Emersons Green Voice August 2023

& PUCKLECHURCH

Celebrating nature

Bin strike crisis deepens

THE union representing South Gloucestershire bin crews says that "chaos will worsen" after a court ruled that agency workers cannot be used to break its strike.

Unite was among a group of unions that challenged a government decision to allow companies to bring in agency staff during strikes, and won their case at the High Court.

It means that from August 10, council waste contractor Suez will not be able to hire substitutes to do the jobs of the 150 workers who have been on strike since the end of June.

The union has also rejected an increased pay offer of 9% from Suez, as negotiations to try and end the strike continue.

Turn to Page 3

Proud record for after-school club

The MOOSC out-of-school club is signing off after 23 years serving Mangotsfield, Emersons Green and Lyde Green with a glowing report from Ofsted.

PAGE 9

Official tribute to Jamie at last

A SKATEPARK created with money raised in memory of teenager Jamie Clapp could soon be officially named after him - 12 years after it was built.

PAGE 11

No remedy yet for phone delays

Patients are still having trouble getting through to local GP practices on the phone, a new survey shows.

PAGE 15

Members of the Friends of Emersons Green Park and naturalist Steve England at Earthfest, which drew hundreds of people to the park. Full story: Page 16

“No legs, no limits” – an ode to a full life

AFTER our recent partnership with Hari Budha Magar (see last month’s article) helping him recover from his Himalayan ground-breaking world first on Everest as part of our mountain athlete performance program, it struck me that the work done with these high-level athletes is really no different to anyone else I see in clinic!

The common central theme is a healthy spine and nervous system, what I mean by this is a strong and supple spine that allows you to perform tasks with no trouble, no niggles and none of the stiffness we often think is age or old injuries.

Combined with good nerve function through correct alignment in the spine, allows us to perform, recover and heal from our endeavours – athletic or not.

Hari’s next big goal is to climb the highest mountains on each of the 7 continents and make meaningful change in the disability sector in Nepal, empowering people to live fuller lives after lifechanging injuries. We will

be there to support him on the mountainside in person and in clinic – more to come on that soon.

To quote Hari’s moto of “No legs, no limits” really underlines the heart of his message about what we can achieve if we actively pursue something we care about, we can achieve it. From big to small things, it’s all the same

– a willingness to commit and the right team of people around us.

For me Hari’s story reminds me that good chiropractic care can be for anyone, regardless of their past troubles, physical hinderances and their future goals.

From keeping up with the grandchildren to scaling the world’s largest mountains,

it’s all up for grabs and our bodies can handle it well with the right kind of physical help.

Look after yourself now, for a better day today and far beyond tomorrow – let us help you achieve what matters to you most in life.

Give us a call today to see how we can keep you pain free and full of life.

Myself and Hari Budha Magar

Bin strike 'chaos will worsen', warns union

From Page 1

Suez has declined to say how many agency workers it has hired during the strike, but confirmed it was reviewing their use.

Days before the ruling, council service director Mark King had told the cabinet Suez was "trying to get more agency staff in to support the service".

Recycling, food waste, green bin and bulky waste collections have been suspended since June 26, as black bin rounds, Sort It centres and new 'deposit points' for food waste and recycling during are prioritised.

The six 'deposit points', open between 8am and 2pm every weekday, include the Lyde Green Park and Ride in Willowherb Road, Cleve RFC car park at Cossham Street, Mangotsfield, and Page Road short stay car park in Staple Hill.

The council's Sort It centres in Mangotsfield, Yate and Thornbury have extra facilities to take more recycling and black bin waste, but long queues have been reported.

A council spokesperson said: "Fortnightly black bin collections continue to be prioritised to ensure the disposal of waste such as personal hygiene items, medical waste, nappy sacks and pet waste.

"Please put your black bin out on your

normal scheduled collection day. Please do not put any other containers out."

Union members rejected an initial 8% per cent annual pay offer from Suez, calling it a "significant real terms pay cut" because of inflation.

Suez believes its offer was "fair and competitive", and increased it to 9% during negotiations, but said on July 18 that Unite had rejected the new offer.

It says the 15% Unite wants would mean an overall pay rise of 22% over two years.

Unite regional officer Ken Fish said: "Our members’ resolve remains rock solid and they will strike every day throughout the summer if necessary.

“The impact of the strikes, which are entirely the fault of the company’s greed, will worsen. Suez can afford to table an offer our members can accept and that is what needs to happen.”

A Suez spokesperson said: "We are continuing discussions with the union over the coming weeks and hope to progress negotiations with the aim of coming to a positive solution."

She said that following the High Court ruling, “we’re reviewing our use of agency staff and we will work with the council to keep residents informed of any updates to the service”.

Council leader Claire Young and co-leader Ian Boulton wrote an open letter to Unite and Suez calling on them to "sit down to resolve their dispute now".

They said they had "no legal or contractual power to force Suez or Unite to the table", but it was "not fair or reasonable for the council or local residents to be held hostage"

Council leader Claire Young and coleader Ian Boulton at the deposit point in Page Road, Staple Hill. Picture: South Gloucestershire Council

emersonsgreenvoice

Cracks close motorway bridge

A MAIN road linking Emersons Green to Yate has shut after “structural failures” were found in a bridge that carries thousands of cars a day over the M4.

The A432 Badminton Road has been closed to all motor traffic north of the Wick Wick roundabout, near the Willy Wicket pub, after engineers found “accelerated deterioration and cracking” in the concrete during an inspection.

National Highways, which owns and maintains the bridge, says it does not know how long it will be before the bridge is fully reopened, but does not expect to make a decision before December.

It has set up an official diversion for drivers which adds an extra eight miles to the journey between the roundabout and the middle of Yate, via the B4465 Westerleigh Road to the A46 at Dodington, up to the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury and into Yate on the A432 from the east.

In the days after the closure long rush hour queues built up on the section of Westerleigh Road between the Avon Ring Road and Henfield Road, past the Bristol & Bath Science Park.

And many drivers have been finding their own routes using smaller roads.

The M4 bridge is still open to cyclists and pedestrians.

The closure was announced the day before it took effect on July 12, “for safety reasons while a full assessment of the structure is undertaken”.

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A member of the

National Highways said it was “not possible to currently give a time frame” for the closure.

A spokesperson said: “It is rare for National Highways to see structural failures like this, though some components, such as bridge expansion joints, fail from time to time.

“The structure is safe and is not at risk of falling down - we have taken steps to limit traffic travelling on the bridge to avoid causing any further damage while we carry out complex, invasive investigations.”

Inspection work is currently taking place from platforms under the bridge, with work on the surface coming later.

The A432 is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s road network. The council says it will monitor the road network to identify any areas of congestion “where we may need to intervene” and advised residents to report these by calling 01454 868000 or emailing A432bridgeclosure@southglos.gov.uk.

Epic ride to say thank you for twins

A GROUP of cyclists has completed a Land’s End to John O’Groats ride in just seven days to raise money for the care of premature babies.

The 990-mile journey was inspired by Emersons Green twins Olivia and Beatrice Russell, whose lives were saved by the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Southmead Hospital.

The sisters, known as Liv and Bea, were born 12 weeks early on Valentine’s Day 2019, weighing 4lb 4oz combined.

Their uncle Dorian Brown wanted to support the NICU and flew home from South Korea, where he works as a teacher, for the LeJog challenge. He was joined by friends Sam Arts, Jon Baron and Kendall Douglass, cyclists he met while living abroad. They rode around 136 miles per day and were joined for the final 175 miles by Jon’s 14-year-old son, Patrick.

Dorian, who grew up in Bristol, said the ride had been tough: most cyclists take 10-14 days to complete the journey.

He said: “It was more challenging, both mentally and physically, than we thought, but we got it done and saw some amazing landscapes along the way. We also raised some money for a great cause.”

The twins’ mum and Dorian’s sister, Melody Russell, said: “You can always count on my brother to suggest some utterly crazy challenge to tackle, but he is a man of his word and he and the other guys totally smashed it. As a family we couldn’t be more proud of them all.”

The riders have already raised more than £6,000 of their target

£7,500 to buy three specialist monitors for the NICU, so more premature babies can have the same chance as Liv and Bea.

The girls spent 76 and 108 days on the unit before Melody and her husband Tim were able to take them home to Emersons Green.

They are now thriving and looking forward to starting at Emersons Green Primary School in September.

Melody said: “The ‘Angels in Blue’ were a complete lifeline to us as a family when the girls were born - as they are to hundreds and hundreds of families every year.

“There will never be enough words to describe the care, compassion and love they provided to us all during those long and sometimes very dark 3½ months, but it’s because of them that I am now able to call

myself a mum.

“This is why we as a family wanted to give back just that little bit, to help them continue with the amazing work they do every day.”

Melody and Dorian’s mum Debbie Laurence and her

To

husband Robert, a former Bristol Rovers catering manager, drove a support vehicle donated by Autolyne Ltd at Aztec West.

donate to the cause visit southmeadhospitalcharity. enthuse.com/pf/lejog.

The cyclists at John O’Groats

Liv and Bea Russell

n TURNERS VISION

100 Blogs Strong: How to choose the right optician for you

Well, here we are, our 100th blog for the Voice!

If I’m honest, I never imagined I’d still be writing into 3 figures, or that what I’d have to say could run to 50,000 or so words. But the world of optometry is ever-changing so there is always plenty to talk about.

“How can we help you?”

In every town you will always find a number of opticians vying for your business so it can be easy to assume they are all much of a muchness when it comes to deciding who you are going to trust to care for your eye health. So, for this blog, I thought I’d try to offer some clarity here for you by referring again to my favourite question, ‘How can we help you?’ which is really the best way to understand the different levels of service available. It’s also the question that epitomises the ethos of our Optometry Practice. We’re here to help all of you who choose to book to see us.

So what do we offer that’s different?

We give you time

You should never feel that you have to rush an explanation or that your optician isn’t really interested in what you have to say. At Turners Opticians we value giving you the time to explain any concerns you may have about your eyes and vision. We also give you the time it takes to explain our findings and what they mean to you.

We’re investing in your eye health

In recent years, we’ve been upgrading our sophisticated equipment, to ensure we’re even better placed to continue developing the eye care services you can receive when you visit Turners Opticians. We firmly believe in preventative health care, and deliver this for you through first-class eye care.

Specialist Dry Eye Treatment

Most recently we’ve added Eye-Light, which is a truly revolutionary treatment for those of us who experience dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. It’s a comfortable, relaxing treatment that takes 5-10 minutes and can give life-changing relief from dry eye from just a few treatment sessions.

Patients trust

One of the most frequent things patients feedback to us is that they leave feeling reassured about their eye health and vision, which really is a huge thing for us. The satisfaction of our patients does mean so much to each of our team, who genuinely care about our patients & their eyes.

At Turners Opticians, we want to help you, to see as clearly as you can, to understand your eyes & vision and to be reassured that you’ve seen an expert. To book an eye care appointment or view our glasses range, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434, or you can visit our website www.TurnersOpticians.co.uk and book your appointment online.

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, who also works as a Senior Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital. Peter has a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance.

It may be over 40 years since Papa Giuseppe Botta opened his first italian restaurant Il Bottelinos but the month of August sees Emersons Green's Botteginos celebrate its 23rd birthday.

Yes, 23 years ago on August 22nd, 2000 the italian restaurant opened its doors in the heart of Emersons Green.

Sons Raf and Gino started the restaurant as a brother company to the original Bottelinos group of restaurants and through the years has established itself as a top local restaurant.

Things haven't always been smooth with a devasting fire in April 2004 wiping out the building and the loss of earnings before it was able to rebuild and start again. Covid as for all restaurants was another massive problem and the loss of family members, Papa, passed away 2001, brother Mike in 2020 and Mamma passing in 2022.

The restaurant also underwent a name change when it was dcided in 2012 to change its name to todays name, Botteginos.

But the core values always remain the same, their passion for their food from their italian heritage comes through in all their recipes today.

Our reputation is built on providing the traditional Italian dining experience. Inspired by their love of food and desire for

Come and celebrate Botteginos 23rd birthday with some fabulous offers

excellence.

Please make your selection from our menu with the assurance that over 40 years of Italian cooking experience have provided the flavours delivered to your table today. We use, only the finest locally sourced produce. All our pasta and pizza are prepared freshly to order by our enthusiastic dedicated team of chefs.

The unique split level restaurant at Emersons Green provides the perfect environment for diners. Whether an informal lunch time snack, a romantic dinner for two or a celebration dinner party, we intend to surpass your expectations.

Family Values

At the heart of Botteginos are their family values instilled from their parents Giuseppe, (pictured right), and Maria.

Auntie Tonia and Uncle Miguel have been with the business since day one and are still at the heart of the kitchen as head chefs and also shareholders of the company. But the other key members of the family are the staff. From kitchen to floor, to full or part-time it is their committment to the business that has seen it thrive.

But the restaurant also considers its regular customers as part of the family whose support have enabled Botteginos to celebrate their birthday.

Throughout the month check out our website for all our latest offers: Every Day (Lunch and Dinner)

1 course (Pizza, Pasta or Omelette) £9.95

2 - 3 courses £16.50 - £19.50 (excluding on Friday & Saturday Evenings from 5:30pm as we only run Ala Carte Menu)

*Excluding liqueurs

www.botteginos.uk.com

Nature ExhibitionPhotography and Prize Giving

Thursday 7th

September 2023

7.30pm Emersons Green Village Hall

with talk by photographer Nick Wilcox-Brown who specialises in wildlife and bird photography. Refreshments

MOOSC signs off with a great report

AN organisation which has provided after-school clubs for children in Emersons Green and Lyde Green for more than 20 years is closing.

But the end of Mangotsfield Out Of School Club, also known as MOOSC, will not affect the services it provides for more than 700 children - or the 27 people who work to provide breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs for them.

Kate Cole, who manages the services at Emersons Green Primary School, Mangotsfield C of E Primary School and Lyde Green Primary School, has run MOOSC since it started 23 years ago but says change was needed because it had become too big to continue in its present form.

Responsibility for the Lyde Green club will be taken over at the end of August by the Castle School Education Trust, which runs the primary school, and Kate will join the trust to manage its out of school provision.

Deputy manager Karen Clark will join Progressive Sports, who are taking over at Emersons Green and Mangotsfield primaries at the same time.

MOOSC is signing off with a glowing report from Ofsted for its Emersons Green Primary School club, which has 55 children on its roll and has been operating since 2003.

While the regulator now only says whether or not clubs meet its requirements, Kate said the inspector’s comments in the report showed standards during the visit in May had not dropped

since the last visit in 2017, when it was judged to be “outstanding” under the previous rating system.

Inspector Michelle Grayling said: “Children enjoy a wide range of activities at the club that inspire them to explore and practise useful skills.

“Staff meet children’s individual needs well, including those with special educational needs or disabilities. This is because staff have effective ongoing relationships with parents and teachers.”

The inspector said there was a “warm and welcoming atmosphere” and children were well cared for, behaved well and were kind to each other.

She also praised the club’s promotion of healthy lifestyles and the way it had met the

Sizzler blown away

LYDE Green’s Summer Sizzler event fell victim to weather warning on a day when events across the region were cancelled in the face of high winds and torrential showers.

But organisers Lyde Green Community Association hope the event could be rearranged for a new date later in the summer.

The event had been due to take place on July 15 at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, with music, dance and martial arts displays, a dog show, activities, community stalls and a variety of food and drink.

But a Met Office yellow weather warning meant the Sizzler was called off the day before, joining a number of other events in the region to be called off, including the nearby Frenchay Flower Show.

LGCA chair Kelly Adams said: “It was a real shame to have to postpone it but the weather is one thing you can’t do anything about.”

Kelly said a new date for the event had not been decided on but it was hoped it could be staged towards the end of August.

Once a new date has been decided, details will be posted on the LGCA Facebook page.

challenges of staying open and caring for children throughout the pandemic.

Kate was running a preschool when she was approached to get MOOSC up and running, starting with just five children. Karen

joined around 14 years ago.

Kate said: “We’re superproud of our Ofsted report, to see that the standard of care hasn’t dropped.

“Ofsted has changed the way it marks clubs but the report shows we’re still the outstanding club we’ve always been.

“I’m proud of the children and staff for their ongoing work to make it such a successful club.

“The reason MOOSC is closing is actually really positive. The committee of parents are volunteers, and it’s become so big now it’s become more of a business and too much for one manager to do.

“Everyone is keeping their job, we’ve worked really hard to ensure that, and I’m sure both CSET and Progressive kids will be happy - my wish is for both to be as successful as we are now.

“I’d like to thank Emersons Green, Mangotsfield and Lyde Green primary schools for all their support to MOOSC over the years.”

Kate Cole and Karen Clark with staff and children at the MOOSC’s Emersons Green Primary School after-school club

Kids go free this summer at Brunel’s ss Great Britain

THIS year marks 180 years since the SS Great Britain was launched into Bristol harbour – changing global travel forever.

To celebrate, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming children 16 years and under for free this summer when you book tickets online.

Highlights include an exciting new food trail – ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ – where families can follow a series of clues hidden throughout the ship. The trail will teach children about the food that passengers would have eaten on board.

Iona Keen, Head of Interpretation at Brunel’s SS Great Britain said:

“The new ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ family trail is a fun way of showcasing the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian voyage. And there’s a culinary twist to tie in with our 180th anniversary this summer – families can help solve party preparation blunders, all based on real life events that happened on board the ship.”

Visitors can also step back in time by peering through a pair of augmented reality binoculars that will transport them to 1843. Created by Zubr, a leading augmented reality studio based in the South West, the experience will allow visitors to see the ship and the floating harbour as they were 180 years ago.

Book a visit between 19 July and 3 September to redeem the ‘Kids Go Free This Summer’ offer. Terms & conditions apply.

ssgreatbritain.org/summer

School buses saved

A BUS service used by children attending Winterbourne Academy has been saved for the coming academic year, after South Gloucestershire Council struck a deal with operator Stagecoach.

Families living in Emersons Green and Lyde Green were among those sent letters in June by head teacher Jenny Cartwright, warning that the future of services was in doubt from September because of funding issues.

The five affected services included the 459 from Emersons Green and Lyde Green via Blackhorse and Bromley Heath. Four of the services are run by Stagecoach, with the other run by Transpora.

Now the council has said the 459 and two other services from Coalpit Heath and Frenchay, will run for another year after it “stepped-in and found a solution to keep them running”, using funds paid by developers as part of planning deals.

The authority said it would “work with partners to look at options” for securing the other two services, but did not “have a timeline” for making a firm announcement on their future.

Winterbourne Academy has increased admission numbers to accommodate extra pupils from Lyde Green and Emersons Green because of delays to the planned Lyde Green Secondary School.

The announcement was made as campaigners launched a new petition calling for buses in the Bristol area be brought back under public control. Reclaim Our Buses is urging Dan Norris, the West of England Metro Mayor, to formally begin a legal process exploring how franchising could work in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

The petition had been signed by 1,900 people as the Voice went to print, and can be found on the Megaphone website at tinyurl. com/3bpanw75.

No school opening date: Page 16

Official tribute to skateboarder Jamie backed

A SKATEPARK created with money raised in memory of a Mangotsfield teenager could soon be officially named after him - 12 years after it was built.

Jamie Clapp was only 13 when he was killed in a plane crash in 2007.

His father Gordon wanted a lasting memorial to his son, who loved skateboarding and BMX riding, and with Jamie’s friends he campaigned to secure £100,000 from local councillors, South Gloucestershire Council and the Big Lottery Fund’s People’s Millions partnership.

The skate park opened in 2011 and Gordon regularly visits, meeting Jamie’s friends there each year around the anniversary of his death on July 3.

The fundraisers always believed the park officially carried Jamie’s name - even the signs at the site call it the ‘Jamie Lee Clapp Memorial Skatepark’.

But when council plans to transform the area around the skatepark were confirmed last

year, it emerged that Jamie is not recognised in its official registered name, Emersons Green Skate Park.

The council said at the time that the name could be changed, and this has now moved a step closer after all three ward councillors supported the idea.

New Labour councillors Katrina Al-Hassan and Ron Hardie said: “Gordon has campaigned for a long time to

make it a really nice space for kids in the community, and having the official name for his son will be a lovely way to remember Jamie.”

Conservative Rachael Hunt said: “It would be a fitting tribute to his memory, and I will take it up with council officers at the earliest opportunity.”

Gordon, who is gravely ill with oesophageal cancer, joined more than 20 of Jamie’s friends

at the park to remember him, weeks before what would have been his 30th birthday.

Gordon said: “The park was built in memory of my son and it’s got to say the name - that’s why we raised the money. I’m glad it’s being appreciated and the councillors have agreed to do the right thing.”

Jamie’s friend Ollie Nemeth, who chaired the skate park fundraising committee, said he was “filled with immense joy” that the official record could now be put straight.

He said: “The skatepark holds significant sentimental value, being a place where Jamie’s spirit thrives and where the community comes together.”

Another friend, Harry Veldkamp, said: “Seeing this skatepark bring joy to people of all ages is great to see - I’m sure Jamie would be proud of us all!”

Jamie Clapp Picture courtesy of Ollie Nemeth

Friends of Jamie Clapp joined his father Gordon at the skate park in Emersons Green to mark the 16th anniversary of his death. Picture: Harry Veldkamp

All change for e-scooters

E-SCOOTERS in Emersons Green will have a new look from the autumn.

The West of England Combined Authority is replacing current operator Voi, which has operated the hire scheme since it launched, with a new contractor, German company Tier.

It means the distinctive pink fleet of e-scooters which has been on the streets - and parked on pavementssince 2020 will be replaced by 4,000 new green ‘WESTscoot’ e-scooters, 1,500 e-bikes and 20 electric cargo bikes that can be hired by businesses.

Voi says it was “disappointing” to be leaving the region but changes to the new contract for the region would have left it running “at a loss”.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who announced the changes at the end of June, said the new operator would be fined if parking problems continue.

Mr Norris said the contract with Tier would bring in an estimated £9.7 million for public transport spending in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

He said clauses in the contract would address parking concerns, and that 100 new e-scooter parking racks would be provided.

Mr Norris said: “WESTscoot must build on the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region, which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in Europe.

“But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.”

He said contract clauses included “parking performance monitored on a monthly basis, with penalties on the operator if high standards aren’t met”.

They include stricter requirements to keep vehicles parked tidily within designated bays, and agreed numbers.

An exact date for the changeover has not been announced.

Tier’s Northern Europe vice-president Fred Jones said: “The expansion of the service to include e-bikes and e-cargo bikes makes it easier for the people of the West of England to choose to leave their car at home and pick the perfect vehicle for their journey, whether that is commuting, going to see friends or even doing the weekly shop.”

Voi UK, Ireland and France general manager Jack Samler said the company was “very proud” of what it had achieved in the area but added: “There are several differences in the new contract compared to our existing contract, many of which will impact on our overall costs.

“We are not prepared to run any shared e-scooter trial at a loss.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A new green WESTscoot e-scooter

GP patients still hanging on the telephone

PEOPLE are still having trouble reaching surgeries on the phone, according to the latest NHS GP Patient Survey.

At least three quarters of patients at all three practices in the Downend and Emersons Green area said it was "not easy" to get through on the phone.

Problems are getting worse at Downend Health Group, which runs the Willow Surgery and Christchurch Family Medical Centre, with 94% of patients reporting problems – up from 80% last year. Five years ago more than half of patients (56%) told the survey it was easy to get through.

The 85% of patients at Leap Valley Medical Centre reporting problems was down on last year's figure of 89%, while Emersons Green Medical Centre's 77% was down from 98% last year.

Leap Valley, in Beaufort Road, and Emersons Green, in St Luke's Close, are run by Green Valleys Health, which installed a new phone system in 2020

following years of complaints. However, back in 2018, 69% of Leap Valley patients and 52% in Emersons Green said it was easy to get through.

The percentage of people offered a same-day appointment at Downend Health Group surgeries was 34% - down 1% on last year. The number of people waiting a week or more was 25%, down from 26% last year. Others waited more than a day but less than a week, or could not remember how long they waited.

At Leap Valley, only 16% of patients were offered a same-day appointment – down from 21% last year. And numbers having to wait a week or more rose from 37% in 2022 to 45%.

The percentage of patients offered same-day appointments at Emersons Green was 17%down from 23% last year. The proportion of patients waiting a week or longer fell from 44% in 2022 to 39%. Nationally, 52% of patients were offered same-day appointments if they wanted one.

Day Centre Activity Club

The percentage of patients saying they had a good overall experience of Downend Health Group fell from 61% in 2022 to 58% this year, with the number saying it was poor up from 17% to 28%. Five years ago 81% said they had a good experience.

Some patients gave a neutral answer to the question.

Good ratings for Leap Valley rose from 38% to 46% this year, with 'poor' ratings down from 46% to 27%. The surgery had a 73% 'good' or 'very good' rating in 2018.

At Emersons Green Medical Centre the percentage of patients who said their experience was good rose from 37% to 48%, while those saying it was poor fell from 47% to 35%. Five years ago 65% were happy with the surgery. Nationally, 71% were happy with their surgery.

The survey was carried out by Ipsos MORI with NHS England, based on just under 760,000 responses to questionnaires sent out between January and April.

A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which funds GP services, said: "We welcome this valuable feedback on local GP services, and are pleased to see that results across our area are above the national average in many areas of the survey, including people’s overall experience of an appointment and overall experience of making an appointment, the performance of healthcare professionals and their ability to recognise mental health needs.

“We also recognise there are areas for improvement. We are continuing to share learning between practices about what works well, and are working to support practices to deliver highquality services to patients.

“General practice is continuing to develop. Practices are working hard to make sure everyone can access the right support when they need it; whether online or face-to-face.”

Festival brings community and nature together

A FESTIVAL of nature and the environment in Emersons Green and Lyde Green has celebrated a successful evolution.

Previously known as the Three Greens Festival, the event organised by the Friends of Emersons Green Park was reborn as Earthfest this year. It attracted hundreds of visitors to the park and library on July 1.

Highlights included a song called ‘This is our Dream’, about humanity’s relationship with the Earth, performed by Emersons Green Primary School’s choir, who had written it with musician Algy Behrens.

Head teacher Soraya Young said: “Our parents loved seeing the children perform but also feeling the link to the community we serve.”

Other performers included the Great Day Choir, who praised the “wonderful, joyful event in the heart of our local community”, storytellers Michael Loader and Fiona Barrow, who presented a history of the Earth written by festival lead organiser Chris Sunderland, and flautist Emily Correa, who showed her audience how to make a flute out of a carrot.

The festival included eye-opening walks with the naturalists Ed Drewitt and Steve England, who specialises in foraging, to discover trees, plants, birds and the local

meadow.

A tent promoting the town council’s community nature reserve project was busy all day and included workshops making insect and bird boxes, pebble painting and scavenger hunts.

The library recorded 300 more visitors than usual for a Saturday, as it hosted a display of entries to the festival’s prize drawing competition.

Chris said: “I was particularly pleased this

Planters have a message

PLANTERS installed at Lyde Green Community Garden have been given plaques with road safety messages.

Children from Lyde Green Primary School, who created the designs, joined the Lyde Green Open Space community group, volunteers from Emersons Green-based ALD Automotive and Metro Mayor Dan Norris to add the plaques and banners and plant a tree at the garden by the community centre in Willowherb Road.

Mr Norris also learnt more about Lyde Green Open Space’s workshops offering advice on making their gardens more bee friendly.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “A huge congratulations to Laurence Binks and the rest of Lyde Green Open Space team as well as all those who, over the last 12 months and before that even, have given so much to make this fabulous green space for the local community.”

Lyde Green open space column: Page 18

year with the sheer creativity of our various contributors, their artistic engagement with nature and the Earth as their theme, and the extraordinary team of helpers who worked in the background to make it happen.”

Still no school opening date

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council says it has asked its partners in the building of new schools for Lyde Green to “agree a realistic timeline” for the project.

The new secondary school and junior school on a shared site in Honeysuckle Road were originally due to open last year but the date has been repeatedly moved back, and it is currently unclear whether they will be completed by 2025.

In its first statement on the issue since the change of administration in May’s local elections, the council said: “We recognise and appreciate the frustration shared by all that this project has been delayed.

“Our new administration is keen to get this project finally delivered. We have asked project partners to agree a realistic timeline of key milestones on the journey to the delivery of these new schools.”

The council blamed conditions in the building industry for the delay and said final plans and funding were still to be agreed, with more than £41 million committed so far.

The council added: “We want this work to start as soon as possible, but we do not want to raise expectations again, only to have to disappoint people later.”

Parents were told to expect a further update on the project in the school autumn term.

Emersons Green Primary School choir performs

Emily Correa’s flutes included one carved from a carrot

The festival opened with a parade into the park

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Local peace of mind service

Death and dementia are upsetting issues to think about, yet you know you need to see a law firm to make sure your legal affairs are properly sorted to protect those you care about.

Our local legal experts in this area of law are Simpson Solicitors and they offer our readers:

● A friendly service when you phone to find out about booking a FREE meeting on 01454 322 722.

● Feel welcome and wanted when you come to see us in our Chipping Sodbury office (opposite the Coventry).

● Put you at ease as they guide you through your various options for making a Will to provide for those you most care about.

● An understanding service, whether your concerns are guardians for young children or protecting against care home fees.

● Use of plain English (not legal jargon).

● Help deciding the best options for you in the event you lose the ability to manage without support by setting up our Lasting Powers of Attorney.

● Take as long as you need when having your FREE review meeting.

● Home or Hospital Visit service if getting to the office is difficult - at no extra charge

● Clear fixed prices with no hidden costs if you decide to instruct them.

● Help you make changes – so everything works in the way that is right for you.

● See you to sign your Will and LPAs – to make sure everything is legally valid.

● Provide a complementary aftercare service that leaves you feeling cared for.

It all adds up to a service that leaves clients with peace of mind. They currently have a special offer of 20% off the price of LPAs for our readers.

To book your free review pop into our Chipping Sodbury office (opposite the Coventry) or call 01454 322 722

n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE

Coping with weird summer weather

WHAT a weird and wonderful month of July we’ve had - plenty of sun at the start followed by plenty of rain in the middle and more sunshine and showers at the end.

It is sometimes hard to predict the weather in early summer and this year, once again, has been a challenge.

As an environmental group, weather is important to us as we look at organising watering schedules and monitor the impact the weather has on our plants and wildlife, for future project planning.

Knowing the seasons can be a benefit, so we can adapt to change year-on-year.

Another issue you may see with the wetter weather in the summer is a higher chance of finding ticks.

It’s important, if you are walking around the common and other grassy or wooded areas of Lyde or Emersons Green with your families or pets, to try and get in the habit of checking more frequently, as ticks can be dangerous if they are undetected.

We carry a tick card with us when we are out and about, which can be a real asset,

as it will help remove the ticks safely - use an upwards motion (as close to the skin as possible) and try making sure you wash the area with warm soapy water when you can, or use some sanitiser in the affected area.

We had a wonderful time in July as we had our annual assessments for the Royal Horticultural Society ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards.

We enter the assessment as it provides some invaluable advice and keeps us focused on doing the right things for you, the residents, and the wildlife around us. Results will be published in early October.

We also had a great day in July showcasing our community garden to the Metro Mayor, Dan Norris. This was an accumulation of a road safety day at the school, which involved the local school children and our friends from ALD helping plant up some of the planters in Willowherb Road and placing some road safety design plaques on the planter fronts.

We are so proud to showcase our collaborative efforts to all in the communitythe children had a great time.

As always, we are looking for volunteers to help behind the scenes with our group, and we will be looking at doing more online videos to show you what we do as a group, to have a taste of our life in Lyde.

If you love nature, and want to know more about it or learn more about what is all around you, please do get in touch. We are all volunteers, and have learned so much over the last few years just by volunteering!

If you have any questions about our group or want to get involved, please email lgopenspace@gmail.com or find us on Facebook @lydegreenopenspace.

Laurence Binks Chair, Lyde Green OpenSpace Group

n NEWS

A POLICE officer from Emersons Green has been honoured for his public service.

Sergeant Aqil Farooq has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to policing and communities in the first King’s Birthday Honours list.

Avon & Somerset police said Aqil, who joined the force 24 years ago after working in the legal profession, has “carried out invaluable work supporting and guiding the constabulary as we seek to build confidence in policing and ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse communities that we serve”.

As a member, general secretary, deputy chair and recently chair of the Avon & Somerset Black Police Association (BPA), he is credited with helping to increase the number of officers and staff recruited from “underrepresented communities” by 25% since 2015.

Alongside his operational role as a licensing officer, he led a BPA outreach team which won the National Lord Ferrers Volunteer Team Award in

Aqil honoured for connecting police to communities

2021 for its work in diverse communities, including setting up knife crime awareness workshops for schools.

He has supported BPAs in seven force areas to develop strategies in areas such as recruitment and retention, and good practice.

Aqil also had a key role in setting up the UK’s first faith advisory group, forging partnerships with mosques and other religious establishments across the Avon & Somerset policing area, to tackle issues including crime prevention, security and confidence in policing.

A police spokesperson said: “Aqil also received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for the personal commitments he made over a substantial part of his career, putting the organisation and his colleagues

before himself.”

Aqil said: “I am immensely proud of receiving this award, as it is definitely not just for me.

“This is a true recognition of the hard work and commitment by all those who have been on this extraordinary journey with me to help bring our force closer to its people.”

He said that despite some negative experiences of policing growing up in the 1970s and 80s, he had been determined to prove to others that police were still there to protect people from harm and to “take the opportunity to change things for the better, both within and out of the force”.

Aqil said: “Difficult conversations and decisions are not uncommon for the greater good and whether it’s race, faith, culture or gender, a diverse police workforce has a far better

understanding through lived experience in dealing with some modern day demands.”

• TWO police officers have been honoured for putting themselves in danger as they attempted to save a man’s life in Pucklechurch.

Sergeant Jessica HamiltonWebb and PC Ian Marlton were recognised with a testimonial at the Avon and Somerset Royal Humane Society Awards for placing themselves “at considerable risk” during the vehicle fire last August. Unfortunately the man could not be saved.

National Award winners

Sergeant Aqil Farooq

Creative students receive awards

MANGOTSFIELD School has held its first awards to celebrate the creative arts.

The Go Creative! awards evening in July featured an exhibition of student GCSE, 3D and art club works, including a mural about the history of Mangotsfield and canvases celebrating the French and German languages.

There was also an exhibition of GCSE photography work, including a special section on food photography.

Music, dance and drama students took to the stage and performed an array of pieces from GCSE, BTEC KS3 lessons and individual works.

The evening finished with a 'teaser' performance of the school's upcoming drama show, Roald Dahl’s Matilda Junior, which is set to be performed in full at the school in February next year.

Throughout the evening the school's art, drama, music and dance departments presented

awards to pupils who had particularly excelled within their

subject, with particular focus on the school values of "respect, challenge, love learning and community".

Four special awards were presented to 'Creative Champions': the Love Learning award for Lydia Horseman, Challenge award for Zoe Robb, Respect award for Keira Lane and Community award for Thomas Sheppard.

Head of art Dawn Beedle said: "The students were proud of their achievements as they collected their awards on stage.

"Many parents commented on the high quality of art and photography work created by our students.

"The evening was incredibly positive and a truly joyous community event: hopefully the first of many."

The school is already making plans for its Winter Festival in December.

Year 7 student Zoe Robb receives the Creative Champion award from teacher Pippa Gentry

Schools’ summer of sport

CHILDREN from Mangotsfield Primary School joined with others from across the area for the annual Mangotsfield and Downend Olympiad at Pomphrey Hill.

A total of 90 Year 2 pupils from the school in Church Farm Road took part in both competitive and non-competitive sporting activities, from jumping, sprinting and relays to an obstacle course, bean bag throwing and an egg and spoon race.

Year 2 & 3 Phase leader Rachel Hutton said: “It was a really hot and busy day but the children had lots of fun and they made their teachers feel really proud.

“One of our favourite parts of the day was the parade at the start, when we walked around the track with our new school banner. We felt like we were at the Olympics Games!”

Gold award for Lyde Green

PUPILS at Lyde Green Primary School have played thousands of hours of sport over the summer term between them.

The school is taking part in the Pledge To Play initiative, run by the Youth Sports Trust, which included a special sports week where children learned team sport ultimate frisbee and held an inter-house competition, and took part in a sports day including archery, javelin, sack races, ball dribbling and obstacle races, led by Year 5 pupils.

They also took part in the MAD Olympiad sports festival at Pomphrey Hill, where their hard work during athletics lessons paid off, competing against other schools from the area and coming away with some medals.

Across the rest of the term, the children have tried forest school activities, orienteering, tennis, cricket, rounders, Bikeability cycle training and road safety workshops.

Years 5 and 6 pupils picked up some tips from a footballer from the Bristol Rovers Ladies team, while Year 6s also trained with professional cricketers.

The school said that during June alone, pupils clocked up an extra 378,990 minutes of activity - around 12 hours each for the more than 500 children aged four to 11.

The effort has been recognised with a School Games Mark gold award.

PE lead Natalie Parsons said teachers had been blown away by pupils’ “resilience and determination”.

She said: “I have loved seeing confidence soar in children that have had the courage to give sport a go this year.

“Lunchtimes have been full of active fun which has included personal challenges, team games and dancing on the field!

“The joy that sports week brings to the children is amazing and I really hope that it encourages the children to be more active at home.”

Switch off to these video games

THE idea of playing a game requiring no concentration may seem futile, but it can actually be an extremely relaxing experience.

Often after a long day, the last thing you want to do is have to concentrate on some elaborate video game storyline or complex gameplay, and this is where the games below come in to play:

First is a classic of the video game world - Minecraft.

Family friendly, yet engaging to all, this game is perfect for putting on and and zoning out to. The reason for this is because the level of challenge of the game is rather simple, and with it being accompanied by a stellar soundtrack, it makes for a relaxing time, with charming

By Emersons Green based gamer Conor McGeachie

graphics. Furthermore, it can be played solo or with others, making it the perfect multiplayer game to play while also having a catch-up!

Next, consider any of the Lego games, such as Lego City Undercover or Lego: The Hobbit.

The best part of these collections of games is that they offer an easy-to-follow story, with simple, yet addictive, gameplay.

Many of the Lego games use movie intellectual property, so you can essentially watch a movie in a bite-size package.

Of course, these are just two examples but there are many, many others, so go out there and find your perfect video game to switch off to!

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Summer in Lyde

WITH the summer holidays approaching, we are planning some exciting events to be held in the community centre.

We will see our popular inflatable fun sessions return, as well as some story time sessions.

We don’t want to give too much away, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page and community notice boards inside the centre to see all the great activities happening.

A new timetable is available on the notice board for everyone to see. This will give you the details of what classes are held here in the community centre, alongside flyers with contact information for the organisers.

Please come along and check out the variety of classes that we have going on.

Tickets are now on sale for our fabulous pantomime.

This year it’s Treasure Island (ahoy me hearties!), so make sure you book your tickets soon.

All of our events can be booked at the virtual box office, which can be found online at buytickets.at/lgca.

If anyone would like to volunteer for future events then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you if you would like to hear more about how you can work with your local community to make living in Lyde even better.

You can reach us on Facebook via the @ lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC pages, email us at info@lydegreenca.org or call the office on 0117 957 0410.

For party or event bookings, email Bookings@lydegreenca.org.

Helen Crew

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Recognising our quiet helpers

IT’S always nice to recognise someone who quietly goes above and beyond to help out in the community.

In July the Staple Hill Partnership and Mangotsfield Residents Association presented Mavis Maybee with an award to recognise her outstanding community service, keeping the borders at the war memorial looking beautiful.

We’ve had a couple of incidents of petty vandalism recently: a bench at the war memorial, a bus shelter and newly-planted trees have been damaged. There have also been a few incidents of antisocial behaviour, one quite serious.

We urge people to report all such incidents to the police via 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency.

I know some of you may well be thinking “what’s the point, as nothing gets done?” but if enough people report things action will be taken, even if it’s not as quickly as we’d like.

Saturday July 29 is our next HAM (Hour A Month) where we get together and spend an hour doing something useful and hopefully noticeable.

There are quite a few things to do, including painting the window bars and door on the Dame School and tending to our planters, some of which are looking a bit sorry for themselves.

Dame School gardening is always on the list, and we thought we might clean up various road signs that look a bit grubby. If you’d like to join us, please get in touch.

Our next Red Lion coffee morning will be on August 2, at 10am.

All are welcome - the more the merrier - and if you are wondering whether to come along then perhaps it would help to know that the cakes are awesome?

We will be holding our AGM in September, on a date to be advised, when we’ll plan events for the next year.

If you want to get involved, please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

THIS year is certainly hurtling by - it won’t be long until the “C-word” is mentioned!

Every member has a favourite thing about joining the WI: for me it is crafting. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning lots of different crafts and most I have been pretty good at - felting is a particular favourite and we have run a couple of workshops outside of our monthly meetings.

Unusually this year we have only one month dedicated to trying a new craft.

This is mainly because our calendar has been filled with so many amazing things.

In May we had the most amazing meeting led by an expolice detective who talked us through his part in catching the notorious killer, John Cannan.

June saw us learning about the Great Western Air Ambulance Service. The work they do is so very important, and they can only exist thanks to the generosity of the public. The doctors that fly with this team give up their off days to be able to help those most in need. They really come into their own at being able to transfer patients if necessary quicker than by road to the most suitable hospital. It was great to hear about their work and it was lovely to know our donation went to a very important charity.

We still have plenty to look forward to: in September we will be joined by the Space Detective, another evening I’m looking forward to, I’m sure we all look to the night sky and wonder what’s out there, so it will be great to hear all about it.

We have Saturday coffee mornings at different local independent coffee houses for a couple of hours, to chat, eat cake and get to know each other a bit better.

We also try to organise extra events. Our Paint Parties are always good, and this year’s didn’t disappoint. In September we will be “Locked in a Room” in Bristolthis looks to be great fun, and will be followed by a drink or two on the Harbourside.

If you’d like to come along and meet our lovely members, we meet the fourth Thursday of every month at Emerson Green Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Please feel free to email us for more details, at beechmerebelles@ gmail.com.

MANGOTSFIELD LADIES

JULY has been a very busy time for us, with lots going on.

Firstly, some sad news. Mollie Trubridge, one of our friends of many years, passed on June 16.

Mollie and her husband Trevor lived in Mangotsfield and moved to Frampton Cotterell a couple of years ago, to be nearer her daughter, Sarah.

Mollie was a lovely lady, who liked to be involved in village life and take any opportunity to dress up.

All those from Mangotsfield Ladies who knew Mollie attended her funeral at the Frampton Cotterell Zion United Church on July 11. Her daughter Sarah gave us all a very warm welcome and said her mum had so many happy memories of times spent together.

Also on the 11th, we had our planned visit to Jekka’s Herb Farm. Jekka had kindly moved the time to the morning because of the funeral in the afternoon, and also gave us each a sprig of rosemary, the fragrance of which induces calm and well-being.

We had a fascinating tour, which gave an insight into the many different herb types and their properties for health. For instance, she has at least 60 different types of mint.

Useful tips included freezing leftover herbal tea into ice cubes, for use in cocktails. We then had a break for herbal tea and locally-made cake, before having a wander round the gardens and making purchases in the shop. The whole tour took about a couple hours.

Our boat trip, organised by the Bristol Jazz Society, from the SS Great Britain up to Beeses Tea Gardens, enjoyed wonderful weather.

The Dart Valley Stompers

Four played all the way, much to the amusement of those on the towpath and a couple of wild water swimmers. Our ladies took a cream tea picnic. Kingfishers were spotted. It was a really super day.

One of our ladies organised a fundraiser day on July 8. She invited her Tuesday morning walking group to join us.

We all enjoyed home-made scones, a choice of blackcurrant or strawberry jam and a nice cup of tea or coffee, all served up by her three granddaughters.

Our August meeting will be a celebration of our first year anniversary, which is ‘paper’, so we will have a craft evening.

Carol Coombs - Mangotsfield Ladies - carol@applause.co.uk

Chris Amos

Mavis (second right) receives her award from Clive Heath

n WHAT’S ON

July 28-30

n HAM FARM Festival at Ham Farm Cottage, off Emersons Green Lane. Daytime community group concerts and free educational workshops, evening professional concerts with food and bar. Nonprofit event supported by local councils. For information & tickets visit www.hamfarmfestival.com.

August 2, 16 and 30

n BABY SENSORY SUMMER

SPECIAL, Emersons Green Village Hall. To book a space visit www.babysensory.com or email bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk.

August 4 and 18

n SUMMER INFLATABLE DAY, Emersons Green Village Hall. Bookable hour-long slots between 9.30am and 2pm. Adult £1, 1-3 years old £4, 4-12 years old £6, under 1 free. Refreshments available. Book via www.egvh.org. uk/tickets to guarantee a spacetickets may be available on the door if there are spaces left.

August 8 and 21

n 3D DANCE SPECIAL, Emersons Green Village Hall. To book call Louise on 0775 403 9059.

August 22

n ART SUMMER CLASS, Emersons Green Village Hall. To book a space contact Catherin on 07966 3285253.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT

MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening

7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297

Tuesday

n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB meets every Tuesday Evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. More info from Graham on 07968 050320.

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch

Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to 10.15p.m. All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 0784324014.

Wednesday n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805.

n WEDNESDAY CAFE FOR SENIORS, at Badminton Road Methodist Church (BS16 6NU) every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon. All Welcome – just come along – make new friends over a cuppa and cake. Information: 0117 239 5984

n MANGO JAMS PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church.

n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk.

n DOWNEND FLOWER

Thursday

n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 11am, depending on numbers. Normally meets at Emersons Green library, email jessica.callaway@ hotmail.co.uk.

n COFFEE, CAKE AND COMMUNITY MORNING at Emersons Green Village Hall, 11am1pm. Free tea, coffee and cake - all welcome. Supported by Emersons Green Town Council.

Craig Anthonys

HAIR DESIGNERS

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire, no audition. No need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc.org.uk email secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk Telephone 07764447699.

n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1pm to 2pm. Free and open to anyone who feels they will benefit from joining a group who walk at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Contact James on: 07588622372

Friday

n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258.

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon at the church in Cossham Street. Coffee, cake and a chat.

n MESSY VINTAGE Come and Share God-centred fun & fellowship for the Older Generation at Badminton Road Methodist Downend 2nd Friday monthly 9.30am to 12 noon. For Information 0117 2395984

Saturday

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee,

tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday

n BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH In-person

Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am, all are welcome. For information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED

CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH, High Street BS16 5HQ Sunday services 10.30am + Sunday Club for ages 5-17. Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month – all invited. Taizé worship 6.00pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana 07482 550888, Philippa Church Liaison at staplehillmethodist@ hotmail.co.uk or www. staplehillmethodist.com

n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services - please check our Facebook page for dates Contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church. egbc@outlook.com or visit www. emersonsgreenchurch.org

n LYDE GREEN LITTER PICKERS meet at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month outside Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. Spend an hour litter picking to help make Lyde Green look more tidy and beautiful! See www. cleanupuk.org.uk/groups/lydegreen-litter-pickers for information.

Here at Craig Anthonys we pride ourselves not only on the styles but also the advice that we can provide. Our award winning team with years of experience in colouring and cutting can provide a style unique to suite you. To arrange a no obligation consultation pop in or give us a call.

School ditches timetable for new experiences

DOWNEND School gave pupils a week off regular lessons to given them new activities and experiences to bring learning to life.

The school's annual enrichment week in July saw the usual timetable suspended and replaced with trips, projects and performances.

Year 7 students had a three-day residential trip to Devon with adventure activities including paddleboarding, surfing at Croyde Bay, a water adventure course and team building activities as part of their community-themed week.

They also had a historical walk around Downend, made collages themed around school values and put on their own performances of Roald Dahl's Matilda.

Year 8s had a two-day

humanities trip to London, taking in the Imperial War Museum, Florence Nightingale Museum, Science Museum and Old Operating Theatre Museum.

They also had a Thames river cruise and a guided tour of the 2012 Olympics site.

Back at school they worked on art, photography and design & technology projects and had a sports day with individual and team based challenges.

Year 9 pupils focused on science, technology, engineering and maths, with interactive hands-on science activities including launching rockets and discovering the chemistry of colour.

During the week 100 Year 9 students completed their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award assessed expedition in Cheddar, while a number of Year

10 pupils completed their silver expedition.

The Year 10 enrichment programme had a life skills theme and included virtual work experience supported by companies including Barclays Bank, Vodafone, Pret and Airbus, CV writing and mock job interviews, lessons on money management and first aid with the air ambulance.

They also had an "immersive day" on their GCSE text ‘An Inspector Calls’, including a

virtual escape room, murder mystery and drama workshop.

Year 12 pupils had a residential trip to London, work experience, volunteering and support to help prepare for life after school.

School community council chair Emma Jukes said: "It was a brilliant week that showcased practical learning, working together and providing experiences that will undoubtedly stay with pupils and teachers forever."

Team building for Year 7s

Year 7s surfing in Croyde Bay

Year 8 students in London's West End

News from Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries

Ready, Set , Read – the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge is up and running at all of our libraries. If you are aged 4 – 11 years old and haven’t signed up yet drop into any library during staffed hours to sign up. Its FREE, you get lots of rewards (including those smelly stickers). Whats not to like?

There are also regular FREE craft activities for primary school aged children too.

Ready, Steady, Go – Tuesday 1st August at Staple Hill Library @ 10.30am / Monday 7th August at Downend Library @ 10.30am / Tuesday 8th August at Emersons Green Library @ 2pm & again on Saturday 12th August @ 10.30am

Ready Set, make – Tuesday 8th August @ Staple Hill Library @ 10.30am / Monday 14th August at Downend Library @ 10.30am / Tuesday 15th August at Emersons Green Library @ 10.30am and again on Saturday 19th August @ 10.30am

Junk Box Challenge – Tuesday 15th August @ 10.30am / Monday 21st August at Downend Library @ 10.30am / Tuesday 29th August at Emersons Green Library @ 2pm

More details at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries or find us on Facebook, twitter or Instagram.

Pre-school Rhyme Times also continue during August :

Downend Library – Wednesdays @ 9.30am

Emersons Green Library – Thursdays @ 9.30am (please email emersonsgreen.library@southglos.gov.uk to book a FREE place)

Staple Hill Library – Thursdays 9.30am

Children launch challenge

CHILDREN from Barley Close Community Primary School helped launch this year’s South Gloucestershire Summer Reading Challenge.

Pupils took part in an educational workshop run by the University of the West of England’s School of Engineering at Downend Library to kick off the holiday reading event, joined by council chair Mike Drew, cabinet member for libraries Leigh Ingham and Joshua Warren from UWE.

Libraries and the Reading Agency have partnered with the Youth Sport Trust for this year’s challenge, called ‘Ready, Set, Read!’, which has a sports, games and play theme to highlight the positive impact that reading, keeping active and having fun have on a child’s development.

From now until September 9 children aged between four and 11 can sign up at their local library and collect a free goodie bag, then read books of their choice over the summer holidays and collect stickers to complete a collectors’ card and win a medal and certificate.

See the libraries panel on the left for more details.

Promotion push New coaches for Cleve

THE cricket season is now more than half-way through, with Carsons and Mangotsfield’s first team fourth in the 6th Division of the Bristol and District Cricket League at the time of writing.

Over the last month the team enjoyed victories over Knowle and Patchway but lost to Keynsham.

The second team are second in their division, by 7 points from Nailsea. They have won all three games in the last month, with the fourth being abandoned due to the weather.

The stand-out performance was from batsman Steve Sykes, scoring 162 not out against Cleeve.

The 3rd team are having a mixed season and currently sit 7th in their division. The team’s main purpose is to give the young players stronger opposition, and developmental opportunities. It regularly fields six or seven youth team players.

The 4th Xl are also sitting mid-table in the 30-over league, completing only two games in a month, losing to league leaders Stoke Gifford but beating Blagdon. They are also providing opportunities to younger junior players as they take their first steps in adult cricket.

The Sunday Xl have won two of the three games completed in the last month, with the fourth also washed out. They are fourth in Conference 2 of the North Somerset Cricket League.

The academy section is also having a strong season.

The club has again been running an All Stars programme to attract new players to the club. The feedback has been very positive. It has also provided the opportunity for some of the older youth team players to take their first steps in youth coaching.

CLEVE Rugby Club will start the season with a new director of rugby, head coach and backs coach.

Director of rugby Lenrie Sheriffe is the prime mover, organising coaches and players ready for next season.

The First XV are training, with new head coach Paul Vinnicombe and new backs coach Lewis McKissic, every Thursday night at 6.30pm, along with the second team and Colts (U18).

Training is full, but new players are always welcome.

The season starts in September, with a home game against Longlevens on the 2nd, but the team is getting ready by playing warmup games in August, starting on the 5th, when the first team hosts Imperial at 2.30pm.

A Colts match is programmed to run parallel to the first team game, and the clubhouse has a cider festival on, with ice cream for kids.

The game on the pitch is followed by a live TV game in the clubhouse, England versus Wales.

This the start of live TV coverage at the club. With the Rugby World Cup starting in September, Cleve are hoping people will come to the club to watch either the rugby on the field or World Cup Rugby in the bar.

The club house is also under new management, with a new selection of beers and food available.

There is a second home warm-up game versus Combe Down on August 19, again with live international rugby on TV in the clubhouse, as Ireland take on England at 5.30pm.

A working party has been held to make sure the club looks spick and span for the new season. There was a really good turnout of players, past and present, who rolled up their sleeves, did gardening and much-needed maintenance.

Steve Bateman

Ian Coles

All the teams are mixed, which is a positive position to be in. The club also offers girls the opportunity to play as part of the North Bristol Girls Hub, in girls-only fixtures.

Loft Boarding & Insulation

Flyers' tournament is a showcase of talent

DOWNEND Flyers FC's annual tournament was a thrilling showcase of local talent and passion.

Around 1,000 girls and women took to the field in the weekend of June 24 and 25, with teams from across the region and further afield, including one which had travelled from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Each team displayed exceptional skills and dedication.

With meticulous planning and flawless execution, the tournament organisers created a fun-filled weekend that celebrated inclusivity, unity and inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams.

The tournament’s success affirms the rising prominence of women’s football, leaving a lasting impact on participants and supporters. We would like to thank the residents around Pomphrey Hill for their understanding and cooperation that busy weekend.

Meanwhile the club is busily planning for the new season, with a record 19 girls' teams set to play in the Bristol girls league and 3 women’s teams in adult regional leagues.

This summer we have also launched player sponsorship deals and mascot packages - for more information contact info@ downendflyers.com.

Duncan Gardner

Women’s teams on the move

MANGOTSFIELD United will have two new women’s teams next season.

The former Oldland Abbotonians FC women’s teams have moved to Cossham Street to represent Mangotsfield, with the switch ratified by the FA.

The first team will maintain their position in the South West Women’s Regional Football league, while the reserves will be

in the Gloucestershire County League.

The club has retained eight of its first team squad from last year, with an additional eight new signings as the Voice went to print, including strikers Debbie Small and Leonie Blanc from neighbouring Downend Flyers.

The new Mangotsfield side has also signed four of last season's successful Downend Saints under-16 team: defenders Ellie Curtis, Emma Brown and Abbie Thomas, as well as midfielder Lola Hicks.

The club is looking for support in all areas, from players to sponsors, with enquiries =to slavis1@googlemail.com.

Mangotsfield's men's side is now well into its pre-season schedule, with a 2-1 win in its opening match away to Longwell Green and a 2-2 draw away to Southern League Division 1 South side Yate Town. The final pre-season fixtures include a home game against another Southern League D1 South sides, Paulton Rovers, on July 25.

The Hellenic League campaign begins on August 1 away to Fairford Town, with the first home fixture on August 8, when Brimscombe & Thrupp are the visitors. On August 12 the Mangos visit Highworth Town, followed by a home game against Thornbury Town on August 15.

On August 5 the Mangos entertain Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup, with the winners travelling to Ascot United on August 19.

The team entertains Thornbury Town in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round on August 26, with the winners travelling to Bourton Rovers in the next round on September 23.

The Youth team (U18s) will host either Bradford Town or Bristol Manor Farm on September 4 in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary round.

Tom Warren, who has had several spells with the Mangos, is re-joining the club from Larkhall Athletic.

Dave Smale

Downend Flyers' tournament-winning team

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Welcome back Luke, let’s walk on the moon!

IT’S time to open up the honours list at the clinic – for a very deserving cause.

We’re celebrating a huge success story for sports therapist Luke Almond, who has now graduated as a fully-fledged chiropractor.

For the last two years, Luke has not only overcome the challenge of commuting from Bristol to Bournemouth so he can study and still work for us but also, despite being partially sighted, he’s passed all of his exams with flying colours.

The masters degree conversion to chiropractic is considered to be one of the hardest vocational graduate entry courses in the country. It squeezes three years of typical learning time into two, with a huge emphasis on practical skills.

Both Catherine and I, from the clinic, are associate lecturers at the AECC University College in Bournemouth. From talking to the staff there, we know that

Luke made a huge impact on the course and was considered to be an all-round star in every aspect.

So now that Luke has attained his grades, he can start back with us properly in August, after a welldeserved short break, of course.

Talking of stellar achievements, let’s look at a piece of kit that can make you feel like you’re walking on the moon…

During a day in July, our Alter-G – an anti-gravity running machine that gives you a superb feeling of weightlessness – was out of action for its annual service. Despite this, we managed to squeeze all the patients into the day after, but it did create a busy time.

First up was a former Bristol Rovers player who got in early so he could zip off for training in a whole other city. He is recovering from a severe injury, a fractured and dislocated ankle suffered during a game. The anti-gravity environment is the perfect way for him to rehabilitate. He was able

to start walking at just 20 per cent of his body weight and now, nine weeks later, he’s running at 90 per cent and looking forward to a return to full training soon.

Next up was one of my patients who has experienced mixed fortunes after knee replacement surgery. He’s been having treatment that includes mobilisation, manipulation, shockwave and soft tissue therapy – as well as regular sessions on the Alter-G.

After just a couple of months his knee pain is significantly reduced, his range of motion is fab and he can walk five times faster on the treadmill than he could at the beginning. It’s such a great tool to watch as patients make progress.

The next person I want to mention came to see us after being completely immobile for two years following a serious accident. Their only previous ‘go’ on the Alter-G had not been too successful and they had ached for

a few days afterwards. Currently they can only walk around 0.5 km per hour. Over the next couple of months, however, I expect that we will be able to help them progress from their current shuffle to a proper walk.

This is what we do best at the clinic. We aim to improve quality of life, help with mobility issues and often – dare I say it – make you feel younger again. Too often people are left to rot on waiting lists and just told to take pain killers.

Every life is important. We can’t cure everything or everyone, but we can try to help – the first thing is just to listen and then formulate a plan.

Maybe you, too, need some time ‘walking on the moon’ to restore your confidence. Come and give it a try!

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield

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