DOWNEND VOICE APRIL 2025

Bridge bites the dust

Workers use heavy mechanical claws and pneumatic drills to demolish the bridge

THE bridge that carried the main road from Downend to Yate over the M4 has been reduced to rubble after a roundthe-clock demolition operation.

The motorway was closed between the Bristol and Bath junctions for nearly 60 hours while a team of 45 contractors

worked in 12-hour shifts to bring down the concrete and steel Badminton Road bridge, which was closed to motor traffic after being declared unsafe by inspectors in 2023.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians now face another year of waiting until the

HAIR DESIGNERS

replacement bridge is expected to be ready to use.

During that time a 50mph limit will be imposed on the M4 past the site, and there will be at least one and possibly two more weekend closures to install the new bridge.

Turn to Page 3

Iris celebrates her century

Iris Jefferies, from Bromley Heath, who decoded secret messages in World War Two, has marked her 100th birthday.

PAGE 21

Election preview

Find out more about the election canddates bidding to become the next Mayor of the West of England.

PAGES 10 & 11

Trees planted

Volunteers have planted 21 trees in Hill House Park, Downend, in what they say is a 'milestone' event.

PAGES 26

Art exhibition

An artist from Ukraine has an exhibition of her work at Christ Church, Downend.

PAGE 33

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

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

Posture, more than meets the eye – Part 4 & more Himalayan world records!

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

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

We wanted to update you on the great success we have and continue to have with our posture program patients since last writing to you.

100% success rate in meeting our patient’s goals and 5 star rating within all 40 cases.

These people have now happily gone on to the maintenance part of their care, check-ups to retain the great improvements and to prevent future relapses.

With this in mind, we are holding 3 open days to open our doors further to help more people in the important area of health (4th, 9th & 26th April). What the science says: A recent study found that as our posture slumps forward, markers of good health deteriorate, and we become less mobile (ref1). Along with this, a landmark study in 2022 of 411 patients over 50 years old, found even minor hunching forward of posture was directly linked to a decline in cognitive (brain) function!

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

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

Case study:

With this in mind, here’s another

case study to highlight how we can help you with your postural health, regardless of what stage of life you find yourself in.

Case 1

Here we see this lovely lady has developed a head posture forward of the ideal by 14cm, resulting in considerable neck ache and tension which limited day-to-day quality life.

This created a strain of 30kgs through her neck instead of the normal 8kg’s because the head was so far forward!

Midway through her course of chiropractic care her head position has shifted back a whopping 10cm easing the strain on his neck to just 13kgs, the neck ache and tension thoroughly reduced and much easier to stand up straight and relaxed.

She reports feeling younger, more energy and less trouble maintaining a relaxed upright posture especially whilst singing.

Over the years she had developed this forward hunching, and was rightly concerned with this becoming much worse later

in life which would affect mobility, health and most importantly impact her passion - singing.

This started with a small postural change that went unnoticed and progressed to the issue we see here, thankfully we have manged to help improve her situation vastly and she’s back to being herself again.

Now she’s entered our

Matt Sutton

maintenance program and happily enjoying the lasting benefits of good quality care and singing happily ache free and comfortable.

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

Himalayan world record success for Hari’s Seven Summits (5/7) on Aconcagua (South America).

Two more to go for our sponsored performance athlete in his bid to be the 1st double amputee to climb all 7 summits. We will be supporting him throughout his journey.

Free Posture Clinic

To book into our free posture clinic Friday 4th, Wednesday 9th & Friday 26th April 1-5pm & 10-12am

Contact us on the details below.

ref 1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16166889/ ref 2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35589972/

Bridge is brought down and crushed

From Page 1

The operation to remove the bridge, which carried the A432 across the M4 next to the Wick Wick roundabout, started at 7pm on Friday March 21, when the motorway was closed to traffic so that workers from contractor Taylor Woodrow could move in.

National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge and M4, says the closed stretch of motorway usually carries 3,000 to 4,000 cars per hour at peak weekend times.

Although drivers had been advised to avoid the area if possible, over the weekend there were queues along the diversion route on the M32, the Avon Ring Road between Hambrook and Warmley, on the A420 between Warmley and Wick, and on the A46 approaching Tormarton.

Traffic was also heavy on roads used by drivers trying to avoid the official diversion, with queues on Westerleigh Road in both directions approaching the Henfield Road and Westerleigh traffic lights, and between Codrington and the A46. Drivers were also queuing between

Hinton and the A46.

Once the M4 shut, piles of railway sleepers stacked next to the hard shoulder were moved onto the motorway to create a 1,600 square metre "mat" under the bridge to protect the road surface.

Workers added 400 tonnes of aggregate and placed a row of shipping containers on top of that, to absorb the impact and break up the concrete bridge as it came down.

Excavators with pneumatic drills and claw-like crushers moved in to cut through the concrete sand steel cable bridge, which was built in 1966 and intended to last 120 years.

Work to take down the deck lasted throughout the Saturday, and the sound of pneumatic drills could be heard across Downend into the early hours of Sunday morning.

By lunchtime that day most of the structure had disappeared, as rubble was taken away to be separated into concrete and steel for recycling.

The motorway reopened early on the Monday morning.

National Highways' engineering manager for structures Terry Robinson said about 2,500 tonnes of material had to be removed.

Workers took asbestos pipes out of the bridge before demolition started.

Although an exclusion zone was set up around the demolition site, National Highways set up a temporary building nearby where passers-by could watch a live video feed.

Many people walked onto the Church Lane bridge between Downend and Moorend to watch.

Mr Robinson said a new bridge has been designed and

National Highways is close to choosing a UK-based firm to build it. The cost is expected to be around £20 million.

He said the new bridge's beams would be made from lowmaintenance 'weathering steel', which has a specially-formulated layer of stable rust that seals off the rest of the metal from the elements.

It is being designed to last 120 years - the same as the old bridge, which was condemned after “accelerated deterioration and cracking” was found in the concrete and steel cable structure.

The new one will not have moving parts such as bearings and joints that need to be replaced, as the whole structure is designed to expand and contract as temperatures change.

It will be 4m wider than the old bridge, with the same space for road traffic but extra room to carry wider cycle and pedestrian paths.

Mr Robinson said: "When it's finished it will be a better facility for everyone. It should never need painting, although it will look rusty!"

A giant mechanical claw crunches through concrete and steel

Now you see it: the bridge on the day before the motorway closed

Now you don't: Rubble being cleared three days later

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Friends and family mourn Luis, 26

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THE family of a Frenchay man who was found in the River Frome after a night out have described him as a "gift to everyone in his life".

Luis Piovesana, aged 26, disappeared in the early hours of Friday February 28 after leaving the Jam Jar venue in St Jude's in central Bristol and getting into a taxi.

He got out of the taxi soon afterwards after leaving a message for his girlfriend, apparently in distress and feeling that he was in danger.

Luis then called police to tell them he was on the M32, and another member of the public also called to report a pedestrian on the motorway.

Police went to the scene but were unable to find him.

He was reported him missing later that morning, and police were joined by family, friends and other volunteers as they searched for Luis throughout the weekend.

A police spokesperson said: "A significant police operation, supported by Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue and the National Police Air Service, was stood up to try to locate Luis, with police officers, detectives, PCSOs, mounted officers, specialist search officers, and police drone and dive teams involved."

Police divers found Luis's body in the River Frome in Eastville on March 3.

In a tribute released by police, Luis's family said: "Luis was a gift to everyone in his life and was loved by so many people.

"That was made clear by the people who came out to help search for him.

“He was such a sociable and friendly person, was loved by everyone and will be missed by them all.”

Police have taken witness statements and studied CCTV footage showing Luis alone in the Eastgate Retail Park, near to where his body was found, after he left motorway.

The spokesperson said: "Detectives are continuing to review any other CCTV opportunities to ensure we can provide Luis's family with all the possible information there is to explain his last movements.

"Luis's disappearance was out-of-character."

Police have also asked people not to spread "unfounded rumours" on social media and to respect the family's privacy as they grieve.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Pete Walker said: “Our thoughts remain wholly with Luis’s family and friends.

“I would like to thank them for their support of our investigation and also all of the police officers, members of police staff and our partner agencies who helped us find Luis.

“Our investigation began as soon as Luis was reported missing and has found no evidence to suggest there are any suspicious circumstances that led to Luis’ death, nor links to any other missing person investigation and we too ask for everyone to respect the privacy of his family at this time, while the investigation continues.

“We are really conscious of the impact of speculation, particularly on social media, around Luis’ death and the impact such inaccurate commentary has on his devastated family.

"We’d urge people to consider the consequences of spreading unfounded rumours especially when there is a grieving family at the heart of this whose lives have been turned upside down."

Police are preparing a file for the coroner ahead of an inquest to examine the circumstances of Luis’ death.

Luis Piovesana

Avenue dedicated to memory of Queen

AN avenue of lime trees planted in memory of Queen Elizabeth II on Rodway Common in Mangotsfield has been officially dedicated.

The trees have been planted at the northern corner of the common opposite Mangotsfield School by Emersons Green Town Council, which is in charge of maintaining the open space.

A ceremony was held in March to officially dedicate the avenue to the late Queen's memory, naming it Jubilee Way after the council received royal approval for the gesture.

The ceremony included a moment of reflection by Rev James Cannan, the vicar of St James Church, Mangotsfield, and a reading of Floral Tribute, the poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to mark the Queen's death in 2022.

Emersons Green musician Emily Correa played two flute solos, Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending and I Vow to Thee My Country, by Gustav Holst.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a plaque by Emersons Green town mayor James Hunt.

Cuts to Frenchay bus service

BUS operator First is cutting the frequency of its bus service from Frenchay to the city centre, seven months after it was introduced.

From April 7 the 50 will run every hour rather than half hour between 6.25am and 8pm on weekdays and similar times on Saturdays.

The service was introduced last September after Frenchay and Stapleton had gone almost two years without a direct link to the city centre.

A First spokesperson said: "We introduced the service 50 every 30 minutes to assess demand in the Stapleton/Frenchay area, but passenger take-up has been low, and we have therefore reduced its frequency to hourly.

"However, we have adjusted its route closer to Eastgate/Tesco to see whether this is more attractive to potential customers in Stapleton/Frenchay and Easton."

Buses will now run between Eastville Park and Bell Hill via Muller Road and Glenfrome Road, instead of Stapleton Road.

First is also cutting the frequency of the 47x Oldbury Court service, which also serves Frenchay Road and Croomes Hill, to halfhourly.

The timetables of the 48, 48x, 49 and 49x services serving Downend and Staple Hill respectively, have been revised to "improve punctuality and reliability".

The spokesperson said: "Inbound 48x and 49x services will be slightly quicker, while outbound peak services will have additional time to account for congestion."

As part of the change all 48 services will terminate at Downend, with only 48x services going on to Emersons Green, and 49 services will all terminate at Page Park, with only 49x services going on to Lyde Green.

This means passengers from Mangotsfield and other areas near the end of the route will need to change buses if they want to travel to Easton or Old Market.

There are no changes to the 7, 19 or m3/m3x services.

The new timetables can be found at tinyurl.com/4k5vhznu

The plaque, near the junction of Manor Road and Rodway Hill, bears the Jubilee Way name and dedicates the trees to the late Queen and her 70-year reign, the longest in British history.

Cllr Hunt said: "I don't

BUSINESS FOR SALE

think we need a plaque to remember her, as she will never be forgotten. This is just a small thing that we can do to pay respects to her for everything she did for us and getting the country to where it is today."

Great business opportunity arises as Terry calls it a day!

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Emily Correa performs next to the plaque Town councillors and guests at the ceremony

Ex-cop barred from policing

A FORMER police officer from Mangotsfield who was convicted of domestic abuse has been barred from policing.

Mitchell Curtis, aged 34, was found guilty of two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, one of intentional suffocation and one of criminal damage after a five-week trial at Gloucester Crown Court last November.

Now a tribunal has ruled that the former constable, of Charnhill Drive, committed gross misconduct and would have been sacked without notice had he not already resigned.

He also admitted taking cocaine and is due to be sentenced in April for the offences, which took place in South Gloucestershire while he was off duty.

The jury heard Curtis had been physically, emotionally and verbally abusive towards a woman over an 18-month period up to October 2022, when she reported what had happened and he was suspended.

An Avon & Somerset police misconduct panel met at force headquarters in Portishead in February, at a hearing delayed until after the end of the criminal trial.

Barrister Mark Ley-Morgan, representing the police, said: "The officer’s convictions for serious criminal offences seriously undermine public confidence in the police service and discredit it."

He said barring Curtis was "the only outcome that can possibly maintain confidence in the police service".

After the ruling, assistant chief constable Joanne Hall said: "We want to reiterate our recognition of the immense bravery and courage shown by the victim throughout.

"Curtis’s offending was abusive, manipulating and highly damaging and we want to be clear – he is in no way fit to be a police officer and should never hold a post in policing or law enforcement again. No police officer is above the law."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Family robbed at knifepoint

A FAMILY in Bromley Heath have been left in fear after being robbed at knifepoint by four men in their own home.

Police said the men broke into the house near Bromley Heath Road at around 1.30am on March 12.

A spokesperson said: "The occupants were threatened with knives and the offenders made off in the victim’s car. They also stole some electronics and a watch.

"An investigation is ongoing to identify the offenders and bring them to justice. Officers have already carried out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries and taken statements from one of the victims."

Detectives are appealing for anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious, or has any other information, to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5225 073 514.

Friends have launched a fundraiser to help pay for the costs the family face to pay off the finance on the stolen car, a 16-registration Hyundai Santa Fe, and pay for temporary accommodation.

Writing on the fundraising page a family friend said: "The family now feel they need to move as the younger children are scared to be in the house."

The fundraising page can be found at tinyurl.com/mssczzad.

Hare coursing fine

A MAN arrested in connection with the illegal blood sport of hare coursing has been fined.

John Head, aged 51, of Blackhorse Lane, admitted trespass with intent to search or to pursue hares with dogs in connection with an incident in October last year, when two men were seen with two lurcher dogs chasing hares on land at Burbage, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.

Head was fined £505 when he appeared before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in March.

Magical story wins Jack a trip to the palace

A DOWNEND primary school pupil's experience of using a hearing aid inspired him to write a story that won him an invitation to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen.

Jack Brewer, a Year 5 pupil at St Augustine of Canterbury Primary School, made the top 50 of the BBC's 500 Words, a national short story competition for young writers.

His story, The Whispering Forest, was one of 25 chosen from among 45,000 entries in the competition's 8-11 age category.

Jack’s story featured a character who wears a hearing aid – and discovers it can help him hear a secret voice whispering to him in a forest, leading him to a magical discovery.

His mum Kate said: "It was a personal and meaningful choice for him.

"When he first started wearing one, he struggled to find books with characters like himself, so he decided to write his own."

The last line of Jack's story proved to be prophetic, as it said: "Sometimes, hearing things in a new way opened doors to places you never expected."

Jack said: “I wanted to create a character who wears a hearing aid so other children like me can see themselves in stories too.

New Osteopathy practice opens in Downend

Meet Julia Currington, the dedicated osteopath behind Staple Hill Osteopathy, now conveniently located within Mint Health Clinic at 38 Downend Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5UJ.

"Being at Buckingham Palace and meeting so many incredible and talented people was an unforgettable experience!

"Everyone was so kind and gave me really

With over two decades in the wellness industry and a Master’s degree from the University College of Osteopathy in London, Julia combines extensive experience with a deep commitment to health and well-being.

Julia's journey into osteopathy began in 2014, driven by her passion for holistic health and helping others. Her practice addresses a variety of conditions, including muscular aches, back and neck pain, shoulder injuries, headaches and sports-related issues. She employs a structural and holistic approach, tailoring treatment plans to each individual's needs.

Last month, Julia relocated her practice to Mint Health Clinic in Downend, enhancing her ability to serve the community. This modern facility offers a range of health services, including blood tests, menopause workshops, lymphatic drainage massage and nutritional therapy, providing patients with comprehensive care options. Born in Bath, Julia has a deep appreciation for the local area. She is a mother of two and enjoys spending her free time outdoors, baking sourdough bread, cooking nourishing meals, practicing meditation and yoga, painting and engaging in creative writing.

Julia's dedication to her patients is evident through her personalized care and commitment to supporting individuals toward a healthy life, free from pain or physical limitations. Her extensive training includes further studies with the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy and she is accredited with the General Osteopathic Council.

For those seeking effective osteopathic care in the BS16 area, Julia offers a compassionate, trusted and professional service. Appointments are available by consultation, providing flexible options to accommodate various schedules.

To begin your journey toward improved health and well-being, contact Julia on 07543 884598 or visit the Mint Health Clinic.

amazing comments about my story. It was a day I'll never forget."

The BBC 500 Words competition is the UK’s biggest children’s writing contest and has been championed by Queen Camilla since 2015, as part of her commitment to literacy and creative writing.

As well as the Queen, the event at the palace was attended by Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman, McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, comedian Matt Lucas, actress and Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, singer and presenter JB Gill, comedian Rob Brydon, and Gladiators Fire and Nitro.

The finalists also met the 500 Words judges: Sir Lenny Henry, Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and authors Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson and Malorie Blackman.

St Augustine's head teacher Mark Hilliam said: “We are all so very proud of Jack for his achievement.

"Reaching the last fifty of the 500 Words competition is very impressive.

"I must also add how delighted I was that other children in Jack’s class also made it through to the last 5,000 - we clearly have amazing writers here at St Augustine’s!”

You can read or listen to Jack's story at tinyurl.com/2khswwrv.

Jack Brewer outside Buckingham Palace

Deadline looms for plan opponents

PEOPLE who object to proposals to build thousands of new houses on green are being urged to have their say before it’s too late.

The latest version of South Gloucestershire’s Local Plan, which outlines where the authority believes development should take place over the next 15 years, is out for consultation until April 11.

The plan includes proposals to allow a major development on the former Shortwood Lodge Golf Club, 2,000-plus homes next to the M4 north of Lyde Green, 65 homes on part of the Hayfields base of Cleve RFC and 150 homes on land next door owned by Taylor Wimpey, some of them on sites currently in the Green Belt.

The protest group Save Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG) believes that housing on the scale proposed would put unacceptable pressure on roads and other infrastructure.

It organised a meeting at Mangotsfield's Pomphrey Hill Pavilion in March, attended by about 70 people, at which residents expressed concerns that traffic delays on the A4174 ring road were already lengthy, even

before any more homes were built.

Martin Thomas, of SOGS-SG, who lives in Siston, said that the group was not against all housebuilding, but felt that areas east of Bristol were being asked to take a disproportionate amount of the homes that are estimated to be needed.

SOGS-SG chair Darren Lawrence said the consultation was residents’ last chance to influence the Local Plan.

He said: "It is not a done deal. Make sure you have your say."

Emersons Green town councillor Abi Cohen told the meeting the aim should be to amend the Local Plan rather than reject it.

He warned that without a Local Plan in place, there was little councils or local people could do to ensure that developers funded necessary facilities such as schools and medical centres and transport improvements alongside building the new homes.

SOGS-SG has been holding workshops

to help people respond to the council’s consultation. The final one takes place at St Anne’s Church Hall, Oldland Common, on April 5 from 1pm.

Responses will be passed to the government’s planning inspectorate for review before hearings next year.

Launching the consultation, South Glos cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: “We accept that not everyone will like everything in the Plan; some of the decisions we have had to make have been very difficult. We share local people’s passion to protect the character of the places they love to live. But we would be doing those people and the next generations a disservice if we simply tried to put up a roadblock to any new building."

The plan can be viewed and commented on at the consultation website, localplan. commonplace.is, until April 11.

Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.

About 70 people attended a meeting at Pomphrey Hill Pavilion in March

Girls take the field on football day

A DOWNEND primary school held a special football day for girls to encourage them to enjoy playing the sport.

The #LetGirlsPlay event at Christ Church C of E Infant School in March featured training sessions with coaches from the Bristol Rovers Women, Downend Flyers and Mangotsfield United for all pupils, followed by girls-only football matches on the school field.

The school had a visit from Filton & Bradley Stoke MP Claire Hazelgrove, who came to show her support for the event.

Head teacher Anna Martin said: "This day was as much about promoting football for girls as it was about educating the boys that football is not just for them.

"Staff could see a pattern of the boys dominating football at lunchtimes and we wanted to address this as well as holding this important day.

"We also have 'Girls' Football Fridays' to give them the confidence to play at school.

Numbers are increasing each week and we are now seeing more girls join in on mixed football days.

"This campaign is being championed by PE Lead Amelia Gould, who is supporting the children and staff to challenge stereotypes and see the importance in why we should be talking about this with such young children."

The school has been praised for its "culture of exceptional compassion and support" by an inspection team.

Its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report, released in late February, says the school is "living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish".

The inspectors highlighted the powerful sense of belonging from collective worship, clear understanding of spirituality shared by children, effective leadership in religious education and "profound impact" the mutual support of church and school had on its community.

Car park charge work starts

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has started work to install payment machines in car parks where charges are being brought in.

The council has yet to confirm a date for the introduction of charges in many of its car parks, including Page Road, Byron Place and Haynes Lane in Staple Hill and St James Street in Mangotsfield.

But it has changed its plans in relation to its two car parks in Page Road. The main car park, next to Soundwell Road, will be a short stay car park, which will have some free spaces for motorists stopping for 30 minutes or less, while the car park between Page Road and Kendall Road will now be a long stay car park.

The authority is still planning to make the Byron Place car park opposite Tesco in Broad Street long stay - it currently has a twohour limit - while the St James Street car park in Mangotsfield will have a mix of short and long-stay spaces, as it does now.

Haynes Lane, next to Pendennis Road, will remain long stay.

Only short stay car parks will have any spaces available for free stays of up to 30 minutes; the minimum charge to park in a longstay car park will be £3.

The council will also introduce charges at Kings Chase shopping centre in Kingswood and at Yate Leisure Centre.

Other car parks used by shoppers in the area, including the Coop car park in Downend and Tesco store car park in Staple Hill, are not council-owned and are not subject to the new charges.

Disabled Blue Badge holders will be able to park in any space free, for up to four hours.

Charges will apply on weekdays from 8am-6pm.

Short stay charges will range from 70p to £5, and daily long stay charges from £3 to £5.

Chair of governors Chris Douglas said: "We are delighted by this report and the recognition that the vision and values of the school are at the heart of all that the school does.

"We would like all the children who go to Christ Church Infants to live a full and fun life and to leave the school equipped

for the journeys ahead of them.

"Whilst the staff at the school deserve particular praise, the role of the wider community including the junior school, Christ Church Downend and the diocese have also been significant, and we are delighted to have such strong connections into Downend."

Christ Church Infant School girls with coaches and MP Claire Hazelgrove

Metro Mayor candidates Q&A

On May 1 voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES will choose the region's next Metro Mayor.

THE leader of the West of England Combined Authority has the task of coordinating the region’s transport, housing, infrastructure, jobs, skills and business support strategies.

Whoever wins the election is expected to be given extra powers in the years ahead, as the government promises to devolve more spending and decisionmaking to regions.

They will be responsible for delivering the region's Local Growth Plan, to drive economic growth over the next ten years.

The mayor has to work with the leaders of the three councils that make up WECA to deliver policies.

Current Metro Mayor Dan Norris is standing down after being elected as a Labour MP last year.

Aiming to succeed him for Labour is Helen Godwin, a former Bristol City Council cabinet member.

The Conservatives, who held the post from 2017 to 2021, have also picked a former Bristol city councillor, Steve Smith, to try and win it back.

The Greens, third in 2021, have selected Mary Page, a

community activist who was their candidate for the Bristol North West seat at the last general election.

Bath & North East Somerset councillor Oli Henman is the Liberal Democrats’ choice.

South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Scott is standing as an independent. He initially applied to be Labour's candidate but accused the party of discrimination after being removed from its shortlist.

As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer three interview questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans.

The critical shortage of affordable homes in communities with essential services.

The need for sustainable economic growth that delivers quality jobs and training opportunities across our entire region.

As your Labour Mayor working alongside a Labour government, I'll bring together stakeholders and private companies to tackle these challenges with my proven track record of delivery.

•

As the Voice went to print, Reform UK had not announced a candidate. We invited the party to contribute to this article.

Nominations opened on March 26 and will close on April 2.

Question 1: What are the 3 biggest issues facing the region?

Helen Godwin: The three top issues facing our region are:

The lack of a smart, integrated transport network that effectively connects communities and meets local needs.

Oli Henman: The top issue is the need to improve public transport. This includes rapidly expanding reliable buses, alongside an integrated approach to trains and mass transit as well as improved cycle routes.

Secondly, we have an opportunity to build the jobs of the future, we need pathways through training and into employment in key areas such as renewables, net zero construction, engineering and technology innovation.

I would also highlight the need for genuinely affordable housing in locations with good transport connections.

Mary Page: We need a New Green Deal for the West of England.

Public transport is unreliable

Helen Godwin

Oli Henman

Mary Page

Steve Smith

Ian Scott

or non-existent. We are experiencing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, conflict between development versus nature yet also a lack of affordable housing.

I will prioritise making public transport accessible and available 24 hours a day. Improve our environment and sustainability policies, support communities with local plans and upskill our people. Work with social housing developers and use the Green Infrastructure Fund to unlock private investment.

Ian Scott: Government Funding – Give us our money back. The West of England is a net contributor to the economy, so why is it not in the first tranche of the Integrated Settlement, like West Yorkshire? West of England or West Yorkshire? West of England voters will want to get fair funding and gets its money back to fund local services.

Mass transit system – We are the biggest city in Europe without a mass transit system

Cheap bus fares.

Steve Smith: Ending local councils' war on the motorist who are hitting people with new parking charges and wasting limited regional funding on closing off roads.

Transforming public transport by opening at least five new local train stations (three in South Glos), increasing service frequency. And prioritising bus services to improve coverage for communities affected by cuts like Chipping Sodbury.

Championing our Green Belt by promoting a “brownfield first” approach to housing and promoting higher density development in the centre of

Bristol.

Question

2: If you win the election, what would your first action be?

Steve Smith: To stop frittering away regional transport funding on schemes that close and curtail road access. The first to go will be the Labour Mayor’s planned congestion-creating and deeply unpopular A4 Bus Lane on the Keynsham Bypass between Bath and Bristol.

Ian Scott: Call in the bus operators to plan better bus routes to increase bus usage and keep bus fares as low as possible, whilst demanding a fair funding system from the government for the West of England.

Mary Page: Meet all staff to outline my plans and hear theirs. Instruct an audit of policy documents and ways of working to ensure a sustainability first approach. Start investigation into Franchising and set up outline brief for a Freedom travel card.

Oli Henman: This is a key moment to rebuild trust in the role of the Mayor to drive new opportunities for our region. I would start by bringing together all the key stakeholders to listen and design a shared strategy on transport, housing and jobs.

Helen Godwin: If elected, my first action will be assembling a top-tier team at the West of England Authority - professionals demonstrating clear regional value while

delivering immediate results. No wasted time, just tangible outcomes for our communities from day one.

Question 3: What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job?

Mary Page: Worked in community development support at Shirehampton Jobs, Training and Enterprise, Jobs 22 Marketing Manager, DWP Work Coach, National Composites Centre Business Development, South Gloucestershire Council political advisor, National Union of Journalists SW Exec, Trustee and Residents’ Association Chair.

Steve Smith: I’ve worked in business, the NHS and local government. Crucially I have a proven track record of campaigning on local issues. This includes taking the fight to Lib/Lab South Gloucestershire Council against their Green Belt destroying, congestion creating

Local Plan.

Helen Godwin: As a deeplyrooted local with generations of family across the West Country, I've proven my ability to deliver real change as both a business leader and Bristol cabinet member. My reputation for getting things done by bringing together key stakeholders will secure the investment our region deserves.

Oli Henman: I have local roots and an international outlook. I have experience as a local councillor in the leadership at Bath & NE Somerset and deep expertise in sustainable development. I can deliver locally, raise the profile of the region and draw international investment.

Ian Scott: I have been a councillor 25 years - Filton 15 years and South Gloucestershire 10 years. I worked as a local government policy advisor for South Gloucestershire Council two years, Bristol 10 years, and South West councils Local Governance Assessor.

Voting in the election

POLLING day is Thursday, May 1. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

The deadline for registering to vote is April 11.

Postal vote applications have to be made by 5pm on April 14 and proxy vote applications have to be made by 5pm on April 23.

Voters will need to photo ID, including a passport, driving licence or older person’s bus pass, to vote in person on the day. Anyone without photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, also by April 23.

More information on voting can be found on the WECA website at tinyurl.com/2s468mh6, the South Gloucestershire Council website at tinyurl.com/2mwsnmxt or by calling 01454 863030.

TURNER'S VISION

Expert contact lens care: Tips for comfortable and healthy wear

AS specialist contact lens optometrists, we know that contact lenses can transform the way you see and experience life. Whether you wear them for daily convenience, sports, or cosmetic reasons, the right lenses and proper professional eye care are key to ensuring long-term comfort and eye health. Here are some essential do’s, don’ts, and handy hints to help you get the best from your contact lenses.

Do’s: Essential Contact Lens Care Tips

Ginny Allwood of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434

www.turnersopticians.co.uk

• Follow Your Optometrist’s Advice – Your eyes are unique, and so are your contact lenses. Always follow the wear and replacement schedule recommended by your Optometrist to maintain healthy eyes.

• Wash and Dry Your Hands – Before handling your lenses, wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to your eyes or lenses.

• Clean and Store Lenses Properly – If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and store them in fresh contact lens solution. Please never reuse or top up contact lens solutions.

• Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly – Your lens case can harbour bacteria, so replace it every month and clean it regularly with fresh solution.

• Take Breaks if Needed – If your eyes feel dry or irritated, give them a break by occasionally switching to glasses. Hydrating eye drops recommended by your Optometrist can also help.

Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid with Contact Lenses

• Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses – Unless you have been prescribed specific overnight-wear lenses, sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections.

• Don’t Use Water or Saliva – Never rinse your lenses with tap water, bottled water, or saliva. These can introduce harmful bacteria and lead to serious eye infections.

• Don’t Wear Lenses Longer Than Recommended – Overwearing lenses beyond their intended use can reduce oxygen supply to your eyes, leading to discomfort and potential complications.

• Don’t Ignore Discomfort – If your lenses feel uncomfortable, remove them and check for debris or damage. Persistent discomfort or redness may indicate an eye problem—contact us immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Handy Hints for Successful Contact Lens Wear

• Find the Right Lenses for Your Lifestyle – From daily disposables to specialist lenses for complex prescriptions, there’s a contact lens solution for everyone. We can help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

• Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps maintain tear film stability, keeping your eyes comfortable while wearing lenses.

• Use High-Quality Lens Solutions – Always use the recommended cleaning solution to extend the life of your lenses and keep your eyes healthy.

• Book Regular Aftercares – Regular check-ups ensure your lenses are still suitable for your eyes and that your prescription remains up to date.

Need Expert Advice? We’re Here to Help!

If you’re considering contact lenses for the first time, need advice on specialist lenses, or just want to check if your current lenses are the best option for you, our experienced team is here to help. We offer expert contact lens fittings, aftercare, and personalised advice to ensure you achieve the best vision and comfort.

Book an appointment today and let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably! To book an appointment, give us a call at our Henleaze branch on 0117 962 2474, our Fishponds branch on 0117 965 4434 or you can also book online at www.turnersopticians.co.uk and let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably!

Ginny

Ginny Allwood MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret, is an Associate Optometrist with a Specialist interest in Contact Lenses & Myopia Control, who is also a Qualified Dispensing Optician, at Turners Opticians in Bristol.

YOUR Community NEWS

What is a Parish Council?

A Parish Council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the Parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. It is the level of government closest to the community, with the district authority above it in the hierarchy. As it is the authority closest to the people, Parish Councils are invariably the firstplace people will go to with concerns or ideas. For this reason, they are a vital part of any community, representing the local people, delivering services to meet local needs, and striving to improve the quality of life in the area.

What decisions do Parish Councils make?

Parish Councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that Parish Councils get involved with are planning matters (as statutory consultees), helping local groups, managing open

spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities. Our Parish Council in particular, have been hugely involved with all decision making regarding the new Sports Pavilion at King George V Playing Fields.

Who makes up the Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council team?

Your Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is made up of 12 Councillors, a Parish Clerk and a Parish Clerk Co Worker. We are looking forward to welcoming The King George V Pavilion Manager and Pavilion Co Worker in the very near future.

YOU ARE

WARMLY INVITED

TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

The Annual Assembly is a public meeting and offers an opportunity for local residents to speak with their Parish Councillors and discuss any issues within the community. The Annual Assembly of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council will be held on Thursday 24th April 2025, 7pm, Badminton Road Methodist Church, Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6NU

The Parish Council’s Chairperson, Councillor Janet Biggin, will provide a short presentation and we will also be making 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. Refreshments will be provided. We look forward to welcoming you!

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS

Downend Ward

Councillor Phillip Abbott phillip.abbott@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 0117 957 0075

Councillor Janet Biggin janet.biggin@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 0117 957 6987

Councillor Ben Burton ben.burton@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07870 639 486

Councillor Jacky Dockerty jacky.dockerty@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07963 841 270

Councillor James Griffiths james.griffiths@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07988 775 028

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

Councillor Mike Richards mike.richards@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07846 893 543

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

Councillor Sam Burch sam.burch@dphparishcouncil.co.uk 07812592256

Councillor Terry Meech terry.meech@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk 07900451267

Staple Hill Ward

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

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

Clerk to the Council

Mr Kevin Spratt

Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council

Parish Office, Downend Library, Buckingham Gardens, Downend, Bristol BS16 5TW Tel: 0117 9567001

Email: clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk

& BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

Pre-school makes improvements after inspection

A STAPLE Hill pre-school is making improvements after a visit from Ofsted.

Little Sheep Pre-school, based at Staple Hill Methodist Church on the High Street, was inspected in February.

The regulator said the preschool requires improvement in all areas, and leaders need to develop the planning and delivery of the curriculum, improve the organisation of snack and lunchtimes and provide more support and coaching to staff, to improve the quality of teaching.

Inspector Rebecca Martin found many positives in her report.

She said the pre-school's 22 children, aged between two and four, are happy and keen to attend. Staff enable them to "quickly build the confidence to explore and play independently".

The inspector said the curriculum built key skills, helping children think for themselves.

Staff also focus on communication and language skills, with children who speak English as an additional language learning words in their own languages and English.

The inspector said: "Children develop a love of books and an interest in the print around them. Staff read stories using lively and engaging voices."

The report said staff have "high expectations for children's behaviour", adding: "They support children to understand the consequences of their actions and the impact on others."

Regular trips out into the community help build children's confidence.

Good communication with parents was also highlighted.

The inspector said: "Parents say they feel supported and confident to chat to staff if they had any concerns about their child."

However, the report said the pre-school's curriculum did not meet all children's needs.

The inspector said: "The quality and number of interactions and support offered for younger children is not consistent. Progress for these children is not as swift as it could be."

She said that although children learn about healthy daily routines and have nutritional foods, some younger children don't eat or drink regularly and become unsettled, and outdoor activities were not thought through.

The inspector said that when weaknesses in staff practice were identified, relevant training "is not put in place quickly enough".

Little Sheep Pre-school is run by a volunteer committee, with four paid and qualified staff, including a manager.

Committee chair Philippa Powell said: "The committee feel that the report was a fair one, as it reflects what was seen on just one day and is only a snapshot of daily life in our preschool. However, it is not an accurate

picture of our preschool’s overall practice.

"We have many children with special educational needs or disabilities, and also children with English as a second language.

"We were at the time waiting on an inclusion funding request for one of our new SEND starters. This child has now received the funding and has a daily one-to-one.

"We also have improved our planning of the curriculum, which is uniquely now specific and supports the needs of the younger children, as well as the preschool children.

"We have implemented a two-fold curriculum to address the needs of the different age groups, and a member of staff oversees this planning and that it is implemented.

"All staff are adding to Continuing Professional Development and attending extra training for the needs of our SEND children."

Platinum celebration for Kay and Roger

MANGOTSFIELD couple

Kay and Roger Netting are celebrating a remarkable 70 years of marriage.

They first met at a dance at the Vic Rooms in Bristol after coming to the city as students.

Roger, who was born near Looe in Cornwall, was studying geography at Bristol University, while Kay, who was born in Tredegar in South Wales, was training in physiotherapy at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

They had to bring their wedding plans forward in a hurry after Roger was offered a job on graduation that involved a threeyear posting to Uganda - then a British colony - to work as a surveyor making maps.

They married in Rhymney in Wales on March 30 1955, and combined their honeymoon in London with a shopping expedition to buy tropical clothes and a safari bed for Africa.

Kay and Roger stayed on in Uganda, where their children David and Claire were born,

until 1963. They spent much of their time in the bush and small remote settlements.

When they returned to the UK they decided to settle in Bristol, as they both knew the city well, moving to a house on Westerleigh Road, Downend.

Roger taught maths and geography at Rodway School in 1964.

He switched to Bristol Technical College after spotting an advert in the Evening Post, which said the college needed a lecturer to teach land surveying.

The college soon became part of Bristol Polytechnic and Roger helped to develop its degree courses for surveyors, while Kay managed a branch of George's university bookshop in Unity Street.

The couple moved to Mangotsfield nearly 50 years ago and still live near Charnhill Drive.

Roger retired as the Poly became the University of the West of England in 1992.

He joined Page Park Bowls Club, where he is the oldest competitive player at the age of 92, has been club president and was recently made a life member. Kay, who is 90, volunteered for Cossham Hospital League of Friends and was a member of the Badminton Road Ladies Club. She is now a member of Ladies' Enterprise in Downend.

As well as their two children they have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

They were planning to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary with a meal at the Forge & Fern in Staple Hill, and a family holiday.

Roger says the key to a longlasting marriage is: "There's always got to be give and take."

The couple on their wedding day in 1955

Kay and Roger Netting

Protesters call for slaughterhouse to close

ANIMAL rights campaigners are calling for the closure of an abattoir where they say up to 3,000 pigs a day are slaughtered.

Protesters are holding regular vigils outside the Pilgrim's Europe plant at Westerleigh, north of Lyde Green.

They believe the method used to stun the pigs before slaughter, using carbon dioxide gas, is cruel and that the animals suffer "immense distress" during transportation to the plant in trucks.

The protests, which take place every other Monday

morning outside the plant and on nearby Westerleigh Road, are coordinated by the Bristol Animal Rights Collective, and also involve members of other groups, including Bristol Animal Save and We The Free.

People had travelled from as far as Evesham, Swindon and Weston-super-Mare to take part in a demonstration seen by the Voice in March.

Carol Sharpe, from Downend, has been attending the protests, which happen fortnightly on Monday mornings, since 2018, a year after the first one was held.

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

She said: "We do it to raise awareness.We ask passing drivers to beep in support and one of us uses a clicker to count how many we get - some weeks it's over 250."

Jody Wilkins, who travels from Weston to regularly take part, said: "We also go there as a mark of respect to the pigs, to bear witness to the trucks coming in and raise awareness to the public that the facility is there.

"The industry tries to keep this side of it secret."

Jody said carbon dioxide is

used on 90% of pigs slaughtered in the UK and was "an extremely painful way to die".

The campaigners are calling on people to watch a documentary called Pignorant, released last year, which includes undercover filming at an abattoir using carbon dioxide.

The Voice has contacted Pilgrim's Europe to request a comment on the protests, the campaigners' claims that the use of carbon dioxide is cruel and that animals suffer distress during their journey to the abattoir.

Protesters film pigs inside a lorry arriving at the plant.

Animal rights protesters outside the abattoir in Westerleigh

PM sees our NHS teams in action

THANK you to everyone who joined my recent ‘Coffee with Claire’ event in Bradley Stoke.

Thanks also to those who attended advice surgeries in Patchway and Filton, or spoke with me and our volunteer team on the doorstep recently in Downend, Filton, Winterbourne and Little Stoke.

This month alone, my team and I are working on 315 new cases for residents.

In the last few weeks, I have spoken in the House of Commons on the vital role of local defence companies in backing Ukraine, the need for public service reform, tackling the rise of misinformation and disinformation, and the support needed for innovative local start-ups.

On a personal note, I’m pleased to have been appointed as parliamentary private secretary to Darren Jones and the Treasury team.

It was fantastic to welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer back to our community to mark the government providing two million more NHS appointments within our first year – seven months early! He saw the great work that the team at the North Bristol Community Diagnostic Centre in Patchway does.

I’m pleased that our area will receive 19,076 more urgent dental appointments from April. I’ve long campaigned on this issue and while there’s still more to do, including reforming the dental contract, progress is being made.

In these uncertain times, I fully support the Prime Minister’s international leadership and plan to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027.

We must maintain our national security, alongside that of Europe and Ukraine. This requires difficult decisions, but the first duty of any government is to protect its people.

I was pleased to support the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which includes the ability to seize vehicles like off-road bikes in parks and dangerous e-scooters on pavements.

This is alongside recruiting 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs nationally, and a 6.6% funding increase to Avon

and Somerset Police.

I’m proud of the important work happening at every level in our community. I recently visited SGS College’s WISE campus in Stoke Gifford, to view their cutting-edge facilities.

I celebrated International Women’s Day with Downend’s Christ Church Infant School, where girls took part in the ‘biggest ever football session’.

I joined a community breakfast at Mangotsfield Community School, led by brilliant head teacher Hetty Blackmore, to discuss how we can improve outcomes for the most disadvantaged students.

I also visited the University of Bath’s IAAPS in Emersons Green where advanced propulsion innovation is helping shape the future of flight!

Next month’s ‘Coffee with Claire’ will be in Frenchay.

You can sign up at clairehazelgrove. co.uk/coffee-with-claire or facebook.com/ ClaireRHazelgrove

If you need support, please get in touch at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.

TURNERS HEARING CARE BLOG

Ear wax microsuction – a safe and gentle solution

As an experienced audiologist, I understand how frustrating blocked ears can be. Whether you’re struggling with hearing loss, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness, excessive ear wax can be a real nuisance. Fortunately, ear wax microsuction offers a safe, effective, and gentle solution.

Unlike traditional methods like ear syringing, microsuction is a precision technique that removes wax without introducing water into the ear canal. Using a fine, medical-grade suction device and a specialist video microscope, I can carefully and comfortably remove excess wax while keeping your ear canal and eardrum completely safe.

Many patients tell me how amazed they are by the immediate improvement in their hearing and comfort after treatment. The procedure is quick—typically taking just 20 to 30 minutes—and is suitable for people of all ages, including those with sensitive ears or a history of ear infections.

I always take the time to ensure my patients feel relaxed and informed throughout the process. Your ears are delicate, and they deserve the best care. That’s why I offer a professional, reassuring experience designed to put you at ease.

If you're experiencing blocked ears, don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment today, and let’s restore your comfort and clarity with expert ear wax microsuction. Debbie

Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians in Fishponds having worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.

Keir Starmer and Claire Hazelgrove at the North Bristol Community Diagnostic Centre

School celebrates love of reading

A CELEBRATION of reading and storytelling was held at Bromley Heath Junior School in March.

The school's Literacy Week, leading up to World Book Day, started with a book fair for children and their families.

Pupils then visited infant school classes to help the younger children with their reading.

Year 5 teacher Daniel Wake said: "It was heart-warming to see older children encouraging and guiding the younger ones through the stories."

The school had a visit from a librarian from Downend Library, and a series of parent and child reading sessions, to encourage shared reading at home.

Each class at the school was visited by guest storyteller Bill

Church.

Mr Wake said: "He enthralled kids with his dynamic storytelling technique, stimulating imaginations and bringing stories to life in ways that left an everlasting impact on everyone."

Finishing the week was World Book Day, with a Bromley Bake Off competition where contestants baked cakes inspired by their favourite books and a 'Book in a Picture' competition to create an artwork illustrating

a scene from a book or a making a book cover.

Mr Wake said: "Both events brought together a celebration of books, creativity, and community spirit.

"Overall, Literacy Week was a resounding success, filled with engaging activities that celebrated reading, storytelling, and community involvement.

"It left students inspired and eager to continue exploring the world of books."

Tennis award

BROMLEY Heath Junior School has won two awards for its commitment to tennis.

The school won the Avon Lawn Tennis Association School of the Year Award and the national LTA Excellence Award, which celebrates significantly contributions to grassroots tennis.

Year 4 teacher Emma Wood said: "Tennis is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum during term 4, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage with the sport.

"Beyond regular classes, the school offers an after-school tennis club in terms 5 and 6, providing additional avenues for students to develop their skills and passion for the game.

"The school's dedication is further exemplified by its staff and collaborations with local coaches to deliver high-quality tennis lessons."

Mrs Wood said the awards recognised the "exceptional efforts" the school had made to promote the sport and encourage active participation.

Bromley Heath Junior School head teacher Tracy Serle and pupils dressed as Alice in Wonderland characters

Avoid the danger of out-of-date Wills

No one wants to be remembered for leaving behind a legal mess for their family to sort out. However, having an out-of-date Will can sometimes be even worse than having no Will at all.

A FREE Review Meeting with local experts Simpson Solicitors can give you the peace of mind that you have the right protection in place – avoiding possible upset and legal disputes. Their friendly team will guide you through questions such as:

Do you know where the original Will is securely stored? Is it legally valid and signed in compliance with the rules that apply?

Has your family grown? Does your Will cover all your children or

grandchildren or step children in the way you want?

Have you separated from your partner, but still have a Will that leaves everything to them?

Are you still close to the Guardians you appointed to raise your children or the Executors you appointed to sort everything out? Are they still up to the job?

Have money gifts kept up with inflation or with a change to the amount you own?

Has your Will kept pace with

changes to Inheritance Tax or the rules on Care Home Fees? Or will your family now face an avoidable bill?

Also do you have courtregistered Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, with the right people appointed to help you if there was an emergency and you became seriously ill?

Book your Free Will Review Meeting: They will take as long as you need. There is even a free home visit option. It is a no obligation meeting to give you peace of mind. If you then go ahead, they offer clear fixed prices. To book your review, you can pop into their offices or call them or email message@simpsonslawuk. com

Free Will Review

Iris celebrates her century

A DOWNEND great-grandmother who worked on secret messages for the Armed Forces during the D-Day landings has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Iris Jefferies still lives independently in the house in Bromley Heath that she and her late husband David bought in 1961, and is the oldest honorary member of her local ladies' Probus Club.

Born in Plymouth on March 21, 1925, Iris took a job with the Admiralty aged 18, in 1943, and was sent to Bath to work as a stenographer.

She coded and decoded secret messages for all three services on movements and other preparations for the D-Day landings.

Iris was also involved in coding messages surrounding the operation of the Mulberry Harbour deployed in Arromanches, Normandy, after D-Day to enable the Allied invasion force to unload its supplies.

She met David, who served in the Royal Navy, when they were both on leave before he sailed for the Pacific.

Following the war they married, on March 1 1947, and moved to David's home town of

Bristol.

After initially living in Mangotsfield they moved to Downend in 1961.

Iris and David, who died in 2020, had two daughters, Sandy and Dawn, three grandchildren, David, Mark and Amy, and seven great-grandchildren, who are aged from 14 to 19.

She loved singing and acting with Bromley Heath Townswomen’s Guild, one of many clubs she has been a member of over

the years.

Iris celebrated her birthday with a family party hosted by one of her daughters in Downend, followed by an afternoon tea at Cadbury House Hotel in Congresbury the next day.

Granddaughter Amy Matthews said: "She says there’s no secret to getting to 100 other than a lot of ladies in the family have lived to a good old age, so maybe it’s just good genesand a bit of chocolate every night!"

Iris Jefferies on her 100th birthday

A young Iris

Essentials for life

There are two essential things we all need for our physical life to continue: Air entering our lungs and blood pumping around the body. Similarly, there are two essential truths to the Christian faith: The death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is these that make it possible for us to have spiritual life with God. A life that Jesus said was ’life in all its fullness’, a life that begins now and continues once our lungs stop breathing and our heart stops beating, an incredible, eternal life with God.

Just as we can have a heart attack, did you know we all have had a soul attack? Sin (our rebellion against God) cuts us off from spiritual life with God. We fail to do the things we should, and we think, do and say things we know are wrong. This is why we feel guilty, ashamed, lost, alone, anxious and afraid. It is why we hurt and get hurt. It is why wars happen. And God, who is holy and just, holds us accountable.

But there is hope, there is good

news! If a heart stops beating, medics shock the heart back into function. Likewise, we need someone outside of us to bring us to life with God. God himself breaths life into us, shocking us into spiritual consciousness, causing us to know, understand and believe the truth about Jesus.

Essential truth 1. Sinless Jesus sacrificially died the death we deserve for all our wrongs. On the cross (on the Friday) he was punished in our place so that we can be freely forgiven and receive Jesus’ perfection.

Essential truth 2. On the Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead. He IS alive! His sacrifice fully accepted by God, his work completed. Jesus won the victory for us over our greatest enemies of sin, death and Satan.

Those who believe in Jesus and what he has done know they have a new life with God now and forever.

Come and discover Jesus Christ for yourself. Everyone is welcome.

Use the QR code to go our website and look for us on YouTube and Facebook.

Bubble Church for families

SOMETIMES it can be really hard for families with very young children to get to a church service on a Sunday morning.

Juggling breakfasts, nappy changing and dressing is just part of the challenge, along with keeping them occupied and happy through prayers, songs and sermons delivered with adults in mind.

Children want to play, run, scream, dance and shout, always craving the attention of the parents and carers.

Christ Church holds several groups and crèches, which are well attended, but this still does not address the many and varied challenges of getting children there in the first place.

Cue Bubble Church, a Sunday service designed especially for babies, toddlers and young families that arose in London during lockdown, when families had to keep to their small 'bubbles'.

It proved to very successful at not only entertaining young ones but also in introducing the gospel to children and young families, sometimes for the first time. It also created the opportunity for families to meet and engage with each other, albeit at a distance.

Christ Church, always eager to become more involved in the local community, has now adopted this model at Quakers Road.

It is a free service, held on the first Sunday of every month, the next one being Sunday April 6 at 4pm.

A simple service lasts 30 minutes and involves lots of puppets, singing and dancing, followed by a children’s tea.

The children love the fun and interaction and the parents love seeing their children have so much enjoyment.

We know it’s making a great impact in the local community because more young families are coming each month.

If you know anyone you think would love to come along, then please pass along this article.

Bubble Church is a fun way for us to be able to teach the Gospel to the very young and give the space for young families to interact with each other.

Mark Tanner

The gift of hospitality

I’VE been thinking a lot again recently about the gift of hospitality and the powerful effect it can have on those with whom we share it.

The dictionary defines it as ‘the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and strangers.’ In a world where people are increasingly mobile and moving for new jobs and opportunities, welcoming strangers is perhaps more important now than ever. But it’s also just as important for the person who’s lived in the same place all their life, but who feels like their connection to other people has eroded. The ‘stranger’ who needs our welcome might be the neighbour who’s lived for years across the street from us.

A few years back the neighbours in our road got together to share some food and celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Some of us didn’t know each other well beforehand, but showing hospitality to each other was a great way to break the ice and to make everyone feel more welcome, even on their own street.

Hospitality often takes effort of course, whether it’s going out of our way to stop

and chat with someone, or even inviting them back to our home for a coffee. It’s not always easy and can certainly take us out of our comfort zone. But the payoff is so worthwhile. We all have a longing to belong somewhere, and hospitality is one way we can say to another person, “There really is a place for you here. You belong here and you’re valued.”

For Christians the Bible takes hospitality a step further still in its significance. It invites us to ‘welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you’ (Romans 15:7).

When Jesus Christ came down from heaven, it seemed like he was the outsider and the stranger in our home. But as his mission unfolded, it became clear that in fact we were the ones estranged from God by sin and that Christ had come to die to welcome us back to him. It was the greatest act of hospitality the world has ever seen!

I share all this because hospitality and welcoming strangers is still a beautiful thing for us to prize and pursue in our community. But even more than that,

God’s offer and invitation of welcome is still available to everyone who’s willing to receive it through Jesus his Son.

We want you to know there’s always a warm welcome waiting for you at Grace Church if you’d like to drop in any Sunday morning. We’d love to meet you and hear your story. We’d also love for you to hear what God has done — through the life, death and resurrection

New chief for firefighters

AVON Fire & Rescue Service has announced a new chief fire officer to take charge of the organisation.

Matt Cook was most recently the deputy chief fire officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

His new employers say he "brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role," which has a salary of £164,351 per year.

He will take over from Simon Shilton, who is retiring after 32 years as a firefighter, in the coming weeks.

Mr Cook joined Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service as a firefighter in 2001 before transferring to London Fire Brigade.

He has served as assistant chief fire officer in Oxfordshire before being appointed interim deputy chief in 2023 and then moving to West Sussex as deputy chief fire officer.

Mr Cook said: "I am honoured to take on the role of chief fire officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

"Simon’s leadership and distinguished

30-year career have left a lasting impact on this service, and I wish him all the very best for the future.

"I look forward to working alongside the dedicated people that make up our service and the wider community to ensure we provide the very best service we can.

"I am committed to ensuring we remain resilient, responsive, and innovative, always striving to deliver the highest level of Service for the communities we serve."

Interim Avon Fire Authority chair Paul Goggin said: "Matt’s extensive experience and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal leader for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

"His commitment to innovation, public safety, and workforce development will be instrumental in driving the service forward.

"On behalf of the Fire Authority, our communities and the Service, we would like to thank Simon Shilton for his invaluable contributions."

The leadership change was announced shortly before the publication of a consultants' report to the fire authority, which found morale at the fire service control room at Lansdown, Bath, was at “rock bottom” and the department is at risk of a mass exodus through resignations.

The consultants said there had been allegations of bullying, discrimination and misogynistic language, and staff also

complained of heavy workloads and lack of opportunities for career progression.

Mr Shilton said the service has developed a "staff-led action plan" to address concerns and "positive changes are already taking shape".

He said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that all staff in our control and communications team feel valued, supported, and heard.

“Our leadership team is fully committed to driving this transformation, and we are passionate about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of the service."

Incoming chief fire officer Matt Cook

DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS PREVIEW HANNAH SCOTT (WITH MATT HELM) + CORUJA JONES

FRIDAY 25 APRIL 2025

“Your music moved me to tears.”

This is the refrain contemporary folk artist Hannah Scott regularly hears as she leaves the stage. The best stories elicit profound personal reactions and in the 15 years she has been writing and performing, Hannah has become a consummate storyteller. Her music is shaped by human stories, with family, in all its chaos and glory, sitting at the heart of her work. Her lyrics are powerful and poignant, and her voice feels strangely familiar, though you can’t quite put your finger on why. Her writing may be deeply personal but her music has a universal appeal that extends beyond the melodies you catch yourself humming days after listening to her songs.

The connection she forges with her audiences often finds its most profound expression in the stories shared by audience members after

her performances: the woman whose elderly mother lost a sibling in childhood and is moved to tears by Boy In The Frame; the young father who, upon hearing My Dad & I, realises he wants to spend more time with his small children; the adoptive parents who, like Hannah as a step-parent, may not have been the first person to hold their child, but Love You Like I Did. A deep-rooted desire for this connection has always been the driving force behind her songwriting and live performances.

Hannah headlines Downend Folk & Roots’ April concert, when she will be joined on-stage by guitarist Matt Helm.

Getting the evening underway will be Coruja Jones, a songwriting project from Manchester (UK) based musician and songwriter Dan Jones, originally hailing from Dudley in The West Midlands.

His latest record Undo delves into the healing process in different forms, examining the calm and the chaos that can come from attempted self-betterment, and witnessing and wanting to heal other's hardship, all through

DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW

DOWNEND FOLK & ROOTS REVIEW: SAM SWEENEY WITH LOUIS CAMPBELL + LOU SHEPHERD

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2024

Things are starting to get better, aren't they? The Snowdrops are peeking through the soil, birds are singing their hearts out, there's a tiny bit of warmth in the sunshine, there's actually some sunshine! You can feel that everything is going to be alright.

If there's one man you need to soundtrack those bursts of spring-y joy then it is, of course, Sam Sweeney. One of the finest fiddle players of his generation, member of Bellowhead, Leveret and countless wonderful collaborations and, most recently, part of Boss Morris; Sweeney sometimes looks as though he can't believe how beautiful the music he makes can be.

Starting, as he always does, with Orange in Bloom, a Morris tune which Sweeney describes as “the best tune of all time”, it is full of woodsmoke and loveliness. Gently, slowly he coaxes spirits from the forest as Louis Campbell shaves slivers of moonlight with his guitar. It takes about thirty seconds before Sweeney smiles, tilts his head back and simply allows the music to flow

the lens of love. Expect dreamy, melancholic, indie-folk; beautiful songs with soaring high notes, combined with intricate, delicate guitar work into cavernous reverbs, which take aim at your heart.

Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 25 April 2025, are available online from downendfolkandroots.com and from Melanie’s Kitchen (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket.

There will be a bar, stocking

cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from locally-based Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.

For further information, please go to downendfolkandroots.com or find them on social media.

from him.

The whole of the first set is taken up with the Shapes EP, which Sweeney and Campbell released in 2023. They play it sequentially and, quite simply, every tune is glorious. On Shape #1 (D) the fiddle flutters above the tune, Campbell's guitar ringing out like a piano, until everything soars. These two seem to be in constant motion, there's fluidity, the music glides and skips, it skims like stones. Shape #3 (E) stretches and unfurls, the guitar as soft as raindrops, while Shape #4 (G)patters like go-to-bed footsteps, a lullaby for the ages.

Shape #5 (A) flits through the trees, Sweeney's fiddle humming snatches of romance, the soundtrack to a long-forgotten love. It's cinematic in the best possible way, projecting super 8 images straight into your memory box. Sweeney admits to falling asleep to this EP and it is easy to see why. All of the Shapes are blissful, tranquil, and gorgeous.

For the second set, Sweeney and Campbell break out the toe-tappers. Steppy Downs Road is huge fun, Campbell propulsive while Sweeney swoops up and over hills. Want to Fly, Want to Flee is another that explodes skywards. Both instruments launching themselves into the air, this is music for a summer's day, music of sunshine and heart-bursting

happiness.

There are light-footed hornpipes and haunting regimental marches, there's dance music for campfire embers and repeated shivers of delight. Sweeney and Campbell shimmer and pulse, sometimes they seem to be desperately trying to hold onto the streamers of light that they produce before they just fly away.

Sam Sweeney lets his fiddle do his singing for him, however, Lou Shepherd, in support, is all about the voice. This Bristol based singersongwriter is seriously good.

With only a handful shows under her belt, she holds echoes of Sandy Denny and Nick Drake. Her voice is so poised, so pure. If she encapsulates the best of 60s folk on an unaccompanied Quiet Joys of Brotherhood, then she

is beautifully contemporary on West Winds. In the same way that Katherine Priddy can still a room with her voice, Shepherd has a packed Christ Church entranced. Her own songs are sprinkled with nostalgic magic dust, they are peans to nature, to longing, to resilience. Mackerel Skies and Rise are flecked with sunshine, they skate on acoustic hope. Rambling ‘til Sunrise has the lazy roll of an Amsterdam bicycle wheel and allows us to glimpse a European summer evening.

Between them, Lou Shepherd, Sam Sweeney and Louis Campbell help to dispel the winter-y gloom, to look forward to brighter days. To remind us that, soon, everything will be alright.

Words: Gavin McNamara

Photos: Barry Savell

First new trees planted in Hill House Park

MORE than 20 trees have been planted in a Downend green space as part of plans to create a "pocket nature reserve".

More than 30 volunteers of all ages gathered to plant 21 trees, including small leaf limes, wild service berries and beech at Hill House Park.

The event in late February was part of a plan to enhance the park next to Hill House Road, which is being put into action by volunteer group Friends of Hill House Park with the support of South Gloucestershire Council and Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council.

Plans to enhance the park with new hedgerows and trees, a wildlife pond and accessible paths, were first set out last year.

The volunteer friends group was launched to help, and the parish council has signed a 'tenancy at will' agreement to take on half of the site.

Friends chair and South Gloucestershire councillor Katie Cooper said the inaugural tree planting event was a "significant

milestone", bringing the group's vision a step closer to reality.

Cllr Cooper said: "This is a day we've been working toward since we formed the Friends group.

"Seeing the community come

residents.

"South Glos Tree Team said they had never had as many volunteers for a planting event, showing the passion for the success of the project.

"The trees where chosen for their ability to support nature and their climate resilience."

Cllr Cooper said the planting was the "first tangible step" in transforming the park, with more trees planted in March and plans for a wildflower meadow, pond construction, bird and bat boxes to follow.

Friends of Hill House Park volunteers

together to physically begin the transformation of this space is incredibly moving.

"Each tree planted represents our commitment to creating a natural haven for both wildlife and

Negotiations continue for the parish council to take on the remaining half of the park, which includes the historic beech trees and entrance area at its northern end.

The friends welcome new members and volunteers, and hold their next meeting on June 5, at 7pm in the hall behind Aspirations in Hill House Road.

For more information email friendsofhillhousepark@gmail. com, call 0779 003 9332 or visit the group's Facebook page.

Park's friend remembered

A VOLUNTEER who helped to plant and tend Page Park's sensory garden has been remembered with a tree planted there.

Members of John May's family joined the Friends of Page Park to plant the wedding cake tree in the garden in March, a year after he passed away.

Friends of Page Park vice-chair Steph Purser said: "John was there more or less at the beginning of the Garden in 2005 and spent many hours tending to the plants and beds."

The tree was donated by the head gardener of Bristol Zoo Gardens.

The friends are appealing to parents and grandparents to supervise children in the sensory garden after a number of spring flowers in the flower beds were trampled by youngsters.

Steph said: "We're a bit disappointed that some people can't control their children when they visit the sensory garden.

"What's sad is the lack of respect and appreciation of all the work and effort our incredible volunteers are putting in to making the park a lovely place to visit.

"There have also been children climbing the sensory garden trees but they are not safe to climb.

"The sensory garden is also dog-free, apart from assistance dogs, because there are some visitors to the park who have a fear of dogs."

John May's family by the tree planted to remember him

A MUM who is living with an inoperable brain tumour has raised more than £8,000 for a charity that has given her vital support.

Sian Norman, from Emersons Green, was diagnosed after her face started swelling in January last year.

Partner Mark Hooper urged her to see a doctor, who thought she might have had a stroke.

Sian was taken to hospital by ambulance. There she was told she hadn't had a stroke, but a CT scan of her brain had caused concern.

Sian, who had been undergoing monitoring for an autoimmune disease, had previously been scanned ten years earlier and staff could see that an area of her brain had changed since then. A further MRI scan confirmed that she had a brain tumour.

Sian said: "It was a massive shock.

"I'd had it for ten years and not known."

Sian, who works as a healthcare assistant for Sirona's district nursing team, had previously worked at the brain injury unit at Frenchay Hospital

Sian's big thank-you to brain tumour charity

and thought back to the many patients she had cared for there.

At first the specialist neurooncologist thought they could operate.

But a further detailed scan revealed that because of the shape and position of the tumour, an operation would be too dangerous to attempt.

Sian said: "The tumour is in my left hippocampus, which is shaped like a sea horse's tail. It's growing all the way around.

"Surgery wasn't an option because I could lose 55% of my memory, and for the same reason they couldn't do a biopsy, so they don't know what type of tumour it is and they can't do any treatment "It's a case of 'watch and wait'.

"I've no symptoms.

"I'm under six-monthly surveillance, at the last scan there was no change and my next scan is in April."

As well as the "overwhelming" support of her family and close friends, Sian says professional help and advice from charity Brain Tumour Support has made

a "massive" difference.

She said: "They understand the emotions that go with it. It's helped massively to talk to someone that gets it."

To repay the Thornburybased charity for its support, Sian organised a fundraising night at Centurys Club in Kingswood in March that was attended by around 200 people and raised a total of £8,238.

The event included a raffle with donations from local businesses and signed sports shirts from Bristol City, Rovers and Bath Rugby as well as England Rugby international Ellis Genge.

An auction with BBC Radio Bristol presenter and actor Joe Sims as auctioneer raised more than £1,000 during the evening.

For more information about the charity, visit www. braintumoursupport.co.uk or call 01454 422701.

Sian with Joe Sims at the fundraising night

Cafe closing

SUPERMARKET Sainsbury's has declined to reveal how many jobs will be lost when it closes the cafe at its Emersons Green store.

The retailer has announced plans to close all 61 of its remaining cafes, as well as patisserie, hot food and pizza counters, "subject to consultation".

The closures are part of the supermarket's three-year "Next Level strategy", and will involve the loss of around 3,000 jobs around the country.

However, when the Voice asked Sainsbury's how many staff at Emersons Green would be affected, whether they would be offered other roles or made redundant, and whether it could confirm a closure date, the company declined to confirm any details.

In a statement making the initial announcement, the company said: "The majority of Sainsbury’s most loyal shoppers do not use the Cafés regularly and Cafés and food halls run by specialist partners are becoming more and more popular."

Council scraps community forums

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is set to replace its system of Community Engagement Forums to bring residents and decisionmakers together, after they attracted an average of just four attendees.

The council says it will scrap the 14 CEFs and replace them with four new area committees, which will cover a larger area.

Residents, town and parish councillors, police, the voluntary sector and community groups will be invited to attend the expanded area committee sessions when the 18-month pilot project launches in May.

As well as low public attendance, organisations like the police and fire service have struggled to attend CEFs because there are so many of them, each meeting four times a year.

A cabinet member from the council’s Lib Dem/Labour administration will chair each of the four new committees, which will broadly mirror the district's parliamentary constituencies but with Thornbury & Yate split into separate East and West committees and the South Gloucestershire areas of Bristol North East combined with North East

Somerset & Hanham.

They will not have decision-making powers but the local authority says they are a way of increasing its Community Conversations agenda to truly listen to the voices of the public.

The idea is that residents can speak directly to council leaders so their views can be considered earlier in the process to determine policy and potential service changes.

At present the Frenchay & Downend and Emersons Green wards share a CEF, while Staple Hill & Mangotsfield shares one with neighbouring New Cheltenham.

Opposition Conservative councillors welcomed the proposal, approved by the council's cabinet in March, but questioned whether the committees’ areas were too big to focus on truly local issues.

Shadow cabinet member Erica Williams said one propose area had a population size of more than 100,000 people, asking: “How can residents hope to get a focus on issues that matter to them when the area is so large?”

Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said: “These CEFs have been a bit of a blot on our diary for many of us who’ve attended, knowing that we’re the only ones there, so to have any opportunity to engage in a fuller way with residents and town and parish councils is really welcome." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Artist Marina lives her dream

work at a Downend church.

Marina Volkodavova now lives in Staple Hill, having left her home country after the Russian invasion of 2022, and took up drawing and painting just a few months ago.

Marina left her home city of Donetsk in 2014 after the first Russian invasion, then had to move from her next home in the Dnipropetrovsk region in 2022.

She said he had dreamed of being an artist as a child but her family could not afford the equipment and, after having a family she hid her dream "far away on a shelf in my soul".

Marina was given an album and a set of acrylic paints by a friend she made after arriving in the UK, but then suffered a heart attack.

After a long period of convalescence, she says she started draw last December, after having a dream where God called on her to bring bright colours to the world.

Marina said: "For me every

picture brings peace...it's just a desire to live and gives a small piece of warmth in these paintings."

She says some of her paintings are childlike, looking back to her childhood dreams, and says her message for others

is: "Don’t be afraid to start something new - create!”

Marina's exhibition is being held at Christ Church Downend until April 13, with paintings and cards on sale to support children's services at the church and Ukrainian charities.

Young talent shares spotlight

A CONCERT where the audience can watch young performers and seasoned professionals is being held at St James Church in Mangotsfield.

The Iyatra Quartet and Young Performers Spotlight is being organised by Ham Farm Festival and West of England Music and Arts, on April 26 from 6.30pm.

A 30-minute young musicians' concert with performers aged under 18 and selected by WEMA will be followed by an hour-long performance by alt-folk band Iyatra Quartet, who are touring to promote their third album, Wild Green.

It is the third year that the Young Performers Spotlight has been held at St James Church.

Young musicians who would like to take part can apply online at tinyurl.com/nhbmw97f.

More details and tickets for the concert can be found at tinyurl.com/y3fr4t6e.

Marina Volkodavova with her work

Snowdrops are another boost for bees

I'M writing this in the kitchen, with rain teeming down again.

At the moment it seems to be one beautiful sunny day, and the next gloomy and raining!

However, I always try to look at the positive. The daffodils are now flowering and the panolas have taken off. There's lots of beautiful bright yellow in the garden to lift my spirits.

Last week, as the final part of our pollinator grant, we took delivery of 1,000 snowdrops (which are really good for the bees early in the

LOCAL HISTORY with CHAP

Family history

ANYONE who has looked at online auction sites recently will have noticed a trend for buying postcards, particularly those described as 'topographical' or 'social history'.

An obscure postcard of a parish church in Nether Bobbling on the Moor or "Pigglington glass factory outing, 1890" have become gold dust to certain collectors.

Much of this trend is due to an increasing interest in family history, or genealogy, fuelled by internet archives, websites linking you up to a world of other enthusiasts, and the amazing possibilities of DNA testing.

People want to see where their ancestors worshipped or worked and their military service, which now means medals once given to charity shops become precious items in their family story.

It has also led to history groups, such as our own Downend Community History & Arts group, receiving an increase in questions from

year, when little else is about) to plant in the bee garden.

I didn’t realise until last year that you had to plant them “in the green”. This means that the plants are sold in clumps that have been dug up from the ground.

We ordered them in lots of 100 and when they arrived, they were in a plastic bag with earth all round them.

I said to Dave: "How do they know there are 100 snowdrops there, shall we count them?"

Obviously he wasn’t very keen, so we didn’t! We did decide, however, that they probably did it by weight, so I do hope we had our full quota. Anyway, thanks to Pete and Denis we planted all of them and were amazed how quickly they picked up after planting, and looked like they had always been there.

Thank you to everyone who purchased bird boxes recently. Hopefully there will be birds about to fill them but, certainly, in my garden

we seem to have less this year. Hopefully if it ever stops raining and warms up, they will turn up.

Well, that’s it for this month and I can’t believe by the time I write next month’s article we will be planning our summer 2025 planting campaign - how time flies!

Jackie Baker

amateur genealogists seeking answers to what has sometimes become obscured through the ‘tangled mangrove swamp’ of all the information on the internet.

My own understanding of my family history has been turbo-charged by my sister’s early retirement, giving her time to search the vast digital archives.

It has led to revelations of surnames given, rather than legal, due to ancestors not being married. Or the discovery of a new family, lost after adoptions, where DNA and family history sites have brought people together, leading us to scrutinise possible similarities in old photos.

My family history of poor, hard-working and, seemingly, hard-drinking ancestors has been marked by various petty criminal convictions.

One ancestor, a serving boy named John Smith, was arrested and fined for selling illegal "uncorked stout" while working at the ‘Hit-and Miss Inn’, and claiming to be 14 years old when he was only 11.

Also summoned to court was "William Smith, of The Bogg", who was ordered to be bound over to keep the peace and fined 11 shillings, for "allowing his cow to drink Mrs Lewis’s water" and threatening to "knock out her brains".

Stteve Bellamy

Labourer William Whittall was charged after

drinking heavily at a Welsh pub named The Three-Tuns, refusing to leave at closing time and setting about the landlord "with a severe blow to the face"; a constable had to subdue him.

My ancestors reflect the often difficult arrangements and challenges that life brings, like Sarah Whitefoot, a servant in Victorian Shropshire.

James Whitney enlisted for the Border Corps in Brecon and fought in the Boer War in 1900, George Husband was a coal miner in the tough South Wales valleys after WWI, when his brother died fighting in Flanders with the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, in December 1917.

My family has sought better lives in America, Australia and Canada, worked on farms, in quarries, mines, factories, gone on strike and fought and died for their country.

They were complicated, as life is. Through reflecting on our history we see ourselves, what we could have been or where we have come from.

Thus, if I buy a cow now, I will definitely resist the urge to let it drink from Mrs Lewis’s water!

For more information about Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP) visit www.downendchap.org.

Nick Smith

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Robbery causes shock and alarm

WE are alarmed and shocked to have read of a knifepoint robbery of a Bromley Heath family, with the car being taken as part of what happened.

This sort of extreme crime is thankfully rare and, at the time of writing, we await details that can be released by the police beat team to hopefully reassure and advise if anything new is needed.

Of course, anyone with information should contact the police on 101, or use the avonandsomerset.police.uk website.

The community are rallying round and we send our sympathies and support to the family, too. Reports of increased thefts from vehicles reminds us to advise that anything left in them, be it car, van, etc, will receive the attention of the 24/7 opportunist thieves on regular patrol across our area.

The message: lock vehicles up securely in a secure building, or if not possible, strip them of anything you wish to keep until you next drive.

Always lock them, keys away from the front door/in a Faraday pouch - and repeat.

We recommend you make this a lifestyle choice.

As a valued Neighbourhood Watch, the national organisation are asking us to share our views as the current five-year strategy comes to an end in December, and they are in the process of developing a new one.

BHNW are, therefore, really interested in your thoughts, views and opinions about Neighbourhood Watch and what you think the movement should focus on over the next five years.

We'll use what you advise in our feedback to them in their survey that is currently live.

We continue to publish our online newsletter four times a year. It can be found at facebook. com/bhnwatch or you can ask to be added to our email group that receives them directly. Contact us on 0117 956 3325 or email contactus@bhnw.org.uk.

Bill Crocker

Bromley Heath Probus Club

TWO recent talks at our club both had Bristol themes.

Brunel’s Bristol, with Chris Bigg, was an excellent narrative on Isambard Kingdom Brunel from his birth in 1806 to his death at the early age of 53 in 1859.

It was while spending six months in Bristol, recuperating from an injury in an accident building the Thames tunnel, that he began a design for a bridge in Bristol, which would be completed as the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1864, five years after his death.

In 1833 he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Great Western Railway and surveyed the route from Bristol to Paddington.

Brunel moved on to designing ships, forming the Great Western Steamboat Company in 1836, launching the Great Western in July 1837 and then the Great Britain, which was considered the first modern ship, in 1843.

Gary Atterton also captivated us with his talk on the Great Western Cotton Factory in Barton Hill, probably the largest ever to have existed in Bristol.

Opened in 1839, it was funded by mill owners from the North of England and a number of wealthy Bristolians, many of whom were former slave owners who used compensation money from the British Government when slavery was abolished.

Importing raw cotton from America, conditions in the factory were horrendous, and workers developed a sign language, as they could not hear each other.

After temporarily closing in 1863 when the American Civil War stopped shipment of raw cotton, 1,560 Barton Hill factory workers joined in a general strike in 1889 over pay and conditions.

In 1923 cotton production stopped, with large ships no longer able to navigate the river to the port.

Bromley Heath Probus Club meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursday mornings in the month at the Assembly Hall in Salisbury Road from 10am.

Visit www.bromleyheathprobusclub.org or call 0117 957 4583 for more details.

Eric Arnold

Slimming World

Slimming World

ANNA-MARIE

TEL 07854 177308

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

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

ANNA-MARIE

TEL 07854 177308

Group - The Salvation Army

21, Broad Street, Staple Hill Bristol. BS16 5LN

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

LESLEY

TEL 07503 524459

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

Group Times- Wednesday 6.30pm. And Thursday 9:30am

CLAIRE

TEL 07886 443709

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

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

Seeing things in black and white

I KNOW, we’ve been here beforebut once a year our club, like others, has a competition based on black and white photography.

Why black and white, when digital cameras give access to colour photography without the extra cost involved in the days of film?

You could say that photographers, like most hobbyists, are aware of, and pay due respect to, the history of their hobby.

Many of us began to take photographs with black and white, and read newspapers and magazines with black and white photos.

If you know the history of photography, back to the great pioneers, you will know that its first century was almost entirely colourless. Black and white retains a certain cachet.

What’s different now is that we mostly take all our pictures in colour and then assess which will work best

in black and white.

Are the shapes interesting? Is there a good contrast between light and dark, that will work really well in black and white?

The three pictures featured here all gained awards in our 2025 black and white competition, which has just taken place.

First is Roy Shergold’s 'Clevedon Pier'. Roy has a particular interest in black and white, and has captured perfectly one of those lowering days at the seaside when all colour seems to have disappeared.

Owen Richards has rather bravely tackled a subject in 'Flamboyance' that, contradictorily, seems to cry out for colour: a flock of flamingos. But what is going on? The birds stream along below what looks like a railway platform. A mysterious image, and removing the colour serves only to add to the intrigue.

Jeff McKinstry starts with a great title, 'Shadowland', and fully delivers on the promise of that title with the contrast between the light and the shadow giving a sharp definition to the whole.

The curve of the tunnel also leads the viewer's eye inexorably to the two human figures.

If this has encouraged you to get your camera out, share your

pictures and learn how to improve as a photographer, you can become a member of Lincombe Barn Camera Club.

We have a full year’s programme of activities, including competitions, guest presentations, learning exercises and outings.

Visitors and guests are always made welcome (£3 if you just want

A spring in your step

SPRING is upon us and Bristol u3a members are enjoying the sunshine.

Walking is a popular activity and we have local two walking groups in the East & North-East Bristol group.

Occasional Walkers is organised on an ad-hoc basis, with members suggesting walks via WhatsApp. Walks are typically two to three

miles, at a leisurely stroll. Recent walks have included a stroll around Greenbank Cemetery to enjoy birdsong and wild flowers, followed by coffee in a local café, and in March, a walk from Willsbridge Mill.

Weekend Amblers is organised more formally, by Mel Anderson. Walks tend to be around five to six miles, but are still leisurely strolls. Recent walks have been around Bristol’s historic harbour, followed by lunch or coffee. While Mel manages the organisation, other group members take it in turns to suggest routes.

Neither group accommodates doggie companions, apart from assistance dogs. However, there’s nothing to stop someone starting a new 'walking with dogs' interest group.

We have no staff in u3a, and everything we do is by members, for members. Once you're a member, you're free to join as many interest groups as you like – there are around 40 locally and almost 200 across Bristol.

There are no barriers to anyone starting a new interest group or being involved with the background activities that keep

to try us out).

We meet on the second, fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month at Lincombe Barn, at 7.30pm.

If you would like to be part of a small, but flourishing, visit our website, www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk, or contact us at lincombe.barn@gmail. com. Sid Stace

the organisation running smoothly – new ideas and approaches are always welcome.

If you’d like to find out more about u3a, why not come along to an informal social - you don’t have to be a member to attend.

This month you’ll find us at the White Lion in Frenchay (ramp to rear entrance from car park) on April 7 from 2.30pm.

For details on all groups and social events, you can email me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk.

Lindsay Gough

n Clevedon Pier by Roy Shergold

n Flamboyance by Owen Richards

n Shadowland by Jeff McKinstry

BRISTOL u3a

Come to the Staple Hill Expo

STAPLE Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council is inviting all residents, businesses, and community groups to two key events that celebrate and strengthen our local community.

The Parish Assembly on Thursday April 10 at 7pm is a fantastic opportunity for residents to hear directly from the parish council about key developments and future plans, learn how decisions are made, ask questions, and contribute ideas on issues that matter most to you.

The Parish Council Expo on Saturday April 12 from 11am is a community open day, bringing together local groups, services, and initiatives under one roof.

Residents can meet with councillors, local charities, businesses, and service providers.

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, local environmental projects, or simply want to know more about what’s happening in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, there will be something for everyone.

Both events take place at the Salvation Army in Broad Street.

The Parish Assembly and Expo are not meetings – they are platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and action.

We want to hear from you, work with you, and ensure our parish continues to thrive. Whether you’ve lived here for years or have just moved in, these events are a great way to get involved, meet new people, and make a real difference.

Both events are free and open to all, with refreshments available throughout.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something special in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield.

For more information, please visit www. StapleHillandMangotsfield-PC.gov.uk Ian Campbell Council Chairman

Thanks for the trees

I WOULD like to say a huge 'Thank you' to our council for planting so many trees in our Valley Gardens/Blackhorse area.

I shall look forward to seeing them flourish.

Mary Williams Westbourne Road

Barking mad

ARE dog owners unable to stop their dogs barking?

At night there is a dog in Mangotsfield which sometimes starts barking around two o'clock in the morning, and continues barking on and off for an hour or so on some nights.

There are also other dogs in the area which are left outside during the day, and bark whenever someone walks by.

Do the owners not think that other residents do not want to hear their dogs, especially at night?

It's not hard to train dogs, but some people do not seem to be bothered.

Mangotsfield resident

Name and address supplied

A bridge between patients and surgery

DOWNEND Health Group's Patient Participation Group aims to be a bridge between patients and the surgery and help with communication.

An understanding of the problems faced by both the professionals and patients can only help to improve the situation.

We have been made aware of and discussed a number of issues around the new booking eConsult system, which the surgery is looking into.

For those patients without access to IT, laptops are available for use in the practice reception areas. The practice recognises that some patients will require assistance in submitting their requests.

There will be a meeting of the PPG at the Christchurch surgery on May 15 at 6.30pm.

Any patients of the practice are welcomethe more people who attend, the better.

Some of the committee will also be available at Staple Hill Library on May 6, from 10.15am. Please come along and find out a little more about what we hope to achieve and tell us your opinions.

Gaynor Wooley Downend Health Group Patient Participation Group

Report shows where we must do better

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

ONE of my main responsibilities as your Police and Crime Commissioner is the scrutiny and governance of the police service

Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.

This means monitoring and challenging the Chief Constable to ensure that Avon and Somerset Police is delivering an effective and efficient service to you and our communities.

The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.

guide the focus of that scrutiny alongside the main oversight delivered through my Police and Crime Plan.

I’m pleased that the report noted that Avon and Somerset Police were found to be ‘good’ in two areas: preventing crime and police powers and public treatment.

Somerset to focus on, and they are also within the five priorities of my Police and Crime Plan, which gives me confidence that my plan is focusing on the right things to deliver a more effective and efficient service for you.

you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”

The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

I recently welcomed the latest report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services into the effectiveness and efficiency of Avon and Somerset Police, published in February The Police Efficiency Effectiveness and Legitimacy Inspection, or PEEL as it is known, provides important additional evidence to support me in my scrutiny role and

In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.

However, the report highlighted that Avon and Somerset Police is only ‘adequate’ at developing a positive workplace and that their service ‘requires improvement’ in five areas: responding to the public; investigating crime; protecting vulnerable people; managing offenders and leadership and force management.

Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone

These are all key areas I have already identified for Avon and

I will continue to monitor closely the progress Avon and Somerset Police is making against all the ‘areas for improvement’ (AFIs) within this report, paying particular attention to the observation regarding the same areas that still require improvement since the last HMICFRS PEEL inspection.

into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.

I asked the chief constable questions around the report in a recent police question time session, which was live streamed through Facebook, LinkedIn and added to YouTube.

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody

You can find out more and watch the session back by searching for PQT on my website, www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.

And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.

Please feel free to reach out to me and my office with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have about policing, at www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ contact.

In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.

For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.

FLOWER photography is a blend of artistry and technical skill, dedicated to capturing the delicate beauty and intricate details of nature's blossoms.

It celebrates vibrant colours, diverse shapes and exquisite patterns of flowers, from the radiant petals of a rose to the intricate symmetry of a daisy.

This form of photography requires a keen eye for detail, as the smallest elements, such as the texture of petals or the play of light on a dew-covered bloom, can make all the difference in creating a memorable picture.

Macro lenses can reveal intricate structures and textures that are often invisible to the naked eye, highlighting elements like pollen grains, vein patterns, and petal edges with striking clarity.

The right light is crucial. Natural light, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, can enhance colours and details, casting soft shadows.

Controlled studio lighting, as shown in our three examples this month, can offer precision and creativity, allowing a photographer to manipulate light to achieve the desired effect. Reflectors and diffusers can be used to manage light and shadow, ensuring that the flowers are illuminated perfectly. Backgrounds are also important: a clutter-free one can make the subject stand out, while a complementary one can enhance the overall composition.

A successful photograph requires patience. Capturing the perfect shot often involves waiting for the right moment, when the light is ideal, a flower is at its peak or the wind is still.

Flower photography is a

CHRISTINE'S

WHEN my two grandsons recently had an inset day I suggested to my daughter, Kirsty, that we go to see the snowdrops at the Rococo Garden in Painswick.

Kirsty had always wanted to see the snowdrops, and so had I.

I cannot say the day dawned bright and sunny. The sky was filled with white clouds. Undeterred, I put on my fleece and a scarf, and even took my brolly. I made a small packed lunch and a cold drink, as emergency supplies.

There was a cold brisk wind and

Blooming beauty

celebration of nature’s beauty, requiring a blend of technical expertise, artistic vision and an appreciation of the natural world to turn a fleeting moment into a work of art.

A carpet of snowdrops, but no ice cream

we needed some hot coffee, with chocolate and hot dogs for the boys, to warm us up, before we set off see the snowdrops.

We were not disappointed in the white carpet that lay before us. Every corner we went around there they were, little nodding heads of white waving to us in the breeze.

The boys ran ahead along the woodland path and we tracked down the maze, which they

enjoyed immensely - they even roped us into going inside. Secretly I was very pleased they were enjoying themselves too.

On the way back to the car we had a quick look in the small nursery, where I bought grass and ivy plants as souvenirs of this memorable day out.

Logan asked if he could have an ice cream.

"What, in February?" Kirsty

replied. "I doubt if they have any yet."

And so it proved - unlike the snowdrops, there was none to be seen!

• A big thank you to everyone who came to hear Julia Kennetts talk most enthusiastically about Dyrham House at our speaker/ coffee morning in March.

It was so nice to see some new faces amongst the wellappreciated usual ones.

Details of April's event are in this month's What's On section.

n Rembrandt Light by Ian Boulton

David Britton n Alstroemeria by Helen Sheppard

n Orchid by Tina Iles

COLUMN WITH CHRISTINE BROADWAY

Ready to raise the flag

OUR flagpole has finally been installed at the war memorial in the Alec Large Memorial Garden.

We think it’s a great addition and, judging by the comments on social media, local residents agree. We’ll be having a flag-raising ceremony during the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, in conjunction with St James Church: more information when we have it.

Our next HAM (hour a month) will be on Saturday April 5, when we’ll be refurbishing/ repairing the village planters and restocking them with plants. We’d love to see lots of people come along to help - we’ve 14 planters to do in total, so if you can spare any time, that would be great.

Look out for more details on the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page.

We’ve mentioned before that we have a small but perfectly formed group of ladies who look after the Dame School garden. They meet every Monday or Thursday at 10.30am to weed, tidy, plant, and do what needs doing. They’d love more help, so if you can spare an hour from time to time, why not join them? Email us at MangotsfieldRA@ gmail.com if you’d like to get involved.

We should see more trees planted on the common over the coming weeks. They will be varieties of ornamental flowering apple and

Our AGM will be held on April 24 at 7.30pm, in the lounge of the Red Lion. It’s been a bit of a struggle the past couple of years to keep things going, so please come along and support us.

Our next monthly Red Lion coffee morning will be on April 2 at 10am - all are welcome. Finally, we wish everyone a happy and safe Easter.

As well as email and Facebook, to get in touch you can also telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.

Chris Amos

Mango to Benidorm

FUNDRAISERS are planning to cycle the distance from Mangotsfield to Benidorm - without leaving the pub.

Mangotsfield Community Association is holding its annual spin cycle event over the Easter weekend at the Red Lion in St James Street.

They are looking for people to take part and help hit the combined total of 1,340 miles on static bikes to raise money for the MCA's two chosen charities, St Peter's Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The event takes place on April 19-20, from 11am-8pm approximately each day.

Suitable for all ages, there will be a 'donation barbecue' from 2-6pm, entertainment from local DJ's Chris & Nick from Souled Out and Gone Funky and a raffle.

People can support the event by signing up to a cycle slot and getting sponsorship, donating a raffle prize, making a cash or card donation on the day or bringing along friends to enjoy the event.

cherry, which should make a lovely display.

How good a member are you?

OVER the last few months I have spoken to many people who are members of all types of local groups in one way or another.

From church groups, Probus and the Women’s Institute to walking and sports cubs, many have been members of their particular organisation for a number of years.

Whilst they enjoy their club meetings, it appears from my investigation that fewer and fewer are prepared to take on any position of responsibility within their organisation. A number of these clubs have closed down, due to the lack commitment.

Generally speaking, it only takes an hour a week of your time for your organisation to flourish. So

please, if you are able, put yourself up for a committee position before your club, too, disappears.

Our Men in Sheds group is preparing for several events over the summer where we sell the products that we make, to enable us to purchase new equipment when required.

We have also undertaken a number of community projects that we do free of charge, wherever possible, to help our local organisations to exist.

The noticeboard at Lincombe Barn has been refurbished and reinstated at the entrance to the barn, with some nice comments regarding our work.

Hopefully we will see a number of you at forthcoming events, and if you are in Bromley Park on a Tuesday or Thursday morning, please say hello to our members, who may be working outside if the weather permits.

Our membership has now reached the point where we can only put any new applicants on a waiting list; if anyone is interested, our email contact is downendmensshed@gmail.com.

John Lockwood

The refurbished Lincombe Barn noticeboard

WEST OF ENGLAND MAYORAL ELECTION

THURSDAY 1ST MAY

A common sense plan for our region

Let’s get our region moving (at last!) with a Mayor who will:

End the war on the motorist

Sort out our bus services

Expand railway services

Champion the Green Belt

Grow our regions’ economy and jobs

HOW TO USE YOUR VOTE FOR:

A Mayor who will move quickly to protect bus routes and keep fares low , through franchising and investment.

STEVE SMITH Vote

Students experience volcano – and authentic pizza

A-LEVEL geography students from Downend School had a field trip to remember when they visited the Bay of Naples.

Not only did the 19 students, in Year 13, climb the famous volcano Mount Vesuvius, which looms above the city, they also got to sample some authentic pizza from the home of the margherita, along with local ice cream and pastry specialities.

The four-day residential trip led by teachers Naomi Browne and James Smale saw them based at an independent hotel in Sorrento, with views across the Bay of Naples and "unbelievable" sunsets.

During the trip in February they scaled Vesuvius.

Mr Smale said: "The pupils had to walk several kilometres up the rocky terrainlight work for one of them, who won the ‘Mountain Goat’ award for his ability to effortlessly scale the volcano.

"At the summit we received a guided tour from a local expert, learning about the various previous eruptions, including the famous one that destroyed Pompeii in 79AD.

souvenir shops on the side of the volcano, the group headed to Pompeii.

"Here pupils were given the opportunity to explore the ruins and soak up the history of one of the most famous disaster sites in the world."

The rest of the trip saw the students visit the popular tourist island of Capri, visiting some locations now famous as photo spots on TikTok and other social media channels.

Mr Smale said: "They also had the opportunity to taste the incredible gelato and cannolis that Capri had to offer.

"Due to seismic activity, our fourth day had to be adjusted with relatively short notice.

"Instead of going to see a gladiatorial amphitheatre the pupils were taken back in time to witness suburban living on the outskirts of Pompeii.

"Exploring a large, incredibly well preserved villa at Oplontis, the pupils were able to get a sense of what day to day life would’ve been like on the edge of Pompeii.

"The pupils were a real pleasure to take away and a credit to the school and sixth form.

"We packed a huge amount into a relatively short trip and each and every pupil approached every day with enthusiasm and intrigue (even if one of them did win the award for being ‘the hardest to impress’).

"After taking in some of the breathtaking views and perusing the conveniently-placed

"You really cannoli believe how amazing Naples is!"

Downend School sixth-form students on Mount Vesuvius

Are You Fed Up With Clutter?

FOR many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. North Bristol based loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is 'Creating Space The Easy Way' can change all that, often in less than a day.

Access4Lofts Bristol North is owned by Rash and Ollie. Much of the work they carry out is for growing families; "We know how crucial storage space can be for large families" says Rash. "We also find that a large percentage of our clients are retired people looking for the safest access to their loft available."

Freeing up a room currently clogged with clutter can save a lot of trouble and expense, as Ollie explains; "Some people looking for more space consider moving to a bigger home, but this needn't be necessary. People are surprised by the amount of space a loft can create, we can even include shelving to maximise the space."

Call Rash & Ollie now to book a free survey and quotation on 01174 501116, or visit www.Access4Lofts. co.uk/BristolNorth.

You can also find them on Facebook as Access4Lofts Bristol North.

SPORT

Cleeve Hill Tennis Club

CLEEVE Hill Tennis Club has welcomed a new head coach, Mike Cook, and his partner Jodie.

Mike joins us at Cleeve Hill with a great tennis pedigree as a former Gloucestershire and Avon County league player.

He works with all ages and abilities, ranging from eight-yearolds to international full-time players and he is qualified to LTA level 4.

Cleeve Hill now coaches around 90 juniors on a Saturday morning, and Mike is introducing new evening coaching sessions on a Thursday.

For adults Mike is starting adult coaching sessions soon.

If you are interested in any of these options you can email cookie747@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

If you are already a tennis player and are interested in becoming a member, membership gives unlimited court availability and access to sessions to play against others in the club singles box league.

You can even join the competitive league teams if you are interested.

We also have a recently-refurbished, dedicated clubhouse and we host both social and tennis events year-round. We recently held a triples tournament and a quiz night with over 50 members attending - very sociable and fun events.

If you enjoy a game of tennis now and again and want to play on some great courts, our courts are available for public hire during the day or anytime they are not reserved by members, from half an hour up to 90 minutes.

To book a court or find out more about what we do at Cleeve Hill, visit www.cleevehilltennis.com. You can also keep up with the latest news on Facebook and Instagram by following CleeveHillLTC.

Jackie Baker

School hosts national boxing tournament

MANGOTSFIELD School was the venue for the initial rounds of England Boxing's National Junior Championships.

Hosted by Downend Boxing Club, the regional tournament in late February saw 18 quality contests, enjoyed by an audience of approximately 200 supporters.

Downend first-timers included John-Jack Connors, aged 13, Patrick Connors (15) and Tom Shinner (15), who took part in no-decision skills contests, while Ben Carpenter (22) and UWE student Jack Coyle (20) made their debuts, with Jack winning a tough and very good bout.

Miley Conors (12) opened the competitive bouts for Downend in a 30-kilo contest against Denis Hricko of Grange club in Cardiff.

A fast pace was set from the start, with both boxers throwing fast combinations.

The furious action continued for three rounds, with a close points decision going to the Welsh boxer.

Fresh from his National junior semi-final appearance, Ronnie Mills (16) took on the older Jayden Bannister of Paignton.

Ronnie used his trademark aggressive body punching to good effect, changing angles to take away Jayden’s reach advantage.

A great contest across three rounds saw the Downend Boxer take a unanimous decision.

Carmen O’Brian (16) took part in her second contest against the tough Laila O’Donoghue, of Synwell boxing club in Wotton-under-Edge.

Carmen attacked from the opening bell, and was met with equal resistance in what was a superb all action contest.

In the end on a 3-2 split decision, the win was awarded to Laila, in what could not have been a closer bout.

To close the show, returning to the ring after seven years, was Joe Adams (22), who faced the tough Laneon Balesco of St Ives,

Cornwall.

Both boxers used their 75 kilos weight to deliver effective punching, in what was a backand-forth, exciting contest that had the audience on their feet at the end.

A split decision went to Joe, sealing a successful return to the ring.

Other results: Frank Gibbons beat Jason Wolf (Cullompton) on points; Rupert Gibbons lost on points to Marley Dunn (Newquay); Rocco Parker beat Hussan Miah (Grange) on points; Egli Metaj lost on points to Ollie Cooper (St Pirans); Vinnie Ellis lost on points to James Smith (Pyramid).

Coach Claire Holloway said: "We are so pleased with the event, which had so many people attend to watch great boxing.

"Our guys boxed so well, and can take a lot from their performances."

Downend Boxing Club returns to Mangotsfield School on Sunday April 6 for an amateur

boxing showcase.

Doors open at noon and boxing starts at 1pm, with entry for adults £15 and under-16s £5.

The club is also looking for sponsors when it hosts the Bristol Box Cup in June. Anyone interested should email downendboxing@gmail.com. Craig Turner

Debut: Jack Coyle

CLEVE kept their noses in front in the race for the Counties 1 Tribute Western North division going into the final three fixtures of the season, despite suffering their first defeats.

They won the Team of the Month award for February after some tough fixtures including an away win over Nailsea & Backwell Ravens, who get their nickname from a gravestone in Backwell’s church.

The Ravens are a good team and play on a formidable home pitch, with a slope that is fine when playing down it but very difficult to play up.

Cleve started uphill and had to work hard to defend the Ravens downhill sorties, but their first venture into the opponents' 22 led to a reward, scoring from a catch and drive.

The Ravens then moved the ball wide, scoring twice to go ahead 10-7.

Immediately at the start of the second half Cleve found their feet, with another catch and drive leading to a score.

As Cleve penetrated the Ravens' 22, one of their second row smashed his way through to score and put them 21-10 up.

The Ravens battled to the end, with a kick through and chase making it close, but Cleve

held out to win 21-17.

They then tasted defeat for the first time, 31-21 at home to Old Bristolians, before a top-of-the-league clash against Clifton II, with a good referee and independent touch judges appointed by the league.

Cleve dominated the first 10 minutes, but made errors in the rucks before benefiting from their territorial advantage when the ball popped out to one of Cleve’s centres, who scored.

The powerful Clifton team struck back with a try but, after Cleve were awarded a scrum inside the visitors' 22, a pickup and quick movement from Will Warman saw him go over to make it 17-5.

A penalty taken by the reliable Matt Jarvis extended the lead. Cleve’s front row were outstanding, being awarded 5 penalties in a row.

Jarvis kept the ball moving in the backs, and the forwards worked with energy and endeavour in the rucks.

Cleve kept driving the ball forward and from good ball movement, Henry Wilstead went over to make it 22-5.

Clifton then fought back with two tries, bringing them to within three points of the hosts, but some great defending at the end of the game by Cleve’s back row stopped them scoring again, securing a 22-19 win.

A 66-5 away win over Gordon League, followed by a narrow 35-33 defeat at Bridgwater & Albion, meant Cleve were a point clear of Clifton ahead of their last home fixture against Nailsea & Backwell.

Steve Bateman

Action from Cleve's win over Clifton

Mangos lose form ahead of play-offs

MANGOTSFIELD United's form took a nosedive ahead of the play-offs, with a heavy home defeat and a cup exit.

Although still second in the table as the Voice went to print, nine points behind championselect Hartpury University, several sides chasing the Mangos had games in hand. It means the runners-up spot is not guaranteed, even if the play-offs are.

A mass of home games played on the all-weather pitch across the winter means Mangotsfield now have just one fixture left, away at Malmesbury Victoria on April 5, before the play-offs later in the month.

The two recent defeats brought to an end a good run of form that had seen the Mangos win five games in a row, starting with a 4-1 home win over Brimscombe & Thrupp.

The match was probably

won by half-time, thanks to early goals from James White (2) and Lewis Powell (13), before James White made it 3-0 on 23 minutes.

The visitors rallied in the second half and got one back, before Olly Sully finished the scoring on 63 minutes.

Next up was a 1-0 home win against local rivals Thornbury Town in the Wiseman Cup, on another bitterly cold winter’s night. The only goal in a close match came on 57 minutes, through Kumih Barimah.

A good crowd of 345 then turned up at Cossham Street to watch the 3-0 win over Malmesbury Victoria. Goals either side of half time from Archie Morris (42) and Mircea Llea (50) put the Mangos in the driving seat and although Malmesbury went close on several occasions, an 84thminute Lewis Powell goal settled it.

The Mangos started March with a 5-0 win over lowly Lydney Town.

The visitors put in a spirited performance, especially while only 1-0 down, but the Mangos ran out convincing winners after a strong second-half performance.

Some well-worked and taken late goals followed the Lydney keeper going off injured and being replaced by an outfield team-mate. The goals came from Lewis Powell (6), Olly Sully (73 & 86), Mercea Llea (77) and George Neill (81).

Next up was another Wiseman Cup tie, against Worcester Raiders. Joe Porton netted Mangotsfield's two goals, on 47 & 62 minutes, as the game ended 2-2 and the Mangos won the penalty shoot-out 4-1, to progress to the semi-finals.

The final home league match of a strange season

came on March 15, against Pershore Town. It was a bad day all-round, with the club succumbing to a disastrous 5-2 home defeat.

Kyrese Morrison and Mercea Llea scored the Mangos' goals in one of those games where everyone was out of touch collectively.

Hopes of further success in the Wiseman Cup ended three days later, with a 2-1 defeat at Westfields, in Hereford.

Joe Porton put the Mangos ahead inside the first minute, but the hosts equalised just four minutes later and scored the winner on 32 minutes.

All at the club will now hope that, even if the team wins at Malmesbury, the spell of inactivity as they wait for other sides to finish their fixtures won’t seriously hamper their chances of promotion back to the Southern League.

Dave Smale

H

H

H

H

Golf season and the TPI screen

WITH April almost here and some glimpses of spring sunshine that means one thing for any golfers out there. The Masters. This prestigious tournament is held at one of the most iconic courses in the world, and marks the beginning of the major tournament season.

Two things go through my mind most years when watching The Masters. One, the excitement for summer golf. Two, this game is so hard. Mentally, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. The ecstasy of feeling the ball come flush off the club down the middle of the fairway. And the agony of seeing the next shot shanked into the bushes. The rest of the day is

spent practice swinging in the living room trying to figure out what’s going wrong, with some strange looks from your family.

We know it’s something to do with the swing, that’s obvious. Getting help from a golf coach is the best way to help remedy that. But sometimes our bodies physically won’t allow us to make changes or swing a certain way. This is where the TPI (Titliest Performance Institute) screen comes in.

The TPI screen is a golf specific physical assessment. Through a series of full body tests, we’ll look at your mobility, strength, balance and generally how well you’re moving. We then take this information and see how any physical restrictions might be limiting your swing. For example, someone’s bad shot may be right straight off the tee. If we discover some stiffness in the mid-back and hips, and see that they are early extending in the downswing, this physical problem may be affecting their swing. This is especially important to look at if you’re in pain playing or after golf, or if you’ve tried to make swing changes with a coach but are

struggling to make them stick.

It's really important to mention that this assessment is not for swing advice or coaching. That’s the coach's job. The TPI screen is to show you what physical issues may be making your swing less efficient.

After the assessment, we take that information and create a management plan. This most often involves some hands on treatment and an exercise plan, tailored to improve any weak links. This exercise plan is uploaded to the MyTPI App, which allows you remote access to all the videos and instructions. With future follow ups we’ll be re-checking any problem areas and hopefully seeing you improve along the way.

Whether you’re a professional on the brink of The Masters or an amateur just trying to get around without snapping your driver, this assessment could help you. From a beginners perspective, going in to any lessons knowing what your physical capabilities are is really important. We also don’t have a whole medical team around us, so it’s likely that areas of stiffness or previous injuries

could be affecting your game. It makes the game even harder if you’re trying to do things that you’re body won’t allow! From the professionals point of view, 18 of the last 20 major championships have been won by a player advised by a TPI certified expert. This highlights the importance of seeing what your body can do. So if you’re in pain while playing, you’re struggling to make changes to your swing, or you’d just like to hit the ball a bit further, this could be a great option for you. If you’re unsure and have any questions, just give the clinic a call and I’d be happy to have a chat. I can’t promise you’ll be playing at the next Masters, but if you can gain a few yards and lose less balls, it’ll be well worth it.

Jack Withey

Fresh air and free food in the park

STAPLE Hill Community Hub has announced the return of its popular Fresh Air and Free Food programme during the school Easter holidays.

The event is organised in partnership with the Bean Tree Café and will run from April 8 to

10 at Page Park.

The free programme invites local children to enjoy light breakfasts while participating in fun outdoor activities designed to encourage exploration of the park's green spaces.

Staple Hill Community Hub chair William Lee said: "We're excited to welcome families back to Page Park this Easter.

"Our goal is to help people connect with nature, improve wellness, and enjoy quality time together in the outdoors."

Each morning, participants will receive a light breakfast and take part in activities such as scavenger hunts, which are planned to get children moving and exploring the natural environment.

Children can also pick up a free Easter egg (while stocks last) and activity sheet with more ideas for things to do.

The Fresh Air and Free Food programme is open to all, with no booking required.

Local families are encouraged to come along to Page Park on April 8, 9 and 10 from 10am to 11am to take part in this community initiative.

It has been running since 2021 and has also been held in the summer and October halfterm holidays.

For more information, contact Staple Hill Community Hub 01454 868374 or visit the Bean Tree Café in Page Park.

Katie Cooper

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