Bridge bites the dust
Workers use heavy mechanical claws and pneumatic drills to demolish the bridge.
THE bridge that carried the main road from Downend to Yate over the M4 has been reduced to rubble after a roundthe-clock demolition operation.
The motorway was closed between the Bristol and Bath junctions for nearly 60 hours while a team of 45 contractors
worked in 12-hour shifts to bring down the concrete and steel Badminton Road bridge, which was closed to motor traffic after being declared unsafe by inspectors in 2023.
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians now face another year of waiting until the
HAIR DESIGNERS
replacement bridge is expected to be ready to use.
During that time a 50mph limit will be imposed on the M4 past the site, and there will be at least one and possibly two more weekend closures to install the new bridge.
Turn to page 3
Sian raises £8k for charity
Sian Norman from Emersons Green, pictured with Radio Bristol’s Joe Sims, has raised £8,000 for a brain tumour charity.
PAGE 5
Trees for Queen
An avenue of lime trees has been planted on Rodway Common in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
PAGE 9
Election preview
Find out more about the election canddates bidding to become the next Mayor of the West of England.
PAGES 10 & 11
Ali’s new book
The Voice talks to Emersons Green author Ali Bacon about her latest book.
PAGE 16
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Florist’s
Downing Street job
A FLORIST who moved to Shortwood after the Russian invasion of Ukraine says she was “honoured” to provide floral displays for an important event at 10 Downing Street.
Alla Orekhovska, who recently opened her own shop, Flowers by Alla, in Totterdown, received a call from the Prime Minister’s office asking if she could create displays for an event marking three years since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Alla crafted eight floral arrangements using blue and yellow flowers, including sunflowers, which are the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of peace.
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A member of the
They were displayed at the event hosted by Sir Kier Starmer and attended by Ukrainian dignitaries, government aides and organisations.
She was also invited to the Prime Minister’s office for a ‘meet and greet’ and chat.
Alla, who fled her home city of Kyiv during the conflict, said: “I was able to tell him how I was a florist for many years in Ukraine. However, it is in the UK where all my dreams have come true and I have opened my very own shop.
“I love nothing more than creating beautiful arrangements for people to give to their loved ones. I’d also really love to get into creating displays for events and so to have my first event be for 10 Downing Street is an incredible achievement.
“They had searched for Ukrainian florists and came across my work. Ten days later I was on my way to London with a car full of flowers for the Prime Minister.”
Bus service changes
BUS operator First is making changes to its timetable for services to Emersons Green and Lyde Green.
From April 7, all 48 services will terminate at Downend, with only 48x services going on to Emersons Green, and 49 services will all terminate at Page Park, Staple Hill, with only 49x services going on to Lyde Green.
This means passengers from Emersons Green, Lyde Green and other areas near the end of the route will need to change buses if they want to travel to Easton or Old Market.
Up until now some early morning and evening 48 and 49 services had gone to Emersons and Lyde Green but from April only the direct 48x and 49x services, which are faster because they use the M32 between Eastville and the city centre, will terminate there.
First has also revised the timetables of the 48, 48x, 49 and 49x services to “improve punctuality and reliability”.
The spokesperson said: “Inbound 48x and 49x services will be slightly quicker, while outbound peak services will have additional time to account for congestion.”
There will be no 48x or 49x services between midnight and around 4.50am - during those hours only 48 and 49 services will run, to Downend and Staple Hill respectively.
There are no changes to the m3 and m3x metrobus services.
The new timetables can be found at tinyurl.com/4k5vhznu.
Alla Orekhovska outside 10 Downing Street
Bridge is brought down and crushed
From page 1
The operation to remove the bridge, which carried the A432 across the M4 next to the Wick Wick roundabout, started at 7pm on Friday March 21, when the motorway was closed to traffic so that workers from contractor Taylor Woodrow could move in.
National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge and M4, says the closed stretch of motorway usually carries 3,000 to 4,000 cars per hour at peak weekend times.
Although drivers had been advised to avoid the area if possible, over the weekend there were queues along the diversion route on the M32, the Avon Ring Road between Hambrook and Warmley, on the A420 between Warmley and Wick, and on the A46 approaching Tormarton.
Traffic was also heavy on roads used by drivers trying to avoid the official diversion, with queues on Westerleigh Road in both directions approaching the Henfield Road and Westerleigh traffic lights, and between Codrington and the A46. Drivers also queued between Hinton and the A46, while lorries that tried to use the narrow lane caused jams.
Once the M4 shut, piles of railway sleepers stacked next to the hard shoulder were moved onto the motorway to create a 1,600 square metre "mat" under the bridge to protect the road surface.
Workers added 400 tonnes of aggregate and placed a row of shipping containers on top of that, to absorb the impact and break up the concrete bridge as it came down.
Excavators with pneumatic drills and claw-like crushers moved in to cut through the concrete sand steel cable bridge, which was built in 1966 and
Now you don't: Rubble being cleared three days later
intended to last 120 years.
Work to take down the deck lasted throughout the Saturday, and the sound of pneumatic drills could be heard across Downend into the early hours of Sunday morning.
By lunchtime that day most of the structure had disappeared, as rubble was taken away to be separated into concrete and steel for recycling.
National Highways' engineering manager for structures Terry Robinson said about 2,500 tonnes of material had to be removed.
Workers took asbestos pipes out of the bridge before demolition started.
Although an exclusion zone was set up around the demolition site, National Highways set up a temporary building nearby where passers-by could watch a live video feed.
Many people walked onto the Church Lane bridge between Downend and Moorend to watch.
Mr Robinson said a new bridge has been designed and National Highways is close to choosing a UK-based firm to build it.
The cost is expected to be around £20 million.
He said the new bridge's beams would be made from lowmaintenance 'weathering steel', which has a specially-formulated layer of stable rust that seals off the rest of the metal from the elements.
It is being designed to last 120 years - the same as the old bridge, which was condemned after “accelerated deterioration
and joints that need to be replaced, as the whole structure is designed to expand and contract as temperatures change. It will be 4m wider than the old bridge, with the same space for road traffic but extra room on wider cycle and pedestrian paths.
and cracking” was found in the concrete and steel cable structure.
The new one will not have moving parts such as bearings
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A giant mechanical claw crunches through concrete and steel
Now you see it: the bridge on the day before the motorway closed
Deadline looms for plan opponents
PEOPLE who object to proposals to build thousands of new houses on green are being urged to have their say before it’s too late.
The latest version of South Gloucestershire’s Local Plan, which outlines where the authority believes development should take place over the next 15 years, is out for consultation until April 11.
The plan includes proposals to allow a major development on the former Shortwood Lodge Golf Club, 2,000-plus homes next to the M4 north of Lyde Green, 65 homes on part of the Hayfields base of Cleve RFC and 150 homes on land next door owned by Taylor Wimpey, some of them on sites currently in the Green Belt.
The protest group Save Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG) believes that housing on the scale proposed would put unacceptable pressure on roads and other infrastructure.
It organised a meeting at Mangotsfield's Pomphrey Hill Pavilion in March, attended by about 70 people, at which residents expressed concerns that traffic delays on the A4174 ring road were already lengthy, even before any more homes were built.
Martin Thomas, of SOGS-SG, who lives in Siston, said that the group was not
against all housebuilding, but felt that areas east of Bristol were being asked to take a disproportionate amount of the homes that are estimated to be needed.
SOGS-SG chair Darren Lawrence said the consultation was residents’ last chance to influence the Local Plan.
He said: "It is not a done deal. Make sure you have your say."
Emersons Green town councillor Abi Cohen told the meeting that the aim should be to amend the Local Plan rather than reject it.
He warned that without a Local Plan in place, there was little councils or local people could do to ensure that developers funded necessary facilities such as schools and medical centres and transport improvements alongside building the new homes.
SOGS-SG has been holding workshops to help people respond to the council’s consultation. The final one takes place at St
Anne’s Church Hall, Oldland Common, on April 5 from 1pm.
Responses will be passed to the government’s planning inspectorate for review before hearings next year.
Launching the consultation, South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: “We accept that not everyone will like everything in the Plan; some of the decisions we have had to make have been very difficult. We share local people’s passion to protect the character of the places they love to live. But we would be doing those people and the next generations a disservice if we simply tried to put up a roadblock to any new building."
The plan can be viewed and commented on at the consultation website, localplan. commonplace.is, until April 11.
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
Charge over crash death
A DRIVER has been charged with causing the death of a passenger in a lorry crash.
Tyler Carley, aged 20, died when the scaffolding lorry he was in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road at Mangotsfield in December 2023.
Avon & Somerset police say a 38-year-old man, who was arrested after the incident, has been charged in connection with the collision.
A spokesperson said: “Following an investigation, Michael Jon Ronner, of Warmley, in South Gloucestershire, has been charged with causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.”
Ronner was summoned to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in late March to answer the charge.
Ex-cop barred from policing
A FORMER police officer from Mangotsfield who was convicted of domestic abuse has been barred from policing.
Mitchell Curtis, aged 34, was found guilty of two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, one of intentional suffocation and one of criminal damage after a five-week trial at Gloucester Crown Court last November.
Now a tribunal has ruled that the former constable, of Charnhill Drive, committed gross misconduct and would have been sacked without notice had he not already resigned.
He also admitted taking cocaine and is due to be sentenced in April for the offences, which took place while he was off-duty.
The jury heard Curtis had been physically, emotionally and verbally abusive towards a woman over an 18-month period up to October 2022.
An Avon & Somerset police misconduct panel met at force headquarters in Portishead in February, at a hearing delayed until after the end of the criminal trial.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
About 70 people attended a meeting at Pomphrey Hill Pavilion in March
A MUM from Emersons Green who is living with an inoperable brain tumour has raised more than £8,000 for a charity that has given her vital support.
Sian Norman was diagnosed after her face started swelling in January last year.
Partner Mark Hooper urged her to see a doctor, who thought she might have had a stroke.
Sian was taken to hospital by ambulance. There she was told she hadn’t had a stroke, but a CT scan of her brain had caused concern.
Sian, who had been undergoing monitoring for an autoimmune disease, had previously been scanned ten years earlier and staff could see that an area of her brain had changed since then. A further MRI scan confirmed that she had a brain tumour.
Sian said: “That hadn’t even come into my head, and it was a massive shock.
“I’d had it for ten years and not known.”
Sian, who works as a healthcare assistant for Sirona’s district nursing team, had previously worked at the brain injury unit at Frenchay Hospital and thought back to the many patients she had cared for there.
At first the specialist neurooncologist thought they could operate, and Sian underwent a memory test, so medics could measure any memory loss from the surgery.
But a detailed scan then revealed that because of the shape and position of the tumour, an operation would be too dangerous to attempt.
Sian said: “The tumour is in my left hippocampus, which is shaped like a sea horse’s tail. It’s growing all the way around.
“Surgery wasn’t an option because I could lose 55% of
Sian’s big thank-you to brain tumour charity
my memory, and for the same reason they couldn’t do a biopsy, so they don’t know what type of tumour it is and they can’t do any treatment “It’s a case of ‘watch and wait’.
“I’m under six-monthly surveillance, at the last scan there was no change and my next scan is in April.
“I’ve no symptoms.”
One challenge for Sian has been what to tell her children Lilly and Theo, who are both at Mangotsfield Primary School.
She said: “We didn’t say anything for a little while but when we had to cancel our holiday we ended up telling them I had a lump in my head - they named it Brian and we tried to make it light-hearted.
“When I found I couldn’t have surgery I told them it was because Brian was the shape of a slug and we had to keep watching him and see what he’s doing.”
As well as the “overwhelming” support of her family and close friends, Sian says professional help and advice from charity Brain Tumour Support has made a “massive” difference.
She said: “When I was diagnosed I was signposted to Brain Tumour Support and was given a support professional. She’s my person I can talk to if I need to talk.
“When I first found out about it I couldn’t even talk about it - my emotions were all over the place. “They understand the emotions that go with it. It’s helped massively to talk to someone that gets it.”
To repay the Thornburybased charity for its support, Sian organised a fundraising night at Centurys Club in Kingswood in March that was attended by around 200 people and raised a total of £8,238.
The event included a raffle
with 30 hampers and up to 60 vouchers donated by local businesses, signed shirts from Bristol City, Rovers and Bath Rugby as well as Bristol-born England Rugby international Ellis Genge.
An auction with BBC Radio Bristol presenter and actor Joe Sims as auctioneer raised more than £1,000 during the evening.
A Brain Tumour Support Spokesperson said: “We send our heartfelt thanks to Sian and everyone who donated or played a part in making this wonderful evening such a huge success.
“Your help in funding our much-needed support services makes a vital difference to brain tumour patients and their families.”
For more information about Brain Tumour Support, visit www.braintumoursupport.co.uk or call 01454 422701.
Sian with Joe Sims at the fundraising night
Sian Norman with partner Mark Hooper, son Theo and daughter Lilly
TURNER'S VISION
Expert contact lens care: tips for comfortable and healthy wear
As specialist contact lens optometrists, we know that contact lenses can transform the way you see and experience life. Whether you wear them for daily convenience, sports, or cosmetic reasons, the right lenses and proper professional eye care are key to ensuring long-term comfort and eye health. Here are some essential do’s, don’ts, and handy hints to help you get the best from your contact lenses.
Do’s: Essential Contact Lens Care Tips
Ginny Allwood of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434 www.turnersopticians.co.uk
• Follow Your Optometrist’s Advice – Your eyes are unique, and so are your contact lenses. Always follow the wear and replacement schedule recommended by your Optometrist to maintain healthy eyes.
• Wash and Dry Your Hands – Before handling your lenses, wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to your eyes or lenses.
• Clean and Store Lenses Properly – If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and store them in fresh contact lens solution. Please never reuse or top up contact lens solutions.
• Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly – Your lens case can harbour bacteria, so replace it every month and clean it regularly with fresh solution.
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Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid with Contact Lenses
• Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses – Unless you have been prescribed specific overnight-wear lenses, sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections.
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Book an appointment today and let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably! To book an appointment, give us a call at our Henleaze branch on 0117 962 2474, our Fishponds branch on 0117 965 4434 or you can also book online at www.turnersopticians.co.uk and let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably!
Ginny
Ginny Allwood MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret, is an Associate Optometrist with a Specialist interest in Contact Lenses & Myopia Control, who is also a Qualified Dispensing Optician, at Turners Opticians in Bristol.
Cairo wants to take on the world
A LYDE Green teenager is preparing to take on all comers in the world of mixed martial arts.
Cairo Thomas, aged 13 , won the IMMAF European Championships title for his age and weight group in February - at his first ever international tournament.
Now he has his sights on the combat sport's world championships, which take place in Abu Dhabi in July.
Mum Leilani has set up a crowdfunding page to raise the £6,000 they need to fund Cairo's flights, accommodation and training expenses for the chance to represent England on the world stage.
Cairo has been practising MMA and kickboxing for just over two years, having started the tough martial art of Brazilian JiuJitsu at the age of nine.
He trains at the Roger Gracie Academy East Bristol in Speedwell and spends four to six hours a day, seven days a week, practising and developing his skills.
Leilani said: "It was my choice to put him into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as I was a single mom raising a son, and didn't want him to not have the masculinity around him.
"He decided at age 11 that he wanted to start MMA.
"He's an incredibly talented, hard-working young athlete.
"This opportunity is not just a competition: it is a stepping stone in Cairo's journey to become a seasoned professional MMA fighter."
Cairo has lived in Lyde Green for five years and is home-schooled, having previously attended Winterbourne Academy.
He said: "I'm training every day with a dream to become the greatest fighter of all time.
"Throughout the years doing the sport I've loved it, just as much as on day one."
Clayton Chamberlain, who runs Roger Gracie East Bristol, says Cairo has shown "massive potential, drive and desire to reach the very top of his field" since first coming to the martial arts school.
Clayton said: "He has everything in place to do so and is a perfect student, always asking questions on how to improve.
"Cairo works harder than any kid I've seen in my 40 years of martial arts and I have no doubt he can be a big name in the UK if he continues on this same path. We will do everything in our power to help him fulfil his dreams of being a champion."
Clayton said training in the sport helps
young people to "do something positive with their lives".
The fundraiser for Cairo can be found on the Gofundme website at tinyurl.com/ ynek92r6.
A previous fundraiser helped pay for his travel to Serbia for the European championships and Leilani said they were "deeply grateful for the overwhelming support".
Cairo Thomas with his European gold medal
Cafe closing
SUPERMARKET Sainsbury's has declined to reveal how many jobs will be lost when it closes the cafe at its Emersons Green store.
The retailer has announced plans to close all 61 of its remaining cafes, as well as patisserie, hot food and pizza counters, "subject to consultation".
The closures are part of the supermarket's three-year "Next Level strategy", and will involve the loss of around 3,000 jobs around the country.
However, when the Voice asked Sainsbury's how many staff at Emersons Green would be affected, whether they would be offered other roles or made redundant, and whether it could confirm a closure date, the company declined to confirm any details.
In a statement making the initial announcement, the company said: "The majority of Sainsbury’s most loyal shoppers do not use the Cafés regularly and Cafés and food halls run by specialist partners are becoming more and more popular."
Council scraps community forums
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is set to replace its system of Community Engagement Forums to bring residents and decisionmakers together, after they attracted an average of just four attendees.
The council says it will scrap the 14 CEFs and replace them with four new area committees, which will cover a larger area.
Residents, town and parish councillors, police, the voluntary sector and community groups will be invited to attend the expanded area committee sessions when the 18-month pilot project launches in May.
As well as low public attendance, organisations like the police and fire service have struggled to attend CEFs because there are so many of them, each meeting four times a year.
A cabinet member from the council’s Lib Dem/Labour administration will chair each of the four new committees, which will broadly mirror the district's parliamentary constituencies but with Thornbury & Yate split into separate East and West committees and the South Gloucestershire areas of Bristol North East combined with North East
Somerset & Hanham.
They will not have decision-making powers but the local authority says they are a way of increasing its Community Conversations agenda to truly listen to the voices of the public.
The idea is that residents can speak directly to council leaders so their views can be considered earlier in the process to determine policy and potential service changes.
At present the Frenchay & Downend and Emersons Green wards share a CEF, while Staple Hill & Mangotsfield shares one with neighbouring New Cheltenham.
Opposition Conservative councillors welcomed the proposal, approved by the council's cabinet in March, but questioned whether the committees’ areas were too big to focus on truly local issues.
Shadow cabinet member Erica Williams said one proposed committee area had a population of more than 100,000 people, and asked: “How can residents hope to get a focus on issues that matter to them when the area is so large?”
Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said: “These CEFs have been a bit of a blot on our diary for many of us who’ve attended, knowing that we’re the only ones there, so to have any opportunity to engage in a fuller way with residents and town and parish councils is really welcome."
By
Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
If youʼre 75 or over, or you have a weakened immune system, you can book your free COVID-19 vaccination. Make sure youʼre protected this spring. Book your vaccination appointment by 17 June at nhs.uk/get-vaccination or by calling 119.
Avenue dedicated to memory of Queen
AN avenue of lime trees planted in memory of Queen Elizabeth II on Rodway Common in Mangotsfield has been officially dedicated.
The trees have been planted at the northern corner of the common opposite Mangotsfield School by Emersons Green Town Council, which is in charge of maintaining the open space.
A ceremony was held in March to officially dedicate the avenue to the late Queen's memory, naming it Jubilee Way after the council received royal approval for the gesture.
The ceremony included a moment of reflection by Rev James Cannan, the vicar of St James Church, Mangotsfield, and a reading of Floral Tribute, the poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to mark the Queen's death in 2022.
Emersons Green musician Emily Correa played two flute solos, Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending and I Vow to
Thee My Country, by Gustav Holst.
The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a plaque by Emersons Green town mayor James Hunt.
The plaque, near the junction of Manor Road and Rodway Hill,
bears the Jubilee Way name and dedicates the trees to the late Queen and her 70-year reign, the longest in British history.
Cllr Hunt said: "I don't think we need a plaque to remember her, as she will never be forgotten.
"This is just a small thing that we can do to pay respects to her for everything she did for us and getting the country to where it is today."
Emily Correa performs next to the plaque
Town councillors and guests at the ceremony
Metro Mayor candidates Q&A
ON May 1 voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES will choose the region's next Metro Mayor.
The leader of the West of England Combined Authority has the task of coordinating the region’s transport, housing, infrastructure, jobs, skills and business support strategies.
Whoever wins the election is expected to be given extra powers in the years ahead, as the government promises to devolve more spending and decisionmaking to regions.
They will be responsible for delivering the region's Local Growth Plan, to drive economic growth over the next ten years.
The mayor has to work with the leaders of the three councils that make up WECA to deliver policies.
Current Metro Mayor Dan Norris is standing down after being elected as a Labour MP last year.
Aiming to succeed him for Labour is Helen Godwin, a former Bristol City Council cabinet member.
The Conservatives, who held the post from 2017 to 2021, have also picked a former Bristol city councillor, Steve Smith, to try and win it back.
The Greens, third in 2021, have selected Mary Page, a community activist who was their candidate for the Bristol North West seat at the last general election.
Bath & North East Somerset councillor Oli Henman is the Liberal Democrats’ choice.
South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Scott is standing as an independent. He initially applied to be Labour's candidate but accused the party of discrimination after being removed from its shortlist.
As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer three interview questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans.
As the Voice went to print, Reform UK had not announced a candidate. We invited the party
to contribute to this article.
Nominations opened on March 26 and will close on April 2.
Question 1: What are the 3 biggest issues facing the region?
Helen Godwin: The three top issues facing our region are:
The lack of a smart, integrated transport network that effectively connects communities and meets local needs.
The critical shortage of affordable homes in communities with essential services.
The need for sustainable economic growth that delivers quality jobs and training opportunities across our entire region.
As your Labour Mayor working alongside a Labour government, I'll bring together stakeholders and private companies to tackle these challenges with my proven track record of delivery.
Oli Henman: The top issue is the need to improve public transport. This includes rapidly expanding reliable buses, alongside an integrated approach to trains and mass transit as well as improved cycle routes.
Secondly, we have an opportunity to build the jobs of the future, we need pathways through training and into employment in key areas such as renewables, net zero construction, engineering and technology innovation.
I would also highlight the need for genuinely affordable housing in locations with good transport connections.
Mary Page: We need a New Green Deal for the West of England.
Public transport is unreliable or non-existent. We are experiencing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, conflict between development versus nature yet also a lack of affordable housing.
I will prioritise making public transport accessible and available 24 hours a day. Improve our environment and sustainability policies, support communities with local plans and upskill our people. Work with social housing developers and use the Green Infrastructure Fund to unlock private investment.
Ian Scott: Government Funding – Give us our money back. The West of England is a net contributor to the economy, so why is it not in the first tranche of the Integrated Settlement, like West Yorkshire? West of England or West Yorkshire? West of England voters will want to get fair funding and gets its money back to fund local services.
Mass transit system – We are the biggest city in Europe without a mass transit system Cheap bus fares.
Steve Smith: Ending local councils' war on the motorist
who are hitting people with new parking charges and wasting limited regional funding on closing off roads.
Transforming public transport by opening at least five new local train stations (three in South Glos), increasing service frequency. And prioritising bus services to improve coverage for communities affected by cuts like Chipping Sodbury.
Championing our Green Belt by promoting a “brownfield first” approach to housing and promoting higher density development in the centre of Bristol.
Question 2: If
you win the election, what would your first action be?
Steve Smith: To stop frittering away regional transport funding on schemes that close and curtail road access. The first to go will be the Labour Mayor’s planned congestion-creating and deeply unpopular A4 Bus Lane on the Keynsham Bypass between Bath and Bristol.
Ian Scott: Call in the bus operators to plan better bus routes to increase bus usage and keep bus fares as low as possible,
Helen Godwin
Oli Henman
Mary Page
Steve Smith
Ian Scott
METRO MAYOR ELECTION
whilst demanding a fair funding system from the government for the West of England.
Mary Page: Meet all staff to outline my plans and hear theirs. Instruct an audit of policy documents and ways of working to ensure a sustainability first approach. Start investigation into Franchising and set up outline brief for a Freedom travel card.
Oli Henman: This is a key moment to rebuild trust in the role of the Mayor to drive new opportunities for our region. I would start by bringing together all the key stakeholders to listen and design a shared strategy on transport, housing and jobs.
Helen Godwin: If elected, my first action will be assembling a top-tier team at the West of England Authority - professionals demonstrating clear regional value while delivering immediate results. No wasted time, just tangible outcomes for our communities from day one.
Question 3: What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job?
Mary Page: Worked in community development support at Shirehampton Jobs, Training and Enterprise, Jobs 22 Marketing Manager, DWP Work Coach, National Composites Centre Business Development, South Gloucestershire Council political advisor, National Union of Journalists SW Exec, Trustee and Residents’ Association Chair.
Steve Smith: I’ve worked in business, the NHS and local government. Crucially I have a proven track record of campaigning on local issues. This includes taking the fight to Lib/Lab South Gloucestershire Council against their Green Belt destroying, congestion creating Local Plan.
Helen Godwin: As a deeplyrooted local with generations of family across the West Country,
I've proven my ability to deliver real change as both a business leader and Bristol cabinet member. My reputation for getting things done by bringing together key stakeholders will secure the investment our region deserves.
Oli Henman: I have local roots and an international outlook. I have experience as a local councillor in the leadership at Bath & NE Somerset and deep expertise in sustainable
development. I can deliver locally, raise the profile of the region and draw international investment.
Ian Scott: I have been a councillor 25 years - Filton 15 years and South Gloucestershire 10 years. I worked as a local government policy advisor for South Gloucestershire Council two years, Bristol 10 years, and South West councils Local Governance Assessor.
Voting in the election
POLLING day is Thursday, May 1. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.
The deadline for registering to vote is April 11.
Postal vote applications have to be made by 5pm on April 14 and proxy vote applications have to be made by 5pm on April 23.
Voters will need to photo ID, including a passport, driving licence or older person’s bus pass, to vote in person on the day. Anyone without photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, also by April 23.
More information on voting can be found on the WECA website at tinyurl.com/2s468mh6, the South Gloucestershire Council website at tinyurl.com/2mwsnmxt or by calling 01454 863030.
Inspired
Unstoppable tomorrow
Protesters call for slaughterhouse to close
ANIMAL rights campaigners are calling for the closure of an abattoir where they say up to 3,000 pigs a day are slaughtered.
Protesters are holding regular vigils outside the Pilgrim's Europe plant at Westerleigh, north of Lyde Green.
They believe the method used to stun the pigs before slaughter, using carbon dioxide gas, is cruel and that the animals suffer "immense distress" during transportation to the plant in trucks.
The protests, which take place every other Monday morning outside the plant and
on nearby Westerleigh Road, are coordinated by the Bristol Animal Rights Collective, and also involve members of other groups, including Bristol Animal Save and We The Free.
People had travelled from as far as Evesham, Swindon and Weston-super-Mare to take part in a demonstration seen by the Voice in March.
Carol Sharpe, from Downend, has been attending the protests, which happen fortnightly on Monday mornings, since 2018, a year after the first one was held.
She said: "We do it to raise awareness.
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"We ask passing drivers to beep in support and one of us uses a clicker to count how many we get - some weeks it's over 250."
Jody Wilkins, who travels from Weston to regularly take part, said: "We also go there as a mark of respect to the pigs, to bear witness to the trucks coming in and raise awareness to the public that the facility is there.
"The industry tries to keep this side of it secret."
Jody said carbon dioxide is used on 90% of pigs slaughtered in the UK and was "an extremely
painful way to die".
The campaigners are calling on people to watch a documentary called Pignorant, released last year, which includes undercover filming at an abattoir using carbon dioxide.
The Voice has contacted Pilgrim's Europe to request a comment on the protests, the campaigners' claims that the use of carbon dioxide is cruel and that animals suffer distress during their journey to the abattoir.
Debbie
Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians in Fishponds having worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.
Protesters film pigs inside a lorry arriving at the plant.
Animal rights protesters outside the abattoir in Westerleigh
WEST OF ENGLAND MAYORAL ELECTION
THURSDAY 1ST MAY
A common sense plan for our region
Let’s get our region moving (at last!) with a Mayor who will:
End the war on the motorist
Sort out our bus services
Expand railway services
Champion the Green Belt
Grow our regions’ economy and jobs
HOW TO USE YOUR VOTE FOR:
A Mayor who will move quickly to protect bus routes and keep fares low , through franchising and investment.
STEVE SMITH Vote
PUPILS at Pucklechurch C of E Primary school took part in a nationwide event to get more girls playing football.
The England Football’s Biggest Girl’s Football Session on March 7 included girlsonly training in the morning and games at lunchtime, with Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young joining them for a kick-
Footballers are on the ball
about.
Year 5 Teacher and PE Lead Abbie Southcott, who led the session, said: “The event aimed to raise the profile of girl’s football across the nation, and we did exactly that at Pucklechurch!
“Everyone in the school was
Scarecrows return
PUCKLECHURCH’S annual May Day Bank Holiday Scarecrow Trail is back next month.
People can collect trail maps, tickets and clues/entry forms from St Thomas a Becket
Church from 11.30am on May 4 or 10.30am on May 5 before heading out around the village, finding and guessing the names of the scarecrows in front gardens.
Prizes are available for the best scarecrow voted by the public and also for most scarecrow names correctly guessed.
Tickets cost £5 for a family, £2 per adult and £1 per child or student.
There are also sandwiches, cakes and cream teas available at the church during the event.
Visitors need to bring cash with them for the refreshments, as the village has no cash machines.
Entry forms need to be returned by 4pm each day. There will be a presentation of the answers on Monday at 4pm in church and the answers will also be added to the Pucklechurch Scarecrow Trail Facebook page, where there are more details.
Hare coursing fine
A MAN arrested in connection with the illegal blood sport of hare coursing has been fined.
John Head, aged 51, of Blackhorse Lane, admitted trespass with intent to search or to pursue hares with dogs in connection with an incident in October last year, when two men were seen with two lurcher dogs chasing hares on land at Burbage, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
Head was fined £505 when he appeared before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in March.
invited to wear their favourite football kit or sports clothes for the day.
“It was brilliant to see so many girls get excited about football and since then, many girls have joined football at lunchtime alongside the boys,
EASTER FEATURE
since gaining more confidence to join in.
“We hope this is the beginning of a continued love for the game amongst girls in our school!”
Hope and new life
The Easter story has always been a story of Hope and new life. Over two thousand years since that first Easter Sunday we still need hope in our lives. The pressures of daily life and the endless bad news we see around the world can be so hard to deal with. However, the good news today is that the Easter story can bring us real hope. The Easter story is no myth or fable – As Christians, we believe that Jesus really did come back to life on that first Easter Sunday. That miracle is just as relevant to you and me today as it was over two thousand years ago. Why? Because by believing in Jesus we can find new hope for our lives here today and a promise of spending our future with him in Heaven one day.
The Easter story can literally change your life and give you hope and peace beyond anything you might have imagined. Jesus died and rose again so that we might all find hope, forgiveness and purpose in our lives. Come and join us on Easter Sunday in Emersons Green Village Hall to find out more and to celebrate the good news of Easter. We are looking forward to spending this special Sunday morning together. If you cannot make this time, we are meeting as a big family every Sunday at the same time. And you are very welcome!
Pucklechurch girls with teacher Abbie Southcott and local MP Claire Young
Secret love letters inspire author
Emersons Green author Ali Bacon has just published her latest book, The Absent Heart. She discusses her inspiration for the story with Gianina Turner
What has been your path to becoming a published author?
I had an ambition to write from an early age, but it somehow got lost in other life events. When I reached the age of fifty, I decided it was time to make a start and joined an evening class for creative writing. I retired from my job as a librarian in 2010 and so this has become a kind of second career.
Two of your books were set in the 19th century. What made you decide to write historical fiction?
My first novel (‘A Kettle of Fish’, 2012) was contemporary fiction and I didn’t intend to write anything historical until I stumbled across the story of a Victorian photographer living in Edinburgh, which I couldn’t resist turning into
fiction. Then I enjoyed writing and researching ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ so much, I decided to home in on historical fiction.
What drew you to Robert Louis Stevenson’s love letters as inspiration for your novel ‘The Absent Heart’?
It was great to have so much source material to work with, although also quite a challenge. The published letters of Robert Louis Stevenson fill eight volumes. Luckily those that interested me were mainly in Volumes 1 and 2! I was particularly interested in how the letters came to be publishedsome of them only recently - and also in the fact that Frances’s letters back were all destroyed, leaving plenty of opportunity for fiction.
Can you share a synopsis of your latest book?
Frances Sitwell, beautiful, intelligent and trapped in an abusive marriage, is grateful for the chaste affection offered by rising literary star Sidney Colvin. They make a perfect couple until the young Robert Louis Stevenson bursts into their lives to captivate them with his wild, mercurial spirit and startlingly original talent. Stevenson falls in love with Frances, and as her feelings for Sidney cool, and Stevenson’s entreaties become irresistible, she encourages him to express his feelings in a series of passionate letters. After Stevenson’s death, these emotional outpourings fall into Sidney’s hands and he accuses her of infidelity. This beguiling
account of a triangular relationship unveils the woman who had a profound influence on one of the greatest writers of his age.
How would you describe Mrs Sitwell’s character?
Compared to many heroines, she isn’t a firebrand or a rebel, but she had great reserves of courage and resilience. Like many Victorian women - or women of any age - she suffered great personal tragedy. But I see her trying to tread a path between doing the right thing and getting what she wants, all within the constraints of Victorian society.
What have been some of the highlights of your writing career so far?
I entered one of the chapters of ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ into the Evesham Short Story Competition and had my moment of glory when I was presented with the prize by Prue Leith. Not everyone knows but she is an accomplished novelist, as well as a caterer and bake-off presenter. Otherwise I love how writing historical fiction has allowed me to meet other history enthusiasts or occasionally people connected to my characters.
Where do you take inspiration for your stories?
My recent novels have been inspired by the lives of real people whom I wanted to bring to an audience of fiction readers and to whom I felt a personal connection. Much of ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ takes place in Fife, where I was brought up and went to university. I was drawn to ‘The Absent Heart’ partly because an ancestor of mine knew Robert Louis Stevenson as a student. My short stories are much more likely to be inspired by the oddities of daily life, or interesting places, or anything really!
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As a reader, who are some of your favourite authors and books?
For historical fiction, I’m a particular fan of Robert Harris, who has a real gift for bringing history to life. I’ve just been reading ‘Precipice’, another novel about love letters and ‘Conclave’ (now a film) is on my list to read. Having studied Latin at school, I’m also impressed by anyone who can write a great novel about Cicero!
Can you share any writing projects you’re currently working on?
The life of Robert Louis Stevenson is a treasure-trove of colourful characters. I’m thinking of a followup novel about his step-daughter Belle Strong, who acted as his secretary and had an ‘interesting’ relationship with her mother, RLS’s wife. Otherwise I’m taking a break and hoping for some good golfing weather!
What tips and/or advice do you have for anyone keen to pick up writing?
Writing can be a very lonely business. I’ve found the most important thing is to find a group of writing friends who can provide constructive criticism, support and encouragement. My writing group, Just Write Bristol, all egg each other on especially through difficult periods. We also have good laughs along the way.
Do you have any reader events coming up?
‘The Absent Heart’ is available from Linen Press or Amazon. Anyone interested is invited to my book launch on April 5th at 3-4.30pm, at Bristol Folk House on Park Street when I’ll be in conversation with Bristol author Mike Manson about ‘The Absent Heart’. I’ll also be talking about historical fiction at Emersons Green Library on June 7 at 2pm with fellow author Jean Burnett.
You can find out more about Ali Bacon’s books or contact her through her website alibacon.com.
Ali Bacon
Literary festival inspires
A GROUP of primary schools has held its own literary festival to encourage children to love reading.
This year’s Leaf Literature Festival included visits from authors, who shared their stories and signed books for children at Emersons Green Primary School.
Head of School Soraya Young said: “The joy on the children’s faces as they met real-life storytellers was a testament to the power of literature.
“In the spirit of community and collaboration, we joined forces with our friends from Blackhorse Primary, hosting shared reading sessions both at their school and ours.
“This partnership allowed students to bond over books, discuss their favourite stories, and build friendships through a shared love of reading.”
Schools from across the education trust held a shared virtual assembly to share stories.
Mrs Young said: “It was incredible to see young readers come together, united by their passion for books, even from a distance.
“One of our proudest moments came when one of our talented Year 5 students won the short story competition. Their creativity and storytelling prowess truly embodied the spirit of the Leaf Literature Festival, and we could not be prouder.”
‘Mystery Readers’, including parents as well as
Books were the centre of attention at Emersons Green Primary
staff, visited classrooms at the end of each day to share their favourite stories.
Mrs Young said: “This daily treat created a sense of anticipation and joy, reinforcing the idea that reading is not just a school activity, but a lifelong pleasure.
“The children waited, eager to know who was reading their story each day, including mums, dads, past teachers and grandparents.
“These moments highlighted the importance of shared reading experiences and the role they play in building strong literacy skills and lasting memories.
“We were also thrilled to introduce a selection of new books, generously purchased by families. To commemorate the festival, these books now proudly feature bookplates, serving as a lasting reminder of this inspiring celebration of literature.”
Head visits schools
THE head teacher of the new Lyde Green Community School is meeting the children and parents who could start there next year at their primary schools.
Tom Hill has announced a series of assemblies and parent information sessions for current Year 5 children in primary schools, including Mangotsfield Primary School on April 3, Emersons Green Primary School on April 23, Lyde Green Primary School on May 6 and Blackhorse Primary School on May 8.
Parents whose child does not attend one of the schools are invited to a session at 7pm on May 21, at Lyde Green Community Centre.
For more details visit lydegreencs.org.uk/OpenEvents. Lyde Green Community School is due to open in September next year.
South Gloucestershire Council recently confirmed that the school buildings are on track to be finished by next summer.
PM sees our NHS teams in action
THANK you to everyone who joined my recent ‘Coffee with Claire’ event in Bradley Stoke.
Thanks also to those who attended advice surgeries in Patchway and Filton, or spoke with me and our volunteer team on the doorstep recently in Downend, Filton, Winterbourne and Little Stoke.
This month alone, my team and I are working on 315 new cases for residents.
In the last few weeks, I have spoken in the House of Commons on the vital role of local defence companies in backing Ukraine, the need for public service reform, tackling the rise of misinformation and disinformation, and the support needed for innovative local start-ups.
On a personal note, I’m pleased to have been appointed as parliamentary private secretary to Darren Jones and the Treasury team.
It was fantastic to welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer back to our community to mark the government providing two million more NHS appointments within our first year – seven months early! He saw the great work that the team at the North Bristol Community Diagnostic Centre in Patchway does.
I’m pleased that our area will receive 19,076 more urgent dental appointments from April. I’ve long campaigned on this issue and while there’s still more to do, including reforming the dental contract, progress is being made.
In these uncertain times, I fully support the Prime Minister’s international leadership and plan to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027.
We must maintain our national security, alongside that of Europe and Ukraine. This requires difficult decisions, but the first duty of any government is to protect its people.
I was pleased to support the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which includes the ability to seize vehicles like off-road bikes in parks and dangerous e-scooters on pavements.
This is alongside recruiting 13,000
and Somerset Police.
I’m proud of the important work happening at every level in our community. I recently visited SGS College’s WISE campus in Stoke Gifford, to view their cutting-edge facilities.
I celebrated International Women’s Day with Downend’s Christ Church Infant School, where girls took part in the ‘biggest ever football session’.
I joined a community breakfast at Mangotsfield Community School, led by brilliant head teacher Hetty Blackmore, to discuss how we can improve outcomes for the most disadvantaged students.
I also visited the University of Bath’s IAAPS in Emersons Green where advanced propulsion innovation is helping shape the future of flight! Next month’s ‘Coffee with Claire’ will be in Frenchay.
You can sign up at clairehazelgrove. co.uk/coffee-with-claire or facebook.com/ ClaireRHazelgrove
WHAT’S ON
April 8
n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
SOCIETY practice class, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Making an arrangement without using floral foam. Also on 22nd, same time and place, arranging in the Japanese Ikebana style. More information from rosemary. cummins2@gmail.com
April 13
n FRENCHAY 10k, starts at UWE Glenside Campus, 11am. Route goes through Snuff Mills, Oldbury Court, Frenchay and back to Glenside. All proceeds to Bristol & Weston Hospital Charities, Friends of Page Park and Freewheelers (Bloodbikes). Enter online at frenchay10k.co.uk now. Spectators welcome to cheer on runners.
April 18
n REFLECTIVE GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE, Badminton Road Methodist Church, 10.30am.
April 26
n LAWN BOWLS OPEN DAY at Kingswood and Hanham Bowling Club, Kingswood Park, Hollow Road, Kingswood, from 10.30am. For more information visit www. kandhbowls.org or call 07743 888711.
April 26
n IYATRA QUARTET AND YOUNG PERFORMERS
SPOTLIGHT CONCERT, St James Church, Mangotsfield, 6.30pm. 30-minute young musicians’ concert followed by hour-long alt-folk performance. More details and tickets for the concert can be found at tinyurl.com/y3fr4t6e. Young musicians can apply to take part online at tinyurl.com/ nhbmw97f.
May 4-5
n BANK HOLIDAY SCARECROW TRAIL in Pucklechurch. Collect trail map, tickets and clues/entry forms from St Thomas a Becket Church from 11.30am on 4th,
10.30am on 5th. Refreshments available (cash only). Prizes for best scarecrow and most names guessed correctly.
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday
n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT
MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Wednesday 3.15pm-6pm, Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. Ring John 0117 9372873
Tuesday
n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON
CLUB meets every Tuesday
Evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. More info from Graham on 07968 050320.
n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK
DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to 10.15p.m. All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 0784324014.
n MESSY SPACE at Badminton Road Methodist Church, Downend, 10-11.45am. Termtime group for toddlers and carers. Toys, books, crafts, singing and refreshments. First visit free. More information at badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk or 0117 956 1106.
Wednesday
n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm at the YOU Foundation, Page Road, Staple Hill (by the long-stay car park). New members welcome. More details from Diane Roberts on 0117 956 3407.
n MANGO JAMS BABY & TODDLER GROUP, meets at Lyde Green Community Centre, 9.15am-10.45am, term time only.
n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk.
n FRENCHAY FOLK DANCE CLUB meets alternate Wednesdays, English and American folk dancing to live music, 7.45-10.15pm, Frenchay Village Hall. New dancers always welcome. More details at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or email FFDCSecretary@gmail.com.
n CLEEVE SINGERS 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.
Thursday
n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 11am, depending on numbers. Normally meets at Emersons Green library, email jessica.callaway@hotmail.co.uk.
n COFFEE, CAKE AND COMMUNITY MORNING at Emersons Green Village Hall. Free Tea, Coffee, and Cake served 10am to 12pm, with extra time to relax and finish your drinks until 1pm. Everyone is welcome! Donations to Emersons Green Village Hall welcome. Supported by Emersons Green Town Council.
n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, free group walks at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1-2pm. For more details email kingsmeadowmade4ever.org.uk or call 07588 622 372 n SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, at Shortwood Village Chapel, Main Road, Shortwood. More details from millhousejoinery@aol.com.
Friday
n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258.
n RAINBOW TOTS parent and toddler group meets at Emersons Green Village Hall on term-time Friday mornings, 10-11.30am. All welcome. For more details email church.egbc@outlook.com.
n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30amnoon at the church in Cossham Street.
n LATER LIVE MUSIC, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every second Friday monthly, except August & December, 8-10pm, £2.50. More details at facebook.com/ lateratresound.
Saturday
n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.
Sunday
n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.
n BADMINTON ROAD
METHODIST CHURCH Sunday worship followed by sharing refreshments, 10.30am Service of Holy Communion usually fourth Sunday of the month, led by Rev Leigh Maydew. More information from www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk. n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH, High Street BS16 5HQ Sunday services 10.30am + Sunday Club for ages 5-17. Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month – all invited. Taizé worship 6.00pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana 07482 550888, Philippa Church Liaison at staplehillmethodist@ hotmail.co.uk or www. staplehillmethodist.com
n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST
CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.3011.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services. Contact Simon on 07765 201435, visit www.emersonsgreenchurch. org or Facebook page for more details.
n LYDE GREEN LITTER PICKERS meet at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month outside Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. See www.cleanupuk.org.uk/ groups/lyde-green-litter-pickers for information.
n SERVICES AT ST JAMES
CHURCH, MANGOTSFIELD: 8am, holy communion. 10.30am, services rotate between all-age service (1st Sunday), morning worship (2nd & 4th Sunday), holy communion (3rd Sunday) and healing service (5th Sunday).
WE have some fabulous Easter activity sessions at Lyde Green Community Centre.
We have cheerleading and dance sessions on April 8 and 15, an Easter inflatables session on the 9th and there’s an Easter Disco on April 17, from 1-3pm, with the fabulous DJ Bridgee’o (and maybe a visit from the Easter Bunny too!).
These events have been subsidised for the community by Emersons Green Town Council. We are very grateful for their support and appreciate being able to work with them.
The Easter Bunny will also be visiting during Little Tots soft play and the Easter Stay and Play session, on Thursday 3rd and Monday 7th.
Most sessions can be booked using our virtual box office link at buytickets.at/lgca or from the event organisers directly - do check out our socials and website, lydegreenca.org, for more information.
We have struggled recently with some antisocial behaviour from young teens, and are working with the local police to resolve this.
Recent incidents included damage to both the ladies’ and gents’ toilets, with soap dispensers being smashed from the walls and soap being spread on doors, walls and ceilings.
We are always on the lookout for volunteers to work with us. If you would like to help with any events or projects we have coming up, please pop into the centre, give us a call us or visit us online to find out what we have going on.
We are very excited to have recruited a great community connector, who will be in post by the time you read this. Do pop into the community centre to meet Max and have a chat with him if you are interested in getting involved in any of our activities - and hear about his plans!
You can find us on Facebook, email info@lydegreenca.org or call 0117 957 0410.
Helen Crew
A spring in your step
SPRING is upon us and Bristol u3a members are enjoying the sunshine. Walking is a popular activity and we have local two walking groups in the East & North-East Bristol group.
Occasional Walkers is organised on an ad-hoc basis, with members suggesting walks via WhatsApp. Walks are typically two to three miles, at a leisurely stroll. Recent walks have included a stroll around Greenbank Cemetery to enjoy birdsong and wild flowers, followed by coffee in a local café, and in March, a walk from Willsbridge Mill.
Weekend Amblers is organised more formally, by Mel Anderson. Walks tend to be around five to six miles, but are still leisurely strolls. Recent walks have been around Bristol’s historic harbour, followed by lunch or coffee. While Mel manages the organisation, other group members take it in turns to suggest routes.
Neither group accommodates doggie companions, apart from assistance dogs. However, there’s nothing to stop someone starting a new 'walking with dogs' interest group.
We have no staff in u3a, and everything we do is by members, for members. Once you're a member, you're free to join as many interest groups as you like – there are around 40 locally and almost 200 across Bristol.
There are no barriers to anyone starting a new interest group or being involved with the background activities that keep the organisation running smoothly – new ideas and approaches are always welcome.
If you’d like to find out more about u3a, why not come along to an informal social - you don’t have to be a member to attend.
This month you’ll find us at the White Lion in Frenchay (ramp to rear entrance from car park) on April 7 from 2.30pm.
For details on all groups and social events, you can email me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk.
Lindsay Gough
Club helps Paul’s Place
STAFF and members of an Emersons Green health club have raised more than £4,000 for a charity that helps adults with physical disabilities.
Each department at David Lloyd Emersons Green took turns in raising as much money as possible over the course of a week, with activities including home-made cake sales, car washes, a sponsored swim, raffles and a half-marathon run, for the charity which runs a day centre supporting up to 30 disabled adults a day in Coalpit Heath.
Paul’s Place spokesperson David Sully said: “Physical disabilities are very close to the hearts and minds of some staff and club members at David Lloyd. Their disabled friends or family members need the lifeline of support and services that Paul’s Place offers.”
Club manager Rhys Brown said: “It has been incredible to watch the fundraising efforts of my team and engagement of our members. It feels like we are making a real difference to such a great cause.”
For more details about Paul’s Place, visit paulsplace.org.uk.
Nursery is allowed to expand
A CHILDREN'S nursery that breached its planning conditions by having 40% more children than allowed has been granted formal permission to expand.
Little Puddleducks in Siston Court, near Pucklechurch, had its retrospective application approved by councillors despite objections from nearly all the local residents and the council conservation officer.
The site, a Grade II*-listed building next to an avenue of trees in the grounds of Grade I-listed Siston Court, was given consent by planning officers to become a nursery for 33 youngsters in 2017 but has taken 46 for several years, the development management committee was told.
South Gloucestershire Council launched enforcement action against the planning breach, so the nursery applied for permission to allow it to continue to have 46 children and increase the number of parking spaces, despite damage to tree roots that have become entangled in a mesh designed to stop the ground being churned up.
Resident Dominic Trotman-Dickenson told the committee the application would cause the “destruction of the historic environment”.
He said: “The parents all arrive between 8.30am and 9am through a single access gate. It is chaos.”
Little Puddleducks managing director Sacha Hallard said: “Our drop-off service is efficient – parents spend on average three minutes dropping off and collecting their children. Children arrive at staggered times from 8am to 9.30am, and evening pick-up is from 4pm to 6pm.
“If permission is not granted, this setting will not be viable to continue to provide an early-years service to the community.
“This will leave 102 local families without childcare and 22 members of staff without financial security and stable employment.
A report to the committee said the main issue for councillors to consider was whether the extra 13 children would cause “harm to the significance of the assets affected”, regardless of the planning breach.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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Half-marathon runners from the David Lloyd Emersons Green
n ADVERTORIAL
BEECHMERE BELLES WI
HAVING started our year with Pilates, we relaxed in February with a talk.
Village Hall at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December).
MBE, we donated a large amount of toiletries to this cause.
how Downend in Bloom works.
Ken Jacques described his days as a police officer, which led him into training fellow officers to deal with major incidents and then to working in some of the 21st Century’s disasters and war zones.
If you would like to know more about our WI please contact us via email at beechmerebelles@gmail. com or follow our Facebook page, which is Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI Beechmere Belles.
After a cuppa and the raffle it was time for our news and views, and for our treasurer to collect our subscriptions for the year.
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
Wendy
We then allocated the tickets for our murder mystery evening, which is a group event in April to be hosted by Marshfield WI.
She talked about the team of volunteers, who give thousands of hours between them, using their imagination to come up with ways to promote and fundraise for the flower bulbs, materials, the theme and colours to be used.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
Our March meeting was all about learning some basic drawing skills in a one-and-a-half hour introductory drawing class, designed specifically for adult beginners. No experience? No problem! It sounded perfect for anyone curious about drawing or looking for a creative outlet. Maybe, by the time you read this, our members will all be able to draw!
Then we’ll be looking forward to our April meeting and the Perfect Pollinators talk – see how the birds and bees do it.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
We welcome guests to any of our meetings, it’s free for your first meeting (unless it’s a craft evening, when we charge £5 to cover materials used).
SHORTWOOD WI
SPRING is on the way, with longer and hopefully warmer days ahead.
For our February meeting we had a visit from Rob Jones who, as an ex-detective, gave an absolutely fascinating talk about the Bristol murder of Shirley Banks in the 1980s, and all the events leading up to the conviction of the notorious John Cannan. As you can imagine, there were plenty of questions and answers afterwards.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
Our next skittles match is against Kenn, last year’s overall winners, and will be played in the next couple of weeks.
We discussed our forthcoming trips this year, and the evening finished with a quiz.
We are a friendly bunch and give a warm welcome to new members, so if you think this may be of interest to you, just pop in for a visit on April 10, at 7.30pm.
For more information or just a chat, please email us at millhousejoinery@aol.com, with the heading Shortwood Village WI. Lynne Miller
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
The work is continuous, starting with developing the theme, planting bulbs and maintaining and watering the flowers.
The final outcome makes Downend village centre a vibrant and beautiful place to visit.
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
We promise you a warm welcome, as well as tea or coffee and cake!
We meet at Emersons Green
For our March meeting we welcomed Jeanne to talk to us on complimentary and alternative therapies in the NHS, which mainly concentrated on reiki and all the rules and regulations involved in being a therapist. We heard that this therapy is now being used in some NHS hospitals in the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
As her other passion is Happy Handbags, for which she has an
MANGOTSFIELD DOLLY MIXTURES
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
OUR speaker for our February meeting was Jackie Baker, one of a team enthusiastic people who are happy to come along to organisations and speak about
Our social evening at the Grapevine in Mangotsfield went extremely well. The staff had prepared a separate space for us, so that we could all engage in conversation. The Himalayan cuisine was new to some of our Dollies, who enjoyed the food and the experience. We also used the opportunity to catch up on some birthdays using our ‘Dollies cards’.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
Our next meeting is a cider tasting, together with some retro vinyl of the Wurzels.
We will also be in conversation about a visit to Bath Races in the early Autumn, which will make a nice follow-up, as the Wurzels are playing there!
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
Carol Coombs
New chief for firefighters
AVON Fire & Rescue Service has announced a new chief fire officer to take charge of the organisation.
Matt Cook was most recently the deputy chief fire officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
His new employers say he "brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role," which has a salary of £164,351 per year.
He will take over from Simon Shilton, who is retiring after 32 years as a firefighter, in the coming weeks.
Mr Cook joined Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service as a firefighter in 2001 before transferring to London Fire Brigade.
He has served as assistant chief fire officer in Oxfordshire before being appointed interim deputy chief in 2023 and then moving to West Sussex as deputy chief fire officer.
Mr Cook said: "I am honoured to take on the role of chief fire officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
"Simon’s leadership and distinguished
30-year career have left a lasting impact on this service, and I wish him all the very best for the future.
"I look forward to working alongside the dedicated people that make up our service and the wider community to ensure we provide the very best service we can.
"I am committed to ensuring we remain resilient, responsive, and innovative, always striving to deliver the highest level of Service for the communities we serve."
Interim Avon Fire Authority chair Paul Goggin said: "Matt’s extensive experience and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal leader for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
"His commitment to innovation, public safety, and workforce development will be instrumental in driving the service forward.
"On behalf of the Fire Authority, our communities and the Service, we would like to thank Simon Shilton for his invaluable contributions."
The leadership change was announced shortly before the publication of a consultants' report to the fire authority, which found morale at the fire service control room at Lansdown, Bath, was at “rock bottom” and the department is at risk of a mass exodus through resignations.
The consultants said there had been allegations of bullying, discrimination and misogynistic language, and staff also
complained of heavy workloads and lack of opportunities for career progression.
Mr Shilton said the service has developed a "staff-led action plan" to address concerns and "positive changes are already taking shape".
He said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that all staff in our control and communications team feel valued, supported, and heard.
“Our leadership team is fully committed to driving this transformation, and we are passionate about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of the service."
Incoming chief fire officer Matt Cook
Avoid the danger of out-of-date Wills
No one wants to be remembered for leaving behind a legal mess for their family to sort out. However, having an out-of-date Will can sometimes be even worse than having no Will at all.
A FREE Review Meeting with local experts Simpson Solicitors can give you the peace of mind that you have the right protection in place – avoiding possible upset and legal disputes. Their friendly team will guide you through questions such as:
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Have you separated from your partner, but still have a Will that leaves everything to them?
Are you still close to the Guardians you appointed to raise your children or the Executors you appointed to sort everything out? Are they still up to the job?
Have money gifts kept up with inflation or with a change to the amount you own?
Has your Will kept pace with
changes to Inheritance Tax or the rules on Care Home Fees? Or will your family now face an avoidable bill?
Also do you have courtregistered Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, with the right people appointed to help you if there was an emergency and you became seriously ill?
Book your Free Will Review Meeting: They will take as long as you need. There is even a free home visit option. It is a no obligation meeting to give you peace of mind. If you then go ahead, they offer clear fixed prices. To book your review, you can pop into their offices or call them or email message@simpsonslawuk. com
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Students experience volcano– and authentic pizza
A-LEVEL geography students from Downend School had a field trip to remember when they visited the Bay of Naples.
Not only did the 19 students, in Year 13, climb the famous volcano Mount Vesuvius, which looms above the city, they also got to sample some authentic pizza from the home of the margherita, along with local ice cream and pastry specialities.
The four-day residential trip led by teachers Naomi Browne and James Smale saw them based at an independent hotel in Sorrento, with views across the Bay of Naples and "unbelievable" sunsets.
During the trip in February they scaled Vesuvius.
Mr Smale said: "The pupils had to walk several kilometres up the rocky terrainlight work for one of them, who won the ‘Mountain Goat’ award for his ability to effortlessly scale the volcano.
"At the summit we received a guided tour from a local expert, learning about the various previous eruptions, including the famous one that destroyed Pompeii in 79AD.
souvenir shops on the side of the volcano, the group headed to Pompeii.
"Here pupils were given the opportunity to explore the ruins and soak up the history of one of the most famous disaster sites in the world."
The rest of the trip saw the students visit the popular tourist island of Capri, visiting some locations now famous as photo spots on TikTok and other social media channels.
Mr Smale said: "They also had the opportunity to taste the incredible gelato and cannolis that Capri had to offer.
"Due to seismic activity, our fourth day had to be adjusted with relatively short notice.
"Instead of going to see a gladiatorial amphitheatre the pupils were taken back in time to witness suburban living on the outskirts of Pompeii.
"Exploring a large, incredibly well preserved villa at Oplontis, the pupils were able to get a sense of what day to day life would’ve been like on the edge of Pompeii.
"The pupils were a real pleasure to take away and a credit to the school and sixth form.
"We packed a huge amount into a relatively short trip and each and every pupil approached every day with enthusiasm and intrigue (even if one of them did win the award for being ‘the hardest to impress’).
"After taking in some of the breathtaking views and perusing the conveniently-placed
"You really cannoli believe how amazing Naples is!"
Downend School sixth-form students on Mount Vesuvius
Ready to raise the flag
OUR flagpole has finally been installed at the war memorial in the Alec Large Memorial Garden.
We think it’s a great addition and, judging by the comments on social media, local residents agree. We’ll be having a flag-raising ceremony during the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, in conjunction with St James Church: more information when we have it.
Our next HAM (hour a month) will be on Saturday April 5, when we’ll be refurbishing/ repairing the village planters and restocking them with plants. We’d love to see lots of people come along to help - we’ve 14 planters to do in total, so if you can spare any time, that would be great.
Look out for more details on the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page.
We’ve mentioned before that we have a small but perfectly formed group of ladies who look after the Dame School garden. They meet every Monday or Thursday at 10.30am to weed, tidy, plant, and do what needs doing. They’d love more help, so if you can spare an hour from time to time, why not join them? Email us at MangotsfieldRA@ gmail.com if you’d like to get involved.
We should see more trees planted on the common over the coming weeks. They will be varieties of ornamental flowering apple and
Our AGM will be held on April 24 at 7.30pm, in the lounge of the Red Lion. It’s been a bit of a struggle the past couple of years to keep things going, so please come along and support us.
Our next monthly Red Lion coffee morning will be on April 2 at 10am - all are welcome. Finally, we wish everyone a happy and safe Easter.
As well as email and Facebook, to get in touch you can also telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.
Chris Amos
Loft Boarding & Insulation
Mango to Benidorm
FUNDRAISERS are planning to cycle the distance from Mangotsfield to Benidormwithout leaving the pub.
Mangotsfield Community Association is holding its annual spin cycle event over the Easter weekend at the Red Lion in St James Street.
They are looking for people to take part and help hit the combined total of 1,340 miles on static bikes to raise money for the MCA's two chosen charities, St Peter's Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The event takes place on April 19-20, from 11am-8pm approximately each day.
Suitable for all ages, there will be a 'donation barbecue' from 2-6pm, entertainment from local DJ's Chris & Nick from Souled Out and Gone Funky and a raffle.
People can support the event by signing up to a cycle slot and getting sponsorship, donating a raffle prize, making a cash or card donation on the day or bringing along friends to enjoy the event.
cherry, which should make a lovely display.
Cleve stay ahead of the competition
CLEVE kept their noses in front in the race for the Counties 1 Tribute Western North division going into the final three fixtures of the season, despite suffering their first defeats.
They won the Team of the Month award for February after some tough fixtures including an away win over Nailsea & Backwell Ravens, who get their nickname from a gravestone in Backwell’s church.
The Ravens are a good team and play on a formidable home pitch, with a slope that is fine when playing down it but very difficult to play up.
Cleve started uphill and had to work hard to defend the Ravens downhill sorties, but their first venture into the opponents' 22 led to a reward, scoring from a catch and drive.
The Ravens then moved the ball wide, scoring twice to go ahead 10-7.
Immediately at the start of the second half Cleve found their feet, with another catch and drive leading to a score.
As Cleve penetrated the Ravens' 22, one of their second row smashed his way through to score and put them 21-10 up.
The Ravens battled to the end, with a kick through and chase making it close, but Cleve
held out to win 21-17.
They then tasted defeat for the first time, 31-21 at home to Old Bristolians, before a top-of-the-league clash against Clifton II, with a good referee and independent touch judges appointed by the league.
Cleve dominated the first 10 minutes, but made errors in the rucks before benefiting from their territorial advantage when the ball popped out to one of Cleve’s centres, who scored.
The powerful Clifton team struck back with a try but, after Cleve were awarded a scrum inside the visitors' 22, a pickup and quick movement from Will Warman saw him go over to make it 17-5.
A penalty taken by the reliable Matt Jarvis extended the lead. Cleve’s front row were outstanding, being awarded 5 penalties in a row.
Jarvis kept the ball moving in the backs, and the forwards worked with energy and endeavour in the rucks.
Cleve kept driving the ball forward and from good ball movement, Henry Wilstead went over to make it 22-5.
Clifton then fought back with two tries, bringing them to within three points of the hosts, but some great defending at the end of the game by Cleve’s back row stopped them scoring again, securing a 22-19 win.
A 66-5 away win over Gordon League, followed by a narrow 35-33 defeat at Bridgwater & Albion, meant Cleve were a point clear of Clifton ahead of their last home fixture against Nailsea & Backwell.
Steve Bateman
School hosts national boxing tournament
MANGOTSFIELD School was the venue for the initial rounds of England Boxing's National Junior Championships.
Hosted by Downend Boxing Club, the regional tournament in late February saw 18 quality contests, enjoyed by an audience of approximately 200 supporters.
Downend first-timers included John-Jack Connors, aged 13, Patrick Connors (15) and Tom Shinner (15), who took part in no-decision skills contests, while Ben Carpenter (22) and UWE student Jack Coyle (20) made their debuts, with Jack winning a tough and very good bout.
Miley Conors (12) opened the competitive bouts for Downend in a 30-kilo contest against Denis Hricko of Grange club in Cardiff.
A fast pace was set from the start, with both boxers throwing fast combinations.
The furious action continued for three rounds, with a close points decision going to the Welsh boxer.
Fresh from his National junior semi-final appearance, Ronnie Mills (16) took on the older Jayden Bannister of Paignton.
Ronnie used his trademark aggressive body punching to good effect, changing angles to take away Jayden’s reach advantage.
A great contest across three rounds saw the Downend Boxer take a unanimous decision.
Carmen O’Brian (16) took part in her second contest against the tough Laila O’Donoghue, of Synwell boxing club in Wotton-under-Edge.
Carmen attacked from the opening bell, and was met with equal resistance in what was a superb all action contest.
In the end on a 3-2 split decision, the win was awarded to Laila, in what could not have been a closer bout.
To close the show, returning to the ring after seven years, was Joe Adams (22), who faced the tough Laneon Balesco of St Ives,
Cornwall.
Both boxers used their 75 kilos weight to deliver effective punching, in what was a backand-forth, exciting contest that had the audience on their feet at the end.
A split decision went to Joe, sealing a successful return to the ring.
Other results: Frank Gibbons beat Jason Wolf (Cullompton) on points; Rupert Gibbons lost on points to Marley Dunn (Newquay); Rocco Parker beat Hussan Miah (Grange) on points; Egli Metaj lost on points to Ollie Cooper (St Pirans); Vinnie Ellis lost on points to James Smith (Pyramid).
Coach Claire Holloway said: "We are so pleased with the event, which had so many people attend to watch great boxing.
"Our guys boxed so well, and can take a lot from their performances."
Downend Boxing Club returns to Mangotsfield School on Sunday April 6 for an amateur
Debut: Jack Coyle
boxing showcase.
Doors open at noon and boxing starts at 1pm, with entry for adults £15 and under-16s £5. The club is also looking for sponsors when it hosts the Bristol Box Cup in June. Anyone interested should email downendboxing@gmail.com.
Craig Turner
Caption: Action from Cleve's win over Clifton
Golf season and the TPI screen
With April almost here and some glimpses of spring sunshine that means one thing for any golfers out there. The Masters. This prestigious tournament is held at one of the most iconic courses in the world, and marks the beginning of the major tournament season.
Two things go through my mind most years when watching The Masters. One, the excitement for summer golf. Two, this game is so hard. Mentally, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. The ecstasy of feeling the ball come flush off the club down the middle of the fairway. And the agony of seeing the next shot shanked into the bushes. The rest of the day is
spent practice swinging in the living room trying to figure out what’s going wrong, with some strange looks from your family.
We know it’s something to do with the swing, that’s obvious. Getting help from a golf coach is the best way to help remedy that. But sometimes our bodies physically won’t allow us to make changes or swing a certain way. This is where the TPI (Titliest Performance Institute) screen comes in.
The TPI screen is a golf specific physical assessment. Through a series of full body tests, we’ll look at your mobility, strength, balance and generally how well you’re moving. We then take this information and see how any physical restrictions might be limiting your swing. For example, someone’s bad shot may be right straight off the tee. If we discover some stiffness in the mid-back and hips, and see that they are early extending in the downswing, this physical problem may be affecting their swing. This is especially important to look at if you’re in pain playing or after golf, or if you’ve tried to make swing changes with a coach but are
struggling to make them stick.
It's really important to mention that this assessment is not for swing advice or coaching. That’s the coaches job. The TPI screen is to show you what physical issues may be making your swing less efficient.
After the assessment, we take that information and create a management plan. This most often involves some hands on treatment and an exercise plan, tailored to improve any weak links. This exercise plan is uploaded to the MyTPI App, which allows you remote access to all the videos and instructions. With future follow ups we’ll be re-checking any problem areas and hopefully seeing you improve along the way.
Whether you’re a professional on the brink of The Masters or an amateur just trying to get around without snapping your driver, this assessment could help you. From a beginners perspective, going in to any lessons knowing what your physical capabilities are is really important. We also don’t have a whole medical team around us, so it’s likely that areas of stiffness or previous injuries
could be affecting your game. It makes the game even harder if you’re trying to do things that you’re body won’t allow! From the professionals point of view, 18 of the last 20 major championships have been won by a player advised by a TPI certified expert. This highlights the importance of seeing what your body can do. So if you’re in pain while playing, you’re struggling to make changes to your swing, or you’d just like to hit the ball a bit further, this could be a great option for you. If you’re unsure and have any questions, just give the clinic a call and I’d be happy to have a chat. I can’t promise you’ll be playing at the next Masters, but if you can gain a few yards and lose less balls, it’ll be well worth it.
Jack Withey
Mangos lose form ahead of play-offs
MANGOTSFIELD United's form took a nosedive ahead of the play-offs, with a heavy home defeat and a cup exit.
Although still second in the table as the Voice went to print, nine points behind championselect Hartpury University, several sides chasing the Mangos had games in hand. It means the runners-up spot is not guaranteed, even if the play-offs are.
A mass of home games played on the all-weather pitch across the winter means Mangotsfield now have just one fixture left, away at Malmesbury Victoria on April 5, before the play-offs later in the month.
The two recent defeats brought to an end a good run of form that had seen the Mangos win five games in a row, starting with a 4-1 home win over Brimscombe & Thrupp.
The match was probably
Give bowls a try
A BOWLS club is encouraging more people to come and try the sport.
Kingswood and Hanham Bowling Club, which is based at Kingswood Park, is holding an open day for people to come and try their hands at the sport.
The event takes place on April 26 from 10.30am at the club off Hollow Road.
Club secretary Val Morton
won by half-time, thanks to early goals from James White (2) and Lewis Powell (13), before James White made it 3-0 on 23 minutes.
The visitors rallied in the second half and got one back, before Olly Sully finished the scoring on 63 minutes.
Next up was a 1-0 home win against local rivals Thornbury Town in the Wiseman Cup, on another bitterly cold winter’s night. The only goal in a close match came on 57 minutes, through Kumih Barimah.
A good crowd of 345 then turned up at Cossham Street to watch the 3-0 win over Malmesbury Victoria. Goals either side of half time from Archie Morris (42) and Mircea Llea (50) put the Mangos in the driving seat and although Malmesbury went close on several occasions, an 84thminute Lewis Powell goal settled it.
said: “Lawn bowls is a fantastic way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with others in the community. Plus, it’s a sport for all ages and abilities, making it a great choice for everyone.
“Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, this session is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the game in a friendly and welcoming environment.
“Our experienced members will be on hand to offer tips, guidance, and a warm welcome.
“You only need to bring a pair of flat-soled shoes or trainers to
The Mangos started March with a 5-0 win over lowly Lydney Town.
The visitors put in a spirited performance, especially while only 1-0 down, but the Mangos ran out convincing winners after a strong second-half performance.
Some well-worked and taken late goals followed the Lydney keeper going off injured and being replaced by an outfield team-mate. The goals came from Lewis Powell (6), Olly Sully (73 & 86), Mercea Llea (77) and George Neill (81).
Next up was another Wiseman Cup tie, against Worcester Raiders. Joe Porton netted Mangotsfield's two goals, on 47 & 62 minutes, as the game ended 2-2 and the Mangos won the penalty shoot-out 4-1, to progress to the semi-finals.
The final home league match of a strange season
came on March 15, against Pershore Town. It was a bad day all-round, with the club succumbing to a disastrous 5-2 home defeat.
Kyrese Morrison and Mercea Llea scored the Mangos' goals in one of those games where everyone was out of touch collectively.
Hopes of further success in the Wiseman Cup ended three days later, with a 2-1 defeat at Westfields, in Hereford.
Joe Porton put the Mangos ahead inside the first minute, but the hosts equalised just four minutes later and scored the winner on 32 minutes.
All at the club will now hope that, even if the team wins at Malmesbury, the spell of inactivity as they wait for other sides to finish their fixtures won’t seriously hamper their chances of promotion back to the Southern League.
Dave Smale
wear on the green.”
More information about the club can be found online at www.kandhbowls.org or on the
Members of Kingswood and Hanham Bowling Club
club’s Facebook page.
You can also call 07743 888711 or email val.molton@ btinternet.com.
