fishpondsvoice June, 2019 — ISSUE 53
FREE EVERY MONTH IN THE GREATER FISHPONDS AREA
We've lost everything in big fire - and nobody wants to know PEOPLE whose livelihoods went up in flames in the huge fire at the Strachan and Henshaw building say they have been left in limbo. About 30 businesses used the site of the former engineering works, on the corner of Deep Pit Road and Foundry Lane, Speedwell, for storage or workshops. Some were destroyed in the blaze on May 3 and all are now out of bounds, as the building has been declared unsafe. It is now due to be demolished and has been fenced off, with on-site security. But the business owners based at the building still don’t have any answers to their questions: how the fire started, whether they will receive any compensation or even be able to access their
premises to see if there is anything left to salvage. Michael Dubique ran upholstery and furniture business the Bristol Sofa Doctor from a unit at the site for six years. He said: “I have lost everything. My livelihood is gone, my business has gone. “It’s a nightmare – you wake up thinking you’ve got work to go to and then you realise there’s nothing there any more. You can’t pick anything back up. You can’t get into the building or get any information. “I’m getting work offers but I can’t take the offers because I haven’t got any tools, because they were in there. Turn to Page 10
Salute to Tracey! Fishponds nurse Tracey Arthur has worked at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre for more than two decades and her mum and sister have been treated there - so she has plenty of reasons to support the centre. Her cycling, abseiling and cake sales have put her in line for a national Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award. Report: Page 20
Championing our community These picnickers are celebrating a successful watercolour course, one of many activities started by Greater Fishponds Community Champions. PAGE 27
Vandal attack on workhouse stone Residents are dismayed after vandals attacked a memorial to the thousands of men, women and children who died in Eastville Workhouse. PAGE 4
Rocket Man of Fishponds You might have heard of the new film Rocket Man, about the early years of Elton John, but did you know the former Reg Dwight once spent a night in Fishponds? PAGE 13
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fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261
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July edition deadline is June 19.
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. Fishponds 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@fishpondsvoice.co.uk.
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June, 2019
n NEWS
Get ready to party!
Photo courtesy of Amanda Vinall FISHPONDS is gearing up for a free party to showcase the best in the area’s performing talent, food, drink and community spirit. Party in the Ponds will take place in Fishponds Park on Saturday, June 22. Run by a community-led committee which formed around the Fishponds Make Sunday Special event in 2016, the mini-festival has gone from strength to strength and attracted thousands of people last year, when it moved from September to June. Businesses, including the Voice, are sponsoring the event, renting stalls and donating prizes worth up to £150 for a raffle to raise funds for community groups including scouts and guides. The event runs from midday until 8pm, with a programme of performances including an introduction from Gogglebox, demonstrations from dance studios MFDance and 344 Dance, performances by Bristol Metropolitan Academy students, reggae artist Da Fuchaman, an Elton John tribute and ska band the Houdinis. There will be more than 40 stalls. For more information see the advert on Page 8 or visit the Party in the Ponds Facebook page.
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June, 2019
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n NEWS
Countryfile comes to Eastville Park CONSERVATIONIST Steve England got to show one of TV’s best-known faces around Eastville Park when BBC show Countryfile visited to shoot a film about wildlife there. Veteran presenter John Craven is known to a generations of viewers from Newsround, Multi Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore as well his 30-year stint presenting the rural issues programme. Steve, who has worked in the Stoke Park estate and Frome valley throughout his life, helped the programme makers give viewers an insight to the animals and plants of the park and its importance to the city. He said: “I received a phone call from the producer asking if I could do some filming with them at Eastville Park and explain why it is such a wonderful park. I jumped at the chance – who wouldn’t – so I arrived the lake with the film crew and production team and, of course, John Craven.
TV's John Craven with Frome Valley nature champion Steve England “We gathered by the M32 entrance to film a very special beetle called a dock leaf beetle, the point being that we walk past these sort of things without realising they are there. “All along I said to myself
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‘don’t stare at John like a lovestruck teenager, just focus on the filming’ which, believe it or not, is not as easy as we may think. There were lots of re-takes and acting too. I have done lots of filming before and always
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promoted the Frome Valley through leading lots of walks there but it was great knowing that, at last, this park and Bristol is getting the attention and recognition it deserves. “We then walked around the lake and John was asking the questions, such as how important is Eastville Park to people, and I explained it was very important to have this asset right on our doorstep. “I have watched Countryfile for many years and it was very exciting to be able to meet the Countryfile team but also be a part of it for a day, too.” The BBC has yet to reveal when the segment filmed at Eastville Park will be broadcast but Steve understands it is likely to be in early June. Steve works with schools, community and youth groups across Bristol to engage people of all ages in outdoor learning. To find out more about his work, visit www.steveengland.co.uk. The Parkie: Page 44
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
How could anyone d THE desecration of a memorial to honour more than 4,000 men, women and children who died in Eastville’s notorious workhouse has been called “inhuman”. The monument at Rosemary Green, part of East Park estate, was put in place to commemorate those whose deaths in a mass grave had been unmarked for more than 120 years. But vandals have struck, carving names, swear words and crude diagrams across the 6ft Welsh slate stone. Resident Hazel Durn, who unveiled the memorial at a ceremony in November 2015, said it was very upsetting, particularly for the people who had worked so hard to make sure the paupers who died were commemorated. “It's disgraceful and inhuman,” she said. “How could anyone do this? It's not at all respectful.”
In 2012 Bristol Radical History Group launched a project to research the thousands of unmarked graves of paupers from the workhouse at 100 Fishponds Road who were buried in nearby Rosemary Green with no acknowledgement. Two years later the Eastville Workhouse Memorial Group was formed to commemorate and memorialise the 4,084 people who lived and died at the workhouse who were interred between 1851 and 1895, along with another 118 whose bodies were sold to medical schools. As well as the memorial stone, the project included an historical plaque at the original gates of Eastville Workhouse, now the entrance to the East Trees Health Centre. “People put in a lot of hard work into this project,” said Mrs Durn. “Descendants of the people who died in the workhouse
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June, 2019
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n NEWS
do this to our memorial? contacted us after the memorial was put in to say it had helped give them closure to know their relatives were now put to rest. “My mum worked in the workhouse so it's always been a part of my life. I can remember my mum, who was born in 1911, talking about it. It's very upsetting.” Funding for the memorial, which bears the words Never Forgotten, came from the John James Bristol Foundation and was made by sculptor and stone mason Matthew Billington using designs from Year 4 pupils at May Park Primary School. The unveiling ceremony was attended by children at the school along with many other supporters of the project, including representatives of Bristol City Council, Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership, Living Easton, National Union of Journalists, GMB Union and Hannah Purbrick Memorial Fund. The buildings of the workhouse were demolished in
1972 to make way for East Park housing estate. Research by the Bristol Radical History Group showed there was a crude disinterment of the burial ground during the demolition and 167 boxes of large bones were moved to unmarked common graves at Avon View Cemetery in St George. Ironically, the vandalism of the stone was noticed at about the same time as a further memorial was put in place at Avon View on May 8, which now marks the final resting place of the paupers. Sally Smith, who lives nearby, said: “I noticed the damage on the same day as people stood in the pouring rain to put in a second memorial. “It's really upset me and so many other people. My in-laws were involved in the workhouse. It's important people know about the history of the area and realise how hard life was years ago.” A police spokesman said officers were investigating the damage.
Hazel Durn at the defaced Eastville Workhouse monument and, far left, the moment in 2015 just before Hazel unveiled the memorial
What was Eastville Workhouse? • Constructed by Clifton Poor Law in 1847, Eastville Workhouse was the largest in the Bristol area. People who fell into circumstances such as pregnancy, unemployment, sickness, injury, mental health or learning difficulties or were deserted or orphaned were forced into the workhouse's harsh regime. • It closed in 1948 and became an old people's home. • In 1972 the buildings were demolished to make way for East Park housing estate. • A memorial plaque was unveiled in December 2016 at the gates of the original workhouse at 100 Fishponds Road, now East Trees Health Centre.
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
n NEWS
Arrests after stabbing and fire in park A NUMBER of arrests have been made after police were called to Meadow Vale Park in Speedwell twice in the same day following reports of a stabbing and bench fire. A man in his 30s was stabbed during an incident in the park at around 5.10pm on Wednesday May 22. He was taken to hospital with the non-life threatening wound. Police say they have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the incident. Earlier in the day, just before 2pm, a police officer and PCSO on patrol in Speedwell came across a bench on fire in the park. Members of the public were trying to put the fire out so officers called the fire service to the scene.
A police spokesman said: “A group of teenagers were in the area. A dispersal order was put in place by officers to reduce the likelihood of members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed, or the occurrence of crime or disorder. “Most of the group left the area, however a 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of obstructing an officer and assaulting an emergency worker. He was later released under investigation A second boy aged 15 arrested on suspicion of obstructing an officer was also released under investigation “A boy aged 14 was taken home and is due to be interviewed voluntarily regarding a public order offence.
Boost for The Gossey
The clean-up kids! THESE youngsters took to the streets to make their neighbourhood a nicer place. The children, who take part in JumpStart Kids Hillfields project sessions at Ledbury Road, put on high-viz jackets and grabbed litter pickers to clear up the area. Organiser Jane Rogers said: “We filled two recycling and two normal bags with rubbish from around the Ledbury Road flats and surrounding roads in Fishponds. The kids absolutely loved seeing the difference it made to the area where they live, and getting to use the litter picking sticks made it fun – and competitive.” The children were among hundreds of volunteers who took part in this year’s Great Bristol Spring Clean. JumpStart Kids sessions run every week at Ledbury Road, offering fitness games, challenges and healthy snacks.
THE Coombe Brook Valley, known locally as The Gossey, is one of eight Bristol nature sites sharing a £453,100 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The money will pay for a My Wild City project to transform the hidden spaces and bring communities closer to the wildlife within them.It is being led by Avon Wildlife Trust with Bristol City Council. The aim is for the sites to become part of a Nature Recovery Network. The other sites are: Dundry Slopes, Northern Slopes, Hengrove Mounds and Hawkfield Meadow, Lawrence Weston Moor, Saltmarsh Drive Open Space, Stockwood Open Space, and Dundridge Woodland. To get involved, email mywildcity@ avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
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“Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area to provide reassurance and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to talk to them.” Officers are investigating the damage to the bench and are appealing for anyone who saw the fire start, or who has any information about who was responsible, to get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ contact, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5219113387. Police are also appealing for witnesses to the stabbing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5219113445.
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
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n NEWS YOUNGSTERS at Fishponds C of E Academy have been celebrating a surprise new school library. They returned from their Easter break to find a former classroom transformed into a library bursting with books. During the holidays a team of staff had been busy decorating the classroom, putting up shelves and organising books to ensure the space would be ready to use for the new term. Year 5 children were asked to apply for the job of librarian and those selected have already been hard at work ensuring the smooth running of the library. This involves signing out books on the new 'Junior Librarian' computer system, organising them by genre and supporting younger children in choosing the right book. Rebecca Goodman, acting vice principal, said: “We’re really proud of how our new librarians have taken to their roles, they are really enthusiastic about the lovely space they’re working in and are great models for the younger children – it’s great to see them communicating their
Here's a tale of two libraries ...
Breakfast club in the Old Library and Year 5 volunteers in the new school library love of books and reading to others.” The school has used part of its English curriculum budget to equip the library but has also been supported by the Friends of Fishponds Academy, who have made a donation to cover some of the cost of the new books. The older children at the school would have been some of the last users of the building when it was a public library, before it moved to the Hockeys Lane site at the end of 2011. Fishponds Academy has since
purchased the Old Library building from the council and refurbished the space. It is now used by the school for breakfast club, performances, sports groups and will host an exhibition of the children’s art work in June. The space is also hired by external users for a range of activities. Helen Godfrey, academy business manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the use of the Old Fishponds Library by outside groups has grown over the last two years, however,
there is capacity for this to increase. We’re offering a discounted rate of £10 for taster sessions during term six, to give business owners the opportunity to get a feel for whether the space would work for their particular needs. At a time when school budgets are tight the revenue generated from the Old Fishponds Library lettings are invaluable – it can be reinvested in the school and ensure that facilities like our own school library are kept up to date for the children at Fishponds Academy.”
Are you looking for a venue to run a class, activity or group? During June and July you can book a taster session at the Old Fishponds Library for only £10! • The Old Library is located in the heart of Fishponds • Available to hire Monday-Sunday, both during the day and evening • Versatile space suitable for a range of uses including performances, dance and sport classes, meetings and training events • Discounts available for regular bookings
To make an enquiry or book a tour of the Old Library contact the Bookings Coordinator at Fishponds C of E Academy:
info.fishpondsoldlibrary@dbat.org.uk 0117 903 0491 www.fishpondschurchacademy.bristol.sch.uk/the-old-fishponds-library To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
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June, 2019
n NEWS
‘Aspirational’ school is praised by Ofsted
June 22
12pm -8pm
A PREPARATORY school has been praised for its aspirational culture, rich curriculum and well-behaved pupils. Gracefield Preparatory School in Overndale Road was visited by inspectors from Ofsted in March and the education watchdog’s report has just been published. Inspectors Steve Smith and Martin Bragg said the school, which has 75 pupils aged from four to 11, was good in all areas they assessed. They looked at its effectiveness of leadership, teaching quality, early years provision, outcomes for pupils and the children’s personal development, behaviour and welfare. In their report they said: “Leaders have high expectations of staff and pupils. The culture of the school is aspirational; pupils achieve well and all of the independent school standards are met. Pupils behave well. They are polite, kind and respectful towards each other. They exhibit positive attitudes to learning in class.” The inspectors also highlighted the school’s “excellent” communication with parents, “close-knit nature” of the staff team led by head teacher Elizabeth Morgan and comprehensive range of extracurricular activities. They said: “Staff have cultivated a welcoming, inclusive school culture where all pupils are valued. Staff lead by example and encourage pupils to be kind,
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respectful and accepting of each other, regardless of differences.” Praising the positive relationships pupils had with staff, they said: “Staff encourage pupils to contribute to class discussion, to share their views and develop confidence in doing so. Consequently, classrooms are ‘safe’ spaces where it is acceptable for pupils to ‘have a go’ and make mistakes.” They said the school could make further improvements, including planning activities that challenged the most able pupils to think more deeply and providing more opportunities to practise problem-solving and develop reasoning skills in maths. Mrs Morgan said: “I am delighted that the continued excellence and high quality of education at Gracefield School has been confirmed by Ofsted. “There are so many positive comments to take pride in and I am pleased that they were able to observe so many unique features of our school for themselves. “Our children were praised for their ‘courteous behaviour and pride in their school’, which is a something I am immensely proud of as we promote respect and kindness as a focus throughout our school. “The whole team are thrilled that their hard work and dedication has been recognised and we are committed to pushing forward to raising standards further and building on our successful inspection report.”
Frenchay primary celebrates A PRIMARY school has been praised for its improved performance and sense of community as it prepares to move to a new home. Frenchay C of E Primary has been judged to be a good school by education watchdog Ofsted, maintaining the rating it has held for eight years. Inspector Nathan Kemp, who visited the school at Churchside, next to Frenchay Common, praised head teacher Katherine Marks for her “strong emphasis on the importance of community across the school”
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The school is set to move from its Victorian premises to a new home on the former Frenchay Hospital site in the next 18 months. Mr Kemp said: “The school’s ‘koinonia’ approach is at the heart of the school. Koinonia, meaning ‘a gift jointly contributed’, captures how every pupil and member of staff contributes to the school. Mrs Marks said: “We are incredibly proud of our achievements. Having such supportive parents and local community has been invaluable."
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
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n NEWS
Frome Greenway cycle route opens at last AFTER months of work a cycle route to connect the city centre to Harry Stoke through Eastville Park, Stapleton, Broom Hill and Frenchay has opened. The city council says the five-mile route, called the Frome Valley Greenway, is safer and more accessible for both cyclists and pedestrians. It says it adds to Bristol’s network of quiet, off-road cycling and walking routes built as part of the council’s commitment to “better, more accessible sustainable transport options”. But the building process has been painful for drivers and bus passengers in the area as work to install the new dual-use cycle and pedestrian paths has caused months of delays for traffic on Broom Hill, Blackberry Hill, Park Road and Frenchay Park Road. The council’s cabinet member for transport, Kye Dudd, said: “This is more clear evidence of our administration’s commitment to sustainable transport. “It’s great to see these upgrades complete a key route in
the north fringe of the city, and provide more traffic-free options through green spaces and safer crossings, whether people are travelling by foot or bike. “Re-shaping transport in Bristol is a strong theme in our One City Plan and I hope people are encouraged to walk more and try cycling by our work to provide safer and more accessible routes across the city. “In addition to the cycling improvements, bus stops have been upgraded in Broom Hill and Blackberry Hill along with a new road layout, designed to improve safety for all road users.” Funded through the Cycle Ambition Fund, the recent upgrades include a largely two-way, segregated cycle lane at Broom Hill, between Broom Hill mini-roundabout and Eastville Park, and a new cycle path through the UWE Glenside campus. Two new parallel crossings have also been installed on Frenchay Park Road and on Broom Hill so people cycling can cross as safely as people walking.
Robbery at Subway A MASKED robber stole cash from the till and an employee’s phone when he raided the Fishponds Road branch of Subway. Police want to hear from anyone who thinks they recognise the man in the CCTV image of the man who raided the fast food restaurant at about 7.55pm on April 26. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “An employee was threatened by a man who came into the store. The victim handed the man a quantity of cash from the till and their phone was also taken.” The man the police want to trace is described as white, between 20 and 30 years old, about 5ft 10in tall and slim, with short, light brown hair that had red highlights at the time of the incident. He was wearing a black jacket and baseball cap, a black mask and grey jogging bottoms. Anyone with information should call the police on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 091 470. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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June, 2019
n NEWS INVESTIGATORS have not been able to examine the seat of the fire at the former Strachan and Henshaw plant because the building is too unsafe. Instead police have been using drone and CCTV video recordings to gather evidence about the start of the massive blaze in Foundry Lane. The incident is still being treated as a suspected arson attack but Detective Inspector Roger Doxsey, the senior investigating officer in charge of the police investigation, said that so far, no evidence had been found that the fire was started deliberately. He said: “The site was too unsafe to get officers or forensic investigators on site in order to examine the scene. “We used a drone to survey the area and get a good look
Drones bid to discover what caused big blaze inside the building to gather evidence to help us find out how the fire started. “Our main lines of enquiry have been talking to witnesses, reviewing CCTV footage and reviewing the drone footage. “My team is still working through hours of CCTV footage – it has been a key focus in our investigation. “We were clear from the beginning that this was going to be treated as arson in order to give us the greatest resources and scope for capturing evidence in order to find out
'The structure is very volatile – don’t put your life at risk'
Councillor Sultan Khan
what started the fire. “Looking at the evidence so far there is no indication that it was started deliberately but we still have CCTV to review and people to interview and we are keeping an open mind.” After the fire broke out, the city council and Public Health England advised residents to keep windows and doors closed and stay indoors as a precautionary measure until all the smoke had gone, although they said risks to residents’ health were “low”. The Health and Safety
Executive has been made aware of the incident but a spokesman told the Voice its role was limited to liaising “with building control, environmental health and the building owners to ensure that remedial works on site, required as a result of the fire, are carried out in a safe manner to protect both workers and members of the public”. Witnesses can call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 097 373. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wrecked businesses seek some answers From Page 1
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“We set up a meeting (with the police, council and fire service) to get answers but we didn’t get any because it is still under investigation. We’re just left in limbo.” Mr Dubique said there had been numerous fires at the site before, including a major blaze last New Year’s Eve, which is believed to have been started by a faulty fuse box. There have also been floods. In 2015 the building’s then owner was jailed for health and safety offences. But one of the problems facing businesses now is that it is not clear who the current legal owner is. Bristol City Council says it belongs to Douglas Homes Housing Incorporated. But the only positive link for an online search of that name is to a series of breaches of safety and asbestos regulations posted by the Health and Safety Executive in March. This said Douglas Homes had “failed to carry out an appropriate asbestos survey or treat material as containing asbestos and are therefore liable to expose persons to asbestos containing materials”. Its contact details are care of an address in Moravian Road,
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Kingswood, but councillor Sultan Khan, whose Eastville ward includes the Strachan and Henshaw site, says the business is registered in Dubai. He said: “There are a lot of questions, like who is the legal owner, did they have insurance and will they be able to pay compensation? “A lot of people never got proper documentation. Some weren’t able to get insurance. “The worst thing is that it’s got asbestos as well." Cllr Khan said there had been calls for the building to be boarded up before it is demolished, after people were seen going in to the site and even posting video footage from inside. He said: “I hope people realise that it’s not safe and they are taking a risk going in. The structure is very volatile – don’t put your life at risk.” A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “Full responsibility for the site, the clear up process and liaising with tenants and businesses is with the owner, Douglas Homes Housing Incorporated. “Within the powers available to the council we are continuing to offer support to the site owner and affected businesses.”
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
11
n NEWS
Could you step in?
The scene at the height of the Strachan and Henshaw building blaze on May 3. Photo: Avon Fire & Rescue, Yate
THE Strachan and Henshaw fire has prompted Bristol City Council to appeal for more businesses, faith leaders and organisations to open their doors during times of emergency. The council wants to see more private buildings registered as Community Places of Safety. This scheme offers residents a safe place to go in the event of an evacuation following an emergency situation like a severe fire, flood or a gas leak. The scheme was launched in 2016 and has more than
Families have to flee homes MORE than 40 homes were evacuated as the huge fire tore through the Strachan and Henshaw building in Speedwell. More than 76 firefighters were called from stations across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North to tackle the blaze, which broke out at the Foundry Lane site on the evening of Friday May 3. Coming just months after a previous fire on the site on New Year's Eve, residents were told to keep their windows and doors shut to block the black smoke which surrounded the area. The fire spread quickly from the workshop to a neighbouring office block with firefighters continuing to work throughout the night. Exploding cylinders,
described as being “effectively like a bomb”, meant it was too dangerous for firefighters to go into the building so they had to tackle the blaze from the perimeter of the building. Officers put a 200m cordon in place to stop the public going near the site, which had occupied by dozens of small businesses The following day group manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service Steve Quinton said: “We received a call at 6.20pm to a severe fire in a workshop on the ground floor. “The officer in charge quickly called in additional resources and made a decision not to commit people at that stage into what was a very dangerous environment, which has turned out to the the correct decision.
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“The initial officer started to commit crews and then these cylinders started to gas off and explode, effectively like a bomb. “We put a 200m cordon in place due to the cylinders involved in the fire because they presented a serious risk to our firefighters and members of the public.” Mr Quinton said there were no injuries and firefighters were left damping down the fire nearly 18 hours from the original call. Crews were at the scene 24 hours later to monitor the situation. Some of those evacuated were supported by Crofts End church, others at St John's church on Lodge Causeway and some were looked after by strangers. Most residents were allowed to return home the following day.
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June, 2019
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Sad day as Speedwell pool is bulldozed BULLDOZERS have moved onto the site of the former Speedwell Swimming Pool, signalling the end of an era for many residents in east Bristol. The pool, in Whitefield Road, is being demolished to make way for 31 affordable homes despite hopes that the building could be put to community use. The sight of the mechanical equipment lurching into action, sparked memories for many people who took to social media to express their dismay and sadness. One lady commented: “So sad – another part of our childhood gone.” “Devastating. Used to go there all the time as a kid. Heartbreaking to see it like that,” another wrote. One poster on the Kingswood As It Was Facebook group reminisced about the old days: “They sold a little packet of wafer biscuits in the kiosk in the
entrance. My dad used to take us kids in the street every Sunday morning. Such a shame.” Another said: “I learnt to swim here. Used to cycle from Hanham on a Saturday morning. Bovril and a large digestive afterwards.” Others questioned why the pool had to close: “Hundreds, if not more, children learned to swim there. Why did it close? Have we run out of kids?” Another said: “Such a shame.
No foresight. Kids should have the right to learn to swim.” On another Facebook group, Friends of Speedwell Swimming Pool, one resident has been posting daily photos of the demolition work. She told the Voice: “Sadly I never knew it as a pool but I live around the corner from it. I was sad to find out it's not going to be another pool.” Residential developer Crossman Homes teamed
up with housing association Yarlington, which received grant funding from Bristol City Council to develop the Whitefield Road site. Under the scheme, the art-deco building is being torn down and replaced by five-storey apartments. Speedwell Baths was built in 1937 but closed in 2005 after being deemed surplus to requirements by Bristol City Council. The building was then sold the following year. Very little of the original interior had existed in recent years. Residents had wanted the building brought back to community use but hopes were finally dashed after representatives of Historic Pools of Britain agreed with the developer that the conservation and repair of the existing baths would be "wholly unrealistic".
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June, 2019
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The night Elton John spent in Fishponds ... A WALKING tour around Fishponds lifted the lid on the area’s rich history. People who went on the tour got to find out the area’s links to prisoners of war, pioneering engineers, controversial Victorian philanthropists, 70s’ pop stars, Edwardian cinematic innovations, Druids, flat earth theorists, renowned war artists and a 1930s soprano called Mavis. Fishponds Library and the People’s University of Fishponds got together to organise the local history tour as part of Bristol’s urban walking festival, Walkfest. People of all ages took part in the Fishponds Fascinating Facts history walk, which took in the sites of Fishponds’ two cinemas, its educational history, its connections with Bristol Rovers, inventions pioneered in its
industrial quarter, writers, artists and philanthropists. It also celebrated a littleknown story involving a young musician named Reg Dwight, who spent the night in a house on Parnall Road in 1967, a few years before he found fame as Elton John. He was staying with Fishponds-born singers Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, who he worked with in his early career. Cook and Greenaway would later write the global hit I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing. In recognition of the occasion, the walkers unveiled an unofficial ‘blue plaque’ at No.3. The walk also paid a visit to Glenside Hospital Museum where visitors enjoyed a wander round the exhibits, and learned about famous inmates such as painter Stanley Spencer. The walk ended with beer and cake in
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Dave Williams, Kate Brooks, Denis Wise Stuart Sole and Pete Rowley unveil the unofficial blue plaque the historic Star pub. Co-organiser Kate Brooks said: “Fishponds has a lot to be proud. It led the way in a lot of nineteenth century industry and produced key figures in education history, as well as enjoying one of the first cinemas in the city.” Participant Lou Clark said: “It was a really brilliant event – informative, funny and musical!”
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The organisers are already planning future walks, including a ‘ghost walk’ celebrating some of the many ghost stories and legends in the area. People’s University of Fishponds runs occasional events it aims to be accessible, affordable and friendly. For information visit www. peoplesuniversityoffishponds. com.
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June, 2019
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n NEWS
It's a slam dunk for Begbrook THIS newly-formed basketball team has become an instant success. The mixed squad of Year 5 and 6 boys and girls from Begbrook Primary Academy in Stapleton won their first two tournaments without losing a game. First the youngsters, who train in after-school clubs organised by teaching staff, took part in a competition staged at City Academy and organised by the Cabot Learning Federation for teams inside and outside the federation. They won all six of their round-robin matches beating Minerva Primary Academy in a hotly-contested final. There was a repeat performance in a second competition at the SGS WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford, home of the Bristol Flyers basketball team, where again the Begbrook team won all six round-robin
Art club's success PHOENIX Art Club held a well attended and successful Art Exhibition at Iron Acton Church Hall on May Day. Lots of interest was shown in old and new artists’ work resulting in numerous sales. Funds were raised for the club by the sales of tea, coffee and cakes. The next exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, October 19 at Chipping Sudbury Church Hall between 10 and 4. The group meet every Wednesday between 10 and noon, Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds. Members and non members all welcome.
matches before beating Victoria Park Primary in the final. Now some of the players will join the Bristol Flyers’ junior development teams. Begbrook head of PE Jess Burchill said: “I am immensely proud of the boys and girls; they were so enthusiastic
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
17
n NEWS
Flytipping eyesore AN EASTVILLE resident says fly tipping near her home is a safety hazard as well as an eyesore. Hazel Durn, 83, said black bin bags and a cot full of rubbish have been left to litter the pavement at Freeland Buildings and have now started to smell. She also claims it's a hazard for children walking to and from nearby May Park Primary School. Mrs Durn said: “The rubbish has been left there for at least three weeks and now smell really badly. “It's also blocking the pavement and the mums and dads walking their children to school have to walk in the road to avoid the rubbish. They're taking their lives in their hands.” A spokesperson from Bristol City Council said: “The fly tipping at Freeland Buildings in
Eastville had not previously been reported to us. It has now been logged with Bristol Waste for removal.”
The spokesperson added that incidents of fly tipping can be reported via https://www. bristol.gov.uk/streets-travel/ report-flytipping
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June, 2019
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Chewy the bunny car s THE COMMUNITY has rallied to the aid of an animal rescue charity which put out an SOS to save their mascot – a furry rabbit mobile. Chewy was purchased on eBay by Littlest Rescue in Soundwell Road several years ago and has been raising money for the charity by appearing at events, fairs and fetes. But disaster struck when the Ford Ka - complete with grey fur, teeth, long whiskers and a pink nose - failed its MOT. Mechanics told the charity it would cost £550 to repair Chewy's bodywork which had badly corroded and on top of that further funds were needed to tax and insure him. The charity, which looks after 'pre-loved' rabbits and guinea pigs, launched an online fundraising appeal and were amazed when donations rocketed to more than £1,000 in a matter
Chewy was back working at a summer fayre following his life-saving surgery. He is pictured with nine-year-old Ella.
of days. Littlest Rescue founder Bev Taylor said: “We started a Go Fund Me page to save Chewy and, believe it or not, raised £1,100 in just 48 hours! “Chewy is an old car and to some people he's not even worth repairing but for us he's worth his weight in gold. He raises a lot of money so we were prepared to pay whatever it cost.” When kind-hearted workers at the garage, B M Motoring Centre in Broad Street, Staple Hill, realised the repairs were for charity they said they would only charge for materials and would waive labour costs. “They were amazing,” said Bev. “It means we now have a little extra over which will enable us to have the advisory work carried out which had been flagged up on the MOT. Hopefully Chewy will be fully restored so he can
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June, 2019
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saved from scrap heap carry on working for another year at least. The garage did a really good job on his bodywork so we are hoping that next year he may go through the MOT but there's no guarantee. Being covered in fur, you can't see when he gets corroded but we try as much as possible to keep him out of the rain.” Chewy was returned to the Littlest Rescue on May 10 and was back working the following day - this time to raise funds, not for the charity, but for a boy with epilepsy. “He's not just used for our own benefit,” said Bev. “We use him to support other causes, which is really good.” Bev said she had missed Chewy while he was at the garage but it was great to see him looking much healthier. “It was really good to drive him again. Chewy is immensely important to the charity because
he captures the attention of children and enables us to give education talks about rabbits. “He's also great at raising money at events as people want their photo taken with him and are happy to donate. “To me he's important because he's named after a rabbit I sadly lost. To have Chewy back on the road was like having my rabbit back. He lives on and I want to keep him going for as long as possible.” David Peel, owner of B M Motoring Centre, said: “One of the volunteers dropped Chewy into us and said they had been trying to raise money to keep the car on the road. As soon as we found that they were a charity we tried to keep cost down to help them out. “We've had some weird and wonderful vehicles but we've never had a bunny car before.”
Gemma's students showcase their art A FISHPONDS artist has been helping others hone their creative skills. Gemma Lane ran five evening sessions at Lincombe Barn in Downend with the aim of creating a 12cm x 12cm watercolour botanical triptych which focussed on spring foliage. Gemma said: “Everyone produced absolutely stunning pieces, with some time left over to experiment working on a larger scale.” Under Green Fox Workshops, Gemma will be offering another course in June called Save the Bees using acrylic paint on A2 canvas, with further courses planned for September. For more information visit www.greenfoxworkshops.com or call 07532 327810.
Awards handed out to 'life-changers' CITY dignitaries attended a graduation service in Fishponds which celebrated the achievements of people from across Bristol. The event, at the Old Fishponds Library on May 18, was held to give awards to men and women who had graduated from Life Universecity (sic). A number of companies and members of the community were also given awards including Gary Brindle, the former publisher of Fishponds Voice. Fishponds Voice, which recently changed hands to Fishponds resident Caroline Galvin, was voted best community newspaper of the year for its content, size and style. The Rev Dawnencia Palmer, who set up 'LifeUniversecity Transformation' courses in 2016 to give people a second chance to study and achieve their potential, said: “It was a rather prestigious affair with a number of city dignitaries in attendance including the Lord Mayor, Cllr
Cleo Lake.” Further awards went to Bristol Water and NHS Blood and Bone Marrow Registry. There were also gongs for young community entrepreneur and a humanitarian service award. Life Universecity Transformation classes start in October 2019. Registration opens from July. For more information, call 07508 390298, see Eventbrite Life Universecity LC or visit the contact page on www.themagnificentway.com/ life
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n NEWS A NURSE from Fishponds who dedicates her spare time to fundraising for hospitals has been nominated for a national award. For almost a decade Tracey Arthur has been a dedicated fundraiser for Above & Beyond, the official charity for the city centre hospitals run by University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. She has raised more than £11,000 by cycling from Bristol to Paris and London to Paris, abseiling down the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre and holding countless bake sales. Both Tracey’s mum and sister have received treatment at the oncology centre. She said: “I have worked at BHOC for more than 21 years and have been very involved with Above & Beyond in that time, as I have seen first-hand all the great things that the charity has done. “Sadly, now most people will either know someone who has had cancer or have had it themselves. It was hard for me and the family when my mum got diagnosed but I knew she was in the best place. "The BHOC is where my heart lies. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have a job and also
June, 2019
'Fundraising force' Tracey in line for national award Tracey Arthur celebrating the end of her Bristol to Paris ride, left. Right, on her bike again wouldn’t have my mum around." Tracey has been shortlisted for the Institute of Fundraising Awards’ volunteer fundraiser of the year title. The awards take place on July 1 in London. The money she has raised for Above & Beyond has gone towards improving patient care at BHOC, and more recently towards the D603 Appeal – raising vital funds to refurbish Ward D603 at the hospital, which has not been updated since the 1970s. Above & Beyond’s corporate
partnerships and community fundraising manager, Edd Smith, said: “It’s fantastic to see Tracey recognised for all her hard work. She’s raised an incredible amount of money for BHOC and our D603 Appeal – and she’s cycling to Paris again later this year. She’s a fundraising force and everyone here is so grateful for all the time and effort she puts in.” An Institute of Fundraising spokesman said: “Volunteer fundraisers do amazing work across the country to support
charities and engage with their local communities.We’re delighted to be able to showcase some of the inspiring people who are passionate about raising money for good causes and wish all shortlisted entries good luck.” For information on Above & Beyond and D603 Appeal, visit: www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk.
Laughter is the best medicine for an injection of funds COMEDIAN Nish Kumar is heading to Bristol for a show to help raise funds for Above & Beyond. Funny Bones at Bristol Hippodrome on June 16 is raising money for the official charity for Bristol city centre hospitals. Joining Nish on the line up are Laura Lexx, Kiri Prichard-McLean, Jake Lambert and many other
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comedy stars. The evening will be hosted by Bristol comedian Mark Olver. Last year’s event, headlined by Russell Howard, raised more than £100,000. Funny Bones is at Bristol Hippodrome on 16 June. Tickets are available from the Hippodrome website www.atgtickets.com/Bristol.
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June, 2019
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n NEWS
Making a big Noise to build 'city of hope' HUNDREDS of people attended a free family fun afternoon organised in Fishponds Park. The party was one of a series of events held across Bristol and South Gloucestershire as part of the Noise, a volunteering weekend organised every year by Bristol churches. Every year people have given up their time to roll up their sleeves, put on a brightly coloured T-shirt and get stuck in to community projects. Volunteers dig gardens and pick litter, paint community centres, make cream teas for senior citizens and run free events like the fun afternoon in Fishponds. The Noise was started in 2001 and has got bigger every year, involving more than 1,400 volunteers aged from five to over 80. Noise core team member Rachel Varley said: “We’re excited to host the 19th year of The Noise in Bristol and see volunteers inspired to connect more with what’s happening in their local communities. “We love to see people enjoying gathering together at free events in their local area and feeling more connected to their neighbours. “It’s also been a wonderful way to encourage those working hard to bring positive change in communities all year round and show love to individuals and families who are facing tough times. “We know that, working together in a practical way, we can build Bristol as a ‘city of hope’.” For more information about the noise visit the Bristol Noise Facebook page or website thenoise.org.uk.
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Fun for all the family as The Noise holds a free party in Fishponds Park as part of its annual outreach activity in communities across Bristol
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
23
n FROM OUR MP
Battling child hunger and food insecurity SHOCKINGLY, an estimated 27 per cent of children across Bristol are living in poverty. Many will be living in food insecurity, meaning there are times when their family can’t afford to put food on the table, or cannot buy the full variety of foods needed for a healthy diet. For the past year the Children’s Future Food Inquiry (CFFI), of which I am a member, has been listening to young people telling us about their experience of food insecurity, during which we heard many moving accounts of how debilitating constant hunger can be for children. I recently held a parliamentary debate on the findings, in which I urged the Government to implement the Children’s Right2Food Charter – a call to action to address some of the issues around child hunger. One of our asks is for a Healthy Lunch Guarantee, which includes supporting ‘holiday hunger’ schemes. The loss of free school meals during the holidays is a financial hit for families on low
incomes. This is particularly true of those living in ‘food deserts’, where there is a lack of access to affordable supermarkets or greengrocers selling good quality fresh produce. A national study last year by Kellogg’s identified an area around Fishponds, Staple Hill and Speedwell as one of three food deserts in Bristol, along with two areas in South Bristol - Hartcliffe and Withywood. Last summer Feeding Bristol – a charity I helped set up – ran a holiday hunger scheme across the city, providing around 3,000 meals to children who would otherwise have gone without. We hope to provide a similar scheme this year, and are appealing to businesses, grant providers and the council to help fund this crucial work. Foodbanks, like the one at Fishponds Baptist Church, also provide a lifeline for families in food poverty. Sadly, demand is on the increase, with 15,757 emergency supplies of three days food given to people in the Bristol
area last year alone. Poverty is also a factor in childhood obesity, as junk food is often cheaper and more easily accessible than healthier alternatives. This is one of the reasons I objected to the new McDonald's on Fishponds Road, which, despite strong opposition from many residents, is set to open within 800m of three schools. I am pleased that the Mayor has since introduced measures to distance new takeaways from schools. A great way to encourage and enable healthier eating is through local food growing. There are some fantastic examples of this in Fishponds, such as the free-to-access food garden on Straits Parade run by Incredible Edible Bristol, and Feed Bristol on Frenchay Park Road – an urban wildlife and gardening hub where people can get involved in community food growing and take home fresh produce. While it is important to celebrate and support local
Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
writes for Fishponds Voice initiatives which work to reduce child hunger and food insecurity, we need action from the Government too. It should be a source of national shame that the UN rapporteur has described poverty in the UK as “systematic” and “tragic”.
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
n NEWS
An historic journey a Erin Brown is an American student studying creative writing at the University of West of England. Here, Erin tells us about how she fell in love with Fishponds and takes us on her surprisingly historic journey to uni IT'S been nearly two and a half years since I moved to Bristol to attend university. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the city, its history and culture. Every day I walk forty minutes from Fishponds to Frenchay campus, enjoying the views of city centre and the beauty of Stoke Park. Appreciation for the natural beauty morphed into inspiration as I began my
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work at Bristol Central Library, identifying and researching drawings done by the artist Samuel Loxton at the turn of the twentieth century. It didn’t take me long to realise that many of the drawings he had done were local to the area that I have been living and that they show great insight into Bristol’s history. My journey to campus always begins the same way: by walking over Lodge Causeway bridge and across Fishponds Road, the morning traffic backing up at the lights and obscuring view of the oncoming cars. The smell of jerk chicken wafts from the Jamaican restaurant on the corner as they set up their barbecue for the day. Commuters pass each other without notice on their way to their various destinations, sometimes running to catch that bus that just happens to be early, today of all days. Crossing Fishponds Road, I venture into the rows of houses
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June, 2019
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around Fishponds and past All Saints Church, built between 1904 and 1909. Little did I know that, in years past, there was a small pond where houses now stand. The rows of houses eventually open up into a beautiful green space lined with trees, the sun reflecting off the buildings in city centre as it breaches the horizon behind me. It is a view that, no matter the weather, has yet to lose its magic. Down a small road off Blackberry Hill, behind a barrier of trees and shrubs, lies a beautiful Grade II listed building, Wickham Court. This unassuming sandstone house with climbing vines comes with a note: that a council of war was held in the house in 1645 by Cromwell and Fairfax, before their march on Bristol. Just down a tree-lined footpath lies Wickham Bridge, originally constructed as a road in the seventeenth century and beautifully sketched, on multiple occasions, by Loxton. Ordinarily, the historical significance of the place would be entirely lost on me, but as I continued on, I had to learn more. The bridges over the River Frome were vital to life in the area for centuries. Continuing along the footpath, I come to the gates of Stoke Park. Carrying on, under the motorway and around a sharp corner, one is presented with a stunning view of the estate. Dower House, repurposed for the Stoke Park Colony at the turn of the twentieth century and later turned into flats, dominates
the view to the right with yellow, contrasting beautifully against the blue of the sky. To the left, across the rolling fields, lies Star Hill Monument. Built in 1760, it was damaged on multiple occasions by lightning, the existing structure having been only partly restored. Luckily, both the Stoke Park Colony building and the monument were commemorated in the art of Loxton, and turning back to them, one can imagine standing in that spot 100 years ago. Walking through with open eyes, it is easy to see that Fishponds has evolved greatly since it was founded. A large part of its beauty and uniqueness stems from its long history and connectedness to Bristol whilst retaining its own identity. It has been a pleasure living in such a place and learning so much about how it came to be. * Erin is currently completing her work placement in Bristol Libraries under the Local History Project. If you’re interested in taking part in this project, please contact libraries.volunteering@ bristol.gov.uk To see more Loxton drawings, visit https://www.flickr.com/ photos/bristol-libraries/albums or “Know Your Place” http:// maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp or Central Library where you can ask to see the originals. Above right and below: Artist Samuel Loxton captures the natural beauty in and around Fishponds
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26
June, 2019
n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
Help us open a new chapter on libraries THE challenge facing library services in Britain is a well-known story. Nationally, almost 130 were closed last year, while spending by local authorities on public libraries fell by £30m, meaning a 12 per cent reduction in the last four years. This reflects the financial pressure local authorities are under as our budgets are reduced in the name of austerity while demand for our services increases. However in Bristol, thanks to the commitment and hard work to bring our finances under control, we’ve been able to turn the page and invest in our library service as we look to modernise the offer. Last July we committed to keeping all 27 libraries open and pledged to work with community groups to explore sustainable options for the future. As part of this we conducted a library technology review to look at the systems and technology to make sure the service is supported by resilient, sustainable equipment. At our most recent cabinet meeting we accepted proposals to purchase 35 new portable kiosks and other supporting hardware.
This £705,000 investment will mean we can offer alternative payment methods such as contactless, provide library users with more payment choices, and meet modern expectations. I am also pleased that we have been able to extend Central Library’s opening hours. It will now be open 52.5 hours a week, including late night opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We understand the importance of the Central Library for many people all across the city, so as part of our drive to improve the library service, we wanted to make sure it is open when people need it most. Across the country there were 182 million books issued to almost eight million active borrowers in 2017/18, and libraries continue to provide key services for local communities. But we know that we need a new chapter in our understanding of how libraries are used if they are to thrive. What residents want from them is changing, and the service needs to adapt to this. We want to hear from community organisations, current and potential library users, businesses
The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice
and councillors. The idea is that we work together to find the best possible solutions. We are looking for people to come forward with workable ideas for their local library – we are open to discussing new ideas and are keen not to stand in people’s way. This will be different in each area as it needs to be individually tailored to each community. If you have an idea or suggestion, I ask that you contact your local councillor to find out more.
Free places available at our fantastic Pre-School setting from September 2019! Do you have a 2 or 3 year who is looking for a nursery place from September 2019? Come and see us at Bristol Children’s Playhouse! We are fabulous local nursery and preschool setting (2-4 year olds), situated close to Eastville Park. Our setting offers a wide range of exciting activities in our varied learning spaces. We have a fantastic woodland area, a playground filled with outdoor equipment and multifunctional indoors spaces. We provide a secure, caring and stimulating environment where learning is shared and children’s work is valued. Our wonderful staff provide our children with the best activities and experiences.
Come and see our fabulous setting to find out more. Please call us on 0117 951 0037 to book in a tour or email admin@bcph.org.uk
We’re on Facebook and Instagram! Like our pages for regular updates.
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Support for food bank A SUPERMARKET is ensuring unsold food does not go to waste by donating it to people in need. The Co-Op in Downend also held a fundraiser and is encouraging customers to help its work for the Fishponds Baptist Church food bank by installing a donation bin. The volunteer-run food bank at the church in Downend Road is an outlet of the East Bristol Food Bank run by charity the Trussell Trust. It opens on Friday afternoons from 12.30-2.30pm
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to give supplies to people in need who have been referred to the charity. Co-Op workers Hayley Morrisey and Michelle Phillips are coordinating donations to the charity and the store has become a food share partner, giving the charity food not sold by its expiry date to give to vulnerable families and the homeless. An in-store fundraising event held in early May and an Easter raffle raised £500 , which Hayley and Michelle handed over.
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
27
n NEWS
Championing the community A PROJECT set up to bring people in Fishponds together is looking for more clubs and groups it can help to get going. The Greater Fishponds Community Champion scheme is a three-year, lottery-funded scheme to support anyone living in the city council’s Hillfields, Frome Vale and Eastville wards who wants to set up a community group or activity. Established in 2017, it has already helped start yoga, Tai chi and zumba sessions, cafes and clubs, and even a watercolour painting class. Starting by knocking on doors and asking residents what changes they wanted to see, the project has recruited volunteers to launch and run community groups. The scheme is organised by the Vassall Centre-based Care Forum and supported by the National Lottery’s Community Fund and Bristol Ageing Better, a partnership working to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people and help them live fulfilling lives. Project coordinator Stella Judd said: “The project’s aims include but are not limited to bringing people together in
Greater Fishponds, and I am happy to support anyone who wants to start something new, such us your own social or hobby groups, arts and crafts or sports in the local area. “Recently, the project has supported a watercolour group for people over the age of 50 in Hillfields Community Hub and members of the group had so much fun. It gave them something to look forward to. “Our ambition for the last year of our project is to involve more people in the established groups and support more local people to start their own group. “People can be hesitant about knowing their neighbours and getting more connected but starting or joining a group can make people less lonely and isolated and create some positive energy in the community.” Among the groups supported by the scheme is an over-50s Monday afternoon club at St John’s Church in Lodge Causeway, which meets on the first and third Monday, 2-4pm. A watercolour class at Hillfields Community Hub in Thicket Road has just finished a successful eight week course,
celebrating with a picnic outside the centre, and a Friends Ageing Better Catch up Cafe has been started with Age UK Bristol. Residents who want to help to kick-start a new group can call 0117 965 4444, email stellajudd@thecareforum. org.uk or get in touch via the Facebook page.
n A CATCH Up Cafe at the Kingfisher Café on Straits Parade is the latest event to bring people closer together in Fishponds. Run by Friends Ageing Better (Age UK Bristol), a community of people aged 50 plus who come together weekly and share what is happening locally, the catch up café is also supported by the Care Forum and Carers Support Centre. People are invited to come along for a free cuppa, a friendly chat and information about what is going on in the area every Thursday in June, from 10.30am until noon. Anyone who needs transport to attend can contact Silvia or Clare on 0117 440 4301 or email fab@ageukbristol.org.uk. The Kingfisher Café also hosts a regular monthly group for unpaid carers aged over 50, which meets on the third Wednesday of every month between 2pm and 3.30pm and is run by the Carers Support Centre.
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28
fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
n FISHPONDS MUM
No filter! We can learn a lot from child's chit-chat THERE was a time when I knew most of what had happened in my toddler’s day. We’d recount, gradually, with more and more new words, what had happened, who we saw and what we liked. By three and a half, there is a very blurry line between what has actually happened and what she’d quite like to have happened. I am no longer absolutely sure whether what she is saying is real, is the actual truth – is Zebedee a real person at pre-school or an imaginary friend? Who knows? This is a trifle problematic when said names appear in relation to real-life activities and I am not entirely sure I understand what is going on. Are you really being pushed by another child? I have long ago avoided acting (outside of our house) on many of the claims made, having assumed that a child was real and then realised that it was an entirely imagined situation. How do you explain philosophical truth to a threeyear-old? A couple of days of working and frustrated, sad separations and I’m then out of her loop, new words appear in her vocabulary, a new
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game and I am slightly left behind. It takes a whole day together again to work through her refusals to brush her teeth or get in the bath to reconnect. I am the police. I speak of rotting teeth, hair with stickiness of germs, of hygiene. I have almost given up trying to limit nose picking/eating or toe chewing. Three-year-olds have no filter. It is both joyous and horrifying. Having explained that we are pacifists in our house – “we don’t hurt animals or people” – she has taken much delight in shouting: “I am not a pacifist...You are, I am not!” It is hilarious, at the same time, when she asks why my sister, her aunt, has “soooo many legs?” (her Aunt has two legs) or asks “where are our tails?” or shouts “you stink”. We could learn a lot by listening to the three-year-old filterless unconscious chit-chat. Sometimes, I think, maybe I just need a happy child rather than a bathed one. Who cares, besides my mum, that her feet are slightly muddy when she goes to nursery (I am pretty sure the nursery does)? Those tiresome,
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repetitive exchanges about washing hair, not squeezing the dog, brushing teeth, sometimes wear me down. The same lines, again, again… on repeat. It’s already an old groove. Then one day I notice she is talking slightly faster; she can crack a joke and it makes sense. The changes are slight. Her limbs are noticeably thicker, longer. She’s taller, suddenly, heavier on my hip. I’ve seen her every morning for three years and not noticed her growing ever so slightly every day. How did she get this tall? When did this happen? Her being a tiny baby held in my hands seems impossible. I retell her the stories of her birth to remind myself as much as tell her the story that she loves. Yesterday she tied a knot all by herself. She can now write her name. Time is both exhausting fast and is running in slowrepetitive-motion. In a blink, she is grown. It still seems impossible. If you have a story, do get in touch: clairestewarthall@gmail.com
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
29
n PLANNING
The storey so far ... LAST month I wrote about about where you need to apply for planning permission and where you don’t. This important dividing line is about to change. The government has decided that they will be allowing adding a storey without requiring planning permission. As we wait to see the precise details of how this will be applied, I will continue looking at the balancing of other contradictions that arise in practice. So much in planning is all about making the right decisions, based on planning policy and tempered by the local circumstances. The recent Alexandra Park decision certainly called for appreciation of what we call the “planning balance”: on one hand the benefit of providing starter homes for young people squeezed by high rents and on the other the internal space standards. The former won out, on the basis that what was being provided was temporary accommodation. That was a fairly routine decision. However, spare a thought for planners faced with the contradiction between what does not require planning permission. In recent years the government has allowed up to five barn buildings per farm to
be converted to residential use without a planning application. At the same time, development needs to be built in sustainable locations to get planning permission, where occupiers don’t need to rely on a car to reach any kind of services. So, apply to build a house right next to a converted farm building and you would be turned down but the result in either case is the same – a house in the countryside, most likely in an unsustainable location. Similarly, converting offices to residential use was also taken out of planning control. This is now being re-examined after an outcry, but only after large office buildings in urban areas were turned into 32,000 often substandard homes, with no parking or affordable housing requirements. If any good has come of either example, it is that many people have at least gained some appreciation of what planning is there for and what this form of regulation can achieve. This is also the case with relaxation in the rules for householder development. It has always been the case that the dividing line needs to be drawn somewhere. When considering an application for a 2.2 metre high boundary wall, the planner needs
Celebration party A PARTY to celebrate everyone who has been involved in restoring Staple Hill's Page Park takes place later this month. The community is being invited to. Councillors, council workers, project managers and charity representatives will join the Friends of Page Park on Saturday June 15 to celebrate the completion of the lion's share of the work, which has seen the park transformed to its former Victorian glory complete with cafe, community room and restored clocktower and drinking fountain. Party in the Park kicks off at 11am and runs until 5pm. There promises to be something for all members of the family to enjoy from stalls and rides to activities and entertainment. Councillor Ian Boulton
will compère the action on the bandstand which starts with the Kris Nock Big Band playing jazz and big band pieces as well as more modern arrangements. Other acts include the Chris Stanley Band, the Great Day Choir, 145's, the Rock Choir, the 40s-style singers Marionettes and five-piece indie rock band Busk. There will be an arena with further entertainment including dancing from pupils at the Tynings and performances from Dancing Tots, children's dance group Rise and Red X. There will also be tai chi, belly dancing and yoga displays. Just after 2pm, there will be speeches from people who have helped make the project possible such as representatives from South Gloucestershire Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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to remember that if it were two metres high it would not need permission, unless bounding a highway. The permission is therefore effectively for the top 20cm and the decision can be assessed on that basis. However, years of tinkering with permitted development thresholds have led to planners having to consider these fallback positions in many more circumstances, mostly much less clear-cut than this example. I would not want to condemn out of hand Westminster’s attempts to encourage housing provision. However, the ends certainly do not justify the ill-thought-through means, and any proper monitoring of the effects would reveal that the benefits come at the incalculable cost of confusion and lack of trust in planners to protect the public from the impact of development.
PLANNING MATTERS
with Chris Gosling
Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com
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fishpondsvoice
30
June, 2019
n PETER'S VISION
The beauty of colour
C
same life would be less interesting right? With the green cones being in the middle of the sensitivity range it’s perhaps no surprise that we can detect more shades of green than any other colour. Around 8% of men and a little under 1% of ladies have reduced colour perception - it’s genetic you see. The thing that really got me thinking about colour was a new range of glasses that we first saw on our trip to London earlier in the year. Now this is no ordinary frame range. The JvG’s signature is the vibrant colour that literally flows out of the frame. Each frame is made using a unique colour addition technique that ensures you enjoy wearing eyewear of the highest quality made in harmony with inspirational colours & prints.
OLOUR - it certainly makes the world more pleasing to the eye! It’s a rough estimate but us humans can see around 1 million different colours. Oh yes, 1 million. Just imaging trying to choose a wall paint if it had to be one in a million... I mean, honestly just how many shades of taupe does the world need! (I think it’s actually around 2000 paint colours that we have to choose from, or at least 2000 colours give most of us enough choice to be very happy with). The human eye can detect colour because we have retinal cells called cones which are either red, green or blue sensitive. There are always going to be a few who can see more or less shades of colour, but hey if we were all the
JvG eyewear is designed to bring a colourful influence to every day, which I highly recommend everyone should at least try once. While at an optical exhibition a few years ago, I spotted a pair of glasses and thought I’ve got to have those! This frame stood out from a collection of literally hundreds. It’s become my signature look, and even the inspiration for my push bike (yup, my glasses match my blue bike with it’s orange bar grip). The contrast on this frame of royal blue front with mid orange sides caught my eye, since then I’ve worn them most days (interspaced with the occasional second pair of course…) and to this day it’s still the frame that gets the most positive accolade of any I’ve worn. Whether you like your glasses
overflowing with vibrant colour, classic two tone or anything in between, you & your family are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care, glasses & sunglasses. To arrange an extended eye exam or frame colour style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
The team at Turners
Vibrant Colour Unleashed Call & Book Your Appointment Today 57 Henleaze Road
768 Fishponds Road
eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk
Bristol BS9 4JT
Bristol BS16 3UA
www.turnersopticians.co.uk
0117 962 2474
0117 965 4434
Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
31
n VET BLOG
Is your pet fit for summer? SUMMER is here! Here are our top tips for a healthy summer: Sunburn Cats and dogs with white or thin fur are much more likely to get sunburnt around their ear tips and nose, this can lead to tumours. You can reduce the risk greatly by using pet friendly sun cream daily. Heat Stroke Large dogs, pets with thick fur and those with short noses are considered higher risk. Other animals such as rabbits and other small furries can also suffer from heat stroke. During warmer weather walk dogs first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. NEVER leave them in a car. Keep them at home in a cool room with fans with access to plenty of fresh water. Provide cool mats or frozen bottles
of water to lie on/against, just be careful they don’t try to eat them! Outdoor pets should be kept in the shade also. If you think your pet has heat stroke, you should contact your vet as a matter of urgency. Blue-Green Algae We usually see this ‘bloom’ in warmer months. It causes serious stomach upsets and joint pain if ingested by drinking or swimming. We recommend that you don’t let your dog swim in potentially contaminated water. Wasp and Bee Stings If your pet gets stung in the mouth and has an allergic reaction, it can cause an airway blockage. This is also an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. BBQ’s Al Fresco dining brings many temptations and hazards for pets. Meats can cause pancreatitis, skewers can cause gut perforations,
corn on the cobs can cause gut blockages. We would suggest if you have a BBQ that you keep pets safely away. We hope you all have a happy and healthy summer! If you have any questions or queries, feel free to give us a call at Kingswood Vets4Pets on 0117 961 6417 and one of our friendly team will be happy to help!
Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets
Willowdean Court, 247a Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1LT Telephone: 0117 961 6417
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Valid at participating surgeries only. This offer is promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Handforth, Cheshire, SK9 3RN. Voucher entitles you to a £10 veterinary consultation. Vet will perform a physical examination of your pet; further consultations, treatment or medication will be charged at full price. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Appointment to be booked in advance and you must present this voucher at your appointment. Single use voucher. No cash alternative. Valid only at the surgery where the offer is purchased. Expires 31/07/2019.
Book your appointment today! Call us: 0117 961 6417 or visit: vets4pets.com/kingswood Vets4Pets Kingswood Just off Lodge Causeway Willowdean Court, Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1LT
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fishpondsvoice
32
June, 2019
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Treat 999 call handlers with respect respect and we all need to show support to these individuals who work so hard to keep our communities safe. Nationally, there has been an increase in 999 calls and within Avon and Somerset we have seen an 8% year on year increase. This 8% equates to approximately an extra 48 calls every day or an additional five hours of call handling per day. Disappointingly, some 999 calls are not emergencies and some are even hoaxes. We need to remember that non-emergency calls to 999 could be blocking a real emergency and this is deadly serious. In May, we supported Mental Health Awareness Week. Many mental health charities now believe that people are more aware and feel more empowered to tackle mental health. It is great that people now feel empowered to speak
out about their experiences in schools, workplaces and in their communities but we now need to turn this awareness into action. We know that mental health services are woefully underfunded and those experiencing a mental health problem wait an extremely long time to be able to access the treatments and the services they need. This all has an impact on our stretched emergency services, particularly policing. For example, in Avon and Somerset, on average, an incident involving someone in a mental health crisis will take four and a half hours of an officer’s time. The majority of contact when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis into the police is by the communications centre as 101 or 999 calls. The average time on these calls is 77.9% higher than the average call and mental
Forums in East and Central Bristol Area 3: Thursday 6 June 2019, 1.30-4pm
Eastville, Frome Vale, Hillfields, Lockleaze At: Farringford House, Gadshill Road, Eastville, Bristol, Avon, BS5 6LL
health related calls take up 12% of all calls. We cannot offer the best support to those suffering a mental health crisis in the back of a police car; we need to work in partnership to create a longerterm solution that involves all public services to provide those experiencing a mental health problem with the support they deserve.
ousing lH
Get
rums Fo
Local Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants
With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens
Loc a
I’M under no illusion how difficult policing is and the challenging circumstances our police officers and emergency services face on a daily basis to keep our communities safe. However, it’s not just our colleagues on the frontline who face abuse; abusive calls to 999 and 101 call handlers is on the rise. Unfortunately, our call handlers have come to expect swearing and name-calling but in more serious cases some of our call handlers have received death threats and threats of rape. One individual even threatened to burn down a call handler’s house with her children inside. The reality that our call handlers face is unacceptable. Our call handlers, who go above and beyond to protect us from harm, deserve to come to work without being worried about potential abuse they might face during their shift. They deserve to be treated with
Invo l June ved 2019
Area 4: Monday 17 June 2019, 6.15-8.30pm
Ashley, Central, Lawrence Hill, St George - Central, St George - Troopers Hill, St George - West, Easton. At: City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 (Report to the main entrance)
Are you a council tenant in the areas listed above? Please get involved in your June Local Housing Forum - your opinions help us make decisions! Book a place and have your say on how the council housing service is run. Travel expenses can be reimbursed, plus free tea & coffee is provided. For further information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 3521444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums.
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
33
n IMPACT BEAUTY BLOG
A
CNE is the most common skin disorder. Almost 85 per cent of all people develop acne at some point in their lives. Acne is a skin condition that consists of comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts. Acne most commonly develops on areas of the body that contain a lot of sebaceous glands (oil) glands like the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Acne usually begins (and is most common) at puberty, but many adults also develop the condition. Acne is caused by three major factors: 1) Blockage of hair follicles (pores), where sebum (oil) is produced, by dead skin cells 2) Overproduction of sebum 3) Proliferation of P. acnes bacteria and consequent inflammation. Types of Acne Non-inflammatory Acne: Blackheads and whiteheads (aka open and closed comedones) occur when a plug made up of sebum and dead skin cells can be seen inside a follicle (pore), but does not cause any inflammation or redness.
Let’s talk about acne Blackheads: If the plug enlarges and stretches the pore, it is referred to as a blackhead. Blackheads aren’t trapped dirt. Rather, the dark color is a build-up of melanin and oxidized oil. Whiteheads: When a thin cover of skin traps the plug, it prevents the oil from oxidizing. This keeps it white and creates a whitehead. Inflammatory Acne When follicles are blocked by sebum and skin cells, the follicular wall is under pressure. If the pressure is great enough, then the follicle wall will break and the contents will spread into the surrounding skin. When your immune system responds to this bacteria and sebum, inflammatory acne occurs. The degree of inflammation determines the size and redness of an acne lesion. Papules: Pink or red bumps without a white or yellow centre. Pustules: Red bumps with a white or yellow centre of pus. Pustules
are formed when the plug inside a pore traps oil and bacteria, which draws white blood cells to the area to fight infection. Pus is made up of dead white blood cells. Cysts and nodules: Larger (and often painful) acne lesions that extend into the deeper skin layers. Cysts and nodules can last for months, destroy the follicle and lead to permanent scars. Individuals with this type of acne should see a dermatologist for treatment. AlumierMD skincare are products that are medically graded and evidence based to produce the
best results. Call into the salon and discuss with our skin care experts for advice.
We have been independently assessed against a robust set of standards in order to be certified as Save Face Accredited. Save Face is a Professional Standards Authority accredited register and is recognised by the Government, The Department of Health and NHS England.
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fishpondsvoice
34
June, 2019
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Turning hope into action I’M sure you will agree that hope is a powerful thing. When people are going through difficult challenges in life and experiencing tough situations where they feel there is no hope, these really can be the bleakest of times. However, I have been encouraged in recent months by meeting many people for whom life is hard and yet they have managed to hold on to a sense of hope. I think of a person who we have had the pleasure of getting to know at Fishponds Foodbank. The individual concerned attended over 25 job interviews before finally being offered work. They said that they had never given up hope and that they had been encouraged in this by the knowledge that the Foodbank team was praying for them. I have another friend who has wrestled with alcoholism for most of their life but is now putting
their hope for change into action as they courageously journey towards being admitted into a rehab. One of our church members was homeless for 15 years with accompanying drug issues. However, through the support of local churches, their courageous character and a sense of constant hope which stemmed from a conviction that God was with them throughout - they never gave up hope. They are now fully housed and serving our city in brilliant ways through a variety of different volunteer roles. Like all churches, the church that I lead (Fishponds Baptist) continues to be greatly challenged by the situations and circumstances of those who seem to have no hope. It is with this in mind that we have recently entered into partnership with the charity ‘Hope Into Action’ which
Give your child a GOOD start in life! Open term time Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 16.00pm Funding places available for all eligible 2, 3, & 4 year olds Set in a quiet location of Fishponds with a beautiful secure garden for outdoor learning, make friends secure relationships in a warm, stimulating and nurturing environment.
Children love Happy Dayz because it is fun why don’t you join us? For further information contact us on Tel: 01173 360 516 email: happydayzpreschool@gmail.com
Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3LF
www.happydayzpreschool.co.uk
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
works with churches to provide housing for the most vulnerable in society. As a consequence, we will now be operating two community houses. In the same way that we see so many individuals courageously putting their hope into action, we want to be doing the same as a church. I recently read this wonderful quote: “With God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can imagine”. These words speak of hope, a hope that is powerful and which can reach us in the very darkest of places – whether we have been out of work for a long time, battling with addiction issues or have simply become vulnerable through life’s many challenges. The ultimate source and therefore greatest experience of hope is found in Jesus. As the Bible
Rev Dr Richard Pollard Team Leader – Fishponds Baptist Church
says – Jesus is our ‘anchor for the soul, firm and secure’ (Hebrews 6:19). Together, let us put this most amazing and powerful anchor of hope in Jesus into action as we share our lives together and seek the very best for our community and city.
Bowls club centenary A BOWLS club born in the aftermath of the Great War is celebrating its centenary this year. GB Britton Bowls Club was established in 1919 when men returning from conflict needed a new focus and workers from the GB Britton shoe factory company found that by forming a bowls club. Originally established in the factory in Lodge Road, the club moved to its present site in Ingleside Road in the 1960s and the clubhouse was rebuilt by members in 1992. The club is looking forward to another successful season as it goes into its centenary year as champions of Bristol and District League Division 1 and holders of both the prestigious Clarence Davey cup and the North East Bristol League cup. A number of celebratory events have been planned during the year the highlight of which will be a match against Bowls England on Wednesday June 5. Chairman Peter Coles said: “The club is very proud of the success it achieved last year and is looking forward to celebrating its centenary. A number of special events have been organised and the year will be rounded off with what I hope will be a memorable birthday party.” The club, which has a membership of more than 100, boasts a sixrink green with changing rooms and a large raised terrace. It is open to men and lady bowlers of all abilities without restriction and has access to signers for deaf members.
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June, 2019
n NEWS
You’ve got the skills to foster...
Paul Old, left, with golf partner Paul Stallard
Pals plan golf marathon to support veterans KINGSWOOD chums will swing into action when they attempt to complete 24 hours of golf to raise money for charity. Paul Stallard and Paul Old, who are in their 50s, are talking on the difficult challenge in support of Combat Stress, which helps ex-servicemen and women deal with trauma-related mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The pair, who fundraise under the name The Happy Gilmores with two other pals, are both nuts about golf and play whenever they get the chance. They decided to combine their favourite sport with fundraising three years ago when they took part in the Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge which involved playing 72 holes in 24 hours to raise money for the cancer charity. Paul Stallard said: “It took about 16 hours and we had a blast doing so we did it again last year. This year we have decided to raise awareness and money for a different charity and, knowing one of our mates who's a ex-vet suffered with PTSD, we decided we would help the charity Combat Stress as they helped him through his time of need. “This year is the charity's centenary year so we thought we would do something a bit more demanding, so we are going to continuously play golf for 24 hours, teeing off at Tracy Park at 8pm on June 24 and finishing just after 8pm on the 25th. “Not only are we playing 24 hours of golf, we're going to try to play 144 holes, which is eight
rounds of golf in one day. Not many people do that in a week, let alone a day “The 39 mile walk alone is enough of a challenge and hitting a golf ball around 750 times will be an even greater challenge. “We only know of two people in the UK to have done it and they are golf professionals. We're far from golf professionals!” Paul said the excitement was now mounting: “We're really passionate about what we do and the adrenaline rush has already started to kick in. We are a bit apprehensive because we know it's going to be a hard slog but it's going to be an enjoyable slog because we know what we are doing is for a good cause.” The duo have set an ambitious target - £4,000 which is more than they have previously raised. “We are already over half way there so it's looking good and we may even exceed our expectations,” Paul said. The pair are hosting an auction at Longwell Green Community Centre on Armed Forces Day, June 29, at 7pm and they hope businesses and individuals will donate prizes. They have received donations such as a corporate box at Bristol Bears, a tour of the Bottle Yard film studio, the 18th flag from the Open at St Andrews, but hope for more. If you can offer prizes, contact through their Facebook page The Happy Gilmores or email happygilmoresdo24hrs@ gmail.com. You can donate at https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/happygilmoresdo24hr
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35
you just don’ t know it yet If you have a spare bedroom and the time to make a positive difference to a child’s life, call or email us to find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council.
01454 866423 fostering@southglos.gov.uk
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June, 2019
n TAKE A BREAK Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles THE FIEND
For serious sudoku fans
Each 3x3 box, every row and every column must contain the numbers 1-9, with each used only once. Can you crack it?
8
2
1
4 7 6 3 3 2 8 5 9 5
6 © www.123rf.com/profile_KsenyaSavva
SUDOKU
Cones: Six 1
U
C
G
A
5
A
R A
O
C
E N
E
6
L
M
K
O
4
E S
S
N
T
A
S W E
2
7
S
E I
N 3
K
T
9
9
8
S
3 2 1
7
Y M U
6
H
5
T
2
3 4
8
2
HOW MANY ICE CREAMS? TXT PERT
6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z
1
SOLUTIONS Lollies: Five
Down 1 7866224 (7) 2 26553 (5) 3 5633 (4) 5 4867 (4) 6 6673 (4) 7 7227 (4)
EASY for children
Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.
Scoops: Three
This month: The Human Body
The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad
2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L
Can you count how many ice creams there are of each shape?
4
TXT PERT
Across 1 79328 (5) 4 7546 (4) 5 43637 (5) 8 849687 (6) 9 327 (3)
HOW MANY ICE CREAMS?
4 5 7
2 3 8 9 8 4 7
PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE
Fresh Cuts
PenTyping toservice Print
BARBER SHOP
Audio or copy typing From letters to novels and anything in between (or maybe that autobiography you’ve been thinking about…) Telephone 07990898137 Email pentoprint@virginmedia.com
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625 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3BA
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
37
n NEWS
Kaz's Queens and Kings reign supreme for charity running A MUM whose life was saved thanks to cervical cancer screening is spreading the word on how important it is for women to attend smear tests. Karen Coles, 50, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007 following a routine smear test. Her early diagnosis meant Karen could receive prompt medical intervention and make a full recovery. Karen, also known as Kaz, said: “I had no symptoms at all. I had a routine smear test which showed it was fully blown cancer. It was a complete shock.” On the day Karen was diagnosed she was given an appointment for a radical hysterectomy, an operation to remove the uterus, cervix, both ovaries, and both fallopian tubes. “Within four weeks I had everything taken away. They said they would also remove my lymph nodes to confirm whether or not it had spread. Fortunately it hadn't so I was given the all clear after the surgery. “My first question was what if I hadn't gone for a test? They said they thought the cancer had been there for between six and nine months so it was caught early but if I had left it for another few years it might have been a different story. “One woman every day in the UK is diagnosed with cervical cancer and it is the most
common cancer in women under the age of 35. After my diagnosis I realised that many women, for whatever reason, do not go for screening when invited. “Since then I've tried to create awareness of the importance of attending smear tests. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers you are offered the screening for, so why not go?” Karen, who lives in Downend with husband Ian, daughter Grace, 18, and son Mikey, 14, is part of a 13-strong team which will take part in this month's Race for Life on the Downs, an annual fundraiser for Cancer Research UK. She will be joined by her children, twin sister Julie and mum as well as friends and friends' children. Karen is no stranger to the Race for Life - she's been taking part since her late twenties, with only one year missed when she was recovering from her hysterectomy. Since her diagnosis Karen has found family and friends are keen to join her in the race to collect as much money as possible to help stamp out cancer as well as to raise awareness of how important it is for women not to put off attending smear tests. Karen said her daughter Grace, a student at Winterbourne Academy, has been instrumental
Karen (in purple) is pictured with her Race for Life team. Daughter Grace is pictured far right and son Mikey to Karen's right in getting such a large group - known as Kaz's Queens and Kings – to run together. “It was her idea to invite friends to come along to the Race for Life this year. Some had done it individually previously but Grace brought everyone together as a group and organises all the training. She also arranges social events for the team and is laying on a barbecue at our house
after the race as a thank you to everyone. We're having great fun and it's all been her idea. “Grace wanted to get involved the year after I was diagnosed and continues to be so keen. It's lovely and I'm really proud of her.” If you would like to donate to Karen's appeal please visit her online fundraising page at https://bit.ly/30jz6rk
Worktops from £299 Granite & Quartz Kitchen Worktops
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www.granitesw.co.uk To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
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38
June, 2019
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday June 8 n Cwmbach Male Choir returns to Staple Hill Methodist Church 7.30pm. Tickets £10 pay on the door. Find us on the High Street. Monday June 10 n Downend Senior Film Club. 2pm, About A Boy (12A) Starring Hugh Grant and Toni Collette. Screenplay by Peter Hedges, adapted from the book of the same name by Nick Hornby. A cynical, immature young man is taught how to act like a grown up by a little boy. At Christ Church Parish Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16. Refreshments: £3.00. Easy access, carers welcome. For more information please ring Home Instead Senior Care on 0117 989 8210. Thursday June 14 n Activate Drop-in lunchtime concert will be held at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds from 1- 2pm featuring the Bristol Veterans Band. Tea, Coffee and biscuits available. Free admission.Retiring collection. Saturday June 15 n Blackhorse Primary Summer Fair 11am – 2.30pm – FREE ENTRY At Blackhorse Primary School, Emersons Green BS16 6TR Come along, all welcome! Plenty of things to see and do including a free drumming workshop, fun games, tombola, raffle, school performances, animal encounters, stalls, live music, hot food, bar and a tea room with plenty of cake. Great raffle prizes, competitions and so much more. Visit facebook. com/blackhorsepta/ or you can find us on Twitter @ blackhorsePTA for more details Saturday June 22 n Wallscourt Farm Academy in Cheswick village are having their summer fair, midday - 3. Saturday June 22 - Sunday 23 n Midsummer Open Studio & painting sale 11am - 6pm The Artist's house, Langdale Road, Fishponds BS16 2DG Over 150 original artworks for sale. Landscape, abstract and still life paintings Life drawings and linocuts. RSVP www.riapoole.com
Saturday June 29 n Breakfast at Speedwell Methodist Church 10am to 12 noon. Coffee and cake, a bacon roll or full breakfast. (veggie available) No need to hurry, and an opportunity to ask for prayer. All welcome. Saturday June 29 n Frenchay Parish Church BS16 1LJ at 7.30pm Join us for an evening of Chamber Music including Parry, Purcell, Elgar, Mozart, Dvorak and an oboe concerto by Marcello. Tickets £10 in advance, £11 on the door, (Students £5, Children Free) Includes refreshments. Contact number 0117 9562106 www. bristolchamberorchestra.org.uk Saturday July 6 n The Cleeve Singers of Downend with guests The Bristol Ukulele Jam are performing on Saturday, 6th July 2019 at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are available from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, the Barn and on the door at £3.50. Come along and enjoy some entertaining songs and music.
REGULAR EVENTS
Mondays
n Holistic Massage, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9am n Tiny Tots, All Saints Community Hall 10:30am n Bereavement and Well-being support, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Computer Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Table Tennis for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Pilates class. The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30 8.30 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Alzheimer’s choir, Beechwood Club, 11am to 1pm, Paula Shears 0117 9610693 n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Bristol Community Café 11-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club,
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n Sequence dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel 0117 965 0203 for details. n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3pm. Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 4-4.45pm, introduction to exercise, All Saints Church, Grove Road, Fishponds, BS16 2BW. Also aimed at meeting people in the area. Run by Southmead Development Trust. First session free, £3.50 there after. Venue is wheelchair accessible and sessions are open to all. People can just turn up or contact Colette on 0117 950 3335 for more details. n 7-8pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n 252 Beaver Scouts 6 - 7 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Sarah 0789 2852226 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.15 - 8.15 pm. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me n Stapleton Afternoon Tea Memory Cafe for people living with Dementia and their carers. Stapleton Church Hall, Park road, Stapleton, BS16 1AZ 1st Monday of the Month, 4th February, 4th March , 1st April 2pm -4pm . Just come along n Speedwell Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, BS15 1NU. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n Beginners Salsa Class. Begbrook Social Club, Frenchay Park Road, BS16 1HY. 8-9pm. www.salsadacapoloco.co.uk
Tuesdays
Gentle Hatha Flow & Well Woman Yoga
Find more freedom, flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit Restore balance and energy
Fishponds Vassal Centre
n Bristol Blues Club. Live blues/ rock music at 9pm in the Downend Tavern. Local, national and international musicians. https://bristolbluesclub.wixsite. com/mysite n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Court 9.30-10.30am. Email: bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place n Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club.Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday. Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954. n Morning Prayer, St John’s Church 9:15am n Foot Care Sessions, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9:30am n Coffee and Craft Morning, St John’s Church 10am n Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers, All Saints Community Hall 10am n Level 1 Walking Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Music for Toddlers, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 10:30am n Lunch Club, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12:30pm n Film Club for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Pre-school Storytime/ Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15-2.45pm n Eucharist with signing for the Deaf, Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL 3pm n Messy Church, Fishponds CofE Academy 3:15pm n Woodcraft , All Saints Church Hall/Link 6pm n Evening Prayer, St Aidan’s Church 7pm n Evening Prayer, St Ambrose Church 7pm n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Scouts (10-14 years), Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. 7.309pm (Term Time only) Email: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Call Ami 0746 2727 229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15-8.15pm. Meeting in small room. n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Anna 0779 9180 437
5:45-6:45pm (Gentle Hatha Flow) 7-8pm (Women’s Hatha Yoga)
Frenchay Quaker House
Thursdays 10-11am & 11.15-12.15pm (Gentle Hatha Flow)
Block price £6/Drop in £7/6.50 concession Beginners welcome
How to book/contact details:
www.letgoyoga.co.uk/07904073535
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fishpondsvoice
June, 2019 n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n 8.15pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159. n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n New session for Under 5s has space for structured making, free play and exploration - 1.45-2.45pm every week £5 / £4 extra siblings www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Pilates classes at Bethesda Church, Staple Hill Six week blocks costing £45 Back Pain Specialist Instructor Multi-level classes at 6.15pm and 7.25pm Limited places, enrolment required www. feelgoodpilates.co.uk feelgoodfactor@live.co.uk Amanda 07815 886798 n Monthly social meet up for disabled people at the Old Post Office pub, Fishponds Road. Open and friendly group, meets second Tuesday of month 6-7.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - www.wecil.co.uk. n 10.15am, Under 5s Make A Mess session, Children's Scrapstore, Sevier Street, St Werburghs. £5 / £4 extra siblings, www. childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 914 3002. n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Bristol, BS16 4HL n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Speedwell, BS16 4HL. Ask at the library for more details: 0117 9038576
n Speedwell Community Café 11am-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n 69th St Joseph's Scout Group at St Joseph's Church Hall, Forest Road, Fishponds. Beavers 5pm-6pm, Cubs 6pm7.30pm, Scouts 7.30pm-8.30pm. Email stjosephscoutgroup@ hotmail.com for more details. n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. For further information please contact Pat Woodman on 0117 382 5363.
Wednesdays
n 252 Cubs 6.45 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n 7.30-8.30pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n Weekly Salsa class for complete beginners with Cressida. Starting Sep 6. Cross Hands Pub, 1 Staple Hill Road. 7.30-9pm includes social and dancing. No partner needed. Ffi call 07808 581739 n Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Level 3 Walking Group, starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1pm n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1:30pm n Punjabi Dance and Song, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Support and Activity Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Chair based exercise class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ladies Circle, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2:30pm n Wives Group, St John’s Church 2:30pm n Messy Church, Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George 3:30pm n Home Group, Location varies 6:30pm n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am-noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
39
n Hannah More Club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm (fortnightly) n Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 1.30-3 pm, fourth Wednesday of every month. Call Anne 0117 9041875 for information. n 5.45pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-8pm. Contact Eric 0791 4006 589 n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm. Contact Beryl 0117 9774534. n Cycle UK (CTC). For all cyclists from beginners to professionals, commuters to sports. Beechwood Club, Fishponds, BS16 3TR. 8-10PM winter months only (other months are rides, see http://www. cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) n Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 n Flower Arranging practice classes, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
levels welcome. Call Isabel Cooke on 0117 9568504 n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. More information is available at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Pilates classes. All Saints Church Hall 10.15 - 11.15 a.m. and 6.45 - 7.45 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome.
Continued on next page
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
40
June, 2019
n WHAT’S ON n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. Calling from Alan Davies and music by Mike Elsom. Dancers of all abilities and experience are welcome. Information at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am to noon. All mediums, all abilities, all welcome. n Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me.
Thursdays n Dance Fit with Cressida. Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps and music. 2pm-3pm plus tea and chat. Starting Sep 7. Ffi call 07808 581739. n Yoga class for beginners. Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n 252 Scouts 6.30 - 8 Scout HQ,
Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am. Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds. We have classes in Fishponds and Kingswood - come and try your first class for free! Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 1012 or Wednesdays 7-8.30pm For more information see www. taoist.org or call Crispin on 07407175127 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest
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Freephone 0800 781 8783
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA, evening. Full details on website - Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year. Call Ruth 0796 6032 414 n East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. . Further information from Hazel Durn on 0117 9513868 or Tony Locke on 07919 173450 n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7-18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities welcome. Contact Patsy Holdsworth 01179078994 n 9.30am Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002. n Fishponds Probus Club, Fishponds Club, Fishponds Road at 10 am. on the first and third. Thursdays in each month.For information, please telephone the Secretary, Malcolm Forbes, on 01179 836886. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 956 1846. n Riff Raff Choir - The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30-9.30pm. Pop and rock, mixed choir. All voice parts taught by ear. Everyone welcome - no audition. Booking essential. FREE taster session at start of term. £80 for 10 week term. www. RiffRaffChoir.co.uk n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. We meet at the Langley Arms on Guest Avenue and welcome visitors on the following Thursdays: 1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements. n Kingswood Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. KVA, Kingswood Community Centre,
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
High Street, BS15 4AB. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779
Fridays n Coffee Morning from 10.30am11.30am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entrance through main church door. Greeting cards and preserves on sale in aid of charity. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hal 10-11.30 am in termtime. £2.50 + 50p per sibling; includes kids' snacks and drinks and tea and coffee. See the Facebook page or email fishpondsfridayplaygroup@gmail. com n Line Dancing, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30amnoon n Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n The First Friday Film Club - All Saints Church Hall, 2pm n Taekwondo, St John’s Church Hall 5:30pm n Grove Road Youth Club, All Saints Community Hall 7pm n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds 9am. Good company and a chat over coffee. Call 0117 9561231. n High density Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.157.15pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437 n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30-10.30pm n Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.3010.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am-1pm. Contact Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Alzheimer’s meetings Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm (2nd Friday in each month). Tel no. 0117 9756 441 n Coffee Morning, Speedwell Methodist Church, 10am-noon. Open to all. Friendly and caring. Lunch once a month. n Community art club at Castle Suite, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road BS16 6UE. 10amnoon on alternate Fridays. Alternate Fridays. £5 per session and materials are supplied. Contact Paul Foss on pobble57@yahoo. co.uk or 0117 957 0045 n Kingswood Photographic
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
June, 2019
n WHAT’S ON Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, 7-9.30pm. We welcome and support all levels of experience including beginners. n 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Living After Loss, St Mary's Parish Rooms, back entrance of church, every other Friday, 11am-noon. Contact Lizzie on 0117 9650856 n Every second Friday of the month, 4-6 pm. Messy church with crafts, celebration and meal. Stapleton church hall, Park Road. Further details on Facebook or you can email youngpeople@ holytrinitystapleton.org.uk n In the Pink, Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue Fishponds, 9.00am. Make new friends and enjoy sensible exercise to music for older ladies, followed by refreshments. Tel. 0117 956 0615. n Longwell Green Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. All Saints Reform Church, 83 Bath Road, opposite Aldi, BS30 9DF. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779
Saturdays n Pilates class. All Saints Church Hall, Grove Road. 9.15 - 10.15 a.m. Drop-in class, no booking necessary. All levels welcome. £7 per class. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm, 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly, September n Rehabilitation Pilates
(Beginners), Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House, in Britannia room. 9am. £7. Samantha 07736 309272, www.gentlefitness.co.uk n Life Universecity LC soul health and wellness education classes, 12.30 -2pm Fishponds Old Library, Fishponds Rd. Rolling Administration 1st Saturdays of the month (except Jul –Aug / Dec –Jan) For info or to register Tel: 07508390298/Email: life. universecity@gmail.com n 10-11 am Saturday Sports Club for 4-8 year olds at Mangotsfield Primary School, Church Farm Road, Emersons Green, BS16 7EY. £5 per session. Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@sportingchance-pt.co.uk n Monthly Bric a Brac and Clothing Sale at Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill, Stapleton. It is held on the 1st Saturday of each month, from 10am til 12pm. Refreshments available in the Hall. Dog friendly, everyone welcome.
Sundays n Morning Worship and children’s activities, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. 10.30am n Morning Worship, New Place, Eastville Methodist Church, Fishponds Road. 10.45am. Holy Communion once a month. n Eucharist, All Saints Church 8am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am with Giggle Club in Parish Rooms n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Michael’s Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Aidan’s Church 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St John’s 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, All Saints Church 10.30am n All Sorts Youth Group, St Aidan’s Church hall 6pm(fortnightly) n Evensong , St Mary’s Church 6:30pm
Booking advisable for Sunday lunches
Sky Sports & BT Sports shown Great secluded garden
email: tk007h9736@blueyonder. co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. n Weekly Meeting for Worship 10.30 - 11.30, With Children's Meeting 1st. and 3rd. Sundays, Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT n All Age Worship featuring the band, choir and children at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Staple Hill n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham St, Mangotsfield10.30am
Women's Section Royal British Legion RBL welcomes ladies of all ages. We meet on a Wednesday afternoon fortnightly with speakers and visits. We meet from 2-4pm at the old school in Page Road, Staple Hill. It is also known as the Foundation. Entry is at the end of the building by Page Park car park. We meet every two weeks on a Wednesday at 2pm Tel 0117 9560805 for more information. Everyone welcome, any age.
Fishponds Baptist Church Downend Road Bristol BS16 5AD Telephone: 07746404262 Email: stickyfishpreschool@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.stickyfishpreschool.org.uk/
2 and 3 year old funding available We take children from 2 - 5yrs old 2
OPENING TIMES 9-12.30 TERM TIME ONLY EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2.30. GOVERNMENT FUNDED PLACES FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN
120 Lodge Causeway, Bristol BS16 3JP Tel: 07543 710828
Wednesday: 12-3 & 5 -8 Thursday: 12-3 & 5-7.30 Friday: 12-3 & 5-8 Saturday: 12-5 Sunday: 12.30-3.30
n Worship, Staple Hill Methodist Church 10.30am and 6pm. Creche is available for little ones and Sunday Club. Taize Worship second Sunday evening of month and communion first morning and evening of month. 0117 957 5221 n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - 10.30am. Children and youth provision for all ages. 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month which is ‘Messy church’ at 4pm y.There is a songs of praise service on the 4th Sunday at 3pm. n Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, BS16 3TR 9.30am-1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm For bookings, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm.
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The Spotted Cow FOOD SERVED
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PLACES AVAILABLE NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 Phone Liz (manager) on 07746404262 or 01179584075 (preschool hours only) FOR FURTHER DETAILS
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
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June, 2019
n GARDENING I DIDN'T make it to Chelsea Flower Show this year, for one reason or another I didn’t manage to get a ticket and even if I had I don’t think that there would have been the time to take off work. I can say though, with all honesty that if it was anything like the previous years then it would have been excellent. There is always a vast amount of coverage on the BBC with two shows a day covering the event in the minutest of detail from the vastly extravagant show gardens on Main Avenue to the small independent nurseries that come to promote their horticultural prowess. You wonder after five days how they manage to find anything new to say about a specific design idea or garden feature and often they don’t, if you do want to catch up on the TV coverage then it’s best to be selective of which shows you watch. It’s said that Chelsea flower show is a bit, if not a lot, elitist and I can see where this view comes from. The RHS are very particular about how they present themselves as an organisation,
The city gardener By Tim Barton they maintain a world class view that they are the very pinnacle of horticultural excellence, and they are. What Chelsea is for if to showcase the very best in this field, from garden design to promoting new ways that we the general public should be gardening. The gardens are certainly self promotion for the designers that are lucky enough to get the chance to exhibit there, and to the well heeled visitors to the show it’s a chance to see how they might transform their chic London yards into something spectacular, at a price. But for everyone else it’s a gorgeous spectacle that serves as a source of inspiration for their own gardens. The planting combinations are very carefully thought out and come from a
desire to achieve a particular look, this is something that’s hard to see when you’re overwhelmed with plants at a nursery or a garden centre. Another thing that’s noticeable in these gardens as opposed to many, and especially mine, is that there is a definite common theme that runs throughout. If you’re anything like me then your garden resembles more of a botanic garden with one of everything and little though to how they work together, if it grows then I’ll stick it in. What is harder but certainly gains a more aesthetic appearance is to limit the different plants to a minimum, making sure that you don’t overdo the different aspects of the foliage for example. It’s a good rule of thumb when you’re buying plants that you don’t buy one each of four different plants but rather buy four of one or even two of two. This way you can follow a theme through a bed but also get a fuller look sooner, it’s always a difficult time when you plant a small specimen, knowing that in two years it’ll be filling a vast area but having to wait with what seems like acres of bare soil around them. Making a mature looking garden takes years partly as the
plants take time to establish but also it’ll move around several times as you get a feel for what you want. Don’t rush it, choose carefully but most of all don’t stress, take it easy and have fun. Jobs for the month • Lift and divide snowdrops, bluebells and other spring bulbs now that the leaves are yellowing and dying back • Plant out summer bedding plants • As soon as sweet peas flower start picking them to encourage more • Pinch out side shoots from tomato plants and remove the top when there are 4 trusses • If not done already plant out tender vegetables such as courgette and squashes • There’s still time to plant some beans directly outside • Keep mowing any lawns but raise the blades if there is prolonged dry weather to prevent stress • Erect some protection around carrots to protect against carrot fly Install a water butt because you’re going to need a lot of water over the coming months
Got a story ? Email news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk Christine English
BSc (Hons) Podiatry, M Ch S, HCPC Registered
Chiropodist / Podiatrist All aspects of foot care from a degree trained professional
0117 956 3978
Pendennis Clinic, 11 Haynes Lane, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JE FRee PARking oPPoSite CliniC
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Home visits also available
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June, 2019
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n SPORT
Ethan makes it two champs in the family HILLFIELDS boxer Ethan Moore is making sure winning titles becomes a family tradition. The 14-year-old claimed an England Boxing National Schools Championship title at Crawley in Sussex on May 19 to emulate his older brother Jude. Downend Boxing Club's Ethan, who is a student at Mangotsfield School, boxed his semi-final the previous day against the strong West Ham boxer Filip Dimov in the class B under 72k category. A classy boxing performance saw a unanimous win for Ethan and a place in the final. Standing in the way of a national title was old foe Jack Blencowe, of Kingfisher boxing club in Great Yarmouth. The pair had previously contested a close contest in Great Yarmouth, with Jack taking a points win. After three all-action close rounds, the judges decision was split but the title came back to Bristol. Jude, 16, won his Under 60kg title at the National Junior Championships earlier in the year, and Ethan now seeks to represent his country like his brother in the Three Nations championship on June 8 and 9. Downend Boxing Club coaches Simon Pirret and Craig Turner with Ethan Moore
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June, 2019
n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK THE sometimes strange but remarkable way of nature was noticeable in the park recently with locals and visitors alike stunned by the appearance of the lake. We have become accustomed to a problem with silt on the bottom resulting in a reduced depth of clear water above. A few weeks ago a virulent algae started to appear and within no time had colonised the water leaving it pea soup green. No fish to be seen, other than three large pike. The surface of the water was a sorry sight with detritus that would normally sink to the bottom floating around - not pretty! Of course, the presence of these large predator may well account for the one surviving gosling from a hatch of a dozen or so that we were looking forward to watching grow over the coming weeks. In normal circumstances, the presence of large fish like this is a sign that the river is in good health and fish stocks plentiful but we are concerned that in an enclosed area like the lake that these big boys might be taking more than their fair share.
Strange happenings at the lake Then, just a few days later, the algae all but disappeared over the course of a day. Various suggestions to explain this from simply a chance of weather conditions or (certainly the most exciting scenario) that the algae had itself been eaten by huge numbers of water fleas or Daphnia. The things that go on under water! Elsewhere in the news, the Friends Group have teamed up with the Bowling Club to do all we can to ensure this wonderful game and its traditions live long and prosper as part of the park community. We have managed to attract a whole swathe of new members across the age range and there’s certainly a buzz around the green. All matches now played are friendlies but it’s still difficult not to be competitive home and away, win or lose! The club hut and the grounds are in need of some tlc and we’ve embarked on a volunteer-led
SATURDAY 8TH JUNE 9AM-1PM
FUN GAMES AND LIVE MUSIC TOO!
EASTVILLE PARK POP-UP CAFE
AT THE BOWLING GREEN A DELICIOUS SELECTION OF FRESHLY PREPARED
FOOD AND DRINKS WITH VEGGIE AND VEGAN OPTIONS!
FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK RAISING FUNDS TO IMPROVE THE BOWLING CLUB AREA AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
project to spruce everything up. We have undertaken to support the club financially and held a successful pop-up café in May to raise funds. We’re doing it again on June 8 between 9 and 1. Because it’s Festival of Nature weekend we’ll be displaying some lovely pics of park wildlife for all to see. The café will be especially busy (we hope) between 10 and 11 when hordes of ParkRunners descend for their post-run breakfast. Over the summer we’ll have lots to do here and if you’d like to help us preserve both the club and the very special buildings that belong here, we’d love your help. We are working on a proposal to use the space and buildings for more community activities- a ‘Hub with Heritage’ alongside the Bowling Club - and have great hopes that it will become a fabulous meeting place for the community. You’re never too young nor too old to play bowls so if you
fancy giving it a try, come along to one of the Open Days coming up soon. Details here: Bowling at Eastville Park or Friends of Eastville Park FB Pages. Also here: www. eastvillepark.org.uk The park’s first festival of the year has passed and, while not to everyone’s taste or without impact on the local community, Love Saves The Day gave a lot of fun to a lot of young people and that’s not a bad thing. As we do each year, we extend our thanks to the organisers for their generous donation to the Friends of Eastville Park, enabling us to fund improvements and support our community activities around the park. This week marks the launch of our 2019 vintage Eastville Park Elderflower cordial! We’ve had a couple of popular foraging and brewing sessions and it’s all in the bottles now just waiting for the labels. We sold out very quickly last year so we’ve made enough for everyone and you can get details of availability on our FB group. We are gradually erecting our own rustic style noticeboards around the park where you’ll be able to see lots of information about the group, our events and activities. The first is in place at the Everest Road entrance. Next in will be near the playground/carpark. One more thing to look out for in the summer; a children’s activity session making hedgehogs from logs. Suitable for all ages and SO much fun! In the meantime; come to our beautiful park, relax and enjoy the urban countryside on your doorstep. The Parkie
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June, 2019
45
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
A new clinic and a new baby
O
H my god, what am I doing?! We are over a month into the conversion of the old music shop to the new clinic and it looks like a bomb went off inside it! The builders and project manager assure me that it is supposed to look like that at this stage but really? All I can see are walls ripped back to the old stone of the once grand school house from 1956 that belonged to the church. I think we found what's left of an old fireplace but still no skeletons yet. We have managed to put a lovely new watertight and insulated fibreglass flat roof at the back which makes me strangely happy despite the fact that nobody will see it. To be fair there is so much effort and cost that goes into a building that you cannot see…who thinks how much a concrete floor slab costs when you walk into a building?! I can see glimmers of how lovely it’s going to be though, the windows at the front that make me feel like they are in my very own cathedral look beautiful and will create a lovely atmosphere to be treated in. So far the neighbours have been lovely and are pleased that I’m bringing an old building back to life. I just hope nobody comes here looking for a piano lesson…to be fair I did reach grade 4 when I was 12 but I think
I can only play the theme tune to Beverly Hill Cop. The football season is finally over and I’m pleased to have helped Bristol Rovers stay up, finishing with a fantastic win over automatically promoted Barnsley 2-1. It was a great feeling to do the final lap of the pitch with the players saying goodbye to the fans for another year and Keith our illustrious physio. This summer will see a large turnover of players at Rovers and I look forward to seeing what happens next season but for now I’m glad of the respite and getting my Saturdays back with my ever increasing family. The thing that I keep forgetting to mention is that Jenny and I may have another baby on the way…I have been kinda not thinking about it. It’s as though it’s not real and I have been so busy what with little Molly and Harry, the new clinic, and helping run the British Chiropractic Association that it’s not until Jenny has now really started to show that I think blimey this is happening. I hope the baby comes on a weekend so I can have some time off with the newborn. And no need to email asking if we know what the sex is as there is not a chance that Jenny would have anything that isn’t a surprise. And yes I know I said that the last one was the last…but this one is
definitely the last! With the new clinic on the horizon I have been on a quiet and careful recruitment drive for new chiropractors and other therapists. Before they arrive properly I don’t want to give away who I been speaking to but I can’t wait to announce who the new superstars are that will be joining us to help take on the numbers of patients that come through the door and help me reduce waiting times. People often tell me that it must be good to have such a long waiting list. I hope that it is a good sign that we do what we do well here but it is a double edged sword, I hate it when a patient is in pain and I can’t see them straight away. Patients are very gracious and say that they are happy to wait but I feel guilty. The great news is that help is on the way and we have a great team. Often if you can’t get in to see the chiro, you can get in to see one of the amazing physios or sports therapists or visa versa. I’m
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@ clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro so proud of everybody who works in the clinic from the cleaner and receptionists to all of practitioners. Teamwork makes the dreamwork. I hope everybody has had a happy and healthy spring season…roll on summer!
Dr Timothy Button MSc (Chiro) DC FRCC (Sports)
A Team approach to healthcare.
Find Fishponds Voice on Twitter and Facebook too!
Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced
The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association
Contact
0117 957 5388
w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m
www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk
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CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20 St James's Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JB
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June, 2019
46
n SPORT
Sporting opportunities for all FAMILIES took advantage of a special event to find out about sporting opportunities on their doorstep. Frenchay Joint Clubs Sports Open Day saw a range of clubs come together to offer taster sessions. Clubs taking part included Frenchay Cricket Club; Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club; Bristol Golf Centre, Dings Crusaders RFC; Just Jog, an independent women's running
and jogging group; Gary Harris Cycles, an independent bike shop and Rockleaze Rangers FC. Many of the sessions took place at Frenchay Cricket Club's ground in Common Mead Lane, Hambrook. People also had the chance to visit new sports facilities at Hillside Gardens, where Rockleaze Football Club now play, and at Shaftesbury Park, home to Dings Crusaders Rugby.
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PAINTING & DECORATING
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WIGS
WOODSTOCK T R E E S E RV I C E S
Professional Quality Tree Work at Affordable Prices • Fully qualified and insured • Free No Obligation quotation • All aspects of tree and hedge work carried out
• Over 7 years industry experience • Friendly and efficient • No job too small or too tall
Tel: 07725 951006 web: www.woodstocktreeservices.co.uk e-mail: woodstocktreeservices@gmail.com
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Wigs Bristol
LOCATED IN DOWNEND
We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.
Please book an appointment on:
0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
R U O Y T U O T M E TO S O R
! F O RO
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More often than not traditional roofing doesn’t last and fails because of old fashioned methods of work. At copingcovers.com we undertake a modern approach to make traditional roofing better looking ,stronger, durable and longer lasting. We can now offer you an affordable solution that is guaranteed to work and will enhance the look of your property. We have many happy customers in the Fishponds area and beyond, 100% success rate and 5 star reviews that you can view for yourself by typing our name into google.
Manor Road
Please contact us for a free quote. HAVE A HAPPY DAMP FREE NEW YEAR Jubilee Crescent
Are you sick of damp in your property? Speak to the experts at Coping Covers.com. We can stop damp at source at a fraction of the cost of other damp treatments.
Manor Road
Coping Covers for all your damp and roofing needs Everest Road
Visit us at
www.Copingcovers.com For ALL your roofing needs speak to the experts at:
Email info@copingcovers.com DAMP, ROOFING AND BUILDING EXPERTS Call 01172872192 - Mob 07974242989
Check out our customer reviews EMAIL: copingcovers@gmail.com CALL: 0117 2872192 - MOB: 07974 242989 Visit us at: www.copingcovers.com Find us on Facebook