Fishponds Voice February 2018

fishpondsvoice February, 2019 — ISSUE 49

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Happy 100th birthday, Hillfields Happy Dayz lives up to its name HappyDayz pre-school has plenty to smile about after being judged to be providing good education and care.

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Park proposals come under fire Hillfields estate in Fishponds is celebrating its centenary. Bristol's first post-First World War council house tenants moved into Beechen Drive in 1919. They were soon joined by hundreds , mostly

ex-service personnel who were promised Homes for Heroes. A series of events has been planned to mark the milestone.

Full story: Page 8

Wrong! Parents fight Ofsted criticism:

Residents have raised concerns about planned changes at Eastville Park, including an electric charging point and a snack kiosk.

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Victory in war on toxic chemical

STEINER ACADEMY BATTLE - PAGES 2 & 3

A campaign that started in Fishponds has persuaded Bristol City Council to act to stop using weedkillers that could threaten human health.

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fishpondsvoice Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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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.

DEADLINES March edition deadline is February 20.

L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

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

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

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

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Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Outcry from parents a

A LEGAL battle is being launched by a Fishponds school over an inspection report that found it to be inadequate in all areas.

Ofsted placed the Steiner Academy in special measures after finding that it was “failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education” and its leaders were not showing the capacity to improve it.

But the school’s governing body wants to challenge the inspection process in the High Court, while parents have defended the school, claiming the report does not give a “fair and accurate” picture.

Ofsted’s findings, just published after a visit in November, rated the school inadequate in all five of the areas it measured – leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils and early years provision.

Among 15 major criticisms Ofsted made were: • Pupils are exposed to avoidable risk of harm.

•Physical intervention is used unnecessarily.

• Teaching is weak and pupils are underachieving significantly across the school.

• Teachers have low expectations of pupils’ achievement and attitudes to learning.

• Bullying incidents are too frequent.

• Pupils make basic errors in their writing.

• Curriculum is not taught well, including children not learning

how to stay safe online and having a limited understanding of British values.

The inspectors concluded: “Leaders and governors have failed to ensure that pupils receive an acceptable standard of education. They have an overgenerous view of the school’s effectiveness.”

The school’s governing body says it is concerned that, after Education Secretary Damian Hinds wrote to Ofsted demanding “additional scrutiny” of all Steiner schools, the watchdog’s approach has “impacted on the fairness and independence of the inspection process”.

Two other state-funded Steiner academies, in Exeter and Frome, were placed in special measures just before Bristol.

All the schools, and a fourth in Hereford, were opened in the last decade under the Government's free schools programme At the time of the Ofsted inspection, Steiner Academy Bristol had 377 students aged four to 16. The school's governors say their request for a fresh inspection with a different team was refused and they have launched a crowdfunding page to pay for an application to the High Court for a judicial review challenging the legality of the Ofsted process and report.

Governor Roy Douglas said: “While we take the report very seriously and recognise that improvements need to be made, we do not consider that the decision to place us in special measures was fair. We have a

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as Ofsted says Steiner Academy is failing number of concerns about the way the inspection process was conducted and the judgments made and wanted to work with Ofsted to resolve these.

“Unfortunately we feel that the position Ofsted has adopted throughout this process has left the board of governors with no other option to pursue a legal challenge.

“We are concerned about Ofsted’s approach and what this means for the future of statefunded Steiner education.”

Principal Joss Hayes said: “My priority is the children, and a review of safeguarding by external agencies has already confirmed that pupils are safe here.

“We are committed to making improvements, and have already implemented a number of new learning programmes. We will be working hard with parents and carers to ensure that pupils get the education they deserve

and are committed to delivering an education that is within our ethos.”

More than 1,000 people have signed a parents’ petition calling for a fresh Ofsted inspection.

Parent Deb Meachin said: “I am a qualified nursery nurse with huge amounts of child development experience. I have three children, aged 13, 11 and eight, who have all been through the Steiner system from age

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three. It has met every aspect of my children's development in such a positive way.”

A statement to the Voice from Fred Ehresmann on behalf of ‘The Parents of Steiner Academy Bristol’ said: “We do not believe that the recent OFSTED Inspection Report offers a fair and accurate representation of our School. From our own personal experiences of being parents of children at Steiner

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Academy Bristol, we hold the teachers in the greatest of esteem and are confident that they provide, a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment for our children.Furthermore, we do not believe that the inspection was carried out in a fair and impartial manner.

“We believe that this unannounced inspection by the same team of inspectors that had previously assessed and failed two other Steiner schools in the South West was influenced by these assessments.”

Another parent told the Voice: “My children have been there since it opened and they have thrived. They beg to go back to school in the holidays.”

The governing body’s crowdfunding page for its legal challenge can be found online at bit.ly/2TecoNf. To read the Ofsted report, go to https://bit.ly/2WtG0IG

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Arson on No 49 BUS operator First is working with police to try and identify vandals who set fire to a number 49 bus which had just passed through Fishponds.

Flames were spotted on the back seat of the bus as it passed through Staple Hill towards Emersons Green on the evening of January 16.

It has been reported that a passenger on the bus used their steel toe-capped boots to smash open the glass case containing the vehicle’s fire extinguisher, before using it to put out the flames.

A spokesperson for First West of England said: “We can confirm there was an incident on the number 49 from the city centre to Emerson’s Green on Wednesday 16th in the early evening.

“At this time we believe a small fire started as a result of vandalism and we are working with the police to try to identify the culprits.

“All our vehicles are fitted with fire extinguishers for incidents of this kind. Our drivers are trained in their use and we are investigating the specific details of the incident concerned.”

First says sorry for bus stop screen faults BUS operator First has apologised after major glitches caused the real-time information at Bristol bus stops to show “fictitious” places and wrong details.

Councillors fear the system has “collapsed” and that the situation is now so bad that it is driving people back into cars, abandoning public transport.

RTI screens at bus stops, which are owned by the council, are supposed to show passengers accurate due times of buses serving each stop.

Bristol City Council manages the central system and has a contract with an RTI provider to display the relevant information, which comes from a regular feed from the ticket machine on each bus, giving its current location.

But transport campaigner David Redgewell told Bristol’s overview and scrutiny management board that the bus network’s RTI was “failing” passengers and displaying “phantom” locations.

“They have been showing the wrong information, no information or fictitious

destinations where no buses go,” he said.

“It’s very confusing for everyone who doesn’t know the city and it needs some urgent scrutiny. We cannot carry on like this.”

A council spokeswoman said: “With over 600 buses running in Bristol, it is a challenging task to make sure each and every bus is correctly tracked and mapped against its timetable.

“Contractors managing both First’s ticket machines and the council’s real-time information system have been instructed to resolve the issues while we continue testing the way the two systems interact.”

First West of England commercial director Rob Pymm said: “We know how important the real-time information at bus stops is for our customers, and we are currently working with Bristol City Council to address an issue that is affecting the accuracy of the RTI for some buses.

“We would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”

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February, 2019

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n NEWS

Plans for flats at Merchants Arms are withdrawn CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a pub in Stapleton are breathing a sign of relief after plans to turn the building into flats were withdrawn.

Residents have missed the Merchants Arms in Bell Hill since its sudden closure in December 2016 and hoped it would open again. Last July, they managed to get the building listed as an "Asset of Community Value" (ACV) to give it some protection against development.

But they were dismayed when just months later plans were submitted by owners Red Rock Developments to change the pub, which had been trading since 1938, into six two-bed maisonettes.

Members of the community rallied round to unite against the proposals, lodging 112 objections with Bristol City Council.

However, they suffered a further setback when they realised Red Rock Developments were challenging the building's ACV status.

Their objection led to a review hearing on November 2 where an adjudicating officer listened to the case for and against keeping the protected status.

Now it has been announced that the ACV listing has been upheld - promptly leading the Bristol-based developers to withdraw the planning application.

Chris Faulkner Gibson, representing Colston Estate Community Association, which

was leading the fight against the plans, said: "We were absolutely delighted to learn that the ACV listing had been upheld. The adjudicating officer found in our favour on all points. It is still open to the owners to appeal to a First Tier Tribunal, which would basically be a re-run of the recent review hearing but this time chaired by a judge in a more formal courtroom setting, and the result would be final.

"They have 28 days from the decision date to lodge an appeal.

For now, we are celebrating a clear victory."

Eastville councillor Mhairi Threlfall said the application would have been "called in" decided by a planning committee should council officers recommend approval. However, the plans were withdrawn before it reached that stage.

Mr Faulkner Gibson said it was disappointing no decision could be taken.

"In sporting terms this is the equivalent of a ‘no-score draw’.

We would have preferred to have the matter properly decided but if necessary we will repeat our opposition to any further planning applications that would spell the end of the pub."

Mr Faulkner Gibson added: "The association would like to thank the 112 people who submitted objections for their invaluable support. We'd also like to put everyone on notice that we might have to do it all over again if another application

is submitted.

"We’re certainly not nervous about what happens next – whatever happens we’ll deal with it as energetically as we have before.

"Having had the ACV listing upheld is a huge boost in terms of fighting any planning application for change of use, as the developer’s arguments have already been tested and

found wanting, and our planning objections are stronger as a result.

"Overall, the outcome is a clear victory as far as the ACV is concerned, but neutral as far as the planning application but we’re in a better position to fight the next one as a result."

Unless overturned, the ACV status will stay in force for five years.

Crews tackle fire in kitchen FIREFIGHTERS were called in when a blaze broke out at a house in Speedwell.

The fire was discovered in the kitchen of the house in Honiton Road at 11.25pm on January 22.

Ambulance crews were called to attend to those who had been in the house while firefighters in breathing apparatus put out the blaze, which is thought to have started accidentally.

After the crews from Kingswood and Temple fire stations had extinguished the flames they remained on the scene to give safety advice to neighbours.

More information on kitchen safety is available at bit. ly/2JVUPME.

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Concerns over 'destructive' plans for park A RESIDENT has branded Bristol City Council’s decision to install a charging point for electric vehicles at the edge of Eastville Park as an 'environmental horror story'.

The authority has given the green light to its own proposals for a charging hub with spaces for eight vehicles, a transformer and an 8ft security fence, along with a snack kiosk, toilets and parking.

The site is off Park Avenue, a cul-de-sac, and is next to the park's car park.

People living nearby say the plans will destroy the ambience of the Victorian park and are dismayed at the felling of six trees and the destruction of a grassy knoll to make way for the scheme.

They argue it makes a mockery of the council's 'green' pledges.

Resident Pamela Nowicka said: "The project is an environmental horror story of the wanton destruction of our fragile green heritage and ecosystems.

"The project goes against numerous elements of Bristol City Council's own core strategy in prioritising private car transport.

"Electric cars are not 'green'.

Their environmental footprint is larger than a conventional car, while additional electricity required will likely be produced by nuclear plants. The council wants to be seen as 'green' but this is simply greenwash.

"The council recently passed a motion calling for zero carbon

targets by 2025. Each tree that is going to be needlessly destroyed would absorb huge amounts of CO2."

Another resident said they could not understand why the council needed to use part of the park when other areas would be more appropriate: "We were baffled as to why the proposed development was sited in the park, especially when there’s already another hub less than a mile away at Ikea."

Residents created a makeshift shrine and decorated the threatened trees to draw attention to the plans.

Despite receiving 19 objections and just six comments in favour, the authority's development control committee approved the plans at a meeting in December.

A report to councillors said: "The public benefits promoted

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by this scheme in terms of the promotion of electric cars is a positive element of the proposal which will assist in the council aim for a carbon neutral city.

The facilities that are part of the proposal (kiosk and toilets) will promote and improve the day to day experience of users to the park. Weighted against the harm caused to this less sensitive area of the historic park officers consider that the public benefits outweigh the slight harm caused."

The report also played down residents' fears the development would lead to traffic chaos: "A number of local residents have raised concerns that the site will

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turn into a 'service station' and result in a significant volume of traffic utilising the car park.

"Officers do not consider that this would happen as the uptake of electric vehicles in the city (and country) is low. At the point when electric cars are mainstream it is likely that there will be significant number of facilities available across the city and in residential areas meaning that the use of this facility would not be significant to result in a highway safety matter."

The report also said 15 new trees would be planted and that bat and bird boxes and protection for badgers will be required as a condition.

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February, 2019

n NEWS TRIBUTES have been paid to humanitarian and CLIC Sargent founder Bob Woodward who died on January 20 at the age of 85.

Bob, who lived in Frenchay, established the charity CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood), one of two charities which later merged to form CLIC Sargent.

He set out on a mission to improve standards of treatment, care and support for families facing childhood cancer after his son Robert was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 1974 and sadly died in 1977, aged 11.

He faced further tragedy when his son Hugh, who was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, died at the age of four after suffering a heart attack.

When Robert was diagnosed, Bob and his wife Judy suddenly became aware of the issues around cancer in young people and their families, including being a long way from home while receiving treatment.

Bob established the very first ‘Home from Home’ in Bristol providing free accommodation for the families of young cancer patients where parents and siblings could stay together whilst their child is receiving treatment. CLIC Sargent now has 10 Homes from Home in the UK and is working to build more.

In a short space of time, Bob grew his vision to launch a series of charity shops covering south west England and Bristol saw the first CLIC funded nurses, specialising in paediatric cancer care. His charity also

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Tributes paid to charity founder Bob Woodward began funding paediatric cancer research and gained an army of volunteers.

Bob, who was called one of the world's greatest humanitarians by former leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, was given a Pride of Britain Lifetime Achievement award in 2011.

This was followed by an OBE in 2014. He was also given an honorary degree from the University of Bristol.

In 2005, CLIC merged with Sargent Cancer Care for Children to become CLIC Sargent. Today, CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer support charity for children, young people and families.

Bob, a former property developer, became chief executive and subsequent patron of the Starfish Trust as well as patron and

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ambassador for Meningitis Now. It has been estimated that Bob was personally responsible for raising more than £100m for charity.

Kate Lee, CEO of CLIC Sargent, said: "We were really saddened to hear this news and send our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Many years ago, Bob set out on an incredible mission to improve the treatment options and support available to children and young people with cancer. There is still a huge need for such support today and his legacy will live on especially in our many services such as our Homes from Home and nursing.

"Bob’s caring nature and his drive to not stop until every child and young person suffering from cancer receives better support, lives on in our charity’s values today. It’s with Bob’s commitment that we continue our mission to be there for the 12 children and young people who hear the devastating news that they have cancer each day."

Bob leaves his wife Judy, daughter Rachel, son James and granddaughter Laura.

See Kerry McCarthy on page 23.

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Hillfields under the spotlight in 2019 HILLFIELDS will be under the spotlight this year as the area celebrates 100 years since the first council housing was built.

The area, along with Sea Mills, St Judes and Knowle West, will benefit from funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HFL) for a number of projects which will take place throughout 2019.

Known as Homes For Heroes 100, the programme will explore the history of the areas and the people that have lived and worked there over the last century.

The programme will not only look at homes – their layout, how and why they were built – but also other buildings on the estates, including schools, libraries and pubs, and the differences that they made to the communities who lived there.

The funding will also support a new community project in Hillfields which is being run by Local Learning.

The start of the first major era

Furze Park in the early years of the Hillfields estate. Picture: Bristol Archives of council house building in the UK came after the 1919 Housing and Town Planning Act, known as The Addison Act after the then Minister of Health and Housing, Christopher Addison.

The act was introduced in the wake of a speech delivered

by Prime Minister Lloyd George regarding British troops returning from The Great War in which he called for ‘a country fit

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for heroes to live in’.

Bristol’s first post-war council house tenants moved into Beechen Drive, Hillfields in 1919 where there is now a commemorative plaque. In September 1920 more than 87 per cent of the 676 applicants for houses on the Hillfields estate were from ex-service personnel.

Other estates across the city were soon completed with the first sod at Sea Mills cut by Addison himself in a ceremony in June 1919. An oak tree was planted in Sea Mills Square to mark the occasion and remains today.

Andrew Kelly, director of Bristol Cultural Development Partnership which is coordinating the programme, said: "The 1919 Addison Act was not just about building homes; it was about creating communities and changing the social fabric of the country.

"Originally promoted as homes for the returning heroes of the war and as fresh starts for those displaced by slum clearance, in recent decades council housing – and the social housing that has partly come to replace it – has attracted an unwarranted stigma. Council house residents have been marginalised for generations and the culturally important heritage that lies within their estates is little-known.

"Through community-based research and hands-on activity leading to high-profile showcases in the estates involved, the citycentre and online, the Homes For Heroes programme will celebrate the council estate past, present and future."

Pete Insole and Ruth Myers, from Local Learning, will be

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working in Hillfields. They said: "We are very excited about working with the Hillfields community to celebrate this important event in both the city’s and nation’s housing history. We are looking forward to finding out more about the impact of Addison’s Housing Act." Homes For Heroes 100 has further backing from Bristol City Council, which will be contributing £80,000, as well as from Arts Council England, Bristol Cultural Development Partnership and Heritage Schools.

The programme will include the launch of a new book written by people who have grown up on council housing estates; the story of council housing in Bristol told in comic-book style; walking tours around the estates; a day event as part of Festival of the Future City; the planting of an oak tree at a new council housing site, and much more.

Planning issues and debates around the nationwide shortage of housing will be raised and the new areas of social housing being created by Bristol City Council will be celebrated.

Cllr Paul Smith, Bristol City Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "Not enough new homes are built each year in Bristol to meet the demand and this results in high rents and escalating house prices. We want to show that providing affordable homes can be done. Taking the time to celebrate and be inspired by the first waves of Homes for Heroes is a great way of helping us plan for the future."

Follow the project on Twitter using the hashtag #HomesForHeroes100

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February, 2019

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n NEWS

Thousands miss cancer screening

Owner Vanessa Carter, teacher Rawda Omar and deputy manager Marnie Tucker with children at Happy Dayz Pre-School at the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds

Inspector praises Happy Dayz A PRE-school’s “committed and enthusiastic” staff have been praised by the education watchdog.

An Ofsted inspector who visited Happy Dayz Pre-school in Moorlands Road in December said staff had a “warm and caring rapport” with the two, three and four-year-olds in their care.

Ofsted rates pre-schools in four areas: leadership and management; teaching and learning quality; children’s development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for children.

Happy Dayz, which has 45 children on its roll and is based at the Harry Crook Centre, is rated good in all four areas.

Ofsted inspector Jan Harvey said: “The committed and enthusiastic staff have considerable understanding of each child, which helps to fully promote children's learning and care.

“Staff are skilled in assessing children's progress and identifying gaps in their learning.

“They review specific plans for individuals and groups of children thoughtfully to ensure all children make good progress.

Staff have well-established partnerships with external professionals so children receive

the support they need.

“Staff build strong, trusting relationships with parents.

Regular two-way communication to discuss children's progress, and a library of activities and books to borrow, help parents support learning at home.

“Staff help children understand how people and families differ. For instance, they offer a wide range of resources and activities to children that reflect the diversity of people and their lives. This helps children learn to respect different views and cultures.

“Children are confident, enthusiastic and motivated."

The inspector said the preschool could improve further by increasing opportunities for children to develop early writing skills and challenging the most able youngsters to think through their ideas.

Pre-school owner Vanessa Carter said the inspector had captured the essence of the preschool.

She said: “A lot of our children come from areas of deprivation and have special educational needs – it was very important to us that the report reflected how hard we work, and the investment in training

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and knowledge, to make sure children have got the best outcomes.

“Our pre-school is very diverse and the inspector noted how British values are encouraged in the setting, with all the children respecting each other.

“The inspector attended a busy, bustling day when we had our nativity and the girls did what they would do on any other day.

“She had time to talk with our parents, who said glowing things about us."

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MORE than 15,000 women in Bristol missed their last screening for breast cancer, NHS figures show.

Women are invited for an x-ray mammogram every three years between the ages of 50 and 70, to try and detect tumours before they are large enough to feel.

But, "troubling" figures show the proportion of women accepting the invitation is declining.

Only 68.4% of the 49,035 women in the Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group area due a screening in the three years to the end of last March took up the offer.

This means 15,518 women are not up to date with their checks.

Across England the proportion of women who attended their last check was 72%.

The UK National Screening Committee says the minimum acceptable level of coverage is 70%, but the NHS is expected to achieve 80%.

Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at the charity Breast Cancer Care, said the figures were “troubling”, adding: "While screening is not a one-stop shop, as symptoms can occur at any time, mammograms remain the most effective tool at our disposal for detecting breast cancer at the earliest possible stage."

In Bristol, the uptake rate has fallen for a second year running.

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Woman, 94, is robbed by fake cop

A 94-YEAR-old woman had her purse, cash and phone stolen by a fake police officer who called at the door of her Hillfields home.

She was among four pensioners in their 90s targeted by burglars in Bristol and South Gloucestershire in the space of two days.

Police are urging neighbours to call 999 immediately if they see anyone in their street who is only calling on elderly people.

The 94-year-old was targeted between 7pm and 7.30pm on December 18 by a man who pushed his way into her home Thicket Avenue when she answered the door.

He claimed to be a police officer and said there were burglars in her garden.

The burglar was white and in his 30s, with dark curly hair. He was wearing a navy blue hooded top.

On the same day a 90-yearold woman in Brentry and a 92-year-old man in Little Stoke

Doorstep crime prevention tips • Never open the door to an unexpected caller until you’ve checked their ID – use a door chain or viewer, intercom or a ‘smart’ doorbell.

Genuine callers expect it • If you’re not sure, don’t open the door • If you are suspicious, call the police straight away, on 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated, otherwise on 101 • Keep cash in the bank, not at home • Keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room • If you see someone calling door-to-door, but only on frail or elderly neighbours, call 999 • Nominate a neighbour to help you deal with unexpected callers.

A link to the form can be found online here bit.ly/2FHDIfN

were also targeted by bogus callers, one claiming to be delivering a washing machine and the other claiming to be a police officer.

And on the following day man walked into a 91-year-old woman’s home in Henleaze, also claiming to be a police officer and telling her she had been burgled

, she went to check her bedroom and found the window had been forced. When she returned to her sitting room, the man had gone, along with an 18 carat gold wedding ring, inscribed with the initials WA and WS and a date in July 1958, cash, a Marks & Spencer gift card, and a gold chain and pendant.

Detective Sergeant Laura Miller said: “Any genuine police officer will expect to show you identification and to wait while you call 101 to verify it if you’re unsure.

“This sort of doorstep crime is quite rare.

However it can be very distressing for vulnerable older people and we’re targeting our patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

"Please make your family or friends aware of these incidents and talk to them about the simple steps they can take to deter these criminals.

“If you see someone acting suspiciously at a neighbour’s property, call us straight away.

Ring 999 if a crime is being committed, otherwise call 101.”

Anyone who thinks they have information that could help the police investigation should call 101, quoting crime reference number 5218 279 290.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS COUNCILLORS have demanded a review of the controversial community toilets scheme amid concerns residents are being caught short.

The project, which calls on businesses, organisations and charities to open up their loos to the public, was launched last year when the city council shut all 18 of the city’s on-street public loos, including those on Fishponds Road at the edge of Fishponds Park, along with a number of other toilets in parks, including those at Eastville Park.

Campaigners argued the closures, made to save the city council £440,000 a year, would affect the most vulnerable, including the elderly, children and disabled people.

A report to the council’s communities scrutiny commission on January 14 said there were now 84 such community toilet sites across Bristol.

But members expressed concerns the scheme had set no minimum distances someone would be expected to walk to the

11

Caught short on community toilets The Van Dyck Forum is one of the businesses to take part in the community toilets scheme

nearest available public loo or the hours they should be open.

In Fishponds the toilets currently open to the public are: • Fishponds Library • The Van Dyck Forum

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

• Porto Lounge • Snuff Mills • Oldbury Court Estate Commission chairman Gary Hopkins said: “It’s a pretty vital resource the city council is

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generally expected to provide.

“The number of operators is ok but the numbers don’t mean anything if they’re not in the right place or open when people need them.

"A hundred toilets in Avonmouth are not much use to someone in Bedminster.

“We need some standard of how far people are expected to go to find a toilet at defined times of the day.”

Officers also admitted retailers were failing to sign up to the scheme because they were not permitted to refuse entry to anyone using their loos.

Neighbourhood services manager Lindsay Hay said: “There is a reluctance in some city centre shops, particularly because of the ongoing issues they already experience in the way toilets are used.”

But she added: “In terms of distribution and provision, it’s a very significant increase.”

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

13

n NEWS

Mayor pledges to halt park-ride threat to farm

The field that was earmarked for a park and ride scheme CAMPAIGNERS appear to have won their fight to save a community farm near Stapleton from being turned into a park and ride car park.

Sims Hill Shared Harvest’s home west of the M32, between the Metrobus junction and the Avon Ring Road, had been earmarked as the only viable option for the project in the West of England spatial plan, a blueprint for the area’s future development.

But after a plea for support from the community enterprise farm – where vegetables are grown for delivery to Bristol and South Gloucestershire residents – reached thousands of people, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees has promised it will not be bulldozed.

He said: “We’re not building on that land.

That’s vital land.

“If we have a park and ride, it needs to be out by the M4. It doesn’t make sense to bring it so close in.

“Park and ride needs to service the city.

We have the lion’s share of the influence over where it goes.

“We have no intention of putting it so close to the city.”

Bristol’s mayor was responding to a question from Green councillor Stephen Clarke who asked him to rule out “the

Sims Hill volunteers and members in a polytunnel at the farm extremely valuable agricultural land” at Sims Hill for a park and ride.

The spatial plan is a joint agreement between Bristol and neighbouring councils in South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, so the park and ride scheme looks highly unlikely to go forward against opposition from the city’s Mayor.

Sims Hill Shared Harvest chair Corra Boushel thanked those who wrote in to object to the plan, telling supporters: “You made it happen.”

She added: “We are massively grateful for the incredible outpouring of support in a crisis – it has meant a huge amount and we

think it will really pay off.”

Corra said MPs Kerry McCarthy and Darren Jones had added their support to that of the public, Bristol Food Network, Green city councillors and agricultural campaign group the Blue Finger Alliance.

She added: “At this stage of course we can’t be 100% sure – new plans have not yet been published so we can’t count our chickens (or leeks) just yet. However, we are confident that the actions everyone has taken has shifted the debate and influenced some of the politicians who will be making this decision.”

The next stage of consultations is expected in May.

Visionary technology triumphs over tradition AN OPTICIAN in Fishponds has invested in 3D scanning technology which allows optometrists to view the eye in more detail than ever before.

Specsavers Fishponds now boasts an optical coherence tomography machine, usually found in hospital eye departments.

The cutting-edge equipment is used for a variety of functions, including screening and management of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and

diabetic retinopathy.

The technology uses a laser light source to produce a structural scan of the of the eye, including layers of the eye not normally visible using traditional eye testing techniques.

The results are similar to that of an ultrasound or MRI scan, in that it creates multiple scan slice images, which are built up to form a total image.

Fishponds store director Kevin Clancy said: “It’s important to invest in the latest technology so that we can offer

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

the best possible service for our customers. Therefore, we’re delighted with the addition of the OCT machine.

“It adds great value to our service as an opticians, allowing us to detect or manage conditions with a level of diagnostic capability which previously would have needed a hospital visit. The sooner we can detect these conditions, the sooner we can help manage them or refer people for treatment.”

OCT technology produces such a detailed picture of the structures

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in the eye that it enables optometrists to identify signs of diseases years earlier than traditional methods. The scan takes just a few seconds and is non-contact and painless.

Scans are kept on file, so the store can note changes over time – a real benefit to the monitoring of someone’s overall eye health.

For more information, pop into Specsavers at 767 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3BS, call 0117 965 9241 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ bristolfishponds

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

14

February, 2019

n NEWS

Careers Stinging message event HUNDREDS of teenagers were due to attend the annual Raising Aspirations careers event at the University of the West of England in Frenchay at the end of January.

The event, now in its sixth year, provides information, advice and guidance for Year 9 students, aged thirteen and fourteen, from fifteen schools within and beyond the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF).

Bristol City Community Sports, Coach Makers, Avon & Somerset Police, Bristol Army Careers, RAF Careers, On Site, Bristol Medical University, North Bristol Trust, University Hospital, Bristol Reflections, SGS College, Boomsatsuma Film, Access Creative College, Hargreaves Lansdown, DAC Beachcroft, Burges Salmon, HMRC and HSBC are some of the organisations involved.

STUDENTS at John Cabot Academy have been getting creative to highlight the issues caused by non-reusable plastics.

The group of 25 students, from across all age groups, made a jellyfish out of recycled materials and hung it from the atrium at the school.

The eco-friendly project was constructed during the students' enrichment programme, prompted by studying plastics in the world’s oceans. The group also led a campaign to highlight environmental issues to other students across the academy.

Emma Dennehy, textiles and food technician said: "I think it is really important to enrich students’ education about our fragile ecosystem alongside traditional educational subjects and to give them an understating of the damage plastic can have on their local and national environment.

"The students have not only educated their peers on this environmental issue but have been able to develop their skills in team work, research and problem solving. By using this creative project to create a powerful sculpture combined with their knowledge of environmental issues it is a powerful tool in educating their peers. I would also like to thank Lorene Archibald, student support lead, who assisted with this project."

Student Laura Kerswell said: "In the enrichment activity 'Plastics of the ocean' we hoped to raise awareness about how much our ocean is in danger."

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February, 2019

fishpondsvoice

15

n NEWS

High praise for 'strong' CLF Post 16 CABOT Learning Federation is celebrating after its Post 16 provision was rated Good in all areas by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors judged the sixth form as part of their visit to John Cabot Academy in Kingswood in November, when they also rated the school as a whole as Good.

They said: “Post 16 is a strength of the school. It successfully caters for a large number of students with a range of abilities and from diverse backgrounds. Leaders and teachers ensure that students are well supported,make good progress and go on to positive education or training destinations.”

Lead inspector Andrew Lovett said in his report: “The quality of leadership of the Post 16 is strong and effective in meeting the needs of a broad range of students’ differing needs. Leaders have a clear vision of ensuring that all students can be successful, regardless of ability or circumstance. They have implemented a curriculum and support programme that ensures that many students, including those that are vulnerable or have additional barriers to success, can achieve their goals. In 2018, every student achieved a university place or an apprenticeship, or

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

equivalent high-quality employment with a training opportunity.”

The inspectors said Post 16 students benefit from being taught by skilled subject specialists who know them well and set appropriate tasks and challenges.

“Students studying A levels make broadly similar progress to students in other sixth forms. Over the last few years, results have slowly improved, although in 2018 they remained broadly static. Disadvantaged students made good progress and pupils who speak English as an additional language also achieved well. Students studying applied

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subjects achieved a little less well in 2018 than in the previous year. Leaders and teachers have acted quickly to address this and students currently studying in school are making appropriate progress,” it said.

Ofsted noted that students who retake GCSE English and mathematics make strong progress.

"Students are making good progress because the quality of teaching is consistently well matched to their needs. Students are also well supported by teachers through a well- organised academic mentoring system.

Students value this level of individual attention. Teachers are quick to provide additional help when they see students struggling to keep up with their studies."

Kath Cooper, Head of CLF Post 16, which is run over two sites at JCA and Bristol Brunel Academy, said, “I am delighted with the outcome from the recent Ofsted visit.

This is a true representation of the journey Post 16 has been on over the last three years.

"I am thrilled to be recognised as an inclusive and purposeful Post 16 that continues to provide excellent care and strong guidance for all students.”

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

16

February, 2019

n NEWS

Fresh hope for ban on cancer-risk weedkillers CAMPAIGNERS trying to ban a toxic weed killer after it was sprayed close to schools in Fishponds have received fresh hope.

The city council has promised to work with them to find an alternative to a pesticide called glyphosate in an effort to phase it out across the city within two years.

Members of the Bristol Safe Pesticides Alliance were horrified to see workers spraying the pesticide, which has been linked to cancer, near local schools including Begbrook Primary Academy and Little Hayes Nursery School, which declared itself a pesticide free zone in 2015, during Bristol's year as European Green Capital.

They launched a petition calling for an end to the use of harmful chemicals in Bristol’s public spaces which was signed by more than 3,700 people.

This triggered a debate at full council on January 15, at which

Cabinet member Kye Dudd made the pledge to work with the campaigners.

Their petition had accused Bristol mayor Marvin Rees of failing to deliver on an election promise of prohibiting glyphosate in Bristol, where it is used by the local authority on housing land, hard surfaces in parks and on highways, by 2021.

The meeting heard the council has trialled alternative pesticides but found none were effective and affordable.

Delivering the petition, organiser Harriet Williams said: "Glyphosate is linked to a number of serious health impacts.

"It is still being sprayed liberally and without warning around Bristol, including near school gates at dropping-off time.

"It is hard to square this with common sense. A fresh approach is needed to get the mayor’s promise delivered."

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Green Party councillor Martin Fodor said: "It should not be used in sensitive areas near children. It should be phased out."

Labour councillor Fabian Breckels said the chemical was needed to tackle Japanese knotweed, which threatened areas like Troopers Hill nature reserve.

"Right now, glyphosate is probably the only effective agent to eliminate those invasive plants," he said.

"It is our policy to explore alternatives but we can only end its use completely when we have effective alternatives."

Cllr Dudd, cabinet member for energy, waste and regulatory services, said: "Glyphosate is very effective.

"It leaves little residue which can then be washed away.

Glyphosate is licensed by the EU, so there are tough standards in place.

"At the concentrations and

frequencies applied by the council, we consider it to be safe for the user and the general public.However, the council recognises that people have concerns about the use of this.

"In 2016, the council made a commitment to find an affordable alternative and there was a trial in Cotham ward.

"For whatever reason, it didn’t work. So we have not been able to identify an alternative that’s affordable and effective.

But we’re happy to work with all the parties involved to potentially phase it out, as is demanded in the petition, by 2021.

"Science is moving on, so there are alternatives coming on board. There has been a trial in France and Germany of a type of acid that has been successful but has not got a UK licence yet. But that may change in future."

Cllr Dudd promised to meet campaigners in the next few weeks "to move this issue forward".

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

17

n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Slim My Waste efforts are bringing hefty success

A

T the start of the year I was pleased to announce that, according to data released from the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs, Bristol is the leading city for recycling. The city ranks number one out of the eight English Core Cities with an increased recycling rate of 44.9% for 2016/17. This means Bristol is on track to meet our ambitious recycling rate of 50% by 2020.

The stats show a further 1.6% increase in recycling since 2016/17, and confirms Bristol’s environmental credentials. Our rate is better than the other seven English core cities where it ranged from Birmingham at only 20.7% and Liverpool on 26.6%, while Manchester and Newcastle achieved 38.56% and 38% respectively.

The new data demonstrates that Bristol is well ahead of the game in terms of recycling with rates increasing rapidly and general waste tonnages going down. The figures also show a

significant drop in the amount of waste sent to landfill, which fell 8%, from 27.9% to 19.9%.

We’re committed to reaching our target, which is why we are investing in a fleet of new vehicles and trialling new ways of collecting recycling to help people to improve the rates even further. I’m really grateful for the work by the council’s waste company, Bristol Waste, who have worked to raise awareness and help residents understand the small steps they can make to save resources, save the city money, and ultimately save the planet.

Campaigns like the award-winning food waste campaign ‘Slim My Waste – Feed My Face’ meant a 16% increase in the amount of food waste collected since June. That’s more than 700 tonnes of additional food waste collected to date; equivalent to 56 double-decker buses.

When food waste composts naturally it generates CO2 which is bad for the environment.

The additional waste diverted to date thanks

The Kingfisher

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

to Slim My Waste is equal to 669 tonnes of CO2 savings, the same as the emissions of 142 cars.

Plus, the additional biogas created will power an extra 180 households for a whole year.

We know there is still a journey to go on and that we cannot do it alone, but by working with residents - who have literally done tonnes to help already - we can help Bristol waste nothing.

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fishpondsvoice

18

February, 2019

n NEWS

Begbrook Primary trim trail is up and running YOUNGSTERS at Begbrook Primary Academy just can't get enough of the latest addition to their playground - a trim trail.

The equipment has just been installed after a fundraising campaign by the school's Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) and already it's proving a big hit with pupils.

Sarah Pascoe, secretary of the PTFA, said: "We hope the trim trail is the beginning of the revamping of Begbrook's outdoor space.

"It has been purchased with all proceeds raised at BegFest18, our school summer extravaganza. The event was open to the public one evening after school where we enjoyed an evening of music, games and

entertainment.

"We couldn't have raised so much without the support of all our parents, staff and teachers.

We are lucky to have such a fantastic community and we hope to continue raising funds to transform the outdoor space."

Principal Laurie Munro said: "We are incredibly lucky at Begbrook Primary Academy to have such a fantastic PTFA. "They organise a wide range of wonderful events, creating great community spirit while at the same time raising funds for the benefit of all Begbrook children. The most recent addition to our extensive school grounds has been a real hit with the children from nursery to Year 6."

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS THESE photos show the devastation caused after a fire broke out in the Strachan and Henshaw building in Speedwell.

The pictures of the wreckage were put on Twitter by Kingswood Fire Station following the blaze on New Year's Eve to show the "challenging and dangerous" conditions officers were working in.

"The daylight hours and no smoke shows the true extent of how challenging and dangerous the conditions were for all those involved," firefighters tweeted Firefighters from 14 stations, including ones as far afield as Clevedon and Radstock, attended the incident at the nine-floor tower block in Foundry Lane at around 3.50pm.

More than 60 firefighters worked into the night to control the fire. Police cordoned off nearby roads and advised people to stay away from the area.

Black smoke was seen billowing from the building with reports of small explosions from the building.

Firefighters from Kingswood returned on January 1 to make sure the building was safe and continue their investigation.

The building includes a number of multi-use industrial units and is well known locally for hosting a swingers club called The Office.

Police seized cannabis plants and equipment from the building, although they are not said to be related to the cause of the fire and were found in a different part of the building.

A spokesperson from Avon Fire and Rescue Service said:

19

60 firefighters risk lives to tackle Strachan and Henshaw blaze

"At 3.48pm multiple crews from across the service area were called to a fire in a nine-floor tower block used as a commercial and residential property.

"The cause is thought to be accidental."

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a fire on the seventh floor of a flat block in Foundry Lane at about 4pm.

"This is not a residential block but has a number of multi-use industrial units inside. We assisted fire with the cordon and closure of Foundry Lane.

"A small number of cannabis plants were located in an insecure area of the building.

"The plants were seized and

subsequently destroyed however unfortunately there were no proportionate lines of enquiry to investigate further.

"Anyone with information about the plants is asked to call 101 and quote log 638 of 31 December."

getting parking right in Bristol. We all own that public space and right now we are unwittingly giving it away for free to a small section of our community - car owners.

Since then I have spoken to residents who like myself have suffered anti-social behaviour and found the police and councillors oblivious to what is happening in our community.

We need trained police officers who can help the victims, give advice, just listen and not be judgemental, in some cases presuming the victim is mentally ill or making it up.

Anti-social behaviour is a growing problem and needs to be taken seriously by the police in Fishponds.

n LETTERS Keep cars off our pavements EVERYONE should be able to walk on pavements without worrying about vehicles blocking their way.

Cars parked on pavements force people into the road, which is particularly dangerous for many, including blind and partially sighted people, parents with pushchairs and young children, wheelchair users and others who use mobility aids. Pavement surfaces are not designed to carry the weight of vehicles, and the added maintenance cost of

repairing cracked and damaged paving adds an unnecessary financial burden to our already cash-strapped council.

There's a few blackspots throughout Eastville. The paths on Halstock Avenue are unusable after dark with cars and vans all over the place, it's a problem on Shamrock Road and Stonebridge Park, Lodge Causeway too. Nearer to Easton it's a huge problem down in the side streets off Lower Fishponds Road (Heath Street, Argyle Street, Boswell Street etc), Gloucester Street, also down by Gordon Avenue, off Whitehall Road.

There are huge benefits of

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Conan Connolly

Action call over poor behaviour LAST year I wrote a letter to the Fishponds Voice responding to an article by a PCSO police officer highlighting anti-social behavior in Fishponds.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Mrs Patricia Adams

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

20

February, 2019

n NEWS

Landlord must pay £6,000

the grounds that there was no reasonable prospect of success.

The council made a claim for its costs incurred in defending the appeal and the tribunal ruled that Mr Elwes should pay the costs of £2,387 as well as the initial penalty of £2,954.

The council’s cabinet member for housing, Paul Smith, said: “Mr Elwes has repeatedly neglected to engage with the council and ensure he had the correct licence for his property.

“Officers from the Private Housing Team are actively looking for properties that are not licensed, and landlords that ignore their responsibilities will be investigated and may be brought before the courts and prosecuted or be subject to financial penalties.

“Mr Elwes didn’t engage with us and now has to pay almost double the penalty originally applied."

For more information about how to get a property licensed, visit bit.ly/2RjUI64 online or email private.housing@bristol. gov.uk.

THE landlord of a rented home in Eastville has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 for failing to license his property.

Bristol City Council says it took enforcement action against John Elwes after he repeatedly refused to pay the fee required to rent the property in Herbert Crescent and was prosecuted.

The council’s Private Housing team has a range of enforcement powers and can seek fines of up to £30,000 against landlords who fail to comply with rules governing private rented housing in Eastville and St George. All landlords wanting to rent out properties in those areas need to apply for a property licence.

Mr Elwes appealed to a tribunal over the action but his case was thrown out on

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Latest community cafe opens

Gillian and Michelle with volunteers at Kingswood Community Cafe A WOMAN who has made it her mission to tackle loneliness says she is delighted to have launched her third community cafe.

Gillian Flower, famed for her work in setting up Bristol Community Friendship Club, came up with the idea of opening a cafe once a week where people could meet up, take part in activities and make friends.

With the help of her daughter, Michelle Ford, she launched her first cafe in Longwell Green last September and her second in Speedwell the following month.

Her third cafe now takes place at Kingswood Community Centre, opposite the former Linden Hotel, every Thursday from 12-3pm.

Visitors can pop along and buy a cuppa and a cake or sandwich meal deal and try craft activities. A 50p table holds bric-a-brac bargains that can be snapped up and there's music, games and a tombola as well as an area for young parents and their children.

Gillian, who lives in St George, and Michelle spread the word by handing out leaflets in Kings Chase shopping centre the day before the first Kingswood cafe launched on January 17.

When 80 people stepped through the door she was staggered - and delighted.

Gillian makes sure either she or another volunteer is on hand to greet people as they come in as she knows it can be a big step for

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

some people to make.

Gillian said: "I didn’t wake up one morning and think I will spend every minute of every day and evening ending loneliness.

I’ve been there and used to feel very lonely and disconnected from the community I live in and, at some time in our lives, we will all feel lonely. It maybe the death of someone you love or retirement. Young mums tell me they go to their local shop to talk to another adult human being. Loneliness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is what you do about it that counts."

Michelle, who lives in Hanham, is currently applying to get the community cafes registered as a charity.

Running costs are funded by donations of clothing and household items which Gillian sells on her Facebook page, Bristol Community Cafes.

Michelle manages volunteers and is always looking for new people to join her happy team.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering or if you have anything to donate for Gill to sell, you can contact her on 0117 902 5779 or email gill. flower@blueyonder.co.uk The cafe in Speedwell takes place every Monday from 112pm at Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Lane, BS15 1NS. On Fridays the cafe is held at Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road, Longwell Green, BS30 9DU, from 12-3pm.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

21

n NEWS

Meet black belt Cadell - small but mighty!

CADELL Coombes might be just 4ft 5ins but proved he's a giant when he recently became a black belt at just 10 years of age.

The Begbrook Primary Academy pupil achieved his 1st degree black belt after attending Fishponds Taekwondo since he was three.

Cadell, who lives in Stapleton, trains twice a week for an hour and for an additional two and half hours three times a month.

Mum Su said her son's success was even more extraordinary given that he had to sit his first exam in Korean.

"The dedication and effort he's put in is amazing. A lot of people think it's a children's black belt but it's not, it's an adult black belt that he's achieved.

"Cadell is really small for his age but he's put so much commitment in and competes both locally and nationally.

"Begbrook Primary Academy were very supportive, helping Cadell prepare for his written exam, the first exam he’s ever taken. He had to learn it in Korean which many people don't realise.

"Cadell is very sporty and wants to continue with taekwondo. When he's older he'd like to be a vet but often changes his mind to a crime scene investigator!"

Cadell was one of a group of young people from Fishponds Taekwondo who achieved black belt success.

The four lads recently travelled to Nottingham to take their taekwondo black belt grading and all passed.

Joel Cassar, 16, was promoted to 3rd degree black belt, Jamie Cassar, 14, is now a 2nd degree black belt and Shahzaib Salam, 14, was promoted to 2nd degree

From left to right: Instructor Karen Lear, Joel Cassar, Jamie Cassar, Cadell Coombes, Shahzaib Salam and instructor David Lear black belt.

Both Joel and Jamie attend Bristol Metropolitan Academy with Shahzaib going to Cotham School.

The lads celebrated their hard earned success with club members, family and friends at a black belt presentation evening.

Instructor Dave Lear, who runs the club with wife and fellow instructor Karen, had some good news of his own after he was recently promoted to 4th degree black belt and completed the international instructor certificate.

Karen said: "After years of training, grading, learning patterns, sparring, competing and learning their Korean theory, all their hard work has paid off. I am incredibly proud of everyone who graded. Being a black belt takes years of dedication and effort, it’s about attitude and never giving up - it’s an achievement for life."

Fishponds Taekwondo has been running for 11 years and is affiliated to UKITF, part of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).

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THE council is replacing Bristol’s institutional children’s homes with smaller family houses.

Many youngsters in care have had to be sent away from the city over the years because of the problems associated with outdated 1960s premises and living with big groups of other children with complex needs. The city council is now changing the type of home where its looked-after children will stay, with two and three-bedroom properties eventually replacing all the older homes.

Cabinet members agreed to buy the first such house on January 22 for £545,000, which covers the purchase, legal fees, taxes and refurbishment.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

If you are interested in joining the club, call 0783 0857470 or email fishpondstkd@hotmail.com

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fishpondsvoice

22

February, 2019

n PLANNING

Freedom comes at a price

D

EREGULATION sounds great, doesn‘t it?

Freedom from all that red tape, fussy bureaucrats and over-analysis: Freedom to do things - a way of empowering people. Since 2010, due largely to the effects of the Credit Crunch, deregulation has made its way further up the planning agenda.

But there are always two sides to any coin. One person‘s freedom to do something will often affect another person‘s freedom from the effects of it. In many respects balancing that conflict is what planning is all about, balancing the individual’s property rights against the impact that they might have off site and in wider society. Where that dividing line is initially set, i.e. what requires planning permission and what does not, is a matter for our elected representatives in Westminster. These matters often tend to go under the radar while attention is drawn to more dramatic events. I think I got away without mentioning the B-word!

Deregulation has also led to some significant contradictions that stay with us today. For instance, in 2012 the National Planning Policy Framework made clear that all new development should be sustainable, effectively built in sustainable locations.

Around the same time redundant farm buildings were allowed to be

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can only affect development that requires planning permission.

Excluding development from the requirement of planning permission therefore takes it out of immediate local control as well as away from Council control. A tension between central and local government has always been a feature of the planning system and many other areas of public life. There will always be a balance between levels of decision-making, but such a decision at a national level has a big effect at a local level and should not be taken lightly.

Some deregulation is hardly worth bothering with. Rewriting the rules to allow launderettes to be converted to houses to be exempt from planning permission has apparently provided less than 100 new homes across the country over the last few years.

Meanwhile, the much more widespread conversion of offices into flats without requiring permission has led to numerous problems, among them parking provision and relationships with neighbouring sites, not to mention sidestepping the obligation for some of the new flats to be affordable housing. Previously, when requiring planning permission, relevant factors such as these could be taken into account. Any development taken out of this requirement cannot

Chris Gosling benefit from these safeguards that rely on and respond to local circumstances. This latest idea is much more wide-ranging than these examples and would have the potential for greater reward, but also greater risk. Deregulation usually means removing some degree of protection and is seldom perfect in itself. In my view, taking away the means of mediating such wide-ranging change is a step in the wrong direction. An irreversible step for our urban environment.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

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converted to houses, regardless of location, as long as they were outside Conservation Areas. The resulting remote houses directly contradicted the clearly stated aim for all development. That’s not easy to reconcile and the responsibility lies at the door of government.

Currently there is the threat of deregulation having a much more widespread impact on urban areas.

The government‘s idea to allow adding extra storeys to certain buildings without the need for planning permission could have the biggest impact on our urban landscape since the Blitz. Given how these consultations usually work out, I anticipate that this idea will go forward in some form. The freedom from such development apparently has to give way to the freedom of those who want to carry it out. Given how these things usually proceed, any later U-turn is unlikely.

The decisions taken at national level on what does and does not require planning permission affect us all, but not to an equal extent. The Coalition government put forward the opportunity to community groups to produce a plan for their own area, in the Localism Act. This devolved planning policy, if not decisions, down to a local level for those who wanted to take up the opportunity.

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

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

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

23

n FROM OUR MP

Homes fit for heroes IT WAS 100 years ago that the first major programme of council house building began in Britain.

The Addison Act of 1919 set out to provide half a million homes, many of which were for exserviceman returning from fighting in the First World War. Bristol was one of the first councils to do so, buying up pieces of land around the city’s outskirts and building one of the country’s first council estates, in Hillfields.

In the years when I was first elected, I would sometimes meet Hillfields residents who had lived there ever since the houses were first built: a sign of how happy people were with these councilbuilt homes. This year Bristol City Council, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will be commemorating the centenary as part of the 'Homes For Heroes 100' project.

Whilst many things have

changed over the past 100 years, a shortage of good quality and affordable homes remains a problem. I often hear from constituents who are living in overcrowded or poor quality accommodation and are desperate to move, but many face years on waiting lists before being rehoused. The private rented sector is increasingly unaffordable, and standards can be low, but social housing is in very short supply.

Since 2010, the rate at which new social housing has been built nationally has fallen by ninety percent. The Right to Buy scheme, which dates back to the Thatcher years, continues to have an impact, as many properties which were once let out by councils at affordable rates are now in the hands of private landlords.

In Bristol, however, we are trying to turn this around. The council is set to surpass its target

of building 2,000 homes a year - of which 800 will be affordable - by 2020. This includes new hones on the old Blackberry Hill Hospital site, and there are other sites in Fishponds under consideration.

The mayor and his cabinet have now also given the go-ahead to setting up a new council-owned housing company, which will help the council build even more new, affordable homes.

I recently met with Paul Smith, cabinet member for Housing at Bristol City Council, for an update on all this, and to see what I could do to help. Of course, new housing on any significant scale will have to be accompanied by transport measures to avoid future congestion and community infrastructure like school and GP places, and it’s important that central Government gives Bristol council the resources it needs to deliver on this.

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice If you would like to contact Kerry or her office you can call during weekdays on 0117 939 9901 (between 10am and 1pm) or email at kerry.mccarthy.mp@ parliament.uk

Fishponds Baptist Church Downend Road Bristol BS16 5AD Telephone: 07746404262 Email: stickyfishpreschool@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.stickyfishpreschool.org.uk/

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fishpondsvoice

24

n NEWS

February, 2019

Do you know this man? Tributes to victim Gwen POLICE are trying to trace this man over a racially aggravated assault in Eastville.

Officers say the incident happened at the Boots branch at the Eastgate Centre.

They have released CCTV pictures of the man they are trying to trace in the hope that someone will recognise him.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “Can you help us identify this man? We would like to speak to him in relation to an incident whereby the victim was racially abused and then assaulted.”

The victim described the man as white, about 6ft tall and of large build, with short dark hair and “well-trimmed facial hair”.

Anyone who recognises the The man police are trying to trace man or has information about the incident, which happened on Christmas Eve at 7.15pm, should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5218 284 650.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Both the police and Crimestoppers can be contacted online.

RELATIVES of a great grandmother who died after she was hit by a car on the M32 slip road in Fishponds have spoken of their devastation.

Gwendoline Lumsden, who was known as Gwen, 79, died following the incident at 7pm on Saturday January 5.

In a statement her family said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened that mum has been taken from us under these tragic circumstances.

"Gwen was a loving and kind mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Known as "nanny Gwen" or "auntie Gwen" to so many.

"She was friendly, active and independent, a popular member of the local community for more than 40 years and well-loved at her church and by family and friends."

The family added: "A piece of our hearts has gone forever. She will be greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts and prayers.

"We'd like to thank friends and well-wishers for the love and support they have shown and would ask that our family's privacy is respected at this difficult time."

Police are appealing for help and are are asking for anybody who was there and witnessed the incident to contact them on 101 quoting reference 5219003229.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

25

n NEWS

Cooking up a success AN activist from Fishponds has helped spread an environmental message during the World Cup of the cooking world.

Naseem Talukdar, who heads charities Feed the Homeless and Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects, is also part of a campaign group set up to raise awareness of skill shortages in the Asian catering industry.

As a member of UK Curry Connect (UKCC), Naseem helped organise a team which took part in a global cooking competition, the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

Despite UKCC's team being on a tight budget and having to prepare food in their hotel rooms, they scooped seven medals.

Naseem's chefs, who were up against competition from more than 100 other teams,

Naseem, far right, with the Curry Connect team won medals in various artistic culinary and pastry categories.

But it was their piece called Plastic or Planet, that really impressed judges, who awarded it gold.

Naseem, who lives in Glaisdale Road, said: "I’m proud of the team for raising

awareness of the need to tackle plastic pollution and their overall commitment."

Naseem, who grew up in Kingswood, where his parents used to run the Rupali Indian restaurant before they retired, volunteered as a team manager.

Some teams spend hundreds

of thousands of pounds to compete at the event, which is held every four years. But UKCC sent fifteen chefs and a support team on a mere £22,000.

They hope to encourage more young people to take up cooking and have set up an International Cooking Academy.

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fishpondsvoice

26

February, 2019

n PETER'S VISION IT was an exciting day this one, I and half our team took to the road to visit a frame buyers' emporium.

It was an early start mind, we left our fine city before dawn and headed east as far as I’ve been in a long time - London Docklands. On arrival, and with coffees, we quickly set about the task in hand. Divided into two teams, aiming to see as many glasses as we could, off we set. A WhatsApp group helped the process as images of the fine, the fancy, the superb and of course the downright ridiculous started whizzing around.

After a few hours of enthusiastic searching, networking and discussion we had our shortlist. There were great British designs (we’ve got several of these already), the fantastic Tom Davies made-to-order from London (got lots of these too!) and some truly wacky designs (er no, we do not have these). The new collections we have chosen for you will be landing and on display by the time you are reading this. Just call in to either practise or to have a look for yourself.

Now while we didn’t achieve anything as incredible as growing

A grand day out seeds on the far side of the moon, we did secure an exclusive launch of a vibrant new collection coming soon to this Opticians near you - look out for more details later in the year!

On our return journey I felt like quite the tourist. My trusty phone navigation system sent us on a sight seeing tour past many of the London sights. It was a super end to the day driving past The Tower of London, through Trafalgar Square, up the Mall, right in front of Buckingham Palace and along Constitution Hill.

This blog brings up a half century; it has certainly come around rather quickly. It really does seem like just a few months ago that I first put pen to paper well ok, in a computer sense; I can type faster than I can write and

it’s legible too this way! I’ve had quite a few kind comments about the blog so thanks to all of you for taking the time to read them.

It’s thanks to Gary really, our unsung hero of the Voice publications, who first gave me the chance to start writing. And as all good editors do, he’s put up with a few ‘very near the deadline’ submissions and times of writer's block amongst other things that we really do not need to talk about here!

The team at Turners Whether you’d like to call in

and view the superb new glasses we have for you or if you’d like to experience our thorough and in-depth eye care (I highly recommend an extended eye exam for each of you) - you can book to see us by calling 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Eye exam appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

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eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

27

n VET BLOG

Kidney disease in older pets

K

IDNEYS are responsible for many roles in the body, these include: • filtering waste products from the blood • maintaining blood pressure • regulating blood calcium levels • releasing a hormone which triggers the production of red blood cells.

Kidney failure can be caused by poison ingestion (e.g. antifreeze or grapes/raisins), damage due to high blood pressure, trauma, genetics,infection or ageing amongst others. Did you know that 75% of kidney function will be lost before you notice any signs?!

Signs may begin subtly with an increase in thirst and urination. As the disease progresses pets may be lethargic due to the toxin build up, anaemic and inappetent with associated weight loss. Vomiting is also common. In severe cases ‘rubber jaw’ occurs as the body

starts resorbing calcium from the bones.

Prompt diagnosis is vital, this is usually done by a simple blood test.

Treatment usually begins with dietary management - a prescription food which is low in salts and it may contain extra energy to reverse any weight loss.

There are also phosphate binders when the disease progresses.

Blood pressure monitoring may also be carried out.

Some patients require extra help with hydration, this may involve spending a day in hospital on a drip or fluids administered under the skin at home. Owners are always trained and guided on how to do this.

Kidney transplants for pets are not available in the UK. If you have concerns that your pet may be drinking more than normal (more than 50mls/kg/

day for dogs and cats), we would always recommend you book a vet appointment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key with many diseases!

Our friendly team at Kingswood Vets4Pets would be more than happy to help if you have any questions, just call us on 0117 961 6417.

Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

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

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Book your appointment today Vets4Pets Kingswood, Willowdean Court, 247A Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1LT Opening times: 8.30am - 7pm Mon- Fri, 9am - 12pm Sat Call: 0117 961 6417 Visit: vets4pets.com/kingswood *Terms & conditions apply. Please ask in practice for more details.

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fishpondsvoice

28

February, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday February 1 n Tea Dance, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 1.45 – 3.45 pm. Pay at door.

Enquiries 075 2780 8206.

Saturday February 2 n Craft fayre and Coffee Morning.

10am-1pm. Browse through the various crafts that will be available, purchase some handmade presents and have a chat over a cup of Coffee. Entrance is free. If you have any items to repair then you can also bring them along to the Bristol Repair Café which is always happening that day All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds. BS16 2DH Tuesday February 5 n Speaker morning plus coffee.

Alan Freke “The Bells of Frenchay” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 10 for 10.30 am. Pay at door £2.50. Coffee extra, Also Cake stall.

Friday February 8 n Drop-in Lunchtime Concert will be held at Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. featuring Geoff Bennett. Tea/coffee & biscuits available. Free entry.

Retirement collection.

Contact 0117 9654521 Sunday February 10 n 5pm – An evening with singer Charlie Green (Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalist) Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN. Admission Free. Tel 0117 9569733 for more information.

Monday February 11 n Senior Film Club – All welcome at 2pm - Billy Elliot (15) Starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Jean Heywood. A talented young boy becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.

At Christ Church Parish Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG. Carers Welcome, Easy Access, Refreshments £3 Tuesday February 12 n Christ Church Fellowship AGM + talk on Motorbiking around Southern Africa with Ian Freestone – Parish Hall on North Street at 7.30pm. New members welcome.

Wednesday February 13 n The Avon branch of the Western Front Assoc www. westernfrontassociation.com will host a talk by David Addis where he will look at some of the heroic feats that resulted in eight men from Bristol being awarded Britain's highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross. The

event takes place at 19:30 hours at the Kingswood Community Centre , Regent St, Bristol BS15 8HP. We ask for a modest £5 donation on the door to defray costs Thursday February 14 n Gardening Club Talk; Coral Gardiner “For the Love of Flowers” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 7.30 pm. Pay at door £3.00.

Wednesday February 20 n Holiday Club at Speedwell Methodist Church BS15 1ES 10am to noon followed by optional lunch. Craft activities for children with carers, toddler toys, story time, singing, light refreshments.

All welcome.

Wednesday February 20 n Downend Flower Club, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend.Katherine Kear demonstration: "The Little Green Orchard". 7.30 pm. Visitors very welcome, £8 pay at door Saturday February 23 n Breakfast at Speedwell Methodist Church 10am to 12 noon. Coffee and cake, an egg roll or full breakfast. No need to hurry, and an opportunity to ask for prayer. All welcome.

Saturday February 23 n Curry and Quiz night 7pm​, St James Church Hall, Richmond Road. You can bring your team of 6 or can join in with a team once there. ​Tickets - £5 ​(including light refreshments, bring your own alcohol) -​ in advance from Chris 0117 9570318 or​e ​ -mail: chrisllewellyn56@hotmail. com or Ruth 07826312630 or mummyruth@hotmail.co.uk Thursday February 28 Natural History Society Talk; Shaun Boycott Taylor “A Walk on the Wildside” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road.

7.30 pm. Pay at door £3.00.

Friday March 1 Tea Dance, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road.

1.45 – 3.45 pm. Pay at door.

Enquiries 075 2780 8206.

Tuesday March 5 Speaker morning plus coffee.

Bruce Gibbs “Journey to Namibia” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 10 for 10.30 am. Pay at door £2.50. Coffee extra.

Thursday March 14 Gardening Club Talk; Don Everitt and George Alway “Gardener’s Club Question Time” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 7.30 pm. Pay at door £3.00.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

REGULAR EVENTS Mondays

n Holistic Massage, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9am n Tiny Tots, All Saints Community Hall 10:30am n Bereavement and Well-being support, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Computer Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Table Tennis for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Bristol Community Café 11-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n Pilates class.

The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30 8.30 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Alzheimer’s choir, Beechwood Club, 11am to 1pm, Paula Shears 0117 9610693 n Sequence dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel 0117 965 0203 for details. n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3pm.

Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 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

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Hatha Flow Yoga *NEW*MONDAY Hatha Flow Yoga, Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 7.30 - 8.30 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com TUESDAY Hatha Flow Yoga.

Downend. Quakers Road Church Hall. 9.15 - 10.15 am (Entrance available from 9 am).

All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com Hatha Flow Yoga. Downend.

Quakers Road Church Hall.

10.30 - 11.30 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com WEDNESDAY 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 yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com THURSDAY Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing.

Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon.

10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com THURSDAY Hatha Flow Yoga, Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon.

7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com n 4-4.45pm, introduction to exercise, All Saints Church, Grove Road, Fishponds, BS16 2BW. Also aimed at meeting people in the area. Run by Southmead Development Trust. First session free, £3.50 there after. Venue is wheelchair accessible and sessions are open to all. People can just turn

Gentle Hatha Flow & Well Woman Yoga

Find more freedom, flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit Restore balance and energy

Fishponds Vassal Centre

5:45-6:45pm (Gentle Hatha Flow) 7-8pm (Women’s Hatha Yoga)

Frenchay Quaker House

Thursdays 10-11am & 11.15-12.15pm (Gentle Hatha Flow)

Block price £6/Drop in £7/6.50 concession Beginners welcome

How to book/contact details:

www.letgoyoga.co.uk/07904073535

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019 up or contact Colette on 0117 950 3335 for more details. n Stapleton Afternoon Tea Memory Cafe for people living with Dementia and their carers.

Stapleton Church Hall, Park road, Stapleton, BS16 1AZ 1st Monday of the Month, 4th February, 4th March , 1st April 2pm -4pm . Just come along

Tuesdays

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. n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n New session for Under 5s has space for structured making, free play and exploration - 1.45-2.45pm every week £5 / £4 extra siblings www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Monthly social meet up for disabled people at the Old Post Office pub, Fishponds Road. Open and friendly group, meets second Tuesday of month 6-7.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - www.wecil.co.uk. n 10.15am, Under 5s Make A Mess session, Children's Scrapstore, Sevier Street, St Werburghs. £5 / £4 extra siblings, www. childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 914 3002. n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Bristol, BS16 4HL n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze,

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

29

Speedwell, BS16 4HL. Ask at the library for more details: 0117 9038576 n Speedwell Community Café 11am-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779

Wednesdays

n 252 Cubs 6.45 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n 7.30-8.30pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n Weekly Salsa class for complete beginners with Cressida. Starting Sep 6. Cross Hands Pub, 1 Staple Hill Road. 7.30-9pm includes social and dancing. No partner needed.

Ffi call 07808 581739 n Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am

n Level 3 Walking Group, starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1pm n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1:30pm n Punjabi Dance and Song, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Support and Activity Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Chair based exercise class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ladies Circle, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2:30pm n Wives Group, St John’s Church 2:30pm n Messy Church, Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George 3:30pm n Home Group, Location varies 6:30pm n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am-noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am 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.

Continued on next page

C O M E A N D B O O K YO U R VA L E N T I N E S APPOINTMENTS

[[ 607 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3AA

Call us on: 0117 9650829

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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30

February, 2019

n WHAT’S ON Call Anne 0117 9041875 for information. n 5.45pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club.

Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-8pm.

Contact Eric 0791 4006 589 n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm.

Contact Beryl 0117 9774534. n Cycle UK (CTC). For all cyclists from beginners to professionals, commuters to sports. Beechwood Club, Fishponds, BS16 3TR. 8-10PM winter months only (other months are rides, see http://www. cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) n Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 n Flower Arranging practice classes, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All 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 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 Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner

Est 1984

Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me. n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Pilates classes.

The Life Church, Forest Road.

10.15 - 11.15 a.m. and 6.45 7.45 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am to noon. All mediums, all abilities, all welcome.

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,

La Porta Barbering Company

Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n 252 Scouts 6.30 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am.

Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds.

We have classes in Fishponds and Kingswood - come and try your first class for free!

Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 10-

12 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 n 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities welcome.

Contact Patsy Holdsworth 01179078994 n 9.30am Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club.

Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002. n Fishponds Probus Club, Fishponds Club, Fishponds Road at 10 am. on the first and third.

Thursdays in each month.For information, please telephone the Secretary, Malcolm Forbes, on 01179 836886. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 956 1846. n Riff Raff Choir - The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30-9.30pm. Pop and rock, mixed choir. All voice parts taught by ear. Everyone welcome - no

Est 1984

Traditional Gents Barbers 525 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3AH

0117 965 1220

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

n WHAT’S ON

audition. Booking essential. FREE taster session at start of term. £80 for 10 week term. www.

RiffRaffChoir.co.uk n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. We meet at the Langley Arms on Guest Avenue and welcome visitors on the following Thursdays: 1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements.

Fridays

n Coffee Morning from 10.30am11.30am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entrance through main church door.

Greeting cards and preserves on sale in aid of St Peter's Hospice. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hal 10-11.30 am in termtime. £2.50 + 50p per sibling; includes kids' snacks and drinks and tea and coffee.

See the Facebook page or email fishpondsfridayplaygroup@gmail. com n Line Dancing, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30amnoon n Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n The First Friday Film Club - All Saints Church Hall, 2pm n Taekwondo, St John’s Church Hall 5:30pm n Grove Road Youth Club, All Saints Community Hall 7pm n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds 9am. Good company and a chat over coffee. Call 0117 9561231. n High density Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.157.15pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437 n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30-10.30pm n Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.3010.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am-1pm.

Contact Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Alzheimer’s meetings Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm (2nd Friday in each month). Tel no. 0117 9756 441 n Coffee Morning, Speedwell Methodist Church, 10am-noon.

Open to all. Friendly and caring.

Lunch once a month. n Community art club at Castle Suite, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road BS16 6UE. 10amnoon on alternate Fridays.

Alternate Fridays. £5 per session and materials are supplied. Contact Paul Foss on pobble57@yahoo. co.uk or 0117 957 0045 n Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, 7-9.30pm. We welcome and support all levels of experience including beginners. n 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Living After Loss, St Mary's Parish Rooms, back entrance of church, every other Friday, 11am-noon.

Contact Lizzie on 0117 9650856 n Every second Friday of the month, 4-6 pm. Messy church with crafts, celebration and meal.

Stapleton church hall, Park Road.

Further details on Facebook or you can email youngpeople@ holytrinitystapleton.org.uk

Saturdays n Pilates class.

All Saints Church Hall, Grove Road. 9.15 - 10.15 a.m. Drop-in class, no booking necessary.

All levels welcome. £7 per class. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm, 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly, September n Rehabilitation Pilates (Beginners), Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House, in Britannia room. 9am. £7. Samantha 07736 309272, www.gentlefitness.co.uk n Life Universecity LC soul health and wellness education classes, 12.30 -2pm Fishponds Old Library, Fishponds Rd. Rolling Administration 1st Saturdays of the month (except Jul –Aug / Dec –Jan) For info or to register Tel: 07508390298/Email: life. universecity@gmail.com n 10-11 am Saturday Sports Club for 4-8 year olds at Mangotsfield Primary School, Church Farm Road, Emersons Green, BS16 7EY. Introducing children to sport

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

31

through a range of activities/ sports. £5 per session. Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@ sportingchance-pt.co.uk n Monthly Bric a Brac and Clothing Sale at Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill, Stapleton. It is held on the 1st Saturday of each month, from 10am til 12pm. Refreshments available in the Hall. Dog friendly, everyone welcome.

Sundays

n Morning Worship and children’s activities, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road.

10.30am n Morning Worship, New Place, Eastville Methodist Church, Fishponds Road. 10.45am. Holy Communion once a month. n Eucharist, All Saints Church 8am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am with Giggle Club in Parish Rooms n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Michael’s Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Aidan’s Church 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St John’s 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, All Saints Church 10.30am n All Sorts Youth Group, St Aidan’s Church hall 6pm(fortnightly) n Evensong , St Mary’s Church 6:30pm 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 y.There is a songs of praise service on the 4th Sunday at 3pm.

n Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, BS16 3TR 9.30am-1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm For bookings, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. 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. n Weekly Meeting for Worship 10.30 - 11.30, all welcome, With Children's Meeting 1st. and 3rd. Sundays, Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT n All Age Worship featuring the band, choir and children at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Staple Hill n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield10.30am.

Women's Section Royal British Legion RBL welcomes ladies of all ages. We meet on a Wednesday afternoon fortnightly with speakers and visits. We meet from 2-4pm at the old school in Page Road, Staple Hill. It is also known as the Foundation.

Entry is at the end of the building by Page Park car park.

We meet every two weeks on a Wednesday at 2.00pm Tel 0117 9560805 for more information, Speakers and outings for 2019 already booked everyone welcome any age. Tel 956 0805 for info.

L L L OY D B O T T OM S chartered accountants

118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.

Contact us now! — Free initial consultation

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Freephone 0800 781 8783

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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32

February, 2019

n GARDENING

W

E start again at the month where I find the optimism for the upcoming seasons is at its most, and the thought that my plans will be anything but perfectly executed is tucked neatly out of sight. I know that the reality is that there will be many failures alongside the successes but that’s no reason, right now, not to be eternally hopeful.

There is no denying that 2018 was different when it comes to climate and the weather.

Where we basked for 8 weeks in unbroken sunshine and enjoyed the conditions that we hope for in the best continental holidays, the plants were suffering. If not for the watering that was required then just for the heat as somethings really don’t like it when the mercury rises. Our runner beans for example were appalling last year with a tiny crop going from nothing to stringy mature pods in days. Where as the corn really couldn’t have been happier, maybe a little damper around it’s feet but the sunshine was ideal.

The city gardener

By Tim Barton It’s a fact that we are all going to have to adapt as the seasons slowly change, milder winters followed by wet springs are going to give us new challenges to overcome. As gardeners we rely on winter to put a dent in the inevitable onslaught of pests that emerge as it warms up, without those cold spells we’re going to find that there is a lot more to contend with than we’ve been previously used to. Unfortunately we can’t just reach for the chemicals and be done with them as this is all part of the problem.

There is a fine balance that has come about through thousands of years of pushing and pulling from all sides and this had resulted in things just ‘working, the trouble is that we as a species have changed that balance too fast. It’s certain

Thingwall park allotment shop

Come by for a friendly chat and to see how you might and on Sunday 10 - 12 plot benefit Saturday from taking an allottment

Come by for a friendly chat, find out about the allotment and see how you can help.

• Organic peat free compost • Grow bags • Flower and vegetable seeds • Fertilisers • Local honey • Netting and ground cover • Bird feeders and seed

that we would have naturally changed things anyway as nothing says the same for ever, it’s just the speed at which we’ve done it that has caused the issue.

Some of these changes that we need make do come at a financial cost though, but as with most things, in the bigger picture it’s really not that much. For example to use peat free compost, and you really must, you’ll pay a few pounds more for a bag. But how many do you buy? If this is 1, 2 or even 5 a year, compare that to a subscription to a TV or music service, or maybe couple of pints of beer. It’s these small changes made across a large number of people that make the biggest difference, and unfortunately something that we will be forced to adopt sooner or later.

Some of the biggest differences that we can make are simply in the way that we apply our gardening skills and what we’re happy to put up with too. I use no weed killers for example, I never have and I’m not overrun with invasive plants.

Yes my small lawn has clover and moss in it, but what’s wrong with that? It doesn’t look like the adverts on TV but neither does much else in my life. I have a patio that has weeds in the cracks and a wall with self seeded sedge in it, little and often however keeps on top of this. Copious mulching on all of the

garden beds and a little weeding when I see things I don’t like is enough to keep the place looking quite happy, after all a weed is just a plant that’s in the wrong place. https://www.gracelands.garden • Force rhubarb as it should be starting to grow quite nicely now • Sow early vegetables and ones that have a long season, like leeks, onions and celeriac and chillies • Many annuals are to be sown this month so looks at your seed packets and make sure you don’t miss anything • Cut back shrubs like Dogwood (Cornus) and Willow (Salix) near their base to get a good new growth and a nice display at the end of the year • This is the last chance that you’ll get to move any shrubs and trees around • Finish clearing up any winter debris such as dead leaves and think about tidying up old plants in preparation for this years growth • Pot on rooted cuttings that were taken last year • Prune winter flowering shrubs now that the colour has faded

This month:

Seed potatoes are in stock. Maris Bard, Swift, Winston, Kestrel, Marfona, Cara, Desiree, King Edward, Maris Piper, Charlotte and Pink Fir Apple.

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

33

n FISHPONDS MUM

Core principles to live by ...

FACING the professional world of employment after a period of parenting full time can be quite the challenge. Not only do I need to try on clothes in my wardrobe I hardly recognise – and that’s not a joyful afternoon, I can tell you – but I am also checking what sticky handprints are on my clothes as I leave the house.

Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour suggested last month that one popular option for women returners is to work freelance.

They were citing this as a viable way to work flexibly, and a feminist alternative to fitting into impossible working conditions aimed at people who have no other responsibilities. You can find the programme online at bbc. in/2UebIrf. Parents have tonnes of skills that people want, plus all the skills and competencies from their previous professional lives. We only need to look around Fishponds to see a network of parents supporting each other through their growing businesses.

Another key issue returning to work is preparing your body and health post-baby. There appear to be endless possibilities of how pregnancy might affect your body: prolapse, sacroiliac wear and tear, abdominal separation, incontinence – what joys pregnancy and birth can bring!

Surprising, then, that there is so little support to help women to manage these health issues: many women feel they just need to live with this new reality.

Apparently not, according to Charlotte Lune, a specialist coach in women’s health and fitness.

“No one needs to live with incontinence,” she tells me, with certainty. Charlotte takes a holistic approach to women’s restoration, especially post baby in your life.

It isn’t just fitness, massage or Pilates; her focus is on motivating women to make their health a priority every day and motivate them to take and sustain action.

Through classes called Holistic Core and Restore, held at All Saints Church in Fishponds, she engages women in six weekly group sessions, with follow up online support. You can book with anything from menopause, pelvic floor issues, C-section scars, diastases or even general health. Women of all ages come.

She addresses eating to heal and considers environmental factors, such as what you choose to use on your skin, your hair, and how they too affect what goes on inside your body. Her company, Made to Motivate, joins it all up in a holistic, inspiring way to genuinely effect change in your body and mind.

What’s refreshing about Charlotte is she has been there herself. Her focus on remedial holistic healing happened because she needed to heal herself after a

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

prolapse. A mother of three, she was already a personal trainer and she then added qualifications through Burrell Education in Modern Post Natal Assessment, Core Restore and Functional Exercise Programming, becoming a fully certified Holistic Core Restore coach. She has also added remedial sports massage to take action herself.

Charlotte is also a registered trainer to deliver BuggyFit, which she delivers across East Bristol, including at Oldbury Court. I had no idea that babies needed to be at

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

least seven months old before they are involved in running in a buggy, because their necks aren’t strong enough. She also runs Bootcamp three mornings a week in St Andrews, at 6.30am.

Her top recommendations to start focusing on health are: 1. Take five minutes every day for yourself.

2. Drink enough water and eat enough protein which both help to repair the body from within.

3. Get out and walk every day.

This type of health and holistic support might support some women to psychologically prepare to heal post birth and plan to tackle the workplace again. You can book on her website and the next Holistic Core and Restore course begins in April.

Choose a class right for you: Charlotte’s website is at madetomotivate.co.uk and she can be contacted on 07855 406733 or by email at charlotte@ madetomotivate.co.uk.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

34

February, 2019

n NEWS

Council to get tough on fly tipping BRISTOL City Council is about to get tough on people who commit environmental crime in and around Fishponds.

The authority is set to appoint a new company - 3GS - to focus on issues across the city including fly tipping, fly posting, commercial waste, abandoned vehicles and graffiti tagging.

3GS officers will also have powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to people who commit offences such as dropping litter or failing to clear up dog mess.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: "Making the city a cleaner, more pleasant place to live and work remains one of my main priorities. Over recent weeks many people have contacted me about unacceptable levels of fly tipping and littering in their areas, so it really need tackling.

"Keeping our city clean is the responsibility of everyone; we can all take small actions which

go a long way, like reporting fly tippers and ensuring we always pick up our dog mess."

After a tender exercise in which three companies bid and subject to finalisation of the agreement with the council, 3GS will take over environmental enforcement in the city from Kingdom.

The council says 3GS has significant experience in the field of environmental enforcement and provides 13 environmental enforcement contracts across the UK. The service will continue to be delivered at no cost to the authority and will be met through the payment of the FPNs. 3GS will carry out enforcement in accordance with the council enforcement policy.

It is a contractual requirement that no inducement or reward will be paid to 3GS or by 3GS to its staff on the basis that an FPN

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is issued.

Martin Jerrold, group managing director of 3GS, said: "3GS provides proportionate, high quality enforcement services to help local authorities maintain cleaner and greener

neighbourhoods.

"Part of our mission is to educate and inform businesses and members of public that offences such as littering and fly-tipping are offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and will not be tolerated.

"3GS will be deploying 10 experienced and professional enforcement officers throughout the city and outer city regions for a two year contract to issue Fixed Penalty Notices and deliver a range of educational initiatives to make the community aware of the consequences of littering and dog fouling and contribute to creating a greener environment for the area.

"We are grateful for Bristol City Council for entrusting 3GS with a high-profile frontline service such as this."

Any surplus the contract generates will continue to be reinvested by the council to tackle environmental issues.

Will Writing & Estate Planning

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

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

35

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Go find your adventure AS the new Methodist minister for the area of Fishponds and Kingswood, people have been asking me, “How am I finding things?” I often respond, “With a satnav!” Moving to a new place and taking on a new job is both scary and exciting. It is scary because you have to re-invent yourself, re-prove who you are. Where I was before everyone knew me, they knew what I was capable of, and I knew who I could call on when I needed a helping hand.

And while moving to a new place is scary it is also exciting because you get to see new places and meet new people. I am terrible with name, but never forget a face. Being from America I feel blessed to have come to a place that has such a richness and diversity whether it’s the people, cultures, or businesses. Fishponds is teeming with unique places and possibilities.

My eight year old hasn’t quite taken to the spirit of moving, but I always remind him that this is a new adventure for us, a new thing that we have never experienced before.

Those of you reading this have also stepped into a new

adventure—a new thing that you’ve never experienced before because we have been given the opportunity to see in a New Year! 2019, a year with so many possibilities and opportunities for us to re-invent ourselves, whether it is through the obligatory new year resolutions or we hit that magic birthday and we are no longer a teenager, but a full fledged adult. This is our time to do better—to be better than we were last year.

This is a new year—a new day for us to live out our adventures whatever they may be, and to reignite our passions. The bible says in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!”

(NCV) Also Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning…” (NCV) I always find that exciting to know that everyday I get a “do over,” a second chance to get things right.

With each new day I get a second chance to live the adventure—to create the adventure—to be adventurous!

Not only that, but I get that second chance with the same

amount of love from God as I had the day before, even if my level of giving wasn’t very high. Every day we arise to a new day we should be thankful that God has extended our adventure another day.

For me that adventure consists of doing new things with the people I love the most. That adventure means working in the church so that the church works with a greater sense of responsibility in its respective community. The adventure means walking down the streets of Fishponds and saying hello to people I don’t know, but hope in the coming days and years to follow I will know. The adventure means I can switch off the satnav and just get lost and revel in all there is to see in my little corner of the world.

So, if you see a wide eyed American walking down the street taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of Fishponds don’t hesitate to say hello because I can assure you that you will receive a Texas

Rev P Jackson Minister for Fishponds, Kingswood, Made for Ever & Speedwell Methodist churches

sized hello back.

So, hello from one of Fishponds newest resident’s!

Rev. P. J. Jackson Minister for Fishponds, Kingswood, Made For Ever & Speedwell Methodist Church’s

Third of parents not paying child maintenance MORE than a third of parents who pay their child maintenance through a government scheme in Bristol are failing to pay their expartners.

New figures show that, of around 900 parents due to pay support through the Child Maintenance Service in Bristol between April and June last year, 35% were in arrears.

The figure was down from 36% three months earlier and below the national average of 37%.

Single-parent families charity Gingerbread said the number of people failing to pay up is "worryingly high".

The government payment service, Collect & Pay, is part of the Child Maintenance Service, which was set up in 2012 to replace the Child Support Agency.

It has the power to take money from a parent's earnings or bank account if they try to avoid payments, or take a parent to court.

Parents can make arrangements to pay themselves after the CMS calculates the amount of child support to be paid: a scheme called Direct Pay. In Bristol, 1,550 parents made Direct Pay arrangements from July to September 2018. At the end of September 2018, two thirds of parents paying maintenance in Britain were using Direct Pay and a third the Collect & Pay Service.

Gingerbread research officer Sumi Rabindrakumar said: ""With over £200 million in unpaid maintenance, the Government risks repeating the same mistakes as the old Child Support Agency. Without reform, too many children will continue to go without the support they deserve."

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

36

February, 2019

n SPORT

Gold for Challenger on England debut TEENAGE boxer Ellouise Challenger picked up a gold medal in the first international boxing tournament held in Bristol for nearly 50 years.

The 16-year-old, representing her country for the first time, beat the skilful Leah Gallan of County Donegal, who had previously won a European bronze, in the England v Ireland contest at City Hall.

The event on January 26 was hosted by Fishponds-based Downend Boxing Club, in partnership with Bristol City Council, England Boxing and Western Counties Amateur Boxing Association.

A strong start from Ellouise forced Leah backwards making the Irish girl box evasively through their bout. Turning the pressure up throughout, the Downend boxer took a points decision.

Ellie is the national champion at her weight and before the bout said she was “so excited to be boxing for England for the first time, and in my own city”.

Tournament co-coordinator

Craig Turner said it is the first time a boxing event had been held at the City Hall He said: "We are honoured to host the event and showcase our city on the international stage.

"Bristol has a rich history of the sport, being traced back to 1780 and on to the current crop of talent that features in world honours today.”

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, who used to box himself as a youth, said: "This is the first event of its kind to take place in City Hall. I am committed to it being a space which can be open and it is a great example of how the space can be used by the local community.

"Boxing was a big part of my teenage years and taught me how to overcome set-backs, and I’m a firm believer in how sport and physical activity can improve people's lives."

The Mayor said there could be a “future Olympian” among the competitors.

Former WBC super middleweight champion Glenn Catley, who boxed against

Ellouise Challenger with her gold medal at City Hall

Marvin in his youth, was a guest at the event and the master of ceremonies was Dennis Stinchcombe of Broad Plain Boxing Club.

Ellouise had no time to rest

on her laurels; joined by DBC team mates Kim Rowe, Morgan Baber and Georgia Williams, she was due to take part in the Golden Girl tournament in Sweden, from February 1 to 3.

Chance to learn to play bowls ANYONE for bowls? A six-week course to train to basic level will be held at Page Park in April.

Under the tuition of qualified English Bowls Association coaches, players will be taught the skills required for the game.

The course, which may run for six or seven consecutive weeks, starts on Saturday April 27 from 10am to 12.

Equipment will be provided but flat soled shoes are essential, strictly no heels or ribbed soles.

There will be an initial registration fee of £5 and a charge of £2.50 per session to cover costs. To register your interest, please contact Don Willcox on 0117 908 3249/07718 306623; Anne Conlon on 0117 909 4725 or Bob Wilcox on 0776 9711297.

Shields Carpentry All Carpentry and Maintenance • 1st & 2nd Fix • Bedrooms • Kitchens • Flooring • Bathrooms • Fencing

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It is not a condition that you must join Page Park Bowls Club but anyone wishing to must have satisfactorily completed the course.

Alternatively, other local clubs will be happy to accept new members who have successfully completed the course.

For further information visit www. pageparkbowling.org.uk

Lodge Causeway, Fishponds Sundays at 10.30 am with activities through the week Serving the community - worshipping God

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2019

37

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

n SPORT Call for young cricketers

A passion for CrossFit IT is always interesting to hear from my patients about what it is that motivates them to keep fit and exercise.

One patient has recently been extolling the benefits of CrossFit to me and encouraging me to give it a go!

She told me that she has noticed that that many ‘more mature’ people (ie over 50/55) seem to stop or reduce the amount of exercise that they do at precisely the time when exercise becomes more important to maintain strength, mobility, flexibility and general health and wellbeing for as long as possible!

My patient is now in her 60s (though in complete denial about it!) and has always done some form of exercise but has only been involved in CrossFit for the last three years.

She was beginning to find a conventional gym rather dull and tedious and she was then encouraged to join Valesco CrossFit in Bristol. Initially she felt that it would be far too demanding and everyone would be younger, fitter and stronger but was quickly proved wrong!

She is really excited about the difference it has made to her – keen to explain how she CrossFit is different. It is all about strength and conditioning and built around

functional movement.

There is a range of classes all of which are coached and are all scaleable to suit every ability level and the intensity and the difficulty increase with improvements in performance.

She was keen to promote Valesco CrossFit where she says “The coaches are fantastic – they are highly skilled and knowledgeable and extremely encouraging and motivating! I really enjoy being part of a class and working hard together in such a supportive environment. It is hard work but it really is great fun and I always feel the benefit…… it has made me realise that I didn’t really push myself before!

I have now been doing CrossFit for nearly three years and can honestly say that I am now fitter and stronger than I was 10 years ago! It is exciting to see how much I have improved and to continue to challenge myself.

I can strongly recommend a visit to Valesco CrossFit to find out more….as it says on their website….’ Valesco CrossFit is passionate about its members and the community and the coaching team are committed to helping individuals achieve their goals in a fun and supportive environment.’

Why not give it a go and try a taster session?”

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

She sounds so enthusiastic, I might even try it myself! www.valescocrossfit.com Valesco CrossFit, Unit 1, 40-46 Albert Road, BS2 0XA

A CRICKET club is holding new sessions for the next generation of players.

Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club is launching winter training for under-9s at Mangotsfield School on Friday evenings, starting on February 1.

The club, which is based at Pomphrey Hill playing fields during the season, also has under 11, 13, 15 and 17 sides along with its adult sides.

The under-9s sessions will take place from 5pm to 6pm on February 1, 8 and 15, March 15, 22 and 29, and April 5 and 12.

They are open to any child in year 3 or 4 at school and cost £20 for the eight-week course.

Pre-season training for the club’s other age groups is now under way, on Mondaysand Fridays.

For more details call Andy King on 07988 745985 or email andrewzking@sky.com.

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

A Team approach to healthcare.

To advertise, call Gary on

07799 461169

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

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

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

:

fishpondsvoice

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2019 OVEN CLEANING

39

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