downendvoice July, 2020 — Issue 86
www.downendvoice.co.uk
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Together in South Gloucestershire: getting back on our feet
A
S lockdown eases, South Gloucestershire Council is making changes to help revive its communities while keeping people safe. In this special edition of The Voice, we explain the plans, how you can help, and how to get help if you need it. New measures will help make social distancing easier, revive the economy and support everyone to adapt to a ‘new normal’. The changes could bring extra longterm benefits too – for instance, new social distancing measures outside re-opened schools are already improving air quality. The council is also pedestrianising some high streets and widening pavements. This is not only supporting social distancing but creating more pleasant environments in which to shop and socialise. Read about how council services are changing and plans for high streets and other public spaces on the next page.
Supporting businesses South Gloucestershire Council is supporting and advising local businesses as they face the challenges posed by Covid-19. It has administered different grants including the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund and the Discretionary Grant. So far it has issued over £34 million in funding to businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and to small and micro businesses who have experienced a drop in income. To find out how to apply,
see the contact details on the back page.
Safety first: how you can help Safety remains the top priority for the council. We are still at a critical point in the Covid-19 pandemic because the virus will continue to be with us until there is a vaccine. Everyone can help by continuing with social distancing, practising good hand hygiene, and selfisolation at home and getting tested if they have symptoms, to manage the spread of the virus.
How the council can help you The council offers a wide range of help and can also put you in touch with community support groups in your area. Full details of how to get help are on the back page.
Getting around The council wants to encourage people who have taken up cycling or walking more during lockdown to use this as their regular way of getting around. Less traffic means more space on streets, improving the experience for cyclists and pedestrians. It has introduced new measures such as temporary changes to the road layout under Bristol Parkway railway bridge. The extra space on either side of the lane is designated for people walking or cycling under the bridge and helps them to keep a safe distance from each other.
View from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage WELCOME to this special edition of The Voice. It’s here especially for those South Gloucestershire residents who may not have easy access to the internet - just one of the steps we’ve taken to try to reach everyone. The Voice is a local business that we’re very proud to partner with. Thank you so much for your support during this crisis. I saw for myself how hard our frontline workers are working when I went out with our waste collection teams last month. We’re all having to get used to a new normal whether it’s wearing face coverings or remembering to always keep a social distance. In this issue, we explain what to do if you need support, especially if you’re not online. We share the positive steps we’re taking as lockdown eases to revive the district and move forward. We’re adapting our services and supporting local businesses as they emerge from lockdown, including our much-loved high street shops. We also showcase volunteers (on the inside back page) – those fantastic individuals contributing enormously to our communities. If you’re already volunteering then a big thank you. If you haven’t tried it, then why not give it a go?
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Making publicplaces safer COUNCILS have been directed by government to introduce measures as quickly as possible to help make social distancing in public places easier. Last month, South Gloucestershire Council published ‘Making Public Places Safer’. This explains the measures it is putting in place in high streets, parks and open spaces, routes to work, at bus stops and outside schools. As well as helping to control and limit the spread of Covid-19, these measures should also help ‘lock in’ some of the positive changes such as an increase in cycling and fewer cars on the road. The funding for this work comes from central government through the West of England Combined Authority.
High Streets Our high streets will look and feel different as the lockdown is lifted. Shops, restaurants and cafes may start to trade outside, immediately in front of their premises, and have space for customers to queue outside too. People will need extra space to get around safely and maintain social distancing, whether on foot or by bike. In some places, this will mean road space for cars will need to be reduced. Council car parks and disabled parking will be maintained however and continue to be free for all. The council wants to make it as easy and safe as possible for people to access their local high street, kickstart the economy and support businesses so it is introducing measures to support more walking and cycling in and around town centres and local communities. This will support local trade and business by enabling easy and safe access. Changes to some local high streets are already helping with this. For example, in Thornbury, the High Street between The Close and Castle Court is now closed to all through traffic, effectively pedestrianising the town centre, allowing people to shop safely and with confidence. Some retailers can trade from directly outside their premises, adding a welcoming and vibrant feel to the area.
Parks and open spaces All skate parks, tennis courts and multi-use games areas that the council is responsible for are now open in parks and open spaces. This is in line with government advice and follows risk assessments and safety inspections of all the sites. The council has put in various measures including locking open some gates to reduce contact, ‘give way’ systems to people entering or exiting, and social distancing signs and markings on the ground.
Schools New social distancing measures at school entrances and on nearby roads include reminders of the requirements on signs and on pavements outside almost 30 primary and some secondary schools. These schools were prioritised because of their location in a busy area or because they have narrow access. To provide more room for parents to take their children back to school safely, the council has suspended parking bays outside some of these schools.
Adapting council services
Household waste collections in South Gloucestershire are back to normal. At the time of going to print, Mangotsfield, Thornbury and Yate Sort It recycling centres are opening between 6am and 4.30pm seven days a week until further notice. They accept the normal range of waste and recycling apart from clothing and textiles. Little Stoke Sort It recycling centre and the Re-use Shop at the Thornbury site remain temporarily closed. The council hopes to open its libraries gradually from July. These libraries will offer a Click and Collect service for books and other items. IT services will be available through bookable slots. Gradual opening will mean the council can review how well the new way of doing things is working before opening more libraries. Public toilets will open where possible, in line with government guidance, as will customer service One Stop Shops.
downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk
July, 2020 — Issue 86
FREE EVERY MONTH IN DOWNEND, MANGOTSFIELD, STAPLE HILL, BROMLEY HEATH & FRENCHAY
We're on our way back! Anti-racism demo in Page Park About 200 people took part in an anti racism demonstration in Page Park, Staple Hill, inspired by Black Lives Matter. PAGE 9
GP surgeries told to get better Green Valleys Health has been ordered to improve safety and care standards at its GP surgeries, incuding Leap Valley. PAGE 11 IT'S been a tough few months since coronavirus struck. We had little choice but to suspend publication and delivery of Downend Voice for safety's sake, though we tried to keep readers up to date via our website and Facebook. Now, at last, we are able to return and, like
Maya, this determined young runner from Bromley Heath Junior School, we intend to keep up the momentum. Thanks to all the advertisers whose support has enabled us to come back. We look forward to continuing to keep you up to date with news and events from Downend.
Traffic noise is causing misery Traffic noise on the ring road at Bromley Heath is unbearable, a resident claims. PAGE 18
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July, 2020
downendvoice Virus claims 40 n CORONAVIRUS
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lives in area
Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377
Follow us on Twitter @downendvoice ADVERTISING sales@downendvoice.co.uk Tel 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@downendvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Downend Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINE Our August edition deadline is July 15. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Downend Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Downend Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pickup points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@ downendvoice.co.uk.
COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Downend Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
A member of the
CORONAVIRUS has claimed the lives of 40 people in Downend, Emersons Green and the surrounding area, according to the latest official figures. An in-depth breakdown from the Office for National Statistics, released in June, shows deaths from every area in the country which involved COVID-19 in March, April and May. The ONS has divided the country into small geographic areas, each with a population of around 7,500 people, and recorded how many people in each area died with coronavirus. Seven people died in the area the ONS calls Downend South, which includes homes near the main shopping area including those off North Street, Downend Road and Salisbury Road. Another four died in the ONS’s Downend North area, which includes Bromley Heath and the area near Leap Valley. The individual area with the highest total of COVID-19 deaths was Emersons Green, where 11 deaths were recorded. This area on the ONS map also includes parts of Mangotsfield near Blackhorse Lane and stretches into parts of Downend that lie west of Badminton Road, including the area around Aintree Drive. Seven people died in the ONS’s Staple Hill South and Kingswood North West area, which includes Soundwell Road, Gloucester Road and Teewell Avenue, and four died in Staple Hill North, which includes the High Street, Broad Street, Teewell Hill and Station Road. One confirmed COVID-19 death was recorded for Mangotsfield and another six coronavirus deaths were recorded in the ONS’s Frenchay and Great Stoke area, which also includes Hambrook. Elsewhere in South Gloucestershire, 15 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in the ONS’s Kingswood North East area, which includes homes between the High Street, New Cheltenham Road and Tenniscourt Road, while in Thornbury a total of 24 people lost their lives to the virus. April was the deadliest month of the pandemic in most areas, with nine of the 11 deaths of Staple Hill residents, nine of the 11 Downend deaths and seven of the 11 Emersons Green fatalities happening during that month. ONS figures for the whole of South Gloucestershire revealed that, by June 5, 164 people had died with COVID-19. In Bristol the total was 234.
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July, 2020
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n CORONAVIRUS
Surge of goodwill helps vulnerable through crisis
HUNDREDS of volunteers have been going shopping, collecting prescriptions and providing food to help vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis. From spontaneously-formed Facebook and WhatsApp groups to existing community organisations, charities and councillors, a huge number of people have been giving up time to ensure those who have had to stay at home to shield from the virus are not forgotten. Among the groups which formed on Facebook as lockdown started to transform lives was the BS16 Covid-19 Community Care group, which helps coordinate offers of help and people in need across Downend and the surrounding area. Volunteer coordinator Sophia Gibbs-Foyle said: “When the Covid-19 outbreak began to sweep across the country, one of the first concerns was about the most vulnerable people in our communities. How would those who are shielding do food shopping? How would the elderly and vulnerable access essential medications? What can we do to help? The BS16 Covid-19 Community Care group was set up to connect members of the community who could help one another.” The group matches its 258 volunteers with its bank of people shielding or self-isolating, providing support from food shopping and prescription collections to dog walking and providing phone buddies for a chat. As well as online and email referrals at BS16covid19@gmail. com, the group has a phone helpline on 0808 168 5726 and
Councillors Mike Bell, Katie Cooper and Ian Boulton with staff and trustees of the Staple Hill Community Hub at its food store. also helps people referred by South Gloucestershire Council and charity Southern Brooks Community Partnerships. Sophia said: “Initially we saw many requests for help with food shopping and another practical tasks. In more recent weeks there has been a major surge in requests for ‘phone buddies’ which is a stark reminder of how many people have been affected by loneliness during this pandemic. “I’ve been astounded by the sheer enthusiasm and generosity of our community at such a challenging time, and look forward to carrying the legacy of this on after Covid-19 subsides from our daily lives.” Mangotsfield Residents Association has worked with Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillors Katie Cooper, Michael Bell and Ian Boulton, the Staple Hill Hub and Salvation Army to organise a team of volunteers to help with shopping, prescriptions and odd jobs for people in isolation. An emergency food bank
was set up at the Red Lion pub, working with landlady Mary West and with further support from Mitch Hore at the Grapevine, to provide and deliver food parcels and ready-made meals for people in need. Volunteers also made personal protective equipment and biker group the Band of Hope made deliveries to hospitals and care homes. MRA chair Clive Heath said: “It has been a fantastic effort by all involved, our shopping volunteers and Mary and the food bank; to my knowledge nobody has gone without shopping or prescriptions and nobody in need has gone with out food or toiletries.” Katie said ward councillors decided to take responsibility for the volunteer programme, which was set up early in March, as soon as vulnerable people were told to isolate. Leaflets were produced and distributed around the ward giving people contact numbers to call if they needed help or could offer it. More than 100
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volunteers were registered and ground rules laid down to ensure all interactions were safe for the more than 300 people given support. The emergency foodbank at the Red Lion has now been wound down as the pub prepares for reopening, with food relief efforts now concentrated at the Staple Hill Hub and the Salvation Army in Broad Street, where donations can be taken. In total more than 6,000 meals have been provided since the start of the crisis, helped by food donations from individuals and businesses and £2,000 raised through crowdfunding. Children have also helped provide some simple psychological support, making phone calls and creating art for people who were shielding alone and feeling lonely. Katie said: “It became clear that the isolation was really beginning to get some people down. We wanted a way to raise a smile and let people know they aren't alone. What's better than a piece of child's art to cheer someone up?” People in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield who need help can contact the Staple Hill Community Hub on 07434 737512 or the MRA on 0750 716 8700. Help is also available from Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, who are working alongside the council to connect individuals in need of support with the help they need. Their line – 07773 209943 – is staffed from 8am to 8pm daily and the team is also available by email at communitysupport@ southernbrooks.org.uk.
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
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Tributes to NHS workers who lost lives AN “inspirational” nurse and “kind-hearted, compassionate” healthcare assistant are among the NHS workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus. Sandra Hicks and Maureen Ellington were long-serving workers for North Bristol NHS Trust, and both had worked at the former Frenchay Hospital. Sandra, who died on May 23 after testing positive for Covid-19, was described as “the heart of a large and loving family” by her relatives, while the trust said she had “dedicated her life to caring for people” over a 35-year career. She trained as a nurse at Frenchay School of Nursing and spent 15 years working at Frenchay Hospital before moving to NHS Direct in 2000, working in a local care home, then joining the North Bristol apprenticeship team in 2015, becoming the lead practice development teacher in the trust’s Apprenticeship Centre. Her family said: “Her parents, sisters, nieces, nephews and great nephews were always a very important part of her life, her home with Deb often being the centre for large fun-filled family gatherings. “She always gave generously of her love and time for each of them, her smiles and laughter will be remembered and treasured forever by them. Sandra’s line manager, Jonathan Hall, said: “Sandra was a true inspiration to her colleagues and learners that she supported within the trust. “There are so many people
Sandra Hicks that have developed both personally and professionally because of her commitment to them as an individual. “During her time with the team she has supported over 80 learners.She truly does leave NBT with a legacy that will impact so many people for decades to come. Sandra will be so deeply missed by everyone within the team.” Trust chief executive Andrea Young said: “Sandra was an extremely valued member of our hospital family and will be greatly missed. She dedicated her life to caring for people and worked for the Trust for over 20 years and the wider NHS for 35 “She was a hard-working, committed individual that took true pride in the development of others. She was always on hand to provide support and guidance to the team and took great satisfaction in seeing others develop to reach their full potential. Medicine matron Tracey Lucas, who worked with Sandra at Frenchay Hospital, said: “She
Maureen Ellington was extremely friendly and kind, and friends who remember her as a mentor expressed how well taught, safe and supported they felt by Sandra at their most vulnerable times during their careers. As colleagues, working with Sandra was always a pleasure, she was an amazing role model, always putting her patients first. “Many people are deeply saddened to hear of her illness but eternally grateful and thankful that they were allowed the opportunity to have been able to work with and learn from her wisdom as an inspirational nurse and colleague.” Southmead Hospital healthcare assistant Maureen Ellington died in the early hours of Easter Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19. North Bristol NHS Trust said that Maureen, who was in her early 60s, was “well-loved by every colleague and patient she came into contact with”. She had worked for the NHS for more than 25 years, and had worked with many different
teams at both Southmead and Frenchay hospitals. Her family said: “We are heartbroken to lose the pillar of our family at this time. “She was simply amazing. She loved her husband, five children, six grandchildren, wider family, friends and colleagues. “She was kind-hearted, bubbly, caring and always joyous. She would light up any room she entered.” Maureen’s manager, Suzanne Moss, said: “To receive the sad news that an irreplaceable member of our team has sadly passed away has had a deeply devastating impact on us all. “Maureen was a kind-hearted, compassionate and caring person and she brought all these attributes into her ward practice, which made her a highly valued member of the team. “Maureen put the patients and colleagues before herself and always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends”. Trust chief executive Andrea Young said: “I want to personally recognise Maureen’s considerable service to the NHS and to North Bristol Trust specifically.” She said Maureen had “touched the lives of many of our staff over the years,” and would always be seen as a part of the family in their hearts. “My thoughts are with Maureen’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time,” said Ms Young.
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PARENTS at a number of schools in Downend and Emersons Green are being asked to observe new measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 and improve air quality. South Gloucestershire Council has approved changes including suspension of parking bays to cut down the number of cars with their engines running outside the school gates. It has also agreed that fines for parking infringements can be be issued immediately in high risk areas close to schools rather than first allowing two minutes’ observation time. More space is being created near schools to encourage parents to walk or cycle rather than use their cars on the school run. Other changes include additional signs to remind people of the two metre rule and bollards outside school gates where space is limited. Among the schools involved are Christ Church Infants, Christ Church Juniors, Bromley Heath Infants, Bromley Heath Juniors, Stanbridge Primary, Mangotsfield Primary and Blackhorse Primary.
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July, 2020
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Tough choices for care worker Claire A CARE worker divided her home and isolated from her husband and son to continue looking after elderly residents. Claire Stapleford, a shift leader at Cleeve Lodge residential care home in Downend, has given an insight into the tough choices and sacrifices of workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. Claire, who lives in Mangotsfield, said that, despite new safety measures and the discomfort of wearing personal protective equipment, life felt relatively normal until news started to spread of the toll Covid-19 was taking in care homes throughout the country. She said: “As the virus spread and the devastation in care homes was such a focus in the news, I started to get really anxious and scared. Hearing stories from other care homes was heartbreaking.” Claire put a lot of thought
into how to protect both the people she cared for and her husband and 15-year-old son. Claire said: “I had the option of moving into the home, as some other staff had, but there were no spare bedrooms. “I spoke with my husband and we decided that it was safest to try to isolate at home as much as possible, to keep him and our son safe. He would stay in the lounge and sleep on the sofa and I would stay in the bedroom. Fortunately I had my own bathroom.” Claire said she was shocked and scared when several residents tested positive for Covid-19. She said: “I was terrified of contracting it, even more terrified of passing it on to my family and, of course, terrified of the consequences for our residents and my colleagues. “For a split second I had doubts. I had a wobble. I asked myself if I was doing the right
thing, knowingly putting myself and my family at risk and if it was worth it, but it was never really in question: there was no way that I was not going to continue to go to work, care for our residents and support my colleagues to do the same. “Life at home was tough. Communication with my family consisted of video calls from separate rooms and chats from each end of the stairs. “On my birthday I sat alone in my kitchen, eating an Indian takeaway to celebrate. “At a time when I needed extra cuddles, I couldn't have any. I didn't hug or kiss my son or husband for three weeks.” Claire said that staff at Cleeve Lodge managed to contain the virus and the residents who contracted it recovered well. She said: “We know we can't get complacent and we fear a second wave as restrictions are eased, but it has been nice to get a bit of normality back.
Claire Stapleford outside Cleeve Lodge residential care home “I feel really proud of the whole team effort, how everyone stepped up and supported each other and how well our residents coped under the circumstances.”
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July, 2020
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HE fact that I’m writing a blog again after a three month break is another welcome step towards normality. I trust that you and yours are all well. If you’ve suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one then I’m very sorry, and having lost our Dad Phil Turner just before the COVID outbreak took hold, I have sympathy with your loss.
Moving forward as we all have to, at Turners Opticians we’re well into our new ways of working. Our patient focused eye care has continued throughout the crisis. We’ve been taken on a journey we’re blessed to have survived and hope never to have to repeat again! The recent shutdown has given many of us time to reflect on what truly matters and what we can do to make a positive change for our families and friends going forward. We’re delighted to be able to welcome patients back to our practices by appointment. From an optical perspective we’re seeing more and more of you each week as we all work towards resuming normal service. For everyone’s safety and comfort we’re strictly following the guidelines for cleaning and sanitisation. We’re asking you to wear a face covering and telephone ahead to arrange a time to visit, so we can all practice physical distancing. As we look to the future, we’ve taken the opportunity to refresh and re-energise our frame collections. You now have a wider than ever choice of glasses - a total emporium to choose from! In case you’ve missed the launch, our new MAXX glasses have been incredibly popular. This is a new collection we put together ourselves and launched just a few long months ago. While our MAXX collection gives you affordable style for glasses or sunglasses, the everyday luxury of our Tom Davies glasses continues to be a hit. As an
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
experienced wearer of these frames myself, they’re my go to option for style and comfort. You can experience these too, just telephone to book a frame styling consultation and our friendly team will be pleased to assist you. When you come and see us you can expect the usual high standards of personal service and professional expertise you’re used to, from you local independent opticians. You & your loved ones are most welcome to telephone and arrange a time to come and see us for your eye care and new glasses. To book an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.
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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.
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July, 2020
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n NEWS
200 join Staple Hill rally against racism AROUND 200 people gathered in Page Park for a community demonstration against racism. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests which have spread across the world after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in the US, the event on June 20 accompanied the founding of a new group, Staple Hill Community Action Against Racism. People of all ages and different races came together for the event, on the cricket pitch outside the Bean Tree Cafe, which allowed those attending to spread out and observe social distancing. It was organised by Downend residents Susan Newman and Melody Beard, who were inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement but wanted to organise a community event to take local action against racism. After a short introduction by Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillor Ian Boulton, those attending ‘took the knee’ or sat in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds, representing the length of time a police officer in Minneapolis had his knee on George Floyd’s neck before he died. As people reflected, Daniel Harrhy, of Hanham, read out Mr Floyd’s dying words. Desmond Brown, the independent chair of the Lammy Review Group for Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board, which works to end racial disparities in the area’s criminal justice system, gave examples of deaths of black people in police
The crowd in Page Park taking the knee at the demonstration custody in the UK. Desmond, who is also a former chair of Bristol’s Commission for Race Equality, said black and minority ethnic people in the area were far more likely to be stopped and searched by police and excluded from school as children. Daniel then spoke on the need for people to step up and make change happen themselves, quoting film star The Rock, who said: “We must be the leaders we’re looking for.” Carmen Anderson of the South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network told the gathering that racism often went undetected in the area because it was a less multicultural environment than central Bristol. After the event, Susan said: “I’m feeling extremely emotional – it really did touch the heart
of the community and it was brilliant that everyone was social distancing. “Racism is real and present in Staple Hill and we all have our part to play in fighting it. If not
now, then when? “I’ve experienced racist comments in the area myself and we want to give people more confidence to be anti-racist, to show people they are not alone. “This is the start of something.” Ruth Belfield was among those who attended, along with her daughter Lexi, a Mangotsfield School pupil, and her parents, from Staple Hill. Ruth said: “The whole Black Lives Matter movement is important – it’s about understanding more about racism and what we can do to achieve change. “It’s important to be able to come to a family event, to bring my daughter so she can understand more about it.” For more information or to contact the group visit Staple Hill Community Action Against Racism on Facebook or email Staplehillcaar@gmail.com
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July, 2020
n NEWS
Resurfacing High St
CONTRACTORS have been working through the night resurfacing Downend’s high street area.Work to remove the old surface started on June 9 and the ÂŁ97,000 project was due to be finished as the Voice went to print. The scheme to improve the area outside the shops on North Street, Badminton Road and Downend Road is part of a ÂŁ7.24 million transport maintenance programme announced by the council in March, which also includes a ÂŁ200,000 project to install ‘acoustic fencing’ at Fenbrook Close in Frenchay, next to the Ring Road by the Hambrook lights, and the resurfacing of several roads in Mangotsfield. Roadworks on Westerleigh Road which were due to run for three weeks have overrun. The road closed between the Cleeve Road/Peache Road double miniroundabout and the Buckingham Place junction at the start of June for repairs to utilities.Temporary traffic lights have been installed at the double mini-roundabout.
More room for bikes? SOUTH Gloucestershire Council was set to make an announcement over future plans to change road layouts to allow more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The council floated a number of plans to allow more space for social distancing by changing road priorities. They included coning off a lane on the Avon Ring Road near Hambrook and making Cleeve Road and Cleeve Wood Road between Downend and Frenchay one-way for motorists, so that more people could travel on foot and by bike as lockdown eased. The plans sparked fierce debate when details were revealed by councillors asking for comments on local Facebook groups. But their future was unclear as the Voice went to press, after South Gloucestershire Council swiftly removed the only trial measure it had implemented – a ‘pop-up cycle lane’ on the A4174 Station Road in Filton – after five days in June, following complaints that it had caused gridlock. Transport cabinet councillor Steve Reade had described the lockdown as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look at how we use our roads and pathways�. But one resident dubbed the Filton scheme one of the council’s “stupidest ideas to date�, and opposition councillors said its implementation had been “incompetent�, “rushed� and “clumsy�.
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July, 2020
11
n NEWS
GP surgeries told to improve ‘inadequate’ services A MEDICAL practice providing healthcare to more than 22,000 people has been ordered to make improvements to safety and care standards. A report by the Care Quality Commission said that Green Valleys Health, which runs Downend’s Leap Valley Surgery, Emersons Green Medical Centre and Abbotswood Surgery in Yate, was inadequate in one of five key areas and needed to improve in all the others. It also rated six specific services – for People with long term conditions, Families, children and young people, Older people, Working age people, People with poor mental health and vulnerable people – inadequate. Leap Valley Surgery in Beaufort Road has 7,000 patients on its books, while Emersons Green Medical Centre has 12,000 and Abbotswood 3,000. Last year the Voice reported that the practice had been
the subject of complaints over problems in booking appointments, particularly by phone, and had acknowledged that it was "not acceptable" that people sometimes could not get through. The report by CQC Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Dr Rosie Benneyworth highlighted the problem, saying: “Patient satisfaction was below average for access to services particularly via the telephone.” It said the practice had tried to make improvements but “there was limited evidence to demonstrate whether proposed changes had improved patient satisfaction”. The report, published after inspectors visited the surgeries over two days in January, added: “The inadequate areas found during inspection impacted on all population groups within the responsive domain, we have therefore rated all population groups as inadequate overall.”
Among the other criticisms outlined in the report, the CQC said: “Staff did not always treat patients with kindness, respect and compassion. “Patients expressed concerns about the way some of the reception staff dealt with them whilst trying to access services or book appointments. “Performance indicators from the national GP survey relating to care and treatment as well as the overall patient experience of the GP practice was below local and national averages.” Concluding overall that the practice required improvement, inspectors acknowledged it had “restructured the leadership and management team so that leaders had time to focus on service development and patient needs”. The CQC ordered that Green Valleys Health must make improvements to “ensure that care and treatment is provided in a safe way” and “establish effective systems and processes
to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care”. It also recommended the practice continue to monitor and improve the uptake of cervical screening for disease prevention. The Voice approached Green Valleys Health and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in overall charge of providing GP services in the area, for a comment on the report. Responding on behalf of both, a CCG spokesperson said: “We were concerned to read Green Valley Health’s CQC report, which demonstrates there needs to be considerable improvements made at the practice. “We are aware of the issues, including notable challenges surrounding its telephone systems, and are working with the practice to address all the concerns raised and put into place a recovery plan.”
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Clockwise from left: Millie, Fred and Esme from Blackhorse, Maya from Bromley Heath Juniors, and Holly from The Tynings
Team finds winning ways to keep our children active JOE Wicks might have grabbed the headlines, but the TV exercise guru is not the only fitness inspiration for children in Downend during the lockdown. Hundreds of youngsters have been given exciting ideas to keep them active throughout the last three months by the hardworking and innovative team at CSET Primary Sports Partnership. Children have taken part in a huge range of events, including cross country, athletics, gymnastics, dance and tennis mostly in their homes and back gardens. Wendy O’Donnell and her team - Dean Garrett, Alex Carter and Julie Arbury - have set a range of daily and weekly challenges, which can be carried out in school or at home. They have come up with many creative ideas to ensure that primary pupils can participate even if they have little access to outdoor space. Orienteering, for example, involves finding a list of household objects and timing yourself retrieving them. Many of the daily challenges are designed to encourage children to practise and reach their personal best. Catching and throwing sessions have included
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trying to get a teabag into a cup and using a pair of rolled-up socks as a ball. “We really want all children to have a go,” said Wendy. “Anyone who times themself on a challenge and sends in a score to us, receives a participation certificate. We also encourage children and parents to send us photos and videos we can share on Twitter@CSETSports1 “We have been sending out the challenges every week, even during school holidays, and teachers say it is something they value and the children love taking part in. As well as individual challenges, we have run home and school interschool competitions. "We’ve had some lovely positive feedback from parents too.” Some of the challenges are open to staff and parents too, with the cross-country becoming particularly competitive. The team have even recreated some of the big summer events such as the MaD Olympiad and the CSET Games virtually for schools and children at home. Among the schools involved are Barley Close, Bromley Heath, Blackhorse, Christchurch, Stanbridge, Staple Hill, St Stephens and The Tynings.
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July, 2020
13
n NEWS
Not quite the final term she was expecting ...
HEADTEACHER Tina Long is sad that Covid-19 is robbing her of the chance to say goodbye in person to all the children, staff and parents at Bromley Heath Infant School. But she is confident that when she retires this summer she will be leaving the school in a strong position in which to face the future. Mrs Long, who came to Bromley Heath in 2007 as deputy head and became head four years later, will in turn be handing over to her deputy, Kirsti Harris, who will be acting head for the next year. “This school is such a special place,” she said. “We have always had a secure, strong team of staff, who work tirelessly for the children. I am very proud of the way we help children be the best that they can be. “Being with such bright, articulate children makes every day special, seeing them grow and move on to the junior
school next door. Parents are so supportive too, it’s lovely.” Mrs Long has seen many families through the school, which achieves excellent results and was again rated Good by Ofsted last year. She is especially pleased to have developed the playground during her time to provide more learning experiences, including forest
school. She also values the school council, which gives children opportunities for leadership at a young age. “Infant schools are very nurturing places. We are able to give children exactly what they need, so they leave us with great confidence.” Mrs Long's final few months at Bromley Heath infants have
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been challenging, as for all schools, where they were for some weeks only able to open for essential worker families and vulnerable children. The school was able to take back reception class children in June but did not have space or staffing for Year 1 or 2 pupils, who had to continue learning at home Mrs Long came into teaching when her own two daughters were young, having previously worked in retail management. She worked at May Park Primary before moving to Deerswood and Falconride schools in Kingswood, then Bromley Heath infants. She is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, daughters and two grandchildren and is hoping to start her retirement with a family holiday in Spain, coronavirus permitting! Schools Covid-19 round-up: Pages 14 and 15
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SCHOOLS have been at the forefront of the response to Covid-19 and have risen to the challenge. In March, they had to shut to all but the families of essential workers and the most vulnerable children and launch remote learning for the rest. They kept going through the Easter holidays and half term then in June the first primary pupils were able to go back, followed by some Year 10 and Year 12 secondary students. However, not all schools were able to provide even for all the children the Government said could return because of space and staffing constraints. Now Ministers have said everyone should go back in September but school leaders are still waiting for detailed guidance on how that can be done safely. We spoke to some Downend head Anna Martin and Sooz Dickinson
July, 2020
Schools go the extra mile teachers about how they have coped. All paid tribute to their staff, children and parents for pulling together in the crisis. Anna Martin, Christ Church Infants Our staff visited our most vulnerable families up to three times per week to provide face to face contact, support, food parcels and packs of home learning. They did all of this while trying to teach their own children at home. On June 1 we changed everything and created five pods to house our reception children - we are up to 85 children at a time On July 12 we will close to reception and invite our Y1 children in for a week. Our Y2 children will also be coming in for socially distanced visits to our school and CCJ. All of the children who have returned have shown how resilient they are. This has been the biggest challenge of my career so far but I have got through it with the incredible support of my staff team, governors and the most fantastic set of parents and carers. feel extremely thankful to lead a school that sits in the heart of such an incredible community and feel that the families of Downend have done themselves proud.
Pippa Osborne, Christ Church Juniors We have about 100 of our 300 children back so far. The heart of the school is gradually Outdoor learning at CCJ
coming back. To hear children laughing, playing and learning and to see teachers get back to some sort of normality is wonderful. Parents, children and staff have taken
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July, 2020
to help pupils and families really well to the changes we've made to keep everyone safe. Families are very supportive. We are trying to be as creative as we can - lots of outdoor learning and forest schools. Our Year 6s are in full time and we have planned goodbye events for them as well as virtual tours for the Year 2s who will join us. We've been working with the church and other agencies to provide food packages. Jo Williams, Barley Close Primary We have kept in touch with our families by phone, socially distanced home visits, emails and the use of Dojos. We started a school YouTube channel so children could watch assemblies and videos of staff teaching French, PE challenges, art and jokes. We have access to lots of internet based online learning platforms. We have tried to get a balance s so not everything is onlineexercise, cookery, life skills and getting to know nature, We have reminded families to do what fits in with them as managing home schooling, keeping everyone happy and positive and managing working from home has been challenging at times for us all. Everyone at team Barley Close has been brilliant and the challenge hasn't stopped us smiling.
Hetty Blackmore, Mangotsfield School In May one of our teachers tested positive for coronavirus so we followed all official guidance in managing our response. Now we have Year 10 back and it has been so lovely to see them. We have bubbles of students in staggered sessions throughout the day. Mostly they are in for three-hour sessions focused on subjects with large coursework content. Each group has its own social area, set of toilets and each room is set out according to social distancing guidelines. We’ve had about 85% attendance on average and the students have behaved impeccably! Created by a Mangotsfield Year 8 student
15 We have missed them- a school is not a school without its students. Lisa Howell, Downend School Our students have been amazing. They are a credit to themselves, their families and to us as a school. Their behaviour has been examplary. They have coped with the social distancing and a new way of teaching and learning in an impressively mature fashion. We are having a quarter of Year 10 in each day Monday to Thursday for lessons in English, maths and science and we have a very high uptake - 85 per cent. In the afternoons, Year 12s are coming in for small group and one to one sessions with teachers and this is also well supported. Remote learning is the cornerstone for most of our students most of the time and our staff are working really hard. We also have a focus on wellbeing, with regular tutor phone calls to families and sometimes face to face visits. We are really looking forward to getting as many children as we can back into classrooms as soon as possible. It has been heartening to see the smiles of both teachers and children when they return to school. Quality of relationships is something we have worked hard on over the past three years. We are also making sure we provide for the Year 6 children who will be joining us in September.
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downendvoice
July, 2020
Support and kindness in a crisis The Resound foodbank in Mangotsfield saw demand for its service treble in lockdown, while many of its volunteers had to shield themselves. Coordinators Claire Collins and Steve Riches describe how a small army of supporters and donors rose to the challenge. WE would not be alone in saying the suddenness and seriousness of the recent pandemic and subsequent lockdown have presented many challenges. At the foodbank in Mangotsfield we were just finding our feet after a particularly busy Christmas period and many people were looking forward to a quieter period. Then in March, of course, everything changed. Various phases greeted us. First, it was realising that around 40 – 50% of our regular volunteers, who are in the over 70 age group, were now unable to assist. Thankfully, we got lots of offers of help, some people we already knew and others we didn’t. We are now building our volunteer team (aptly named Horizon) for the next phase which runs until the end of 2020. Then it was the rising panic of customers requesting foodbank vouchers, so we found our foodbank demand more than doubled during the first week of lockdown. There was of course the issue of general food shortages, which impacted us. We rely almost exclusively on the donations of the general public, many older, so when the national message is ‘stay home and get your food delivered’ (impossible I know!) our food donations were likely to be hugely reduced. Amazingly, whilst we did see a dip, it very soon it started to rise again. We next needed to respond to becoming a delivery-only service, dropping food to customers, so we recruited some brilliant car drivers who have been cheerfully and reliably making the weekly deliveries. And, just so you know, recipients are very grateful. We talk to most customers before their delivery each week to let them know when we are bringing food and to see how they are doing. They are so grateful. A week does not go by without one or two calling us back later in the day to say thank you. They are
usually in tears at the generous, well chosen food they have received. It is such a privilege to help. Things are a little quieter now. We are feeding probably only slightly more now than we would usually be doing for this time of year. However, we can’t be complacent, as we know the impact of the past few months will inevitably be far reaching. Job security and mental health will be affected for a long while to come: both factors which often lead to the need of the services of a foodbank. We would like to thank and celebrate some of those who have made running our foodbank for the past three months easier and often a joy. In no particular order, but appreciated with all our hearts: Every person who risked coming to us with food donations and thought of others’ greater needs when they were doing their lockdown shop. The community groups who club together and bring bags and bags of shopping – after carefully perusing our shopping list. The couple who brought in a delicious and beautifullywrapped homemade malt loaf for the team. It was lush, and we felt so valued. The local shop owners who brought us their stock when they had to close their doors: Jasons Trading Post, TK Maxx and Homesense (for the most random but exciting mix of food stuff we would have only ever bought in our maddest retail moments – but we know some people must have felt it was such a treat to get outsized marshmallows and crazy biscuits), various pubs (we have enjoyed the Nobby’s Nuts), the guy from Cardiff who dropped us boxes of fresh fruit and veg and for the people who brought packs of frozen sausages and burgers before we went over to home delivery. Our thoughts are with
• Between March 20 and May 29, foodbank usage increased by 230%. • Resound fed 526 people (275 adults and 251 children) - the equivalent of at least 4,734 meals – over the same time. • In the same period a year earlier Resound fed 204 people. • Resound received 5,460kg of donations, up from 1,658kg in the same period in 2019. you, and for better times for you and your businesses. Warburtons, who have always been amazing and even more so recently, with your generosity and lovely bread. Sainsburys, who put out extra drop bins for donations and managed it so well. All the local churches who keep on giving to us – Yes, the doors might be shut but the church is definitely open! A special thanks for the person who unfailingly drops off two cans of beer every single week. One very special volunteer always goes above and beyond the call of duty and has been blessed by this kindness!! (Even if there is no football to watch while he is drinking them – you can’t have everything in a pandemic.) At least two people who made the most beautiful and amazing cotton face masks and dropped them in the Sainsburys foodbank bin. All our team now have face coverings. Avon and Somerset Police Federation who brought us 164
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Green and Blacks Easter eggs, donated via Cadburys and Gems at Work. The many people who sent us cheques and cash towards the foodbank. We promise every penny will be used to benefit people in the local area. All our volunteers – most of them have come in every Friday for months to help out. We are missing our quarantined volunteers and send them all our love. We hope to see them all very soon. The amazing provision of our Father God. Foodbank is linked with Resound church and many of the volunteers have a deep Christian faith. We have seen so many times how God has provided for us from perfect timing of wonderful new volunteers, to everything we could possibly need on a weekly basis. Thanks to everyone for your support, love and human kindness. Sending you all our heartfelt best wishes for the coming months.
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July, 2020
downendvoice
17
n NEWS
Army of volunteers making PPE for NHS SOME amazing work has been going on in South Gloucestershire homes – and a village hall – to produce vital personal protective equipment. In homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, people have been making face shields, scrubs and other vital gear themselves and giving it to those who need it. Volunteer group Hack the Pandemic was born out of a Facebook group for 3D printer users to help make up the shortfall in PPE for medical and care workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Another group, Scrub Hub Bristol was set up to make scrubs for NHS and care workers, keeping them supplied during April and May. Hack the Pandemic founders Ed Clyne and Paul Haines set up a network of fellow printer users to mass-produce around 3,000 pieces of plastic equipment per week, primarily face shields and clips to enable N95 surgical masks to be worn more comfortably and efficiently, as well as a plastic device to enable people to open doors without touching the handles. Most members did not know each other beforehand, and came together out of a desire to do something to help. The group has had requests from teams at hospitals in Bristol and Bath, including the BRI, Bristol Children’s Hospital and Southmead, ambulance workers in Yate, care homes and even a London hospital, which had a member of staff living in Bristol who collected the order. All the PPE is provided free of charge and the materials are paid for with funds raised on the group’s JustGiving page, which has received more than £17,000 so far. Around 60 volunteers print the parts at home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the gear is then collected and taken to an “emergency factory” operating in Emersons Green Village Hall twice a week. There, the PPE is assembled in accordance with regulations by a small team, including three members of the same household, who are able to work at close quarters without breaching social distancing regulations. It is
A volunteer at work in the Hack the Pandemic pop-up factory
Face shield parts mass-produced by Hack the Pandemic volunteers
A hospital worker wearing a Hack the Pandemic face shield
quality checked and stress tested, sterilised using ultraviolet light, washed and dipped in a 90% alcohol sanitiser before being packed for collection or delivery by volunteers. The hall is also used for repairs to 3D printers and for the distribution of the finished PPE gear. Group member Josh Forwood, from Bedminster Down, usually uses his 3D printer to make spare parts for equipment he uses in his regular job as a freelance documentary cameraman. He said: “We are not charging anything for the PPE we are supplying, and every member of the group is a volunteer. Our sole goal is to ensure that NHS staff and front-line workers have the tools they need to fight the Covid-19 virus. “We’ve been blown away by the positive feedback from front line staff who have been receiving our PPE, and we’re keen to help as many people as possible. “We are also touched by the outpouring of positivity from the general public.” The group had to stop making and giving away the equipment during May after the government announced new requirements which insist all PPE producers have a CE certification that the products comply with European Economic Area health, safety, and environmental protection standards. They were told to pay a £5,000 fee to national standards body the BSI, wait around three weeks for certification and not to distribute 2,000 pieces of equipment waiting to be delivered. However, after a fortnight the government relented and said it
would work with them to create a new agreed face shield band design and waive the £5,000 certification fee. It was also allowed to distribute the shields it had already made to nonhealthcare professionals. For more information on Hack the Pandemic visit www. HackThePandemic.co.uk and to donate, visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ppe-bath-bristol online.
Scrub Hub Bristol was part of a national drive to provide scrubs for the medical workers treating Covid-19 patients every day. Set up by Amanda George, who runs city gift shop We Make Bristol, volunteers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire created scrubs for two months until the group was wound up at the end of May as it was no longer needed, with surplus funds donated to NHS charities.
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downendvoice
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July, 2020
n NEWS
Speeding drivers 'make my life a misery'
A RESIDENT living close to the Avon Ring Road is considering moving because of the “unbearable” noise from speeding traffic. Tim Hockey has lived in Fontwell Drive, yards from the stretch of the A4174 between the Bromley Heath and Wick Wick roundabouts, since 1993. The volume of traffic and accompanying noise has increased steadily over the years – but Tim says the increasing number of cars and motorbikes speeding at well over the 50mph limit is making things much worse. He said: “It is quite common for motorcyclists to travel on this section at well over 100mph, which also means they make a lot more noise. “At times that noise can become unbearable, especially when sitting in the garden, to the point that my wife and I are looking at the option of moving house.
Tim Hockey at a stretch of the A4174 he says is increasingly plagued by speeding drivers “Near the end of the ring road towards the Downend roundabout is a space allocated for a speed van, but it is very rare to see one there, and I am sure motorists and motorcyclists are aware of that.” Tim says the noise of speeding is worse when roads are relatively empty and the suspension of routine police speed camera patrols at the start
of the coronavirus lockdown had brought the problem to a head. He said the road was used as a “race track” late at night, by motorcyclists in particular, adding: “The 50mph speed limit is a joke, as nobody seems to adhere to it.” Tim believes permanent speed cameras on both sides of the ring road, along with a new surface to reduce traffic noise,
were two possible solutions to the problem and he has written to MP Chris Skidmore, who passed his concerns on to South Gloucestershire Council. A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of issues with speeding at this location and are working with the safety camera partnership group to monitor speeds with mobile cameras and target offenders.” During the lockdown Avon and Somerset police took part in a national campaign to target drivers who were exploiting the quieter roads to speed. A police spokesperson said that while the national campaign had mainly targeted sites where community speed watch schemes had been suspended, a return to normal operations meant that mobile cameras would be out on the ring road again. Do you think there should be speed cameras on the ring road? Email news@downendvoice. co.uk with your views.
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YOUR
Community NEWS
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council hopes that all our parishioners are keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times. It is pleasing to note that so many of you are utilising our playing fields since we have been blessed with such wonderful weather over recent weeks. However, this has brought about one specific problem … LITTER.
Brought to you by
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
this has meant a huge increase in the volume of litter being placed in the bins. Whilst we have been able to organise additional bin emptying, we would encourage you all to take your litter home wherever possible. Thank you for your co-operation.
KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELDS Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is pleased to report that the last of the tree trunks will shortly be carved at King George V Playing Fields. We hope you all enjoy using them!
NEW WEBSITE Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council now has a new website! Please take a look around the site – www.dbhparishcouncil.uk The decision was taken to create a new website to ensure accessibility and GDPR compliance. Public sector websites and mobile apps must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. D&BH PC recognises the importance of making sure that visitors to our website have a positive experience which is inclusive to all.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS Until further notice, Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council will be holding their meetings remotely via Zoom. Further information is detailed on our website.
CONTACT With lots of people now meeting up with friends and relations at the Parish Council maintained playing fields of King George V / Badminton Road and Bromley Heath,
Many people are working from home at this present time. This includes our Parish Clerk, Angela. If you need to get in touch, please do not hesitate to send an email to clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS 2019 Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681 CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260 CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486 CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07988 775 028 CLLR SHARON HERNIMAN Tel. 07534 603 704
CLLR JON HUNT Tel: 07525 150 103 CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632 CLLR ANITA WOODBURN Tel. 07786 360 447
Staple Hill Ward CLLR PHILLIP ABBOTT Tel. 0117 957 0075 CLLR MATT PITTS Tel. 07837 870 039 Clerk to the Council Mrs Angela Hocking Tel. 0117 9567001 E-mail. clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk
www.dbhparishc ou nc il.u k
downendvoice
20
July, 2020
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Staple Hill TShirts 4 You
As well as T-shirt & vinyl printing we have a huge stock of workwear with a large selection of industrial shoes and boots available with high vis jackets, gloves, trousers and tops — why waste time looking anywhere else for your quality named workwear? The T-shirt printing and embroidery service with a full range of leisure wear including
tees, polos, hoodies and sweatshirts. Attached to this section is also the signmaking set up where all shopfronts and general signage is catered for with van livery a speciality. Ask Paul about the latest trend of bespoke wall art for your home decor, with a top quality canvas printer now available.
Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 15 years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote,
workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. A sharpening service for tools is also available.
BM Motoring Centre
We aim to always offer a fast, efficient and reliable service at a great price with no hidden extras Bristol’s approved dealer for Falken Tyres
Open Monday to Friday 0800-1700
• Tyres • Exhausts • Brakes • Batteries • MOT’s • Servicing • Alloy Wheels • Suspension • Cambelts • Clutches • Diagnostic and Electrical Work Call us today for a good honest quote
0117 956 7411
At BM Motoring we pride ourselves on our 5 star service, the team are always approachable and will go out of our way to help explain any work that has been carried out on your car. A family run business B M Motoring invest heavily in training and the latest equipment to ensure we are always able to offer the very best advise and assistance. A part of the Approved Garages and Autocare nationwide car schemes. These are independent bodies recognising good independent garages with high standards of
Lloydbottoms
We are a well-established, friendly firm of Chartered Accountants, on Staple Hill High Street. We provide a full range of accounting and tax services to local businesses and individuals. Our goal is to provide an outstanding tailored and personal service to our clients: helping our business clients to achieve greater profitability, and our individual
STAPLE HILL STORES TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS
We offer a full sharpening service for all your garden tools
Lawnmower blades • Shears • Loppers • Secateurs
Spares for lawnmowers and strimmers stocked
MINI INCINERATOR BIN Ideal for burning personal documents, bank statements etc
MANY THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN PATIENT AND SUPPORTED US OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS - YOUR “ARKWRIGHTS” TRADITIONAL HARDWARE STORE IS NOW BACK OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
88-90 High Street, Staple Hill
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
0117 956 8318
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
downendvoice
July, 2020 clients to enjoy greater wealth. Whether you are an individual looking for help with your tax return, a business needing assistance with VAT or payroll, or a new start-up seeking experienced advice, Lloydbottoms are here to help you. To discuss how we can help you, please contact us for a free initial consultation. We look forward to working with you.
and live insects is a good asset as there aren’t many shops that sell that any more.
The Make Up Box
Farleys Farley’s Pet Foods & Supplies has been on Broad Street in Staple Hill for nine years. It is a family run shop selling pet foods and garden supplies and have grown the garden supplies part of the business. The garden supplies section includes weed killer, fertilizers, treatments, hoses, hose fittings, spades, forks, hoes and we have just started supplying trellis and picket fencing made locally. Within the pet foods section we have Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Burn’s, Chudley’s and Altarky and Forthglade wet dog and cat, Nature’s Diet wet foods as well as a wide range of dog treats natural or pre-packed, frozen dog and cat foods, reptile frozen foods, live insects and bedding. Our hay, straw and woodshavings are sourced locally.We offer a wide range of wild bird food, rabbit food, small animal foods, chick foods, budgies, parrot and canary food. Our range of frozen reptile food
21
My name is Lynne and I have been a local Avon representative for the last 10 years, I am also a full time bookkeeper. I have a customer base of 225 customers which has built over the years, all of these great customers have helped me achieve number 1 top seller in the area for 2016. I made the decision to open an Avon shop, and it's been fun - hard work, but fun - and already I have met some great new people in Staple Hill and surrounding areas. My loyal customer base have popped by as well to support me for which I am very grateful. I hold a large stock of Avon products, and customers are enjoying the fact that there are testers of foundation, lipsticks and perfumes to sample before buying. So come on don't just walk on by, call in and take a look. I aim to make it as easy as possible for people to get their cosmetics, it is simply a walk in Avon book - so pop in and pick up the latest brochure in store and call, text or email your order back to me and collect in store. You now have a permanent Avon Lady at 51 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 01454 860 025 Find us on Facebook
card and gift shop offering an extensive range of cards, gifts and handmade crafts. Frequently described as ‘an Aladdin’s Cave’, The Card Shop has an extensive choice of cards (large, small, ’wordy’, ages – young and old, and humorous) for every occasion. It also stocks a wide variety of gifts, from fun and quirky (mugs, storage tins, money pots, wine glasses), scented candles, scarves, jewellery and accessories, to more traditional items for those special occasions such as weddings, births and anniversaries. We pride ourselves on being able to offer such variety, be it cards or gifts, combined with excellent customer service - we are always happy to help so please do not hesitate to ask. The shop is open 9am-5pm Monday - Saturday.
Spectrum Accountancy Solutions Spectrum Accountancy Solutions is an established practice based in Staple Hill. We provide professional advice to all businesses and individuals. The practice is supported by a team of friendly, skilled and experienced staff who will ensure you meet all compliance requirements.We offer a full range of accountancy services from personal taxation, VAT and year end compliance to business advice and Cloud accountancy. If you are affected by the new Making Tax Digital requirement you might want to get in touch with us to discuss your approach further. For an initial, free consultation, call us on 0117 902218.
Sheen Studios This father and son business has
The Card Shop The Card Shop is an independent
EMBROIDERED WORKWEAR PLEASE CHECK OPENING HOURS
BIRTHDAY BANNERS
TSHIRTS4YOU, 108 High Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 956 8606
FACE SHIELDS MASKS & GLOVES
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
info@tshirts4you.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
downendvoice
22
July, 2020
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.
been running now for 45 years with Michael Sheen the 4th generation of picture framers. Terry, Michael’s father, was one of the founder members of the Chamber of Trade and is still striving to improve the local area. Expert picture framing has been the mainstay of the business for the local area and beyond, where they are able to offer framing advice and ideas as well as picture restoration and renovation. A wide range of jewellery,
Senator Mobile
Senator Mobile provide something a bit different for the area. They are able to offer for sale a
MOBILE PHONE REPAIR • All makes • All models • Covers • Chargers • Accessories
SENATOR MOBILE
99 High St, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HF 0117 329 2332
from £3.50 with Salad, Coleslaw & Crisps
Daily Specials available everyday
Omelettes
Stockists of Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved —oOo—
Seasonal Plants & Seeds
from £5.50 inc Tea or Coffee
Reptile Foods & Frozen
—oOo—
40 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 9566787
Jacket Potato
from £5.10 with Salad, Coleslaw & Chips
from £4.50 with Salad & Coleslaw
Kids Meal
from £4.70 with Salad, Coleslaw & Crisps
from £3.75
Pet Foods & Garden Supplies
Full English
Breakfast
Freshly made
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.
FARLEYS
HUGE SELECTION OF REFURBSIHED IPHONES • SAMSUNG • SONY PHONES AT GREAT PRICES
Sandwiches
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
Paninis
Telephone orders welcome 07826 765 015
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.
Contact us now! — Free initial consultation
Freephone 0800 781 8783
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
N E P O
S S E N I S U B FOR
Please support our local businesses NOW REALLY IS THE TIME TO SHOP LOCAL THE
acorn cafe
RESTAURANT
OPEN EVERYDAY AM 10 -4PM FOR TAKEAWAY LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
The Acorn Café at Westerleigh Hill Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QZ Telephone 0117 9109464
WEBBER & SPENCER CURTAINS BLINDS SHUTTERS 21 Cleeve Wood Road, Downend BS16 2SF Tel: 0117 956 4626 CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
www.webberandspencer.co.uk www.webberandspencer.co.uk
Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance
House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Plus All All Your Your Other Other Waste Waste Removal Removal Needs Needs too! too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On OnAverage cheaper cheaper than than aa skip. skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 £89 Half Half Half Load Load Load £139 £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 3/4 Load Load £179 £179£179 Full Load Full Full Load Load £199 £199£199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
We are operating on an appointment only basis so please call or email before making a visit. Call us today for a good honest quote
0117 956 7411
STAPLE HILL STORES TRADITIONAL IRONMONGERS
MANY THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN PATIENT AND SUPPORTED US OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS - YOUR “ARKWRIGHTS” TRADITIONAL HARDWARE STORE IS NOW BACK OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
88-90 High Street, Staple Hill 0117 956 8318
OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY
Telephone orders welcome 07826 765 015
FLOORING FURNITURE HOME ACCESSORIES We are very excited to be able to reopen and welcome you back into our stores. We have social distancing measures in place so that you can freely browse and stay safe with our friendly team on hand to help. We are operating reduced opening hours of Mon-Fri 9:30-17:00 Sat 9:00-17:00
kustom flooring & furniture specialists 6 Downend Road, Downend BS16 5UJ Tel: 0117 956 9000 Other stores in Bedminster & Clevedon
www.kustomfloorsandfurniture.co.uk
downendvoice
24
July, 2020
n NEWS
Coronavirus sees more than 30,000 furloughed MORE than 30,000 workers in South Gloucestershire were furloughed and many of the area’s most vital industries left with an uncertain future by the coronavirus pandemic. And the hit to the economy could also affect public spending in the area over the coming years, with building projects such as the new Frenchay Primary School among those that could be delayed. Trade and commerce body Business West said figures from HM Revenue and Customs show a total of 32,800 employees in South Gloucestershire were furloughed under the government scheme to protect businesses unable to operate normally during the lockdown. Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “Residents in South Gloucestershire have been particularly hard hit by coronavirus as a result of its strong private sector employment base. “What is usually a marker of rude economic health has left thousands of workers exposed in these unprecedented
times. “The aerospace sector supports thousands of jobs in South Gloucestershire – it is therefore vital to the area’s economic recovery to get it back on its feet, which is why we are lobbying government to rethink quarantine rules for travellers arriving into the UK. “Whilst the re-opening of non-essential retail and some leisure facilities is of course welcome news here – the outlook for another key pillar of the South Gloucestershire economy, education, looks uncertain without a clear roadmap from government in terms of exiting the lockdown.” South Gloucestershire Council received £39m from the Government to spend on small business grants, and by early May had paid out more than three quarters of the money to almost 2,500 businesses. A further discretionary fund for small businesses saw £2.6m made available for grants of up to £5,000 in June. But the council itself is facing a shortfall in funding, and expects to have lost £33m by the
end of this year as a result of extra costs and lost income because of the pandemic. While the council expects to balance its books this year, it is warning it will have to spend “significantly less” to cushion the financial blow from the Covid crisis which is expected to hit next year, when lost council tax and business rates income will bite. The ruling Conservative administration has signed off a series of changes to this year’s budget and is also intending to review its reserves and spending plans and put in place spending controls for the years ahead. Council leader Toby Savage said: “Clearly our big concern now is around that 2021/22 financial year.” The council is expecting to spend between £20m and £126.2m less in 2020/21, with the “biggest impact being from schemes within children’s, adults and health”, according to cabinet papers. Changes to the 2020/21 budget approved on June 8 include the injection of an extra £4m of government funding for care homes and people struggling to pay their council tax.
n LETTERS Help save live entertainment I’VE been working as a freelance lighting technician in live events for nearly 19 years and have worked on global theatre productions of Les Misérables, Mama Mia and The Lion King, and have toured with artists such as Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Biffy Clyro. There is something unique about working on live events, something that keeps touring crew coming back, time and again. When you go and see your favourite band perform, you probably don’t think about the production crew who started work
at 5am to get the show out of trucks and in to the venue, often having only slept for a few hours on a bus having packed the show away in a different city the night before. Hair and make-up, caterers, lighting, audio, video, carpenters, instrument technicians, production coordinators and tour managers, all supported by an army of local crew attached to a specific venue. On a large arena or stadium tour, there could easily be 200+ people making a show happen at any one time. There are a lot of jobs currently on the line. All this adds up to a sector that contributes £42.3bn and 570,000 full time jobs to the UK’s economy, with over 25,000 businesses
BOOKKEEPING SERVICES With a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to providing bookkeeping, accountancy and various other tax services to businesses of all sizes.
operating. A lot of these workers, myself included, are self-employed and have fallen through the cracks in the furlough scheme. We are normal people, with mortgages to pay and families to support – and we are struggling. On March 23, our livelihoods were taken away from us and won’t come back for a long time – we are likely to be the last to re-open. We need the government to act immediately by extending support to those people who have fallen through the gaps in the furlough scheme and consider publishing advice about how live events could happen, so that we can start to prepare, helping to save the live entertainment industry
and its supply chain. Yes, this is about protecting the futures of workers like me, but it is also about protecting the future of live entertainment, an industry that is at risk of collapsing, and is such an important part of our cultural DNA. As members of the public and arts and music lovers, please book to see a show in your local theatre as soon as they go on sale again and go to gigs when it is safe to do so. Please write to your MP and put this perilous situation on their radar and urge them to act before the industry is gone forever. Without action now we will lose venues and the skilled people who work in and around them. Alex Peters, Downend
All work carried out will be following government guidelines regarding social distancing
Contact Abi at
OZER BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
07448111727
0117 313 4862 - WWW.THEWINDOWHUB.CO.UK THE WINDOW HUB - THE OLD BAKEHOUSE, 2A TEEWELL HILL, BRISTOL BS165PA
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
July, 2020
n NEWS
Luck’s in at Trident Close NINE residents of a street in Downend are celebrating after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode. The Trident Close neighbours landed the windfall when BS16 6TS was announced as a People’s Postcode Lottery daily prize winner yesterday. People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl People's Johnson Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which raises money for charities. Players sign up, enter their postcode and pay £10 per month to take part. They are automatically entered into a draw every day of the month, ranging from £10 to a share in a £3 million monthly draw. There are £1,000 daily jackpots, such as the one won by the Trident Close residents. A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond. The draw was promoted by Girlguiding, which has received over £5.2m in funding from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery. People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson said: “What great news to start your week! Congratulations to our winners. I hope they treat themselves with their winnings.” Local charities can next apply for funding in August. You can find more information at postcodelottery.co.uk.
25
MOT & SERVICING COSTS TO MAKE YOU SMILE SERVICE FROM £99 MOT FROM £35
*
Stolen bikes recovered POLICE say they have recovered five out of eight bikes stolen in two burglaries in Frenchay. The break-ins happened in homes around Frenchay Hill between May 16-17, with six bikes stolen from one garage and two from another. Avon and Somerset police have recovered five of the stolen bikes and have arrested four men on suspicion of burglary. A police spokesperson said: “One householder spotted one of their bikes being offered for sale online and passed details on to us. “Detectives carried out further enquiries, leading to the seizure of five of the stolen bikes. Four have already been returned to their owners.” The bikes which are still missing include a small, matt black men’s GT Avalanche and a black ladies’ Specialized hybrid. Police say the arrested men have been released under investigation while enquiries continue. Anyone with information about the burglaries or missing bikes should call the police on 101, quoting crime reference number 5220 106 746. Officers are appealing for people to think twice about buying a bike being sold at a “suspiciously cheap price”, as anyone buying a bike later found to be stolen will lose the bike and any money handed over, and could face a police investigation. Bike owners are being advised to have bikes security-marked and registered online at www.bikeregister.com, which can also be searched to check if a bike has been stolen.
my ca
my car • my choice • my garage
ThIS MONTh’S SpEc
EMERSONS GREEN 301 Farendell Road, SpEcIAL OFFErS Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FF T: 0844 846 3562
Car & Car & Van ThIS MONTh’S
MOT ONLY
KINGSWOOD Station Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 4XX T: 0844 846 3563
MOT ONLY
Se
Service Centre 99 * Book online at: www.mygaragebristol.co.uk
£39.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585.*Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579 SErVIc
£
If you are being controlled or physically, sexually, economically or emotionally abused by a partner, ex-partner or family member this is domestic abuse. You are allowed to leave your home and Next Link can help you with support and accommodation. Police response and support services remain available.
Call 999 if in immediate danger. If you can’t speak and are calling from a mobile, listen to the operator and, when prompted, dial 55 to connect to the police, who will help.
For local specialist support call Next Link on 0800 4700 280 or access their Live Chat facility via their website at www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk
downendvoice
July, 2020
27
n NEWS
Cadets’ challenge raises £1,600 for Samaritans
Finlay Deane and Joe Quilliam, with a Nijmegen Marches flag, start their march at King George V playing fields in Downend WHEN the coronavirus crisis denied two cadets the chance to take part in a renowned international marching event, they looked for a new challenge. Finlay Deane and Joe Quilliam were due to take part in July’s Nijmegen Marches in Holland. But restrictions on travel and social distancing meant the event was cancelled. But the Year 11 Downend School pupils, who had also seen their GCSEs cancelled, decided to make something positive out of the situation. Finlay and Joe, who are both members of the Mangotsfield Army Cadet Force, decided to set up their own 75-mile march, working within the coronavirus restrictions, to raise money for the Samaritans. The teenagers planned three day-long marches, totalling 75 miles, and set up a fundraising page with the aim of collecting
£500 for the charity, which provides emotional support to people in emotional distress or at risk of suicide. They completed their challenge over four days in June and smashed their original target, raising more than £1,600. The first walk was from King George V playing fields to Weston-super-Mare, the second from Downend to Frampton Cotterell via Almondsbury and Thornbury, and the third from Bradford-on-Avon to Downend. Finlay said he and Joe had been disappointed to lose the chance to go on the Nijmegen marches but knew it was a “drop in the ocean” compared with the problems some other people were facing. The pair decided to support the Samaritans as the charity was working night and day, “supporting anyone and saving the lives of people who believe they have no where else to turn”.
ATES
SECURITY
Fin and Joe reach Weston
Celebrating at the end of the final march After completing their marches, Finlay said: “Thank you to every single donor, supporter, sharer. “Your support and encouragement has meant everything to us.” Finlay’s mum Louise said the challenge had given the boys “something positive and productive to focus on” after the
lockdown, which had also caused to the cancellation of a summer camp in Wales and a trip to Cyprus planned with the cadets. She said: “They wanted to do something positive from a pretty desperate situation. “They wanted to put all their training to a good purpose.”
£1545 Direct Cremation and £3264 Full Service Cremation Established independent Female Funeral Director
Vacant property security, office or shop premises security, construction sites and mobile patrols
Telephone 07512282567
8 Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6BQ
Home visits welcome
Please call: 0117 9564796 24-hr service 7 days a week
www.jamiesonfunerals.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
NOW OPEN & UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Fantastic range of plants - including outdoor Bonsai Award winning recycled pots
GARDEN CENTRE FARM SHOP PET SUPPLIES
Garden Furniture • BBQs and Accessories • Stoneware and Aggregates • Trellis & Fencing Panels • Garden Sundries
Come in and meet our friendly team providing you with great customer service O PEN: MO N-SAT 9 -5PM SUNDAY 10-4 PM
✂
20% OFF
MEGA COLLECTION POTS
WITH THIS VOUCHER - VALID UNTIL JULY 31
✂
Local Free Range Eggs • Great Selection of Fruit & Veg • Preserves and other goodies • Organic & Vegan Produce • Taunton Cider Large range of pet supplies - including frozen food
Oakley Green • Westerleigh Road • BS37 8QZ (Opp Tulip) Tel: 0117 956 5050
25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER : CODE FRUITBOX25 Fresh Fruit, Fresh minds . . . Home and workplace deliveries that bring your tastebuds to life!
Delivering the highest quality fresh produce directly to your door Here at The Fruitbox Company Bristol, our aim is simple, to make living a healthy and happy lifestyle easier than it’s ever been before. A family run local business, our passion is sourcing the most delicious and exciting produce available, and working with local growers and farmers to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the great taste of eating with the seasons!
VEGETABLES
DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS
SALAD
EXOTICS
FRUIT
HERBS
MILK & JUICES
EGGS / FLOUR / BREAD
FRUIT BOX SPECIALS
CUSTOMISED BOXES
Are you ready to start living YOUR happiest, healthiest life? Visit our website today and see why everyone is talking about The Fruitbox Company Bristol
ORDER BEFORE 8PM FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY PLUS WE DELIVER MONDAY TOSATURDAY Home Delivery visit: www.thefruitboxcompany.com
Workplace Delivery visit: www.thefruitboxcompanybristol.com
Internet not your thing? No problem speak to one of our team by calling 08432 89 89 49
downendvoice
July, 2020
29
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Dramaticchange at Oakley Green GardenCentre
A
GAINST all odds during lockdown, Oakley Green Garden Centre has reopened under new management. The site has been transformed into a wonderful outside area selling plants, landscaping material and specialist compost, with a great range of stoneware and fencing. Inside the main building incorporates everything you may need in garden sundries including power tools and hardware for your outside gates, a great range of outdoor furniture, recycled
pots, BBQs and BBQ accessories. Visit the farm shop which has a fantastic range of fruit and veg as well as preserves, dry goods and sauces. We also stock Taunton Cider available in kegs and bottles, local free range farm eggs and more items arriving daily. To the side of our farm shop we have opened a fantastic pet store, stocking a wide range of refrigerated raw food as well as dried foods and a range of toys for dogs and cats, dog beds, crates, leads and harnesses and bird care supplies.
THE
acorn cafe
RESTAURANT
OPEN DAILY FOR COLLECTION Breakfasts, Baguettes, Lunches, Coffee and Cake — We are working from a limited menu but still serving lunches such as ploughman’s, quiche, chilli, chips and freshly made baguettes served with side salad and crisps
Come and visit us with our friendly, helpful staff on hand; we are open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm The Fruitbox Company owner Ali Biggs is working alongside Wayne Braund, Oakley Garden Centre owner, and they are offering a service of fresh fruit and veg premium quality boxes delivered to your door. The Fruitbox Company are a family-run local business. Their passion is sourcing the most delicious and exciting produce available, and working with local growers and farmers to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the great taste of eating with the seasons. We have a direct route from the source, and can trace every apple, carrot or potato from the orchard, farm or field it was grown!
Ordering is simple: just log o nto their website and choose your products before 8pm for next day delivery. The internet may be something you don't use, so feel free to give us a call and place your order via the phone. The Acorn Cafe is part of the new development at Oakley Green, offering its fantastic range of food, coffee, sweets and Sunday lunches. At the moment it is takeaway only but hopefully it won't be long until you can use the cafe and its sun- drenched patio, and new covered seating area. Jacqui and the team at The Acorn are open every day between 10am and 4pm so pop in for some great food. Don't miss out on their fantastic Sunday lunches, with a choice of meat and veg, call 0117 9109464. There are also delivery slots available.
Taking orders for our Delicious Sunday Roasts We have all necessary procedures in place to keep to government guidelines, any questions please give us a call or to book a roast tel: 01179109464 or 07747639644 Payment is buy bank transfer or correct money where possible as we don’t carry change
NOW OPEN 10Am - 4Pm EVERYDAY LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
The Acorn Café at Westerleigh Hill Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QZ Telephone 0117 9109464
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
30
July, 2020
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Water Matters!!
I
t certainly does and Almondsbury based company “Water Matters (UK) Limited” has been helping local companies, institutions and householders to resolve their water supply issues for 18 years now. Specialising in water leak detection, water leak repairs, lead/ poly pipe replacements and water supply modifications (including stop tap replacements or installations), the friendly and experienced team at Water Matters are able to address water related problems on your property. A Water Industry approved company possessing health & safety accreditations such as Safecontractor, Exor, and Constructionline. Collectively, they have many years of water industry experience and the very latest technology at their disposal which is guaranteed to deliver the results that you want. The aim is to locate underground leakage simply and accurately so that repairs can be made with the minimum of disruption to your property. In addition, trenchless equipment is used for new/replacement water supply installations; thereby keeping inconvenience mess and costs as low as possible. Added to their professional approach to your water supply issues, customer care is a priority and it is recognised as the best form or advertising for the business.
Your local water engineers – WIAPS & Watersafe accredited – Water industry approved • Water leak detection • Water leak repairs • Lead, galvanised, poly pipe replacements • New supply pipe installations • Stop tap replacements/installations • Trenchless (moling) or open cut • Contaminated water supply pipe rectification • Sub meter installations • Stand pipe installations
Free, no obligation quotations available
Telephone 01454 620072 Email info@watermatters.biz Web www.watermatters.biz The Barn, Hortham Farm, Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4JW
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
July, 2020
downendvoice
31
n NEWS
The snakes that grew and grew SNAKES have been slithering along playgrounds and paths in the area as a creative way to stay entertained during the lockdown. The Covid-19 snakes are a group effort, where people decorate a pebble and place them one after the other to create a colourful piece of street art for everyone to enjoy. One of the biggest around is in the play area at Johnsons Road, Emersons Green. It was started by Lizzie Weston and her daughters Emily, 10, and eight-year-old Poppy, who attend Emersons Green Primary School. They placed a painted snake’s head on the ground in May and invited neighbouring families to add brightly-coloured sections to it. In just over a week the snake was 273 stones long and after a month, the total number of pebbles had risen to 477. Lizzie said: “We are very proud of our girls and think it’s pretty cool.” Another snake, named Woody, has been growing in Buckingham Place, Downend after it was started by the Touzalin family for children Addy and Jakub. Mum Emma said: “We started the snake to try to help the children stay connected to others as they were really missing the interaction and direct contact with friends and family; Addy especially was finding it hard not going to preschool, where she has some lovely friendships. “Addy has always loved collecting rocks and she has
Above: Emily and Poppy Weston with the Covid-19 snake they started in Johnsons Road, Emersons Green Above right: Woody the Covid-19 snake in Buckingham Place, Downend with Addy and Jakub many decorated ones she has brought or been given as gifts. “We kept our fingers crossed that a few of our friends and neighbours would join in, but the response has been brilliant and a lovely talking point on the street when we see people by Woody.” Woody has already passed 80 stones but Emma says they are hoping to reach 100 by the time he has to slither away.
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July, 2020
n NEWS
Kee-eep dancing (and smiling), Karen A DOWNEND woman who has not been able to run her dance and drama school since lockdown has kept the community dancing for months, offering free classes for all ages. Karen Davis who owns LTD (Love To Dance) and works closely with many local schools including Christchurch Infants & Juniors, didn’t want her students to give up their love of dancing, so upon lockdown switched all her classes to online, while opening them up to everyone across the community. Within two weeks Karen, supported by her family, had hundreds of children, adults, schools, nurses and corporate companies tuning in to her free daily dance, drama, fun and fitness sessions. Not only have Karen’s regular class members attended but others living all over the UK and across the seas in Ibiza. Karen said: “I’m just happy that these classes have helped people in some little way through these difficult months. It’s also been
lovely seeing people wave and dance to the music as they’ve passed my window each morning. I’m definitely not alone as I know lots of instructors who’ve given their time and classes, so it’s lovely to be part of such a supportive community.”
Kate Kendall, from Staple Hill, said: “Since lockdown started, my daughter has been participating in Karen's online drama classes and we have both been joining in with her 'Wake up and shake up' and 'Shimmy and strengthen' classes. They are not only brilliant for helping to keep us fit, but also help us to have some kind of daily routine. Seeing Karen always brightens up our day as her enthusiasm and joyfulness are infectious. Karen is one of the kindest, most caring and generous people we know and her groups give us a real sense of community. “Karen has provided a lifeline for us, and many other people, who would otherwise be feeling extremely isolated at this time.” Jo Turner, from Downend, said: “I love Karen’s classes. No matter how I feel at 10am, 2 minutes in to the class and I always have a great big smile on my face! Karen is fun and always so positive. You can enjoy the moves and music alone or really go for it and get a great workout too.”
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downendvoice
July, 2020
33
n NEWS
Band's a hit on new platform A STAPLE Hill band who were unable to rehearse together because of the lockdown came together online for a performance of songs from a hit movie. Westerly Winds’ rendition of a medley from The Greatest Showman has been viewed more than 3,000 times on Facebook and YouTube, and even caught the attention of the music’s publisher and a radio station. Sixteen members of the band and a musician from Downend School teamed up to record their parts individually, and the music was then mixed by local piano teacher Andy Christie, whose partner Christine, the band’s drummer, edited the video. Band member Victoria Styles said: “Our musical director Andy Loveridge chose the piece and, lucky for us, as it was a medley it had lots of natural breaks, so we could do takes until we were happy with our performance. “It’s a piece we’ve played before but none of us had any experience of recording in this way “We all love our Wednesdays at band and have been missing it desperately since lockdown began. “It’s very difficult to play live over online platforms due to time delays, so we decided to go for the next best thing and complete this little
n LETTERS News from our local libraries
project. “We were thrilled by the reaction it got. Not only over 3,000 views across the platforms, it was also shared by Hal Leonard (the American publisher of the medley we played) and also Encore FM, the musical theatre radio station. “We dedicated it to all the key workers who have done such an incredible job at this difficult time. “We all enjoyed it so much, and are working on a follow up tune.” Westerly Winds are currently looking to recruit flute, clarinets and bass instruments. For more details about the band visit westerlywindsstaplehill.com online.
WE are missing seeing all our users, and are working hard to prepare for gradual safe reopening of some of our services when we are able to. Please check www. facebook.com/sgloslibraries or www.bit.ly/SGlibsC19 after 1 July for updates. All library items have been automatically renewed until 1st September 2020, so don’t worry about books being overdue. If you want to return books now please post them through library letterboxes. Meanwhile our online library is still open at www. southglos.gov.uk/eresources. For digital magazines and newspapers, eComics, eBooks & eAudiobooks. If you experience any problems using this please contact libraries@ southglos.gov.uk or phone 01454 868006.
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34
July, 2020
n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB NEWS
W
E may have been stuck indoors for many weeks, but that hasn’t stopped Downend Folk Club from bringing the very best folk, roots and acoustic music to their regulars. Within days of lockdown being announced, the club had announced a series of online events, with a guest each week joining the club’s founder and chairman Ant Miles for “an hour or so” on Facebook. The events have focused on chat, taking an informal interview style, but each guest has also played a handful of songs, while as the events have progressed, videos and photos have been introduced. The club, founded in 2014, was forced to cancel its scheduled monthly concerts from MarchJuly, meaning that local music lovers missed out on visits from Salt House, India Electric Co., Sam Carter and The Home Waters String Quartet, Hannah James & Toby Kuhn, and Luke Jackson. “We could have just said, ‘we can’t do any of our concerts so we’ll just do nothing’, but we remain committed to bringing great music to South Gloucestershire, so we just had to think of a way to do
it under lockdown conditions,” Ant told Downend Voice. “We use social media a lot to promote our concerts, so people are used to seeing stuff from the club there, so that seemed like an obvious choice.” The chat-heavy format has been widely praised by the club’s regulars, visitors and musicians alike, resulting in a big increase in Facebook likes for the club. “The
initial temptation was just to try and do online concerts, but as soon as lockdown happened lots of people started doing them, with varying degrees of success. We wanted to do something a bit different, based around chat with a sprinkling of music,” explained Ant. “That’s where the idea of ‘an hour or so with…’ came from, and it’s been a massive success.” The series, which takes place
every Friday evening at 8.00pm, has already seen appearances from some of the top names in folk, roots and acoustic music. Starting with the club’s Patron Jim Moray on the second Friday of lockdown, the club has since welcomed stars such as Sam Carter, Lucy Ward, Edgelarks, along with emerging talent including Nick Hart, Cup O’Joe, and Georgia Lewis. The events are free to attend, but the club has been running a donations box each evening, with the proceeds going direct to the artist. “We really felt that we wanted to do something to support musicians during this time when many of them have lost all their work,” continued Ant, “so we’ve not taken a penny and we’ve raised over £5000 in total, which is amazing and I’d like to thank everyone that has donated. It’s made a real difference to the artists that we’ve featured.” The club is lining up something a little different for the final online session before the Summer break, on Friday 17th July. The donations that night will go to the club. “We’re not letting the cat out of the bag just yet,” concluded Ant. “People will have to tune in and see!”
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downendvoice
July, 2020
n NEWS
35
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Staple Hill gets a BM Motoring reopens - appointments only! scarecrow trail PEOPLE are being encouraged to get creative for the first ever Staple Hill scarecrow trail next month. Residents of Downend, Mangotsfield, Soundwell and Emersons Green are also welcome to take part in the event, which is set to take place from August 6 to 9. A group of friends in Ducie Road came up with the idea to encourage a sense of fun and community and help keep people entertained if they are unable to get away for a summer holiday. The event is free to enter and anyone who wants to take part just needs to create a scarecrow that fits the event’s ‘famous people’ theme and register their scarecrow by July 20 to ensure it appears on the official trail map. Scarecrows can be made using old clothes stuffed with newspaper, straw or rags, with a papier mache head, mask or painted-on face. Paint on a face, use recycled items to help set the scene. Place your scarecrow somewhere that it can be seen from the road. Organiser Anita Dobson said: “We hope many people will take part, especially as many people might not be able to take holidays as they usually do in August. What better way to brighten up our daily walks and make the neighbourhood smile?” The event is being supported by the Friends of Page Park and the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Residents Facebook group. To register or find out more visit the Scarecrows at Staple Hill event page on Facebook or email scarecrowsatstaplehill@gmail. com.
FAMILY run business B M Motoring Centre are open again following the government’s latest advice on the Covid-19 outbreak. We are operating on an appointment only basis so please call or email before making a visit. We have put in place new processes to allow a safe vehicle drop off and collection which includes a zero contact service. We have also invested in Ozone technology cleaning for you vehicle which ensures that any germs or bacteria that might be living within your vehicle are killed. We are running this service free of charge for all cars coming into the workshop. The machines we use run a cycle in your car before and after we carry out any work and enable our staff and customers to stay safe during this difficult time. We are here to help so if you need any advice please call us rather than popping in and we can deal with your needs in a safe way. 01179567411 or hello@bmmotoring.co.uk Finally we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers for their messages of support and understanding in helping us to get back up and running during this time. We will also at this time be offering a 10% discount to all NHS staff and we have promotional offers available to blue light card holders which will be available via our website www.staplehilltyres.co.uk
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downendvoice
36
n CHRIST CHURCH NEWS
Video keeps children’s groups together CHILDREN’S and youth groups at Christ Church have moved online to keep everyone together during the lockdown. Four children’s Sunday groups are all meeting on Zoom, with the early ones often including pyjamas and toast as everyone is still around the breakfast table. Midweek groups have also moved online, with the Messy Church team creating mini film clips, craft ideas and stories too. New activities are released at 10am each day on the Messy Church at Christ Church Downend Facebook page and then at midday on the Christ Church Downend YouTube channel, including recipes on Monday, Bible stories on Tuesday, crafts on Wednesday, puppets on Thursday and a “your chance to shine” session on Fridays. Facebook live sessions for toddlers are held on Wednesdays at 9.30am on the Christ Church Downend Facebook page, with a Zoom group on Fridays at 9.30am. The Bible Club which met every Tuesday at 12.30pm at Christ Church Infants School before the lockdown has moved onto YouTube, while the Tuesday Move It Club is on Facebook live each Tuesday at 3.30pm. Children’s Leader Helen Buick said: “It’s been a challenging time for so many parents
and children and the way they have all adapted to doing Church differently has been amazing. “I am so grateful for the many team members who have been helping to make each group happen, those who have taken the plunge and made mini craft films or story time recordings. We have all felt a little uncomfortable or silly at times filming ourselves, but it’s been a massive team effort, and if it supports all our children & their families in this difficult time then we must do it.” To join the Sunday groups email Helen on children@christchurchdownend.com. Thursday Ignite youth groups and after school drop-ins have been replaced by
emailed video challenges plus ‘Flashback Thursdays’ and positive ‘Flourish’ messages on Instagram. Youth groups are partnering with Christians Against Poverty to collect food for the CAP Food Bank. Anyone who would like to make a donation can make contact via the youth website www.igniteyouthchristchurchdownend.co.uk/. Also online are Sunday morning youth groups and the Elev8 youth groups on Wednesday evenings. Elev8 groups are a safe place for young people to catch up with their friends, have some fun and explore life. Anyone interested in joining can also use the contact page on the website.
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downendvoice
July, 2020
37
n CHRIST CHURCH NEWS
Christ Church is open again THE announcement that people can visit churches for prayer means that for the first time in more than two months, Christ Church has been able to open its doors. Rev Jo Vickery said: “At last we are able to open the Church building to anyone to come and spend some time in quiet reflection and prayer. “You would be most welcome any day from Monday to Friday between the hours of 2.304.30pm and 7-9pm to come into the main body of the building
to enjoy a time of silence and stillness. You don’t need to book a time, but if there are more people than 8 people at any one time you will be asked to wait to come in. “As well as two chairs near the altar there are prayer stations or areas of focus with chairs two metres apart. We have constructed a simple labyrinth in the centre through which one person at a time can ‘journey’. “If we are at maximum capacity we are asking that each person limits their time in
church to 30 minutes.” Jo said that every effort has been made to ensure people can use the church safely, although
people who have any symptoms of Covid-19 themselves or in their household are being asked not to come until all are well.
'Dial a sermon': for folk who don't use internet A DIAL-a-sermon phone line and Sunday services on YouTube are just two of the ways church life has been carrying on during the lockdown. Christ Church has been meeting people's needs all over the community through phone calls, encouragements by letter, emergency food deliveries, doorstep hellos and many different online sources. Jenny Rawling, from the church, said: “We have had such amazing opportunities to be shining a light in these dark times. “Our website (www.christchurchdownend.com) is the hub of everything which is going on, there are direct links from the home page to help you find exactly what you want. “Many are watching our 10am Sunday Services in YouTube and there are daily thoughts for the day, also at 10am, on the YouTube channel with many different church members taking part. “It’s a real team effort as we have quickly adapted to the new way of doing Church.” “We have been very aware of those who have no internet connections and have set up a Dial-a-sermon service. This is a telephone service which you can dial in and select to listen to one of the 4 recent Services we have had. It costs a local call rate for Bristol area calls or standard call rate for mobile phones. “Each Sunday the latest service is added at 10.30am. We hope this will be a very good way to help us all to stay connected, even those who are not online.” The number for the service is 0117 456 2304. Jenny added: “We are praying of course for our community and our schools as we continue to face the challenge of COVID-19 and are looking for new ways to support whose who may want prayer support or a friendly phone call. “Please do contact us if you want us to pray for you.” The church held a 24/7 prayer week at the end of May and is holding 24-hour prayer on the first Friday of each month. Newcomers are being encouraged to try the online groups and services. Jenny said: “There's never been an easier time to try church – you don't even have to come into the building!”
VE Day virtual party THE VE Day 75th anniversary was intended to be one of the biggest social events of the year, with people coming together to commemorate the end of the Second World War. Christ Church Downend would have been hosting a great cream tea and a family fun afternoon over the VE Day Bank Holiday weekend. But with the lockdown causing plans to be cancelled, instead parishioners made an effort to join together virtually to celebrate VE Day by sharing photos of their socially-distanced street parties, back or front garden parties. Some sent in video clips and some sent in photos. Helen Buick, from the church, said: “It was a great way to feel brought together despite the social distancing measures for COVID-19. “Then, at the end of the day, all our shared photos and film clips were made into one combined ‘VE Day party’, which was shared on our Christ Church Downend YouTube channel.
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
38
July, 2020
n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP
O
UR aerospace industry in Filton and the South West of England is dynamic, innovative and world leading. It is a showcase of the best that British engineering has to offer the world, but as I am sure you will be aware this is an extremely challenging time for the aviation/ aerospace industry. While I am optimistic that our fantastic local aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and GKN will weather this storm, I want to ensure that they don’t merely survive, but continue to thrive. We need intervention and Government support to protect jobs and skills for the future. Firstly, it is imperative that we get the aviation industry up and running, to allow it to operate over the peak holiday period. This cannot happen with a 14-day quarantine measure in place. I’m confident that there are better ways to ensure we are neither importing nor exporting fresh infections across international borders. We are Global Britain and a key part of that is being
open for business. As such, I have written to Priti Patel and plan to offer constructive criticism to the Government that these measures are not necessary and that we need to find alternative ways of working. Secondly, I look forward to hearing more from Government about Project Birch; their plan to help key industries which have been impacted by the coronavirus. We must stand ready to assist viable aerospace and aviation companies encountering financial difficulty, to prevent the skills, manufacturing base, jobs, and economic productivity from leaving the UK and finding a new home elsewhere. If necessary, as a measure of last resort, this should even include Government loans, provided that the taxpayer is at the front of the queue of creditors. Thirdly, an aircraft scrappage scheme, already pioneered by other countries, could help safeguard jobs, reduce our emissions and kick-start our aerospace industry again.
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A similar scheme worked wonders for our hard-hit car manufacturers after the recession, scrapping 330,000 cars in total, and accounting for a fifth of all cars sold in the year in which it was introduced. Such a scheme for aircraft would allow us to upgrade our ageing fleets of aircraft to be more environmentally- friendly and would also result in a steady increase in orders placed with local businesses. Lastly, in our own area, I am supporting Aerospace Bristol’s ‘Return to Flight’ campaign, which is aiming to raise money to ensure the museum will be able to reopen once the lockdown measures have been eased. This fantastic facility is the final resting place of Concorde, which could never have flown without the brilliance and dedication of engineers right here in South Glos. Bristol Aerospace proudly flies the flag for our heritage and, as a STEM learning centre, looks to the future and serves as an inspiration to the next
Jack Lopresti generation. We need many more of our young people to embark on a career in engineering and aerospace and help to maintain our great tradition. To support Bristol Aero and to access activities to do at home, visit: www.aerospacebristol.org There are further measures we can take to support aviation and aerospace in the UK; I will be working with Government ministers, the management, and trade unions of local companies and will leave no stone unturned in finding ways of supporting our aviation/aerospace industry and protect, preserve and enhance our manufacturing capability in aerospace and defence.
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Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman
downendvoice
July, 2020
39
n PHOTOGRAPHY
Keeping going FOR an organisation like a camera club, which exists so much through its weekly meetings, competitions and outings, lockdown presents an existential challenge. We can’t meet up, we can’t forage around for photographs, we can’t have outings. Even competitions present a challenge. Rising to the challenge, we first established a Facebook group so that we can stay in regular contact and share our photographs. The real challenge was finding a way back to competitions, but we found a way which involved videoconferencing to see the judgement - three entries each, with no fixed subject. Here are three prize-winners from our competition, which I’m showing here because they show the challenge of lockdown, not taken from our old photographs but in and around the home, where there are endless photographic possibilities. Sid Stace
Raspberries by Jackie Worlock
Hanging Out by Wendy Rayner
Catch the Bubble by Jeff McKinstry
Restaurant plan for former shop A FORMER bike shop which has been empty for more than six months could be turned into a restaurant. The unit at the Willow Shopping Centre on Downend Road was home to Cycle Route Downend until October last year. Now applicants Canela Leisure Ltd have been given planning permission by South Gloucestershire Council to convert the shop unit into a restaurant. No objections were made to the application,
although Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council said adequate parking spaces should be provided to accommodate 20 staff and customers. The venture would be allowed to open between 8am and 11pm, seven days per week. All seating would be inside. An application for an alcohol licence for the venue to trade as The Mokka Lounge, made by Mitchell Hoare of the Grapevine Brasserie in Mangotsfield, has been approved by the council.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
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downendvoice
40
July, 2020
n AROUND THE WIs MANGOTSFIELD WI IT is great to be back. I hope you are all managing to stay safe and sane at home or work during this time. It is times like these when the WI comes into its own. I have been very lucky to see the amazing work that ladies across the country have contributed to the effort. Brislington WI made over 6,000 scrub bags in April alone; they even had a Royal Mention. It has been very humbling to see so many ladies pulling together to make a difference. Around the country, there have been lots of virtual online events for members to join. If you would like to know more about what is happening, drop me a line. Exciting News! Denman College have announced their first online course – Cook Along With Kelly. There are also a wide variety of online talks, events and groups hosted by Denman and National. If you are looking for activities to join, we will also be hosting events to add to the plethora or choice. Although we have been a little quiet with our meetings on hold at this time, we are gearing up now. So to make up for it, over the coming weeks we will be publishing a list of events that we will be hosting. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know. I have been asked to help some ladies with IT assistance. I understand that some of you may not be au fait with using some apps and programmes – I would be more than happy to assist you remotely and safely. You can contact us in a number of ways: mangotsfieldwi@ gmail.com if you want to email,
alternatively our website www. mangotsfieldwi.org.uk gives details about meetings and upcoming events for members, or you can ‘like’ The Mangotsfield WI Facebook page. Stay Safe. Kate Tarr
BROMLEY HEATH WI THURSDAY 11th June 2020 marked another milestone for the ladies of BHWI – tonight would be our first monthly meeting ever to be held live online using Zoom. Certainly, a new experience for me personally, although most of our members are pretty savvy IT-wise. Our last meeting back on March 12 has become a pleasant but distant memory, way back in a happier time when we could meet face to face and enjoy the company of our large group of WI friends. Just a few short days after this we were all in lockdown! Since then, our members had kept in touch with the WI at both local and national level via Facebook and email, but it would be great to see the gang again, even if we were displayed on Scrabble board tiles! No, I don’t mean that some of us are of greater value, but serving on the committee definitely earns you extra Brownie points. Tentatively I “Zoomed in” to our first session and was delighted to see so many friendly familiar faces already there, smiling and chatting happily. Perhaps this wasn’t going to be so different after all? In the school hall we’d all be holding a cuppa and a slice of cake but this evening it was BYO – whatever you prefer to drink and only as far as your dining room table or your favourite chair. Glasses of vino were much in evidence. Liza, our president, was in full flow, greeting us as we appeared and naturally keen to have us all settled and ready for the appearance of our speaker for
the evening. We were looking forward to hearing from Jane Duffus – a prominent local author, journalist, editor and public speaker. This evening Jane spoke to us about two of her well-known books – The Women who built Bristol: Volumes One and Two. Whilst a couple of the names she mentioned sounded familiar to our Bristolian members, most of the featured ladies seemed to be unsung heroines of their day, doing something quite remarkable but getting little credit or recognition for it at that time. Sounds horribly familiar! It is great that Jane’s personal passion and thorough research about these women means that they will not now pass into history without the notice they richly deserve. Music to the ears of all WI members, as you would expect. Jane rounded off with a stimulating Q&A session, before leaving us with our thanks and generous applause. Liza then announced the start of BHWI’s selection process for our 2020 Members Bursary to Denman scheme, worth up to £300. This year, due to the coronavirus, all interested members should submit relevant details by email. Just time for a brief open mike catch-up chat between our gallery of members and, sadly, our first Zoom slot was almost over. Time for a quick “thanks and goodbye”, then hit the leave button. All things considered, a very enjoyable and successful meeting, but how we long for the time when we can safely return to the school hall, with social distancing a thing of the past. For the coming months we look forward to Liza and co Zooming into our homes on a regular basis. Margaret Hanwell
DOWNEND WI
IT’S good to have Downend Voice back in paper form. It’s certainly
been a strange few months for all of us and as a WI, which is all about face to face meetings. We have had to make changes. Along with most of the world we have started to use Zoom for our main monthly meetings and our sub groups. We have had catch ups, quizzes and riddles but for our June meeting, we have our original planned speaker, who will be teaching us basic Spanish via Zoom, so that should be muy buena! We have had our members supporting each other and the wider community by making masks, scrubs and laundry bags and much more; hopefully a good thing to come out of this is a support network that can continue into the future. An update from a couple of our subgroups: in the Yarn Club, our ladies are learning to crochet together on Zoom, sharing their knowledge and making the most out of YouTube. Our Cinema Club now chooses a film on a TV platform, for people to watch independently at home and then share their reviews. We were just about to launch our new website when lockdown started, but please have a look at www.downendwi.org for more information or visit our Downend WI Facebook page. We are really looking forward to being able to meet as a group in Christ Church Hall when the government allows, but this is the new norm and we need to adapt and change, so perhaps using technology, we may be in the future be able to share our meetings on Zoom for members who can’t make it in person. Certainly something for us to investigate! Best wishes to our members and the wider community together we are strong. Julie Walker, President
n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION IT’S now 3 months since everyone’s lives were changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s good to see that things are beginning to return to some sort of “normal” but there is still a way to go. If you look at social media you cannot fail to be impressed by how the community has come together. Long may it continue. Pretty much every MRA plan or activity has been put on hold; it will be great when we can resurrect them, and hopefully that will be soon. However, members have not been idle. Clive Heath, our chair, has been coordinating the Mangotsfield area for the local Covid-19 community group, working with our councillors, the Salvation Army and the Staple Hill Hub. Our
volunteers shopped and got prescriptions, as well as other odd jobs for many people. Help is still available, so anyone needing it or who knows someone who needs, can contact Clive via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or call the number at the bottom of this article. A huge shout out to the Red Lion Emergency Food Bank, led by Mary West. They have fed many people, including in other areas (as far away as Filton. It has been supported by the Grapevin. This foodbank has now closed. A couple of members have started to rebuild a retaining wall at the Dame School – social distanced, of course. Well, I say rebuilding – it would probably be more accurate to describe
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their efforts as “moving some stones around”, but it’s a start. It also looks like we can start “gardening” again in the not too distant future. There is some less good news. In the early days of lockdown, the Dame School building was broken into, the chain on the entrance gate sawn through. Some minor damage was done, nothing structural, and a bit of a mess made. We’ll have to spend a fair few hours cleaning it up again. If you are interested in getting involved in the future or need any help, then please get in touch via mangotsfieldourvillage@gmail., the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or telephone 07507 168700 Chris Amos
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
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July, 2020
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n VETS' ADVICE
Help your dog cope with being home alone (again) HOW do you feel about the relaxation of lockdown restrictions? Relieved? Anxious? If we could ask our pets the same question, I wonder what they would say? Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW During these last few months Pendennis Avenue, StaplePendennis Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com many of our four-legged friends Pendennis Avenue, Hill, Bristol Tel: 0117 956 9038 StapleTel: www.avenue-vets.com have grown accustomed to Tel: 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com Staple An independent practice providing a personal, spending Pendennis the entire Avenue, day with their Hill, Bristol Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, An independent practice providing a personal, 0117 956 9038 favourite Tel: humans. OurAn furryindependent new www.avenue-vets.com and service compassionate practice a personal, service Bristol caring BS16providing 5DW caring and compassionate co-workers have enjoyed our Tel.a0117 956 9038 service caring and compassionate An independent practice providing personal, constant attention. Consultation by appointment Consultation by appointment Theycaring have laid and at our compassionate feet whilst service Consultation by appointment we worked from home, always 9am-11am at 9am-11am in a calm, positive andMonday-Saturday Monday-Saturday theConsultation ready to provide some comic by appointment consistent way 2pm-3.15pm before you Monday-Friday go back 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday relief during a ‘zoom’ meeting.4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday to work will really help prevent 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 9am-11am Monday-Saturday As we prepare to ‘open back up’ 4.30pm-6.30pm any Monday-Friday feelings of insecurity. As long 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday and people are going back to the as you and your dog still have 4.30pm-6.30pm workplace are your Monday-Friday pets looking quality interactions, playtime and forward to resuming their daily exercise your dog will likely be napping schedule happily or will content with a solitary nap while they struggle with separation from you get some work done. their humans? Here are our top tips to help; Dogs especially are highly • Spend time in a different room sociable and often have strong away from your dog. attachments with their owners. • Increase the length of time apart. For some dogs separation from • Be calm and do not make too their owners can bring on anxiety, much fuss.It signals to them that especially those not used to being it’s no big deal to be alone. left home alone or those who are • Encourage your dog to take naps If you have any concerns about pheromone smells and calming insecure or fearful. Some dogs on their own bed and not in your how your dog will cope or are tablets. can get very distressed and this workspace or at your side all the having difficulties please visit Some dogs benefit from can lead to problem behaviours time. our website avenuevets.com or hearing the radio or television such as barking and howling and • Introduce interesting toys. Food Facebook page. on quietly and some the use of a destructive behaviour; for example filled toys can offer reward and *Avenue Veterinary Centre indoor crate/‘safe space’ can also chewing furniture. distraction while you move away are now offering all routine create security. Their anxiety at being alone to other parts of the home. procedures and vaccination Some households may benefit can also show as panic with • Leave the house more appointments. Please contact us from the help of a dog walker or pacing, trembling, panting and frequently without your dog. We to ensure your visit is conducted dog ‘day care’ to provide exercise toileting in the house. recommend a gradual build up according to covid19 guidelines.* and interaction for their dog, so Even if your dog has never of time. Alex Brown RVN now is the time to get your dog shown any signs of separation • Provide a routine close to what used to any new arrangements. anxiety it’s never a bad idea to it will be when you go back to take preventative measures. work. • Walk and feed at the times it will So how can we help prepare our be on your working day. pets for the change of routine? • If your dog does start to show The best thing to do is occasionally anxiety we recommend giving ‘leave’. us a call. 01179569038. We can By gradually being away refer you to a certified behaviour from your dog whilst he or she is counsellor if necessary who will occupied with a rewarding treat support you on a program to help Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW or toy, he/she can be trained to reduce the stress of separation. Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com accept that it’s no big deal if you For some dogs it may be some are out of sight. Building up this help to use calming therapies such An independent practice providing a personal, time apart as natural plant plug in diffusers,
Write to us
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Consultation by appointment 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday
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July, 2020
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Savarin with Mel of Melanie’s Kitchen
I
T’S been a strange time lately: flour , yeast , sugar have all been unobtainable, it seemed the whole country had turned to baking cakes and bread to get them through lockdown. Luckily things eased up, I had bread flour, yeast and sugar in the cupboard plus a yearning to make something special for a celebration. I dug out my old flour advisory bureau book and decided on savarin (or a big rum baba minus the currants!), last made about 20 years ago. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it actually was to turn out something quite good looking and yummy with not a lot of effort –roll on July when I have the excuse of a birthday to revisit the recipe! Filling the middle with fresh fruit makes it seem healthier - smothering each slice with whipped cream less so.
Savarin
2 tsps (5ml spoon) dried yeast stir into 30ml hand hot milk leave for 5 mins 75g Butter 20ml/1 heaped tablespoon Caster Sugar
3 eggs beaten 30ml hand hot milk 150g strong white flour Rum syrup warm together 125ml water,75g golden syrup and 75g honey then stir in rum essence or a tablespoon dark rum Oven 175c (200 if no fan) Gas 6. Grease and flour the savarin tin Mix together flour and sugar and add a pinch of salt, rub in the butter. Make a well in the centre and add in the eggs and yeast mix, stir in then beat for 3 mins with a wooden spoon (or use your clean hand). Pour mix into the tin. Cover leave to rise until mix is almost to top of tin (30-40 min) Bake in middle of heated oven for about 20 mins until golden and springy to touch. Cool in tin for five minutes before turning out onto wire rack, prick all over then pour soaking syrup over Cool completely then serve with whipped cream and fruit. Best eaten fresh but will keep a day or two in the fridge.
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July, 2020
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43
n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN
n DOWNEND IN BLOOM
Wooden flowers this year HOW good it is to have the Voice back again and for life to be returning to a bit of normality. When I drove through the High Street this week it was great to see some of the shops open in Downend with people milling about – we wish them all well in these difficult times. I am sure that most of you know by now that In Bloom could not fulfil its commitment to the summer displays this year. At the beginning of lockdown our supplier, Blaise Nurseries, had to close its doors, as it had so many staff off in isolation. Thankfully they are now up and running but were unable to provide the larger displays. We were also notified by South Glos Council that its voluntary groups could not (and this still applies) meet and work together. Hopefully this will be relaxed soon! However, we were lucky with our panolas, as they flowered so well this year and seemed to go on and on. Even as I speak, some of the wooden planters with panolas in are still surviving. The panolas do not like heat, unfortunately, so having the good weather, which was a bonus for all of us in lockdown, did not help them. As a group we were not allowed to meet, so Barbara and John, Terry, Pauline, Dave and I tried to water a few times but it was too much to water everyday, which was probably what was needed (it took us ages to water our own gardens, so had little energy in that heat to water the High Street as well!) Can I thank anyone else who watered, as I know a few people were trying their best to keep them alive, but it is such a huge and almost impossible task. In the absence of real flowers we were thinking about what we could do to inject some colour into the area and we came up with the idea that we could maybe paint some of our poppies bright colours and ‘plant’ them in our containers. Barbara and John, two of our volunteers, are always looking for things to do and immediately set about the task. They painted, blue, yellow and pink to go along with the purple, red and white that we already had and also varnished them so that they will last.
A
We put them into the wooden planters in the High Street to coincide with the opening of the shops. We were very pleased with the results and hope you are as well. We have placed our order for the winter/spring panolas so they will be arriving around the end of September/early October. Our woodworkers have also been busy over lockdown and have been producing bug houses, bird houses and items for our Christmas sale in their own homes, as they are not allowed to meet, so huge thanks to them. It was also a great shame this year that we were unable to continue with our planned project with Downend School. They have a polytunnel in their grounds and we had planned to do joint projects with some of the children. However, having had this enforced rest, we will be back next year with renewed enthusiasm! Personally, in lockdown I have had lots of time to work on my garden, and one of the projects that I undertook was to take lots of cuttings of my plants. I took over 200 everlasting wallflower and osteospermum cuttings and so these are hopefully growing well in peoples’ gardens and keeping the bees entertained. Talking of bees, In Bloom has planted three wild flower seed beds on the green at the corner of Cleeve Lodge Road and Badminton Road. Roy, one of In Bloom’s stalwarts, has been making the new beds in lockdown and has planted out the seeds. He was worried at the start, as all of the plants were coming up in patches on one side, but they are now looking more even. Hopefully they will be in bloom very soon. I must also mention and thank Catherine and Malcolm, who have also been tending the community garden by the toilets and a thank you to all the volunteers who have carried out individual tasks during lockdown. Looking forward to the future and happy gardening to everyone. Jackie Baker
n DOWNEND GARDENING CLUB AT THE BARN GARDENS are a place to relax, work and play. We have all had the opportunity to keep our gardens in good order this year. We have had some glorious weather, but as I write this the rain has arrived, just in time. People out for their daily exercise will appreciate our hard work as they pass our gardens. It will lift their spirits, I am sure, and give some of them some ideas of what they could grow. If a plant grows in a garden near you, it is good to assume it would grow in your garden. We have all been given time to try to grow some herbs and vegetables, maybe for the first time. It may only be a couple of tomato plants or a herb but it'will encourage us to try something else and keep going. Perhaps you have pressed a few leaves and flowers, for either a picture or to make a card for someone – our gardens gives us a chance to try new crafts. Maybe even paint some of our flowerpots and put in some plant seedlings to give away or sell for charity. I have been fortunate to have at least two birds’
nests in my garden: blackbirds in the hedge, and I found a nest on top of a water butt, where they nested under the top of an unused seed tray. The birds are visiting the small pond I have moved to a more visible position nearer the house. I have a stick resting on the edge of the pond for the frogs to get in and out, and it is wonderful to see the birds lined up on this stick to drink from the pond. Gardening club has no dates to re-commence as yet, but we are all looking forward to meeting. Gardening is good for our health, gives us exercise and is good for our well-being. So, keep gardening, whatever size your patch is. Garden centres are open – that is brilliant, we get to buy the odd plant or two, maybe look for some summer bulbs and plan what to plant in the autumn. Enjoy your patch, be it window box or a couple of acres. Mary Head
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S regular readers know I am an avid alpine gardener. I have a growing collection of containers with alpines in them and May and June are the months with which to see most alpines. This year I ordered eight alpines from a nursery in Scotland. They come very well packed and one of them, a dianthus called Inshriach Dazzler, was a ‘pink’ that I had over 36 years ago from another nursery in Scotland. I was very surprised to see this dianthus in the most beautifully illustrated catalogue, going strong after all these years! From this current catalogue I bought 2 Salix ‘willows’, A penstemon which has come into flower with lovely blue trumpets, a genista ‘broom’, which has also flowered with a profusion of pea-shaped yellow flowers, a red primula auricula called Rufus, (I bought this one after my last dog Rufus), a potentilla which has yet to flower, a purply blue aster in flower now and, last but not least, the dianthus, which recently flowered and I hope will flower again soon! So, you can see I have been keeping myself busy in these troublesome times. I am very pleased with the rest of my garden. Rufus made a little path around it and Pepe, who replaced Rufus after he died 18 months ago, has continued to keep the path intact. I was going to put a little sign up with the words ‘Rufus Way’ in memoriam to the affectionate Jack Russell. I may still do that one day. I have an assortment of other plants, like hardy geraniums, which are coming in flower right now but best of all I have a climbing red rose called Paul’s Scarlet growing on the back fence. Last year I bought another climbing rose called Golden Showers, This year I have made a special effort to feed my flowering plants and bulbs with tomato liquid feed, and I think I am seeing results! But do not feed alpines, because as they grow in mountainous regions, their roots travel down through the ground to find nutrients to sustain them. More on my garden next time. Christine Broadway
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OPEN FOR WILLS
WE CAN STILL HELP WITH OUR TELEPHONE SERVICE At this difficult time, even if you’re in isolation we can make sure your wishes are followed: • FREE telephone advice • SUPPORT, not complicated forms • Fixed price Wills & Powers of Attorney • FULL signing assistance Then, when everything returns to normal, you’ll have the peace of mind we’re right HERE. Providing face to face LOCAL support.
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0117 960 8594 MICHELLE AT SIMPSON SOLICITORS
and well “We felt very welcome time. cared for at a daunting of Thank you for going out L. your way to help us.” H.
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■ WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
Wills and Powers of Attorney – COVID safe service Simpson Solicitors are OPEN – whether you prefer a (COVID safe) in person meeting at their offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa) or by telephone or Zoom video. It has never been more important to have Wills and Powers of Attorney in place in case you become seriously ill. Vincent Mulcock and the local team at Simpson Solicitors have been designated as key workers to serve the public in our area covering Downend, Fishponds and Kingswood. They offer a FREE Legal Review to guide you through the issues to cover. If you already have a Will in place, it can give peace of mind that you and your family are properly protected. It can also help identify any gaps in your protection. Call 0117 960 8594 to book your review. If you then instruct them to prepare updated documents they still offer clear fixed prices. Mention The Voice
when booking your meeting as our readers are also given 20% off their already great value charges. At no extra cost their service can now include them coming to your door to provide a “door step signing” service. They will keep to 2m social distancing. This is to make sure your new documents are properly signed and witnessed and legally valid – even if you are shielding at home. If you are over 70, shielding and cannot go out, Simpson Solicitors are also offering our readers a FREE Ordinary Power of Attorney service to appoint those you trust who are helping you to run your finances during this time of emergency. Just call their friendly team on 0117 960 8594 to find out how they can help. REMINDER OF MAIN SERVICES: WILL: A written legal document that sets out your wishes, so they are followed when you die. Simpsons will prepare your Will in a way that guides you through what to cover and also
records your decisions and protects them from successful challenge. Ordinary Power of Attorney: Emergency cover to allow someone you trust to go to the bank for you and manage your finances - for example if you cannot get out because you are shielding from COVID-19. Lasting Power of Attorney: Protects your wishes if you are alive but too unwell to carry them out yourself. This also covers you for problems such as dementia – if put in place when you still have mental capacity. They can cover your finances (such as banking, paying bills and signing on your behalf) They can also allow someone you trust speak up for you over medical treatment and where you receive care. Issues can include decisions you’d want such as “do not resuscitate”. Probate: The legal process that is followed when someone dies, It gives legal authority to follow their Will (or the government’s intestacy rules that apply if their is no Will).
Vincent Mulcock
of Simpson Solicitors, Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood
0117 960 8594
www.simpsonsolicitors.com vbm@simpsonslawuk.com Simpson Solicitors can give you advice on all of these issues – in plain English. This always starts with a FREE advice meeting. It is a no obligation meeting. Their aim is to give you peace of mind that you have the advice you need to do things properly.
Doors Express Emma (KV) Stone Paving (Ruth SBV)
Christine English
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Chiropodist / Podiatrist All aspectsLorraine of foot care from Joseph a degree trained professional Shaun (KWV) 0117 956 3978
Pendennis Clinic, 11 Haynes Lane, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JE FRee PARking oPPoSite CliniC
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46
July, 2020
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Standing stronger than ever alongside our neighbours
S
O, how’s the last three months been for you? In addition to all the difficulties we have had to contend with, and one which has affected most, is not being able to get our hair cut. When I was younger and my hair looked a mess, my mum used to say, ‘You look like you’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards!’ Getting fed-up with looking like we’d been ‘pulled through a hedge backwards’ I ordered some hair clippers, which came with some free (and what transpired to be blunt) hairdressing scissors, watched a You Tube video on hair dressing and invited my wife to sit in the ‘barbers’ chair. The rest, you could say, is history, as very nearly was our marriage! For some reason all the mirrors have disappeared from our house.
Quarry Court
But it does seem to me that, metaphorically speaking, our society has been pulled through a hedge backwards, with many families having to navigate personal tragedies without the ‘normal’ support and comfort that would have been there three months ago. However, whilst there has been much tragedy and trauma, there has also been much kindness and love. Yes, we have seen the heroic efforts of those working in the NHS, of Captain Sir Tom Moore, and as I write, Marcus Rashford has successfully campaigned for children who receive free school meals to receive support during the summer school holidays. But, there have also been countless random acts of kindness throughout our neighbourhoods and communities. Yes, we
have been pulled through a hedge backwards, but we’re still standing, and standing alongside our neighbours in a stronger and more loving way than three months ago. In Philippians 2:3-5 Paul writes of the Christians Church: 3 nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
With
Colin Hylton-Jones
Major The Salvation Army Staple Hill
We’ve been pulled through the hedge backwards, but it is our hope and prayer that as a community we will continue to look after the interests of others.
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July, 2020
TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS
N
AC
DOW
EN
LU B
WITH
D CA MER
Photography during isolation WITH meetings currently cancelled, our competition night of April 28 was held online, using one of those computer meeting programs. As the case with the online interviews on the TV, it was interesting to get a snapshot of everyone’s home, although in our case, nobody tried to impress with a bookshelf full of
47
literary classics displayed behind them. The competition was our annual black and white event and, with most of us effectively under house arrest, there was time for a record-high number of entries to be submitted, sixty in total, with some high-quality work included. With so many to pass comment on, the judge had a challenging job getting through them all. Those he chose as the top three are shown here. Third place went to Liverpool Library, an image that shows the intricate interior of a modern building. What makes it so striking is shape and symmetry, and that makes it well-suited to a monochrome treatment. Second place went to Modern World, an intimate shot of three youngsters engrossed what is shown on a screen. The strength of the picture is the expression on their faces. The title has it right: it is a classic image of our time. The overall winner was From Another World, an unusual B&W image, as there is little in the way of graduated light and shadow, but there is that startling contrast between the darkened figures and the white dots. What does it mean?
Liverpool Library by Helen Sheppard
From Another World by Ian Miller
Who knows, but it works! Downend Camera Club is a friendly and informal group which normally meets on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, although for the time being meetings have been cancelled. While most activities have been suspended, we are
continuing with our programme of competitions that will now be held on-line, restricted to digital images. The club has a Facebook page and its website at www. downendcameraclub.org.uk has details of the club, and shows past competition winners. Ed Shorney
5 DOORS FITTED FOR £369 ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL‘SUFFOLK’DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 7 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £369* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST Additional Doors available
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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
THANK YOU Rainbows have been a symbol of hope and promise during Covid-19. And we say thank you. Thank you for playing your part in keeping up the community spirit
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0117 9566221 | mcoleman.co.uk | sales@mcoleman.co.uk
downendvoice
July, 2020
49
n M COLEMAN ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
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Riverwood House, Beckspool Road, Frenchay, Bristol, BS16 1NU Asking Price ÂŁ325,000 A two bedroom first floor apartment in the thoughtfully converted Grade II listed Riverwood House, a Georgian property that was once owned by the Fry family in the 1800's who were well known for their chocolate and confectionary business. Situated on the first floor and accessed from a communal entrance boasting Parque flooring the accommodation of this stunning apartment is presented to an exceptional standard and comprises an entrance hall, a dining room with double doors opening into a beautifully bright lounge boasting an original style sash window and contemporary cast iron multi-fuel burner. An internal hallway leads from the dining room and gives access to a thoughtfully designed kitchen with a range of wall and base units;
the white doors are finished with brushed steel handles lending a contemporary feel. Integrated appliances include a dishwasher, fridge freezer, oven and hob plus space for a washing machine. The master bedroom is a particularly well proportioned room with two useful storage cupboards, bedroom two is also a good sized double. The family bathroom has a white three piece suite with a mains plumbed shower over the bath. Externally there is allocated parking at the front of the building and a private, secluded garden to the rear offering mature borders, lawn and paved patio for the exclusive use of the owners of the apartment. Offering an enviable position just on the edge of the city limits but adjacent to beautiful countryside the M4, M5 and M32 are but a short distance away with Parkway Railway Station less than 4 miles distant with direct line to London Paddington. Rarely does property of this kind come to the market and is one we believe will surely attract much interest therefore an early viewing would be highly recommended.
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51
n HUNTERS ESTATE AGENTS PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Cleeve Road, Downend, BS16 6AD Asking price £450,000 Hunters Estate Agents, Downend are pleased to offer for sale this charming detached cottage which is located in the heart of Downend and has been comprehensively refurbished by the current owners. The property is situated within easy walking distance of amenities which include; a wide variety of shops and supermarkets, schools, bus routes, cafes, restaurants, dentist and banks. The property is also conveniently positioned for access onto the Avon ring road, for major commuting routes and for the Bristol cycle path. The popular King George V Playing Fields are located close by and provides excellent recreational space for people of all ages. The accommodation which is over three storeys is presented in good condition throughout and is considered spacious. The accommodation comprises; entrance hall, a lounge with a feature fireplace and cast iron wood burner and a sitting which leads into a modern kitchen/diner and incorporates an integral oven, hob, dishwasher and washing machine. To the first floor there is a modern family bathroom which has a stand alone bath and walk-in shower and three bedrooms. The master bedroom is situated on the second floor and has an en suite and walk-in dressing room. Additional benefits include; gas
HE RE TO GET
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central heating which is supplied by a modern Worcester boiler, double glazed windows, which include characterful double glazed sash windows to the front, a mainly paved and lawned rear garden which measures approximately 59' x 16 and ample off street parking spaces to the front. An internal inspection is highly recommended to fully appreciate all this lovely property has to offer.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
52
downendvoice
July, 2020
n WALKING
Discovering our area on foot
Brandy Bottom Colliery
Looking across to Siston Court THE past months has seen us all having to suffer some tragic events throughout our community, and it has been a struggle for all of us: we give all our sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. This lockdown has also seen an increase in the number of residents who are starting to discover the walks in our local area, to bring mental relief, and have gained the benefit of exercise, fresh air, and discovering or re-discovering our flora and fauna. There are 750 miles of public rights of way within South Gloucestershire and many are close to the Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield locality. The Public Rights of Way department of South Glos Council is one the lesser known functions, but basically it acts as the controlling body of public footpaths by registering them, deciding through its committee of full-time staff and councillors (of which I am a member) on new applications, or route changes, and maintains them by working alongside local landowners and voluntary groups such as the Kingswood Ramblers. Most of us are aware of the Open Spaces of Rodway Common and Pomphrey Hill, and these are well used by both dog walkers and pedestrians and have great views towards Lansdown. Not so well-used are the two walks I recommend below, which both start close to the Bridge Inn at Shortwood, which itself is only
a short walking distance from Mangotsfield. If driving there, please refrain if possible from parking in front of the cul de sac cottages. Park on the bridge itself, or there are plenty of spaces in Pomphrey Hill Car Park (remembering that gates are currently closed at 5pm!) WALK 1 In front of the Bridge Inn in Shortwood, walk down the culde-sac of houses and at the end turn left into a lane and follow for 150 yards, and there is then an entrance into a public right of way which is followed over a number of waymarked edges of fields, one at an incline. Walk over and through stiles, with the Mangotsfield Golf Course on your right, and then through trees to take you into Overscourt Woods Nature Reserve, one of the hidden gems of our area, which has a multitude of walk deviations. To our left, and not too far away, is the historical Siston Court. There are options to return to the start point or, by walking downhill to Webbs Heath, continuing the route through signposted footpaths in the Warmley Forest Park, all the way through to Warmley Station Café, which hopefully will be re-opening soon. A return can be made on the Bristol to Bath cycle route. WALK 2 Again starting at the Bridge Inn, initially cross the main road to access the cycle path, but then climb
Stile the steps on to a high ridge of land overlooking the ring road. There are great views from the top, extending as far as the Severn bridges and in to Wales. Continue along the ridge and then descend steps to pick up the tarmacked track, which follows the old Dramway line, which is also used by horse riders and cyclists. This is very flat, and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of wild deer, but unfortunately this is less than previous, due to the Lyde Green housing development. Continue the walk to the former Brandy Bottom Coal Mine (check out their website), which is on Historic England's Heritage At Risk register and has a number of explanatory notice boards. A return walk should be completed in well under two hours, but it is also possible to continue on towards Westerleigh and enjoy refreshments at the Acorn Café
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
when open, although this involves some road walking as well. A number of other walks that I enjoy are accessible from the Downend Voice area. 1 Frenchay Village Hall – Frenchay Village Snuff Mills – Vassals – Eastville Park & return 2. Conham Parking Area Hanham – following the River Avon – Chequers Pub – & return 3. Cold Ashton Church – Cotswold Way – NT Dyrham House (Café when open and remember to sign the Visitors Log Book in Dyrham Woods) & return 4. Tormarton – Cotswold Way – Dodington Park - the Dog Inn at Old Sodbury (for refreshments when open) & return Enjoy yourselves – and bring home any litter! Councillor Michael Bell
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
downendvoice
July, 2020
53
n SPORT PAGE Park is taking ‘baby steps’ towards a return to its prelockdown state. But the Friends of Page Park have confirmed that there will be no major official events in the park for the rest of this year. That means plans to rearrange this year’s VE Day 75th anniversary event from May to August, to coincide with VJ Day, have had to be cancelled. The park has remained open for exercise throughout the coronavirus lockdown and, as restrictions have been gradually eased, more and more people have returned. As the Voice went to print, a takeaway service was available at the park’s Bean Tree Cafe and regular visits from the ice cream van had been reinstated. Measures to help social distancing, including ‘picnic squares’ created at the side of the cricket pitch to help families sit two metres apart, have been introduced as people living nearby take advantage of the green space on their doorstep.
Page Park is bouncing back But children’s play areas have now been off-limits for three months and the cancellation of special events has denied the Friends fundraising opportunities. Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said the park’s public toilets were expected to reopen within weeks, with the cafe possibly able to fully reopen in early July. Steph said it was hoped that later in the month, volunteers would be able to resume work helping to maintain the park. She said: “It was really sad when we went into lockdown and there were hardly any people there. “It’s changed now, people feel it’s a nice place and a safe place to visit. “People aren’t going away on holiday and are taking advantage of green spaces.” But the increase in visitors
Picnic squares in Page Park have been marked to help people stick to social distancing has brought its own problems, with volunteer litter patrols needed to clear up the rubbish left behind by some visitors. The Page Park Wombles,
a group dedicated to tackling the problem, are meeting from 9.30am on Saturdays to blitz the park and volunteers are welcome to offer help at other times. Details of how to volunteer can be found at the friends’ website, friendsofpagepark.co.uk. As in other areas, laughing gas canisters have been found in the park and people are being urged to report any anti-social behaviour firstly to the police on 101. Steph said the Friends were hoping to “bounce back and bring the life back to the park” as the summer goes on but she said: “As it stands at the moment we have no events planned for the rest of the year. “It’s not only the opportunity to raise funds for the park but to bring the community together that we’re missing out on – people like a big party in the park.”
Blooming good show in Staple Hill
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STAPLE HILL is being brightened up with some cheerful summer flowers thanks to a project bringing together volunteers and a charity. New planters have been installed in Fountain Square and flowers have been renewed in other sites along the High Street as part of the Growing Staple Hill project. The project aims to brighten up the High Street, encourage more people to visit and new businesses to start up, creating job opportunities for the community. Volunteers are working with the Friends of Page Park, local councillors, Bromford housing and charity Be Empowered Farm Futures, which is coordinating the project and has created the new planters to complement the existing flowerbeds in the area, which are also being replenished with plants.
l of Da
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
Be- Empowered Farm Futures is based at Page Park and was created to provide training, education, employment and well-being opportunities for disabled people. Providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for disabled people, the charity gives them the opportunity to take part in the daily activities including growing, gardening, cooking and learning other skills for employment. The new planters include “pollution-fighting” plants, perennials and bee-friendly plants, as well as colourful and strongly-scented plants to benefit the local environment. Some planters also contain herbs, which people can take cuttings from to grow their own plants.
H. G. Harris Family Funeral Directors 9 Broad Street, Staple Hill Bristol BS16 5LN Tel: 0117 956 9479 Fax: 0117 956 4070 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net
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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
54
n NEWS THE former Soundwell College will be turned into a new special school after an educational trust was given permission to take it over. The new Soundwell Academy will provide 136 places for children with a combination of social, emotional, mental health or speech, language and communication needs and will be run by Learn@ MultiAcademy Trust, which already runs five other academies in Bristol and the surrounding area, including St Matthias Academy in Fishponds. The new academy will cater for pupils from the age of five up to 19 and will include a vehicle workshop and other vocational facilities for engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality and catering training. The academy is due to open with 28 pupils in September, in a temporary building in Patchway, while renovations to the former college are completed. It will move on to the Soundwell site from next year, and is due to grow to its capacity of 136 pupils by September 2023.
downendvoice
July, 2020
Special school set to be created at old college site The academy has been commissioned by Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset councils to accept young people from all three areas. Head teacher Craig Abbs said: “This is an exciting new facility for the area and we will be looking to work with the local community to use these areas of the school. “We will provide employment for up to 80 staff across teaching, specialist support, administration,
technical support, catering and maintenance. Soundwell Academy will have a short break residential accommodation and this will provide opportunities for the young people to extend learning opportunities and independent skills training in preparation for adult life. “Within the Learn@ MAT, we treat everyone equally.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Through tolerance, respect and responsibility we promote and reflect equality across our whole community.” MP Chris Skidmore said he had campaigned to ensure that the former Soundwell College site be put to an educational use. He said: “We know that the number of children with complex needs is growing and so I am delighted that the Learn@ Soundwell School will bring new opportunities for children in Kingswood and the wider Bristol area and look forward to visiting it myself once it is open.” “Local people have been concerned at the eyesore the site has been become since it closed and so it’s great to see that this former campus will come back into use and once again serve local education needs.”
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
downendvoice
July, 2020
55
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Laugh at me in my PPE gear! Blog 73 – The Covid-19 recovery IT’S important at times like these to come together in solidarity and appreciate what we are fortunate for. I would like to applaud the Voice for making a huge effort to bring back this wonderful magazine to the community. I have missed writing in it and I have missed reading it. When Boris said “shut down”, I have never been so frightened. Not completely for fear of Covid-19 strangely enough, but the thought that I would lose everything that I have built for the last 17 years of hard work and effort. I woke every hour or so in my sleep for those first couple of weeks with a sense of terror, panic and awful thoughts about the business collapsing, losing my home and my family being let down so badly by me. Having just spent all of my savings and taken a business loan to the hilt for the beautiful shiny new clinic that I am so proud of, I was, like so many, about to lose it all. Each day, however, I managed to stop a payment of some kind. I managed to stop my home mortgage, then the government announced that I could get the
small business grant and finally my bank allowed me to go interest only on the business loan. So with some prudent lifestyle choices I have managed to stay afloat. For all of you with business or employment that is seriously affected by this pandemic my heart goes out to you and I wish you luck. During lockdown we quickly moved to support patients and operate a telehealth service. It was limited to who you could see but the service was a success. We obviously didn’t see anything like the same number of patients, but we had real successes in helping people get out of pain operating over a video call. It worked so well that we will keep the service running forever. For those patients who are isolating, shielding, travelling or it is just convenient! So after few Joe Wicks sessions, home schooling, the couch to 5K, oh and leading the response to Covid-19 alongside our new Chiropractor and Chiropractic President, Catherine Quinn, for the whole chiropractic profession, we have finally opened our doors again. We have done a huge risk assessment and made many
A SUPPORT network for men’s mental health is expanding to cover South Gloucestershire. Talk Club, a talking and listening club for men to improve their mental fitness, was formed because suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Co-founder Ben Akers lost his childhood best friend, Steve Yates, to suicide in 2014 and Talk Club grew out of his efforts to work through his grief. It aims to get men to talk more openly in
changes to the clinic for patient safety. However, the new clinic was designed with hygiene in mind. We already had a wellspaced out clinic, the walls are painted with antimicrobial hospital paint, the reception is large, cleaning schedules were already as good as you would expect. In November I had bought a UVC room sterilising lamp that kills most super bugs and is widely used in cleaning hospital operating theatres. So to add to that we have done things like spaced out the waiting chairs, added more hand sanitising stations, put up clear signage, added a sneeze screen for reception and of course added a huge amount of PPE to our stores next to vast quantities of cleaning products! Working in scrubs and PPE was tricky to get used to. The aprons are hot, the gloves make your hands sweat and masks are hard to breathe though until you get used to them. But now it is starting to feel normal and patients have a good laugh at me but then we can help them again and normality is starting to resume. The chiropractors, physiotherapists and sports therapists are working and
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
ready to help you get better. With the slow and careful return to seeing patients face to face I feel a huge spark of hope. A hope for the clinic. A hope for my patients. A hope for the staff. A hope for my family and a hope for humanity. We will get there, I look forward to next month where I will talk to about more normal topics like how not to break your back gardening! Take care all.
Supporting men's mental health a relaxed and non-judgemental environment. Starting in April last year at the Bristol Beer Factory in Southville, organisers say Talk Club is the fastest-growing men’s mental fitness movement in the UK. Membership has grown 30% since the lockdown, as meet-ups have moved online. Talk Club’s Ian Browne said: “Isolation, money worries, the future have all been
themes of concern inside the groups over the past few months, but as we come out of it Talk Club imagine the need for support to be even greater. To find out more visit www.wetalkclub. com or join the Talk Club South Glos group on Facebook.
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July, 2020
n NEWS
International dance chance delayed A 12 year old Mangotsfield School pupil from Downend has been selected to be part of Team England in the Dance World Cup 2020. However instead of being in Rome, Italy, to compete this July she will be keeping up her dance training at home, with her dream being put on hold for 12 months. Yasmin Davis, a former pupil of Christchurch schools and VDance, will be representing her current school of dance in Winterbourne, REDDs, where she trains each week in all styles of dance. It was in December 2019 that Yasmin, daughter of Karen Davis, who runs LTD (Love to Dance) found out that she had successfully been given a Team England place after auditioning against 3,000 dancers. She was chosen to compete in the Street Dance category, her favourite gendre of dance and has been training hard on what she hopes will be a winning piece. Yasmin said: “I am so excited to dance in the World Cup. I’m sad that Rome has been cancelled this year, but I’m also looking forward to finding out where it will be when everything is back to normal. My sister Belle has really helped me to get ready.” Parents Karen and Matt, along with sister Belle are very proud of Yasmin being chosen to represent her country and look forward to cheering her on at the awaited venue in 2021.
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July, 2020
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57
n SPORT
Mangos need your help to survive MANGOTSFIELD United needs help from the community to ensure its survival. The club has launched a crowdfunding campaign after the premature end to the football season and closure of its social club left it with no income form the start of lockdown. The Southern League programme for the 2019-20 season was officially ended in mid-April, with no conclusion, no promotion or relegation, which means the season effectively didn’t happen. The Mangos last played in mid-March, with nine games still to play, and like many other non-League clubs the
loss of income has left them in trouble financially. Chairman Mike Richardson has twice appealed to the fans for donations to keep the club ticking over. Speaking as a fundraiser on website JustGiving was launched in April, he said: "We need help or the very survival of the club is at stake. Hopefully friends, supporters and the wider community will realise the situation we're in. "The club has had no income since early March, with no games, and now the social club has been closed, with no date for re-opening. “We're the biggest non League club in Bristol and
now it's time for everyone to embrace it or lose it." Updating the fans in May, he said: “It is essential that people do realise that the situation will deteriorate in the coming weeks without help. “In the end, people have to decide if they want the club to survive, and there is only so much that Pete (Crowley, director of football) and myself can do. “Pete has been preparing the pitch from his own money and that will have saved us £1,000s of pounds. “Once furlough changes, then decisions will have to be made. I cannot see any sponsorship coming this season
and don't know where we go from there. “Hopefully people will respond. Thank you all – stay safe.” The crowdfunder had raised just under £3,300 as the Voice went to press and the club had also been boosted by a pitch funding award from the Football Foundation. But at present no-one at the club knows when the new season will start, as they wait for the Southern League, FA and the government to make a decision on the return of grassroots football. You can donate to the club at justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/danny-west-2
Boxers stay in shape during lockdown
YOUNG boxers from Downend Boxing club have been taking part in video coaching sessions to help them keep in shape during the lockdown. The club’s members have been forced to train at home since the lockdown made it impossible to hold training sessions at its base in Fishponds. They have been making films of their training and are being given coaching sessions online as everyone involved in the
sport waits to hear when contact training and competition can safely restart. Seven of the youngsters – 16-year-old Morgan Baber, Elouise Edwards (15), brothers Ethan (16) and Jude (17) Moore, Alexa Smith (14), Jodie Horton (23) and Bailey Phillips (20) – are England talent pathway boxers. Jodie, who works for Public Health England, is juggling an incredibly busy workload with
her training, although she has an advantage as her partner and his twin brother, Jake and Ben Demmery, are professional boxers. Jude is currently on leave from the Army preparation college in Harrogate due to the lockdown. Craig Turner from the club said: “The online training continues well, and most of the young people are continuing to engage and are chomping at the
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
bit to get back into the ring. “England B 0oxing has yet not given any indication as to when that may happen, and of course we are being led totally by them as the sport’s national governing body. “But the international boxers we have are staying on the boil as best they can, and of course their mental and physical welfare is being monitored at all times.”
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Willow Surgery, Hill House Road, Downend on: 0117 970 9505
Keynsham Based
Call Tony 0777 6188595 tony1osborne@yahoo.co.uk Find us on Facebook osborneandsons
A Member of British Acupuncture Council and Lecturer
ARCHITECT SERVICES
CAR REPAIRS
Tel: 0117 329 3773 Mob: 07780 713 665
Outside Work = Perfect for Social distancing
CARPENTRY
PHILIP PERKINS
Carpentry General Carpenter/Kitchen Fitter (Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen)
• Kitchens supplied & fitted or supply only • Full kitchen or fronts only • Worktops • Fitted Wardrobes • Door Hanging • Skirting • Stairs & Balustrades • Laminate & Wood Flooring • All aspects of general carpentry work
CALL FOR A QUOTE - NO JOB TOO SMALL 0117 9373941 OR 07788 115945
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
ELECTRICIANS
A p r i c o t E l e c t r i c a l D O M E S T I C A N D C O M M E R C I A L
T H E R E W I R I N G S P E C I A L I S T S F R E E R e w i r e s a n d R e p a i r s E S T I M A T E S P I R S e c u r i t y L i g h t i n g T e s t i n g C e r t i f i c a t e s B u i l d i n g S o c i e t y W i r i n g R e p o r t s F R I E N D L Y , H O N E S T A N D P R O F E S S I O N 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
07976 665448
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
downendvoice
July, 2020
59
FENCING
ELECTRICIANS
MARK EVANS
Electricians & Alarm Specialists
Vinney Green Farmhouse Emersons Green BS16 7AF
Experts in
Full housge rewirin t aranteed a all work gu ces the best pri
Our electricians can also provide extra sockets, low voltage halogen lighting, electrical testing, landlord certificates, kitchen and bathroom electrical work, garden lighting and all your electrical needs
0117 956 0695 / 07770 233475
enquiries@markevanselectrical.co.uk Trusted Trader
ELECTRICIANS
GUTTER CLEANING
FRENCHAY FENCING
Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning
& PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
all work guaranteed - all quotes free OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE LOCALLY BASED
Call Mike on 07962226226 or 0117 9701939 or Andy on 07747148106
Call or Book online
www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558
Contact us at Facebook: Frenchay fencing
Based in Downend, Bristol
HOUSE CLEARANCE
FENCING
DOWNEND FENCINGE)
Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance
House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89
(ERECTING SERVIC
Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139
e - All types of 45 years experienc arance etc. cle , fencing, repairs L AL SM O TO B NO JO
3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179
TEL: 0797 3381663
Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
PAINTING & DECORATING
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
STEVE PAINTER
D. ATTWELL
DECORATING SERVICES
LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works
Call Nick on 0117 2872392
Third generation family business offering professional exterior and interior painting and decorating services locally.
Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building
Traditionally trained Quality workmanship Paperhanging specialist Friendly and reliable Competitively priced
• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
0117 303 9000 FENCING, GATES & TRELLIS
FENCING Has your fence Blown Down?
Are you in need of a new fence Then ring Alistair Tweedale early evenings
01179 520076 for a free estimate 45 years experience
For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921
Call Steve Painter on:
01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035
d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
GUTTERING SERVICES
PAINTING & DECORATING
South Gloss Decorating Painters & Decorators
Replacement and Maintenance:
Guttering, Downpipes UPVC Fascia Boards Soffits and Cladding Unblock & Gutter Cleaning All work guaranteed Based in Bristol area Call Paul for free quote
01454 850201 or 07980 001109
Interior and Exterior
Affordable, Reliable, Professional Contact: Dave Beauchamp Tel: 0117 956 9932 Mob: 07739 382 524 E-Mail: davebeauchamp@msn.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/southgloss
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
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July, 2020
PAINTING & DECORATING
PLASTERING
PLUMBING & HEATING
J L Painting & Decorating
SBS PLASTERING
CREST HEATING & PLUMBING
Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator
City and Guilds Qualified
Tiler • Mason • Painter
Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations
No Job too small Free No obligation quote
Tel: 07900 551199 Tel: 0117 9567100
Telephone:
07474573780 0117 2792264
email: sbsplastering@aol.co.uk
Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry PAINTING & DECORATING Interior & façade painting
Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator
Builder & Interior Decorator
17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior & Facade T: 0117 401 8568 / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience
CHECK OUT REVIEWS ON GOOGLE
PLUMBING
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
957 5092
T: 0117 431 2726 / 07557 335 956
0117
PAINTING & DECORATING
PLUMBING
E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE
TEL: 07765 250816
56746
PLUMBING
JJ PLUMBING BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk
PLUMBING
SJM DECORATING Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured
Free Quotations
Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411
www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk
PLASTERING
D E Price Plastering Ltd
* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES
PLASTERING, RENDERING AND DAMP PROOFING SERVICES
www.depriceplastering.com 07 899 098 929 149 REVIEWS
PLUMBING & HEATING
Anderson Heating Services Heating Installation • Repairs • Breakdown • Servicing • Light Commercial • Bathrooms • Unvented Systems • Hot & Cold Water Systems • Plumbing • Landlord Certificates • LPG • Gas Fires • Gas Appliance Safety Checks • Gas Cookers
T: 07878249260 E: phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk W: andersonheatingservices.co.uk
RATED 9.9/10
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
July, 2020
61 WASTE DISPOSAL
PLUMBING & HEATING Bristol: 0117 9000 986 Mobile: 07834 633376
3 generations in the plumbing and heating industry and a quality service from a local family business.
RUBBISH CLEARED
Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074
We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue
Boiler service and repair, New boilers supplied and installed, full system and design, Free 10 year parts and labour warranty on new boilers, general plumbing. We are also Gas safe registered. OAP DISCOUNTS
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Providing general building, factory facilities work, gardening, pest control
Tel 07779242184 ROOFING
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS
TOENAIL CUTTING Toenail cutting and foot care in the comfort of your own home. Affordable, professional.
Give your toes a treat
Free foot massage!
Call 07523299147 or visit www.neatfeet.net TREE SERVICES
N . BROWN
ROOFIN G LIMITED
SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS
PROFESSIONAL ARBORISTS FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED
WOODSTOCK T R E E S E RV I C E S
• FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE • FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT
Give Nigel a call he’s local and has a wealth of experience
✆ 07779 786072 SHOWER REPAIRS
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
F R E E E S T I M A T E S
F R I E N D L Y P R O M P T S E R V I C E , A L L W O R K G U A R A N T E E D
A p r i c o t E l e c t r i c a l
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
07976 665448
FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL
• ALL WASTE RECYCLED
Tel Eric: 07725 951006
info@treadwellwindows.co.uk treadwellwindows.co.uk
e-mail: woodstocktreeservices@gmail.com web: www.woodstocktreeservices.co.uk
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
We can also service & repair all types of PVC, Aluminium & Timber windows/doors From Misted Double Glazing - Lock Repairs - Hinge Replacement - Door/ Window Handles and more.
077867 30804 or 0117 279 9409
• ALL TREE AND HEDGE WORK UNDERTAKEN
FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES
We replace & install all new Windows, Doors, Bi-folding Doors, conservatories and much more!
J.A. Cole & Sons Tree Surgeons • Tree Surgery • Hedge & Shrub work • Precision Felling • Size Reduction • Fully insured • Domestic & Commercial .
PROFESSIONAL EXPERT SERVICE - 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF TREE WORK Free Quotations & Advice
0117 9567298 07768 973291
www.bristol-tree-surgeons.co.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
BASED IN DOWNEND! WINDOW & DOOR SPECIALISTS
Window and Door Specialists • Supply & Fit • Fascias, Soffits and Guttering • Conservatories • Commercial & Shop Fronts • Composite Doors • Windows & Doors • Repairs & Replacement Glazing • Bi-Folding Doors • UPVC and Aluminium
tel: 07977490777
www.maynardwindows.co.uk e: maynardwindows@mail.com
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
Say hello to expert mortgage advice on Downend High Street We’re offering no obligation, fee free* mortgage advice for the rest of 2020. We can search 1,000s of mortgages for you •
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0117 9679240 mabdownend.co.uk mab.downend@mab.org.uk Award-winning mortgage broker
* Fee free mortgage advice is exclusive to MAB in Downend. As below, there may be a fee through other branches. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed. MAB 10896_250x180_Downend_Advert.indd 1
21/05/2020 13:17
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Hidden heroes MANY heroes have emerged during Covid-19. Here we feature just a few of you who are helping make South Gloucestershire such a caring place to live in: Christine is a member of the council’s libraries staff team but she’s switched to distributing emergency food parcels rather than books. The food parcels are for local people who need to stay at home because they’re at greatest risk from the virus. The Pucklechurch & Shortwood Good Neighbours’ Scheme is a voluntary group that has been working hard to support local people by completing small tasks like shopping. They have started a food bank in the village. Paige is the founder of Mamas Bristol CIC, a support
3
Community partnerships
Pucklechurch Good Neighbours’ Scheme in a photograph taken before Covid-19 Paige
network for parents across South Gloucestershire and Bristol. When the pandemic started, all of the group’s normal activities and events had to stop. But since the end of March, the small team at Mamas Bristol CIC have distributed
Julie Close, Southern Brooks’ Chief Executive, describes how they are responding to Covid-19: “We quickly refocused our resources to respond to Covid-19. Working directly with the community, the council and the Clinical Commissioning Group, we’re providing practical support to people identified as vulnerable or high risk. Every day, we provide information and emotional support, arrange food parcel deliveries, prescription collections and referrals to Mutual Aid Groups and other local services. Projects include supporting those most severely isolated by lockdown measures, perhaps as a result of digital exclusion or shielding requirements. From the outset, the priority has been to support and keep people safe. For example, as the guidance around shielding different groups within of our community changes we have adapted our offering to meet this. Inevitably, services will change as volunteers return to work and a daily routine as lockdown eases but the impact of Covid-19 will be felt for weeks and months to come, if not longer. Our existing services will continue for as long as required, but new programmes are in development to respond to longer term needs. The best support people can give is to follow social distancing and personal hygiene rules and guidance.”
approximately 3,500 hot meals to vulnerable people, families in need and keyworkers needing a helping hand. The organisation has also made available any leftover food and ingredients to those who have struggled to shop during lockdown.
THE superb response from volunteers and voluntary groups across the district during the Covid-19 crisis is heartening and inspiring. The council is working in partnership with these groups which is helping it to respond effectively to those who need the most support, and to those who help. Southern Brooks is an example of the excellent partnership working taking place. A lead voluntary sector partner, it is playing a key role, liaising between the council and the Mutual Aid Groups and volunteers in the district. Southern Brooks keeps in weekly contact with the groups. Because it knows and understands what they offer, it is able to refer people for support. The council’s community aid web pages lists the support available.
Spotlight on volunteering Charlotte Lester, 35, from Patchway, volunteers for two hours a week with a FareShare Project run by Southern Brooks from the Brooks Café at the Coniston Community Centre. FareShare redistributes surplus food to charities to turn into meals. Charlotte puts together food parcels that are then delivered to vulnerable people in the district. She says: “I started volunteering with the project in April as I want to help people and be useful. I enjoy it – I used to work away from home and didn’t really know my area but, because of volunteering, I feel much more connected to my community. I’ve met loads of great people, always socially distancing of course! I’d encourage other people to give it a go.” If you've been inspired by how communities have pulled together during this crisis and want to find out how to volunteer, or need help yourself, call Southern Brooks on 0333 5774666 or visit https://southernbrooks.org.uk/ or call CVS South Gloucestershire 01454 865205 or visit https://www.cvs-sg.org.uk/ volunteer-centres/.
How to get help and support If you’re not online, call the South Gloucestershire Council freephone helpline 0800 953 7778. We can also send printed weekly updates out to you. Or if you’re online, email your questions to CustomerCare@southglos.gov.uk Coronavirus help and information hub www.southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest news & updates follow us on:
Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloscouncil Twitter @sgloscouncil To contact South Gloucestershire Council, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/contact or call 01454 868009 Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 See our website for: • updates on council services • sign up to our weekly email updates • financial support for residents and businesses • South Glos Community aid hub – where you can get help from local voluntary groups • a wide range of other support services and information such as: • free educational resources • mental health tips and advice and much more. Supporting people who aren’t online Richard* received the recent letter from the council about support for people who are shielding from coronavirus. He phoned us to find out what it’s all about. He didn’t remember receiving an earlier letter from the NHS advising him to shield and apply for support. He wouldn’t have known how to apply online. The council offered to apply on his behalf and he was surprised and grateful for the help. He is now receiving his free food *Name changed and stock image used for confidentiality parcel from the government every week.
www.southglos.gov.uk