Downend Voice January 2018 by Gary Brindle

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January, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Issue 59

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Tragedy spurs traders to take lessons in first aid Leanne Hurkett, Raj Sood and Barry Hurkett have worked together with Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council to get a defibrillator installed at the shops in Quakers Road, Bromley Heath A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed in Bromley Heath following the death of an elderly woman. The 86-year-old had withdrawn money from the post office in Quakers Road before visiting the hairdressers Silhouette where she had a heart attack and died. Since the tragedy eight months ago, postmistress Leanne Hurkett and Raj Sood from the MS2 convenience shop next door have lobbied Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council for

a defibrillator. Thanks to their perseverance, the council agreed to foot the bill and the device has now been installed on the wall at the side of the post office and tea rooms. Residents will be given the opportunity to take part in free evening training courses in January to learn how to use the life-saving device. The sessions have been organised by Leanne's dad Barry, a former firefighter who now runs a Turn to Page 6

Jake's tale of hope for 2018 Jake Britton and his mum Hayley Cook tell Downend Voice how a rugby programme helped Jake turn his life around. PAGE 58

Residents score traffic victory

A ban on traffic from Hambrook turning left at the ring road traffic lights has been lifted after an outcry from residents. PAGE 5

Shops ban for troublemakers Two youths aged 14 and 16 have been banned from Downend High Street shops because of anti-social behaviour. PAGE 8

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

Anger at NHS delays

The first Sunday of Advent saw Christ Church Downend hold two Christingle services, with the 4pm service being attended by local Beavers, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies & Guides. The Christingle represents Jesus as the light of the world. Collection pots from families all over

Downend were added to a collection was made for the Children’s Society, which works to support vulnerable children in England and Wales. Beavers from the 85th Kingswood Beaver Scout colony with their Christingles are pictured. Picture: Chris Dobson

SAVE Frenchay Hospital campaigner Barbara Harris has criticised NHS managers for their continuing failure to provide a promised healthcare facility at the old hospital site. Improved rehabilitation, reablement and recovery services at Frenchay (and at Thornbury) were part of the Bristol Health Services Plan, which saw the concentration of acute services at Southmead.They should have been open by 2016 but contracts for building them have not yet been awarded. Mrs Harris, from Downend, told South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group that this so-called “slippage” was unacceptable. "Patients and public have a right to know why our reconfiguration of healthcare services in North Bristol is being bungled," she said.

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downendvoice

dvooiiccee downendv e.co.uk www.downendvoic

Issue 59 January, 2018 —

FREE EVERY MONT

MANGOTSFIE H IN DOWNEND,

LD, STAPLE HILL

Happy New Year to all our readers

Staple Hill Tailoring

Alterations To All Types Of Garments by Professional Clothier

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm,

Sat 9am-3pm

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Tel: 0117 329 0640

Hill,

/ 07877 737143

& BROMLEY HEATH

ANOTHER year over, a new one's just begun ... and as the song goes, let's hope 2018 is a good one for our readers and our community. We start 2018 with the same approach we have followed throughout the last five years: that we are lucky to live and work in such a lively and supportive area where so many people are prepared to go the extra mile to help others. Downend Voice will continue to report on all the positive (and not so positive) news from the area and provide a platform for local businesses to advertise. Smartphones might be taking up more of many readers' time than in 2013 but it's still more relaxing to sit down with a cuppa and read a paper than to scroll through a screen!

ders to Tragedy spurs trarst aid take lessons in fi Leanne Hurkett, Raj Sood and Barry Hurkett have worked together with Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council to get a defibrillator installed at the shops in Quakers Road, Bromley Heath in Bromley has been installed A DEFIBRILLATOR death of an elderly woman. the from Heath following had withdrawn money The 86-year-old visiting Quakers Road before had a heart the post oﬃce in she Silhouette where the hairdressers attack and died. ago, months eight Since the tragedy Sood from Hurkett and Raj postmistress Leanne shop next door have lobbied ce for convenien the MS2 Heath Parish Council Downend and Bromley

ce, the to their perseveran a defibrillator. Thanks the bill and the device has foot side of the council agreed to on the wall at the now been installed rooms. post office and tea given the opportunity to take Residents will be in January to training courses part in free evening life-saving device. the Leanne's learn how to use been organised by a runs The sessions have now firefighter who dad Barry, a former Turn to Page 6

January, 2018

Jake's tale of hope for 2018

mum Hayley Jake Britton and his Voice how a Cook tell Downend helped Jake rugby programme turn his life around. PAGE 58

Residents score traffic victory

Hambrook A ban on traffic from road ring turning left at the lifted after traffic lights has been an outcry from residents. PAGE 5

Shops ban for rs troublemake and 16 have 14 Two youths aged Downend been banned from because of High Street shops anti-social behaviour. PAGE 8

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As always, this month's edition shows the variety of activity taking place across the area, involving people of all ages, from the tiniest tots stepping on to the stage in nativity plays for the first time to elderly folk making the most of festive opportunities to socialise. While we don't know what the new year has in store - what are the odds on the MetroBus actually starting to run, for a start? - we can promise that whatever happens we will tell you about it. Downend Voice is a free monthly news magazine delivered free to more than 10,00 homes. Copies are also available to pick up at libraries and coffee shops. It is one of 16 papers in the Voice series, which serves communities in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset. Look our for our sister papers, Fishponds Voice and Frome Valley Voice. You can ontact us via email, Facebook or Twitter or you can write to us at 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6 JT. Our email address is news@downendvoice. co.uk

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ downendvoice

www.downendvoice.co.uk

www.downendvoice.co.uk Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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LOCAL INFORMATION

sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our February deadline is January 17.

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

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January, 2018

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n NEWS

U-turn Have a great night out - but on ban make sure you stay safe at lights REVELLERS on nights out in Chipping Sodbury and Kingswood over the festive season are being helped to stay safe. South Gloucestershire Council teamed up with partners including police to run a night safe campaign during December. The aim is to reduce incidents of alcohol-related disorder and to ensure everyone enjoys the festive season. The council has joined forces with Avon and Somerset Police, Safe and Sound taxi marshal service providers, Pastor volunteer support services and Chipping Sodbury and Kingswood Pubwatch schemes for the campaign, which aims to: * Prevent the escalation of low level incidents

* Prevent increased demand on police resources, ambulance service and hospital admissions * Prevent increased incidents of alcohol, drug related violence, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage * Reduce the fear of crime. Cabinet member for communities Councillor Heather Goddard said: "In town centres where there are several bars and restaurants located close together, a heavy drinking culture can develop which in turn can lead to negative consequences related to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. "We are working with partners to promote safety and wellbeing, and to make sure all of our residents are able to enjoy a

safe night over the festive period. "Similar campaigns have been run in previous years which have been well received by people enjoying a night out and those living near the bars and restaurants." Throughout the campaign, the council will be working with partners to increase the operation hours for existing taxi and street marshals, employing an additional marshal at each location, distributing bottled water and promotional material with key messages to stay safe, and talking to licensed venues to provide support and awareness of hate crime. The scheme launched in Chipping Sodbury on December 2. Further dates include Friday December 22, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

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

A BAN on traffic from Hambrook turning left at the ring road traffic lights was reversed within a couple of days after protests from residents and drivers. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;traffic management measureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was introduced for a three-week trial in November as work continues on the Bromley Heath viaduct. Officers at South Gloucestershire Council announced they intended to continue it for the duration of the work because data showed it improved traffic flow on the wider transport network. But this caused an outcry because of the negative impact the trial had had on people living in Frenchay and Cleevewood, so the council U-turned and reinstated the left turn on December 12 and thanked residents for their patience.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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Medical centres set to join forces TWO GP practices in Downend are planning to merge in April this year. Willow Surgery and Christchurch Medical Centre will form a new organisation called Downend Health Group. In a letter to patients, the surgeries say they have worked side by side for many years to provide services to the local community and now think joining forces is the best way forward “to manage the increasing pressure and demands experienced within primary care”. “Continuity of care is very important to us. The high quality medical care that we already deliver will not change. However, by merging we will be in a position to expand our services and diversify what we are able to offer our patients.” The new organisation will bring increased training and career opportunities for doctors, medical students and other health professionals, the surgeries say. Patients have been invited to give their views, voicing any concerns and suggesting possible improvements to the team of doctors and practice managers who are leading the merger. Two other local practices, Leap Valley Surgery and Emersons Green Medical Centre, have announced their own merger. In Bristol, two practices - Charlotte Keel Medical Practice in Easton and Bishopston Medical are handing back their contracts to the NHS because of funding changes. Charlotte Keel told patients that it would not be able to provide “a fair and adequate service to patients” under the new arrangements from April 2018.

January, 2018

Heart attack death From Page 1 company offering first aid and fire safety training. He has already provided an all-day first aid course for staff from the rank of shops after concerns following the woman's death. Mr Hurkett said: "They didn't want the same to happen in their shops and now everyone in the rank is trained to use first aid and a defibrillator. Everyone said that their staff had benefited from the course and that they

would hopefully be ready with more confidence to react in a medical emergency. "I'd done CPR five times in my job as a fire fighter so I know how important it is. In my experience, had a defibrillator been to hand, it might have saved the lady's life." Mr Hurkett said it was now important that as many people in the community as possible know how to use the device. "We are going to run evening courses for local people. The sessions will be over two nights

Join the learning adventure!

Wanted - New Governors Our governors come to us through a variety of routes and with a range of different backgrounds, skills and experiences. They are all volunteers who work together for the benefit of the school and are the link between the school and the community it serves.

The defibrillator being installed at the Quakers Road shops

We are currently looking for two new co-opted governors and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has:-

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• The desire to contribute and represent the community • An open and enquiring mind • The ability to look at issues objectively • The confidence to ask questions and join in debate • A willingness to listen and make informed judgements If you match the above description you may be the very person to become a governor at Bromley Heath Junior School. Everyone has something to offer and although we want people with as wide a range of interests as possible we are particularly interested in someone with experience of health and safety.

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If you are interested, please contact Michele Weeks, Clerk to Governors for more information about this role and the appointment process Email: michele.weeks@bhjs.org.uk or telephone 07525931379

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PAGE 24

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

07835 301 967

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

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January, 2018

n NEWS

prompts action Defibrillator installed at Heath shops with two sessions each evening and we can cater for around 60 people in total. They will be around 45 minutes long and people will be able to come to the tea room, get training and have tea and cake. It will all be free and the course will be certificated." Mr Hurkett has purchased a training defibrillator and has three manikins so anyone taking part will receive training which will be as close to a real life situation as possible. Leanne, 23, 'rescued' the post office in December 2016 after it had been threatened with closure after former worker Mohammed Ahmed was jailed for stealing from six customers. As a local resident, Leanne felt passionate that people living nearby should be able to access post office services without having to walk into Downend. Now locals have access to all the usual local post office services as well as additional services such as helium balloons, gift cards, occasion cakes, ironing,

venue hire and buffets. "We have had to regain the trust of local people so they feel confident in using the post office again," said Leanne. "I don't think people realise half of what we do like cash withdrawals, banking and handling cheques. People go to the bank in Winterbourne when they could have literally just wandered up the road." Leanne transformed the convenience store, which was part of the post office, into a tea room and cafe which opened its doors in March and is already proving to be a community hub. "It has a lovely atmosphere and we get lots of mums coming in from the nursery and having breakfast," Leanne said. "It's also popular with elderly people. It's great they have somewhere to go which is easy to get to and isn't miles away. We could be the only people they talk to all day." Leanne said having the defibrillator would be a real asset for the area. "We were hopeful of getting one but didn't know for sure until it arrived here. We have been telling local people and they have said what a relief it is to know it's there especially for older people who are more at risk of heart failure. It could save someone's life."

n Training sessions will take place in The Bromley Tearoom on Tuesday Jan 16 and Wednesday Jan24 at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. All delegates must be local to Bromley Heath and over 16 years of age. As the training can accommodate a maximum of 15 per session, it is asked that one person per household attend. Those wishing to book a place should contact 1st Attendance Ltd on 0117 957 3039 from 8am-5pm, stating their name, the road they live on, and contact phone number.

Barry and Leanne Hurkett outside the post office and tea room

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The Sherallies event at DFTC will be led by a team of Activators from the Club supported by the local Ambassador Mandy Stonier

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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January, 2018

n NEWS

Chance to meet police MANGOTSFIELD residents concerned over a dramatic rise in burglaries are invited to meet local beat officers this month and next. Beat surgeries have been arranged in St James Church Hall on Mondays, January 15 and 22 and February 5 and 12, from 5-6pm. This follows a meeting with police on November 20 in the Red Lion, attended by about 50 people. Police told residents that the number of domestic burglaries in South Gloucestershire over four weeks had shot up to 79, rather than about 45 The main types of break-ins are car key burglaries and paddle handle burglaries.

Teen nuisances banned from local shops for two years

TWO young people have been given Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) following anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues in Downend and Emersons Green. A 14-year-old and a 16-yearold were served with the orders, which were secured through Bristol Youth Court on 30 October and 20 November. The CBOs prevent them from socialising with each other, assembling in groups and entering certain areas. Five other offenders have been issued with Community Protection Warnings. Since February 2017 South Gloucestershire Council's ASB team and the police have been working with residents to tackle problems including bicycle theft, stone throwing at vehicles, being verbally and physically abusive to residents and shop workers and damaging community property. The council said that

residents in the Beaufort Road/ Westerleigh Road area were affected as were retailers within the Downend shopping area and, in particular, the local supermarkets. Interventions were carried out with more than 70 young people before the ASB team reduced the group to a small cluster of the most prolific of offenders. Cabinet Member for Communities Councillor Heather Goddard said: “In partnership with the police and local businesses, we have been working with parents in the area to raise awareness of the consequences of people in the community who get involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour. Everyone in the local area has been playing their part in resolving these issues, which has really helped to improve the situation and we have received a

positive response from residents. “It’s important to report incidents of anti-social behaviour either to police or the council, and we also want to hear about anyone who breaches their Community Behaviour Order.” The orders last for two years and prohibit the two young people from: • Associating with each other between 6pm and 8am • Being in a group of three or more person, including himself, unless for educational purposes or as part of a family commitment • Entering an exclusion area around the Beaufort Road locality • Entering an exclusion area around the Downend High Street shops unless accompanied by a person aged 21 years or over and supervised at all times.

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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

January, 2018

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Stanbridge receives a 'thumbs up' from Ofsted STANBRIDGE Primary School in Downend ended 2017 on a high with an excellent report from the education watchdog Ofsted. Inspector Paul Williams, who visited the school in November, said it had kept up its good quality of education since the last report in 2012. In a letter to headteacher Faye Bertham, he praised her strong leadership and that of her team. “You have systematically improved each area of the school’s work over the last five years,” he said. “The school is now a vibrant community with committed and well-motivated staff. You have high expectations of teachers, and you underpin this with support and enthusiasm. Many teachers and pupils comment that the school is a positive place to work and learn because you lead by example.” Mr Williams said pupils were given many opportunities to take on responsibility, which made a real difference to school life. Children felt safe and well cared for, he said, and were adamant that the school was a welcoming place for all. “Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school,” he added.

Happy smiles from headteacher Faye Bertham and pupils at Stanbridge after Ofsted's verdict The inspector highlighted the range of curriculum opportunities for children, especially the chance to make films for ‘Stanbridge TV’. He also noted the increased provision for the most able children, including ‘masterclasses’ in art, photography, cookery and other creative subjects. “The proportion of pupils going beyond the expected standards in key stages 1 and 2 is greater than that seen nationally.” Efforts to improve attendance were acknowledged and the inspector said action was being taken to tackle dips in performance in phonics at Key Stage 1 and in maths at Key Stage 2, although more could be done. Links could be developed with some parents to help reinforce learning at home, the

report said.Miss Bertham said: “I am so proud of all we have achieved at Stanbridge since our last inspection in 2012. The inspector noted that we have systematically improved each area of the school’s work over

the last five years. We have high expectations, balanced with support and enthusiasm, and this ensures we have a vibrant school community. Being head teacher of Stanbridge is a real privilege.”

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FREE IT COURSES at your local library

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Would you or someone you know beneﬁt from learning or improving their computer skills? In a relaxed and friendly environment, with approachable and patient tutors, you will be able to learn the following skills: • Use the Internet to search for information, shop safely online, book holidays, ﬂights, hotels and other activities. • Use email to send and read messages and add attachments. • Create documents such as letters and posters. • Learn about ICT, safety and security when working online.

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If you would like to book or have any questions please call Ann Hawkins on 0117 909 2296 or email

ann.hawkins@sgscol.ac.uk or pop into your preferred venue and speak to a librarian. Courses start in September and February but you can start throughout the year as long as there are spaces available.

downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

THE “Not so Young” club of St Augustine’s Church in Downend had a welcome visit from the children of the nearby St Augustine’s Preschool. The tots, aged two, three and four, brought some seasonal cheer by dressing in their nativity outfits and performing some songs for their somewhat older audience. Preschool manager Elaine Williams said: “The children loved performing for the club members and much appreciated the biscuits and mince pies given to them as an early Christmas treat.” Photo: Angela Ryan presenting some of the children with some early Christmas treats

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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January, 2018

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Park's bells are ringing again THE historic clock tower in Page Park is chiming in time for Christmas following a major restoration project. The completion of the work was marked at a ceremony and festive concert in the park attended by more than 300 people including residents, council officials, members of the Page family and the Friends of Park Park, a group which was instrumental in winning lottery funding to revamp the 19-acre site. Councillor Ian Blair, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, attended the event on December 16, which featured carols around the clock tower. Speaking at the event, Cllr Blair said: "It is a pleasure to be here today to celebrate the refurbished clock tower in Page Park, which is a central feature of this much loved community space. "This park is always full of people of all ages enjoying a good day out and I am sure visitors will continue to enjoy these improvements for many years to come." Pupils from The Tynings Primary School and the Salvation Army Band kept guests

Carols around the Clock Tower attracted a big crowd Photo: Terry Graham entertained with Christmas songs whist visitors admired the new-look clock tower and took in all the changes which have been carried out in the park in the past year. Funded by Suez Environmental Trust and the Page family, the clock tower’s restoration has been going on throughout summer and autumn and has included structural repairs to the support beams and roof. The clock's mechanism has been refurbished and the clock face rejuvenated. The bells, which were removed while the restoration project took place, were reinstalled ready for the carol concert. Steph Purser, vice chair of the

Friends of Page Park, said: "Four of the bells have been retuned and the fifth one, the smallest, has been recast. The chimes are the same as Big Ben's, but Page Park's are working! "It's fantastic to have the restoration work complete and the clock up and running. We are very grateful to Suez for their help. "It's been an amazing year in the park. So much has happened and there is still more to come. Soon after Christmas work will start on the restoration of the drinking fountain and in March work will start on the perimeter walls." The project forms part of the wider Heritage Lottery funded regeneration of the park. The

£2.2m project includes a £1.6m Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People Programme grant. The five-year project also includes the new combined café and community building, planting, improved signage, repairs to railings, footpaths and walls, a refurbishment of the tennis pavilion and a programme of activities, including a junior parkrun and Walks for Health. For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/pagepark or www.friendsofpagepark.co.uk • Anyone wishing to join the Friends of Page Park or find out more about them, can pop along to an events meeting on Thursday January 11 at the Bean Tree Cafe at 7pm.

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January, 2018

n NEWS

They've got green fingers and great ideas! STUDENTS from Downend School have won a Royal Horticultural Society award for their inventive ideas for a school garden. Eleven students in two teams won the Innovation Award in the RHS Green Plan It Challenge. They worked on their plans for four months, supported by gardening mentors and staff members Mr Smith and Ms Kelly. The Year 8 students impressed the judges with their designs, which looked at both the practicalities of having a garden in a school, sustainability, and benefits to the environment along with some clever uses uses of technology such as bicycle irrigation. The teams, named ‘Right Me Basils’ and ‘Mighty Morphin

Flower Arrangers’ were awarded a trophy £100 of garden vouchers at an all-day event at The Bristol Botanic Gardens. The event showcased the work of schools from across the South West and South Wales and the teams had to present a model, a display and talk about their ideas to a panel of judges, with wide and varied experience in horticulture.

RHS head of community outreach, Andrea Van-Sittart said: “The Green Plan It Challenge is designed to support young people to develop skills including teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, and, we hope to inspire some future Alan Titchmarshs and Monty Dons. “All of the entries reveal an understanding of the important role that gardens can play both

in terms of providing space to work and reflect and as a home for wildlife and the plants they rely on. We’d love to see some of these gardens come to fruition as we set about greening our grey Britain.” Downend School is starting work this year on a garden next to the Innovation Centre and it hopes that many of the awardwinning team will get involved.

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January, 2018

n NEWS

New you! specs givegroup hope thanks to sightCo-op loss shoppers patients Bless Youth the central portion of the macular (where cone E-Scoop:atspectacle SHOPPERS the Co-op in glasses damage is concentrated), to the periphery of the Downend have contributed more for an improved vision with macular (where often times the cone damage is than £5,000 towards youth work less severe). at Christ Church. Macular Degeneration The quality and sharpness of the macular The money comes from the periphery will vary compared to the central part store's membership scheme, Dury & Tippett are proud to offer E-Scoop of a healthy macular, but possibly (significantly) which benefits local good lenses as a new potential hope for Macular better than the vision with a damaged central causes. A large proportion of Degeneration Suffers. macular. theE-Scoop® £5,324.31 donation will go glasses are highly sophisticated towards History spectacleCCTV glassesand for improving people suffering from security at the church's youth On September 8th, 2012 Frans Oosterhof passed Macular Degeneration (MD). After more than hub in North Street. away due to the terrible ALS muscle disease 20 years of development, E-Scoop® has been Frans Oosterhof, Christ (Ice Bucket Challenge). He was only 54 years patented in many countries worldwide. Church provides inventor of the old. Frans was the inventor and maker of the The principle behind the E-Scoop® eight free youth lens is to E-scoop lens patented E-Scoop® glasses. achieve better vision by shifting the image from meetings every He was a well-educated optometrist, a week in term Frans had only begin to bring the E-Scoop® craftsman and an optimist. His goal was to help time, all run glasses to market when he became terminally ill. people with poor vision see better. In his former by volunteers. It was his dream to give these glasses worldwide optician store in Eindhoven, Netherlands he Hundreds of recognition, hoping to contribute to the quality frequently saw people with the eye disease young people of life for all people suffering from Macular Macular Degeneration. came through Degeneration. For over 20 years, Frans worked to the doors in 2017, so much so After he passed away his wife (Anja successfully develop a spectacle glass with that one of the groups, Thursday Verstappen) decided to continue his dream with the goal to improve the vision of his patients night’s 8-9.15pm Ignite+ for the same passion and belief. The E-Scoop® glass suffering from Macular Degeneration. Years 9, 10 and 11, had to be has proven itself with thousands of happy and thePaddon successful patent capped at 50 members. An Youth leaderAfter Diane butapplication it has been a real blessing hugely grateful for this very satisfied users.generous cheque and for the ononline booking system has foryear, the E-Scoop® glasses, histoinvention was said: "Year on members have community groups been set up at igniteyouthnominated for the Herman supporting Wijfels Award. of the church are very generous theHe youth with going support from the Co-op in christchurchdownend.co.uk dream . . . improve low vision! was very proud to receive this award in 2006! in supporting the youth work, generous donations. We areFrans had aDownend."

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January, 2018

n NEWS

Benefits in focus as film director Splash of soul Ken Loach visits Staple Hill BAFTA winning film director Ken Loach visited Staple Hill for discussion following a screening of his powerful movie I, Daniel Blake. Loach made the film, which portrays the hardships of the welfare system, in 2016. He told the audience at the You Foundation about the people he and screen writer John Laverty had met before and while making the film. The free event was organised by Debbie Porteous, from Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency Labour Party. A collection at the end raised £357 for the Resound foodbank in Emersons Green. Debbie said: “The communities living in South Glos, on the outskirts of Bristol, often miss out on events such as this and so we organised this to take place here in Staple Hill. “There are a lot of people in South Glos affected by the issues that are raised in this moving film. Ken told of the people that inspired him to make the film and local people spoke about their own similarly awful experiences.” Robert Young, youth worker at The You Foundation in Staple Hill, said: “The You Foundation is delighted to support this event and welcome Ken Loach to our new youth and

returns for 2018

community centre. The film reflects many of the issues that Staple Hill suffers from such as employment deprivation and where it is placed in the 10% most deprived areas nationally.” Dr Steve Presence, of Bristol Radical Film Club, said: “The event illustrated how powerful a medium film can be in bringing communities together to address the issues that affect them. We need more events like this.”

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January, 2018

n NEWS

Welcome return for Gromit and pals PEOPLE in the Downend area can look forward to another Wallace & Gromit arts trail taking place across Bristol this summer. More than 60 decorated sculptures of the popular pair and the pesky penguin Feathers McGraw - will go on show in the city from July 2 to September 2. Locations for the Gromit Unleashed 2 trail are still being decided. If you would like to suggest a site within an approximate 10-mile radius of the city centre, contact the organisers by January 4. As with the previous Gromit trail in 2013 and the Shaun the Sheep trail in 2015, schools can also get involved with the project, which is run by Bristol

Children’s Hospital charity The Grand Appeal with animation studio Aardman.They can apply to decorate a smaller sculpture of Feathers McGraw. Nicola Masters, director of the Grand Appeal said: "Ever since we confirmed a third arts

trail, we've been blown away by public support from across the country and around the world. "Gromit is so well loved and has universal appeal, and since our inaugural trail in 2013, he has gone on to help us raise over £6 million for Bristol Children's

Hospital. Wallace and Gromit have played a huge part in our 22-year history as a charity." The trail will raise money for the children’s hospital and the Special Care Baby Unit at St Michael’s Hospital. Dr Giles Haythornthwaite, ED consultant at Bristol Children's Hospital said: "The trails bring a real sense of excitement to the young patients we care for, and will help us continue to provide the world-class treatment they need and deserve.” Gromit Unleashed 2 will be the first sculpture trail in the world to feature three licensed characters. A number of Bristol's leading institutions, including Creditcall, Renishaw, RollsRoyce and the University of Bristol, are adding expertise to make this the most innovative sculpture trail yet. Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park and Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton added: “The Grand Appeal trails have raised an incredible amount of money for a cause that’s very close to all of our hearts here at Aardman.”

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January, 2018

n ADVERTISING FEATURE CAROL Powell, a local mother and qualified teacher decided to make 2017 a year of change. Teaching for sixteen years (eight years in special educational needs and disablilites (SEND)) had provided Carol with countless instances of children struggling with their emotions, which can take many forms: sudden outbursts, anxiety or shyness, low self-esteem and social issues, to name a few. Carol experienced anxiety throughout her early life and in 2014, felt completely overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. At this point, feeling unable to function as a parent, she discovered mindfulness and embarked on an eight-week course. Little did she know this would be the start of a new and exciting chapter in her life; the practical skills she was taught enabled her to move away from feeling immersed in (and overwhelmed by) her thoughts to being able to step back and let go of this unhelpful thinking. Eighteen months after her first introductory course in mindfulness, Carol decided to look at how this practice could benefit children in

2017, A year of change

the SEND unit she was working in, and in 2016 she qualified as a children’s mindfulness teacher. Put simply, mindfulness practice helps us to direct our attention to experiences as they unfold, moment by moment, with open minded curiosity, kindness and acceptance (rather

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than worrying about what has happened, or what might happen next). According to gov.uk, only “1 in 4 (25%) children across the country who need treatment for mental health receive it.” This shortfall is impacting family life and can lead to families feeling overwhelmed

and unable to cope. To bridge this gap, Carol has launched CHATTERMINDS – a supportive and nurturing training provision for young people and their families. Chatterminds is based in Bromley Heath and offers the following courses: Managing Emotions Through Mindfulness (and other things) for: • 3-7 year olds • 7-11 year olds • 11+ Looking After Mighty Mum & Her Tribe a holistic support package to help relieve overwhelm and support mums and families who are living with challenging behaviour. 1:1 Sessions (tailored for individual needs) For further information please visit the CHATTERMINDS website, find us on facebook, or contact Carol directly. Chatterminds.co.uk 07764 538 595

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n NEWS STUDENTS set Mangotsfield School ablaze when they performed the hit musical We Will Rock You. Turning their backs on traditional festive offerings, students performed the popular musical which is based around the songs of rock band Queen. The story is set in the distant future where everyone wears the same clothes, thinks the same thoughts and goes around in a haze. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden but a group of bohemians set about changing that and restoring free thought, fashion and live music. Performed at the school from November 21-23, the show was directed by Rebecca Slade, with Julie Borowski as musical director and Georgina Vincent as choreographer. The main cast featured Luke Ashley (Year 10) as Galileo; Lily Dyte (Year 11) as Scaramouche; Amy Streeting (Year 8) as Killer Queen; Oscar Neville (Year 9) as Khashoggi; Harry Morgan Osbourn (Year 10) as Britney and Isla Moody (Year 11) as Meat. The show also included a chorus and cast of more than 45 students, ranging from Year 7 to Year 11. Ms Slade said: "We also had a fantastic backstage team led by Year 10 student Joe Beese and a fabulous front of house team led by Mrs Katie Hawkins. "It was a brilliant show, everyone worked really hard and it was a sell-out on the last night." • Turn to page 57 to find out how students took their show into the community.

January, 2018

We Will Rock You

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January, 2018

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n NEWS

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January, 2018

n NEWS PEOPLE living in Staple Hill are being urged to work together to stamp out incidents of anti-social behaviour. It follows a spate of vandalism on Tuesday December 12 which included throwing oranges at cars and spitting on a Santa decoration. In another case, a resident had a Christmas tree and lights stolen from outside her home. Staple Hill councillor Ian Boulton stressed it was vital all incidents are reported to police. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure that quite a few people would have witnessed, or been a victim of this small group who were causing problems," he said. "After investigating the events of the evening it became apparent that, at the time, no one appeared to have reported any problems to the police. Please do not assume that the police will not be interested in behaviour like this or that someone else will have reported it. The only way we will stop this sort of behaviour from developing again is if we work together as a community to demonstrate that

'If you see troublemakers in action, please report them' we will not tolerate it." Councillor Boulton used the Staple Hill Residents Facebook Group to reiterate the importance of informing the police of all criminal behaviour. His post said: "Report every incident of anti-social or criminal behaviour to the police. Do not assume that someone else will do it and be assured that the police want us to report every incident. "By reporting all incidents, the police can target their limited resources to where there is a need. The police can only deal with issues if they are made aware of them. Please report your experience to the police before posting on social media - that way you can share your crime reference number with us and we can help the police to build up a picture of what is going on in our neighbourhood.

"Residents will remember that we had an problem with anti-social behaviour earlier in the year - however by working as a community in partnership with the police, the anti-social behaviour team, our local youth workers and social services, we have seen an improvement in recent months. Please help us to keep on top of this by nipping any emerging problems in the bud by reporting each and every incident that you are aware of." Councillor Boulton also urged parents to make sure their children are somewhere safe rather than wandering the streets. "Young people can be extremely vulnerable to bullying, exploitation and criminality and we all have a duty of care to them," he said. One resident responded to his

post by praising the work of local police. She said: "I would just like to say a really big thank you and merry Christmas to our local police beat team they have been brilliant with all the issues myself and my partner have been through in the past year. I know a lot of people think they are useless but they couldn't be more wrong. If you report any issues like we did you would be surprised at how they can work with you to make things easier. So again thank you for all your support and help over the past year." Residents can report any problem online at https://www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ reportcrime or by phoning 101. In the case of an emergency or if a crime is in progress you need to phone 999.

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January, 2018

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n NEWS

Musical pupils release single BLACKHORSE Primary School in Emersons Green is setting its sights on the charts by releasing its own charity single. Children have worked with composer in residence Jesse D Vernon, guitarist with Bristol band The Moonflowers and founder of the Fantasy Orchestra Bristol, and music workshop organiser Sam Leyden. Proceeds from the single will go to Hosanna Primary School in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, which has a close relationship with Blackhorse Primary. Headteacher Simon Botten, explained that the school had an ambition to have half of all the children in the school playing a musical instrument by 2019. “We were looking for something to inspire our children to get involved with the various music and singing activities at school. As we have a very close link with Hosanna Primary School, we thought it would be great for the children to write, perform and record their own charity single in support of the school.” Uganda link co-ordinator and Reception teacher, Mel Horn, added: “We’ve hosted

several teachers from Hosanna Primary over the past six years and several staff and I were lucky enough to visit the school. Last time I visited, the children from Hosanna sang a welcome song which we recorded and showed the children back at Blackhorse. We thought it would be nice to record something to send back.” Jesse Vernon wrote the song with the school council. He explained: “We had to remember that we were trying to write a pop song not an assembly hymn. The children were also keen to include the school’s core values

of ‘Respect’, ‘Pride’, ‘Bravery’ and ‘Success’ into the lyrics. "This is one of the most rewarding projects I've worked on in ages, bringing together two very different schools, the one in Bristol, the other in Uganda, and uniting them through music. "We based our song on a video we saw of the Hosanna kids and at the end of the

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track we hear (and see) their original version with a few of the Blackhorse kids playing along with them." Although Jesse helped the children with the musical arrangement, all the instruments on the single were played by the budding musicians at Blackhorse Primary. Likewise, the single, entitled ‘One Family’, includes solos from members of the school’s choir as well as choruses from the whole school. School Music Leader and Year 1 teacher Steph Phillips, who is also a member of the Fantasy Orchestra Bristol, added: “Music can open so many doors for children both in terms of learning an enjoyable new skill and also in helping them develop confidence and resilience across the curriculum. We hope that this experience has inspired more of our children to pick up an instrument and learn to play.” ‘One Family’ is available to download on Bandcamp.com

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January, 2018

n A LOOK BACK AT 2017

downendvoice downend voice

January, 2017 — Issue 47

2017 was quite a year for the good folk of Downend. We take a moment to review the year and think about what is coming up in 2019. Some themes recur - the viaduct for example - but what shines through most of all is the wonderful people we have in our area.

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Charlie's marathon mission for hospital

Running gear is flaming heavy! Four firefighters tackled the 5k Pomphrey parkrun in full kit to hammer home a festive fire safety message. PAGE 14

A SCHOOLBOY who was born with a rare heart condition has made a brilliant start to 2017 he's raised more than £2,000 to help other poorly children. Charlie Andrews-Brown, from Downend, has hypo-plastic left heart syndrome which means he only has half a working heart. The 11-year-old has endured six operations, including three open heart surgeries, and tasks most youngsters take for granted - like running and playing - cause him to become breathless, making everyday life very diﬃcult. But despite this, Charlie has completed half a marathon in ﬁve stages to raise money for Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal. Read more about Charlie's incredible marathon challenge on page 3.

Finding a way on viaduct repairs A decision wil l be made this month on how best to carry out repairs to the Bromley Heath viaduct to cause the least amount of traffic chaos. PAGE 5

Ann Walker, of Trez-Ann salon, is hanging up her scissors afteran incredible 47 years styling hair in Staple Hill. PAGES 8 & 9

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February, 2017 — Issue 48

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Our first edition of the year reports on the forthcoming decision on repairs to the Bromley Heath Viaduct. Among the individuals fetured are Emma Richards, who made a BFG cake, Sharon Herniman, who won a Strictly Come Dancing competition track cyclist Emma Sainsbury-Munn, and Ann Walker, who retired from Trez-Ann salon in Staple Hill after 47 years

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Residents urged to lobby MPs on viaduct cash

Lee gets chance to Let It Shine

Gary Barlow tribute performer Lee Stinchcombe, from Bromley Heath, sang for his idol on TV's Let It Shine competition. PAGE 5

Talks on future of sports pavilions Immediate repairs are likely for the sports pavilions at King George V and Bromley Heath playing fields pending talks about their long-term future. PAGE 10

Tip top! Gold for tap dancer Maisie Dancer Maisie Boyd, 16, who lives in Downend, was part of the adult gold medal winning team at the World Tap Championships. PAGES 16 & 17

Angel delight: A sunset during the week of stillness at Christ Church, in which the church remained open 24/7

Craig Anthonys HAIR DESIGNERS

The mystery closure of the Royal British Legion Club in Page Park was in the spotlight, as were Maisie Boyd, a member of world tap dancing champion team, novelist Jason McCarthy, musician Mike Isaacs and charity fundraiser Mark Brimson. The launch of a community initiative, Downend Soup, was previewed; also the closure for four months of Mangotsfield tip.

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May The local charity helping provide holidays for children from Chernobyl appealed for volunteers - and, of course, their call was answered.

March

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March, 2017— Issue 49

Residents were outraged that they could not stop coffee chain Costa moving into a former play cafe in the village centre on planning grounds, but vowed to keep supporting independent cafes. You Foundation opened new premises in Staple Hill and we previewed the first Metro Mayor elections to choose a first citizen for the West of England. Beekeeper Alyson Hurst was profiled.

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April

Bristol Blue Glass

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We need this £3.7m ESSENTIAL repairs to the Bromley Heath viaduct, which will cause traﬃc chaos across the area, are set to take a year. But if the Government can ﬁnd an additional £3.7 million, the work could be completed in 22 weeks, councillors have been told. Downend councillor Jon Hunt is urging residents to write to the local MPs, Jack Lopresti, Chris Skidmore and Luke Hall, to ask them to press the case for extra money for the works, which are due to begin in early summer. South Gloucestershire Council's Environment and Community Services Committee voted on January 18 to go ahead with £5.9 million programme in as short a timescale as possible.

housing and care in Downend House, birthplace of WG Grace gave rise to concern, while the imminent closure of Good News in Baugh gardens was lamented. Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council opened an office in the library and Gordon Clapp continued his campaign to complete the skate park in Emersons Green.

January

Hairdresser bows out after 47 years

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April, 2017— Issue 50

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downendvoice downend voice

May, 2017— Issue 51

Nicotine Free Liquids

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Father's plea on skatepark Grieving father Gordon Clapp wants South Gloucestershire Council to complete work on Emersons Green skatepark. PAGE 8

Council 'has failed needy children'

Hostel plans unveiled for WG Grace birthplace

South Gloucestershire Council's services for children in need of help and protection are inadequate, says Ofsted.

PLANS have been put forward to convert the Downend birthplace of cricket legend WG Grace into a hostel. The John Turley Memorial Trust wants to turn Downend

A newsagent shop that has served Bromley Heath for more than 60 years is shutting its doors for the last time next month.

House in North Street into thirteen studio apartments for people who need housing and care. The proposal submitted to South Gloucestershire Council

says the trust's objectives are “to provide housing and hostel accommodation in the community together with associated facilities and Turn to Page 3

Lengthy delays have been predicted, which would affect the MetroBus as well as cars, because traffic will be restricted to two lanes rather than four. A spokesman for MetroBus told Downend Voice this had led to a delay in introduction of the service eastbound from the M32. "There is no point in running a rapid transit system if it is going to be significantly delayed in traffic," he said. "Therefore the decision has been taken to postpone the launch of all MetroBus services

Sad day as shop prepares to close

PAGE 38

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Costa sets sights on play cafe site

Schools facing double challenge

Coffee giant Costa is aiming to move into the former play cafe in Downend but its planning application has provoked concerns over the high street.

Schools in South Gloucestershire are facing a double challenge - standards have to rise quickly but budgets for all sectors are being squeezed. SPECIAL REPORT: PAGES 8-11

PAGE 5

Award for Flyers' stalwart Sue Sue Hiscox, of the Downend Flyers, has been honoured by the council for 25 years of work for the girls' football club. St Peter's Hospice shop, Staple Hill, marked 25 years with a fancy dress party and visit from mascot Lenny

PAGE 38

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Mark smashes fundraising target

Youth club thrilled with new HQ Staple Hill You Foundation is inviting the public to take a look at its "fabulous" new HQ in the old primary school building. PAGE 7

PAGES 16 & 17

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using the ring road until the Bromley Heath Viaduct work has been completed." The MetroBus westbound towards Cribbs Causeway is still set to start in the autumn. Creation of lanes and lay-bys for the MetroBus have already caused many hold-ups for drivers on the A4174 and worse delays are inevitable during the viaduct works. A park and ride at Lyde Green will open early to help ease the congestion. More details: Page 3

There was no shortage of volunteers to help spruce up Page Park as part of The Big Tidy Up, a national campaign to keep our neighbourhoods clean. Find out more on Page 14

Charity puts out SOS call

A CHARITY that oﬀers children summer breaks in Bristol as respite from radiation caused by the world's worst nuclear disaster has put out an SOS after three host families dropped out. The Bristol link of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline raises money for 16 children from Belarus to visit every summer. The trips are more than

just a jolly - the clean air and nourishing food here can add up to two years to their lives, which can be plagued by cancers and heart problems due to radiation caused by a nuclear accident in Chernobyl in 1986. The charity was delighted as it had recruited its quota of hosts for this summer and even Turn to Page 5

Bristol Rovers fan Mark Brimson raised more than £14,000 for the brain injury charity Headway with a 127-mile sponsored walk in memory of his late wife Gloria. PAGE 16

Group founder steps down at 81 The Edds and Tales toddler group in Downend is facing closure unless more volunteers come forward. Founder Ruth Iles Spencer, 81, is stepping down. PAGE 31

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£1m transformation

Why we're facing a longer wait for the MetroBus THE MetroBus link from Emersons Green to the city centre, which was due to start this autumn, will not now be in operation until next summer. The rapid transport service, part of a £216 million network aimed at reducing journey times, will not start until repair work on the Bromley Heath viaduct is complete. This £5.9 million project is due to start in July and will take up to a year, unless last-minute funding is delivered to speed up the work.

downendvoice downend voice

June, 2017— Issue 52

Sheen Studios

Christ Church unveils plans for new look AN exciting £1million plan has been unveiled to bring one of Downend's oldest buildings into the 21st century, providing a community hub for young and old alike. Church leaders have ﬁnally revealed their ambitious project for Christ Church Downend following years of consultation. Although they have already raised half the money, they are hoping for community support as they face the challenge of funding the other £500,000. While the plans are very much about modernising the church and making it relevant to today's society, part of the scheme is steeped in the area's rich past. A new 'Grace Room' will overlook Downend Cricket Ground as a tribute to the area's most famous son - the legendary Turn to Page 8

Unbeaten! Mango lads celebrate This team from Mangotsfield School are champions in their year group - for the fourth year running - and have made the final of the Woodcock Shield. Page 3

Voters prepare for snap election As electors in the Kingswood and Filton & Bradley Stoke constitutencies prepare for the general election on June 9, we profile the candidates. Pages 20 & 21

Restaurants aid children's hospital No wonder Phyllis Green is smiling: she's finally received her Civil Defence Medal - more than 70 years after it was due. Full story: Pages 6 & 7

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

Pages 34 & 35

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Diners at Botteginos in Emersons Green have helped raise £20,000 in four years for Bristol Children's Hospital while those at Porto Lounge also back the cause.

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January, 2018

Hundreds of local parents turned out to a protest meeting about school funding cuts and Ofsted spelled out the problems with secondary education in South Gloucestershire. Cleevewood traders Roger and Debbie Webb retired.

September Students notched up some great exam results and chiropractor Tim Button worked at the IAAF World Athletics. The long awaited cafe and community room at Page Park was open and Staple Hill's history featured in a museum.

June Christ Church Downend announced ambition plans for a £1m refurbishment to help it meet the needs of the 21st century community. Phyllis Green finally received her Civil Defence Medal after 70 years and the Year 10 football team from Mangotsfield School ended a triumphant season by winning the Woodcock Shield. A general election came as a surprise to many.

December

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July, 2017— Issue 53

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Safety first at flats

HOUSING association Merlin has moved to reassure residents of flats in Staple Hill following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Ian Boulton, Labour councillor for the area, wrote to Merlin following concerns from people living in flats in the area, including Berkeley House. He said: "I have no doubt that Merlin properties are safe, however I am keen for residents to be reassured and to know the very best advice of what to do in the event of an emergency." Fellow councillor Shirley Potts added: "Residents need reassurance." A Merlin spokesman said it has taken steps to contact residents.“We carry out an annual fire risk assessment of all communal areas in our blocks of flats and sheltered schemes and deal with any issues following this. Annual fire certification for all our blocks is up-to-date, and blocks and schemes are also regularly inspected by our housing officers who check that hallways and stairwells are clear. In the aftermath of Grenfell, we had staff out making sure there was enough fire safety signage."

downendvoice downend voice

August, 2017— Issue 54

Bristol Blue Glass

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Miami nice!

Furry motor set to be a firm favourite Animal charity The Littlest Rescue has adopted a new pet - a fur-covered Ford Ka which it intends to take to fetes and other events to raise funds. Page 5

Jo steps in to help Lego card fans An Emersons Green mum has become a fairy godmother to children caught up in the Lego trading cards craze by spending hours running a free trading site. Pages 6 and 7

Furry motor set to be a firm favourite Heads will be turning in Downend as drivers catch sight of this new artwork on the revamped roundabout in the village centre. Full story: Pages 16 and 17

More than 4000 people, including several former kings and queens of the event, flocked to Mangotsfield Festival for its silver jubilee event Pages 30 and 31

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Dozens of children took to the stage at Christchurch Junior School for a performance entitled Dance Mash Up World Tour. Here, they are performing Miami. More on Page 10

WI choir sings for England cricket

Bromley Heath WI Community Choir had a good innings at the County Ground where the ladies sang for the crowds at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. PAGE 9

23 homes planned for school site

Photo: Vaughan Stephens Photography

Let the chaos begin ... REPAIRS to the Bromley Heath Viaduct on the Avon Ring Road, which it is predicted will cause traﬃc mayhem around the Downend area, started just as the Voice went to print. Warning signs went up at the end of June, just days before extra funding that should cut the works time to 33 weeks, was agreed. The programme has been timed to start in the holiday season, so the full impact of the jams will not be felt until September. Drivers are being encouraged to ﬁnd alternatives, including using a park and ride, which has opened in Lyde Green. Details: Page 7

Folk musicians' instruments stolen The show went on at Downend Folk Club with borrowed guitars after the performers fell prey to thieves. Thankfully after a social media appeal the instruments were later traced and returned. PAGE 54

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Chiro Tim is called up for international duty

Schools celebrate A-level success

Hundreds of students in the Downend area received their A-level and GCSE results last month and are set for university, work or apprenticeships. PAGES 16 - 20

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

Dad Tom tackles memorial run

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

Neighbours enjoy street party No2

On your marks ... Tim Button in the Olympic Stadium

People living in Woodhall Close, whose ages range from three to over 90, held a second street party following the success of the one they had in 2016. PAGE 10

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Developers are planning to demolish the old Mangotsfield C of E Primary and replace it with 23 flats, but neighbours are objecting. PAGE 5

downendvoice downend voice

September, 2017— Issue 55

Sheen Studios

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

101 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HF

Downend is trialling solarpowered Christmas lights in the village centre this year. They have been placed on the poles used for floral displays.

Porridge a-plenty for the homeless

One thousand six hundred sachets of instant porridge were donated by people in Bromley Heath after an appeal by a homelessness charity volunteer. PAGE 7

SALUTE Frankie Johns - the Million Pennies man! Frankie, aka John Billitteri has smashed his ambitious target for the charity Help for Heroes. He has spent three years pedalling around Bristol collecting people's spare change. He also visits schools and puts collection buckets in local pubs and clubs, including those where he performs. He's singing a happy song this Christmas after surpassing his target by reaching the grand total of 1,018,784 pennies - or £10,187.84.

Where are my precious rings?

A cancer survivor is appealing for help to find her wedding rings which were stolen by burglars. PAGES 8 & 9

Full story: Page 5

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Like to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas

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November, 2017— Issue 57

Staple Hill Tailoring Alterations To All Types Of Garments by Professional Clothier Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm

101 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HF

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Blooming fantastic! DOWNEND & Bromley Heath in Bloom has crowned a successful second season by scooping a regional award. Chairman Chris Boulton was presented with a Gold Award from the RHS South West in Bloom in the Town Centre category. He was presented with the certificate by Lord and Lady Fellowes. The recognition came after D&BH in Bloom was 'talent spotted by regional official Denise James. Read all about it in Jackie Baker's column on Page 60

Costa closes after five months A branch of the coffee chain Costa in Downend has shut after five months. It appears locals remained loyal to independent cafes in the village. PAGE 3

THE annual Remembrance Sunday parade through Staple Hill has been cancelled this year, although a service in the park will go ahead. The parade, from the Royal British Legion Club in Kendall Road, has been a long-held tradition in the area, with hundreds of people lining the road to watch as service veterans walk alongside the young

towards the war memorial in Page Park. But the Staple Hill branch of the Royal British Legion has announced the parade will not take place this year, although it is hoped it will resume again next year. It is understood the cancellation is linked to the unexpected closure of the club early last year, leaving no one in

60 years since Britannia crash This month marks the 60th anniversary of the Britannia air crash in Downend in which 15 people died.

authority to take out insurance for the parade or to apply for road closures. Mystery still surrounds the club's closure and it is unclear what will happen to the building. People who want to attend the event on Sunday November 12 are advised to meet at the war memorial at 10.30am for the wreath-laying service, which will Turn to Page 3

PAGES 6 & 7

Calls to extend 20mph zone A 20mph zone around Page Park could be extended in a move to make the area safer for both residents and users of the popular park. PAGE 16

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downendvoice downend voice

October, 2017— Issue 56

Staple Hill Tailoring Alterations To All Types Of Garments by Professional Clothier Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm

101 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HF

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FREE EVERY MONTH IN DOWNEND, MANGOTSFIELD, STAPLE HILL & BROMLEY HEATH The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was presented by Dame Janet Trotter, LordLieutenant of Gloucester, on the left of the photo, to Lorna CarterStevens, chair of the Friends of Page Park. Also pictured, Steph Purser, vice chair, Beryle Page, Councillor Shirley Potts, Peter Page, Councillor Janet Biggin, Councillor Ian Boulton and Robert Bernays, Vice LordLieutenant. Report: Page 8

Soccer legend backs charity appeal Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness visited Mangotsfield United for former player Nick Tanner's book launch. The event raised money for the Prostate Cancer UK charity. PAGE 79

Mum Rachel is on the write lines Downend mum and occupational therapist Rachel White has written a book to help children who have co-ordination difficulties. PAGE 12

With royal approval

Teenagers complete India mission A team of young people from Christ Church in Downend have returned from a trip to Haven Home in India. PAGES 36 & 37

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Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 0117 329 0640 / 07877 737143

Solar-powered Christmas lights

Remembrance Parade is cancelled

Charity fundraiser John Billiterri, aka Frankie Johns, hit his 1m pennies target. A young volunteer helping the homeless was overwhelmed with donations of porridge for people living on the streets. Recruits were sought for a men's running group.

A proposal for the M4 Junction 18 link road to go across green belt land caused an outcry. Mangotsfield scouts marked their 60th anniversary and Wendy Nicholls celebrated 42 years in guiding.

Faye Bertham, headteacher at Stanbridge Primary, pupils and families are bringing a smile to more than 100 families in Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria by. donating Christmas gifts to the Link to Hope charity

The Friends of Page Park won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Football ace Graeme Souness visited Mangotsfield and the new head of Downend School was interviewed. Badminton Road Methodist Church prepared for reopening after its big refurb.

Christ Church congregation moved out ready for the revamp. Downend remembered the Britannia air crash, 60 years on. D&BH in Bloom won a South West gold award and the Costa cafe closed after just five months.

August

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He's made it!

November

The artwork commissioned by Downend and Bromley Heath in Bloom for the village centre for the roundabout in the village centre got a mixed response. Work started on the viaduct and at the eleventh hour funding was found to cut projected time to 33 week. The 25th Mangotsfield Festival was a success.

downendvoice downend voice

December, 2017— Issue 58

October

July

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January, 2018

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill

TAPLE Hill continues to thrive as a shopping centre with over 150 local shops providing a wide range of outlets for the community. The recent change in parking arrangements is beginning to see an increased footfall on the High Street

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

Staple Hill Computers Sheen Studios THIS father and son business has been running now for 45 years with Michael Sheen the 4th generation

Owner Terry Ross specialises in the repair and supply of all computer equipment. On the repair side Terry is kept busy with all types of repairs with virus removal, servicing and

range of machines. Printers are available starting at just £55, as is every type of cable you could need plus a wide range of compatible ink supplies.

s r te u p m o C l il H le p a t S

n O w o N e l a S

ITEMS ALL F O Y T IE R A V E G HU GAIN PRICES R A B T A D E C U D E R New and d Refurbishe Laptops

health checks to speed up your computer the most popular. Gaming consoles and tablet repairs are also available, as well as mobile phones. They specialise in the building of specialist gaming systems and also stock new laptops and PCs as well as a large refurbished

12 Broad Street, Staple Hill,

Tel: 0117 3050639

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TShirts 4 You

As well as T-shirt & vinyl printing we have a huge stock of workwear

. . . with gifts galore and so much more 6 Broad Street, Staple Hill. Tel 0117 957 6959

email: info@thecardshopstaplehill.co.uk

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January, 2018

and old, and humorous) for every occasion. It also stocks a wide variety of gifts, from fun and quirky (mugs, storage tins, money pots, wine glasses), scented candles, scarves, jewellery and accessories, to more traditional items for those special occasions such as weddings, births and anniversaries. We pride ourselves on being able to offer such variety, be it cards or gifts, combined with excellent customer service - we are always happy to help so please do not hesitate to ask. The shop is open 9am-5pm

Senator Mobile provide something a bit different for the area.

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with a large selection of industrial shoes and boots available with high vis jackets, gloves, trousers and tops — why waste time looking anywhere else for your quality named workwear? The T-shirt printing and embroidery service with a full range of leisure wear including tees, polos, hoodies and sweatshirts. Attached to this section is also the signmaking set up where all shopfronts and general signage is catered for with van livery a speciality. Ask Paul about the latest trend of bespoke wall art for your home decor, with a top quality canvas printer now available.

STAPLE HILL STORES TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS

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CANVAS PRINTS TSHIRTS4YOU, 108 High Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 956 8606 To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Chloe

info@tshirts4you.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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January, 2018

FOCUS ON

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

Westbury Inks

Need Letterheads or Business Cards? Thinking of getting some new Flyers designed? Or just need us to do some photocopying? Westbury Inks provides the facilities to design and print pretty

much anything you require from business cards, letterheads, flyers or leaflets and our Graphic Design Service starts from just £4.95. Bristol's largest independent ink and toner specialist, Westbury Inks is a one stop shop for all of your printing and stationery needs. Not only do we supply ink and toner cartridges for almost every printer available - but we are also Bristol's leading specialist in refilled, remanufactured & compatible cartridges. Don't take the risk of buying cheap low quality inks online when you can have fully

tested, fully guaranteed, high quality refilled and compatible inks from your local Westbury Inks!

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

Seasonal Plants & Seeds —oOo—

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

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

118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.

Freephone 0800 781 8783

BM Motoring Centre B M Motoring Centre has been a family run business in Staple Hill since 1994, run by Father and Son team Alan and David Peel. Offering anything your car needs whether it be bulbs and wiper blades, Tyres and Batteries, MOT’s and Servicing, Clutches, Cambelts or just some friendly honest advice. Based right on the high street with a large car park and friendly staff B M Motoring can help with anything

winter driving throws at you. They also have a state of the art website offering online tyre ordering and some helpful information. B M Motoring Centre has recently become a part of Autocare, an online platform recognising garages with exacting standards and a commitment to the future of independent garages. Visit their wesite today, give them a call or pop in and see the team. www. bmmotoring.co.uk

Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as

Sheen Studios Instant Passport Photos ID, OCI Visa Bella Silver 925 Jewellery Figurines - dogs horses etc Limited Edition Bristol Prints Vast range of photo and picture frames

Ladies and Gents Watches

Watch batteries and straps fitted free

Bristol Blue Glass Tel: 0117 956 0967

110 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH

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

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downendvoice

January, 2018

years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote, lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. A sharpening service for tools is also available.

Lloydbottoms

and tax services to local businesses and individuals. The firm was founded in 1975 and has occupied its Staple Hill High Street offices since 1982 when it opened a Bradford and Bingley Building Society agency (Bradford and Bingley were taken over by Santander in the banking crisis of 2008).

WE are a well-established (over 30 years), friendly firm of accountants in Staple Hill. As chartered accountants we provide a full range of accounting

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

‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 15

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

The Make Up Box

MY name is Lynne and I have been

SENATOR MOBILE BM Motoring Centre SALES • REPAIRS • BUY & SELL • All makes • All models • Covers • Chargers • Accessories

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

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

The Print Shop

Printing & Print Supplies

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

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

• Flyers • Menus • Posters • Leaflets • Booklets • Brochures • Job Sheets • Newsletters • Business Cards • Compliment Slips • Personal Stationery • Paper & Stationery • Toners & Ink 25 Broad St, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5LP, 0117 970 8577

staplehill@westburyinks.co.uk - www.westburyinks.co.uk

Bristol’s Approved Dealer For Falken Tyres

CALL US TODAY FOR A GOOD HONEST QUOTE 0117 9567411

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

Welcome to Bristol Denture Clinic Established by qualified and experienced clinical dental technician (Neil Husher, Dip CDT RCS(Eng)). We provide and manufacture custom made, hand crafted dentures using the most modern techniques and the highest quality state of the art materials. We offer a friendly and personal service to ensure you have been given all of the individual options available to enable you to make the right decision for you. This is done in an unhurried and relaxed atmosphere. Bristol Denture Clinic is a private practice, and therefore we regret that we are unable to provide any NHS treatment

FOCUS ON

Staple Hill a local Avon representative for the last 10 years, I am also a full time bookkeeper. I have a customer base of 225 customers which has built over the years, all of these great customers have helped me achieve number 1 top seller in the area for 2016. I made the decision to open an Avon shop, and it's been fun - hard work, but fun - and already I have met some great new people in Staple Hill and surrounding areas. My loyal customer base have popped by as well to support me for which I am very grateful. I hold a large stock of Avon products, and customers are enjoying the fact that there are testers of foundation, lipsticks and perfumes to sample before buying. So come on don't just walk on by, call in and take a look. I aim to make it as easy as possible for people to get their cosmet-

January, 2018

ics, it is simply a walk in Avon book - so pop in and pick up the latest brochure in store and call, text or email your order back to me and collect in store. You now have a permanent Avon Lady at 51 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 01454 860 025 Find us on Facebook

Beauty Spot WITHIN our relaxing salon The

Beauty Spot provides a warm friendly atmosphere with a range of superb health and beauty treatments from aromatherapy massage to facials. eyebrow shaping to pedicures for both men and women and using only quality products from beauty leaders Decleor, Tea tree, and Nailtiques. All the treatments are carried out by fully qualified therapists, giving you a totally indulgent experience.

Bristol Denture Clinic

Get your perfect smile again - New dentures designed and made direct to the public

THE MAKE UP BOX Your new one-stop shop for all your make-up needs Full range of all Avon cosmetics

Pop in collect a book and order and collect through store

51 Broad Street, Staple Hill t: 01454 860 025 e: lynne@themakeupbox.shop UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

105 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HF Tel 0117 239 9856 www.ecigguk.co.uk BRING THIS ADVERT IN FOR

£5 OFF

WHEN SPENDING £30 OR MORE

PREMIUM LIQUID 4 FOR £10

New Year Specials

Quality E-cigarettes from

£11.99

WE STOCK ALL THE TOP BRANDS

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

5 X 10ml E-LIQUIDS FOR ONLY

£10 Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

Accountant Susan toasts 30 years SUSAN Rickerby celebrated 30 years of working as an accountant in Staple Hill High Street, with a party on Monday November 17 at Staple Hill Methodist Church. Susan joined MG Lloydbottom & Co on 1 December 1987 and eventually purchased the practice, now known as Lloydbottoms, on February 1, 2013. All of the current clients of the firm were invited (some of whom have been with the firm even longer than Susan), together with traders situated near to the office. Speakers were Staple Hill councillor Ian Boulton and Wild Owl TV founder and presenter Ian McGuire. There were video presentations from Airship & Balloon Company including the making of the Stuart Minion balloon (balloon was made by Cameron’s). Susan’s son Shaun also prepared a video montage of changes over the last 30 years, and a contrast with things that hadn’t changed and her son Adam was projectionist for the evening. Husband Kevin was in charge of fetching and carrying and dispensing drinks including the home made mulled apple juice Susan is holding in the picture. Guests were also treated to a performance by the band “Bob’s Rockers” fronted by Gareth Brown, an accountant who works with Lloydbottoms. Gareth is lead vocalist/guitarist and his two young sons joined him on guitars with fellow accountant Adrian Lang on drums.

Email us your views at news@downendvoice.co.uk

Pa rkway automobile engineering

Friday 19th January

Friday 16th February

BLAIR DUNLOP

Support from KITTY MACFARLANE

EDGELARKS

(PHILLIP HENRY & HANNAH MARTIN Support from IONA LANE

Mercedes-Benz specialist with over 35 years experience

Friday 16th March

HARRI ENDERSBY

Support from BEN ROBERTSON

Friday 20th April

THE RHEINGANS SISTERS Support from IAN A ANDERSON

All gigs take place at Frenchay Village Hall Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start Full bar at all events

Tickets available from MELANIE’S KITCHEN or www.downendfolkclub.co.uk

• Full diagnostic equipment • Factory trained technicians • Collection/delivery service • Courtesy car on request

• MOT’s • Servicing • Gearbox repairs • Electrical faults

0117 965 6164 Parnall Road • Fishponds • Bristol • BS16 3JQ

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

Elf trail no2 is a big hit ELVES certainly did not restrict themselves to the shelf in Downend this Christmas - as well as the elf trail organised by local traders, an elf trail in King George V park was a huge hit. It was the second year that

Jemma Bateman had held the event in the park - and it looks like becoming an annual tradition. More than 400 families joined in the hunt for the twelve sets of mischievous elves that

were hiding around the park. There were elves having a sleigh race and elves at a birthday tea party. One naughty elf was decorating a tree with toilet paper and one was on a date night with Barbie! Once all the elves had been found there were activities for children to get involved in, including a craft tent where children were invited to make a candy cane Christmas tree decoration, a letter writing station where children could write a letter to Santa and post it , and a reindeer food bar where children could make their own jars of reindeer food by mixing oats with magic flying beans and Christmas cheer, ready to take home and leave out for those hungry reindeer on Christmas Eve. There was a candy cane tree

all the way from the North Pole and real-life elves were also causing havoc in the park; not to mention the missing Santa, whose sleigh, presents, and clothes had turned up at the park - but not the man himself! Other stalls included a hot chocolate bar to warm everyone up at the end of the hunt.

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

Bristol’s Approved Dealer For Falken Tyres

CALL US TODAY FOR A GOOD HONEST QUOTE 0117 9567411 To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

YOUR

Community NEWS

Brought to you by

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

Ben Burton, Chair of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council, says: “The solar-powered trees all lit up on time and so far we have had a lot of positive comments, with people saying how good they look. Christmas lights in Downend & Bromley Heath are vital for bringing festive cheer to the high street and in supporting our excellent local shops and businesses. We are planning on reviewing the feedback on the new Christmas lights in January before deciding our plans for next year.” Photo by Dave Britton, Chairman, Downend Camera Club

WITH VERY BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR RESIDENTS IN DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH AND WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! NEXT MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 18th January 7pm at Downend Baptist Church, Salisbury Road, Downend. Details of our Finance and Planning Committee meetings can be found on our website, www.downendbromleyheath.org We look forward to welcoming you to a future meeting.

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS 2015 – 2019 Downend West Ward CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632 Downend East Ward CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486 CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07818 513 177 CLLR MARTYN POOLE

Tel: 0117 957 0805 Leap Brook Ward CLLR ANITA WOODBURN Tel. 07786 360 447 Bromley Heath East Ward CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260 CLLR JON HUNT Tel: 07525 150 103 CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531

Bromley Heath West Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681 CLLR KATHY MORRIS Tel: 07976 257 481 CLLR SHARON HERNIMAN Tel. 07534 603 704 Clerk to the Council Mrs Angela Hocking Tel. 0117 9567001 E-mail. clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk

January, 2018

downendvoice

n NEWS

Offering comfort at time of trouble RELATIVES and carers of patients nearing the end of their lives in Bristol’s city centre hospitals will be offered help to make their stay more comfortable. They will receive Comfort Boxes, funded by hospital charity Above & Beyond. These contain items such as toothpaste and toothbrush, wet wipes and hand cream; a sleeping mask and ear plugs; and tea, coffee and biscuits. Also included is a leaflet which provides useful information about visiting hours, arranging an overnight stay and where to buy food and drink on hospital sites. Sue Coghlan, Sister on Ward 78 at St Michael’s Hospital, said: “During difficult times, it really is the little things that can make all the difference to a relative’s or carer’s stay on the ward. Having simple amenities such as the ability to make yourself a cup of tea in the early hours without having to leave your loved one’s side is so important. These comfort boxes will allow us to provide the best possible care for the patient and their family, friend or carer when they need it most.” Paul Kearney, CEO of Above & Beyond, added: “Our hospital staff give excellent care to patients and the Comfort Box will

allow them to offer that little bit extra to relatives and carers as well. Providing comfort in times of need is vitally important and, in difficult circumstances, we’re proud to be able to support the staff in going above and beyond what the NHS can provide.” The funds for the Comfort Box initiative were approved by Above & Beyond’s board of trustees. Staff have also used the funds to buy special chairs that convert into a bed for visitors staying overnight. Other grants approved by trustees this year include £108,000 for the continuation of the much-valued free hospital bus service used by 12,000 patients, visitors and staff per month and £10,283 for an educational, app-based projection system, Magic Carpet, to keep young patients engaged and active during stays in the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Founded in 1974, Above & Beyond raises money for all nine city centre hospitals, many of which are specialist centres for the South West region. Find out more at http://www. aboveandbeyond.org.uk

Sue Coghlan, Sister on Ward 78 at St Michael’s Hospital, with a Comfort Box and one of the new chairs which converts into a bed.

Everything in Store Reduced

All Stock Must Go to make way for new lines — Deals will be done!

Bigge st Ever Sale

EDA, 744 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk

0117 958 4769 Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

ired be inspwith Slimming World MANGOTSFIELD

MANGOTSFIELD

Monday

Wednesday 5.30pm and 7.30pm Cleve Rugby Club, Mangotsfield Angela 07971818141

9.30am The Sports Pavilion, Pomphrey Hill, Mangotsfield Hayley 07825757993

DOWNEND Tuesday 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm or 7.30pm St Augustines Church Hall, Boscombe Crescent Contact Angela 07971818141

MANGOTSFIELD Tuesday Mangotsfield, Pomphrey Hill 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Contact Gemma 07979291661

STAPLE HILL Wednesday 3.30pm, 5.30pm or 7.30pm Salvation Army, 21 Broad Street Contact Anne-Marie 07854177308

slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

MANGOTSFIELD Thursday 5.30 pm & 7.30pm Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavilion Contact Gemma 07979291661

STAPLE HILL Friday 9.30am & 11.30am Salvation Army, 21 Broad Street Contact Anne-Marie 07854177308

WARMLEY

Saturday 9am & 11am The Batch Park Road Warmley Contact Kate - 07747825212

downendvoice

January, 2018

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Achieve your weight loss in 2018 with Slimming World SLIMMING World groups in Mangotsfield, Staple Hill, Warmley and Downend are getting ready to help loads more people achieve their weight loss dreams in 2018. In January 2017 the members in 9 groups across these areas lost an astonishing 385 stone and 6lbs between them. That is equivalent to 2.4 tonnes. Slimming World has lots of exciting plans for their members to help them achieve their weight loss in a healthy balanced way where they have lots of choice and never need to feel hungry whilst still enjoying their favourite meals. Groups are held all over at various times every week from Monday to Saturday. All details of your nearest groups can be found on www.slimmingworld. com. Contact any Consultant for further details and also information on free joining vouchers available throughout January 2018.

n NEWS

Poppy appeal raises over £20,000 at Sainsbury's SHOPPERS at Sainsbury’s in Emersons Green raised more than £20,000 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Members of Staple Hill Royal British Legion’s Women’s Section sold poppies at the store for two weeks leading up to Remembrance Day. Matt Payne, deputy manager, is pictured presenting a cheque for £21,279.69 to Anne Bragg, from the Royal British Legion.

Retirement Living at Woodland Court

Retirement choice that’s right for you Woodland Court’s retirement living concept offers a new lifestyle alternative for older people. We provide you with the opportunity to enjoy genuine independence, together with the option to call upon professional care and support to suit changing needs. Living at Woodland Court allows you to live in your own home with a lifestyle of your choosing. For more information and to request a brochure, contact us by:

Phone: 0117 906 1400 Email: woodlandenquiries@brunelcare.org.uk

Post: Woodland Court, Partridge Drive (off Overndale Road), Downend, Bristol, BS16 2RF

www.woodlandcourt.org.uk

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

n NEWS PEOPLE in Downend raised over ÂŁ500 to feed children in Uganda. Jan and Richard Bacon, who volunteer for a charity called Mission Direct, held an alternative Christmas meal with help from local friends. The meal consisted of typical African food such as beans, rice, posho, sukamawiki and relish. Jan and Richard were amazed by how much was raised. Their main work in Uganda is building much needed classrooms in very

downendvoice

January, 2018

Charity meal raises money to feed children in Uganda overcrowded schools. Many of the pupils at Kumi Bazaar School, where the classrooms are being built, survive on very little food. The simple meal provided would be a banquet for a lot of the children in Kumi.

Festivities and fellowship Above: Over 60 people attend the Alternative Christmas meal Above right: Children in Kumi attending Saturday club, where a meal of rice, beans and bananas, provide much needed nourishment

More than fifty members of Christ Church Fellowship enjoyed their annual Christmas dinner followed by carol singing at the Parish Hall, North Street. The Fellowship, which has a loyal membership of over 60, meets on the second Tuesday evening of each month at Christ Church Parish Hall. A range of talks, activities and fellowship take place during the year, including a weekend away each spring and a day out in the summer.

Put your FEET first! Mrs Sara Turner MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Professional Appointments available in your home during the day, evening or weekend. Ring or email for an appointment. General foot care, diabetic foot care, corns and calluses, verrucae, ingrown toe nails, infections etc.

0117 9569928 or 077917 62208 saralouise.turner@btinternet.com

www.putyourfeetfirst.co.uk

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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS CHRIST Church Mothers’ Union and their family and friends celebrated Advent with a lunch and Advent Carols, readings and prayers. Joan Wynne-Jones, from the group, said: “We all enjoyed singing carols and listening to poems. We were also blessed by solos beautifully and sweetly sung by Anita Dobson, especially chosen for the occasion. Everyone agreed it was an uplifting and joyous afternoon.” The Mothers’ Union meets on the first Wednesday of the month, at 2.15pm at Christ Church Parish Hall. New members are always welcome. The next meeting is at 2.15pm on Wednesday January 3 2018, when Jan and Richard Bacon, will be sharing about the various ways they work in rural Uganda with Mission Direct.

Advent is not just for the young!

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Vibrocise case study: Kim Pope I CAME across Vibrocise because I’d broken my shoulder & I was told I had Osteoporosis (at the age of 55)! I'd heard Vibration plates can help improve bone density so I looked up vibration plate training and did some trial sessions at Vibrocise. When I first started I couldn’t believe that I would benefit from just 20 minute sessions, 3 times a week and was amazed to find it helped me in so many different ways. I had previously been a marathon runner but hadn’t done one for 4 years because I’d had a dodgy knee as well as then having broken my shoulder. My shoulder and knee became stronger so quickly and I was able to start running again. I have just completed my 3rd Marathon and really noticed the difference in my fitness levels whilst doing Vibrocise alongside my running. Vibrocise has helped to strengthen all my muscles and joints. The massage exercises are also really great and have helped with my tight muscles, especially my IT band which is a common problem with runners. I feel fitter now than I have been in a long time and I am so pleased I came across Vibrocise. Because of the low impact but quick strengthening I would highly recommend it to anyone with an injury! Kim Pope

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

January, 2018

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday January 5 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1424. Sunday January 7 Sunday January 7 n Splash of Soul, northern soul event featuring special DJs, Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Road, Speedwell. 3-8pm. £3 on the door. Saturday January 27 n ‘ New Year Concert’ at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street BS16 5LN with Staple Hill Salvation Army Band and Youth Choir, and special guest vocalist Claire Delaney. Tickets £5 from 07841 511450 or 0117 9761535

REGULAR EVENTS IN DOWNEND Please check these are running.

Monday

n Whist drive, 7.15pm, Assembly hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. call 0117 9565378 for further info. n Family History Group, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, 10amnoon, every week. n Yoga class at Frenchay Village Hall, 6.45 to 7.30. Suitable for beginners and different levels. fun, enjoyable class.experienced teacher. for more information phone Hermione on 01179522819 n Poetry Circle, Lincombe Barn, 10.30am-noon fortnightly. n Kingswood Lacemakers, Lincombe Barn 2-4pm except for the third Monday in the month, 7.15pm. Self help group of bobbin lacemakers. n Whist Club, Lincombe Barn 2-4 pm, open to any association members.

n Coffee drop-in, Emersons Green Village Hall 10.30-11.30am. n Concorde Wheelchair Dancers, Page Hall, Staple Hill 7.15-9pm. n Stitch and Bitch, The Oak pub, Staple Hill. 2-4 pm first Monday of the month. n Craft Group, Christ Church Downend Foyer 1.30pm, 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. n Poetry group. Lincombe Barn, , 10am-noon, every other Monday, from February 3. Call 0117 2796214. n Frenchay Ladies Probus Club, St. Augustine Parish Hall 2pm, third Monday in the month. Variety of speakers and opportunities to go on trips and other social events. Call Bonnie Murley on 0117 330 1249. n Bromley Heath Gardening and Social club. 3rd Monday in the month, 7.30pm, Bromley Heath Junior School (excluding school holidays). Speaker, charity sales table and a raffle. Day trip every month to places of interest and occasional theatre trips. Two short holiday breaks in January and Easter. Contact Julie 0117 9871836 or May 0117 9573695. n Beginner to Intermediate Hatha Yoga. Downend Lincombe Barn, 9:30 - 10:45. Drop in class £6.00. Bring your own yoga mat. Call Teresa 07903 823 827. n Phoenix Wind Band (20+ concert level players). Emersons Green Library, 7.30-9.30 p.m. Varied and challenging, will appeal to Grade 6 players or above. Call Keith 0117 9049125, e-mail phoenixwindband@hotmail.com. Web - avonwindbandassociation. com. n Westerley Showband. Downend Library 7.30 pm. For applicants who play wind instruments, bass

or drums. Call 0117 9561950 www. westerlyshowband.com. n Knit & Natter. Emersons Green Village Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm - £1 which includes tea or coffee. n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 9.30-10.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753. n Social History (monthly), Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 11am-12.30pm. n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 2-5pm. Call Teresa 0117 9650203. n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 6.30-9pm. Call Ami 0746 2727 229. n Social badminton. Kingswood Leisure Centre, 2-4pm, intermediate level. n Drop in art group, Page Hall, Page Road, Staple Hill (please use side entrance), every Monday, 10am-12.30pm. No tuition. A friendly welcome guaranteed. Call Judith on 0117 957 0327. n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Established and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653. n Salsa Class for Beginners. Begbrook Social Club, Frenchay Park Road, BS16 1HY. 8-9pm. www. salsadacapoloco.co.uk n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.15 - 8.15 pm. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me

Tuesday n Youth drop-in for school Years 6 & 7 at Christ Church Parish Hall,

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@downendvoice. co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148

. Youth Hub. Tuesdays in term time 3.15-4.30pm more info from www. igniteyouth-christchurchdownend. co.uk n The P & Q Club, patchwork and quilting skills, Lincombe Barn 10am-noon. n Open Church at Christ Church Downend. We are open from 11am-1pm throughout August for coffee, worship and reflections on the Psalms. All welcome. n Artists, drawing techniques and perspective, oils, watercolours and pastels, Lincombe Barn 10amnoon. n Fellowship- Christ Church Fellowship Group, Parish Hall, North Street 7.45p.m second Tuesday of every month.Variety of speakers and musical evenings. Organise an annual day out and a weekend away. n Bits’n’pieces, fun with fabrics, Lincombe Barn.1.30-3.30pm.

News from Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green libraries Downend Library Downend Library will be closed between Tuesday 23rd - Friday 26th January 2018 for building and electrical work to enable the library to have Open Access from February 2018. Anyone who has already attended the Open Access induction at another library can then use Downend Library in this mode (although it is best to familiarize themselves with the layout of the building including fire escapes first or ask staff for this information). Downend Library users can already book an induction session in advance of this date and inductions will continue once Open Access is installed and working. Please ask staff for further details of Open Access. From February opening hours for Downend Library will be :

Staffed hours Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 10am 5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am - 1pm. Open Access hours (unstaffed hours - as with all other South Gloucestershire libraries that have Open Access). 8.30am - 7.30pm Monday to Sunday Emersons Green Library Need IT help with that new device you got for Christmas? - book a free session with our Computer Support Volunteer. Ask staff for details. Mood Boosting Café - Friday 26th January (meets the last Friday of every month) 10.30am - 12 noon : informal social gathering with a themed talk on health matters each month. Come along for a coffee and a chat!

Staple Hill Library Our Shared Reading Group is a place to relax, make new friends and share stories with other every week. You can just drop, sit down and enjoy listening to a great story or poem. There is no pressure to talk or read. Mondays group - starts on 8th January 1.30pm - 3pm Tuesdays group - 10.30am - 12pm If you have any questions contact samanthaweaver@thereader.org. uk<mailto:samanthaweaver@thereader.org. uk> or on 07812 238532 for more information. Need IT help with that new device you got for Christmas? - book a free session with our Computer Support Volunteer - Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm Booking required.

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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

January, 2018 n Frenchay Toddler Group, Frenchay Village Hall, 9.4511.30am n Bottoms, Tums and Thighs, Lincombe Barn 8.15-9.15pm. n Art Club for Adults, Emersons Green Village Hall 7-8.45pm. n Girl Guides, Emersons Green Village Hall. Evenings. n Staple Hill Probus Club. Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am, 10am for coffee. First and third Tuesday each month. Call Roger 0117 9562777. n Openchurch – Christ Church 9am to 1pm. Drop in throughout the day. n Badminton. Downend Sports Centre, 8 - 10pm. Call 0117 9400706. n Glass Engraving. Lincombe Barn, 10am – noon. n BabyNatal Practical Baby Care Workshop at Emersons Green Village Hall, 6.30-9.30pm. 4th Tuesday of the month: www. babynatalsouthglos.co.uk. n Community Bingo. Staple Hill Primary school. 6.45pm, eyes down 7.45. Tel no. 0117 983 3750. Food and drink available. n Downend Camera Club. 7.4510pm, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, BS16 5RA. All abilities and interests catered for but beginners particularly welcome. n Exercise Class for older adults. Christ Church Hall, North Street 1011am, £4. Call Jenny 0117 9613327. n Taoist Tai Chi. Kingswood Community Centre, 7-8.30pm. Improve your health, raise your spirit. Class open to all. www.taoist. org.uk. n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 9.30am-12noon. Ami 0746 2727 229. n Diabetes UK meeting in small room, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.15-8.15pm. n Zumba. Beechwood Club, Fishponds 7-8pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437. n Flow-in Yoga Class. Every

Tuesday 6.15pm at Barley Close Primary, BS16 9DL. Beginners Welcomed. Mat can be provided. T: (01454) 327112 or E: hello@ yoga-in.co.uk. Can book via www. yoga-in.co.uk n Parent and Toddler Group. Barley Close School Lemur Building, 11.45-3pm. Music, stories, craft. £1 adults, 50p a child. Bring your own packed lunch. n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Empower Yoga. Downend. Quakers Road Church Hall. 9.15 10.15 am (Entrance available from 9 am). All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n Hatha Flow Yoga. Downend. Quakers Road Church Hall. 10.30 - 11.30 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me n Willow ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age.

Looking to increase our membership in the tenor & bass sections. n New Harmony Ladies’ Choir Bristol, Horfield URC church hall, Muller Rd 7.30-9.30pm. No auditions are necessary apart from placing you into the correct voice group - soprano, mezzo soprano or alto. Our repertoire covers classical, choral, jazz, popular, folk, and show songs. n Camera Club, Lincombe Barn 7.30-9.30pm, second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays. For enthusiasts of all abilities. n Book club for adults, Emersons Green Village Hall 10-11am, monthly. n Rainbow Tots, parent and toddler group, Emersons Green Village Hall 10-11.30am. n Buggy Walk, Emersons Green library, meet at 10am outside, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. All parents, grandparents and carers welcome. No need to book and the walk lasts approximately 45 minutes. n Messy Church at Christ Church Parish Hall, 4.30-6.30pm 4th Wednesday of the month. Includes craft, refreshments, chat, worship and a hot meal. n The Mothers’ Union, Parish

Hall , North Street, 2.15pm first Wednesday of each month. All welcome. n Social Dancing, Quakers Road Church Hall, 8 - 10.15 pm every Wednesday and Friday. Call Doreen on 0117 9564308. n Weekly Café, Badminton Road Methodist Church, 10am-noon. Each Wednesday except during August. Call Nicky Budd 0117 9570966. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am - 12noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Bristol Ukulele Jam, Baden Hall, Northcote Road, Mangotsfield, Bristol. BS16 9HF. 7.45-9.30pm. All levels and experience welcome. n Downend Flower Club, Lincombe Barn, 7.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday, September to May. Would you like to arrange flowers? Call Joyce 0117 9568978. n Cruse Bereavement Care support group. The Park Centre, Kingswood, 10-11.30 on Wednesdays. 8 week course from 16 July led by 2 experienced counsellors. Places are limited. Call Cruse 0117 929 2507.

What’s On Continued on next page

Wednesday n Book Reading Club, Lincombe Barn 9.30am, first Wednesday of each month. n Machine Knitting Club, Lincombe Barn 9.45-11.45am. Machines provided and previous experience not required. n Counted Cross Stitch Club, Lincombe Barn 10am-noon. All levels of expertise welcome, beginners especially. n Cleeve Wood Artists, Lincombe Barn 10am-noon. n Wednesday Bridge Club. Lincombe Barn 2-4.30pm. All levels. n Cleeve Singers, Lincombe Barn 7.30-9.30pm. Free trial rehearsals and no audition requirement.

End of Year

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

January, 2018

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Email: crusebristol@gmail.com. n South Gloucestershire Wine Circle. St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley BS30 5JG. 7.30pm 1st Wednesday of each month. Are you interested in wine, beer, food, organised tastings, dinners and socials? Call Peter 0777 0750 327 or Neil 0117 9603433. n Bingo. Emersons Green Village Hall, 1.30-3.30pm alternate Wednesdays. Have a bit of fun and win prizes with this friendly club. n Frenchay Village Museum 1-4pm – Free. n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild. Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds 7.15pm 2nd Wednesday of the month. A different speaker each month plus handicrafts , walking group and social events. Tel no. 0779 9108 890. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 10-11am. Call Eric 0791 4006 589. n Hannah More Senior Citizen “Fun and Entertainment”, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 2-4pm, fortnightly. Tel no. 0117 965 0356. n Fishponds Reading Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds,

2-3.30pm (4 weekly). Email: gwenczek@yahoo.co.uk. n Keep Fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 7-8pm. Call Beryl 0117 9774534. n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Walks for single people. Solo Rendezvous meet at Downend Cricket Club, every Wednesday, 8.30pm, entrance £3, and walk every Sunday. Please phone for walk details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210. n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. More information is available at www.frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook. com. n New weekly salsa class for complete beginners with Cressida. Cross Hands Pub, 1 Staple Hill Rd., Fishponds BS16 5AA. 7.30pm-9pm includes social & dancing. No partner needed. Call 07808 581739 n Diamond fellowship at

High quality service and finish Fitted wardrobes Bespoke fitted furniture Alcove units Kitchen fitting Wooden flooring All general Carpentry

Email : info@hathawayscarpentry.com Web : hathawayscarpentry.com

Call for a quote on: 07748151682

Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me

Thursday

n Downend Local History Society, Lincombe Barn. Autumn/Winter meetings, 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. £3 per meeting. n Scrabble Club 2, Lincombe Barn, 10am-noon, weekly. Beginners welcome. n Frenchay Toddler Group, Frenchay Village Hall, 9.4511.30am n Emersons Green Quilters, Christ Church Centre, Quakers Road, 7.30pm-9.30pm on second Thursday of every month. Details from Rose Thomas 0117 949 0840 n Papercraft, Lincombe Barn 1011.30am fortnightly. For members to learn or improve their paper crafting skills. n Barn Bees, Lincombe Barn 2-4pm. Ladies new to the district come and enjoy a friendly group for a cuppa/chat/sew/knit for fundraising. n Hand Bell Ringers, , Lincombe Barn 2-4pm. Persons with some music reading ability welcome. n Gardening Club, Lincombe Barn 7.30-9.30pm. n Fishponds Probus Club, Fishponds Conservative Club at 10am, 1st. and 3rd Thursday. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 9561846. n Frome Valley Artists, Downend Folk House 1.30-3.30pm. No tuition given, but regular demonstrations held. Call John Forster on 0117 9561010. n Resound Camera Club, Resound building, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield 7.30pm. Bi-weekly. We are a sociable group catering for all skill levels. Please see our web site for more information. n Emersons Green Running Club, Pomphrey Hill sports pavilion 7pm n Rainbows, Emersons Green Village Hall. Evenings. n Emersons Green Whist Club, Emersons Green Village Hall 2-4.30pm. n Rainbow Tots, parent and toddler group, Emersons Green

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

Village Hall 10-11.30am. n Scrabble club, Emersons Green Village Hall 10am-noon, monthly. n Senior Citizens social club, Emersons Green Village Hall 11.30am-2.30pm, monthly. n Downend Horticultural Society. Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend 7.30pm,Second Thursday of the month all year. Outing to gardens and we hold flower shows. Members who can help with tips on your garden. Call Roger Davis 0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton 0117 9792832. www. downendhortsoc.co.uk. n Bingo, Staple Hill Royal British Legion 7.30pm. n Youth Group for Years 6 –8, The Youth Hub, Christ Church, North street, Downend, 6.30-7.45pm. Great facilities, fun-packed programme, tuck available. Free entrance. n Youth Group for Years 9 – 13, The Youth Hub, Christ Church, North Street, Downend, 8-9.15pm. Great facilities, fun-packed programme, tuck available. Free entrance. n Carers’ Group, Mill House, Emersons Green Way 2-4pm first Thursday of every month. Call 01454 868267. n Bromley Heath Probus Club, The Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend 10am. First and third Thursdays of the months (fifth Thursday if applicable – ladies join then) An informal organisation for retired men. Speaker on various subjects for about an hour. Also have programme of social events and trips including an annual holiday club. Call Robin Short 0117 9567795. n Frenchay Ladies Probus Club, St Augustine Parish Hall 2pm, third Monday in the month. Variety of speakers and there is an opportunity to go on trips and other social events. Call Bonnie Murley 0117 3301249. n Staple Hill Runners. Meet on Broad St outside Page Park 7-8pm and. All abilities are catered for. n Emersons Green Quilters. Christ Church Centre Quakers Road, Bromley Heath 7.30-9.30pm, second Thursday of the month. Call 0117 9834962. n Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 3.30pm-5pm. Email: Spencer@ sporting-change.biz. Call 0782 5155 954. n Sequence Dance class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 7.309.30pm. Call John 01454 261498. n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm. Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students. Special offer, first class £3. Tel 0117 330 9549 / 0780 8581 739.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

January, 2018 n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm. Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students. Special offer, first class £3. Tel 0117 330 9549 / 0780 8581 739. n Mangotsfield URC, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield 10.30am first Thursday in the month. Coffee, cake and a warm welcome. n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA. website - Google “F&D Rotary” n Sugarcraft: St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton 7.30pm – 9.30pm, third Thursday each month. We have demonstrations monthly on flowers and models and practice/ workshops with instruction. Call Jean Kington 0117 956 8737. n Meditation and Mindfulness Classes, Portland Therapy Centre, Staple Hill. Beginners Classes 6.307.30pm and Group Practice 7.358.35pm. Registered British School of Meditation Teacher. Book in advance on 0117 956 5855. www. jennysmith.me.uk. n Qi Gong class every Thursday evening from 6.45pm to 8pm at Emersons Green Village Hall cost £5. For further details e-mail Donna@lotusneigongbristol.co.uk n DanceFit with Cressida. Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd., Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2pm-3pm. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps & music, plus tea & chat. Call 07808 581739 n Friendly badminton group looking for new members. Meets at Downend Sports Centre every Thursday at 8pm. If interested please contact Geoff Millard 07788 295161 or geoffpmillard@hotmail. com n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n Natural History Society. Illustrated talks on Birds, Wildlife and the Countryside at home and abroad. Lincombe Barn 7.309.30pm 2nd & 4th Thurdays. Oct. Nov. Jan. Feb. Mar. n Downend Gardening in Retirement Club, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road 10.30am third Thursday of the month. Call 0117 9061427.

Friday n Fun with Fabrics Club, Lincombe Barn 10am-noon. n Music for enjoyment, Lincombe Barn - 1.45-3.45pm, fortnightly. Programmes of recorded music,

downendvoice mainly classical, presented by members. Check dates 0117 956 2367. n Knit and Natter, Poppy Lounge Staple Hill Royal British Legion Staple Hill 10.30-12 noon. n Badminton Gardens Friendship Club, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 6FG, 4-5.30pm. For a weekly dose of gentle exercise, socialising, and a cuppa! Call Spencer 0782 5155 954. n Stroke Cafe, Badminton Road Methodist Church run by Bristol Area Stroke Foundation, 11am1pm. second Friday of every month. For people who have had a stroke or mini stroke and for those who care for them. Come along for a chat, free refreshments and information and advice. Tel no. 0117 964 7657. n Emersons Green Buggy Running Group Second. Meet outside Emersons Green Library 10-11am, second and last Fridays of the month. For a 30-minute walk, talk, jog, run with your buggy and baby, followed by refreshments. Friendly, qualified leaders. Call 0787 9842 503. Email info@justjog.co.uk. n After School Youth Drop-In for Years 6, 7 & 8, The Youth Hub, Christ Church, North Street, Downend, 3.15–4.30pm. Meet friends, relax and enjoy the Hub facilities. Tuck available. Entrance free. n Social Dancing, Quakers Road Church Hall 8-10.15 pm. Call Doreen 0117 9564308. n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753. n Living after Loss, St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church) 11am-12noon, fortnightly. An informal bereavement group. Call Lizzy 0117 9650856. n Baby Bebop (mums / babies up to one-year-old), Beechwood Club, Fishponds 11am-1pm. Call Ruth 0796 6032 414. n Alzheimer’s meetings, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 2-4pm, 2nd Friday in each month. Tel no. 0117 975 6441. n Fishponds History Society, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 7-9pm, 1st Friday of month. Call John 0117 9658110. n In the Pink, Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue Fishponds, 9.00am. Make new friends and enjoy sensible exercise to music for older ladies, followed by refreshments. Tel. 0117 956 1231. n Kings Club, Downend Baptist Church, Salisbury Road, Downend, BS16 5RA, 6-7pm, 5 - 7yr olds – 7-8pm, 7 - 11yr olds. Term time only. A fun way to learn about God. Craft, Story, Games, Drinks. Email:

outreachevents@downendbaptist. co.uk. n Club Friday for 11 - 14yr olds, Downend Baptist Church, Salisbury Road, Downend, BS16 5RA, 8-9.30pm term time only. Games, Badminton, God Slot, Tuck Shop. email: outreachevents@ downendbaptist.co.uk. n Meditation and Mindfulness Classes, Portland Therapy Centre, Staple Hill. Beginners Classes 9.30-10.30am, Group Practice 10.45-11.45am. Registered British School of Meditation Teacher. Book in advance 0117 956 5855. www. jennysmith.me.uk. n Community art club at Castle Suite, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road BS16 6UE. 10amnoon on alternate Fridays. Alternate Fridays. £5 per session and materials are supplied.Contact Paul Foss on pobble57@yahoo. co.uk or 0117 957 0045 n Tai Chi classes, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, BS16 2CU,10.15am -12.15pm in term timePeople with Parkinson's, their carers and family are welcome. £5 per person per session.Contact Bonnie 07788 697855 or email pukbristolmemsec@gmail.com n Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall,

Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, 7-9.30pm.

Saturday

n World Wide Church of God, Emersons Green Village Hall 11am2.30pm. n Coffee Morning, Staple Hill Methodist Church Hall 10.00amnoon, first Saturday of the month. Cakes and books and DVDs are on sale. The events are held by Kingswood Y’s Men’s Club. n BabyNatal Practical Baby Care Workshop Frenchay Village Hall, 10am-1pm 1st Saturday of month. www.babynatalsouthglos.co.uk. n Frenchay Village Museum 2-5pm open – Free. n Diabetes group meeting, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 2-4pm, bi monthly. Tel no. 0117 975 6441. n Rehabilitation Pilates (Beginners), Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House, upstairs in Britannia room. 9am. £7. Samantha 07736 309272, www.gentlefitness.co.uk

Sunday n Emersons Green Baptist Church,

What’s On Continued on next page

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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

Chocolate Quarter hasn't half got a history ... AN EXHIBITION chronicling the dramatic changes at the former Fry’s factory at Somerdale since chocolate production ended in March 2011 is the latest to feature at Frenchay Village Museum. Somerdale - Then and Now has been put together by a number of ex-Somerdale employees and will run at the museum until just before Easter. Cecil Fry, of the Grove, Frenchay, became chairman of Fry’s in 1924 when his father Roderick retired. Work on moving the Bristol factories to Keynsham had already begun when Cecil took over, and he laid the foundation stone of the office block at Somerdale in 1932. The ceremonial mason’s tools that

Cecil Fry became the chairman of Fry's in 1924 Cecil used are now housed in Frenchay Village Museum. Following the closure of the Somerdale chocolate factory in 2011, the three original factory blocks were acquired

Cosmo Fry, grandson of Cecil Fry, is pictured in January 2016 laying the foundation stone of the new St Monica’s facility at Somerdale using the same ceremonial mason's tools that his grandfather used nearly 100 years ago

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Emersons Green Village Hall 10.30am-noon. n Christ Church Downend 10.30am. Morning Worship, with groups for children and young people. (temporarily in junior school from November). Evening Worship, 6.30pm. Holy communion on the first and third Sundays, Celtic worship and service of prayer for healing and wholeness, second and fifth Sundays (check church website for temporary venue). n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield10.30am. Communion on the First Sunday. n Staple Hill Methodist Church, 10.30am and 6pm. Creche and Sunday Club. Taize Worship is held on second Sunday evening of the month and communion is taken on first morning and evening of the month. Tel no. 0117 957 5221. n Morning Worship and Children’s Activities, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road 10.30am. Friendly, informal, lively. n Frenchay Village Museum 2-5pm – Free. n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds, 1-3pm. n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm. n Morning worship with groups for Children/Youth, Downend Baptist Church 10.30am. Evening Worship 6pm. Holy Communion, 1st and 3rd n Traditional worship, The Church Centre, Quakers Road 9.15am. A Christ Church Service in the Bromley Heath area. n All Age Worship featuring the band, choir and children at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Staple Hill

n WHAT'S ON

January, 2018

l of Da

by St Monica Trust to create a retirement living community called The Chocolate Quarter. In January 2106 Cecil’s grandson Cosmo Fry used the same ceremonial mason’s tools to lay the foundation stone of the new St Monica’s facility. The £60 million pound development by St Monica Trust will eventually provide 140 assisted living apartments and a 90-bed care home, as well as providing office space, retail outlets, and leisure facilities. Although the exhibition will run for several months, a special event is planned for Sunday January 28 when there’s a chance to meet some former Fry’s staff who promise to have a sweet surprise in store for visitors. Frenchay Village Museum re-opens after the winter shutdown on January 6, and is open Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm and Wednesday from 1-4pm. Entry is free.

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

We teach ages 3-18+ Boys and Girls — All Grades Professional Classes 13+

Ballet (RAD), Tap & Modern (ISDT) Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, Saturday & Sunday

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

Miss Ryan on 0117 305 0914

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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

January, 2018

n IN THE SPOTLIGHT: FEED BRISTOL

Getting back to nature A FOOD-GROWING community project in Stapleton is looking for people to take part in its next volunteer scheme. Based on Frenchay Park Road, Avon Wildlife Trust’s Feed Bristol project was set up in March 2012 on a piece of overgrown land that had been previously used by a farmer as a nursery. The trust decided to use it as a space to inspire and educate people about how food-growing land can support wildlife, as well as create social impact in an urban setting. The aim is to champion conservation and ecology to inspire people to

take action to create a naturerich city. Vegetables such as potatoes, kale, onions, salad leaves and garlic are grown on the site’s six acres, with produce split among volunteers in return for their involvement in the project. In addition, a range of diverse habitats such as ponds have been created alongside the food spaces in order to attract wildlife including frogs and hedgehogs. As part of the project’s commitment to engaging

Feed Bristol's Matt Cracknell tends some wildflowers

residents in nature, Feed Bristol runs a volunteer Grow Leader programme to help people develop skills for a career in conservation or horticulture. As part of the placement, full training is provided alongside practical work experience of food growing and delivering activities with community groups. To take part, volunteers are required to give a commitment of two days a week for nine months, and since it started three years ago Feed Bristol has been able to support 40 people into employment by teaching them a range of new skills that they can add to their CVs. Successful applicants for the next volunteer placement programme - which is due to start on February 12 - will also be given the opportunity to take part in Feed Bristol’s next Grow Leader course for free, instead of a cost of £450 or £600 depending on income. This 12week course starts on March 22 and covers three modules (food growing, community engagement and ecology and conservation). After completion of the course, which takes place every Thursday, students will receive an official Avon Wildlife Trust Certificate as proof of their newly developed skills in ecological land management. As well as running educational placements and courses, Feed Bristol’s wildflower nursery - homes to more than 200 native species - is also open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am – 3.30pm during the winter, as well as the first Saturday of the month.

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

Plants bought from the nursery cost £10 for six, with all proceeds reinvested back into the project. Feed Bristol also has spaces available to hire for weddings, team building days and other events. Speaking about Feed Bristol and the work that it does, project manager Matt Cracknell said: “We want to inspire residents, schools, community groups, local businesses and people from disadvantaged backgrounds to spend longer in the natural world, by teaching them and

giving them the confidence to take action and create a naturerich city. “When you come here, you feel like you can just leave the city and your worries behind and embed yourself in nature instead, something which we think is so important for the health and wellbeing of the people of Bristol.” Applications for the next programme close on January 29. To find out more about this scheme and Feed Bristol’s Grow Leader course, visit their website: http://www.avonwildlifetrust. org.uk/feedbristol, email volunteer@avonwildlifetrust.org.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

Quarry Court

NEW!

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FISHPONDS

Luxury Independent Living with Extra Care in Fishponds 1 OR 2 BED APARTMENTS

OPEN DAY

DECEMBER 28

Quarry Court Fishponds is now open, offering elderly residents who need care at hand: • 17 luxury affordable independent apartments • a secure beautiful environment • extra care and home support services

- all making life easier. Each apartment includes • One or two bedrooms, lounge/diner and kitchen

LOUNGE WITH PATIO OR BALCONY

• Balcony or patio for most apartments • Jack and Jill bathroom with wet room shower • Fitted kitchen with thoughtful features such as a specialist NEFF oven • Quality carpets in your choice of colour, fitted ready for you to move in • Video entrance and 24 hour emergency call bell NEFF APPLIANCE KITCHEN

• Wheelchair and mobility scooter access

Plus lots of superb facilities • Stylish restaurant with terrace and garden view • Stunning leisure suite, including gym, Jacuzzi and spa pool • Hairdressing salon • Roof patio garden • Communal lounge for socialising and activities Easy walking access to Fishponds with its vibrant community and wide range of shops and cafes.

COMMUNAL LOUNGE

CAL L 0 0 1 7 3 2 2 6 0 2 6 FO R A F R E E B R OC HU R E

Contact Ross Vickerman Taylors Estate Agents 770 Fishponds Road BS16 3UA

tel 0117 322 6026 ross.vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk

More about Extra Care Making life easier Extra care living is the best solution for the later years in life. It combines complete independence with on-hand care and support when it’s needed. Residents at Quarry Court have their own new luxury apartment with all facilities for independent living. Quarry Court apartments are affordable. Residents usually find that the value of their present home more than covers the cost of an apartment at Quarry Court. At the same time, 24/7 support is available, both with planned support packages, and on ad hoc occasions. You may want to take advantage of our regular daily help with chores such as housework, laundry, or home delivery food shopping. High quality meals are available from our restaurant with its lovely garden views for those times you don’t feel like cooking for yourself. The superb leisure pool, Jacuzzi and gym are all available for you. You can also participate in interesting social events.

LEISURE POOL & JACUZZI

ROOFTOP TERRACE

Our flexible personal care packages mean that you only pay for the care you need. This offers help for example with: • Dressing and undressing • Washing and bathing • Mobility • Rehabilitation and exercise • Getting up and going to bed

HAIRDRESSING SALON

• Laundry requirements – returning clothes washed, dried and ironed for you • Cleaning and tidying • Maintenance of your apartment Quarry Court includes a camera entry system and emergency call bell in each apartment, ensuring a safe and secure environment. Our on-site manager is available during normal working hours, and the experienced team of nurses and carers at Quarry House, our adjacent care home, is available at all times.

ON-SITE NURSING CARE

Contact Ross Vickerman Taylors Estate Agents 770 Fishponds Road BS16 3UA

tel 0117 322 6026 ross.vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk

Quarry Court is a development of Bristol Care Homes

www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk

Quarry Court FISHPONDS

downendvoice

January, 2018

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Together at Christmas - a time to start thinking about the future?

Open day being held over holidays at ‘extra care’ retirement apartments CHRISTMAS is a time for families to be together – and for some families, the festive period will be when they start thinking about the future. This might mean changes in lifestyle for parents who still want independent living but with a little bit of additional security. Or in other cases, the time might be right to make plans to

ensure mum and dad are just that bit closer to children and grandchildren. A successful Bristol care home group is hosting a special open day over Christmas to help families think about the options. Bristol Care Homes runs Quarry Court in Fishponds – a luxurious set of apartments offering ‘extra care’, which means independent living but with help at hand, if needs, 24 hours a day. Quarry Court has all the amenities needed for quality living – high standard 1 and 2 bed apartments, a spa, a hair salon and a restaurant. And with prices from £239,000, these

apartments are highly affordable for people looking to downsize. BCH owner Geoff Crocker said: “These apartments really are superb. And they are in a lovely, quiet location but also close enough to cafes, shops and other services on Fishponds High Street. “We would love to welcome families who are together for Christmas to come along on the 28th when we can, over a cup of tea, explain a bit more about what we can offer. “We know it is a massive decision for people moving out of their home, but we really try to make it a home from home at Quarry Court.

“Please contact us at ann. pinnock@bristolcarehomes. co.uk or call 07498 919315. You can be sure of a great welcome.” Directions, From Fishponds Road, take Channons Hill (Opposite Aldi) and after 350 yards take a right onto Pound Lane, then right again onto Adelaide Place. BS16 2FX

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n TRAVEL

Discovering the land of ice and fire Thingvellir National Park

“JUSTINE, look!” My partner Scott nudged me and pointed out of the airplane window. I looked down and gasped as I could see miles of snow and ice. We were finally flying over Iceland, a country that had long been on our travel wishlists; making March earlier this year, the month that made the dream a reality. Whilst staying in a traditional log cabin near the small town of Laugarvatn, we could easily drive to extraordinary highlights of the Golden Circle including Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir, Thingvellir National Park and the Secret Lagoon spa. Our first day was spent exploring Thingvellir National Park. We paid 500 ISK (Icelandic Króna)

and parked at the Visitor Centre so we could marvel at the great Almannagjá tectonic fault and Öxarárfoss waterfall. And over the next few days, we saw more incredible sights. Gullfoss waterfall made me physically exclaim “Wow!” and Strokkur Geysir gave us many exciting shows as it erupts roughly every five minutes. One tip I have for the Geysir is to stand on its left and look out for the giant azure

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bubble that foretells an eruption. It’s like seeing a sapphire erupt into the sky before becoming a shower of diamonds (only a truly extraordinary sight could inspire such poetry!) In search of a natural hot spring, we decided against popular Blue Lagoon, simply because of the price and the hoards of people expected to be there. Instead, we chose the Secret Lagoon although not quite as much of a secret now, you do need to know it’s there as you won’t find any signposts. It was magical inside the pool. Snow fell all around us, steam billowed skywards; hot and cold colliding. On our final day, we explored the South Coast, a part of the trip that held many surprises. Firstly, we found several waterfalls (less famous than Gullfoss) but still

with a superb magic of their own. We walked behind Seljalandsfoss, admired Skógafoss from above and found Gljúfrabúi hidden behind large cliffs, where two rock crevices frame its beauty. Personally, I adored the secret vibe this last waterfall had to offer. We also found Sólheimasandur black sand beach on the South Coast, which is home to a plane crash from the 1970s. This is a lesser known black sand beach in comparison with the likes of Vik or Diamond Beach but it’s certainly no less glorious. In fact, this beach inspired such romance and wonder that it was here where my boyfriend became my fiancé. So I guess you could say this beach (and in fact all of Iceland) hold a very special place in my heart…for the beauty of the country itself, for the memories made here and for all of the secrets just waiting to be discovered. To be honest, the snowy landscape, natural hot springs, geysers and magnificent waterfalls are enough to make any traveller starry-eyed. Iceland - land of ice and fire, I applaud you! Justine Cross is a travel writer and business blogger based in Emersons Green. You can read more of her travel stories at www.wandereroftheworld.co.uk. And don’t forget to look out for the next instalment of her travel column in February’s issue!

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n ON THE BEAT with PC PAUL FORTUNE

n NEWS

Tackling teen trouble at shops

Audiences aid St Mungo's

WE’RE continuing with increased patrols in Downend and Emersons Green to deal with ongoing issues of teenagers causing anti-social behaviour, especially around the local shops. Hopefully you’ll have seen fewer problems, following the work that we and South Gloucestershire Council are doing, supported by local residents and businesses. We have identified a number of young people involved in anti-social behaviour including verbal and physical abuse towards residents and shop staff, damage, and stones being thrown at passing vehicles. We’re working with the council, schools and families, making early interventions such as Community Protection Warnings and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to deal with their behaviour.

BRISTOL Old Vic has been raising funds for homelessness charity, St Mungo’s, with collection buckets overflowing. Audiences gave more than £2,400 in the first week of performances of The Little Match girl and Other Happier Tales. The Bristol Old Vic team have introduced collection buckets at the end of each show of Emma Rice’s production as it seemed fitting to the storyline. Struggling to keep warm on the winter streets, the impoverished heroine begins to strike her dwindling stock of matches. Each match she strikes conjures a new story. Producer, Catherine Morgenstern said: “The show contains themes of homelessness so it felt fitting to support St Mungo’s and the vital work that the charity does in Bristol."

Two – aged 14 and 16 – have been served with Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) by Bristol Youth Court. The two-year orders include prohibiting them from going to Beaufort Road and Downend High Street unless accompanied and supervised by a person aged 21 or older. The 16-year-old has since been arrested and is due in court after breaching the order, which is a criminal offence. As part of our longer-term approach, PCSOs Emily Marshall and Katrina Sheldrake are visiting local primary schools to engage with the children. We hope that by having regular contact with the children through their primary years, they’ll get to know us and be less likely to get involved in ASB when they’re older. We’re also using it as an

opportunity to start talking about different aspects of policing, with Emily recently visiting Mangotsfield Primary School, and spoke to the youngsters about the issues that can be caused by stereotyping people.

Academy marks National Elf Day STAFF and students at Frome Vale Academy in Frenchay Road, Downend, dressed up for National Elf Day to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, which supports people and their families who are affected by dementia. Pupils paid £1 to dress up and contribute money to the cause. This event was not the brainchild of a member of staff but Year 5 pupil Riley Grover-Gibbens who said: “I have used the NHS a lot recently so I decided I wanted to raise some money to give something back. I asked the teachers and they agreed.”

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

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH AN old fashioned recipe that is good for using up the ends of bread ,tea cakes, rolls, fruit bread, hot cross buns etc. I asked my mum for her recipe when we first opened the shop to enable us to use up unsold bread plus ends from the sandwich loaves, it quickly becaome one of our most popular makes. The recipe is easily doubled if you have more ingredients to use up and freezes well. I’m told it is lovely warm as a pudding with some custard or cream as well as cold with a cup of tea. I wouldn’t know as personally I have never liked it! Any dried fruit can be used, including glace cherries and mixed peel, but if you want to keep it simple then sultanas are usually the cheapest to buy. I think the fruit benefits from being soaked overnight with the bread as it plumps up.

Bread pudding with Mel of Melanie’s Kitchen 7/8” (18/20cm) square or round tin lined and greas INGREDIENTS 225g bread ripped or cut into small pieces 250ml milk (or milk/water or just water) plus 4 tablespoons 100g dried fruit 100g sugar 1 egg beaten 50g melted butter or margarine ½ tsp mixed spice METHOD Soak the bread and fruit overnight in the 250ml of liquid. Next day add all remaining ingredients and mix well . Press into tin and bake for 30-40 mins until browned on top. Leave to cool in tin before cutting into pieces.

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January, 2018

downendvoice

n NEWS

Oh yes it is - the time for fun and frolics WITH the halls decked and the turkey basting, the last thing you might want to think of is a visit from the most Wickedest Witch of the West, Halloweena. But the panto character is gearing up to appear in the next offering from St Stephen's Drama Group in Soundwell and promises to bring with her plenty of New Year fun and frolics. Little Boy Blue begins at Merrydales’ Grand Fete where Willard 'Wiggles' Wigglesworth has brought his hot air balloon along to give rides to the townsfolk. Johnnie Blue has fallen head over heels for Susie Sidebottom, who happens to be the Mayor’s daughter and during one of their meeting, they unfortunately offend the evil witch, Halloweena who comes up with a humorous revenge. Halloweena will be portrayed by the drama group’s long time member Kate Kendell who has featured in many previous productions and was the producing brains behind last year’s smash pantomime Bluebeard. "I have always loved the theatre and acting and the way you can be magically transported into another world and actually feel part of the story," she said. "We are extremely lucky to have amazing audiences every year who help feed our creativity and make it a fantastic experience for everyone. There’s nothing quite like when the audience is shouting

along, laughing and enjoying themselves." This year, the panto's dame, Johnnie’s mother Bessie, will be played by Joe Hicks, whose last pantomime part was Prince Charming in Cinderella. "This is the first time I’ve played the dame and I’m loving every minute of it. It couldn’t be more different to the last panto part I played but each character is so much fun. That’s the beauty of panto, we enjoy ourselves just as much as the audience. I’m lucky to be playing most of my scenes with my good friend, George Jefferies, who plays Willard 'Wiggles' Wigglesworth. We really work well together and can bounce ideas off each other to bring out the best in our characters." Co-producer Debbie Townsend said: "I can’t believe how well it’s going. The group has matured and works so well together. It really is like a family and I hope the audiences get as much enjoyment out of the show as we have." Little Boy Blue runs from January 25-27, from 7.30pm with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Church Road, Soundwell, Bristol, BS16 4RH with refreshments and raffle during the interval. Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 for concessions. They can be purchase via the website at www. ststephensdramabristol.co.uk

George Jefferies and Joe Hicks are pictured in rehearsals for Little Boy Blue.

Marie Curie appeals for volunteers MARIE Curie is appealing for people in the Downend area to volunteeR to collect donations for the annual Great Daffodil Appeal this February and March. The money raised from the appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at home in South Gloucestershire. The appeal is now in its 32nd year and has raised more than £74 million since 1986. It’s easy to sign up, whether you have taken part before or you’re doing it for the first time - and families, friends and workmates can sign up to volunteer together. Helen Isbell , community fundraiser for Marie Curie in Bristol, said: “The Great Daffodil Appeal is our biggest annual fundraising campaign, making it possible for Marie Curie Nurses to give care and support when people need it most. Every year millions of people across the UK show their support for our work by simply giving a donation to wear a daffodil pin." To volunteer to collect for Marie Curie and support the Great Daffodil Appeal call Helen on 0117 9247275 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/ daffodil.

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

Fly tips that blocked lane cost the culprit £1,900 A MAN has been ordered to pay almost £1,900 after being found guilty of fly tipping in Howsmoor Lane, Emersons Green. Johnny Brinkley, 25, of St Albans, was prosecuted after about a dozen separate loads of waste were found between December 2016 and May 2017. The fly tips often blocked the lane, which is regularly used by dog walkers, cyclists and pedestrians as well as vehicles. Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard that a number of black bin bags containing household waste were discovered and evidence inside was traced to an address nearby which was found to be the home of Brinkley’s estranged family. Neighbours reported seeing a tipper truck often parked outside the address full of waste. Brinkley was interviewed by South Gloucestershire Council’s envirocrime officers. In court, Brinkley pleaded guilty to four charges; one for fly tipping, two

MAKE SURE YOUR WASTE IS DISPOSED OF LEGALLY • Ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken. Do not use people offering cheap waste clearance on sites such as Facebook and Gumtree unless you know they are registered with Environment Agency • Check whether the waste carrier is registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or by checking on their website http://epr.environment-agency. gov.uk/ePRInternet/searchregisters.aspx • Ask for a registered trading address and contact number for the trader and get a receipt.

for duty of care offences and one for transporting waste without a Registered Waste Carriers Licence. He was fined £500, plus costs of £1,347.50 and a £50 victim surcharge (total £1,897.50). South Gloucestershire Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Tourism Councillor Heather Goddard said: “Fly tipping is an issue that affects our communities and

local environment and this activity will not be tolerated in South Gloucestershire. “Waste crime puts the environment at risk and anyone found to be fly tipping in South Gloucestershire will be prosecuted.”

Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be disposed of free via the council’s Sort It centres. Report offenders at www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping or emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

We are not a running group ... ARE you new to running and would like to run in the company of others? Or someone who has got back into running and would like to run some local routes? Lyde Green RunTogether is part of a national initiative from England Athletics with the belief that running / jogging is most fun when shared with others. We don't run very fast and we don't run very far: usually about 5km in around 35 minutes but the pace and the distance can be changed to suit. We are not a running club; just a group meeting for exercise and a chat. So join us - you would be welcome. We meet on Wednesdays at 6.10pm in Lyde Green park and ride. https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/LydeGreenRunning

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

Rev up for People's Grand Prix KINGSWOOD-based charity Jessie May, which provides hospice and respite care for terminally ill children and their families within their own homes, is celebrating after raising more than £2,600 at one of its newest fundraising events. The People’s Grand Prix was held for the second time in September with more than 70 participants jogging, walking or pushing their way around the 3km wheelchair-friendly track at Odd Down Sports Ground. The amount raised through sponsorship and donations on the day means that the event will definitely go ahead again in 2018. Julian Withers, head of fundraising at Jessie May, said: "We already have plans in place for the 2018 event! "We will be bringing it forward to July and will be officially launching in January when people will be able to sign up." Jessie May specialist nurses provide medical, emotional and bereavement support and offer respite time for parents and siblings. It costs £1,400,000 to provide this care yearly. For more information visit www.jessiemay.org.uk

Stomp in memory of Theo MORE than 70 people took part in an annual charity walk in memory of baby boy Theo Cameron. The annual Stomp event organised by Theo’s parents Sarah Harttrup and Scott Cameron, from Winterbourne, saw participants walk a 20km route from the Water Tower near the Downs to the Cross Hands in Winterbourne, stopping at pubs, cafes and restaurants along the way with collection buckets. Thirty children joined the walk at the Willy Wicket in Downend for the final leg. About £4000 was raised through sponsorship and donations on the route. All funds will go to the charity Jessie May, which cared for Theo. The sum will be added to the £30,000 raised by Theo’s family over the last five years through the Stomp fundraiser and ‘Theo’s Day’, a summer event. Theo’s mum Sarah said: “This year’s Stomp was another great success with lots of support from the people of Bristol who saw us along the way.

It’s always fun to get our supporters together and remember Theo while fundraising for the cause so close to our hearts.” Theo and his twin brother Ollie were born in 2010. Soon after he was born Theo was diagnosed with a rare, terminal condition called ARC Syndrome and he died at nine months old. Throughout his life his family were supported by Jessie May nurses. Sarah continued: “Jessie May did so much for Theo and our family when we really needed it. While Theo was alive our lives were busy with appointments, calls and hospital visits. “Theo was an inspiration to all that were lucky enough to meet him. As Ollie and his younger sister Phoebe grow up, we want them to know and understand that Theo is, and always will be, their brother. These fundraisers are vitally important to keeping Theo’s memory alive.”

Extra nurse joins team

Jazz event raises £600 MUSIC lovers raised £600 for Jessie May at a jazz concert at Longwell Green Community Centre in November. It was organised by Jack and Molly Cox who have been running this style of entertainment in the area to raise money for local charities for nearly 20 years. The music was provided by the Roger Wells Hotshots. Another concert is planned for March 9, 2018 at the same venue, when the band will be Jeremy Huggett’s Dart Valley Stompers.

Colston Hall concert triumph CHILDREN from seven schools put on a spectacular Christmas concert at the Colston Hall. The show was directed by Tim Warren, from King's Oak Academy, and the schools taking part were Beacon Rise Primary, Courtney Primary, Cadbury Heath Primary, The Park Primary, Park Wall Primary and The Tynings Primary and King's Oak Academy. There were over 450 voices on stage from Years 3 to 13, performing a range of songs. A collection was taken for the Jessie May Trust.

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

JESSIE May has received a grant of £30,000 from the Matchroom Sport Charitable Foundation, set up by its patron, World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn. It will enable the charity to recruit an additional senior nurse to its team to meet its growing caseload. Jessie May supports 129 terminally ill children in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Julian Withers, head of fundraising, said: “The impact that this new senior nurse will have on the families we care is astonishing and we are very grateful for the donation."

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

'We're all set for the smaller black bins' RESIDENTS in South Gloucestershire have recycled an extra 1,279 tonnes of waste since weekly collections were brought in, paving the way for the introduction of smaller black bins in the New Year. New figures released by South Gloucestershire Council show the success of the authority's new weekly kerbside recycling collections, which began in June this year. The additional 1,279 tonnes of recycling is a 14 per cent increase and includes an extra 600 tonnes of paper and cardboard, an extra 364 tonnes of food waste and an extra 315 tonnes made up of plastics, cans

and textiles. Waste that cannot be recycled is disposed of either as energy from waste or into landfill and the council has to pay at least £101 to dispose of every tonne of black bin waste in this way, so the extra 1,270 tonnes of recycling has allowed the council to save around £130,000 since weekly collections began. An initiative to replace the current black bins for smaller bins will be rolled out from January 15. Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism, councillor Heather Goddard, said: "This is fantastic news, I am so pleased that the changes

Recycling at a glance Plastic bottles, tubs, trays and metal cans, aerosols and foil should be mixed together in the white bag or a green box Cardboard and cartons can be put together in the green bag or green box Cardboard needs to be flattened and cut down to no larger than the green box Your recycling should be sorted in the green boxes i.e. keep plastics, cans, aerosols and foil separate from cardboard and cartons; paper separate from glass etc Nappy bags for disposable nappy waste can be put out with the black bin on collection day, leaving more space in the bin for normal household waste. Discounted reusable nappy kits to help reduce non-recyclable waste have been introduced Most of the extra household waste produced over Christmas and New Year is recyclable, so make the most of your weekly collections for food waste, glass bottles and jars, cardboard and cartons, cans, foil and aerosols, plastic bottles, tubs and trays, paper, small electrical items and old clothes and shoes Wrapping paper (without glitter or plastic) can be recycled alongside other paper, greetings cards (without glitter or plastic) and cardboard. Real Christmas trees can be recycled with the garden waste service or can be taken to a Sort It recycling centre

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we have made to make recycling easier for residents are paying off. Our communities deserve a real pat on the back for their efforts. "Our new waste strategy is all about reducing the waste we send to landfill, which is expensive and no good for our environment. Before we launched our new strategy, 52 per cent of waste put into our black bins could have been recycled from home. This first response to making recycling easier is very encouraging. "The next step is to reduce the size of people’s waste bins, which will start to happen in the New Year. From January 15 we will be exchanging the 240 litre black bins for non-recyclable waste with 140 litre bins, to reduce recyclable waste ending up in the black bins and achieve our recycling target of 50 per cent by 2020. It is clear now that the pressure on those bins will be far less, thanks to residents’ recycling efforts. "There have been a number of other initiatives as part of the

new approach, including making allowances for larger families to have extra black bin capacity and introducing separate bags for disposable nappy waste to help families with young children manage their non-recyclable waste. "The people of South Gloucestershire have really risen to this challenge and I hope they will recycle a bumper load of Christmas wrapping and boxes having had a lovely holiday season." Residents have had Christmas collection calendars delivered but can check the dates for their area on the council website at: www.southglos.gov.uk/ collectionday Waste and recycling collections will not take place on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 December or Monday 1 January. Sort It recycling centres will be closed from 2pm Sunday 24 December. They will be closed all day on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 December and Monday 1 January.

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n AROUND THE WIs

MANGOTSFIELD WI MERRY Christmas and Happy New Year to all our members and future members. 2018 is shaping up to be an diverse, education and entertaining year. Are you a new mum, fancy a night out with like-minded ladies and enjoy a cuppa and a cake at the same time? If any of our members have a friend or neighbour that would enjoy an evening with us, please bring them along. Our December Christmas party was a success and thank you so much to the amazing committee who put in so much time. The hall always looks festive, our tables are decorated beautifully and thank you AHM

Catering Experience in Staple Hill for fabulous food. In January we will be going back to our craft roots, members are asked to share their craft skills. If you fancy card making, crochet, knitting or just a relaxing evening watching a demonstration, this is one not to be missed. We welcome women of all ages and from any area, you don’t have to live in or around Mangotsfield to join us. Our meetings start at 7.30pm and we do not charge for our visitors, you can find out more out our meetings by contacting mangotsfieldwi@ gmail.com or looking at our website www.mangotsfieldwi.org.uk You can also follow us on Twitter @ mangotsfieldwi or check out our Facebook page.

Kate Tarr

Send reports to news@downendvoice.co.uk

Will Writing & Estate Planning

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BEECHMERE BELLES WI WE had a ball at the last meeting of the year, making Christmas cards using Iris folding and gems. Our ladies were all very pleased with their efforts. At the Belles we are have a year packed full of exciting and diverse activities. In January, we are lucky to have a member of Avon Fire and Rescue visiting us and February bring the taste of Indian cuisine with cook Geeta Delish. If you wish to join us in either January or February, we meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. Come and have a free trial at one of our meetings, to see if you enjoy it. Our email is beechmerebelles@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook. See you there. Wishing you all a happy 2018. Beechmere Belles Emersons Green WI

SPEAKER at our November meeting was Richard the Funky Farmer who has a family farm in South Gloucestershire. He entertained us with tales of life on the farm and showed us stunning pictures of the farm through the year. He obviously loves his work and the land he works and has many innovative ideas to preserve the countryside for future generations. Many of our members brought Christmas jars filled with treats for our WI stall at Christmas on the Hill. We celebrated in December with our fun-filled annual party and will be back and ready to welcome new members at Christchurch Parish Hall in Downend on the third Tuesday in January. Happy new year from us all at Staple Hill WI. Julia Stiddard-Jenkins

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n NEWS

Singing students spread seasonal happiness STUDENTS donned festive hats when they visited men and women at residential home in Downend and entertained them with songs from their hit musical We Will Rock You. Throwing in some Christmas tunes, the 13 students from Mangotsfield School went along to Avonmere in Badminton Road and sang their hearts out. The students were just a few from the large cast which took to the stage at the school from November 21-23 to perform the rock musical, which is based around the songs of the band Queen. Becky Slade, who directed

the musical, said: "The students performed eight songs from the musical and then sang some Christmas songs. "The residents joined in and it was a great party atmosphere. We had really lovely comments from residents and have been asked to keep in touch. "We will definitely be strengthening the link with that particular care home."

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n FEATURE Splits between parents can have devastating effects on children. For Jake Britton, it could have destroyed his life. But with the support of mum Hayley Cook and a sporting charity, Jake has carved out a great future for himself. Jake and his mum speak to Jayne Taylor to show how, with the right guidance, young people can turn their lives around JAKE Britton was in the first year of sixth-form at Mangotsfield School when his parents split up. It was a difficult time for all involved, not least for the 16-year-old who knew he had to knuckle down at school if he was to achieve good grades. "Jake was really close to his dad and it really knocked him when we split," Hayley said'. "I had been working 16 hours a week which meant I was around a lot but after we split I had to get a full-time job. Jake felt all alone because I was working and so was his older brother. He lost all interest in school and we couldn't get him motivated. He put on about three stone in about 10 weeks. I just didn't know what to do." Hayley, 43, who lives with Jake and other son, 20-year-old Charlie, in Mangotsfield, knew continuing at school wasn't the right thing for Jake but it was now law that children stayed on in education until the age of 18. "I signed the release papers for Jake and said to the head 'What happens now? He's got no apprenticeship or college placement. What do I do?'" The school put Jake in touch with social services whose careers advisers mentioned Bath Rugby Foundation, the charitable arm of Bath Rugby Club which runs courses under its HITZ programme aimed at unlocking the potential of 'non-traditional' learners through rugby. Through sessions which are 50/50 practical and theory, the award

Story of hope as Jake scores a success in the HITZ squad

Jake with former British Lion and World Cup winner Jason Robinson

winning programme gives young people the skills to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment. Jake, who had always loved sport, was immediately interested. He said: "I played rugby before and thought if it was a rugby-based course then I was up for going to look around. When heard it was based at The Rec where Bath Rugby Club play, I thought that would be an experience in itself." Curious, Jake went to look around in January 2017 on his 17th birthday. "I had looked around other places like colleges but, like sixth-form, they just weren't

n WE'RE incredibly proud of Jake and the progress he has made. When he came to us in January he had dropped out of sixth form and had lost focus. Since then Jake has become a massive character in the group and a natural leader that all members respect and look up to. He shows commitment to the course travelling over an hour and a half each morning and night just to get to HITZ and back. He is always the first to volunteer and ask to help lead activities at other clubs run by Bath Rugby Foundation. He is very keen to get into coaching and therefore tries to gain as much coaching experience as possible. Everyone at Bath Rugby Foundation was delighted when Jake's hard work was recognised when he won the national HITZ Young Ambassador Award." Paul Short, employability officer at Bath Rugby Foundation

for me. HITZ clicked with me straight away and stood out as something I'd enjoy." Aimed at 16 to 19-yearolds who aren't in education, employment or training, HITZ offers maths and English qualifications as well as the chance to study sporting diplomas. Jake's first-day nerves about being the newbie soon vanished and to his surprised he discovered it was an environment he could thrive in. "Knowing I was the new boy and had to travel in was a bit intimidating but on my first day everyone was really friendly and that made me feel a lot more confident about going back the next day." Within months, Jake flourished, standing out as a natural leader, particularly with his work visiting schools telling young people about sport and fitness and championing the HITZ programme. Jake's diligence and natural rapport with youngsters even earned him a national HITZ Young Ambassador of the Year award, which goes to an individual who has done the most to represent the HITZ programme to their peers and

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

communities. When he was handed the gong by Bath prop Kane PalmaNewport at a glittering ceremony at the BT Tower in London, Jake knew he had he chosen the right path. Jake said: "Being nominated was an achievement but when I won it, it came as a bit of a shock. It was a stand-out moment for me and really meant something. HITZ has really changed my life." Now Jake, who has bagged a part-time job in a sports shop in Bath, is looking forward to a very bright future as a rugby coach. "I plan to finish my Level 2 course and from there go on to get my RFU coaching badge which could ultimately get me a job in rugby coaching. "Sixth-form wasn't for me. I had a lot on my mind because of my mum and dad splitting up and I just couldn't concentrate. Now I feel much more settled, positive and confident. I'm much more active too. "I now have a better understanding of what I want to do for a career. The staff here want the best for me and will try to the best of their ability to help me get a job in rugby coaching." Hayley, a confectioner, said: "Jake went from being in a family that would take him everywhere to having to do things for himself because I had to work. He never knew anyone on the course and had to catch two buses to get there but he still did it. By the April, I really noticed the difference in him. He'd lost weight and was much more sociable. He's doing really well. He's got himself a parttime job and has just passed his driving test. I'm so proud of him. "HITZ has been a life-line not just for Jake but for the both of us. I can't champion the staff enough. They have given me my son back." â&#x20AC;˘ Bath Rugby Foundation will be recruiting for a new cohort starting in February, so if you or someone you know is looking for a new start, please email paul. short@bathrugby.com or call him on 0746 4545296.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

January, 2018

n PETER'S VISION

n NEWS

Action on digital eye strain

WELL hello - and a very Happy New Year to you all. I trust you all had an enjoyable festive break and are settling well into 2018. So what’s new for 2018 you may ask, well somethings I have to share now, others you will just have to wait and see. I am sure that many of you are enjoying new technology gifts & presents, whether a mobile phone, tablet, computer or games console. It’s probably a good time to talk about a few tips to ensure that your eyes & vision stay healthy while you enjoy your tech time. With the increasing use of our tech has come a new condition for us to advise you on; Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome as it has also been called. So what is this new condition our love for tech has exposed us to? Well similar to other repetitive motion injuries, digital eye strain occurs when your eyes follow the same paths over and over again. This is quite common in reading and working on a computer or

electronic screen. Other symptoms you may experience include dry, sore or watery eyes, tiredness or fatigue as well as headache, shoulder & neck ache. Well that’s fine, but just what do we do? I have two options to discuss, the first a low tech home treatment, the other a high tech solution to a tech problem. To treat digital eye strain at home or work you need to follow the 20:20:20 rules which consist of either looking as far as you can/ closing your eyes to relax your eye muscles and hold this for 20 seconds. You should then repeat this every 20 minutes throughout the day. Also remember to blink regularly & drink plenty of water through your day. “No chance” I hear you say, “I am far too busy or focussed on the task in hand to take a break.” If that’s you, then may I present to you our high tech solution. Our new range of room lenses do just that - they provide clear comfortable vision around the room you are in. Whether looking close up on crafts

or at tech, a lecture or meeting room screen or face to face meetings, these lenses provide relief from digital eye strain while letting you see clearly around your room environment. Why don’t you make a New year’s Resolution to come and see us this year and we’ll be happy to discuss your personal eye health & vision care needs what ever they may be! To book an extended eye exam for yourself or your family, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. You can also book an appointment via our website, or you are very welcome to pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! Once again I wish you a Happy & Prosperous New Year!

Peter

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

Couch to 5k course starts this month A MEN-ONLY Couch to 5k course starts this month, run by James Baker and Matthew Mundy from the Stanbridge Fliers. The first session of the eightweek SportsPound course takes place at Mangotsfield School running track on January 18 (7.15pm). It is free to anyone who is over 14, lives or works in South Glos and is currently doing 30 mins or less of exercise a week (which doesn’t include walking or commuting by bike). You can access vouchers at the SportsPound website. Ian Browne, who took part in a similar course early in 2017, said: “Having, like most people, paid regular gym fees for places I didn’t go to often or enjoy at all, I thought this was a good way of being taught how to run properly and I liked the idea of achieving a goal in seven weeks. Perhaps one advantage of a men’s group is you realise you’re not alone. I half expected to find a group of semi pro athletes vying to outdo each other but it’s just ordinary local blokes knowing they need to take care of themselves.”

Send us your news The team at Turners

Email news@downendvoice. co.uk

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n DOWNEND IN BLOOM

New plans for High St plants DOWNEND IN BLOOM

CHRISTMAS is very nearly here (it may even be all over by the time you read this). My poor little brain does get a bit confused nowadays as my Christmas started in August with the planning of the items that we were going to sell at Cleevewood shops. This meant that by November I was ready for the big day. My decorations, therefore, were up by November 25 - a little bit early. I do go a bit mad at Christmas and every room in the house is decorated. My theory, therefore, is that as it takes me so long to sort out and put up the decorations I may as well do it early and get good value out of them. Talking of Cleevewood shops we had a lovely day, the weather was fine and lots of people in attendance. When we set up our stall we were really surprised how many items we had made to sell and I envisaged taking most of it home with us. However, as usual,

the public didn’t let us down and we sold lots of our wares. A very successful day and we raised lots of money towards next year’s floral displays. A big thank you to all our customers, to all those that bought raffle tickets from us and also to everyone involved in the making and painting of all the Christmas items that we made.

By the way, I do love the Christmas tree outside of the Horseshoe - very impressive and thanks to the parish council for providing it. I drove through the centre of Bristol recently and was disappointed that there was very little decor there - I still remember how beautiful (and massive) the Christmas tree used to be.We have

DOWNEND IN BLOOM yet another experiment going on at the moment - the tree on the corner of Badminton Road and Cleeve Lodge Road. This has been lit up as a trial for Christmas. Motoparts in Downend have been very helpful and supplied the batteries to power these lights. We are hoping that if this works well we might be able to trial it with more trees around the area. Another instance of forward planning this month is that we have ordered all our summer plants - how organised is that? It’s no wonder I don’t have a clue what month it is. This is a necessity, however, in order for Blaise Nurseries to start growing (the plants that is). A Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to everyone. Jackie Baker Keep up with us on our Facebook page - downendandbromley heathinbloom

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January, 2018

downendvoice

n VETS' ADVICE THE last few years have seen a steep rise in the number of homeless people in Bristol. Local charities estimate that nearly a hundred people sleep rough on the streets of our city every night. Figures from homeless charity Crisis say that for every one person sleeping rough, there are four in hostels, two in unsuitable temporary accommodation, eight sofa-surfing and three in other accommodation but classed as homeless. The figures make pretty grim reading. However, Bristolians are compassionate people and want to help. The situation led to local mum, Nicola Simmonds, starting an event on Facebook to gather people and donations together to offer support to homeless people in our city. Jenny (vet) and Alex (nurse) from Avenue Vets responded to her appeal asking veterinary staff to attend and offer services for any dogs brought along, and we decided to make this our practice Christmas appeal this year. Thanks to very generous donations from our lovely clients, wholesaler Henry Schein, drug company Bayer, pet company Kruuse and our local Tesco store, we were able to fill our van up with food, treats, warm dog coats, collars, leads and toys as well as sleeping bags and toiletries for any humans who attended! On Saturday 9th December we drove down to Castle Park in the centre of Bristol and formed a human chain to transport our van load of goodies up to the event site. It was heartening to see the huge number of volunteers who had turned out on a cold day to help, offering warm clothes,

How we helped the homeless and their pets sleeping bags, toiletries, hot food and drinks, haircuts and health advice to the homeless people who attended. We met some lovely dogs and their owners, and the dogs were universally happy and well socialised individuals. We were able to offer a bit of pampering, as well as a health check and a goodie bag to go away with. The donations were so generous that at the end of the three hours there were a lot of goods left over that were donated onwards to various animal and human charities. My impression on reflection on the day is that whilst this was a fantastic effort from all involved, and a great gesture of support to the homeless community, what is needed is something more regular on a smaller scale. T Theere are various charities that cater for the pets of homeless people in Bristol, through the Hope Project run by The Dogs Trust and the PDSA clinic, but we discovered that the bureaucracy involved is sometimes a bar to obtaining treatment. A new charity called StreetVet has recently been set up in London to provide free veterinary care on the streets and in partnership with local practices, and is hoping to establish itself in Bristol in 2018. If you are concerned about anyone who you see sleeping rough, you can make a report to Streetlink.co.uk and checks will be made on their welfare. The four main hostels/shelters

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Discover your future Could you see yourself as a scientist or biomedical engineer? Perhaps an applied scientist, engineer or forensic analyst? Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy enables you to study BTEC qualifications or A-Levels across science, technology, maths and engineering in the sixth form or a range of specialist science, engineering and technology courses alongside core GCSEs in Year 10. Book a visit during the school day or secure a place on one of our Open Evenings which start at 6.30pm to find out more about BTE Academy. Apply now for a place in Year 10 or Year 12 for September 2018.

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB REVIEW

Jim Moray presents Upcetera (with support from Daria Kulesh) Friday 15th December 2017, Resound Bristol

n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB PREVIEW Blair Dunlop (with support from Kitty Macfarlane). Friday 19th January 2018, Frenchay Village Hall

Upcetera at Resound Photo: Chris Dobson

WHAT can you expect from an artist that is introduced as a “genius” before a note has been struck? What can you expect from a multiple Folk Award winner? What can you expect from the Downend Folk Club Christmas show? To start with it was in the slightly unexpected surrounding of Resound. A large, welcoming, delightfully festive place; after that Jim Moray delivered exactly what was expected. Songs of sorrow and death, songs of aching hearts and longing, songs rooted in tradition but staring at the stars. There was not a bell jingled, not a shepherd watching flocks, not the merest hint, flicker or nod to the festive season. This, you feel, is exactly how Mr Moray wants it. His interests run a little deeper than some cheap tinsel and a Santa hat. The evening was neatly divided into two. The first half a handful of new songs, or new versions of old songs, and then the wonderful Upcetera album after the interval. Starting the opening set with some politics in the form of the weary and sarcastic It Couldn’t Happen Here set the tone. Moray's songs are wordy, intelligent and heartfelt and this anti-fascist thesis in bafflement sees him at his best. A new folk song that feels like it should be an old folk song. And so the first half whizzed by. Still no tinsel, plenty of tears. There are new treatments of folk gold; Australia, Jack Tarr and the Child ballad Lord Gregory all given the distinctive Moray touch. Mainly just an acoustic guitar and a voice that spans decades, speaks of centuries. Then there was the main event. Part two. His “mini Upcetera band" playing virtually the whole of Moray's most recent album. To say that it was extraordinary is doing it a huge disservice. From the first moments of Fair Margaret and

Sweet William it was clear that here is a work of such loveliness, such undeniable beauty that the twinkling lights of Christmas could be safely forgotten. The band consists of keyboards, double bass, guitar, violin and a clarinet; hardly your average folk band but a slimmed down version of the jaw dropping bunch that debuted Upcetera at the Tobacco Factory last year. Each musician add magical layers but it’s Tom Moore's violin and Hannah McCabe’s clarinet that add depth and detail. The clarinet, in particular, lends a baroque air that's part 60s psych, part rococo salon. One of the highlights of the album is The Straight Line and the Curve and so it is live. A song about the philosopher and alchemist John Dee and the angels that he spoke to. It's been a feature of Moray's sets for years now but is, very simply, one of the greatest modern folk songs of recent times. Add to this the slink and slither of Foggy Dew – sung with an intensity that Benjamin Britten surely never foresaw – and the elegiac Tennyson poem Crossing the Bar and you have an evening that is often heart-stopping. Before all of this wonder Daria Kulesh provides wintery blasts of Russian folklore and camp drama. Starting her singing career in an Irish bar in Moscow, this ambitious culture clash makes for a captivating spectacle. Accompanied by Tristan Seume on intricate acoustic guitar she weaves snow covered tales from a drone box and her extraordinary voice. So, what can you expect from a Downend Folk Club Christmas party? Death, sorrow, philosophy, poetry, angels, drama and one bona fide genius. Happy Christmas. Gavin McNamara

DOWNEND Folk Club’s 2018 programme kicks off with the visit of former BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Blair Dunlop. The award-winning British singer, songwriter and guitarist, has now released three albums, two EPs and toured widely around the globe. All of this in a short four-year career is astounding alone but what sets Blair apart from his peers is the lyrical and musical maturity with which he writes. His third album Gilded was released in May 2016 and was widelyacclaimed, gaining BBC Radio 2 playlist status for the two single releases, The Egoist and 356. Prior to this, Blair released his acclaimed album House of Jacks in mid-2014 which lived up to the promise of his 2012 debut Blight and Blossom; the quality of which contributed to his winning the BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award. Blair has now cemented his place as one of Britain’s most exciting talents to come from the folk scene. Opening the evening’s entertainment will be Kitty Macfarlane. Kitty is a Somerset-based singer and songwriter. Her lyrics combine honest snapshots of everyday humanity with the bigger questions that have connected minds and voices for centuries, driven by her own fingerpicked guitar. As well as the release of her debut EP 'Tide & Time’,gaining her first national airplay on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe, and Tom Robinson's show on BBC 6Music, 2016 saw Kitty complete an extensive national support tour with award-winning duo Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman. Other highlights range from appearing as a theme-tune on Radio 4 to making the semi-final of the BBC Young Folk Award in 2015. Kitty has also recently been awarded a creative bursary from the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) for a songwriting project of her own devising. Tickets for the event, which takes place at Frenchay Village Hall on Friday 19th January 2018, are available from Melanie’s Kitchen or online from www.downendfolkclub.co.uk. and are priced at £12 each in advance (£10 for members). They will costs £14 on the door so please do book in advance. There will be a full bar, stocking Severn Cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and locally-brewed real ale from Hambrook-based Great Western Brewing Co., and also locallymade Naughty Brownies. There will be a raffle with prizes including CDs, gift boxes of beer and sweet treats. You are encouraged to bring your own glass/mug/tankard/bucket as part of the club’s drive to be more ecologicaly aware. For further information, please visit the club’s website, find them on Facebook or Twitter or email downendfolkclub@live. com.

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

New year, new start

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village

Retirement living for the not-so-retiring Opening this year, Stoke Gifford Retirement Village will provide 261 comfortable new one and two bedroom homes for people over 55, with options for rental, shared ownership and outright purchase. The Village is built around a superb range of social, leisure and well-being facilities including: Fitness Suite and Well-being Suite Bistro and Bar Shop Hair and Beauty Salon Village Hall Hobby and Games Room IT suite and Library Greenhouse and Landscaped Piazza Here you can relax in the knowledge that if you or your partner need care, now or in the future, it can be provided by a dedicated 24/7 on-site team. The Village is a vision of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a registered charity pioneering the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most innovative and exciting new retirement villages.

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ For more information please call

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or email stokegifford@extracare.org.uk

or online at www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright ÂŠ 2017 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust

downendvoice

January, 2018

n VOICE OF YOUTH

Dreaming big: snow and a World Cup win!

Teenager Oliver Wimbush reflects on his highlights from 2017 and shares his hopes for the year ahead

year, and seeing how we are approaching the end of 2017, I’ve decided to reflect on the good that has happened this year. in July, I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Silver award expedition with some of my closest friends - a frenzied, thrilling experience that I’m sure to not forget any time soon. Further into the month, I participated in my Year 11 prom; a night of dancing, music and indulgence that, despite beginning an hour late and ending an hour early, was a more than fruitful experience. That following summer was filled with parties, socialising and exciting nights which filled the role as a more than adequate reward for what was two years of hard work and preparation for our demanding GCSE exams. Our exam results day was

FOR many, 2017 has been a year of turmoil, crisis and quite frankly, chaos. Internationally, we have seen tensions rising between global powers, sparking fear and trepidation for the future. Nationally the UK is heading into unpredictable new territory. Even schools, both local and nationwide, have seen economic and structural anarchy. While the year has housed turbulence and epidemics galore, some of my greatest memories and experiences have also been sheltered in this tempestuous

included in what was already a thrilling and unpredictable summer, and I, alongside many other students, was able to leave the event with more than adequate GCSE results in at least 10 subjects. As further reward for our strenuous work within Years 10 and 11, many of us were later invited to a rewards event at the Academy, where we were awarded and given recognition for specific achievements during our time at school. However, after such a chaotic year, I also have many a hope for 2018; I, alongside many others my age, hope that political stability reigns supreme in the following year, with Brexit negotiations progressing smoothly in a manner that benefits everyone.

I hope that we can also see the pound rising once again in value, accompanied with increased support for the NHS and a governmental push for apprenticeships. I hope that nations around the globe place more importance and emphasis on the prevention of global warming than ever before. I hope that a miracle occurs and England shocks nations around the globe by winning the FIFA World Cup. And finally, I hope that maybe we see a little more snow next year. Many of these wishes are somewhat unfeasible, so I predominantly hope that we find 2018 a more stable, less erratic year that brings comfort and security to everyone.

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Tel: 0117 947 7721

0117 956 2374

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January, 2018

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Blinded by God's grace

SO here we are half way between black Friday and blue Monday. The most hyped shopping day and the day when pre-Christmas spending comes back to bite us. Dissecting the two, a great celebration of the birth of a Saviour 2000 years ago, in a back street room, closely followed by a time given to reflection on one year’s passing and the dawn of another. It all comes thick and fast with barely time to draw breath before the roller coaster that is life steps up a gear again. The pre-Christmas giveaways accede to post Christmas sales and the pressure to spend, spend, spend continues. Surely having more stuff, will increase our sense of well-being. We’re blinded by the clever campaigns of the ad-men and many pay a heavy price, with unsecured household debt now averaging around £10,000 per family. Every now and then something in popular culture presents an alternative focus. I’m always intrigued as to how a song rises to

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prominence, with a combination of slick marketing, artist reputation, high profile endorsement and a degree of good fortune. Recently with plenty of help from the X Factor, a south London hip hop and grime artist called Stormzy shot into the top ten of the singles charts with a song ‘Blinded by your grace, pt 2’. Its success is remarkable in 21st Century Britain in that its lyrics whilst being deeply personal are also unashamedly Christian. The chorus itself asserts: ‘Lord I’ve been broken Although I’m not worthy You fixed me, now I’m blinded by your grace. You came and saved me, Lord I’ve been broken Although I’m not worthy You fixed me, now I’m blinded by your grace.’ Evangelical in tone, unashamedly bold, yet I wonder how many of the people humming the tune over these past few weeks

have grasped the power of the lyrics. The grace that Stormzy sings of so movingly is God’s message that however flawed and broken we might be as human beings, he reaches out to us in Jesus his Son to offer us a fresh start, new hope, forgiveness and salvation. The sentiments of Stormzy echo the experience of men and women all over the world who have grasped the truth that true significance in life comes not through the outward material world symbolised by Black Friday and Blue Monday, but in an inward assurance of God’s love and companionship every step of the way. Maybe that discovery has come in a single moment, where God has revealed himself in a time of crisis, or maybe it’s been a more gradual realisation of a need and a precious reality. As the door opens to another year, however unworthy we might sometimes feel, my prayer for myself and for all who read this is that we may you be blinded by God’s grace.

With

Rev Paul Peterson

Associate Minister Christ Church Downend

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January, 2018

n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN With Downend Folk House Gardening Club IT ISN'T until the Christmas Market at Lincombe Barn comes around that I really think Christmas is on its way. The market is one of the highlights of the association. Years ago when I first joined The Barn I just went along and looked at the stalls and bought the odd thing or two but since I’ve become very involved with the gardening club I feel drawn into it more. Over the years we have tried various ways of making our stall festive with a gardening theme but because of the date in November that it is held it is very difficult. It is too late for autumn and a bit too early for having plants that people can buy to give for presents. Some years ago we incorporated a green stall, added onto the main stall where members could donate something green from a tin of peas to a lawn mower! (We never got a lawnmower!) This helped to boost the money we made on the main stall which consisted of sale or return plants from a local nursery but all in all we had to give more back to the nursery as the percentage we were allowed to

n NEWS

There's still time to name your community hero

keep wasn’t very high. The last two years we have abandoned sale or return and have concentrated on doing our own thing. Last year we planted bulbs in pots as a trial run but more than not the bulbs did not come up in time, so this year we had just one stall, instead of the green table and lobbing everything in together. We asked our gardening club members to bring anything we could sell. There were toiletries, a few pots of plants and bulbs and white elephants. To add a bonus to our amazing takings, our new chairlady, Anne, had bought a toy dog for people to guess the name of it, with names having being written on a grid. You get the idea! The stall was a great success just leaving a few bits and pieces for a local Brownie and Rainbow fair the following week. And the name of the toy dog... Marti. It was won by a boy who had only had a go a quarter of an hour before the end!

WOULD you like to thank a volunteer who has gone the extra mile? There’s still time to put forward local heroes for the South Gloucestershire Council Chair's Community Awards 2018. The annual honours recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution local unpaid volunteers and community groups make to life in South Gloucestershire. The next celebration of community work and volunteering takes place in March and nominations close on Friday January 5. Suggestions for nominations include individuals and groups who have contributed to community development, promoting equality, arts, sports, play, environment, working with older or young people, advice and advocacy or someone who has simply been a good

neighbour. From charity fundraisers to local football club managers, sports coaches and arts festival organisers, these awards have seen South Gloucestershire Council honour the dedication and commitment of hundreds of unsung heroes across the district. Council chairman Ian Blair said: “It is really important to recognise the dedication of the people who give up their own time to bring our communities together and improve the lives of local people. These awards offer a great way to celebrate their hard work and commitment.” You can nominate your community hero online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ communityawards If you are unable to access the inte0rnet or have any questions, please call 01454 863019 or email communityawards@ southglos.gov.uk

Happy New Year to all my readers! Christine Broadway

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN READ DOWNEND VOICE ONLINE? www.downendvoice.co.uk

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March, 2017—

Issue 49

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Father's plea on skatepark

Grieving father Gordon Clapp wants South Gloucestersh ire Council to complete work on Emersons Green skatepark. PAGE 8

Council 'has failed needy children '

Hostel plans unveiled for WG Grace birthplace

PLANS have been put forward convert the Downend to birthplace of cricket legend WG Grace into a hostel. The John Turley Memorial Trust wants to turn Downend

House in North Street into thirteen studio apartments for people who need housing and care. The proposal submitted to South Gloucestersh ire Council

says the trust's objectives are “to provide housing and hostel accommoda tion in the community together associated facilities with and Turn to Page 3

South Gloucestersh services for childrenire Council's in need of help and protection are inadequate, says Ofsted. PAGES 16 & 17

Sad day as shop prepares to close

A newsagent shop that has served Bromley Heath for more than 60 years is shutting its doors for the last time next month. PAGE 38

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n IT HOME HELP

downendvoice

January, 2018

Russell Isaac owns Easy PC, a friendly personal, one-toone computer coaching service in clients’ homes in the Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Kingswood areas. With over 20 years of IT experience in a wealth of different areas, he helps users, particularly older people, get what they want from from their PCs, tablets and smartphones. He is also a web designer/builder, photographer, father of two and keen sportsman.

Save money with free software alternatives Russell Isaac offers IT support

HANDS up if you use Microsoft Office? Ok, most of you then. Microsoft Word for wordprocessing, Outlook for handling email, Excel for spreadsheets... whilst it remains a default choice for many, it’s not cheap - and the days when you could just “borrow” someone else's copy and load it on your PC are gone, thanks to increased licensing security. As an alternative to paying over £100 for a licence, Microsoft is now pushing it’s subscription service around £7 per month - to use Office products. But that will cost you about £400 over the next 5 years. But what’s the alternative…? There IS such a thing as a free lunch!

Many free, open-source software products have grown up in recent years, providing an excellent no-cost alternative to many leading programmes - Office included. Apache’s OpenOffice and Libre Office can be downloaded and installed for free in minutes and will give you all the functionality of MS Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. Mozilla Thunderbird is a reliable, easy-to-use email alternative to MS Outlook, and currently more reliable than Windows 10’s inbuilt mail programme…. There are other great free software alternatives. I've stopped using my Satnav in favour of Google Maps on my phone - not

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

only does it offer the same turnby-turn direction guidance, it also stays up to date on accidents and traffic congestion in real time so it’s much more reliable. And for lovers of photo editing, GIMP is a great alternative to the very expensive industry standard, Photoshop. Of course, not all “free” software is all it’s cracked up to be and the usual caution caveats apply. But the above programmes are excellent quality, reliable and popular alternatives that are well worth a look at if you want to save some money on your everyday computer programme needs. Russell Isaac can be contacted on 0774 775 3764

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

January, 2018

downendvoice

n PHOTOGRAPHY

ENTRIES for the first ‘Open’ competition of Lincombe Barn Camera Club’s new season covered a wide variety of subjects and here is a small selection for readers to enjoy. ‘Don’t Monkey With Me’ by Bruce Gibbs has a humorous title given to a sharp, well exposed image of this monkey. ‘Train of Thought' by Jeff McInstry has been well seen and titled. The judge particularly liked the reflections on the side of the carriages. ‘Then and Now Technology’ by Anita Fullerton was shot during ‘Upfest’. I spotted the lady with her dog engrossed in texting and completely oblivious to me so asked a colleague to stand inside the old phone box. I could visualise the colours and comparisons making a good image. This image gained commended. ‘The Farrier’ by Rachel Domleo is a scene caught on camera that is fast disappearing as there are few heavy horses left in work these days. The smoke coming from the hot

shoe vividly conjures up smells from the past. This image took first place. ‘Autumn Study’ by Anita Fullerton. I have given a treatment to these leaves I collected over the autumn to give them a shine and produce a saturated colour. This image was given highly commended. After the club’s short Christmas break we will be straight into entering the next competition called ‘Patterns of Nature’. We have a print presentation on January 24 by Andrew Marker called ‘A to F’ and ‘Yellowstone Park in Winter’. We round up the month with a presentation by Bob Bishop on January 31. If you feel like brushing away the winter blues, please come along to our friendly club. More information can be found on our website www.lincombebarncameraclub. co.uk

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Lose the Christmas weight… Stop biting your nails… Run a marathon… gs n i h t Find your dream home… Gemt ovingee

fr your ay! k o o b od ion t t a u l va

We can’t help you shift the Christmas excesses, and you’re definitely on your own with the marathon! But if you’ve promised yourself that 2018 is the year you find your perfect home, we can get your house on the market in no time, and find you the right buyer at the right price – avoiding any nail biting moments along the way. Happy New Year from all at Ocean Downend!

Call: 0117 244 1050 Mail: downendsales@oceanhome.co.uk Search: oceanhome.co.uk

downendvoice

January, 2018

n PROPERTY

Top tips on how you can sell your home in winter HELLO Downend. This month I would like to help you turn your prospective buyers from "Brrr, let's get this house viewing over with and get home" into "Oh wow, I love it!" this winter. Ask any housing expert and they’ll tell you spring is the optimum time to sell your house and winter should be avoided! This is not necessarily true and of course, life is not always that easy to schedule. So if you’re on the market this winter try these tips to maximise your chances of securing a buyer.

Jake Gready, Branch Manager, Ocean Estate Agents.

Invest in some outdoor lighting Ok, this is a grand example, the stuff of dreams…but you get the idea: kerb appeal counts and your potential buyers will form an opinion about your property before they even step inside. With daylight fading at 3.30 in the afternoon your buyers will need a helping hand to be able to see your property in all its glory. Invest in some outdoor lighting and it will make a huge difference to your home….and don’t neglect the back garden:

staring out of your beautiful bi-fold doors into an eerie darkness won’t do your home justice. Invest in one or two inexpensive outdoor solar lights to highlight a corner, a tree or decorative plant to warm up the view.

Dress your house for the season

Just like your wardrobe, you home decor should change with the

seasons. Lack of money and time usually prevents this from happening but if you are looking to sell in the winter you would do well to invest in some soft furnishings that really give your home that seasonal touch. Think soft, plush fabrics, rich vibrant colours and cosy extras like cushions and throws.

Tidy up the garden

Your garden may be the property’s

crowning glory in the spring and summer but chances are it’s not looking its best during the winter months. Keep it neat and tidy. Trim back any hedges and trees, sweep away leaves and tidy away any summer toys or furniture. In the front garden introduce colour with some inexpensive winter pansies, violets and heather in the beds, window boxes or tall pots around the front door. And consider an autumnal or festive wreath on the door.

Make your home warm and inviting You can actually turn the bad weather to your advantage by making your home as cosy and inviting for prospective buyers. House hunters will feel so welcome and warm when they enter your snug winter home they’ll be even keener to snap it up. Have the heating on or a real fire burning, although be careful not to make it stifling (you want your buyers to feel comfortable enough to have a good look around).

Let in the Light Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture. Turn off televisions, speakers and computers. If you are thinking about selling your home in the New Year and want any further help and advice on how to make the best of your home at this time of year, why not invite me round for a cup of tea and perhaps I can help point you in the right direction. You can contact me on 01172 441051 or email j.gready@oceanhome.co.uk

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Coleman

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

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

19 CLEEVE WOOD ROAD DOWNEND BS16 2SF

TEL: 0117 9566221 SALES@MCOLEMAN.CO.UK

January, 2018

downendvoice

n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

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

M.Coleman are offering a fantastic incentive for vendors looking to put their property on the market during the months of March and April 2016. For all properties instructed during this period proceeding to a successful completion M.Coleman Estate Agents will meet your Energy Performance Certificate and Solicitors Selling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements. We provide a quality service to all our clients based on traditional values of honesty, integrity and courtesy. Our team benefits experience extending beyond 100 years and this expertise is passed to you to ensure we achieve the best possible price for the sale of your home. We listen to our client’s needs and believe communication is paramount in providing the best level of service throughout the selling process. * Terms & Conditions Apply – Please ask for details

Coleman

M Coleman Estate Agents are always pleased to offer for sale properties on the highly sought after Riverwood Development and this two bedroom detached bungalow of Dressed Bath Stone is no exception. Being sold with NO ONWARD CHAIN and sitting on a well proportioned plot it offers a fantastic opportunity for those looking to create their perfect family home. The spacious and adaptable accommodation is laid out over one level and comprises an entrance hallway leads into a lounge with two double glazed windows to the front elevation and a rounded arch into the dining room which has a glazed door and side panels opening onto the garden. The sense of light continues in the kitchen where there is a range of wall and base units with space for a freestanding cooker, fridge, freezer and washing machine. There is a door from the entrance hall to an inner hallway which gives access to two double bedrooms both with

NO SOLICITOR SELLING FEES*

Coleman

Grove Bank Frenchay £495,000

fitted wardrobes and the family bathroom which has a white three piece suite with shower attachment over the bath. The secluded rear garden is

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

certainly one of the properties key assets and has a patio and two level lawns bounded by mature borders. To the front is a pressed concrete drive offering off road parking and

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

19 Cleeve Wood Road Downend Bristol BS16 2SF Tel: 0117 9566221 www.mcoleman.co.uk access to a detached garage.

We would wholeheartedly recommend an internal inspection to fully appreciate the potential that this property has to offer.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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� � �

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January, 2018

downendvoice

n HUNTERS ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Hunters Estate Agents are pleased to offer for sale this middle terrace town house which was constructed approximately seven years ago and has been home to only one owner during this period. The property occupies a pleasant position on this popular development overlooking a green area and is conveniently located for access onto the Avon ring road, for major commuting routes and for the Bristol cycle path. The amenities of Emersons Green, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Downend are also only a short distance away. These amenities include; a wide variety of shops and supermarkets, restaurants, schools, bus routes and doctors surgeries. The accommodation is considered spacious and well presented and is displayed over three floors. In brief the accommodation comprises to the ground floor; entrance hall, cloakroom, a family room, which could also be used as a study or an additional bedroom and a large kitchen/diner. To the first floor there is a lounge and the master bedroom with an en suite, with stairs

HE RE TO GET

you

THERE

� � �

leading to the second floor which has a family bathroom and three bedrooms. The second bedroom also has it's own en suite.

Additional benefits include a garage, off street parking, a rear garden which is mainly laid to artificial lawn, gas central heating

and UPVC double glazed windows. An internal inspection is highly recommended.

n OCEAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Staple Hill £375,000 4 bed detached house 2 Mulberry Grove, BS16 4QF THIS is an immaculate 4 bedroom detached house that is only 5 years old so it still has around 5 years new build guarantee left. Inside you will find a generous entrance hall, fully fitted kitchen with built in appliances, separate utility room, dining room, lounge, study and cloakroom/WC to the ground floor. To the floor above there are four double bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own en-suite and there is a further separate family bathroom. To the front of the house is a small front garden and to the rear a larger garden with decking and lawn. There is a single garage and off street parking to the side of the garden. Located in Staple Hill you have excellent amenities on your door step and a good choice of local schools. With plenty of space this property makes an ideal family home and at a great price.

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

downendvoice

January, 2018

TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS

DOW

LU B

WITH

D CA MER

DECEMBER saw one of the photographic highlights of the year for the club, the annual Print and Digital Image of the Year competition. This is when the winning entries from the individual competitions held through the year are judged against each other to decide which is best. The external judge complimented the club on the overall standard, and with everyone given the opportunity to view all 35 prints and the equal number of digital images together at the same time there was general agreement: 2017 had been a very good year. It turned out to be a very good year for one particular member, because the first second and third places in the print section turned out to be the work of the same photographer, Derek Britton. The three pictures shown here are the winning trio, and they are similar in that each is a print of very high technical quality, very sharp and well exposed with a composition

I Spotted You where he has ‘caught the moment’. There is another similarity in that there is a bird theme. ‘Plenty for Supper’ shows a Puffin, a bird with perhaps the most appealing character of them all. ‘I Spotted You’ shows a bird in a fleeting peek-a-boo moment, while even ‘The Falkirk Wheel’ (a machine for transferring boats between two Scottish canals) appears to resemble the head of a giant bird. Which one came first, judged to be the best? What do you think? Visit

the website to find out. Anyway, many congratulations and the Print of the Year cup to Derek, with the request that in 2018, please give the rest of us a chance! If you want to join a friendly photographic group, come along one Tuesday to a meeting of Downend Camera Club at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend at 7.30pm. We meet almost every week and new members are very welcome.

The club has a Facebook page and its website at www. downendcameraclub.org.uk has details of the club, shows competition winners, and gives details of upcoming events on the programme. The January programme includes: Peter and Margaret Preece ‘Hide and Seek’, Sue O’Connell and Peter Brisley ‘Travels towards the Edge’

Left: Plenty for Supper Right: The Falkirk Wheel All photographs by Derek Britton

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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

January, 2018

downendvoice

n NEWS A BRISTOL Rovers fan says he is honoured to win this year's Gashead Hero award for his charity work. Downend's Mark Brimson has raised more than £20,000 for Bristol-based charity Headway following the death of his soul mate Gloria in 2007. Gloria, 33, was diagnosed with an AVM - Arteriovenous Malformation, a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain. She had a 15-hour operation to remove the AVM but died on June 7, 2007 from complications. Mark's relentless charity work has now been recognised by his favourite football club when he was given the Gashead Hero award 2017 at the club's home game against Southend United on December 9. The award tasted all the sweeter when the Gas beat their opponents 3-0. Mark received the award from former Rovers players Steve White, Nick Tanner, Vaughan Jones and Gary Penrice, whom he describes as his boyhood heroes. Mark described the experience of receiving the

Mark's a Gashead Hero accolade in front of the cheering crowd as "surreal". "I was really honoured," said Mark. "It was born out of the fact that it was the 10th anniversary of my wife's death and I decided that I would try to raise money in her memory for a charity. I decided on Headway as Gloria

would have benefited from their services had she survived her operation and to date we have raised close to £25,000." Mark was made Ambassador for Headway, a charity which helps survivors of brain injuries, after he organised a sponsored walk from the home of Plymouth

Argyle FC to Bristol Rovers' base at the Memorial Stadium. Joined by eight friends he met through work and football, Mark raised more more than £14,000. Since then, he has organised other events for Headway, including a dinner and dance at the Holiday Inn in Filton.

n PROPS COLUMN

A HAPPY New Year from everyone at PROPS. We had a busy and festive time in the run up to Christmas with lots of events to keep us busy. We had two meals out with our students which were lots of fun for everyone. Many thanks to the Beaufort Arms in Hawkesbury Upton for putting on such a fantastic meal. Students had a game of skittles and a snow ball fight after! Groups also went to carol concerts at Colston Hall and Briarwood Special School. We had several fairs throughout December, where we sold lots of PROPS crafts and produce. We are always looking for new outlets and events for the PROPS pop-up stall. Please get in touch with Lauren Walker if you have any opportunities for us. Before Christmas, PROPS staff undertook Signalong training with the Bristol Central Learning Disabilities Team. We are looking forward to practising signing with our students, and improving our communication all round. Also coming up is our Healthy Eating week. After all the Christmas indulgences, we thought it would be a great time to talk about nutrition, portion size and keeping active. At PROPS, we already have sports sessions and try to promote healthy food choices. We hope that our students will be able to learn something to apply to their home lives as well. We would like to say a huge thank you to Kier Construction for providing us with a fantastic new kitchen. They donated new units and their time to fit it. We are looking forward to this space being much more user-friendly from now on. We have masses more storage space, and everything looks clean and fresh! Our independent living skills group will be able to benefit from a working kitchen straight away. Following the success of last year’s request, we are doing a call out for donations of any unwanted Christmas gifts. We will be making up care packages and redistributing them to local care homes or shelters. So if you received too many toiletries and socks, why not bring them down to PROPS? You can find us in Spur 6 at the Vassall Centre. To find out more about PROPS, or to get in touch, visit www. propsbristol.org, email info@propsbristol.co.uk or call 0117 965 35 14.

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January, 2018

n TAKE A BREAK PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles O U L L S W A T E R R R I I T M N F A

F K S C H S Y A T R T A M F S A T I C

O O A A S Q E H F D T O L E Y R I C A

M T R R E H S A Y I R E D S E A C E S

A S G I A E G E C S V B W A E C L I P

N K A B A S R K E Q A H S C B A A C I

TXT PERT

S S S B B R E A V Y I T J A K I K O A

K E S E A C A A O T C B F E C B E R N

A A O A L S T F E H O F N M S O E A S

G L S N K D B S I S I Y S Q P O R L E

G L E V A I E N P N A I W P H U I S A

E S A K S A A O B S B A L T I C E E C

R C L C H S R A A L A K E C H A D A W

A B A V E U Y E L L O W S E A B R L M

K Y T A S M A N S E A B L A C K S E A

3 2

3 1

SOLUTIONS

F H N S I C B I P A O H F R T E A I O

WHICH WEDGES?

L C A Q R B A I K A L N Y H D K L C Y

Wedges 7 and 8.

U B U C I Q L A K E H U R O N A T A U

EASY for children

TXT PERT

G L A K E O N T A R I O R M Z L A P B

SUDOKU

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

Across 1. Slovakia, 4 Rwanda, 5 Fiji, 6 Aruba, 7 Ethiopia. Down 1 Suriname, 2 Oman, 3 Anguilla, 5 Faso.

This month: Bodies of water

Can you find 35 bodies of water hidden vertically, horizontally or diagonally?

WORDSEARCH

Adriatic, Aral Sea, Atlantic, Baffin Bay, Baikal, Baltic, Bass Sea, Bay of Biscay, Black Sea, Bosporus, Caribbean, Caspian Sea, Chukotsk Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Bear, Gulf of Oman, Irish Sea, Kara Sea, Lake Chad, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Maracaibo, Lake Nyasa, Lake Ontario, North Sea, Pacific, Red Sea, Sargasso Sea, Skaggerak, Tasman Sea, Timor Sea, Ullswater, White Sea, Yellow Sea

downendvoice

WHICH WEDGES? This is tricky – can you tell which wedges make up No. 5? You may have to turn the pieces.

This month: Countries

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad

Clues Across 1. 75682542 (8) 4. 792632 (6) 5. 3454 (4) 6. 27822 (5) 7. 38446742 (8)

Down 1. 78746263 (8) 2. 6626 (4) 3. 26484552 (8) 5. 3276 (4)

2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L

6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

5 6

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January, 2018

downendvoice

n GARDENING IT’S been a productive year with the usual ups and downs that are inevitable, but on the whole a lot more up. It’s not always a struggle to come up with 600 words every month for these articles, but sometimes I’m a little short and find myself filling the space with musings about the weather, it is after all the favourite topic of conversation in this country. I’ve decided to run 12 articles on botany instead this year, from the lower forms of plant life that are the likes of single celled phytoplankton through to what makes complex plants tick. Hopefully this will prove informative and even a little interesting, but will be tailored to real life in the garden so you should be able to take something practical away from it. I recently had a birthday and apart from the giant foam hand with ‘#1 dad’ written on in and a lovely turquoise pendant from my kids, most of my presents were gardening related, including, and in my opinion one of the best items that a gardener can own, a pair of Felco secateurs. I’ve continually struggled in the past with cheap ones thinking that they I could get by with them, and with no other knowledge I guess I have, until now. It feels like swapping out an old Reliant Robin for a brand new Tesla. It’s always been advised to spend a little time over the winter cleaning and sharpening tools, making sure that they’re in pristine condition but there’s never really seemed much point when what you have is on the verge of irreparable and soon as it’s first used. I’ve had an epiphany though and will be making this now an annual task. The fact that within five minutes of using them there was a nice 1.5” gash in my

The

city gardener By Tim Barton

hand is testimony to the quality and sharpness of the blades, not advised for minor surgery though on anything but your plants. #1: The smallest of the small As plants are made up of cells, each with its own characteristics, you can’t get anything smaller than just the one, an organism comprising of just a single cell. That’s where I’m going to start, right at the bottom with algae. Often for homeowners and gardeners algae are a bit of a pain, if they’re not creating a thick bloom in the pond, they’re creating a slippery matt on your paths or any other area that’s wet. They don’t possess any way of preventing themselves from drying out so will nearly always be found where there is some fairly constant dampness. There are actually a huge variety found in this group of photosynthetic organisms, and they’re not just limited to single cells. Most people will be familiar with seaweed, this is a very common multi celled algae that is far from the slime that we find at home. They also differ from land plants in that they don’t have many of the structures that you would expect to find such as leaves, roots and other organs. They also lack the distinct cell types such a xylem and phloem that you find in these plant too, I’ll talk more about these cell types in a later article as

there are some really fascinating things about them that explain a lot about what we take for granted in the garden. The one feature that they do have with more common plants is that they are phototropic meaning that most are photosynthetic and gain energy from sunlight. Unfortunately, and this will be a common fact, there are always exceptions to the rule. If I state that a plant has a specific characteristic I mean most, but rarely all. This is the briefest of forays into the subject but with limited space I’ll have to leave further study up to you. Again it’s a quiet month so

check that all your overwintering plants are in a good condition and if you have time, start to prepare beds for the coming months with a good dressing of organic matter.

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downendvoice

January, 2018

n SPORT

There's no stopping these judo girls

Domestic and Commercial Fencing Specialists

We supply and install all types of fencing, decking and gates

MEET the Whitfields. The judo-crazy sisters might only be primary school age but they are already proving a force to reckon with. Charlie, 11, and Ashlie, eight, have just returned from the IRJT Championships in Holland where they both returned with medals. The girls, who are both pupils at Begbrook Primary Academy, were given the chance to compete in a new state-of-theart stadium in the The Hague called Sportcampus Zuider Park and rose magnificently to the occasion. This was the third time Charlie had fought in the competition. In her first year she came fourth, in her second she took silver but this year managed to bag a gold medal after winning all her five fights. Despite being Ashlie's first international and having to fight older and more experienced girls, she lost two fights but won her third fight, taking a bronze medal. Because of their ages, Charlie, a orange belt, and Ashlie, a red belt, both fought higher grade green belt competitors, making their wins even more impressive. Dad Gavin, a black belt who coaches his daughters at Bradley Stoke Judo Club, said: "This was Ashlie's first international and she went in as an underdog fighting older, experienced and much higher grade girls. `'We weren't even expecting

her to win a fight; it was more about going there to help her confidence and give her the experience of going from watching her sister to being on the mat fighting herself. "It's a big step in the judo world going from local judo fighting to fighting internationally so given all that, Ashlie fought really well. The fight that she won, she won well, throwing her opponent through the air." Gavin said Charlie had already had the experience of fighting internationally so her confidence has grown. "She took silver last year and wanted gold but the group was bigger this year and she knew it wasn't going to be easy. She wasn't favourite to win but she dominated every fight throughout and was the clear winner in all of her fights. "She was on form and demonstrated a range of techniques, not just one of two. I'm very proud of her and it's nice she's ended her 2017 competitions with a gold." Gavin said the girls come from a judo-crazy family including mum Gemma, who met Gavin through judo, although she no longer practices. "We revolve around judo, even when we're not at the club," said Gavin. "Nothing stops at home and every day judo will get talked about."

Send us your sports news Email: news@downendvoice.co.uk

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January, 2018

n SPORT

Medal success for Eastville Park off young boxing duo to a flying start

Jude Moore and Jack Oram with their medals TWO young boxers from a Fishponds club have medalled at the Wexford Box Cup. The event took place from November 10-12 in Bishopswater, County Wexford, Ireland. Jude Moore, 14, from Hillfields, and Jack Oram, 15, of Melksham, represented Downend Boxing Club, based at the Harry Crook Centre. In the semi-finals, England representative Jude, a student at Mangotsfield School, beat Jeremiah Tiba of Naas, County Kildare. In the final he faced Ryan Cullen of Ballagh, County Wexford. and emerged the winner on a points decision. In Jack's semi-final contest, he defeated David Kinsella of St Anthony's Boxing Club in County Wexford. In the final, Jack faced a class operator in all-Ireland champion Barry O'Connor of Castleisland, County Kerry, who eventually got the judges' nod after a quality contest. Craig Turner, coach at Downend Boxing Club, said: "I am very pleased with the guys' performances. Jude is now no stranger to international competition, and Wexford served as an excellent warm up for an England appearance against Scotland on the 30th. "Jack's medal is fantastic and represents significant improvement following his hard work and dedication."

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HUNDREDS of runners of all ages are enjoying the new weekly parkrun at Eastville Park. The 5k free event, which takes place at 9am every Saturday, started on November 18, when 679 people took part. Among them was Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of parkrun. More than 70 running clubs were represented and 88 people were taking part in their first parkrun. The second Eastville parkrun attracted 421 runners and the weekly event is continuing to draw more than 200 runners, even in the most wintry of conditions. Organisers desperately need more volunteers to support the event. The opening of the Eastville Park event and another at Thornbury has meant numbers are down by about 100 at the Pomphrey Hill parkrun in Mangotsfield. The Pomphrey event, which includes an infamous hill, started in March 2014 and remains hugely popular. Organisers commented on

their website: "While we were coping perfectly well with the higher numbers, it has been nice to have more space for everyone." Anyone can take part in parkrun simply by registering online to receive a barcode. Participants can walk, jog or run around the course. Successes such as personal bests, milestone runs and graduation from Couch to 5k programmes are always celebrated. Adult parkruns take place in public parks at 9am on Saturdays. As well as Pomphrey Hill, there's one in Chipping Sodbury and one in Ashton Court. Children's 2k parkruns are on Sundays; events have now been established at Page Park and Eastville Park. Pomphrey Hill was planning to hold an extra parkrun in 2017 - on Christmas Day! The start was due to be at 9.30am, to allow time for present-opening first. For further information visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ pomphrey/

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January, 2018

n SPORT

Sportsman Phil called up for Team GB - at 60 PHILIP Hobbs is proving age is no barrier to sporting prowess after success at the World Laser Run Championships in South Africa. Laser Run is multi-event sport which includes swimming, fencing and horse riding and is the final element of the Modern Pentathlon that you see at the Olympics. Phil, 60, who was born and grew up in Downend, qualified after taking part in the first ever British Laser Run Championships, which were held at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) in August and showcased many outstanding performances across different age groups, from nine-years-old to 60 plus. He was part of the 29-strong team representing GB that went to Cape Town in October, returning with the Team Silver medal in the Masters 60+ category. Phil, who now lives in Emersons Green, said: "It was a

great honour to represent GB for the first time ever, proving that age is no barrier to taking part." After coaching Pentathlon GB Laser Run at schools and clubs for several years, Phil decided to try the new event himself and says he can thoroughly recommend the experience. He is now encouraging others give the sport a try.

including Laser Run, Biathle, Triathle, Triathlon, Tetrathlon or Pentathlon, then contact Phil by emailing prhcoaching@outlook. com Alternatively look at the Pentathlon GB website https:// www.pentathlongb.org/events/ intro which contains details of training events and competitions. Phil can also arrange for training/taster sessions to be carried out at YOSC or other locations such as schools and sports halls using a portable kit. Phil, who is regional chair of Pentathlon GB South West, is keen to speak to any sponsors that may be interested in supporting the creation of YOSC as the South West regional Laser Run training venue. "This will enable more training activities to take place and provide us with the ability to stage local, regional, national and taster competitions," Phil said.

"The 2018 World Laser Run Championships are in Dublin next September, with the GB Championships to select the team planned for next August, so there is plenty of time for all the family to get training," he said. If you are interested in attending a taster event or would like to know more about Modern Pentathlon activities,

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January, 2018

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Wonderful day of shockwave training Blog 47: Shockwaves and Super Heroes

NICE guidelines for Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and Tennis elbow. There is lots of scientific evidence that shockwave is useful I HAVE a duty to tell those of you for many chronic (more than 6 who read my last blog that I have weeks old) soft tissue injuries. managed to keep my gallbladder These were injuries that were often inside my body so far. It’s been just difficult to treat using standard over a month since my gallbladder treatments and exercise therapy, attack and impromptu trip to A&E. so shockwave feels like a huge I have cut out all alcohol and fatty leap forward for some of these foods in an attempt to let it settle conditions. down, and so far, it’s working. The “Shock Waves are movements pain in my stomach has pretty of extremely high pressure caused much gone and I am back to work. by, for example, an explosion, an It’s a tough time of year to have earthquake or a plane breaking such a strict change of diet. So far, the sound barrier. Extracorporeal I have been on three Christmas Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is nights out without drinking and it’s the application of Shock Waves a very odd experience. I’m going to in medicine. It is clinically proven try and keep it up for three months that pressure waves, when applied at least, which will be the first time to injured tissues, stimulate these that I haven’t drunk alcohol for that metabolic reactions; They help long since I was 18, so I guess its the reduction of pain felt by nerve time to get on with it! fibers, increase blood circulation This month we had a day of in surrounding soft tissues and shockwave training at the clinic initiate the beginning of healing for all the staff and even some process triggered by stem cells guests from our friends at ACE activation” – taken from emsfeet in motion who we work with medical.com. Enjoy unlimited play at Bristol Rovers. It was great to That’s the complicated science on our Badminton Course get some more training on this for those who are interested. By wonderful new machine design we must be interested in for that £30hasper month been included in the NHS’s own the science and understand how it

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86 GUTTERING SERVICES

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56746

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

OsbOrne & sOns

Handyman & Property Services

No job too small - Inside and out - give us a shout

Call Tony - 0777 6188595

Call: Freephone 0800 303 2215 Mob: 07774 047209 or 0117 9113 446

✆ 07779 786072 SHOWER REPAIRS

TREE SURGEONS

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

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

J.A. Cole & Sons Tree Surgeons

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

tony1osborne@yahoo.co.uk Find us on Facebook www.osborneandsons.net

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

BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

07976 665448

RECORDS WANTED

Garden Clearance and rubbish removal – registered

Waste Carrier Licence Holders

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

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

0117 956 3285 TANK CLEANING

DOES YOUR TANK NEED CLEANING OR REPLACED? Ring Ralph on 07881908451 OR EMAIL

brownstankcleaning@btinternet.com

BROWNS TANK CLEANING LTD TANK CLEANING AND WASTE DISPOSAL SPECIALISTS

A MURPHY

FLAT ROOFING Mastic | Asphalt | Felt Roofing Contractors Downend based BS16 6AP Over 40 years experience References available on request

TEL: 0117 956 1015 MOBILE: 07976 442703

TREE SERVICES

0117 9567298 07768 973291

www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk

RUBBISH CLEARED

From Houses, Sheds, Garages, Gardens, Lofts, etc NO JOB TOO SMALL Fully licensed, no VAT Ring Stuart or Sue FREEPHONE 08000 234 995 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING

WOODSTOCK T R E E S E RV I C E S

Professional Quality Tree Work at Affordable Prices • Fully qualified and insured • Free No Obligation quotation • All aspects of tree and hedge work carried out

PROFESSIONAL EXPERT SERVICE Free Quotations & Advice

WASTE DISPOSAL

Having problems with your oil fired boiler?

ROOFING

• Tree Surgery • Hedge & Shrub work • Precision Felling • Size Reduction • Fully insured • Domestic & Commercial .

• Over 7 years industry experience • Friendly and efficient • No job too small or too tall

Tel: 07725 951006 web: www.woodstocktreeservices.co.uk e-mail: woodstocktreeservices@gmail.com

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

AJS

Window & Gutter Cleaning Services

n Free quotes n Competitive pricing n Commercial and domestic cleaning n Ladder–less cleaning system n Environmentally friendly cleaning methods

Contact Anthony Suitters

Mobile: 07584122449

Email: Ajswindowcleaningservices@gmail.com

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

The Ridings Flax p

Co-operative Supermarket

its L

To Yate

ane

inton R

oad

River Frome Travis Perkins

Badm

Bristol

Road

Duck Pond

Cross Hands Pub

Down Road Cuckoo Lane

Petrol Station

To Emersons Green Willy Wicket Pub

• MOT testing • Air Con service & purification • Servicing – All makes and models including Hybrid cars • Engine Diagnostic • Free courtesy car • Tyres, Exhausts and batteries fitted while you wait

Call us today for a competitive quote or book online

01454 777 777

www.winterbourneautocentre.co.uk Station Yard, Hicks Common Road, Winterbourne, BS36 1EJ

OPEN

Mon-Fri 8.30 to 17.30pm & Sat 8.301pm

CHECk OuT Our SpECiAl OFFErS pAgE ONliNE wiT H AN MOT & SErviCE STArTiNg FrOM £114.00

HHHHH 4.93 star rating verified on groupon Oct 2017