emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021 Edition—Issue 52
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FREE EVERY MONTH IN EMERSONS GREEN, LYDE GREEN, SHORTWOOD & PUCKLECHURCH
DJs join cancer fight
Litter pickers out in force Nearly 100 volunteers joined a litter pick in Emersons Green and Lyde Green organised by three community groups. PAGE 6
At last! Work to start on schools DJ James Stephens, from Emersons Green, has brought together 17 others to stage a 24-hour live performance to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Full story: Page 3
E-scooters: don't break the law ELECTRIC scooter riders have been warned against "dangerous, foolish and illegal" behaviour after a surge in complaints. An experimental scheme which allows people to hire and use e-scooters on the road, as an alternative to driving short distances, was extended to Emersons Green, Downend, Mangotsfield and
Staple Hill in late March. Within days, reports began to multiply on social media of e-scooters being ridden on footpaths, cycle paths and in parks, and being left parked blocking pavements. The hire scheme, introduced by the West of Turn to Page 5
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South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that work will start this summer on new primary and secondary schools for Lyde Green. PAGE 2
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emersonsgreenvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169
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Work set to start on Lyde Green schools
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EDITORIAL news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINES June edition deadline is May 12. LOCAL INFORMATION 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
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streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Emersons Green 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. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@fishpondsvoice.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 Emersons Green 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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WORK on two new schools for Lyde Green is due to start this summer. South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that the primary school on the site, next to a stretch of Honeysuckle Road, will be run by the Castle School Education Trust (CSET), which also runs Lyde Green Primary School in Willowherb Road. The council had to apply to its own planning department for permission to go ahead with the plans, which was granted in April by officers rather than being put before a planning committee. It says the new buildings are being designed to the lowcarbon standards known as Passivhaus, which “substantially reduce energy consumption” to cut running costs and support the wider aim of reducing emissions in line with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency two years ago. The authority is putting £8.5 million from this year’s capital budget into the primary school. The government agreed to fund the £26 million secondary school under its Wave 14 free schools programme, after years of campaigning and failed funding applications. The new secondary school, which will be built alongside the primary school, is being sponsored by South Gloucestershire and Stroud Academy Trust.
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Both the secondary and primary schools are scheduled to open in September next year. The council said in a statement: “We are working with CSET and the Regional Schools Commissioner to commission the new primary phase and, following a well-received public consultation on the plans, detailed designs are being developed ready for construction to start in summer 2021.” Cabinet member for education Erica Williams said: “I am delighted that, with planning approval now granted, construction of the new school can begin this summer and that next summer, the first pupils will be able to start benefiting from these new buildings. “Improving school standards is the council’s number one priority and the delivery of these two new schools will certainly help achieve this for children in and around Lyde Green. “Pupils and teachers thrive in good quality school buildings and not only will this new school provide a wonderful learning environment, but students will spend their education time in a place that will illustrate how we can improve our environment by the way we do things. “I hope it will provide an inspiration to them, as it does to all of us to take positive steps through the decisions and investments we make to deliver on our Climate Emergency commitments.”
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DJ launches 24-hour gig for cancer charity A DJ from Emersons Green has brought together 17 others from the city to stage a 24-hour live performance for a cancer charity. James Stephens, who grew up in the area and started DJing while he was a student at the University of the West of England, hosted a 24 hour DJ livestream of music online over the May bank holiday weekend to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. James, who has been able to turn his passion for DJing into a full-time job, has played at Bristol’s biggest and best-known clubs, including Motion, Lakota, the O2 Academy and SWX. He decided to stage an event to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust after learning that a friend’s son had been diagnosed with cancer at a young age. But with the club scene in
limbo because of coronavirus restrictions, James had to invent a different way of using his skills to raise money. The answer was an online fundraiser, which music fans could listen to, watch and make donations. The 24 hour event was staged live between 6pm on May 1 and 6pm on May 2 but was due to be accessible online at www. charitydjlivestream.co.uk, with donations open until the end of May at www.justgiving.com/ charitydjlivestream. James said the event featured a huge variety of genres, including disco, 90s classics, house, garage, RnB, hip-hop, drum & bass and Asian dance music, live streamed from a TV studio with an LED screen behind the DJ, as well as light and smoke effects - “like you’re
DJ James Stephens at the decks. Photo: Soul Media watching the DJ’s in the club”. James has been a DJ for more than eight years, starting on UWE’s Hub Radio. Picking a different genre of music each week he helped students discover new music and also established himself as a versatile performer who could DJ a wide variety of styles. Once he left university with a business and marketing degree, James took a full-time job in marketing but was still regularly being asked to DJ and moving on to bigger clubs. He said: “It hit a point where I
was getting so many gig enquiries that I decided to take the leap of faith and quit my marketing job to focus purely on DJing. “It’s amazing to be able to say that I’m a full-time DJ, because this has (and still is) a hobby of mine, that has turned into something bigger!” James urged people to visit the livestream site, enjoy the music and make a donation. He said: “By donating to you will help support the 2,500 young people diagnosed with cancer each year, during and after treatment.”
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May, 2021
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Under-50s struggle to get jabs locally
PEOPLE trying to book coronavirus vaccinations have been reporting fewer bookings available at South Gloucestershire venues as the NHS experiences lower levels of vaccine supplies. The national vaccination programme moved on to under50s in mid-April. Initially people aged 45 to 49 were sent letters advising them to use the national booking system to make an appointment at a community pharmacy or Ashton Gate vaccination centre. But users have reported not being able to find appointments at venues in South Gloucestershire, with some entering BS16 postcodes but being offered appointments as far away as Taunton, Bournemouth, Malvern and Salisbury by the national website.
The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in charge of the roll-out in surgeries, announced on April 22 that people aged 40 to 49 would start to be offered appointments at GP clinics. But while patients of some surgeries in the Network 4 Primary Care Network, which includes Emersons Green Medical Centre, Leap Valley Medical Centre and the Downend Health Group, reported being offered appointments at its Downend hub, others were still being told to use the national system. A spokesman for the CCG said: “Nationally, there is lower vaccine supply at the moment, but we are working to share vaccine where it is needed across our healthcare system. There is enough vaccine available
A ROGUE trader who conned an elderly Mangotsfield resident has been sentenced to 14 months in prison. Rocky Johnstone, 36, of Half Acre Paddock, Calne, who traded as Top Cut Tree Surgeons and Special Branch Tree & Landscapes, pleaded guilty to two offences of fraud and one of theft over a two-year period. South Gloucestershire Council’s trading standards team launched an investigation in August 2018 after a complaint that Johnstone cold-called at the home of the Mangotsfield resident and cut back some trees before demanding £1,800 for a few hours' work. Johnstone had previously been informed of doorstep trading rules and was
for people in priority groups 1-9 (over-50s, care home staff and at-risk groups) who hasn’t booked their vaccination, yet, to have their first dose and to complete all second doses.” A testing programme set up to trace a coronavirus variant in the area found just four cases in more than 50,000 tests. The two-week community surge testing programme was established to detect the VOC21FEB-02 variant of the Covid-19 virus, which was designated as a “variant of concern”, because it contains a mutation thought to make it more easily spread and more resistant to vaccines. People in Emersons Green, Lyde Green and Pucklechurch were among those who attended mobile testing units or collected home self-testing kits during February after the coronavirus mutation was detected in the
area. Figures released by the government showed that, of the 50,317 samples tested, there were four cases of the VOC21FEB-02 variant and another two of another mutant strain, known as VUI-21FEB-03, although as of April 22 only around a quarter of confirmed cases had been sequenced. In total, 1,316 cases of coronavirus were confirmed during the programme, which was for people with no symptoms. This represented around one in every 38 people tested. A Public Health England spokesperson said it was “reassuring” that only a small number of variant cases have been detected so far, “which would indicate there wasn’t wider community spread of the variants initially identified”.
Rogue trader sent to prison prosecuted for fraud. But while his case was at court in early 2020 it was found that he was still illegally trading. Three more victims came forward, including a 96-year-old woman who was charged £100 for 10 minutes' work removing branches. A carer intervened to stop the woman handing over money. A further incident in Bath saw Johnstone keep a £300 deposit from a customer who cancelled a job before it started. Jailing him and banning him from cold calling, delivering flyers or doing garden or
building work without Trading Standards approval for five years, Judge Michael Longman told Johnstone was a "menace to the elderly and vulnerable" when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court in March. Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said Johnstone had "targeted elderly and vulnerable residents in a cynical manner" and advised residents never to deal with doorstep traders. Anyone who suspects that rogue traders are operating in their area can call trading standards on 0808 223 1133.
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Hiring scooters for your kids is illegal
From Page 1 England Combined Authority and operated by Voi Technology, is the only way to legally use e-scooters: privately-owned scooters remain banned from use in any public space. The Voi scooters can only be hired by over-18s, who need to prove they have a full or provisional driving licence. But many of the complaints involve children using scooters antisocially. Voi says the "vast majority" of anti-social behaviour incidents involve private e-scooters and not its machines. Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Boulton said complaints over e-scooter misuse were taking up much of his time. He said: "While the Voi e-scooters are undoubtedly replacing many ‘car miles’ with a cleaner alternative, it is obvious that some people are failing to recognise that hiring a Voi e-scooter makes them as liable to the same rules of the road as if they hired any other motor vehicle. "Riding without a valid driving licence, riding on the pavements, in our parks or any other ‘no-ride’ zone is dangerous, foolish and illegal and our local neighbourhood police team have been keen to say that they will prioritise enforcing existing road traffic laws on anyone who chooses to flout the law. "We are also getting anecdotal evidence that some adults are, almost unbelievably, trying to overcome the law and terms of booking by hiring e-scooters on behalf of their children."
As well as risking their child's life, anyone hiring a Voi e-scooter for an under-18 risks prosecution and penalty points, both for themselves and the child once they apply for a licence. A police spokesperson said the force had received "a number of anecdotal reports of antisocial/underage riding since the trials started" and was policing e-scooter offences as part of regular neighbourhood patrols. The spokesperson said while officers would first "engage and explain" with e-scooter users, enforcement was "an option for repeat or serious offences". These included a 26-year-old Staple Hill man who had been stopped late at night on April 16 on a hired e-scooter in Soundwell Road, and found to be over the drink-drive limit. The police are urging people with concerns over underage riding to report it to Voi, which can revoke hire agreements before taking enforcement action. A Voi spokesperson said that on the whole the trial had been well-received, with more than 445,000 trips taken on its scooters since October. She said: "If an adult allows an underage person to ride an e-scooter, it’s the same as letting an underage person drive a car. Users can receive fines for this infraction, and points can be added to their driving licence." Voi said it was providing users with information about parking safely and had patrols to move any incorrectly parked scooters, adding: "Recently, we started to roll out a new safety feature that allows us to give warnings and fines to any
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Voi e-scooters parked in Downend e-scooter accidents and antisocial behaviour reported to the police involved illegal use of privately-owned scooters. She added: "Occasionally we receive reports of anti-social behaviour. In these situations, we work closely with the Avon and Somerset Police, and we have a 3 strike policy – if the user does not comply with our guidelines e-scooter regulations, they can have their account blocked and won’t be able to ride a Voi scooter again."
users who have parked their scooters incorrectly. Although the vast majority of users park their scooters correctly, this feature improves good parking behaviour significantly." Voi said both Page Park and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path were "no riding zones" enforced by geofencing technology, which made its scooters would automatically slow down to walking pace. The spokesperson said that the "vast majority" of both
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May, 2021
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Nearly 100 volunteers join big clean-up MORE than 90 residents of Emersons Green and Lyde Green joined together to make their neighbourhood a better place. The army of volunteers collected dozens of bags full of rubbish from streets, parks, paths and verges across the area. The litter pick on April 10 was the third this year organised by the Emersons and Lyde Green Together volunteer group, which started last year to support local residents through the coronavirus lockdown. The Lyde Green Community Association and Lyde Green Open Space Team also worked to help organise the event, which saw stations outside Emersons Green Library and Lyde Green Community Centre for litter pickers to collect equipment provided by South Gloucestershire Council for the job, including antibacterial gels, wipes and gloves. Kate Liverton, of Emersons
and Lyde Green Together, said: “The event was a huge success with 93 people from the communities of Emersons Green and Lyde Green coming out to ‘do their bit’ for their local environment. “Litter has become an
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ongoing problem during this pandemic, which has been so sad to see, and all the volunteers and people involved hope that the event will highlight to people the need to be more thoughtful and take rubbish home if bins are full.
Wildlife trust’s survey A NATURE organisation is trying to find out more about people's views about wildlife in the area. Avon Wildlife Trust is launching the South Gloucestershire Wildlife Survey at the start of May and wants as many people as possible in the district to give their views. The trust, which manages 30 nature reserves across the region, works with other organisations and landowners to protect wildlife and inspire people for wildlife in their area. The online survey is the first the trust has carried out and it is hoping to find out how much people know about its work, what they do to help promote wildlife and what activities they would like the trust to support in their communities. A spokesperson said the survey, which can be found online at the trust's website or at bit.ly/3xu5DeP, would help decide where it focuses its energies in the South Gloucestershire area.
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“Particularly during this difficult last year, we all need to care for each other and our local environment.” The group hopes to organise regular events across both communities. Kate said: “So many of the people that got involved commented how the event had been heart-warming, had helped them feel part of the community and had also helped their mental health and well-being to give them a ‘feel good factor’ at getting involved. “They also commented at how many people had taken the time to ‘thank them’ for their efforts whilst they were out collecting.” Top find out about more Emersons and Lyde Green Together events, search for EandLG on Facebook. Lyde Green Open Spaces Group can be found at @LydeGreenOpenSpace.
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May, 2021
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Police probe street incident
Boundary change call
POLICE are trying to trace a man after three girls were approached in the street in Emersons Green. In what officers are describing as a "suspicious incident", a man spoke to the girls as they left the Emersons Green Village Park onto Emerson Way yesterday between 4.15pm and 4.30pm on April 25. They say the man walked away after the incident but have not released details of what he said to the girls. He was described as Asian, aged in his mid-20s and wearing a dark hooded jacket, with distinctive wide red bands on the arms. Avon and Somerset police say the local neighbourhood team is targeting patrols in the area after the incident. They have asked anyone who thinks they witnessed the incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time or recognises the description of the man to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 088 856. The incident happened weeks after a girl was left “shaken” after being accosted in the street and harassed by a man with a different description in Wadham Grove.
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council could consider changes to the boundary of Pucklechurch parish so that it no longer includes areas of the Lyde Green development. At present some of the land which is set to be built on and become part of Lyde Green is officially in Pucklechurch. The village’s parish council first wrote to South Glos to consider changes two years ago. The parish council requested a change be included in a “community governance review”, arguing that the boundary would be “anomalous”, with the new housing in a different parish to neighbouring streets and most of the local facilities, which come under the area covered by Emersons Green Town Council. Now South Gloucestershire Council has agreed to consider a boundary change. Its review is set to start in June or July and will involve public consultation before any changes are signed off next year, in time for local the elections of May 2023.
Exciting times ahead at Abacus Preschool At Abacus Preschool we are extremely proud of the reputation we have built within the community, continually dedicated to provide high quality childcare to local families. Our ethos has always been “learning through play”, encouraging children to grow and learn independently through choosing a wide range of fun, stimulating activities. It is now with sadness that we say ‘farewell’ to our existing Manager Kate, who has cared for the children in Mangotsfield for 7 years. She will be greatly missed by children, parents and the team, and we all wish her well, but it is now time for Kate to spend more time with her own family and to have a change of career. We are very excited to be able to welcome Charlie to our team as Manager in Mangotsfield, who will further enhance the development and progress of all our children, ready to transition into school. Charlie has 11 years experience working in the early years and in 2017
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decided to begin her BA Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies, giving her a deeper knowledge of how important early childhood is for building solid foundations which children will continue to develop throughout their future years. “My passion as Manager will be to create outstanding learning experiences where outdoor schooling encourages children of all ages to take risks and flourish developmentally in a natural environment. I am a great believer that children learn best when enjoying their time through play and this is an aspect of practise I love to promote. I am very excited to work in partnership with Abacus as together we believe it is important for the outdoors to reflect learning experiences, and to have access to Abacus Forest School in a neighbouring community is an extra bonus. The excitement children have when connecting with natural materials and the ‘real world’ around them supports body confidence, communication and social
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interaction. In my spare time around my further studies, I love to go on nature walks with my family and my new ‘baby’ who is an adorable Labrador puppy called Bentley! Please allow me to introduce myself in person when I will be in Abacus @ Mangotsfield on Saturday May 15th between 10am - 12pm. Or I am very happy to meet you and your children after 3.30 any day by appointment. Hope you are all enjoying the lovely sunshine! “
Charlie
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May, 2021
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MP calls for research HQ at Lyde Green THE MP who represents Emersons Green has called for a new hi-tech government agency to be based at the Bristol and Bath Science Park. The park is already home to the National Composites Centre, which carries out research into cutting-edge new materials for industry, and will also soon host the University of Bath’s Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, which looks for new ways of powering cars. Now Kingswood MP and former Chris Skidmore Science Minister Chris Skidmore has thrown the science park’s hat into the ring as the ideal home for a new body the government plans to set up, called the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency. The new agency, known as ARIA, will receive £800 million to conduct advanced scientific research over the next ten years, with £50m expected to be made available in its first year of operation next year. At a Parliamentary debate in late March on the law which will set up the new agency, Mr Skidmore made a pitch for the location of the HQ to come to the Science Park which has vacant land which has been reserved for science and innovation-related buildings. He said: “When it comes to the headquarters, the Bristol and Bath Science Park in my constituency has land that is free, and I am sure that it would give a very good rate if ARIA wished to set up there, right next to the National Composites Centre and the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems.” Mr Skidmore described locating ARIA at the science park as a “huge opportunity”. But the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which will set up ARIA, cautioned that landing the organisation’s headquarters might not be significant for jobs in the area, saying that the agency would be “an agile organisation run by a small number of scientists and researchers”, which “will have a very small physical presence”. A spokesperson said: “The location of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency has not been decided yet. “ARIA will fund high risk high reward research led by individuals, institutes, universities and businesses across the UK and the benefits of this funding will be felt across the whole of the country.”
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The road under the Dramway cycle path
Route set to be shut A ROUTE linking Lyde Green to rural villages is set to be shut in two places to stop drivers using it as a short cut when the area is fully developed. South Gloucestershire Council has drawn up orders to close Henfield Road and Coxgrove Hill, on the north and east edges of the estate. It means that vehicles will no longer be able to travel through back lanes from from Pucklechurch to Coalpit Heath via Coxgrove Hill, Roman Road and Henfield Road. The council wants to ban vehicles from the section of Henfield Road between Elderflower Drive and Lyde Green Bridge over the Folly Brook, by the Windmill Golf Academy, to stop drivers using it to get to Westerleigh Road, which crosses Henfield Road shortly after the golf centre. The closure includes the section of Henfield Road that passes under the M4. The closure of Coxgrove Hill would stop vehicles from Lyde Green reaching Pucklechurch via Parkfield Road, from where they could take the B4465 to head
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south, avoiding the ring road. It includes the section of road that passes under the cycle path between Lyde Green and Westerleigh, where Coxgrove Hill becomes Roman Road. The council said: “Major housing development works are under way in the Lyde Green/ Emersons Green East area of South Gloucestershire. “These works will have a major impact on the existing road network with the result that restrictions are required to prevent these roads being adversely affected by vehicles from the new developments using them as short cuts. “The scheme has been designed to allow access to the properties between the two closures to be serviced via the new development. “The closures will not be implemented until the new routes are available.” The council said the closures will not apply to cyclists. A consultation on the plans appeared on the council’s website on April 6, after last month’s Voice was published, and closed on May 1.
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May, 2021
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Lee’s legacy: charity to support bereaved parents A BOY who lost his life to cancer at eight years old has had a charity set up in this name. Lee Belgium was just six when he was diagnosed and overcame the disease three times, but it came back in the summer of 2018 and Lee was also hit by a mucor fungal infection. He never recovered. Lee, who lived with his family in Lyde Green, died in April 2019. His mum, Clare Boxall, decided to establish the charity, called ‘Lee Belgium Lasting Legacy’, to keep memories of Lee alive, and help other families in a similar situation. After two years of hard work and fundraising the charity has now been officially registered.
Funds which the family managed to raise for Lee to have a treatment trial and bone marrow transplant in Turkey which then couldn’t then take place, will now go to the charity. Claire also staged fundraising events, including a community fun day at the Live and Let Live Pub in Frampton Cotterell in 2019, which raised £1,000. Clare said: “After a long year we have the charity up and running. “We will help all the amazing families that have had to go through losing a child from cancer, a heart operation or a child lost from a horrible accident. I’m looking forward to Lee’s charity helping others - we are here to help and talk.”
Lee Belgium fought off cancer three times before it finally claimed his life in 2019 The charity will support bereaved parents by providing practical help and information. They will also be given a £100
voucher for funeral flowers and a free haircut for the deceased child before their funeral. Kelley’s Designs and Crafts, a business run by a family friend, will be making memorial memories such as pillows, candles and teddy bears with photos on them, which will be given to families for free. A fundraising walk is set to take place from the Hollywood Bowl bowling centre at Aspects Leisure Park in Longwell Green, which was one of Lee’s favourite places, to Bristol Children’s Hospital, where he was treated, on July 31. For more information or to make a donation visit leebelgiumlastinglegacy.com online.
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Discover the authentic taste of Punjab NESTLED in the midst of Emersons Green, Bojan run an Indian street food takeaway each Friday evening 5.308pm. Indian food is the passion of Geeta Aheer, a local resident, who set up Bojan after a career in Marketing. Bojan offers authentic, home-made Punjabi food, the emphasis is in the careful balancing and layering of spices to offer maximum flavour. To help you discover Bojan flavours, they’re running an exclusive offer for Voice readers. For every £10 order, you can claim a free finger food starter. Bojan’s takeaway from Emersons Green Village Hall operates just like any other takeaway. However, for time being it is advisable to call ahead to pre-order due to pandemic measures. Call 07968 CUT OUT VOUCHER 837580 to secure your collection slot. Menu details can be found of their Facebook page and www. bojanbristol.co.uk
Indian food with a difference Discover authentic Punjabi food through our pop-ups, events, private catering and cooking classes
Interested? Get in touch! 07968 837580 info@bojanbristol.co.uk www.bojanbristol.co.uk
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JOB VACANCIES
QUALIFIED PRACTITIONERS IN THE BABY AND TODDLER ROOM Applicants must have minimum level 3 qualification and preferably have experience of working with under 3’s. The roles each involve being a key person and helping with the day to day running of their rooms. Full time 36-40 hours per week, over 4 or 4.5 days Shifts between 7.30/8am and 6.15pm. All year round position.
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0117 9566060 hello@sunbeams-daynursery.com 31-35 Dibden Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6UE (Minutes from the ring road, Beefeater Junction)
www.sunbeams-daynursery.com
emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
11
n NEWS
Thumbs up for nursery's unsung heroes CHILDREN attending a Downend nursery joined its owner in paying tribute to the work of staff through the Covid-19 pandemic. The youngsters at Sunbeams Day Nursery and Pre-school in Dibden Road took part in the National Day Nurseries Association’s campaign ‘Thumbs up for Early Years’ campaign to show their appreciation for workers in the sector across the UK. Sunbeams proprietor Jackie Offer praised her own "incredible staff team" and showed her appreciation for the "amazing dedication" of the whole Early Years workforce across the country. Jackie said staff had been "unsung heroes" in what had been "a difficult and demanding year for all of us". Writing an open letter to nursery workers, she told them: "The children would not have been going home happy, full of stories and fun if it were not for you pouring your energy into nurturing them each day, no matter what.
Children at Sunbeams Day Nursery and Pre-school showed their appreciation for the workers who have kept them safe with a big thumbs-up "It takes a very special person with a big heart to work with young children. You work long hours switching between
teacher, baby comforter, waitress, disciplinarian, researcher, nose and bottom wiper - the list goes on and on.
AL M R O N S A OPEN National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme
"Thank you all, you are amazing! "Many businesses may have just survived one of the hardest professional challenges they have ever faced. "Management teams have been superb behind the scenes, tirelessly doing everything needed to adapt to ever-changing situations. "Thank you all for not complaining and adapting with good faith to the changes that have been forced upon us. "Thank you for doing this calmly with smiles on your faces, without PPE; and being excited each day to welcome the children into your care. Thank you for gently reassuring parents who put their trust in you, and for overcoming your own anxieties. "Young children have needed their trusted adults to be present physically and mentally to help them reshape the world. Thank you for coming to work when others were told to stay at home. "Thank you for being brave."
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Our Open Spaces We are incredibly fortunate to have an abundance of beautiful green spaces within our area. Many of us have particularly benefited from this during lockdown, both physically and mentally. Our green spaces are also critical in protecting the environment, and with the Town Council recently having declared a Climate Emergency, along with other Town and Parish Councils across the country, we are committed to protecting our open spaces.
TREES Trees are recognised as a critical environmental asset. We ensure that the trees on the commons are regularly inspected by an arboriculturist and any works they specify are then carried out by a qualified tree surgeon. Last year we planted 10 new trees on Blackhorse Road common and have left a grassed area within the circle of trees uncut to benefit pollinators.
COMMON LAND The commons are an important and well used amenity for our residents and the wider public, the largest being Rodway Common, which occupies around 35 acres.
DIBDEN LANE ALLOTMENTS The Town Council run the Dibden Lane allotments, which features 103 plots of varying sizes and represents a valuable green space in the area. The allotments are popular and well maintained, with 48 people on the waiting list. The Town Council actively monitors and maintains the allotment site and hosts an annual Allotments Awards evening. If you live within the Town Council boundary and wish to have an allotment, please contact us to be added to the waiting list.
The Town Council owns, or is custodian, of the following common land: Rodway Common including Carson’s Copse Vinney Green Common Blackhorse Road (by the junction of Dibden Lane and Elm Tree Avenue) Emersons Green Common including Green Lane next to Emersons Green Park and part of the common land at Windsor Place The Town Council has legal responsibilities in relation to the common land as set out in the Commons Act 2006. Importantly, common land must be maintained for access by all users – any works which have the effect of impeding access is prohibited. The common land itself is protected and ‘digging of ditches and trenches and the building of embankments’ is against the law. Rodway Common has a unique grassland habitat that needs to be preserved. There has, unfortunately, been ongoing issues at Rodway Common with excavations, destruction of flora, and vandalism of signage. In line with the requirements of the Commons Act 2006, we politely remind residents that we want all users to benefit from, and enjoy, the commons, but that wilful destruction of the land, and its flora, cannot be accepted. It is disappointing for everybody when taxpayer money has to be used to carry out avoidable remedial works.
WILDFLOWERS AND GRASS CUTTING The grass on most of the common land is cut regularly as part of the regular maintenance schedule. Last year a local naturalist, Ed Drewitt, produced a report which included sections on Green Lane and Emersons Green Common (the Green). Ed reported that Emersons Green Common was “covered in native wildflowers that have no doubt been flowering here for hundreds of years without any intervention”. We have subsequently implemented Ed’s recommendations, meaning that each year, a quarter of the common will be left uncut on a rotating basis, with the cuttings from the remaining three quarters to be removed to benefit the wildflowers. Last year we sewed wildflower seeds on the roundabout by Blackhorse Garage for the benefit of our pollinating insects. We are hoping that this year, we will see them starting to grow and that we will benefit from their natural beauty for years to com.
INTRODUCING…. Councillor Dave Somers Councillor Somers joined the Town Council in 2016 when he moved back into the area and is a representative of the Pomphrey Ward. Prior to this, Dave was a Councillor with Rangeworthy Parish Council from 2007 - 2015. Dave is a very active Member of the Town Council, sitting on several of our Committees, and Chairman of both the Planning and Open Spaces Committees. “I was born and brought up St George and married my wife, Kath in 1966. I have two grown up daughters and 3 grandchildren. I previously ran my own heating business for 43 years, and still belong to the Probus Club. In the past, I played football for Bristol Rovers and Glenside Athletic, and cricket for Yate and ICI. I have also ridden in motor cycle trials. I am a keen rugby supporter having supported Bath Rugby Club for over 30 years. Having lived locally for a long time, I am very committed to this community and have built up a wide knowledge of the area. I enjoy my work as a Town Councillor and feel that it is a privilege to be able to give something back to this wonderful community and its residents”
emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
13
n NEWS
'Princess Meg' was a force of nature
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'determined and lively' young woman from Downend, who has died aged 24. Megan Luscombe was born with the degenerative condition Friedreich's Ataxia and lived with physical disability. But her mum Janet said Megan "wanted people to see her personality and strength, beyond the wheelchair". She was affectionately known as Princess Meg both for her personality and love of fashion, style and pampering. Born in Kingswood, where she attended Southey pre-school and Falconride Primary, now Kings Forest, Megan moved to Downend, where her family still lives, aged 10. She attended Downend School for five years before moving to the residential National Star College near Cheltenham for further education, studying graphics and design. Megan stayed in Cheltenham and continued to learn new skills after leaving the college: she had recently undertaken courses in ceramics and cookery. She died in her sleep in late March and, while her condition was life-limiting, her death was unexpected. Her family – parents Janet and Sean, and sisters Abigail and Becky – are now fundraising for National Star and inviting everyone who knew Megan to make a donation in her memory. Janet said: "Nothing phased Megan – there was always a way
she could achieve anything. "She wanted to do everything that a normal, able bodied person would – it might have been harder for her to do it but she was a very determined young lady, and always did what she wanted to do. "She wanted her independence and achieved it." Megan loved to travel and visited many countries, including visiting Disneyland Paris and going skiing. After a family visit to Mexico, in 2009, Megan caught swine flu. Amid fears at the time that the virus would become a pandemic, Downend School was closed as a precaution, but Janet said Megan saw the funny side of being the cause of her classmates getting some time off. Megan followed her sister Abigail, who also has Friedreich's Ataxia, to National Star. While there, she made headlines when she fought
experienced downhill skiing in an adapted sit-ski during trips to Andorra and France. Staff have been left devastated by her death and described her as a "force of nature". Speaking on behalf of National Star, physiotherapy manager Verity Fisher said: "Megan is remembered for her sense of adventure, infectious laugh and sheer determination, which enabled her to do so much in her short life. "Woe betide anyone who was lulled into a false sense of security by Megan’s physical appearance. "She may have been small in stature but her huge personality and steely determination more than compensated. "A woman who loved company and to party, Megan was at the centre of any activity she could get involved with. "Clothes and fashion were Megan’s passion. She had her own classic style and everything had to be just right, from hair bobbles to shoes." After leaving college Megan decided to stay in Cheltenham and was living independently in her own bungalow and directing her own care when she died. Megan's family have received many touching tributes from people who knew her, including staff at National Star. Anyone who remembers Megan is invited to donate to the family's online fundraising page at justgiving.com/fundraising/ janet-luscombe1.
back against a mugger who tried to snatch money she had withdrawn from a cash machine in Cheltenham. Megan grabbed back half of the money and fought back against the robber, who was then caught by passers-by. She said at the time: "I may not be strong, but I have a strong grip. "People in wheelchairs are seen as easy targets but the thief underestimated me. I can be pretty determined when I want to." During her four years at the college Megan not only achieved an employability skills qualification but was elected to the student union to represent her peers, and was fully involved with college social life. She featured on a BBC3 TV documentary, The Unbreakables, which followed a group of National Star students, and
.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The majority of the verges and footpaths in the area are the responsibility of South Gloucestershire Council. However, the Town Council carries out additional cuts of the grass verges throughout the year, in addition to the cuts provided by South Gloucestershire Council in the Spring and Autumn. The Town Council also carries out some additional Summer maintenance on footpaths All Town Council meetings are open to members of the public and are currently held remotely by Zoom. Please see our website for meeting agendas, including joining instructions, or contact us on: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Open Spaces Committee 7.00pm 4 May Annual Full Town Council meeting 8.30pm 6 May Planning Committee meetings To be confirmed Finance Committee To be confirmed
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The Open Spaces Committee usually meets on the first Tuesday of every other month at 7.00pm. As with all Town Council meetings, members of the public are welcome to attend. Please see our website for dates and joining instructions.
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
emersonsgreenvoice
14
May, 2021
n PETER'S VISION
Reassuringly thorough
W
“When it comes to eyewear, why compromise? Style and comfort come as a pair.”
57 Henleaze Road
768 Fishponds Road
Bristol BS9 4JT
Bristol BS16 3UA
0117 962 2474
0117 965 4434
ELL here we are, a full year later and finally we can taste freedom! Outdoor, socially distanced freedom maybe, but it's a good step to getting our lives back on track. It’s even better that the sun is out and if we can remember where they are, it’s time to bring out our shorts & T-shirts, and hopefully don a pair of sunglasses too! It got me thinking. Now sunglasses season’s definitely here, I’ve had my eye on a new pair of Ray-Ban’s for a few weeks. It’s going to be an oversized chunky acetate frame for me this year, with my favourite grey-green polarised prescription lenses. It’ll certainly make a change from the classic, and to be fair slightly conservative, Ray-Ban’s I usually wear. My wife Jo has already chosen hers too. It’s no surprise that once again she’s ahead of the game - well ahead of me anyway! One of our favourite designers, Tom Davies, has not been idle during lockdown either. From his London design studio, Tom’s latest collection is just stunning to behold and available to view in practice now. You can choose ready to wear Tom Davies glasses, for ladies & gents, that look stunning and are just so comfortable to wear. If you’re after something a little different or find glasses don’t usually fit or suit you then we can offer a tailor made service too, just ask for details. When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve. However it has become increasingly clear that our vision of reassuringly thorough eye care is not compatible with the NHS funded (free) sight test. With this in mind, we evolved during lockdown into a practice offering Advanced Eye Care to every patient. We’ve re-launched our Vision Plan. Membership is via a low cost monthly Direct Debit, which gives you access to the thorough eye care you want, when you need it. You’ll also receive a glasses discount as well as accidental damage cover for your new glasses. Advanced Eye Care is available for both adults and children too! Full details, including our ‘pay on the day’ option are on our website. I’d like to personally thank each of you for your trust and support throughout this difficult period. Making this change now, allows us to continue providing you and your family with reassuringly thorough eye care for many years to come. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses, we’re still here when you need us six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434. We look forward to seeing you soon!
eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.
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Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
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emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
15
n NEWS
'These strangers saved my son's life' THE father of a young man who was hit by a car on a crossing at the Hambrook traffic lights says it is a miracle his son survived. Thomas Harris was cycling across the three-lane section of the Avon Ring Road, between the M32 and Bromley Heath roundabout, on March 9 when he was knocked from his bike, then hit by two other vehicles. He suffered fractures to the front and back of his skull and several bleeds to the brain. Tom's dad Rich believes his son only survived because of the intensive efforts to save him: first by passers-by, including a nurse from Downend who carried out CPR and an off-duty air ambulance doctor who was stopped in traffic, then by paramedics who were on the scene within minutes, and finally by Southmead Hospital staff, who carried out emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Tom was in a coma for seven days and in intensive care for three weeks afterwards. He was able to return to his South Gloucestershire home just under a month later, but the brain damage he suffered has affected his memory and mobility. Rich said Tom's injuries were "terrible" and added: "It's a miracle he has survived it really. "The police who first arrived told us they thought it was going to be a fatality – that's why the road was closed for eight hours afterwards. "He has made a pretty good recovery. He's still got brain damage, problems with the right
Tom Harris hugs his mum Jean for the first time after the collision. side of his body, legs and arms, short-term memory loss and post-traumatic amnesia." Although Tom can move around the house a little he will need a wheelchair and mobility scooter to give him the freedom to go out on his own, and will also need speech therapy. His family, who lived in Staple Hill until last year, have launched an online fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £25,000 to fund the adaptations Tom will need. The page can be found by searching for 'Help Thomas on his road to recovery' at gofundme.com or at bit. ly/3sK0n3a. Already more than £5,300 has been donated, much of it from fans of Bristol's two league football clubs after Tom's team, Bristol Rovers, shared news of the appeal. Tom was on his way to a job interview, heading from Winterbourne towards Frenchay, when he was hit has he cycled across the A4174. Rich understands that the collision happened as the lights changed
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and, having crossed two lanes of stationary traffic, Tom did not see a car approaching in the third lane, which was clear, travelling at around the 50mph limit. As Tom celebrated his 21st birthday with his family on April 20, he spoke on the phone with Dawn Cable, the nurse from Downend who helped save his life. Dawn, who had been cycling towards the ring road from Frenchay, heard the accident
happen and went to help on seeing Tom in the road. She noticed he was unresponsive and not breathing effectively, and told another member of the public who had called 999 to pass on that information to the emergency services, before she started CPR. She and the air ambulance doctor worked to keep Tom alive until the paramedics arrived and intubated him, restarting his breathing. Dawn is a nurse for the Three Shires Medical Practiceand has been trained in basic life support. She said: "The training that we do just took over – I was on automatic. "Time stood still for me that day. I can remember feeling so relived when I heard the sirens and knew the ambulance was coming." Dawn said: "Tom's got a long road of rehabilitation ahead of him but he seems to be a very determined young man, so I'm sure he'll get there."
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emersonsgreenvoice
16
May, 2021
n NEWS
Schools feel impact of cyber attack A CYBER attack on 24 South Gloucestershire schools has left teachers locked out of vital equipment and files, more than a month on. The full extent of the “disruptive and distressing” ransomware attack on seven Castle School Education Trust (CSET) schools, and another 17 schools which used the trust's IT systems, was revealed at a session of the council's cabinet. The CSET schools hit by the “highly sophisticated” attack on March 16, reproted in last month's Voice, included Downend and Mangotsfield secondary schools, plus Lyde Green primary. In addition local authority primary schools including Blackhorse, Bromley Heath Infants, Bromley Heath Juniors, Christ Church Infants, Emersons Green, Frenchay, Hambrook, Mangotsfield and Staple Hill were also affected. The cabinet meeting on April
12 was told that more than 1,000 devices were having to have their systems rebuilt. Many teachers started the new term without access to whiteboards, printers, photocopiers and computers which had a huge variety of information and resources, including materials for lessons and photos of activities, on their hard drives. Some live lessons had to be cancelled and parents’ evenings postponed. Ransomware is malicious software which encrypts a computer system’s files and blocks people from accessing data, holding it 'hostage' until a ransom is paid. A council spokesperson said no ransom had been paid and "no personal data has been impacted" by the attack. The council says 16 servers have now been rebuilt, back office systems are in place and services are being restored,
giving every school “core functionality and access to management information”, with some schools more badly affected than others. The spokesperson said the worst impact was on teachers who kept resources in files on their computers, as web or cloudbased data was unaffected. Councillor Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock), who is a parent, teacher and school governor, said: “I know from personal experience just how disruptive and distressing this attack has been, as my husband is a teacher at one of the targeted schools. “Years of topic lesson and intervention plans have been stolen. “The last year’s remote learning, including countless video lessons, has been lost. “Teachers have been unable to use the technology they’ve spent the last year fully integrating into their teaching. “Online registers, payment
assessments, coursework, children’s reports, teacher appraisals and more have been inaccessible for the last month." Cabinet member for education Erica Williams said officers had responded swiftly to the attack and digital experts had taken in devices to make them more secure. She said: “All departments involved are working as fast as they can to resolve this for the schools involved.” By Adam Postans and Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
DISCOVER WHAT COLSTON’S CAN OFFER YOUR CHILD “We are confident that any child who joins us for Year 5 will thrive in our nurturing and supportive environment.” Mr D Edwards, Head of Lower School
Discover more about our exciting opportunity to join Year 5 this September by contacting our Admissions Team on admissions@colstons.org or by calling 0117 9992 3194 To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169
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emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS A VEGAN college student from Downend says she was told she would fail her course if she did not complete a section on animal farming. Fiji Willetts is studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Animal Management at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, which the college recommends on its website for people looking for careers working at "kennels, catteries, pet stores, wildlife parks, dog grooming salons and zoological institutions". But Fiji said that, after enrolling, she discovered she was expected to pass a unit on farm husbandry, raising livestock for meat, milk, eggs and other animal products, which are not consumed by vegans. Fiji, who has been vegan for four years and has previously organised fundraising dog shows for animal charities, says she started suffering with anxiety and raised her concerns with her tutor, but was told she would not be able to study an alternative unit, which she says left her with the choice of failing, enrolling on a different course or leaving the college. She said students were expected to attend working farms as part of the husbandry unit, and a visit to a slaughterhouse was also discussed. Fiji said: “I couldn’t simply break my way of living purely to pass a course. "I am vegan because I love animals and so to go against my beliefs and attend a farm, where I would be supporting a farmer, would be wrong." The 18-year-old former Winterbourne Academy pupil contacted the Vegan Society, who helped her submit a formal complaint to the college, to the Education and Skills Funding Agency and then examination awarding body Pearson, on the grounds that veganism is protected under human rights and equality law, and education providers are under a legal duty to offer inclusive courses. Five months after her initial complaint, Fiji started an alternative module and will be able to finish the course.
17
College course 'against my beliefs' – vegan student Vegan Society rights advocate Jeanette Rowley said the college had initially said it was “unable to remove" the module from the curriculum or substitute it with another one. She said: "Vegans in the UK have the protection of human rights and equality law and it is vital that schools and colleges understand that they are under a statutory duty to examine how their educational policies and practices might have a negative impact on vegan students." SGS College insists it did offer Fiji the chance to study an alternative module, in advanced animal nutrition or business management in the animal sector, and that she was never told she had to either study the husbandry unit, choose another course or drop out. Principal Sara-Jane Watkins said: "The college has made every effort to explain to Fiji that the unit was chosen with the intention of delivering a holistic and well-rounded programme that both meets local need while also enabling learners to progress onto the next stages of their education. "On at least three separate occasions, the college has also acted to reassure Fiji, and her parents, that the unit had been ethically planned and, in addition to our commitment that it would be delivered to the highest possible standards and with the highest regard for animal welfare, that it would not be delivered in a way that either disregards Fiji's beliefs or places her at any disadvantage. "The College also confirmed with Fiji that she would not be expected to undertake any activity with which she was uncomfortable and that she could opt out of all or some of (the unit) if she so wished." Ms Watkins said Fiji "would never have failed" unless she opted out of the husbandry unit
and did not study an alternative. Fiji insists that she was only offered an alternative unit in late March, after Pearson became involved. The college says the Equality and Human Rights Commission has confirmed that equality obligations "do not apply to anything done in connection with the content of the curriculum", adding: "This means that you are not restricted in the range of issues, ideas, and materials you use in your syllabus and will have the academic freedom to expose students to a range of thoughts and ideas, however controversial. "Even if the content of the curriculum causes offence to students with certain protected characteristics, this will not make it unlawful unless it is delivered in a way which results in harassment or subjects
students to discrimination or other detriment.”
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emersonsgreenvoice
18
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
May, 2021
We must all stick to the roadmap
Chris Skidmore writes for
Emersons Green Voice
THIS month should see a further relaxation of lockdown rules as we follow the Prime Minister’s road map out of the pandemic. This is down to everyone’s hard work in preventing the spread of covid and the fantastic success of the vaccination programme. In the last few weeks, we have already seen changes to what we are all allowed to do, such as ‘the rule of 6’ and enjoying local pubs, cafes and restaurants serving outside, alongside the reopening of non-essential shops, gyms and hairdressers. Businesses are working really hard to ensure they reopen in a Covid-safe way and it continues to be important that we all follow the restrictions that remain in place until we reach the next step of the roadmap. As restrictions have eased, I have really enjoyed visiting a number of local organisations to have benefited from new funding
support. Circomedia in Kingswood Foundation has received a £171,000 grant from the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund to ensure their courses for young people can continue throughout the next few months. And Avon Valley Heritage Railway has benefited from a recent £97,000 funding award. We also saw the charitable trust that runs our local leisure centres receive £610,000 from Sport England to support the safe reopening of the centres that play such important roles in our area. I was also pleased to visit the site of the planned new Lyde Green All-Through School and to mark the recent granting of planning permission by the council. These two brand new, multimillion-pound low carbon primary and secondary school buildings will provide new and
additional school places for local children in Lyde Green, for entry in September 2022. This latest milestone is part of a campaign that I have been running alongside local councillors and neighbouring MP Luke Hall for a number of years. As we build back better from Covid, it’s positive to see works continuing apace to improve the Wraxall Road roundabout in Warmley so it is safer to use and less congested. It will be the first “through-about” in South Gloucestershire, and the roadworks are on track to finish this autumn. As ever, if anyone is in need of help or support as we move through the road map out of the pandemic, please contact my office on chris.skidmore.mp@ parliament.uk.
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May, 2021
emersonsgreenvoice
19
n NEWS
Huge response for pub's tribute to Stan WHEN a Downend pub had to close for lockdown, its most loyal regular said he'd be the first person back through the door when it reopened. But Stan Gilvear died before he had the chance to keep his promise. So when the Huntsman in Westerleigh Road was finally able to reopen in April, landlady Helen Bull poured a pint in his memory and left it at his favourite table. She posted a picture of it on Facebook, and her gesture caught the imagination: more than 1,000 people – friends of Stan, others who never met him and even a long-lost relative – left comments on the post, which was shared more than 11,000 times and reached more than two million users. Stan, who lived in Downend for more than 60 years, died in January from an undiagnosed heart condition. A welder by trade, he had worked for Charles Hill ship yard and on the SS Great Britain after it returned to Bristol in 1970.
Stan Gilvear with a pint Stan worked at the Creda washing machine and tumble dryer factory in Yate before taking early retirement around 14 years ago, and had also worked as a cleaner at UWE. He had his last pint at the Huntsman before the November lockdown, as the pub had to stay closed through Tier 3 restrictions and the third lockdown which followed.
Helen said: "He was just a really lovely, kind man who spoke to everyone. “We all raised a glass to Stan and put his pint in the little spot where he always sat, in the bar area by the telly." Helen said the reaction to the post had been "truly overwhelming". She said: "I’m just so glad so many people got to learn about Stan." Stan's partner Tracey Sherratt said he would have been "over the moon" at Helen's gesture and the comments her post had received. She said: “Stan was a very, very friendly gentleman. He was a very polite man and very funny, with his dry sense of humour, which people loved about him. “He was a happy man and very much a family man, with me and my two children. Stan was in their lives for 32 years." Mangotsfield community pastor Clive Heath, who officiated at Stan's funeral, said: "He was a very quiet man, with a dry but great sense of humour. "Stan liked the simple things in life, such as family BBQ’s and holidays and Christmas dinners. "He was a very popular man as the posts have shown. He was loved by the regulars and staff at the Huntsman. "It is always an honour to take any local service, but Stan was loved by all."
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May, 2021
21
n NEWS
Gill's such an asset to the community A VOLUNTEER who has made it her mission to help improve an open space in Mangotsfield has been recognised for her work. Gill Walding is the latest recipient of an award for outstanding community service from Mangotsfield Residents Association and the Staple Hill Partnership, for her work at the Hut Field, off Cossham Street, as well as her support for vulnerable people during the first coronavirus lockdown last year. The Hut Field, next to Mangotsfield United's ground, was given to the residents of Mangotsfield by the Cave family and is held in trust. But it is underused and had become unkempt and blighted by litter before Gill stepped forward. Gill, a retired administrator who has lived in Mangotsfield for more than 50 years, has spent hours cutting trees, brambles and bushes back, after noticing the state of the field when
Gill Walding receiving her community award from Clive Heath of Mangotsfield residents Association and ward councillor Michael Bell at the Hut Field looking at the work being done on the nearby EE mobile phone mast. She said: "I thought, 'I can't leave that – I've got to clean it up'. "I cleared a lot of bottles and rubbish but then realised I had to clear a load of brambles and dead trees before I could even get at some of the rubbish." Gill takes a handsaw or a hedge trimmer out on her regular
dog walks and stops at the field to chop back more undergrowth, arranging for the waste to be taken away by the council and even paying professionals to help out with some of the more major tasks. Gill said she was shocked to be given an award but that it was an "absolutely lovely" surprise. Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath, who with local councillor
Michael Bell presented the award, said: "Gill has been an asset to the community in many ways, for many years. "In the first lockdown last year she was one of if not the most active volunteers I had, out sometimes twice a day shopping and collecting prescriptions for people in the community. "She has always been active in the community, keeping her street clean and tidy, reporting overgrown hedges and trees, and any other community issues." Clive said as well as improving the Hut Field, Gill had liaised with contractors from EE who were working on the phone mast, keeping the association and councillors informed. He said: "Gill cares about the community and the area she lives in, and is always the first to volunteer to help any one in need – a real asset and inspiration to all."
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emersonsgreenvoice
22
May, 2021
n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
A new website for the community WE are so excited to announce that we have a new website, www. lydegreenca.org. We wanted to have a refresh and a clear platform, for finding out about Lyde Green Community Association and everything that it and the community centre offers. Booking classes, hiring rooms, community activities and volunteering opportunities are among just some of the information that can be accessed through the website. As we were able to open again to the general public, we are so glad to see the return of several of our regular hirers, as well as new classes starting at the community centre. We look forward to the next stage of the Government roadmap, when even more classes can return. It’s great to see the community grabbing a bite to eat or their
favourite hot drink and enjoying the new outdoor seating area that Coffee at Lyde have set up. If you haven’t paid a visit yet, then why not head down to Coffee at Lyde, located inside the community centre, for all your takeaway favourites? Online orders can also be made at www. coffeeatlyde.com. Please visit the website www. lydegreenca.org to find out more about the Lyde Green Community Association and the Lyde Green Community Centre. Contact can also be made via our Facebook pages @ lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, by email at info@lydegreenca.org or by calling 0117 957 0410
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Attack on cycle path POLICE are trying to trace a gang who attacked a man, breaking his collarbone, on a cycle path between Lyde Green and Westerleigh. Officers say they are treating the attack, which happened near where the path crosses Coxgrove Hill, close to the M4, as an assault causing grievous bodily harm. They have issued computer generated ‘E-fit’ pictures of two of the men they want to trace, who are believed to be between 18 and 20 years old. The victim, who was in his 30s and on foot, was assaulted by three men on the Dramway cycle path, near Westerleigh, on February 26. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “The victim was beaten with a stick, tripped to floor and kicked multiple times in the head in an unprovoked attack. “He was taken to Southmead Hospital where it was confirmed he’d sustained a broken collarbone and suspected broken ribs.” Two of the suspects were described as black, wearing black jogging bottoms and hoodies. One had afro hair, with a flat top. The third was white, of large build, with a shaved head. He wore black joggers and a blue/grey hoodie. Police have asked anyone who thinks they recognise the men in the e-fits, or has any other information which could help their inquiry, to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 042 129. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
23
n NEWS
Now St James is raising the hall roof FOLLOWING on from the recent renovation and refurbishment of St James Church, Mangotsfield, attention has now turned to the church hall. It is a space which, when we are not in a pandemic, is usually a hive of activity for many community groups, including uniformed organisations, WI, toddler groups and many other activities. Urgent repairs were carried out to the roof last year to try and keep us watertight, but it became obvious that a major overhaul of the roof was becoming a matter of some urgency. Thanks to the generosity of church members, and a timely £37,000 grant from Suez Community Trust, the whole roof is now being renewed. Roofing contractors P & M Lewis started work on the roof shortly after Easter. St James is extremely grateful to Suez for making this latest
St James Church Hall. Picture: Chris Taylor work possible on the church hall. A programme of further refurbishment is planned as funds are raised. We look forward to gradually
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welcoming our groups back to the hall as regulations permit. There are also a few opportunities available to rent space in the hall: for more
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information please contact our Hall Administrator at stjamesmango@gmail.com. SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding awards through the Landfill Communities Fund. Trust chairman Marek Gordon said: “We were delighted to be able to offer funding to St James Church Mangotsfield.” At St James church itself, we have just taken delivery of our chairs, which we could not get because of lockdowns in Ireland where they were made. Services are being held weekly, within social distancing rules, and the first weddings will be in late May. We continue to post an online service on Sundays on YouTube and, technology allowing, we are now live-streaming our live services on a Sunday. We plan to start our community café as soon as covid rules allow. Rev Teresa Taylor
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emersonsgreenvoice
24
n CRAFT COLUMN
May, 2021
n AROUND THE WIs
Seed Roll With Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s WITH the warm weather upon us, why not create this seed roll to store your seeds, ready for planting? You could even give this as a gift to your friends and family, including their favourite flower seeds. You will need: Piece of felt 18cms x 20cms Fabric scissors Pen Oddments of felt for decoration Fabric glue Thread Sewing machine Ruler 4. Now mark with pins a line 6cm in from each edge, creating 3 panels – use a ruler to help keep the pin line straight.
1. On the short side of your fabric, Mark at 6cm intervals along the top and bottom and join so that you have divided the felt into 3 columns. Repeat across the longer side at 8cm and a further 8cm, leaving 4cms remaining. Again join the lines. Taking the top smaller section, cut down each length line until you reach the next line, diving the top 3 sections into 3 ‘flaps’.
5. Machine stitch the sides and pin lines in place, taking the pins out as you go, to create 3 pockets – fasten off the threads
6. You are almost there! Cut a line at the front of each pocket approx. 2cms from the pocket edge and roughly 3cm wide, so that you can tuck each flap in to secure your pockets.
2. Now shape the flaps into a taper and cut - you can either measure these precisely or cut freehand.
7. Now time to decorate the back of each pocket so you know which seeds are in which pockets - we have used oddments of felt stuck on with fabric glue - you could even embroider the seed name. 3. Fold the piece of fabric from the first 8cm line to the next line and pin in place along the sides.
Have fun - you could even give the seed roll as a gift for a keen gardener!
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BEECHMERE BELLES WI HOW lovely that the weather has cheered up, to enable us all to enjoy the first few steps out of lockdown. With everything crossed, the committee at Beechmere Belles are hoping that soon we will be able to arrange some outdoor gatherings for our members. Over the last few months, we have had some lovely meetings over Zoom with a couple of very interesting speakers, one of whom gave a brilliant talk about Bristol. He used to be a tour guide on the Bristol sightseeing bus, and I think it’s fair to say not many of us take this type of tour in our own cities, but will always grab one when visiting other parts of the country or the world. It may just be me, but there was so much I didn’t know about the place I have always lived, for example he asked us if we knew what building was on the highest point of Bristol. Cabot Tower was the most popular guess, but it’s Cossham Hospital. Father and Son Isaac and Lazarus Jacob invented Blue Glass for Bristol in 1744 and the light on top of Cabot Tower, after repairs in 2014, now flashes ‘Cabot Tower, Bristol’ in Morse code. There’s a few for the next pub quiz. He also gives walking tours and does one locally in Frenchay, so when the time is right, we will be arranging for a stroll with him to find out more about the place that is literally on our doorstep. We will also help to support the local pub with a quick outdoor glass, purely for rehydration purposes, obviously. Another gentleman gave a brilliant talk about the fantastic job done by the charity, Freewheelers, more commonly known as the Blood Bikers. I have seen these “Blood Bikes” on the road in the evenings and thought, there’s blood getting to someone quickly that needs it, but now I know it’s not just blood that they help to deliver for the NHS. They deliver frozen breast milk to babies in need, they transfer blood, urine and tissue samples to labs
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for analysis and even once a pair of false teeth - no one should ever be without their teeth! The money this charity has saved the NHS in transport costs is amazing and they, along with hundreds of other charities over the last year of this pandemic, have struggled to raise funds. Everybody is a volunteer, from the person who answers the phone through to the bikers themselves, but bikes have to be insured and maintained, so you can see the struggle. Although we always have a good calendar of speakers and crafts throughout the year, every year there is one that you really look forward to. Well, this month is the one for me this year. We have a lovely lady booked who has been receiving great reviews for her Zoom talk “Burlesque, Me and the WI”. I can’t wait to hear all about it: all I can say is I never thought the words WI and Burlesque would be used in the same sentence.
MANGOTSFIELD WI OUR March meeting was very well supported, and rather energetic. The ‘armchair exercises’ evening sounds quite relaxing but, in practice, found muscles many of us didn’t know we had. Philomena had us going for three quarters of an hour, non-stop, with lovely inspiring music to get us all going. The feedback was really positive, with our members saying they would like to run the evening again. Our April meeting featured a talk via Zoom by a retired police scenes of crime officer – a very interesting look behind the investigations that take place. We are now planning some outdoor events for the summer months. We have two bank holidays coming up, so we wish all our readers a happy and safe time over these breaks – perhaps getting away for a couple of days or finally meeting up with family so sorely missed over the winter. If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing carol@applause. co.uk. Carol Coombs
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emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
25
n LOCAL HISTORY
Cave family history: Grand houses, wartime service and sacrifice LAST month Mangotsfield Residents Association member and historian David Blackmore told how the Cave family settled in the area in the 19th century. This month, how Cleve Hill House became a hospital and the family lost a son in the First World War. BY the mid-19th century the Cave family was well-established in Mangotsfield and Downend. Sir Stephen Cave, who had bought Cleve Hill House, in Downend, in 1804, bequeathed it to his eldest son, Daniel, who had been baptised at St James' Church, Mangotsfield, in 1789. After marrying a British doctor's daughter in Italy, Daniel and his bride Frances re-took their marriage vows at St James's in 1820 and had six girls and four boys during their marriage. A banker and magistrate, Daniel would become 1st High Sheriff of Bristol in 1836 and a Justice of the Peace for Gloucestershire. Although the family spent some time living in Devon, Daniel died at Cleve Hill in March 1872, and was buried in Bristol at St Paul's church, Portland Square. Daniel and Frances's eldest son, Stephen, bought a substantial estate at Sidbury, near Sidmouth in Devon. Although he never lived there, it was later to become the Cave family seat and is still owned by them today. An Oxford-educated writer and lawyer, born five months after his parents' marriage in Italy, Sir Stephen Cave was the Conservative MP for New Shoreham, Sussex, from 1859 until 1880, twice serving as Postmaster General. He was also chairman of the West India Committee and a director of the Bank of England. The Sidbury estate, along with Cleve Hill House and Rodway Hill House, were bequeathed by Sir Stephen to his brother, Sir Charles Daniel, who was High Sheriff of Bristol in 1863 and became the first director of the Union Bank
Lt Walter Henry Charles Cave was killed in action on his 20th birthday at Ypres, Belgium.
Sir Stephen Cave was a Conservative MP, government minister and director of the Bank of England.
Sir Charles Daniel Cave, 1st baronet.
of London. Sir Charles Daniel was created 1st Baronet Cave of Sidbury Manor, of Cleve Hill and of Stoneleigh House, Clifton, in 1896. Among his children was Walter Frederick Cave, who played cricket for Gloucestershire in 1883 before becoming an architect and landscape gardener, serving as President of the Architectural Association from 1907-1909 and designing gardens of stately homes including Tyntesfield, North Somerset, where his Arts and Crafts style is in evidence at the Orangery. Sir Charles Daniel's fifth son Sir Charles Henry Cave and his wife Beatrice frequently lived at Rodway Hill House between 1900 and 1922. Their son Walter Henry Charles Cave, who was born in March 1895, was to become a victim of the First World War. Applying for an Army commission on leaving school in August 1914, instead of attending Cambridge University as originally intended, he was made a 2nd Lieutenant on probation to the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. After six months guarding strategically important sites in Dorset, Walter was transferred to the 1st Battalion 'in the field', among a group of replacements that arrived in Ypres, Belgium, on February 18, 1915. Less than a month later, on his 20th birthday, he was killed by an exploding German shell at his observation point at the walled city's Lille Gate. He was buried near where he fell and is commemorated on the Mangotsfield War Memorial in the Alec Large Memorial Gardens. By this time Cleve Hill House, which stood on the north side of
Cleve Hill Road, where the presentday Cleve Lawns lies, had become home to the Cleve Hill Voluntary Aid Hospital, which opened in October 1914, with 100 beds. Walter's grandfather Sir Charles Daniel Cave had offered it to the authorities for use as a hospital for the duration of the conflict. Walter's mother, Lady Beatrice, became the Commandant and his father Charles Henry Cave the Quartermaster, while the hospital was staffed by detachments of British Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses from Downend, Frenchay and Frampton Cotterell, and a civilian kitchen staff. VAD nurses, who had to be aged between 23 and 38, were unpaid, signing up to "do their bit” for the war effort. Beatrice Cave was made an OBE in 1918 for her work at the hospital, but the war marked the end of the family's ownership of Cleve Hill House. In September 1920 the whole
1,400 acre Cave estate was sold at auction and split into 47 lots for development, including properties in Downend and Mangotsfield. Before the auction, plans were made for the Caves' tenant farmers to buy the land they had previously rented. The 1921 spring electoral register shows Sir Charles Henry Cave, Beatrice and their two surviving sons still living at Rodway Hill House, but they would depart for the family seat in Devon following the death at Sidbury Manor of Sir Charles Daniel, the 1st Baronet, in October 1922. He was buried at St James in Mangotsfield. Cleve Hill House itself was eventually demolished in 1930. Sir Charles Henry Cave, the 2nd Baronet, died in July 1932. The Baronetcy has passed through the male line to Sir George Charles Cave, who became the 6th Baronet upon the death of his father in June 2018.
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26
n VETS’ ADVICE
OUR Pets are a big part of our lives, so when they fall ill or are injured, providing the best health care for them is important. Veterinary practices have access to much more sophisticated equipment than they did in the past, making it possible to detect and diagnose problems that would once have gone untreated. These types of treatments and diagnostics come at a price, leaving some owners faced with a difficult choice. Types of pet insurance policy All policies will differ- that’s why it’s vital to read your terms and Your always Vet and conditions Practice Owner:- usually the Accident-only available, you Carlacheapest Puimeoption Costoya should get help if your pet is MRCVS involved in an accident. Time-limited - cover is provided up to a maximum amount per condition. This could be, for e Pets atexample Home,£2000, When you make a claim for a condition there’ll Green, Bristol, BS16 limit 7AEplaced on be a 12-month that condition, after which no further payouts will be made, that com/bristol-emersons-green particular condition will then be excluded from the policy. Sun 5pm Sat, 10.30am - 4.30pm Maximum benefit - covers
May, 2021
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conditions up to a maximum amount - £2000 could be an example - but there’s no time limit placed on how long you can claim. Lifetime - provides a set amount of cover for veterinary fees, which renews each year in line with the renewal of the policy
Things to remember • Many policies will have an excess amount, very similar to your car insurance which for example would be applied per condition per year. • Some policies will have a copayment/percentage excess which is deducted each time you
make a claim. How do I claim? You have 2 choices, Direct or indirect Insurance claims. In-direct is where the insurance company pay you directly, after the treatment costs have been paid at the vet practice. Direct is where the insurance company pay the vet practice directly. What options do I have if don’t have insurance or my policy doesn’t cover something? Emersons Green Vets4pets are able to offer 0% finance over 12 months on services over £250 Please contact Bristolemersonsgreen@ vets4pets.com for more information 0117 9109352
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emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
27
n NEWS
n SPORT
Join the treasure hunt
Great start to the season
A CHARITY which has been helping children affected by the world's worst nuclear disaster has found a new way to raise money. Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine Bristol has been providing holidays since 1998 for children whose lives are still affected by the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. The group usually brings 16 children and two leaders every year to the Bristol area for a fourweek respite break when they get to experience activities they cannot do at home due to their economic situation, including day trips to the seaside. The charity also works with schools in Belarus, providing laptops, sports equipment, replacing windows, refurbishing playgrounds and even installing a school's first proper toilets. To keep its fundraising going during pandemic restrictions, Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine Bristol has teamed up with Treasure Hunt Bristol to create a fundraising activity which can be done while social distancing. The treasure hunt is played using a smartphone and involves solving clues and following maps taking participants on a tour of the city lasting up to three hours, staying outdoors and in public places at all times. The activity can be done at any time during daylight hours and can be booked in advance, with people using the charity's CCLL-BRISTOL code given a 20% discount. Bookings can be made at www.treasurehuntbristol.com. Charity vice-chair James
Hyden, of Downend, said the group had several volunteers in Downend, Emersons Green and the wider area and was always in need of more to host children or provide days out for them. He said: "Due to covid restrictions the charity cannot host children in the UK this year,
so we are fundraising in the hope that we can offer the children a trip next summer." Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine has helped tens of thousands of children from across Belarus and Ukraine since 1992. For more details visit facebook.com/ ccllbristol or www.ccll.org.uk.
Open day at Preschool COME and meet the fabulous Abacus@Mangotsfield Team on Saturday 15th May 2021 at 10am - 12pm. We will be ready to welcome you to our lovely preschool in United Reform Church, Mangotsfield to discuss your childcare requirements. We are open 8.30pm - 3.30pm term time only, caring for children from 2 - 4 years. We have a safe enclosed garden encouraging outside play with lots of fun activities! We would love to meet you! Alternatively we can arrange an appointment. Please call us on 01454 867285.
THE season has got off to a great start for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club, both on and off the field. At the time of writing, on the playing front, the club have had three comprehensive wins in their warm-up games against Bristol New XL, Alveston and Whitchurch. The club are also participating in the ECB’s All Stars and Dynamos Programme. Carsons and Mangotsfield have been inundated with interest from parents to sign up their children. The club have gone from having 40 participants in 2020 to in excess of 100 for this season. Many of them are girls, in the newly formed girls’ section being run by Mike Dowse. This meant that a number of new coaches were required, as the demand was unprecedented in the club’s history. Club chair Andy King said that it was great to see the club’s membership come forward and offer to help out at these sessions. Andy felt that it represented the spirit that exists within the club. Andy also wants to thank South Gloucestershire Council for providing the club with a £3,000 grant to install pipework to assist in watering the squares. This was all part of the push to move the club forward. Ian Coles
HAIR DESIGNERS Why not give yourself a boost and feel uplifted during these times by trying out a new style, cut or even a vibrant colour? All of our stylists aim to offer a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience to help you feel and look amazing. Looking forward to see you soon! Craig & the team
01179 571551
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emersonsgreenvoice
28
May, 2021
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Look after yourself Charlie Spence, a member of the physiotherapy team at Cleve Chiropractic, explains why riders must look after themselves – as well as their horses.
AS riders, we’re all guilty of spending a lot of time and money on looking after our equine friends – but what about us? The human element is a vital part of the partnership that helps us enjoy the sport we love. Investing only in the horse can be detrimental to our own progression so, if we put a little time and effort into the rider’s health and well-being, we’ll make both ours and our horses’ lives a lot easier. That’s why, at Cleve Chiropractic, we have the expertise to help you get in trim for your horse riding, whatever your age or level of fitness. Unfortunately, when it comes to injuries and rehabilitation,
there’s no ‘one programme fits all’. That’s why we offer one-toone assessments and online consultations to identify any asymmetries, weaknesses and mobility restrictions, to ensure our clients receive the best possible care and advice. Our horses can be in tip-top condition but we are often frustrated by physical shortcomings, despite taking on board what we’re being asked to achieve by our equestrian instructors. Do you ever get to a point where you want to yell: ‘I’m doing my best!’ Do any of the following sound familiar to you? • Your weight is shifted to one side • Collapsing on one side • Uneven shoulders • Fixing with one arm • Falling in front of, or behind, the movement • Better dressage scores on one rein compared to the other
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So why is this happening? The rider’s base of support in the saddle is the pelvis and inner thighs. The pelvis receives every movement of the horse and every movement of our pelvis is directly communicated to the horse. Therefore, we can act in harmony with one another. All riders should understand the importance of weight distribution and control of our seat. But, if you’re not prepared well enough, questions have to be asked. If you have an anteriorly tilted pelvis, or ribcage rotation when you stand, how on earth are you meant to sit straight in the saddle? If you have poor hip internal rotation, how can place your leg behind the girth? Of course, you might not realise that you have any of these problems. But one or more of these ‘faults’ might be the reason why you’re desperately trying to follow your riding instructor but you can’t, for example, get the correct canter lead, or bend in that shoulder. If you would like to improve your performance, it’s well worth investing a little bit of time and energy in yourself – give us a call at Cleve Chiropractic to find out how we can help. Meanwhile, here’s a couple of examples of common issues we see with local horse riders. INTERNAL ROTATOR MOBILITY The movement riders require for good mobility at the hip joint. A fundamental aid on the horse is to put our leg on behind the girth. To do this effectively, we need good internal rotation and extension at the hip. If this muscle is weak, or we have restricted mobility, it becomes difficult to use the correct aid to ‘ask’ the horse what we want to achieve – for example,
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
canter transition or lateral work requires the leg to go behind the girth. This exercise will help improve your hip mobility and muscular strength. THE CLAM Hip stabilisers are responsible for maintaining the correct biomechanical function of the lower body to prevent injuries at the hip, knee and ankle. When you’re riding, weakness through your hip stabilisers can produce excess movement at the pelvis. In turn, this can cause miscommunication between you and the horse, if your weight is changing from one side to the other. Or you might always be sitting to one side due to a unilateral weakness. If any of this sounds familiar, or your need some expert advice on any aspect of personal fitness, call Cleve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre on 0117 957 5388 – we’re here to help!
The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN
Contact
0117 957 5388
w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m
To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169
Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk
emersonsgreenvoice
May, 2021
n SPORT MANGOTSFIELD United Junior FC's Under 12s team is looking for a new kit sponsor. Despite a thriving youth membership, like many clubs, the organisation has seen its income dwindle in the last year due to Covid-19 restrictions. The traditional fundraiser, a popular annual summer tournament at Pomphrey Hill, had to be cancelled last year due to the lockdown, which left a big gap in the club’s income. The junior club was formed in 2001 after Mangotsfield United FC’s then chairman, Roger Pullin, was approached by North Bristol Colts to play under the Mangotsfield name. Since 2001 the junior club has grown from six teams to over 30 and last year formed a link with Downend Flyers girls'
29
Team needs a new sponsor football club. Starting with the Mini Mangos, the club is able to provide coaching and football for all children, boys and girls, from four years old to adults. The junior club is completely run by volunteers and is an FA Charter Standard club, which means there are FA qualified coaches at every age level, offering football in a safe and friendly environment. The Under 12 age group had 45 players, spread across three teams playing competitively in the Avon Youth League. They have matches across Bristol and the surrounding area, and are seeking a sponsor whose logo would be printed on the team’s
match shirts for the next two years. Interested businesses can email tomdrowe@hotmail.com to find out more information. The U12s also have places
available for new players and are running open training sessions in May. Parents can contact the same email address for details. Tom Rowe
Short workouts, fast results
Vibrocise Studios Bristol Ltd
Try Vibration Training • Vibration plate training is the ultimate fitness solution suitable for all ages & abilities • You’ll notice a difference within weeks • No contract
Benefits Mangotsfield United Junior FC's Under 12s looking for a new sponsor
Mangos play again MANGOTSFIELD United started a series of 'end of season' friendlies with a 4-0 home win over Shortwood United. Goals from George Neill, Wayne N'Deramani, Max Williams and Marcus Kelly decided the match on April 17, which is part of the return of grassroots football as lockdown restrictions are eased. Three more friendlies were planned – at home to Cadbury Heath on April 24, away to Bradford Town on May 15 and home to Bishop Sutton on May 22. It is hoped fans will be allowed into the ground for the Bishop Sutton game. Players have been back in training since the lifting of restrictions on organised sport and after the friendlies the players are expected to take a break in June before 'pre-season' training in July. The club is still waiting to hear from the Southern League about the constitution of the leagues next season. Dave Smale
• Change in body shape • Fat reduction & inch loss • Rapid strengthening & toning • Cellulite reduction within weeks • Reduced abdominal fat
Give Gary a call on 07799461169 To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169
*T&Cs apply
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07531 009 371
Vibrocise Studios Bristol
1E Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 5DN
Emersons Green Voice
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30 CARPENTRY & INTERIORS
CLEANING
ELECTRICIANS
MARK EVANS
Electricians & Alarm Specialists
General Carpentry & Floor Fitting Kitchens, all wood flooring, LVT flooring, Door hanging
A family run business Contact Alan on 07411834534 or 01179374887
Vinney Green Farmhouse Emersons Green BS16 7AF
Experts in
Full housge rewirrainnteed at
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CARPENTRY
May, 2021
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
PHILIP PERKINS
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0117 956 0695 / 07770 233475
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ELECTRICIANS
GARDEN SERVICES
D. ATTWELL LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES All Garden Works Undertaken All Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Patios Laid – Slabbing – Decking Block Paving – Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Clearance – Garden Walls Drives & Patios Jetwashed & Resealed • FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
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GARDEN SERVICES & FENCING
FENCING
DAMAGED OR NEED REPLACING Call Nick on 0117 2872371 0117 303 9000
To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169
For all your Property and Garden Maintenance Give Todd Marsden a call on
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FENCING
DOWNEND FENCINICGE) (ERECTING SERV types of e - All 45 years experienc arance etc. cle , irs pa re , fencing L AL NO JOB TOO SM
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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
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May, 2021 HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE
31
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OVEN CLEANING
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Wigs Bristol
LOCATED IN DOWNEND
We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.
Please book an appointment on:
0117 956 6556 518308
PLUMBING
JJ PLUMBING BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk
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ST. ALDAMS FARM NURSERY EST. 1973
BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER THE BEST PLANTS AT THE BEST PRICES For 2021, we have a great new selection of hanging baskets, tubs, pots and novelty baskets to suit everyone
Why not come and pay us a visit at St Aldams?
BEDDING PLANTS £6.00
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SURFINIAS £1.50 each
25 PLANTS
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£1.50 EACH
ERIN MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST £6.00 £15 Top Quality
each or 3 for
Look forward to your visit. Come and find us on The Westerleigh Road between Pucklechurch village and the Westerleigh Crematorium
OPEN 7
DAYS
9AM-5 P
M
WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY SEE OUR SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS staldamsnursery.co.uk