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 wellbeing.

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.

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 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

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.

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.