Emersons Green Voice June 2022

emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022 Edition — Issue 65

www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

FREE EVERY MONTH IN EMERSONS GREEN, LYDE GREEN, SHORTWOOD & PUCKLECHURCH

Paula honoured for health campaign

Another brick in fundraising wall A Lego display in the window of Sweet Treats in Staple Hill is raising money for brain tumour victim David Gibbs’s treatment.

PAGE 13

Platinum jubilee parties galore The mum of an Emersons Green teenager who died in Southmead Hospital has received an honour for her campaign to change attitudes towards people with learning disabilities.

Paula McGowan received her OBE from Prince William as a training scheme for health and care workers she fought to create was made compulsory by a new law. Full story: Page 3

Joy as school is rated good at last MANGOTSFIELD School is celebrating a 'good' rating from Ofsted for the first time in its history.

It was described as community-focused and ambitious by inspectors, who visited in the spring.

They said the school on Rodway Hill, which has almost 1,100 pupils aged between 11 and 16, was rapidly improving after changes in leadership, and

was now seen as "a much better place to learn" by staff, pupils and parents.

Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said the report was the result of hard work by everyone at the school - and said she was thrilled the community "now has the recognition it deserves".

Full story: Page 3

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People in Emersons Green Lyde Green and Pucklechurch will join others across the country in celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this month.

PAGE 5

Change of head for new school The planned secondary school in Lyde Green is on to its second headteacher - before building has even begun.

PAGE 12

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emersonsgreenvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

EDITORIAL news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

DEADLINES Our July edition deadline is June 15.

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

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Fire engines at the Mangotsfield Sort It centre while the fire was being fought

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Journalist Ken McCormick 07715 770377 ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Tel: 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169

June, 2022

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

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Fire shuts recycling centre

MANGOTSFIELD’S Sort It waste and recycling centre was forced to shut after a fire which led to the site being evacuated.

A total of ten fire engines were called out to tackle the blaze, which broke out shortly before 11am on May 17, in one of the areas where non-recyclable waste is brought.

People living near the tip in Carsons Road were advised to keep their windows shut as smoke from the site was blown towards residential areas, including the nearby Siston Hill estate.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent in firefighters from eight different stations as far away as Portishead, Avonmouth and Yate to tackle the blaze, which was brought under control by the afternoon.

Smoke could be seen rising from the site, and the main building covering the area where waste is deposited by the public was visibly damaged.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras, a drone and mechanical diggers to find all the burning waste, dig it out and ensure it was extinguished.

More than a dozen workers from council contractor Suez waited outside the site as firefighters worked to make it safe, with some directing traffic as fire engines came and went to fill up with water at a hydrant on the opposite side of the ring road.

A fire service spokesperson said the fire is believed to have started accidentally.

The exact cause had not been established as the Voice went to print but one worker at the site suggested it could have been caused by batteries among household waste, which are a known fire risk.

The site was kept closed to the public while structural safety checks were carried out on the building. Recycling collection vehicles use an unaffected area on the other side of the yard.

A spokesperson said: “Mangotsfield Sort It Centre will remain closed for the time being but our other recycling centres in Yate, Thornbury and Little Stoke are open as normal.”

People were being advised to check the website at beta.southglos. gov.uk/recycling-centres for more information.

Slip road plan redrawn SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has had to redraw plans for a new slip road for the Mangotsfield Sort It centre.

The council has been unable to implement a scheme given planning permission in June of last year, due to what a report described as “land ownership issues that prevented South Glos Council implementing the design”.

So it has now redrawn the proposed design, “realigning the slip road to avoid the common land” and also making changes to traffic lights and signs needed for the scheme.

The new application was submitted to the council’s own planning department in April and is awaiting a decision.

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June, 2022

n NEWS

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Campaigning mum Paula receives OBE THE mother of an Emersons Green teenager who died in Southmead Hospital has received an honour for her tireless work to improve the care of people with learning disabilities.

Paula McGowan was made an OBE for services to people with autism and learning disabilities in last year's Queen's Birthday Honours list. She received her medal from Prince William in May, at the first investiture to be held at Buckingham Palace since the start of the pandemic.

It came as a training programme for health and social care workers named after Paula's son Oliver is prepared for its national rollout, after a successful pilot scheme.

Paula, who attended the investiture with husband Thomas, an RAF officer, described the event as "magical".

She said: "I'd wanted Prince William to be there because of the RAF connection.

"We had quite a bit of a chat.

The first thing he said was that it must be a very emotional day.

"I told him I would only accept the OBE on behalf of Oliver and those other autistic and disabled people whose voices have not been heard.

"I said I was pleased that his beautiful grandmother had just given the training Royal Assent.

"He was very smiley and very personable; he was really lovely."

Paula saw some wellknown faces at the investiture, including 'Scary Spice' Melanie Brown, who was made an MBE for services to women facing domestic abuse, and Watford FC manager Roy Hodgson, made a

Paula McGowan with care and mental health minister Gillian Keegan and Baroness Sheila Hollins. Inset: Oliver McGowan.

CBE for services to football.

But she said it was the ordinary people in the room, who had achieved great things outside of their work, who had most inspired her.

Oliver, who was 18 and had a mild learning disability and high-functioning autism, died in Southmead Hospital in 2016 after an adverse reaction to an antipsychotic drug, following a partial seizure.

The drug was administered despite both Oliver and his parents telling staff he had previously had an adverse

reaction.

After his death Paula and Tom fought long and hard for an independent review into his death and campaigned to change the way NHS staff communicate with people with learning disabilities.

Not only have they have succeeded in making authorities accept the need for change, they have helped to shape a culture change in training and attitudes.

Paula has worked closely with medical professionals to create and develop a new programme, called the Oliver McGowan

Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism, which has undergone a pilot scheme and is now set to be introduced for health and care workers across the country.

Preparing the programme has involved Paula taking part in video conferences into the middle of the night in Australia, where she and Tom are currently posted.

When she returned for her investiture, Paula also met with care and mental health minister Gillian Keegan and Baroness Sheila Hollins, who put forward the amendment in the House of Lords which made the training scheme law.

They held a feedback session with staff from St Bartholomew's Hospital in London who took part in the pilot scheme, which involved people with autism and learning disabilities in delivering the training to share their firsthand experience.

Paula said: "The St Bart's staff were very positive. They said the training had changed the whole culture, changing biases and prejudices.

"To understand and learn about neural diversity you need to learn directly from people who live it."

Paula has also met with Philippa Spicer, who is leading the implementation of the programme for Health Education England, which aims to train three million people over the next five years.

Investigations into Oliver's death by both the police and the General Medical Council are still ongoing.

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n NEWS MANGOTSFIELD School has been given its first ever 'good' rating by Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog said the secondary school is "rapidly improving", with leaders who have raised expectations and pupils who are "working harder".

A team of four inspectors visited the school on Rodway Hill, which was previously said to require improvement, in March.

Their report said staff, pupils and parents all now regarded the school as "a much better place to learn".

Ofsted said: "They value being part of this community-focused, ambitious school.

"Changes in leadership since the previous inspection are making a big difference.

"Leaders know that pupils’ learning in some subjects has not been strong enough in the past.

"Leaders strive to ensure that pupils achieve their potential.

Staff share this ambition. There is strong curriculum thinking across subjects.

"Teachers use assessment well so that they know how pupils are doing and can adjust the content of their teaching accordingly.

"However, the ambition for some pupils could be even higher. Similarly, teachers in some subjects are less adept at adjusting learning to meet the specific needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

"Pupils’ reading is prioritised.

School leaders have thought carefully about how to promote reading and a love of books and to support those who struggle to read.

June, 2022

Inspectors praise 'rapidly improving' Mangotsfield School

Head teacher Hetty Blackmore outside Mangotsfield School, which has just received its first ever good rating from Ofsted "Staff deliver well-planned activities to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain and the world of work.

"Leaders have developed the ‘Mangotsfield Way’ to encourage pupils to be responsible and active citizens."

The inspectors recognised that more still needed to be done.

They said: "Pupils are mostly attentive in lessons and take pride in their work. Occasionally, less good behaviour means that pupils stop concentrating and need reminding of the new expectations.

"Similarly, the impact of the pandemic has unsettled certain groups of pupils and this affects their attendance. Leaders recognise that this means that the impact of their higher expectations is less secure than it might have been.

"Although some parents feel that staff are now too strict, leaders are right that they should continue to insist on the highest expectations for all.

"Pupils say that bullying can happen and mostly it is sorted well. Some pupils say that certain areas in the school worry them

and that some pupils can be hurtful in what they say.

"Leaders know this and are taking action."

Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: "Everyone has worked so hard for this outcome.

"I am thrilled that Mangotsfield community now has the recognition it deserves.

"Working with our brilliant students and staff every day is a joy, and I am very proud to be part of this school.

"We all have one aim - to ensure that our students are given the best chances and leave here with the best choices for their futures.

"I am so pleased the inspectors realised this, and the strong community we are.”

Mangotsfield School is part of the Castle School Education Trust, which also includes Downend School and Lyde Green Primary School.

Chief executive Will Roberts said: “This report affirms what we have seen in action in the school.

"The team at Mangotsfield School have made so much effort to improve the experience students have and the possible outcomes they can achieve.

"I am incredibly impressed

by Mrs Blackmore’s, the staff’s and the school community’s commitment to making Mangotsfield the best school it can be."

Schools plan big celebration event THE trust that runs Mangotsfield School is planning a big event to celebrate students’ successes.

Castle School Education Trust, which also runs Downend School, Lyde Green Primary School and four other schools, is holding an awards ceremony at the University of the West of England Business School on July 11, and is looking for local businesses to sponsor the event.

Pupils in all seven CSET schools are being nominated in categories for awards recognising kindness; sporting achievement; creativity; outstanding individual progress; green planet; outstanding team of the year;

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contribution to the wider community; resilience; unsung hero; and living school values.

Each nominee will be invited with two family members to the event, which will also feature performances from students.

Event organiser Clare Bradford said: “We are always so inspired by the creativeness, aptitude, resilience and pride that our CSET pupils show, from the wideeyed four year olds to the mature 18 year olds ready to set foot in the world.

"Therefore, we have decided that now is the time to truly celebrate and recognise them.

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"This July we will hold our first ever trust-wide celebration, where we will recognise our pupils and their contribution to school life and the wider community.

"Academic success is important, but so are pupils’ attitudes and approach to life.

"We are hoping to find sponsors to help us make this event as fantastic as possible for our young people and their families."

The trust is looking for businesses to sponsor everything from an individual award to the event's catering.

For more information about sponsorship, email clare.bradford@cset. co.uk.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

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June, 2022

n NEWS

5

Parties and flypast for Platinum Jubilee weekend A BEACON, historic RAF flypast and street parties are among the events planned as the Emersons Green area gears up to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Events will kick off on Thursday June 2 when a Jubilee beacon is lit on Siston Hill, one of around 1,500 set to burn across the UK and Commonwealth to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign.

The event has been organised on behalf of Siston Parish Council and will include a performance of two specially-arranged pieces of music by a 30-member choir and a bagpiper. It starts at 9.15pm, with the beacon due to be lit at 9.45pm. Part of Siston Hill will be closed to traffic from 7-10pm to accommodate the event.

The next day the parish council will host a Jubilee celebration at Warmley Forest Park from 1-9pm, with a stage for performances from singers and bands, DJs, martial artists and cheerleaders, stalls and a licensed bar.

Organiser Ian Adams said that during the event a Lancaster bomber, Hurricane and Spitfire fighters from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are due to fly over the park, shortly after 2.30pm.

On June 4 the Lyde Green Jubilee Extravaganza will take place at the community centre from 11am-5pm, with bouncy castles, face painting, stalls, music

This Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is due to fly over a Jubilee event and a bring-your-own picnic.

At the same time Page Park in Staple Hill will host a free Jubilee celebration with a variety of bands, rugby, skateboarding and model railway demonstrations, traditional fairground games, a funfair with children’s rides and a large variety of stalls.

There are three celebrations in Mangotsfield over the weekend – see the Mangotsfield Residents Association column on page 14 for more details.

Street parties will take place across the area over the long weekend.

South Gloucestershire Council has

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approved almost 100 road closures across the district, including Siston Hill on the night of the beacon lighting.

The other authorised closures in the Emersons Green, Lyde Green, Pucklechurch and Siston area are: Friday June 3 Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, midday-9pm from between Emet Lane and Homeground junctions.

Cottongrass Road, Lyde Green, 11am-8pm between numbers 17 and 27.

Saturday June 4 Dennisworth, Pucklechurch, 10am-10pm.

Youngs Court, Emersons Green, 8am10pm number 3 to the end.

Meadgate, Emersons Green, 7.30ammidnight from numbers 26 to 81.

Sunday June 5 Emet Lane, Emersons Green, 10am-4.30pm from Guest Avenue junction to the far end.

Eagle Crescent, Pucklechurch, 10am10pm between numbers 1 and 8.

Quarry Way, Emersons Green, midday to 7pm, from number 52 to the end.

Closure orders may be in place for longer than street parties are taking place. *Having a celebration? Send your street party pictures to news@ emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk by June 15.

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June, 2022

n NEWS

Three Greens Festival programme announced ORGANISERS of this year’s Three Greens Festival have released details of the events planned for the day.

The festival, celebrating Emersons Green, Lyde Green and the environment, will take place on Saturday, June 18, centring once again on Emersons Green Park.

Following a successful debut last September, when up to 300 people attended, the festival is returning with some new performers and events to add to those which were popular last year.

Organisers the Friends of Emersons Green Park have set out a provisional timetable for the day, which is due to start with a parade from the Langley Arms Car Park, forming up at 9.30am and heading through Green Lane to the main festival site.

Organisers are making flowers and headdresses available for people taking part,

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The Brigstowe Village Band at last year’s festival to add to the occasion.

Once the parade arrives at the park the Brigstowe Village Band will perform songs in the festival’s main tent evoking in the rural England depicted

by Thomas Hardy, wearing 19th century costume and with dancing from a traditional hobby horse.

Later in the day the tent

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will be the venue for two performances from Bristol European Jazz Ensemble, playing a selection of original music at 1pm and 2.30pm.

Nature-themed drop-in workshops will be held from 10.30am, with visitors shown how to create their own freeform pieces of woven art from foraged natural materials in the park, and how to make ‘natural sculpture’ in Green Lane.

Local naturalist Ed Drewitt will guide a series of 30-minute events, including a bird walk listening and learning about local bird life at 10.30am, bug hunts on the nearby common using sweep nets at 11.30am and 1.30pm, and a wildlife signs walk at 2.30pm.

Lead organiser Chris Sunderland said: “Anyone who has experienced Ed’s work knows the sheer wonder he evokes as he reveals the natural world to us.”

Performances combining aerial acrobatics, spoken word, dance and a music will be staged

in Green Lane at 11am and 2pm by the Whispering Woodfolk.

One hour circus skills workshops will be held at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

The festival finishes with a performance at Emersons Green Village Hall by Cantaré! Duo Correa Andrews from 7.30pm.

Locally-based flautist and singer Emily Andrews and guitarist Francisco Correa will perform a selection of folk songs and instrumental dances from Latin America and Europe.

Tickets are available online via www.franciscocorreaguitar. com.

Chris said: “Those who experienced this event last year were bowled over by it.

“There is so much to enjoy on this years’ programme.

“It will of course be complemented by a variety of food and drink, various stalls highlighting local organisations and locally-produced goods, as well as silly games to play.

“Many thanks also to Kate Liverton who is organising a litter pick around the festival site and wider community.”

Before the event there is a competition inviting people to create vegetable and fruit creatures, miniature gardens, paint a picture or make a collage.

Entries will be displayed in the Library.

The festival programme could be subject to late changes, so people who are planning to come are being advised to check the Friends of Emersons Green Park Facebook Group or website at friendsofemersonsgreenpark. wordpress.com before the day.

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June, 2022

n ADVERTISING FEATURE SUTTON Chiropractic in Downend specializes in keeping the whole family healthy, active and doing what they love. As such, active ageing is at the very core of our practice. We love to see people getting the most out of life as they enter their later years, helping them to pursue their hobbies with passion.

The key to active ageing is having your physical health in check, which is often overlooked until it’s too late. So we’ve put together a guide for you to get the most out of life and not miss out on those precious moments with your friends, children or grandchildren.

elbows and shoulders too.

This is why the body must be assessed and helped back to proper alignment to ensure you keep healthy and active as time goes by. We often tell term this as making people grandchild proof!

Choose activities you enjoy

Start with a good foundation

This ensures keeping you healthy will be fun, making it easier to stick at and get the benefits preserving your quality of life. If you’re a comfortable swimmer then make the pool part of your regular routine.

Equally if you’re a keen walker or gardener prioritise these activities. It’s certainly horses for courses, so choose what gets you fired up.

In an effort to get healthier our exercise levels increase, however many people develop injuries from this. The most common issue is when the spine, neck or pelvis are out of alignment and injuries start to develop. It’s not uncommon for these to spread to the knees,

Consider the level of impact the activity has on the body.

We recommend low impact activities with two key caveats – make sure it gets you slightly

Strong heart, joints and bones

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Active ageing out of breath and stresses your joints and bones moderately.

Challenging your breathing will help preserve the heart and lung function and the physical stress on your frame will keep the joints strong reducing the chances of Osteoporosis.

Activities like walking, swimming, Tai Chi are fantastic at achieving this, but see what works for you with these caveats in mind. Remember, challenge the breathing and stress the joints and bones.

Maximise your time in nature Science has shown that spending time in nature is fantastic for the body and mind. This can be a gentle lap of Page Park, walking in the hills of south wales or along the flat Bristol/Bath cycle track. A wonderful alternative if you’re not as good on your feet is to simply spend time in a garden tending to the pots and plants. Good for the soul and great for the body.

later life. Why not enhance and preserve your health with others at the same time?

Exercise clubs, slimming world (we recommend Erica Hammond’s sessions 07766 425725), book groups or the Downend in bloom group to name a few options.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you enjoy your later years, or even begin to prepare for them, we’d love to help. We want to help provide you with a strong foundation for enjoying your hobbies and time with your loved ones for many years to come. Remember, it's not just about ageing, it’s about ageing and having fun.

Time with others Even the most introverted of us are still social animals at heart and loneliness most even more important especially in

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n NEWS A DEVELOPER has asked to add three extra homes to the site of a historic Pucklechurch pub which is being turned into housing.

Controversial proposals to create seven homes at the site of the Fleur de Lis pub in Shortwood Road were approved by a South Gloucestershire Council planning committee last year, despite dozens of objections.

Owner UKS Group was given permission to turn the main pub building into a four-bedroom home, with an old toilet block and function room converted into a ‘micro pub’.

A second application to demolish the pub’s rear extension and build six threebedroom homes was also approved.

Now new plans have been submitted to turn the original pub building into three homes, not one – and build another new house, on the old patio between the former pub building and the six homes already approved.

If both schemes were to be approved it would increase the total number of new homes on

June, 2022

New plans for more homes at Pucklechurch pub site Demolition work has already been carried out on the Fleur de Lis site the site to ten.

The latest applications have been made under the name Flyer de Lys Limited, a company sharing the same address in Failand as UKS group.

In a statement supporting the application for the pub building, agents Stokes Morgan said the new plans to convert it into one three-bedroom and two two-bedroom terraced houses were “a more efficient use” of the building and “provide a range

of house formats suitable for a range of occupiers”.

They said there would be “increased comings and goings” but added: “There would be no unacceptable impacts to the amenities of neighbours beyond that already approved.”

The agents said the extra three-bed detached home would be on land currently earmarked as a large garden, which “represents an inefficient use of land in a sustainable location”.

Residents have already lodged objections to both plans.

One said that the developer “shows no respect for our village environment, in favour of maximising profit”.

Another said the homes approved last year were “bad enough” and more would “add to the volume of traffic to and from the site, potentially adding to congestion in the heart of the village”.

One villager said: “An addition of a further three dwellings makes no sense whatsoever, except in the mind of the money-hungry developer.”

Both sets of plans can be viewed on the planning section of South Gloucestershire Council’s website: the plans for the pub building have the reference number P22/02688/F and the plan for the extra house is reference P22/01548/F.

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June, 2022

9

n NEWS

HUNDREDS of people joined in the fun of the Pucklechurch Scarecrow Competition and Trail.

The annual May Bank Holiday event run by a team from St Thomas a Becket church was making a welcome return after two years’ absence because of the pandemic.

Participants had to identify 48 scarecrows created by

Scarecrow trail draws crowds villagers on the theme of film characters. The prize for the most correct guesses went to the Brodie family, from Pucklechurch.

Steve and Judith Seward won the best scarecrow prize, for the

fantastic hand-carved dancing Pinocchio, top left, while Chelsea Knight’s Peter Pan took the lucky dip prize.

An immaculate Woody, from Toy Story, an in-action Batman and a colourful genie from

Aladdin were just some of the other entries.

The two-day event raised £2,615 for church funds as well as bringing the community together for a fun activity for people of all ages to enjoy.

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

With our British version of a summer fast approaching it's time to start thinking about the sun and possible holidays ahead.

When packing for holidays or days out in the sun, one of the first things you think about taking is sunscreen.

We all know now how harmful the sun's UV rays can be and how they can negatively impact us. We spend time researching the best sun creams for our children and ourselves. What volume of SPF to wear? 20? 30? 50+? Cream or Spray? Waterproof or non sticky?

People put so much effort into protecting their skin from UV - but I wonder how much thought goes into protecting their eyes?

The effects of UV light damage can be life-changing Although much of the UV light we are exposed to is absorbed by the eyes without any damage, overexposure to UV can build up over years and have a damaging effect on eyes and eyesight. Possible long-term issues can include cataracts.

Cataracts are where the lens inside of the eye becomes cloudy in patches and can make your vision appear misty.

Luckily enough there is a simple step you can take to protect your eyes in the best possible way and that is by purchasing UV400 protective sunglasses, wearing proper eye protection and a hat to block the UV rays.

The science behind the sunglasses Ultraviolet, or UV rays are electromagnetic radiation from the sun. While invisible to the naked eye, UV light penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere and reaches your eyes (and skin) as UVA and UVB waves.

Sunglasses labelled UV 400 provide almost 100% protection from those harmful ultraviolet light rays. The 400 element refers to them blocking wavelengths up to 400 nanometers - which includes the UV-A and UV-B rays.

Your sunglasses should: • Block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation • Screen out 75 to 90% of visible light • Be free of distortion and imperfection • Allow proper colour recognition, particularly for drivers.

Lastly, don’t forget about protection for your children and teenagers, as they tend to spend more time in the sun.

Choosing your sunglasses We have an array of sunglass frames including Ray-Ban with authentic Ray-Ban lenses (with or without prescription) and our other fantastic range of polarising sunglasses by Zeal Optics.

These stunning polarising lenses eliminate glare, such as when you see a wet road in bright sunshine or when the visor in your car just doesn’t seem low enough.

The Zeal range uses plant-based technology for superb optical clarity and visual comfort. Their frames come with discrete and comfy nose and side grips that activate as they respond to your body heat. No more sunglasses slipping down your nose on hot summer days just when you need to see clearly!

If you would like expert advice on sunglasses, Billie-Jo our Senior Dispensing Optician can help you. If you have any concerns about your vision, please book for an advanced eye exam with one of our specialist Opticians Ginny or Marta. All can be reached on 0117 965 4434 or 0117 9622 474.

Billie-Jo

Billie-Jo Britt is a Senior Dispensing Optician, and has enjoyed styling the eyes of her patients at Turners Opticians for over 10 years.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

June, 2022

emersonsgreenvoice

11

n NEWS

Man questioned after teenage boy attacked on bus A MAN has been questioned by police over an alleged assault on a teenager on a bus travelling between Staple Hill and Pucklechurch.

Avon and Somerset police issued CCTV images and an appeal after the 15-year-old boy was hit "multiple times" on a Y5 service from Bristol to Chipping Sodbury.

The victim needed hospital treatment after the incident, which happened on April 12 at about 7pm between Staple Hill and Pucklechurch, where the attacker was ordered off the bus.

Police say the boy is now recovering at home but still needs treatment for his injuries.

A spokesperson said: "The victim was approached by a man who appeared intoxicated and demanded money.

"When the victim refused, the man struck him to the face multiple times, causing facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

"The offender got off the bus in the Shortwood Road area of Pucklechurch after the driver ordered him to leave."

Following an appeal in May, which was shared on the Downend Voice Facebook page, police say more than 25 people got in touch providing a man's name in connection with the images.

A spokesperson added: "A 37-year-old man has since voluntarily attended a police station for interview.

"We'd like to thank all those who contacted us as well as everyone who helped by sharing our appeal."

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and anyone with information who has not yet contacted the police should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 086 969.

The Y5 passes through Eastville, Fishponds and Staple Hill before heading to Pucklechurch, Westerleigh, Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

Three injured in police crash THREE people were injured when a police car chasing a suspect hit their vehicle on the M32.

Avon and Somerset police say the crash happened between the Eastville and Hambrook junctions as officers were pursuing another car, following reports a woman had been pulled into it against her will in Anchor Road in the city centre.

Two pedestrians were injured when the vehicle being pursued hit them in St Augustine’s Parade, shortly before midnight on April 30.

After heading onto the M32, where a police car collided with another vehicle not involved in the pursuit, the suspect drove along the Avon Ring Road towards Keynsham, where the chase finally ended and a man was arrested in the early hours of May 1. He and the woman in the car also needed hospital treatment.

A police spokesperson said the three people injured on the M32 were taken to hospital with "non-life threatening injuries".

The motorway was closed for around eight hours for an examination of the scene of the collision.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which investigates when people are injured during police operations.

Afterwards a 25-year-old man was charged with a number of driving offences.

Macauley Tomlinson, from Midsomer Norton, is accused of two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Officers have asked any witnesses who have not yet contacted them to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 102 562.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

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12

n NEWS

Change of headteacher for Lyde secondary THE new secondary school planned for Lyde Green is already on to its second head teacher, before building work has even started.

Olympus Academy Trust, which stepped in to run the new school after original sponsor SGS Academy Trust was replaced last year, appointed Victoria Boynton as the school’s first head earlier in October.

Since then she has been working on plans for the new school, including visiting other new schools, feeder primaries and community groups in Lyde Green.

However the trust, which runs ten other schools in South Gloucestershire, has now appointed Mrs Boynton head of one of its biggest schools, Winterbourne Academy.

She will take on the role from September but is working alongside current Winterbourne head Jason Beardmore until then.

Appointed as Lyde Green Secondary School ‘headteacher designate’ is Tom Hill, a member of the Olympus Central School Improvement Team.

The trust says Mr Hill “will be able to work on aspects of the Lyde Green development, such as input into design and building meetings and connecting with local primary schools, families and community groups, alongside his current role”.

Lyde Green Secondary School was originally due to open this September but building and other delays have seen the timescale steadily slip back, and earlier this year Olympus

Academy Trust chief executive Dave Baker told the Voice said that it had become clear “relatively quickly” after the trust came in that the building would not be ready before 2024.

The current plan is for 120 children to start Year 7 at a segregated site in Winterbourne next year and move on to the Lyde Green site the following year.

Pupils who were originally expecting to go to Lyde Green as Year 7s this year will now attend other schools from September, with 33 going to Winterbourne Academy.

The trust said in a statement: “The irony will not be lost on some that students who had hoped to start as Year 7 Lyde Green students, in temporary accommodation in Winterbourne

this September, will now become Winterbourne students and will have the same headteacher they would have had if Lyde Green had opened.”

The trust said the decision for Mrs Boynton to step away from Lyde Green was “in part related to the delay in building and opening as there is no funding for a Headteacher post in the interim and we need to deploy the skills of a Headteacher where they are needed now”.

The trust added: “Vic is excited at the new challenge ahead of her at Winterbourne and will still have close ties to Lyde Green, with Winterbourne Academy the likely post-16 destination for future Lyde Green students.”

Wanted: meeting place for refugees A MANGOTSFIELD mum who has been helping refugees from Ukraine is looking for a venue where they can regularly meet up.

Vera Stadon, who was born in Ukraine but has lived in the UK since 1997, started l to collect aid for people fleeing from the Russian invasion, which led to several lorry and van-loads of donations being collected at Emersons Green Village Hall earlier this year.

Now she is helping refugees who’ve reached South Gloucestershire, giving advice and helping them make social connections.

A coffee afternoon held at the Resound Centre in early May brought people from

several families together.

But Vera said: “I desperately need a place that could be something more permanent, where people can come and organise English classes, collect clothing and make up food parcels, as well as meet for an informal chat.”

In Bristol a hub has already been set up in Avonmouth, and the city council is trying to set up a second one, but as yet there is no similar facility in South Gloucestershire.

Vera is appealing for anyone who has a venue which would be regularly available to get in touch, via the Bristol Helps Ukraine Facebook page or by calling 0788 689 4614.

Vera said: “It could be somewhere that

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is available just once or twice a week – it doesn’t have to be 24 hours a day – but needs to be somewhere we can have set opening times for people to drop in.”

Vera’s mother, sister-in-law and two of her sister-in-law’s children have now arrived from Ukraine and she says many other families in the area have now taken in relatives.

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emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

13

n NEWS

Dave's fund closer to target as fundraising efforts ramp up A MASSIVE fundraising effort to pay for a Staple Hill dad's treatment for a brain tumour is moving closer to its £150,000 target.

David Gibbs, who is 37, was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive cancer of the brain and spinal cord, last September.

After surgery to remove most of the tumour he has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy but has been told they will not permanently stop it from growing back.

Dave's family and friends have been fundraising for a new treatment called a personalised cancer vaccine, which sequences genetic information from the patient and tumour to help the immune system target and attack the cancer cells.

The treatment is not available on the NHS, and a course of treatment from Germany costs £150,000.

Dave, who is married with a three-year-old daughter, told the Voice he has received two pieces of good news as he undergoes a fourth round of chemotherapy.

Firstly, a scan shows his tumour is not currently growing and secondly the fundraising total for the vaccine treatment has reached an "amazing" £130,000.

Dave said: "Fundraising is going incredibly well – the support from the community has been immense.

"This money is already helping me get additional treatment – I am booked to fly to Germany for my first round of injections in June."

Among the events making a contribution to the huge fundraising total was a 24-hour static bike event staged by Dave's friends Nick Anstruther and Darren Weston, which raised more than £5,000 through sponsorship, cake, pizza and ice cream sales.

Nick and Darren are planning a second stage of fundraising in August, when they and two other cyclists will begin a non-stop relay from Lands End to John O’Groats.

To support the team,

family and friends, along with superheroes and characters from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Sherlock Holmes and the Lego Movie.

More than 100 people have entered the competition so far.

Donna Payne, mum of Sweet Treats owner Hannah Payne, said the display was creating a lot of interest each day.

She said: "Everybody has been coming in and saying what a fantastic display it is."

The next fundraising event planned is a quiz night at Lyde Green Community Centre on June 11 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available at www.tickettailor.com/events/ lgca/691021. Donations to Dave's Brain Fund can be made online at justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/davesbrainfund.

Luke Beedle and Ric Naimi-Akbar with the Lego city scene they have created in the window of Sweet Treats in Staple Hill visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/cyclingdavesbrainfund.

A Las Vegas night at Lyde Green Community Centre, with music from Dave Dean and magic from Jono Blythe, raised more than £900.

And Dave's friend Luke Beedle has organised another two events to boost the fundraising effort.

First Luke and colleagues at the Royal Mail delivery office in Fishponds dressed as superheroes and collected sponsorship as they delivered to addresses across the BS16 postcode area, which includes Downend, Staple Hill, Mangotsfield and Frenchay, raising a total of £470 for Dave’s treatment.

Then Luke and colleague Ric Naimi-Akbar, who are both members of Bristol's GertLUG Lego enthusiasts' group, created a spectacular Lego display in the shop window of Sweet Treats, in Staple Hill High Street, which is raising money through a competition.

People are being invited to go along and have a look at the display and spot a special Dave Lego figure, write down his location and pop an entry and a donation into a collection bucket.

Luke said: "We've been looking to do more to raise money and I've always wanted to do a shop window display. Sweet Treats have been amazing letting us do this."

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

The display has been in the shop window throughout May and is set to stay there into June.

As well as the Dave figure it includes some representing

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n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Join the jubilee celebrations in Mangotsfield IT'S great that so many people have been spending a lot of time organising events for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Folk in Mangotsfield are no exception, and as an association we have helped with the following: Friday June 3 – Mangotsfield Treasure Hunt, starting at the Scout Hall at 1pm and finishing at St James Church, where you will be able to buy a cream tea. The church will be open from 2-4pm.

Sunday June 5, 2-4pm – Jubilee Picnic on a green space.

We thought it would be a nice idea to have a picnic on a green space: we are thinking the Dame School Garden but you could do it on any green space. It’s very much an informal “turn up with a picnic, meet people, have a chat” sort of thing, rather than a formal event.

Decorate Your House with a Jubilee theme – There aren’t any specific rules, we just want it to be a bit of fun.

With all the other activities and

events in and around the local area, it looks like it's going to be a great weekend.

Our next HAM, Hour A Month, will be on Saturday May 28, from 10.30am to midday. We’ll be tidying up the Dame School garden and other spaces ready for the Jubilee weekend, adding to the work our local scouts are doing to decorate them. Please feel free to come along and get involved.

Our next “formal” meeting will be on Friday June 10 in the Scout Hall, 7.30pm kick-off: again, feel free to come along and get involved.

The regular coffee morning at the Red Lion made a welcome return on Wednesday May 4. It was great to see so many there, and we hope to see even more at the next one on Wednesday June 1, at 10am.

We have mentioned this before but worth repeating that local voluntary community groups, social enterprise organisations

and town and parish councils can apply to South Gloucestershire councillors for funding for their local projects, events and services.

Member awarded funding (MAF) can be used: • a s a grant to voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations or town or parish councils • t o secure delivery of additional council services or services from other public sector organisations during the year • a s a contribution to or as match funding to local projects • a s a grant to Covid-19 Mutual Aid Groups supporting vulnerable residents To apply for MAF you can contact your local councillor to discuss your project proposal and to request an application form. The process is quite complicated, so we are more than happy to help people if they wish to apply, just get in touch.

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emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

15

n NEWS

Call for signs to remind path users to share A CYCLIST is calling for new signs to be put up on a stretch of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path to remind people to share it.

South Gloucestershire Council says temporary signs are set to go up and it is looking at options for funding permanent signs on some parts of the path.

Rob Higgins, of Siston Hill, says that since the stretch of path from Ridley Avenue to Signal Road in Staple Hill was resurfaced last year, it has enabled cyclists to travel faster – but increased the risk of conflict with pedestrians.

Rob, who also walks on the path, said: “I understand this pathway is one of the busiest in the country, and the section from Turners Farm on Siston Common past Mangotsfield station and vice versa winds perfectly through this area, past housing developments on either side with multiple entrances and exits.

“Prior to resurfacing, there

Rob Higgins saw this shared path sign on the Strawberry Line in North Somerset. had been growing concern locally about the speed of cyclists and scooters using this route, compounded during lockdowns with increased usage.

“It did cause quite a few heated exchanges with pedestrians.”

Rob said that the resurfaced stretch of path had a “great new

surface” - but one that enabled cyclists to increase their speed.

He has contacted South Gloucestershire Council, which is responsible for maintaining the path through the district, local councillors and transport charity Sustrans, which helps coordinate improvements to the National Cycle Network, to suggest signs

to remind people to respect other users, similar to those used on another path, the Strawberry Line in North Somerset.

The Voice asked the council, local councillors and Sustrans for their views on the idea.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Sustrans will be providing temporary signs to display at certain areas of the Bristol & Bath Railway path, to remind users that it is a shared walking and cycling route and to be respectful of others.

“Along with our partners, we are exploring funding options with a view to installing permanent signs in the future.

“Over the past four years we have contributed £70,500 to resurface and maintain sections of the railway path to support sustainable methods of transport, such as walking, cycling and to encourage healthy lifestyles.”

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emersonsgreenvoice

16

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

June, 2022

New law on danger drivers is a tribute to family’s tireless campaigning

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

AS the local MP and your voice in Westminster, an important part of my role is to argue for changes in the laws of the land that respond to the priorities of residents and businesses across the Kingswood constituency.

We have recently seen the end of one Parliamentary session, which saw a number of new laws passed, and the start of a new Parliamentary session – marked by the Queen’s Speech in which 38 new bills were unveiled.

Completing its passage through Parliament recently is the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which sees the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in the UK increase from 14 years to life imprisonment.

This follows a long-running campaign sparked by the tragic deaths of Ross and Clare Simons in Hanham in 2013, at the hands of a disqualified driver.

I am proud to have campaigned alongside Ross and Clare’s family in the nine years following their deaths to strengthen the law on dangerous driving.

In 2014, 15,000 people signed my petition calling for a change in the law. This petition led to me securing a debate in the House of Commons on dangerous driving and in the same year, I raised the issue with the former Prime Minister, David Cameron,

who met with myself and Ross and Clare’s family in 2015.

For far too long, drivers who killed, either through reckless or careless driving, have not faced sentences which reflect the terrible damage and harm that they cause to families and local communities.

Ross and Clare’s family should be immensely proud of what they have achieved, and the positive change that has come from their tireless campaigning.

Looking to the future, many of the new 38 bills set out in the Queen’s Speech will have a particularly positive impact locally.

The Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill offers local councils and communities an ambitious package on regeneration to empower them to rejuvenate our high streets, protect our green spaces, and regenerate brownfield sites.

In addition, tenants rights will be improved through the Social Housing Regulation Bill, ensuring better quality and safer homes and a new Schools Bill will raise standards for students, regardless of where they live.

I look forward to scrutinising and debating all of these proposed new laws as they work their way through Parliament, to ensure they can have the maximum positive impact for our communities.

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June, 2022

17

n NEWS

Yes to skate park upgrade PLANS to transform the area around Emersons Green skatepark have been approved.

South Gloucestershire Council’s scheme to create a new ‘linear park’ next to the skate park, add lighting so the skatepark can be used until 10pm every night and create a new multi-user path linking Newlands bridge and Emersons Green Retail Park, was approved by its planning department at the end of April.

The plans also include a 4m (13ft) tall bronze sculpture, a steel pergola and other artwork chosen after a community consultation, and upgrades to the path and steps from Acorn Drive in Lyde Green to the Newlands footbridge.

The scheme is part of the council’s Linking the Greens project, to promote sustainable travel and improve community links.

The floodlights, which were included in the plans in response to requests by skate park users, are due to be installed later this year.

A council spokesperson said: “We have secured planning permission to improve access to the skate park and install floodlighting as part of our wider plans to improve connectivity between the communities of Lyde Green and Emersons Green and upgrade the public open spaces that join them. We are currently in the process of costing the proposals before a budget can be agreed, but these improvements would be for the benefit of everyone, including the users of the skatepark and the wider community.”

No public comments were recorded on the council’s planning website either for or against the plans.

The bronze sculpture will be of a clover plant commonly found in the Emersons Green area, which was chosen as it is “a regenerative plant important for soils, a wild flower and recognisable to the community, with beautiful leaves”.

Other artwork in the scheme will incorporate designs produced by residents during a ‘press and print’ community project held last year.

Family in fear after raid A DAD is offering a reward for information to help catch burglars who stole irreplaceable jewellery, mementoes and cash after cutting a hole in a uPVC door.

Thieves got away with £7,000 of money and possessions after breaking in to a house in Northcote Road, Downend, on May 10 by cutting a hole in the door with power tools.

The burglars even took a box containing Aaron Barnes's son's first tooth, maternity ward wrist band and jewellery made from his footprint.

Aaron said his partner, who was on the school run when the break-in happened, was now "petrified" to leave their home.

He believes whoever broke in had some knowledge of the family home as they only searched one room, and the incident has now left him worried about his family's safety.

Neighbours reported hearing power tools during the time the burglary happened, shortly before 9am, but thought it was work being carried out nearby.

A silver van was seen outside the house.

Aaron said: "They took stuff that I am never going to get back.

It's just disgusting what they’ve done."

He has asked anyone who is offered jewellery to report it and offered a reward of £500 to anyone with information about the burglars.

A police spokesperson said "various pieces of jewellery and a large quantity of cash" had been taken in the break-in, adding: "If you saw anything out of the ordinary, or if you have any CCTV or doorbell footage which may assist the investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222 110 000."

Road surface problems NEWLY-laid road surfaces in South Gloucestershire may have to be replaced after pieces of the asphalt started to come off.

The council says it is “aware there are problems with the quality of the road surfaces laid at 21 sites” around the district.

Affected roads include Homefield Road, Orchard Road and Queens Road in Pucklechurch, as well as Springfield Close and Stockwell Drive in Mangotsfield.

The council issued a statement via social media which said: “The Micro Asphalt surfacing mix used by our contractors would appear to be defective and we are working with them to find out the cause and take action as soon as we can.

“Many of the sites completed have some visual defects and the new surface is starting to strip off and in some cases form holes.

“The council wasn’t involved with sourcing this material.”

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emersonsgreenvoice

18

June, 2022

n WHAT’S ON June 2 n FIRST MEMORY CAFE for people living with dementia and their carers who are in the Three Shires surgery area, which includes Pucklechurch. Event at Doynton Village Hall starts at 2pm and will be a Platinum Jubilee celebration.

Future cafes will take place on the first Thursday of the month.

June 2 n SISTON PARISH COUNCIL JUBILEE BEACON LIGHTING, Siston Hill, 9.15-9.45pm. Beacon will be lit at precisely 9.45pm along with 1,500 others throughout the Commonwealth. Performances of specially-arranged music by 30-piece choir and piper.

More information from www. sistonparishcouncil.org.uk.

June 3 SISTON PARISH COUNCIL JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS, 1-9pm, Warmley Forest Park, including music, dance and martial arts performances, and flyover by Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at 2.38pm. Food and craft stalls, licensed bar.

More information from www. sistonparishcouncil.org.uk.

June 18 n EVENING CONCERT Emerson’s Green Village Hall, 7.30pm Internationally-acclaimed musicians Emily Andrews and Francisco Correa will perform a concert of classical music and South American folk songs on flute, voice and guitar, as the finale to 3 Greens Festival. Tickets £15/£10 on the door, or in advance from www. franciscocorreaguitar.com June 18 n BARLEY CLOSE SUMMER FAYRE at Barley Close Community Primary School, Mangotsfield, midday to 3pm. Performances

from Barley Close Glee Club, V Dance Academy and more, Twilight Roadshow Disco, Phoenix Judo club displays and free circus activities from Circomedia June 25 n ART EXHIBITION at Badminton Road Methodist Church, Downend.

10am - 4pm. Come and see the work of local artists. Refreshments are available. Proceeds to The Bristol Methodist Centre For The Homeless. Free Entry.

June 25 n THE CLEEVE SINGERS are holding their Summer Concert slightly earlier this year on Saturday, 25th June 7.30 pm at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend.

Tickets £3.50 available from 1st June at the Barn Office, Melanie’s Kitchen, Downend and on the Door.

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 MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.00-11.30am. 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 239 3875 n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00.

Private Hire Drivers Needed If you have a South Gloucestershire licence or would like to get one

www.silverlinecarsbristol.com/driving-positions or Call Mike 01454 313 227 To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297 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 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 DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For information call Joyce 0117 956 8978. 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.

Thursday n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at either 10am or 2pm, depending on numbers. Normally meets at Lyde Green Community Centre. email jessica.callaway@hotmail.co.uk.

Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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 MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am.

Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. 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 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 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.

Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH is now up and running again, after Covid, at the Emersons Green Village Hall every Sunday at 10.30am. Do come along. It would be great to see you. We look forward to having our regulars back as well as many new people. n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome.

For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www.badmintonroadmethodist. org.uk n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORM CHURCH are back holding 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 information contact Peter Redding (Ch. Sec.). on 0117 9657075

Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

n LOCAL HISTORY

19

Memories of Downend in the 1950s AS we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, local voluntary group CHAP, the Community History and Arts Project, is finding out what was happening in Downend and Emersons Green all those years ago in the decade of the Coronation.

Local people have already shared some amazing memories.

Diane was a teenager at school in 1957 when she and her friend Jenny were called into the headmistress’s office and told that an aeroplane – the Britannia – had crashed near to their homes in Downend. They were given permission to phone home to check that all was well and to do this, they had to go out of school and find the nearest phone box. Her mum had heard both the plane flying very low and the crash, but thankfully none of their relatives were harmed. Diane notes how amazing it was that the pilot managed to avoid landing on any houses, since the area was relatively tiny.

Clarissa reflects on how social attitudes have changed since the 1950s, as everything was about appearances – you had to wear the right clothes, go to church, be seen to do the right thing. She remembers attending Christ Church in her best clothes, including lace gloves and a hat.

After her father died, her mother was told that she must need a man and received a few ‘offers’ from local upstanding men. However, she chose not to remarry. Clarissa and her mum became very independent, and turned their hands to any house maintenance that needed doing. She thinks

Downend in the 1950s.

Picture: Bristol Archives Downend in the 1950s.

Picture: Bristol Archives that times are better now than back then, when everyone was so judgemental, and if you were different in any way you were not accepted.

Barb describes the shops in Downend village back then – at least three banks and the ‘flower bank’ on the corner. There was the Downend Drapery, Masons the butchers, a lovely ironmonger down one side and on the opposite side, Youngs the newsagent. There was also Horsemans, a TV and radio rental shop, Brittons, two greengrocers. The Downend Press and a garage stood on the corner of Cleeve Hill, with a bench outside on the corner where teenagers would meet their friends at the weekend. The Enterprise Hall was where the Co-Op car park is now.

She used to go to a youth club there before it moved to West Park Road.

Jennifer recounts moving into one of the first of the new houses in Bromley Heath Road, built by Doug Leonard, in 1953. From the back room, her family could see Friesian cows grazing the fields, where eventually more houses and the Sandringham pub were built.

She recalls that a brightly-coloured macaw used to watch passers-by from its perch outside a cottage in Cleeve Wood Road, and that there was a dairy in Downend village.

This was spotlessly clean and run by two sisters, who made and sold the most wonderful clotted cream with a thick creamy crust – delicious!

Please keep sending your

words and images of our local area in the 1950s for CHAP to share, by contacting us via email at downendchap@gmail.com or by letter at CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS. CHAP will also have a stall at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in Page Park on June 4.

The CHAP web page about the 1950s is at downendchap.org/ Downend-1950s CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, established in 2018, that aims to produce a community history resource and encourage the local community to take part in all its activities.

Helen Rana CHAP

n LIBRARY NEWS News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries At Downend Library our weekly Knitter Knatter group (basically knitting with a bit of chatting or the together way around depending on how you feel!) resumes. It all happens on Mondays from 10am and everyone is welcome.

On Wednesdays our FREE weekly preschool Rhyme Time continues at 9.30am and there is now no need to book so please come along.

On Fridays from 10th June our weekly Coffee Mornings resume, so why not pop in for a drink before picking your books?

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Meanwhile the date of our next monthly Lego Club is Saturday 11th June. Any queries Downend.library@southglos.gov.uk Emersons Green Library will be running story times throughout Saturday 18th June as part of the Three Greens Festival. We will also have staffed opening for longer until 4.30pm that day Emersonsgreen.library@southglos. gov.uk At Staple Hill library on Saturday 4th June Jubilee themed Lego Club will be running (please email to book a space) Staplehill. library@southglos.gov.uk. Also our regular

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pre-school Storytimes are on Mondays from 10.30am , while Rhyme Time is on Thursdays at 9.30am, no need to book for either just come along.

• Coming soon to a library near you – the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge Gadgeteers.

Please ask staff for details and we will publish more information about your child can participate in the next edition of the Voice

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Get ready for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone

Summer 2022

Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone.

Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone.

bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone

June, 2022

emersonsgreenvoice

21

n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE COLUMN

Improving access to our common HELLO from all at Lyde Green OpenSpace – we hope that everyone is keeping well.

We have had a busy few months behind the scenes, working hard to deliver projects for all to enjoy.

One project that is ongoing is the Commons Connection project being delivered

by South Gloucestershire Council’s biodiversity team.

This also has a relevance to a bigger project, called the Local Area Nature Plan, where local groups are invited to create wildlife corridors, enhance the already-existing wildlife corridors and really make a difference to biodiversity and climate response in our region.

As you can imagine this is right up our street, and delivers all of our aims as a community group.

The Commons Connections project is made up of smaller projects through our corridor in South Glos, from Winterbourne through to Siston, as an example, and with a time frame of at least four years for overall completion.

Lyde Green Common is a big part of this project and, once the work gets started, this will unlock all sorts of opportunities for us as

residents to really make a difference.

One big issue is access along the footpath, which will be first on the list to rectify and make good with a stone/dust path for ease of access.

The other issue we have noticed is that not many people know the common is there, so we decided to do something about it!

We are excited to announce that Emersons Green Town Council have confirmed funding for two information boards for Lyde Green Common.

We have drafted up the artwork, chosen the designs and cannot wait to see the boards up for all to enjoy.

We are sure that with all the housing being built around the site, these will come as a welcome addition to the common.

There is also long-term planning involved with the connections project, for things to help the public move around in and around the common.

Some things that have been noted as desirable are a small boardwalk over the central area of the common, enabling access over the ditch, a boardwalk at the west side of the common at Henfield Road, and a couple of benches, in keeping with the area, to help us

all take five and enjoy the beauty of the land.

We have a small list of volunteers that we want to make bigger and we will be in touch with soon. We hope that our Monday Club will kick on and become a regular thing, from 10am until 1pm on every third Monday.

We would love for you to help us at Lyde Green OpenSpace, and we are always on the lookout for help.

Support roles include admin, socials and project planning/funding, to add to the gardening volunteers to look after our area.

If you think you can help, or if you have any feedback, please get in touch.

Send us a message on Facebook to @lydegreenopenspace or email us at lgopenspace@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support.

Laurence Binks , Chair Lyde Green OpenSpace

n NEWS

Bus stop work to go ahead Mayor calls on First to BUS stops in Lyde Green are set for an upgrade as part of plans to improve metrobus routes.

The work, costing £988,000, will include upgrading technology at bus stops near Lyde Green Primary School and improving safety for motorists and bus users at the Emerald Park bus stop.

A consultation on the plans was held by the West of England Combined Authority and South Gloucestershire Council earlier this year and work is expected to start in the summer.

The new Metrobus stop will be created by upgrading an existing stop on Willowherb Road, outside Lyde Green Primary School, so that Metrobus services can stop there, and adding an iPoint ticket facility and ‘real time information’ screens.

According to the consultation map, the work would also include reversing the current entrance and exits of the car park outside the school, so that cars would enter at the south exit and exit at the north exit only.

Work to extend the length of the Emerald Park lay-by on the ring road will make it easier for buses to leave the stop.

Emersons Green ward councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams said: “Improving public transport in our area is a major priority for us, particularly as Lyde Green continues to grow and more people are coming to work at the Science Park. We need to be making it as easy as possible for people to be able to consider alternative options to their cars.”

The council will also receive a share of £5.8 million awarded to the West of England Combined Authority to improve cycling and walking facilities across the region.

The major project to be funded in South Gloucestershire will be new cycle links for Kingswood town centre.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

rethink bus timetables METRO Mayor Dan Norris has called on bus operator First to reassess recent timetable changes after passengers complained they had been left delayed or stranded.

New timetables were introduced at the end of April to improve reliability as the company continues to deal with the impact of the pandemic on passenger and driver numbers.

Changes included the withdrawal of the Y2 service which linked Downend to Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

Mr Norris said he had heard reports of "chaos at the beginning" of the new timetables, with long delays and people travelling from Yate to Fishponds having to catch a train into Bristol and then a bus back out. He said transport campaigners had also reported cancellations, cuts and delays on the 5, 48, 48a and 49 services.

Mr Norris said: "We need to know if this is teething troubles or terminal. We were told that with a new timetable in place it would be much easier for the buses to run on time. But that doesn’t appear to be what’s happening. Passengers are frustrated, and even worse, angry.

So we need the bus companies to revisit their plans and reassess them with urgency.”

A spokesperson for First West of England said the first week of the changes was "always going to be difficult", but added: "Since then we have seen a marked improvement in reliability. We still have some challenges in Bristol due to the ongoing driver shortage but we are actively recruiting and filling that shortfall. We apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced and want to reassure them we are doing everything possible to provide a reliable service."

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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22

June, 2022

n NEWS

Veteran visits new memorial to rescuers Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillor Michael Bell was part of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. As a new memorial is dedicated to its members, he tells its story.

THE RAF Mountain Rescue Service was formed in 1943.

Flight Lieutenant George Graham, medical officer at RAF Llanrwst in North Wales, was dismayed at the number of young pilots who died after crashing whilst training in the nearby mountains.

With no formal organisation to search for casualties or, sadly, retrieve bodies, he set up a rescue team of mainly volunteers from station personnel, plus a few full-time staff.

The service continues to this day in much the same format, still searching for and rescuing military aircrew in mountainous regions of the UK, and assisting civilian teams searching for missing climbers and walkers throughout the year, in all weather conditions.

I joined the RAF in December 1966 and, after square bashing and trade training as a radar mechanic spent the next nine months on 41 Squadron at RAF West Raynham in Norfolk.

I spotted a notice asking for volunteers for mountain rescue teams and, after a two-week suitability course at RAF St Athan, was posted to RAF Leuchars Mountain Rescue Team in Fife, Scotland – and there I stayed until the end of my five-year service, combining my MR duties with those of the ground radar crew, maintaining air traffic communication systems.

We trained every weekend throughout the year in the Scottish Highlands, gaining stamina, navigational skills, learning stretcher lowering, rock, snow and ice climbing.

In 1970 I was an instructor on the winter course – unbelievable for a boy raised on a Burley Grove council estate!

There were five full-time staff – a team leader, two drivers, storeman and radio operator – but many of us cross-trained.

We were self-sufficient for transport, equipment and food, and took turns cooking for up to 20 or so in the team: you had to learn quickly not to burn it, or expect the repercussions!

In my time there were six UK teams, with overseas teams in Cyprus, Hong Kong, and Sharjah in the Middle East. Cuts have seen this reduce to teams in Valley, North Wales, Leeming to cover the Lake District and

Lossiemouth to cover Scotland.

Over the service's life, 20 British Empire Medals have been awarded, plus numerous commendations.

Many lives have been saved, but sadly members have witnessed scenes of finding non-survivors, Michael Bell at the new particularly at memorial to the RAF the Lockerbie Mountain Rescue Service disaster of 1988.

Sadly, 20 members of MR teams have been killed in mountain accidents since 1943.

An association allows ex-members to keep in touch with each other, and last month I attended the official unveiling of a memorial to past, present and future volunteers at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire.

HERE FOR YOU IN Downend Whether it’s a place to save your pennies, a place to call your own or just peace of mind, we’re here to point you in the right direction.

MEET THE TEAM AT YOUR LOCAL AGENCY BNS 18 Badminton Road Downend, BS16 6BQ 0117 911 7739 Yorkshire Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Yorkshire Building Society is entered in the Financial Services Register and its registration number is 106085. Head Office: Yorkshire House, Yorkshire Drive, Bradford BD5 8LJ. ybs.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

23

n NEWS

More vandal attacks - but scheme goes on ORGANISERS of an art project next to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path intend to continue with plans for exhibitions, despite further vandal attacks.

A temporary structure titled Mangotsfield Folly was put up at the former Mangotsfield Station between Rodway Common and Siston Hill ahead of a year-long arts project.

But as the Voice reported last month, before any of the art could be displayed it was damaged by vandals, who ripped off panels installed to mount artworks in April then pulled down parts of the wooden structure in May. The project has been organised by transport charity Sustrans and funded by Emersons Green Town Council and Arts Council England.

Rob Elkins, creative director of architect Artel 31, which built the structure, said the vandalism had “thrown a spanner in the works slightly” for the launch.

The folly suffered further damage in May. Picture: Rob Higgins He said: “We are very much planning to repair the structure to its original form, but we’re waiting on the first art installation, which will be a mural by Bristol street artist Lucas Antics that will be on marine plywood boards – these will be used to improve the strength of the wall panels.”

He said the intention was to have the first artwork installed at the end of May and that the project organisers were “looking to engage with the youths” who

have been gathering at the site.

A residency by artist Fiona MacDonald, who works under the name Feral Practice, has also been announced for the site.

Project director Suzanne Heath said the art installation, called Listening Station, is inspired by the history of travel from the site.

During her residency Fiona will explore and make field recordings of wildlife, and collect personal stories from locals, to create what is being described as

a “site-specific audio drama for Mangotsfield”.

She will hold recording sessions at the station on June 15 from 8-9am and 2-3pm, and on June 16 from 10-11am and 5-6pm. To make an appointment to make a recording email fiona@feralpractice.com.

On June 18 from 8-11am a session called Meet the Birds, a “walk, talk and draw” event with Fiona and ornithologist Aurora Gonzalo Tarodo, will take place.

Students from Bath Spa University recently visited the site with a view to showing their work there, and Rob said the folly was open to other people who wanted to use it to display art in between organised shows – email office@artel31.co.uk.

More information will be published about events, residences and exhibitions on the project website, www. mangotsfieldfolly.uk, and on its Instagram page, @ mangotsfield_folly.

0117 956 2834

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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24

n AROUND THE WIs MANGOTSFIELD WI OVER the past couple of years it has become apparent that the way our members wish to run the WI and the things we want to do are incompatible with the rules and regulations imposed by the organising bodies.

At our April meeting the members decided that, rather than continue with the endless battles this situation creates, they would withdraw from the WI movement and continue as an independent organisation.

It is a great shame after 46 years, but we feel we have to move on.

Also in April we had an amazing talk by Andrew Stocker which held us spellbound, as he recounted many of the tales of his 38 years working with and in the Bristol Old Vic (Theatre Royal).

Twelve of our members hired a minibus and attended the Malvern Spring Show on May 6.

We were extremely lucky with the weather, which was dry and neither too hot or cold – perfect!

Loading the bus with the members plus all their goodies, plants and a four-wheeled plastic trailer was a challenge, but the bus’s springs held out.

Pub lunch at the Lamb is still very well supported, with 19 members this time, plus we are to arrange an event for our working members at Mokka in Downend.

Hopefully we can continue to let readers know what we are up to in the Voice.

We will be changing our name, social media and web presences as soon as possible but for the time being, if you want to get in touch use the email carol@applause.co.uk.

Carol Coombs

SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI HELLO again from us at Shortwood Village WI. So, our May meeting was something completely different when we all met at the village garden. Firstly, we planted a plaque next to the Lady Gardeners Rose, which was previously planted in memory

of Catherine, our founder and President and we were very pleased to be joined by her daughters Charlotte and Emily and their families. Then, we planted a plaque next to the WI Centennial Tree and last, but by no means least, we planted a White Rose in honour of Her Majesty The Queen to celebrate her Platinum Anniversary. We sipped a glass of the bubbly stuff and proposed a toast to all these memorable things.

After making our way back to the chapel it was time to get down to the business end of the evening which included this year’s resolution. We needed to vote for or against this resolution which is “Women and Girls with ASD & ADHD Under-Indentified, Under-Diagnosed, Misdiagnosed, Under-Supported” calling for the Government and leading professionals to ring-fence funding for research, diagnostic tools and training of healthcare and other professionals.

This was followed by the usual raffle and cuppa and then we rounded off the evening with an ever popular manic Beetle Drive.

For our next meeting on 9 June we will welcome Mark Temple who will talk to us all about “The Best Way To See Snowdon”. This is a long awaited visit due to covid and personally I cannot wait as I love Snowdonia.

On bank holiday Saturday 4th June we are hosting our annual cream tea event at Diane’s but this year we will be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. In July we have a trip arranged to Rodmartin Manor and at a later date we are planning to go to Yeo Valley Organic Farm.

We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the chapel or vestry in Main Road, Shortwood and our next meeting is on 9th June. We are a friendly bunch and will welcome new members so just turn up for a complimentary visit and see what the WI has to offer. For more info or just a chat please email me at millhousejoinery@aol.com with the heading Shortwood Village WI. Thank you.

Lynne Miller

June, 2022

n GAMING Enjoy the jubilee

By Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie MY column is a little different this month – there’s no gaming involved!

Instead I’m encouraging everyone to get out, put the last, hard two years behind us and enjoy the festivities to come.

You may be wondering what I’m on about, and to that I say – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, of course!

In case you’ve missed the build-up, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will bring a host of festivities to the country in June and throughout the rest of summer.

Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-serving British monarch ever in February, notching up 70 loyal, tireless years on the throne.

The Queen will not be able to tour the country over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, so instead her duties shall be taken over by other royals, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Despite this, the celebrations shall still continue and we’ll all be able to join together and show love for her dedicated reign.

As well as the national and local events there will be street parties with neighbours, as people come together and celebrate.

You may find some schools show support, through anything from special lunches to knitting a blanket by the joint effort of every class.

There are many ways to celebrate this holiday and whatever way you choose, make sure to have fun and join in the festivities.

MONDAY - FISHPONDS

6.30pm at the Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR Claire 07791574353

MONDAY - KINGSWOOD

9.30am At The Park Centre, Kingswood Hayley Britton 07813561505

TUESDAY - DOWNEND

St Augustines Church Hall Boscombe Crescent BS16 6QU 9.30am and 11.00am Tel.Anna-Marie 07854177308 5.30pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Downend BS16 6QR Claire 07791574353

TUESDAY - FISHPONDS

9.30am at the Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR Claire 07791574353

WEDNESDAY - STAPLE HILL

The Salvation Army 21 Broad Street BS16 5LN Wednesdays at 5.15pm and 6.45pm Tel. Anna-Marie 07854177308

FRIDAY - STAPLE HILL

Email your group’s report to news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

The Salvation Army, 21 Broad Street BS16 5LN

Fridays at 7.30am 9.00am and 10.30am

Anna-Marie 07854177308

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

n NEWS

School nurse service success A NEW service enabling children and young people aged from 11 to 19 to text a school nurse for advice has been launched.

The ChatHealth messaging service allows children who may not feel comfortable discussing issues face-to-face to receive School nurses who are answering health confidential help on issues questions by text. Picture: Paul Stallard from mental health and relationships, to bullying, self-harm and exam stress.

The service is being run across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area by the Community Children’s Health Partnership, led by Sirona Care & Health, and is funded by local councils.

In its first four days it received more than 70 messages.

The ChatHealth line is open from 9am-5pm during term time and school holidays, excluding bank holidays, and can be reached by texting 07312 263093.

ChatHealth, which has been funded by local authorities across BNSSG, is running alongside the existing school nursing service with the aim of reaching even more young people.

Sirona acting chief executive Julie Sharma said: “ChatHealth will improve the reach, timeliness and efficiency of our services and it is more age appropriate for young people.

“They can contact one of our School Nurses in a matter of seconds by sending a text, rather than waiting to see a health care professional or being referred, so it is quick and easy for them to access the support they need.”

25

Summer fun A PRIMARY school’s friends group is inviting people to come and support its latest bid to raise funds.

The Barley Close Summer Fayre has been organised at the primary school in Mangotsfield by the small group of parents who make up its friends’ group.

The event, which takes place from midday to 3pm on June 18, includes performances from Barley Close Glee Club, V Dance Academy, City of Bristol Learners’ Brass Band, the Imperial Winterguard dancers, Zumba freak and Caribbean fusion, as well as a disco.

There will also be a demonstration from Phoenix Judo club, which has been running sessions for pupils this term, with children set to demonstrate their skills alongside experienced club members.

There will also be free circus activities from Circomedia, a children’s entertainer, giant dartboard, inflatables and more than 20 stalls.

Katie Rakoczi, of the Friends of Barley Close, said: “With a kind donation of money from Mangotsfield Festival, we have been able to make this an even bigger and better event, and really do welcome the whole community to come and join us and enjoy all we have on offer.”

The event will raise money to fund extracurricular activities for pupils and help fund the upkeep of the newly-refurbished swimming pool.

Got a story? Email us at news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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emersonsgreenvoice

26

June, 2022

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Community garden starts to take shape EXCITING news – we have started work on the Lyde Green Community Garden.

Lyde Green Community Association, along with Lyde Green OpenSpace and a local resident builder, Mark Prior, have devised a plan to transform the disused space at the rear of the centre into a warm and welcoming environment for residents and clients using the community centre.

We are grateful for funding for this project from South Gloucestershire Emersons Green ward councillor Rachael Hunt and housing association LiveWest.

Once complete, we will install planter benches and fruit and veg plots, along with recycled AstroTurf.

A child’s messy play area will also be included, to enhance the wellbeing of the younger generation and make outdoor activities more accessible to all.

Keep and eye on the updates to see how it is coming along.

A reminder that we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in and around Lyde Green Community Centre.

Lyde Green’s Jubilee Extravaganza will take place on Saturday June 4 from 11am-5pm.

There will be plenty of fun activities to do, including a variety of bouncy castles from Bristol Fun For Hire, face painting, stalls, a photo booth with an exciting ‘royal’ guest, music and a picnic area so that you can bring your lunch and enjoy the day.

Coffee at Lyde will be open for refreshments throughout the day.

We are grateful for this project receiving funding from South Gloucestershire Council.

A design for the new garden Let’s show Bristol how Lyde Green celebrates the Jubilee.

If you would love to be part of the celebrations as well as helping out in the community, we will be looking for volunteers to help out on the day.

Please do get in touch with us via any of the following: Facebook @lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, email info@ lydegreenca.org or the office number, 0117 957 0410.

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

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emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

27

n NEWS

M32 downgrade needed for park and ride PLANS to build a park and ride for the M32 have been given new funding – but the motorway will have to be downgraded to an A-road for it to happen, insists the leader of South Gloucestershire Council.

Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority have been given £500,000 to develop plans for a park and ride for the north end of the motorway under the Zero Emission Transport City scheme.

Consultants commissioned

by WECA are identifying preferred locations, and £48 million has been allocated to the “strategic corridor” as part of the £540m City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement from the Government.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said the funding would "provide the platform to move us onto the next phases of delivering

sustainable and low-carbon transport networks that benefit everyone".

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who is in charge of WECA, said the scheme would "enable us to reach our ambitious net-zero targets and will mean more local people breathe cleaner air and lead healthier lives".

But a site for the park and ride is likely to be on land in neighbouring South Gloucestershire.

In 2019 Mr Rees, pledging to protect the site of the Sims Hill Shared Harvest community farm near Stapleton, said a park and ride needed to be "out by the M4".

South Gloucestershire leader Toby Savage said other local roads could not take more congestion, so could not provide access for drivers – but as park and rides are not allowed access

directly on and off motorways, the only way to accommodate one would be to reclassify the M32 as an A-road.

Interviewed by the BBC, Cllr Savage said it would be "several years" before a site could be agreed and work completed.

He said: "The location needs to be one that means access can only be to and from the M32 itself.

"I’ve mentioned before about reclassifying the M32 into in effect the A32 in order to allow that to happen.

"But I’m very clear that in terms of an M32 park and ride, I would not want to see that accessed from the local road network, which is already congested.

“Having people come off the M32 to then find their way to this park and ride through local roads would only add to that.

“There are a number of sites, some of which are not available, others that there is a question mark over their availability, so we need to go through that work to understand where it’s most appropriate.

“We’re doing that work with National Highways, who are in charge of the motorway network, Bristol City Council and Weca."

Other projects being moved forward with feasibility studies include: installing 1,000 cycle hangars, increasing electric vehicle charging units, introducing 250 electric buses, setting up 'consolidation centres' - where deliveries from many suppliers are combined into bigger single loads, cutting overall lorry and van journeys – and electric cargo bikes.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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emersonsgreenvoice

28

June, 2022

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Acupuncture with Jennie HELLO! My name is Jennie Abraham and I work for Tim Button at Cleve Chiropractic as his acupuncturist. He’s asked me to write a guest blog to explain all about acupuncture – so here goes.

Simply put, acupuncture is a healthcare system that works on the mental, emotional and physical aspects of a person. It can help with a huge array of conditions, ranging from pain to anxiety.

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM for short) and is one of the world’s oldest medical systems that’s used for diagnostic, treatment and preventative purposes.

There are all sorts of reasons why people come to see me at the clinic. They include: • Headaches and migraines • Stress/anxiety • Women’s health (PMS, menopause, fertility) • Pain • General health and wellbeing

The latter is for people who have reached a place where they are happy physically and mentally and don’t necessarily have any particular symptoms.

However, they like to come and see us once a month or so to keep in tip-top condition.

Acupuncture works by stimulating sensory nerves just under the skin and in muscles which trigger the body to produce natural substances, such as endorphins and serotonin, in the central nervous system and brain. Enhanced levels of these chemicals have a positive effect on mood and provide pain relief.

From a TCM point of view, acupuncture works by restoring the free flow of a person’s Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), which loosely translates into ‘energy’.

When a person’s Qi doesn’t flow smoothly around their body illness, disease, unbalanced emotions and pain can occur. In these cases, acupuncture aims to restore the free flow of energy to

help bring the individual back to good health.

If you do book to come and see me, I will ask lots of questions about how you’re feeling and your general health.

I’ll look at your tongue and take your pulse to try to find out the root cause of your symptoms.

This will help to paint a picture of what’s causing your problems so I can select which of the 300-plus acupuncture points across your body to use. The insertion of ultra fine acupuncture needles will then trigger the free flow of Qi and the release of natural substances for your body to begin the healing process.

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, meaning that each session builds upon the last – as your treatments progress, your symptoms become less severe. Acupuncture can be used alongside other practices such as physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments and is safe to use with medicines.

Next month I will pass the

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

0117 957 5388

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

reins back to Tim but for now I hope you enjoyed reading about what I love to do!

To book a consultation with Jennie or any of the friendly health and fitness experts at Cleve Chiropractic, call 0117 957 5388.

Good start for Carsons and Mangotsfield THE season has got off to a promising start for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club.

The players have engaged well with coach, Damian Forder.

Sessions have been wellattended, and this has led to a promising start for the second, third and Sunday teams in their

opening league games.

A number of young players have done well, with Tour Ponting and Matt Clatworthy standing out.

During the close season no players left the club – instead it has continued to attract new players.

The club is preparing for its Clubmark assessment. One of the areas it has highlighted is an ambition to have a 5th team over the next couple of seasons.

In a change from the past, the club’s All Stars programme, for children aged from five to eight, is starting at the beginning of

June and running on a Sunday morning.

There are spaces available: if you have a child that is interested in playing cricket, please search for the club on the All Stars Programme website at www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars.

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emersonsgreenvoice

June, 2022

29

n SPORT

All change at Cossham Street MANGOTSFIELD United's home at Cossham Street has been a hive of activity since the end of the season.

A new chairman has taken over the running of the club, they are actively seeking a new first team manager and the FA has announced that the Mangos, for the first time ever, will be competing in the Hellenic League Premier Division next season, after finishing second from bottom of the Southern League Division 1 South at the end of April.

On April 28 the club announced that Mike Richardson had resigned as chairman and was stepping into the role of president.

Steve Brown is taking over as chairman.

He said: “It is something I am very excited to be taking up and is a role that I realise carries a huge amount of responsibility, as the club means so much to so many."

Thanking Mike Richardson for his work, Steve said a committee was being formed to "take the club forward in a positive manner both on and off the field".

He said: "This committee will keep the club in touch with its fan base and keep us steered in the right direction.

"We will also be reconnecting with Mangotsfield United Juniors, and together we’ll be working to help improve facilities and help create a sustainable long term future for the club."

A new commercial team has already secured some new sponsors for the upcoming season but is looking for more.

Steve said the club was looking for a new manager "who shares our positive vision for this club".

Applications were invited for the role on the club's website, with the new manager expected to have experience at managing at Step 5 or above, with a proven

track record, contacts throughout the leagues, an ability to both identify and attract talented players and work with the junior section to identify talent from within the club, as well as the ability to work within a budget.

The manager will have to put together a squad once pre-season training begins at the end of June.

The FA announced on May 12 that the Mangos and Cinderford Town, who finished one place above them, would both be playing in the Hellenic League Premier Division next season.

The Mangos will be facing a number of sides they’ve never faced before, such as Shrivenham, Hereford Pegasus, Westfields and Longlevens.

It will be a huge challenge for the club, who will be perceived as a “big name” for the Hellenic League.

However, travel costs will be much easier for the Club.

There will be local fixtures

Emersons Green Voice

against Cribbs, Roman Glass St George, Chipping Sodbury Town and Thornbury Town.

Had they returned, alongside Barnstaple Town, to the Toolstation Western League, they would have faced trips to five Cornish club sides, as well as a host of Devon clubs, in a very hard league to try and win outright.

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