Fishponds Voice December 2017

fishpondsvoice December, 2017 — ISSUE 35

THE OLD POST OFFICE Eat, drink and be merry

786 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3TT Tel: 0117 965 5730

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Salute the million pennies man!

Singer Frankie Johns has completed his mission to raise a million pennies for Help for Heroes.

Frankie, aka John Billitteri, has been collecting the coins from people around east Bristol since 2013 and his total is 1,018,784. He celebrated with, left to right: Marion, nine, Harris, 11, Colby, eight, and Hollie, also eight, at St Stephen's Junior School.

Full story: Page 7

The fightback starts here!

Shaun Luther and Craig Amos are behind a revival of Kingswood Boxing Club in a new HQ in Lodge Causeway.

PAGES14 & 15

Water way to see Santa Claus A new Christmas venture is planned this year for Eastville Park where volunteers are planning to create a Santa's Grotto on the lake.

Cancer survivor's plea over stolen wedding rings

BRYONY Bateman, 28, from Fishponds, has appealed to thieves to return her wedding and engagement rings.

Bryony, who married Neal in 2013 after beating cancer, says the jewellery reminds them of a friend who lost his battle with the disease.

Full story: Pages 16 and 17

PAGE 3

Youth club's future in doubt Grove Road Youth Club in Fishponds is facing closure after seven years because of a shortage of funds.

PAGE 6

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2

fishpondssvvoice December, 2017

THE OLD POST OFFICE Eat, drink and be merry

— ISSUE 35

DS AREA

ATER FISHPON

Salute the million pennies man!

CHRISTMAS is coming ... and the geese might be getting fat, but austerity is biting in Fishponds and elsewhere as Bristol City Council looks at ways to produce the balanced budget the Government requires.

This is going to mean cuts; as we went to print the authority announced a delay to its plans to reduce the number of public libraries, but most school crossing patrols look set to go. The plan to make the parks budget 'cost neutral' has been dropped but the authority still needs to chop £2.8m from the costs. The parks consultation is still open - do contribute if you have ideas.

The fightback starts here!

Johns Singer Frankie his has completed a mission to raise for million pennies Help for Heroes.

Frankie, aka John been Billitteri, has coins collecting the from people around east Bristol since total 2013 and his He is 1,018,784. celebrated with, left to right: Marion, Colby, nine, Harris, 11, also eight, and Hollie, 's eight, at St Stephen Junior School.

7 Full story: Page

and Craig Shaun Luther a revival of Amos are behind Club in a new Kingswood Boxing y.

HQ in Lodge Causewa PAGES14 & 15

Water way to see Santa Claus

s venture is A new Christma for Eastville planned this year rs are Park where voluntee a Santa's planning to create lake.

Grotto on the PAGE 3

r's Cancer survivo len plea over sto gs rin g in wedd

Youth club's t future in doub

n, 28, from to BRYONY Batema appealed to thieves ent Fishponds, has and engagem return her wedding in rings. married Neal Bryony, who cancer, says the 2013 after beating them of a friend jewellery reminds with the disease. who lost his battle16 and 17 Full story: Pages

Club in Grove Road Youth closure Fishponds is facing because of a after seven years shortage of funds.

PAGE 6

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fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 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, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www. wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999

DEADLINES january edition deadline is December 12.

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One thing's for sure - the efforts of volunteers, including those organising the Santa's Grotto on the lake at Eastville Park, will be needed more than ever and we will continue to report on them.

There's so much going on that we ran out of space for all the news this month, so some items have een been held over for our January edition.

Fishponds Voice is a free monthly news magazine delivered free to more than 7,500 homes. Copies are also available to pick up at libraries and coffee shops.

It is one of 16 papers in the Voice series, which serves communities in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset. Look our for our sister papers, Downend Voice and St George and Redfield Voice.

You can contact us via email, Facebook or Twitter or you can write to us at 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6 JT. Our email address is news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @fishpondsvoice

NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

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December, 2017

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 Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk.

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

3

n NEWS

Santa as you've never seen him before THE lake at Eastville Park will be the setting for a unique Christmas event featuring Santa's grotto, elves and fairies as well as live music and storytelling.

Santa's Grotto on the Lake will take place on Sunday December 17 from 10am-4pm and organisers are going all out to make sure it will be an event to be remembered.

There will be fun activities, jugglers, poets and mime acts to ensure a fun-packed day for children and adults alike.

Mother and Father Christmas will make an appearance and children will be able to visit their magical grotto where a gift will await them.

The event has been a joint venture between the Friends of Eastville Park and Frome Fairies and will raise funds to improve and update the children's playground in the park.

Organisers had been

anxiously awaiting permission from Bristol City Council for the event to go ahead but everything has been rubber stamped so it's full steam ahead.

Andrew Gee, one of the organisers, said the special day

will hold a few surprises too: "It's the traditional grotto, but of course it's not!

"We have an excellent working group making preparations and fantastic volunteer support from the local

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community.

"The whole idea behind the day is to start to bring small, regular fun days to the park and encourage more and more families to enjoy this wonderful space.

"We need to make Eastville Park a 'destination' for the local community and beyond."

Organisers are looking for extra help including elf helpers on the day and offers to make cakes and savoury snacks in the days leading up to the event.

There are various other craftbased jobs which could be done by people with little free time but who'd like to help.

Visitors are being encourage to spread their visits throughout the day to ensure it doesn't get too busy.

To get in touch or to find out updates, please visit the Facebook event page 'Santa's Grotto on the Lake'.

Tickets are ÂŁ3.

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December, 2017

n NEWS

Ofsted praises Bristol Brunel Academy BRISTOL Brunel Academy in Speedwell is celebrating after again being rated Good by the watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors who visited in October said the school had maintained standards since the last visit in 2013.

In a letter to the principal, Jon Jones, Ofsted’s Richard Steward said: "The majority of current pupils make good progress in a wide range of subjects, including English and mathematics. You have reduced previous differences between the achievement of disadvantaged pupils and other pupils significantly.

“You acknowledge, however, that you still have more work to do to ensure that you help the most able pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, to achieve at the very highest levels.”

The inspector said strong and confident leadership at the academy provided a clear sense of direction and ambition.

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safety which permeates every aspect of school life.”

Mr Jones said: “I feel incredibly proud of the students, staff and families for the recognition highlighted in this feedback letter. The Ofsted team recognised that we had improved significantly on our previous ‘Good’ judgement and that we are moving ever closer to becoming ‘Outstanding’ at the next inspection. I want to thank every member of the academy community for their part in achieving this recognition and for their future support.”

Steve Taylor, chief executive of Cabot Learning Federation, said: “I am delighted that the community served by Bristol Brunel can be so proud of its local school. The academy continues to get better and better, which is why it is so popular with pupils and their parents and carers. Well done to Jon Jones, his team and the governors for making such a difference every day.”

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“Changes you have made to the curriculum are clearly having a positive impact on the progress that pupils make,” he said.

“Pupils are proud of their school and appreciate the positive impact the behaviour

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Mr Steward also praised the school for its “strong culture of

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

n NEWS A PENSIONER from Fishponds has completed a daredevil wingwalk to raise £1,000 as a thank you to surgeons who saved his life.

Bill Quinn, 73, was given just three years to live after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

But - almost 20 years later the sprightly septuagenarian has completed an intrepid 130mph wing-walk to raise money for Southmead Hospital Charity’s Prostate Cancer Care Appeal.

Bill soared through the air at 2,000 feet above sea level as part of his charity challenge to raise money for the appeal.

He chose the Prostate Cancer Care Appeal as a thank you for the radical neo-bladder surgery he had 19 years ago to treat his bladder cancer.

Surgeons at Southmead Hospital removed his bladder and created an artificial bladder from a section of bowel.

Bill, who also did some additional fundraising for another cancer charity, said: "The doctors gave me three years to live and now almost 20 years later here I am!

"I’ve always wanted to give something back and after having a chat in the pub with friends the wing-walking idea came up."

Bill did the 15 minute long wing-walk in Dorset in September and has now presented Southmead Hospital Charity with a cheque for £1,000.

"I was really excited to do it, there was a little apprehension but I wasn’t scared," he said.

"It was only 15 minutes from take-off to landing but it felt like longer; it was cold and loud but I really enjoyed it.

"I hope to do a skydive for my 80th birthday."

Southmead Hospital is the largest urological centre in the

5

Daredevil Bill, 73, hands over wing-walk donation country, treating thousands of prostate cancer patients a year.

It is also one of only five centres in the UK to specialise in robotic surgery to treat the disease.

Robotic surgery is more accurate, less invasive, causes less blood loss, and reduces the length of stay in hospital than traditional surgical methods.

Men also have much better long term prospects for a full recovery.

Southmead Hospital Charity’s Prostate Cancer Care Appeal aims to raise funding to purchase two new surgical robots to replace the current, ageing model.

The second surgical robot would enable the team to treat even more men as well as provide robotic surgery for other types of cancer like kidney, bladder and gynaecological.

Adrian Brown, community appeals manager for Southmead Hospital Charity, said: "Bill’s story is an amazing example of the extraordinary lengths our fundraisers will go to – he is a real inspiration and we are so grateful.

"The Prostate Cancer Care Appeal will ensuring that Southmead Hospital and Bristol will continue to be at the forefront of urological cancer care and can treat more men like Bill who can go on to do remarkable things."

Find out more about the Prostate Cancer Care Appeal by visiting www. southmeadhospitalcharity/ prostate

Adrian Brown, from Southmead Hospital Charity, receives the cheque from Bill Quinn, of Fishponds

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6

n NEWS

December, 2017

Closure threat to youth club

Time for celebration A GRADUATION ceremony will be held on December 9 for participants in Life Universecity classes.

These are held monthly at the Old Fishponds Library and offer lifelong learning and tools for self development.

Acting Chancellor and Dean of the Life Universecity is the Rev Dawnecia Palmer, who said she was delighted at what had been achieved during the first year.

Among those being honoured at the event by the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Lesley Alexander is Destination Bristol’s John Hirst, who has served the city since 1997.

LULC's next course starts February 2018, on a rolling admissions policy. For more information or to register please email life.universecity@ gmail.com or visit www. themagnificentway.com/life universecity

A POPULAR Fishponds youth club faces closure early next year unless more local support can be found.

Grove Road Youth Club, for 10-16 year-olds, was set up seven years ago and is run by parent volunteers.

About 30 young people meet every Friday from 7-9pm in term time. Weekly activities range from drama workshops to fire photography, spin painting and much more.

A spokesman said: “The funding sources from grants and local authorities have dried up in these times of austerity, so we have a shortfall - without extra support, we will have to close by Easter 2018.

“Running the youth club costs around £3,500 per year.

This pays for a dedicated youth worker, some of the activities, rent and heating. We have fundraising events - film nights at the church hall every six

months, and discos, and we charge affordable subs to the kids. But we need your help to fill the gap.

“Any donation you can make would be most welcome, and we also need arts and crafts materials, tuck shop supplies, sports equipment or any other

offers of help.”

For companies, the club can offer a sponsorship package including pictures and text for your website, and inclusion of your company logo (with link) on our website and Facebook page.

If you can help, please email robbiejallen@gmail.com

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✆ 0117 958 4769 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

7

n NEWS

Hooray! Frankie tops 1m pennies in support of Help for Heroes HE'S done it! Singer Frankie Johns has smashed his ambitious target to collect one million pennies for the charity Help for Heroes.

To celebrate he visited pupils at St Stephen's Junior School in Soundwell to tell them all about his extraordinary journey.

The 58-year-old came up with the idea back in 2013 and has been busy ever since travelling across the city with his bike and trailer collecting people's spare change.

He also visited schools and put collection buckets in local pubs and clubs, including those where he performs.

Frankie, whose real name is John Billitteri, has even surpassed his target by reaching the grand total of 1,018,784 pennies - or ÂŁ10,187.84.

The last big boost came from customers at the Lord Raglan pub in St George after a collection bucket was placed on the bar.

Frankie, who was nominated for the regional heats of the Pride of Britain awards for his pennies campaign, brought his bike and trailer to the school hall where a special assembly was held.

Among pupils was none other than Frankie's grandson, eightyear-old Colby, who became centre of attention for the day.

After telling pupils about his campaign and the charity Help for Heroes, Frankie then took questions from pupils who were keen to find out more.

Frankie, who lives in Kingswood, said: "It's absolutely brilliant to reach the target.

"It's been a challenge but a good one. I've loved getting out and meeting people and have met lots of new friends.

"It was great to visit pupils at St Stephen's who really took an interest in the campaign and asked some really interesting questions."

Acting headteacher Alan Walters said: "Help for Heroes is

such a good cause that we were happy for John to come in and tell pupils about it.

"It's a huge achievement to collect one million pennies. As a school we do a lot of work on perseverance so it's brilliant to see someone who has persevered and achieved a huge goal."

Frankie said it had been a campaign which captured local people's imaginations.

"The support people have given me has been fantastic so I'd like to say a huge thank you to them.

"Help for Heroes is a great charity doing a good job to make sure the lives of injured servicemen and women are made as normal as possible. It's only through the generosity of the public that they can do what they do."

Frankie, whose daughter is former X-Factor contestant Marisa, has previously raised more than ÂŁ70,000 for Help for Heroes which supports British service men and women who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty.

If you have a news story - email us at news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Spaces still available for 2-4 year olds, term-time only. 30 hours for qualifying 3 year olds.

We are a charity, preschool and nursery on the Greenbank/ Eastville border run by parents for parents.

Children benefit from 2 fantastic outdoor learning environments including private woodland space.

Led by qualified teachers, we have a long-standing staff team, a wealth of expertise & knowledge & have a high ratio of staff to children.

To talk to us about a place, please call 0117 951 0037, email admin@bcph.org.uk or via Facebook.com/ BristolChildrensPlayhouse

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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8

December, 2017

n NEWS

Pupils try hands at graffiti art

YEAR 6 pupils from Gracefield School in Fishponds donned protective gear and tried their hand at graffiti painting.

Supervised by local graffiti artist Steve Fitzpatrick, the children used spray cans to create their names in specialist paint as part of an art workshop.

Steve used his artistic skills to transform Gracefield’s playground walls, creating a woodland scene to complement their new playground equipment, alongside a jungle theme, complete with a traverse climbing wall

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CHRISTMAS AT FISHPONDS METHODIST CHURCH GUINEA LANE

Gift Service

Sunday 3rd December at 10.30am Come and join us. Bring a gift for an adult or a child if you wish. These will be taken to the Salvation Army and the Bristol Methodist Drop-in Centre to be given to those in need.

After the service join us for refreshments

Lunchtime Concert Friday 8th December from 1 – 2pm Bristol Veterans Band Tea/Coffee from 12.30pm

Christmas Wind Band Concert

Thurs14th December 7.30pm ‘CONCORD WIND BAND’ and the ‘THE KINGSWOOD SONGSTERS’ Admission Free Refreshments in the interval Retiring collection

Drop in for Carols

and Refreshments Friday 15th December from 10.30am – 11.30am Take a break from your shopping, Join us for carols and refreshment in the church.

Candlelight Carol Service

Sunday 17th December from 3pm – 4.30pm Join us as we prepare for Christmas with Carols and Readings, followed by light refreshments.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

and a sports scene with goalposts and cricket stumps.

Headteacher Elizabeth Morgan said: "We are delighted with the new playground at Gracefield. The walls are now vibrant and exciting, perfectly complimenting our new play equipment. Steve has created a great place for the children to play and our older pupils had a lot of fun learning how to paint using this different art technique."

Steve is part of a local group of professional graffiti artists collectively known as Graffarty.

THE Little Giant Brewery has opened in Fishponds with its four craft beers, Fi, Fi, Fo, Fum. These ‘Blood of an Englishman’ ales, designed by award winning master brewer, Martin Cullimore, focus on quality ingredients and traditional hops, signified through the giant’s beard on the company logo.

The Little Giant Brewery, Carolyn Pimm and Keith Meredith based on Stoke View industrial estate, will supply pubs, bars and are ready to welcome you restaurants across the country.

The microbrewery’s ‘tap house’ is open Tuesday-Friday 12.304.30pm and Saturday mornings and also offers pre-bookable brewery tours and beer tasting.

STAPLE HILL WI

SPEAKER at our November meeting was Richard the Funky Farmer who has a family farm in South Gloucestershire. He entertained us with tales of life on the farm and showed us stunning pictures of the farm through the year. He obviously loves his work and the land he works and has many innovative ideas to preserve the countryside .

Many of our members brought Christmas jars filled with treats for our WI stall at Christmas on the Hill. We will be in the hall at Staple Hill Methodist Church on Saturday December 2.

We will be back and ready to welcome new members at Christchurch Parish Hall in Downend on the third Tuesday in January.

Julia Stiddard-Jenkins

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

9

Early birds flock to Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm FOR a couple of months now, hundreds of Christmas Trees have been awaiting harvest at Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. Peter and Simon Maughan, the proprietors of the farm, are encouraging eager customers to reserve their trees instead of cutting too soon. Early birds are visiting in increasing numbers to “Choose and Cut” their own Christmas Tree before the big rush in December.

“The benefit of reserving a tree in November means that you don’t have to cut it too early, which results in an inferior tree on the big day,” say Simon. “You can come back a bit closer to Christmas and cut it then. We only cut when the customer is ready, and this is what makes our trees special. It’s how we can guarantee that our trees stay fresh and beautiful until January.”

Here are Simon’s top tips for reserving a Christmas Tree: H Bring lots of things to tie to the tree to make it uniquely yours. Ribbons and cable ties are ideal.

H Make a name sign to fix securely to the tree so you can find it again when you come back.

H Check that the tree has a straight trunk, so it is easy to stand upright when you get it home.

H Measure the space at home before you visit, so you can be sure the tree will fit.

Trees always seem a lot bigger when you get them indoors.

Already this year our trees have been hand-picked for McDonald’s Christmas TV campaign (filmed in various locations in Bristol) and for the concourse at Temple Meads Station. One Norwegian Spruce will appear on BBC’s Victorian Christmas, and two Serbian Spruces on Philip Schofield’s How to Spend It Well At Christmas. Frenchay trees also made a recent appearance at the Winterbourne Musical Theatre’s production of The Christmas Schooner.

“I always get asked which are the best trees, which are the longest lasting. It’s really hard to answer, because so much depends on personal taste, and so much on how well it will be looked after in the home. I always send early customers in the direction of the ‘non-drop’ firs, such as the Nordmann and

the Fraser. Later customers will be safe with any tree, but I always recommend the traditional spruces, because these are the trees I really love.”

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open until Christmas Eve, 9am-5pm every day.

“Choose and Cut” runs just as long as stocks last. Prices start from £20. www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk

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• North Bristol: Contact Laura We’ll help you discover what’s on 0117 951 5751 or on locally and give you the laura.t@northbristoladvice.org.uk confidence to take the first step, whether it’s meeting people, • South, central & east Bristol: rekindling hobbies, volunteering Contact Gemma on or learning something new.

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

11

n NEWS

GP surgeries are set for merger TWO well-established GP surgeries have announced they will merge next April.

St George Health Centre and Lodgeside Surgery have boundaries which overlap and a history of working together as neighbouring practices.

They will continue to operate from the two purpose built sites, in Bellevue Road, St George and Lodgeside Avenue, Kinsgwood.

They will provide GP and nursing services to a combined list of about 22,000 patients, covering the area from Redfield and St George to Kingswood and Fishponds.

A spokesman for the surgeries said: "The practices took the decision to merge due to the increasing demands and pressures on GP services.

"By merging, the practices feel that they will be able to change and adapt to meet these demands

and ensure that the new practice is sufficiently robust to continue to offer quality care to patients in the future.

"They have a very successful history of working together as neighbouring practices and are delighted to be able to build on this firm foundation.

"Staff and the Patient Participation Group have been informed of this decision and have given it their total support."

Both practices are keen to convey the message that it will be business as usual for all patients when the merger takes place in April 2018.

More information about the merger is available on the practice websites and via a newsletter which is available at reception in both practices.

Patients’ views on the merger are welcome and can be sent by email or post until January 31.

live happy!

MP Kerry visits school THE school council at St Joseph's Catholic Primary in Fishponds played host to Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy as part of a programme of activities for UK Parliament Week.

Ms McCarthy spoke to the children about her work in the constituency and in Parliament, answered questions and presented certificates to children who had participated in the school's debate on the topic, Are Politicians Useful?

The visit was arranged by Adeline Okpiyalele, who helped set up the school council just over a year ago. Since it started, the council has introduced changes on the playground and has been involved in improvements to school dinners, building on the slogan "healthy and nutritious can be delicious".

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who we genuinely care for.

Why wouldn’t we? You trust us to look after your eyes & vision - and it’s our absolute pleasure to continue to do so.

Welcome to Turners Opticians:

Conference time again

This month’s been a busy one for us. Our ever growing clinic workload (always a delight) plus the admin side of running the practices (not always a delight) and an Eye Conference has kept us on our toes this month.

I see a bright future for our patients as we continue to develop the eye care & vision services you can benefit from.

We are always evaluating new technologies and products to see which will provide true value to our patients lives.

This Eye Conference was a fascinating for two reasons.

The first was the predictions for the future of Optometry (our profession of eye care & vision) - were actually quite gloomy. If you ask me, someone needs to clean their glasses! I was reminded of a slogan, which adapted to our logo colour scheme would say “ the future’s bright, the future is blue”.

The most pleasing thing to gather from the conference was that one of the largest community service software providers has decided that rather than set the programs to suit the developers they will now focus on making the software suit the needs of you our patients.

Our principals of care, trust & integrity are at the heart of all we do. Our focus is enhancing the lives of our patients with thorough and in-depth eye care and giving you the clearest vision. Adding the personal touch helps us build lasting relationships with our patients

What a hallelujah moment it was to hear this! I cannot tell you how exciting it is, or maybe this just shows my quiet techie side? I have from time to time been noted to enjoy my toys (high tech instruments), and when they enhance the care

we provide our patients then why not!

It’s often a time of year when watery, sore or gritty eyes return - if this is you, well come on in and see us, the Bristol Dry & Watery Eye Clinic runs in our practices just for you!

To discuss the eye care and vision services we offer or to book an extended eye exam, for yourself or your family, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434, book via our website, or you are very welcome to pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! I hope you all have a super Christmas & Happy New Year!

Peter Peter Turner is an Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol and also works as a Senior Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital.

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

13

n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Tough times, high hopes: help shape our future THIS month, the waste enforcement campaign that I launched during my State of the City speech has really started to take effect.

The city’s new enforcement team will be giving out fines of up to £75 to anyone caught dropping litter.

This is part of the serious steps we are taking to get to grips with Bristol’s litter problem. I launched my Clean Streets campaign last year and whilst we have had a great response from children, community organisations and individuals it is not right that these people should have to sort out the city’s rubbish problems alone.

Our team have been out on the street trying to change Bristol’s littering habit. In the team’s first week of operating they have handed out over 500 fines, which shows the extent of the problem we are dealing with.

By cracking down on the minority who are spoiling the city for the rest of us we will be able to make Bristol the clean city that it

should be. You can find more information about the campaign at the Clean Streets pages of the council website.

Meanwhile the value for money revue into Bristol’s arena continues and I have asked for it to be widened to consider all possibilities.

We must consider every avenue when looking at this project. This includes raising private investment, thinking about other sites and considering designs which could be delivered within budget. Nothing is off the table because, one way or another, this city is going to get an arena it can afford.

We have also launched a council wide consultation on our draft five year plan for the council. This consultation, called ‘Tough Times, High Hopes’, will set out our priorities for the direction of the city and will also include some of our proposals to make the savings of £52million.

This follows on from our ‘Your Neighbourhood’ consultation earlier this year

The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice

where we laid out plans for wide-reaching proposals. The results of this are due to be considered soon by me and my cabinet.

To have your say on our plans and review our savings proposals please head to our website at www.bristol.gov.uk/corpstrategy.

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Wednesday 4.00-5.00pm Ages 7-11 yrs

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm Chester Park Junior School, Abingdon Road, Fishponds, BS16 3NX Wednesday 12-1.00pm The Nest, Bean Tree café Page Park, Bristol BS16 5PJ £7 per class (or 4 classes for £20)

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

14

December, 2017

n BOXING

Ray's delight as boxing club packs ONE of Bristol's oldest boxing clubs has finally found a new home after eight years of uncertainty.

Kingswood Boxing Club was set up in the 1970s by local legend Ray Jones and enjoyed success in the following two decades.

Hundreds of youngsters passed through its doors in the old YMCA building in The Park, most notably a young lad by the name of Ross Hale who went on to win the British and Commonwealth light-welter weight titles.

When the building was sold for flats in 1986 the club moved to the Kingswood Foundation and continued its successful run.

But when it was forced to move once again in 2009, this time to make way for a cafe, the club experienced eight years of being moved from pillar to post and, as a consequence, dwindling numbers.

Now two men, buoyed by their love of boxing as youths,

Shaun Luther, Ray Jones and Craig Amos at the revived club have resurrected the club after finding a permanent home in Fishponds.

Coaches Craig Amos, 34, of Fishponds, and Shaun Luther, 50, of Longwell Green, both

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boxed for Kingswood Boxing Club as youngsters and are determined to see the club enjoy the same success it received in its glory years.

The men have been renovating an empty unit at Avon Business Park in Lodge Causeway since the summer and it's now fully equipped, offering training sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 6pm.

Craig said the club has had a turbulent time in recent years but thanks to the generosity of his father-in-law Pete Griffiths who offered him the unit, he hopes to put that behind them.

"We were in the Kingswood Foundation for years but were

moved out because they made the room we were using into a coffee shop," said Craig.

"From that point we were just being kicked out of everywhere; nothing worked out.

"My father-in-law has a few units in Fishponds and one of them was in a right mess. He said we were more than welcome to use it but we'd have to clear it out and repair it.

"We started doing it up back in the summer and spent a lot of time and effort getting the unit back up to scratch and turning it into a boxing gym. Had it not been for my father-in-law, we'd probably still not have had anywhere to train. Now we've got a place we can call home.

It's such a relief to know we now have a fully-functioning boxing gym we can use when we want and can do what we like to it. It's brilliant."

The pair have been running training session for the past few months and interest is growing as the word spreads that Kingswood Boxing Club is back in business.

One of the highlights for Craig, Shaun and the youngsters are the visits from Ray Jones, of Kingswood, who started the club in 1975 when he came to the end of his professional boxing career.

At the age of 76, Ray is still an important part of the club and pops in to say hello and to make sure Craig and Shaun are delivering to his exacting standards.

Empire Fighting Chance picks up A DOWNEND man credited with turning around the lives of thousands of young people has picked up two awards.

Martin Bisp, 47, set up the boxing charity Empire Fighting Chance with Jamie Sanigar in 2013 after witnessing a drug deal outside the Empire Boxing Club in St Paul's.

Since then the pair have made it their mission to identify youngsters on the verge of serious trouble, take them under their wing and offer stability and structure through coaching, education and personal support.

Martin collected the first award for his work with Sported, a national charity which uses

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

sport as a tool for social change.

He won the South West Mentor of the Year award in Sported's annual Vanessa Brown Awards, held at The House of Sport near London Bridge.

The evening was hosted by the Sported founder Sir Keith Mills GBE and attended by rustees including Alan Pascoe, a former Olympic silver medallist.

Martin has been mentoring for Sported for around four years and in the last 12 months supported an organisation in Northern Ireland, a yoga club in Bath as well as local clubs.

"The support I have provided ranged from helping them write funding bids to creating business

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

a punch "He comes in and shouts from the ringside to let us know what we're doing wrong," Craig jokes. "Ray's boxing knowledge is unbelievable; he absolutely loves the sport."

Craig, who works as a floor layer at his father-in-law's Fishponds-based business, D & G Flooring, became involved with the club at the age of 17, getting through to the finals of the Novice Championships held at Crystal Palace.

"When I was boxing, we used to travel all over the country to box and everyone knew about Kingswood Boxing Club. Because we've been out of the loop for so long we're far less known now but we plan to change that now we've got a permanent home."

Craig and Shaun hope to engage as many boys and girls from age 13 as space allows.

Training sessions feature warm-up exercises like skipping, squat thrusts, stretches and sprints before moving on to shadow boxing, bag work and one-on-one pad work. There's also sparring sessions in the ring for those who are ready.

"Boxing is such a tough sport and you have to be disciplined but you can have such a great time," said Craig.

"We've had a lot of kids in the past who have joined the club because they have no selfconfidence and boxing can really help with that.

"Young people often open

up to us if they are experiencing problems. Sometimes they feel they can't talk to their mum or dad but, in a gym environment, they give us that bit of respect and open up."

Craig, who has three children and a step-daughter, said he is happy to give up his spare time to make Kingswood Boxing Club successful again.

"All the work Shaun and I do is voluntary. We don't get any help from anyone and the only way we function is through subs.

If a bag breaks, it comes out of the sub money the kids pay.

"We're doing it because we love boxing. It's just a great sport to get into. We're inspired by Ray who set it up. Boxing has been Ray's life so we really want to keep it going for him."

Craig and Shaun are now looking for a club secretary to attend meetings with the ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) with a view to getting back to competition level.

Craig said: "So much has changed since we were fighting so we're a bit out of the loop. Our ultimate goal though is to get people back into competitions and get the club going again as a proper boxing club."

To find out more about Kingswood Boxing Club, or if you are interested in the voluntary role of secretary, get in touch with Craig by emailing chopperamos@hotmail.co.uk

two awards plans with diverse income strategies," Martin said.

"Vanessa Brown was a Sported colleague who unfortunately died in 2014. As she was such a beloved member of the team they created some awards in her name so it was real honour to win."

Martin's charity picked up a further award when Empire Fighting Chance won Charity of the Year at the Bristol Life Awards, hosted by comedian Mark Watson.

"The judges gave the award to us as they said we were 'a very exciting new charity making a difference to those lives most in need," Martin said.

15

Medal success for Fishponds duo

Jude Moore and Jack Oram with their medals TWO young boxers from a Fishponds club have medalled at the Wexford Box Cup. The event took place from November 10-12 in Bishopswater, County Wexford, Ireland.

Jude Moore, 14, from Hillfields, and Jack Oram, 15, of Melksham, represented Downend Boxing Club, based at the Harry Crook Centre.

In the semi-finals, England representative Jude, a student at Mangotsfield School, beat Jeremiah Tiba of Naas, County Kildare.

In the final he faced Ryan Cullen of Ballagh, County Wexford. and emerged the winner on a points decision.

In Jack's semi-final contest, he defeated David Kinsella of St Anthony's Boxing Club in County Wexford. In the final, Jack faced a class operator in all-Ireland champion Barry O'Connor of Castleisland, County Kerry, who eventually got the judges' nod after a quality contest.

Craig Turner, coach at Downend Boxing Club, said: "I am very pleased with the guys' performances. Jude is now no stranger to international competition, and Wexford served as an excellent warm up for an England appearance against Scotland on the 30th.

"Jack's medal is fantastic and represents significant improvement following his hard work and dedication."

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fishpondsvoice

16

December, 2017

n NEWS A MUM who beat cancer has launched an emotional appeal after thieves made off with her precious wedding and engagement rings.

Bryony Bateman, 28, says the resale price of the jewellery is minimal but their sentimental value is huge because they hold memories of a friend who lost his own fight against cancer.

She is appealing to the thieves to post the rings back through her letterbox of her home in Briar Way, Fishponds, and for anyone who may have been offered the jewellery to get in touch.

Thieves broke into the home she shares with husband Neal and three-year-old daughter Eva by smashing the back door on Wednesday October 25 at about 8pm.

As both Bryony and Neal, 33, were at work, the burglary was discovered by Neal's mother when she arrived at the house with Eva. Bryony had taken her rings off because it wasn't safe for her to wear them when working as a palliative care support worker.

Her bridal set had disappeared along with several other rings, including one which was an 18th birthday present from her mum.

Bryony said: "Our back door bottom panel was kicked through, the house turned over and my beloved wedding rings were taken. I was absolutely gutted. It's not the cost of them but it's the memories of my cancer fight which means so much to me."

Bryony was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in July 2012, less than a year before her planned

It would make my Christmas if I could get my precious rings back, says cancer survivor

The striking bridal set which was stolen in the burglary remind Bryony of her friend Kieran who died of cancer in 2015 wedding to Neal, a baker.

At the age of just 23, Bryony endured an eight-and-a-halfhour operation to remove a tumour on the side of her neck and found herself in intensive care for four days.

Facing radiotherapy, Bryony was determined she would recover so she could marry the man she loved.

Bryony said: "We were engaged and planned to marry in May 2013 but didn't know at the time whether we were going to have to postpone the wedding or

if I was going to be well enough.

"Throughout my recovery from the surgery and my radioactive treatment, the thing that kept me positive and focused was planning our wedding."

As part of her recovery, Bryony and Neal travelled to Bournemouth for an activity holiday with the Youth Cancer Trust.

It was there where the couple met a fellow guest called Kieran who had been battling a brain tumour since the late 1990s.

"Kieran was there on the week we were there and we got to know each other. Neal would play him at pool and table football and Kieran helped him understand more about cancer and how it was affecting me. Neal got to see cancer from another perspective, which was so important in him understanding what I was going through."

With so much in common, the trio spent the week hanging out together and 35-year-old Kieran became pivotal in choosing the rings Bryony would come to treasure so much.

Bryony said: "One afternoon, we went into Bournemouth town to have a coffee and look around the shops. We kept walking past a jewellers and I remarked on how lovely a ring was.

"When the three of us returned on another afternoon, we walked past the jewellers again and Neal said, 'Come on, let's go in and see if they have your size'.

"Funnily enough, the only size they had left was my size! They told us all about the diamond ring and how it had a ruby hidden underneath. I'd already had an engagement ring but it was quite basic and we'd always planned to get another. I tried the ring on, and Kieran told Neal he must buy it for me. Neal said 'Right, if Kieran says you're having it, you're having it!' Neal then bought it for me with the matching wedding ring."

Bryony and Kieran kept in touch, texting and sharing messages on Facebook and following each other's trials and tribulations as they both battled cancer.

Then, in March 2013, Bryony received the news she had been hoping for when she was told her cancer was in remission.

It meant the couple's wedding could go ahead and they married on May 18, 2013 at St Mary's Church in Bitton.

Sadly, Kieran was too ill to travel to the wedding and he eventually lost his fight in February 2015.

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Neal with Kieran on a week's break with the Youth Cancer Trust

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

17

'My ring was a reminder of Kieran and how much he fought every day but remained so positive throughout his fight ' - Bryony Bateman

Bryony with husband Neal and daughter Eva "Kieran made such an impact on our lives in such a short space of time," Bryony said.

"My ring was a reminder of Kieran and how much he fought every day but remained so

positive throughout his fight.

"Kieran loved the hidden ruby in the ring and thought it was so clever. I know I still have my memories but it's such a shame because the rings meant so

much. We only met in person for the five days that we were away but we literally saw each other from the moment we got up to the moment we went to bed.

"It was so sad when Kieran

died because he had been so determined to beat his cancer.

His death is a constant reminder that it could have been me and how lucky I am."

Bryony, who has been circulating photos of the rings on social media and contacting various pawn brokers, said it uld make her Christmas if she were to be reunited with her rings.

"Neal and I work hard just to live and those rings were the most expensive things we've ever owned and probably always will be.

"They aren't worth much second-hand but the thieves didn't care - they just ransacked the house and took what they could get.

"If they could just put them back through my door or post them to me, I'd be happy. I don't even want to know who they are, I just want my rings back."

If anyone knows anything about the rings please email bumble_bee_bry@hotmail.com Anyone with information about the crime can ring the police on 101, quoting crime reference number 5217244027.

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For all your tiling needs Call Alex on 07803

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Play Leader needed £8.45 per hour • Do you have spare time in the day?

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• Are you able to interact with children and support them to socialise well with others?

• Are you willing to lead games and play activities at lunchtime?

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Chester Park Junior School is currently looking to recruit a number of play leaders.

We already have a wonderful team of play leaders that support our children at lunchtime to play and interact with one another. If you would like to join our hardworking team by working 7 ½ hours each week, then we would like to hear from you.

Please contact Sarah Ball at Chester Park Junior School 01173773365 or chester.park.j@bristol-schools.uk for an application form and further details or look on the eteach website.

Applications close: Midday 1st December 2017 Short listing: 4th December 2017 - Interviews: 8th December 2017 CPJS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.This post involves working with children and will be subject to an enhanced DBS check

Bristol City Council urgently needs more foster carers, to be there for over 700 children currently in care in Bristol.

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fishpondsvoice

18

December, 2017

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Perfection - who needs it?

WHO doesn’t love Christmas? The lights, the decorations, the food.

Since the end of October, biting at the heels of Halloween the shops become full of everything we need to embark upon planning the perfect Christmas. We can go traditional red, green, gold or update our colour scheme. We can have turkey or any meat or vegetarian option we prefer. With enough planning our Christmas will be absolutely perfect.

There is just one small niggly problem; people. Our friends are OK, we have chosen them so if we have invited them we will probably have a near postcard perfect Christmas. But family, well, what can we say about family? Even the best behaved ‘normal’ families have hiccups in their relationships at Christmas.

As a priest I find myself listening to and supporting more families

around and after Christmas than at any other time. Why? Because our hopes and expectations for the perfect Christmas set us up for an enormous fall. Christmas decorations and Christmas music and Christmas films may lull us into believing that if we try hard enough the evasive ‘spirit of Christmas’ will fill our homes and our families and all rows and disagreements will cease. If we aren’t perfect the rest of the year the possibility of us suddenly becoming perfect are pretty slim.

But when we consider the first Christmas we see the same imperfections going on right at the centre of the story. Joseph was concerned his wife had been playing around before their wedding, what with the pregnancy and all. Even with reassurances from the Angel Gabriel I imagine Joseph’s family still looked at

Mary with some judgment (and a smattering of whispered gossip in the community). Then, heavily pregnant, the couple have to up sticks and travel. A hazardous undertaking on those roads, even when not pregnant. And the stable, well, if Mary’s aim was to bring her first baby into the perfect home; a smelly animal hut with animal feed and urine stained straw on the floor did not match her requirements. Not to mention the fact that the local King is out to kill Jesus and id happy to kill all babies under two just to make sure he gets the job done.

We can be at risk of taking the story of that first Christmas, and morphing it into our picture perfect idea of Christmas. When in actual fact God sent his Son Jesus into the worst mess of society exactly to show God is in all the mess with us. Love is;

Revd Jordan Ling St Aidan’s , St John’s , St Michael’s loving our imperfections, loving our irregular family. Lets hope for lots of love and fun to be shared in our Christmas celebrations, but please let’s not expect perfect.

Let’s expect real, it was in the real and messy that God sent Jesus and it is in the real and imperfect we find the perfect love of God. When we love despite one another’s imperfections we are loving as God loves each and every one of us.

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THE LARGEST STORE IN FISHPONDS

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Rajanis offer a wide selection of products that range from pet accessories for the animal lovers to household products for the home owners to tools for all the tradesmen All our products are at discounted prices to give all customers the maximum value for money

FREE PARKING FOR UP TO 2 HOURS

Quarry Court

NEW!

FOR SALE NOW

FISHPONDS

Luxury Independent Living with Extra Care in Fishponds 1 OR 2 BED APARTMENTS

2016 PRICES HELD!

£240,000 to £295,000

Quarry Court Fishponds is now open, offering elderly residents who need care at hand: • 17 luxury affordable independent apartments • a secure beautiful environment • extra care and home support services

- all making life easier.

Each apartment includes • One or two bedrooms, lounge/diner and kitchen

LOUNGE WITH PATIO OR BALCONY

• Balcony or patio for most apartments • Jack and Jill bathroom with wet room shower • Fitted kitchen with thoughtful features such as a specialist NEFF oven • Quality carpets in your choice of colour, fitted ready for you to move in • Video entrance and 24 hour emergency call bell NEFF APPLIANCE KITCHEN

• Wheelchair and mobility scooter access

Plus lots of superb facilities • Stylish restaurant with terrace and garden view • Stunning leisure suite, including gym, Jacuzzi and spa pool • Hairdressing salon • Roof patio garden • Communal lounge for socialising and activities Easy walking access to Fishponds with its vibrant community and wide range of shops and cafes.

COMMUNAL LOUNGE

CALL 0017 322 6026 FOR A FREE BROCHURE

Contact Ross Vickerman Taylors Estate Agents 770 Fishponds Road BS16 3UA

tel 0117 322 6026 ross.vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk

More about Extra Care Making life easier Extra care living is the best solution for the later years in life. It combines complete independence with on-hand care and support when it’s needed. Residents at Quarry Court have their own new luxury apartment with all facilities for independent living. Quarry Court apartments are affordable. Residents usually find that the value of their present home more than covers the cost of an apartment at Quarry Court.

At the same time, 24/7 support is available, both with planned support packages, and on ad hoc occasions. You may want to take advantage of our regular daily help with chores such as housework, laundry, or home delivery food shopping. High quality meals are available from our restaurant with its lovely garden views for those times you don’t feel like cooking for yourself. The superb leisure pool, Jacuzzi and gym are all available for you. You can also participate in interesting social events.

LEISURE POOL & JACUZZI

ROOFTOP TERRACE

Our flexible personal care packages mean that you only pay for the care you need. This offers help for example with: • Dressing and undressing • Washing and bathing • Mobility • Rehabilitation and exercise • Getting up and going to bed

HAIRDRESSING SALON

• Laundry requirements – returning clothes washed, dried and ironed for you • Cleaning and tidying • Maintenance of your apartment Quarry Court includes a camera entry system and emergency call bell in each apartment, ensuring a safe and secure environment. Our on-site manager is available during normal working hours, and the experienced team of nurses and carers at Quarry House, our adjacent care home, is available at all times.

ON-SITE NURSING CARE

Contact Ross Vickerman Taylors Estate Agents 770 Fishponds Road BS16 3UA

tel 0117 322 6026 ross.vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk

Quarry Court is a development of Bristol Care Homes

www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk

Quarry Court FISHPONDS

ES M HO PEN OWW O H S NO

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village

An inspiring new

Retirement lifestyle

An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village

for Stoke Gifford

Opening in late 2018, Stoke Gifford Retirement Village will give people over 55 an opportunity to enjoy an active lifestyle, in a home of their own, as part of a vibrant, supportive neighbourhood community.

Located to the east of Coldharbour Lane in Stoke Gifford, near to the University of the West of England campus, the village will have 261 comfortable new homes all boasting the latest safety and security features.

Here the focus will be on staying as active and independent as possible in the company of like-minded friends and neighbours thanks to a host of outstanding social and leisure facilities and activities.

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust aims to ensure that opportunities to live at the village are affordable to all, and are offering these superb, state-of-theart retirement apartments for purchase, shared ownership or rent.

Village Show Homes Open for viewing Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm.

Apartments available to purchase from

ÂŁ139,975

*

*Subject to availability.

In addition, should you need care, now or in the future, it can be provided in the comfort of your own village home.

Come along and have a look around to discover everything this exciting new village has to offer.

Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Off Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS16 1EJ For more information please call

0117 440 3570

or email stokegifford@extracare.org.uk

or online at www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk

StokeGiffordVillage Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright Š 2017 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

23

nFROM OUR MP

Spare a thought for those who are struggling this winter WHILE many people will be making plans to visit friends and family, exchange gifts and indulge in food and drink this festive season, there are countless others whose most basic needs are not being met.

As Christmas approaches we must spare a thought for those that are struggling, whether due to poverty, homelessness, or isolation.

The social inequalities in our communities do not take a break over the winter holidays. In fact for thousands of households across the country December will be the most testing time of year.

A major issue that is exacerbating problems for many people on low incomes is the roll out of Universal Credit. Whilst I support the principles underlining this new benefit - which was introduced to simplify the existing benefit system and make work pay - it is failing far too many people in its current form. Over 500 households in Bristol East are already in receipt of Universal Credit, with this number set to rise exponentially after the full roll out has been implemented.

Fortunately for Bristol residents, the full roll out of Universal Credit is not due to commence until March 2018, but for those in other areas of the country who have already transferred to the new benefit, long waits, delays in receiving payments and cost cutting measures by the government have left many people unable to pay essential bills, pushing them into debt and hardship.

Universal Credit was originally designed to pay people after five

to six weeks. Although I welcome the announcement in the recent Budget that the seven waiting days at the start of the claim will be scrapped from February, this still means that 60,000 households across the country, with over 40,000 children, will receive no income until after the festive season, according to figures from the Peabody Trust. For lots of people, that could mean they won’t have enough cash to afford basic presents or a warm dinner, or will have to make the choice between buying food and heating their homes.

In those areas of the country where Universal Credit has already been rolled out, demand at foodbanks has soared. Research by the Trussell Trust shows that nationally, foodbanks in areas of full Universal Credit roll out to single people, couples and families, have seen a 16.85 per cent average increase in referrals for emergency food, more than double the national average of 6.64 per cent. This has left some foodbanks struggling to keep up, as resources are stretched and donations are falling short of demand.

Whilst I, my fellow MPs, and organisations such as Citizens Advice will continue to push the government to make significant changes to Universal Credit specifically, to reduce how long people have to wait for their payment and make sure people get paid on time - concerned residents can do their bit to ensure no family goes hungry this Christmas by making donations to the local

Fabio

Mens Traditional Barbers 613 Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS16 3BA

Tel: 0117 965 6250 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

foodbank at Fishponds Baptist Church, or at collection points in big supermarkets, such as Tesco.

I sincerely hope that the government shows the same compassion as the charities and organisations who work hard to fill the gaps that their policy failures create, by making changes to Universal Credit and setting aside appropriate funding to help those families and individuals who are facing financial hardship this winter.

I wish all of you the very best for the festive season. My office will be closed over the Christmas period but my regular surgeries will commence again in January.

If you would like an appointment to see me, please contact my office before December 22 by calling 0117 939 9901.

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice You can contact Kerry at kerry. mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk or via 0117 939 9901 for her latest newsletter or for details of her regular constituency surgeries

The Beauty Retreat

Beauty Salon & Makeup Studio

Beauty Salon for Women & Men

A relaxing salon, with a focus on great customer service

Threading, Waxing, Shellac, Manicures, Pedicures, Tinting, Massage, Tanning, Heaven Facials, Hopi Ear Candles, Makeup, LVL Lash Lift (New) 1 Averay Road, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1BL 0117 951 6020 |info@thebeautyretreatbristol.co.uk www.thebeautyretreatbristol.co.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

24

December, 2017

n ON THE BEAT WITH PCSO ANITA PERKS

We're out and about - say hello to us!

I HOPE this finds you well and you’re looking forward to the festive season.

It’s been a busy month and we have increased our visibility by upping our foot patrols. You will see us out and about on foot, bikes and buses. This is my favourite part of the role, getting out amongst the public and talking to you face to face. The response and feedback has been really positive. Don't be shy, come and say hello whenever you see us!

This month we have had lots of complaints about anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other activity in Eastville Park. This centred around the occupants of tents living there. People were telling us about drug use and prostitution.

We patrolled the area and the occupants were warned about their behaviour. We worked in conjunction with Bristol City Council and partner agencies and I am pleased to report that the tents have now gone and that the occupants are being helped

through various treatment and specialist support agencies.

There have been a number of robberies in our area recently. An elderly lady was out shopping and left her trolley unattended whilst in a charity shop on Fishponds Road. A thief targeted her bag whilst she was distracted and removed her purse containing a large amount of cash.

We examined CCTV footage of the incident and the good news is a local man has been arrested and charged with this offence and a further ten offences of a similar nature. He has appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court and is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.

This incident is a reminder not to carry large amounts of cash on you and to keep your personal belonging close. It also shows how important good quality CCTV is and the importance of local businesses working with us so we

can carry out prompt and effective investigations.

I would also like to talk about how you can keep your home safe from burglars this Christmas: • Try to keep Christmas presents out of sight from doors and windows •N ever keep large amounts of cash at home •M ake sure lock your doors and windows before you go out and before you go to bed. If you have a paddle or stub handle, always lock it with a key, just lifting it up until it clicks is not enough to keep thieves out

•K eys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.

•M ake your house look occupied, use a timer switch to operate lamps as it starts to get dark, leave a radio on, or ask a neighbour to park on your drive if you’re going away • You don’t have to open the door to anybody you don’t recognise.

Not sure? Don’t open the door!

•D on’t leave packaging from new gadgets etc outside your home – only put it out on bin collection day •R egister your property securely and for free on the national property marking database www. immobilise.com On behalf of your local neighbourhood team I wish you all a crime-free Christmas and remember it’s not all about the presents, it’s about the presence!

Until next year, PCSO Anita Perks

THE STAR

Will Writing & Estate Planning

539 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3AF Tel. 01179 9654297 “OLD WORLD TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY BAR” (IRISH FREE HOUSE)

DECEMBER EVENTS

A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –

if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk

Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Sun 3rd 4pm Open Mic Tues 5th 8.30pm. Folk / Trad session Wed 6th 8.30pm Jus-Mike (Acoustic session) Fri 8th 8.30pm Jimmi-Can Band. (Gypsy Tropical) Sat 9th 8.30pm Full Force and Power (6 piece reggae/ska band) Sun 10th 5pm Female Singers Night (All singers welcome) Wed 13th 8.30pm Jamming with Phil (All musicians welcome) Thurs 14th 8pm Star Music Quiz Fri 15th 8pm.

Indie / Alternative night Sat 16th 8.30pm The Petty Hegglers (Fiddle fuelled folk, rock and blues)

Sun 17th 4pm Open Mic Tues 19th 8.30pm Folk / Trad session.

Thurs 21st 8.30pm Chasing Whiskey (5 piece girl band) Sat 23rd 8.30pm The Wurz-Alls Christmas Special.

Sun 24th 8.30pm The Harrisons Wed 27th 8.30pm Jamming with Phil (All musicians welcome) Fri 29th Star Bar Disco Sun 31st 9pm (New Years Eve)

Eddy and the Wild Dice (Rock and blues) Folk / Trad session

Tues 2nd Jan 8.30pm

Visit us on facebook – The Star Fishponds

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

25

n VET BLOG

How do I tell if it’s a good pet food?

WITH many foods on the market it can often be difficult to decide which is the best food for your pet.

There are several considerations when choosing a food: • Age and size of your pet. Puppies and kittens benefit from food with higher energy and strictly balanced vitamins and minerals.

This is especially important for large breeds.

• Species. Some animals are carnivores and must have meat in their diets e.g. cats, whereas other are omnivorous (eat meat and plant material) e.g. dogs or herbivorous (eat plant material only) e.g. rabbits.

• Lifestyle of the owners. Busy owners may prefer pre-made diets which decreases food preparation time. Pre-made diets can vary in quality depending on what ingredients they use. See further in the article for more advice.

• The household. We would generally advise any households with young children or with immune-suppressed persons (e.g. chemotherapy or elderly) that they avoid raw diets.

A good diet will provide all the nutrients required for your pet for their age and size, is palatable and suits the owner’s lifestyle.

Your pet should have a glossy coat and have regular, healthy looking faeces. Better quality brands will use ingredients which are easily digested by your pet meaning they will absorb more food and pass out less waste.

A food which is not suitable may cause diarrhoea, flatulence and/or itchy skin. Skin problems can be caused by allergies, as well as many other problems, so we would recommend you have this checked by a Vet. It is also important to avoid adding human food into the diet.

If you are feeding a complete pet food it can upset the balance and cause malnutrition.

The scope of nutrition is very broad. If you would like more advice on feeding your pet, please feel free to contact us at Kingswood Vets4Pets on 0117 961 6417 and we can make an appointment with one of our nurses.

Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

Willowdean Court, 247a Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1LT Telephone: 0117 961 6417

Complete Care Food

A food plan tailored to your pet’s needs Vet recommended food plan for your cat or dog

From £7 per month

Pay monthly by Direct Debit

From £7 per month

Complete Care Food* personalised plan includes: • Vet recommended dry food • Nurse weight check every 6 months Save at least 20%† and pay monthly by Direct Debit

Vet4Pets Kingswood Just off Lodge Causeway

Willowdean Court, 247A Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1LT

Call us: 0117 961 6417 or visit: vets4pets.com/kingswood * Promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Handforth SK9 3RN. Terms and conditions including exclusions apply. Please ask in practice or visit vets4pets.com/completecarefood for more details. † Savings are compared to buying the same treatments individually and compared to prices within the Pets at Home Vet Group Limited. Prices correct as of July 2017.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

27

n PLANNING

Hedgehog and his flat mate are no joke in ecology terms DAVID Attenborough pointed out recently that the link between humans and nature had been broken. This was humorously illustrated in a recent episode of ‘the Detectorists” when a building site manager, when presented with a live hedgehog, would not accept that it was a hedgehog because hedgehogs are flat.

Planning is charged with, among many other things, repairing that broken link, or at the very least not making things worse.

Of course this can only take place where development happens and I am sorry to report, in a nation of animal-lovers, that too often ecology is an afterthought when all the ‘important’ matters have been resolved. It is all too often the bridesmaid and seldom the bride.

The key factor is to recognise that it is not just the wildlife that matters but also its habitat. If that is threatened, then there is often nowhere else for the wildlife to go, particularly in urban areas.

Not every animal is as adaptable as Fishponds’ urban foxes. East Bristol is blessed with potential wildlife habitats like the Frome valley and alongside the M32, which effectively bring the countryside into the city. Planning policy has long sought to protect such habitats wholesale and they are also a valuable resource for humans, as well as some of Bristol’s “green lungs”. To this end, there are various designations that apply to land involving nature conservation and preservation of habitats.

On a more site-specific level also, the emphasis is on the protection of individual species.

The species are specified in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and later European legislation but they are being added to all the time, as across the country numbers of certain species are plummeting. Bats, great crested newts and badgers you may know are under protection. The plight of dormice, otters and white-clawed crayfish may have escaped your attention. The aforementioned hedgehog benefits from partial protection under the law.

Recognising habitats for these protected species is vital in the process of preserving them and these habitats are not just confined to land.

When a planning application is submitted, the council is expected to ensure that the end result of the development ensures that the habitat has been improved for protected species. This principle is enshrined in national planning policy, in the jargon “providing net gains in biodiversity where possible” and this may result in the provision of features such as bird nesting boxes or bat boxes attached to new houses. This is a simple way of achieving a net gain.

Similarly, felling trees, where unavoidable, should lead to planting in mitigation and that planting can be better arranged and more likely to be offer habitat potential. Opportunities should be taken, when they present

Hatha Yoga

themselves, to create or strengthen wildlife corridors, the arterial routes through the urban areas to the green lungs. Making a gap in a natural hedgerow for instance not only leads to a loss of that stretch of hedgerow, but the wildlife’s ability to use it effectively for safe movement and foraging.

Promisingly, a number of species have been brought back from the brink through planning and other, more direct, methods.

There are inherent limitations on what planning on its own can achieve in this sphere. However, if the housebuilding boom that the government set its sights on in the budget transpires, biodiversity is not a factor that can take being sidelined in the cause of build at all costs.

Planning matters

Chris Gosling I hope that you enjoy the festive season and wish all readers a happy New Year.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

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Please contact Mischa for more details and to book a place! www.letgoyoga.co.uk/ yoga.mischa@gmail.com 07904073535

Relaxing, easy going classes for anyone wanting more flexibility, strength, balance and rest.

Tuesdays: 17:30-18:30,Vassals Centre, Fishponds Thursdays: Frenchay Quaker Meeting House 10-11am & Frenchay Village Hall 18:00-19:15

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

...we make saving money perfectly clear...

Call Freephone

0800 61 21118

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

28

December, 2017

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday December 1 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1426. n Christmas music concert by Brass, Wind & Fire (Avon, Fire & Rescue Training Band) at Watley’s End Methodist Church, Factory Road, Winterbourne, BS36 1QL, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 including refreshments. Tel. Heather Hunt 0117 904 9125.

Saturday December 2 n Christmas fair at St Mary's Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 11am-2pm. Lots of stalls including white elephant, books and games, handicrafts, cakes and raffle. Tea, coffee and light refreshments also available. For further details email stmarysfishponds@hotmail.co.uk n Staple Hill Methodist Church celebrate Christmas on the Hill. Refreshments and Tree Festival 10 - 4pm. Request a Carol 3 - 3.45pm. All in the church. Charity Fair and Santa's Grotto 12 - 4pm downstairs. n Tree Festival and Coffee Morning at Staple Hill Methodist Church.

10am - noon. All welcome.

Frenchay Park Road, noon to 6pm. n Festive Fayre at Feed Bristol in Details on the Facebook page.

Saturday December 2 n M32 Flea Market! 1pm-4pm Under the M32 Underpass, Stapleton Road, Eastville, BS5 6PE. Opposite the M32 Cafe. Dress up warm and join this community market. Arts, crafts, bric-n-brac, vintage, records and more!

Sunday December 3 n ‘Light up a Life’ Service @ Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN supported by St Peter’s Hospice staff. 3pm. An opportunity to remember a loved one. n Festive Fayre at Feed Bristol in Frenchay Park Road, noon to 6pm.

Details on the Facebook page. n Come and celebrate Christingle at Christ Church Juniors, some things will be the same as usual, we will have 2 all age services, 10.30am & 4pm, some things are different this year… we will be at Christ Church Junior School for both services. www. christchurchdownend.com Tuesday December 5 n Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 12noon for 12.30pm. Tickets £14 available in advance at Barn office. Enquiries 0117 956 2367.

Wednesday December 6 n Downend Flower Club at

Lincombe Barn, BS16 2RW. Christmas flower arranging demonstration by Sharon Dower.

Visitors welcome. Pay at door £8 per person. 7.30pm. Come early for free coffee and mince pies Thursday December 7 n Downend Horticultural Society Christmas social and horticultural quiz at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, BS16 5RA. Call Roger Davis 0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton 0117 9792832 for details Friday December 8 n Storytime with Santa: Come along to our Christmas Woodland Event on Friday 8th December: 1-2.30pm at Bristol Children’s Playhouse, Berkeley Green Road, Eastville, BS5 6LU. Santa will be paying an early visit on this festive occasion for young families to engage in Christmas stories, songs and Christmas craft.

The event is aimed at children aged 2-4 years of age. We will be in our private woodland so please wrap up warm. For further information, please call 0117 951 0037, email admin@bcph.org.uk or visit our Facebook page: Facebook.com/ BristolChildrensPlayhouse. n Activate Drop-in Lunchtime concert at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds from 1-2 p.m. featuring the Veterans' Band. Tea/coffee and mince pies.

Free admission. Retiring collection.

Everyone welcome. Contact 0117 9654521 Saturday December 9 n Friends of Combe Brook Valley.

Scrub bashing/litter picking, starting at 10.30am. Meet at the entrance into the woods at top of the steps on Moorlands Rd. https:// friendsofcoombebrookvalley. weebly.com/ or Facebook group 'friends of coombe brook valley’ n Christmas Concert performed by the Great Western Chorus at Staple Hill Methodist Church 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 on the door. n Christmas tree sale at Christ Church Junior School, 10am-1pm, organised by Friends of CCI and CCJ Wednesday December 13 n Fishponds Carols in the Park in Fishponds Park (opposite the Porto Lounge) 6.30 pm. This open-air carol service is organised

by Fishponds Churches and was a great success last year! There will be a Salvation Army brass band and refreshments. All are warmly welcome. Please bring a torch! n Carol singing at Nelson House, Pendennis Flats, Staple Hill. Join

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Pendennis Good Newws Church, Sanctuary Church and Christ Church Downend in an open air carols in the Community.

6pm Hot chocolates and mince pies will be served too. www. christchurchdownend.com www. pendennisgoodnews.com www.thesanctuarychurchbristol. org Thursday December 14 n Thursday 7.30pm,14th December in Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane,a Christmas Concert given by the Concord Wind Band and the Kingswood Songsters of the Salvation Army.

Refreshments in the interval.

Admission free. Retiring collection to cover expenses.

Friday December 15 n Christmas concert with Cleeve Singers and the Barn Bells, for the Jessie May Trust. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm.

Tickets £3.50 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door.

Saturday December 1 6 n Christmas concert with Cleeve Singers and the Barn Bells, for the Jessie May Trust. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm.

Tickets £3.50 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door.

Sunday December 17 n Christingle Service 10.30pm at Staple Hill Methodist Church. All ages welcome. n Carols by Candlelight at Speedwell Methodist Church, 6pm. All are welcome. Light refreshments afterwards.

Thursday December 21 n Carol Singing and family craft fun with residents at William Court Overnhill Road, BS16 5FL 3pm All welcome. More info at www christchurchdownend.com Saturday December 23 n Tree Festival and Coffee Morning at Staple Hill Methodist Church.

10am - noon. All welcome.

Sunday December 24 n ‘ Family Carols in the Square’ with Staple Hill Salvation Army Band and musicians. 4pm Fountain Square, Staple Hill BS16 5LN n Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight at Staple Hill Methodist Church 6pm. Everyone welcome. n Christmas Worship at Speedwell Methodist Church. 10.30am Friday January 5 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1424.

Friday January 12

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 Messy church with crafts, celebration and meal. Stapleton church hall, Park Road. Further details on Facebook or youngpeople@holytrinitystapleton. org.uk

REGULAR EVENTS IN THE FISHPONDS AREA Mondays n Gentle/beginners drop-in yoga class, Kingfisher Cafe, Straits Parade, 6.45pm - 8pm. £8.

Contact Debbie: 0796 8223670 or visit www.omkariyoga.com 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 Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Alzheimer’s choir, Beechwood Club, 11am to 1pm, Paula Shears 0117 9610693 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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017 Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 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

Tuesdays n Art workshops with GreenFox Workshops, Kingfisher Cafe, Straits Parade, 7.30-9pm. Call to book (gemmalane99@gmail. com/07532327810). First Tuesday of the month. 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 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 n Badminton, Downend Sports Centre 8 -10pm. Call 0117 9400706.

Email: ridgewaydownend@yahoo. co.uk n ‘Friends and Neighbours’, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, 2 - 4pm alternate Tuesdays. A friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea. 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 Pilates classes, Steiner Academy, Oldbury Court Road, 7-8pm, £6.50 Bring an exercise/yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. 07952 941 531 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.

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place at Hillfields and Little Hayes Family Hub and Library 12,30-2pm.

Contact Emma Crago for details, 07970 247410, emmacrago@ thereader.org.uk 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 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.

Continued on next page

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 Shared reading group is taking

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30

December, 2017

n WHAT’S ON CONTINUED cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild, Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. Second Wednesday of the month (except August) 7.15pm.

Different speaker each month plus handicrafts and walking group. Call 0779 9108 890 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 levels welcome. Call Isabel Cooke on 0117 9568504 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 Walks for single people. Solo Rendezvous meet at Downend Cricket Club, every Wednesday, 8.30pm, entrance £3, and walk every Sunday. Please phone for walk details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210. 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 Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. 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 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

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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

Fridays n Greeting cards sold in aid of St Peter’s Hospice, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, morning. 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

Mixed ability Mat Pilates classes Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm EST 1974

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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 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

A mixed ability class aimed at improving posture, strengthening the core and lengthening the body Class cost: £8/class or 6 classes for £40 *Bring a Mat* Venue: The Chapel, Steiner Academy Bristol, College Road, BS16 2JP. To book and for info contact Veronica: facebook: www.facebook.com/restackpilatesbristol/ wesbite: https://www.re-stackpilates.com/ email: restackpilates@gmail.com phone: 07853223871

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

n WHAT’S ON CONTINUED 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 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.

Future dates are November 11 and 25, December 9 and 23, January 5 and 19, February 2 and 16, March 16 and 30. 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

Saturdays 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

Sundays

n Morning Worship and children’s activities, Speedwell Methodist

Concert invitation PUPILS at Glenfrome Primary School are busy rehearsing for their annual community Christmas concert.

Pupils in Year 2, 3 and 4 will once again be entertaining the community with a selection of carols in the school hall on Tuesday December 12 at 1.30pm.

Grandparents and elderly members of the community are invited to come along and enjoy the music along with a cup of tea and a mince pie.

Headteacher Inger O'Callaghan said: "This is always a wellattended and hugely appreciated event. All are welcome so come and enjoy a sing-a-long!"

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Church, 378 Speedwell Road.

10.30am Friendly, informal and lively. 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 n Worship, Staple Hill Methodist Church 10.30am and 6pm. A 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 with crafts, food and fun for all the family.

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 and other inquiries about Beechwood Club, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. email: tk007h9736@ blueyonder.co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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32

December, 2017

n FISHPONDS MUM A FRIEND of mine is a new parent to a five-week-old baby.

She was open mouthed with incredulity this week at the cost of a local Christmas ‘baby’ party by a branded ‘sensory’ type company.

“Nine pounds! For a Christmas party? She’s five weeks old, for goodness’ sake! I probably won’t even put her down. N-i-n-e p-ou-n-d-s! Have you been to one? Is it that they have really good, high quality gifts?” she asks innocently and expectantly, thinking she has misunderstood this whole baby party idea.

“I don’t remember getting a gift,” I replied, as her eyes widened further, “but there were a lot of things that lit up, and we dressed them as velvet elves - we did the hokey-cokey, I think?”

“It’s only for an hour, for nine pounds?!” She continued to mutter, “she’s just a baby, a tiny baby… what can the nine pounds be for….?”

I felt slightly cheated by how accustomed I was to paying amplified prices for short events for little people. Whilst you want them to last to get your monies’ worth, as a parent, you also want them

Christmas with baby: brace yourselves! to end so you can get your child home. These Christmas activities are everywhere so brace yourselves for the ‘Baby Christmas Events’ period…take your pick.

The fun Christmas events we’ve noticed are: Baby Disko! at Speigeltent, 2pm4pm, Saturday, 2nd and 16th December £9 (plus booking fee) The Belgian Speigeltent comes to British cities at Christmas time. In Bristol it lands like a big circus top at one end of Millenium Square

Physically Rewarding & Intellectually Stimulating “It was much more relaxed and fun than I expected. Really friendly helpful people” Dawn, 42, a housewife and mother

Karate, don’t be put off by the word!

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To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

and is described as a ‘travelling ballroom’. It comes complete with bevelled mirrors, stained glass, and draped ceilings. For me it’s a bit of burlesque, mixed with steam punk, add in a little bit of circus and masquerade and you are about there. What a fine place for a ‘baby disko!’ Very tall Alice in Wonderland characters dance away to ‘Happy,’ surrounded by lots of little ones in trainers with glowing soles.

Children are encouraged to dress up, paint faces, bust some moves to a real DJ and do some art in a crafts’ area - a fine way to pass a run-upto-Christmas-Saturday afternoon.

There is a bar (yes, a real bar) and you can buy food. They do grown up masquerade balls and ‘disko’ too, as well as singing events, Christmas Parties, Santa’s Grotto – there is much on at this venue over Christmas. You can book etickets on their website. Have a look at: http://christmasspiegeltent. co.uk Christmas Speigeltent, Waterfront Square, Off Canons Way, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5LL info@ christmasspiegeltent.co.uk 0117 287 2484 The Egg and Travelling Light present… The Snow Mouse at The Egg Theatre in Bath Tickets: Adults: £8.50 Children & Students: £7.50 plus 50p booking fee. No lap seats.

We saw this little play last year.

It’s ideal for 0-3 year old babies and is shown in the little room above the actual Egg Theatre. The small room made the show very accessible and intimate as we were very close to the snow mouse and its adventures. We sat cross-legged as it flew all around us. The play follows the story of a child who meets a mouse and they have fun in the winter wonderland of the set. It is beautifully lit, with magical sound and is really captivating.

Our child was about one and a half and she really enjoyed it. A forty-minute show was just long enough, worked around her nap-time. We went for a 1.30pm

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

showing with an early nap en-route to Bath.

Dates & Times: Tuesday - Thursday: 9.30am & 11.30am Friday - Sunday: 9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm Avon Valley Railway’s Santa Steam Special £15 adult, £15 child, Adult lapseat £20 (only with child under 1)

The ‘Santa Special’ involves hopping on a steam train to meet Santa. Only in the West Country, I hear you say. This is a chance to experience a bit of local history, local culture and transport heritage all wrapped in one Christmas package. You will line up on Bitton Station platform, hop on a real heritage steam train with the types of carriage featured in a 1930s melodrama and await Santa himself. It is atmospheric, to say the least.

For an hour-long six mile round trip, with tasty festive snack and good quality age-appropriate gifts to boot, this can be a good memorable family day out. It’s a good opportunity to book with friends, extended family and make it a while morning or afternoon out. I can’t imagine extended family enjoying Speigeltent, but this is just the right event for a family/friend gang of you to enjoy.

We booked a whole Hogwarts style carriage last year for our Grandma, cousins, uncles, aunties, and sang Christmas carols excitedly and loudly until the man himself arrived, who said a quick “Ho! Ho! Ho!” delivered some lovely gifts then made his way to the next carriage. It was great fun and, whilst pricey, we still have the gift and still laugh about and remember the day.

Running from the end of November right up to Christmas eve, check it out: http://www.avonvalleyrailway. org/events/santa-special/

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

33

n CULTURAL FIX WITH ANNA BLIGHTMAN

December's magic and sparkle YAY, it is finally here. The hard slog of November’s cold, grey rain finally makes way for December’s magic and sparkle.

In our house it is a particularly celebratory month as, not only do we have that big occasion that all the shops are full of, but also a small person’s birthday. Ponies, princesses, balloons, all the usual chaos ensues before the tree even goes up!

So, what else happens in December in Fishponds. I’m hoping this year might see a bit more effort put into external decorations in and around our village (can we call it Fishponds village now?!).

Individual shops and cafes have already made an effort and the tree lights in Fishponds Park were wonderful last year, but what about a big tree in the middle of Straits Parade? I’m campaigning for that!

Decorations aside, there are some really magical happenings

this year, chances to come together as a community and enjoy the festive season. Starting early on December 5 is the Fishponds Food Assembly Christmas Fair & Wine Tasting. Not sure it needs much more of an introduction, but pop along to this free event for storytelling, the above mentioned wine tasting and loads of produce, crafts, and gifts to choose from.

December 6 sees Snuffy Jack’s hosting their second pub quiz.

Sounds like a reason to get out and taste (sic) your knowledge of the beers available…brain optional.

The Steiner Academy Winter Fair is on December 9. I can highly recommend this fair to anyone with kids. We had a wonderful time last year, dipping candles to make our own, feasting on nourishing soup and joining in with singing.

On the evening of the 10th, People’s University of Fishponds (PuF) opens its doors at The

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Kingfisher for a workshop on How To Conduct An Orchestra, with batons! I can think of nothing better than rounding up the relatives full of turkey and demonstrating said talent.

Also, and this one definitely sounds magical, on December 17 is Santa’s Grotto on the Lake over in Eastville Park. Tickets are just £3, and they are promising Santa like you’ve never seen him before! Live music, entertainment, refreshments and more. With only a week to go until Christmas, this might be the last thing I manage! You can read more about the event elsewhere in this month's Fishponds Voice.

And then it’s full on countdown to the day itself. Excitement is already building, you can feel it in the air, and here it in the pleas of children every time they pass a shop window. Get out and celebrate, it’s only once a year. We’ll talk about recovery next month !

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Anna Blightman anna@thedistantfuture alwayssoundslovely.com

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Art can help reduce stress, acreate a our benefit so to reserve place on that everyone gets maximum benefit so to feeling provide recourse orand for more information reserveofnext awell-being place on our next course or for laxation butinformation mostcall of all —today it’s01454 fun! today on more call on 227116 Student numbers are kept low to en227116 sure that01454 everyone gets maximum benefit so to reserve a place on our next course or for more information sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Got News? call today on 01454

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34

December, 2017

n PROPS COLUMN

Sport proves a lot of fun

WE are getting into the Christmas spirit here at PROPS. We have been kept busy with our largest ever order of 150 handmade Christmas cards. Many thanks to Octagon Consultancy for choosing PROPS to make the cards they send out to their clients.

Our art group has also been making some beautiful glittery leaf prints, some of which have been made into lovely seasonal cards.

Snowman production has also been in full force, and we have a

huge selection ready to go, as they were so popular last year.

If you would like to buy any of our items, why not come along to our Festive Coffee Morning on December 15, from 10am-noon.

This is being held in the Gill Conference Room at the Vassall Centre. The Bristol Umbrella Singers, an autistic and learning difficulties-friendly choir which some of our students take part in, will be performing a selection of carols and Christmas songs. We

will be selling handmade cards and gifts, as well as drinks and cakes. Please come along to show support and meet new people.

PROPS has had some fantastic publicity in November. Perhaps you saw us on BBC Points West in a news feature, where they filmed our students at Thingwall Park allotments. From this, we were also invited to BBC Radio Bristol for a live interview about accessible gardening.

The same week, two of our students, Shane and Jordan, featured live on Bradley Stoke Radio on their charity hour. They talked about the work they do at PROPS, and had also been asked to come up with their own playlist.

Being big music fans, they took this task very seriously and really enjoyed coming up with their music choices. This was a fantastic experience for our students, and our organisation. Please contact us if you have any other opportunities we could get involved with.

To find out more about PROPS, or to get in touch, visit www. propsbristol.org, email info@ propsbristol.co.uk or call 0117 965 3514.

Helen Brittain Programme and development manager

Dr Timothy Button MSc (Chiro) DC FRCC (Sports)

A Team approach to healthcare.

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

CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20 St James's Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JB

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2017

n GARDENING Wonders of wildlife HAVING recently been relieved of the last of our bicycles, one of which I’ve ridden over 15000 miles around Bristol, I’ve taken to walking the three miles to work and back. Apart from the aching legs that going from walking around three to 36 miles a week has brought about, I now get much more time to take in the sights as I go.

Forgive me if I sound like a broken record but just watching the surroundings migrate into cold torpor, from the bronze and copper that we’ve had in the autumn months brings me immense pleasure. The smell of the decaying leaves on the ground and the water hanging from the bare black branches evokes such strong memories from over the years that I can’t help smiling though the cold dampness. It feels like the droplets hang there from October to February, each twig with a run of clear beads reflecting tiny worlds. We’ve had a few frosty days so far

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but usually it’s after the new year the we get a proper cold spell, if any. All of the damp sets to stone and there is a snapshot, frozen for few days or more, paths become ice rinks but the droplets stay in place, hanging from the naked trees.

This is just from the avenue of wildlife into the city that the railway path provides; it’s hard to believe that in the name of progress there was a plan to do away with it and run buses there instead. There are few enough places that we have in the city that are truly wild and left to their own devices that it seems insanity to me that anyone would even consider this an option. We are very lucky in Fishponds as more than anywhere else this close

Photo: Martin Tayler

Shiatsu Massage

35

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to the city, except maybe Leigh Woods, are some of the most beautiful places, right on our doorstep.

Places that are kept in check by some of the most fantastic and proactive volunteer groups, with the likes of the Frome Fairies who are constantly at work keeping the river free of debris and the Friends of Eastville Park who are working to improve the park for the benefit of everyone.

Now that the council are cutting the funding for the Bristol parks it’s going to be up to groups like this to do what they can to keep them free and useable for us all, it would be a travesty to see these places across the city go to ruin, or worse be lost forever. There are 1652 parks covering 2217 hectares in Bristol at a cost of over £4to the council, and although they have backtracked on a plan to remove all funding, appreciating the fact that it would ‘decimate’ the service, they are planning to pull £2.8m. We should support ventures that bring in revenue for these places such as festivals and cultural fairs; there are a number of these at Eastville Park each year, and although the money raised might not at

the moment be going towards its upkeep, I am all in favour of this potential stream of income. If it keeps the parks free and accessible, then the inconvenience of a few weeks of thousands of people enjoying themselves is a small price to pay, if any.

As an active member of a local allotment association, we are constantly in fear of the day that the council decide that the land we rent is no longer viable and should be put to another purpose, but gratefully there are groups of people like these that will stand up to prevent this happening to some of our most valued places, thank you.

There is little to do in the garden this month so take a walk through the park and up the Frome to look for the otters or the kingfishers.

Carol’s Foot Care Carol Bath MCFHP, MAFHP, Dip Foot Health

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36

n SPORT

Cricket club's boost CARSONS & Mangotsfield Cricket Club have been awarded a grant of £5000 from Emersons Green Town Council for new ground machinery.

The Pomphrey Hill based side took over the preparing of the cricket square in 2016 after five years of South Gloucestershire Council preparing the wicket.

During the season the club spent more than £5000 of club funds on a new roller but they found themselves woefully short of the equipment needed to prepare a safe and good wicket.

Vice chairman Andy King submitted the application and said: “After a long discussion with the ground staff, they came up with a list of items that were needed to ensure that the autumn repair work could be completed, along with equipment that was needed in the spring and during the season.”

Councillor Rich Nichols, Mayor of Emersons Green Town Council, said he applauded the good work the club does in engaging children and adults in sport and was pleased to support the funding of new equipment.

The club run sides from age 7 to 17 and also run three Saturday sides and one Sunday side and is always on the lookout for new players so contact Andy for more information on 07988 745985 or andrewzking@sky.com

Fundraising on the bounce MEMBERS of Bristol Metropolitan Academy’s European basketball championship team bounced basketballs from Bristol to Bath along the Bristol to Bath cycle path to raise funds for a trip to America.

Twelve players covered the 13 miles in just over six hours.

Each player has been set a £100 target towards the visit

in 2019. The trip to America will see them take part in US tournaments, receive coaching from US coaches and watch NBA basketball games.

The total cost of the trip will be more than £6,000 but with fundraising and help from families they hope to achieve it.

Tom Hooper, head of PE, said: “The boys are really looking forward to the trip and working

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hard to raise the money required.

They have achieved so much as a team and I am very proud of them all. If we could get to America I feel sure this would have a major beneficial impact on their sporting careers.”

If you have any fundraising ideas for Tom and the team, contact him via email; he would love to hear from you. thooper900@bristolmet.net

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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December, 2017

37

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

When the chiro becomes the patient Blog 46: Golf and gallstones WHAT a painful month I am having … firstly I got caught doing 36mph in a 30. I don’t even remember it but according to the letter I was on my way to a Bristol Rovers game. We shouldn’t speed so I must accept my fine and go to a speeding workshop which will be conveniently near where I live now in Keynsham. I am ashamed to admit that this isn’t my first workshop for driving too fast. I have learnt from my first though and will just sit and listen. There are many good points to learn at a speeding workshop (maybe they should make you do one before you get your licence) but my favourite was how the nice instructor man was pointing out that all of the ‘reasons to speed’ that we had written down were actually excuses and the ‘reasons not to speed’ were genuine reasons…I agreed with him until I read that some deep and maybe disturbed thinker put down ‘escape’ as a reason to speed.

With that to look forward to I was happily getting on with my rewarding work at Cleve Chiropractic when I awoke one morning and my upper middle stomach started to grumble.

Being a responsible and medically trained chiropractor, I promptly ignored the pain and carried on into work. Treating the first patient, however, caused me so much pain that I nearly fell over - that’s not a

normal stomach ache I thought - and I carried on. After two new patient examinations the pain was referring up to my right shoulder blade so I considered drinking some water to help; after three more treatments I was nearly being sick and felt ready to pass out … maybe I should go to hospital.

It was my first time as a patient in Southmead and despite having trouble to park if I wasn’t in so much pain I could honestly say that I found the whole place delightful!

It’s all shiny and new looking, resembling an airport lounge more than a hospital. I was happy to see only a two- hour wait and sat down with my magazine ready to wait but within a few minutes I was called in to be checked and sent straight through (maybe because I couldn’t stand up straight). I was told to go and sit on a very comfortable reclining chair where a nurse who happened to be an old family friend and neighbour put a canula into me and pumped me full of IV paracetamol, anti-inflammatories and an anti-sickness drug. That helped.

After scans and blood tests it was believed that I have an inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis) and potential gallstones. I explained to the doctor that I was supposed to be going to London that night for a British Chiropractic Association meeting. She said I probably wouldn’t die if I went but…etc, etc.

So now, a few days later, I have to see how it goes and come back if it gets worse. I actually feel a little bit better, but I have booked

in to see a gall bladder surgeon this afternoon. It’s £150 for a consultation only but right now I will pay anything. So here I sit on my sofa catching up on paper work and writing this blog. I wonder if I will still have all of my organs by the time I write next month’s blog…

Shifting subjects smoothly this is the time of year I traditionally go and have golf lessons with my amazing coach Emma ‘ theladygolfcoach’ Brown from the Kendleshire Golf Club. I found her a few years ago through a golf pro patient who told me how great she is. I was new to golf and her skill in teaching was fabulous and soon enough she had me working through all the different aspects of golf. Most of all I enjoy Emma’s personality, she helps me forget about the stresses of life for an hour or so.

Over the years I have sent Emma lots of clients so naturally we set

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 up a referral system where she will offer 10 per cent off her lessons if you mention me to her when you book. Let’s hope I can get though these gallstones so I can get back down there to help improve my short game asap! Contact Emma via her email: emmabrownpga@ gmail.com or via her website www. theladygolfcoach.co.uk.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you from all the staff at Cleve

Off to a flying start HUNDREDS of runners of all ages are enoying the new weekly parkrun at Eastville Park.

The 5k free event, which takes place at 9am every Saturday, started on November 18, when 679 people took part.

Among them was Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of parkrun. More than 70 running clubs were represented and 88 people were taking part in their first parkrun.

Bristol has one other adult parkrun, at Ashton Court, while others are held in South Gloucestershire at Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield and in Chipping Sodbury.

The second Eastville parkrun attracted 421 runners.

More volunteers are needed to support the event. For further information visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ eastville/

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Date:

38

17 March 2017 fishpondsvoice

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