downendvoice September, 2020 — Issue 88
www.downendvoice.co.uk
Find out how you can help support our independent traders: www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT #ShopStapleHill
ShopStapleHill: HelpUsThrive Staysafeandshoplocal tosupport StapleHill traders “WE’RE encouraging people to come back to our fantastic high street and support the local economy. We’ve worked hard to keep people safe and our customers are being really supportive,” says George Georgiou, owner of the Butcher’s Hook. George is one of the local traders joining forces with South Gloucestershire Council as part of the ‘Help Us Thrive: Shop South Glos’ campaign. Meet the trader videos, a social media campaign, and special offers from traders (see Pages 2 & 63), among other steps, highlight the best of what high streets across the area have to offer, including Staple Hill with its choice of independent traders. Tina Lewis, the owner of Beauty Spot beauty salon, says: “We’ve a lot of independent and exciting shops, eateries and other businesses in Staple Hill. It’s a fantastic place to shop and we hope everyone will support us and help our high street thrive.”
Safety measures The council has worked to make Staple Hill as safe as possible for shoppers. Measures include more space for social distancing on pavements and roads, and
Staple Hill traders join Councillor Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, at Fountain Square for the campaign launch relaxing licensing regulations to make it easier for pubs, cafés and restaurants to install outside seating areas. All the council’s parks and playgrounds are open again too so it’s the perfect time to visit Staple Hill’s Page Park. With its café and toddlers’ play area, Page Park is ideal for an afternoon out with the family. The green heart of Staple Hill, the park is just a moment’s walk from the high street. Melody Beard, owner of the Bean Tree Café in Page Park says: “The park is an oasis of calm that many people don’t know is here. The nearby high street has everything you need – butchers,
grocers, a sweet shop and other brilliant businesses. Come and discover Staple Hill for yourself and do your bit for the local economy.” Love cycling and want to buildup your post-lockdown fitness? Don’t forget that Staple Hill is close to the Bristol-Bath cycle path and the mighty Staple Hill tunnel – it’s a perfect starting point for a day out. Before heading off, stock up on the high street for treats and essentials.
Challenging times Councillor Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “For the last few months, communities across our area
have acted with significant responsibility to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. We now ask for your support again. These are incredibly challenging times for businesses, who have done a brilliant job to welcome shoppers back safely. It’s time for people to do their bit and help them thrive.” Discover how to support South Gloucestershire’s local traders to thrive and meet some of the Staple Hill traders that make the high streets tick at www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos Share what your like best about Staple Hill's shops on social media using #ShopStapleHill
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downendvoice September, 2020 — Issue 88
Education Special
www.downendvoice.co.uk
Pages 23-27
FREE EVERY MONTH IN DOWNEND, MANGOTSFIELD, STAPLE HILL, BROMLEY HEATH & FRENCHAY Blow as church revamp firm fails The builders carrying out a £700k revamp of St James church in Mangotsfield have gone into administration. PAGE 9
Scarecrow trail draws the crowds Isambard Kingdom Brunel was just one of nearly 50 statues in a trail in Staple Hil last month. Hundreds of people took part in the community event. PAGES 12 & 13
Teewell Hill residents by one of the places where vehicles frequently mount the pavement.
'Someone could be killed' PEOPLE living on an "already dangerously busy" road in Staple Hill fear a pedestrian could be killed after the closure of nearby streets to through traffic. Residents of Teewell Hill say more vehicles are having to squeeze through the narrow approach to the traffic lights at
the junction with Broad Street and Park Road since the nearby Charnell Road and Signal Road were shut off by South Gloucestershire Council. An increase in traffic needing to turn right, as the closed roads can no longer be used to reach Mangotsfield, is leading to longer
queues on Teewell Hill – and more vehicles illegally mounting the pavement to pass each other, as the road is blocked. Resident Faye Galvin said: "The temporary closure of Charnell and Signal Roads has led to a significant increase Turn to Page 7
Surgery phone woes A survey has shown than 88 per cent of patients found it difficult to get through to Leap Valley Surgery on the phone. PAGE 19
Mangos return Mangotsfield United are preparing for the 2020-21 Southern League season start. PAGE 56
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downendvoice www.downendvoice.co.uk
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 October edition deadline is September 16. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Downend Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Downend Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pickup points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@ downendvoice.co.uk.
COMPLAINTS
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Downend Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash A MOTORCYCLIST was seriously injured in a crash on the main road linking Downend and Fishponds. Police say the 56-yearold man suffered "what are thought to be life-changing injuries" in the collision with a car at the junction of Downend Road and Stanbury Road on August 20. The collision happened at around 6.20am and Police investigating the collision in ambulance crews called Downend Road firefighters and police for assistance. The injured man was taken to hospital and Downend Road was closed between the Cross Hands junction and Overndale Road for seven hours, as police carried out an accident investigation and cleared the scene of the crash. Buses on the 48 and Y2 routes service Downend were diverted via Staple Hill while the closure was in place. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson called on anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage they believe could be relevant to the investigation to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5220 188 300.
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September, 2020
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n NEWS
Road rage victim: I'm lucky to be alive A CYCLIST is lucky to be alive after suffering multiple injuries when a road rage driver ran him off the road. Nick Stack, who lives in Downend, was riding on a rural road north of Chipping Sodbury when a 4x4, which was towing a livestock trailer, deliberately swerved in to the verge, knocking him off his bike and forcing a friend who was riding behind to crash into him. Nick suffered a broken collarbone, a head injury, gashes and bruises in the incident. But he says it could have been far worse had he not been wearing a cycle helmet. He needed a second operation three weeks after the accident, to re-set his collarbone so that it would set properly and he will eventually be able to return to cycling and his other physical activities, boot camps and boxing. The cyclist behind Nick suffered a hairline elbow fracture, cuts and bruises. The pair were on a training ride, cycling in single file on Sodbury Road from Wottonunder-Edge towards Chipping
Sodbury, when the incident happened on the late afternoon of July 28. Nick said: "We heard someone beeping from a long way back behind us. "I didn't think much of it but the next thing they were alongside us. The passenger shouted a lot of abuse." Nick said he looked ahead to keep his eyes on the road and avoid engaging with the driver and passenger but then realised the vehicle was veering across in front of him, leaving him with nowhere to go. He said: "The trailer whipped in and wiped me out." Nick's friend was unable to stop and rode into the back of him, leaving both of them injured in the road. An experienced cyclist and triathlete, Nick is used to cycling hundreds of miles a week in the UK and abroad and is a member of the locally-based Dream Cycling club. He says that while some drivers occasionally accidentally pass cyclists too close, the driver of the 4x4 and trailer "clearly knew what they were doing",
The 4x4 and trailer police are trying to trace
Cyclist Nick Stack at hospital after treatment for his injuries adding: "They were so close I could have reached out and touched them." After the crash the 4x4, which was towing a trailer marked with the words "livestock in transit", slowed down before driving off. A witness driving behind has contacted the police but was unable to give officers a registration number. Nick said the witness had been following the van from near Charfield and said whoever was behind the wheel had been "driving like a lunatic". He added: "At the end of the day this was a hit-and-run. Those people didn't know what condition I was in, or even whether I was still alive or not." Nick says the helmet "saved my life" and advised other riders to make sure they always wear one.
Avon and Somerset police have tracked down CCTV footage of what they believe to be the 4x4 pick-up and trailer and are appealing for anyone who recognises them or thinks they know the driver to call 101, quoting crime reference number 5220 184 275. A spokesperson said: "The driver overtook and deliberately swerved to the nearside verge, causing the trailer to knock one of the cyclists from his bike and the other cyclist to collide with him. "We’d ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who may hold dashcam footage to get in touch with us." Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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downendvoice
September, 2020
n LETTERS SPECIAL After South Gloucestershire Council closed Signal Road and Charnell Road to through traffic on a trial basis, the Voice asked for readers' views on whether the closures, which also affect traffic on Charnhill Drive and neighbouring roads, should be made permanent. Here are your responses: I AM a resident of Charnhill Drive, which has become a very dangerous and fast rat run for motorists. It has also become very noisy in the middle of the night, with fast cars and mopeds. I have written on several occasions to my local councillors about this situation. Michael Bell has been very supportive and arranged for a speed check to be temporarily installed on the road. I have been concerned that there would be a serious incident involving a cyclist or pedestrian, as the cycle path entrance is very popular and busy. I fully support the road closure and hope that it remains permanent. Sharon Curtis AS a resident of Charnell Road for the last 25 years I can categorically
say the closures should not be made permanent. Charnell Road has been a living hell since the implementation of the scheme. The main issue is that there is no place for vehicles to turn around, so they are using pavements and residents' driveways, with obvious dangers to pedestrians and residents' property. Larger vehicles are having to reverse out of the road onto the blind junction with White Lodge Road, which has parked cars on one side. This is extremely dangerous. Some reverse into Charnell Road, with the same danger. The council sold the scheme as preventing the roads becoming busier because Staple Hill High Street was being reduced to one lane. Now that they have done a u-turn on that, Charnell Road should be returned to normal.
The other excuse the council gave was to improve access to the Bristol-Bath railway path but cyclists/walkers have always used the more direct Teewell Hill and White Lodge Road for this (assuming they avoid getting crushed by a large vehicle reversing out or onto Charnell Road). Simon Storey I HAVE lived in Charnhill Vale, a cul-de-sac off of Charnhill Drive, for over 40 years. The difference the recent closure has made is amazing. You are no longer in danger of being run down as you attempt to cross the road in Charnhill Drive or pull out of the junction on your bike. I accept that people living in the vicinity of the road barriers may suffer some inconvenience and the way these barriers are installed may need careful planning, but the difference they will make to the local environment is immeasurable. Whatever the council decide to do, they need to put residents before road users. The environment throughout this country is rapidly becoming degraded by putting the interest of the motorist first. All I can say is well done South Gloucestershire Council, you have my backing. Richard Evans
I’VE lived in Charnhill Drive since 2011, and I have to say the cut through traffic from Mangotsfield Road and Signal Road (and vice versa) has got progressively worse. Prior to the installation of the barriers more and more people were using this cut-through, and the speed in which the majority use it is both dangerous and unlawful. There are more and more families with young children moving into Charnhill Drive and with the speed and quantum of traffic it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. With this in I would advocate the extension of the road closures and even better, make them a permanent fixture. Justin Backwell IT’S so much safer for residents. I can now sit in my lounge with my windows open, something that I have never been able to do in 45 years of being a resident of Charnhill Drive. The noise and speed of vehicles was frightening and has got much worse over the last two years. Before the closure I lost two wing mirrors and think it was inevitable that someone would be killed because of the speed. Please, please keep Signal Road closed, and do not waste money on reopening it and putting chicanes in Charnhill Drive – it is great as it is. Lorraine and Geoff Banks
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September, 2020
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n NEWS Teewell Hill From Page 1 in traffic in both directions on Teewell Hill – an already dangerously busy road. "Lorries and cars travelling down the hill are mounting the pavement to bypass stationary traffic on the other side. "This has resulted in several near misses for pedestrians, including one for a parent pushing a buggy and with two other small children, and has become a daily hazard for the elderly residents of the flats and bungalows at the top of the hill." Faye says there has been an increase in fumes from standing traffic, damage to cars parked at the side of the road and an increase in traffic heading for the centre of Staple Hill using narrow Teewell Avenue to avoid queues for the lights. Parked cars on Teewell Avenue mean there is not room for traffic to pass through it in both directions, and more drivers are now reversing out on to Teewell Hill to allow oncoming traffic to come out. Faye said: "We are concerned that come September, when more children are travelling by foot along the road to access the two primary schools in our neighbourhood, that there could be a serious or fatal incident." Fellow resident Lindsay Harris said vehicles trying to turn into Signal Road and Charnell Road and finding them blocked were now reversing onto Teewell Hill or "simply abandoning their vehicles on the grass verge or pavement and walking to deliver...as they can't figure out how to get there". She added: "More lorries even
Vehicles mounting the pavement on Teewell Hill than before are now mounting the pavement, as the road is not wide enough for two lorries to pass each other. It is simply not big enough to cope with the increased volume and speed of traffic and poses a significant risk to pedestrians." The residents are calling for the council to urgently look at the phasing of the traffic lights to allow more cars to turn right towards Mangotsfield. They are also calling for calming to be introduced as an alternative to the closures. The council closed Charnell Road and Signal Road in response to government guidance to "capitalise on the increases in active travel and greatly reduced motor vehicle use seen during lockdown". It said the closures would "provide more attractive routes for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active travel and reducing motor vehicle use in the vicinity of the Bristol to Bath cyclepath access". An experimental traffic order has been introduced to govern both closures and comments are now being accepted on the consultations section of the council's website. The Charnell Road page can be found at bit. ly/32drNTT and the Signal Road
page at bit.ly/2E7qIFd. A council spokesman said: "We are aware that some drivers have been illegally mounting the pavement in this area and we urge people to drive responsibly and remain patient at busy times. We will be checking the light sequencing here to see if any changes can be introduced to help traffic flow more freely through the area. “We are continuing to monitor the road closures which have been put in place as part of the wider social distancing measures along Staple Hill High Street, to keep people safe at this current time. We encourage
people to continue providing their feedback on the changes." Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillors have been liaising with the residents. Councillor Ian Boulton said: "From the start our main reservation about the Signal Road scheme has been the additional pressure this would put onto Teewell Hill, and we have asked the traffic engineers for ideas on how to mitigate this. "We have yet to hear their ideas, however we have discussed with residents the possibility of reintroducing a weight limit for vehicles using Teewell Hill, as well as reconfiguring the sequence of the traffic lights at the top of the hill. • Residents questioned whether the cylindrical concrete barriers on Signal Road were being made permanent after workers were seen filling them. The council told the Voice the barriers were "being planted with shrubs/flowers to improve the appearance of some of the measures" and insisted that the work was "no indication that the scheme is permanent".
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September, 2020
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’VE said before that I’m generally an optimist. This year was meant to be a great year for so many reasons. I think accepting where we are and making the most of what we’ve got, as well as looking forward with hope, is key to helping us all see this through. Schools are almost back, which I’m sure is a relief to so many of us, but perhaps for different reasons! I’m pleased that our three are looking forward to being back with their friends, no doubt in new ways to keep them all safe. It’s surely a credit to our schools that they’re managing so much and so well in such difficult circumstances. No mention of schools would be complete without a few eye and vision tips. It’s the time of year we receive the most referrals about children and young people with visual symptoms. They range from not being able to see the school board to cranky and tired children (who knew this could be due to eye strain eh!). It's more common to notice eye rubbing, excessive blinking and getting headaches, but we’re happy really to advise on all sorts of eye or vision concerns. Now I’m known as a tech lover, and as I’m sure we all did in the lockdown phase, my use of tech was significantly increased. My time was often spent on video calls to patients or reviewing and advising on guidance and patient safety documents. It was definitely a good time to test out the advice I’m usually giving to our patients; take regular breaks from your phone, tablet or computer screen, drink a good amount of water during the working day and make sure you get up and about at regular intervals. The stress relieving benefit of a short lunchtime walk in the sunshine was felt by many! I remain quietly (or maybe not so quietly!) in awe of the sublime quality and affordable luxury of our Tom Davies hand made glasses. The most common feedback our satisfied patients report is the day long comfort of wearing these glasses. The range
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of materials, from soft touch Italian acetate to diamond (yes really!) coated Japanese titanium and ethical horn and ensures that whatever style you choose you too can look great & feel good in your new glasses! As always when you come and see us you can expect the usual high standards of personal service, professional expertise and hygiene excellence you’re used to, from your local independent opticians. You & your loved ones are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care and new glasses or contact lenses. We just ask that you telephone first to book a time to come in, to help us keep you all safe. Whatever your eye care needs, whether at school, home working or out & about our expert team is ready & waiting to help you - however you enjoy using your eyes & vision! 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. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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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.
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
9
n NEWS A CHURCH is unable to welcome its congregation back after the contractor in charge of its £700,000 refurbishment project went into administration. The Create 800 Project at St James Church in Mangotsfield started last year, when builders moved in to begin an overhaul. The restoration and reordering project was intended to make the church fit for the 21st century, in time for its 800th anniversary in 2022. Work started in June last year and since then services have been taking place at the church hall in Richmond Road. The project was almost complete by the end of March and a date had been set for final commissioning, testing and instruction on using the new heating, lighting and electrical systems. But lockdown put the work on hold and, soon afterwards, main contractor Hart Design and Construction went into administration, leaving outstanding debts to the mechanical and electrical sub-contractors who need to commission and test the building's systems before it can reopen. Payments the church made for the work had not been passed on, so an extra £15,000 now needs to be raised on top of the more than £700,000 already donated to pay for the final stages of the work. Vicar Rev Teresa Taylor said: "St James is so grateful to the local community, individuals and organisations, charitable funders and church members who have supported this project financially in so many ways. "Sadly, due to these unforeseen and unprecedented
Church in limbo after builders' lockdown collapse
circumstances, we just need this final push to secure the additional funding to complete the project. "Once the building is commissioned and subject to current Government guidelines, St James members can realise their vision of a space not only open for Sunday worship again, but of a welcoming, accessible and adaptable space available for community activities such as a drop-in café and regular groups activities and one-off events, such as concerts and other musical events." Anyone who can help the church can donate through its Virgin Giving Page at www. virginmoney.com/giving, by searching for St James
Mangotsfield in the ‘make a donation’ section. People can also contact the
Mangotsfield has been renovated - but the congregation cannot go back in church directly via the website at www.stjameschurch.co.uk. Photo courtesy of Chris Taylor
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September, 2020
n NEWS
School pick-up traffic ban goes ahead A SCHEME to ban traffic outside a primary school at drop-off and pick-up times is going ahead, despite opposition from residents. South Gloucestershire Council is introducing an experimental traffic order to stop traffic entering Barley Close from 8.309.20am and 2.30-3.30pm every Monday to Friday during term time. The closure will be enforced with retractable bollards at the junction with Royal Road, which can be lowered to allow access to emergency vehicles. Signs will be installed designating the area a pedestrian and cycle zone during the closure period. In a statement explaining the scheme, the council said: "Residents within this section of road will need to avoid entering and leaving during the am and pm closure each day." The closure is part of the council's 'School Street' scheme, introduced to enable easier social distancing under coronavirus guidelines, make it easier for children and parents to walk to school and encourage families to stop driving children to school. The experimental order takes effect on September 1 and the council has the option of keeping it in force until March next year while it assesses whether the scheme works. An initial consultation, held between
Barley Close at the entrance to the primary school July 23 and August 6, after August's Voice had gone to press, had a strongly negative response, with 64% of the 22 people who responded saying they disagreed with the scheme and only 18% in favour. Some 63% said they thought the scheme would make parking in the area worse and 92% said the closures would affect them negatively, with the same percentage opposed to making the scheme permanent. All but two of those who responded
identified themselves as residents, either of Barley Close itself or nearby. No respondents said they were parents or staff at the school. One wrote that they were a shift worker who parked in Barley close and said: "If the closures were put in place this would result in me being late for some of my shifts, which is not acceptable." Another said: "We have endured many years of problem parking and abuse from parents, but this scheme is still punishing us as residents. We would support this scheme if residents had access at all times." The council has started a second consultation, which runs until March 1 next year, and is inviting people to have their say via the consultations section of its website. The Barley Close consultation can be found at bit.ly/328QJvu. A council spokesperson said: “The proposals at Barley Close School are designed to enable children and families to adhere to social distancing guidelines while providing a healthier and safer environment for all. “We are currently reviewing the results of the (first) consultation and will be working with the school and local residents to ensure our children are protected, and any issues raised are addressed.”
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Got News? Call Ken On14/08/2020 07715 770377 09:48
September, 2020
downendvoice
11
n NEWS DOWNEND councillor and South Gloucestershire Council deputy leader Jon Hunt is leaving politics, shortly after completing successful treatment for cancer. He has stepped down after nine years representing the area, having recently been involved in the council's responses to both the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit. Jon, who is married with a young daughter, announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel and liver cancer last summer. The Frenchay and Downend ward councillor underwent chemotherapy and two operations while continuing to carry out his role as cabinet member for children and young people, where he helped bring the department out of special measures and oversaw an expansion of youth services, including the creation of a supported living project in Yate. Jon oversaw work on the local impact of leaving the EU and, following the COVID-19 outbreak, the authority's links with community and volunteer groups to help people who were shielding – while at the same time shielding himself. He said: "I had a strong will that I would continue working as much as possible throughout my treatment. I felt that by keeping myself active and busy it distracted me from thinking about the treatment. This meant that there was a minimal impact on my portfolio, and I was able to focus on the things that I could control." Jon said he was "very fortunate" that council leader Toby Savage was "willing to be as flexible as I needed" during treatment, allowing him to link with meetings in different ways, including recording a video
Jon leaves council for new career after cancer fight
A FOODBANK is looking for drivers to help out with deliveries. Resound foodbank, based at the centre of the same name in Blackhorse Road, has been running a home delivery service as the people it helps have been unable to come in and collect food parcels during the coronavirus crisis. A Holiday Hunger programme during the school holidays has meant deliveries have more than doubled.
Appeal for drivers
message for a cabinet meeting held on a day he was due to have an operation. He said: "Strangely the pandemic, and meetings all moving remotely, allowed me to be even more involved, as when recovering from surgery I was still able to access meetings that I may not have been able to attend in person otherwise. "My wife has been amazing throughout my journey and has been there to support me the entire time (although I'm sure she would have preferred me to take a bit more time off from my council duties). "We also had great support from friends who have helped with childcare and my daughter's school, Christ Church Infants School, and Buckingham Gardens Nursery, who went over and above to help out with our daughter to allow my wife to visit me in hospital and support us whenever they could." Jon underwent the second of two operations to remove tumours from his liver on March 2, three weeks before lockdown.
The foodbank is looking for two drivers to help out during September and October, who have their own transport and would be able to volunteer twice a month for an hour on Fridays. Volunteers will need to be able to lift heavy shopping bags and can call 0117 305 0969 between 10am and noon on Fridays for more information.
He said: "If this had been scheduled for later then there would have been significant delays. It did mean that post-op care was done through phone calls, rather than in person and scans to check on the success of the surgery are still not back up and running, so there is also a worry of whether everything has been removed. "Due to my condition I was added to the clinically extremely vulnerable list and was required to shield. In my role as deputy leader I took on the portfolio of Community Support, which included shielding, so it was very useful to have the insight of what it was like as someone on that list." Jon, who ran an IT business alongside his council role, will now become a civil servant, working in the Government Digital Service. He said: “Having recently come to the end of my treatment, now feels the right time to move onto a new chapter of my life. "I am excited by a move to the public sector, even though it
Changes to furlough rules and an increase in the number of redundancies are also driving an increase in demand for Resound's services. Since the end of March, the number of people Resound has fed has increased by more than 70% and the service has provided more than 6,300 meals. Resound is accepting
sadly means I have to withdraw from local politics, but my priority has to be to provide for my family. "This is a now a new challenge for me and one that I am really looking forward to tackling. “South Gloucestershire remains a great place to live and work and I want to recognise everyone at the council; the officers, my fellow councillors and the cabinet, for the important role they play. "Being a local councillor is a big responsibility but also a great honour and I hope the council continues to adapt to make that opportunity more accessible to local people wanting to make a difference.” Paying tribute to Jon's work, Councillor Savage said he had "served the council with distinction," adding: “Despite his battle with cancer over the past year, he was never distracted from his responsibilities, even when he was being advised to. "His tireless efforts to deliver for his local residents, for the children and young people entering and leaving the care system, and South Gloucestershire as a whole has been nothing short of outstanding." Boyd Valley councillor Ben Stokes is taking over as deputy leader, while Parkwall and Warmley councillor Sam Bromiley will take over as cabinet member for children and young people. donations of tinned products: minced meat and onions; chicken in white sauce; steak; casseroles; corned beef; ham; potatoes (or packet potatoes); rice pudding; custard. Jam, long life fruit juice, washing-up liquid, toiletries and feminine hygiene products are also needed. Donations can be brought to the Resound Centre on Fridays between 9am and 1pm or left at collection boxes in the Sainsbury's stores at Emersons and Lyde Green.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
downendvoice
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Scarecrows bring smiles to Staple Hill SCARECROWS staged a takeover of Staple Hill to brighten up the streets. The Staple Hill and Surrounds Scarecrow Trail was staged over the weekend of August 6-9, with almost 50 characters displayed outside homes and businesses. People taking part were able to choose any famous person or fictional character, and creations ranged from figures from the lockdown, including fitness guru Joe Wicks and Prime Minister's adviser Dominic Cummings, to a headless Charles I and Alice in Wonderland. The trail idea was hatched at the VE Day celebrations on Ducie Road, Staple Hill, where residents were trying to find ways to continue bringing people together in times of social distancing and to find ways to keep people who had missed out on a summer holiday entertained. Organiser Anita Dobson said: "The response was amazing, with hundreds of people walking around with maps and ticking off the scarecrows. With the weather mostly sunny, it made for an enjoyable weekend for a walk. “We hope it has brought a smile to many faces in this difficult time. Over 700 people passed our house over four days and it’s been fantastic to see how much they were enjoying themselves.”
Above: Characters at The Tynings school. Right: Star Wars quartet
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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
Anita Dobson carrying Brunel into position
13
Slash
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To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
YOUR
Community NEWS
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE As I write this article, I am pleased to let you know that the Parish Office within Downend Library will be reopening from September. However, it is important that anyone wishing to speak to the Clerk in person either emails or calls in the first instance, as meetings will take place by appointment only for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank you all for playing your part in helping to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our community. At last it is pleasing to see a fall in both infection rates and fatalities.
Brought to you by
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
around town centres and local communities. They have had to act quickly to make these changes ready for non-essential businesses reopening. These measures are intended to also support local trade and businesses, enabling easy and safe access for the public as well as keeping people safe. Some shops, restaurants and cafes need to trade outside, immediately in front of their premises. Extra space needs to be provided for people to get around safely, and be able to maintain social distancing, whether on foot or bicycle. There is limited space available, so road space for cars is being reduced in some areas. South Gloucestershire Council will however continue to maintain their network of council car parks and their associated free parking.
BROMLEY HEATH PAVILION SUPPORTING OUR HIGH STREETS South Gloucestershire Council is introducing measures that support and encourage more walking and cycling in and
Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council took over management of the pavilion some time ago and plan to refurbish the current building. We will be making the most of the space available whilst incorporating facilities to ensure the building is useable and accessible to everyone. More details will be provided in due course.
DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCILLORS Downend Ward CLLR MIKE BAKER Tel: 07789 393 681 CLLR JANET BIGGIN Tel: 0117 957 6987 or 07966 204 260 CLLR BEN BURTON Tel: 07870 639 486 CLLR JAMES GRIFFITHS Tel: 07988 775 028 CLLR SHARON HERNIMAN Tel. 07534 603 704
CLLR COLIN OGDEN Tel. 0117 940 6531 CLLR SHEILA OTTEWELL
Staple Hill Ward CLLR PHILLIP ABBOTT Tel. 0117 957 0075 CLLR MATT PITTS Tel. 07837 870 039
Tel: 0117 957 2724 CLLR RAJ KUMAR SOOD Tel: 07901 621 632 CLLR ANITA WOODBURN Tel. 07786 360 447
Clerk to the Council Mrs Angela Hocking Tel. 0117 9567001 E-mail. clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk
www.dbhparishc ou nc il.u k
September, 2020
downendvoice
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n NEWS
Deb's warning after lockdown cancer discovery DEB Hardy was diagnosed with breast cancer during lockdown after she found a lump. Deb's cancer is known as mammographically occult, which means it does not show up on a mammogram. She is urging women to ensure they regularly check their breasts rather than relying solely on mammograms. Deb, who worked in marketing and ran a recycling company before retiring, said it was "a complete and utter shock" to be diagnosed. She said: "I felt something quite early on in lockdown and thought I was just imagining it." Deb was reluctant to visit her GP because of the pressures facing the NHS from the coronavirus pandemic. But she said that after Prime Minister Boris Johnson came out of hospital following treatment for from Covid-19 and urged people not to avoid using the NHS if they were ill, she contacted her GP, who was "fantastic" and
referred her straight to a breast clinic for a mammogram and ultrasound. Deb said: "The girl doing it said there was nothing on the mammogram, then I saw her face after starting up the ultrasound and I thought 'I might be in trouble here'."
After having cancer diagnosed Deb had lumpectomy and mastectomy operations, and started 18 weeks of chemotherapy on August 19. To support charities Macmillan, Marie Curie and St Peter's Hospice, Deb was set to "brave the shave" on August 29
at the Trident pub in Badminton Road at 5pm. There will be a collection on the day, and Fishponds-based businesses SM Gauge and Surecar Direct have each pledged ÂŁ1,000. Online donations can be made online via Macmillan Cancer Support's Brave the Shave at bravetheshave. macmillan.org.uk/shavers/debhardy and Deb will personally match all of the donations to double the total raised. She said: "The one thing I do not want is sympathy, but I do want to raise awareness of breast cancer. "All we are hearing about at the moment is Covid-19 and there is approximately a one in 1000 chance of you catching that. There is a one in seven chance of you developing breast cancer. "If some good can come out of all this, it's got to be worth it."
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
downendvoice
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September, 2020
FOCUS ON
Staple Hill TShirts 4 You
As well as T-shirt & vinyl printing we have a huge stock of workwear with a large selection of industrial shoes and boots available with high vis jackets, gloves, trousers and tops — why waste time looking anywhere else for your quality named workwear? The T-shirt printing and embroidery service with a full range of leisure wear including
tees, polos, hoodies and sweatshirts. Attached to this section is also the signmaking set up where all shopfronts and general signage is catered for with van livery a speciality. Ask Paul about the latest trend of bespoke wall art for your home decor, with a top quality canvas printer now available.
Staple Hill Stores Known locally by many people as ‘Arkwrights’, quite simply this store has so many different items they are impossible to list. The shop itself is classed as a traditional ironmongers which has served the locals for the last 18 years. The stock ranges from, plants, seeds through to creosote,
garages with high standards of workmanship and investment in the future. You can check out what others had to say at www. autocaregarages.co.uk So if you need a Service, MOT, Tyres, Brakes or any vehicle repair why not pop in, call up or visit us online @ www. bmmotoring.co.uk lightbulbs (over 250 different types), wild bird food and feeders as well as lots of loose traditional hardware items. A sharpening service for tools is also available.
BM Motoring Centre
We aim to always offer a fast, efficient and reliable service at a great price with no hidden extras Open Monday to Friday 0800-1700 & 8-12 on Saturdays Bristol’s approved dealer for Falken Tyres
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
• 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
FOLLOW US ON
&
@bmmotoring
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
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
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
LOTS OF ROCKERY /BORDER PLANTS FOR SALE
Mainly perennials - Purchased from nursery which sells to garden centres all over the country”
MORE THAN 250 DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHTBULBS
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 Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020 profitability, and our individual 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
17
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 info@tshirts4you.co.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
downendvoice
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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
Sheen Studios Instant Passport Photos ID, OCI Visa Bella Silver 925 Jewellery Figurines - dogs horses etc Limited Edition Bristol Prints Vast range of photo and picture frames
Ladies and Gents Watches
Watch batteries and straps fitted free
Bristol Blue Glass Tel: 0117 956 0967
110 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH Full English
Breakfast
from £5.50 inc Tea or Coffee
Freshly made
Sandwiches from £3.50 with Salad, Coleslaw & Crisps
Daily Specials available everyday
Omelettes
wide range of mobile phones and accessories, including the chance to swap your old model in for a newer phone. If you are missing a charger or need a new phone cover again this is the place to come, they have hundreds to choose from. They are also able to undertake a full repair service from cracked screen replacement to new batteries or any eventuality. How many old phones do you have tucked away in various
from £4.50 with Salad & Coleslaw
Kids Meal
from £4.70 with Salad, Coleslaw & Crisps
Paninis
Telephone orders welcome 07826 765 015
drawers within your house? Have a clear out and recycle your phones at Senator Mobile.
To advertise your business in the Staple Hill feature Contact Gary on
07799461169
FARLEYS Pet Foods & Garden Supplies Stockists of Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved —oOo—
Seasonal Plants & Seeds —oOo—
Reptile Foods & Frozen 40 Broad Street, Staple Hill Tel: 0117 9566787
MOBILE PHONE REPAIR • All makes • All models • Covers • Chargers • Accessories HUGE SELECTION OF REFURBSIHED IPHONES • SAMSUNG • SONY PHONES AT GREAT PRICES
SENATOR MOBILE
99 High St, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HF 0117 329 2332
Jacket Potato
from £5.10 with Salad, Coleslaw & Chips
from £3.75
September, 2020
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 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
September, 2020
downendvoice
19
n NEWS
Appointments wait: patients rate surgery 'poor' ALMOST two thirds of patients at one Downend surgery are waiting more than a week for an appointment, a survey has found. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published this summer, found big variations in the time it took for people to be seen at their local practice. At Leap Valley Medical Centre, just 7% of patients were able to book a same-day appointment, 19% waited more than a day but less than a week and 62% waited for more than a week. The numbers receiving same-day appointments or waiting longer than a week were unchanged on last year's survey. Among patients of the Downend Health Group, which runs the Willow Surgery in Hill House Road and Christchurch Surgery in North Street, 40% were able to book a same-day appointment, 26% waited more than a day but less than a week and 30% waited for a week or more: a 1% fall in same-day appointments and a 4% rise in waits of more than a week compared with 2019. At Emersons Green Medical Centre, 34% of patients surveyed were able to book same-day appointments – up from 25% in 2019 – 18% waited more than a day but less than a week and 46% waited more than a week, a fall from 53% last year. Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. Leap Valley and Emersons Green, which have merged to become Green Valleys Health, have been beset with telephone
problems and 48% of Leap Valley patients described their experience of booking appointments as "poor", rising to 52% of Emersons Green patients. Some 56% of Downend Health Group patients said their experience of booking appointments was good, with 16% describing it as poor. Just 12% of patients said it was easy to get through to Leap Valley on the phone, with 88% saying it was not easy. For Emersons Green, the split was 30% to 70% and for Downend Health Group it was 52% to 48%. Overall satisfaction levels were 73% good and 9% poor for Downend Health Group, 58% good and 20% poor for Leap Valley, and 48% good and 32% poor for Emersons Green. Almost 26,000 patients responded to the survey, carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI earlier this year and also included questions on out of hours and online services, as well
as overall experience. All three local surgeries had more patients describing their websites as easy to use than not easy: for Downend Health Group the split was 82% to 18%, for Leap Valley it was 53-47 and for Emersons Green it was 62-38. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical
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Commissioning Group, which is in overall charge of funding surgeries, said 96% of patients had confidence and trust in the healthcare professionals they saw, while 90% found receptionists helpful. CCG clinical lead Dr Geeta Iyer said: “Improving and strengthening primary care services is a high priority for us and it is more important than ever that this continues in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the past year our primary care networks have made great progress, bringing groups of practices together with other community services to provide co-ordinated and joined up care for people in their local areas The results of the survey are a testament to all the hard work of everyone who works in primary care, in both clinical and non-clinical roles, who continue to deliver high quality GP services for our population.”
OPEN FOR WALK IN’S NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED FIND US ON
Open 6 days a week Mon - Sat
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
20
September, 2020
n NEWS
New Red Lion revamp set for approval PLANS to redevelop a Staple Hill pub are set to be approved. Developer Premium Abodes' initial plans, to build three first-floor flats above the pub in Broad Street, along with two semi-detached houses fronting Saunders Road and a detached building containing four flats facing Broad Street, were thrown out last year, after a planning committee decided they were an "unacceptable overdevelopment" of the site. An appeal against the decision was refused. However the developer has returned this year with a new plan, which South Gloucestershire Council planning officers are recommending for approval by councillors. The new plans would see old outbuildings to the right side of the pub, as viewed from Broad Street, demolished and an extension with three floors of flats fill the area next to Saunders Road, which is currently used as a car park. It would contain seven flats, along with extra space for the pub. The pub's existing first-floor flat would be divided into two flats under the new plans. The new plans also propose keeping the front part of the pub's beer garden, which would have been lost under the original plans. The rear part will be converted for car parking.
How the front of the Red Lion would look from Broad Street if the new plans are approved. As the Voice went to press, the plans had brought four objections, from neighbours concerned about parking issues and the new flats overlooking their homes. But 23 people had written in support of the plans, mostly welcoming the prospect of as revamp for the pub. Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillor Ian Boulton, who objected to the original plans, is supporting the new ones. He said: "The latest application is much more appropriate for the site. "The new plans to refurbish and extend
the Red Lion should provide Staple Hill with a well-designed landmark building and a quality venue for local residents to enjoy with indoor and outdoor space, much needed new homes and more employment. "I am happy to support these revised plans and I am looking forward to seeing the Red Lion reopening again looking even better than ever.� The plans can be viewed by searching for plan P20/06288/F on the planning section of the council's website.
Quality Childcare Quality for Children Childcare 0-5 Years for Children
Recruitment Open Evening Monday 5th October 6:15pm-7.15pm
Recruiting for full time qualified early years practitioners to work with the under 3s. (minimum level 3 early years qualification required)
Come along to have a look around the nursery and find out more.
Please bring a mask to wear inside.
Please contact us to arrange a visit -
Tel: 0117 9566060 E-mail: sunbeamsnursery@gmail.com
0-5 Years
31-35 Dibden Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6UE (Minutes from the ring road, Beefeater Junction)
www.sunbeams-daynursery.com
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
21
n NEWS
Woody the pebbles snake to be preserved A BRIGHTLY-coloured snake made to the community spirit of Downend up of pebbles placed by people during that rose up locally in the face of the lockdown is set to be preserved for Covid crisis," adding: “The snake has posterity. really captured the imagination of local Woody the Covid-19 snake has been children, who have clearly put a lot of growing on a pavement in Buckingham time and effort into decorating their Place, Downend, since being started by colourful stones. the Touzalin family in May to help keep "As parents, our own children have children Addy, 4, and Jakub, 22 months, spoken excitedly about him and we connected with others. want to make sure that people can enjoy More than 230 brightly-painted him for years to come, remembering pebbles have been added to the snake, the positivity and hopefulness when which stretches around the corner Downend came together.” towards Westerleigh Road. The councillors will work with But with lockdown over and life Downend and Bromley Heath Parish returning to normal, Addy and Jakub's Council and the Touzalin family, parents Emma and Wade have decided with input from the community via it is time for Woody take a rest before Heathboard, to decide on a final home finding a permanent home. in a suitable public place for Woody, and After asking for suggestions on possibly a plaque explaining his story. community Facebook page Heathboard, Emma said it was important that Frenchay and Downend ward councillors children could still visit and touch the Ben Burton and James Griffiths stepped pebbles, wherever Woody ends up. Addy, Emma, Wade and Jakub Touzalin and councillors forward to use a scheme which enables She said: "We started it but it's only James Griffith and Ben Burton with Woody the COVID-19 happened because the community took them to give financial support to local snake in Buckingham Place projects, known as Member Awarded to it as well. Funding, to provide up to £950 to help "We can tell people what Woody coronavirus pandemic. make Woody a permanent feature and means to us and want people to tell us what it They said Woody "stands as a monument reminder of the community's response to the means to them."
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September, 2020
n NEWS FROM PAGE PARK
THE Friends of Page Park are calling on everyone who uses the park to fill in a copy of this year's park survey. The survey asks people questions including how they get to the park, what they do when they visit and whether they use the cafe. Steph Purser, of the friends, said the survey was important in helping to prioritise future projects, supporting funding applications and showing the council and Heritage Lottery Fund how it was used. Links to the survey are being posted on the friends' Facebook page and website at www.friendsofpagepark.co.uk, or you can find it direct at bit. ly/31kd2zd. Paper copies will be available to fill in at the friends' calendar sales on September 19-20 and 26-27.
Page Park photo winner has pride of place THE winning photo in a competition to capture the finest views of Page Park has taken pride of place on a fundraising calendar for the park's friends group. With coronavirus having put a stop to all of the Friends of Page Park's regular events, the calendar is the group's only fundraiser this year and sales are vital to help support the group's work. The photo competition was launched in January and open until the end of June, with photographers asked to send in their best images of the park. A judging panel picked out the best 12, with an atmospheric view of the park's clock tower at sunrise, by Philip Powell, of Downend, the overall winner chosen to grace the cover. The calendar will be on sale from September at pop-up stalls under the park's clock tower and the friends are also looking for retailers who would like to sell
Photo competition winner Philip Powell, of Downend, is presented with a copy of the calendar and a voucher for the Bean Tree Cafe by Friends of Page Park members Steph Purser, William and Catalina Lee and Lesley Moore the calendar on their behalf. Copies will cost £5 each and the first pop-up sales will be held on September 19 and 20, from 11am to 4pm, with more sales the following weekend, on September 26 to 27, at the same times. The first of the events will also include a plant sale. On October 17 from 10.30am3.30pm the Friends are holding an exhibition in the park's Nest
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GCSE successes after year of turmoil MANGOTSFIELD School is celebrating the achievements of its GCSE candidates after months of lockdown and weeks of uncertainty about how to calculate grades. After schools were forced to close and this year's exams cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, first A-level results and then GCSEs were thrown into doubt when the system chosen to standardise grades across the country was criticised as unfair. After A-level results were regraded following an outcry, the government decided to use teachers' assessments as the basis for GCSE results for Year 11 pupils, with some adjusted up by a government grading algorithm. The school said in a statement: "This year group have faced challenges not only of lockdown but also the uncertainty around how their grades would be decided. "We are thrilled that the government has decided to award the Centre Assessed Grades, which were carefully calculated by teachers who have taught the students over several years. "There are so many individual successes to celebrate within our
results and we’re delighted by the personal achievements of the entire cohort. "Whilst it is hard to select students to praise individually a few have exceeded expectations at a national level." The school's five highestattaining students were: • Josh Chatten – Seven grade 9s, Two grade 8s, One grade 7 • Sam Courthold – Six grade 9s, Three grade 8s, One grade 7 • Ruby Beese – Two grade 9s, Four grade 8s, Three grade 7s, One grade 6 • Ayuub Iman – One grades 9, Seven grade 8s, Two grade 6s • Abby Arnott – Two grade 9, Three 8s, Three grade 7s, One grade 6 The number of Year 11s achieving a pass in both English and Maths was in line with the national figures from 2019, with 40% getting grades 9-5 and 66% grades 9-4. Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: "This year group were one of the nicest and hardest working I’ve ever come across. "They fully deserve the successes they have received. "Year 11 we salute you and wish you all the best in your bright and exciting futures.”
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September, 2020
25
n EDUCATION
Downend A-level students secure uni places DOWNEND School has praised the performance of students at its sixth-form centre who received their A-level results in August. Students across the country faced upheaval as results
assessed using a government algorithm downgraded predicted grades for around four in every ten A-levels assessed by tutors, before a government u-turn allowed mock exam results to be used where they were higher. Nevertheless, students at Downend's sixth form centre, including many former Mangotsfield School pupils, were all able to secure first or second-choice university places, or planned apprenticeships, on results day. The school said in a statement: "We are immensely proud of our A-level students this year and the results they have received are testament to their hard work over the last two years. "They have shown commitment, dedication and more recently great strength of character and resilience during
these unprecedented times. "We are pleased that the results they have received will allow them to progress onto the apprenticeship and degree courses of their choice; all of our Year 13 students have been able
to take up their first or second place university choices or planned apprenticeships. "We wish them all the very best for their future studies and careers."
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September, 2020
27
n EDUCATION
Digitech helps students to exciting destinations DIGITECH Studio School is celebrating record numbers of university entrants and some "truly unique and exciting" apprenticeships and training courses for its post-16 students. The specialised creative digital and high-tech school in Kingswood, working in partnership with creative industry training provider Boomsatsuma, had 120 students following specialist diploma pathways. The average grade for all diploma course students was a distinction, or higher. A spokesperson said: "At this unusual time, where students’ school experience has been so severely disrupted by the pandemic, the most important consideration is ensuring that each student has the very best and most appropriate destination secured, and this is where Digitech’s Studio School approach, with its specialist pathways and close links to industry, has come into its own. University and higher education destinations for Digitech students include London's Trinity Laban music and dance conservatoire, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Italia Conti Drama School, computer science and cyber security courses at UWE, Swansea and Bath Spa universities, illustration and arts courses at Plymouth and
Falmouth universities and sports journalism at the University Campus of Football Business at Wembley Stadium. Students have also been successful in securing apprenticeships with Netflix, the National Youth Film Academy and Natural
History Production. Others have moved on to degrees and employment in fields outside their specialism. Principal Lis Jolley said: “I am delighted to celebrate another year of career and industry success with our exceptional students, who at this incredibly challenging time have secured for themselves some truly exciting destinations. "To see so many of our students stepping out into such high quality courses and institutions is extremely satisfying and is richly deserved after all their hard work. "The students are a credit to themselves, their teachers and their families, who have worked so very closely with us through the pandemic. Students also did well at GCSE level, gaining the qualifications they needed to take them on to the next steps in education or apprenticeships. Digitech offers diplomas and diploma combinations in multidisciplinary art, IT, acting, media and games development. To find out more or to speak to members of the Digitech team visit digitechstudioschool.co.uk online, where you will find links to Digitech and Boomsatsuma courses for September.
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Calling all superstars! Let’s get back to school safely It’s nearly time for school! Whether your children are aspiring vets, scientists, athletes, or musicians, are you ready to help them reignite that dream and get back into the classroom? It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit worried about returning to school. Some things will feel the same but there will be some changes. School staff across Bristol are doing everything they can to keep your kids safe. Here’s some homework for children, parents and carers, ahead of going back to school. Please make sure to:
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Contact your school Make sure you’re up-todate with your school’s latest information about reopening and what to expect.
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to all of A big thank you school staf f d our teachers annued hard ti n co r for you itment. work and commciate We all appre your help in welcoming students back . ber safely in Septem
Children with COVID-19 symptoms must stay at home and get tested. If your Be kind child feels ill at school, It’s a challenging time s/he must tell a for all of us, but remember – teacher. you’re not alone. Don’t forget to support each other and look after See the latest COVID-19 government guidelines, your own mental health and resources to help prepare for going back to school wellbeing. It’s a class and health advice at www.bristol.gov.uk effort.
September, 2020
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n NEWS
Matthew sets off on gruelling charity ride
A MANGOTSFIELD man has embarked on a gruelling 1,200mile journey to help a charity which has supported his best friend, an NHS worker living with a brain tumour. Matthew Budd is climbing the equivalent of three ascents of Mount Everest on his bike as he tackles the GB Divide route from Land's End to John O'Groats, which meanders across the country to take on moors, hills and mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. He is raising money for Brain Tumour Support, the South Gloucestershire charity which has helped his friend Ben Watterson. The pair grew up together in Cornwall and Ben, a radiographer who works for the NHS in Wales, was diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago. He has had two operations but with the tumour not entirely curable by surgery, Ben had
Matthew Budd (right) and his friend Ben Watterson, who has lived with a brain tumour for seven years been on chemotherapy for nine months before deciding to come off so that he could go back to work as the NHS tackled the coronavirus crisis. Matthew says the idea of raising money for the charity is a "massive motivator" in the intense physical and mental challenge he is taking on.
He said: "I've always been quite a keen cyclist and I've done up to 130 miles in a day before but I've never done a multi-day trip before." Matthew has no support vehicle and is cycling alone, carrying everything he needs to camp and cook along the way in three bags strapped to his off-
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
road touring bike. He says the idea is to be "completely self-sufficient" on the trip, although he was planning to pop home as he passed Bristol to take a break from sleeping under canvas for a night. Matthew's journey was due to take him over Exmoor, the Quantock and Mendip hills, the Brecon Beacons, Cambrian mountains, Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines, Kielder Forest Park, the Scottish Borders, the Trossachs and the Scottish Highlands, including the Grampians and Cairngorms. As the Voice went to press, Matthew had raised more than ÂŁ1,300 towards his ÂŁ2,500 target. His fundraising page can be found at gf.me/u/ykqn6d Brain Tumour Support spokesperson Nadya Anscomb said: "What Matthew is attempting to do is astounding and will take a huge amount of strength and courage."
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MOT & SERVICING COSTS TO MAKE YOU SMILE
September, 2020
n NEWS
Pavilion licence bid turned down BRISTOL Rovers Supporters Junior Football Club has been refused permission to sell alcohol at its Soundwell pavilion after dozens of residents objected. South Gloucestershire councillors rejected the club’s premises licence application to serve drinks to parents and non-members from 6pm to 9pm weekdays and 12pm to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday, despite no opposition from the police or environmental health. A total of 34 neighbours objected, claiming it could cause public nuisance, antisocial behaviour and leave broken glass on the adjacent playing fields in Church Road. Applicant Nick Hammond said alcohol would be sold in plastic cups and was purely an alternative to teas and coffees for parents watching their children play football, as well as raising much-needed money to help maintain the site, which it leases from the council. But licensing sub-committee members voted 2-1 to refuse it on August 5. Conditions had been agreed with the police, fire service and the council’s regulatory teams before the meeting, but approval was needed from the panel. Mr Hammond told the remote hearing that the club had never received a complaint about its other site at Southey playing fields in Kingswood, which serves alcohol. He said the bar at Soundwell would be open only during matches and training sessions and that it would be shut by 7pm on “99.9 per cent” of Saturdays. Mr Hammond told the panel only four people would be allowed in the clubhouse while Covid-19 social distancing measures remained in force and that anyone buying alcohol would be required to drink on the hardstanding outside the small building, not on the fields. He said that because most parents drove their kids to training and matches, binge-drinking and rowdiness were not an issue, and the club was already responsible for clearing up all litter. “As a junior football club and the 25-year tenants of Soundwell Park there is an enormous cost, including £3,000 for grass-cutting, £100-a-month bin collections and staff costs,” he said. “We very much want to be part of the community and welcome them to use our facility for any events.” Members heard the club had wanted to hold a public meeting to alleviate neighbours’ concerns but that the pandemic prevented this. Panel chairman Cllr Roger Avenin said alcohol sales "would have an impact on public nuisance due to increased noise and car parking issues". The club has 21 days to appeal to the magistrates’ court, where costs could be awarded against the council if the decision is overturned. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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n NEWS
Kevin Brewer with a carved wooden doll, fishbone necklace and Maasai spear he bought when the group met the Maasai in Kenya
The Badminton Road Methodist Youth Club Kenya Encounter safari expedition group in 1980.
Reunion to mark 40 years since African expedition WHEN members of a Downend youth group visited Africa in the 1980s, it was a life-changing experience. Now half a lifetime has passed, and a reunion is being held to bring the members of the Badminton Road Methodist Youth Club Kenya Encounter safari expedition back together. Kevin Brewer was 16 years old when he went on the trip, which took place from December 1980 to January 1981. Kevin, who grew up in Mangotsfield and attended Chase School, says it was the first time many of the youngsters on the trip had ever been abroad – and it was only afterwards that many appreciated what a special thing they had taken part in. Preparations for the reunion are well under way but Kevin, who now lives in Fishponds, says there are still four members of the expedition they need to track down: Andrew King, Elaine Williams, Caroline Earl and Ian Nicholls. He said: "Nineteen of us went on the expedition and we just need to track down the missing four. "Elaine was originally from New Zealand so she may have
Maasai boys photographed by members of the expedition.
returned there, or she may still be living locally." One of the members who went on the trip, Tracy Allan (nee Smith), now lives in Spain but is planning to come back to attend. The expedition was organised by club leader Laurie Garner and assistant Tony Fensome, whose sister Liz Scott lived in Kenya with her husband, Paul. Club members, including many who did not go on the trip, raised the ÂŁ4,500 cost and the church also contributed towards a donation made to a hospital in the town of Maua, near the Meru National Park. Members of the expedition studied all aspects of Kenyan life, including society and culture, and were given individual tasks including making maps, recording animal life, making a film and sound recordings. They spent Christmas Day at Lake Turkana, where wild flamingoes waded in the shallows, and met Maasai people. They also visited the capital Nairobi and Mombasa. Kevin said: "It was an educational thing, to see how people lived. We kept diaries and took pictures. "A lot of us had never left home before, let alone go to Africa on a full-blown safari, seeing other people's culture and how they lived, especially being away on Christmas day. "It's one of those things that stays with you for life and probably the best thing we've ever done in our lives. I think at the time we just didn't appreciate just how good a time we were
going to have. "It's bizarre how 40 years has gone by so quickly." Anyone who is still in touch with Andrew, Elaine, Caroline or Ian can contact Kevin on 07768 503340. The reunion will be held
on December 12 at Downend Cricket Club and Kevin says other members of the youth club who would like to meet up with the expedition veterans are also welcome to call and arrange to come along.
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Virtual ceremony honours VJ Day anniversary
THE Royal British Legion teamed up with community leaders to help people in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. Coronavirus restrictions made it impossible to hold large-scale events to mark the defeat of Japan, which brought the Second World War to an end on August 15, 1945. So the RBL's Staple Hill and District branch filmed ceremonies in advance, which were streamed on the day in a virtual commemoration. They took place around the war memorials in Page Park, Staple Hill, and the Alec Large Memorial Gardens in Mangotsfield. Branch chairman Ian Campbell, who filmed the Mangotsfield event, said: "My committee and I felt it extremely important to commemorate the 75th anniversary of victory over Japan, as we did with the victory in Europe day back in May. "Sadly, because of the current restrictions with crowds, we knew that we would not be able to invite everyone, so we made sure that we recorded the services in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield to that the communities could join us from the safety of their own homes." More than 850 people watched the Staple
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Councillor and RAF veteran Michael Bell, Mangotsfield Residents association chairman Clive Heath, MRA secretary Chris Amos and vicar of St James Teresa Taylor stand as trumpeter Euton Peters plays the Last Post. Hill event on the RBL's Facebook page, while more than 1,500 watched the Mangotsfield event. Mangotsfield Residents Association chairman and community pastor Clive Heath and vicar of St James, Rev Teresa Taylor, spoke at the Mangotsfield event. Clive described the level of interest from the public
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Clive Heath lays a wreath in memory of the fallen. as "brilliant". The Staple Hill event was attended by RBL county chair Jackie Roberts and South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage, among others. Both services can still be viewed on the RBL branch website, www.staplehillrbl. org.uk, and will be available later on DVD for anyone without internet or social media access.
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September, 2020
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33
n GARDENING CLUB AT LINCOMBE BARN
Change of colours in our gardens AUTUMN is approaching: our gardens are alive with dark pinks, and oranges. We enjoy rudbeckia, sunflowers and monbretia, with dahlias making a good show, as well as others, not forgetting the shrubs and trees. Some of our trees are already beginning to shed their leaves. Do you, like me, enjoy walking and scuffing through the leaves? It's something we have enjoyed since childhood. I hope you have managed to grow vegetables or herbs, maybe some tomatoes in a pot. It is surprising what you can grow. We can also gather blackberries in the hedgerows. My son's neighbour gave me some crab apples and I have made some crab apple jelly – delicious! It is now a good time to pay a visit to the garden centre, to see what they have to help us prepare our gardens for next spring. I made some suggestions last month, so one or two more... Don't forget succulents, you can find an old container and plant a little rock garden, adding horticultural grit to the soil and putting a layer on your finished garden. Add a little pebble or shell to give interest and this will brighten a corner. I used an old basket. Look for some vegetable plug plants. If you have room, even a grow-bag or pot will take a few plants. We can all keep weeding and tidying; some of the prunings can be used to make bug hotels to help wildlife. I have a leaf cutter bee, who has made perfect circles in the leaves
of one of my rose bushes: I just admire his handiwork. Time to plant treated hyacinth bulbs in pots, ready for Christmas. Start them off in the dark, and when the green shoots appear, bring them out into the light. We are fortunate in the area we live, as we have some good garden centres to browse around and get
inspiration to try something new. Unfortunately Garden Club at the Lincombe Barn will not start back until February 2021. If things improve, we should all be ready to get back. Enjoy browsing gardening books and magazines, plus garden centres to keep your momentum up. Some of the places of interest
nearby are opening: Westonbirt, Dyrham Park and Tyntesfield are now welcoming visitors, although you may have to book. Look forward to autumn, and the wonderful display of colours nature provides. Happy Gardening. Mary Head (Gardening Club Secretary)
n DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH IN BLOOM WELL, as usual the school holidays have brought the rainy days once again – Oh for the beautiful sunshine to return! Even though it is holiday time, the work does not stop. The woodworking crew are continuing with the maintenance of our planters, making ready for the winter panolas, which we will be planting around the beginning of October: how good it will be to see some colour back in the High Street. They have also been busy cladding the shipping containers in King George V and I hope by the next edition I will be able to show you them in all their full glory. The success of this summer, however, must go to Roy and Denise’s green. This is the green area (pictured), just down from the Mezze. Roy and Denise live by the green and have adopted it as their patch for In Bloom. This year, at the start of lockdown, Roy spent many hours making two new wild flower beds and also making the bed around the tree slightly bigger. Together Roy and Denise have researched the types of wild flowers they wanted, how they grow and then planted accordingly. They have had so many positive comments from passing residents, which has made them feel that all of the hard work has been well worth the effort. Roy is now looking into buying spring bulbs to go around the tree, which will be planted when the wild flowers are over. In Bloom would like to thank Roy and Denise for all their hard work and contributions to their project
this year. They have brought a lot of much needed brightness to our area at this difficult time. I am sure that all the birds, bees etc are also very appreciative, as these will be very bug-friendly areas! I would also like to thank Tricia from Planet Bee Organic for the donation of some of the wild flower seeds Roy and Denise used to make their display. To return to the woodworkers, they have installed a new wooden planter in King George V which has been planted up with bee-friendly everlasting wallflowers and violas. They erected their VJ Day celebration display on the roundabout and, finally, they are making lots of items in readiness for Christmas (yes it is early, but never too early to get prepared). These will be on sale via our Facebook page, so please visit it and see what is on offer.
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downendvoice
34
September, 2020
n NEWS
Detectorist displays latest treasure find A METAL detectorist is celebrating a spectacular find in Frenchay – and hopes to put it on display to the public. David Upton has been searching for interesting objects in the area for 40 years and has uncovered everything from a 17th century sword to a hoard of Roman coins. His latest find was a dull, grey metal object which, after a clean up and a visit to an expert at Clifton jeweller Grey-Harris & Co, was identified as a lead silver-gilt plated fruit bowl, which was made in the 19th century. Retired Rolls-Royce worker David hopes to put the bowl on display, either at Staple Hill library or Frenchay Museum, when they are able to reopen to the public. He always searches land with permission from the landowner and shows them everything he finds, sharing the proceeds if the
Hill, is keeping the precise location a secret. He said: "You never say exactly where you find
something, otherwise other people will start digging the place up." The weighty fruit bowl is the heaviest thing David has ever found but not the best. In 2009 he found a hoard of Roman coins in Hambrook, which were declared treasure trove and are now at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. And although David's detector can tell him how far below the surface and what type of metal an object is made of, his best find was a stone axe head which he spotted in a furrow while detecting in a freshlyploughed field. It turned out to be 6,000 years old and to have been imported from Austria by neolithic traders, and is likely to have been used for clearing trees from Britain's ancient forests. After being broken it had then been reused before being lost.
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David Upton with the 19th century fruit bowl he dug up in Frenchay items are sold. How the bowl came to be buried in Frenchay is a mystery and David, who lives in Staple
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downendvoice
September, 2020
35
n NEWS
Retired nurse earns Open University degree GAYNOR Powell is proof that you are never too old to learn. The retired nurse from Downend is celebrating after being awarded a degree by the Open University. Gaynor, 74, decided to study after feeling envious when her eldest grandchild went to university. Six years of hard work paid off when she was awarded a 2:1 honours degree in social sciences, after a wide-ranging study of subjects including anthropology, political science and economics. Gaynor said: "I just thought, if my grandson can do it at 18, and I have got a lifetime of experience, surely I would be able to do it. "I had the time and the motivation, although I knew I couldn't go to an ordinary university, mixing with 18 year olds. I knew that the Open University did working from home and you could speak to one of your tutors at any time."
Gaynor Powell studying at home Attending a secondary modern school meant Gaynor was not able to go to university in her youth. After training at Frenchay Hospital and qualifying as a state registered nurse, Gaynor became a paediatric nursing sister, working at Frenchay, Southmead and Bath as well as in the community. She achieved a higher education diploma in children's nursing at the University of the West of England in 1992, which enabled her to access the Open University course.
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Her studies included two modules on nursing and one on adulthood and ageing, which examined how ageing affects the body, how to have a healthy retirement and the challenges of an ageing society. Her one regret was that the coronavirus lockdown meant the course ended early, before she had finished her dissertation on post-war slum clearance in her native Liverpool. Virus restrictions also mean graduation ceremonies have been postponed until next year.
Gaynor studied for 20 hours each week for her degree. She says her family were supportive, including husband David, who had some "peace and quiet to read the paper and do the crossword" while she studied. The couple lived in Bromley Drive for 44 years before moving to Woodland Court in Overndale Road, and have two daughters, who still live in the Bristol area, and four grandchildren. Gaynor says the experience of studying for a degree brought her closer to her grandchildren, three of whom have been to university. She said: "We had things we could talk about. I was also somebody who can help academically, as opposed to a little old nana doing her knitting. "They were thrilled when I finished the degree – they said 'Nan, we knew you could do it'." Gaynor plans to continue exploring some of the subjects she studied and also runs a reading group for other residents of Woodland Court.
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downendvoice
36
September, 2020
n DOWNEND FOLK CLUB NEWS NEXT AT DOWNEND FOLK CLUB:
NICK HART IN CONCERT Fridays September 11 and September 18 DOWNEND Folk Club have announced their plans for continuing their pledge to bring the best in folk, roots and acoustic music to South Gloucestershire with a live/streamed hybrid gig this month. The club, which produced a highly successful series of interviews and performances during the full lockdown, will feature the highly-rated folk singer Nick Hart in a two-stage concert in the middle of the month. Nick, who was scheduled to perform at the club this autumn after an extremely well-received support set early last year, has been making quite a name for himself in the intervening time, so the club are very pleased to welcome him as the first headliner in a series of live/online concerts. The concert will be recorded on Friday September 11 in front of a limited, socially distanced audience at the club’s Frenchay Village Hall headquarters, before being streamed on YouTube on Friday September 18 to a ticketed online audience. The online gig will be different to most of the live streams you’ll have seen during lockdown, with the club aiming to recreate as much of the real gig energy as they can; it will look and sound like Downend Folk Club. They’ll be
setting up the stage and the lights, and the club bringing in a team of professional film-makers to make sure it looks and sounds as good as it possibly can. On offer will be multiple camera angles and top quality sound equipment to ensure a really great experience. This is not “live from the lounge”! Nick is a folk singer deeply rooted in the English tradition. Raised in a family of morris dancers, Nick played instrumental music for many years before discovering his passion for traditional song. While studying for an ethnomusicology degree, he began to explore the large body of recordings of traditional singers from the second half of the 20th century, and this led to several years of fevered study and many nights spent at folk clubs and festivals,
honing his skills as an unaccompanied singer. Nick's initially hardline attitude to the accompaniment of folk songs has softened over the years, but his love of the nuances of traditional singing informs his minimal guitar accompaniment, and his songs are delivered with a great emphasis on storytelling. His repertoire of songs, drawn largely from his native East Anglia, reflect his understanding of both the depth and breadth of material within the English tradition and he is fast acquiring a reputation as an engaging and entertaining performer. 2017 saw the release of his first solo album, Nick Hart Sings Eight English Folk Songs. Recorded by long-time collaborator Tom Moore, the album has been well received, being described as "one of the most rewarding and accomplished albums we've heard this year" (fRoots), "a cult classic in waiting" (Grizzly Folk), "absolutely excellent" (Folk Radio UK), and "the real deal" (Mike Harding). Nick’s second album, entitled Nick Hart Sings Nine English Folk Songs, was released last year to further critical acclaim. Tickets for the stream are priced at a minimum of £10 per screen, and are on-sale now from www.downendfolkclub.co.uk. Tickets for the live recording will be strictly limited, and will go on-sale soon, first to stream ticket holders to upgrade, and then to the general public. Please email downendfolkclub@live.com if you have any questions.
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
37
n NEWS CHILDREN at Christ Church Infant School have a shiny new kitchen waiting for them when they go back to classes. The school in Christchurch Avenue was in desperate need of a new kitchen for cookery lessons, as the previous one had become "almost unusable", but had no budget to replace it. However a donated kitchen from a local property firm was fitted free by a Downend electrician to put cookery lessons on the menu again. Higher level teaching assistant Teresa Marsh called in her husband Chris, of CMDigital, to help plan the project. Chris and his colleagues Neil Dunlop and Dave Thomas then spent a weekend ripping out the old kitchen and disposing of it, then fitting the new one. Head teacher Anna Martin said: "Unfortunately in this day and age there is no spare budget to replace tired or faulty equipment, and the kitchen we had was almost unusable. "Without the amazing kindness of our community we would have just lost this area and our cooking facilities – limiting
Children at Christ Church Infant School with the new kitchen after it was completed, just before the summer holidays
Infants ready to start cooking enrichment activities for our children. "Special thanks go to Jim and Anne White, from Edgehill
Developments, for donating such a beautiful kitchen to our school – we are so grateful for their incredible generosity.
"We would like to thank this wonderful group of people for making such a difference to our school."
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downendvoice
38
September, 2020
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Coping with uncertain times
T
HE last few months have been challenging! Life has changed for pretty much everyone in these Covid-19 times. Some will have enjoyed the extra time at home due to furlough or school closures (at least initially!); others will have had their workload increased or changed dramatically. Many will have felt isolated from friends and family; some will have suffered illness or grief. And for all of us, there’s been a great deal of anxiety as we adapt to new ways of doing everyday things. As I write this, we’re in the middle of a very turbulent time for young people, especially for those waiting for results of exams they didn’t even get to sit. How can our young people move into their future with hope when there is so much uncertainty in their world, whether that be about university places, 6th form courses, or trying to find a job when the job sectors which
traditionally employ so many school leavers are still struggling in the wake of Covid-19? How can any of us face an uncertain future with hope and with peace? When we focus on the problems and uncertainties that surround us, it’s easy to become over-burdened, anxious, and feel powerless. We like to think that we can handle anything life throws at us without needing anyone’s help, although perhaps the last few months have shown us how much we need each other. But as well as each other, there is someone far more powerful who we can look to for help. The Bible gives us a insight as to who God is, and in part of it, Isaiah (one of God’s prophets/ spokesmen), we read about God creating the world, the stars, people, he is more powerful than the rulers of this world, and his mind is far beyond our understanding. Isaiah says:
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
With
Nicki Pritchard Youth worker at Pendennis Good News Church
this world overwhelming us. But because of who God is, if we get to know him through reading the Bible, and put our hope and trust in him, he will strengthen us to keep going even through the difficult times. (Why not go to your App store and download a free Bible App?)
Life may well continue to be difficult (it almost certainly will!), whether we’re heading into a new school year with no clear idea of what it will be like, fearing unemployment due to the pandemic, facing life without a loved one, or just trying to keep going without the worries of
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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
39
n PHOTOGRAPHY TAKING BET TER PHOTOGRAPHS
N
AC
DOW
EN
LU B
WITH
D CA MER
Going online THE present time is a difficult one for the camera club for, as with many similar clubs, our existence is based on our regular weekly faceto-face meetings. To keep going has meant going online, and while this has meant fewer members taking part, it has produced an exciting re-vamp of our website, and an ongoing run of excellent presentations. Our programme of competitions has also continued, bringing in a high number of quality entries. From the latest competition, those judged to be the top three are shown here. Blue Flower came top. A striking composition, it breaks the rules in that the subject is not completely sharp, but the composition and the overall impact of the image means that it doesn’t have to be.
Blue Flower by Ian Boulton
Castle Bridge lightshow by Ed Shorney Castle Bridge Lightshow is a record shot of one of the more obviously interesting exhibits in the Bristol Light Festival that took place at the end of February this year. It is interesting to wonder how many who crowded together in central Bristol to see the displays knew then how everything would change so drastically, so quickly. Searching Pollen is a striking image, one of those shots that is immediately impressive for no
other reason than the technical expertise shown in capturing it. The bee also seems somehow to be showing some attitude, looking forward eagerly to its next meal. Now, that’s not easy to photograph! Downend Camera Club is a friendly and informal group who normally meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, although for the time being actual
meetings have been cancelled. While many activities have been suspended, we are continuing with an on-line programme of photographic presentations and competitions. The club has a Facebook page and its website at www. downendcameraclub.org.uk has details of the club, displays members' galleries and shows past competition winners. Ed Shorney
Searching Pollen By Dave Gregory
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40
downendvoice
September, 2020
n NEWS
Care home hails Outstanding rating A CARE home in Frenchay is celebrating receiving an outstanding rating from the regulator. Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission visited the Manor Cottage in Beckspool Road earlier this year and their report described its services as "exceptionally caring", saying that staff "put people at the heart of everything they did". The CQC rates care homes in five areas: safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership. Manor Cottage was given outstanding ratings for care and leadership, with good ratings in the other two, and an overall outstanding rating. The inspectors made an unannounced routine inspection in January, when there were 24 people living at the home, which has a capacity of 27. They spoke to staff, residents and their relatives, as well as examining records, rooms and catering facilities.
Staff at the Manor Cottage care home celebrate their outstanding rating from the CQC The inspectors said: "The service was exceptionally caring. Positive, meaningful relationships had been developed between staff, people and their families. The service respected and recognised the value of aging and that this brought the gifts of life experience. The staff team knew people incredibly well." The inspectors said the home was "very well led", adding: "The provider, area manager, registered manager, and staff
team maintained a clear focus on continually seeking to improve the service people received." Registered manager Rayna Powell said staff were "delighted" by the inspection report and rating. She said that the inspectors had visited before the coronavirus crisis and since then, "the whole staff team have pulled together harder than ever to keep our residents safe and well. Rayna said: "We had staff living in and minimising contact
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
with their family to ensure that the risks were kept to a minimum and spirits at the Manor Cottage remained high, even in full lockdown. "Our policies, processes and PPE are thorough and meticulously followed, and they evidenced the experience and enthusiasm of our staff in providing the best care possible. "Residents and staff used video calling as well as phone calls and good old fashioned letters to keep in touch with friends and family. "Progressing to sociallydistanced garden visits recently has been wonderful and we have all got used to wearing masks all the time! "The residents' wisdom and advice has really supported the staff in getting through this challenging time and the home really has its own community – the outstanding rating is as much for the residents as it is for the staff team."
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
Scotney Castle by Brian Kinsman
downendvoice
September, 2020
41
n NEWS Race cancelled
Cash for parent carers
A RACE enjoyed by hundreds of runners has had to cancel its 40th anniversary event. The Frenchay 10k was first held in 1980 and this year's anniversary event was originally due to have been held in April. After lockdown made that impossible, organisers postponed the race until September 6 in the hope that the event, which attracts hundreds of runners and raises money for local charities, could be staged then. But with the start and finish site at UWE's Glenside campus not currently available due to continuing coronavirus restrictions, organisers had to cancel the race entirely. Announcing the decision on social media, they said: "We hope to be back again next year in April 2021 and we hope that you will join us to support the race and make the 40th Frenchay 10k the biggest and best one yet!"
A SUPPORT group for parents and carers of children with special needs or disabilities is providing a virtual support service after winning funding. Coronavirus forced South Glos Parents and Carers to temporarily close its regular support groups, including one based in Mangotsfield, and its community base in Kingswood. But the group, which started with eight members in 2009 and now has more than 1,200, set up a virtual support service during lockdown to provide regular online support group meetings and one-to-one support via video calls, email and phone. Support from the Big Lottery Community Fund and Bristol-based Quartet Community Foundation means that the forum, which has 40 volunteers and offices in Yate, has been able to continue the service through the summer. Director and development support manager Leonie Pollinger said: "We know that lockdown is hard for everyone, but the impact is particularly significant for those with children and young people who have additional needs. "Much of their usual support is not available; this is why we felt so strongly about adapting what we offer to support parents, carers and their families through this difficult time." Any parent carer of a child or young person with additional needs living in South Glos, diagnosed or otherwise, is welcome to join the SGPC community and access support. For more information visit www.sglospc.org.uk online.
New coronavirus cases hit zero NO new coronavirus cases had been reported in South Gloucestershire for more than a week as the Voice went to print. Figures from the Office for National Statistics - broken down into small geographic areas, each with a population of around 7,500 people - showed that between August 11 and 18 there were no new reported cases in the whole of the district. The number of reported cases in South Glos since the start of the pandemic, as of August 22, was 797 – an infection rate of 279.6 per 100,000. The most recent figures for deaths showed that during June, no-one in Downend, Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Emersons Green or Fishponds had died with Covid-19. One death was recorded in the ONS's Frenchay and Great Stoke area.
n AROUND THE WIs MANGOTSFIELD WI AS you will recall from the August issue, our correspondent Kate Tarr has hung up her pen. On behalf of Mangotsfield WI, I would like to thank Kate for all the work she has put in over a number of years, keeping Voice readers up to date with all our happenings. We are now becoming quite experienced (we like to think) with Zoom meetings, having held quite a few. Our July meeting was held through Zoom and our events team ladies arranged a brilliant presentation entitled Dressing
for Your Body Shape. Gail Painter, from Not Givin In, gave a lively and entertaining talk attended by 27 of our members. I learnt that I am apple-shaped, from a selection of ‘strawberry’, ‘pear’, ‘apple’ and ‘hourglass’. I think I would have preferred ‘hourglass’, but there you go! Gail’s talk expanded on what colours, styles and accessories can be used to enhance one’s appearance, from which I personally learnt quite a lot. If you want to take the focal point away from your shape, it was suggested that you could wear a ‘statement’ necklace and earrings, or perhaps
contrasting shoes, to go with your outfit. Our August meeting was due to be a quiz, hosted by one of our committee members, Sue Lines. We would normally have held a quiz at the Lamb, so the timing is quite appropriate. Hopefully we can get back to organising our pub lunches there soon. On September 28, Peter Coombs, who is a National Guild and BJCP certified beer judge, will present the History and Practise of Brewing. This may seem a little off-piste for the Women’s Institute, but Peter tells me that in the middle ages, all beer was brewed
by women, so perhaps it is more relevant than you might think. Pop over to our Facebook page to keep abreast of news and information. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing mangotsfieldwi@hotmail.com. It is still uncertain when we can get back to physically meeting at St James church hall. I think a lot of us, as it has been so long now, are pining. On the plus side it has been quite handy to be able to log in to a meeting with the laptop, even when you are away from home. Carol Coombs
n CHRISTINE'S COLUMN I HAVE always enjoyed writing. My mother used to say ‘reading will help you to write’, or words to that effect. Luckily for me, in one way, I was a very shy and quiet child and one of my passions was that I was an avid book worm. I would even be able to curl up with a book while the vacuuming was being done in the lounge! Although we had a good library of books at home, my mother believed in going to Eastville Library on Muller Road regularly. As in reading a book, I would lose myself in writing a story. I have always had a vivid imagination. At school I had stories printed in the school magazine and on occasion won a prize for the best in the magazine. Since I have been retired and am now
fortunate to have my own column in the Downend Voice, I have also turned to writing short stories, with the hope they will be published in one of the national women's magazines, but they receive hundreds a month and, another thing, you have to write in a certain style! Their style. I’m sticking to my unique style of writing, as I have been told by several ladies in Downend that my column is the first thing they look forward to! Coffee/Speaker Mornings at Downend Folk House Due to social distancing guidelines the coffee/ speaker mornings have had to be moved to a new date, as follows: From the Tuesday to the Thursday of the
same week. Doors open 10.00am. Talk 10.30 –11.30am. Entrance Fee £2.50. Thursday October 8, Alan Freke: Frankie went to Hollywood, the story of Francis Packer of Frenchay, who became a Hollywood actor in silent films, and continued after ‘talkies’ arrived. Thursday November 5, Chris Bigg: Guilty Pleasures. Thursday December 3, Geoff Peglar: My Life with Music, accompanied with the playing of musical instruments. Due to the virus, if you want refreshments, please bring your own. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Take care and stay safe Christine Broadway
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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
downendvoice
42
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA GROUPS organising events in the Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Frenchay areas are being invited to tell readers about them. Our popular What's On section was suspended at the start of the lockdown, as community events and meetings were cancelled indefinitely. Now restrictions are easing and some groups are planning events again, we offer free space to publicise non profit-making activities once more. Clubs, charities and societies can send details of events to the Voice by email at news@downendvoice.co.uk. Businesses staging profit-making events and paid-for classes in the area can advertise in the What's On section for a small charge every month, by contacting sales@downendvoice.co.uk. Because of the many changes to venues, groups and clubs since March, regular entries that appeared before lockdown will not automatically be reused in the What's On section so any information should be re-sent to one of the addresses above. Wednesday September 16 n BRACE expert guide to planning dementia care. Free webinar 11am. Guest speakers: Gemma Lock, The Good Care Group. Professor Stephen Lisney, Head of BRACE trustees. Ian Evans, Head of Later Life Advice, Fireways Financial planning, Society of Later Life Advisers Advisory Board Member. To book a free place: www.alzheimers-brace. org?event/planning-dementia-care. Wednesday September 23 n BRACE exlusive poetry evening with David C Johnson, opportunity to purchase a signed poetry book with 30% of the proceeds donated
to BRACE. Book your place: www. alzheimers-brace.org/event/poetryd-c-i. Downend Local History Society n Mindful of the safety of our members and guests and given the requirements imposed on large groups at The Barn to be Covid-19 compliant, the committee had decided not to resume our meetings at the present time. We will review the situation again in a few months. Gill Delve Programme Secretary
September, 2020
n LETTERS
Memories of Gladys I AM looking for information about my grandmother, Gladys Mary Georgina Crouch, who lived in Downend in the 1950s. She was a housemother at the Crescent Homes orphanage, until her death in 1960. I would be interested to hear from anyone who knew her and in any information about how she came to the Crescent Homes. Having lived in Fremantle, Western Australia for 20 years, Gladys returned to England after the end of World War II and following the death of her husband. It is details of her life between 1946 and 1960, at least some of which was spent in Downend, that I am trying to piece together. I know that Crescent Homes no longer exists and became an approved school for girls before being demolished for redevelopment in the 1980s but I wonder if there are any records or photographs from the 1950s that might refer to my grandmother? I would be greatly obliged for any information anyone might be able to share by emailing me at rcpicassorichard@gmail.com. Richard Crouch
CATERERS REQUIRED Housing 21 require caterers to provide a quality lunch time catering service to residents at Falcon Court Extra Care Housing in Kingswood. The commercial space includes an equipped kitchen. The attached restaurant area holds a capacity of approximately 36 seats. There is scope to further expand the business to the public if so desired. The licence agreement will provide you with rent free occupation to be reviewed after 6 months. For further information please contact The Court Manager Tel: 0370 1924106 Mob: 07525 987132 Email: lisa.vyner@housing21.org.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
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downendvoice
44
September, 2020
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
We must not waste the sacrifices of the last six months OVER the summer months we’ve seen plans to ease restrictions come and go, local lockdowns enforced in some parts of the country and changes to guidance for those travelling abroad. I’m sure, like me, many of you welcomed the return of restaurants, hairdressers and gyms. However, we’ve also seen some of these establishments close again, due to positive coronavirus cases. This is a stark reminder that we must continue to be cautious, act with common sense and ensure that the sacrifices of the last six months do not go to waste. As the regulations continue to change, so does the police response, and business as usual has certainly returned for officers. Avon and Somerset Police continue to face multiple complex crimes and make difficult decisions to keep local people safe. Although they should be commended for their hard work, unfortunately, our emergency workers also face threat of
Quarry Court
physical or verbal abuse. This is not acceptable. During the height of the global pandemic we were all celebrating our emergency workers for their hard work, so let’s not forget their efforts as we emerge into our new normal. One of the crimes that officers continue to face is cybercrime and fraud. Unfortunately criminals have exploited recent changes to the TV licence requirement for over 75s and used it to target vulnerable users with a text message scam. The National Cyber Security Centre has told police that victims are asked to enter various pieces of personal information, including their name, date of birth, home address and banking details, which are then stolen. During the global health pandemic, officers have seen an increase in cybercrime reports so it is more important than ever that we all remain vigilant. To keep yourself safe from fraud, take a moment to think before parting with your money
or information, challenge any suspicious demands and be sure to take some time to check any requests for money or information. Always remember: the police, or your bank, will never ask you to withdraw money, transfer it to a different account or reveal your full banking password or PIN. If you have been a victim, please report it to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk. In my regular catch-ups with the chief constable we regularly discuss concerns around speeding and anti-social driving, which continues to blight our communities. Avon and Somerset Police has a dedicated unit of 55 roads policing officers supporting our neighbourhood teams and, as part of their role, they gather evidence and collate information from local people to identify and target drivers who present the greatest harm to our communities. If you witness any road-related incidents, please do report to the police by calling 101 or reporting online. Reporting
Adelaide Place, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2FX
With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens your concerns provides the police with a wider picture of information that allows them to target repeat offenders or people who present a significant risk to our communities. I look forward to meeting you all again soon. In the meantime, remember we are still here for you and we are all working hard to ensure you are safe and feel safe.
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For more information or to book a viewing of our stunning apartments, please call: Email Ross.Vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk | www.quarrycourt.co.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
Our purpose is leading improvement in policing, victim support and criminal justice services on behalf of local people.
ABOUT POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) are elected to be the voice of local people in policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account PCCs ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service while enabling the Chief Constable and police to operate independently The PCC works in partnership with a range of local and national agencies to ensure there is a unified approach to prevent crime, support victims and reduce reoffending
YOUR PCC Until the 2021 elections, PCC Sue Mountstevens will continue to focus on the following key priorities: - Protect the most vulnerable from harm - Strengthen and improve local communities - Ensure the police service has the right people, right culture, right capabilities - Work together effectively with other police forces and key partners to deliver better services to local people
As a result of the coronavirus, there are particular areas under those priorities that the PCC wants to focus on, including: - Overseeing the work of the Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) to tackle serious violence - Oversight of the efficiency of the CJS to ensure victims and witnesses are supported - Supporting local victim services with a particular focus on domestic abuse and sexual violence victims - Engaging with local communities to ensure they are supported during the ongoing health emergency
I want communities to know it’s their police service. It does not belong to any political party; it belongs to local people and they deserve to have a voice. My role is about being independent, open and compassionate.�
OUR VALUES
THE PCC WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU Your voice counts in policing and you can influence how your police service works
PARTNERSHIP
You can speak to the PCC by: avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk pcc@avonandsomerset.police.uk
OPENNESS
01278 646 188 @aandspcc
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead, BS20 8JJ
COMPASSION aandspcc
COURAGE
downendvoice kingswoodvoice
46 September 2020
September, 2020 13
■ WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
Now is the time to have up to date Wills and Powers of Attorney WITH all the difficulties the world has faced, this may be something you have put off - but now is the time to make sure you have up to date protection: ● A well written Will makes sure your wishes are followed if you died unexpectedly. It lets you protect those you love, as you get to decide how to provide for those you leave behind. ● A well prepared Power of Attorney makes sure your wishes are followed if you were injured or became seriously ill and needed to have someone appointed that you trust to act on your behalf and speak up for you.
However to work without legal challenge, both Wills and Powers of Attorney need to be prepared in advance in accordance with the strict rules that apply. Simpson Solicitors offer our readers a FREE review meeting to discuss the various options you have for your particular situation. This can include guidance on appointing Guardians for children, as well as protecting what you leave behind from unnecessary inheritance tax or from being used up in care home fees. They can help with a (COVID-safe) in-person meeting at their ground floor offices or if you prefer by telephone or Zoom video. If 2m distancing is possible they can also
see you at home or in your garden. At no extra cost their service can now include them coming to your door to provide a “door step signing” service. This is to make sure your new documents are properly signed and witnessed and legally valid – even if you are shielding at home. Vincent Mulcock and the team at Simpson Solicitors remain OPEN at their offices opposite Costa Coffee in Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood. Call 0117 960 8594 to book your FREE review meeting. If you then instruct them, they offer clear fixed prices, and readers of The Voice are also given 20% off their already great value charges.
Vincent Mulcock
of Simpson Solicitors, Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood
0117 960 8594
www.simpsonsolicitors.com vbm@simpsonslawuk.com
STOP PRESS: Simpson Solicitors have just been shortlisted for the prestigious British Wills and Probate Awards 2020 as the South of England’s Solicitor Firm of the Year.
FREE WILL REVIEW
WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU ARE REMEMBERED FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS
No one wants to leave behind a legal mess for their family to sort. Simpson Solicitors will give you peace of mind that your Wills & Powers of Attorney are properly prepared. Our friendly legal advisors are all fully trained, regulated and insured. Start with a free review meeting. Then we offer clear fixed prices with a promise of no hidden costs.
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On your own Wills: It’s how you decide who you want to inherit from you. “We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R.
Living Together Wills: Without one, your partner will not inherit anything from you, if you are not married or in a registered civil partnership. Parent Wills: Provide for children under 18 and chose who you want to raise them. Retirement Wills: Care home fee protection and avoidance of unnecessary tax.
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BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING: Call 0117 960 8594 OR message@simpsonslawuk.com OR Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR Kings Chase Shopping Centre offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa). If getting to us is difficult our FREE home visit service covers Bitton, Downend, Fishponds, Hanham, Kingswood, Oldland, St George, Staple Hill, Warmley, Willsbridge and surrounding areas.
Got News?contact Call Gary 07540 383870 Email: news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk To advertise, on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
47
n NEWS
Bikers join protest ride for forces veterans MOTORBIKE, scooter and moped riders from across the area formed up in Lyde Green before joining hundreds of other bikers for a protest ride through Bristol and Bath. The ride on August 8 was organised by West of England Rolling Thunder, a group of Forces veterans and civilian supporters who are campaigning for an end to prosecutions of exService personnel over incidents on active duty in Northern Ireland before the Good Friday Agreement. The ride, with 800 participants, also helped collect hundreds of pounds for the Lee Rigby Foundation, which helps members of the Armed Forces and bereaved families, with support from the mother of the soldier who was murdered in London in 2013. Among the organisers of the event was Andrew Davies, a veteran from Soundwell who served with the Royal Air Force Police during the 1980s. Andy, who is now a martial
Veteran Andrew Davies was one of the rally organisers Riders form up in Lyde Green ahead of the rally in support of veterans arts coach, motorbike instructor and a member of the Blood Bike Emergency Services, was until recently the Royal British Legion Riders Branch. He said: "A massive thankyou to all the local moped, scooter and motorcycle riders who turned out to join eight hundred others in a protest ride through Bristol and Bath, calling on the government to do more to help veterans and to stop the
witch-hunts and prosecutions of former service personnel. "As a veteran and one of the main organisers of the event, we were overwhelmed by public support with people keen to know what it was about and wanting to film it to post on YouTube." Veterans are also campaigning for the government to enshrine in law the Military Covenant, which would make
councils legally responsible for providing help such as housing and mental health support for veterans. Andy said: "I am passionate about veterans affairs as I have several friends who suffer badly from PTSD as a result of their military service and am angry that successive governments have failed to enshrine the Military Covenant in Law. "A petition has just been started to seek to get the government to do this." The petition can be found online at petition.parliament. uk/petitions/332503.
Care firm honoured A COMPANY that cares for people in their own homes has won a top industry award for a second time. Home Instead Senior Care Bristol North, which looks after vulnerable and elderly people across the area and has offices in North Street, has won an award for being one of the Top 20 home care providers in the South West. It was picked out from among 826 home care providers in the region based on reviews from people who are cared for, plus their friends and relatives, on industry reviews site homecare.co.uk. Home Instead supports people to live as independently as possible, with visits by regular care giver which last a minimum of an hour at a time. John Moore, owner of Home Instead Senior Care Bristol North, said: “To win this award for a second time is an honour, not least because it is a direct result of unbiased feedback from our clients and their families. “The last few months have been extremely challenging. Our caregivers have worked tirelessly to ensure their clients have been able to remain living safely and happily in their own homes throughout the pandemic. To be recognised for this hard work adds to the reward we already receive when clients thank us.” For more information about Home Instead, call 0117 989 8210 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristol-north
Send us your news - Email Linda or Ken at news@downendvoice.co.uk
Peter's big 5-0 A DOWNEND pharmacist was unable to ignore turning 50, as staff clubbed together to decorate his shop with balloons and surprise him when he arrived for work. Peter Cipolla was “very pleasantly surprised and ever so slightly embarrassed” to find Cleevewood Pharmacy had been decked out with birthday messages by colleagues, who also made him wear a giant badge. Customers and past members of staff also wished him a happy birthday as they popped in during the day.
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
48
September, 2020
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Dateandwalnut cake with Mel of Melanie’s Kitchen
S
OMETIMES all you want is a nice piece of old -fashioned cake and a cup of tea. This month’s recipe, from an old Mary Berry cake book, is one that fits the bill. Easy to make, full of nutty goodness, not too sweet and will sit happily in the cake tin for a week. Use ‘”cooking “dates - the ones in a block or bag (not the ready to eat variety ) or you could use more expensive ready to eat or even Medjoul dates if you want to make the cake moister and more luxurious. It will cut into 21 small pieces or 16 more generous ones. If you don’t have a lemon (real or a plastic one with juice in) then make the icing with boiled water. You will need a 30 x 23cm (12”x9”) baking or roasting tin lined with non stick paper
2 eggs 200g dark brown sugar 150g ground almonds 150g walnuts chopped plus extra for decoration 350g Self raising flour 2tsp ground cinnamon 1 lemon - zest and juice 225g icing sugar Preheat oven to 180C Gas 4 Put the dates and margarine in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, cover and leave to cool. Beat the egg and brown sugar together in a large bowl. Add the walnuts ,almonds cinnamon flour and cool date mixture .Mix until combined and pour into tin. Bake for about 50 mins or so until golden brown and firm to touch .Cool in tin for 10mins then turn out onto a cake rack. Mix lemon and icing sugar (you may need to add some water to get a spreading consistency) and spread over top of cooled cake. Decorate with walnut pieces .
Date and Walnut cake 250 g dates stoned and chopped 40g Margarine (or butter) 350ml boiling water
Melanie’s Kitchen DOWNEND’S OWN DELI & REFILL SHOP Celebrating and want a memorable cheeseboard?
Thank you! We want to say a big THANK YOU to all our customers, suppliers and the local community for your support during the recent (and ongoing) pandemic. We really do appreciate it. Peter & Melanie We have had to make changes in response to the situation. The café area will remain closed to create a safe shopping environment.
Check out our Refill shop! With the space given to us in the old cafe area we have now increased our refill shop - offering (bio D cleaning products, Faith in Nature toiletries) and non-food gifts.
Look out for more things in the Autumn
Come in and talk to us Looking for a hamper for that special gift? Come in and talk to us
2 Downend Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 5UJ
Tel: 0117 957 2662
Follow us on Facebook/Instagram: Melanie’s Kitchen, Downend
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
September, 2020
downendvoice
49
n PHOTOGRAPHY
THIS has been a difficult time for us all, full of difficult decisions. For us: when do we restart meetings, particularly given a predicted second spike? We have decided not to meet again physically until at least January, like many other clubs. Hopefully, however, we can continue with virtual meetings using conferencing technology. In the meantime we continue to take photos, and this month’s theme is a response to the recent heatwave. Two members, Roy Shergold and Brian Kinsman, have sought social isolation and respite from the heat in high places, while keeping an eye on the clouds. Brian Lloyd has an altogether less strenuous way of dealing with it, while Jeff Mckinstry can only admire the opportunities available to ducks. Sid Stace
Exmoor Landscape by Roy Shergold
Above: Keeping Cool by Jeff Mckinstry, Above right: Exmoor Landscape by Roy Shergold Right: Surviving the Heatwave by Brian Lloyd
n NEWS
TAKEAWAYS and charities linked up to provide thousands of free meals for key workers. The Food 4 NHS Project involved teams from takeaways and restaurants including the Rajastan Royal in Downend and Curry Supreme in Staple Hill, working with campaign group UK Curry Connect. The six-week initiative was led by Naseem Talukdar, a project manager for charity Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects, founder of Feed the Homeless who also helps out at the Rajastan Royal in Westbourne Road. Naseem said: "We launched the project as soon as we went into lockdown. Front-line
Free meals for key workers workers have been bravely putting their lives at risk to help others and we wanted to do our bit to support them.” Naseem coordinated with UK Curry connect, which has been set up to raise awareness of skills shortages in the Asian catering industry, and food caterers across the region who had built relationships through their ‘curry and conversations’ meet-ups to find alternatives to single-use plastic in the food industry. Volunteers have delivered 2,500 hot meals to staff at hospitals including the Emersons Green NHS Centre, Blackberry
Hill, Frenchay Brain injury Rehabilitation Centre and the Bristol Royal Infirmary. They also dropped food off to key workers and police officers, who had limited access to food during their long shifts. High Sheriff of Bristol Dr John Manley, who supported the project, presented volunteers with certificates for their contribution after the end of the project.He said: “It is great to see so many people in the food industry offer their time and skills for frontline workers.” Blackberry Hill Hospital service manager Stefan
Jakubowski said the warm meals helped to boost morale. He said: “The staff had been working in difficult conditions, with full PPE, and the food deliveries helped brighten up their day." Ibrahim Romel, of Rajastan Royal, who is also taking part in a PPAAP scheme to reduce plastic, said: “The key workers have done so much for our community during the coronavirus crisis and we wanted to show our appreciation.” For more information on Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects, visit www. ppaap.org.uk.
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
downendvoice
50 SINCE July we have been able to provide two services - Click & Collect and Computer/WiFi/ Scanning facilities - but in September we aim to expand these services. For more details see www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries or facebook. com/sgloslibraries.) as plans may change by the time this is published. Click and Collect Library users can order up to 6 items per person to collect at a pre-booked time and library of your choice To book a slot and tell us what type of books/authors you would like visit www. sglibraries.eventbrite.com OR call 01454 865022 (Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 9:30am – 12pm) to speak to a member of library staff. Items can be returned at any time. If we are open staff will take books back at the door. If we are not open they can be returned via
September, 2020
Update from Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries our letterbox. In either case returned stock will be quarantined for 72 hours before being processed, so don’t worry if they still show on your account for a few days after return. To book a FREE 1 hour computer or WiFi slot or to use our printing/scanning facilities email: CorporateContactCentre@southglos. gov.uk with your library card number, which library you wish to attend and the date and time, please also state if you wish to use the scanner during your session OR call 01454 865022 for more information and to book your session. Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries also have photocopying facilities available.
Please note that as of 8th August 2020 all Public library users must wear a face covering (unless they have exceptions). Spread the word! You can join South Gloucestershire libraries online using the link: https://www. librarieswest.org.uk/join - a membership number will be generated to enable you to access to our free e Books, e audio books, e magazines, e comics and e newspapers. You can then call into any of our libraries to upgrade your membership to a library card so you can also borrow physical items such as books, DVDs and Talking Books.
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Remember loved ones by moonlight and support Children’s Hospice South West Sp
s on
or
ed
by
C
:
Saturday 26 September 2020
Remember and celebrate the life of someone special To find out more and request your memory pack visit:
www.chsw.org.uk/moonlight Registered Charity No. 1003314
HILDREN’S Hospice South West (CHSW) is inviting people to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one and raise vital funds for the charity. A Memories by Moonlight ceremony will be broadcast live on Facebook from CHSW’s Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell at 9pm on Saturday, September 26, giving people the opportunity to light a candle and join together virtually for a special evening of reflection. The poignant and uplifting ceremony will feature readings from all three of the charity’s children’s hospices –Charlton Farm near Bristol, Little Harbour and Little Bridge House near Barnstaple. It will include music, poems and a two-minute applause to celebrate loved ones whose names will appear on the screen. Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser for CHSW said: “Due to the pandemic, the charity has had to adapt many things over the last few months – the care and support we offer to children as well as the fundraising events that help to fund that vital support for more than 500 local families. “We hope our new Memories by Moonlight event will give people a lovely way to support the work we do while remembering their loved
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
ones.” Everyone who registers to take part in the event, which is being sponsored by National Friendly, will get the chance to join the virtual memory ceremony. People can then choose to simply donate in memory of their loved one or complete a walk or activity that reminds them of their loved one and ask friends and family to make a donation towards this. Participants will receive a beautiful memory pack in the post, which will include a candle bag to decorate, along with a tea light to light on the evening and a booklet to accompany the memory ceremony. Kiley added: “We are delighted to be bringing Memories by Moonlight to people across Bristol and beyond. We look forward to connecting with everyone joining us for the memory ceremony on the evening of September 26, which we are sure will be a very special night.” To register for Memories by Moonlight simply visit www.chsw. org.uk/moonlight. Registration is just £10 and a memory pack, along with details of how to access the Memory Ceremony, will be sent in the post. For more information about the event, you can also call the CHSW Fundraising Team on 01726 871800.
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
51
n VETS' ADVICE
Keep pets safe in the sun
HOPEFULLY, the next few weeks will be filled with sunshine so that you and your pets can enjoy the remainder of the summer season. To prevent a happy time ending in a trip to the vet, we have some advice that you can take to protect your pets from the harmful effects of the hot weather. The RSPCA have been running the ‘Dogs die in hot cars’ campaign for a long time. Leaving a dog in Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW a car during a hot day (it doesn’t Pendennis Avenue, StapleTel: 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com have to be sunny), even with the 0117 956BS16 90385DW www.avenue-vets.com windows open a little way, will Pendennis Avenue, StapleTel: Hill, Bristol An independent practice providing a personal, Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Anthe independent practice providing a personal, not be enough to prevent dog www.avenue-vets.com Tel: 0117 956 9038 caring and compassionate service An independent practice providing a personal, Bristol BS16 5DW suffering from heat stroke. This caring and compassionate service Tel.a0117 956 9038 service alsoindependent applies to any animal in a hot, caring and compassionate An practice providing personal, Consultation by appointment Consultation by appointment confined space without shade caring and compassionate service by appointment or ventilation - don’t forgetConsultation that Monday-Saturday eggs hatch9am-11am and the maggots 9am-11amthe Monday-Saturday rabbits and guinea pigs in outdoor 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday Consultation by appointment then burrow into the animal’s 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday hutches need shade as well. 9am-11am Monday-Saturday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday skin to feed. It can happen to any Heat stroke can also occur 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday 9am-11am Monday-Saturday animal – especially the overweight 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday when dogs are running around in 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday or elderly who are unable to clean the hottest part of the day- most 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday their bottom themselves, but we of them are unaware of the danger see it most commonly with rabbits. when they are playing and need Unfortunately, the damage caused our help with restricting their by the maggots is often extensive time outdoors. Dogs with short and the rabbit may die of shock. staff would like to thank our clients Our aim is to keep everyone safe faces such as Pugs, Staffies and Prevention is best; so please for their continued support with so that we can continue to provide Boxers, and breeds that have thick check that your pet’s bottom and the Covid 19 protection measures our services. coats like German Shepherds and bedding is clean at least twice a we have in place at the surgery. We hope you are having a Newfoundlands, can be particularly day. prone to this condition. Change Just as we are advised to use your walking and play routine to sun cream protection to prevent cooler parts of the day to keep your burning, the same advice should dog comfortable. Elderly or infirm be given to white-eared cats. pets can also get heat stroke if they The hair in this area is sparse and fall asleep in the sun or are too ill or light so the pale skin underneath stiff to get up and move into shade is particularly prone to sunburn as they feel hotter. Please move and over a long period of time elderly animals into the shade or Pendennis Avenue, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5DW may result in cancerous changes indoors at the hottest parts of the Tel: 0117 956 9038 www.avenue-vets.com in the skin cells which will require day and ensure your pets always surgery. Using sun block on the ear have access to an adequate supply An independent practice providing a personal, tips will help but not all sunscreen of fresh water. caring and compassionate service is suitable for cats (not even ‘baby Flystrike is a condition where safe’ ones). Pet friendly creams are flies are attracted to any soiling on Consultation by appointment available but ensure you rub it in an animal’s coat. They lay many well and distract the cat with a eggs which stick to the fur and 9am-11am Monday-Saturday tasty treat so that it doesn’t lick it then hatch out into maggots. The 2pm-3.15pm Monday-Friday off until it has been absorbed. warmer the weather, the quicker 4.30pm-6.30pm Monday-Friday The Avenue Veterinary Centre
EMERSONS TAXIS Emersons Green, Downend & Surrounding Areas
ALL UK AIRPORTS, PORTS & STATIONS COVERED 4, 5 & 6 SEATERS AVAILABLE H Lady Driver available on request H For a Friendly Prompt Service call or e-mail
07960 067 767 framptontaxis@tiscali.co.uk www.framptontaxis.co.uk
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
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
#inthistogether
0117 9566221 | mcoleman.co.uk | sales@mcoleman.co.uk
downendvoice
September, 2020
53
n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
M
E S T A T E A G E N T S
M.Coleman are offering a fantastic incentive for vendors looking to put their property on the market during the months of March and April 2016. For all properties instructed during this period proceeding to a successful completion M.Coleman Estate Agents will meet your Energy Performance Certificate and Solicitors Selling costs. * Including VAT excluding disbursements. We provide a quality service to all our clients based on traditional values of honesty, integrity and courtesy. Our team benefits experience extending beyond 100 years and this expertise is passed to you to ensure we achieve the best possible price for the sale of your home. We listen to our client’s needs and believe communication is paramount in providing the best level of service throughout the selling process. * Terms & Conditions Apply – Please ask for details
M
Coleman
This charming three-bedroom mid terrace home could be the perfect opportunity for buyers looking for a home with a host of original features such as exposed stone walls and beams whilst offering all the comforts required for modern day living. The accommodation is laid out over three floors with the ground floor comprising a cosy sitting room located at the front of the property with a uPVC leaded light double glazed window, exposed stone walls and a chimney breast housing a wood burner which lends a warm and homely feel. To the rear is a spacious and open plan kitchen/dining room, the Shaker style kitchen has a range of wall and base units finished with grey doors, wood block work surfaces and an inset ceramic sink. Integrated appliances include a gas hob, electric oven and extractor fan; there is space for a free standing fridge/freezer plus plumbing for washing machine and dishwasher. The first floor offers two wellproportioned bedrooms the larger of which has a handy storage cupboard and three piece family bathroom. A further staircase rises to the second floor where there is a double bedroom, en-suite bathroom and study/play area. The rear garden is divided into two sections with a delightful patio area behind the kitchen and a further more extensive area predominantly laid to level lawn with another patio and useful storage shed. Dividing these two
NO SOLICITOR SELLING FEES*
Coleman
Filton Road Hambrook BS16 1QL Asking Price £350,000
E S T A T E A G E N T S
19 Cleeve Wood Road Downend Bristol BS16 2SF Tel: 0117 9566221 www.mcoleman.co.uk
spaces is an outbuilding which dates back to the 1700’s, an original part of the historic woollen mill that was situated nearby. With power, lighting and a w/c this space could be suitable for a multitude of uses be it a home office, bar or similar. This charming home is perfectly situated for the busy commuter with easy access to the M32/M4/ M5. Bristol Parkway Railway Station is 3 miles away and there is quick, easy access to the Abbey Wood Business Park, Bristol and Bath Science Park and the University of the West of England.
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like all inclusive quote
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
1 million
Over people trust us with their property. We deliver results, whatever the market.
Come see us in branch, book online or give us a call. D OW N EN D @ H U NTER S .COM / 0117 95 6 1234 SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT / HUN T ER S .COM
* If you are under contract with another agent, you may still be liable to also pay their fee. Source: RealCube, 1,152,785 active people registered in the network.
downendvoice
September, 2020
55
n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Winterbourne £610,000 Hunters Estate Agents, Downend are delighted to offer for sale this Georgian semi-detached house which occupies a cul-de-sac location in the popular area of Winterbourne Down. Winterbourne Down is a village in South Gloucestershire situated on the north fringe of the city and has its own amenities which include a variety of independent shops and supermarkets, cafes and restaurants which are all located within easy walking distance from the property, along with the popular Winterbourne Academy. The property is also conveniently positioned for access onto the Avon Ring Road, for major commuting routes, for Bristol Parkway and for the Bristol cycle path, as well as for nearby countryside walks alongside the River Frome, towards Hambrook and Frenchay. This Georgian house dates back to circa 1760 and is believed to have been converted into an attractive pair of semi-detached houses in the 1970's. The accommodation is considered spacious throughout and in our opinion would ideally suit a growing family, or those working from home. Upon entering the ground floor accommodation you are immediately greeted by a large light and airy entrance hall with wood burner and parquet floor. The entrance hall leads into a snug area which is an ideal social area to relax in and has doors leading into the study, utility area, cloakroom, kitchen and lounge. The large lounge has two double glazed sash windows overlooking the front aspect and a stone built feature fireplace with an inset wood burner. The kitchen is fitted with an extensive
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range of wall and base units and is large enough to have a centrally positioned family dining table. To the first floor there is a family bathroom and four generous sized double bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own en suite shower room. Additional benefits include; mostly uPVC double glazed windows, gas central heating which is supplied by a Worcester boiler. Externally the property has an established mainly laid to lawn garden situated to the rear with access leading into a work shop which could also easily be converted into a home office or gym. There is a tandem length garage and ample off street parking spaces and a greenhouse located to the front. Properties such as these are rarely available, so we would wholeheartedly recommend an early internal viewing appointment to avoid any disappointment and to fully appreciate all this charming 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
downendvoice
56
September, 2020
n SPORT
Mangos are back in action at last FOLLOWING a five-month gap, Mangotsfield United returned to action on August 14 with their first pre-season friendly fixture. As with all non-league football clubs, the Mangos’ young squad – who formed the basis of the First XI back in February, following the resignation of then-manager Ollie Price and the departure of all the team – resumed training back in July, but without any confirmed knowledge at the time as to when the new 2020-21 season would get under way. That has since become clearer, with the announcement that the Southern League in its entirety will kick off the new campaign on Saturday September 12, with the fixtures for the new season announced by the end of August. The first pre-season match, a 5-1 defeat away to Toolstation League side Cribbs FC, was watched by no fans at all, due to restrictions at the time
Action from Mangotsfield United's friendly win at Tytherington Rocks forbidding any spectators to be admitted entrance into the ground. This scenario occurred at non-league grounds all across the country but was changed immediately in the days that followed, after many pleas by clubs and even politicians, that supporters had to be re-admitted to non-league grounds (possibly in a restricted way), so that clubs could finally get some muchneeded revenue into the coffers. The Mangos' second friendly,
on August 21, resulted in a 4-3 away win at Hellenic League side Tytherington Rocks, which saw the team trail 1-0 at half time, despite forcing five or six early corners and creating a number of decent chances, only to fall to a typical long through ball, which caught the Mangos' defence out. The Cossham Street side soon levelled, just after the break, but then went behind again, only for another equaliser to make it 2-2. The Rocks then re-took the
lead to go 3-2 up, but this young Mangos side continued to show a lot of spirit and soon levelled again, before taking the lead for the first time in the 70th minute. That proved to be enough to win a lively encounter. Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, the Mangos have been drawn away to either Tavistock or Bradford Town, whilst in the FA Trophy, Cinderford Town will be the visitors to Cossham Street. The Mangos youngsters indeed face a testing campaign in the Southern League, especially as they are largely inexperienced at that level, but they will certainly give it everything they’ve got. No one really knows at this stage what is happening at all the other clubs in their division, following five months of inactivity, so there could be other teams too who may have to look towards youth in providing a good chunk of their line-ups at the start of the new campaign. Dave Smale
Christine English
BSc (Hons) Podiatry, M Ch S, HCPC Registered
Chiropodist / Podiatrist All aspects of foot care from a degree trained professional
0117 956 3978
Pendennis Clinic, 11 Haynes Lane, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JE FRee PARking oPPoSite CliniC
Home visits also available
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
downendvoice
September, 2020
57
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Boomerang injury and a successful new signing - life is getting back to normal!
L
IKE every other high street business, Cleve Chiropractic has had to make major changes to the way we operate – to keep our staff and customers safe. But now I think we’re getting close to “business as usual” again. Immediately after lockdown, we experienced the “pandemic of back pain” brought on by months of inactivity as Covid-19 took a global hold. However, as restrictions were relaxed in the UK, people began to exercise and do some strenuous jobs around the house. As we reopened our doors, back pain was a big issue for many of our clients. Now, with gyms back in action and more people taking part in organised team events, there seems to be a “pandemic of sports injuries”. With local cricket, rugby and football teams returning to the fray, there’s plenty of shoulder issues and, indeed, a full range of injuries for us to deal with. With golf and tennis among the first to be up and running after lockdown, there’s more than enough to keep us busy, helping local athletes stay on top of their physical and mental well-being. One of the more bizarre injuries I’ve had to deal with during these extraordinary times was presented by a client who came to see me with a problem caused by throwing his boomerang! He was suffering after a three-hour session of serious throwing on Frenchay Common caused a repetitive strain
injury to his wrist and elbow. Meanwhile, in the world of more conventional sport, I’m very pleased to be back working with Bristol Rovers as they prepare for the new season in League One. I can tell all you “Gasheads” out there that your team’s players are training for long, hard days and there’s a great vibe around the club. I’m finding that manager Ben Garner is a fantastic character to work with – he’s brought in a few new players during the extended summer break and there seems to be a fresh sense of purpose and great optimism at The Mem. However, with the increased stress on the players after such a long time off, some of them have been suffering with a few more niggles than usual – from groin, hamstring and calf issues to back and neck pain. It feels great to be helping Rovers again and I’m delighted to be working as part of a wider team, alongside new physio Miles and sports therapist Sarah. Catherine Quinn, the newest face on the Cleve Chiropractic team, has also been busy in the world of professional football, assisting Queens Park Rangers with their preparations for the new Championship season. And I’m delighted to say that Catherine has made a huge impact during her first few weeks in Bristol, proving to be an instant hit with our client base. I was confident that she would be a popular “signing”
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but she has exceeded even my expectations. Within weeks of starting at the clinic, Catherine has already filled her diary and become a strong member of the team. The key to her lightning success is a perfect balance of talent, personality, dedication and elite sport experience. This has meant that, with little to no advertising of her services, Catherine is helping large swathes of people in Bristol through word of mouth alone. That said, I’m grateful that all of my team are world class – and they’re ready and waiting to help you out with any fitness or training issues. Finally for now, I’m pleased to say that we are remaining vigilant in the clinic and the infection control procedures are working successfully. All the staff and patients are getting on well with the different routines and the new normal has become just that. I’m
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
so proud of the staff for stepping up to the highest standards that I expect of them – and the patients for respecting and working within the new structure. Together, we all make a great team!
Emergency Number: 07798 905337 KEEP IT IN YOUR MOBILE
Lock Stuck
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Call Dave on 07798 905337 www.thebristollocksmith.co.uk Based locally in South Glos
To advertise, contact Gary on 0779 946 1169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
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58
September, 2020
n CRICKET
Carsons and Mangotsfield in epic run chase CARSONS and Mangotsfield cricket club is celebrating after scoring 300 runs in a winning chase – the first time in recent memory that the club had chased down such a tall score. The match against Bristol Aces, in the North Somerset Cricket League at their Pomphrey Hill home ground, was played on August 9. Losing the toss meant facing 40 overs of toil, fielding in the hot sun. A needless run-out meant a reasonable beginning but our shoulders started to droop as an Aces batsman passed his 50, then his hundred, raining sixes and fours. The weather was very hot, the bowling was getting pulverized and the opposition was constantly in your face with their chatter. They scored 296. Our chase started with a
master stroke. Stand-in skipper Jack O'Hara asked Nathan Taylor, our only southpaw, to open with James Cathro. While James started in a flurry, his presence was shortlived, getting stumped for 19. On the other end Nathan was unconventional. Their bowlers did not expect an opening batsman to keep swishing and missing at good balls but anything straight and on a length kept disappearing. The opposition also had to deal with the leftright combination. The sun was scorching and fielders were having to change positions for every single, which really rattled them. By the time Nathan was caught in the deep we were around 110 in 11 overs. Nathan had 41 with 9 fours in a partnership of 70+.
We started at such a breakneck speed that it took the opposition by surprise and gave us belief. When 15-year-old Tom King slowly walked towards the pitch, I could see an energy revival within the opposition, who thought they must be back in the game. Tom started cautiously, defending his first two balls, with the keeper asking everyone to come in from the boundary to stop the singles, before Tom dispatched the third, short ball it with disdain to the midwicket boundary. This was followed by a back-foot punch to the cover boundary and I could feel the uneasiness in the opposition returning. After an association of 140+ runs scored at around 7 an over, I was caught in the deep. Tom went in the next over for 63
but there were now only 57 runs to get in 9 overs, with 6 wickets left. However disaster was about to strike and 4 wickets for 2 runs saw the Aces suddenly regain their voice. Some of us in the pavilion started getting jittery and thought that we'd botched it. Fortunately, these were not the thoughts going through young Cameron Lippiatt's mind as he joined Sam Brayley at the crease. They scored 50 runs off 4 overs. As Sam hit the winning boundary off the second ball of the 37th over, the score moved to 300. We were pinching ourselves in the pavilion. Did we really chase down 296, and that too with almost 4 overs to spare? Yes, we did. And the architects were the youngsters. Madhu Tiruvuru
Something to say? Email us at news@downendvoice.co.uk
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE WE’VE MOVED, BUT NOT TOO FAR... With a Team approach to healthcare.
Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and World Athletic Championship 2017
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l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Pilates l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced
Y IATR E POD
LB WIL BLE ILA A V A 020 IN 2
Member of the British Chiropractic Association
DAY Monday
CLASS Pilates Pilates Pilates
TIME 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00 18:00 – 19:00
Currently online Currently online Live & online
Wednesday Pilates
12:00 – 13:00
From 26/08/20
Friday
10:00 – 11:00
Live & online
Pilates
Check details on Facebook & Website for developments £49 for a block of 6 Pilates sessions.
The practice of pain relief Contact
0117 957 5388
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m
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September, 2020 AERIALS
downendvoice BURGLAR ALARMS
A.G. AERIALS For Digital TV
Electricians & Alarm Specialists
Vinney Green Farmhouse Emersons Green BS16 7AF
Ring Round — Then Ring Us We will undercut any quote for quality work
TELEPHONE
AERIALS
www.theaerialman.co.uk
• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders
CLEANING SERVICES
MARK EVANS
Est 1967 • Free Quotes • No VAT
DOWNEND 0117 956 4516 MOBILE 07770 634 804
59
M.J.E. ALARMS
0117 9560695
Burglar Alarms Repairs, Upgrades, Servicing & Installations
We service all makes of alarms, from an upgrade and service to new alarm systems
Alarm Services from £45
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enquiries@markevanselectrical.co.uk
Affordable Prices - Reliable Service
0117 967 9028
ARCHITECT SERVICES
Trusted Trader
CARPENTRY & INTERIORS
CAR REPAIRS
General Carpentry & Floor Fitting Kitchens, all wood flooring, LVT flooring, Door hanging
A family run business Contact Alan on 07411834534 or 01179374887
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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS
Bathroom & Kitchen Specialists All work carried out by us
One call is all you need Book now for your makeover
OSBORNE & SONS All work guaranteed.
Call Tony 0777 6188595 tony1osborne@yahoo.co.uk Find us on Facebook osborneandsons
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
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
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60 FENCING
ELECTRICIANS
MARK EVANS
Electricians & Alarm Specialists
Vinney Green Farmhouse Emersons Green BS16 7AF
Experts in
Full housge rewirin d at arantee 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
September, 2020 GUTTERING SERVICES
FRENCHAY FENCING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Replacement and Maintenance:
all work guaranteed - all quotes free
Guttering, Downpipes UPVC Fascia Boards Soffits and Cladding Unblock & Gutter Cleaning
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE LOCALLY BASED
All work guaranteed Based in Bristol area Call Paul for free quote
Call Mike on 07962226226 or 0117 9701939 or Andy on 07747148106 Contact us at Facebook: Frenchay fencing FENCING
01454 850201 or 07980 001109 GUTTER CLEANING
DOWNEND FENCING
Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning
E) (ERECTING SERVIC types of e - All 45 years experienc arance etc. cle , irs fencing, repa L NO JOB TOO SMAL
TEL: 0797 3381663
FENCING, GATES & TRELLIS
Call or Book online
www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol
HOUSE CLEARANCE
FENCING Has your fence Blown Down?
Are you in need of a new fence
Call Nick on 0117 2872392 0117 303 9000 ELECTRICIANS
Then ring Alistair Tweedale early evenings
01179 520076 for a free estimate 45 years experience
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
atom electrical specialist domestic installers
All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires. For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...
call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974
FREE Quotations
www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk
D. ATTWELL
LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building
• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
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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 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179 Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
PAINTING & DECORATING STEVE PAINTER
DECORATING SERVICES
Third generation family business offering professional exterior and interior painting and decorating services locally.
Traditionally trained Quality workmanship Paperhanging specialist Friendly and reliable Competitively priced Call Steve Painter on:
01179 565 190 / 07853 250 035 Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
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September, 2020 PAINTING & DECORATING
J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator
Tiler • Mason • Painter
No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:
07474573780 0117 2792264
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
PLUMBING
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
0117
PLUMBING
E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
PAINTING & DECORATING
SJM DECORATING
Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk
Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available Finance also available
518308
PLUMBING & HEATING
CREST HEATING & PLUMBING
Builder & Interior Decorator
T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956
PLUMBING & HEATING
957 5092
Renovation Painter Tiler 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
61
* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES
BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE
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56746
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
Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured
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Free Quotations
Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411
www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk
PLASTERING
PLUMBING
SBS PLASTERING
JJ PLUMBING
City and Guilds Qualified
Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations
Tel: 07900 551199 Tel: 0117 9567100
email: sbsplastering@aol.co.uk
PLUMBING
BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk
CHECK OUT REVIEWS ON GOOGLE
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WASTE DISPOSAL
PLUMBING & HEATING Bristol: 0117 9000 986 Mobile: 07834 633376
September, 2020
RUBBISH CLEARED
3 generations in the plumbing and heating industry and a quality service from a local family business.
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
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
SHOWER REPAIRS
WINDOW & DOOR SOLUTIONS
B R O K E N S H O W E R ? A p r i c o t S h o w e r s A p p r o v e d C o n t r a c t o r
J AND J CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Providing general building, factory facilities work, gardening, pest control
Tel 07779242184 ROOFING
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 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
ROOFIN G LIMITED Give your toes a treat
Toenail cutting and foot care in the comfort of your own home. Affordable, professional.
FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES Give Nigel a call he’s local and has a wealth of experience
✆ 07779 786072 ROOFING
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.
TOENAIL CUTTING
N . BROWN
SLATING • TILING • REPAIRS GUTTERS • FASCIAS
We replace & install all new Windows, Doors, Bi-folding Doors, conservatories and much more!
F R E E E S T I M A T E S
FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL
Free foot massage!
Call 07523299147 or visit www.neatfeet.net TREE SURGEONS
J.A. Cole & Sons FLAT ROOFING Tree Surgeons
077867 30804 or 0117 279 9409 info@treadwellwindows.co.uk treadwellwindows.co.uk BASED IN DOWNEND! WINDOW & DOOR SPECIALISTS
A MURPHY
Mastic | Asphalt | Felt Roofing Contractors Downend based BS16 6AP Over 40 years experience References available on request
TEL: 0117 956 1015 MOBILE: 07976 442703
• Tree 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 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk
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 Ken On 07715 770377
ValkyrieHairBeauty&Holistics
StapleHill PostOffice
SweetTreats
OffersSenior Citizens, NHSandstudent discountsMondaytoFridayanytime. Receive10%offanytwotreatments bookedtogether beforeNovember 30th
We'remorethanjust afriendlyPost Office-weoffer local freshbreadand cakes, coffeetogo, groceryessentials, photocopyingandprinting-andmore!
Aspecial 10%discount instore withthisadvert
119HighStreet
107HighStreet
ButchersHook
BunchFlorist
BlueSkyCafĂŠ
Freedeliveriesfor ordersover ÂŁ40.00
Sellingbeautiful blooms MondaytoSaturday!
114HighStreet
11BroadStreet
Weareopenfor eat inand takeaway. Can't wait toseeyouagain! 47BroadStreet
HairandBeauty@TheSquare
JasonsTradingPost
CafeOasis
Friendlyandaffordablesalonoffering 20%offforover60's, NHSworkers, Militaryandlocal businesses.
Sellingstorageboxes, household, stationery, cleaningproducts, diyproducts, toysandgames, tobaccoproducts, greetingscardscards&wrap, partysupplies, heliumballoonsandmuchmore!
Fantasticfoodserveddaily Checkour specialsboard
103HighStreet
10TheSquare, BroadStreet
139HighStreet
115HighStreet
Find out how you can help support our independent traders: www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos #ShopStapleHill