Emersons Green Voice December 2019

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December, 2019 — ISSUE 39

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Arrest after car theft clash BR I S T O L EEMERSONS M E R S O N S GREEN GREEN BRISTOL

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Victory for parents People who campaigned to save a school’s centre for disabled children are celebrating after the council reversed plans to close it PAGE 3

Smell detectors Machines to detect the source of a persistent smell affecting Emersons Green have been installed.

A SUSPECTED car thief was left fighting for his life in hospital after being injured when he was detained by a member of the public in Lyde Green.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after the incident in the early hours of November 20 in Willowherb Road, near the junction with Lobelia Road.

As the Voice went to press the injured man was in a critical condition in hospital.

Avon and Somerset police said: “We were called

at 1.42am to a report of a man having been detained by a member of the public after allegedly trying to break into cars.

“Officers attended by 1.51am and found the man to be unresponsive. An ambulance arrived at 2.05am and the man was taken to hospital.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to call them on 101 and quote the reference number 5219 628 280.

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emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

n NEWS

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Follow us on Twitter @ emersonsgreenvoice

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Find us on Facebook emersons green voice

Journalist Keri Beckingham 0796 72777090

ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Tel: 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 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 January edition deadline is December 11.

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

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc 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.

Smell detectors are brought in TWO smell detectors have been installed by the Environment Agency to help solve the mystery of an unexplained smell.

The Voice has previously reported how the smell is most commonly experienced by Emersons Green and Lyde Green residents early in the morning and during the evening. It is described as having an ‘eggy’ or sulphurous odour.

The Environment Agency regulates three operators who could be potential sources of the smell – the Tulip abattoir in Westerleigh, the Shortwood landfill site operated by Enovert, and Vertase FLI Ltd, which is currently excavating a historic landfill site as part of the Lyde Green. The agency says the operators have cooperated to change their working practices and cut the risk of further odours developing.

The agency has installed monitoring equipment at the village hall at Emersons Green and Community Centre at Lyde Green.

A spokesperson said: “These locations were chosen as they are both in residential areas and in the vicinity of where people have smelt the smell.”

The detectors were installed by the agency’s National Ambient Air Monitoring team, and the sensitive equipment can monitor very low levels of methane and hydrogen sulphide in the air, as both of these gases are known to be generated from landfill sites.

The agency will keep residents updated whenever there are significant changes but has said it is unlikely that they will be able to eliminate all odours, especially if a combination of sources are found to be causing them.

Residents who have concerns about smells should call the agency on 0800 807 060.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

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December, 2019

n NEWS

3

Resource base saved after community protest

PLANS to shut a specialist centre which enables disabled children to learn alongside mainstream pupils at Emersons Green Primary School have been shelved.

The resource base caters for 12 children, aged from 4 to 11, with physical disabilities or visual impairment, giving them extra support and facilities while they have lessons and play with other children.

South Gloucestershire Council is holding a review into special needs and disabilities education by the council, which suggested that the resource base be "phased out" after its current pupils left.

Parents were outraged at the prospect of closing the resource base and staged protests, with a petition calling for the resource base to be saved signed by 6,218 people.

They also marched through driving rain to a consultation meeting in September and wrote to the council arguing their case.

On November 6 the council's cabinet member for schools, skills and employment, Erica Williams, issued a statement which said the closure of the resource base would no longer be included in the SEND strategy proposals.

A council spokesperson confirmed to the Voice that this means the resource base will stay open for the foreseeable future.

Cllr Williams said the review had been started to "improve access and to focus on broadening inclusion within all children’s local schools".

She said: “Although the feedback we received was supportive of changes to increase the number of places across the district, it is clear

Parents, children and staff marched through driving rain in support of Emersons Green Resource Base that we also need to give further consideration to any phasing out of the Resource Base at Emersons Green Primary School. As a result, we will not be including this change in the proposals that will be taken forward to formal public consultation.

"We will be working in partnership with all schools to develop a sustainable approach to meeting children and young people’s needs in order to improve access and ensure equity in our arrangements to meeting need across the local area."

A statement on behalf of the school community, including parents and staff, said: "We were extremely concerned that the proposal had not been properly thought through nor had it been subject to any reasonable degree of scrutiny. In asking our detailed questions it would seem that the council has agreed the

proposal is either wrong or not ready.

"We are so grateful for the efforts of so many and for the wide support the campaign to challenge the recommendation received.

"This was an excellent example of the community

coming together to protect the needs and interests of the most vulnerable."

Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer started the petition to save the resource base.

He said: "This resource base is an actual text book example and there were always massive questions raised as to why the council would want to dismantle that. The support that’s come from everywhere has shown how much people care and value resource bases as a whole, and how in Emersons Green and the surrounding area, there is such a strong community spirit to be proud of - people came together so quickly.

"What is concerning is that the statement released did not mention the other resource bases in South Glos and how they were going to proceed with these.”

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December, 2019

Disney dream comes true for dance school THE FESTIVE season couldn't have got off to a better start for a group of youngsters and some parents - from RedX Dance who travelled to Disneyland Paris to showcase the routines they had been honing for the past year.

The 40-strong troupe performed on the Disneyland Videopolis stage in front of a packed audience of more than 500 visitors from across the world.

They danced to a 20-minute medley of modern music, showcasing the different age ranges, styles and groups who attend the Staple Hill-based dance studio.

Although the youngest performer was just six years old, the show also featured members of RedX's parent competition group.

RedX dancers also had the opportunity to perform with some of the characters from Disney Descendants and spent time in the theme park, experiencing the attractions, including the Disney Parade and Disney fireworks and illuminations.

Members had been fundraising for the past year to help fund the trip, hosting several auctions and raffles.

RedX Dance was set up by Emersons Green sisters Gabriella and Jasmine SorisiThomas in 2012, when they were just 17 and 16 years old respectively.

Starting out with just one pupil, RedX has since gone from strength to strength, leading the sisters to find a permanent home in the former St John's Ambulance building in Page Road in 2016.

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Gaby said the experience of performing at Disneyland Paris was one the children wouldn't forget.

“This was definitely the place where 'Dreams really do come true!'

“Age is not an issue at RedX and whilst most of the children are part of the competition groups, the trip was open to all of the children and adults who attend classes at RedX Dance, giving everyone the opportunity to perform on a world class stage.

“Some of the children who joined us had never performed in front of an audience

before, although they took it all in their stride, which was a great achievement.”

Jasmine said: “There were many happy tears on the day as the parents watched their children. Some of the parents who danced actually danced next to their children, with one mum saying 'I never believed I’d be dancing on stage at Disney, but to be doing that with my daughter is a memory I will cherish forever'.

“It was a memorable moment for RedX Dance after all the months of preparation and we couldn’t be prouder.”

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December, 2019

n NEWS A GP PRACTICE has written to patients to ask for their "support, patience and understanding" after a barrage of criticism.

Partners of the merged Emersons Green Medical Centre and Leap Valley Surgery have written to members of a Facebook group where "frequent and negative feedback" is aired by frustrated residents.

The practice, which also includes Abbotswood surgery in Yate, acknowledged problems with booking appointments, particularly by phone, and said it was "not acceptable" that people sometimes could not get through.

Patients have also aired complaints on the NHS website.

One patient of Emersons Green Health Centre described the appointment system as a "shambles", with another saying: "One morning I rang at 8am for over 2 hours – 89 times before I finally got through – just to be told again that all the appointments were gone for the next two weeks."

A Leap Valley patient said

5

GPs admit phone delays are 'not acceptable' they had called the surgery's enquiry line 26 times in a day to get through, adding: "Calls are usually met with a mixture of it either being engaged or getting through to the recorded message only for it to continuously ring with no answer, when you are lucky enough for it to finally be answered the receptionists can be quite unhelpful and abrupt."

Another patient complained of waiting more than a fortnight for each appointment, while a third said: "The appointment system is broken – no online appointments for months, no answering the phone for over 15 minutes."

In their statement, the partners of the surgery said there was "hard work...going on

behind the scenes to improve the current situation".

The partners said that since the merger two years ago they had been unable to combine their patient lists because of "separate contracts with NHS England".

A problem with recruiting new GPs had also caused "significant issues" but the practice, which is set to relaunch as Green Valleys Health, had launched a staff recruitment drive and introduced a new patient navigation system, which had reduced appointment waiting times.

But they added: "We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get through and this is not acceptable."

The partners said staff were

"working in a very pressured and challenging environment" and said: "This has been a very difficult time, particularly for our very committed, dedicated and caring team who work extremely hard to provide the care and support to patients."

A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in charge of funding local NHS services, said: “We know there is a high demand for appointments with GP practices across the area, but would like to assure local people that practices will always prioritise more urgent cases, so those with the most urgent medical requirements are seen more quickly."

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December, 2019

n NEWS

Iceland evacuated School places under pressure A SUPERMARKET at Emersons Green shopping centre was evacuated and emergency services called out after a worker fell ill in a cold store.

Avon Fire and rescue Service said three fire crews were called to the Iceland store shortly after 8pm on November 11 to reports of an unknown chemical.

Two fire fighters in breathing apparatus went in to the store.

Ambulance, Police and a hazardous area response team were also called in and a woman in her 20s was taken to hospital.

However an Iceland spokesperson said there was no chemical spillage or gas leak, adding: “We do not use any toxic chemicals in our refrigeration systems.

“A store colleague felt unwell while working in the store’s cold room – we believe coincidentally – and was advised by her GP to call 111, which led to the arrival of the emergency services at the store.

“The store was evacuated as a precaution.”

The worker did not need any hospital treatment and was allowed home later.

The store opened as normal at 8am the following morning.

MORE children are living in Lyde Green than had been expected, fuelling concerns over provision of school places.

Councillors have been told that the estate has about 42 children for every hundred homes, where usually the figure would be 36.

Cabinet member for schools Erica Williams said Lyde Green Primary School had taken in an extra 30 children this year but was not big enough to allow this to happen every year.

The council has set aside money and a site for a second primary school, which it hopes could open in 2022, but this is dependent on an education provider making a successful bid to the Department for Education to run the school.

A bid last year from SGS Academy Trust for an all-age school for children aged four to 16 was turned down and it is not clear whether another one has been made for primary provision.

South Gloucestershire councillor Alison Evans Cllr Williams at a meeting in October: “What will happen to Lyde Green Primary School when all the classrooms are full? Where will all the extra reception children go?”

Councillor Williams said there had been an “unusually high number of children generated from the Lyde Green development”.

Cllr Williams said the council would work with the school to provide additional classrooms to accommodate the extra pupils once the school is full.

A council spokesman said it was keeping options open for the second primary.

He said: “It is important that we are prepared for any expansion in the local population caused by new housing development and the increased demand this will have on school places.

“We will be carrying out a feasibility study for the design of separate primary and secondary phase school buildings which could be organised as separate schools, or as one all through school if required.

“This approach will provide flexibility and enable us to adapt as required, depending on the outcome of any bids submitted to the Department for Education.”

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December, 2019

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n NEWS

Dealer found with drugs in his underwear A DRUG dealer who was found with crack cocaine after police followed him through Mangotsfield has been jailed.

Ashley Hall was seen with a known drug user in his car in Bristol. Police followed him and stopped him on Blackhorse Road on September 30.

Bristol Crown Court was told that the 28-year-old had the drugs in his underwear and cash in his pocket. More drugs were found in his home in Bye Mead, Emersons Green.

Hall admitted possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and was jailed for three and a half years, a month after his arrest.

Investigating officer PC Stuart Mathias said: “Ashley Hall was stopped driving around the Mangotsfield area by plain clothed officers from our Operation Remedy team who had earlier observed him with a known drug user.

“When searched, he was

Ashley Hall has been jailed for three and a half years

Crack cocaine found on Ashley Hall by police

Cash found on Ashley Hall when he was arrested.

found in possession of a crack cocaine, two phones and a significant amount of cash.

“Having been caught red handed he had no choice but to admit his guilt and he has now been punished accordingly.

“Drugs have a hugely negative impact on communities, with anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and other crimes all generated by people trying to

fund their drug use.

“We’re committed to tackling the scourge of drugs which blight the lives of so many in our communities and since the launch of Operation Remedy we have arrested more dealers, raised awareness of the signs of drug-related activity, helped identify vulnerable people and increased reports of suspicious activity.”

The court heard Hall had 14g of crack cocaine in his underwear and just under 20g more in a jacket at home. He had £280 in cash in his pocket, along with two mobile phones.

Hall, who had been released from prison on licence last year, told police he had a gambling addiction and had sold drugs to pay back his debts.

Pics: Avon and Somerset police.

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n NEWS A SCHEME to ensure all health and social care workers are given mandatory training on autism and learning disabilities is being named after a teenager from Emersons Green.

Oliver McGowan, who was 18, died at Southmead Hospital after being given an antipsychotic drug he was allergic to.

Oliver had epilepsy, a mild learning disability and high-functioning autism after contracting meningitis as a baby.

He was fit and healthy but a partial seizure in October 2016 saw him taken to Southmead, starting a chain of events that led to his death 20 days later.

After being sedated and restrained, he was given the anti-psychotic drug olanzapine, despite both Oliver and his parents telling doctors he had previously had an adverse reaction to such medication.

The drug caused massive, irreparable brain damage and his life support machine was turned off after doctors told the family there was no hope of recovery.

Oliver’s family believe he would not have died had their

New NHS training will be Oliver’s legacy

warnings over the medication been heeded and that he may not even have needed to be restrained or sedated had staff had the training to effectively communicate with someone with autism.

Determined to ensure lessons were learned, Oliver’s mum

New Glasses for Christmas - From -

Paula set up a Parliamentary petition calling for all healthcare professionals to be given mandatory training in making adjustments for patients like Oliver with autism and learning disabilities.

The government has now announced funding of £1.4 million to develop and test a new training package named after him, “in recognition of his family’s tireless campaigning for better training for staff”.

The training will focus on understanding learning disability and autism, legislation and rights, and making reasonable adjustments such as using different communication methods for people with sensory sensitivities.

Minister for Care Caroline Dinenage said: “It is unacceptable that the lives of autistic people or those with a learning disability could be cut short because of barriers in accessing healthcare that most of us take for granted.

“I want to ensure this training provides NHS staff and social care workers with the confidence

and skills to understand the needs of those with learning disabilities and autistic people.

“Paula McGowan has been instrumental in campaigning on this issue, giving a voice to many people who aren’t always able to speak up for themselves. I hope this training and the wider measures announced today will go far in ensuring all autistic people and those with a learning disability are listened to and receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

Paula said: “On a personal level it is very important to me that the training will be named after Oliver. Everybody who does the training will see his face and name, which personalises and adds real meaning to the training.

“I hope his legacy will be to challenge subconscious bias and ensure that real change occurs.

“No training is perfect but my hope is that it will be impactful, prompting professionals to take ownership when things go wrong and to treat people with learning disabilities and people with autism as equal humans.”

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A FATHER who helped £100,000 for a skate raise park in Emersons Green has South Gloucestershireaccused failing to keep promisesCouncil of over its upkeep.

Gordon Clapp, from Mangotsfield, wanted a lasting memorial to his son was only 13 when Jamie, who he a plane crash in 2007.was killed in Mangotsfield School Jamie and his friends pupil loved skateboarding and BMX and Gordon campaigned riding, to help secure money from local councillors, South Gloucestershire Council the Big Lottery Fund's and Millions partnership, Peoples won after a public vote.

The concrete skate opened in 2011 with park garden, bench and a memorial a print of Jamie’s shoes.

The council agreed to inspect and maintain the park, which Gordon regularly visits.

But the BMX track next to it is now unusable, as the ramps Turn to Page 11

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— ISSUE 38

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Happy birthday for Lyde Green

More than 150 people came along to celebrate the first birthday of Lyde Green Community Centre.

PAGE 6

Footballer earns England call-up

Jennifer Smith, a student at Mangotsfield School, has been called up to an England football talent squad.

PAGE 7

Road to ease traffic jams at tip

A new slip road for the council tip at Carsons Road has been confirmed.

PAGE 12

Campaigners for the School braved drivingresource base at Emersons Green Primary rain to march to about proposals a consultation session for its future. Full story: Page 3

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December, 2019

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n NEWS

Neighbourhood award for Lyde Green group A COMMUNITY group is celebrating its success in a scheme recognising those who clean up and green up their area.

Lyde Green Open Space, which is run by volunteers, entered the Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood awards earlier this year. The scheme assesses community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement, and last year the group achieved Level 3 ‘advancing’ status.

This year they made the next level up in recognition of their enthusiasm and commitment.

Chair Cate Biggs said: “We’re extremely pleased with our result – Level 4 on our second attempt is pretty impressive, but we couldn’t have done it without the support of the community.

“Thank you to everyone who turned out to litter picks, planting, and our other events.

We hold these events to make sure Lyde Green is a great place

Lyde Green Open Space’s hedgehog event to live and it’s wonderful to see our efforts recognised and appreciated.”

The group holds events throughout the year, with the most recent being a community hedgehog event in October and winter planting in November At the hedgehog event South Gloucestershire Hedgehog Rescue came along to talk to residents about hedgehogs and even brought along a little

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hog for them to see. There were also lots of activities for children, including making clay hedgehogs, colouring, and a quiz to learn more about hedgehogs.

LGOS also promoted the Hedgehog Highway, which encourages residents to cut small CD-sized holes in the bottom of their fences to allow hedgehogs to travel around residential areas. Once completed, hedgehog holes can be mapped at www.

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bighedgehogmap.org.

The planting event took place the day before Remembrance Sunday, with members of Fishponds & Downend Rotary Club helping to plant some fresh winter colour on School Square.

Cate added: “I am incredibly grateful to the volunteers who came along to help us plant. We all got very wet and muddy, but had just enough helping hands to get the job done in about an hour. A big big thank you again to everyone who came along.”

Cate particularly thanked local resident and volunteer Paul Flower, ordered and collected the plants from Elmwood Nursery, cleared out the planters in preparation for planting day, and spent longer planting in the freezing rain for longer than anyone else.

To find out more about Lyde Green Open Space and their upcoming activities, visit their Facebook page.

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December, 2019

n GENERAL ELECTION

Your candidates Kingswood constituency VOTERS go to the polls on December 12 for the country’s third general election in less than five years.

In Kingswood, the Conservatives are defending a majority of 7,500 from the last election in 2017.

Chris Skidmore won the seat from Labour’s Roger Berry in 2010 and Labour has come second in the two elections since, having previously held the seat from 1992.

This year, there are five parties contesting the constituency: the others are the Liberal Democrats, Greens and the Animal Welfare Party.

As in all Tory-held seats, the Brexit Party is not standing a candidate.

The constituency includes Emersons Green, Mangotsfield and part of Lyde Green.

The Voice has asked every candidate nominated in the election to tell us about themselves and their aims.

They are included here in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.

Angelika Cowell Animal Welfare Party ANGELIKA Cowell has been a teacher for many years in Gloucestershire and Bristol. She lived for a few years in Vietnam and since her return has been a member of the Animal Welfare Party after deciding to commit herself to actively engaging in issues that she believes are important.

She has decided to put herself forward to stand in the 2019 election for the Animal Welfare Party because she wants to raise the profile of the suffering of animals and believes that history will view the current industrialised exploitation of animals with shame.

She feels that now is the time to create a more ethical environment for animals and to protect their status in law, much as we have done for humans over the last century.

When not teaching, Angelika loves walking in mountains, reading and cooking experimental vegan dishes for friends. She has two grown-up children and lives in Bristol.

She is standing in Kingswood as a way of spreading the message of the Animal Welfare Party and giving animals a voice.

Nicola Bowden-Jones

Joseph Evans

Labour

The Green Party

NICOLA Bowden-Jones lives near Cossham Hospital with her family and is a parent of a child who attends a South Gloucestershire school. Nicola works for the NHS as a Mental Health Specialist.

Nicola would bring real world experience to the role of MP having worked in youth, family and health services in this country and abroad.

Nicola was elected as a Councillor in 2016 and soon won a place on the first Jo Cox Women in Leadership programme where she was encouraged to stand for Parliament. She was elected as the Labour candidate for Kingswood with 86% support. Nicola campaigns on local issues, most recently supporting local residents to overturn a Council decision to shut a children’s resource centre in Emerson’s Green.

Nicola’s main interests focus on children’s education, health and wellbeing, supporting families to thrive and ensuring adequate care facilities for all family members. Nicola has a very handson approach to supporting communities and will work hard for improvements locally and nationally. Recently Nicola proactively supported Bristol and Kingswood Labour to develop policies for the Labour Party’s Green New Deal, currently the most progressive policy of all the political parties for tackling climate change and creating new green industries.

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Current job: Environmental Planner. Age: 28. Religion: None.

Nationality: British and proud.

"We’re all aware of climate breakdown, loss of nature and poisonous air. In the UK, the most nature depleted country on Earth, we will increasingly experience disastrous droughts and flooding.

5% of people in Kingswood currently die from causes associated with air pollution.

"Despite this we have spent nearly a decade under austerityobsessed Conservative rule and, where are we now? The UK is failing to hit nearly all our inadequate targets on climate change.

The super-rich are richer and everyone else is poorer. The NHS has been ravaged and left to rot. British wildlife has been slaughtered, culled and has vanished. Our greenfields have been built on. Our community services hollowed out.

"Our children will suffer the most frightening consequences of us always voting for the same politicians who lack the ability, awareness and passion to do what’s best for Britain. A vote for me is a vote in the other direction. Now is your chance to join millions in voting for a party with the policies, skills and experience to deliver the change we desperately need. Vote for peace, sustainability, and equality. Vote Green. Vote Joseph."

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December, 2019

emersonsgreenvoice

11

n GENERAL ELECTION

LANSDOWN GOLF CLUB

Dine Romero

WINTER OFFERS

Liberal Democrats "MY name is Dine Romero, and I am proud to be standing for election to be the next Member of Parliament for Kingswood. I have over 15 years’ experience as a campaigner and as a local councillor.

"As your MP, I promise to stand up for local people and communities, and to focus on local issues that are often overlooked by other politicians. As a councillor, I have already supported local businesses and schools, objected forcefully to inappropriate developments in the area and encouraged the West of England Mayor to declare a climate emergency.

"As a Member of Parliament, I will focus on tackling the climate emergency; building a stronger and greener economy; and securing proper funding for local schools and health services. I believe that social care must be put on an equal footing with the NHS and both urgently require extra funding. I am convinced that adding a penny per pound in income taxation and ring-fencing it solely for health and social care will help to address the immediate crisis.

"I believe that Brexit must be stopped: it will be bad for the people of Kingswood and impact the local economy, public services and the environment."

Green Fee: 18 Holes plus food from £22.50pp Membership: 1/11/19 - 31/3/20 £250pp Come & visit us we’re always open Call our Pro Shop now on 01225 420242

Chris Skidmore Conservative Party "I’M proud to be standing again as your local MP. As someone who was born and grew up in the constituency, there is no greater honour than serving my home area.

"Over the past ten years, I’ve fought tirelessly for the maximum possible investment in Kingswood. Whether that’s seeing Cossham hospital being refurbished after being threatened with closure under the previous Labour government, to securing four new schools for the constituency, holding nearly 20 Jobs Fairs which have helped to keep unemployment at record low levels, I am here as the only local candidate to serve you - regardless how you vote.

"The Kingswood constituency voted to leave the EU- and I believe that your MP should respect this result. This election has been called because Labour and Lib Dem MPs don’t trust the people and have repeatedly blocked Brexit.

"With this election, now the time to get Brexit done by backing Boris Johnson’s plan to get our country going again, and to deliver what Kingswood voted for.

"I will always be here for you - delivering on your local priorities, and standing up for our local area."

Please note that Pucklechurch and some Lyde Green residents are in the Thornbury & Yate constituency. See www.emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk for profiles.

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End the Decade of Cuts in Public Services Nicola Bowden-Jones is offering a future of hope and ambition for Kingswood. Local public services including schools, the NHS and care services have been cut back during 9 years of Conservative Government. Council housing is now run by a housing association based in Wolverhampton, private housing is too expensive for most people to rent or buy, food banks are booming and small businesses have seen increases in their taxes.

Nicola Bowden-Jones is Labour’s candidate for Kingswood. Nicola works as a mental health specialist for the NHS and has worked locally in youth services, support services and MOD procurement. “I have been saddened by the stories of people struggling to pay for their parents care into old age, schools denied funding for essential items and children with special needs being refused services.”

Nicola backs Labour’s plans to invest in our essential services and is particularly keen to see money going to support children and families. “Children are our future and Labour’s plans to increase spending on schools and reopening Sure Start centres builds the foundations our society needs.”

little tax. Labour will target big business and high earners to provide the investment the country needs with increases in Corporation Tax, income tax for those earning over £80k per year and closing tax loopholes for large corporations like Amazon.

But where will the money come from? Britain has a record number of billionaires and a large number of multinational companies which are paying very

Nicola says “We need to become a country of enterprise and aspiration not of declining services and food banks.

Your Conservative MP

Nicola Bowden-Jones

Always votes as the party whips tell him, never for Kingswood

Will vote in the interests of local people, services and businesses

Voted for cuts in local school budgets

Campaigned to retain the resource hub for children with special needs in Emersons Green

Voted for cuts in local Police numbers

Backs increasing police numbers

Voted for cuts to the National Health Services

Works for the NHS as a Mental Health Specialist

Voted to increase taxes on small businesses

Backs small businesses to rebuild our economy and tackle climate change

Voted to cut taxes for the wealthiest

Will vote for tax rises for large corporations and the wealthy

Sent political tweets during Remembrance 2 minute silence

Respects the sacrifice millions have made for our freedom

Promoted by Professor Harriet Bradley on behalf of Nicola Bowden-Jones, both c/o 4 Emery Road, Bristol BS4 5PN

RE-ELECT

Chris Skidmore for Kingswood A message from Chris Skidmore your local choice to be your MP Dear Resident,

I’m standing again to be your MP in Mangotsfield, Emerson’s Green and Lyde Green and wanted to let you know why.

I would be honoured to serve again the area that has been my home. I’m the only local candidate standing for the major parties, and my family have lived locally for generations.

I want to continue to make our community an even better place to live and work. Over the past ten years, I’ve fought tirelessly for your local neighbourhood. I’ve helped over 30,000 residents with casework and held nearly 20 Jobs Fairs during that time, helping local people into work unemployment has fallen by over 40% since 2010. I’ve fought successfully for government investment in key projects such as the Bristol and Bath Science Park and the National Composites Centre, which have helped boost our local economy. Recently I have also helped secure £50m of new investment in the Advanced Automotive Propulsion Centre that will be built on the site.

A strong economy means that we can invest in public services. I have fought successfully for six new schools in the constituency - including the £5.4m Lyde Green Primary School which was funded thanks to representations I made to the Department for Education - while we are now ensuring every primary school will get a minimum of £4000 per pupil, with £5000 for every secondary school pupil.

And I’ve been keen to stand up for key local issues that I know matter to you. I have led the campaign for a Link to the M4 from the Ring Road, which is now being taken forward by government. I’ve continued to protect the Green Belt around Mangotsfield, Shortwood, Siston and Warmley, threatened under the previous Labour government.

Locally, I want to ensure we have the best recycling services possible, which is why we are expanding the Mangotsfield Sort It centre thanks to a local campaign run by myself and Conservative councillors.

I’ve grown up in the NHS - my mother was a nurse at the BRI and recently I served as Health Minister. I will continue to press for the Frenchay hospital site- downgraded under Labour- to be completed as soon as possible, with a new Health and Social Care Centre. While Cossham hospital was threatened with closure under Labour now it’s had a £21million refurbishment and only last month the Health Secretary announced that the hospital would receive a new £1m MRI scanner.

Unlike the other candidates, I also believe in respecting our democracy.

Our local area voted to leave the EU- and I have always voted in Parliament to leave and honour the referendum result, unlike Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour who seem determined to never trust local people.

Since I’ve been your representative, Labour has had four candidates, who all come and go at election time. Some have now even changed parties. I am here for you all year round and would be delighted to serve you again as your prospective local MP. With very best wishes,

Chris Skidmore

Chris Skidmore Promoted by Sam Bromiley, on behalf of Chris Skidmore, both at 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT

emersonsgreenvoice

14

December, 2019

n NEWS

Foodbank's Christmas wish list A MANGOTSFIELD-based season for those who receive foodbank which helps people in them. crisis is asking donors to help It is asking donors to help spread some Christmas cheer. by buying items on this year's Resound Foodbank in Christmas list, which are: Blackhorse Road provides food Small boxes of chocolates for parcels to people who have been adults left in need by an emergency Selection boxes situation, to make sure they do Yule Logs not go hungry.

Christmas cake slices At Christmas the foodbank Large mrSTAPLEhill(0319)1PP 13/3/19 11:54 Page 1 tins salmon includes some extra treats in its Large tins ham parcels to brighten the festive Christmas chocolates/biscuits

Christmas pudding Custard (tins or sachets) Crisps/Nuts/Cheese Crackers Christmas crackers Chocolate bars/sweets for children Small, quality, toiletry gift packs for ladies and men Small family games People come to the foodbank, which opens every Friday between 10am and noon, after

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being given vouchers by care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, the police or Citizens Advice.

They can exchange a voucher for three days’ emergency food, while volunteers talk with them over a cuppa and are able to give advice on longer-term help.

Resound also has a list of items which are needed on a regular basis and are currently in short supply.

They are: Jam (not homemade) or honey Tinned potatoes Tinned fruit (all types & sizes) Jelly Evaporated milk Angel Delight Fruit juice Sponge puddings Milk (Long life) Toilet rolls 2-in-1 Washing tablets Christmas parcels will be given out on Friday December 6, 13 and 20, and Resound is asking anyone planning to donate Christmas items to bring them in as early as possible.

Donors are also asked to check the best before date, to ensure that the items will last into the New Year.

For more information call Resound on 0117 305 0969 or email resoundfoodbank@ gmail.com.

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emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

15

n NEWS

Podium finish for kart driver Matthew A YOUNG driver from Emersons Green is celebrating success after he finished third in the Castle Combe Karting Championship 2019.

Matthew Baker, 19, competed against almost 60 drivers during the season, which finished in September, and won the fifth round out of six.

Matthew (pictured front, right after this year’s championships) won the best novice award in 2010 and first place in the Junior Championship in 2016, and also represented Winterbourne International Academy in the grand final of the British Schools Karting Championship in 2014.

Matthew is currently studying Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton, and hopes to work for a top tier race team in the future.

He said: “I have been doing the Adult Championship for three years now and it always has some of the best drivers from the

West Country, south of England and even from other areas around the UK. However, as well as the challenging competition, it’s always great to meet up with all the drivers each time.

“This season was pretty challenging from the start.

However, as the year went on I was finding more and more points, also winning the only

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rain-affected round of the year.

Going into the final round I was a large number of points off of third place in the Championship, but I managed to jump up after a strong final round, finishing ahead of the driver in fourth by a single point. As I ended up in the top three in the Championship I was given a ride around the main circuit on the platform at

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the back of the winners’ car in front of the crowds and had an interview with the commentator in the pit lane, it was a great experience.”

Matthew’s dad Mike said: “The first time we realised that Matthew had an aptitude for driving was when he was about five. We were at Legoland and he drove a kiddy car around a circuit in a model town. The other kids kept on crashing into each other, but he seemed to be driving really well in comparison!

“When he was six or seven he drove a junior kart in Gloucester for the first time, and went to Castle Combe for the first time when he was 10. He’s loved driving ever since, and has been round the Castle Combe circuit thousands of times.

“As a family we’ve followed him through thick and thin, and we can’t wait to see what he goes on to do in the future!”

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emersonsgreenvoice

16

December, 2019

n NEWS

People help to redesign cycle path

PEOPLE who use or live near the Bristol and Bath Railway Path have been helping to redesign it.

Transport charity Sustrans has been given £1.1 million to improve the busiest stretch of the path and is inviting everyone from commuter cyclists to pedestrians and wheelchair users to have a say in how problems and conflicts can be sorted.

In November three community "co-design" workshops were held at venues near the stretch of the path which has been earmarked for improvements, from Whitehall and Easton to St Philip's.

People were asked to suggest ways the path could be improved at five key areas: the bends at Clay Bottom, by Whitehall Primary School, Easton Community Centre, Russell town Avenue and the underpass below St Philip's Causeway.

As well as adding suggestions to hands-on maps of the areas, people at the workshops were

encouraged to put themselves in the place of other path users.

Sustrans will now take the ideas away and come up with designs which can be refined with the public's help at more workshops, which will take place at the Rose Green Centre in Whitehall from 3.30-7pm on December 9 and at Easton Community Centre from 5-7pm on December 10.

People who cannot make either workshop can give their ideas online at qrco.de/Onepath.

Sustrans has also visited community and interest groups to ask for their input.

Redesign project manager Alex Bottrill said: "All of the design ideas on maps were photographed, and will be used

by the design team to develop the designs, creating options to present at the next ‘co-refine’ sessions. Alongside the design meetings, members of the design team have been working hard to make sure we gather a broad range of views about how the path can be improved.

"More than 140 people have taken part in the community workshops so far, and a similar number have got involved online.

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path – One Path Facebook group has grown rapidly since the project began and now has almost 900 members.

"We have been busy meeting with disability groups, walking and cycling groups, sharing resources with local schools, older people’s groups, and working with a network of community connectors, with the support of Bristol City Council, to increase involvement and representation from the whole community."

He said the project team would continue to welcome any further thoughts on improving the path.

Easton ward councillor Ruth Pickersgill said some residents no longer felt safe on the path.

She said: "I have seen the path change over the decades from one that was full of children and families walking, cycling and enjoying the green space, to one where many local residents –particularly those with young children, disabled and older people – are fearful of using it during the busiest times, due to the speed and behaviour of certain cyclists.

"I really commend all those who use cycling as their chosen method of transport for environmental reasons and to reduce congestion, but I believe, as motorists now have to reduce their speed to 20 MPH in many built up areas of Bristol, there should be a low speed limit for cyclists in this part of the path."

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emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

17

n REMEMBRANCE DAY

Cadets proudly parade along Broad Street in Staple Hill

Mangotsfield war memorial adorned with poppy wreaths

Remembering the fallen YOUNG and old came together at remembrance services in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield to commemorate those who lost their lives during conflict.

Around 2,000 people gathered in Page Park for the annual service led by Major Colin Hylton Jones, of Staple Hill Salvation Army.

Civic dignitaries as well as local politicians and members of the police and fire brigade joined service personnel, Royal British Legion officials, and others in laying wreaths at the cenotaph.

Cadets, and young people from the scouts, cubs, guides and other local organisations joined the parade, led by Staple Hill Salvation Army Band.

Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillor Ian Boulton said: “The feedback, following a few minor improvements on last year’s event, has been overwhelmingly positive and we are extremely grateful for all the kind comments we have received.

“We would particularly like to thank our local veterans who joined us and gave us all an opportunity to honour them for their service.”

A further service took place at the nearby Alec Large Park in Mangotsfield led by the Rev Teresa Taylor from St James Church.

After the one minute silence, wreathes were laid by many local groups which included various sections of the Guides, Scouts, plus other youth groups, military associations and by local councillors Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell said: “As always, there was a large attendance. This year was also a special occasion at it was the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Cross itself, as it was erected in 1919 in memory of the local men who gave their lives in the Great War of 1914-18.”

A less formal service took place at the Red Lion, led by Clive Heath, chair of Mangotsfield Residents Association.

Sainsbury's Emersons Green held its own in-store service, with the supermarket celebrating 25 years working and raising money for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, £22,742.18 was raised, which is due to generous and caring customers we have in the store.

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18

emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Remembering – and looking to the future AMAZING. I’m talking about the Remembrance parade and service at the war memorial on Sunday November 10. I did wonder if there would be as many people attending, given that last year commemorated the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. I was wrong.

As was written in this paper last month, this year marked the centenary of our own war memorial and the Rev Teresa Taylor said some lovely and thought-provoking words, asking the young people there to accept a charge to continue to cherish the memorial and, perhaps more importantly, the memory of all those it commemorates. I am sure they will rise to the challenge.

We must also thank all those who attended a less formal but no less important act of remembrance in the Red Lion led by Clive Heath, our association chair. Again the attendance was amazing.

Our Christmas Nativity and lights fundraising is done: we have raised more than enough to do what we want to do, so we’ve placed orders for stuff and arranged for it all to happen, well, pretty much, anyway. We hope it will look great and become a permanent annual event. We are grateful for grants from our local councillors and from Mangotsfield Festival, donations to

Picture: Andy our crowdfunding appeal including some very generous anonymous ones, and from donations in the Red Lion and from Alimo. The plan is to formally “open” the Nativity scene with a carol service at the Dame School on Saturday December 7, at 6pm. More details will be provided via social media later.

There will also be a Carol Service in the Red Lion on Wednesday December 18, at 6.30pm.

This year the service will be collecting for Help the Homeless Bristol, our local community fund, and non-perishable foods for the Staple Hill

Community Hub. All are welcome.

We recently had a meeting with South Glos Council to look at common land in the village and how to protect it in the future. We also spent some time discussing the age-old problem of parking. We all know that it is becoming ever more problematic but we do need to make sure we protect our valuable public spaces.

We would like to hold a number of talks in the new year and have already pencilled in one in February about mining. We’d love to know what people would like to hear about – local history perhaps? Please let us know.

We are also starting to support Mangotsfield Festival, albeit in a small way, as more help is always needed to organise and run it. Did you know that the Festival has given over £20,000 to local good causes since it started some 28 years ago?

Our next meeting was due to take place on Friday November 29 at 7.30pm in the Scout Hall.

If you are interested in getting involved then please get in touch via mangotsfieldourvillage@ gmail.com or the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page.

Chris Amos

Join our team We look after adults and children at home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care.

We are NHS and Local Authority funded with hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

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emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

19

n NEWS

Awards celebrate volunteers' good work VOLUNTEERS from groups helping to improve the Emersons Green area were among more than 50 people thanked for the important work they do to help maintain South Gloucestershire's open spaces.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Spaces Network hosted the event at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, welcoming volunteers from 28 different groups who work across the district to maintain parks, nature reserves and public rights of way.

They included volunteer workers from Bromley Heath Park and Playing Fields, Friends of Leap Valley, Friends of Page Park, Lincombe Barn Park & Woods, Friends of Emersons Green Park, Lyde Green Open Space and Avon Wildlife Trust.

The volunteers were thanked for the work they do by the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Brian Allinson, who said: “We know that without your help, our natural environment and the places we hold so close to our hearts would not be as beautifully cared for as they are.

"Your help and hard work in all weathers is greatly appreciated and I would like to personally thank you and your members.”

Volunteers from the Forgotten Landscape

project spoke about the importance of surveying wildlife and shared their experience of recording water voles, great crested newts and wetland birds along the Severn Estuary, while council officers delivered talks on climate change and the measures being taken by the local authority to achieve its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and some friends’ groups hosted stands showcasing the work they do.

The Community Spaces Network is coordinated by the Community Spaces team at

South Gloucestershire Council. It has been set up to enable community groups which help care for public open spaces in South Gloucestershire to share knowledge and resources.

The network is free for groups to join and provides support and information, including volunteer insurance, volunteer support and training.

For more information email communityspaces@southglos.gov.uk.

Licensing Act 2003

Notice of application for the GRANT of a PREMISES LICENCE Proposed licensable activities: Sale of Alcohol on premises, provision of entertainment and late night Name of applicant: Lyde Green Community Association Address of Premises: Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close, Lyde Green Postcode: BS16 76W Date by which Other persons and Responsible Authorities may make representations: A record of the application made to the Licensing Authority will be kept on a register at the address given below and the register may be inspected during normal office hours.

South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards & Licensing Engine Common Yate South Gloucestershire BS37 7PN All representations regarding this application MUST BE IN WRITING and sent to:

Steve Evans, Director of Environment and Community Services, Trading Standards & Licensing, PO Box 1954 Bristol, BS37 0DD or email licensing@southglos.gov.uk. For further assistance, please telephone 01454 868001 It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a maximum fine of £5000 on summary conviction for this offence.

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emersonsgreenvoice

20

December, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday November 30 n St James Church Christmas Fair - Saturday 30th November, 11am - 3pm, at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield.

Many stalls including cakes, raffle, tombolas craft, turkey rolls, refreshments and Santa will be in his grotto. For further details please contact Ruth on 07826312630 Monday December 2 n The Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group will be meeting at 1.45pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Westbury on Trym. Peter Rose will give a Christmas themed presentation featuring words, music and pictures. Everyone is welcome.

For more information ring 07710 743613.

Thursday December 5 n Christmas concert by Military Wives Choirs Bristol with special guests Downend School Lads Choir, Christ Church Downend, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 adults/£4 children, includes refreshments.

See http://buytickets.at/ bristolmilitarywiveschoir/307012 for tickets Saturday December 14 n Christmas Singalong, St James Church Hall, Richmond road, Mangotsfield 6pm. Join us for some festive fun and Christmas songs and relax with music from the Winterbourne St Michael’s Hand Bell Ringers. Free entry and seasonal refreshments. For further details contact Ruth - 07826312630

REGULAR EVENTS Please check these events are still running

Mondays

n Am/pm Star Jumpers-Pre-school gym classes, village hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.30—11.30, Coffee Drop-In session—village hall, Free tea or coffee, contact Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.30am -12.30pm, Knit & Natter—Knitting Group, Village Hall. Tel 01454 862182 n 10.00—11.45, and 13.45-14.45, Diddi Dance—Preschool dance class, Village Hall contact Emily Norman 07850 983821 n 4.15pm – 6.30pm Ballet, tap and modern dance contact Kathy Plaster, 0117 9655660 n 19.00—21.00 The Daisy Foundation—Antenatal class Village Hall, Carrie Cherrington 07752 467535 n 20.00—21.00 Pilates Village Hall, contact Miriam Roberts 07889 243998 n 19.00 – 20.00 Flow Yoga, Village Hall, Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 7-8pm, Downend School n Phoenix Wind Band (20+ concert level players). Emersons Green Library, 7.30-9.30 p.m.

Varied, challenging, will appeal to Grade 6 players or above, e-mail phoenixwindband@hotmail.com. n Royal Naval Association, South Glos branch. Downend Cricket Cub, 7.30pm for 8pm 2nd Monday of every month. Call Bob Walker 0117 9567617. n Social badminton. Kingswood Leisure Centre, 2-4pm, intermediate level. n Drop in art group, Page Hall, Page Road, Staple Hill (please use side entrance), every Monday, 10am-12.30pm. No tuition. A friendly welcome guaranteed. Call Judith on 0117 957 0327. n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

Established and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 18:30-19:30 Pilates Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019 n 19:35 – 20:35 Flow Yoga Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019. n Keynsham Machine Knitting Club 2nd Monday Of Each Month 2.00pm-4.00pm Sterling Way Community Centre Park Road Keynsham BS31 1DF A friendly, supportive, enthusiastic group of people.New members welcome Contact Pat Hames 01454322553 n Pucklechurch Handbell Ringers meet from 7-8pm, termtime only.

You don’t need to be able to read music. Call Marion on 01179373528. We welcome all ages but to join in our activities, we would prefer members to be over 16. n Zumba session”– with Sam & Karen. 7pm -8pm 07799628308 n Bootcamp HIIT style 6pm – 7pm – Paul Green 07890742566 n Book club for carers – 11.45am -12.45 3rd Monday of each month – Stacey Vallis 01179652200

Tuesdays n Morning Jo Jingles—music for babies & young children. Village Hall, Tracy Bees 077139 43666 n Am/pm Star Jumpers—Preschool gym classes, Village Hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.30--11.40, Sing & Sign-Baby signing class, Village Hall, contact Katherine Amor 07594 460448 n Afternoon/Evening, Ballet, Tap & Modern Dance—for children & Adults, Village Hall, contact Kathy

Plaster 0117 9655660 n 19.15—21.00, Downend Art Club—for adults, Village Hall, contact Steve Wheeler 07928 799835 n 18.30-19.30, W.W. Village Hall, contact 0345 345 1500 n 19.30—20.30 Boogie Bounce— Fitness class for adults, Village Hall, contact Claire Boon 07805 360411 n 20.00—20.55, Emersons Green Community Choir—For adults, Village Hall, contact Rachael Hunt 07908 211174 n 1pm – 2pm – Seated Pilates for seniors Village Hall, Emily Doe 07737250042 n Meditation group, Soundwell Road Spiritual church, Staple Hill.

Every Tuesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

All welcome, details 01454 320179 or soundwellroadchurch@yahoo. co.uk n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 Tuesdays n Pucklechurch Folk Dance club. English Folk Dancing Club that meets alternate Tuesdays, 7.45pm to 10-15pm. Pucklechurch Community Centre. All ages and abilities are welcome .Contact details, Von 0117 937 2818 n Downend Camera Club. 7.4510pm, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, BS16 5RA. All abilities and interests catered for but beginners particularly welcome. n Messy Space – term time group for parent/carers with babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

Badminton Rd Methodist Church BS16 6NU, 10.00–11.45 am.

Wednesdays n Flower Arranging – Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn,

News from Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green libraries Christmas on the Hill Saturday 7th December – Staple Hill Library will be staffed until 4.30pm for Christmas on the Hill : There will also be FREE drop childrens Christmas Crafts activities available, also why not enter our Lego Competition, Downend Camera Club will be taking Family Photo Portraits for a nominal fee, book sale taking place outside Plus all our usual library facilities will be available.

Christmas Coffee Morning & Quiz – all welcome Friday 13th December at Downend Library 10.30am Christmas Crafts activities – FREE festive fun for 4 – 11 year olds Saturday 21st December 10.30am at Staple Hill Library Monday 23rd December 10.30am at

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Downend Library Tuesday 24th December 10.30am at Emersons Green Library Lego Clubs - our FREE monthly session for 411 year olds Saturday 7th December : 11am Emersons Green Library Saturday 14th December : 11am Downend Library Christmas Storytime & activities (for preschool children) Friday 20th December: Downend Library at 2.15pm – (instead of Friday Fun Time for this week only). Its FREE & no booking required.

Tuesday 31st December: Stories Round the (Christmas) Tree at 2pm (Emersons Green Library) Seasonal Opening Hours (see also www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries or facebook.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

com/sgloslibraries) Monday 23rd December: Downend & Staple Hill libraries staffed 10am – 5.30pm (Emersons Green - Open Access available 8am – 7.30pm) Tuesday 24th December: Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries staffed 10am – 1pm (Downend - Open Access available 8am 7.30pm.)

Wednesday 25th December: CLOSED Thursday 26th & Friday 27th December: All South Glos libraries Open Access only (8am - 6pm) Saturday 28th December - Tuesday 31st December : usual staffed & Open Access hours Wednesday 1st January: All South Glos libraries Open Access only (8am - 6pm)

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019 Overndale Road, 7.30 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel 0117-9568504 n Am/pm Music with Mummy pre-school music group, Village Hall, contact Debra Denny 0117 9574443 n 10.00—11.30 Rainbow Tots— Parent & Toddler Group, Village Hall, contact Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.00—11.25 Book Club, Village Hall, contact Diane Roberts 0117 9566963, Monthly n 18.00—2100 Pilates, Village Hall, contact Rose Skinner 07901914969 n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk n 19.00—20.00, Flow Yoga Village Hall, contact Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n 20.00—21.00 Zumba—Dance Fitness Village Hall, Amy Millard 07971 901686n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Contact 0117 9653421. n 13.45— 14.30, Diddi Dance, pre-school dance class, village hall, Emily Norman, 07850 983821 n 13.30— 15.30, Bingo—Win Prizes, Village Hall Tel 01454 862182 Fortnightly n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 17.30—19.30 T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do, Village Hall, Lee David Newman Tel. 07795 467262 n 10:30 – 11:30 Pilates Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019 n 19:00-20:00 Pilates Pomphrey Hill, Mangotsfield. Kerry 07919 051019 n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets alternate Wednesdays for English and American country dancing.7.45 - 10.45 at Frenchay Village Hall.

All dances are explained and walked through before dancing to live music. New dancers of all abilities always welcome. Call 0117 9868534. n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n ‘Mango Jams @ Lyde’ Parent / Carer Toddler Group run by St James Church, meets every Wednesday during term-time from 9.15-10.45am. at Lyde Green Community Centre, BS16 7AG www.stjameschurch.co.uk or Sally: 07733 25637 n Support your Self-Care with Monthly Maintenance Shiatsu Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm.

Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health

and lifestyle for just £35 per month.

Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@wholehearted-health. co.uk for more information and to book your 1-1 treatment session. n Wednesday Café, Badminton Rd Methodist Church 10 am – noon.

Weekly coffee, cake and chat for older folk. All year excluding 2 week break at Christmas and last 2 weeks in August.

Thursdays

n 09.30-10.30, W.W. Village Hall, Sarah Hills 07837 096297 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. Langley Arms, Guest Avenue.

1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements. n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk n Am, Mini Professors, science for pre-school children, Emily Hellewell, 07848 930513 n 11.30—15.00 Senior Citizens Social Club Village Hall, 01454 862182, Monthly n 12.45—13.45 Ballet & Modern Dance for Children Village Hall, contact Kathy Plaster 0117 9655660 n 14.00—16.30 Whist Club—Card game group for all abilities. Village Hall, Contact Pat Weymouth 0117 3732017 n 16.00—17.30. 3D Street Dancing—for ages 8—13 yrs Village Hall, Louise Hopton 07754 039059 n 17.30—18.30, Emersons Green Rainbows Village Hall, Lindsey Naldrett 078755 47434 n 19.00-21,00, Spanish language sessions, village hall, Fabiola Doano, 07960 426326 n 19.30— 21.15, Beechmere Belles W.I. Evening Group, Village Hall, contact Katie Bateman 07800 981777. Monthly n 19.30—21.00 Real Fitness with Sarah—Fitness class Village Hall, Sarah Buscemi 07975 943589 n 20.00—21.15 Karate—for adults Village Hall, Allan Harris 01179 323249 n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7- 18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 6.45-7.45pm Christchurch Infant School n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

21

07825 155954 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n 6.45pm – 8pm Qi Gong, Village Hall, Donna Pinker 07968158918 n 6pm-7pm –Flame Fitness, Village Hall, Alex Lambert 07769329027 n Yoga 7pm -8pm with Siobhan 07535971874 n Emersons Green Quilters, Christ Church Centre, Quakers Road, 7.30pm-9.30pm on second Thursday of every month. Contact Ann Price 07505267931 Email: emersonsgreenquilters@gmail.com n Pucklechurch Players drama group meets at 8.15pm in the meeting room, Pucklechurch Community Centre. Anyone interested in being onstage or helping backstage is welcome to come along. For more information text 07748 160562 or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Fridays

n 10.00—11.30, Rainbow tots, parent and toddler group, village hall, Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n S13.15-14.45, Splatt Messy Play, baby and toddler group, Contact Lynsey Abbott on 07713 480102 n 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148

& Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 13.30—16.00. Positive Steps— Adult Support Group Village Hall, Tim Dunton 01225 287431 n 14.00 –16.00 Emersons Green Ladies group Village Hall, Edith Anderson 0117 9573422 Monthly n 18.00—19.15 GKR Karate Village Hall, Mark Woods 07951 947280

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22

n WHAT’S ON n Zumba Fitness with Karen, 9.15-10.15am, Winterbourne Community Centre n Zumba Gold with Karen, 10.30-11.15am, Winterbourne Community Centre n 7-9.30pm Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, welcomes and supports all levels of experience including beginners. n Kingswood Probus Club, Warmley Community Centre, Deanery Road, Warmley, second, fourth and fifth Thursdays www. kingswoodprobus.co.uk n Spiritual healing at Soundwell Road church Staple Hill every Friday 7pm -8pm. Free entry.

Details 01454 320179 n ‘Mango Jams’ Parent / Carer Toddler Group run by St James Church, meets every Friday during term-time from 1.15-2.45pm. at St James Church Hall, Richmond Rd, BS16 9EZ, 07733 256372 n 12noon – 1.15pm – Over 60’s Seated Exercise, Village Hall, Caroline Aqui 07946201923 n 10am-11am – Spirals exercise class Village Hall – Carol Ramsey 07768732111 n 11am – Midday – Sosa dance class Village Hall - Carol Ramsey 07768732111 n 9.15am – 11.30am – Diddi Dance Village Hall, Emily Norman 07850983821 n 9.45am – 12.15pm – Spanish lessons Village Hall – Fabiola Doano 07960426323 n Spirals with Carol at Emersons Green Village Hall.

Dynamic flow class to music blending Pilates & Ballet to improve flexibility, balance, core and more. Mix of standing/ matwork with adaptions/ progressions. All levels. NEW TIME: 9.30–10.25am, £7. 07768 732111.

December, 2019

n NEWS Saturdays n From 12pm T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do, Village Hall, Lee David Newman 07795 467262 n 10-11 am Saturday Sports Club for 4-8 year olds at Mangotsfield Primary School, Church Farm Road, BS16 7EY. £5 per session.

Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@ sportingchance-pt.co.uk n 10.30am -12.30pm –Meditation, Monthly sessions, Village Hall, Eve Robshaw – 01179742633

Sundays n 10.30—11.45, Emersons Green Baptist Church Service, Village Hall, Kevin Donaghy. 0117 9575418 n 7.15pm Pucklechurch village badminton club meet in Pucklechurch village hall w members alway welcome. n Servicesat St Thomas a Becket, Pucklechurch - 1st Sunday in month 8.30am, Holy Communion said; 10am, Cafe Church; 2nd/3rd/4th Sunday 10am, Family Communion n Soundwell Road Spiritual church Staple Hill, Sunday service 6.30pm to 7.45pm. Doors open 6pm, all welcome. 01454 320179 n The Village Church,10.30am -11.45am, at Mangotsfield Primary School, Emersons Green. n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n St James Church, Mangotsfield.

8am weekly Holy Communion.

10.30am Ist Sunday: All-Age Worship; 2nd: Morning Worship; 3rd & 4th: Communion; 5th: Healing / Worship n Badminton Road Church.

Charlotte Close. The Big White Building. Morning Worship 1030am. Each Sunday morning.

Come and join us.

An artist’s impression of the pavilion

Pavilion plan unveiled NEW plans have been submitted for a cricket pavilion in Lyde Green.

As part of the original master plan for the development, outline permission for a cricket pavilion and pitches was granted. The facility is set to be located in the north east of the area, close to Lyde Green Common and behind the proposed secondary school site.

If approved, the facility will be constructed using a mixture of timber cladding and grey bricks. It will feature a 30-space car park, reception, two team changing rooms and showers, officials’ changing room, club room, kitchen and dry changing facilities, and it is anticipated that it will be very energy efficient. Oxford Architects, who produced the design for the site, state within the plans that it will be a key landmark building in Lyde Green.

No objections to the plans have been received from the public to the scheme or from Emersons Green Town Council, although South Gloucestershire Council’s ecologist raised concerns that the application does not appear to include any supporting ecological information. In addition, there are also potential issues relating to harm to the hydrology of the adjacent Lyde Green Common and how it will be protected during and after construction, as it is recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

The council is due to make a decision on the plans by December 9.

More details can be found on the planning section of South Gloucestershire Council’s website by searching for application 19/13689/RM.

Craig Anthony HAIR DESIGNERS

Wish you all a very

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Pop in for an appointment or a free no obligation consultation 1 Willow Centre Downend Road Downend

01179 571551 www.craiganthonys.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

23

n COMMUNITY NEWS

News from Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch

I

T’S been a bumpy year for Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch, with a number of committee members having to stand down for personal reasons during the past 12 months.

However, following a challenging AGM in September, where the group only just scraped together committee members to keep the watch running, they have now had a number of additional residents come forward to help with the objectives of preventing crime and making our area a safer place to live.

The neighbourhood watch, which is run by volunteers, was formed in 2017. The group hopes to tackle and prevent crime in the Lyde Green area by encouraging residents to communicate with each other and the police. Every resident is automatically a member

of the watch, which involves individuals simply looking out for their neighbours and the community, and reporting any issues or suspicious activity.

In Lyde Green, the watch is split into 14 zones, each of which is managed by a dedicated zone coordinator, who acts as a focal point for issues and concerns arising within their zone. Five zones are currently in need of a coordinator and the watch invites any Lyde Green resident with an interest in keeping their streets safe to put themselves forward for this role.

LGNHW have worked hard with the local police beat team to hold regular drop-ins, and are really pleased that the second beat surgery was held at Lyde Green Community Centre in November.

It’s a great opportunity to meet

the local police team, chat about any issues or concerns you may have, and to meet LGNHW, whose volunteers also aim to be there with window stickers and other information for residents.

The next police beat surgery will be held on Tuesday December 3, from 6-7.30pm, at Lyde Green Community Centre.

The new chair (and long-time volunteer) of LGNHW, Adam Harrison, said: “The watch is comprised of Lyde Green residents who volunteer their time in the hope of making Lyde Green a safe place to live. The success of the watch is entirely dependant on residents taking an interest and chipping in, so we are always keen to hear of anyone who would like to take part, no matter how much or little time they may be able to commit.”

LGNHW has had some excellent new volunteers who have joined the team in the past couple of months, and are extremely grateful for their time and effort to get the watch moving again. However there are still some vacant roles, including several on the committee.

Any resident of Lyde Green is able to stand for a role on the committee. To find out more about the scheme, email info@ lydegreennhw.com or visit the watch’s Facebook page.

The next watch meeting will be held on Monday January 20 at 7.30pm at the Folly Pub. All residents are welcome to come along and find out more about the watch.

Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch wishes everyone a safe and Happy Christmas!

You can read us online too: www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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24

December, 2019

n AROUND THE WI’S BEECHMERE BELLES: EMERSONS & LYDE WI It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and how wonderful all the shops and street decorations look.

We all have a lovely new tree decoration, which we made at our November meeting, led by two of our very talented members.

Beechmere Belles AGM was

another successful meeting and fifth birthday celebration.

The committee was voted back in and all posts were filled. Our amazing treasurer stood down after five years to prepare for the arrival of her fourth baby, however we have the perfect replacement: her mum. Our celebration cake was outstanding, a few glasses were filled with bubbles – the drinking kind, not the blowing kind - and nibbles were nibbled on. The quiz

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was brilliant, and gave more than a few brain cells a good exercise.

I’ve been reflecting on the past year and realised we have learnt a fair few handy things.

In January we had a colour analysis talk, February a very interesting talk on self-defence and March we learnt about foraging, with Heavenly Hedgerows. So I now know what to wear to suit my colouring, I am aware of my surroundings to keep myself safe and, in the event that I get a little tipsy over the Christmas period, get lost and have to spend the night in a hedge, at least I can find myself some breakfast.

Beechmere Belles welcomed a baby belle this year, who is the most laid back, good baby I’ve ever come across – more than a few of us had a little cuddle. Next year, one of our members will be getting married and another’s baby is due.

We had some brilliant speakers, Emma Briton being the funniest, but I think it’s fair to say that we were all inspired by Feed The Homeless Bristol; this is a charity we have taken to our hearts and will continue to support.

November saw the charity hold their Winter Warmer and as a WI we were able to supply 200

hundred pairs of new underwear, hand-knitted scarves and 200 individually-wrapped cakes, all freshly baked by our amazing members.

Beechmere Belles take a break in December but we still have plenty planned throughout the month. We have a table booked at a restaurant in Downend for our Christmas get-together.

Our meetings are held at Emersons Green Village Hall and we have a stall again this year for their Christmas event, our Cinema Club have an evening planned to see Cats and the committee will be putting the final touches to next year’s programme. It’s going to be a good one.

Our first meeting of 2020 will be Thursday January 23, at 7.30pm.

We are being given a talk about Bristol Zoo: I asked if there will be penguins, but apparently that would be frowned on. January: it’s dark, miserable and most of us will have suffered cabin fever over the Christmas period, so come along, join in, have a cuppa, a piece of cake and a chat.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the Beechmere Belles and everybody that read right to the end.

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emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

25

n CRAFT COLUMN Parcel Tree Decoration With Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s IT’S getting darker, it’s getting colder and Christmas is almost here. Why not create this gorgeous Christmas tree decoration for your tree or to hang in your home? You could even create them as gifts for friends and family. This project is ideal for using up scraps of fabric and ribbon – a perfect craft for those cosy nights in!

You will need 6 Squares of fabric each measuring 8cms x 8cms (we used the same fabric per ‘pair’) 50cm piece of ribbon Thread in a complementing colour Fabric scissors Sewing machine (optional) Pins Sewing needle Small amount of toy wadding PVA glue Wishing you and your families an extremely Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year and see you in 2020, for more monthly makes!

1 Begin by pairing up your fabrics and, with right sides facing, pin each piece of fabric around 3 edges, leaving the fourth edge unpinned

2 Now machine or hand stitch around each of the three sides, taking care to remove the pins as you go, and stitch halfway across the fourth side.

3 Turn all 3 squares right side out and stuff lightly with toy wadding

4 Take one square and where the open part of the edge is, fold each raw edge in slightly and oversew, closing the gap. Fasten off your thread by tying a knot securely.

Repeat for the other two squares.

5 You now have your ‘parcels’.

The next bit is a little tricky so take your time. Take your length of ribbon and find the middle by folding in half and popping a pin in this place. Now place each parcel on top of each other and pin the middle of the ribbon to the middle of the top parcel (you don’t have to be accurate here).

7 Make a loop with one end of the ribbon and secure in place to the centre point of the parcel.

Now create a small loop from each remaining end of ribbon and tie them in a knot so you have created a bow.

8 Using small hand stitches, remove the central pin and hand stitch the bow to the bottom of the loop you made earlier. You have now created a hanging loop for your parcels. Trim the ends of the ribbons and run a small amount of PVA glue along the cut edges to fix them. You now have a beautiful Christmas decoration.

6 Now take both ends of the ribbon underneath the three parcels, cross both ribbons over underneath and bring both ends of the ribbon back to the top again as if you were tying ribbon around a present.

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26 December, 2019

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

n ADVERTISING ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE n

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emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

n SPORT THE first two Saturdays in November saw mixed fortunes for Mangotsfield United in successive home games at Cossham Street.

On November 2, the Mangos went down 3-1 to Cinderford Town. In a game played in appalling conditions weatherwise, ultimately the visitors adapted to the heavy conditions better than their hosts.

Cinderford were 2-0 up by the break, thanks to a penalty from Craig Norman (20 minutes) & Josh Hunt (26), so it was always an uphill task for the Mangos in worsening conditions. The task became even harder on 54 minutes when Hunt made it 3-0 from inside the box and, although the Mangos never gave up and striker Dan Demkiv did pull one back on 84 minutes, it was too little too late.

One week later, again on a heavy pitch but in much better weather, Mangotsfield returned to winning ways with a hardfought 4-2 victory over Bideford.

The Mangos took the lead on

27

Mixed home fortunes for Mangos

8 minutes when Dan Demkiv latched on to a through ball from Jordan Rogers and fired a low drive into the bottomright corner. Their second goal came on 19 minutes, when Lee Hartshorn headed home

a left-wing corner from Tom Hillman, with Bideford keeper Liam Kingston well beaten.

Mangotsfield were worthy 2-0 leaders at the break, although both sides went close enough on occasions to have added to the score.

The second half began evenly, but Bideford were unable to make any breakthroughs and Mangotsfield added to their tally on 58 minutes when James Ollis headed home a right-wing corner for 3-0. Bideford were back in the game immediately as, straight from the kick off, Max Smallcombe’s deflected shot flew past home keeper Marko Radovanovic for 3-1.

This gave Bideford some spirit, and Mangotsfield had to work hard at the back to keep them at bay, but on 67 minutes, the hosts went 4-1 up when Tom Hillman was left unchallenged to turn in Dan Demkiv’s right-

wing cross. Bideford still weren’t finished, however, and on 82 minutes, Benjamin Carter’s left wing free kick sailed over Marko Radovanovic and into the net for 4-2, but the Mangos were good enough for the win.

The club’s programme for the match against Bideford had a special Remembrance Day cover, pictured, courtesy of official Club Photographer Pete Coddington.

Dave Smale

December Home Fixtures Saturday December 7, 3pm: AFC Totton Boxing Day December 26, 12.30pm: Paulton Rovers

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vet

emersonsgreenvoice

28

December, 2019

n VETS’ ADVICE

I

T’S hard to believe that it’s nearly Christmas and we have the long cold winter months ahead of us! These are some seasonal tips to keep your pets safe and healthy this winter: • Do not give your pet chocolate, unless it is the dog variety!

Chocolate contains theobromine that is poisonous to pets. Make sure any chocolates including chocolate tree decorations are kept well out of your pet’s reach.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, seizures, heart failure and death.

• Whatand we consider to be treats Your Vet can be extremely dangerous to Practice Owner: our pets: Christmas cake, mince Carla Puime Costoya pies, macadamia nuts, onion, alcohol, avocado, MRCVSgarlic, chives, grapes and raisins should all be avoided. Ingestion can be toxic and sometimes fatal.

• Some Christmas plants such as Poinsettia, Holly, Mistletoe, Pets at Amaryllis Home, and Lilies are highly reen, Bristol, BS16them 7AEwell out of the toxic. Keep reach of animals.

• Antifreeze is a very sweet com/bristol-emersons-green palatable poison for our pets, cats-and often fatal 5pm Sat,especially 10.30am 4.30pm Sun even in small amounts.

Top tips for Christmas wipe your pet’s feet and their fur on their tummy after they have been for a walk.

•O lder pets with arthritis will feel more discomfort in the cold so make sure they are kept as warm as possible when going outside.

•M ake sure your small furries are kept warm by providing extra bedding and covering their hutches.

•C heck water bottles daily to ensure they don’t freeze.

s Green

• Rock salt (to de-ice paths and roads) is a mixture of salt and grit which easily attaches to pets’ paws and fur and if licked off, It

can cause vomiting and lethargy and in severe cases lead to convulsions and kidney failure. It is very important to remember to

It is very important that you contact us straight away on 0117 910 9352 if you suspect your pet has eaten anything poisonous.

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green Inside Pets at Home, Emersons Green Retail Park, Emersons Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AE

Call us 0117 910 9352

or visit vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green

Keep your pets safe this festive season The festive season is full of of sparkly items and delicious food – a real temptation for your pet! Keep them healthy and safe with our top tips: • The following are all poisonous to your pets so keep them out of reach: chocolates, raisins, grapes, sultanas, alcohol, poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, ferns and pine sap • Xmas decorations may seem like fun toys for your pets, so keep those glass baubles and tinsel out of reach • Wash your pets feet if they’ve been walking on salted and gritted roads, these can be irritants to their paws If you do have any concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Merry Christmas!

from Vets4Pets Bristol Emerso ns Green

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green Inside Pets at Home,

Emersons Green Retail Park, Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE

Call us: 0117 910 9352 or visit: vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green

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Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

December, 2019

29

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

New health club opens

Finally, we’re in our new home!

W

E all know what’s it like when we find that dream property. You get an excited tingle and can’t wait to move in and make the place your own.

Well, it seems to have taken an age since I first thought about shifting our chiropractic business to just across the road in Mangotsfield. The old church school house in Cossham Street, built in the 1850s, needed a generous dose of TLC and a complete facelift really, to transform it into a bright new modern workspace.

Yes, there have been times when I thought the venture was completely mad and there’s been plenty of pitfalls and problems along the way. Sleepless nights, worrying about the new clinic, became all too familiar.

But now, eight months later and thanks to the hard work from a whole of host people connected with Cleve Chiropractic, we’re up and running. And there’s definitely no looking back over our shoulders.

Since we opened the doors of the new clinic a week or so ago, I’ve known it was absolutely the right thing to do. But don’t take my word for it – the feedback we’ve had from patients and visitors has been amazing.

Everyone’s been impressed with our new space, where there’s more room for the latest in new equipment, from treatment beds

to fitness facilities – and everything in between. We now have more treatment and consulting rooms to help keep you healthy and in better shape.

It’s the perfect place for all our chiropractors, physiotherapists and sport therapists to do what they do best – look after our patients.

We’ve added to our portfolio of expertise, too, with a new podiatry and chiropody service.

Pilates classes are already taking place in our new studio and there’ll be yoga following soon. It’s all geared up to make our visitors feel “at home” in our new home and to have a fresh spring in their step when they leave us.

You may have heard that one of our first “patients” was something of a prickly customer… just a couple of days before we opened, our team of builders came across Hector the hedgehog curled up in the corner of one of the treatment rooms!

He probably thought it was the perfect place for his winter hibernation as it was so warm and welcoming. As much as we all love our local wildlife, we knew Hector couldn’t stay. I took advice from a vet I know and released him back into his normal habitat.

Sadly, Hector won’t be able to take advantage of the latest special offers we’re extending to all new patients. It will cost just £10 for all new patient examinations, including any treatment needed during that first visit.

AERIAL SERVICES

www.theaerialman.co.uk

• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders

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0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@ clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

To celebrate our move, the offer runs until the end of January 2020 and includes all practitioners, chiropractors and physios. To make an appointment, just pop in to the new Cossham Street clinic or call us on 0117 957 5388.

Away from the all the excitement in Mangotsfield, I managed to fit in a few days at a European Chiropractors’ Union conference in Madrid. It’s always fascinating to meet up with your contemporaries to swap ideas and talk “shop”.

This time, I came away with the thought of how lucky we are in Britain to have a fully regulated chiropractic industry, which looks after both its own practitioners and members of the general public who we have in our care.

It’s clear that not every country has the same safeguards and high standards as we do.

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A NEW £11 million fitness club has opened its doors to the public.

More than 100 VIPs from across Bristol, including players from Bristol Bears, Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, were given an exclusive behind-thescenes tour of the premium David Lloyd club in Emersons Green before the official opening on November 11.

The club in Willowherb Road, on the other side of the A4174 from the Emersons Green shopping centre, includes a gym, four group exercise studios, indoor cycling studio, indoor and outdoor spas, four tennis courts, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools.

Membership costs start at £792 per year plus a £100 joining fee – rising to more than £1,500 per year for ‘Platinum’ package – and some Emersons Green residents have expressed disappointment at the lack of discounted membership fees for the local community.

General Manager Jack Phillips said: “After months of hard graft from the team, we’re excited to be finally opening our doors and look forward to welcoming members into the club.

“We hope that our members from the local community and beyond really feel the benefit of our top-notch health, fitness and spa facilities now available at our Emersons Green club.”

CARPENTRY

PHILIP PERKINS

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• Kitchens supplied & fitted or supply only • Full kitchen or fronts only • Worktops • Fitted Wardrobes • Door Hanging • Skirting • Stairs & Balustrades • Laminate & Wood Flooring • All aspects of general carpentry work

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CARPET CLEANING

BURGLAR ALARMS

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Electricians & Alarm Specialists

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CLEANING

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DECORATING SERVICES

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ELECTRICIANS

SEHC Electrical Services • Electrical Installation Condition Reports • Landlord Reports • Rewires • Fault Finding • LED Lighting • Consumer Unit Upgrades • Smart Home & much more t: 01173 824068 or 07766 077458 www.sehcelectrical.co.uk e: enquiry.sehc@gmail.com

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FENCING

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GUTTER CLEANING

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

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HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE

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December, 2019 IRONING SERVICES

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Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm celebrates 20 years!

A

S the picture shows, Father Christmas visited Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm in person this year, during his relaxing summer holiday. He came to wish the Christmas tree growers a very happy anniversary: 20 years of growing and cutting Christmas trees. Not only did he hand out presents to a few lucky children, he also remarked how beautiful the trees were.

“Thousands of trees! Enough for everyone!”

Having started out as a fairly modest concern of 6,000 trees in 1999, production has steadily increased to 35,000 trees to date, hoping to rise to 40,000 trees by 2021. So there really is plenty for all. For the growers, Peter and Simon Maughan, it has also been a gradual learning experience. “We pick up a lot of tips and techniques from our colleagues at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, but often we just learn the hard way – when things go wrong! Flooding in 2012, plagues of aphids in 2009, and drought in 2018. In each case we weather the storm and adapt accordingly.”

“One thing that I am particularly proud about,” explains Simon, “Is that we have stayed true to our environmental principles.” The farm was set up in 1999 with wildlife in mind. “While we are focused mainly on growing excellent

Christmas Trees, I estimate that perhaps as much as 60% of our land is not covered by tree foliage, and it is in places like these – in the hedgerows and in the spaces between trees – that native wildlife can exist.”

“With over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, it is important that we do what we can to conserve these habitats. We mow between the trees, rather than spray with weedkiller, which allows wildflowers to grow, and we have a lot of insect and animal life as a result.”

2019 looks to be a promising year for Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. The warm wet summer has boosted growth, producing full-bodied trees with good foliage, and the general appearance of the trees is very good.

Most excitingly, a new fully biodegradable Christmas tree net will be on trial. The first of its kind, it will be a huge step towards keeping the farm free of plastic.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm will be welcoming visitors from late November until Christmas Eve, 9am-5pm every day. “Choose and Cut” runs for as long as stocks last. Prices start from just £25. See you there! www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk Instagram: @frenchaychristmastreefarm

For your tree this year - visit the only place in Bristol that grows its own

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