Emersons Green Voice July 2023

& PUCKLECHURCH

Festival fun!

Children from Emersons Green Primary School danced in the arena at this year’s Mangotsfield Village Festival, which returned after four years away.

Photo: Chris Taylor. Report and more pictures: Pages 12 & 13.

‘I’m so lucky to be alive’

AN Emersons Green care worker who lost his leg in a crash says he is “completely overwhelmed” by the support he has received.

Life changed in an instant for Curtis Buca when he was knocked off his motorbike in the collision, as he travelled to provide domiciliary care for a client in May.

The keen amateur footballer’s right foot was severed and he broke his knee, thigh, pelvis, collar bone, ribs and hand.

An air ambulance critical care team flew in by helicopter and fought to save Curtis’s life before he was taken to Southmead Hospital.

Turn to page 3

Shop will be missed

EMERSONS Green’s only charity shop has closed its doors for the final time, after 12 years.

PAGE 5

Primary school praised by Ofsted

PUCKLECHURCH C of E Primary School’s pupils, teachers and “ambitious curriculum” have all been praised by an Ofsted inspector.

PAGE 7

Strikes continue

BIN and recycling collection crews are striking for three weeks - and more strikes could follow.

PAGE 14

Revel returns

AN 80’s themed costume parade was the highlight of the 72nd annual Pucklechurch Revel.

PAGE 25

Helping heroes achieve the impossible

A HUGE congratulations to Hari Budha Magar for being the first double amputee above the knee to summit Mount Everest (Sagarmatha/ Chomolungma) on May 19th this year!

A huge feat of human performance, and testimony to what we can really do if we put ourselves to task with the right support team around us.

We here at Sutton Chiropractic have been approached by Hari’s team to help him recover with our Performance & Recovery program – a huge privilege for us indeed.

Our program is aimed at athletes of all levels and areas, but we have a specialist interest in endurance and altitude athletes. The big secret is that this program can be tailored to anyone of any age, desires and abilities, with a spine functioning at its best with a balanced, supple and strong body our human potential can really shine.

Our Performance & Recovery plan is designed to tune you up for whatever endeavours you have on the agenda; climbing mountains, running ultra-marathons to gardening and everything in between.

The second most critical part is a thorough speedy recovery period to get people back to 100% as quickly possible, moving onto the next important milestone, be it big or small.

If you’re interested in our

program, do contact us on the details listed below.

One final humble brag, we had the great honour of celebrating the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay & Edmund Hilary’s summit of Everest at the Nepalese Embassy in

London on account of our performance work with mountain athletes.

It was such an inspiring reminder of what’s truly possible – please keep that hunger for life and if you want a winning team around you, get in touch with us.

Matt Sutton

Hari Budha Magar ice climbing

From page 1

Surgeons had to amputate his right leg up to the knee to save the rest of the limb and he was in the intensive care unit for 11 days after the collision, which happened on the A432 Badminton Road at Nibley, between Frampton Cotterell and Yate, on May 22.

Curtis has undergone several more operations since and has now moved from Southmead’s orthopaedic trauma unit to a rehabilitation ward at Weston General Hospital.

His girlfriend Stacey Hitchens set up an online donations page to help raise money to pay for a blade-style prosthetic leg, so that Curtis can be active again, to fund equipment or adaptations he may need to aid his recovery, and to ease the financial impact of losing his nine-year career.

As the Voice went to press, the page had raised more than £15,000 in three weeks.

Curtis can no longer do the physically demanding job he loved, or continue to be a platelet donor - he had donated more than 100 bags - after receiving 10 bags of blood himself.

Stacey has also left her job, as she was unable to take paid leave to help Curtis, and as a result the couple have had to move out of the flat they shared in Emersons Green, and face rebuilding their lives from scratch.

Curtis has no memory of the collision or the next four days, but soon realised how badly he was injured.

He said: “I knew it would change my life completely, however I was not considering all of the negative impacts.

“I just knew I was so lucky to be alive, and grateful for the amazing doctors who worked so hard to save me.

“The skill of the multiple doctors who put me back together as best they could was outstanding. “Every single person did their jobs so well, and were so kind to me, and attentive. I love the NHS and I wouldn’t be here without it.

“I have lots of options for the future. My plans have obviously changed, but who says it’s not for the better?

“I loved my job but I will continue to help people in other ways. Once I have recovered and got to grips with my new way of life then I aim to be a mentor to amputees in the future.

Carer thanks ‘amazing’ doctors and donors after crash trauma

“I have had to move home but I have a fantastic family, great friends and a perfect girlfriend who are all there to help me recover. I’m lucky to have a great network of people.”

More than 500 people have made individual donations to the fundraising page for Curtis.

Stacey says some are friends and contacts on social media but many others are strangers who have heard Curtis’s story, including bikers and dance music fans.

Curtis said: “I am completely overwhelmed by the support I have received.

“So many lovely people giving up their hard-earned money to help me is just wonderful.

“I feel guilty for it but I am forever grateful, as it will help me so much.

“I want to thank every single donor for their generosity - it has made me cry multiple times with happiness.”

Stacey said: “We want to make his recovery as easy as possible.

“He used to play football twice a week and he wants to get back to doing that, as well as walking our dog, Ruby.

“His employers at Prestige have given him the option of a possible office job but that’s not him at all - he’d rather find something he can do to continue helping people directly.

The fundraising page can be found at tinyurl.com/5fvwc88e

or by searching for Curtis Buca on Gofundme.com.

*Avon and Somerset police arrested a 39-year-old man on

suspicion of careless driving causing serious injury and drugdriving in connection with the crash that injured Curtis.

A spokesperson said the driver had been released under investigation, and officers are appealing for anyone who thinks they witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to call them on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 119 312.

Curtis Buca with dog Ruby at the hospital where he is recovering

Curtis and girlfriend Stacey Hitchens

emersonsgreenvoice

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

School bus in doubt

PARENTS of some secondary school children from Emersons Green and Lyde Green have been warned that their bus service faces an uncertain future.

The 459 service, operated by Stagecoach, takes pupils from Lyde Green, Emersons Green, Blackhorse and Bromley Heath to Winterbourne Academy and back.

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist

Ken McCormick 07715 770377

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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

Our August edition deadline is July 14.

LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999

NHS 111

Safer Stronger team

sscg@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc

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. Emersons Green 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@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk.

COMPLAINTS

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Emersons Green Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

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

A member of the

Winterbourne Academy increased admission numbers to accommodate extra pupils because of delays to the planned Lyde Green Secondary School, which was originally supposed to open last year but is not now expected to be ready until September 2025 at the earliest.

The 459 is one of five services whose future in the next school year is undecided as the school, bus companies, South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Combined Authority meet to discuss their future.

Parents were sent a letter by Winterbourne Academy head teacher Jenny Cartwright in early June, which said: “We have been meeting with the bus companies, with SGC and with WECA and will continue to do in the weeks ahead to try and clarify the situation, so that we can communicate it clearly and accurately to all parents affected.

“Following a meeting in the half term break, we can report that there is no final, definitive outcome for of any of these routes at present for next academic year.

“With term 6 beginning and the end of the school year approaching, we have been emphasizing the urgency of being able to inform parents as soon as possible and all parties concerned are aware of this pressing need to make the transport routes clear for September.

“However, there remain a wide range of unknown factors that will affect the viability of routes, such as changes in funding, possible additional subsidies and the impact of recent changes in political leadership in the area, which make it impossible to give clear information at present.”

Mrs Cartwright said meetings were taking place during June, and a meeting for current parents was planned for the end of the month.

She added: “I realise that this will be worrying to many families. Please do raise your concerns with local representatives in South Gloucestershire Council or the West of England Metro Mayor. It is frustrating, as a school who has no control over the buses or bus routes, to have no clear answers.”

EMERSONS Green’s only charity shop has closed its doors for the final time, after 12 years.

The Sue Ryder shop shut in June after the lease on its Emerson Way premises ended, and the charity says it is not looking for another store nearby.

The shop’s final day of trading on Saturday June 10 was described as “a sad day for staff, volunteers and customers alike”.

Manager Deborah Bressington, who was appointed seven years ago, worked with a part-time shop supervisor and team of 17 part-time volunteers to develop a “boutique-style” shop with a wide selection of donations.

Volunteers typically worked for one half-day or full day a week, receiving and sorting donations, displaying goods on the shop floor and managing the till.

One volunteer, known to many as ‘Dee’, recently retired, having worked in the shop since it first opened in 2011.

Volunteer Juliet Hills said: “The shop’s location on Emerson Way and the generosity of local residents meant that there was

Goodbye to Sue Ryder shop

“gutted” to hear the news.

The shop was described as a staple of the community and the “best charity shop in the area”, with residents saying they would miss the friendly team running it - and going on ‘treasure hunts’ on the shelves.

In 2021 the shop made headlines when an “as new” 1990s Super Nintendo Entertainment System games console donated by a resident made £2,000 in an online auction.

always a steady flow of donated items - and sometimes a flood!

“On particularly busy days it was not uncommon for 50-100 bags to be donated, sometimes necessitating a board to be put out regretting that no more could be taken.”

News of the closure was greeted with a mixture of shock and sadness by customers when it was posted on the shop’s

Charity to close entire shop chain

CHARITY Young Lives vs Cancer is closing all of its shops, starting with its Downend branch.

The shop in Badminton Road shut for the final time on June 10, ending a presence of more than 30 years on the high street.

Young Lives vs Cancer has two other shops in the area, one in Staple Hill High Street and another at Straits Parade in Fishponds, both of which will close next year, when their leases run out.

The charity says its chain of 13 shops generated a net income of around £450,000 last year, but this was “a lower return on investment than the charity can achieve through other incomegenerating activity”.

Young Lives vs Cancer was formed from a merger of Bristol charity CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood) and the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children in 2005, and was known as CLIC Sargent until 2021.

CLIC was set up by Frenchay businessman Bob Woodward after he lost his 11-year-old son Robert to neuroblastoma in 1977.

He set up the shops to help fund CLIC’s ‘Home from Home’ service, providing free accommodation for families of young cancer patients in hospital, which was the first of its kind in the UK.

The Fishponds shop opened in 1989 and Staple Hill in 1990, while the Downend shop is believed to have opened in 1992.

The Downend shop employed two members of staff and had 21 volunteers, while the Staple Hill shop, which will close next March, has two employees and 17 volunteers, and the Fishponds shopdue to close in December next year - has three employees and 13 volunteers.

Head of retail Sarah Wilsher said: “The decision to close Young Lives vs Cancer’s chain of charity shops wasn’t an easy one.”

Facebook page.

One customer said: “It’s one of the few places we can enjoy a browse of, and find some brilliant things.”

Another said: “Thank you for your service. You will be sadly missed.”

The closure was described as a “shame and loss to the community”, with one commenter saying they were

Sue Ryder regional manager Karen Rogers said: “We are currently not looking for other premises in the local area, and the nearest shops are now located in Kingswood and Fishponds.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all of our staff, volunteers and customers for all their support over the years.

“You have helped Sue Ryder to continue to be able to support people through our palliative care and bereavement services.”

Sue Ryder charity shop manager Deborah Bressington (right) with staff and volunteers from the Emersons Green shop on its final day.

n TURNERS VISION

Summer eyes: survival tips

When the sun is shining and the weather is nice, it's the perfect time to be outside. But with the longer days and warmer weather well and truly here, it can be easy to forget to care for your eyes when out enjoying the sunshine.

Peter of Turners Opticians

0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434

www.turnersopticians.co.uk

In this article I share some of our top tips for protecting your eyes, so you can make the most of those sunny days without any worries.

Dry eye – dry eyes can be a common issue when the sun is shining, but that shouldn't stop you from being outside. At Turners Opticians, we have the perfect solution to help you combat your dry eyes. Our range of eye drops is designed to preserve your tear film and provide the necessary refreshment and replenishment your eyes need. Keep a bottle handy, so you can instantly soothe and moisturise your eyes whenever you need to.

Ray-Ban – While most of us are aware of the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, it's equally crucial to protect our eyes too. Ray-Ban sunglasses offer both style and protection, and they're flying off the shelves at the moment! From our most popular classic designs to cutting-edge styles, we have a wide range to choose from. So, don't forget to grab a pair of Ray-Bans to keep your eyes safe and fashionable under the sun!

Allergy Defence – For those who suffer from allergies, sunny days can bring about eye discomfort and irritation. To protect your eyes from allergens like pollen and dust, consider wearing wraparound glasses or sunglasses. Additionally, our protection eye drops can provide soothing relief from allergy symptoms, ensuring your eyes stay comfortable and irritation-free.

Hydration – Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, and it's particularly important for your eyes. It can be easy to overlook the significance of hydration when enjoying sunny days. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you sip a glass of water with your favourite coffee or alcoholic beverage. Proper hydration helps maintain the moisture levels in your eyes and prevents dryness and discomfort.

Eye health - Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining optimal eye health, even if you believe your eyes are problem-free. At Turners Opticians, our team of eye care experts are ready to give you a thorough eye examination to ensure your eyes are in top condition. By scheduling regular eye exams, you can detect any underlying issues early on and receive appropriate treatments, if necessary. Your eyes deserve the best care, so make eye health a priority, especially during sunny days.

At Turners Opticians, we want to help you protect and care for your eyes, no matter the weather. To book an appointment or view our glasses range, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.

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

Making a ‘positive difference’ at Pucklechurch

A VILLAGE primary school’s pupils, teachers and “ambitious curriculum” have all been praised by an Ofsted inspector.

The education regulator visited Pucklechurch C of E Primary School in Castle Road at the end of February and its report, which has now been published, said the school continues to be ‘good’.

Inspector Faye Heming said the school was “inclusive”, with teaching that “supports all pupils to learn well”, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, and had a “culture of high expectations”.

She said: “Staff expect pupils to work hard and achieve their best. Pupils are eager to meet these expectations.”

The report said staff and pupils had “positive working relationships built on respect and trust”.

Children behaved well and felt safe, and staff were “proud to work at Pucklechurch”.

The inspector said: “Pupils understand and follow the school’s values of friendship, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, respect and courage.

“They enjoy the responsibility of making a positive difference in school. For example, pupils in the ‘Diversity Crew’ award certificates to other pupils who follow school and British values.”

The report said head teacher Alex Capel and fellow leaders had planned a “broad, ambitious

curriculum”, which set out the essential knowledge pupils need to know in each subject, was “carefully sequenced” to ensure they learn well and supported their character development.

The “high priority” given to reading form the moment children start school was highlighted, as well as the “effective systems” for checking children’s knowledge and use of information from assessments to support or challenge them further.

The inspector recommended that the school improve teaching of “subject-specific vocabulary”, particularly in maths, communication with

Police worker arson charge

A POLICE worker has been charged with arson after a fire damaged cars, hedges and a house.

Mark Pickford, aged 58, was arrested following the fire on Badminton Road, Downend, on the evening of June 2.

An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: “The fire started in a tree and rapidly spread to destroy two hedges and two BMW cars, as well as damaging the frontages of nearby homes.

“Thankfully no one was injured.”

Police said Pickford, who lives in Downend, appeared before Bristol Magistrates on June 5 charged with arson, while reckless as to whether life was endangered.

No plea was entered and he was released on bail ahead of a hearing at Swindon Crown Court in July.

The police spokesperson added: “Mr Pickford is a member of Avon and Somerset Police staff. His role is not public-facing and he has been suspended pending the outcome of the criminal and conduct processes.”

*A fire in an outbuilding in Pinkers Mead, Emersons Green, started accidentally, firefighters believe.

Three crews were called at about 8.30pm on May 24 after the shed caught fire.

parents, pupils’ knowledge of different faiths and range of extra-curricular clubs.

Mrs Capel said: “We are delighted with our recent Ofsted report.

“It is lovely to have the

recognition of the importance of our vision and values which all of our Pucklechurch family work so hard to thread through all that we do in school.

“The acknowledgement that our hard-work in redesigning our curriculum to be broad, balanced and inclusive, along with our holistic approach in nurturing our children’s character, not just the academic, is wonderful to see.

“Our children are an absolute credit to our school and the report is a testament to their desire to be the best version of themselves – we are always so proud of them all.

“As in everything we do, this is always a team effort and reflects our commitment and dedication of our whole staff team who work so hard every day to make Pucklechurch the wonderful place to learn and work that it is.

“Well done Team Pucklechurch.”

Pucklechurch head teacher Alex Capel with deputy head/SENCO Gemma Jones, Sophia Davis of the senior leadership team, school administrator Helen Cook and members of the school council.

Thankyou!

We wanted to say a huge thankyou to everyone in Emersons Green who put their trust in us in May’s election. We love this area and with your help we can make it an even better place to live, learn, and work. Since the election we’ve been getting on with our new Cabinet responsibilities and bringing in the change people voted for. Thank you again for all your support.

Katrina and Ron host surgeries Emersons Green Library on the third Saturday of every month from 10.30 – 11.30am.

They can also be contacted by email at:

katrina.al-hassan@southglos.gov.uk

ron.hardie@southglos.gov.uk

Hedges attacked by very hungry caterpillars

A PLAGUE of caterpillars is laying waste to hundreds of hedges in gardens across the area.

Box tree moth caterpillars strip box hedges of all their leaves, turning the evergreen shrubs into brown skeletons, which stand out from neighbouring plants whose leaves the insect larvae do not eat.

Although the leaves can grow back, experts warn that repeated attacks weaken the hedges - and many gardeners have been digging them up completely.

Among those whose gardens have been hit is Downend resident Dave Barrett, who has cut his own hedge back close to the ground after it was attacked.

Dave's box, or buxus, hedge was planted by a previous owner of his house, and is believed to be about 30 years old.

He said: "The hedge was a beautiful thing but I had to drastically prune all the greenery off and burn it, as it seems the only way to give it a chance at continuing to live and not infect other hedges.

"I'm hoping it will come back and what I've done will make it manageable.

"On a quick walk from Frenchay Road to Staple Hill I noticed every hedge of the same kind appears to be dying."

Royal Horticultural Society insect expert Dr Andy Salisbury said reports of the invasive box tree moth had seen a "huge leap" in the Bristol area this year.

He said: "Since first being reported in English gardens in London in 2011, box tree moth

has spread rapidly across the UK.

"However, it wasn’t until 2017 that is was first reported to the RHS from the Bristol area.

"Numbers of reports have gradually built up since then. This year, however, has seen a huge increase in reports - at the end of May we had already received nearly 700 reports, which is more than year totals 2021 and 2022 combined!

"There are two generations of caterpillars a year and it can strip box plants; although plants can survive, this successive defoliation will weaken them."

The RHS recommends trying to remove caterpillars by hand and or applying nematodes - a tiny animal that feeds on the caterpillars and can be ordered in packets online or from garden centres.

Pesticides should only be used "in a minimal and highly

targeted manner" and avoided if nearby plants are flowering, as they will kill bees.

Dr Salisbury added: "There is hope - there is evidence that predators such as birds, social and parasitoid wasps are beginning to find and eat the caterpillars; the RHS is carrying

out research to find out more."

Some gardeners are planting alternative species of hedge instead.

More information on control and alternative plants can be found online at rhs.org.uk/ biodiversity/box-tree-caterpillar

Dave Barrett with a box hedge that has been attacked by caterpillars in Downend near his home. The hedge to the left is a different species and has not been attacked.

A box tree caterpillar in a hedge that has been stripped of leaves

Exciting Opportunity: Become a Town Councillor!

Emersons Green Town Council is looking to expand its team with the addition of 8 passionate individuals! Are you someone with a keen interest in local affairs? If you’re enthusiastic about representing your community, and you are over 18 years old, we invite you to consider joining us.

What is a Town Councillor?

Town Councillors are elected representatives who serve specific geographic areas known as Wards or Parishes. While 8 Councillors have already been elected, there are still 8 Cooption spaces available for you to apply for.

What do Councillors do?

1. Decision-making: By participating in meetings and committees with other elected members, Councillors have the power to influence activities, allocate funds, deliver services, and implement policies that shape our community.

2. Monitoring: Councillors ensure that their decisions result in efficient and effective services, by overseeing their implementation and assessing their impact.

3. Local involvement: As local representatives,

Councillors have responsibilities towards their constituents and local organisations. These duties vary depending on the Councillor’s goals and availability, which may involve attending meetings of local organisations, engaging with community bodies, and advocating for public concerns.

Time commitment: Being a Councillor requires dedication, and our most committed Councillors dedicate many hours of their time each week. However, being a Town Councillor is ultimately a highly rewarding way to contribute to your community and help improve its functionality that will be worth the effort. As a minimum, you will be expected to attend monthly meetings of the Town Council, typically held at 7:00 pm on the last Thursday of each month.

Who are we looking for? You will receive support in your role and be provided with training opportunities. However, a positive can-do attitude is essential for collaborating effectively within our team. IT and organisational skills would be helpful too. Above all, we’re looking for people who are invested in the local area and keen to improve services.

How to apply: If you find this opportunity intriguing, please complete the application form, which is available on the Town Council website or Facebook page. You can also request a copy by reaching out to the Town Clerk via email at: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Town Clerk, who will be delighted

to assist you. Alternatively, if you would like to meet with a Councillor, to find out what’s involved please use the contact details below.

Application deadline: 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 19th of July 2023. Co-options will be considered during the Full Council meeting at 7:00pm on Thursday 27th of July 2023, where applications will be reviewed by members of the Council.

Please join us in shaping the future of our community!”

A SECURE children’s home rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted a year ago has turned around its fortunes.

In June last year Ofsted demanded urgent action at Vinney Green after inspectors found that children at the unit suffered “unlawful, painful” physical restraint and unjustified solitary confinement for up to three days.

The education watchdog’s latest inspection of the establishment found South Gloucestershire Council, which runs the unit between Mangotsfield and Emersons Green, had made major improvements in the last year.

Its report, published on May 31 following a three-day visit in April, said the home was now “lively but relaxed”.

Inspectors awarded it a rating of 'good' in every category assessed: education and learning; health; help and protection for children and young people; effectiveness of leaders and managers.

A year ago Ofsted criticised the local authority for “repeated failures” over several years, and said the Youth Custody Service had stopped placing young people at the home amid “serious concerns about children’s care, safety and well-being”.

At the time, the council accepted there were “practices happening which shouldn’t have been” and took immediate steps to address them.

The latest report follows Ofsted's third visit to the site since the 'inadequate' rating.

The inspectors said: “Children develop positive relationships with staff and benefit from predictable structures and routines.

“An inclusive culture which

Turnaround for Vinney Green

regular contact with their families and know how to make a complaint if they are unhappy about any aspect of their care.

They then receive a written response from managers, although records "do not consistently capture whether children are satisfied with the actions which have been taken in response to the complaint”.

A council spokesperson said: "We are very pleased that the hard work and commitment of our staff at Vinney Green has been recognised by Ofsted with this assessment.

promotes equality and diversity enables children to explore their developing sense of identity.

“Children appreciate the support they receive from staff and recognise that they have made good progress as a result of living in the home.

“Children’s views are valued. They are closely involved in developing their written care and support plans."

Inspectors said youngsters influenced decisions about the day-to-day running of the home by having meetings to make choices about menus, activities and resources.

“Staff make good use of the facilities to ensure that children can participate in activities that support their individual talents and interests,” the report said.

“Children are also encouraged to join in group activities.

“This helps them to learn how

Day Centre Activity Club

to build relationships with each other and with staff which are based on trust and respect.

“The result is an atmosphere which is lively but relaxed.”

The report said youngsters were encouraged to maintain

"We recognise that we will always have more work to do in order to continue to improve the support we provide to children in our care and we are committed doing that work, while we are pleased that Ofsted have recognised our progress so far."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Festival makes glorious return

Mangotsfield Village Festival returned after four years away, with thousands of visitors enjoying a day of music, dance, food and fun in the sun. ROSS JANES gives Mangotsfield Festival Planning Committee's take on the day.

Pictures by festival photographer Chris Taylor

IN my other occupation as Mangotsfield's funeral director I will often say to the families that I am looking after that “the one thing I can't control is the weather”.

Even if I had been able to, I really could not have done

better than the weather we were presented with for the festival on June 10.

The glorious sunshine seemed to lift the mood of the entire village as we began our traditional parade from the green, opposite The Lamb, which used to host the festival in years gone by, to our new site on the Johnson Road Playing Fields, courtesy of the Pomphrey Hill Community Sports Association.

A new addition to the parade was the fabulous samba band, The Sambistas, who really helped to make a loud, joyous noise and announced, in style, the return of the festival following its fouryear hiatus.

Families gravitated towards the parade and were drawn from their houses to dance on their doorstops, even those we in cars we had to stop were having a

little boogie in their seats.

Sincere apologises to anyone who was hoping for a Saturday morning lie-in!

Sadly the unexpectedly high temperatures meant that we had to cancel the dog show to ensure the safety of any dogs present but throughout the day we had a real mix of talented local schools, clubs, groups and bands in the central arena with something for everyone.

Walking around the festival site there was a genuine feeling of happiness, togetherness and the sense of a return to the roots of a “proper village festival”.

We are grateful to all those who have supported this years festival, many of whom gave up their time before, during and after the event, to help set up, run and clear away. We really could not have done it without

them.

With any major event there will always be lessons to be learned and the planning committee will meet for a post-festival review so we can address any problems and make any necessary changes or improvements for future festivals.

Mangotsfield Festival is designed solely for the benefit of the community and in order for it to continue and thrive we need support from those within it.

If you would be interested in joining the committee for any future festivals or even just helping out at the event then please keep an eye on our website www. mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk for the announcement of our annual general meeting later in the year.

Dance and drum group the Sambistas led the parade from the Mangotsfield’s village green to the festival site.

Festivalgoers dance to hits from Outa Time 80s

Emersons Green Primary School children's maypole dance

Performers in the First Steps and Carly Elizabeth Studio dance show

Mangotsfield and Lyde Green-based V Dance Academy perform in the arena

Mangotsfield Primary School’s choir takes to the stage.

Mangotsfield Ukelele Jam

67th Kingswood/1st Mangotsfield Beavers wait on the green to start the parade

Staple Hill-based Red X Dance perform in the arena

First Steps and Carly Elizabeth Studio show

Bin crews and social workers strike

BIN collecting crews are holding three weeks of strikes in response to a pay offer described as a "significant real terms pay cut".

About 150 workers employed by South Gloucestershire Council's waste contractor Suez went on strike for a week from June 12 to 16, with a further fortnight of action due to last from June 26 to July 9.

Union Unite said 89% of workers who took part in a ballot voted to strike, after rejecting an 8% per cent pay offer from Suez.

The union said: "With the real rate of inflation, RPI, at 11.4%, this is a significant real terms

pay cut.

Unite says Suez made profits of £80.8 million in 2021. The company’s South Gloucestershire bin loaders earn £11.53 per hour - equivalent to around £460 for a five-day week at eight hours per day, or just under £24,000 a year.

The union said industrial action would "intensify" if the dispute was not resolved.

Unite regional officer Ken Fish said: “Our members have been forced to take action because Suez refuses to table a reasonable pay offer.

"This is a lucrative contract and the council needs to intervene and force Suez to put forward a fair offer to our members."

Suez says its two most recent pay offers, this year and last, together represent a pay increase of up to 16.75%.

A spokesperson said: "Industrial action is the very last outcome we want to see - we still believe our offer is a competitive one and our door remains open to Unite Trade Union.

"However, with talks currently stalled, we are developing contingency arrangements with the council so that we can minimise disruption for local communities."

Non-striking workers were being told to prioritise black bin collections during strike weeks.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: "We are asking residents to please put all bins and containers out as normal on their usual collection day.

"We are prioritising black bin services and where possible will carry out other kerbside collections. "Bring recycling and food containers in by 6pm if not collected."

Residents were being urged to report missed black bin collections but not missed recycling or green bin collections, with green bin subscriptions being extended to "compensate" those who pay to have their garden waste removed.

Recycling centres were being kept open, with extra facilities set

up to deposit food waste.

On the picket line

SOCIAL workers and occupational therapists working in adult services for South Gloucestershire Council joined bin workers on a picket line outside the authority's Kingswood offices.

Their one-day strike on June 12 was the sixth.

Union UNISON has been in dispute with the council since last summer over a decision to award qualified staff in children’s services an extra £3,000 "retention payment" on top of their basic annual salary to stop them leaving the sector - but not giving it to adult services workers.

Social worker Sarah Bramley said: “Current figures show that retention of qualified workers in adult care is worse now than when the payment was agreed for children's services.

"But retention payments are not being considered for us, which makes us feel we are not valued at all. We hold the same qualification as our colleagues in children’s services and our job is incredibly demanding.

"The basic wage is already higher in all neighbouring authorities, so South Glos Council struggles to attract experienced staff and with Wiltshire Council, for instance, implementing retention payments for adult services, this problem will surely get worse."

Unison says 94% of staff voted for strike action in the ballot.

A council spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that UNISON have proceeded with strike action, given our continuing focus on delivering our workplace action plan, which addresses issues staff tell us matter most.

"Staff in all roles in adult social care undertake vitally important work in our communities in South Gloucestershire.

"We very much hope that UNISON will continue to engage with us on the actions agreed after the last period of industrial action."

The spokesperson said the authority had "maintained a good level of service and support to our communities and hospitals" during the strike. Row over black bin cuts: Page 16

Striking social workers and bin crews demonstrated outside South Gloucestershire Council's Kingswood offices on June 12

Art awards for Mangotsfield School

MANGOTSFIELD School's art department took home three awards from a national competition.

A total of 26 Year 9 students submitted work for this year's Art Bytes, an art and educational technology programme for primary, secondary and special schools.

The works - self-portraits created in lessons as part of the year 9 curriculum inspired by portraits that pupils studied in

art history - were put before an expert panel and an online public vote, with three from each school selected to appear in a virtual gallery and the young artists invited to a formal regional awards ceremony at Bristol's Royal West of England Academy of Art (RWA) on June 7.

Year 9 student Casey Blacklock won the South West regional secondary school artist award for her work 'Caseyometti', a mixed media drawing

and painting self-portrait in the style of Giacometti’s portrait, Annette.

Teacher Dawn Beedle won the regional secondary school teacher award for work promoting art both at school and in the community, while the school itself won the competition's community engagement award, recognising "positive engagement" from all students from the school.

College's 'positive learning environment' is praised

INSPECTORS have praised the "positive learning environment" and inclusiveness of a sixth form college which teaches hundreds of students from the Emersons Green area.

A team of eight inspectors from the education regulator visited St Brendan's College in Brislington over four days in March.

Their report, published at the end of May, found the Catholic college in Broomhill Road, Brislington to be good in all areas: quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; education programmes and provision for students with high needs.

The inspectors said: "Students enjoy their lessons because teachers have created a positive learning environment.

"Teachers value students’ contributions to class discussions and encourage full participation in learning activities. As a result, students become more confident and proud of their learning over time.

"Teachers set high expectations for completion of work and for meeting deadlines. When students fall behind, they are supported appropriately to improve their attitudes towards learning."

Ofsted said most students experienced

"high-quality lessons", produced work of a consistently good quality and learned from curriculums that enabled them to "move on to their chosen destinations".

The inspectors said: "Students enjoy the non-judgemental, inclusive atmosphere at the college, where they feel that they can be themselves and are respected as individuals.

"Students from a wide diversity of backgrounds, including those of various faiths, those with special educational needs or disabilities and students from the LGBTQ+ community, feel welcomed and valued at the college."

However the report said the college needed to improve opportunities for work experience and teaching students how to use the skills they learn in the workplace, involve more employers in developing the curriculum, and improve students’ understanding of the dangers of

radicalisation and extremism locally.

St Brendan's has around 1,800 students aged from 16 to 18 studying A-levels or equivalent vocational qualifications, including hundreds who move there after GCSEs from Downend, Mangotsfield, Winterbourne, John Cabot and other local secondary schools.

Principal Marian Curran said: "We are delighted that Ofsted have highlighted the strong learning culture that exists at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College.

"We are a highly inclusive college, where individuality and the education of the whole person is nurtured.

"I am pleased that the inspectors have not only recognised our academic standards, but also the high level of support that our students receive and our culture of safeguarding.

"A huge thank you to all our staff who relentlessly support students academically and pastorally to be the best that they can be. A huge thank you to our students who are a credit to our college community, and finally to our parents and carers for their support.

" This Ofsted report is testament to the hard work of our staff and the resilience of our students”.

St Brendan's Sixth Form College principal Marian Curran

Mangotsfield School's prize winners at the RWA

BLACK bin collections could be reduced to just once a month and garden waste fees hiked from £30 to £75 under controversial plans being considered by South Gloucestershire Council.

Opposition Tories have branded the proposals, which include new charges for disposing tyres and plasterboard at tips, as “crazy and irresponsible”.

But the new Lib Dem/Labour coalition running the council says the criticism is “astonishing and rather cynical”, as the work on a new waste contract was “largely done by their previous Conservative administration”.

Changes to how the service is run are needed because the council’s 25-year deal with Suez ends in 2025.

Officers have assessed four options to replace it but every one involves a massive funding shortfall.

The cheapest, costing £330 million over 10 years, would see bin collections are outsourced to a private operator while recycling centres are brought back in-house.

This needs more than 50 extra council staff and would leave the council having to find an extra £4.7m a year to run the service.

Cabinet members were being asked to approve general principles ahead of a consultation over the summer and a final decision in October.

A report at a cross-party scrutiny

Row over plan to cut black bin collections

commission on June 14 said having threeweekly black bin collections from 2026 would save £500,000 a year, saving a further £300,000 by going four-weekly.

Charges for disposing of “hardcore” waste, such as asbestos and tyres, at tips would bring in £500,000. Fees for collecting bulky waste could also increase.

Increases to the green bin subscription, from £30 to £50, bringing in £800,000 a year, were proposed in the Tories' last budget but scrapped following objections.

However, these are now back on the table but officers said the garden waste charge might need to be increased to £60 or even £75 a year, and that residents would have to pay £25 for a replacement bin.

Conservative shadow cabinet member Rachael Hunt said: "We have an excellent record of prosecuting people for fly-tipping.

“These crazy and irresponsible proposals could see that record seriously jeopardised, as people try to avoid charges and deal with the accumulation of rubbish they’ll see when their bins aren’t emptied as regularly."

Labour cabinet member for communities and local place Leigh Ingham said: “It is astonishing, and rather cynical, that the Conservatives seemingly appear surprised by the proposals as the work on this project which was largely done by their previous Conservative administration."

"This new administration believes in listening to the people of South Gloucestershire and we don’t want to prejudge the findings of meaningful engagement activities with residents which will be taking place over the summer.

“The new Lib Dem and Labour partnership administration has inherited incomplete plans for £40m of cuts to be delivered over the next four years."

Officers said “awkward” waste, such as nappies, clinical and sharp objects, would be collected more frequently than black bin rubbish under the proposals and that there was plenty of time to talk to residents and explain why the changes were needed.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Tournament for Nick

A CHARITY football tournament at Mangotsfield United's Cossham Street ground will raise funds for Bristol Rovers player Nick Anderton.

The NA16 Cup event will see a side representing Mangotsfield compete for glory with three teams made up of influencers from social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitch and YouTube.

Left back Nick, who played a key role in Rovers' successful 202122 season promotion campaign, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, osteosarcoma, last July and had to retire from the sport in April after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy.

A fundraising campaign to support Nick and his family was launched by Rovers staff and supporters.

The NA16 Cup, named after Nick's initials and squad number, is the idea of Jake Milsom, 16, a Rovers fan from Emersons Green who has been working for the club having just finished his GCSEs at Downend School, and his cousin Reece Flook, 21, from Kingswood.

Jake said: "I don't know Nick that well but he's part of the club and the Rovers family - every penny we make will be going to Nick and his young family."

The event will take place on July 27 between 11am and 4pm, with more details and tickets available via the website thena16cup.com.

Nick Anderton in hospital

Mike Drew has been elected as this year's chair of South Gloucestershire Council. Yate North ward councillor Drew, who has 40 years of service, will perform ambassadorial roles, with councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi (Con, Bradley Stoke North) elected vice-chair. Cllr Drew is supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association as his charity of the year, after his younger brother died from the disease five years ago.

Council's new leadership teams unveiled

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's new joint Liberal Democrat and Labour administration has announced the cabinet that is taking on the administration of the council.

Last month the Voice reported that the two parties had agreed to share power after the Conservatives lost their overall majority, with Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young becoming the council leader and Labour group leader Ian Boulton, who represents Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward, becoming co-leader.

Following the first meeting of the new council at the end of May, the other cabinet councillors - four Lib Dems and three Labour - and their areas of responsibility were confirmed.

They are:

• Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North) - planning, regeneration, and infrastructure

• Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock) - cost of living, equalities and public health

• Louise Harris (Lib Dem, Dodington) - climate and nature emergency

• Maggie Tyrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) - children and young people

• John O’Neil (Lib Dem, Charfield) - adults and homes

• Adam Monk (Lab, Filton) - resources

Leigh Ingham (Lab, Kingswood) - communities and local place

Cllr Young will be responsible for council governance, with Cllr Boulton looking after education, skills, employment and business.

Cllr Young said the new cabinet "delivers a broad range of experience across the council’s work areas".

She said: "This is an excellent opportunity to put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire and to help improve the lives of local people. We want to change the way decisions are made and work with residents and communities to ensure they are supportive of our plans.

The council's Conservative group, which remains the largest even though it no longer has a majority, has announced its shadow cabinet.

Frenchay & Downend ward councillor Liz Brennan, the group's deputy leader, will hold the group's planning, regeneration and infrastructure brief, while Emersons Green ward councillor Rachael Hunt, who is now the only Conservative representative for the ward, will be the shadow member for communities and local place.

Group leader Sam Bromiley said: "The new administration must put the best interests of residents at the heart of everything it does, and the people of South Gloucestershire can be assured that the Conservative Group will be firmly on their side."

A CHOIR from South Africa performed for pupils and parents at Mangotsfield C of E Primary School.

The Project Zulu Choir, from township schools in KwaZulu Natal province, also took part in some lessons with children in the school’s upper years.

Project Zulu is an educational development programme run by the University of the West of England to promote lifelong learning in KwaZulu Natal, and this year was the fifth time - but the first time since the pandemic - that it had brought a choir to tour the UK.

This year’s choir came from Jobstown Primary and Mntimande Primary schools, and members rehearsed traditional Zulu songs and dances before travelling overseas for the first time to perform in schools, concert halls, churches and in open air city centre spaces for ‘busking days’.

All money raised went back into supporting educational development projects at the schools.

Mangotsfield Primary’s Year

6 Lead, Cherith Scott, said: “iWe

Our son needs a special school

THE family of a boy with autism who has not been to school for more than 18 months are asking South Gloucestershire Council to rethink its decision not to offer him a place at a special school.

The council accepts that Mason Evans-Rice, who lives in Soundwell, needs extra support. But it insists this should be done in a mainstream school with a resource base for pupils with disabilities.

The council says the only place available is at Blackhorse Primary School, which his parents Kevin Rice and Becky Evans removed him from in 2021, after disagreements over his education.

Kevin and Becky have paid for a private assessment which concluded Mason, who is 10, would make progress in a special school, and say the council's own assessment process has

South African choir showcase for school

have had a very exciting start to our summer term at Mango as we welcomed the Project Zulu Choir to join us for the day.

“The choir performed and showcased their beautiful voices during our morning assemblies,

before visiting Year 4, 5 and 6 to enjoy themed art lessons with our learners.

“As our wonderful day came to an end, the choir managed to squeeze in one final performance for our parent audience in our

outdoor amphitheatre.

“Team Mango thoroughly enjoyed hosting our visitors and learning more about their culture, alongside the work of Project Zulu.”

at Mason's lack of progress led to Becky and Kevin removing him from school in October 2021 and teaching him at home - but as a result the EHCP process was restarted from scratch.

Becky said: "He can learn in the right environment but there's no way on earth a mainstream school can do what this child needs - he just shuts down.

"I'm happy to educate Mason at home but I'm not trained in providing the support he would get in an SEN school. He's been struggling for four years."

been shambolic, with delays, poor communication and a psychologist's report made on the basis of a short phone call.

They say the council is failing to take into account their viewsor the emotional trauma caused to Mason by the death of his four-year-old sister Raeyah from cancer earlier this year.

Mason's communication difficulties were first noticed by a reception class teacher at Blackhorse, which was near the family's previous home in Emersons Green.

During the pandemic Becky,

who has been an early years practitioner for 20 years, found Mason was unwilling to take part in online lessons or work at home, despite her efforts to help, and after schools returned in September 2020 the process of getting an education, health and care plan (EHCP), which assesses how much extra support a child needs, began.

Kevin and Becky paid for a private assessment, which resulted in an autism diagnosis that was accepted by the NHS.

A breakdown in relations with the school and frustration

A council spokesperson said: "We cannot comment publicly on any specific case, however it is important to us that every child is assessed individually, with the aim of finding the best support, locally wherever possible, to meet their specific needs.

"The majority of children with special educational needs, including those with EHCPs, are able to have their needs met and can thrive in our mainstream schools.

“The findings of Ofsted inspections of our mainstream schools over the last two years emphasise the high quality educational offer available to children and young people with special educational needs."

Mason Evans-Rice, pictured with mum Becky Evans and dad Kevin Rice

The Project Zulu Choir perform in Mangotsfield Primary School’s hall.

Hidden Gems

on South Gloucestershire high streets

Discover unique and quirky finds across South Gloucestershire, on urban high streets and market towns, at small, independent businesses offering friendly service and something out of the ordinary.

Beach Boudoir

Chipping Sodbury

At the end of Chipping Sodbury High Street, Beach Boudoir is a specialist swimwear shop that opened in 2021. They offer a wide range of bikinis, swimming costumes, and beach coverups. Vicky, the owner, enjoys helping customers explore new styles. Whether you’re looking for a fresh holiday outfit or planning a girls' trip, Beach Boudoir has over 100 styles in sizes ranging from small to plus, there’s something for everyone.

www.beachboudoirbb.com

Safari Rock

Softplay café

Thornbury

Looking for a place to unwind while your kids play? Safari Rock is a family-friendly softplay café. Owner Aimee designed the play area with parents in mind, so you can always keep an eye on your little ones without having to climb around inside the equipment. They also offer animal encounter days, where kids can meet exotic animals, reptiles, and insects.

www.safarirock.co.uk

Eclectic Gift Shop

Hanham

Discover unique, locally made gifts at Hanham’s Eclectic Gift Shop. They have an amazing range of Bristolthemed items, such as locally brewed beer, cider, and gin, prints of Bristol landmarks, clothing, jewellery, and more. Nicola, the owner, is passionate about supporting local artists and makers saying ‘you know when you buy something here you are supporting independent makers.’

www.eclecticgiftshop.co.uk

Fabrics Plus Downend

Fabrics Plus is a haven for crafters. They offer a diverse range of supplies, including quilting, dressmaking, and upholstery fabrics, yarn, patterns, haberdashery, fabric dyes, and felting equipment. Owner Robin and the team are experienced crafters themselves and provide guidance on fabric and yarn choices. They also offer classes on various crafts.

www.fabrics-plus.co.uk

Fresco Fish Kingswood

Fresco Fish on Regent Street is a traditional fishmonger with an impressive selection of fish and seafood. From wild sardines to organic salmon and dressed crab, they have something for every taste. Michael, the owner, and his staff are always available to provide advice on preparation, storage, and cooking.

www.frescofishmarket.co.uk

Bike Station Yate

goto IT Filton

Need help with a broken smartphone, a slow-running computer or something not quite right with your laptop? The goto IT team offer free diagnostics and clear, jargon free, explanations to ensure customers understand the issues and solutions. They also provide IT support for local businesses of all sizes.

www.goto-it.co.uk

The Friendly Eco Staple Hill

The Friendly Eco is a sustainable parenting store. They specialise in cloth nappies and offer a range of brands. Owner Freya is passionate about promoting sustainability and diversity, offering toiletries, reusable sanitary products, plastic-free lunchbox supplies, wooden toys, and children’s books. They also provide nappy classes to help families make informed decisions.

www.thefriendlyeco.co.uk

Bike Station has been serving the community for 19 years. They have a wide selection of bikes for adults and children, including road, mountain, and electric bikes. Jude and Pat, the owners, provide expert advice on choosing the right bike, bike fitting, and saddle options for a comfortable ride. They also have a fully equipped workshop for manual and electric bikes so, if your bike needs a repair, suspension servicing, or your electric bike battery has gone dead you can book in with their qualified bike mechanic.

www.bikestationuk.com

Supporting small, independent businesses on our high streets is a great way to contribute to the local economy. In South Gloucestershire, there are plenty of free parking spaces available for short and long stays on our high streets so make sure you check out a hidden gem and other independent businesses on their local high street on your next shopping trip.

We need the right homes in the right places

AS the local MP, I have always championed building the right homes in the right places for local people.

This has included the protection of our Green Belt countryside, promoting brownfield regeneration and ensuring the necessary investment in community infrastructure, like health and education.

Most recently, I have been campaigning in support of residents concerned about a recent planning application seeking to build around 150 houses in the Green Belt in Hanham.

It serves as an example that we should avoid across the constituency – a speculative application that would lead to urban sprawl, environmental damage and minimal investment into local services and facilities.

The developer’s plans appear to be a result of the West of England Combined Authority’s welldocumented attempt last year to force South Gloucestershire to build 37,000 more houses – 10,000 more than government figures suggest is needed to meet local demand.

The Green Belt countryside around the Kingswood constituency was earmarked for many thousands of new houses.

Whilst South Gloucestershire Council blocked this plan from the combined authority, the development

industry were busy snapping up the land needed to meet the combined authority’s damaging target.

They are trying their luck in putting their plans in before the council’s new local plan is published later this summer, which I hope will re-confirm the importance of protecting the Green Belt.

I commend the work of Green Belt groups, campaigners and local councillors in helping to raise awareness in our local communities.

Building more homes here without the necessary investment in services and infrastructure will just pile pressure onto already-stretched facilities.

When it comes to building the homes, jobs and infrastructure we need for local people, we should prioritise brownfield development and urban regeneration.

That’s why the regeneration of Kingswood town centre and sites like Kleeneze in Hanham, the old Grange site in Warmley and parts of the Gallagher Retail Park – to name just a few - are so important. We shouldn’t see our precious green fields concreted over when empty or underused brownfield sites remain in the area, which could provide the new affordable homes and high quality jobs we so desperately need for a prosperous and zero-carbon future.

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

My force is racist, says top cop

THE Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Police says the force is “institutionally racist”.

Sarah Crew said the constabulary is also likely to have a culture of misogyny, homophobia and discrimination against people with disabilities.

In a statement published on the police website on June 16, Ms Crew said that the “system is unfair” on black and other ethnic minority people, and vowed to put it right.

Her comments come in the wake of Baroness Carey’s review into the Metropolitan Police, published in March, which she said was a “catalyst for us to examine ourselves”, along with a damning report last year by Desmond Brown, a former chair of Bristol’s Commission for Race Equality, identifying “disproportionality” in areas including stop and search decisions.

Ms Crew said Mr Brown’s findings showed “clear evidence of differential experiences in the way we interact with people from different ethnic and racial backgrounds,

particularly those who are from black heritage communities”.

She said: “When it comes to race, I’m in no doubt that, by Baroness Casey’s criteria at least, Avon & Somerset Police is institutionally racist.

“I must accept that the definition fits.

“I think it’s likely to be true for misogyny, homophobia and disability as well, though the gaps in the data don’t give us the sense of scale, impact, or certainty that we have for race.

“I need to be clear – I’m not talking about what’s in the hearts and minds of most people who work for Avon & Somerset Police.

“This is about recognising the structural and institutional barriers that exist and which put people at a disadvantage in the way they interact with policing because of their race.

“Not being racist is no longer good enough, not for me and not for any of us.”

Ms Crew was accused of “virtue signalling” by Avon & Somerset Police Federation chairman Mark Loker, who represents rankand-file officers.

In a statement responding to Ms Crew, Mr Loker that while the police needed to have “difficult conversations” about racism, her words had done “nothing to drive change or amend culture”.

He said: “I contend that by our Chief declaring Avon & Somerset as ‘institutionally racist’ this will create a false narrative and actually drive a divide between our officers

and the communities this is intended to assist.

“It does not, in my view, promote brave conversations, it in fact stunts any conversation and becomes a label, nothing more.

“We do not always get it right, but in the absence of any data that supports this position and states that we are ‘institutionally racist’, this is nothing more than virtue signalling.”

Both Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees have backed Ms Crew’s comments.

Mr Shelford said the chief constable had his full confidence, and was “demonstrating openness, courage and a willingness to be held accountable by the communities that she and our dedicated police officers and staff serve”.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Chief Constable Sarah Crew

Pucklechurch Guides dressed as the kids from Fame

The Revel king and queen, prince and princesses and pixies on their float

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Celebrating ‘pupil power’

IT was fantastic to see over 150 young people from 60-plus secondaries right across the West of England at my Schools Summit - our region’s first ever.

It was held under the wings of Concorde over at Aerospace Bristol in Filton - and I could tell the moment I walked in this was going to be a supersonic event!

How right I was - local students took part in thought-provoking and really fun sessions designed to get them thinking about what our West of England region might look like in the future, how they want to shape it, and what part they will play in this.

As you might expect, the climate crisis was a big, big topic of conversation, because this region’s youngsters, and young people in general, will be most impacted by our changing climate, and will be taking some very difficult decisions in the future.

If you had seen the session organised by Bristol Energy Network it would have all looked a bit nuts, with students jumping around on a giant Monopoly-style board wearing chicken hats. But I promise you, there was a serious message there about how to cut our energy use!

Another favourite was Atkins’ workshop,

where I saw curious young people finding out about being engineers and planners through a LEGO model of a city.

Other big employers, including Airbus, Deloitte and Firstbus, ran sessions on the future of transport, culture and sport.

The ideas of the young people were all noted down, so as to directly influence the future of West of England policy.

That’s important - the ideas students came up with could, genuinely, change our West of England region for the better. And I’m already taking steps to ensure this is the case, visiting participating schools like Yate Academy and others to update them on how mayoral combined authority policy – like our upcoming plan for transport – will be changing thanks to their awesome ideas.

Meanwhile, at the ‘marketplace’, students could pick up some wildflower seeds to help me in my efforts to make the West the bee and pollinator capital of the UK, meet a robot dog and learn about the routes to becoming an apprentice.

And I got to play Duncan Bannatyne when a dozen students pitched great policy ideas to me in a live Dragon’s Den-style event.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

My thanks to all the students for sharing their ideas, which will really help me get on with making our region an even better place to live, study, and thrive. My thanks also to their teachers, and all the local businesses and organisations who helped make it a success.

I came away feeling buoyed by these young people, the true change-makers and system-shakers - their imagination truly has no limits.

I call that Pupil Power. Now I have the task of harnessing this energy and turning these ideas into reality.

I know they’ll be making sure to hold me to my promises!

Tennis for hospice

A CHARITY tennis event raised more than £2,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.

Supporters played a 'triples' game followed by a cake sale and auction bidding for prizes donated by local businesses at the David Lloyd centre in Emersons Green in June.

Hospice volunteer Claire Lawes, who organised the event, said: “I am proud to volunteer for CHSW. I was keen to organise a charity event with a difference which would raise awareness of CHSW whilst also raising vital funds to support families using the hospices.

"I could not have organised it without the wonderful support of the staff at David Lloyd, Emersons Green and their members.”

The charity runs the area's children’s hospice at Charlton Farm, Wraxall and looks after more than 230 children and young people with life limiting conditions, and their families, providing services including specialist palliative care, family respite, emergency support, end of life care and a bereavement service.

Anyone who would like to support CHSW by arranging their own fundraiser or runs a community group that would like a representative from the charity to provide a talk should call 01275 866600 or email reception.cf@chsw.or.uk.

Join the pollution patrol

PEOPLE are being urged to join in a ‘citizen science’ event to monitor pollution levels in rivers and waterways.

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is running its annual RiverBlitz to measure water quality in the rivers Avon and Frome and their tributaries, which include the Folly Brook in Emersons Green, from July 7 to 14.

People can sign up online to be sent a monitoring kit in the post, which can be used to take samples of river and stream water to test levels of nitrates, phosphates and other common pollutants.

The RiverBlitz has been running for seven years and enables BART to understand the impact of pollution on the health of river water, and help identify sites in need of further investigation.

Earlier this year sampling of water in the Frome upstream at Frampton Cotterell, by a local nature group and UWE researchers, uncovered "shocking" levels of potentially harmful coliform bacteria.

RiverBlitz project manager Rozy Gray said: "Our rivers are facing enormous challenges, of which excessive nutrient inputs are a major aspect, negatively impacting the diversity of species inhabiting our river environments.

"Nitrate and phosphate are important nutrients in rivers, however in excessive quantities they cause problems for wildlife.

"Monitoring nutrient levels, whilst simultaneously raising awareness of their impact, is what RiverBlitz is all about and we hope that people are both interested and excited to get involved to do their bit to support BART’s work in protecting them into the future.”

She said the RiverBlitz project was a "fantastic way for people to get out and spend time by their local river, getting to better understand the ecosystem while also taking an active role to contribute to the ongoing conservation of these spaces".

To take part in the RiverBlitz, sign up online at bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz/register by July 1 to receive a monitoring kit in the post.

n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE

Growing a successful future

SUMMER is here - and what a spring we had!

A partially wet May brought on a dry start to June, and a challenge for us to keep our new shoots growing well.

We have had some great events recently: a growing day in the community garden and a community litter-pick, with many getting involved.

The community garden is being used well and there is lots to offer for all the community - feel free to help yourselves to the array of herbs for your Sunday lunch or fish supper, as a great selection of rosemary, fennel and parsley is available to forage.

There is lots to do in the garden in July, and weeding and feeding your plants will benefit the time spent in the warm summer evenings.

You can also plant some flowering autumn bulbs, like nerines and some pretty cyclamen.

Another option is to sow your annual hardy flowers, such as poppies and cornflowers, give the weed-free soil a good water and start sowing.

You may have seen the entry forms for the community garden mural competition, where we invite everyone to get involved to design a plaque to be installed in the garden. There is no age limit on this and the subject matter is ‘climate change’.

You can get involved by creating a design and sending a clear picture of it to us at our email below. We will be picking out winners in the coming weeks, so get your entries in before it’s too late!

We have the conclusion to the Willowherb planter project at School Square in July.

We are assisting some of the school children from the primary school in Lyde Green to install their winning road safety design plaques on the new planters, so keep your eyes peeled for the new editions placed on the fronts.

We are so proud to work with the younger generation in Lyde Green, and we had a fantastic evening with the cubs and beavers (all 40 of them!) showing them around the common and talking all about

the different species living on our doorstep. Massive thanks to Simon Budd and all the helpers for the opportunity.

Just a reminder that we are urgently on the lookout for behind-the-scenes volunteers to help with banking, emails and project planning, so if you can spare a few hours a month at your leisure, please do get in touch.

You can find our updates on Facebook @ lydegreenopenspace. You can also contact us by email at lgopenspace@gmail.com.

Laurence Binks Chair, Lyde Green OpenSpace Group

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

A fascinating insight into our history

FIRST of all, thank you to all those who attended the Dramway talk at St James Church in May.

Presented by Richard Lunn, it was a fascinating talk on part of our local history; so many places were mentioned that many of us often pass, with no idea of their origin or what they were.

Richard really knows his stuff. A real eyeopener, his talk was so informative about the routes, the tracks and the gauges of them, the tunnels, bridges and stations. We thank him for sharing his vast local knowledge with us.

It was a very successful evening indeed, with some 80 people in attendance, and we are hoping to put on similar events in the future.

And of course thank you to St James for hosting the event and providing refreshments for the evening. Have you noticed the two new planters outside the Scout hall that have recently appeared?

They were built and planted by our own Scout group - great work by them, as usual, to

add to the planters placed by the Welcome to Mangotsfield road signs mentioned last month. Some of the new planters are quite a way from the centre of our village, making it hard for some of our people to get water to, so we're asking that if you have a planter near you that you help by watering it and perhaps tending it when needed - we would really appreciate it.

The planters are there for all our community to enjoy but a little help would really be appreciated, please.

Our Red Lion/MRA Coffee and Cake morning, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 10, is getting more and more popular. All are welcome to join us - and the cake is lovely! A friendly atmosphere and good company, so why not pop along?

With summer here at last, let’s all try to keep our village looking the best we can; at the same time let’s not forget that some of our elderly and vulnerable people among us may struggle in the heat, so let's keep an eye on them.

Also, not forgetting our local wildlife, who may struggle with finding water - and look out for the deer that keep popping up in various locations!

We have more projects planned for the future and we will keep you informed - if you would like to get involved, please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page, telephone Chris, our secretary, on 07918 701881 or me on 07507 168700.

Clive Heath, Chair

The Dramway talk at St James Church.

Picture: Chris Taylor

Games to improve your brain

VIDEO games can often be a great way to promote mental relaxation, and release feelgood endorphins.

However, as satisfying as it can be to defeat a few monsters, or discover hidden treasures, sometimes it’s good to play a game which tests your knowledge.

One of these games is Big Brain Academy: Brain Vs Brain. Available on the Nintendo Switch, this video game is great, as it’s accessible to all ages and has a fun and engaging character.

It has a collection of five mental agility disciplines, each

targeting different areas of the brain.

Depending on how well you do, you’ll be rewarded with a medal and the game invites you to try and beat your high score so you can show off how smart you are to family and friends.

A brilliant brain teaser and video game, Big Brain

puzzles.

Another game great for improving brain performance is Tetris.

This game may be an oldie but it’s certainly a golden oldie. It’s no wonder Tetris has continued to be released on

By Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie

Switch, Tetris 99 is a modern take on the 1984 classic.

The premise of this version of the game is that you play Tetris against 99 other players across the world, but you must act quick as, with each row you get rid of, you’re able to put blocks in other players’ games. The longest-surviving player wins.

Academy: Brain Vs Brain has a fun in-game mascot giving you helpful (and humorous) tips on how to tackle its brain-busting

modern hardware, with a few tweaks made to gameplay in order to keep it fresh.

Also available on Nintendo

Proven to increase one’s performance in navigation, perception and recognition, Tetris 99 is a great way to have some fun while increasing brain activity!

Sizzling with excitement!

WE are so excited for our Summer Sizzler event.

Join us in coming together as a community to enjoy great music - our favourite local band Stupid! will be headlining, and there will also be a steel band - plus dancers and local martial arts groups.

There is lots to see, hear and enjoy.

There will be stalls from local clubs and fun activities, which are a great way to connect with the community and find out about some of the classes and sessions which happen at Lyde Green Community Centre and other local venues.

Check out some really delicious food & drink. We are excited to try Jamaican food, Chinese noodles, Scream Tacos, Coffee at Lyde as well as everyone’s favourite burger van and, of course, an ice cream tricycle!

Agility4dogs are running a fun dog show, so do bring along your pooches (you can sign up on the day) with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category.

The Sizzler will be held at the Bristol & Bath Science Park on July 15 from 11am to 4pm.

Do add this date to your diary - it will be lots of fun!

If you would like to have a stand or have your group or club perform on our stage area during the day, then do get in touch at events@ lydegreenca.org.

As a community charity we are always looking for people who are willing to help the community. This can be in a variety of ways.

To learn about more of our opportunities to get involved, please email info@lydegreenca.org.

We continue to be on the lookout for a Treasurer and Secretary to join our board of trustees. If you would like to join the team, then we would love to hear from you.

Why not have a chat with one of our trustees, to see what’s involved? Email Laura at laura@lydegreenca.org to arrange a time to talk.

You can keep in touch with us by visiting our Facebook pages, @ lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, or our website lydegreenca.org.

You can also email us at info@lydegreenca.org or call the office on 0117 957 0410.

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

Helen Crew

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Shortwood Village WI

AT our June meeting we welcomed Becky Barnes, who talked to us about how our wardrobe affects the planet.

This was enlightening, and a bit scary in many ways, as Becky talked us through the process of manufacturing a pair of jeans, from the raw material to the end product and the impact this has on the planet.

It really made us think about today’s fast fashion items which, for a large majority of the population, are manufactured and then disposed of on a frequent basis.

Becky asked us to bring the oldest item in our wardrobe - this competition was won by Sheila, who brought her husband’s university scarf from 1958! This was closely followed by Caroline’s university scarf, from the 60’s. Both these items were very proudly worn by university students ‘back in the day’, as it was seen as a great privilege.

We ended with a quiz set by Caroline all about fashion through the centuries.

On the subject of quizzes, we sent a team of four to a group quiz event where 30-plus teams took part. We came a very respectable seventh but there was not a huge margin of points between our team and the winners, so well done Caroline, Elaine, Doreen and Sheila for representing Shortwood Village WI.

On a beautiful day in June we hosted our Cream Teas on the Lawn event and, in spite of it being FA Cup Final day, we served about 60 cream teas and bottomless drinks, raising money for charity Dogs for Good. A big thank you to Diane for letting us use her front lawn and kitchen and for all the hard work she put in.

For our meeting on July 13, at 7.30pm, we have a visit from Street Goats, an urban farming group whose aim is to connect communities to sustainable food production and regenerative land management.

We meet on the second Thursday of the month in the vestry of the Chapel in Main Road, Shortwood.

We will give a warm welcome to new visitors, so just turn up for a complimentary visit to see what the WI has to offer.

For more information email us at millhousejoinery@aol.com, with the heading Shortwood Village WI.

Lynne Miller

MANGOTSFIELD LADIES

OUR May pub lunch meeting at the Lamb was converted to a pub breakfast for a change, which was well-received and enjoyed.

We have had a plaque made for our Charles III Coronation rose, so at our May meeting we all decided to walk up to the Dame School where we planted the rose, to add the plaque.

The rose is looking good and beginning to sprout. Our local ladies are keeping an eye on it as they pass by. And, given this long spell of hot, dry weather, making sure its kept watered.

It was a beautiful evening, and we walked back to the hall afterwards for refreshments.

Our Sounds of the 60s evening on Saturday June 3 was a wonderful success, supported by our ladies with their family and friends.

We were also joined by South Gloucestershire Wine Circle and Warmley Jazz Club.

The band leader, Jeremy Huggett, hand-picks his musicians to create that special sixties sound. The band were delighted with the sound quality in the hall, which helped create the ambience they were looking for. Jeremy is also president of the Bristol Jazz Society. Our thanks to all those involved.

The ladies are looking forward to Bristol Jazz Society’s boat trip on July 6, with the Dart Valley Stompers Four. Hopefully the weather is kind, as that always helps.

On July 11 we are visiting Jekka’s Herb Farm for light refreshments and a tour.

One of our ladies has very kindly offered to do an afternoon tea and social at her house to raise funds.

Carol CoombsMangotsfield Ladiescarol@applause.co.uk

n WHAT’S ON

July 1

n EARTHFEST AT EMERSONS

GREEN PARK (previously known as the Three Greens Festival). Starts with procession from the Langley Arms, at 10am. Events throughout the day, including music, walks and workshops - some pre-bookable. Visit friendsofemersonsgreenpark. wordpress.com or the Friends of Emersons Green Park Facebook page for more details.

July 2

n HAMBROOK CRICKET CLUB

FAMILIES DAY, Whiteshill

Common, Hambrook, from noon. Free 6-a-side softball cricket competition, fairground games, bouncy castle, tombola, dog grooming, cake stall. Food and drink, licensed bar. New players for ladies, allstars (5-7), dynamos (7-11) and youth (11-17) groups welcome.

July 7

THE FILTONES’ 20TH ANNUAL CHARITY CONCERT at 7.30 p.m. at St Teresa’s Catholic Church, 71 Gloucester Road North, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PL. Tickets £8 inc. refreshments

Accompanied School Age

Children free of charge. Tickets in advance from Dot Bryant 07870 984760 or 0117 9690654, members of the choir, or at the door Cash or Cheques only on the door please www.thefiltones.weebly.com

Raffle and Retiring Collection in aid of the Charity, FACE facecharity.org.uk The Foundation for Active Community Engagement

July 11

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

SOCIETY practice class at The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury at 7.30pm. Meetings take

place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information call 0117 937 3836 or email rosemary.cummings2@ gmail.com.

July 13-15

n ST STEPHEN’S (Soundwell)

Drama Group presents ‘50 Fabulous Years (and one pandemic)’, a celebration of songs and sketches from shows, St Stephen’s Church Hall, Soundwell, 7.30pm each night. Tickets £7 per person online at www.ticketsource.co.uk or form the box office on 07935 516446.

July 15

n LINE DANCING at Emersons Green Village Hall, 1-2.30pm. All abilities and ages welcome, from beginners to experienced, and from young to old. Tickets and more details available at www. EGVH.org.uk/events/tickets.

July 15

n FRENCHAY FLOWER SHOW, 12.30-5pm, Frenchay Common, Beckspool Road. Cream teas, music, car show, dancing, food, drink and more than 200 competition classes for flowers, fruits, vegetables, arts, photographs and children’s creations. More details at www. frenchayflowershow.com.

July 16

n BARLEY CLOSE SUMMER

FAYRE at Barley Close school, Mangotsfield, noon-4pm. Live music, DJ, children’s entertainer, inflatables, stalls, food, drink, face painter and ice cream van. Adults £1 on the gate, children under 16 free.

July 22

n SUMMER BEACH-THEMED

PARTY by Party Peeps and face painting by Jo Jo’s, Emersons Green Village Hall. Two discos, from 1-3pm and 4-6pm. More details and tickets available at www.EGVH. org.uk/events/tickets.

July 27

n NA16 CUP fundraising event for Bristol Rovers player Nick

Craig Anthonys

HAIR DESIGNERS

Anderton, at Mangotsfield United, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield. Social media influencer teams versus a Mangotsfield select team. Gates open 11am, all-day event. Tickets and more details from event website thena16cup.com.

July 28-30

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

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY Come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20 Sept for the Person-centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@btinternet.com.

n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT

MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening

7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297 n LONGWELL LIGHTNING NETBALL CLUB is looking for members with experience of netball, aged 16 or over for seniors and over 10 for juniors. Training Monday nights at Wellsway Way School, in Keynsham. For more information call Maisie Nash on 07920 443820 for juniors, Sandra Nash on 07479 015048 for seniors.

Tuesday

n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB meets every Tuesday Evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre

for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. More info from Graham on 07968 050320.

n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH, 10.0011.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 956 1106

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB Established over 40 years we meet at Pucklechurch Community Hall Absom Road every alternative Tuesday 7.30pm until 10.15p.m. All welcolme with a partner or solo to enjoy good music, dancing and refreshments. Call Alan Mobile: 07812508396 or Linda 07843240414

n LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA

CLUB meets every second, fourth and fifth Tuesday of the month at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. New members always welcome. For information see website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or email lincombe.barn@gmail.com.

Wednesday

n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

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

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

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

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

n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page.

n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881.

n FRENCHAY PROBUS CLUB We meet at Frenchay Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. For further details contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com

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

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@yahoo.co.uk

n DOWNEND FLOWER

ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For details call Genise on 0777 245 1217.

n FRIENDLY VOICES is a dementia friendly singing group. There is no cost and the sessions are led by a qualified music therapist, Sharon,

who brings a lot of experience and plenty of instruments to have fun with. The sessions are open to all and if you think that you ,or someone you love, would benefit by them come along or contact June Watts on 0117 9566625

Thursday

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

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

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

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

n LONGWELL GREEN ORCHESTRA meet each Thursday evening at Longwell Green Community Centre from 7:30 until 9:40. We have players of all abilities. Contact@longwellgreenorchestra. org.uk or 07972 844073. Please get in touch before to tell us what instrument and what level.

n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1pm to 2pm. Free and open to anyone who feels they will benefit from joining

a group who walk at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Contact James on: 07588622372

Friday

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844)

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

n RAINBOW TOTS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP meets at Emersons Green Village Hall every Friday morning in term time, from 10-11.30am. All welcome - for more info e-mail church.egbc@ outlook.com

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

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

Saturday

n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT

GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Beginners very welcome. Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday

10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday

n BADMINTON ROAD

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

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED

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

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

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

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

nADVERTISING FEATURE

Special offer this summer from A Cleaning

Join the Summer Reading Challenge at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries for loads of fun!

Join the Summer Reading Challenge at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries for loads of fun!

It’s FREE and all children aged 4 – 11 are invited to take part! Children read books they enjoy over the summer holiday and collect stickers (including some stinky ones!) to complete their exclusive Ready, Set, Read! collector card and get a medal and certificate.

It’s FREE and all children aged 4 – 11 are invited to take part! Children read books they enjoy over the summer holiday and collect stickers (including some stinky ones!) to complete their exclusive Ready, Set, Read! collector card and get a medal and certificate.

Join the Summer Reading Challenge 2023, Ready, Set, Read! at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries during staffed hours from Saturday 8 July finishing by Saturday 9 September and pick up your FREE bag of goodies including Ready, Set, Read! seeds. See the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to your child’s reading:

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‘This has been excellent – a really good way to encourage a reluctant reader and introduce him to the amazing world of books!’ Parent, Emersons Green Library

Children love taking part and there are lots of fabulous FREE activities: ZooLab animal workshops Ready, Set, Read! themed crafts and Lego™ clubs.

Join the Summer Reading Challenge 2023, Ready, Set, Read! at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries during staffed hours from Saturday 8 July finishing by Saturday 9 September and pick up your FREE bag of goodies including Ready, Set, Read! seeds. See the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to your child’s reading:

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‘This has been excellent – a really good way to encourage a reluctant reader and introduce him to the amazing world of books!’ Parent, Emersons

Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries for the latest updates.

Green Library

Children love taking part and there are lots of fabulous FREE activities: ZooLab animal workshops, Ready, Set, Read! themed crafts and Lego™ clubs. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries for the latest updates.

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Call the office on 0117 325 9250 for a free quotation or get in contact via email: sales@acleaningservice.co.uk or our website: www.acleaningservice.co.uk.

Flower show returns

ORGANISERS of the Frenchay Flower Show say this year’s event will be “bigger and more exciting than ever”.

The show takes place on Frenchay Common on Saturday July 15, from 12.30 to 5pm.

It will include more than 200 competition classes for flowers, fruit, vegetables, art and photographs, with a special children’s section - and all entries are free this year.

A new class has been created this year for ‘free-from’ foods, made without ingredients that can cause allergies, such as gluten, dairy, sugar or nuts.

Entry to the show costs £4 for adults, with children under 16 free.

Payment on the gate can be made by card or cash, although organisers recommend bringing cash for some of the stalls and entertainments.

For details of the competition classes and how to enter, visit the show website at www.frenchayflowershow.com.

Mixed fortunes for Carsons and Mangotsfield teams

THE cricket season is almost a third of the way through, and has had an up and down start for Carsons and Mangotsfield's 1st team.

Sitting mid table in Division 6 of the Bristol and District Cricket League, they have achieved two wins out of their first six games, one of which was cancelled due to the weather.

However, the 2nd team are second in Division 10, only a couple of points behind leaders Stoke Bishop, who are the only team to have beaten them this season.

This is an excellent start to the season, following their promotion last year.

The 3rd XI have had a difficult start to the season, having lost some of the young players who had such an impact last summer to other teams in the club.

However, there have been some notable performances from Harry Ravenscroft and Tom Manning. This was always likely to be a transitional season, with the main aim to give the youngsters a chance to test themselves at a higher standard.

In the 30-over league, the 4th team sit joint top with Stoke Gifford, having won three out of four matches. The top performance of the season so far was James Gwinneth taking 5-18 against Midsomer Norton.

The Sunday Xl are also comfortably mid-table in tier 2 of the North Somerset Cricket League.

Of their six matches to date they have won two, against Charlton Super Kings and Hanham.

Ian Coles

Cricket match for Wendy

A CRICKET match to honour a Downend mum who died from a brain tumour is being staged for a third year.

Wendy Pound was well known at Christ Church Junior School, where she had worked as a lunchtime supervisor, and at Downend Cricket Club, where husband Andy is currently scorer for the first team and son Matt, 20, is a player.

Wendy was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2020 and died five months later, aged 53.

Andy and Matt staged a father versus son match the following year to raise money for charity Brain Tumour Research.

It proved such a success that they did it again last year, and are now preparing to stage the third Wendy Pound Memorial Match at the club on July 23, with Andy and Matt captaining sides drawn from across the 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams, plus guests.

There will also be a barbecue and a charity raffle with prizes including an iPad, signed sports shirts, Gallagher Premiership rugby tickets, a voucher from The Butchers Hook in Staple Hill, food and drink hampers and a four-ball at a local golf course.

Last year's match raised more than £6,300.

Every day's research costs the charity £2,470, and so far nine days have been funded in Wendy's memory.

Already this year Andy has taken part in a tandem parachute jump, raising more than £2,600.

He said: "Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease."

The memorial match will start at around 1pm on July 23. Anyone who is unable to come but would like to support the appeal can do so at www.justgiving.com/Andy-Pound.

Loft Boarding & Insulation

So how are you feeling?

That’s an important question for all of us at Cleve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre.

It’s the reason we get up in the morning and why we love our jobs – it’s all about you!

We pride ourselves on providing our local community with access to a wide range of healthcare services and professionals who provide exceptional care for a huge variety of conditions. We believe that giving you the option to access healthcare in a convenient way in a setting that is full of highly qualified (and very lovely) people, means that you can get the holistic and comprehensive care you want, in the way you want to access it.

While the clinic’s name tells you that we have a brilliant group of chiropractors and physiotherapists, a crucial part of the way our team works is with a focus on integrating the widest range of healthcare professionals to cover all your needs. We believe in experts doing expert things. This wider team consists of sport rehabilitators and therapists, as well as specialists in acupuncture, foot health, clinical hypnotherapy and nutrition.

By combining their unique and wide-ranging expertise, our professionals provide joined up thinking to best understand a patient's condition and develop effective treatment plans that encompass various aspects of their physical health and mental well-being.

This holistic approach ensures that the most appropriate treatments are chosen, tailored to

each patient's individual needs, all under one roof – you don’t need to visit multiple places for your care. Whether it's in healthcare, technology, or any other industry, the value of consulting an expert cannot be overstated.

In this blog, I want to tell you about just some of the extra services we offer – and watch this space for more additions in the near future.

Sports rehabilitation and therapy

Sport rehabilitators help people with pain that involves the musculoskeletal system. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds to maintain their health and fitness, recover from and prevent injury and reduce pain using exercise, movement and manual- based therapeutic interventions.

Treatment incorporates a comprehensive assessment and exercise plan that’s monitored and modified where needed. This could include exercise rehabilitation, massage, taping and even some time on our antigravity treadmill.

Acupuncture

Our acupuncturist, Jennie Abraham, uses Traditional Chinese Medicine. From a TCM perspective, pain, discomfort, digestive, sleep and emotional problems occur when our body’s Qi (pronounced Chee) is out of balance. Acupuncture addresses these imbalances by placing ultra fine needles at specific points on the body where the Qi flows.

In this way, Jennie seeks to understand the root of your condition, which means that your

symptoms are treated, along with the underlying causes. The amount of treatments needed depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms –sometimes just one or two are enough but, for longer term conditions, a course will be beneficial.

Foot health

Your feet are the foundation of your body, but they are often overlooked and taken for granted. From helping you walk, run and stand, to supporting your entire body weight, your feet play a vital role in your overall health. So don’t you think it’s time they got the attention and care they deserve? After all, when your feet are healthy and functioning properly, your quality of life and physical well-being are much improved.

Helen Millins specialises in the care and treatment of your feet and can help alleviate pain, improve mobility and prevent future problems from occurring. As a fully qualified and insured foot healthcare practitioner, she provides a bespoke service that identifies your individual needs, treatments and ongoing maintenance for conditions including calluses, corns, thickened nails, cracked heels, diabetic issues and neurovascular assessment.

Clinical hypnotherapy

Our clinical hypnotherapist, Holly Osborne, uses Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH), which combines the use of different parts of psychotherapy, using specialist techniques with hypnosis. Holly will adopt a

positive solution-focused process that gets you back in control of your thoughts, feelings and actions. She can effectively help you with, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, confidence, sports performance, phobias and fears, childbirth, weight management and much more.

Nutrition

Our nutritionist, Philippa Parish, believes ‘we aren’t just what we eat: we’re what we digest and absorb into our bodies’ – it’s all about how our body uses nutrition. Being healthy is the best present anyone can give themselves. Achieving optimum nutrition is a different journey for everyone and can change during in our lifetime as we fight infections, recover from injuries, or adjust as we age.

Philippa never encourages fad diets, quick fixes, intense detoxes and the latest ‘superfoods’. The aim is to educate and motivate her clients to work towards their health goals, to understand how and why their new food and lifestyle choices nourish their bodies, increasing vitality and well-being. She can help you to establish a new and positive relationship with your health in a functional way, so that it will become the new normal way of living.

So, as you can see, we’ve got your back – oh yes, don’t forget we look after those, too! Our experts are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Page Park Bowls Club welcomes class of 2023

PAGE Park Bowls Club has introduced 25 newcomers to the sport through its latest training course. The new players took part in a seven-week course in April and May, and almost all have now applied for membership of the Staple Hill club, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The club has a membership of 120, ranging from teenagers to a regular player who is 90 years old. For more information about the club visit www. pageparkbowling.org.uk.

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

League switch is reversed for Mangos

HAVING completed their first season in the Hellenic League, finishing in mid-table with a league cup trophy in the cabinet, Mangotsfield United were suddenly faced with the prospect of a sideways move.

The club released a shock announcement that they had been moved into the Toolstation Western League days after the season ended, saying: "For clarity, MUFC did not request a lateral move. All league allocations are subject to appeals and final ratification."

The Mangos had previously graced the Western League from 1972 to 2000, but it has

changed a lot in recent years.

It is now predominantly based around Devon and Cornwall clubs, and there are very few Bristol area teams in it now.

Other clubs, including Cadbury Heath are Brislington, have in recent seasons taken voluntary relegation from the Western League Premier Division to avoid having to travel down to the South West every other week - the Toolstation League Division 1 lineup is now dominated by Bristol clubs!

Whether the club did appeal to the FA against was not made public, as nothing was said publicly in the weeks that followed.

However in June, at the time when any FA appeals would be decided, a new announcement was made by the club: "Following the departure of Shrivenham FC from the Hellenic Premier Division, Mangotsfield United can confirm that today they have been notified by the FA that they will remain in the Hellenic Premier Division for the 2023/24 season."

It appears that Shrivenham, based near Swindon, had decided they could no longer sustain Hellenic League football and wanted to take voluntary relegation, with the FA then

moving Mangotsfield back into place in the Hellenic League again.

It means the club avoids long and expensive away travel to places like Falmouth, Helston and St Blazey in Cornwall, among others.

The big-name addition to the Hellenic League Premier Division next season is Worcester City, who have been moved from the Midland Football League - a side who once played at much higher levels of the nonleague game and once knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup in 1959!

A number of pre-season friendlies have been announced:

July 4, 7.30pm: Longwell Green (away)

July 8, 3pm: Yate Town (away)

July 15, 3pm: Odd Down (home)

July 18, 7.30pm: Bitton (away)

July 22, 3pm: Bristol Telephones (away)

July 25, 7.30pm: Paulton Rovers (home)

August 1, 7.30pm: Melksham Town (home)

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