, 20, has defended her England Boxing Strava running challenge – a national competition to record the fastest time to run 3 kilometres – six times. As a result, her lockdown training regime was featured in a film for England Boxing to inspire other boxers. Other members of the club are continuing to work hard at home as they wait for guidance from England Boxing on a return to training and competition. New Downend coaches Neil Richardson, Bailey Phillips, Jay Sanchez and Bradley Smith are waiting to resume training so they can start to play a valuable role at the club and for the community.

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