Emersons Green Voice May 2025

Loads more at the library

Councils hit out at homes plan

A PLANNING blueprint that would see thousands of new homes built on Green Belt sites near Emersons Green should be rejected, town and parish councillors say.

South Gloucestershire Council’s draft Local Plan has been drawn up to set out where

developers should be allowed to build more than 22,000 new homes over the next 15 years.

It includes proposals to allow almost 2,000 new homes to be built between Siston Hill and Shortwood, 2,050 homes next to the M4 north of Lyde Green and more than 280 around

HAIR DESIGNERS

Mangotsfield and Pomphrey Hill. Three town and parish councils whose boundaries include those sites have made formal objections to the plan, claiming that it is not “sound and deliverable”.

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Cleve are the champions!

Players Sam Slade and Louis Morgan celebrate after Cleve RFC won the Counties 1 Tribute Western North league championship title.

PAGE 29

Error adds to council tax bills

Council tax bills for Emersons Green residents are higher than they should be this year, because of a mix-up between two councils.

PAGE 4

GPs vow to reopen medical centre

The practice that runs Emersons Green Medical Centre says it is “determined to reopen” the site, which has been closed for almost seven months.

PAGE 7

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Alfie Richley with his dad Nick

Children from Emersons Green Primary School join poet and author, Alex Wharton to open the new children’s area at Emersons Green Library. Full story: Page 3

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DEADLINES

Our June edition deadline is May 14.

LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire

www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999 NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Metro Mayor is arrested

OUTGOING Metro Mayor Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.

The politician, who is also the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was arrested on April 4.

Avon and Somerset police said: "In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.

"Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.

"An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage.

"The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.

"A man, aged in his 60s, was arrested on April 4 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office.

"He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue.

"This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered."

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Emersons Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Emersons Green Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk.

COMPLAINTS

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

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

A member of the

Norris, aged 65, was immediately suspended from the Labour Party after his arrest but remains an MP.

However he has been banned from entering both Parliament and the offices of the West of England Combined Authority during the course of the police investigation.

WECA staff received an email from chief executive Stephen Peacock on April 9, which said: "I wrote to the Mayor to inform him that he should not enter the building or attend any other meetings on behalf of the Combined Authority.

"The Mayor’s building access fob has been deactivated and the Mayor’s access to the authority’s IT system has been removed.

"It is matter of public record that a similar approach has been taken by the parliamentary estate and the Mayor’s access to parliament has been revoked."

New parliamentary rules mean a risk assessment is carried out when an MP is arrested on suspicion of a violent or sexual offence, which leads to a ban from entering its buildings.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: "We do not comment on individual cases."

Norris remains officially the West of England Mayor until May 1, when a successor will be elected.

He was already standing down because of a Labour Party ban on MPs having second jobs.

Includes reporting by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Man in court over crash death

A DRIVER has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a young man in a lorry crash.

Tyler Carley, aged 20, died when the scaffolding lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield in December 2023.

The Voice reported last month that a 38-year-old man who was arrested after the incident had been charged in connection with the collision, following a police investigation.

Michael Jon Ronner, of Warmley, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on March 25 to answer a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He did not enter a plea, and the case has now been referred to Bristol Crown Court, where a further hearing was scheduled to take place at the end of April.

Local Plan is ‘driven by profit-hungry developers’

From page 1

A final public consultation on the Local Plan closed in April.

Comments collected will be submitted with it to the government, for scrutiny by a planning inspector at a public examination early next year.

Emersons Green Town Council has said its members do not believe the plan is “sound and deliverable” - the two criteria the inspector has to decide on.

The town council said: “The strategy is far too reliant on a small number of large-scale developments to meet the identified housing needs.

It said the experience of delays building Lyde Green’s schools and the lack of new medical services for the area showed that relying on developers to provide or contribute to the infrastructure and services needed was “problematic” - more time and money was needed to ensure infrastructure was put in place, “if it happens at all”.

The town council has objected to several individual sites inside its boundaries, including at Pomphrey Hill next to the Avon Ring Road, at Cossham Street in Mangotsfield, where developer Taylor Wimpey wants to build 150 homes and the neighbouring site at the Hayfields, where Cleve Rugby Club has proposed that 65 homes could be built on part of its site.

It has also objected to proposals for 2,050 homes on the opposite side of the M4 to Lyde Green, on a site named North Lyde Ecotech Village, which is split between neighbouring parishes of Pucklechurch and Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath.

It says the site’s status as ‘significant’ Green Belt

land has been “conveniently downgraded”, so that development “would not be deemed urban sprawl”.

The town council has also objected to the Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhood development site between Siston Hill and Shortwood, which is split between neighbouring Pucklechurch and Siston parishes.

Both of those parish councils have also made lengthy objections to South Gloucestershire Council’s blueprint.

Pucklechurch Parish Council said: “SGC might claim to want what local people want but consultation feedback shows how little they have listened to these people.

“Much of the housing at these new neighbourhoods will be beyond the financial reach

New children’s area for library

A NEW children’s area at Emersons Green Library opened just in time for the school holidays.

The expanded children’s area includes around 750 new books, new furniture and two interactive projectors.

It has been funded using contributions from developers building new local housing projects, which will bring more young families to the area.

Members of campaign group SOGSSG, which opposes the Local Plan, deliver consultation responses to South Gloucestershire Council on deadline day in April.

of residents on average wages or who currently live in poor housing or unstable tenancies, the very people with housing needs that this plan is meant to address.

“The overall impression is the eastern fringe developments are being driven by profit hungry developers at the expense of local people and the planet.”

The parish council said congestion, flooding, air quality and wildlife would all be affected.

It said: “The focus on urban expansion along the East and Northern Fringes by releasing prime green belt land for development can only be described as a developers’ dream, while disadvantaging many South Gloucestershire communities.”

Siston parish includes part of the Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhood development

After the work was completed the council invited around 60 children from Emersons Green Primary School to join library staff and children’s poet and author, Alex Wharton, for an opening ceremony in late March.

Alex, the Children’s Laureate for Wales and has written three collections of poetry.

At the opening event he hosted a session where he performed some of his poems and provided tips on writing, encouraging the children to explore the new books on offer.

South Gloucestershire Council says the improvements are “designed to help develop a love of reading and learning from an early age and build on the success of the activities and school visits already taking place there”.

site and all of another proposed development, the 1,000home North Warmley New Neighbourhood.

The parish council said the areas’ current infrastructure “cannot support the excessive number of homes proposed”.

It said: “The significant reduction in Green Belt areas will reduce biodiversity, increase flood risks, diminish air and water quality, and limit carbon dioxide absorption. These negative impacts contradict claims that the plan will future proof the community against climate change, regardless of the build quality of new homes.”

The parish council said some residents already live in a designated Air Quality Management Area, “where levels of nitrogen dioxide are so high as to be a threat to human health” and infrastructure was “already significantly overloaded, particularly the A4174”.

The parish council said South Gloucestershire Council had not proved any “special circumstances” to justify the impact on Green Belt areas within the parish, which would have to accept extensive housing development while other areas “retained uninterrupted Green Belt status”.

Launching the consultation in March, South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: “We accept that not everyone will like everything in the Plan; some of the decisions we have had to make have been very difficult.

“We share local people’s passion to protect the character of the places they love to live. But we would be doing those people and the next generations a disservice if we simply tried to put up a roadblock to any new building.”

Council library services manager Sophia Richards said: “We are delighted to open the new children’s area at Emersons Green Library, and I am confident that our young readers will love the new facilities and broad range of books on offer.

“We look forward to welcoming many more children and families through our doors and encourage everyone to come along and experience the great range of events and activities that run throughout the year.

“There is lots on offer to inspire and entertain young minds.”

For more information about events and activities taking place at the library visit www.southglos.gov.uk/libraryevents.

Admin error adds £32 to average tax bill

COUNCIL tax bills for Emersons Green residents are higher than they should be this year, because of a mix-up between two councils.

Householders in the area covered by Emersons Green Town Council, which also includes Lyde Green some parts of Mangotsfield and Downend, saw the amount of money they pay to the town council rise by 40.9% in April.

For a householder in an average Band D home, this represented an increase of £34.21, from £83.72 last year to £117.93.

The money - known as a precept - is collected by South Gloucestershire Council through the council tax payment system and passed to the town council.

The town council should have only asked for an increase of 2.5% in its precept this year, from £584,600 to £599,215.

But it says an “administrative oversight” meant it submitted an application to increase the precept to £816,102 instead.

The town council says it told South Gloucestershire officers about the mistake, but no-one realised it had not been corrected until the Voice reported the official figures as part of our coverage of the budget process.

If the bill for town council services had only risen by 2.5%, Band D taxpayers would have paid the town council £85.81 - £32.12 less than they have actually been charged.

Council welcomes new youth officer

EMERSONS Green Town Council has appointed a new youth liaison officer to take the lead on developing and delivering programmes for young people.

Shea Stew has joined the council from charity Young Bristol, where he developed a mobile youth bus service.

The overpayment is higher for residents in council tax bands E to H, and lower for those in bands A to C.

The Voice was alerted to the issue by a reader who looked at the town council’s accounts and raised the “anomalies” with council chair James Hunt.

The resident said: “I’m speechless that something as big as this can be written off as an ‘administrative error’.”

The town council issued a statement to the Voice, which said: “During the submission process, an administrative oversight led to the precept being recorded as £816,102 instead of the intended £599,215.

“The higher figure reflected the council’s initial projected expenditure, rather than the actual precept requirement.

“Although South Gloucestershire Council had been verbally advised of the correct figure, the discrepancy unfortunately went unnoticed by both councils until it was highlighted in the Voice’s March edition, where it reported on council tax changes.

“Emersons Green Town Council formally requested that South Gloucestershire Council amend the precept within the legal timeframe (by March 11).

“However, as South Gloucestershire Council had already finalised its budget and issued council tax and business rates bills, the request was declined.

Shea Stew

He has more than 20 years’ experience of working on a variety of programs and community initiatives for young people.

Shea said: “I am excited to be part of an organisation that truly values the power of youth.

“I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated team and, most importantly, connecting with young people to help create spaces where they can thrive, grow, and lead.”

A spokesperson for the town council said: “With a deep passion for youth development and a proven track record of empowering young people to reach their full potential, Shea brings a vibrant mix of energy, creativity, and experience to our organisation.

“He is especially enthusiastic about launching a new long-term project centred around equipping others with the skills to engage communities effectively - ensuring that this important work continues to grow and evolve for years to come.

“As a creative thinker and natural connector, Shea sees his greatest strength in his ability to engage with young people. His goal is to pass on these skills to help develop high-quality youth workers who can make a lasting difference in our parish and beyond.

“We are confident he will be a fantastic addition to the team and make a lasting and positive impact in our community.”

“Making changes at that stage would have resulted in significant administrative costs - primarily due to the need to reissue billing documents - which would ultimately have been passed on to taxpayers.”

The town council said that, after consultations with South Gloucestershire’s corporate finance team, it had agreed to formally amend its precept to £816,102 for the 2025–26 financial year, following a discussion at its meeting on March 20.

The council said: “Members recognised that, given the circumstances, the available options were limited.”

It says the surplus of £216,887 “will be placed in a securely ring-fenced and dedicated savings account”.

Once it has prepared its 2026/27 budget, the town council will use the saved money to reduce its precept request by £216,887, taking it off next year’s bills and leading to a “reduced or frozen” precept next year.

The town council’s precept payment makes up just under 5% of the overall council tax bill for Emersons Green residents.

When increases in charges from South Gloucestershire Council the police and fire services were added to the town council’s share, a Band D householder living in the area saw their bill rise by £145.87 or 6.38% overall this year, with the total bill now £2,433.54.

Bridge contract awarded

NATIONAL Highways has announced which contractor has won the bid to replace the Badminton Road bridge over the M4.

The old bridge, which carried the A432 across the motorway next to the Wick Wick roundabout, was demolished in March, 20 months after being declared unsafe when “accelerated deterioration and cracking” was found in the concrete.

The same contractor responsible for the demolition workTaylor Woodrow - has now been appointed to deliver the new bridge, which is expected to cost about £20 million.

The first stage of work to install the new bridge - driving in the piles which will form its foundations - is expected to start in May or June.

National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge as part of the motorway network, says work to plan the new bridge has been going on "at pace" since the start, as it aims to reduce the normal replacement timescale from five years to three.

A spokesperson said: "We’ve been working to accelerate this scheme through options, planning, design, and construction, while ensuring we deliver something that is both safe and will last –reducing the risk of more closures in the future, and keeping the local community and road users, both on the bridge and motorway, as safe as possible.

"We thank users and the local community for their patience whilst we work to deliver this scheme in early 2026."

Voice readers have asked whether the bridge site has been considered for a new junction for the M4, which has been on the region's political agenda for more than 25 years.

National Highways says the site was discounted during a study carried out by South Gloucestershire Council in 2018, which found that all potential options for a new junction were "very expensive".

Letters: Page 16

Payphone could go

PUCKLECHURCH could lose its payphone after BT said it wants to remove it.

The phone is in a red kiosk on Westerleigh Road, opposite the former Spar shop in the village centre, and is one of seven the network operator wants to remove across South Gloucestershire.

A consultation has been launched, with people having until May 25 to say whether they think the phone should be kept.

Figures released as part of the consultation show that only one phone call has been made from the box over the past year.

BT has to keep the phone in place if there are no other payphones within 800 metres - and either more than 12 calls are made per year, there is a high frequency of accidents or suicide near the location, the area doesn’t have coverage from all four mobile network providers or there is other evidence of “reasonable need”, such as use to call helplines or being in a socially-deprived area.

But the only one of those factors that applies in Pucklechurch is that there are no other payphones within 800m.

The phone box itself is a listed building and will be kept if the phone is removed.

The survey can be found online at payphones2025.commonplace.is.

People can also write to the council at Freepost Plus RTXL-YHGY-GSYS, South Gloucestershire Council, Corporate Consultation Team, Council Offices, Badminton Road, BS37 5AF.

People can also use the consultation to offer to ‘adopt’ the kiosk for community use.

Special school places boosted

EXTRA special school places for South Gloucestershire have been approved, funded by an £8 million government grant.

New Horizons Special School in Kingswood will be expanded, with an extra 40 to 60 places for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Council leaders said the move will reduce reliance on expensive special needs places outside the authority’s control.

The expansion is expected to cut costs of placing children with external providers by around £2.4m per year.

The average cost for a pupil at New Horizons is £28,197 a year, compared with the typical cost for a placement at a private provider of between £80,000 and £100,000.

The extra places will also reduce the cost the council has to pay for home-to-school transpor

By

Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The phone box in Pucklechurch

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GPs ‘determined to reopen’ Emersons medical centre

THE practice which runs Emersons Green Medical Centre says it is “determined to reopen” the site, which has been closed for almost seven months.

Green Valleys Health also runs Leap Valley surgery in Downend and Abbotswood surgery in Yate. It insists it is offering “the exact same services” to patients from the other sites and has made improvements to its services in the meantime.

So far no date for reopening the medical centre, which shut in October after the heating and hot water system failed, has been fixed. The body responsible for funding NHS services in the region says it is “awaiting further clarity” from the practice about the timescale.

In January, Emersons Green ward councillors Katrina Al-Hassan and Rachael Hunt raised concerns over the closure and other issues with the practice’s services during a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s health scrutiny committee.

At the time Green Valleys Health said it was hoping to reopen the centre “in the near future”.

It has now given a more detailed update,

saying: “The practice remains determined to reopen the Emersons Green site when vital work has been completed.

“The commitment to deliver this is considerable, involving suppliers and the Integrated Care Board.

“To engage patients and others, the practice leadership meets regularly with the Patient Participation Group.

“Local politicians were invited, and they attended the last meeting.

“At that discussion, details on why the surgery is closed were given – confirming that the problems are all building-related.

“With all staff working at other sites, the exact same services are being offered. Clinical teams work from either Leap Valley or Abbotswood – offering choice for patients.

“Acting on patient feedback, the practice has moved to a total triage system.

“Patients now submit their request for an appointment via e-consult, by phone, or in person.

“The same information is captured however patients get in touch.

“The details provided are reviewed by a clinician who recommends the most suitable appointment.”

Green Valleys Health said further improvements planned to improve services include:

• Enabling patients to book and take a blood test, if needed, before speaking with a clinician to improve the information when they meet the patient.

• Referring some patients to a local pharmacy

for a review of symptoms and solutions, in line with NHS guidelines.

• Referring some patients to the practice’s two ‘first contact physiotherapists’, when appropriate, for treatment of back and joint pain without having to see a GP.

The practice declined to give more details on the timescale for reopening the medical centre, or a recent report that repairing it would cost a “six-figure sum”. It said it was in the process of making a funding application to NHS England.

A spokesperson for the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding NHS services in the area, said: “We understand the challenges Green Valleys Health has faced in reopening Emersons Green Health Centre and have received concerns from local residents about the closure.

“It is the Practice’s responsibility to deliver services from Emersons Green and we are awaiting further clarity from them regarding steps being taken and timescales to re-open.”

Curtain falls on Jon's teaching career

A DOWNEND School teacher who has introduced generations of children to the study of drama has retired.

Jon Voake took his first lesson at the school in the late 1980s, when it was still split between two sites.

Since then he has seen students go on to be actors, film makers, stand-up comedians, drag artists and take on backstage roles at some of the country's top theatres.

Some of those whose lives he helped to change returned in April, filling the school hall for a farewell event.

Mr Voake grew up in Midsomer Norton and worked for BT before going into teaching.

He started at Downend in 1989, after four years at Worle School.

He said: "Back then it was a split school site. If you were teaching Year 7 or 8 in the middle school, you had to leap in your car and drive to teach at the upper school."

The site of Mr Voake's first classroom, in a Nissen hut at the lower school, is now under the Willow Surgery, next to Hill House Park.

He said: "Before we left I made a film with a student in Year 9, a romance set in the old middle school. One of the reasons I wanted to make it

Parkway

was to make a document of the school building - it was a unique place."

The student later went on to win a young film maker of the year award.

One of Mr Voake's other former pupils is now a leading lighting designer, working on productions at the National and Royal Court theatres, and many more have continued a life in drama that started in Mr Voake's lessons.

Former pupils from more than three decades returned for the farewell event before the Easter holidays.

Mr Voake, who lives in Downend, said: "I'd like to thank the school for such a brilliant send-off - it was fantastic to see everybody.

"One ex-student came from France, others from London and some sent video messages.

"I was completely stunned, because everyone kept it secretit was a beautiful thing to do.

"Some of the lads who came back were in my first ever drama club who did a show, then stayed in touch and occasionally go out for a drink."

Mr Voake said the biggest change over the years has been the increased pressure on exam results, meaning there is less time to do things that encourage creativity or cultural engagement but are not on the syllabus.

Events like a battle of the bands contest and a school night club, where pupils could listen to music and play computer games, are a thing of the past, and school shows have been scaled back.

He said: "You can't just go off and do something just because you think the students might find it interesting.

"The important thing is doing the shows for exams, and we still do those, but the whole school show is such a big undertaking; I used to have 15 members of staff to help but people are just too busy, there are other pressures on their time."

Some aspects of school life, however, remain the same.

He said: "The most important thing about teaching is the relationships you have with the students - if you get that right, you get everything else right."

Mr Voake plans to pursue some creative projects of his own in retirement, including playing guitar and writing songs, as well as going to the theatre, gigs and things "you don't normally do on a week night when you have school the next day".

He said: "I'll maybe have a crack at writing a play or two. I enjoy the discipline of thinking through what happens on the stage."

Head teacher Linda Ferris said: "Jon deserves every accolade he is given.

"He has given a huge part of his life to support the young people of Downend and we can see from the messages that have come in, and the number of past and present colleagues and students who attended his leaving do, what a huge influence he has had.

"A lot of these interactions will be small and seemingly unimportant, but we know the impact a good teacher can have."

Jon Voake with Year 13 A-level drama students and colleague Charlie Scherp in the drama studio at Downend School

Pupils discover formula for success

STUDENTS from Downend School were given an insight into the skills and knowledge needed to build a successful motorsports team on a visit to Williams Racing.

The nine-time Formula 1 constructors championship winners have had legendary drivers including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill behind the wheel during 48 years of racing.

The company invited a group of Year 9 pupils from Downend to an enrichment day at its headquarters in Oxfordshire, where they learned the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to

the world of motor racing.

Science teacher Lyndsey Momber said: "During the day, a number of career possibilities and options within Williams Racing and the motor racing industry as a whole were showcased.

"Students took part in a composites challenge, where they were tasked with designing, building and testing a nose cone

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for a racing car.

"During this task, the students demonstrated brilliant teamwork, problem solving skills and resilience.

"A museum tour provided a walk through the history of the Williams Racing Team and the evolution of F1 and it was a fabulous opportunity to view one of the biggest privately owned collections of racing cars.

"A particular highlight of the day was the Esports Lounge, where the students took part in a range of races at different F1 tracks. The races certainly aroused everyone’s competitive spirit!"

The visit was enjoyed not only by the Year 9 pupils but staff and sixth-form students who helped out on the trip.

n Downend School students at the Williams Racing headquarters

Tip bookings ‘have cut queues’

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council says its system of booking to visit Sort It recycling centres has cut queues and spread visits more evenly.

The council introduced the online advance booking system in March at all of its tips, including Mangotsfield, to meet a law introduced last year requiring councils to regulate the disposal of household DIY waste.

A spokesperson said council is “actively monitoring” the system and residents’ feedback, although it was not possible to compare it with the old system because visits were not accurately recorded before.

During the opening “transition period” extra council staff and a security guard with a body-worn camera helped centre staff to check drivers had bookings and help people book them, but there has been no overall permanent increase in staffing levels to support the system.

The spokesperson said: “The vast majority of those turned away were able to book a timeslot and return to the site, often within minutes. Staff also monitored site capacity, which enabled us to increase the number of available booking slots.

“Our review shows that most residents are able to book their preferred time on the same day, although weekends tend to be busier with available slots filling earlier in the day.

“Following this initial bedding-in period, feedback from staff and residents suggests that the system has helped to reduce queuing and spread visits more evenly across the week, easing pressure during traditional peak times.

“Most site users have adapted well to the new system. While there have been some incidents involving aggressive behaviour, there have been no serious threats or acts of violence reported. Verbal and physical abuse of our staff and other site users is not tolerated.”

The council is monitoring fly-tipping in the areas surrounding the Sort-It recycling centres, as well as across South Gloucestershire.

The spokesperson said there has been “no overall increase in flytipping since the booking system was introduced”.

Memorial cup returns

MANGOTSFIELD United will host a second charity match in memory of former player Scott Hendy in May.

Scott, a central defender who made almost 400 appearances for the club between 1997 and 2011, died in March last year, aged 46, following an assault. His killer admitted a manslaughter charge and was later jailed.

The father-of-three died two weeks before a charity match at Mangotsfield's ground, which he had been due to play in. It became a tribute and fundraising event in his memory, attended by around 900 people, with a trophy donated by Bristol Showmen's Guild.

This year the club has announced that the Scott Hendy Memorial Cup match will be held at Cossham Street on May 18, to raise money for Children's Hospice South West.

A Mangotsfield United Legends team will take on a legends side from Yate Town, another of Scott's former clubs.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm and admission is just £3, with under-16s free.There will also be music, an auction, raffle, food and a bar.

A club spokesperson said: "Please come and support the players and this wonderful charity." Sport: Page 26

A balloon release at the start of last year's Scott Hendy memorial match

Snakes and ladders at primary school

LEARNING about animals was brought to life for the youngest children in Mangotsfield C of E Primary School when they had a visit from a variety of exotic creatures.

Animal education experts ZooLab brought a royal python, tarantula, stick insect, African land snail and a frog to the school in Emersons Green.

Reception pupils - who were learning about animal and plant habitats, from the poles to the tropics, during the spring term - got to hold and have a close look at the animals.

Meanwhile children in Year 6 tackled ladders, ropes and beams on an assault course during their residential trip to the Mill on The Brue outdoor activity centre in Somerset.

The 76 pupils also scaled a climbing wall, canoed on the River Brue, went zip-lining and tunnelling, and also tried gardening, feeding animals and building camp fires.

Year 5 & 6 Lead Cherith Scott said: “We are very proud of our learners, particularly when demonstrating their ability to work both independently and in collaboration with

their peers.

“This trip was a very enjoyable experience, which has given our learners a boost to enable them to tackle the next few terms before they start their secondary school journey.”

Year 6 children tackle ladders and ropes in a climbing challenge

Pupils meet an African land snail

A young pupil holds the python brought by ZooLab

Runners limber up as foundation plans launch

A FOUNDATION set up in memory of a teenager who took his own life has unveiled its official launch event.

The Cameron Williams Foundation is teaming up with Downend pub the Trident to hold a family fun day on May 25, to raise awareness of men’s mental health and suicide.

Two weeks before the event a team of friends and family will run in the Bristol HalfMarathon, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for two charities the foundation is supporting.

Cameron died last year, aged 19, after being left devastated by the death of a friend and colleague in a road crash.

His family say the former Downend School pupil struggled with survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder after the accident, in which he was uninjured but fellow passenger and scaffolder Tyler Carley died.

They have set up the foundation to try to end the stigma around discussing men’s

TURNERS HEARING CARE BLOG

Ear wax: symptoms checklist and why microsuction is the solution

mental health, to fund charities providing practical support and to direct men to help when they need it.

The launch event at the Trident, which takes place from 2pm to 8pm, will feature live entertainment from ex-Soul Train Radio DJ Rob Mason, live dance, a ‘grill and chill’ barbecue, face painting, a bouncy castle, raffles, auctions and a range of stalls.

Cameron’s aunt Amelia Care said: “All proceeds raised will go towards supporting the foundation’s mental health programs and outreach activities, including safe social spaces, peer support, and mental health training.”

Amelia, from Keynsham, is one of a team of six runners who have been training ahead of the Bristol Half-Marathon on May 11 to raise money for two charities the foundation is backing.

SOBS - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - has been supporting Cameron’s mum Melissa and Amelia through their grief, through a support group that meets in Bristol.

Talk Club is a charity helping men to improve their mental health through talking groups and therapies, and an online community.

The other runners are Danielle Thomas, a family friend, Finn Griffiths and Kyran Cotton, who were friends of Cameron from his time at Downend School, and Max Storie and Dylan Hooper, who knew Cameron when

Blocked ears can be more than just an annoyance— they can affect your hearing, balance, and even your mood. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, it might be time to consider a safe, effective ear wax removal method like microsuction.

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they were students at Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy in Stoke Gifford.

Amelia, who had talked about running a half-marathon with Cameron before he died, said training for the run in May had helped her mental health “massively”.

The runners have around £2,500 in sponsorship pledges so far.

An online donation page can be found at gofund.me/00f4aae7.

For more information about the fun day and the Cameron Williams Foundation, visit its Facebook page at tinyurl.com/4j8b7w7h of email info@cameronwilliamsfoundation. com.

Don’t wait until it gets worse—if you’re experiencing symptoms of ear wax buildup, book your microsuction appointment at Turners Opticians today and hear the difference.

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Runners Danielle Thomas, Amelia Care, Finn Griffiths, Max Storie and Dylan Hooper.

VE Day remembered – by soldier

AS communities across the country prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Voice met one of the last surviving South Gloucestershire Second World War veterans who fought in Germany in May 1945

ASK Leonard Trewin where he was on VE Day - May 8, 1945and he can give you the answer in a flash.

"I remember it all well," he says. "We were at Wismar on the Baltic, trying to keep the Russians out!"

Len is 100 now. His hearing isn't what it used to be, he isn't very mobile and dementia has affected parts of his memory.

But there are still some events that are etched in his mind, from seeing action for the first time during the Battle of Normandy in 1944 to meeting his German wife-to-be at a labour camp liberated by his battalion.

Len also carries a permanent reminder of the war, in the form of a piece of shrapnel lodged above his left eye, which has remained there for the last 80 years.

Born in Cornwall and brought up in Devon, Len volunteered for the Home Guard in 1940.

He was called up in 1943, aged 19, and trained with the 13th Warwickshire Regiment and the Devonshire Regiment before volunteering for parachute training.

Len first saw action in August 1944, when he joined the Battle of Normandy in Herouvillette as part of the 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion, 3rd Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division.

He said: "We were reinforcements. We saw action straight away.

"That was three days before the break-out. We finished up by Le Havre."

Len's battalion returned to England in September but he and his comrades were called into action again in December, when they crossed the Channel on Christmas Day to take part in the Battle of the Bulge. They helped to counter

the German offensive in the Ardennes that had been launched to try and turn back the Allied advance.

"We went to get the Americans out of trouble," Len says.

Joining the battle at Anhee on the River Meuse in Belgium, they advanced to Houyet and then Rochefort, as the Germans were finally pushed out of Belgium.

In January 1945 Len's division moved into Holland, where his mortar section fired on German positions across the river Maas, before returning to England for training to take part in the Rhineland offensive.

On March 24 he was one of 16,000 paratroopers dropped onto German territory on the Eastern bank of the Rhine as part of Operation Varsity, the biggest and most successful airborne operation ever carried out on a single day at one location.

Len's battalion was the first to land, near the village of Hamminkeln, with the aim of clearing the drop zone for the other troops.

He jumped with three mortar shells strapped to his legs.

A list of the 16 paratroopers in the Dakota aircraft with Len shows that one - a sergeantrefused to jump.

One was killed on the day of the drop and another was listed as missing, while two others were wounded, three weeks into the campaign.

that had refused."

After VE Day Len expected to be deployed to the Far East but Japan's surrender in August meant that he was instead sent to Palestine, then governed by Britain under a pre-war League of Nations mandate.

Len left the 8th Battalion in 1947 and was discharged from the Army that October, but rejoined the following month, serving in the Devonshire regiment and Parachute Regiment in Germany, Cyprus and Egypt until 1953.

Len and Gerda married after the war and raised a family of three sons at Lyndhurst and Fawley in Hampshire, where Len worked at the Esso oil refinery.

They moved to Yate in 2000 to be closer to son Mike and his wife Michelle, with whom Len now lives.

Gerda died in 2010.

Len himself was injured three days after the drop by a piece of shrapnel, which narrowly missed his eye.

He said: "We were going along the road and they were firing 20mm anti-aircraft guns at us."

One of the rounds exploded and shrapnel pierced Len's skin just below his eyebrow.

He was taken to a field hospital, where medics decided not to try and remove it and, after a night in the hospital, Len returned to his unit.

After the war he was asked if he wanted the shrapnel removed but he told doctors to leave it there.

Len said: "It's not done me any harm - it's been here long enough!"

Through the final weeks of the war, Len's battalion fought through Osnabruck, Minden and Lubeck before reaching Wismar on the Baltic with the 11th Armoured Division, as the Allies raced to occupy German territory before the Nazi surrender.

It was while in Germany that Len met his wife Gerda, an inmate at a labour camp on Luneberg Heath, near Hamburg, that his battalion liberated.

Gerda had grown up in Braunschweig, or Brunswick, a city near Hanover.

Len said: "She was in a labour camp because she had refused to do war work in a munitions factory - there were lots of them

In recent years, Len has received new honours for his wartime service.

He was made a knight of the French Legion D'Honneur in 2018, receiving his medal in June 2019 at an event to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

He was invited to Ahnee in the Ardennes in 2023, when he was made an honorary citizen of the commune.

Having previously stopped attending commemoration events on the continent due to his age, Len went back after Mike offered to accompany him, and it was only then that he started talking to his son about his wartime service.

Closer to home, Yate retirement development Trewin Lodge was named in his honour in 2019.

He has recently been photographed in a replica Para uniform for the Standing With Giants project, which has produced banners to commemorate VE Day that will be displayed in public spaces across the country.

Len is the last surviving member of the 8th Battalion who took part in the Normandy and Ardennes campaign, and one of only two still alive from Operation Varsity.

He has been invited to one of the national VE Day celebrations in London on May 8 but because of the difficulties of attending an evening event in the capital, he and his family will instead have

Len Trewin with his medals

who was there

a party with neighbours outside their home in Yate, before attending a lamp-lighting event at the nearby QEII Memorial Garden in the evening.

People are being encouraged to attend events and take time to remember those like Len who fought for freedom, as well as those who never made it back home.

Len himself says it's a matter of personal choice

whether people take the time to remember.

He said: "It's up to peopleyou can't make people do what they don't want to do."

That, after all, was the point of going to war against the Nazis.

Len said: "It's not for us to judge if it was worthwhile, but there would've been trouble if we didn't do it - you couldn't let Hitler have his way."

Hospitals to cut jobs

THE NHS trust that runs Southmead Hospital says it will cut more than 200 jobs this year to balance the books.

North Bristol NHS Trust will reduce staff numbers by 211 posts to help achieve £40 million of cuts in the coming financial year.

It follows reports that University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust, which runs the city centre hospitals, needs to cut at least 300 posts.

Both trusts are looking to avoid compulsory redundancies, by not filling vacancies when workers leave.

A report to a joint board meeting of the newly named Bristol NHS Group, which comprises both trusts, said both trusts have been told by NHS England to cut costs by 5%equivalent to £53m savings for UHBW.

UHBW chief financial officer Neil Kemsley told a meeting in April that this was at the lower end of the spectrum for trusts in the region, with some facing cuts of up to 11%.

The report said that along with the 211 NBT job cuts, there would be a 30% reduction in

VE Day events

A NUMBER of events have been organised across South Gloucestershire to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Those confirmed as the Voice went to print were:

VE Day celebration at St James Church, Mangotsfield on May 5, from 11am-4pm.

Games, arts and crafts for children, refreshments served all day. Flag raising ceremony at Alec Large park at 1.45pm to inaugurate new flagpole.

Afternoon tea at the church from 2pm.

Beacon lighting at Siston Hill, organised by Siston Parish Council, from 6.30pm on May 8.

Fish and chips picnic from 6.30pm, followed by live music at 7.30pm. Service with music at 8.45pm, with beacon lighting at 9.30pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear wartime outfits and bring flags to wave.

Beacon lighting at Tyler’s Field, Yate from 6pm on May 8, including musical performances and a short service before the beacon is lit at 9.30pm.

Dodington Parish Council VE Day 80 Commemoration at QEII Memorial Garden, QEII Playing Fields, Rodford Way, Yate. May 8 from 9pm, with peace lamp lighting at 9.30pm.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council VE Day 80 event, Centenary Field, Frampton Cotterell, May 8, 8pm-9.30pm.

The government has announced that all pubs will be allowed to open until 1am on the night of VE Day.

Details of VE Day events happening nationwide can be found online at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

spending on agency staff.

In total the workforce would go down by 2%.

One of the government’s aims is to return hospital employee levels closer to where they were before the pandemic, when the workforce increased massively.

The board’s report said national planning guidance in January made clear that NHS organisations must live within their means.

It said: “The focus is to maximise resources available for clinical services, given the financial constraints, which may result in difficult decisions being required, including reducing or stopping spending on some services and functions and to achieve unprecedented productivity growth in others.”

The report said the number of staff would increase in some areas, including the £50m elective surgical centre opening at Southmead Hospital this spring that will enable an extra 6,500 operations a year to be carried out.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Len points out the lump of shrapnel which is still lodged above his left eye

Film tribute to Jamie has premiere

A TRIBUTE to a Mangotsfield teenager who died in a plane crash has had its premiere at a film festival.

My Friend Who Died tells the story of Jamie Clapp and the effect on his friends of his death in 2007, at the age of 13.

It has been made by Jamie's friend James Harris, who now works as the head of the film department at a creative agency in Clevedon.

James put the film together using video he filmed of his friends skateboarding over several years before Jamie's death, adding footage of news reports in the aftermath of the tragedy and newly-filmed location shots.

It was given its premiere at the Homegrown Shorts film festival at Clevedon's Curzon Cinema in late March.

James has now released the 23-minute movie on YouTube, where it received more than 6,000 views in its first four weeks.

James said: "The premiere

LETTERS

Join the scarecrow trail

JOIN the Scarecrow Trail in our beautiful village of Pucklechurchit’s a great May bank holiday family day out!

Collect your trail map, tickets and clues/entry forms from St Thomas a Becket Church from 11.30am on Sunday May 4 or from 10.30am on Monday 5th.

Walk around our village, guessing the names of the scarecrows and discovering its

went brilliantly. The film received a huge round of applause and lots of support.

"The film has had a lot of positive feedback since it went online."

Viewers who have commented on the film on YouTube have described it as "really beautiful", "stunning" and "an amazing story of community and friendship".

James got to know Mangotsfield School pupil Jamie

historic centre and more modern additions that keep our community vibrant. Enjoy the fresh air, quality time with friends and family and help us raise funds for our village church.

Prizes are available for the best scarecrow as voted by you, the visitor and also for most correctly guessed scarecrow names. We look forward to welcoming everyone again.

The church offers sandwiches, cakes and cream teas during the event. The village also has two pubs, a post office with village store, a cafe, a social club

James Harris joins other filmmakers for a discussion on stage at the Curzon Cinema in Clevedon

through their shared love of skateboarding.

He started making hour-long skateboarding films, many of them filmed in Emersons Green, for the group after a broken arm that left him temporarily unable to skate.

My Friend Who Died starts at Clutton airfield, the scene of the light aircraft crash that claimed Jamie's life. The plane was being flown by a family friend, Robert Gunter, 33, an inexperienced

which also provides food and a bakery so there are plenty of opportunities to relax and eat in between discovering and guessing scarecrow names. There are great stop-off points for children, with three play areas within the village.

Tickets cost £5 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 children), £2 per adult and £1 per child or student.

Cards are accepted for tickets but please bring cash for purchases from stalls - there are no ATMs in Pucklechurch!

For the latest updates, please see our Scarecrow Facebook Page at tinyurl.com/bd9vc7sk.

The St Thomas a Becket Scarecrow Team

Why has bridge work taken so long?

FOR the last two years residents have had to endure horrendous traffic problems since the bridge over the M4 was closed (Voice, April).

We now read that a new bridge has been designed, and they are close to choosing a firm to build it. Why on earth has it taken so long to design, and why wasn’t it built as soon as it was first known

pilot who had taken ecstasy before the flight.

The film goes on to explore the effect of Jamie's death on James and his other friends, the campaign they worked on with Jamie's dad Gordon, who died last year, to create a skate park in his memory in Emersons Green, and how the friends meet up there every year to keep Jamie's memory alive.

Its poignant closing titles feature a recording of Jamie singing a cover of Will Young's song Evergreen that James kept on a CD.

The film can be found by searching for My Friend Who Died on YouTube or at tinyurl. com/yk6c84sd.

that a new bridge was necessary?

We now have to wait another year for it to be opened.

In the meantime many more houses will be built, to add to the present chaos on the ring road.

I don’t suppose anyone in authority thought that it might be sensible to build a new M4 junction in the same place and at the same time.

Headphones for hire at village hall

EMERSONS Green Village Hall now offers headphones for hire at the front desk, subject to availability, to support visitors with their experience at our venue.

We have headphones for adults and children. We charge £12 per pair to hire our headphones, and we refund £10 if the headphones are returned to us in the same condition.

Payments and refunds related to the hire of our headphones are by cash only.

Please contact manager@egvh. org.uk for more information.

Nikki Frost Hall and Event Manager

Jamie Clapp

Colin M. Roy Emersons Green

Culture Week celebrates difference

MANGOTSFIELD School students played a central role in organising a festival celebrating diversity and cultural differences.

The school's Culture Week was held at the end of March and included a range of activities and competitions planned by pupils, from music quizzes and painting competitions to dance displays.

A "cultural dress/ wear the colour of your flag day" was held for staff and pupils, and included face painting and a DJ set in the school canteen from a Year 11 student playing music from across the world.

A school spokesperson said: "With a school community from all over the world, there are lots of differences to celebrate, and this is one of the many reasons school leaders are so proud of their community.

"One of the highlights of the week was students performing dances on the main stage one lunchtime, with a packed main hall giving them a standing ovation when their performances had finished.

"Staff and students alike commented on what a wonderful celebration of the school's diversity it has become."

The school also recently held a careers week, where volunteers from a variety of industries gave presentations to Year 7 and 8 students about their companies and jobs.

The guests came from a variety of sectors including engineering, construction, sport, technology, energy business and finance.

Also taking place before the Easter holidays was the school's Science Week, where 40 pupils from Year 7 to Year 9 took part in a contest to research and design solutions to challenges humanity may face in the future in the home, transport, health sector or space.

They then had to write about their research in a report suitable to be sent to the

government.

The school spokesperson said: "Students demonstrated great ingenuity and out-ofthe-box thinking, applying science to solve problems.

"We are now waiting, with fingers crossed, to see if any of our teams have won a national prize."

On a lighter note, the school's science technicians made ice cream using dry ice, serving up more than 250 portions of vanilla, chocolate and lemon ice cream.

The school also held a 'challenge day', where pupils had the chance to go off-site and/or off-timetable to go on subject-related trips or try new activities.

Mangotsfield School students dressed up in flag colours and traditional costumes during the school's Culture Week

Help families

HOME-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire, a charity that supports families across Bristol and South Gloucestershire through challenging times, is looking for new volunteers.

The charity offers compassionate help to families with at least one child under five, who may be facing challenges including isolation, financial worries, mental health struggles, or the pressures of parenting without a support network.

Trained volunteers visit a family once a week, offering nonjudgemental emotional support and practical help, tailored to each family’s needs.

Volunteers often have parenting experience themselves but also receive training and support, which can lead to new skills suitable for work in education or social care.

The charity’s next free volunteer training course starts on May 6 and will run weekly from 9.30am-2.30pm for six weeks.

Travel expenses are paid, and the charity says volunteers from all walks of life are warmly welcomed.

Find out more at homestartbsg. org.uk/become-a-volunteer.

Scheme aims to uncover school's rugby stars

CHILDREN at a Mangotsfield school are being introduced to the power of rugby to change lives through a charity-run programme.

Barley Close Primary School is working alongside the Star Scheme, an initiative to get children from disadvantaged backgrounds into grassroots rugby.

The school had day of rugby coaching in March, set up through the scheme and led by former Bristol Bears players Mitch Eadie and Luke Eves.

Head teacher Jo Williams said: "The children thoroughly enjoyed their coaching sessions.

"For many this was the first chance they had to experience rugby, and they loved the chance to tackle using the tackle pads."

The Star Scheme aims to help children with adverse experiences or mental health issues, giving them support and mentoring through the sport.

Mrs Williams said: "Their approach focuses on the well-being and achievements of the young people they work with.

"They work on the ground, alongside young people, their families and local clubs to make

space for young people to discover their potential and make better life choices.

"Through the scheme Barley Close have signposted families and together with the star scheme have allowed children to join local rugby clubs, including Cleve RFC.

"The scheme helps with costs including kit and transport allowing all children the opportunity to start to play rugby."

NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP WITH CLAIRE HAZELGROVE, FILTON & BRADLEY STOKE MP

It's crucial that I listen to you

I HOPE you had a lovely Easter.

Thank you to everyone who attended my advice surgery in Filton, joined my ‘Coffee with Claire’ event in Frenchay, and spoke with me and our volunteer team on your doorsteps in Winterbourne, Patchway, Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke.

This month, my small team and I have also been working on 722 new cases for residents.

To me, getting out and about and listening to you is crucial for serving our community well.

With around 75,000 people in our constituency, it naturally takes a bit of time to get around.

If you need support, please do get in touch

at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.

The cost of living has been too high for too long and I support the government’s plans to tackle this. In April, millions of the lowest paid workers received a pay rise.

The increase in National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage will benefit 280,000 workers in our region by up to £1,400 a year.

This is alongside an increase of up to £470 in the state pension and the rollout of the first free breakfast clubs in primary schools. There’s more to do, but this support will make a difference in our community.

There's been good progress in getting the NHS back on its feet, through investment and reform. Waiting times have been cut for 80,000 cancer patients and overall waiting lists are down five months in a row. We’ve recruited 1,500 more GPs. More to do, but our Plan for Change is delivering change that matters to people’s lives.

I spoke in Parliament in support of the government’s swift action to allow veterans' ID cards to be used as voter identification. This wasn’t allowed before so some veterans, who have given so much, may not have been able to vote.

With family who have served, I’m very glad to see this change.

Parliament belongs to everyone, and I’ve invited every local school. It’s been fantastic to

host students from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bradley Stoke and Winterbourne Academy recently, and hear their questions and ideas.

People in our community make a difference every day. The Critical Care Transport Teams in Aztec West provide care for critically ill babies, children and adults. It was a privilege to join them and families they’ve supported to mark their one-year anniversary here.

It was super to visit our fantastic postal workers at the Bristol Mail Centre and see how they deliver half a million (!) packages and letters across our region daily.

I also visited Rolls-Royce and MBDA to meet more excellent apprentices, graduates and skilled workers who do vital work in the defence industry, which is receiving a government funding boost.

My next ‘Coffee with Claire’ event is in Filton on May 10.

There’s more information on upcoming events at clairehazelgrove.co.uk/coffee-withclaire

Barley Close children during their coaching day

The ‘Coffee with Claire’ event in Frenchay

WHAT’S ON

May 4-5

n BANK HOLIDAY SCARECROW TRAIL in Pucklechurch. Collect trail map, tickets and clues/entry forms from St Thomas a Becket Church from 11.30am on 4th, 10.30am on 5th. Refreshments available (cash only). Prizes for best scarecrow and most names guessed correctly.

May 5

n VE DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION at St James Church, Mangotsfield, 11am-4pm. Games, arts and crafts for children, refreshments served all day. Includes flag raising ceremony at Alec Large park nearby at 1.45pm, to inaugurate new flagpole. Afternoon tea at church, 2pm.

May 8

n VE DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY BEACON LIGHTING, Siston Hill, from 6.30pm. Fish and chips picnic followed by live music at 7.30pm, service at 8.45pm, beacon lighting at 9.30pm. Wartime outfits and flags welcome.

May 10-16

n GREENBANK BOWLS CLUB open mornings, Gordon Road, BS5 7DP, daily from 10am-noon. All equipment provided. Please bring flat soled shoes, eg trainers. No need to book. More details from greenbankbowls@gmail.com.

May 13

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY DEMONSTRATION at the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Elizabeth Graham presents May Magic. Visitors welcome to attend (£5). Practice class on May 27, same time and place, with waterfall theme. More information from rosemary.cummings2@ gmail.com.

May 18

n SCOTT HENDY MEMORIAL CUP at Cossham Street stadium, Mangotsfield. Mangotsfield United Legends vs Yate Town Legends. Raising money for Children’s Hospice South West. Kick-off 12.30pm. All welcome. Admission £3 - under-16s free. Music, auction, raffle, food, bar.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Wednesday 3.15pm-6pm, Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. Ring John 0117 9372873

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

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

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to 10.15p.m. All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 0784324014.

n MESSY SPACE at Badminton Road Methodist Church, Downend, 10-11.45am. Termtime group for toddlers and carers. Toys, books, crafts, singing and refreshments. First visit free. More information at badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk or 0117 956 1106.

Wednesday

n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm at the YOU Foundation, Page Road, Staple Hill (by the long-stay car park). New members welcome. More details from Diane Roberts on 0117 956 3407.

n MANGO JAMS BABY & TODDLER GROUP, meets at Lyde Green Community Centre, 9.15am-10.45am, term time only.

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

n FRENCHAY FOLK DANCE CLUB meets alternate Wednesdays, English and American folk dancing to live music, 7.45-10.15pm, Frenchay Village Hall. New dancers always welcome. More details at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or email FFDCSecretary@gmail.com.

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

Thursday

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

n COFFEE, CAKE AND COMMUNITY MORNING at Emersons Green Village Hall. Free Tea, Coffee, and Cake served 10am to 12pm, with extra time to relax and finish your drinks until 1pm. Everyone is welcome! Donations to Emersons Green Village Hall welcome. Supported by

Emersons Green Town Council.

n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, free group walks at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1-2pm. For more details email kingsmeadowmade4ever.org.uk or call 07588 622 372

n SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, at Shortwood Village Chapel, Main Road, Shortwood. More details from millhousejoinery@aol.com.

Friday

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

n RAINBOW TOTS parent and toddler group meets at Emersons Green Village Hall on term-time Friday mornings, 10-11.30am. All welcome. For more details email church.egbc@outlook.com.

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30amnoon at the church in Cossham Street.

n LATER LIVE MUSIC, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every second Friday monthly, except August & December, 8-10pm, £2.50. More details at facebook.com/ lateratresound.

Saturday

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at

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

n BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH Sunday worship followed by sharing refreshments, 10.30am Service of Holy Communion usually fourth Sunday of the month, led by Rev Leigh Maydew. More information from www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

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

n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.3011.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services. Contact Simon on 07765 201435, visit www.emersonsgreenchurch. org or Facebook page for more details.

n LYDE GREEN LITTER PICKERS meet at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month outside Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. See www.cleanupuk.org.uk/ groups/lyde-green-litter-pickers for information.

n SERVICES AT ST JAMES CHURCH, MANGOTSFIELD: 8am, holy communion. 10.30am, services rotate between all-age service (1st Sunday), morning worship (2nd & 4th Sunday), holy communion (3rd Sunday) and healing service (5th Sunday).

Your new community connector

I’M Max, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as your new Community Connector, working in and around Lyde Green.

My role is all about bringing people together, supporting local initiatives, and making sure our community stays informed and engaged.

Starting your own group

ONCE you’re a member of u3a, you’re free to join as many interest groups as you like – there are around 40 locally and almost 200 across Bristol.

Not only that, it's very easy to get a new interest group started.

A recent survey of local members identified that people wanted more things to do in the evening. One suggestion was that we should have a pub quiz team (or teams), so that is being trialled informally.

Another suggestion was for meet-ups to enjoy live music gigs in our area, and this has quickly formalised into a new local interest group.

Whether it’s sharing important updates, promoting local events and activities, or connecting individuals and organisations, I’m here to help strengthen our community.

A little about me - I’m passionate about bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating spaces where everyone feels heard and included.

When not at work I’ll most likely be walking my dog, playing tennis or football, spending time with friends and family or, on the odd occasion, seeing some live music.

I’m a trained ecologist, walk leader, paddle sports instructor (canoes are my favourite craft) and I love gardening - all things that I would love to incorporate into some community projects.

I’d love to hear from you!

What makes our community special to you? What ideas or concerns do you have?

Let’s start the conversation - feel free to message me, say hi if you see me around (I’ll be working in our wonderful community centre most days), or get in touch by email, phone or social media.

You can find us on Facebook @lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, email info@lydegreenca.org or call 0117 957 0410.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, resources, and ways to get involved. Let’s make Lyde Green an amazing place for everyone!

Max Ward

A third idea was for a new daytime group, looking at the folklore of the British Isles. Having advertised the suggestion to all local members, the next step is for everyone to get together and discuss how they want the group to operate.

We’ll feature the group in this column once the group is established.

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 semiretired.

We have no staff and no paid 'teachers' - everything we do is by members, for members.

If you’d like to find out more about u3a, you can write to me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk or come along to an informal social - you don’t have to be a member to attend.

This month you’ll find us at the Market Café and Lounge in Kingswood (which has stairs) on May 13 from 2.30pm, the White Lion in Frenchay (with a ramp to the rear entrance) on May 19 from 2.30pm and at the Crafty Egg in Fishponds (ramp access) on May 21 from 2.30pm.

Lindsay Gough

Max Ward

LOCAL HISTORY with CHAP

DOWNEND Community History and Arts Project have already received several fabulous squares for our banner.

It will tell the story of Downend and Emersons Green through the creativity of the people who live here.

Plenty more squares are in progress, and CHAP are keen for everyone to join in.

It’s important that as many different aspects of our area’s history and community are depicted as possible.

Why not contribute, either as an individual, or a school, or a group?

You don’t need to be a trained artist or craftsperson – CHAP wants everyone to join in! All ages and abilities are encouraged to take part.

All the squares CHAP have received so far have been needlework, but they also welcome pictures made in other ways, including drawing, painting, collage, printing, glueing and sticking, or any other creative way – just as long as it’s not too heavy to be stitched to all the other pieces.

Each square should be 12.7cm x 12.7cm (5 x 5in).

CHAP will join them all together and put the final piece on display, for everyone to enjoy.

We will keep track of who is creating which topic, to ensure that everybody works on a different story.

There is a list of suggestions, but we welcome your own ideas too.

Details are in the 'events and activities' section of the www.downendchap.org website.

CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary

Keep your artistic squares coming!

local professional and receive full guidance and support.

with trusts.

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and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens. Will Writing

organisation that aims to produce a community history resource and create a coherent identity for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past.

Helen Rana

n COVID-19 by Helen Rana

n WG Grace by Susan Parslow

n Emersons Green Nature Reserve by Sarah Beresford

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

OUR membership year is starting.

We’re looking forward to old friends returning and hopefully making some new friends –especially as we have a varied and interesting programme for 2025.

Village Hall at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of each month except December.

eventually lost by a slim five points. Next year here we come!

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

We were joined by Will of Paint and Draw at our March meeting, and we all went home with a pencil still life drawing to be proud of.

If you would like to know more about our WI please contact us via email at beechmerebelles@gmail. com or follow our Facebook page, Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI Beechmere Belles. Wendy

SHORTWOOD WI

The May meeting is to vote for or against this year’s national resolution, and we will have a sales table to include plants.

Also, as this is the 80th VE Day, we will try to wear red, white and blue to celebrate the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, with a cake from Jane.

It was generally agreed that whilst the cider in the can was fuller flavoured, the wine bottlesized one would look much better on the table when entertaining. The perry [made from pears] reminded us of the days of Babycham, back in the 60s and 70s. They all represented good value at under £3, the bottle being the best value.

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.

He promised a “fun and relaxed session”, where we would learn some basic techniques, and it really was.

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 talk in April was ‘Perfect Pollinators – see how the birds and bees do it’, focusing on the Emersons Green community nature reserve, with lots of interesting hints and tips to help nature thrive in our gardens.

If you missed it, why not join us on May 22, when we’re going to learn some Belly Dancing moves!

The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

We welcome guests to any of our meetings. It’s free for your first meeting, unless it’s a craft evening when we charge £5 to cover materials.

We promise you a warm welcome, as well as tea or coffee and cake!

From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

We meet at Emersons Green

OUR April meeting was very hands-on as we had a visit from Sarah from For The Love Of Glass, who gave us a demonstration of the process she uses for her fused glass items.

We then had a go at making a flower design sun catcher for ourselves, with some very creative results.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, including a birthday cake for one of our members who has reached the age of 80.

In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.

The evening was rounded off with a bit of business, including discussing our trips this year and a ‘Dingbat’ quiz compiled by Caroline.

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

Our skittles match was played at Nailsea against last year’s winners and, until the last ‘up’, we were in the lead. Unfortunately a few of us then had a duck, and we

We are a friendly bunch and give a warm welcome to new members, so if you think this may be of interest to you, just pop in for a visit on May 8 at 7.30pm.

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

Lynne Miller

MANGOTSFIELD DOLLY MIXTURES

FOR our March meeting one of our members brought along two ciders and a perry, with some new and interesting information about apple varieties and the history of cider making.

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.

you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”

Our two Dollies in charge of refreshments also rose to the theme, by baking cheese scones instead of the usual cakes.

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.

The musical accompaniment on vinyl records by the Wurzels also went down well, with rousing renditions of ‘Drink Up Thy Zider’ - it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

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.

The evening prompted some ideas for our social calendar. We had discussed going to the races but felt it would be better to plan a ladies day and save up for 2026. Other suggestions were a vineyard trip or Chew Valley Distillery Gin Experience. Also, when Downend is in bloom, perhaps a visit to Mokka.

In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

The cider producers were all local to the west country. One was a hazy cider in a can and the second in a 750ml bottle.

For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.

We are now looking forward to our boat trip, which this year will be on a Sunday evening from 6-9pm.

Carol Coombs

What a difference an hour makes

SIX people, 55 minutes and 10 planters cleaned and painted: very nice they look too.

It just goes to show you that it doesn’t take long to “brighten things up a bit” - you don’t have to commit hours and hours –although many in our community do, and we should be grateful for their efforts.

So why not ask yourself what you could achieve for your local area in an hour a month?

Lots of people doing lots of small things really do make a difference.

You may have seen on local social media that we are working with St James Church to celebrate VE Day on May 5, from 11am until 4pm.

There will be games, arts and crafts for children, refreshments served all day and afternoon tea from 2pm.

One of the spruced-up planters

At 1.45pm we will be holding a short ceremony at the War Memorial to raise the Union Jack on our new flagpole. All are more than welcome to come along.

On April 12 we went along to the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council Expo, to show people who we are, what we’ve done and what we intend and would like to do going forward. We think our little stand was well received and a few people expressed an interest in joining us, thank you.

You may have noticed some new “ keep of the grass” signs on Mangotsfield Common. We all know that parking, or rather a lack of parking space, is a sensitive subject but we are trying to maintain the common in a decent condition, so your help in that would be much appreciated.

And speaking of maintaining the

common - a good while ago, a local resident asked if there could be a blossoming tree on the common. Well thanks to South Glos Council there now is one (and two other trees) which should look lovely when in full bloom.

Our next monthly Red Lion Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday May 7 at 10am, and 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 calling our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.

Chris Amos

The new signs and flowering tree

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

When should you put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)?

Martin Lewis (TV’s money saving expert) has recently said that Powers of Attorney are now more important than Wills. This has raised several questions with readers. What are Lasting Powers of Attorney? Legal documents that kick in if you become seriously ill or injured and need help. Known as LPAs, they are where you name who you trust to manage your money, pay your bills and to get you the medical care you’d want.

None of us wants to be a burden, so having LPAs already in place makes it much easier for those you want to support you.

Do you need LPAs if you are married? YES – otherwise your other half is likely to face a difficult Court process to prove you would have wanted them to be able access your money, when you had not named them in an LPA. Can I do them myself, without

a firm of solicitors? You can but they are quite complicated legal documents. So much so that on his TV show, Matin Lewis pointed out that 51,000 LPAs were rejected as wrong just last year.

Also most banks will still ask you for a “Solicitor-Certified” copy anyway.

So, the big question is, when should you put LPAs in place? You cannot leave it until you become ill or injured. Someone independent (usually your lawyer) has to certify you understand what you are putting in place and that there are no signs of fraud. Also, the Court takes about 3 months to register them.

Martin Lewis says do not delay. He got his in his 30s. In life we don’t know what is round the corner. So however young you feel the answer is NOW!

Simpson Solicitors can help. Our

local legal experts’ Complete Service starts with a free planning meeting at their office (or at your home if getting in to the office is difficult for you). They will talk through setting up the LPAs in the way that is best for your circumstances. They do it all for you and will explain how it works in plain English.

With Simpsons, it is not just about getting them drafted but also covers them Certifying your capacity, registering the LPAs at Court, providing you with "solicitor-certified" copies and then supporting those you have appointed in activating them.

With 20% off the full price if you buy both LPAs, now is a great time to book your free meeting with their friendly team. Either call them or email message@simpsonslawuk. com or pop into to their office.

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We make it easy to get up-to-date Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney to make sure it is your wishes that are followed. Have peace of mind that everything is done properly by our award-winning team: In person meetings. Plain English advice. Clear fixed prices. No hidden costs. Protect their inheritance.

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“We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L.

“You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R.

Fast times at Frenchay 10k

THIS year’s Frenchay 10k charity road race was held in almost perfect running conditions.

The 43rd edition of the popular race on April 12 saw 527 runners pound the streets and parkland around Snuff Mills, Oldbury Court, Fishponds and Frenchay.

First-placed runner Charlie Worsfold returned to UWE's Glenside campus over 60 seconds quicker than the next fastest

finisher, in a time of 34 minutes, 26 seconds.

The first female finisher was Gabriela Ritter Sherratt, in a brilliant time of 40m, 40s.

The coveted team prizes were closely fought as always.

Westbury Harriers won the male team award, with Bristol & West AC picking up the female team prize.

The excellent weather made for very fast times, with no fewer than four course records broken in our different age categories.

A small army of volunteers made the event run smoothly, and we were very grateful for support from our three nominated charities this year: Friends of Page Park, Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity and Freewheelers

(Blood Bikes), together with Emersons Green Running Club.

Staff at the Oldbury Court Inn were supportive at our halfway house water station, and Star Legal (Fishponds) yet again provided valuable support as our main sponsor.

The 10k began in 1980, with the aim of raising valuable funds for local charities whilst providing a challenging yet fun race for runners of all abilities.

The organising committee is delighted that this year’s event was completed successfully, with thousands of pounds to be donated.

Next year's race is scheduled for April 19.

Dave Guyatt, Race Director

Runners set off from UWE's Glenside campus

Boxing makes quick return to Mangotsfield

DOWNEND Boxing Club held a second successful tournament in two months at Mangotsfield School in April.

First up at the event was 15-year-old Patrick Connors, who took part in a great non-decision skills bout with Crewkerne's Norman Nation.

Next up was Miley Connors, aged 12, who faced the strong Lucien Johnson of Apollo Llanedeyrn boxing club, Cardiff.

Miley boxed at long range against the shorter opponent, in a contest that was very technical. After three rounds, Miley took a unanimous points decision.

Tom Shinner, 15, faced the tough Riley Gibbs, of Bodmin in Cornwall. Fast combination punches and movement prompted the referee to stop the contest in the final round in favour of the Downend boxer.

The Bodmin club also provided the opponent for Downend's Ronnie Mills, 17, in a high-standard contest. A good technical start from Cornish boxer Kai Carhart saw a close first round, before some changes in strategy saw the next two rounds go to Ronnie, along with the points decision.

In his first senior contest, 18-year-old McKenzie Lawrence faced Chard's Charlie

Bevan.

A great clash of styles saw aggressive come-forward boxing by Charlie, and fast footwork and variety of punches from McKenzie, who took a unanimous decision.

The tournament followed the club hosting the initial rounds of England Boxing's National Junior Championships at the school in February.

In other results, Downend's Finlay Haskins lost to Ethan Walcott of King Alfred when the referee stopped the contest.

Vinnie Ellis of Downend lost on points to Euan Houghton-Maher of Empire, Downend's Caleb Rees retired against Alfie Wilkins of Roman, while Downend's Freddie Mogg beat Jacob Brown of Gloucester on points.

Downend's Kai Adami lost on points to Lewis Green of Worcester, while Ben Carpenter of Downend beat Jed Chambers of Minehead after the referee stopped the contest.

A week later, 14-year-old Rocco Parker faced Ignas Mockus of Blake boxing club, Bridgewater, in Exmouth.

A nervous start saw the Downend boxer take some time to get his range but, after a word from his coaches, Rocco settled into his rhythm to take a unanimous points decision.

Through to the quarter finals of the national schools championships, after wins at the Western Counties stage, are Frank Gibbons, 12, and his 14-year-old brother, Rupert.

Special mention must

Loft Boarding & Insulation

Young Downend Boxing Club member

Marie Connors has been fundraising for the upcoming Bristol Box Cup.

go to one of Downend's junior members, seven-year-old Marie Connors, who has been collecting with her brother Miley and other volunteers to support the Bristol Box Cup.

An online fundraising page for the event has been set up at tinyurl.com/bdx3nhzs.

The club is also looking for sponsors for the international school age tournament, taking place on June 21-22 at Thornbury Leisure Centre.

Anyone interested should email downendboxing@gmail.com.

Craig Turner

Defeat in play-offs ends Mangos' promotion hopes

MANGOTSFIELD United’s strange season ended with a 3-0 play-off semi-final defeat at Sporting Club Inkberrow.

A hectic campaign saw the team play all of their away matches (bar one) first, as the new 3G pitch was laid at their Cossham Street ground.

Then from late November onwards, the Mangos began catching up on all their home games.

The winter months were especially hectic, with two home fixtures every week on Saturdays and Tuesdays becoming the norm.

It resulted in the side playing 24 successive home games in both the league and cups, until they went out of the Wiseman Cup at Westfields on March 18.

What proved to be the club’s final two games of the campaign were spread across the next four weeks.

First came the last outstanding away league fixture at Malmesbury Victoria, which the Mangos needed to win to get back to winning ways after a 5-2 home defeat to

It’s good to talk...

Pershore Town and the Wiseman Cup exit.

They did the job, with first-half goals from Lewis Powell (3 and 40) and Joe Porton (36) securing the three points, despite a late consolation goal for the hosts to make it 3-1.

The club had qualified for the play-offs some weeks earlier and, having been second for much of the winter, found themselves slipping to fourth as Roman Glass St George and Sporting Club Inkberrow played their games in hand and moved ahead of them.

There then followed another two-week wait before the play-off semi-final away to in-form Sporting Club Inkberrow, where the Mangos' dream of promotion back to the Southern League came to an end.

With several key players missing through injury, they found themselves 1-0 down after just four minutes, meaning there was a mountain to climb straight away.

Highworth Town in the final.

This was the club’s third season in the Hellenic League and to reach the play-offs in the most unusual of ways, playing almost all the away matches first, was highly commendable.

The team generally performed well, and there were many good results.

The mass of home games from December to February were largely successful, with occasional home defeats, as will often happen in football at any level, but after the most hectic of spells, one will never know how much the recent spell of inactivity in March and April affected the side’s form in the promotion run-in and play-off semi-final.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

The Mangos chased the game to no avail, and two very late goals from Inkberrow confirmed a deserved 3-0 win for the hosts in the one-leg play-off and a date with

Maria, Bristol “ ”

No doubt the Mangos will bounce back after a summer break, and next season will be a much more “normal” one fixture-wise, so let’s hope that the club can make a big push for promotion once again!

Well done everyone at MUFC, and thank you for your efforts this past season.

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.

Dave Smale

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

Chiropractic adventures: A highland escape on the North Coast 500

AS a chiropractor, I talk a lot about wellness, movement and the importance of switching off from the stresses of everyday life. But recently, I had the chance to really put those principles into practice with an unforgettable family adventure around the North Coast 500 – Scotland’s answer to Route 66.

We hired a camper van in Inverness, packed a map, a guidebook – and not much else – and hit the road. What followed was a week of pure magic – wild landscapes, thrilling experiences and countless wellness wins that have kept me buzzing ever since. Nature, wildlife and wonder One of the true highlights from this amazing trip? The wildlife. From the clifftops and shorelines, we watched dolphins playing in the waves, seals bobbing in the bays, and – to our utter delight – puffins nesting on the rocks. There’s something deeply grounding about seeing animals in their natural habitat and it gave us all a huge sense of awe and

perspective.

Nature immersion isn’t just beautiful – it can lower blood pressure, improve mood and reduce anxiety. Even short walks in green spaces can bring some of those benefits.

Adventure = exercise in disguise

In Durness, we threw ourselves (quite literally) into the action with a 100ft-high, 45mph zip wire over the sea at Ceannabeinne Beach – an exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair kind of thrill that left us all grinning for hours. We also swam (yes, swam!) in the icy waters of some of the most stunning white sandy beaches you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Movement doesn’t need to be structured or serious to benefit your body. Playing, exploring, laughing and moving outside all keep your spine and nervous system engaged in the best possible way.

Fuelled by fresh air and incredible food

In Ullapool, we tucked into some of the freshest seafood we’ve ever had, straight from the boat to the plate. It’s amazing how simple, local food can taste when you’ve worked up an appetite by hiking or swimming. Eating well on the road reminded us how food can be both nourishing and joyful. Choosing

whole, local foods supports energy, digestion and long-term health. It tastes incredible too.

Iconic stops and cold sea dips No NC500 trip would be complete without that photo under the famous John O’Groats sign at the most northerly point of mainland Britain. It felt like a little badge of honour as a family, a symbol of how far we’d come together – both literally and metaphorically.

And then there were the cold sea dips. No wetsuits, just a bit of bravery (and a lot of laughter). The shock of the cold water was quickly replaced by a heady mix of adrenaline and calm – nature’s way of providing an invigorating ice bath.

Cold water swimming can improve circulation, boost endorphins and even support your immune system. Just make sure it’s safe, supervised and you know your limits.

Slowing down to speed up

Life in the camper van was simple – no clutter, no rush, just us and the road. We played games, read books, told stories and reconnected without any device screens to make unwanted interruptions. It was a full body reset and something I wish I could prescribe to every patient.

We should all accept that slowing down isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a weekend away or just carving out screenfree family time at home, building regular pauses into your routine helps your nervous system rest and recalibrate.

Inspired to explore?

This adventure reminded me that wellness isn’t always about routines and resolutions. Sometimes you need to just step outside, move with joy and reconnect with what truly matters.

Whether you’re planning your own NC500 journey or simply finding new ways to move and unwind closer to home, let this be your reminder: the world is full of wonder – and your wellbeing will thank you for going out to find it.

Cleve clinch league title on final day

CLEVE are champions of the Counties 1 Tribute Western North league after securing the title by one point on the last day of the season.

They had to win at Old Redcliffians II in their final league game in April, and did it in style - but were tested by a very gritty Old Reds team, who tried hard to spoil the party.

Reds started well, playing downhill and were pressing Cleve. During some fierce defending, Cleve went down to 14 players. Reds worked the corner of the pitch well. After a catch and drive they went over to lead 5-0.

Cleve have responded well all season. The coaching staff have imposed discipline and control into the team.

They went back up the pitch and drove into the Reds' 22. The ball was moved wide and the backs took it over the line. Archie Staples kicked the conversion, 7 to 5 Cleve. The ground was hard, but this did not stop

Cup win for Cleve Under-12s

CLEVE Rugby Club's under-12s are celebrating after winning the Bristol Bears Defender Cup.

The Defender Cup is a nationwide tournament for under-11 and under-12 teams, with each event hosted by a Premiership club.

On March 30 the U12s' Bristol leg was held at Bristol Grammar Schools' sports ground in Failand.

The eventual winners are not decided by on-field results but by a collective vote of all the attending teams as to which club best promotes the RFU's core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and

the Cleve backs putting some great tackles in, led by Theo Garnett who defended well when Cleve were down to 14.

Theo also made a telling break in the centre which led to a lineout. Again Cleve's experience in these situations enabled them to catch, drive and go over the line to lead 12-5.

For the next 25 minutes the ferocity of Cleve's tackling drove Reds backwards, with outstanding effort and commitment shown by Harry O’Donnell.

But Reds made it tough and levelled the scores at 12 all, before Staples took advantage of some loose play to go over, converting his own try to close the half.

After the break Cleve got going quickly, Cam Bull scoring after the ball was kicked through and Archie converting again.

Creating pressure, Cleve moved the ball well in the backs and Cam Bull again penetrated the Reds defence and scored to make it 31-12.

But Reds continued to fight hard, and it was no surprise that they scored again, taking control and making it hard for Cleve to get hold of the ball.

The tide turned, however, when Cleve were awarded a scrum on the halfway line.

Will Warman, on as a replacement and playing scrum-half, made a great break, going inside Reds' fly-half and outpacing the defence to score under the posts.

sportsmanship (TREDS).

Cleve RFC U12s were voted for by teams from 15 other Bristol-based clubs.

Head coach Matt Smith said: "To be recognised for demonstrating these values is an honour.

"The victory is a result of hard work, team spirit and determination.

"Every player gave 100% and all contributed to the overall win.

"This is a testament not only to the players, but also the parents, carers and volunteers who turn up every week."

The boys who played have been invited to attend the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham on June 14, and will parade around the pitch at half time.

More than 600 children from clubs across

Staples converted to make the final score 38-19.

The celebrations at the final whistle continued back at the club in Mangotsfield.

The result is a tribute to the team behind the team - committee, coaches and players - a great Cleve family result and effort.

This has been mirrored in the junior section of the club, who have also performed outstandingly this season.

the area took part in the annual Cleve RFC Minis Festival in April.

A total of 71 teams, from U7s to U12s, played in a fantastic display of mini-rugby.

After their inaugural minis match in February, Cleve girls have played two more games, a second match with Bristol Harlequins RFC and a friendly with Chosen Hill RFC.

Next season Cleve intends to field a full U12s girls team for the first time in the club's history.

Girls in Year 5 or Year 6 are being invited to get in touch to try the sport - no experience is necessary and there will be "come and try" sessions over the summer.

For more details, email rugbyclevegirls@ gmail.com.

Steve Bateman

Theo Garnett in action for Cleve

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