fishpondsvoice August, 2021 — ISSUE 76
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Children declare war on litter Children at Fishponds CofE Primary have cleared litter that has blown into their school grounds and have written to MP Kerry McCarthy about the issue. PAGE 11
200,000 sign masks petition Annie Moir, Deya Ward and Shanks Raj of the lido steering group in front of the site where they want to build the new outdoor pool, a former bowling green in Eastville Park.
Lido plan for Eastville Park OUTDOOR swimming could return to Eastville Park if a project to build a new lido wins the backing it needs. A group wants to turn a former bowling green in the park into a new lido with a 30m by 15m pool, changing rooms, cafe and reception area. The organisers say the lido would be
community-focused and run as a charity or community interest company. But some residents and volunteer group the Friends of Eastville Park have raised concerns over the choice of site for the scheme and its possible effect on the surrounding area. Turn to Page 3
A petition launched by Eastville man Martyn Cordey calling for mask wearing in shops to be compulsory has attracted more than 200,000 signatures. PAGE 8
E-scooters 'are a menace'
Fishponds councillor Lesley Alexander has branded e-scooters "a menace:. PAGE 16
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fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261
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ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 EDITORIAL news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 15 Mayfield Park, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3nn. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINES September edition deadline is August 25. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Fishponds Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. 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 Caroline Galvin on 07453954261 or news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk.
COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Fishponds Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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August, 2021
n NEWS
Junction flats plan is thrown out A PLAN to build a seven-storey block of flats at one of Fishponds' busiest junctions has been thrown out by the city council. The owners of the Newton Motors garage at the corner of Fishponds Road and Lodge Causeway announced plans in July last year to demolish the building and replace it with one containing 46 flats, along with a ground floor shop. More than 100 people objected to the plans after a planning application was submitted in September for the site, which is opposite the Beacon Tower block of flats and next to one of the busiest junctions on Fishponds Road. Concerns raised included pressure on local parking, increased traffic, overshadowing neighbouring homes and vehicle access to the site from Fishponds Road being across a bus lane, while one objector described the design of the planned building as "clearly hideous". A petition with 219 signatures was also submitted, objecting to a supermarket being part of the proposed development. A decision to turn down the application was made by planning officers using delegated powers at the end of June. Announcing its reasons, the city council said: "The nature and location of the vehicular access proposed on Fishponds Road would be unacceptable in highway safety terms, as would the likely illegal parking generated by the provision of a commercial unit without dedicated parking spaces." The decision document also cited the effect of the proposed development on the "residential amenity" of neighbouring properties, and said it failed to improve the quality of the area or accord with "relevant design considerations". The applicants had also not come to an "appropriate" legal agreement to provide any improvements to "mitigate the impacts of the development", the council said. The applicants have a right to appeal against the decision. The council has yet to make a decision on a second planning application for a major site on Fishponds Road. The owners of the building occupied by Buzz Bingo, opposite Aldi, applied for permission to convert it into a retail store last September. Agents for Jersey-based Jacques L’Hyveuse LP said the site would "ideally lend itself to a further food store or a DIY unit". Flammable cladding to be replaced: Page 14
Lights could stay out for years BRISTOL City Council says it could take years to fix street lights which have gone out under the M32 in Stapleton. A reader contacted the Voice to raise concerns that the lights at the bottom of Bell Hill, next to the Averay Road junction by the former Merchants Arms pub, had gone out, leaving it dark for pedestrians using pavements under the M32 flyover. The Voice understands that residents who raised concerns had been told that there was an issue with the power supply to the lights. A council spokesperson said: "Surveys have revealed a number of lights fixed to the M32 bridge require substantial work and we will work with the specialist contractors due to carry out refurbishment of the bridge from 2023 to restore them, while exploring temporary solutions to improve lighting in this area."
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
3
n NEWS
Bid for pool on bowling green site
From Page 1 The steering group behind the plans says the outdoor pool would cost about £600,000 to build; adding buildings to house facilities including changing rooms, a cafe, reception and function room would take the overall cost to about £1.6 million. A group spokesperson said Sport England and Bristol's City Funds partnership had expressed An outdoor meeting in the park to discuss the lido plans an interest in funding the project. If the project wins the support disturb badger setts at the old pool. it needs from the community and the city The steering group held a public outdoor council, which owns the park, it could be meeting in the park, close to the proposed open in around three years and have a lido site, which was attended by about 70 capacity of 200 people at a time. people on July 20. The steering group, formed by residents After hearing how a volunteer group had who met while using the park, originally revived the fortunes of a lido in the Forest planned to revamp the original Victorian of Dean, people heard from the council's lido, which has not been used for swimming Future Parks project, which is encouraging since it was damaged by Second World War community groups and businesses to express bombing. an interest in running facilities in five city But the group spokesperson said the parks, including Eastville, by October. bowling green site could accommodate People at the meeting then split into a larger pool, further from homes, at a groups for discussion before reporting back "negligible" difference in cost, and would not issues relating to the project.
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These included the demand for local outdoor swimming facilities, how the lido could be communityowned, accessibility, whether it would be heated, the cost of using it and opening hours. Concerns were raised about loss of green space, how environmentally friendly the lido would be, the potential for extra traffic, noise and security issues. Some people at the meeting said public transport to the park would need to improve and visitors would need to be discouraged from arriving by car, with one resident saying that since the car park off Park Avenue had expanded, traffic had already become "horrendous". Others suggested that the lido should be built away from the park entirely, on a brownfield site elsewhere in the Fishponds area. Afterwards a group spokesperson said the meeting had given everyone "a chance to be heard" and said it was good that people who had concerns had raised them. Updates on the scheme are being posted at the Eastville Park Lido Facebook Page. Friends of Eastville Park response: Page 26
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August, 2021
n NEWS
Covid rates 'higher than we've ever seen' MORE than 1,350 school pupils and staff in Bristol had confirmed cases of Covid-19 as levels of the virus reached record levels. Bristol City Council said case numbers in the city were "extremely high and rising" and Mayor Marvin Rees has asked residents to consider continuing to wear masks on public transport and in shops for the sake of others, despite restrictions being relaxed. The council said that in the school term from June 7 to July 21, there had been 1,130 confirmed cases of coronavirus in school pupils and 223 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in staff across a total of 126 schools, with three having to temporarily close. In the week to July 24 there were 3,351 confirmed cases in Bristol, down from a peak of 4,098 recorded in the seven days to July 19, the day most restrictions were lifted across England. Office for National Statistics figures for the Fishponds area showed a total of 107 cases recorded in Fishponds over the week to July 19, with 86 recorded in Speedwell, 59 in Eastville, 56 in Stapleton and 135 in Frenchay and Great Stoke, which includes UWE. Case rates per 100,000 population ranged between 596.3 in the ONS Fishponds South area, which includes Hillfields, and
1,058,2 – about one in every 94 people – in Speedwell, which includes most roads off Lodge Causeway. The England average rate was 502.1 on the same day, while Bristol's rate was 884.4. City director of public health Christina Gray said that with most legal restrictions on contact removed, there were “no mitigations at our disposal" to stop the increase in cases until as many people as possible are vaccinated. She told a council meeting on July 19 that the government might have to rethink the rules at the end of August, adding: "We have higher rates than we’ve ever seen and we expect this to continue." Efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible include drop-in clinics at Eastville's East Trees Health Centre and a new mass vaccination centre at UWE's Frenchay campus. A programme called Let's Get the Jab Done has been launched to encourage more young adults to get vaccinated, with a new website called www.grabajab.net. Covid-19 vaccination rates for individual areas have now been revealed: in Fishponds North 74.8% of adults have had their first dose and 55.5% a second by July 24, in
Fishponds South rates were 73.3% and 55.3% respectively and in Speedwell they were 72.5% and 52%. By the same date 69% of adults in Eastville had had their first jab and 48.4% had received a second, with rates for Stapleton 76.9% and 58.8%, and Frenchay & Great Stoke 69.1% and 42.8%. Those rates were lower than neighbouring areas in South Gloucestershire, such as Downend North, where more than 90% and 75% of people have had first and second jabs respectively, but higher than Barton Hill, where only 55.3% of adults have had a first jab and 35.4% have had a second. Metro Mayor Dan Norris praised the many local businesses and organisations "doing the right thing". He said: "The Government should keep mandatory mask wearing on public transport and ensure workers continue to work flexibly if they can. " Businesses and organisations can download social media graphics, posters or banners at https://www.westofengland-ca. gov.uk/together-weve-got-this-covered/ or request hard copies of the posters via mayor@westofengland-ca.gov.uk 200,000 sign mask petitions: Page 8
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
5
n NEWS
Fishponds teenager is jailed for murder A FISHPONDS teenager is among four people who have been jailed for stabbing a man to death. Kymani Ennis, 17, was found guilty after a trial last month of murdering Andre Gayle, 29, who died after being attacked in an alleyway near Easton Community Centre. A judge lifted legal restrictions preventing Ennis's identity from being revealed when he was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on July 5. Two Speedwell men – Rico Corbin and Tyan Finlayson, both aged 28 – were also found guilty of murder. A fourth defendant, 25-yearold Jerome Lewis, from London, pleaded guilty before the trial, while a fifth was found not guilty. Ennis, who was captured on CCTV holding a large knife, was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years behind bars, while Corbin must serve a minimum of 26 years, Lewis 25 years and Finlayson 23. Andre, a father of six young children, was stabbed nine times during the attack, which happened just after 3am on August 31 last year. He died of his injuries at the Bristol Royal Infirmary two days later. The attack happened in an alleyway in front of a crowd of people attending a silent disco at Easton Community Centre. After the hearing, senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Roger Doxsey, of Avon and Somerset police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The significant sentences
17 years: Kymani Ennis
26 years: Rico Corbin
given to these four dangerous people reflect the shocking nature of their crime. “It was a pre-planned group act, carried out in front of a large crowd, in which large knives were used to kill Andre as he fled for his life. "They showed no mercy in taking the life of a father of six young children and the consequences have been devastating for Andre’s family, loved ones, and the wider community." DI Doxsey said the police had gathered more than 2,000 pieces of evidence, almost 600 statements and more than 1,300 hours of footage from 92 CCTV cameras. He said: “We were overwhelmed by the volume of supportive information from the community in this case and we’re so grateful for that." Andre's family issued a statement, which said: "Our son Andre was well known through the communities of Easton and St Paul’s, having come from a large family and growing up amongst the cricket fraternity, playing for Gloucester County and Bristol West Indies.
23 years: Tyan Finlayson
"Andre was well known by both young and old, touching the hearts of many, and this is evident at the outpouring of grief and shock at such a heinous crime, resulting in many members of the communities coming forward to give evidence and written statements, for which we are most grateful. "To say we are grief-stricken would be an understatement. "The fabric of the family has been ripped apart and the void can never be filled. "These murderers have shown no remorse at all – often
Victim: Andre Gayle
smirking at us from the dock. They are only sorry that they were eventually caught and there is no doubt in our minds if these men were not brought to justice, it would only be a matter of time before they would strike and kill again. "Throughout the UK there has been an epidemic of murders by brutal stabbings; too many families are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones. The only solution and deterrent is for lengthy sentences which reflect these awful crimes."
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August, 2021
n PETER'S VISION
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O what a month it’s been. We’ve lots to be proud of, whichever of the national football teams you were supporting! If like me you have family from more than one home nation then we’ve even more to be proud of! It’s got me thinking a lot this month. I appreciate that at times thinking can be considered a dangerous thing, but this was reflective thinking. As it led to a feeling of genuine & heartfelt appreciation for my team and all they do in caring for our patients, I think I can be excused for this line of thinking! I’ve written before, on just the odd occasion, about how much I enjoy the work I do. I genuinely feel blessed to be able to meet and care for so many of you year after year as patients. It’s also my privilege to be able to lead the superb team of professionals who look after you in our practices. Now before you think that I’m going to take the credit for carefully and painstakingly hand picking each of them, for who they are, and what they bring to our team, don’t worry I’m not! That honour belongs to our practice manager Nikki, who as operations manager has been central to so many aspects of our success as a team. So to my personal experience. I have recently been experiencing long arm syndrome, or perhaps starting to realise that I was born enough decades ago to need a little extra help focussing up close. With so many clear focus lens options to choose from, again I took the dangerous route of thinking! I decided to try a two pronged approach. For much of my work looking close up at eyes I use a sophisticated microscope. I decided a single vision pair of midrange lenses would work well here, which unsurprisingly they do! For everyday I decided that my general vision would be best suited with a pair of our superb relax lenses - which I can now highly recommend from personal experience. If you’ve yet to try these, they have a relaxed focus at the bottom so you can see your phone or small print easily as well as seeing clearly from the rest of the lens for sharp viewing such as the sports scores on the TV. This second pair will be particularly useful for watching the Olympics, which we shall now be watching, for the first time, in ultra HD multi-screen view. I particularly like the harmony & unity of our home nations competing together under the banner of team GB at the Olympics. Our family can all support the same team for a change! With around 350 hours of competition to watch, there is definitely something for everyone to cheer for. When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or to make sure you’re definitely getting the best out of the Ultra HD Olympic broadcasts, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.
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.
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
7
n NEWS
Helping disabled children to go on family holidays A FISHPONDS family is creating a camper van to help people with disabled children go on holiday. Jemima Alexander and Cody Selby are using their own experience and input from other families in the Accessible Iris project, which has raised more than £30,000 in an online crowdfunding appeal. Their eldest daughter Cali, seven, was born with a rare and serious chromosome condition called Edwards' Syndrome. She cannot walk or talk, is tube fed, needs oxygen at night and cannot stay away from home overnight without a large amount of heavy equipment, which means that holidays or even weekend visits to see friends and family are impossible for Jemima and Cody to do with Cali and her five-year-old sister Alba. Jemima said: "As Cali has got older, she's got bigger and her medical needs are more complex. "We found that we couldn't get away together as a family at
Jemima Alexander and Cody Selby with daughters Alba and Cali all – we can't even fit in a car together with all of her stuff. "Yet again this summer, we're splitting up our family in order for us to take both children away. "It is a hidden problem but one that's very common with families who have got a child with a disability, particularly if it's a complex one." Jemima and Cody used to take camper van holidays before Cali was born, and Cody had been "designing his ideal
camper van in his head for many years", asking other families with disabled children what accessible features they would need. Finding that "there was a great demand for an accessible camper van, but no supply", they decided to make the project a reality when the start of the Covid-19 pandemic meant Cali had to shield and the family had to stay at home. They bought a van and Cody started preliminary work on a
conversion but the couple knew they would need help to raise the money needed to make the van fully accessible, including wheelchair fastenings and storage, a powerful electrical supply, adjustable and safe beds, blackout blinds, hot running water and a large fridge-freezer. At the beginning of July they launched a crowdfunding campaign, initially asking for £14,000 towards the costs. They have been "blown away" by the response, which has seen the appeal top £30,000 – enough to pay more of the costs and subsidise holidays for families on low incomes when Accessible Iris is ready to rent as a not-for-profit project. Jemima said: "It's been incredible – we've had so much support, people have been very generous and we've managed to raise awareness of the issue." For more information on the project visit www.accessibleiris. co.uk.
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August, 2021
8
n NEWS MORE than 200,000 signatures have been added to petitions started by an Eastville man calling for face masks to be compulsory in shops. Martyn Cordey hopes that, despite making face coverings optional in all indoor spaces after July 19, the government will rethink its decision in relation to supermarkets and other shops. He is calling on everyone who agrees with him to sign up, to add to the political pressure as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Bristol rises to record levels. His petition had attracted more than 190,000 signatures on the change.org website and more than 12,000 on the UK Government and Parliament Petitions website as the Voice went to print. The petition calls on the government "to keep the legal requirement to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets...until there is a substantial decline in Covid-19 transmission cases, and more of the population have been double-jabbed".
Martyn's mask campaign gains 200,000 signatures
Martyn Cordey with some face masks and the visor he uses when visiting shops Writing on the petition websites, Martyn said: "I believe that the longer the virus is allowed to circulate, the greater the risk of more variants developing. With this risk could be an even greater risk of a variant appearing which could render the current vaccines useless." He said wearing coverings
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in enclosed spaces would help to suppress the recent increase in cases – a view shared by the British Medical Association, which has called for mask requirements to continue. Martyn has multiple health conditions and, although he was not among those officially told to shield during the first lockdown, he relied on friends and neighbours to go to the shops for him. He has now been doublejabbed but says the risk of catching and spreading the virus remains, and mask requirements are important for the confidence of people with health conditions in going out safely. Martyn said: "Going to the shop to get provisions is a need, and they should be a safe haven. "My main concern is taking that safety net away is going to mean a lot more people avoid
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going to the shops. "We can't have everyone having online deliveries, particularly as at the moment there is a shortage of delivery drivers." He said the petition had a narrow focus and he did not have an issue with coverings not being required at non-essential venues such as nightclubs, "as long as they all wear masks inside shops and supermarkets". Although the level of support for the petitions had been "amazing", Martyn said he had yet to receive a response from the government, which is obliged to respond to all petitions receiving more than 10,000 signatures. The petitions can be found at www.change.org/ KeepFaceCoverings and petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/590829.
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August, 2021
fishpondsvoice
9
n NEWS
Praise for student's anti-racism message A BRISTOL Brunel Academy pupil has won a national competition run by an organisation dedicated to fighting racism. Georgia Selway, who is 15, was one of the winners of this year's Show Racism the Red Card Schools Competition, entered by more than 23,000 young people. Now in its 24th year, the competition asks young people to design posters, write poetry, create sculptures, direct videos and compose music with an anti-racism message. Georgia, who has just finished Year 10, impressed the judges with a poster inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, with the message: "When injustice becomes law, resistance is duty." Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Georgia at school in the week after the Euro 2020 final to present her with her prize of football gifts including boots, England souvenirs and a copy of the FIFA 21 video game.
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Arrests after teen is robbed
Dan Norris and Georgia Selway at Bristol Brunel Academy Mr Norris said: “Sadly, we’ve seen again how black footballers still get abused at matches and on social media. "It is quite simply unacceptable, we should all celebrate the rich diversity that has made our national team so successful. "Show Racism the Red Card is doing incredibly important work in schools and I’m proud that young people from across the West of England are using their talents to challenge hate and division. Georgia’s designs are incredibly thought-provoking and I congratulate her on her success in this important competition."
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POLICE have arrested four teenagers after a 16-year-old boy was robbed at knifepoint of an e-scooter in Eastville. The victim was approached at around 5.45pm on June 10 in New Stadium Road, near the IKEA rear car park. The muggers threatened him with a knife before taking the black Xiaomi Mi e-scooter. The boy was not hurt. After examining nearby CCTV cameras police released pictures of people they wanted to trace over the incident in July. Officers later arrested four male suspects, aged between 13 and 18, and later released them under investigation. Police say their enquiries continue and anyone with information should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 129 446. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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August, 2021
10
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
n NEWS
Wild Place competition
BRISTOL'S Green Party councillors have elected a shadow cabinet to provide stronger opposition to the ruling Labour group. New Eastville councillor Lorraine Francis has been made one of the team of 12 announced in July by group leader Paula O’Rourke. The Greens won The Green shadow cabinet 24 seats, as many as Labour, in May’s local elections, but Mayor Marvin Rees opted for a Labour-only cabinet, despite the Greens' call for a "significant role" in influencing policy decisions. Cllr Francis, who is an experienced social worker, will share the adult social care portfolio with Tim Wye, who has worked in social care commissioning in for the council and NHS, shadowing Labour cabinet member Helen Holland. Cllr O’Rourke said: “We hope to work collegiately with the Labour cabinet as much as possible to get the best for Bristol. “While we will aim to be a critical friend to the administration wherever we can, we also won’t shy away from using our strength in the council to call out the administration, or hold the Labour mayor and cabinet to account where needed." By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Lorraine joins shadow cabinet
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n NEWS
Children declare war on litter CHILDREN at a Fishponds primary school are taking action to clear the streets of litter – and have written to their MP to demand more is done to tackle it. Fishponds C of E Academy pupils grabbed litter pickers to tidy up rubbish blown on to the school grounds from Fishponds Road. The school council discussed the problem and worked with teacher Claire Hawkins to write a letter to Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy. They called for more bins to be installed next to roads and in parks, for bins to be emptied more often and for the council to employ more people to pick up rubbish. They also asked for more dog poo and cigarette bins, more monitoring and fining of litterbugs, and said the law should be changed to ensure retailers only use plastics that can be widely recycled. Their letter said: "Rubbish littering our streets and parks affects how the community looks but also has a detrimental impact on wildlife when the rubbish is overflowing due to limited bins within the community." Head teacher Debbie Coker said: "Enabling our children to have a voice and make a difference is all about being a 'courageous advocate'.
"It's the practical showing of our motto, 'loving to learn, learning to love'. "The children are showing practical love by picking up litter and making our school a better place because of it." Ms McCarthy said she was glad to see the pupils taking such an interest in making their community a better place to live. She said: "Most things mentioned – like recycling, more bins in public places, and
refuse collection – are the responsibility of the council, so, as the children’s MP, I will be taking their concerns up with the Mayor and involving local councillors too. "I’ll also be writing back to the school council to tell them of the work I’ve been doing in Parliament on plastic pollution, which I agree is a huge problem, and an issue where the Government could and should do more."
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12
August, 2021
n WILL & PROBATE ADVICE Kate Garraway's problems with no power of attorney in place Kate Garraway from Good Morning Britain has shown it really is time to explode the myth that Lasting Powers of Attorney are just for the elderly. Known as LPAs, adults of all ages should have the protection of them. Like many young couples, Kate and her husband Derek Draper did not have LPAs in place. This was a mistake they regret. No LPAs has significantly added to the terrible year they have experienced when Derek became seriously ill and hospitalised battling the effects of coronavirus. Where Derek was the named person it became a huge problem. Bank and savings accounts were frozen as he had not set up an LPA to authorise Kate to access them if he became ill and lost mental capacity. Kate explained “One of the practical problems is the car is entirely in Derek’s name, the insurance is in Derek’s name, a lot of our bank accounts. I can’t get access to things because legally I haven’t got power of attorney.” Chloe Knight at Simpson Solicitors
agrees. “Kate Garraway’s story shows us that however young and healthy you feel, it is really important to plan ahead just in case you are unfortunate enough to lose your capacity to look after your finances and to make important life decisions.” What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? A Finance LPA is a powerful legal document where you can appoint people you trust to pay your bills and manage your financial affairs if you are too unwell to do this yourself. There is also a separate Health LPA to allow those you trust to speak up on your behalf and make the decisions you would want in relation to the treatment you receive and where you are cared for. Next steps Kate Garraway has spoken out as it can happen to anyone. The message is that all adults should plan ahead and set up LPAs whilst they are well. To enable those they love and trust to support
them, in case they became seriously ill or injured. This summer, local specialists Simpson Solicitors offer our readers 20% off their full fixed price their Complete LPA Service. They will guide you through setting up these powerful legal documents. With advice on drafting the LPAs with extra clauses for your particular circumstances and acting as your Certificate Provider (that you have the mental capacity to sign). The difference with Simpsons is that their one-off price also covers answering questions from those you appoint, dealing with the Court registration process and then providing certified copies and an after care service of guidance to those you have appointed. Melissa Witter (legal advisor) says “If you have been meaning to take advice, then please just pop in to see us or give us a call 0117 960 8594 to book your free meeting. With us it costs nothing to find out more.” John Baden-Daintree (associate
Melissa Witter
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0117 960 8594 www.simpsonsolicitors.com Melissa.Witter@simpsonslawuk.com @michelleatsimpsonsolicitors
director at Simpson Solicitors) says “What our clients like is our “clients for life” approach. So, if in the future if something changes in their circumstances, we are still here for them locally. They can come back for another free review meeting to work out the best way to protect those they most care about.”
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August, 2021
n NEWS
13
Further delay on parks parking charges PLANS to bring in car parking charges at Vassalls Park could be abandoned. Mayor Marvin Rees says the city council is “doing everything we can” to avoid scrapping free parking at the Oldbury Court estate, including the car park at Snuff Mills, and Blaise Castle in Henbury, which were first proposed three years ago. He says no timescale is in place to introduce the fees of up to £3 to leave cars at the parks and that they will continue to be reviewed, but that the authority faces a “really direw financial need”. Mr Rees pledged to work with Henbury and Brentry ward Conservative councillor Chris Windows, who raised the issue at council's member forum in July. Plans for a flat day rate of £2, along with double and single yellow lines on nearby roads, were first floated in June 2018 and slated to be introduced in October 2019 but never were.
Community gathering RESIDENTS are being encouraged to come and get involved with the project to provide new homes "built by the community for the community" in Hillfields. A community gathering and consultation event is being held by the Hillfields Family & Community Trust, which is in charge of the project to build ten one- and two-bedroom homes ]]d next to the Hillfields Community Hub, off Thicket Avenue. Bristol City Council has agreed to hand over land to the trust to provide homes to rent. At the event on Saturday August 7, which takes place at the hub from 2-4pm, people will be able to give feedback on the plans, be asked what they like about the area and new things the would like to see. The free event is open to all and includes creative street play and other games for children, and free tea, coffee and cake. For more information about the trust visit www.hillfields. community. Another consultation later that year proposed parking charges from £1 for an hour to £3 for up to five hours. At the time the council said the changes would allow a
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“turnover of spaces” at the car parks, and enable the authority to invest more in its heritage assets and green spaces – but there have been no further developments since the start of
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the pandemic. In a written question, Cllr Windows said there was “considerable local opposition”, adding: "Users will try to park on the road outside if charges are made and, as has already been experienced, this will cause dangerous parking as well as difficulties to local residents in accessing and exiting their homes." In his reply, Mr Rees said there was "no agreed timeline" to introduce charges and said the council would "continue to review them". The mayor told members: “No one wants to come in and start introducing parking charges in parks unless there is a really dire financial need, and that’s what we face. “We are doing everything we can to make sure we avoid charges.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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14
August, 2021
n NEWS
Suspended sentence for fire block owner A BUSINESSMAN who owned a Speedwell tower block that went up in flames has been given a suspended jail sentence and told to pay £50,000 in fines and costs. Wayne Braund, who was the 'responsible person' for the Strachan and Henshaw building in Foundry Lane when it caught
fire on December 31 2018, pleaded guilty to six fire safety charges. The 52-year-old landlord, of Fieldgrove in Bitton, admitted offences including failing to ensure fire alarms were maintained and working, to provide firefighting equipment or ensure escape routes were safe. Wayne Braund had bought the former engineering works with a view to redeveloping it. When the fire broke out the site's nine-storey office block
contained a music studio, swingers' club and cannabis farm, along with some residents. Avon Fire and Rescue Service, which brought the prosecution, welcomed the oneyear suspended prison sentence, £25,000 fine and £25,000 costs order made against Braund at Bristol Crown Court on July 8. Head of fire safety Karl Venn said: "The sentencing is testament to two years' hard work from our Business Fire Safety Team.
"If you are a business owner, responsible person or manager, you must take fire safety risk assessments seriously and ensure you have taken steps to make sure that people living, working or using your premises are doing so safely." No further action is being taken over a second, bigger fire at the former Strachan and Henshaw site in May 2019, as damage meant firefighters were unable to safely examine it to investigate the cause.
Flammable cladding to be replaced
Firefighters at the former Strachan and Henshaw building in December 2018
A BLOCK of flats at the corner of Fishponds Road and Lodge Causeway is to have its flammable cladding removed. Beacon Tower is one of almost 10,000 buildings found to have been clad in combustible materials following the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, when a fire which spread around the outside of a London tower block killed 72 people. Beacon Tower Management Ltd, which is in charge of the former Department for Work and Pensions office block, which was converted into 44 flats in 2015, has been granted permission by
the city council to replace the current cladding on the eight-storey 1970s block. In their application the managers said: "We are replacing the existing cladding with noncombustible materials, same cladding colours, similar material type, just all non-combustible." Officers cleared the work to go ahead on July 22, saying the design and materials of the new cladding were considered appropriate to the building and adding: "Any issues relating to fire safety will be assessed under a separate Building Regulations application."
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August, 2021
15
n NEWS
Graffiti gives a positive picture IT'S usually something that would get you into trouble with the teachers – but a special project is encouraging graffiti at Fairfield High School. The school worked with Bristol artists' group Graffarty and charity the Creative Youth Network on a ten-week graffiti course aimed at pupils who find it difficult to engage in the traditional five hours a day of classroom work. It says the course encourages team bonding, communication and creative expression, growing confidence as those taking part move from painting their names onto canvas using stencils, paint and pens to a free choice of artworks using a variety of techniques. School achievement coordinator Mason Somerville said: “These graffiti courses are highly effective for engaging those students who may not respond particularly well to the traditional school model. "Whilst they still have the
A WOMAN was rescued after getting stuck in mud at Oldbury Court with a dog. The incident happened at a stream leading from Goffenton Drive allotments to the river Frome on July 5. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called in by police shortly before 1.30pm to reports that the woman and dog were both stuck. The dog managed to free itself but the woman needed to be helped out of the mud by fire crews from Kingswood and Bedminster stations, and was then handed over to paramedics.
House fire
Fairfield High School students with Steve Fitzpatrick from Graffarty and staff member Mason Somerville majority of their week in lessons, they look forward to these few hours where they become lost in the world of art, creating unique pieces which they are then encouraged to take home and enjoy with their families.” Steve Fitzpatrick, from Graffarty, said: “In addition
Mud rescue
to individual pieces of art, we encourage the young people to embark on group activities, such as spray painting plastic wrap or vinyl bands. We also have grand plans for creating a striking mural of a waterfall, so watch this space.”
FIREFIGHTERS were called in to tackle a kitchen fire in Hillfields. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said a chip pan caught fire in Woodcote Walk shortly after noon on July 17. Crews from Kingswood fire station were on the scene quickly to put out the blaze and remove the pan from the house.
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.
We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible
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We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home...
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fishpondsvoice
16 E-SCOOTERS have been branded a “real menace” and a “gimmicky toy” by a Fishponds councillor - but Bristol’s mayor says he wants them to be allowed permanently. Opposition Conservative councillors say the experimental scooter rental scheme in the city has caused dangerous riding on pavements, with users ignoring the Highway Code and scooters abandoned in inappropriate places, creating hazards. But Labour’s Marvin Rees said the Voi electric scooters trial, which is due to end in October, had been an “overwhelming success”. Frome Vale ward councillor Lesley Alexander said: “I appreciate the motives and good intentions behind this year-long trial but, in practice, e-scooters are proving to be a real menace for other road-users and pedestrians. “With helmets merely optional, this represents a health and safety issue for scooter users themselves. Nationally, there have already been fatalities. “I am constantly receiving complaints about inconsiderate
Scooters are a 'menace'
Lesley Alexander riders and the dangerous use of these machines, which are dumped anywhere when they are finished, which creates problems for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. “There are also serious issues with private electric models being ridden entirely illegally on the public highway. “At best, this transport choice is essentially a gimmicky toy for young adults. “It is a low-grade kind of active travel that is unlikely to make any serious impact on the overall volume of commuter, casual or visitor journeys.”
She said councillors should be given a vote on the trial's future. In a written reply at the city councils' member forum, Mr Rees said: “In the main they have been an overwhelming success, here and in cities all over the world. “They provide low-carbon alternative travel options and have been important in supporting the public transport network. “Along with our partners at the combined authority, we are working with Voi on constant improvement, including issues around parking, illegal use and pavements." Mr Rees said he would raise the issue of identifying individual e-scooters when they were being ridden inappropriately with Voi and transport officers. Asked if Bristol could introduce docking stations in reallocated vehicle parking spaces, which has been done in Portsmouth, the mayor told the meeting on July 6 discussions
had taken place about having fencing around parking spaces but he was not in favour of docking stations. Mr Rees said the council would push the West of England Combined Authority, which runs the scheme with Voi, to take up a Government offer to extend the trial until next March and added: “We hope that the government makes this permanent and opens up private ownership and usage.” • BRISTOL'S clean air zone is being delayed by around nine months. The zone, which would see around 75,000 older, more polluting vehicles charged to enter part of the city centre, was due to be brought in this October, but will now not start until next summer. Mayor Marvin Rees said the delay would “absolutely” not affect how soon Bristol would reach the Government’s clean air target. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
for Bristol council tenants
ng usi Fo
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Invoet lved p Se
Wednesday 15 September 2021 1pm – 3pm
Monday 20 September 2021 6pm – 8pm
Topic: Resident Engagement
Topic: Home Choice Bristol
Find out more about the ways you can get involved and have your say on how the housing service is run.
A look at the system that Bristol City Council and our partners use to allocate homes within the city, and discussion about how the system currently works.
Online forum, see how to join below.
Online forum, see how to join below.
ms ru
Housing Forums
Ho
n NEWS
August, 2021
t 2021
Your opinions help us make decisions! • Discuss your local housing services with the council. • Find out more about our Moving Forward Together programme, and help us design housing services based around what matters most to you. • Housing Officers will also be there to help you with your enquiries. • Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums or for more information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk.
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Join us for our annual
y t r a P r e m Sum
On Thursday 19th August from 12:30pm - 2pm or 2:30pm - 4pm At New Pooles Lodge, Fishponds
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FISHPONDS New Pooles Lodge, Maywood Crescent, Fishponds BS16 4FB Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm RSVP to Tania by 12th August 2021 Numbers are limited so please call to reserve your place
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The Best of British character, traditions and values are at the heart of all we do
fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
19
n NEWS
Betty celebrates 100 years of life in Fishponds A GREAT-great grandmother who has lived in Fishponds for her whole life has celebrated her 100th birthday. Betty Hakes grew up in Briar Way, Hillfields, worked for local firms and has lived in the same house near Vassalls Park for 70 years. The second oldest in a family of two girls and two boys, Betty won a scholarship to Colston’s Girls’ School but had to leave at 14 as her mother was ill. After working as a ledger clerk for wholesale grocers HH&S Budgett, who were based in Bristol city centre, she found a job closer to home with Fishponds engineering firm George Adlam & Sons, where she met her husband, Peter, and they married in June 1942 at St John’s Church, Lodge Causeway. Betty later worked in local grocery shops while bringing up a family and has fond memories of the 1951 Festival of Britain in London and organising a street party for the Queen's coronation in 1953. Although Peter died in 2015 Betty still lives in her house, supported by carers from Alina Homecare, her family, neighbours and gardeners. Daughter Joan Lovell said: "She cooks her own meals and keeps her home as clean and tidy as she is able to."
Betty Hakes and husband Peter on their wedding day and, right, Betty celebrating her 100th birthday with daughter Joan Lovell, granddaughter Karen Green, great-grandson Josh and great-great-granddaughter Zenaya C
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Asked her tips for living a long life, Betty said: "You’ve just got to keep going! Keep your mind busy – I’ve got my papers and my puzzles and my television. "I like to do as much as I can by myself, it’s only my legs that sometimes stop me." Betty's carers described her as an "inspiration" and a "joy to be around". Alina Homecare branch manager Jade CC C
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Galaszia said: "It really is an honour to know and to care for someone like Betty. Her warmth and sense of humour is second to none, and our care team really do enjoy every visit with Betty, and to keep her home and independent for as long as possible is what it’s all about. "Thank you Betty for setting the bar so high for us all in life!"
T
My rapid home test checklist: C C C C
Home test kit
Mirror
Phone or computer to report test result
Clean, dry flat surface
Hand sanitiser or soap and warm water
Household bin for disposal
Glass of water
Notebook or calendar to schedule in next rapid test
T T T T
C
C T
T
Watch (or a clock or egg timer) Tissues
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BD13804
www.bristol.gov.uk/rapidtest
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August, 2021
20
n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING
A quart in a pint pot
I
T seems to me that there is a link between planning and education, certainly when it comes to the national curriculum. Every time there is an issue that comes up in public life, be it climate change, the underrepresentation of black history, health scares such as obesity or whatever else, there will be somebody helpfully suggesting that the remedy needs to be taught in school in order to to avoid the same mistakes being perpetuated by the next generation(s). One day kids need to be spending more time learning computer skills to ensure that we keep up with South Asian countries in the international league tables, the next they need to spend more time on the playing fields to become Olympic medal winners or avoid becoming overweight. The trouble is, the curriculum probably does not have the necessary flexibility to
accommodate all of these changes. Planning's limits are not as constricted as the school curriculum, hence this month's new requirement for fire safety to be part of the planning system, subject to the scale of development. I would like to think that this is only a temporary resting place before the Building Regulations claim that responsibility. That regime covers how everything is built, not just the steadilydiminishing amount of building work that requires planning permission. It makes sense that designing out fire risk, at least when it comes to flats, should be taken into account at the earliest possible stage. Also, as Grenfell proved, putting the appearance cart before the safety horse can lead to tragedy. Traditionally one of the main factors in gaining planning permission, at least in terms of
design, would be the cladding of a tower block. How the fire safety requirement is squared with the new focus on buildings being more beautiful and the preference for using brownfield sites, which leads to taller buildings, will be interesting to see, especially at a time when everything is being simplified. It shows up the problems generated by over-stuffing a curriculum. In the same way, the requirement for a 10% improvement in habitats on all developments is another headlinegrabber in the Environment Bill that may prove unachievable in some cases. At least that has a more comfortable fit with planning than fire safety. Establishing what a 10% improvement amounts to in practice, worthy as it is, will depend on accurate habitat surveys in the first place. Planning shows its inherent worth by being expected to 'do everything' in terms of looking
after many aspects of the future. Planners have to be generalists rather than specialists, as I have mentioned before. The exceptions would need to be specialists in everything in 'the curriculum'. What remains the same, or even more important in this expanding curriculum is the ability to balance an increasing number of competing and inter-dependent factors. In doing that, and to ensure public trust, transparency in decision-making is vital. Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com
A SPECIAL PLACE TO LEARN AND GROW Saturday 25th September 2021
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Register at colstons.org
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Whole School Open Day
FR ind o u LE EE M t abo ut fo r Y SS U ou ea S rs O 3, NS IC r 4a nd
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
21
n MAYOR'S VIEW
Transforming transport in Bristol BRISTOL needs a transformative approach to transport. For decades, the city’s political leadership took a patch and mend approach to transport, leaving us ill-equipped to meet the growing challenges we face as a city. A population that will grow by 100,000 by 2050, an ecological crisis that demands greener and more sustainable travel options, our moral and legal responsibility to improve Bristol’s air quality. Bristol's status in 2021 as the only Core City without a mass transit system is unsustainable, we as a city need to evolve to meet our transport challenges. With that in mind, I was pleased to announce the appointment of our Cabinet Member for Transport: Don Alexander. His appointment will give us renewed leadership on the development of transport in Bristol. Transport represents more than just movement, it's about connection. Connection of deprived areas to opportunities, connection of vulnerable people
to services, connection of the public to the needs of the environment and, as Councillor Alexander has pointed out, connection to one another. Councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, Don is a bus-rider and understands the importance of a reliable, fast, and sustainable bus network. He is prepared to focus on reinvigorating the bus services to remind the public of their value and to reduce car dependency, and on advancing the improvements to buses that we have begun during the past five years. Before Covid we were the only city in England outside London where bus passenger numbers were rising. We have a cleaner bus fleet, with investment of more than £30 million since 2015 delivering 142 buses (including 99 biogas buses) in Bristol that meet the highest emission standards. The Bristol Bus Deal has invited all operators in Bristol to help improve their peak hour services
and started with the doubling of frequency of First Bus’s number 2 route. By investing in infrastructure to support sustainable options, we make buses a realistic alternative. Going forward, Don will be working with the One City Transport Groups as well as First Bus and Network Rail on the delivery of walking and cycling upgrades, more park and ride sites and the Joint Local Transport Plan. Don’s cabinet role will also involve managing the relationship between the big-picture transport goals and the everyday local issues. This means that Don also steps up to manage the long term items in our manifesto that will leave a lasting legacy, including the mass transit plan, while maintaining a commitment to the green infrastructure within which these pledges need to be delivered. The mass transit plan for Bristol is about unlocking jobs and opportunities for communities
Park way
Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice
across the city, as well as helping us meet the demands of our growing population. By increasing the use of public transport, we can build a case for investment in a low carbon, reliable transport network which will help Bristol meet its 2030 net zero goals. Councillor Alexander’s appointment represents an active step towards Bristol becoming a greener, more connected, more equal city. I welcome his contribution to cabinet and to city life.
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22
August, 2021
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
We are all the same I KNOW that the weariness and uncertainties of the last 18 months and the tragic impact on so many people have led many to ask: “what is life all about?” or “does it all have a meaning or a destination?” I remember being asked as a 17-year-old: “if I died tonight would I go to heaven?” That simple question had a profound impact on me. So, I was intrigued recently when I was sent a you tube clip of a speaker using his imagination to describe the conversation at the gates of heaven just after one of the two thieves who died next to Jesus found himself there. After a lot of discussions amongst the angels as to his lack of qualifications or religious practice or good deeds, they asked him on what basis he was there, to which the thief replied: “The man on the middle cross said I could come”. You may
recall the story in Luke’s gospel chapter 29 v 39-43, the thief turned to Jesus on the cross and said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. A very simple and direct prayer and Jesus gave him a profound answer: “Today, you will be with me in paradise”. This is story goes to the heart of the good news, the gospel and is really worthy of our reflection. Was Jesus making a special case for the thief next to him or is he really saying to us, you are all the same and that is the way you all need to come to God. If we say by our own merit we deserve to come to heaven, then aren’t we saying some are better than others. We have become the judge, some of us are good we say and because we did good things we should come but that person who upset me or hurt me or did
bad things they don’t deserve to come. Who can be good enough to really deserve heaven? We all know that very often we are selfish and live for ourselves not to the same degree perhaps but, if we are honest, we know we are all the same, like the thief none of us would pass the test. What the thief saw in his moment of desperation on the cross was that the man next to him was innocent, and yet had been condemned to death. How much he understood we do not know, but what was happening on the middle cross was the innocent one was dying in the place of the guilty so that the guilty one could go free. He paid the price for his freedom. Jesus said to the thief, what he says to us: “You can come to me, today.” We don’t need to wait until we are at the doors of death, none of us
Tony Davies Leader, Waterbrook Church
know when that will be anyway. This reminds me of another thing that Jesus said that is so relevant to us today: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” Matthew 11: 28.
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
23
n FROM OUR MP
Creating a mini-Holland in Fishponds? IF we can draw one positive from the past year, which has in most respects been pretty grim, it’s the transformation in travel and working habits. People can now work remotely and conduct meetings by Zoom, rather than sit in rush hour traffic every day. Others have taken advantage of the quieter streets and started cycling, or are walking more because they’re trying to avoid public transport. As things start to return to normal, we need to embed these changes, by making it as convenient, easy and safe as possible to walk, cycle, or use public transport, and also to free up the street space for things other than cars. What we don’t want to see is a “car-led recovery” and a return to intolerable congestion and illegal levels of air pollution. Bristol has already made a good start, for example in closing off roads in the city centre that had been previously reserved for motor traffic, to allow
businesses to offer outside dining, and creating more bike lanes. But the Council that has led the way on this agenda is Waltham Forest in East London, beginning with its hugely successful “mini-Holland” scheme some seven years ago. Eastville councillor Marley Bennett and I recently visited the borough and embarked on an e-bike tour with the council's deputy leader, Clyde Loakes, and one of his officers. Residential streets in Walthamstow that had seen thousands of vehicle movements a day have been closed off to traffic to prevent rat-running, with traffic levels dropping by up to 97% and no notable increase in congestion on main routes. These changes are not only enabling active travel but have created some beautiful community spaces too. Marley and I kept pointing out measures that could work in Fishponds and Eastville, from the Blended/Copenhagen
crossings, wildflower planting and sustainable drainage features to reclaimed street space. There are 29 kilometres of segregated cycle lanes in Waltham Forest, and they have the most on-street cycle hangars of any borough in the country – 550 in total – making bike ownership a feasible option for people who don’t have the space to keep their bike at home. I’m glad that Mayor Marvin Rees has committed to introducing on-street bike hangars in Bristol. Bristol City Council is also rolling out lowtraffic neighbourhoods and new school street schemes (with roads by schools closed off at drop-off/ pick-up times). It has proposed changes to 10 neighbourhood roads and high streets too, which could involve closing a road completely, pavement widening, or road layout and direction changes. Roads under consideration include Rosemary Lane in Eastville. If you have any
Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
writes for Fishponds Voice thoughts on any of this, please do get in touch! Kerry McCarthy is MP for Bristol East and Labour’s shadow Green Transport Minister and can be contacted at kerry.mccarthy. mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0117 939 9901.
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
n LETTERS
25
Church marks 200 years
Jo flies high A PRIMARY school worker took to the skies strapped to a biplane to help raise £5,000 for a new outdoor classroom. Jo Lewis Edkins, who has worked in the office of of Glenfrome Primary School office for the past 11 years, was given a voucher for the hair-raising wing walk by her brother and decided to put it to use to support the school. School supporters group the Friends of Glenfrome raised more than £4,500 in sponsorship for Jo on an online fundraising page before her flight at an airfield in Gloucestershire in June. Jo Lewis Edkins on top of her plane The remaining amount of the target came from a 'crazy hair day' event in school on the Friday before the challenge. Jo said she felt more nerves in the nine-month run up to the wing walk than while she was on top of the plane. She said: "The hardest part was climbing onto the wings with my not-so-good knees. "Once I was in place and strapped in there was no stopping me! It was the most exhilarating, crazy experience I've done to date and yet I would do it again."
A FISHPONDS church will celebrate its 200th anniversary with a series of events. St Mary's Church grew out of the small Trinity Chapel, which was set up as an offshoot of Stapleton parish church in 1821. At the time it served a small hamlet, but as Fishponds continued to grow, the chapel was extended and became St Marys in 1869. To mark 200 years of worship, baptisms, festivals, harvests, weddings and burials for 200 years, on the weekend of September 11 to 12 the church will host an exhibition and a programme including tours, music, recitals and cream teas. Churchwarden Mary Ewing said: "This is a place that speaks of both our deep connections to people of the past, but also is a chance to celebrate with this community today and to look forward to what might be the future of this church in Fishponds. "We would love you to join us, celebrate with us. Save the date in your diaries." Organisers would like to hear from anyone who has old photographs of St Mary's that they could scan to form part of the bicentenary exhibition. Anyone who can help can email Mary at mary.ewing01@sky.com, call 07799 108890 or post them to Rev Lizzie Kesteven at 11 Vicars Close, Fishponds, BS16 3TH, with a name and address for any which need to be returned. For more details about the church visit stmarysfishponds.org.uk online.
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August, 2021
26
n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK
Our position on the Lido proposal AFTER a great deal of consideration and collaboration on surveys on the upper park, the Friends of Eastville Park have decided not to support the construction of a lido here. While we fully support the creation of leisure swimming facilities in North East Bristol, we cannot support the loss of valuable, multi-use green space that helps manage air quality, well-being and community activities where there are deprived communities. The Friends of Eastville Park are a recognised constituted committee comprised of 12 local residents to support Eastville Park. Over the last four years the group have run several community events, created a pop-up café to help provide evidence of cost effectiveness of a café at Eastville, rescued the ailing lawn bowling club, successfully applied for funds for the play area and improved relationships with the council Parks
management department. We agreed to collaborate on a Masterplan project and feasibility study to see what facilities would serve most people and if a lido could be suitable. The initial feasibility study on the old swimming pool site found that it was prohibitively expensive to build and run a renovated lido given the damage to the old pool and existing protected wildlife. The focus was then shifted to a feasibility study on the Old Bowling Green. The Old Bowling Green site has been underused and so a series of surveys were conducted to ascertain the best use way to improve all facilities in the upper park. The results showed that people most highly valued a café, toilets and nature programmes in the park. Several sport options were also favoured, including swimming, Tai Chi, Yoga, and similar group sport activities.
Constructing a lido would involve a great deal of heavy digging machinery, likely requiring loss of hedges, mature trees and green space to gain access. The car park would also likely require expansion to cope with the additional cars from people visiting the site from areas outside of Eastville during peak season. While we recognise that swimming venues are sorely needed in East Bristol, we believe an open-air cold-water site: • Would not support swimming lessons for children due to the water temperature • Would not be safe for pregnant swimmers due to the cold-water temperature most of the year. • Would have a water temperature of less than 15C for eight months of the year and therefore not available to a wide demographic of swimmers. • Would attract large crowds to Eastville Park to swim during the summer months, causing pressure on the nearby roads accessing the small car park. Queues of swimmers could be long during hot weather. • Would dominate the upper park entrance by the size – projected to be close to 40m in length plus support buildings. • Would not be able to support such a wide demographic of Eastville as a multi-purpose flat green space available to hire or run a variety of events. • Would be costly to heat and would likely create a hefty carbon footprint. • Would create a noise and smell nuisance for the residents of Park Avenue who already are
Friends of
EASTVILLE PARK at breaking point due to the popularity of the park Furthermore, most coldwater swimmers need to warm themselves up for some time after swimming and therefore are unlikely to access the site using sustainable active travel methods during the winter. It is our considered view that a lido development would have such a detrimental impact on both the park and local residents that we cannot support it being built there. Even if the site initially plans to be run as a community-based venue, there are no guarantees that the site would always be so. Bristol is also currently committed to halting the climate and biodiversity crisis by adding to green spaces and increasing a range of habitats for wildlife. We feel that the lido project goes against this plan and would be more suited to a brownfield site where green space would be added rather than destroyed. It is our collective opinion that the lido project should seek to renovate existing brownfield sites in East Bristol to provide both an indoor and outdoor swimming option with added green space, car park and leisure facilities. Friends of Eastville Park
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fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
27
n HOME CARE & FUNDING
Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead
Healthy Homes for Bristol Homeowners ACCORDING to the National Center for Healthy Housing, a healthy home is housing that is designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that is conducive to good occupant health. Improving the condition of private sector housing will not only benefit the housing stock but provide significant improvements in independence, health and wellbeing that people experience when they live in a home designed to meet their needs. The cost of making these critical works can be challenging as many of us don’t have the ready finance for home repairs, which can often be costly and unexpected. For homeowners looking to fund these home improvements, social enterprise lender, Lendology, may be able to help. Lendology have worked in partnership with Bristol City Council to provide affordable loans to homeowners across the city for over 15 years. From replacement heating to whole new roofs, to damp remedy and structural repairs, through to updating electrical wiring or plumbing, the works under the loan scheme are varied. Homeowners of any age and employment status can apply, and Lendology offer a range of loan products depending on the needs of the household. A client who recently benefited from the home improvement loan scheme said “Lendology made the cost of replacing my boiler affordable. Without them, I would be stuck in
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winter without any heating or hot water. Andy made the whole process so easy and he is such a customer friendly person.” Local, independent not-for-profit organisation, We Care Home Improvements are on hand to help oversee your project. They provide home improvements and repair services for individuals to maximise independence and improve the quality, safety and suitability of homes. To find out more about Bristol City Council’s lending scheme for homeowners, call Lendology direct on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk If you are thinking about investing in home adaptations, call We Care Home Improve-
ments for advice on 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
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*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value. Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
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fishpondsvoice
28
August, 2021
n NEWS 'Devastating' break-in A HILLFIELDS resident has warned other people to be on their guard against thieves after her brother's valuable bike was stolen from a locked van. The black Ribble Endurance SL Disc road bike, worth £1,900, was stolen shortly after 4am on July 16 in Thicket Avenue. It was among £6,000 worth of possessions stolen from the van belonging to resident Sophie Walker's brother while he was visiting her. Sophie said her brother was "devastated" at the loss, which was not covered by his insurance policy, and says she had heard of several other break-ins in Thicket Avenue and Briar Way. She said: "I would advise everyone not to keep any valuables in their cars at night." A police spokesperson called on anyone who had information on the break-in to call 101, quoting the crime reference number 5221 160 572.
Holiday activities PEOPLE looking for something to do over the summer holidays are being invited to find out more about their history or to make a change – and be in with a chance of winning a prize. Bridging Histories is a learning project offering people free educational activities to connect with others, learn about the past and find out how to make positive changes for the future. Six activities include sharing a favourite recipe, writing a poem or finding out about your street or family's history. There are prizes of between £100 and £1,000 on offer for people who take part in the Changemaker activity – choosing an issue where you can make a difference at a local level and doing something to address it, from stopping smoking to making and sharing a video highlighting a problem. And anyone who takes part in any Bridging Histories activity will automatically be entered into the Summer Stars competition, with a chance to win £100 Bridging Histories director Dr Joanna Burch-Brown said: “It’s about celebrating our city, ourselves and each other – learning our history and making a positive difference. “People of all ages and social groups are welcome. We’ll be finding out more about our city by learning about the people who live here and creating positive change for the future. Everything created will go into a shared library online.” Participants are automatically entered into the Summer Stars and Changemakers competitions – prizes range from £100 to £1,000 and a mentoring session. Bridging Histories is an initiative of the We Are Bristol History Commission and Bristol University. To find out more visit the website bridginghistories.com.
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Head shares experience THE head of an Eastville school has shared with an international audience her experience of moving from a large secondary school to leading a primary school. Earlier this year the Voice reported on Vanetta Spence's move from Fairfield High School to May Park Primary School, where she is now the principal. Ms Spence was invited to speak at the TransitionEd Conference, an international conference all about educational transitions children and staff experience throughout their education, such as moving years and schools, to share her experience of her changing role.
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
August, 2021
29
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Camping can damage your back S LOWLY but surely, we’re getting back to normal. It’s great isn’t it? We can get out for a bit of retail therapy and go to the pub or our favourite restaurant. But many of us are still not sure about taking that considerable leap onto an airplane to jet off to our place in the sun. That’s why the staycation was invented! Now we’re all set to take advantage of all the beautiful seaside escapes and countryside retreats this great country has to offer. However, as every caravan and Airbnb seems to have been booked up for months, many people will be taking the family off to a campsite this summer. So as you do your best to get yourself ‘tent ready’, consider a few of these tips to avoid an emergency chiropractic trip halfway through your well-earned break away. Apart from being, quite literally, a pain for you, the rest of the gang won’t be too happy either. First of all, take your time to pack the car – it won’t get you there any quicker and rushing around is a sure way to injure yourself before you’ve even
driven out of your street. Check that your blow-up beds haven’t suddenly sprung a leak before you travel… waking up on a hard floor is a short cut to getting a bad back. Once you’ve checked the equipment, get some help to put the heavy tent into the car. Tents come in all sorts of awkward shapes and sizes and are normally quite bulky. So it’s time to set off and battle it out on the motorway and those picturesque country lanes. Driving can be tiring, both mentally and physically, so make sure you take regular breaks on the journey. Get out of the car for some fresh air and a stretch – perhaps grab a coffee or a cold drink. When you’re settled in at your destination, don’t forget that regular exercise – even if it’s only a short morning walk around the campsite – will keep things ticking over. You could even try some yoga or Tai Chi while you’re away. The main thing is that you enjoy a relaxing holiday. If you get stuck for help and advice away from home in a far-reaching part of the country, search for a chiropractor using
the BCA website here: https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/ find-a-chiropractor/ There’s sure to be someone not too far away who can help. As the country negotiates through the ‘relaxing’ of some regulations, we’re continuing to take a cautious approach at Cleve Chiropractic. We’re adopting the same precautions that have kept our patients and staff safe throughout the pandemic. We ask you to be patient and carry on wearing masks in our clinic, unless you are exempt. Lastly, for those of you interested in my new found golfing hobby, I can tell you that I have managed a lesson with the very patient Emma Brown, one of the highly experienced coaches at The Kendleshire. She figured out that I was holding my breath when I took a shot… turns out that is daft as it
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
completely restricts your swing! So now I breathe while I’m playing golf – an eminently sensible idea and a huge leap forward when I hit a ball.
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August, 2021
30
n SPORT
Boxers return to competition
YOUNG fighters at Downend Boxing Club are returning to competition. Vinnie Bush was the first to get back in the ring. The 14-year-old boxer took part in his second contest in Lymington, Hampshire, at the end of July, but lost to a close decision after a great performance. This bout was set to be closely followed by contests for Alexa Smith, 15, and 10-year-old
of Portsmouth ABC, in what promises to be a great contest. Charlie has been newcomer Charlie waiting for his chance Bell at Havant in since he was eight Hampshire at the years old for his beginning of August. first appearance, as Alexa and Charlie competitors must be travel to the Harry at least ten. Crook Centre in Charlie Bell Charlie takes Fishponds from part in a non-competitive skills Wiltshire for training twice a contest, which is designed to give week and are very committed. newcomers a flavour of boxing Alexa will take part in her in front of an audience before ninth contest against national the real thing – and to say he is finalist Ruby Waters, from Heart
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7 Days - Call for a free quotation • For the best in carpet cleaning • Fully Prochem trained • All work insured • Based in Keynsham Always here when you need us
Tel: 07760 320942 www.ablecleaningltd.com To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
excited is an understatement! Various youngsters will then head to Torquay on August 14 and 15 for the Riviera Box Cup, a large competition that will see some of the country's finest Olympic-style boxers compete across the two days. It is great to be back after such a long break. England Boxing will have full covid preventative procedures in place, and we hope to be back to normality soon. Craig Turner
ADVERTISE HERE
GARDENING
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS From as little as
£18.30 +VAT
Per month EMAIL
sales@fishpondsvoice. co.uk Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
D. ATTWELL
LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building
• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
August, 2021 HOUSE CLEARANCE
House, Garden, Office Clearance
House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! all other cheaper than a skip. waste removalOn-Average On average cheaper than a skip
Tel: 003 Tel:07592 07592 506 506 003 1/4 Load £89 Half Load £139 3/4 Load £179 Full Load £199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk
HYPNOTHERAPY
Want to
Feel relaxed and free from anxiety and stress Have a good night’s sleep Stop smoking, lose weight Overcome fear of flying, dentists or other phobias Get relief from migraine, irritable bowl syndrome
Hypnotherapy can help
PAINTING & DECORATING
J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:
07474573780 0117 2792264 e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com
PLASTERING
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
0117
957 5092
PLUMBING
City and Guilds Qualified
Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations
Tel: 07900 551199 Tel: 0117 9567100
email: sbsplastering@aol.co.uk
www.gerrymonaghanhypnotherapist.com
CHECK OUT REVIEWS ON GOOGLE
LOCKSMITHS
PLUMBING
SBS PLASTERING
For more information and a free initial consultation contact Gerry Monaghan Solution Focused Hypnotherapist
Tel/text: 07599 207 299
31
PLUMBING & HEATING
NIGHT & DAY
* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES
LOCKSMITHS 24HRS Contact Dave Staynings
0117 925 6828 Mobile:
07765 208690 PAINTING & DECORATING
Painter & Decorator No job too big or small Dust free sanding Reliable, Friendly Free quotations Fully insured
We would be pleased to help you with your
Boiler/Heating systems installed Unvented Cylinders Electric Boilers Underfloor heating Boiler repairs Boiler servicing Gas & PAT safety testing
0% FINANCE AVAILABLE* Contact us via:
0117 9600269 info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk FULLY ACCREDITED WITH
PLUMBING
CREST HEATING & PLUMBING
BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE E: bestcoatdecorating@gmail.com M: 07554475682
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
*FINANCE PROVIDED BY INPROVEASY
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
TEL: 07765 250816
56746
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
Rajani Superstore WWW.RAJANIS.CO.UK
e r o t s r e p u S i Rajan
Maggs Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, Bristol, BS5 7EW www.rajanis.co.uk Maggs Lane, tate, Es g in ad Tr s nd Fishpo Tel: 0117 965 5201
O.UK WWW.RA JANIS.C
Bristol, BS5 7EW www.rajanis.co.uk Tel: 0117 965 5201
r eS N O I T C U SUMMER RED
is Summ h t n e rd a G & e m o H Everything for the
RDEN FURNITURE GA AL • SE T N EN RO M IP U EQ OL&S • GARDEN FENCE LIFE POIL PADDLITONPG SO • GS ER BA IZ IL ER RT IZ IL FE RT FE GARDEN TRELLIS BAGS
• BBQS
Y R E N O I T A T S L O O H C S O T K BAC GARDEN EQUIPMENT
GARDEN FURNITURE
NOW LICENSED TO SELL ALCOHOL
LCULATORS • CARD CA • S PE LO VE EN • • FFIELES & FOLDERS GA TIENC WRI CKSS•TO BACKPAIN R
VISIT OUR
SANDWICHES, WHICH SERVES FASTS ENGLISH BREAK LL FU , ES CH N LU LD DRINKS T AND COSERVES HOWHICH SANDWICHES, m - 6pm Saturday 9a to day ENGLISH m FULL BREAKFASTS ENING Mon OPLUNCHES, Holiday 10am - 4p nk Ba d an ay nd HOURS: Su
VISIT OUR INSTORE CAFE
HOT AND COLD DRINKS
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday and Bank Holiday 10am - 4pm