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August 2025, Edition — Issue 102
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Wind turbines plan for farm site close to M4 TWO giant wind turbines could soon be built next to the M4 and could be used to power a new supercomputer. They would be able to generate 8.5 megawatts of renewable energy - enough to power 6,000 homes. But because of a "bottleneck" in connecting new energy projects to the National Grid, power could be instead be supplied directly to the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, to power the new Bristol University IsambardAI supercomputer, which has just been officially switched on. South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet decided in July to lease land it owns between Pucklechurch and Westerleigh for the project. As well as the turbines, the 228-acre Leigh Farm, between the M4 and Westerleigh Crematorium north of the M4, would be used for planting new woodland and creating plots for traveller caravans. Turn to Page 2
Ofsted praise makes us proud! Progressive Kids Bristol says it is hugely proud of the positive Ofsted report on its out of school club at Emersons Green Primary School. PAGE 11
Spotlight on plan for 280 homes Details of plans for a 280-home estate in Shortwood have been unveiled - and developers are also targeting a site in Pucklechurch for 100 homes. PAGE 4
Fun in the sun! Shetland pony Pepsi was a big hit with these two visitors and hundreds of others at the Lyde Green Community Association’s Summer Sizzler event. Report and more pictures: Page 7
Double landmark for veteran Harry Second World War veteran Harry Francis has celebrated his 100th birthday and is now preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. PAGES 14 & 15
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emersonsgreenvoice An aerial view of the proposed turbine site near Pucklechurch
Turbines could power supercomputer From page 1
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The turbines would be set up by the Bristol Energy Network, a renewable energy organisation, with a grant from the West of England Combined Authority. The council cabinet meeting heard current constraints on the National Grid mean the power could not immediately be fed into the electricity supply network, as there is a bottleneck of developers trying to connect new solar farms and wind turbines. Instead the turbines could be connected directly to the Bristol and Bath Science Park with a “private wire” for delivering power to the Isambard-AI computer next to the National Composites Centre, which was officially opened in July. A report to the cabinet said it could be up to 12 years before the turbines could be connected to the grid, which meant the alternative option is “likely to be required”. There are still several other hurdles to overcome, including going through the planning process for the turbines, which would be in an area between the Westerleigh fuel depot, Leigh Lane and the road from Pucklechurch to Westerleigh. Council cabinet member for climate Louise Harris said: “This really is our big-ticket item for tackling climate change in South Gloucestershire. “As it’s being done through a community energy company, the community will be the ones who benefit from this investment.” Money made from generating power could go back into projects to make energy more affordable in nearby communities, the council says. The cabinet also agreed to grant a lease to Pucklechurch Parish Council to create a woodland, wildflower meadow and hay meadow in the site, and to create a site for travelling showpeople, which is in the council’s draft Local Plan. Cllr Harris said: “When it comes to a planning application, if we get that far, it will be discussed and consulted on like any other planning application on anything else. “Yes, the council owns this land but there are often planning applications involving council-owned land. This will be treated exactly the same as any other planning application.” One concern is how close the turbines would be to Westerleigh Cemetery and Crematorium, and whether the views would impact people visiting the cemetery. Council chiefs pledged to consult with the cemetery about these impacts. A site south of the M4 motorway could also be allocated for Gypsy and traveller pitches, and one north of the M4 for travelling showpeople. The cabinet member with responsibility for council properties, Adam Monk, said the project would support jobs, growth and “increased energy security locally”. By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service Supercomputer switch-on: Page 5
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NEWS VISITORS have been flocking to Pucklechurch to see Mowgli, the Jungle Book-inspired Gromit figure at the Rose and Crown pub. Landlady Rhi Wilkins said taking part in the Grand Appeal’s Gromit Unleashed 3 trail, which runs until August 31, has been a great success. People from near and far have been coming to the Parkfield Road pub to view the statue, decorated by Bristol artist Lindsay Cameron, in the beer garden. She said: “We have had lots of people visiting because of our Gromit, even some from the Bristol area who say they have never visited Pucklechurch before. “We had a gentleman the other week from Ireland who was staying in a camper van, travelling around the UK, and expressed a keen interest in the Gromit trail.” While there are no sculptures in Emersons Green or Lyde Green, Gromit hunters won’t have to go far to find more. Starcatcher, a Norbot painted by artist and storyteller Oliver Jeffers, is in Kingswood Park, while Sweet and Tidy, a Norbot painted by artist Simon Tozer, is at Warmley Waiting Room on
Gromit draws in the crowds the Bristol & Bath Railway Path. Austentatious, a Gromit featuring live shrubs grown around a topiary frame, sits at the Kendleshire golf club in Coalpit Heath. Kendleshire operations manager Rob McCullough said: “All we have to do is look after and water him.” To keep the interest up, the Rose & Crown is organising Gromit-themed events, including a reptile experience for children on August 7, at 10am and 11am, an adults versus children quiz on August 9 at 3.30pm and a “paint and sip” evening on August 18, from 7-9.30pm. To book, call 0117 3293181. Gromit is also set to be an attraction at the pub’s third annual Puckle Fest, from August 1-3, featuring musical acts and entertainment, as well as activities for children and young people. It starts at 5pm on the Friday and noon on the Saturday and Sunday. Since the first Gromit Unleashed trail in 2013 £20 million has been raised for the charity through sponsorship,
Gromit Mowgli at the Rose and Crown, Pucklechurch donations, exhibitions, souvenirs and auctions held at the end of each trail. More details of the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail can be found at www.gromitunleashed.org.uk. Is your family following the
trail? If you’d like to see one of your pictures in the Voice, email it, with the name of the statue and anyone in the picture, to news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk by August 10.
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NEWS
Plans for 280 new homes unveiled PLANS to build 280 homes on farmland at Shortwood have been shown to the public. The Rock House Farm development site, north of Main Road in the village, is one of several Green Belt sites east of the A4174 that could be developed if South Gloucestershire Council’s draft Local Plan is approved. The owners of the land - which is also bordered by the Avon Ring Road opposite Pomphrey Hill North playing fields, Cattybrook Road and the B4465 road to Pucklechurch - are working with Lightwood Strategic, a “land promoter” that identifies potential sites for new housing and takes them through the planning process before they are sold on to developers. The plans include 280 homes, of which 40% would be classed as affordable, for social rent or shared ownership schemes, with employment and a retail, cafe or community building. More than 60 people came to an exhibition organised by Lightwood and planning consultants Origin3 at Pomphrey Pavilion in July. It was part of an informal consultation ahead of an outline planning application to the council, which is likely to be made around the end of October. Lightwood Strategic planning and design director Richard Walker said the business had first been involved with the site
A map showing how the site could be developed, with Main Road, Shortwood at the bottom and the B4465 at the top in 2019, and had put it forward for inclusion in the Local Plan. He said a change in government policy on housebuilding meant the site could be redesignated from its current Green Belt status to ‘Grey Belt’ land, where development could take place.
After the exhibition Mr Walker said: “I doubt anyone in the room really wants the change that is being proposed, but I sensed a resigned acceptance that development would probably take place, given the drive to meet the area’s future housing needs.
“Attention focused on how the council’s emerging policy requirement for the site (280 dwellings) could be addressed in a way that would reduce impacts on the village and existing residents.” He said the main concern raised by people at the consultation was the vehicle access to the site. At present the only access planned is via Cattybrook Road, close to its junction with Main Road, with the opposite side of the site accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles only. Mr Walker said those plans “follow the lead” of proposals in the council’s Local Plan. He added: “Property owners backing on the site were understandably very concerned and there was much discussion concerning the future relationship of existing properties with new buildings/ streets and activity. “We have entered into a phase of pre-application engagement with the local planning authority and all the issues raised by local people will be set out and discussed.” Lightwood has also met with Pucklechurch Parish Council and the independent Design West Review Panel ahead of submitting a formal planning application.
Village could get another 100 properties DEVELOPERS are set to reveal plans to build up to 100 homes on a Green Belt site in Pucklechurch. IM Land wants to develop an estate at Marsh Farm, on a field at the corner of Feltham Road and Abson Road. Representatives outlined their ideas to Pucklechurch Parish Council in July, and said they would be consulting widely with villagers before finalising a planning application to be submitted to South Gloucestershire Council later in the year. The scheme proposed would involve a mix of two-storey properties, half of which would be so-called affordable homes for rent or shared ownership. The main vehicle access would be from Abson Road, with pedestrian and cycle access from Feltham Road and on the corner. Marsh Farm has been considered for development in the past, with previous proposals rejected because of the location in the Green Belt.
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More recently, schemes, including one for up to 350 homes on a larger site extending to Redford Lane, have been entered in the council’s Call for Sites. However, the site was not included in the Local Plan, which is currently being created to identify suitable places for development to meet South Gloucestershire’s housing needs up to 2041, although a neighbouring site off Abson Road, for up to 60 homes, is in the plan. The government has said that some parts of the Green Belt will have to be sacrificed as part of its drive to build many more homes across the country. South Gloucestershire’s draft Local Plan includes some changes to the Green Belt in the east of the district, but not as far out as Pucklechurch. The council is expected to submit the plan in the autumn for independent examination by a planning inspector. A number of planning applications for
Emersons Green Voice August 2025
The site at the corner of Abson Road and Feltham Road housing developments, some speculative and others on sites included in the Local Plan, have been submitted or are expected to be submitted to the council in advance of the plan being finalised. The developers believe Marsh Farm is a good location because it is close to village amenities, including the primary school, surgery, bus stops, shops, play areas and recreation field. News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377
NEWS
AI supercomputer is switched on THE UK’s most powerful artificial intelligence supercomputer has been launched at the Bristol & Bath Science Park. Isambard-AI has cost £225 million to develop and build - but can work at speeds 100,000 times faster than the average laptop, according to Bristol University, which runs the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing (BriCS). The computer is based on what was previously part of the car park at the National Composites Centre at the park in Emersons Green. It has been developed in close partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprises and chip maker NVIDIA, and funded by the government as part of its AI Research Resource programme to boost Britain’s capabilities in artificial intelligence development. Isambard-AI was officially switched on by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle at a ceremony in July. The university says that in one second it can carry out calculations that it would take the entire population of the world 80 years to do working flat out. Isambard-AI contains 5,400 cutting-edge NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips and around 100,000 times more storage than a typical 256GB phone or computer. It has a 200Gbps data network - around 2,000 times faster than the average home broadband connection - and is ranked as the 11st fastest supercomputer in the world, and 6th fastest in Europe.
It weighs 150 tonnes but the university says it is among the greenest supercomputers in the world, as it is built to be energy efficient, using liquid cooling rather than fans. A university spokesperson said the computer itself uses up to 4 megawatts (MW) when running flat out. A typical kettle uses about 3kW, so Isambard-AI uses the same as about 1,300 kettles. But its consumption is far less than other supercomputers, which can use up to 30MW. There is potential to recycle the waste heat from the computer’s cooling system to local homes and businesses. Although this is not done at present, the spokesperson said the “necessary plumbing” is in place to make this possible in the future. Isambard-AI only uses only zero carbon electricity, the university says, and while none of this is generated on-site, solar panels could be installed in the future. It has also been suggested that power from two proposed wind turbines next to the M4 nearby could be used directly to power the supercomputer. BriCS director Professor Simon McIntosh-Smith said: “Isambard-AI places Bristol at the centre of the AI revolution, spearheading AI innovation and scientific discovery in important areas such as drug discovery and climate research. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and how we’ve worked so closely with partners to develop this national facility, which will establish Bristol and the UK as an international hub for AI
Professor Simon McIntoshSmith next to Isambard AI
Inside Isambard-AI research.” Mr Kyle, who recently launched a ten-year plan to boost UK’s AI computing capacity, said: “Today we put the most powerful computer system in the country into the hands of British researchers and entrepreneurs. “Isambard-AI doesn’t just close the gap with our
international competitors – it propels the UK to the forefront of AI discovery. “The breakthroughs delivered by the AI Research Resource will define the next decade, from AI tools that spot cancer earlier, to materials that help make clean energy cheaper than fossil fuels.”
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Peter Turner of Turners Opticians They help you navigate supermarket 0117 962 2474 aisles, glance in the wing mirror and 0117 965 4434 read the WhatsApp from a friend that www.turnersopticians.co.uk makes you smile. But while most of us wouldn’t think twice about getting our blood pressure checked, our eyes are easy to overlook. As optometrists, we often hear the same phrase from patients: “It’s probably nothing, but I’ve noticed…” More often than not, it’s that small change – more glare at night or needing stronger light to read a recipe – that tells us your visual system is working harder than it should. Most changes happen gradually and can be managed or prevented with the right care. And the habits you build now, whether you’re 28 or 78, can protect your comfort and clarity for years to come. Notice what’s changing Squinting at a menu, struggling to shift focus between distances, or getting dry, itchy eyes after time outdoors are all signs your eyes need support. At Turners Opticians, we believe it’s worth listening to these signals. Your eyes are stoic, they won’t always let you know when they’re struggling. But we can. Simple ways to protect your eyes Many of the best things you can do are surprisingly straightforward: • Eat the rainbow. Leafy greens like spinach, orange vegetables such as carrots and oily fish like salmon are full of nutrients your eyes rely on. Omega-3s, lutein and zeaxanthin might not sound exciting, but your retina loves them. • Drink more water. Dehydrated eyes feel gritty and tired. Most of us need more water than we think. • Give your eyes a break. Using screens? Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a small reset that helps reduce fatigue and keep focus sharp. • Use good lighting. If you’re straining to read, check your lamp is bright enough and positioned to reduce glare. • Wear your sunglasses. UV damage builds up over time. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection help reduce your risk of cataracts. Eye exams go beyond your prescription Eye health isn’t just about how clearly you can see. It can also reveal what’s happening behind the scenes. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration often develop slowly, with no obvious initial symptoms. By the time you notice a change, your vision may already be affected. Regular eye exams give us the chance to catch early signs, check the health of your retina and optic nerve and monitor how your eyes are coping. They can even uncover high blood pressure or diabetes. At Turners Opticians, our appointments last longer than most. We take time to explain what we see, answer your questions and tailor your care to your lifestyle. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam – or you’ve noticed something’s changed – you’ll find our teams in Henleaze and Fishponds ready to welcome you. Thanks for reading,
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Peter Turner is a Neuro-Behavioural & Independent Prescribing Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol. He also works as a Senior Medical Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital. Peter has a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance.
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NEWS
Sizzler celebrates community spirit UP to 500 people enjoyed music, activities, schools and a sense of community at this year’s Lyde Green Summer Sizzler. The event on July 19 was organised by Lyde Green Community Association and took place in the community centre and neighbouring School Square. Opening with a stilt walker welcoming the first visitors, activities funded by the LGCA included free inflatables and bouncy castles, graffiti and circus skills workshops, a traditional Punch and Judy show, stalls and games. Visitors could meet ponies, snakes, lizards, and other exotic animals, and there was a spectacular fire show to finish the event. In the community centre there were performances by dance group Invisible Threads, community choir Sounds Delightful and band Captain Jack. LGCA chair Kelly Adams said: “Lyde Green came alive with community spirit as local residents turned out for this year’s Summer Sizzler. “With an estimated 350–500 people attending throughout the day, the event was a huge success and a true celebration of everything that makes our community special. “There was a real buzz of engagement, and it was heartening to see so many residents taking the time to chat with us and share their thoughts on the community. “We’d like to say a huge thank you to this year’s funders: Emersons Green Town Council, ALD, and Huws Grey. Your support made this event possible. “An even bigger thank you goes to our incredible volunteers, who helped with everything from setting up and running stalls to keeping things running smoothly throughout the day and staying behind to pack down. “Your hard work and dedication are the heartbeat of events like this—we truly couldn’t do it without you! “And finally, to everyone who came along—thank you. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we can’t wait to see you at the next community event.” The association is inviting anyone who has ideas for next year’s Summer Sizzler or would like to help with planning and running the event to get in touch via Facebook, email info@lydegreenca. org or call 0117 957 0410.
Children take the opportunity to learn circus skills from an expert
A chance to get close to snakes
The traditional hook-a-duck game proves popular
Members of the Lyde Green Community Association team
Sounds Delightful choir perform in the community centre
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NEWS
Patient satisfaction slumps at surgery LESS than a third of patients of a GP practice serving Emersons Green say they have a good experience of using it, according to new figures. More than 700,000 people across the country answered questions about their experiences of their local surgery for this year’s NHS GP Patient Survey. They included 112 patients from Emersons Green Medical Centre, 125 from Leap Valley Medical Centre and 116 from Three Shires Medical Practice in Wick and Pucklechurch. Only 32% of Emersons Green patients said their experience of the practice was good, down from 51% last year and against a national average of 75%. At Leap Valley the proportion was unchanged on last year, at 51%, while at Three Shires, 88% of patients said their experience was good (down from 90%). Emersons Green Medical Centre has been closed since last October due to a failure of its heating and hot water system. Appointments have been taking place at Leap Valley in Downend, which is also run by Green Valleys Health. The survey found just 3% of patients at Emersons Green said it was easy to get through by phone - down from 9% last year – with 91% saying it was difficult. Nationally, 53% of patients found it easy to get through on the phone. Only 17% of respondents said it was easy to use the practice website to get in touch
Emersons Green Medical Centre, Emersons Green Medical Centre closed since October and 12% found it easy to use the NHS app, compared with national averages of 51% and 49% respectively. At Leap Valley, 15% of patients found it easy to get through by phone, while 77% said it was difficult. Only 29% found it easy to contact the surgery online, while 33% said it was easy to use the app. By contrast, 93% of Three Shires patients found it easy to get through by phone, 68% found it easy online and 57% using the app. When making appointments, 19% of Emersons Green patients were offered a choice of time or day for their appointment, down from 31% last year and against a national average of 54%. Asked how long they waited, 4% were offered a same-day appointment (down from 6%), 3% next day and 74% waited a week or more (up from 57%), with 78% of survey respondents feeling they waited too long. Other patients either waited less than a week, or couldn’t remember how long they waited. At Leap Valley, 29% of patients were offered a choice of time or day (down from 51%), with 4% being seen on the same day (down from 19%), 10% the next day and 70% a week or more later (up from 53%) - 57% of
patients felt they waited too long. At Three Shires, 84% of patients were offered a choice of time or day (up from 68%), 26% were seen on the same day (up from 25%), 8% on the next day and 27% a week or more later (down from 30%). Asked if they waited the right amount of time, 82% said yes. Once patients saw a health professional, 83% of Emersons Green patients had confidence in them, as did 93% at Leap Valley and 99% at Three Shires - the national average is 93%. Asked by the Voice whether any extra financial or other support might be offered to practices whose patient ratings are below average, a spokesperson for the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding surgeries, said: “We welcome this valuable feedback on local GP services and it is encouraging to see that results are in line with national averages. “As in previous years we will continue to use the survey data, alongside other information, to help us identify practices that may need additional support, working with them to improve their resilience and services to patients.”
Beefeater restaurant is sold by Whitbread BREWERY giant Whitbread has shut its Emersons Green Beefeater and sold the site. The company confirmed that the restaurant, next to the junction of Westerleigh Road and the Avon Ring Road, closed its doors on July 10 and has been sold to another restaurant business. A spokesperson said the closure as part of a plan to sell "lowerreturning restaurants" that were losing money and confirmed it had been sold to another business. The spokesperson declined to say how many people worked at the site, but said staff would either be "redeployed" to other sites owned by the company or transferred to the new operator. The restaurant had been used to serve breakfasts to guests of Whitbread's Premier Inn next door but this now has an integrated restaurant. The spokesperson added: "We’d like to thank our wonderful guests and team for their service and custom over the years." The new operator has not been confirmed, although reports on social media suggested the Papas Group, which owns Wendy's and Papas Fish and Chips, has bought the site.
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
The former Beefeater, which now has signs saying Great British Pub Company
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Roadworks changed after 'danger' warning ROADWORKS at a roundabout on the Avon Ring Road have been changed after claims they were "extremely dangerous" and causing confusion for drivers. Traffic lights on the Wick Wick roundabout, where the A4174 meets the A432 Badminton Road by the Willy Wicket pub, were taken down in June and are due to be out until the start of September. They are being replaced as part of a South Gloucestershire Council project which will also widen paths, create two-way cycle lanes and upgrade bus stops along the ring road. Pedestrian crossings around the junction have also been removed and replaced with temporary crossings, controlled by lights. But people using the road reported drivers mistaking the temporary crossing lights for traffic lights and driving onto the roundabout without giving way to vehicles already on it. Frenchay & Downend ward councillor Liz Brennan says she has had reports of numerous
The roadworks at the Wick Wick roundabout near-misses, including with pedestrians. She said: "The temporary measures currently in place at the Wick Wick roundabout are extremely dangerous and need to be fixed as a matter of urgency. "The current arrangements are very confusing for motorists and pedestrians alike, and residents have already reported a number of near misses." Cllr Brennan told a council meeting in July that residents had emailed her saying "someone is going to be killed".
Cllr Brennan said: "They are not isolated concerns and I understand the local policing team has been contacted direct by residents." Cabinet councillor Sean Rhodes told Cllr Brennan that alterations had been made to the temporary layout of the junction in response to concerns raised over safety. These include adding new 'give way' signs next to the roundabout, with new road markings and extra electronic signs to give drivers advance
warning. CCTV cameras have also been installed to monitor the junction and help manage traffic. The pedestrian crossing on the eastbound side of the ring road has also been moved to a "safer location". Cllr Rhodes said: "I want you to know that I've taken all of this very seriously and I've spent a lot of time liaising with residents in the area." Afterwards a council spokesperson said: "We were made aware there was some confusion relating to the temporary signals in place while the improvements are made. "After listening to feedback, engineers from our StreetCare team made changes to the layout of the signals and installed new temporary give-way road markings to supplement the giveway traffic signs already in place. "We are continuing to closely monitor the temporary measures and apologise for any inconvenience while the work takes place."
Police driver charged A POLICE officer has appeared in court after the car he was driving to an emergency call collided with a pedestrian. PC Dan Parsons, aged 32, has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with the collision, in which a 19-year-old woman suffered serious injuries. It happened at the Wick Wick roundabout junction between the A4174 Avon Ring Road and Badminton Road, by the Willy Wicket pub, on November 24 last year, as PC Parsons was driving an unmarked police car responding to an emergency. The pedestrian, named in court at Saara Akatwijuka, spent several weeks in hospital but has since been released. PC Parsons appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court in July. He did not enter a plea to the charge and is next due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court in August. Avon & Somerset police say the charge followed an investigation by the Serious Collision Investigations Team, which referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service. A referral was also made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which referred the case back to the force's Professional Standards Department.
Trial over crash death A DRIVER is due to face trial next year charged with causing the death of a young man in a crash near Mangotsfield. Tyler Carley, aged 20, died when the scaffolding lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road in December 2023. Michael Jon Ronner was later charged with causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving in connection with the incident. Ronner, aged 38, of Warmley, appeared at Bristol Crown Court in late June, when date for a trial was set for March next year. Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169
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NEWS
Late-night shop licence approved despite concerns RESIDENTS say granting a late-night alcohol licence to a new corner shop for Lyde Green could cause “public disorder”. But South Gloucestershire Council has granted a premises licence for the new shop in Thistle Close, opposite the Sainsbury’s Local store. Residents told councillors in July that the new shop in Lyde Green, which will stay open until 11pm, could cause an increase in anti-social behaviour, problem parking and littering. Initially the applicants planned to stay open until 2am, but brought forward the closing time to 11pm after discussions with Avon & Somerset Police. Resident Tom Heard told the licensing hearing: “Studies have regularly shown that an increase in the number of licensed premises directly corresponds to an increase in public disorder. “This would be the third, and potentially the fourth if the micropub is still to go
ahead, within a 10-metre The shop unit in radius. “The area around the Lyde Green site is extremely busy. “The road is regularly centre used for dropping children off to school. “Invariably there are many people parking not just on the double yellow lines, but also mounting the kerb on both sides of the road. “An extra shop is going to bring in more cars and there isn’t anywhere really for people to park. “Littering and drunken behaviour are also likely to increase.” Other residents wrote to the council to object to the licensing application, with several highlighting the initial plan to stay open until 2am, much later than other premises on the estate. Some also questioned the need for a shop given the presence of the Sainsbury’s store.
Oisin Daly, a licensing consultant representing the applicant, said: “I’ve got a local Sainsbury’s in my town and it’s the only supermarket. “We’ve got a little joke, me and my wife, that every time you buy a bag it costs you £30 because you can’t walk out of there without spending about £30. “A little convenience shop allows local residents to have smaller purchases. “They tend to be places where you can get some cereal or milk for the morning. “Obviously they sell alcohol as well. This will be the 12th shop in the chain, and they’re going from strength to strength.” By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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NEWS
Children are valued at welcoming club AN out of school club where children feel valued and “have great fun being creative” has been praised by an inspector. Ofsted visited Progressive Kids Bristol at Emersons Green Primary School in June. The regulator no longer gives clubs ratings, and instead only confirms when they have met its required standards. But inspector Mikaela Jauncey’s report found plenty to praise at the club, which has 96 children on its roll and is open before and after each school day, from its “calm environment” to the way activities are adapted to children’s needs. The inspector said: “Children arrive at the setting happy and eager to take part in the activities staff have provided for them. “They enthusiastically greet the welcoming and friendly staff. “Staff guide children to the wide variety of activities on offer and join in with children as they play. “Children have great fun being creative. “Children of all ages interact and communicate with each other in a caring and respectful way. “Older children offer to support younger children when they find some tasks a little challenging. “The environment is carefully planned to give children space and freedom to independently choose activities that motivate and interest them. “Children feel valued as staff listen to their ideas and involve them in planning different events at the club. For example, children write their ideas for new games or different resources they’d like. They post these ideas in a suggestion box. Staff use these ideas to provide a range of interesting experiences for
School’s special needs provision to expand A PRIMARY school will expand its provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities thanks to a £950,000 council-funded project. The expansion of Lyde Green Primary School’s access centre to become a resource base was added to South Gloucestershire Council’s capital programme by its cabinet in July. At the same time the council also approved a new £19 million two-form entry primary school on the Berwick Green development at Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, to deliver the new school as the first families move in. The Lyde Green plans require final approval from the Department for Education and would be funded from the council’s High Needs Capital Grant from the government. The authority says the expansion will increase the number of children who can Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169
Leaders Chelsea Brayley, Nicky Dawes, Kate Harvard, Karen Clark and Sharon Orchard with children at the Progressive Kids children.” The inspector said the club’s seven staff communicate daily with staff at the school and plan activities based on themes younger children are learning about. Progressive Kids Bristol is run by out of school clubs provider Progressive Sports, which took over from Mangotsfield Out Of School Club two years ago. Sales director Mitchell Quirke said: “We’re absolutely over the moon with our Ofsted result. “What makes me most proud is that the inspector saw exactly what we see - children who feel valued, heard, and excited to be with
us.
attend, allow them to learn there for longer, and widen the range of needs that could be supported. A second Lyde Green Primary School site is due to open next September, but the resource base will continue to be on the current site. Lyde Green Primary School head teacher Tom Hutchings said: “We are very proud of the specialist Access Centre at Lyde Green, which since 2017 has supported a small number of pupils aged 4-7 with significant Special Educational Needs. “The profile of pupils with additional needs is changing both locally and nationally, so we have been working with South Gloucestershire Council to develop proposals to expand and evolve the existing Access Centre into a Resource Base for pupils aged 4-11. “As this involves remodelling and extending the existing centre, the proposals will take several years to implement, and so pupils currently in the Access Centre will not be affected. “Over the coming months we will be developing the proposals further and consulting with the community before any final decisions are taken.” The Cribbs Causeway project is
being funded by contributions from developers building homes. Council cabinet member for education Ian Boulton said: “I am really pleased to see these two projects moving forward. “In recent months Tom Hutchings we’ve had to work hard to get capital projects progressing that are vital to meet needs where new homes are being built; families are moving in and now we have vital promised infrastructure like schools being delivered. “We’ve been able to get projects like the new primary and secondary schools for Lyde Green underway and on track, and now we can move ahead and really build for the future. “The expanded Resource Base at the existing primary school in Lyde Green will allow more children to get a place there. “It will broaden the range of needs that can be supported there, and it will allow those children to stay in the school for longer, so they don’t have to change schools part-way through their primary years.”
“The recognition of our partnership with Emersons Green Primary School was particularly meaningful. “This success belongs to our amazing staff team, who create such a nurturing environment where children can relax, have fun, and develop friendships after their school day. “We’re incredibly grateful to be part of the Emersons Green community and to have the trust of local families. “This Ofsted result just confirms what we already knew - we have something really special here.”
Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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NEWS
Bus route extended
£50,000 to improve cycling route
A BUS service linking Emersons Green and Pucklechurch to Keynsham and Yate will be changed to serve Longwell Green. The 532 service, operated by Eurocoaches, is one of eight WESTlocal services which started in September last year with funding from the West of England Combined Authority. WECA said in July that the route would be updated from September to connect to Longwell Green “after local surveys indicated increased demand”. The Monday to Friday service was devised with input from four parish councils, including Pucklechurch. It currently runs from Keynsham to Emersons Green five times a day, visiting Pucklechurch three times a day, and continues to Yate for one journey in the early evening. In the opposite direction a bus runs from Yate via Emersons Green to Keynsham in the early morning, with four daytime services running from Emersons Green to Keynsham via Pucklechurch. Buses in both directions also call at Warmley, Oldland Common and Bitton. It is one of seven routes changing from September. Metro Mayor Helen Godwin said: “This raft of improvements to WESTlocal will connect more people to local services and amenities by bus, starting to make a difference that people can see and feel when getting around the West.” Parish councils on the route said: “Members of the steering group representing Bitton, Oldland, Pucklechurch, and Siston would like to express their gratitude to the many individuals who participated in the survey.They also want to thank the dedicated staff of WECA for their unwavering support in this significant change.This change will establish a strong foundation for a local service that connects people from both existing and new neighbourhoods in the Emersons Green, Warmley, and Oldland area to essential places of employment, shopping, and leisure in Longwell Green.” New timetables and maps will be published before the changes start.
A PROJECT to improve walking and cycling alongside the Avon Ring Road has been awarded a share of £3.5 million in funding for ‘active travel’ schemes in the region. The West of England Combined Authority has allocated £50,000 to design better cycling routes, including improved lighting, alongside the Avon Ring Road between Bristol Parkway and the Bristol & Bath Science Park. A further £230,000 will be spent on 21 new cycle hangars to provide lockable storage for up to 126 more bikes – adding to the 85, including 10 in South Gloucestershire, recently funded by the regional authority and installed by local councils. There will be £1.3m available across the region for cycle training and maintenance, grants, and bike loan schemes for people who want to take up cycling; Another £250,000 will be spent on six new Schools Streets where cars are banned during pick-up and drop-off times to make travelling to school on foot or two wheels safer for parents and children. Two of the School Streets will be in South Gloucestershire, but a council spokesperson said no decision has been taken yet on which schools will be involved. Details of the A4174 design have also not yet been finalised, although the spokesperson said the scheme was not related to the work currently under construction between the Wick Wick roundabout and Abbey Wood. Metro Mayor Helen Godwin said: “Walking, cycling, and wheeling are an important part of how people get around, with real health benefits. “Getting the basics right now will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England. “We secured £752 million for that next stage in the recent Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions.”
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The dangers of cotton swabs: Why you should never stick them in your ears IT’S a habit many people pick up without thinking, reaching for a cotton swab to “clean” their ears. But did you know that inserting cotton swabs into your ear canals can do far more harm than good? Your ears are self-cleaning. Wax naturally moves outward as your jaw moves when you talk, eat, or chew. When you insert a cotton swab, you’re likely pushing the wax deeper, compacting it against the eardrum. Over time, this can cause blockages, muffled hearing, pain, and even tinnitus. In some cases, aggressive swabbing can scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal or, worse, damage the eardrum leading to infections or hearing loss. Ironically, using cotton swabs can actually increase wax production. Your ears respond to irritation by producing more wax as a protective measure, creating a frustrating cycle. So, what should you do instead? If you feel your ears are blocked, avoid home remedies and book in for a professional ear check. At Turner’s Opticians, our audiologist uses safe, gentle microsuction to remove excess wax without the risks of syringing or swabbing. And if your ears aren’t blocked - great! Just let them be. A little wax is healthy, protective, and completely normal. So please, ditch the cotton swabs. Your ears will thank you for it. To book a consultation or find out more about safe ear care, get in touch today - we’re here to help. Get in touch and book in to see me - I’d love to help you hear clearly again!
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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.
Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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NEWS
‘Rain garden’ to keep pollution out of brook A GREEN space could be transformed in a bid to stop pollution from roads being flushed into a stream. South Gloucestershire Council has unveiled proposals to create a “rain garden” between Merritt Way on the Siston Hill estate and Warmley Brook. It would involve creating several ponds that would fill with run-off from roads during wet weather, filtering out pollutants before they can reach the stream. A survey produced for residents describes the project as a “beautiful, nature-friendly” feature, “that not only looks great but also helps protect our local environment”. The council said: “Right now, every time it rains, water runs off our roads and into drains, carrying with it all sorts of nasty stuff like oil, petrol and brake dust. “That polluted water flows straight into Warmley Brook, harming wildlife and
increasing the risk of flooding. “Warmley Brook should be teeming with wildlife because it presents the perfect habitat for fish, amphibians, insects and birds. It should be a place where children can play and cool off on a hot summer day, a place where they can come face to face with the wonders of nature. It is instead, dirty, polluted and comparatively lifeless. “We want to create a new ‘rain garden’ that uses nature to clean and slow down the water before it reaches the brook. “It would encourage more wildlife - plants, birds, insects, frogs and more - making it a nicer place to relax or walk, with lots of interesting features and cleaner water. “A rain garden located on the green space between Merritt Way and Warmley Brook would be particularly effective.” The scheme would also involve creating a new play area, walkways and access to the main public footpath. The council says that at present, highway drains take are designed to direct rainwater run-off straight into waterways, which also raises the risk of flooding downstream. Redirecting outflows into shallow channels lined with gravel and plants allows pollutants to be filtered, slows the flow of water and allows some of it to naturally soak into the soil. Although the green space would be adapted, the council says there would still be plenty of “unaffected areas of lawn”.
What the area looks like now The council is paying for the designs for the project but says if it goes ahead, it would not be funded by council tax. Instead, money would come from the South Gloucestershire Investing in Climate and Nature (ICaN) Scheme, which enables businesses to invest in schemes that reduce their environmental impact. The survey closes on August 3 and can be found online at tinyurl.com/yc3zz8r3.
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NEWS
VJ Day – a veteran remembers As the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on VJ Day, the Voice met a veteran of the campaign in Burma, where fighting continued after the guns fell silent in Europe EARLIER this year communities around the country held events to commemorate 80 years since VE Day. The date - May 8 1945 - is seared into the national memory as the day when a nation marked the final victory over Germany's Nazi regime. But the Second World War didn't end then. Furious fighting continued for more than three months in Burma, China and across the Far East and Pacific until the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced the retreating Japanese empire to surrender. Celebrated joyously then - but perhaps less well remembered now - August 15 was declared Victory over Japan or VJ Day, marking the final end of the Second World War. Harry Francis fought in Burma - and does not have fond memories. Not only was fighting in the jungle "hell", the last of his many encounters with Japanese forces left him close to death, after being stabbed in the stomach
with a bayonet. Harry, who has just turned 100, now lives in Soundwell with his wife Gwen. Before the war he lived in the village of Barford St Martin, near Salisbury. Frustrated at seeing colleagues at the bus depot where he worked being given deferments when they received call-up papers, Harry lied about his age to volunteer in 1942, joining the Royal Navy when he was still 16. He joked: "I've been a fool all my life!" After training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall, he joined the crew of destroyer HMS Brecon, based in Liverpool. HMS Brecon hunted U-boats and escorted convoys in the Atlantic, before being deployed to Malta in the Mediterranean. At this point Harry volunteered for the Royal Marines, going through an unforgiving training programme at the renowned Achnacarry Commando Training Depot in the Scottish Highlands, which he says had "some big
Harry took part in a parade through Staple Hill on Armed Forces Day in June, wheeled by his son Andy
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Harry Francis today
Harry in his Royal Navy uniform after volunteering in 1942. No pictures survive from his time in the SBS
tough men crying their eyes out". At this point Harry volunteered for the Royal Marines, as he wanted a more 'hands on' role in the war. He went through an unforgiving training programme at the renowned Achnacarry Commando Training Depot in the Scottish Highlands, which he says had "some big tough men crying their eyes out". One of the first recruits in 1943 to what would become known as the Special Boat Service (SBS), Harry fought in Sicily and Italy during the Allied invasion and took part in raids on Lebanon, which was run by the Vichy France government. During the visit Tito - later to become Yugoslavia's president - presented Harry with a medal, from a bunch that he kept in his pocket to present to soldiers. Harry no longer has the medal but it is believed to have been the Yugoslavian equivalent of the Military Medal. Soon afterwards Harry and his comrades were given new orders to go to the Far East. Harry said:: "A few miles from Rome we got pulled back. "We were told 'you made such a good job of this one, you'll make an even better one over there'." Harry and his comrades in No. 2 SBS sailed to Ceylon - now Sri Lanka - and from there were sent to the Andaman Islands, between India and Burma, for their first experience of fighting the Japanese. Harry's unit then went to Burma, operating as part of South-East Asia Command's Small Operations Group, and he admits being "frightened to death". Fighting in the jungle, often at close quarters, and shooting
snipers down from the trees, Harry says the enemy soldiers were "crafty" and refused to surrender. He said: "It was either you or them. We had a bloody hard time out there. It was bad enough fighting the enemy but when you've got to fight the jungle as well, it's hell - it was a bloody horrible place." Harry and his comrades would swim up on paddle boards to carry out reconnaissance on Japanese units. Operating around the Irrawaddy river, they carried out lightning raids, going in and "getting out quick". Harry said: "I was a mad sod, who went in all guns blazing. We'd do whatever we had to and get out." Harry completed six missions, often returning and having a day to "get cleaned up and be off out again". On his seventh reconnaissance mission Harry's group was ambushed. Two of his comrades were "shot to pieces" and, as Harry ran to help, he had "the biggest bayonet I’d ever seen" thrust into his stomach. His best friend Slim Fenton killed the Japanese soldier who stabbed him. After their attackers were wiped out he was carried back to an outpost, "bleeding like a stuck pig". Harry said: "I remember laughing, and them saying 'you should be crying'. I said, 'I'm laughing cos I shan't be back here again!'" He lost consciousness and say the next thing he remembers is "waking up in a nice bed with white sheets" in Ceylon. Transferred to the UK, Harry was treated at Haslar hospital in Gosport for peritonitis, a potentially-fatal infection caused
Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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NEWS by the wound, then sent to recuperate at Netley camp in Hampshire. He was in the UK on VJ Day, when the war finally ended on August 15, 1945. Once he was back on his feet Harry was put on light duties, helping to train others until he was demobbed about a year after the war. He worked as a labourer then took up painting and decorating, a trade he stayed in until he retired, and moved to Bristol around 40 years ago. He stayed in touch with some of his comrades, sometimes meeting up after the war, but most have now passed away. Even at the end of the war, Harry says "no-one wanted to know" about the conflict in the Far East, and far fewer do now. He said: "They don't know what we went through. They say 'we will remember them' but noone ever bloody does! "People should remember. But don't say that I'm a hero, because I'm not - I'm just one of the boys."
VJ Day events: August 15: VJ 80th anniversary celebration in grounds of St James Church, Mangotsfield (inside if raining), from 7.30pm. Church spire will be lit. All welcome. August 31: VJ Day 80 and Battle of Britain 85 Service, at the war memorial, Page Park, noon-1pm. Service of Remembrance with music from Staple Hill Salvation Army band.
Harry celebrates century SECOND World War veteran Harry Francis had a 100th birthday surprise when the Royal Marines delivered a personal message from the First Sea Lord at his party. Harry, who lives in Soundwell, was joined by around 40 relatives and friends at the party at Pucklechurch Village Sports & Social Club, the day before his birthday on July 21. Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kedward, the commanding officer of the Royal Marines Reserve Bristol, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Jonny Morrish delivered the message from General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, congratulating him on the milestone. Sir Gwyn said: "Having the qualities needed to serve in Special Forces is a remarkable achievement, but the many covert operations and missions you then conducted behind enemy lines during WWII were truly courageous. "I hope you can recognise the huge impact you had on the course of the war and the numerous conflicts. You remain an inspiration to us all." Lt Col Kedward said it was particularly fitting that the message came from the first Royal Marines officer to be made First Sea Lord, the head of the Royal Navy. Harry was moved to tears by the message, and talked with the Royal Marines afterwards. Born in Barford St Martin, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, one of four children,Harry's earliest memory, according to his daughter Teresa, is when he was five or six, holding a girl's hand walking home from school each
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Harry Francis talks with Jonny Morrish and Chris Kedward at his party day and not wanting to let go. Harry volunteered for the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 16, after lying about his age, before transferring to the Royal Marines and joining the SBS, fighting behind enemy lines in Italy, Lebanon and Burma. After the war he returned to Wiltshire and worked as a labourer then a painter and decorator, bringing up nine children in his first family, with 29 grandchildren and "many
more" great-grandchildren. Teresa said Harry, known as H, has also been a father to his second family with wife Gwen, who he met in 1985 and has seven children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Harry has lived in Bristol for the past 40 years. Teresa says his secret to a long life is "to be a good boy, have lots of patience, which usually means giving in a lot, and having the odd tot of rum".
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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Students learn to cook healthy favourites STUDENTS at Mangotsfield School have been learning how to cook some of their favourite meals with healthy ingredients. Charity CRuNCH teamed up with the secondary school to run a five-week course for Year 9 students, who learned how to cook meals including fajitas, burgers and pancakes, with parents invited in for the final session. The idea of the new course, which was provided free to pupils, was to give them the ability to cook five simple and nourishing recipes before they leave home, and gain a basic understanding of eating for better physical and mental well-being. CRuNCH is a relatively new charity that has just begun its work of encouraging young people to learn how to cook healthy meals. After the successful trial at Mangotsfield, the charity now aims to offer the course to a selection of pupils receiving free school meals. Founder Kate Percy, who delivered the
Parents joined pupils for the final session
Mangotsfield School students working on a recipe
course at Mangotsfield, said: "We were absolutely delighted to pilot our Cook5 with CRuNCH programme with the Year 9 students at Mangotsfield School. "It was a real privilege to witness the group develop their cooking skills, grow in confidence and focus, and support each other as a team over the five week programme. "We look forward to working with Mangotsfield next term, and to really embed the Cook5 concept into the school community." Many of the students who took part said
they would try out the recipes again at home. One said: "I did think at first I would not enjoy it but I have learnt to cook 5 different meals and have also had some fun. I will be cooking these meals again." Assistant head teacher James Gilpin said: "I was really excited for the students to be given this chance, and Kate and her team delivered some really engaging sessions. "The student and parent feedback has been really positive and I look forward to working with Kate again in the new school year."
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Water firm 'poor' on pollution Officer awarded bravery medal THE water company responsible for sewage disposal in the area has been accused of "consistently poor performance" by the Environment Agency. A new report found that pollution incidents reported by Wessex Water rose from 162 in 2023 to 248 last year, to more than two and a half times the level they were in 2016. The agency says the company was one of only two in the country that didn't commit any "serious" pollution incidents in 2024 but the total number reported was up by 53%. In April the agency said the number of hours sewage was flushed into waterways in the Downend area increased last year, with a total of 72 spills of sewage mixed with rainwater from combined sewage overflows or CSOs in Oakdale Road, Overndale Road and Sheppard Road in Downend, Irving Close, off Bridge Road near Rodway Common, and Frenchay Park Road in Frenchay - up from 61 in 2023. Environment Agency water industry regulation manager Ed Lockington said: "We’re pleased to see that by not causing any serious pollution incidents last year Wessex Water has met not just our expectation but the public’s. "That is a high bar to maintain but nothing less is acceptable for the environment we all rely on. "However, it is disappointing to see its total number of pollutions rose by just over half - there is clearly more work to be done." Wessex Water recently spent £5 million on schemes to increase sewer capacity on the River Frome upstream of Downend and Frenchay, at Frampton Cotterell. A spokesperson said: “We continue to invest heavily to allow us to reduce the likelihood and respond more quickly to potential pollution events, which means we can act faster to minimise environmental damage. “Clearly there is more to do, and reducing pollutions will always remain a top priority for us."
A POLICE inspector who pulled two children from the car involved in a collision on the M4 has been given a bravery award. Inspector James McKenna was off duty when he was travelling between the Tormarton and Hambrook junctions and saw that a collision had happened involving a lorry and a car. Two children were trapped in the car’s back seat. With emergency services not yet on the scene, Insp McKenna parked up and leapt into action, pulling Inspector James McKenna the young boy and teenage girl from the car. Despite his efforts, along with other police officers and paramedics, the boy died, but the girl recovered after hospital treatment. A police investigation into the collision, which happened on March 26 last year, is still ongoing. In July, Insp McKenna, who is an incident manager in the force control room, received a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal of Bravery at the National Police Bravery Awards in London. He said: “Over my 24-year career, I have seen a lot, but when there is a child involved, it really knocked me and affected me. “I really want to recognise my colleagues who responded to this incident. We have all been deeply affected by what happened and they supported me in trying to save the young boy. “I was the first one on scene but there are others behind the scene and supporting with the wider investigation I want to recognise. “We are trained to preserve life, so I don’t see this as being particularly brave, I just see this as doing my job and running towards the fire instead of away from it.” Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Inspector James McKenna’s actions were nothing short of heroic and they exemplify the highest standards of some of our core values – to have courage and to care. “This was a very traumatic situation and that has an impact on anyone faced with it. “I could not be prouder of James and the journey he has been on since that day. He has been an advocate for our trauma-informed and support services and has since gone on to encourage his colleagues to seek that support when they need it.”
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WHAT’S ON August 3 n LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT with The Bear Essentials, Page Park bandstand, 2pm. Free concert, all welcome. Also Avellana on August 10, Salvation Army on August 17, Siobhan Olivia on August 24 and BWCB on August 31. August 10 n GRAND OPENING EVENT FOR KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELDS PAVILION, Downend, 10am-2pm. Family fun day with music, activities, refreshments and stalls. Free event. August 11 n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB presents Paddington in Peru, live-action animated adventure comedy, at Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend. Carers welcome, easy access Refreshments £4. For more information, call 0117 435 0063. August 14 n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, 7.30pm. Admission free - all welcome to attend. All classes open to everyone: best bloom, house plant, vegetable, flower arrangement, home produce. To enter email dreacross@ gmail.com or bring exhibit at 7.15pm. Quiz. Refreshments. August 15 n VJ DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, St James Church, Mangotsfield, 7.30pm. In church grounds or inside if raining. All welcome. August 17 n PAGE PARK PRAISE presented by Staple Hill Salvation Army at the Bandstand, Page Park, 3pm. – Free admission. August 21 n THURSDAY CHURCH AT STAPLE HILL SALVATION ARMY,
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Broad Street, 11.15am. A midweek Christian service for all. August 31 n VJ DAY 80 AND BATTLE OF BRITAIN 85 commemoration and service of remembrance, Page Park, Staple Hill (by the war memorial), noon-1pm. Music from Staple Hill Salvation Army band. September 13-14 n BRANDY BOTTOM COLLIERY, Come and visit the best-preserved 19th Century Coalmine. In association with Heritage Open Days 2025, guided tours will be offered on 13/14th September from 10.30am. Find us by the South Glos cycle path opposite and within walking distance of Lyde Green Estate, it is signposted. Internet details at Brandy Bottom
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. Term-time 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, 9.15am10.45am, term time only. n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social
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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, 10.30am-noon 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).
Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP WITH CLAIRE HAZELGROVE, FILTON & BRADLEY STOKE MP
Welfare isn't working for anyone I HOPE you’re enjoying the summer and finding time to recharge. Thank you to everyone who’s come along to my recent events: the new ‘Pub Politics’ in Emersons Green, ‘Coffee with Claire’ in Patchway, and my advice surgery in Hambrook - or who has spoken with me and my team on your doorstep in Winterbourne, Filton, Emersons Green and Patchway. In July, I and my small team have been working on 923 new cases for residents. If you need support or want to let me know about something, please get in touch at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk. I recently welcomed Blackhorse Primary students to Parliament and would love to see
n Claire Hazelgrove meets residents at the first Pub Politics event in Emersons Green
more local schools here in the autumn. In Westminster I was proud to support the plan to build on the legacy of Sure Start by launching up to 1,000 'Best Start Family Hubs' by April next year, After support was previously cut in South Gloucestershire, I'm glad to see children and families being prioritised again. Thank you to everyone - around 1,000 residents - who contacted me about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I fully respect the range of views, and know this will be one of the most important votes I cast. After attending every debate, and having my own amendments accepted, I voted for the Bill. For me, with good safeguards, this came down to providing choice. After hearing from a constituent cut off from her mum during the pandemic, I spoke in Parliament about the importance of safe contact in care settings. It’s clear from local conversations that the welfare system isn’t working for anyone. I’ve met with the relevant Minister to share local concerns. One in eight young people nationally are not in employment, education or training, and we cannot afford a lost generation. Many people want to work but lack
support - that’s why the Government is introducing a ‘Right to Try’ and tailored back to work support. For those unable to ever work, we’ll always provide support and end mandatory reassessments. Having met with the Policing Minister previously, I’m pleased that the government will deliver 70 new police officers for Avon and Somerset, working with Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody, as part of a £200 million investment in neighbourhood policing. Locally this month I’ve visited veteranled defence SME business RC Fornax, Airbus’ Family and Friends Day, joined the Mayor of Patchway to open the Pretoria Road Allotments pollinator project, and met pioneering companies at Bristol & Bath Science Park. It’s been a pleasure to support many excellent community festivals and school fairs - from Filton to Lyde Green.
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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NEWS
Climbers conquer Kilimanjaro A TEAM who set out to climb Africa's highest peak in memory of a Downend teenager have completed their challenge - and raised more than £28,000. The gruelling seven-day climb up Kilimanjaro took place to support the Alfie Nick Foundation, set up by the family of Alfie Richley, who was 17 years old when he suffered fatal injuries in a freak skateboarding accident while on holiday in 2023. Alfie's dad Nick Richley led the team going up the world's highest free-standing peak, the climax of the Climb for Alfie campaign which also included a 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge earlier in the year. The team, including Ash Dyer, from Downend, as well as Nick's brother, cousin and another friend, completed the challenge in July. Nick said: "Our team of five set out to honour Alfie’s legacy by pushing ourselves to the limit – and we did exactly that. "The physical, mental and emotional toll
of the trek was intense, made harder by the effects of high altitude. We walked for days through nausea, headaches and sickness – exhausted, but determined. "The final summit push began at midnight in freezing conditions. We climbed through darkness for over seven hours, finally reaching the summit just after sunrise. "It was a breathtaking moment – both for the view, and the sense of purpose behind every step. It was really emotional getting to the top - the reality of the accomplishment setting in and the reasons why we were doing the challenge. "We’re proud to say all five of us made it to the top, and together we’ve already raised over £28,000 to support disadvantaged children through the Alfie Nick Foundation. Every penny goes directly to helping children access opportunities that can change the course of their lives. "This was without doubt the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced — seven relentless days of climbing, battling sickness, exhaustion and altitude. "But reaching the summit, knowing we were doing it for Alfie and the children the Foundation supports, made every step worth it. This is about honouring Alfie’s legacy by giving other children the chance to thrive – and the money raised means we can make a real difference in the lives of the children who need the most support." The charity has been set up to fund services for disadvantaged children who have
Nick Richley and his team at the summit of Kilimanjaro been in the care system, live with disabilities or face mental health challenges. The Climb for Alfie donation page is online at tinyurl.com/mphjc66y.
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February 2025 - Issue 68
MESSAGE FROM POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER
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YOU’VE told me you want safer streets and more visible policing, and I’m doing it. I’ve listened to your concerns about antisocial behaviour, retail crime, and criminality in town and city centres, and I am working with the Bristol-based home improvement Chief Constable to put more officers company, The Window Hub, is where are needed, tackling crime aimingthey to plant 3,000 trees over in high streets and areas you care the next three years as part of its about, becausetoyou should feel safe in commitment being a climate
your high street. I have launched ‘Your Streets, My Priority’ this month – a coordinated programme of action to enhance neighbourhood policing and create safer, more vibrant town centres and high streets across the region. There are several centres targeted across the Avon and Somerset area. The focus is on making our town and city centres safer, more
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. 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 In fact, a new showroom is quality rather than greed”. scheduled to open this month. From humble beginnings, The Danny launched The Window Hub Window Hub now operates from because he wanted to be much a head office and showroom in more than just a double glazing Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, company. showrooms and installation depots “We know that choosing new across the South West. and inviting someone PCC Clare Moody with a police officerwindows on patrol
vibrant spaces where residents, businesses, and visitors feel secure and welcomed. Supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has added more officers to your local teams, and the additional dedicated patrols in targeted areas, the plans will be delivering more proactive, visible and engaging policing in your cities and towns. From increased foot patrols to street surgeries and crime prevention advice for businesses, the local plans include ways for the police to work closer with businesses to share information, respond to incidents and target prolific offenders, as well as proactive use of powers to address antisocial behaviour. We will see additional partnership work with licensing colleagues, to into your home can be address issues relating tostressful, licensed so we have introduced as many premises, as well as diversionary initiativesforasyoung possible to be fair and activities people, like reasonable ourengagement approach to give the outreachin and our customers the best programmes provided byexperience the South possible,” he said. Gloucestershire Violence Reduction “Sales begin and end with Partnership (VRP). treating customers And My team will also properly. be working
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you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.” Clare Moody A&SPCC And the Window Hub has the writes for the customer reviews toVoice prove it – 90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating with partners to professionalism, raise awareness of the company’s opportunities for youngand people. friendliness, tidiness, attention Throughout the summer, I will be to detail. visiting different throughout The hard workareas of Danny and South Gloucestershire Bristol his company was alsoand recently to meet residents, businesses, with recognised and commended, community groups, and the local the The Window Hub being named neighbourhood police team to see ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 how things progressing. Awards lastare year. will beThe monitoring InI 2025, Windowprogress Hub to make sure to thecover campaign delivers will grow domestic homesfor between results you. Cheltenham in Gloucestershire End in To keep up to and dateLands with what’s Cornwall. as part of the Your Streets, happening morecampaign, information, visit MyFor Priority visitplease my website TheWindowHub.co.uk. at www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk and my social media pages.
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
NEWS
Balloon makes school visit A VISIT from a hot air balloon was a highlight of a week of special events and activities at a village school. Trips and sports were also on the timetable for Pucklechurch C of E Primary School’s health and well-being week. Deputy head teacher Gemma Jones said: “Well-being is one of the most important things we teach our children about. “Each year, we plan a health and well-being week to place self-care and well-being at the centre of our learning. “As well as the traditional sports day events, we plan a range of events to give children unique experiences and opportunities to learn skills they perhaps wouldn’t ordinarily encounter. Year 5 and 6 enjoyed a laser tag session, year 3 and 4
The balloon is set up on the school field visited Chepstow Castle and the school was visited by Bristol’s own Cameron Balloons, who pitched a hot air balloon on our
school field! The children learned about how they work and got to find out what it was like to run an iconic, local company.
“The children also practised mindful techniques for relaxation and learned the valuable skills of personal finance management.”
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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COMMUNITY NEWS
BEECHMERE BELLES WI
AS we head into August, schools have broken up for the summer break, and we are planning our programme for next year. Back to our 2025 programme, and we spent our June evening meeting doing some needle felting. We’ve done this craft before but this was very different. We created beautiful flowers, which we glued to a ring – all the napkin rings we took home were different, but all beautiful. What a talented group our ladies and guests are! We do love our crafty evenings, giving us the chance to sit round the table and chat, catching up with old friends or making new ones, and all the while learning a new skill. We’re heading to the park for a picnic for our July meeting, hoping the weather will be kind to us, but we do have a Plan B. Then in August, we’ll be back inside enjoying a talk – our speaker, Rob, has visited us before and he is engaging and funny; we’re looking forward to welcoming him again. 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).
We promise you a warm welcome, as well as tea or coffee and cake! We meet at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of the month. If you would like to know more about our WI please contact us via email at beechmerebelles@gmail. com or follow our Facebook page, Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI Beechmere Belles. Wendy
MANGOTSFIELD DOLLY MIXTURES DUE to bank holidays we actually had two meetings in June, one in early June and one late. The late June meeting was all about planning our birthday party in August and our Christmas market outing in December. AHM Caterers are now booked for the party and we have decided to go to Worcester Xmas Market. A number of our Dollies went on the Bristol Jazz Society’s River Cruise: a great time cruising up river towards Keynsham, toetapping to Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz & Boogie band all the way. Next year’s date is already booked, for July 12. Our July meeting in the hall
featured Steve Greenhalgh from Somerset Road Safety, with his colleague Mike. They gave a lovely presentation, showing how to become more aware whilst driving and avoid potential hazards. They provided a merchandise table, with all proceeds for cancer research. We also learnt that one of our Dollies had just welcomed her 16th great-grandchild – a baby girl. We will be holding our regular pub lunch at the Lamb in August. Our third birthday party, in anniversary terms, is leather, so we will all be cowgirls: lots of gingham, Stetsons, rhinestones, neckerchiefs and anything else the wardrobe will allow. Dollies are bringing along their favourite country and western albums – yee hah!
SHORTWOOD WI OUR July meeting was a “Games Evening” with various games set up such as Jenga, Connect 4, Guess Who, Boggle and some other card games and puzzles. It was a success overall, with some new, more modern games like ‘Perfection’ being introduced to our members. Our delegate for this years National Federation of WIs AGM,
Caroline, gave us her detailed report and opinion on the event, which for the first time took place over Zoom. We are looking forward to two summer outings, one to Glenside Museum and the other to Winterbourne Medieval Barn, to include a tour of the adjoining church. Our tomato competition is producing varying shapes and sizes of plants, depending on whether they are grown outdoors (normal height) or under glass (absolutely enormous, like a triffid!). However, we shall see the results of our harvest at our Summer Picnic evening in August. The speaker for September is Margot Cevik, telling us about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, which sounds really interesting. We are a small friendly bunch, so if you would like to see what we are about then come along to our meeting at Shortwood Village Chapel, on September 11 at 7.30pm. If you want any further information or just a chat, you can contact us at millhousejoinery@aol. com, with the heading Shortwood Village WI, and we will get back to you. Lynne Miller
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BRISTOL u3a can help people make connections and tackle isolation. Here's a testament from one of our newest members who, having recently moved to the UK from South Africa, knew hardly anyone locally: "I'm so happy to have joined u3a. Before joining, my social life was limited to the few friends I had made at my art class and a few neighbours. I was becoming lonely and I felt isolated. "Changing countries is a challenge. In South Africa, I had and still have a large circle of friends. I keep in touch with them, but there's nothing like having a nice conversation (or gossip!) over a cup of coffee or a ladies' lunch. "Joining u3a has repaired my feeling of isolation. "One of the first groups I joined was the French conversation group in Warmley, where I arrived with some apprehension. My fears were quickly dismissed and now I look forward to every second Tuesday. "I also regularly attend socials and have even started my own group inviting artists to attend a monthly meeting to paint and draw. For me, u3a is an organisation that offers support and interest and connects people with each other. I think it's wonderful!" Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anybody. There’s no lower age limit, but most members are in their 50s upwards. Single membership is £20 a year, and members have access to around 200 interest groups across Bristol and around 40 locally. Why not “try before you buy” by going along to a social or by applying to try an interest group as a taster session? Just Google “Bristol u3a” to find the full list of groups. Once you’ve found a group that interests you, click on the group leader’s name and ask to go along. This month, you’ll find us at the Warmley Flower show on August 2 and at the White Lion in Frenchay from 2.30pm on August 18. Any other questions, contact me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk. Lindsay Gough
Emersons Green Voice August 2025
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MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Let us know how to help wildlife CHRIS is taking a break this month, so I’m standing in to update you on what we have been up to. We’re a group of local volunteers and if you’re in Mangotsfield, you’ve probably seen us out and about at our monthly work sessions. Among other things we’ve cleaned road signs, collected litter, removed weeds, planted bulbs on Mangotsfield Common, repaired and repainted benches at the Dame School and Memorial Garden, and built and installed planters at various locations around the village. This month we’ve had a daily watering routine through the hot weather to keep the planters going, and happily most of them have survived. Aside from being a colourful display of flowers and plants to brighten up our streets, they’re also a food source, mostly for pollinators like butterflies and bees but the strawberry plants are fruiting, so you might get the chance to pick a strawberry. How’s that for fresh fruit? The garden at the Dame School has been receiving lots of attention, with a dedicated team making regular visits to weed and water. We’re hoping to install water butts in the
garden, so we can use naturally-collected water in future. Last month Chris wrote about the swift box at the scout hut. We’d like to do more to encourage wildlife. We’re hoping to plant wild flowers on Mangotsfield Common but would like to hear your ideas. More flowers or plants? Bug hotels? Bird baths? Particular habitats? Send your ideas to MangotsfieldRA@gmail. com, via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or Chris Amos on 07918 701881. Or come along to our next Hour A Month work session, on Saturday August 2 at 10.30am.
We’ll be meeting at the entrance to the St James car park, opposite the church, before heading off to do some weeding. All are welcome to this and out other events, including our monthly Red Lion coffee morning on August 6 at 10am, supporting Breast Cancer Now, and the VJ Day 80th anniversary celebration at St James Church (in the grounds or in the church if raining. It will be led by Clive and our vicar, James Cannan, and supported by our local Royal British Legion. The church spire will be lit up. Jacqui Marsh
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NEWS
Author shares her healing journey A Lyde Green woman has shared her journey from breakdown to breakthrough in a new book collecting stories of women who have triumphed over adversity. Gianina Turner spoke to life coach Sophia Lorraine about how writing her story for collaborative book ‘She Reclaims, She Rises, She Empowers’, compiled by entrepreneur Rachel Parland, became part of her own healing process. How were you first introduced to Rachel Parland? I met Rachel during a healing programme I joined, just after a mental health breakdown in 2022. We later trained together to become coaches and healers, and that shared journey laid the foundation for a deep connection and mutual respect. What was the process of contributing your story to the book like? I had already been feeling a strong ‘call’ to write a book as I reflected on how far I’d come since my breakdown. Just a few days later, I received a voice note from Rachel saying she was organising a book collaboration and thought of me. I didn’t know who else was involved at first - I just said yes, even though the nerves and selfdoubt crept in. At our first meeting, I was surprised to find that I had actually worked or trained with seven of the other women before. Some were already close friends. It was such a beautiful surprise to be doing this with women I deeply admire. How did writing your story impact on your healing? Writing my story was an emotional journey. I thought I had moved past certain events, but in writing, I realised I had suppressed many emotions or expressed them through anger instead of acknowledging the sadness underneath. It became another layer of healing - allowing me to sit with those feelings, show compassion to my past self, and use the tools I’ve since learned
to regulate my emotions. It was powerful. How did you begin to heal and move forward from that challenging time? The turning point was deciding to stop abandoning myself. I began practising self-love and self-compassion. For years, I silenced my needs, put others first, and carried shame that wasn’t mine. Reconnecting with who I truly was beneath all the fear and negative self-talk changed everything. Coaching, self-reflection, and deep inner work helped me unravel the beliefs that kept me stuck. I discovered powerful healing modalities - ones I’m now qualified in - that helped me shift subconscious patterns and rebuild my confidence and self-worth from the inside out. Why was it important for you to share your story? I felt a calling greater than myself to share my story. It’s vulnerable, yes - but also empowering. For a long time, I carried my story in silence, hoping things would improve if I just stayed quiet. But I’ve learned that truth has the power to heal - not just for me, but for others who might see themselves in my journey. I know how isolating it can be, especially when dealing with emotional or narcissistic abuse. If even one reader feels seen, understood, or inspired to take their first step toward healing, then sharing my story has been worth it. \How do you help women step into their full potential? Healing isn’t just about moving on - it’s about rising into the version of yourself you were always meant to be. We often wait for permission or the ‘right time’, but the moment you choose yourself, everything begins to shift. Self-belief isn’t just a buzzword. When you work on it, your entire life can change. And by choosing yourself, you’re also teaching your children that it’s okay to do the same. My work is rooted in helping women reclaim their identity, rebuild self-worth, and create lives filled with purpose, peace, and confidence. Has this experience inspired you to write more?
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Emersons Green Voice August 2025
Absolutely! I never imagined writing a book - especially with dyslexia and barely scraping a D in English at school. But hitting Amazon’s number 1 Best Seller showed me there’s a real hunger for authentic stories. Even before finishing this chapter, I felt the next book coming. I’ve learned so much over the past three years - not just about healing and confidence, but also about creating financial independence post-separation. I now run two businesses: one empowering women after relationship breakdowns, and another called MF Dance - a children’s dance school with over 100 students and a team that includes my daughters. She Reclaims, She Rises, She Empowers can be found on Amazon or Sophia’s Lorraine’s website: www.sophiafullpotentialcoaching.com
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The changing face of Broadmead Architecture and planning student Elliott Sargent has been delving into the history of Broadmead as the area prepares for its latest transformation BROADMEAD was laid out in the post-war period by the City Architect, JN Meredith, who created the layout and urban masterplan that remains largely untouched to this day. The area was bombed heavily during the war, and the decision was taken to move the city’s primary shopping district away from Wine Street and what is now Castle Park to a new area, fit for the 20th century. Various architects were enlisted to design the individual store fronts, many of which are still visible today. Several pre-war buildings, such as the Lower Arcade near the original M&S building, were preserved in the plans. Some elements of Meredith’s plan didn’t fully materialise, however. Whilst the area is now pedestrianised, as Meredith had originally planned, this was not always the case, due to budgetary
constraints. There was also a plan for several ‘courts’ to be created within what are now service yards. Now the area is preparing to undergo more radical transformations. The Debenhams store, one of the first large anchor stores to be built in the new post-war shopping district, will be demolished and replaced with what will be Bristol’s tallest building - despite the efforts of the Twentieth Century Society, who campaigned to preserve the old building. In the meantime, it is occupied by pop-up skate park 'Shredenhams', a fantastic example of creative and adaptive reuse. On the other side of Broadmead, the Galleries shopping centre is entering its final days. After it closes it will be demolished and replaced with a large mixeduse development. Opened in the 1980s, it took the place of some original postwar buildings and shops such as Woolworths and the Co-op, which
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Broadmead in 1970, showing the Baptist church spire. Picture: Historic England
had a paternoster lift – the kind with no doors, that never stopped - you just stepped on and off at the floor you wanted. For many years the Galleries remained Bristol’s largest and busiest shopping centre, with several anchor stores, but it has been in decline since the opening of Cabot Circus in 2008. When the Galleries closes, the Broadmead area will change significantly again. Historic England has listed the
Baptist church that is above the Tesco on Union Street. The photo above shows the original wooden spire that was removed because of safety concerns. If you have any memories of Broadmead, and shops past or present, Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP) would be fascinated to hear them! To contact us, visit www. downendchap.org or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.
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SPORT
Young athletes make national championships THREE young athletes from Mangotsfield School tested themselves against the nation's best at the English Schools Track & Field Championships. Max McKinstry, Dan Webb and Joshua Toms represented Team Avon and their school in the Intermediate age group category at the English Schools Athletic Association event in July, at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium. The Year 11 students were among 2,000 selected to represent county teams in 98 events at the centenary event, which saw 16 championship records broken. Max is an 800m, 1500m and crosscountry runner who started at the age of nine at Stanbridge Primary School with his then teacher James Baker, joining Page Park Junior Parkrun and running club Stanbridge Fliers before moving on to Bristol & West Athletics Club after the pandemic. He has represented Avon and the South West in several competitions, including this year's National Schools Cross Country Championships. Dan is a hurdler and multi-eventer,
who competed in the 100m hurdles in Birmingham. He joined Bristol & West AC about six years ago and was part of the first Avon junior boys multi-event team to win the South West championships and go to the Nationals, where they finished 3rd. The team has also qualified for this year's Nationals, while Dan's fast hurdling times earned him the call-up to the English Schools event. High jumper Josh started training with Bristol & West AC after his PE teacher spotted his talent and called his parents to recommend he took it further. At first training and competing in the long jump and triple jump locally, he first entered the high jump to win points for his team, and soon linked up with a specialist trainer in Yate. He has achieved a personal best of 1.90m this season, surpassing the English Schools standard of 1.88m and leading to his selection. Although all three missed out on places in the finals in Birmingham, Max notched a personal best of 1:59:30 in his 800m heat and also had the honour of being the Team Avon flag bearer at the event's Centenary Parade of Champions, attended by Olympic goldwinning heptathlete Denise Francis. Mangotsfield School head of PE Tristan Hawkins said: "Dan, Max, and Josh have each excelled in their respective disciplines and have brought great pride to the school
Dan Webb, Max McKinstry and Joshua Toms at the championships community through their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. "All three boys have balanced their athletic achievements with a strong commitment to their studies, making them excellent role models within the school. "It is rare to have such a trio of talented athletes in the same year group, and they are a tremendous credit to Mangotsfield School."
Mangos start at home MANGOTSFIELD United will start their next league campaign on a Tuesday night - before the end of July. The new Hellenic League season is set to start on July 29 with an evening fixture against Hallen, before the club starts its FA Cup campaign on August 2 at home to Bristol Manor Farm. The Mangos' pre-season campaign started with a 1-0 home win over National League South side Chippenham Town on June 28, followed by a 3-1 win over Western League Division One club Bristol Telephones. Western League Premier Division side Clevedon Town beat the Mangos 3-0 at Cossham Street, before last season's Hellenic League winners, Hartpury University, returned to inflict another 3-0 defeat. Reaching the Hellenic League Play-offs last season was very commendable given the upheaval of playing the first four months away from home, then catching up on 20-plus home games, once the new 3G pitch had been laid. With a more 'normal' season in prospect this year the club will hope to be heavily involved in the promotion race again in its bid to get back to the Southern League. Dave Smale
Upcoming fixtures
July 29: Hallen (home) August 2: Bristol Manor Farm (H) FA Cup* August 6: Royal Wootton Bassett Town (away) August 9: Westfields (H) August 12: Tuffley Rovers (A) August 19: Lydney Town (A) August 23: Hengrove Athletic (A) FA Vase August 25: Roman Glass St George (A) August 30: Highworth Town (H) *Winners to host Cribbs or Easington Sports on August 16
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Cleve welcome Bisons to Hayfields CLEVE Rugby Football Club is absolutely thrilled to welcome Bristol Bisons RFC, along with their friends, supporters, and the wider rugby community, to their new home at the Hayfields. Founded in 2005, the Bisons are a trailblazing inclusive rugby club, proudly championing diversity by welcoming players and supporters of all abilities, backgrounds, ages, genders and sexualities. After a tremendously
Bristol Bisons RFC are now based at the Hayfields in Mangotsfield successful 2024/25 season, when they won the Counties 1 Tribute Western North league championship title, Cleve start the new season at home to Cheltenham Tigers on September 6. On the 13th they are away to Old Centralians before welcoming Thornbury to the Hayfields on September 20. Head coach Paul Vinicombe is
back leading the same coaching team as last year. Matthew Jarvis is the Backs coach, with Harry Casson looking after the forwards. Continuity in these roles is important, as they are committed to leading the players from last season in a higher and more demanding league. The Regional 2 Tribute
Severn division pitches Cleve against some very old rivals: Thornbury, Chippenham and Keynsham. There are also some fixtures against teams from a little further afield, including Newbury, Witney and Royal Wootton Bassett. Off the pitch there has also been exciting news. The club has secured grant funding from the Key Fund and West of England Combined Authority to install solar panels and upgrade our hot water heating and storage systems, a massive step forward which means lower energy bills, more savings for the club and more investment in the things that matter most. Reduced reliance on the grid also means we’re less exposed to rising electricity prices. Stephen Bateman
ON THE TREATMENT TABLE WITH TIM BUTTON OF CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC
The Four Pillars of Health Part 1: Movement CELEBRATING life, chiropractic and the power of staying active At Cleve Chiropractic, we know that true health is about more than just fixing a sore back or treating a sports injury – it’s about helping people live fuller, more joyful lives. That’s why we’re excited to launch this four-part blog series exploring what we call the Four Pillars of Health: 1. Movement 2. Nourishment 3. Recovery 4. Mindset These pillars are the foundation of musculoskeletal (MSK) health, covering everything from how you move and eat, to how you rest and think. Each part plays a vital role in keeping your body strong, flexible and pain-free. Over the next few issues of The Voice, we’ll delve into each of these areas, sharing insights from our brilliant team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, sports therapists, massage therapists and healthcare professionals. We’ll also celebrate the personal wins and professional highlights of the amazix0ng people who make up the Cleve Chiropractic family. We begin with the most dynamic of the four pillars: Movement. Why movement matters Human beings were made to move. From walking and running to lifting, twisting and stretching – our bodies thrive when they’re in motion. Yet for many of us, modern life involves a lot of sitting and screen time, and not
nearly enough active movement. That’s where MSK healthcare comes in. At Cleve, our focus is to help people regain and maintain the freedom to move well. Whether you’re recovering from injury, training for a marathon, managing joint pain or simply looking to improve your posture, movement is the key to a better life. Our chiropractic and physiotherapy teams can assess how your body moves and they’ll work with you to restore balance, flexibility and function. We believe that good movement habits today are an investment in long-term vitality. Pregnancy, posture and gardening glory! Our very own Catherine Quinn, Chiropractor and Clinical Director at Cleve, is currently embracing a major movement milestone herself – she’s expecting a baby in September! Catherine has been sharing her experiences of pregnancy-related changes to posture and pelvic function on our social media pages, offering tips and exercises for fellow mums-to-be. Her pregnancy is a great reminder of how movement needs evolve throughout life. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help manage pelvic pain, improve spinal alignment and prepare the body for the birth of a baby. It’s also worth noting that Catherine’s talents go beyond clinical care – she recently took home second prize for a cucumber at the Frenchay Flower Show! It’s fair to say she’s nurturing both patients and produce with equal care.
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Celebrations and milestones This summer has brought a flurry of celebrations at Cleve: •K ate, from our reception team, and her husband Paul are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary – a wonderful example of love, commitment and perhaps even joint mobility! • Jack Withey, one of our chiropractors, has just completed the Woolacombe Marathon. Running a marathon takes mental toughness, physical preparation and smart recovery. Jack is proof that even those who care for other people’s bodies need to prioritise their own. • As President of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), I’ve been celebrating 100 years of chiropractic in the UK, with the privilege of hosting a regional event in Bristol. It’s been heartwarming to see our profession evolve and be recognised for its role in whole-body health. Motorsport, football and performance care Movement means different things to different people. For Lucy Brazier, our sports therapist working in the world of motorsport at Le Mans, it’s about rapid recovery and high-speed strain management. Motorsport is a physically demanding environment and Lucy uses hands-on techniques to help drivers and crew stay sharp and supple. Meanwhile Callum, one of our sports rehab specialists, is now supporting Keynsham Ladies FC as their football season kicks off. From managing training niggles to matchday readiness, he ensures
these elite athletes stay injury-free and confident on the pitch. The MSK connection So how does movement link to musculoskeletal healthcare? When we move well, we reduce our risk of injury, improve our balance, enhance circulation and even boost our mental health. But poor movement – whether it’s due to pain, injury, or habit – can lead to compensations, overload and long-term issues. That’s why MSK professionals work together to restore movement integrity and reduce dysfunction. At Cleve, this means collaborative care. Chiropractors provide spinal and joint adjustments to improve mobility, while physios and sports therapists offer strength, stability and rehab support. It’s a team effort focused on getting you moving – and keeping you moving – for life. What’s next? In our next blog, we’ll explore the second pillar of health: Nourishment. We’ll talk about how food fuels movement, why hydration matters and what our team recommends when it comes to building healthy eating habits that support your body and brain. Until then, take a walk, stretch those shoulders, and remember: the more you move, the more you thrive. Let us know how you’ve been moving this summer – we’d love to hear your stories. And if you’re feeling stuck or stiff, give us a call. Your next great movement moment might be just an appointment away. Remember to follow us on Instagram @cleve_chiro. It’s your move!
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