Catwalk goes green
watched
We need our surgery back
PATIENTS and councillors are demanding to know when Emersons Green’s GP surgery, which has been shut for five months, will reopen.
Emersons Green Medical Centre, in St Lukes Close, which serves more than 11,000 patients, closed suddenly in October.
A notice posted on the locked car park gates says the closure is temporary and "due to the
heating and hot water not working".
The message from Green Valleys Health, which runs the surgery, said the decision was necessary for infection control and patient comfort and was “not a decision made lightly”.
Ward councillors Katrina Al-Hassan and Rachael Hunt raised concerns over the situation
Turn to Page 3
Saving lives for Cameron
The family of a teenager who took his own life wants to save others by helping men talk about their mental health.
PAGE 2
4,000
new homes
More than 4,000 homes could be built near Shortwood, Lyde Green and Mangotsfield under a new planning blueprint.
PAGES 4&5
End for bridge
National Highways has set a date to demolish a bridge over the M4 - just after the start of roadworks on the ring road.
PAGES 8&9
School needs you
Lyde Green’s new secondary school needs volunteers to be its first governors ahead of its opening next year.
PAGE 12
More than 100 people
a display of pre-loved style at Emersons Green’s Sustainable Fashion Show. Full story: Page 15
Picture: Gianina Turner
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Grieving family campaigns over male mental health
THE family of a teenager who took his own life wants to save others by helping men talk about their mental health.
Cameron Williams died last year, aged 19, after being left devastated by the death of a friend in a road crash.
His family are setting up a foundation in his name to end the stigma around discussing men's mental health, to fund charities providing practical support and to direct men to help when they need it.
Cameron's aunt, Amelia Care, said: "Mental health, especially in men, is not talked about enough and there is so much stigma around it.
Cameron Williams
should have been me that died'.
"Cameron did not talk, he did not open up about how he was feeling, always brushing it off and saying he was OK.
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A member of the
"Men don’t talk about their feelings, and this needs to stop."
Cameron, described by his family as a "much-loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner and friend", took his own life in September last year.
He lived with his mum Melissa Care in Downend, attending Stanbridge Primary School and Downend School as he grew up.
Amelia said he had been devastated by the loss of his friend and work colleague Tyler Carley in a road accident on the Avon Ring Road in December 2023.
They were both passengers in a scaffolding lorry which overturned near Mangotsfield.
Former Mangotsfield School pupil Tyler died in the crash; Cameron was not physically injured.
Amelia said: "He came out without a scratch but it absolutely devastated him.
“We tried encouraging him to go to the doctors but he didn’t want to relive it - he was so traumatised by what happened.
“For somebody so young as Cameron to take his life is so completely shocking.”
"Looking back now you can tell that he was struggling, but he kept it to himself - he was very good at hiding it.
"He had survivor's guilt and PTSD, and he always said 'it
"He wanted to be brave but this is what we want to get overit's OK not to be OK.
"If you're not feeling good, talk about your feelings. You're not less of a man if you're feeling sad and feeling down."
Melissa, Amelia and their mum Karen Parker have set up the Cameron Williams Foundation to keep his memory alive.
Amelia and four of Cameron's friends will run the Bristol HalfMarathon on May 11, to raise money for two charities: SOBS - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, which has been helping Melissa and Amelia through their grief, and Talk Club, a male mental health charity providing talking groups, therapies, and an online community.
The family also hopes the foundation can serve as a point of contact for men who are struggling with mental health.
Amelia said: "There are charities and people out there that will help, it's just finding them.
"If we can just help one person, we're doing somethingwe want to save lives."
More information about the Cameron Williams Foundation is available on its Facebook page at tinyurl.com/4j8b7w7h
Donations towards the charities the foundation is supporting at the Bristol HalfMarathon can be made online at gofund.me/00f4aae7
Call for urgent action to reopen surgery
From Page 1 facing patients, who are being given appointments at the group's other practices in Downend and Yate, at a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council's health scrutiny committee.
Cllr Al-Hassan said there are "greater problems" than the closure, with the surgery's booking system "not fit for purpose" and needing to be urgently addressed.
Cllr Al-Hassan said the continued closure was an "urgent matter", adding: "The funding needs to be secured quickly so the necessary repairs can be made.
"Why was the building left in such a state that it forced the closure?"
The practice's sister surgery at Leap Valley, Downend, is a five minute drive or longer bus journey away and Cllr Al-Hassan said it was "not accessible" for all Emersons Green patients.
She asked: "Have alternative options been considered? Perhaps a temporary clinic somewhere local, like the science park or village hall?"
Cllr Al-Hassan said that when she asked for residents' opinions of the current situation on social media all the responses were negative, particularly about the booking system.
She said people reported "being unable to get through on the phone in the 8am rush and not hearing back if they fill in an online form."
Cllr Al-Hassan said she was "deeply concerned" by one person's experience.
The patient said she had to go to A&E after not being able to make an appointment directly using the booking system, and when A&E staff contacted the medical centre to arrange followup care, the medical centre did not call her back.
Cllr Al-Hassan said: "When the patient went to the surgery in person to talk to the receptionist she was reduced to tears by the conduct of the staff."
She said many patients said the care they received from GPs was "amazing".
But she said: "The booking process is clearly letting the whole practice down and needs to be urgently addressed."
Cllr Al-Hassan said the situation highlighted the lack of
Councillors Rachael Hunt and Katrina Al-Hassan outside the closed Emersons Green Medical Centre
provision in the area.
She said: “It is a great shame that a GP surgery was not secured for Lyde Green, as that population has exploded over the last 10 years. I believe that the funding was instead given to Emersons Green Medical Centre.
“It is time for transparency to show where that funding was used.
"Perhaps it is time to talk to the developers or the government about additional funding and/or another bid for a Lyde Green surgery, if Emersons Green cannot keep up with the quality of care for the number of patients?”
Fellow ward councillor
Rachael Hunt said she shared Cllr Al-Hassan's concerns and gave an example of her own experience, when she had to make three calls to the NHS 111 service and a visit to a minor injury unit after repeated failures of the medical centre's booking system.
Responding to the councillors' comments, a spokesperson for Emersons Green Medical Centre said: "We apologise for the temporary closure and the intention is to open in the near future. We continue to work with our Integrated Care Board to find a solution and discussions are ongoing.
"In the meantime, patients continue to be cared for at our Leap Valley premises and Emersons Green Medical Centre is continuing to take new patient registrations. We will continue to provide updates through patient communication channels and our web-site.”
The practice has been giving
advice updates to patients on its website and Facebook page about the closure.
A recent post saying that Emersons Green Medical Centre was "still open for new pa-tients" and encouraging people to sign up was met by criticism from patients.
One said: "Existing patients
can’t even get appointments but you’re still taking on more. Where is the logic?"
Another said: "I’m struggling to understand how a heating and hot water problem can take this long?
"If Emersons Green is never going to open again, perhaps some transparency around that would help those understand why they can’t get an appointment for love nor mon-ey!"
Boyd Valley ward councillor Ben Stokes told the health scrutiny meeting in late January that funding for services had previously been discussed but the committee had not heard back from the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding the region's GP services.
ICB deputy chief executive Sarah Truelove, who was at the meeting, said she would make a written response to the councillors.
The highly anticipated South Gloucestershire Council Local Plan, Regulation 19 Public Consultation, will be published on 28th February and will be live for 6 weeks until 11th April 2025. Seehttps://localplan.commonplace.is/ for the documentation and narrative around it. The proposed plan covers the period 2026 – 2041.
Your voice matters. Submit your comments using the link above. Do not assume that your view will be recorded if you do not directly respond yourself. More comments are better than none.
The whole process can sound very complicated, but you are just flagging the issues you think the inspector needs to look at:
• telling the Inspector why the Plan (or an item in the Plan) is unsound – based on the National Planning Policy Framework definitions of soundness (which will be included in the documentation), and
• Indicating you want to object to the Plan (or the item you would like to respond to), and why
This is your opportunity to have your say. Don’t miss it.
Emersons Green Town Council 198 Westerleigh Road, Emersons Green BRISTOL BS16 7AN
Tel: 0117 302 6989. https://www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk/
Last chance for a say on planning blueprint
PROTESTERS voiced their anger at the proposed “decimation of the Green Belt” as councillors approved a 15-year blueprint for the future of South Gloucestershire.
The Local Plan, which allocates land for 22,500 homes and thousands of jobs between 2026 and 2041, will go out to a final round of public consultation from the end of February before being sent to a government planning inspector for a public examination next year.
The council's Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors voted in favour at a council meeting on February 12.
The joint administration insisted that although some decisions had been painful, it would provide new homes in places that could be supported by infrastructure such as schools, GP surgeries, employment, roads and public transport.
They said that if the plan was not published by March 12, new government housing targets would apply, and mean having to add an extra 5,000 homes.
Protesters from SOGS-SG outside the council offices in Kingswood during a cabinet discussion of the Local Plan in February
Campaign group Save
Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG) has criticised the authority for allocating huge swathes of the greenbelt for development.
Opposition Conservatives voted against the plan and demanded changes.
Public speakers at the packed meeting also spoke out.
Siston Parish Council chair Andrew Stacey told councillors: “Residents are extremely angry
that you’ve chosen to decimate a major part of the Green Belt within the parish and build a wholly unnecessary number of houses."
Tory group leader Sam Bromiley said the administration had not listened to residents’ worries.
He said: “The anger is clear. We’ve heard the very real stories of how this plan will affect people whose lives will be ruined.
"There are genuine concerns
that cannot be ignored."
Lib Dem cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure Chris Willmore said: “Without a Local Plan we have been at the whim of developers putting in speculative planning applications and getting consent on appeal.
“That has to stop. The only way to do that is to get a plan in place, otherwise we might as well go home and let the market rip."
She said proposals would reduce "unsustainable" commuting, include wind turbines delivering energy, make new homes cheaper to heat and more planet-friendly, and provide new affordable homes for rent in rural communities.
Labour co-leader Ian Boulton said: “At a time when home ownership has become a luxury for many, we are proud of the Labour Party’s work to change this – both nationally and locally.
"This plan ensures that our residents have access to warm, safe, and affordable housing."
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Details of the places where new housing developments could be built across South Gloucestershire are set out in detail in the final draft of the council’s Local Plan.
The plan includes proposals to allow almost 2,000 new homes to be built between Siston Hill and Shortwood, 2,000-plus homes next to the M4 north of Lyde Green, 65 homes on part of the Hayfields base of Cleve RFC and 150 homes on land next door owned by Taylor Wimpey.
Shortwood
THREE sites around Shortwood are proposed to form part of what has been named the Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhoods, which could eventually see 1,930 new homes built.
The new developments would surround a small village which currently has only 90 houses.
The biggest site earmarked for development is the former Shortwood Lodge Golf Club, which closed in 2019.
Stretching from Carsons Road, opposite the Mangotsfield Sort It centre, to the southern edge of Shortwood, part of the site is directly east of the A4174 Avon Ring Road.
Just under half of the homes planned for the site - 770 - would be built between now and 2041, with the other 830 built later.
Next to it at Shortwood Hill is a field earmarked for 50 homes.
North of Main Road, between the ring road and Cattybrook Road, 280 homes would be built at Rockhouse Farm by 2041 if the plan goes ahead.
The council says 30% of homes would be classed as affordable, for social rent or nonmarket ownership schemes, and there would be an employment zone, hotel, convenience store, GP surgery, nursery, affordable workspaces, a primary school, community centre and play area.
Around 660 of the homes would be built after the end of the Local Plan period in 2041.
North Lyde Ecotech Village
ABOUT 2,050 homes and 18 hectares of employment land, extending the Bristol & Bath Science Park, have been proposed north of Lyde Green.
The area to be developed is bounded by the M4, Westerleigh
Plan sets out sites for thousands of homes
Road and the railway line serving the Westerleigh fuel depot.
Much of it is farmland but it also includes the Windmill Leisure Golf and Activity Centre, Windmill Fishery, South Gloucestershire Showground and Tulip abattoir.
A total of 2,050 homes have been proposed: between 1,050 and 1,350 would be built before 2041 and the rest afterwards.
The development would include shops and cafes, a community centre, nursery, primary school, library, GP surgery and a central play park.
Buildings could be up to six storeys tall.
South of the M4 another 453 homes at Lyde Green Farm and Lyde Green Road are included in the plan, next to existing development sites.
Mangotsfield
DEVELOPER Taylor Wimpey submitted plans last year to build 150 new homes on a field it owns between Cossham Street and Rodway Hill Road, next to Mangotsfield United FC, Cleve Rugby Club and Mangotsfield School.
The site, currently Green Belt, appears in the Local Plan as a potential site for 150 homes. Taylor Wimpey has asked for permission to develop it before the new plan is adopted.
Part of Cleve Rugby Club’s Hayfields ground, which stands next to the Taylor Wimpey field, has now been put forward by the club as a potential site for 65 homes.
Cleve RFC chairman Simon Wilstead says that like many
community-based sports clubs, Cleve faces “financial challenges” from reduced participation postCovid, and huge cost increases.
He said: “We have submitted a proposal to the South Gloucestershire Council local plan as a first step in looking at how we can sustain the longterm future of the rugby club for generations to come.
“Our ambition is to stay at The Hayfields in the heart of the community, by looking to downsize non playing field areas of our existing footprint.
“In doing so we would be looking to redesign and build a new environmentally-friendly clubhouse and facilities, including parking on our current site. We would also like to modernise sports playing facilities.
“I would emphasise this is a first step in the process to evaluate options, and we will be working closely with the RFU and Sport England on what options may be suitable in the future.”
A further 72 homes have been proposed on two other sites off Pomphrey Hill - seven on a small field between the rugby club and the pavilion car park, and a further 65 on a field next to the ring road.
Pucklechurch
ONE site at Pucklechurch has been proposed for development, with 60 homes earmarked for a field east of Abson Road and north of Hodden Lane.
Land at Peg Lane in has been proposed for a new traveller site, capable of sustaining eight pitches.
A new site for travelling showpeople has also been proposed at Leigh Farm, between Pucklechurch and Westerleigh, close to Westerleigh Crematorium, with space for 15 vehicles.
Land at Moor Paddock, off Westerleigh Road at Pucklechurch, and at The Meadows, Parkfield, would provide an extra two traveller pitches per site, with other existing traveller sites in Pucklechurch, Mangotsfield and Emersons Green safeguarded for future use.
• The final draft of the Local Plan is due to open for public comments on February 28. Full details will be found on the plan website, sgcouncilplan. commonplace.is Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhoods
North Lyde Ecotech Village, north of the M4
TURNER'S VISION
Sunglasses that look stylish – while working hard to protect your eyes
Everybody loves a good pair of sunglasses. They protect your eyes, they’re a Godsend if you’ve had a late evening the night before and they look great.
But not all sunglasses were created equal.
Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434
www.turnersopticians.co.uk
At Turners Opticians, we’ve got a stunning collection of designer frames that combine style, comfort, and the crystal-clear vision you deserve.
The many benefits of wearing shades
The Americans have a National Sunglasses Day every year (June 27 if you’re curious!) where they pay tribute to their shades. It’s a dual celebration of their status as a fashion statement and their protective qualities.
It’s yet to catch on over on this side of the pond but every day is a good day to be reminded of the eye health benefits of sunglasses…
1. Protection from UV radiation – Sunglasses are your best defence against the sun’s UV radiation. Long-term exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and even photokeratitis - essentially sunburn for your eyes. The damage builds up over time, so wearing sunglasses regularly is a small step with huge long-term benefits.
2. Reduce eye strain – We’ve all been there - squinting against the sun, only to end up with headaches and tired eyes. When your pupils work overtime to block out bright light, it puts unnecessary strain on your eye muscles. Sunglasses help take the pressure off, making those sunny days a lot more comfortable.
3. Keeping your eyes clean – Wind, dust, and even the occasional rogue insect can wreak havoc on your eyes. A good pair of shades acts as a protective barrier, keeping your eyes free from grit and irritation. No more watery, red eyes on breezy walks!
4. Shut out the glare – Glare ranges from mildly annoying to downright dangerous. It can affect us while walking, sitting outside, watching TV or driving. It’s most dangerous when we’re sat behind the wheel as glare can cause temporary blindness, so sunglasses for drivers are essential. Polarised lenses do the job best. We’ve got a great range of sunglasses for your consideration At Turners Opticians, our exclusive designer sunglasses collection offers protection, comfort and sophistication. But it’s not only about aesthetics – we take your clarity of vision seriously which is why all our lenses are custom-made to ensure you experience nothing but visual precision.
When looking through our range, consider when you are going to be wearing your sunglasses most. If you’re out for a stroll, those stylish Ray Bans will do the job. Out for a run? Then you’ll want a pair with impact resistance like our Oakley range. And if you spend time near water and snow, Polarising lenses are great at reducing that glare. We stock all these brilliant brands (and more!) in both our Henleaze and Fishponds branches.
To book an appointment for sunglasses at Turners Opticians, call our Henleaze branch on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds branch on 0117 965 4434. Or you can use our easy online booking system at www.turnersopticians.co.uk
Thanks for reading!
Ginny Allwood MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret, is an Associate Specialist Optometrist and Qualified Dispensing Optician, at Turners Opticians in Bristol.
Shape the future of play
CHILDREN and families in Pucklechurch have a chance to shape the provision of new play equipment at St Aldam’s Drive.
The parish council has secured a grant from Suez Community Fund towards the much-needed revamp of the play area, where most of the wooden structures installed in 2011 perished and had to be removed.
Now it is inviting residents to view the designs proposed by contractor Proludic for replacement play equipment and an obstacle trail aimed at children of primary school age and above.
The council is especially keen that the provision is appealing to girls.
Parish clerk Daphne Dunning said: “We are grateful to Suez Community Fund for the
£40,000 grant that, with our playground reserves, means this project can go ahead.
“Before we place the order, we want to hear from our younger community members to ensure the design provides them with a space to socialise, have fun and be active.
“Please come along and help inform the final design.”
The plans will be on show at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 10am-noon on Saturday March 1.
Bus route extended
A BUS serving Pucklechurch is being rerouted to get closer to more homes.
The WESTlocal 532 service will run along Oaktree Avenue from April, following suggestions from residents.
It could be followed by more changes, as people are asked whether it should also serve the shops in Longwell Green.
The service was launched last September and runs from Emersons Green to Keynsham during the day, with early and late journeys extending to Yate.
It is funded by the West of England Combined Authority, on a route designed by four parish councils and operated by Eurocoaches.
Parish councillor Rick Dunning said: “We’ve had a steady start, but we do need more people to use the service.”
People can have their say by emailing clerk@ oldlandparishcouncil.gov.uk
The timetable can be found at travelWEST.info/westlocal.
Part of the obstacle trail proposed for the playground
The former wooden play equipment, which has now been removed
Bridge will come down as A4174
NATIONAL Highways has confirmed the date that the M4 will close to demolish the condemned A432 Badminton Road bridge.
The motorway will shut between the Bristol and Bath junctions, at Hambrook and Tormarton, from 7pm on Friday March 21 until 6am on Monday March 24, while the bridge is taken apart and removed.
The closure will happen weeks after the start of work on an ‘active travel’ project to install new foot and cycle paths along the A4174 between Emersons Green and Abbey Wood, which will involve narrowing lanes and closing the 2+ lane on the ring road - part of the official M4 diversion - for almost a year.
The motorway bridge is currently open to pedestrians and cyclists but will be completely shut from March 7, so engineers can remove asbestos pipes from inside.
During the M4 closure, crushing machines will be
moved on to the motorway and the edges of the bridge will be removed, before it is allowed to collapse on to a protective mat covering the carriageway. The rubble will be crushed and moved off the motorway before being taken away for recycling as aggregate and steel.
National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said: “This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the South West,
will be the same as for last October’s closure, when the motorway was dug up to build a new culvert for utilities from the bridge, using the M32, A4174, A420 and A46.
Back then many drivers tried to use other roads, causing jams on Westerleigh Road and in Pucklechurch and Siston.
There will be further closures later in the year, on dates to be confirmed, for parts of the new bridge to be lifted into place.
It is expected to be ready to use in around a year’s time.
which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they’re able to plan their journeys well in advance.
“Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can – if that’s not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes, and expect delays.”
The official diversion route
The diversion for cyclists and pedestrians while the bridge is replaced will be via Down Road, Bury Hill and Church Lane.
Mr Walsh told a meeting of the local community engagement forum in February that it would take pedestrians an extra 20 minutes and cyclists an extra five to cross the motorway using the route.
National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge, closed it in July 2023, severing the main
Aerial view of the Badminton Road bridge
roadworks start
road between Bristol and Yate.
Engineers found “accelerated deterioration and cracking” in the steel reinforced concrete, which made it unsafe to carry vehicles.
South Gloucestershire Council began work in mid-February to install new foot and cycle paths, bus stops and a 40mph limit along the westbound Avon Ring Road between the Wick Wick roundabout, next to the M4 bridge, and Coldharbour Lane near the UWE Frenchay campus.
The work started with overnight closures, as narrowed lanes are set up along the entire length of the roadworks.
A council spokesperson said there were no plans to remove or adjust the narrow lanes on the ring road while the M4 is closed, adding: “We advise people to plan their journeys in advance to avoid any potential disruption.”
The spokesperson said the lane restrictions and closures would be kept in place along the entire length of the A4174 being
worked on, rather than being implemented in stages.
The work is expected to continue until December or January.
The council said: “These improvements aim to enhance facilities for buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users. By providing more travel options, there will be less traffic on the roads for those people who do need to travel by car.
“These changes are part of a wider regional programme to make walking, public transport and cycling not only viable, but the preferred way of getting around – especially for shorter journeys.
“We understand that these works will cause disruption, and we appreciate your patience as we carry out this important project.
“Our priority is to minimise delays wherever possible, but safety for the public and our workforce must come first.” Hambrook ban stays: Page 14
LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?
MINUTE INITIAL MEETING
Zebra crossings built
NEW zebra crossings to improve safety for people crossing Lyde Green’s main road are being installed.
The crossings on Willowherb Road - one between the park & ride exit and Pennycress Close, and the other next to Lyde Green Community Centre, by the Newlands Lane junction, were backed by around nine out of ten residents in a consultation in 2022.
Work on both crossings was due to finish by the end of March, according to the one.network/uk traffic website.
However the closure of part of Newlands Lane, by the Science Park between Acorn Drive and Feynman Way, could be in place until May of next year.
The road was closed as an emergency measure for public safety last November, due to “deterioration”.
The council says maintenance of the road is the responsibility of a developer it has been in discussions with over the work.
One of the new crossings on Willowherb Avenue
Firefighter cuts
UNION members have criticised Avon Fire & Rescue Service chiefs for deciding to axe four full-time firefighters and change some others’ duties to help balance the books.
The job losses will not involve redundancies but nonreplacement of frontline staff leaving the service, an Avon Fire Authority meeting was told in February.
Councillors approved a £5 precept increase for Band D properties, the maximum allowed.
They were told £500,000 were being made this year but £1.3 million will be needed next year and there would be a £5.5m deficit in four years.
Fire Brigades Union Avon branch secretary Amanda Mills told councillors the loss of firefighter positions was “unacceptable”.
The union successfully campaigned against proposals to cut the size of fire crews from five to four people last year, which would have seen 40 firefighters lose their jobs
Council leader warns of more cuts to come
SOUTH Gloucestershire
Council’s leader has warned of more cuts to come in the future, despite the latest council tax rise.
The council is also raising garden waste collection fees from £60 to £70, bringing in charges at many car parks, and axing funding to maintain public toilets and playing fields.
Leader Maggie Tyrrell said the budget will be balanced over two years, using reserves to achieve this for the second year.
But the authority faces having to make about £12 million more savings by 2028/29 to break even, on top of £40.3m from previous budgets and £1.1m this year.
Cllr Tyrrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) told the cabinet meeting on February 3 that the council’s central government grant for the coming financial year is “very slightly higher than we had anticipated”, but would make little fundamental
difference to its overall financial situation.
She said: “We are going to break even this year and we anticipate that we will do the same next year, but we will have to dip into our reserves to do so.
“The following year we have the budget gap.
“So we can’t rest on our laurels, we have to keep looking for savings and that is exactly what we have been doing.”
The council tax rise was capped at 4.99%, including 2% for social care, despite some authorities being allowed to increase bills by up to 10%.
Cllr Tyrrell said: “We are forced into a position of taking the maximum that we can, simply because of the ongoing pressures and the lack of funding that has been coming into local government generally.”
The government has announced multi-year financial settlements for councils from
Maggie Tyrrell
next year, to give them more certainty on financial planning for future years.
But Cllr Tyrrell said the “vast majority” of spending was on adult care and children’s services, including “ever-increasing demand” for education and healthcare plans for children with special needs.
The council was also looking to invest in assistive technology to help people with disabilities live at home, and prevention of domestic violence.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
£146 rise for average council tax bill
A TYPICAL council tax bill in Emersons Green will rise by almost £146 in April.
When increases in the charges from South Gloucestershire Council, parish councils, the police and fire services are added up, a Band D householder living within the area covered by Emersons Green Town Council is set to pay an extra £145.87 or 6.38% this year, with their total bill now £2,433.54.
Charges vary according to property values, with this year’s overall charge in Emersons Green ranging from £1,622.37 for Band A householders to £4,867.08 for people with homes in Band H.
South Gloucestershire Council’s ruling Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet approved a 4.99% increase –the maximum allowed without calling a referendum – at its meeting in February, to take the authority’s charge to residents with homes in the average Band D tax bracket up by £90.54, from £1,814.37 to £1,904.91.
The increase was due to go before a meeting of the whole council after the Voice went to print.
The council also makes a separate ‘special expenses’ charge, which varies between areas, for neighbourhood services, such as local parksalthough some open spaces are looked after by town and parish councils.
The rest of the increase in overall bills comes from other public bodies.
Avon & Somerset’s police and crime commissioner Clare Moody is raising charges for a Band D tax payer by £14 (5.01%) from £279.20 to £293.20.
Avon Fire Authority is raising its annual charge by £5 or 5.85%, from £85.43 to £90.43 in Band D.
The final amount paid by people in different areas varies according to the services provided by town and parish councils, which are not subject
to government restrictions on how far they can raise their budget and charges - known as the precept - without calling a referendum.
The Band D precept charge levied by Emersons Green Town Council has gone up by £34.21, from £83.72 to £117.93 - a rise of 40.9%.
The town council has increased its budget by 39.6%, from £584,600 to £816,102, following on from a 91% increase last year: two years ago its budget was only £306,000.
The South Gloucestershire special expenses charge is up from £24.95 to £27.07, a rise of 8.5%.
A Band D taxpayer’s bill in Emersons Green is £64.84 higher than in neighbouring Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, where the precept charge is £37.62 and special expenses are £42.54.
Residents of Pucklechurch face the biggest council tax bills in the area.
A Band D household there will pay a total of £2,475.42 from April - £137.91 or 5.9% more than last year.
The parish charge has risen by £26.19 (20.3%) to £155.18, to fund a 20.6% increase in the overall parish precept, from £121,896 to £146,960.
Special expenses are up £2.18 (7.38%), to £31.70.
In Siston parish, which includes the Siston Hill estate, the total bill of £2,391.98 is £115.48 (5.07%) higher than last year.
The parish Band D charge is up by £6.98 (26.4%) on last year, to £33.37, as its precept rises from £45,500 to £58,000, a 27.5% increase.
Special expenses have gone down by £1.04 (1.46%), from £71.11 to £70.07.
The highest council tax bills in South Gloucestershire are in Filton, where the parish council’s Band D charge is £312.33, and total bills are £2,610.75.
Band D council tax bills 2025/26
New secondary school seeks governors
LYDE Green’s new secondary school is appealing for volunteers to be its first ever governors, more than a year ahead of its opening.
The Olympus Academy Trust, which will run the 900-place Lyde Green Community School when it opens in September next year, has posted an appeal for “passionate and dedicated individuals to be founding members of our governing body”.
The trust said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special from the very beginning and help build a thriving learning environment for our students.
“Are you passionate about education? Do you have skills and experience in areas like finance, education, community engagement, or strategic planning? We’d love to hear from you!
“This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives and contribute to our community’s success.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering should email louise.day@olympustrust.co.uk.
Work on the ‘Passivhaus’ energy efficient buildings is continuing apace at the eastern end of Honeysuckle Road, with the secondary school’s wooden walls starting to tower over the adjoining buildings of the 420-place primary school, which will be run by Castle
School Education Trust.
The trust said the timber frame for the school’s main hall, activity studio and science labs is now complete.
Updates are being posted on the website www.lydegreencs.org.uk and school Facebook page.
The first sections of wall to go up will eventually form part of the 420-place primary school to be run by Castle School Education Trust.
Groundwork started almost a year ago.
The schools were originally due to open in
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September 2022 but have been hit by a series of delays, with costs rising from an original estimate of £34.5 million for the project to £58.3m.
Calls for a new school to serve the Emersons Green area were first made around the turn of the Millennium.
Delays have meant hundreds of children whose families moved into Lyde Green expecting schools to be ready for them have had to go to primary and secondary schools elsewhere.
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The new secondary school building (centre and right) begins to rise above the junior school building (left)
How the finished buildings will look
Concorde trip is high point of history lessons
CHILDREN at Mangotsfield
Primary School have been learning more about some of Bristol’s most important contributions to the history of transport.
Year 1 pupils have been learning about local transport past and present, from the Matthew’s voyage to Newfoundland to Brunel’s pioneering Bristol-built iron propeller-driven steamship the
SS Great Britain and the building of the Great Western Railway line to the city.
A school spokesperson said:
“We identified that Bristol had an impact on the development on transport over time.
“When learning about the Concorde, we were lucky to have families share their experiences and memories.
“We even saw a real ticket to travel on Concorde.”
The school’s Year 3 pupils went one better by getting on board the supersonic airliner at the Aerospace Bristol museum in Filton.
Concorde is the centrepiece of the museum but it also contains other historic aircraft, artefacts and educational activities.
The spokesperson added:”We really enjoyed seeing Concorde in the flesh after learning about it in history.
“The children absolutely loved seeing the vast range of planes they had in the hangars.
“They had an excellent workshop, too, where they ordered a set of pictures of planes from oldest to newest, and even made their own plane and thought about how aerodynamic it would be.”
For more details on Aerospace Bristol, visit aerospacebristol.org.
GODWIN HELEN
MY PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND
Pupils sit under the supersonic airliner
Mangotsfield Primary School pupils on the Concorde flight deck
Hambrook ban stays
TRAFFIC restrictions at the Hambrook traffic lights will have to stay in place for the time being, South Gloucestershire Council says.
The ban on drivers on the westbound A4174 turning right towards Winterbourne, and traffic heading north from Frenchay going straight across the junction was introduced in 2019 after the government told the council to cut nitrogen dioxide pollution to within legal levels.
Since that time traffic has had to go around the roundabout at the M32 junction to reach Winterbourne.
A petition calling for the restrictions to be dropped last year gained more than 4,100 supporters.
The council monitors air pollution at the site and submits it to the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU).
It announced in February that JAQU had confirmed the roadside nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in 2023 were within the legal limitbut 2022 readings were not.
The council said: "Unfortunately we cannot review the restrictions at Hambrook until we achieve two consecutive years of compliance. The 2024 data will be assessed by JAQU during 2025."
The petition can be found online at tinyurl.com/fusdxhk
Change 'weird borders'
METRO Mayor Dan Norris says South Gloucestershire's "weird borders" could be changed as part of national devolution plans.
Major changes are set to happen across the country under the government’s plan to turn more county councils, who split responsibility for local service provision with smaller borough and district councils, into unitary authorities.
South Gloucestershire is already a unitary authority, but Mr Norris - now an MP whose constituency includes part of the district - says the English Devolution White Paper provides a chance for a rethink.
Neighbouring Gloucestershire could become one or two unitary authorities under the plans, and the Metro Mayor's comments raised the prospect that rural parts of South Gloucestershire could rejoin it, reversing a move first made in 1974, with the rest joining Bristol.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I have always thought that we have had weird boundaries.
"There’s an opportunity I think to look at a whole lot of organisation and local government, and make it fit for purpose.
"I’m interested, like the government, in growth.
"The boundaries of our region are just a line on a map truthfully. We have to look and this gives us an opportunity to do what’s best for our region."
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government told the Voice that South Gloucestershire is not being considered in the current reorganisation, as it is already a unitary council. by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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Hambrook traffic lights. Picture: South Gloucestershire Council
Sustainable fashion in the spotlight
Gianina Turner joined the crowd at Emersons Green’s Sustainable Fashion Show
EMERSONS Green Village Hall was the setting for a special fashion event showing some second-hand style.
The Sustainable Fashion Show highlighted charity shop finds, upcycled and repurposed clothes, and innovative designs designed to make people rethink their wardrobe to cut waste and help the planet.
About 30 volunteers modelled bright and bold outfits on themes including casual and comfortable, family values, smart casual, “fruit salad” and handmade, in front of an audience of more than 100 people.
Some of the unique handmade designs from skilled members of the community included a jacket made out of a repurposed tent and a bodice made from chocolate wrappers.
The event was organised by Emersons Green Town Council in collaboration with sustainable fashion stylist Becky Barnes.
Deputy town mayor Bobbie Sunderland said: “It was a great way to inspire our creativity and highlight what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to reduce our impact on the environment.
“I loved the jumper that I modelled for St Peter’s Hospice, and bought it after the show!”
Becky gave a presentation with fascinating facts about clothes consumption in the UK, which is the biggest buyer of
fashion in Europe.
Key messages included “only buy what you need”, and “think function rather than fashion”.
Becky said: “The power to make a difference lies in the everyday choices we all make.
“By shopping second-hand, we can give pre-loved clothes a new lease of life and reduce demand for new production.”
Exhibitors included St Peter’s Hospice, In Stitches, Fabrics Plus, Rio Wild Designs, We are Fruit Salad, Emersons Green Library, Becky Barnes Style, Bristol DJ, and Hives and Herbals.
After the show, people were able to talk to designers and exhibitors, and buy some of the outfits.
Town councillor Kelly Allen, who organised the show, said: “’Sustainability is a passion of mine.
“It was a complex event to organise, and I am so proud of everyone involved - models,
volunteers, exhibitors - everyone gave a lot of time and energy to make this event happen.
“It was wonderful to have such support from the community, and the huge audience we had on the day was absolutely brilliant.”
The next event organised by the town council’s Climate and Nature Group is a clothes swap
on March 1 from 2-4pm at the village hall in Emerson Way. People can bring along and take away adult and children’s clothes, as well as costumes for World Book Day on March 6.
For more details visit emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk or email bobbie.sunderland@ emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk.
Volunteer models showcase the second-hand and upcycled clothes
March 1
n CLOTHES SWAP at Emersons Green Village Hall, 2-4pm. Free entry, bring at least one item to swap. No maximum number to take away. Tea and cake available. Organised by town council Climate and Nature Group. More information from emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk or bobbie. sunderland@emersonsgreen-tc.gov. uk.
March 2
n BUBBLE CHURCH at the Church Centre, Quakers Road, Bromley Heath, 4pm. A new way of doing church for families with young children - family fun exploring faith, followed by refreshments.
March 5
n HUNGER LUNCH with the Mothers Union at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, from noon. Enquire about tickets via the parish office on 0117 908 9867.
March 6
n WORKSHOP: Digital Well-being for Young People, Emersons Green Village Hall, 6pm-7.30pm. With Vicky Henderson from Coaching for Young People, Emily Chittell & Lucy Smith from Inclusive Change & SGPC. More details at tinyurl.com/bdh7tvyr.
March 7
n DRAMA ‘I AM MARK’, dramatic re-telling of the Gospel of Mark performed by Stefan Smart, Christ Church, Downend, 7.30pm. Refreshments served in interval. To book free tickets, call 0117 908 9867 or email parishadmin@ christchurchdownend.com.
March 8
n DOYNTON SEED SWAP and plant sale, Doynton Village Hall, 10amnoon. Focus on encouraging and supporting wildlife, tool and knife sharpener, recycling area for gardenrelated tools, equipment, ornaments, bird feeders in good working order. Donated items can be collected in advance - call Jane Girling on 07920 258844 to arrange.
March 11
n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
SOCIETY AGM, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Practice class to create a
spring basket with flowers, March 25 at same time and place. Contact katebryant186@gmail.com for more details.
March 19
n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB
DEMONSTRATION, Lincombe Barn, from 6.45pm. Theme: Waste Not Want Not. Displays raffled at the end of the evening. Email Downendflowers@gmail.com for more information.
March 19
n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP AGM at the Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 7pm. Talk: The first 25 years and the next 25, by the three group chairmen. Nonmembers welcome - £3 each.
March 20
n WORKSHOP: Reasonable Adjustments and Access to Work for Neurodiverse Minds, Emersons Green Village Hall, 6-7.30pm. Speakers: Lucy Smith & Inclusive Change at Work Support Team. More details at tinyurl.com/bdh7tvyr.
March 22
EASTER WREATH OR FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP, Emerson’s Green Village Hall, 1.304.30pm. Limited spaces, booking essential. Email Downendflowers@ gmail.com for more information.
March 22
n SPRING FAIR 10.00 am – 12.30 pm St Andrew’s church, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS Shopping stalls, tombola, raffle, refreshments. In aid of BRACE Dementia Research
March 25
VINTAGE ADVENTURE at the Church Centre, Quakers Road, 2-3.30pm. Activities, refreshments, friendship and a Christian message for seniors. All welcome.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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
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/lydegreen-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).
LOCAL HISTORY with CHAP
Wassail!
I GREW up in the heart of Somerset - cider country.
Gnarly old apples grew in orchards whose harvest turned into the many variates of potent farmhouse ‘scrumpy’, sold to whoever would pay for a flagon of this dangerously powerful brew.
It was made from local apple varieties such as Nelds dropper, Backwell red, Ashton bitter, Crimson King and Maggie Greive.
One of my early jobs was at Long Ashton Research Station, created in 1903 as an agricultural research centre. One of its key departments was pomology (fruit growing) and, with it, cider research!
It was there that I took part in my first wassailing, quaffing the research station’s own powerful mulled cider, made from their own orchard’s now rare apples (some trees moved to the Bristol University Botanic Garden after the centre shut in 2003). We sang folk songs, a shotgun was fired over the trees and a ‘Wassail Queen’ hoisted into the branches.
For the last 20 years I have conducted the ancient revelries of the wassail with the Fishponds Community Orchard, at Thingwall Park allotments, where each year, around Twelfth Night, I turn into the 'Fishponds Fox'.
The word ‘wassail’ comes from Middle English as a toast, "waes hael", meaning "be thou hale". This, in turn, means "be in good health" (or the modern phrase "alright?").
If someone says "waes hael" to you, the answer may well tell you a great deal about our culture, and our ancestors, as the loud repost is "drink hael".
The traditional wassail bowl is filled with hot spicy
cider, a libation is poured upon a root of a selected apple tree by a young child, slices of cider-soaked toast are tied to branches, along with images of a robin, symbols of hope and the spring to come through the dark days of winter.
We sing together the Somerset Wassail:
For it’s your wassail and it’s our wassail
And it’s joy be to you and a jolly wassail
We make lots of noise, singing, banging drums or pots and pans together, to scare away any ‘malignant spirits’ in the orchard (also a chance to have a good shout and clear away the winter blues). The ceremony finishes off with a ‘blessing’ to the trees to produce a good crop in the forthcoming season.
To me, wassailing is about community, sharing, solidarity, having a good laugh and upholding traditions that link us through time to our ancestors, not 'pomp and circumstance' but the folk traditions of working people like you and me.
So raise your tankard high, and shout with your loudest voice: "Wassail!"
For more information about Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP) visit www. downendchap.org
Nick Smith
Nick Smith, wassailing as the Fishponds Fox
Turning back the tide on sewage
IT’S been great to see so many of you recently, at a variety of events in the constituency.
I’ve held a ‘Coffee With Claire’ informal gettogether in Stoke Gifford, an advice surgery in Winterbourne, a listening event in Filton and weekly door-knocking sessions in Patchway, Emersons Green and Stoke Gifford in February.
I’ve also been acting in Westminster on issues that I know matter to us. I’ve been playing a key role in shaping new landmark legislation to clean up sewage in our rivers, lakes and seas, as a member of the cross-party committee scrutinising the Water (Special Measures) Bill
line-by-line.
I’m pleased to say that this updated Bill has now been voted for in the Commons and will become law. Future generations should be able to enjoy nature like this, and I’m pleased to have played a key role on behalf of our community in turning back the tide on the sewage scandal.
As the vice-chair of the cross-party group of MPs and peers focusing on improving financial education for young people, I co-led a debate in the Commons.
Research shows that financial habits form around the age of seven, so receiving financial education at school shouldn’t be the postcode lottery it is. I want everyone to have confidence in making the right financial decisions for them.
I spoke in Parliament about the A432 Badminton Road bridge closure and rebuild. It’s important the state of disrepair discovered in 2023 doesn’t happen again, because of both safety and the disruption this closure has caused.
I welcome the upcoming improved active travel measures.
It was good to hear support from transport minister, Simon Lightwood.
In the last few weeks, I have also been pleased to support progress by:
• Backing new investment and innovation in our economy, from £63 million into the Advanced
Fuels Fund supporting aerospace to fasttracking green investment in offshore wind.
• Voting to introduce an Armed Forces Commissioner to be the voice of service families, who give so much.
• Supporting the new £9 billion government contract with Rolls-Royce, supporting good jobs, boosting national security and growing the economy.
I’ve met with a range of great local employers recently, including Airbus and startups at Future Space, and I was glad to attend the opening of Babcock’s new Submarine Availability Support Hub locally, with defence minister Maria Eagle.
My next Coffee with Claire is in Bradley Stoke on March 8. These events bring people together to discuss how we can make ours an even better place to live.
You can sign up for events near you via facebook.com/ClaireRHazelgrove or clairehazelgrove.co.uk.
Please get in touch if you need support at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.
Claire Hazelgrove and fellow MP Damien Egan with Airbus staff in Filton
Arrest over hare coursing
A MAN has been arrested in connection with the illegal blood sport of hare coursing.
John Head, aged 51, of Blackhorse Lane, was arrested by police and charged with trespass with intent to search or to pursue hares with dogs.
The charge is in connection with an incident in October last year, when two men were seen with two lurcher dogs chasing hares on land at Burbage, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
Head has been bailed to appear at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in March.
Another man, 41-year-old Paul Doherty, of Wexford Road, Knowle West, was due to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court in February.
Free wills help Jessie May
CHILDREN'S hospice at home charity Jessie May has teamed up with experts at ELM Legal Services to offer supporters a chance to have their will written free of charge.
Around 60% of adults in the UK don’t have a will, leaving loved ones potentially exposed to legal headaches on their death, particularly those with unmarried partners or step-children.
To encourage everyone to write a valid will, Jessie May, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families, has partnered with the Fishponds-based specialist wills, probate, and trusts provider to offer free will writing, in return for a pledge to the charity.
Kath Jones, individual giving manager at Kingswood-based Jessie May, said: "Gifts in wills have a profound impact on the work we do. It’s always incredibly meaningful when we see that someone has chosen to include Jessie May in their will. We are deeply grateful to those who make this extraordinary choice. Their legacy will be to give our families the chance to make happy memories together while they can."
ELM Legal Services managing director Jim Emsley said: "Our mission at ELM Legal Services is to make will writing simple and accessible for people throughout England and Wales.
“We’re also committed to supporting causes that echo our values and make a profound difference in the lives of others. We're proud to partner with Jessie May, enabling their supporters to plan for the future while also giving them the opportunity to support a charity that makes such a difference to families in need.”
Supporters can visit tinyurl.com/bdht5yux to begin the process and learn more about how their legacy can help Jessie May’s work.
Craig Anthonys
HAIR DESIGNERS
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Tip booking system starts
A BOOKING system for South Gloucestershire's four Sort It recycling centres starts this month.
From March 3, all visits to tips, including Mangotsfield, have to be booked in advance to meet a law introduced in January last year requiring councils to regulate the disposal of household DIY waste.
Council cabinet member for waste and recycling Sean Rhodes said: "We recognise that these changes will mean people have to adapt, but we have confidence in the new system and will support anyone who needs additional help. Preventing residents and businesses from outside the area from using our recycling centres will help save vital funds that can be spent where they are needed the most."
Bookings open on February 24 and can be made online at tinyurl.com/554ewm8r, by phone or at a council One Stop Shop.
LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Help us make your centre a success
MARCH is set to be yet another busy and fun month at Lyde Green Community Centre.
We have a huge variety of hirers using the community centre each day, from martial arts to Pilates, yoga, Zumba, Slimming World and a great range of dance classes for both adults and children.
We currently have a fabulous variety of children’s activities - fun, educational, artistic, sporty and improving.
Do check out the classes on our website at tinyurl.com/4n9pp2fu.
There are activities to suit everyone and most of our hirers offer free taster sessions.
Current providers for little ones include Baby Sensory, Tuneful Tigers, Jolly Melodies Music Company, Sing and Sign, Talking Tots, V Dance Academy, HD Dance and Beavers and Cubs.
We also are delighted to continue to host the Wednesday morning playgroup Mango Jams, a friendly session who always offer a warm welcome.
For Easter we have a fun kids’ disco and inflatables session planned.
We are always grateful for the support we
have received from Emersons Green Town Council, which allows us to schedule events at a cost which is accessible to all.
Do keep an eye on our virtual box office at buytickets.at/lgca. Our events always sell out, so do book early if you wish to attend.
We are delighted to see Little and Bigger Pickles market at the centre: do keep an eye out for their Sunday dates throughout the year.
With all the upcoming events, we are always on the lookout for volunteers to help in and around the centre.
If you would like to help with any events or projects that we have coming up, then please pop into the centre, give us a call or visit us online to find out what we have going on.
We continue to be on the lookout for a secretary to join our board of trustees.
If you would like to join the team, then we would love to hear from you.
Why not have a chat with one of our trustees to see what’s involved?
Email Laura at laura@lydegreenca.org to arrange a time to talk.
You can check out more information about being a charity trustee at tinyurl.com/57dr4e7n.
You can get in touch with us via Facebook @lydegreencommunityassociation and @ LydeGreenCC, email info@lydegreenca.org or call us on 0117 957 0410.
Party or event bookings are via Bookings@ lydegreenca.org.
Lyde Green Community Centre at night, taken by trustee Bob O’Brien
IAAPS welcomes science chiefs
LEADING government scientific advisers have visited the research centre in Emersons Green where the engines of the future are being developed and tested.
IAAPS, on the Bristol and Bath Science Park, is dedicated to researching and refining new engine technology using alternative fuels such as hydrogen and helium.
It brings companies and academic researchers together to work on engines and motors to power new generations of cars, lorries, ships and planes.
The £70 million centre has been funded by Bath University, government agency Research England and the West of England Combined Authority.
Visiting to see how its investment is being put to work was the government’s chief scientific advisor, Professor Dame Angela McLean, and Professor Chris Johnson, who is chief scientific advisor to the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Bath University’s pro vice-chancellor for research and enterprise, Professor Sarah Hainsworth, joined IAAPS executive director
Professor Chris Brace and managing director Professor Rob Oliver to show the scientists some of the technological advances into zeroemission propulsion being worked on at the centre.
Professor McLean also got to try out a state-of-the-art driving simulator designed to help bring new technology onto the market faster, lower research costs and carbon emissions.
The delegation was also shown IAAPS’ green hydrogen-making capabilities, using solar power, and were given insights into work collaborating with GKN Aerospace on the H2GEAR project to develop a liquid hydrogen electric propulsion system for aircraft.
The visitors also discussed the role of IAAPS working with industry and
Wills and Probate without the mystery
How do I choose the right executor of my will? I’m worried about putting a burden on someone or making the wrong choice that will have a negative effect on my children.
Your Executor is the person who is going to handle all your affairs after you pass away.
Typically, your Executor should possess two essential qualities: they know you very well, and they are good at managing paperwork. In addition, they should also be someone who is willing and able to give up some of their time to actually administer your estate and distribute your assets as indicated. Going through probate or the administration of an estate can be complex. Knowing this, it’s best to pick someone who has the capacity to take on such a responsibility and is good in these types of situations.
Many people pick a trustworthy family member or a close friend to be their Executor, but that isn’t the only option. I recommend that you choose someone who will get to know you well, earn your trust and whom is also a professional.
Will Writing
government towards the UK’s net-zero carbon emission efforts.
Professor McLean said: “It was fascinating to witness first-hand the applied collaboration with industry here on site.
“We all know that there is fantastic intellectual capital, both in our universities and in our industries, and it’s terrific to see it come together in one place.”
Professor Brace said: “Collaboration between academia, industry and government is essential to drive the innovation needed to achieve our decarbonisation targets.”
Professor Oliver added: “The discussions highlighted the urgency of ensuring that the UK remains a leader in net-zero mobility, and we look forward to continuing to work with key stakeholders to achieve this goal.”
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
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Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
Jim Emsley
Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristol-based ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
Rob Oliver shows a car on a testing rig to Angela McLean
Sarah Hainsworth, Chris Johnson, Angela McLean, Rob Oliver and Chris Brace at IAAPS
BEECHMERE BELLES WI
ARE you looking forward to some longer, warmer days as much as we are?
first one (unless it’s a craft evening, when we charge £5 to cover materials).
We promise you a warm welcome, as well as tea or coffee and cake!
Socials we have planned are an evening of Himalayan cuisine at the Grapevine in Mangotsfield and, of course, our monthly pub lunch at the Lamb.
This was well-supported, and raised £450 for the charity, to add to the £700 we have accumulated already for the year 2024/25.
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
It’s lovely to see the snowdrops and daffodils showing themselves and cheering us up: since Easter is very late this year, it’s going to be a long wait for those chocolate eggs.
We started February with a get together in a local café/bistro for a coffee morning – they made us feel very welcome and we enjoyed chatting over late breakfasts or early elevenses.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
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, which is Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI Beechmere Belles.
Looking forward to the summer, we join forces with Bristol Jazz Society for their river cruise. This year it’s a Sunday evening trip toward Keynsham, listening to the toe-tapping sounds of Jeremy Huggett’s Jazz & Boogie band.
We will be presenting the charity with a cheque at our March meeting.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
Our February meeting, on the 27th, will be an insight into the career of a former police trainer, who worked on some of the biggest events of recent decades, to help us understand how the emergency services respond to major catastrophes.
Our March meeting is going to be challenging – for me at least!
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
Billed as “Unleash your inner Picasso”, we are going to learn some basic drawing skills and techniques.
Wendy MANGOTSFIELD DOLLY MIXTURES
FOR our first meeting of 2025 in the hall it was a really cold, wet and miserable night - but nearly all our Dollies arrived.
It will be our third anniversary this year, which is leather, and there’s much discussion on how we can build this into our celebrations - it’s likely to be a Western-style evening, so plenty of gingham, rhinestones and cowgirl hats –yee-ha!
On February 7 around 50 members and friends visited Colesbourne Gardens, between Cirencester and Cheltenham, to view the vast swathes of snowdrops for which it is famous.
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
Our group was lucky enough to have the owner of Colesbourne, Sir Henry Elwes, show us around and give a talk.
The property has been in his family since 1789, and the almost 90-year-old Sir Henry has cultivated the arboretum where the snowdrops flourish.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
I may not go home with a drawing that’s recognisable but I’m 100% certain that there will be a lot of laughter at this meeting.
We welcome guests to any of our meetings - it’s free for your
A member brought along a bingo game, we had Santa’s mistakes for prizes, so we forgot about the weather and had a real fun time, with lots of laughs.
We are ever mindful of a couple of our Dollies who are not too well at the moment, and hope the lighter nights and the prospect of better weather will cheer their spirits.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
RODWAY RUBIES WI
We had lunch in Cirencester en route and the whole day was enjoyable, in spite of the bitter cold.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
During the tea/coffee break we sat round and discussed what we would like to do during the year. Contact details were exchanged and we now have booked Downend in Bloom and cooking with Bath Harvest Oils.
OUR first talk of 2025 was a very interesting one on the SS Great Britain, past and present, with Ian Caskie.
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
At the end of January we held a quiz night, with all profits going to our nominated charity for this year, the Special Friends’ Club.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
Our February speaker, Trevor Carter, is billed as the ‘storyteller of the year’ and the ‘Bard of Windmill Hill’ - a lot to live up to, but entertaining!
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
We meet on the third Monday of each month, except August, at St James Church Hall in Mangotsfield at 7.30pm. Jane Eldon
School remembers Holocaust
STUDENTS at Downend School heard from a Holocaust survivor, held discussions and created artworks as the world remembered the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
All pupils at the school took part in activities related to Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, which marks the date the Nazi concentration and extermination camp was liberated in 1945.
A few days beforehand, Year 9 and 10 students joined the Holocaust Educational Trust's annual webcast, which featured an interview and question and answer session with Mala Tribich.
Mala, aged 94, was born into a Polish Jewish family and taken to Ravensbrück and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. She and her brother Ben Helfgott were the only members of their family to survive the war, both moving to Britain to start new lives.
One Year 10 student who took part in
the event said: "Listening to Mala's story was eye-opening. It made me realise the importance of standing up against hatred and prejudice."
A Year 9 student added: "Hearing a survivor's testimony made the history we learn in class feel so real and personal. It was a powerful reminder of why we must never forget."
All pupils at the school had tutor sessions discussing how words can cause hurt towards others and aiming to build empathy, understanding, and respect within the school community.
Students from all year groups also created artworks based on selected words that resonated with them from the themes of Holocaust Memorial Day, from genocide to hope, love and respect.
They made drawings, paintings, poems, sculptures, and photos, many inspired by the yellow butterfly which has become a recurrent symbol in Holocaust remembrance, through its association with the yellow star "badge" that Jews were forced to wear.
The artworks were assembled into a large display.
Downend School head of religion, philosophy and ethics, Leanne Murley, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is a profound opportunity to remember the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other
victims of Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides.
"Hearing Mala's powerful testimony had a profound impact on the students, helping them to understand the human experiences behind the historical facts and inspiring them to stand against hatred and intolerance.
"The school was committed to making Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 a significant and educational experience for all its students, with the activities and projects undertaken not only developed to honour the memory of the victims but also empower students to be advocates for a more just and compassionate world."
A pebble painted by a Downend School pupil as part of Holocaust Memorial Day activities
25% OFF during Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Month
Due to high demand LPA month has been extended to 31 March 2025. So contact local experts Simpson Solicitors' friendly Kingswood Team on 0117 960 8594 and quote LPA25 and our readers get a fantastic 25% off their full cost.
A Will covers your wishes when you die. An LPA is how you make sure your wishes are followed when you are alive. It is how you appoint those you trust with your finances and decisions about your health and treatment.
• Peace of mind: With Simpsons there are no long forms for you to complete. Their Complete Service covers so much more than paperwork. It includes Certifying your mental capacity and
registering them with the court (OPG) and providing solicitorcertified copies.
• Aftercare: No one want to be a burden, so their service also includes support to your Attorneys in activating and using them when the time comes.
Powers of Attorney are so important. Arguably even more important than Wills. Go quickly. I don't care how old you are. I got mine at 35. It's always best to go through solicitors
Money Expert MARTIN LEWIS on ITV’s THIS MORNING
SOLICITOR CERTIFED COPIES: John at Simpsons says, “We just
make it easy for you and those you appoint. For example your Attorney is likely to need a copy of your LPA certified by a solicitor. Being a firm of solicitors this is not extra hassle for them - we can just provide it when needed.”
LPAs are essential protection in case you need help paying bills, managing money or deciding on treatment options. It is not just about dementia but - perhaps due to severe stroke, illness, injury, an operation going wrong or just old age.
So contact Simpson Solicitors today. They are opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping centre. Quote LPA25 for 25% off the full cost!
Free Will Review
Jeff Burley with Emersons Green pickleball players
Club crowned the best
A CLUB playing the growing sport of pickleball has been declared the best of its kind.
The group at David Lloyd Emersons Green was rated top among the 134 health clubs run by the company, for the second year running.
It is run by head of pickleball Jeff Burley, who set it up in 2021, and coach David Dangerfield.
The club’s 400 regular players include TV presenter Josie Gibson, and it regularly enters teams and individuals in national competitions.
Pickleball is tennis-like sport, played in or outdoors with a smoothfaced paddle or racquet and a hollow, hard plastic ball on a court similar to those used for badminton.
It was invented in 1965 in the US and now has millions of players worldwide.
The health club has recently been given permission by South Gloucestershire Council to build two new floodlit courts for another racquet sport, padel, including one with a canopy for all-weather play, subject to conditions on the lighting so it does not harm local bat populations.
French and Scrabble with u3a
INTEREST groups formed by members of Bristol u3a's East & North-East Bristol group cover a wide range of subjects.
Take for example, two groups running in Warmley Community Centre: a French conversation group and a Scrabble group.
The French conversation group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and has been running since 2014.
Members converse in French throughout the meeting, discussing different topics each time, chosen in advance to allow for preparation. The group's many activities have included hosting a group of French people in Bristol and later visiting them in France.
The Scrabble group meets on the first Monday of the month (other than bank holidays) and welcomes players of all abilities.
There are currently 17 members, but there’s plenty of space for more to join in. The group has been active for three and a half years, and everyone agrees it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Both groups are hosted by u3a member, Celia Reed. If you’d like to find out more about either group, drop me an email to the address below and I’ll forward it to Celia.
Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves. There’s no lower age limit but most of our members are retired or semi-retired.
Everything we do is by members for members.
We have no staff, so everyone chips in with ideas for one-off social activities or interest groups like the French and Scrabble groups: we have around 35 locally and 185 across Bristol.
If you are curious to find out more about u3a, come along to an informal social to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with some current members.
You’ll find us on March 3 at the White Lion in Frenchay (flat access), the Market Café and Lounge in Kingswood (stairs) on March 17 and the Crafty Egg in Fishponds (ramp) on March 19, all from 2.30pm.
Contact learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk for more details.
Lindsay Gough
Watch out for scammers
FRAUD and scams are unfortunately a frequent topic of conversation on our Facebook page, Mangotsfield Matters.
Whilst the council, police and others try to warn and inform there are also a lot of resources available to help you, or help you help those close to you, avoid being victims.
One of these is the Little Book of Big Scams, which you can download online at tinyurl.com/mvx6d4d7.
There's loads of info in it, but if you don’t want the full detail, here are the following 10 'golden rules':
Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers, deals and get-rich-quick schemes.
Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent advice.
Don’t hand over money or sign anything
until you’ve checked someone’s credentialsand their company’s.
Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, in the UK or abroad, or use payment methods you’re not comfortable with.
Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust.
Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
Don’t be embarrassed - there’s no shame in being deceived. Reporting it will make it more difficult for scammers to deceive others.
We recently reported we had received planning permission for our flagpole at the war memorial.
It’s now been ordered and is due to be installed on March 3.
We be organising a flag raising event: watch out for details.
We have worked with various
Loft Boarding & Insulation
organisations to get a swift box installed at the scout hall. Like many other birds and animals, swifts are struggling with the loss of their nesting sites - everything we can do to help will make a difference.
Our next two hour a month (HAM) sessions will be on March 1, when we’ll be cleaning street signs, and March 29, when we’ll be refurbishing and repairing the village planters and restocking them with plants.
We’d love to see lots of people come along to help: we’ve 14 planters to do in total, so if you can spare any time that would be great.
Our AGM will be held on Thursday April 24 at 7.30pm in the lounge of the Red Lion.
It’s been a bit of a struggle the past couple of years to keep things going, so please come along and support us.
Our next monthly Red Lion coffee morning is on March 5 at 10 am - all are welcome.
If you want to get in touch then please do so by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail. com, via the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by phone to our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.
Chris Amos
SPORT
AS the season begins to enter its climax, Mangotsfield United remain second in the Hellenic League Premier Division.
Leaders Hartpury University had a fivepoint lead and four matches in hand as the Voice went to print.
It means taking the single automatic promotion spot now looks a tall order for the Mangos, but a place in the play-offs is increasingly certain, despite the team only taking five points from their last four home matches.
Those games started with a 1-0 home win over Fairford Town.
The only goal came on 36 minutes through Kyrese Morrison, but it was never an easy win and Fairford were always in the game.
A late flare-up saw the visitors' Jamal Lawrence red carded in added time, but the Mangos stood firm to clinch the win.
Next up came two home matches within five days against Highworth Town.
The first was a League Cup tie on a very cold night, which ended with a 2-1 win for the Mangos. Connor Mattimore put the visitors ahead on 7 minutes, but the lead didn’t last long, as Harrison Kyte levelled on 13 minutes.
The winning goal came from Ben Shepherd just after the hour mark, but Highworth kept battling away and the result was always in doubt until the final whistle.
It’s good to talk...
Play-offs beckon for Mangos
The win gave the Mangos a home tie against Thornbury Town in the next round.
Five days later Highworth returned to Cossham Street in the league, and this time earned a point in a 1-1 draw.
After a close first half, Luke Whelan gave the visitors the lead on 48 minutes, before James White equalised 10 minutes later.
Overall there was little between the sides and although a draw was a fair result, it meant two dropped points for the Mangos.
Worse was to come a week later, when Cirencester Town visited Cossham Street and took away all three points in a deserved 2-0 win.
The Mangos never really got going and rarely looked like scoring, having a general off-day all-round against a team who are often a bogey side.
The Mangos bounced back in brilliant style one week later, with a 5-1 home win over Corsham Town.
This was a good performance across the whole team, with striker Ollie Sully and winger Michael Barry in particular causing regular problems in the Corsham defence.
Sully put the Mangos ahead on 12 minutes, but although Corsham levelled,
Maria, Bristol “ ”
some good team goals netted by George Neill (31) and James White (42) gave the Mangos a commanding 3-1 interval lead.
Neill (55) and White (65) then added further goals to put the result beyond doubt.
Hoping to build on the Corsham win, a 2-2 draw against mid-table Tuffley Rovers proved to be disappointing, as well as another two points dropped in the promotion run-in.
Despite taking the lead twice, through Lewis Powell (5 minutes) and Aaron Parsons (50), two penalties earned the Gloucestershire side a point, with the Mangos unable to get the breakthrough for a late winner.
Remaining home league fixtures:
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
February 22: Malmesbury Victoria
March 1: Lydney Town
March 15: Pershore Town
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories
Dave Smale
Striking the right chord
WHEN it comes to chiropractic care, musicians are no different to anyone else – they also need someone to look after their aches and pains.
Our clinic has carved out a unique niche as a specialist injury centre for professional musicians, with individuals travelling from across the UK to take advantage of our expertise.
I also treat locally-based musicians, such as Emersons Green classical guitarist Francisco Correa, hopefully making sure that he remains fit to fulfil his many performance commitments, here and internationally.
Musicians, like professional athletes, push their bodies to the limit, demanding precision, endurance and repetitive movements over long periods.
The parallels between these two groups are striking, and understanding these similarities is crucial to providing tailored care.
Both groups require optimal physical function to perform at their best, but the demands on
their bodies can lead to overuse injuries, imbalances and strain.
While athletes may deal with injuries from high-impact activities, musicians often contend with issues stemming from prolonged static postures and repetitive micro-movements.
Musicians see their instruments as an extension of their bodies. Whether it’s a violin or a trumpet, the physical act of playing requires precision and endurance, often at the expense of posture and musculoskeletal health.
Their injuries vary depending on the type of instrument they play.
String instruments: Violin, viola, cello and double bass players often experience neck, shoulder and upper back pain due to the asymmetrical posture required to hold and play their instruments.
They may also develop repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) in the wrists and fingers from constant intricate movements, mirroring those seen in racquet sports.
Wind instruments: Flute, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet players frequently have to deal with jaw pain, neck tension, shoulder pain and breathing-related issues, plus core and lower back strain. These are similar to issues
experienced by endurance athletes, such as swimmers or long-distance runners.
Percussion instruments: Drummers often suffer from wrist, elbow and shoulder problems, due to repetitive striking motions and the physical force required.
Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are common among this group, as they are with golfers, who also perform repetitive, highimpact arm movements.
Keyboard instruments: Pianists frequently experience wrist and hand issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, RSIs and tendonitis. Prolonged sitting can also contribute to lower back and hip discomfort. Climbers and gymnasts, where intricate hand and finger coordination and stable core posture is crucial, have similar issues.
Chiropractic care for musicians draws heavily on techniques used for athletes, including: postural assessments to identify and correct imbalances; laser and shockwave therapy; soft tissue therapy to address tension and overuse injuries; restoring joint mobility in the spine and extremities. Exercise and rehabilitation is used to strengthen weak muscles and
improve flexibility to prevent re-injury, often involving exercises that mimic the movements of playing an instrument.
Individual ergonomic advice helps to adjust instrument setup and seating, to reduce strain.
Despite the prevalence of these injuries, few clinics specialise in treating musicians.
Musicians pour their hearts and souls into their art, often at the expense of physical well-being.
As chiropractors, we can help them strike the right balance between performance and health, ensuring their bodies remain as finely tuned as their instruments.
Whether it’s relieving pain, restoring function, or preventing future injuries, our work allows these talented individuals to continue sharing their gift with the world.
SPORT
CLEVE have started 2025 as they finished 2024 - winning.
The first team and the second team are riding high, with both unbeaten in their leagues as the Voice went to print.
To celebrate the season and the history of the club, a Legends Dinner was held prior to the first team match against Chard.
The dinner started at midday, and attracted players from all the decades Cleve have played in Downend.
The player who played through the most decades was Mike Taverner, from 1939 to 1972. He was at the dinner with two of his sons.
A few players and their sons attended the dinner, making it a family occasion.
Entertainment was provided by the 'Voice of Rugby', an actor who impersonated a few memorable TV moments in the sport, like Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal that won the 2003 World Cup.
When the dinner ended, everyone went out to watch the first team win against Chard by 40 points to 5.
The following week the first team was away to Burnham,
Bowls course returns
Cleve 1sts and 2nds riding high
winning the match 45-0.
The seconds played against Avonmouth, who put out their best team.
Again, Cleve’s reputation proceeded them, and Avonmouth put out as strong a team as they could. In the first minute, Cleve quickness led to a try.
In the second minute they repeated the play, and by the 10th minute Cleve were ahead 21-0.
PAGE Park Bowls Club is holding its popular course to teach the basics of the sports from next month.
The course is open to anyone aged 12 and above, and will be held at the club's Page Park green for seven consecutive Saturdays from April 26, between 10am and noon each day.
Tuition is provided by five qualified Bowls England coaches and all equipment is provided, with the exception of flat-soled
The backline fired well, with Archie Walker and fullback Charlie Bowen making some great breaks. Certainly, the talent in the team is pressing the first team, ending the game 59-0.
Coach John Andrews said afterwards that he was proud of the young players in the team, who promise a great future for the club.
The away game for the first team against Nailsea & Backwell
shoes, which are essential (no heels or ribbed soles).
There will be an initial registration fee of £5 then a charge of £5 per session to cover costs.
Due to its popularity, we anticipate that this year's course will again be oversubscribed, so applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You don't have to join Page Park Bowls Club to take the course, but should you wish to do so it is a condition of club rules that you must have satisfactorily completed the course.
We are widening our catchment area to encourage new players who would prefer to play for other local clubs, whose membership is smaller than ours, when they have
was a close result, with Cleve winning 21-17, while the seconds had another huge win, 83-5 against Kingswood.
There was a big moment at the Hayfields in February, with the club's first ever age-grade girls team taking to the field.
A combined U10/11 side took on a spirited Bristol Harlequins team, both providing a brilliant showcase for girls' rugby.
Steve Bateman and Mark Hutton
Graduates of last year's course
completed the course.
To register your interest, please call 07718 306623 or email donwillcox@hotmail.co.uk. For additional information visit www. pageparkbowling.org.uk. Don Willcox
Mike Taverner
Theo Garnett in action for Cleve
