Fishponds Voice February 2020 by Fishponds Voice

fishpondsvoice February, 2020 — ISSUE 62

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'Kevin' the cat brings cheer Young people at a mental health unit have taken a cat that appears at their window to their hearts, nicknaming him Kevin and writing a rap about him. PAGE 13

Helping you to a greener life

11,000 thanks from Elm Tree Farm A FARM providing work for people with learning disabilities has been helped back on its feet by the community after a devastating burglary. Individual donors, groups and

businesses have given more than £11,000 to Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, which was ransacked in December. The social enterprise has also been given power tools and other

equipment to replace some of what was lost. Brandon Trust, which runs the farm, has said thank you to everyone who has helped – but Turn to Page 3

A new group is aiming to help people in Fishponds move towards zero-carbon lifestyles. PAGE 7

Fears over music festival bid Residents want to meet the organisers hoping to run a music festival in Oldbury Court in May. PAGE 15

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fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Editor Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist Ken MCormick 07715 770377

ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 EDITORIAL news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 15 Mayfield Park, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3nn. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

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Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Fishponds Voice is independent. We

March edition deadline is February 19.

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

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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

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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February, 2020

n NEWS

Drugs charge after man found dead A MAN has been charged with drug offences after police were called to a house in Fishponds where a man had been found dead. Officers were called to the house in Tyndale Avenue shortly after 11am on January 4. While there, they discovered a cannabis factory and another man was arrested. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said the dead man was a 41-year-old Lithuanian national. The spokesperson added: "The man’s death is still being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious. We are making further enquiries on behalf of the Coroner’s office." An inquest into the man's death has yet to be formally opened. The spokesperson added: "While officers were attending this incident, a cannabis factory was discovered and this has been dismantled and seized as part of an ongoing investigation." Giedrius Zubelis, aged 37, of Tyndale Avenue, has been charged with being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Elm Tree Farm still needs a new van One trainee at the farm said: “We were so surprised by the community’s support. Without the tools, we wouldn’t be able to work or make things. I am so happy we got the tools from the lovely community.” Another said: “I am very grateful to the people of Bristol for these donations. I am just overwhelmed by how much we’ve got, so thank you very much!”

From Page 1 the charity still urgently needs help to replace the Transit van it used to take its produce to shops, which the burglars drove off in. The thieves broke in on the weekend of December 7-8, stealing money, woodworking tools, garden equipment and the van. They also damaged the site, including tearing out a safe. But since news of the breakin and appeal for help spread, the charity has had a "fantastic response" from the community, with over 150 donations from people in Bristol and beyond. Staff say they have been touched by the "heart-warming comments" from people who have donated. In addition to cash donations of more than £11,800, the farm has received woodworking power tools and hand tools, a work bench, chainsaws, lawn mowers and other gardening equipment, safety wear and practical help, to

Can you help the trust replace its vehicle? improve security and repair the damage. Brandon Trust chief executive Sue Porto said: “The burglary was a devastating blow, particularly for the 80 people with learning disabilities and autism who work at the farm. Many of them have found it difficult to understand why anyone would target the site. “However, we’ve been blown

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away by the generosity of so many people, not just through the donation of funds and equipment, but by the kind words of support. “Your swift response has helped everyone at the farm get back on their feet quickly and continue almost as normal. Our spirits have been lifted and we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks.”

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The trust still needs help to replace the stolen van, which was used to help workers get to the farm and take produce to St Nick’s farmers’ market every Wednesday. A spokesperson said: "Without a vehicle, we’re struggling." Anyone who can offer help is asked to call 0117 907 7200 or email info@brandontrust.org

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Campaigners: Commuter train cuts are crazy RAIL campaigners say cuts to daytime services at Bristol stations are "crazy" as the city tries to tackle gridlock on the roads. Pressure group Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways says timetable changes introduced at the end of last year mean fewer trains now go from Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road stations direct to Bristol Parkway. They say the move affects commuters travelling to and from the major employers in the north of the city, as well as students. Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways chair Train operator GWR says the problem has Rob Dixon. Picture: FoSBR been fitting local services around extra trains introduced in December, including its new direct trains during the same period. "SuperFast" services from Temple Meads via The group has visited both Lawrence Hill Parkway to London. and Stapleton Road to talk to people affected FoSBR is calling for the direct local by the changes. services to be restored when the next GWR says it has changed ticketing rules to timetable change is made in the spring. allow people to make the journey via Temple CentenaryMeads celebrations Hillfields Fewer local trains now end their journey but thisinmeans that a journey which will culminate a street from theatre at Bristol Parkway, with a number of them takeswith 13 minutes Lawrence Hill or 10 performance this summer stopping short at Filton Abbey Wood instead. minutes from Stapleton Road on a direct During the weekday off-peak period, train could now take up to 54 minutes. there are now no direct trains from Lawrence FoSBR Chair Rob Dixon said: "To Hill and Stapleton Road to Bristol Parkway withdraw cross-city services from a city that’s between the 7.48am and 4.11pm services infamous for traffic gridlock seems crazy. The from Lawrence Hill: previously there were 10 GWR leaflet suggests alternative bus services,

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but this timetable change may drive people back to their cars." A GWR spokesperson said extra trains were now using the route between Temple Meads and Parkway, where track capacity has been expanded. The spokesperson said: "It was not possible for train planners from Network Rail to find enough paths for our services between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol Parkway from Filton Abbey Wood. "Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill customers are most significantly impacted as some may have to go to Bristol Temple Meads to get a train to Bristol Parkway. "We’ve managed to run some peak time services and we’ve produced a leaflet showing alternative bus journeys that has been distributed at the relevant stations. "The most recent passenger figures show low numbers of customers being affected but this is still something that we want to put right and we’re working on it with Network Rail. The timetable is due to be revised by Network Rail on May 17, which will include some additional services and hopefully more paths between Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Parkway."

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Share your stories of life in Hillfields

PEOPLE in Hillfields still have time to get involved with an 18 month-long project celebrating 100 years since the first council housing was built in the area. Homes for Heroes launched last year with a series of projects exploring and celebrating the history of the area and the people that have lived and worked there over the last century. Initiatives, led by community interest company Local Learning, have involved a Sharing Memories event at Hillfields Library which saw people dress up in 1920s costumes, share memorabilia and talk about 'the good old days'. It also included interactive street theatre tours of the area, Projects have also taken place at Minerva Primary Academy where pupils explored their local area, made pin-hole cameras, designed homes, made houses from junk and met members of the community to listen to their stories. The project will culminate on

Saturday June 6 with a piece of street theatre performed live in the heart of the area. Local Learning say the best people to shape the performance and tell the story of Hillfields are the people that have lived, worked and grown up in the area. They are urging people to get involved by attending sessions at Hillfields Community Hub, off Thicket Avenue, which take place Thursdays from 1-3pm (term-

time only) from now until the performance this summer. Organisers are also looking for locals to take part in writing workshops to co-produce a legacy booklet about the history of Hillfields. Sessions for this take place on Wednesday afternoons, from 12-2pm, at Hillfields Library and start on February 26. A further project involves creating a community tapestry map of Hillfields with Bristol

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artist Carmen Garaghon. Anyone who is interested should head for Hillfields Library on Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm, also from February 26. The name Homes For Heroes comes from a speech delivered by Prime Minister Lloyd George, who called for a “country fit for heroes to live in”. The start of the first major era of council house building followed the 1919 Housing and Town Planning Act,. 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. For more information on any of the projects, contact Ruth Myers on ruth@locallearning. org.uk, visit www.locallearning. org.uk/hillfields-homes-forheroes or leave a letter in the post box in the library.

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n NEWS COUNCIL tax bills for Bristol City Council services are set to rise by more than £60 for the average resident in April. The council will bring in the maximum allowed 3.99% increase, which takes the annual bill for an average Band D property up £67.46 to £1,758.28. Further rises will also be added for increases to police and fire service precepts. The council will receive an extra £8.7 million to spend on services from existing council tax payers, plus £2.4m from the 1,567 new households in the city since last year. Half of the increase will go towards paying for adult social care, after a consultation with thousands of householders found a majority in favour of increases specifically for that purpose, although 41% of respondents wanted a freeze on council tax and no additional fee for adult social care. Tax payers in Band A households face a £44.98 council tax rise (total £1,172.19 for city council services); Band B a £52.47 rise (£1,367.55); Band C a £59.97 rise (£1,562.92); Band E a £82.46 rise (£2,149.02); Band F a £97.45 rise (£2,539.75) Band G a £112.44 rise (£2,930.47) and Band H a £134.93 rise (£3,516.57). The final budget will be voted on by all councillors on February 25, having already been agreed by the majority Labour group's cabinet. At a cabinet meeting on January 21,

February, 2020

Council tax up 3.99% to support 'no cuts' budget Mayor Marvin Rees said the 2020/21 budget, with no cuts to services, was an “incredible” achievement after an inquiry in 2017 found a massive financial shortfall. Mr Rees said: “We inherited a £30 million black hole in our budget from the previous administration, facing over £100 million in savings that were pushed upon us. “It’s financial competence that gives us the platform to be able to make commitments to Bristol and to drive them though but also to offer ourselves up as a local authority as a credible partner for the development in Bristol. “The council’s financial management and grip is stronger. “Overall, Bristol City Council’s green shoots of improvement are visible. “There is much to do to turn that potential into reality.” Deputy mayor with responsibility for finance Craig Cheney said the council was "effectively presenting a no-cuts budget again", and said he and his colleagues "continue to prioritise and protect all lifeand-limb services, have kept all our children’s

centres and libraries open and maintained the council tax reduction scheme for the most vulnerable citizens in this city". Conservative group leader Mark Weston criticised the proposed rise and criticised the millions of pounds the local authority had invested in its loss-making “zombie” company Bristol Energy. In a written statement to cabinet, he said there was a “declining appetite” from residents for inflation-busting council tax rises. Mr Weston said: “There must come a point where loading such increases onto the local tax base becomes politically and economically untenable. “In the mayor’s capital programme, the continued expensive obsession with sustaining a zombie energy company remains highly questionable and lacks genuine public support. “There are also budget lines in the revenue proposals which are worthy of criticism, such as the expansion of the mayor’s own office.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Citizens' assemblies given the go-ahead A MAJOR shake-up of how decisions are taken on Bristol's big issues will see 'citizens’ assemblies' introduced. Residents will be chosen at random in the same way as jury service for the assemblies and be paid to spend time hearing from experts on complex issues, including the climate emergency, before making decisions which could be binding on the city council. The council's ruling Labour

group threw its weight behind the Green Party’s idea, with backing from the Lib Dems. Tories voted against, saying it could add an unnecessary new layer of bureaucracy. Labour said it had "radically strengthened" Green councillor Paula O’Rourke’s motion to set up the assemblies, giving them a mechanism for residents to suggest and vote on proposals to be funded in their area with a £5-10 million capital budget.

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The Labour amendment also means the assemblies will be introduced on a pilot basis in some areas first and will be introduced over a longer time period than the three months originally suggested. Deputy mayor and St George West ward councillor Asher Craig told a council meeting on January 14: "Our administration acknowledges we need better tools for listening to and engaging with citizens

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with innovative new tools of participatory democracy." She said the assemblies would work "alongside, rather than in addition to, elected politicians" with a focus on "deliberation and openness". Tory group leader Mark Weston said the system would be "consultation on steroids", with "opinions expressed from the centre of the city, all having the same view, and suburbs won’t have their say".

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February, 2020

n NEWS A GROUP has been set up aimed at encouraging people in Fishponds to work towards a zero-carbon lifestyle. The Greater Fishponds Energy Group (GFEG) was established by a team of likeminded people who plan to offer projects, guidelines and activities to help the community contribute towards a low carbon economy. Founding members include people with expertise on low carbon architecture, renewable projects, environmental management and public engagement. The group says it has big plans for 2020 and wants to take on new members to help make a real difference to climate change. Chris Sole, from GFEG Hillfields, said: “Sometimes reading the news around the climate change can feel pretty hopeless, but we believe there is a lot that can be done at

'Join us' call over eco action

community level. Greater Fishponds has some incredible community groups and green spaces, so we want to start by building on this see what we can achieve locally. “We believe there is a huge potential within Greater Fishponds - an area we loosely define as Fishponds, Hillfields, Staple Hill and Downend - to protect and improve our green spaces, future-proof our homes

and create locally owned renewable energy – but we need your support to make this happen.” The group will be running a series of events throughout 2020 focussed on practical steps people can take to improve the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. Topics include: • Effective heating in our homes - with a focus on retrofitting, insulation, low carbon heating and reducing fuel poverty • Community solar project - enabling members of the community to reduce solar panel (PV) installation costs • Hydro Energy Study - micro generation on the river Frome • Individual impact and how far it goes - why our daily habits count as a climate action

• What can we do as a community to encourage local food production and reduce plastic waste? • Green spaces – collaborating with other organisations to identify areas for tree planting and wildlife corridors to improve the local wellbeing, biodiversity and capture carbon. The group would love to hear from people from all backgrounds who would like to get onboard and support the group and its initiatives. They are also encouraging people with ideas to come forward to share them with members. You can find out more by visiting https://www.facebook. com/GFenergy/ or emailing greater.fishponds.energy@ gmail.com

Baby Bank Network seeks volunteers A FISHPONDS-based charity which helps families in the city experiencing child poverty has put out an SOS for volunteers. Baby Bank Network, based at Stoke View Business Park, collects used baby items such as prams, cots and clothes and redistributes them to mums, dads and carers. A spokeswoman said: “Demand for our services is increasing and we are urgently looking for more warehouse volunteers to sort donations and prepare items for families.” Volunteers would be required to help out at the warehouse, creating and sorting bundles

of clothing, toys, books and toiletries, completing orders preparing them for collection. They are looking for people who can offer two to three hours one weekday morning a week or a fortnight and would like a minimum of six months' commitment. There are occasional weekend, evening events and meetings. Training and support will be given. Baby Bank Network also has a vacancy for a someone with a flair for fundraising to join their trustee board Anyone interested in the roles can get touch by visiting www. babybanknetwork.com

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n NEWS

February, 2020

Railway path plans

Car overturns FIREFIGHTERS had to free a man from a car which overturned in Fishponds Road. The 46-year-old was handed over to ambulance crews after the accident, which happened shortly before 9pm on January 6. Three fire crews were needed to rescue the man and the road was closed as the car was removed from the scene. No other vehicles were involved.

A CYCLING group says some of the changes planned for the Bristol and Bath Railway Path are "dangerous and likely to deter cycling". Transport charity Sustrans is overseeing a ÂŁ1.1 million improvement scheme for the path on its final stretch from Clay Bottom through Whitehall, Easton and St Philip's. The path is used by thousands of people each day and is a popular route to the city centre by bike for commuters travelling from as far as Bath. But the number of pedestrians using the path increases the further into Bristol it gets. In December, Sustrans unveiled radical design concepts for areas of the path where there were most likely to be issues between pedestrians and cyclists. But the Bristol Cycling Campaign has raised concerns over some of the proposals, particularly those which include seating and other "obstacles"

which the group says will "hinder rather than help" cycling on the path. Bristol Cycling Campaign chair Nick Davies said: "Our members have been frankly appalled at some of the poorly thought out ideas to put obstacles or street furniture on the direct cycle route. Some of the proposals are both dangerous and likely to deter cycling." In a detailed, 37-page response to the plans, the group argues for the path to be widened throughout its busiest section to enable separation of cyclists and pedestrians, calling for a three-metre wide cycling section alongside a 2m pedestrian lane. Particular concerns were raised over the possibility of seating at the sharp bends at Clay Bottom, changes to the pedestrian crossing near Whitehall Primary School, and changing the direct route of the path near Easton Community Centre, as well as adding a series

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February, 2020

are dangerous, says cyclists' group

The design concepts for the Clay bottom 'wiggle' are among those criticised by the Bristol Cycling Campaign of raised tables in contrasting colours. In its response, the group said: "Conflict between different users is inevitable at busy times on a shared-use path; only

effective separation of modes will alleviate this." The group also said that while there had been a focus on 'speeding cyclists' in the consultations, they represented

a "very small percentage" path users, and it said speeding was "a subjective term". In its response, the group said: "We will oppose any measures which deter cycling (and some of these designs do). That will only increase motoring in east Bristol, with adverse consequences for the local community and the climate." Sustrans South area director James Cleeton said: "We are grateful to the Bristol Cycling Campaign for taking the time to put together such a considered response, which we will take into account in the work that follows. "The aim of this project is to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone – including people riding bikes – in line with the community vision. This is what we’re working towards and why it’s so important that we hear from as wide a range of voices as possible. "The concept sketches we consulted on came about after an

extensive engagement process and represented the thoughts and ideas we had heard from the community so far. They’ve prompted debate and further engagement, which is all very useful and has given everyone engaged in the project a lot of food for thought. "We will continue to work on designs for improvements to the path, including looking at the feasibility of widening – and other options – within the scope and budget for this project. We would welcome a meeting with the Bristol Cycling Campaign in the weeks to come and look forward to further engagement with the wider community too.” Sustrans will be running an update workshop on the co-design project at Easton Community Centre on February 24, from 5-7pm. The Sustrans plan can be found online at bit.ly/2sysdpX and the Bristol Cycling Campaign response is at bit.ly/bcycbbrp.

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Trees face chop for new path and cycleway MORE than 20 trees next to one of Bristol's busiest roads are set to be chopped down to make way for a new cycleway and footpath. The city council is planning to remove the trees as part of a scheme to improve bus, pedestrian and cycle journeys on Muller Road between Horfield and the M32. The council announced on the Travelwest website that it had agreed to "release" a strip of land rented by Fairfield High School for its playing fields, between the Stottbury Road and Station Lane junctions, "in order to enable bus, walking and cycling improvements in the nearby area". It has to launch a consultation because the land forms part of the school’s sports facilities and it needs permission for the change from the Education and Skills Funding Agency. The council says the land being taken for the scheme is classed as ‘informal social space’

A view of the trees from the Shaldon Road/Station Lane junction towards Eastville Photo: Google Street View and does not involve the loss of any space for courts and pitches, although the tennis courts are set to be moved around 2m further away from the road. No indication that the trees will be lost appears in the announcement – but council engineering design plans show that between 20 and 30 trees are due to be removed. Under the plans the Fairfield

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High School side of the road, where traffic heads towards Horfield, will have a new footpath, separate cycleway and upgraded bus stop with lay-by. The opposite side, heading towards the M32, will have a 24hour bus lane. The statement on the Travelwest website says: "The changes are being undertaken to enable a wide segregated walking

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and cycling facility from Dormer Road all the way to the railway bridge over Muller Road, which will provide a safe route to school for the children using this route, as well as an improved route for all other users of Muller Road. "This land release is a key part of the changes to Muller Road. Without the land release, routes to Fairfield High School, Trinity Academy, and the new Ashley Down station will be less safe and less attractive, resulting in more congestion and a less safe road environment." If approved work will start next year and the changes will be in place by 2022.The consultation runs until March 1 and can be found by searching for 'Fairfield' on the travelwest. info website or using the web address bit.ly/36rx9uH. Comments can be made on the site or by emailing transport. projects@bristol.gov.uk with “Fairfield land release” in the subject line.

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Winter is back and so is your damp . . . Before you speak to anyone else, speak to the experts at copingcovers.com OUR EXPERTISE IS IN SOLVING DAMP ISSUES WITHIN VICTORIAN PROPERTIES Like us on Facebook copingcovers - keep updated with pictures and videos of our latest jobs We have 30 years experience in manufacturing and construction, mainly in the renovation of Victorian properties. Over this period we have realised that damp occuring in these properties is mainly a result of poor conditions of chimneys, parapet walls, felt and tiles on roofs. That is when we came up with the idea of using covers over coping stones on parapet walls and chimney capping. Coping covers have a complete success rate, with customers reporting that their damp issues have disappeared. Our aim is to stop damp at source. Our Coversto come a variety at Coping Covers.com. Speak theinexperts of colours, adds strength to your We can stop damp at source at a fraction of the cost of walls and are 100% water tight, best of all they make your other damp treatments. property look fantastic and increase your property value. All of our work is guaranteed. Coping Covers for Not only will we solve all your damp your damp issues, we are also experts in all aspects of and roofing roofing work. needs With many happy We are customers in the Bristol area, we are proud to have a 100% Visit us at success rate in solving damp AND W E NEVER and roofing problems.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS

'Kevin': the self-appointed therapy cat MEET Kevin. The tabby cat has become somewhat of a celebrity after paying visits to youngsters with mental health conditions in Fishponds. Although Kevin isn't allowed inside the unit for health and safety reasons, the tabby peers through the windows much to the delight of his appreciative audience. Each day, the boys and girls eagerly await his next impromptu visit and staff say he is really helping to lift spirits. It is very unlikely Kevin is the cat's real name – the moniker was given to him by the young people. Nicki Townend, an occupational therapist, said: “He is fondly known by us all as 'Kevin', which I am certain is not his real name. Some weeks ago it was very obvious that he was a boy but he has recently had some surgery which makes it somewhat less obvious! “He features fondly in nearly every discussion that is had with the young people and has become very much a form of therapy for them as they absolutely adore him. “Kevin brings a smile to everyone's face even those who are experiencing the most extreme low moods.” The cat, described by Nicki as “adorable”,

Quarry Court

comes to the windows on a daily basis. “Just seeing him brings an enormous amount of joy and pleasure to the staff team and young people. He seems to know that he is loved by everyone and he also loves seeing people. He's definitely a celebrity as far as we're concerned.” At Christmas Kevin had a poem written about him and also featured in the young people's artwork. Youngsters taking part in a music group wrote a Kevin the Cat rap and even made Kevin the Cat biscuits for their tea. Nicki said: “We are not able to have a therapy cat for health and safety reasons but we would like to thank Kevin for the remarkable role that he plays in the recovery of so many young people with mental health difficulties, without even realising it!” Nicki said she has no idea of who Kevin's owners are: “Kevin looks as if he is very well looked after so he must have loving owners. If he were mine, I would love to know that he is leading a double life and bringing so much joy to the young people. “If you are his owner we just want you to know how lucky you are to have such a clever, The cat at the window brings joy to young lovable and therapeutic cat.” people at a unit in Fishponds

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kingswoodvoice fishpondsvoice

February 2020 14

13 February, 2020

■ n WILL W ILL & PROBATE ADVICE

99% of clients recommend Simpson Solicitors HOW do you choose the right firm of solicitors to look after and protect you and your family? With Wills and Powers of Attorney, the issues are very personal and you need to be confident your legal advisor is someone you trust. Someone who will take the time to understand what you want to achieve. You know that using a firm of solicitors will give you the extra protection of high standards of legal training, insurance and protection against unexpected charges. But which firm of solicitors? Probably the best way would be to ask clients of the firm. But that is not always possible – so our local specialist Wills firm Simpson Solicitors have just published some research. At the end of last year,

Simpson Solicitors, completed research with 625 of their clients who agreed to take part. And the results are in.... 99% of clients of Simpson Solicitors say they are happy to recommend their Wills and Powers of Attorney service to their friends and family. Clients were also asked to grade the overall service and an impressive 91% gave them a full five stars. John and Michelle Baden-Daintree opened Simpson Solicitors locally in the Kings Chase Centre, Kingswood with the aim of making a difference. Whilst many firms are closing local offices – their pledge is to provide conveniently located local Wills Service – starting with a FREE meeting taking as long as the client needs. John says, “I am so proud of our team of friendly legal advisors for achieving such impressive results. To have 99% of clients so pleased with us that they’ll recommend Simpson

Solicitors to their friends and family is a great achievement” Michelle says, “We aim to make all of our clients feel Welcome, Wanted and Cared For. We are constantly striving to improve the service. With free home visits, if getting to the office is difficult. Evening meetings. Free storage of documents. And our promise of No Hidden Costs” Vincent here at Kingswood had some great feedback including “excellent customer service. Everything so easy and straight forward. Great. Vince is lovely too!” Other feedback included “Great at explaining the jargon” “Made to feel very welcome and valued” Friendly and clear explanations” “Friendly, patient and knowledgeable” The service starts with a free advice meeting. As well as your Will the service covers issues such as who you trust to appoint as Attorney to support you, if you became too ill to make decisions on your own. To

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS RESIDENTS say they want assurances that a festival planned at a Fishponds beauty spot won't cause misery for people living nearby. Fake Festivals is organising a tribute band event at Oldbury Court on Saturday May 2 from 11.45am to 11pm. But residents are questioning whether the green space is appropriate because surrounding roads are so narrow. They also say concerns over noise and safety need to be taken seriously before the event gets the go ahead. Fake Festivals have applied to Bristol City Council for a licence to run the event, which includes a licence to sell alcohol. Resident Stuart Main said people weren't being killjoys: “While not objecting to the festival or the liquor licence, we are very concerned about traffic and safety as access to the park is very limited, unlike Eastville Park where they hold a number of festivals.” Residents were alerted to the plans after organisers distributed leaflets in the area before Christmas. “We responded to the council with some concerns. We didn't oppose the application but said we have some questions such as how will the noise be contained, how will they guarantee it's just local people who will attend and

Fears over bid for music festival in Oldbury Court how can they avoid roads being blocked so emergency service vehicle can get through. “We also want to know how large numbers of people are going to be dealt with and how can they make sure people who have been drinking come and leave quietly.” They are hoping organisers from Fake Festivals will meet residents at Oldbury Court to make sure they are fully aware of the difficulties presented by the site. Stuart said: “They are obviously trying to get things off on the right foot as they have given out leaflets. Fake Festivals are very experienced in holding these types of event – this isn't the issue. The issue is that this is the first time they've been to Oldbury Court. "From the initial contacts we have had with them, they seem very keen to work with local groups. We want to make sure they are fully aware of the local conditions that they need to take into consideration. Hopefully we can work out solutions which result in the event passing

without incident.” Stuart said there were ways around difficulties including road closures, cones to stop people parking and setting up a one-way system. “The roads are narrow so there is a possibility of gridlock outside the gates to the estate. That would be a problem for everybody, including the emergency services,” Stuart said. The council will decide at a hearing at City Hall on Tuesday February 10 whether to allow the event to go ahead. People living near the estate are also awaiting the outcome of a consultation to introduce parking charges for visitors to the park. The proposals include plans for new double yellow lines to deter drivers from avoiding the charges by parking in local

streets. Residents say that even with restrictions, there will be at least 50 on-street spaces close to the car park entrance which they fear visitors will make a bee-line for rather than pay the charges. Stuart said: “There are a number of residents who wrote with objections but we received a standard reply saying the proposals had to go through various processes within the council. “We await results, yet again. This is in fact the third time we have objected to these proposals, which if implemented in their present form will cause parking and traffic chaos all around the park.” The council and Fake Festivals were approached for comment but did not respond before the Voice went to print.

Your move ... A VOLUNTEER who knows about chess is wanted to lead a club at Hillfields Library. The library needs a junior chess club leader with a good understanding of the basic rules and the ability to communicate their knowledge. Anyone interested would need to commit to at least a year in the role, for which there will be a full induction, DBS check and support. Partner group Chess in Schools & Communities offers free training and will hold a session at J3 library in Easton on February 19, which any volunteer who comes forward can attend. Anyone interested should email libraries.volunteering@ bristol.gov.uk.

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n NEWS

February, 2020

Turning your plastic bags into oil A PROJECT to turn plastic bags, cling film, sweet wrappers and pet food pouches collected at a supermarket into oil has had an "overwhelming response" from shoppers. The Tesco Extra in Eastville was one of ten shops in the region where shoppers were invited to bring in the soft plastic waste, which is not recycled in kerbside collections. Swindon firm Recycling Technologies will now turn the waste back into oil, so it can be used for new plastics, creating what’s called a ‘circular economy’. The company has now collected enough material to start the pilot project and does not need any more plastic at present. But Tesco will carry on collecting soft plastics for recycling, with a new partner to be announced later. Tesco, which already collected plastic bags at some stores, announced the initiative last

Left: The plant where bags collected at Tesco in Yate will be recycled. Above: Sacks of soft plastic collected in the trial April, adding a variety of other plastics including crisp packets, soft drink pouches and yoghurt tubes to the list of items that could be recycled. A Tesco spokesperson said:“As part of our ambition for a closed loop packaging system, we carried out a trial with Recycling Technologies last year to collect soft plastic in ten of our

The oils created from plastic waste which can be used in new plastic production.

stores in the Bristol and Swindon area. The response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive which is why we have decided to continue accepting soft plastics at these trial locations.” Tesco says it is making plastic waste a priority, removing plastic packaging from the items it sells in store, and promising that all remaining packaging will be recyclable by 2025. At present, 83% of its packaging is recyclable. The supermarket says it may work with Recycling Technologies again in the future. Recycling Technologies has developed and patented a process to turn waste plastic back into a type of oil it calls Plaxx, which can be used in the manufacture of new plastic. Chief executive Adrian Griffiths said: “The trials have highlighted how much demand there is for recycling soft plastic bags, films and laminated crisp

packets and pouches. "Tesco has taken a positive and important first step to show that technologies exist to recycle these valuable soft plastic materials. "There is an opportunity to highlight these solutions to the waste management industry so that more urgently-needed recycling capacity is built to meet demand.” Recycling Technologies was impressed by the level of engagement from the public and said that only 2% of the waste collected was made from non-plastic materials, enabling the majority to be used for its scheme. It refers to the recycling of soft plastics as the ‘missing piece of the jigsaw’ for consumers. Bristol area Tesco stores involved were the Lime Trees Road Superstore in Horfield, Brislington Extra, Metro in Staple Hill, Yate Extra and the Keynsham Superstore.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS

Extra surgery appointments as NHS feels the winter pressure GP surgeries are providing extra appointments as the NHS tries to cope with increased levels of illness over the winter. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is responsible for paying for health services in the area, says GP practices across its area are providing a total of 7,000 hours more for appointments over the four months to the end of February. It comes as Bristol’s hospitals reported that mounting pressures over the winter meant they were failing to meet targets to see emergency patients within four hours and waiting times for planned treatment were rising. The CCG says that in Bristol, the number of hours available for appointments across all surgeries had been increased by between 413 and 1,780 hours per month, the equivalent of between 17 and 74 entire days of surgery opening. In November, 413 extra hours of appointments were provided in Bristol, with 1,780 extra hours in each of December and January, and 923 extra due to be available in February. But the time patients wait to have an appointment can vary considerably between practices. According to the NHS GP Patient Survey for 2019, 41% of patients of the Fishponds Family Practice were able to book a same-day appointment, 34%

waited more than a day but less than a week and 14% waited for a week or more. At the Old School Surgery, 32% of patients were able to book a same-day appointment, 29% waited more than a day but less than a week and 35% waited for more than a week. At Beechwood Medical Practice, 56% of patients surveyed were able to book same-day appointments, 30% waited more than a day but less than a week and just 9% waited a week or more. At Eastville Medical Practice, 29% of patients reported being able to book a same-day appointment, 38% waited more than a day but less than a week and 25% waited a week or more. At Maytrees Medical Practice, 39% of patients were able to book a same day appointment, 29% waited up to a week and 22% waited a week or more. Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. A spokesperson for the CCG said more evening and weekend appointments were being provided to make things more convenient for patients and relieve pressure on busy hospitals. He added: “In order to support access, especially during the colder months when people pick up winter illnesses, GP practices are providing 7,000 hours of extra appointments

Gabriela Saxon St John’s Church Hall Lodge Causeway BS16 3QG

from November through to the end of February. “Many practices are also embracing digital ways of serving patients, allowing patients to reorder prescriptions, access self-care advice, and book appointments through the NHS app. Some are also offering an online consultation service for their patients. "We’re also planning to work with practices to pilot and evaluate video consultations in 2020, and provide this as an option for practices to use in 2021. “There are preventative steps the public can take to stay well this winter, avoiding a trip to a GP or other urgent care service altogether. Actions as simple

as keeping warm, getting a flu vaccination and visiting a local community pharmacist at the first sign of illness all contribute to staying healthy.” A CCG governing body meeting in January heard hospitals including the BRI and Southmead were "enormously pressured" over Christmas and New Year, with demand at A&E growing at a "really significant rate" and 19 people currently waiting more than a year for planned surgery.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS

Support on offer for unpaid carers

A COUPLE from Fishponds are backing a campaign highlighting the vital role played by carers. Elmas Davis looks after his terminally ill wife Joan and initially found his role as carer tough going. But now, with help and advice from Fishponds-based Carers Support Centre, he feels much better equipped to deal with the daily challenged the role brings. The charity is sharing the couple's story in the hope that they can help other carers so they don't feel isolated and without support. Elmas was initially visited by Jan Mussi from the Carers Support Centre, which is based at the Vassall Centre in Gill Avenue, Fishponds. She found Joan was bedbound and declining fast while Elmas was under a huge amount of stress. After helping Elmas complete a carer's assessment, Jan realised his wife wasn’t claiming her entitlement to benefit. She helped him complete the paperwork and the couple were subsequently awarded the highest rate of Attendance Allowance, a government benefit for people over 65 who have care needs.

Elmas is now supported in caring for his terminally ill wife Joan Before Elmas’s assessment, they received a daily visit from home care to help Joan wash and dress, giving Elmas the chance to do a weekly shop. It didn't, however, give him any time for himself and he even had to cancel his own health appointment because he didn’t have anyone to sit with his wife. Following his assessment, Elmas was awarded a one-off payment to pay for a sitting service. Then his niece offered to come and stay for three months to help take care of Joan.

Jan contacted the council on his behalf and they agreed the payment could be used to pay for travel. Elmas’s niece is now staying with them and caring for Joan. Elmas said: “I am so happy how things have worked out. I have more help and it has made such a difference. I lost weight with all the stress and now I am putting weight back on. Joan has benefited as well because she is getting such good care from my niece.” The Carers Support Centre is now reaching out to other people who care for a loved one. The charity says every carer has a right to a carer's assessment where they can discuss the impact caring has on their own life. An assessment also often leads to a small one-off payment that will give carers the chance to take a short break or do something for their own wellbeing, the centre said. If you care for an adult who has a support package from Bristol City Council, you can call the Integrated Carers Team at the council on 0117 352 1668. If the person you care for does not receive support services from the council, or if you are a parent carer or a young carer, Carers Support Centre (0117 965 2200) can provide advice and guidance.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS RESIDENTS living in Crofts End Road in Speedwell have welcomed the arrival of their very own coffee shop. Called Crofter Coffee, the shop opened on January 20 as part of the new Crofts End Church and community hub development. It follows three years of construction, led by Crofts End Church, to give the community facilities they can be proud of. The first 50 customers at Crofter Coffee, on the ground floor of the new building, were each given a free reusable takeaway mug as part of the opening day celebrations. Coffee shop manager Liam Everett said: “We have been working very hard over the past few weeks to ensure everything was ready for when we opened our doors to the public.” The first customer was resident Loren Davy who popped in on her way to work as she had run out of coffee at home. The opening of the Crofter Coffee is just one aspect of a wider community project to

Crofter coffee shop opens

Manager Liam Everett hands Loren Davy her free reusable coffee cup as the first customer of Crofter Coffee provide badly needed community facilities. The new hub includes a

church which can seat 200 and will be made available to local business for conferences, plus

a community cinema room to provide entertainment for children and senior citizens. The original chapel is now also set to become a community centre for local groups to hire. The project has received grants from a variety of trusts, both local and national. Pastor Andrew Yelland said: “We have been blessed not only by the generosity of individuals and organisations who have helped us financially to achieve our vision, but also the countless volunteer hours that church members have put into the building for the benefit of others.” Crofter Coffee is open Monday to Friday 8am-2pm but hours will increase as the shop becomes established. For more information about hiring any of the facilities email bookings@croftsend.org

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Barbershop choir wants new members A MUSICAL director is on the look-out for new members to join an all-female barbershop choir after finding a new rehearsal base at Eastville. Mary Williams heads up Avon Harmony A Cappella which has amembership from across the city. She now hopes to expand to enable the choir to keep taking part in singing events for charity. The choir has just completed a bumper year of community singing and supporting local charities where the highlight was performing a Mary Poppins medley in costume in front of an audience of more than 2,500 people. Mary, pictured here as Mary Poppins, is looking for enthusiastic singers to join their Love To Sing annual six-week taster workshops which starts this month. She said: “Avon Harmony are an established choir which has grown by a third in the last two years.

The choir performed a Mary Poppins medley in October at the Ladies Association Of Barbershop Singers Convention (LABBS) in Llandudno We have young people who are at university, keen singers in their thirties, forties and fifties, right through to retired ladies. “I get a lot of pleasure from working with motivated ordinary women who enjoy the thrill of singing in harmony with others. The look on their faces when we make a beautiful sound and they go skipping out the door at the end

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of the night with a smile on their face warms my heart. “As a choir ran by volunteers, our education, our costumes and running costs are funded by a low monthly affordable fee, donations and concert appearance fees. On top of this, there is a vibrant social life, laughs and we are great friends, and we are looking forward to our chorus competition

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tour at the end of October 2020 with some upcoming fabulous music lined up for later in the year.” The choir is especially looking for low altos, however there is plenty of space for everyone whatever their voice as long as you can hold a tune. The non-profit singing group has women aged 18 plus travelling from all over Bristol and beyond, over a wide span of ages and cultures. The Love To Sing taster course costs £20 and starts on Thursday February 6 at 7.30pm at the choir's new rehearsal venue Glenfrome Primary School, Cottisford Road, Eastville, BS5 6NL. You can register on www. avonharmony.com, contact Mary on 07954 170532 or via email 495mary@gmail.com and look for further information on the choir's Facebook page @Avon Harmony A Cappella Chorus.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n VET BLOG

Look out for signs of lungworm LUNGWORM (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a worm which affects dogs and foxes. It is picked up through contact with slugs and snails as this is where part of their life stage occurs. Although dogs that eat slugs are clearly at risk, even drinking from an outside bowl of water that snails have moved over can lead to infection. Frogs can also be a carrier of the larvae. Lungworms live in the heart and in the blood vessels of the dog’s lungs, and can cause problems such as coughing, difficulty keeping up with normal exercise and in later stages clotting problems and seizures. Whilst lungworm is uncommonly seen in comparison to other parasites, unfortunately signs can be very subtle until it is too late, so we always advise prevention as part of routine parasite treatment. Currently, vets are the only ones who can prescribe treatments

round/tape/lungworm cover. We hope this is of help to dog owners, and should you have any further questions we would be more than happy to help. Feel free to call us on 0117 961 6417 for more information. Lucy Ashton BSc (Hons) RVN Kingswood Vets4Pets

that have been licensed to kill lungworm. If you contact your vets they will not only be able to prescribe your dog a good quality treatment, but will be able to advise you on the best parasite prevention for your pet based on their lifestyle so you know all the important things are covered! Complete Care offers a comprehensive parasite prevention pack which includes, flea, tick,

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18/10/2019 14:59 Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n PETER'S VISION

What a sight to behold

Gaining control over primitive (retained) reflexes (the reflexes we are born with, such as the startle reflex) is needed. However, as with many aspects of our early development, things don’t always go as smoothly as they should and it is quite possible that some of these primitive reflexes are retained which can actually hinder more advanced development in some learning areas. I’ve found that in my patients who have dyslexia, or dyslexic type symptoms, there is a higher amount of retained early reflexes. The most common reports from parents tend to be that a child or young person is just not achieving their potential. Patients are often bright, but have difficulty expressing this in their academic performance. They have usually developed coping strategies, but

F you’re a breakfast radio fan, then you may have heard Chris Evans talking about the revelation for his son that is treatment for his retained reflexes. To see his son’s newfound ability to learn to read and write as well as reduced anxiety must surely be a sight to behold! Vision is a process that is learnt; we are normally born with two eyes that can see but have not yet fully developed nor have their connections to the brain and the processing that needs to take place. Babies have to learn how to move their limbs in a voluntary and planned way and gain enough control so that they can then start to coordinate movements and vision together. They can then learn to crawl towards something they see and use fine movements to pick up something small; do you see?

GLASSES

these then ultimately limit their performance ability. A sight test usually shows little as our patients have often developed ways to pass this vision assessment. As part of our vision therapy (behavioural optometry) clinics, we offer a full diagnostic vision assessment, which includes time to discuss your symptoms and concerns. We’ll then produce a written report of our findings. Following this diagnostic assessment we can tailor a vision therapy exercise program to help you or your child develop a well functioning and balanced visual system - the aim of which is to enable our patients to achieve their full learning potential. The process of visual system recovery and development usually takes from four to twelve months with often extraordinary results.

If you’d like to know more, our website has information under our vision therapy heading, or if you have any questions you can drop us an email via our website. You can book an appointment for a routine eye exam or more specialist vision assessment, for yourself or those you love, by calling 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434, 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 who also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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February, 2020

n NEWS

Man hurt Plea for witnesses Stab attack in fire to M32 death crash mystery ONE person needed medical treatment after a fire at a house in Mangotsfield. Crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to an address in The Croft, Mangotsfield, shortly after midnight on January 16. Two fire crews were called in to extinguish the blaze and treated a man who had been injured before they handed him over to the care of paramedics. South Western Ambulance Service declined to confirm whether he needed hospital treatment. A fire service spokesperson said the firefighters checked the property using a thermal imaging camera before clearing smoke. The fire is believed to have started accidentally.

POLICE are asking drivers who may have dashcam footage of a crash on the M32 which claimed the life of a Bristol man to come forward. Darren Butt, who was 40, died when he was hit after getting out of his car following a collision on the northbound carriageway, between the Eastville and Hambrook junctions, shortly after 10pm on January 4. A police spokesperson said: "There was an initial collision resulting in the man getting out of his vehicle and being struck by another car. He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene despite the efforts of medics. "Five cars were involved

in total and in addition to the man who died, another person suffered back injuries and two others were described as ‘walking wounded’." Mr Butt, who was known as Butty, worked at sandwich shop Redcliffes on Redcliffe Street. He was a well-known figure in local football and was the club captain of Stokeside FC. The club has held a memorial game to raise funds for his family and an online fundraising page has raised more than £11,000. Police have called on anyone who saw the collision or has dashcam footage but has yet to come forward to call them on 101 and quote the incident reference number 5220 002 885.

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A MAN suffered serious stab wounds when he was attacked in Fishponds Road. Police have appealed for witnesses to what they described as an "unprovoked attack" on New Year's Eve. The victim was still in hospital a week after the attack, which happened at 4.40pm, and police were unable to description of his attacker or attackers. A police spokesman said the 30-year-old was standing by his car near the junction with Freemantle Road when he was attacked from behind. Police have been reviewing CCTV footage from the area for evidence.There had been no arrests as the Voice went to print. Anyone who thinks they saw any part of the incident or may have information which can help the investigation should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 299 942.

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[[ 607 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3AA

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Y DL

RIEN -F

Ben, BS3 Community Supporter. Age 81. www.agefriendlybristol.org.uk

AGE

We need to relate to one another as human beings. STO

fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

The contribution of older people in Bristol

A COMMON misconception about older people is that they do not contribute to society. However, far from being a ‘burden’ or a ‘drain’ on society, older people contribute more resources than they use. Research carried out by the Royal Voluntary Service identified that nearly half of people aged 55-74 volunteer, while figures from the Office of National Statistics show that over 50s make up nearly onethird of the entire UK workforce. As a part of the Age Proud Bristol campaign, Bristol Ageing Better has gathered the views of a variety of inspirational people from across Bristol about their

experiences and advice regarding later life. This article features Catherine Wescott (65), Creator of BS3 Helping Others and Zehra Haq (64), CEO of Dhek Bhal. “The average 65-year-old still has an awful lot to offer in terms of wisdom, passion, love, care and, most of all, time.” says Catherine, who set up BS3 Helping Others after asking in a neighbourhood Facebook group whether anyone needed any help. Within 24 hours, she’d received 350 likes and 60 comments. “We must learn to befriend all those whom we meet in our daily lives and never assume that they are ‘OK’. You can do this no matter how old or young you are and no matter where you are - at the bus stop, in a cafe, in a store,” says Catherine. “You’ve got something that someone else needs.” Many older people develop close, supportive relationships with younger generations; from grandparents who look after their grandchildren, to older people who volunteer through

community groups. Catherine has formed bonds with younger people volunteering as a part of BS3 Helping Others. “Lots of youngsters are looking for the company and knowledge of adults and lots of adults are looking for the company of youngsters. We can help each other.” says Catherine. For Zehra, who works full time as the CEO of Dhek Bhal, supporting the community is her lifelong work. Dhek Bhal means ‘to take care of’, and Zehra has been either volunteering or working in Barton Hill since 1986. Zehra has always encouraged the older women she works with to have their say and to inform others. “I tell them, you are very lucky,” says Zehra. “You have a lot of skills and knowledge you can contribute.” Zehra believes it is important for younger and older people to interact and to recognise the contributions each side can bring to their community. In the past, Dhek Bhal has set up intergenerational activities and events with local schools. “I would

like to see older people going into schools more,” says Zehra. “If a school does a cookery class, let older people teach it and show what we can do. Create opportunities for conversations - I think conversations are very important in breaking down barriers and sharing life experience.” As well as the contributions older people make in the workplace and volunteering, it is also important to recognise the unpaid caring roles that many older people undertake. Research from the national charity, Age UK, has shown that one in three people aged over 80 provide vital unpaid care for loved ones in the UK. This is the second article in a series of three, inspired by older people based in Bristol. Find out more about the Age Proud Bristol campaign by visiting www. agefriendlybristol.org.uk or search #AgeProudBristol on Twitter and take part in the conversation about ageism in Bristol.

ousing lH

Get

rums Fo

Local Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants

Loc a

Age Proud Bristol is an awareness campaign that challenges perceptions of older people in Bristol and encourages people to feel proud of their age and experiences.

Invo lved March 2020

Forums in East and Central Bristol Area 3: Wednesday 4 March 1.30–4pm

Area 4: Monday 9 March 2020 6.15–8.30pm

Eastville, Frome Vale, Hillfields, Lockleaze

Ashley, Central, Lawrence Hill, St George - Central, St George - Troopers Hill, St George - West, Easton

At: The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol BS16 2QQ

At: City Hall Meeting Spaces, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR

Your opinions help us make decisions! Come along and discuss your local housing services with the council. If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and can make suggestions about improvements to shared council areas. Housing Officers will also be there to help you with your individual enquiries. FREE tea, coffee and biscuits provided. For information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261 BD12681 - Local Housing Forums (Jan 2020).indd 2

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579 20/01/2020 13:15

fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Worship in the open air is such a great blessing

HIS Christmas one of my highlights was an open air informal gathering by Beckspool Pond in Frenchay. This was organised by the Beckspool Pond Committee, who have worked so hard at transforming this part of Frenchay. Volunteers have cleared the pond, and this is now ecologically healthy and a blessing for the community. The local church was invited to lead carols. So, assisted by an ad hoc band from St Michael’s Stoke Gifford, leaders from the Churches Together in Worship in the area introduced carols and prayers. We were also assisted by some children who read a script for the first time on the night, brilliantly. Thank you

again to everyone who came. It has set me thinking – why is it so natural to lead Christian songs in an open air setting? Most people don’t come to church, but many people do attest to finding spiritual inspiration through being outdoors. When teaching history in Staffordshire, I remember one of my colleagues was a biology teacher with a doctorate to his name. When I told him how my health improved massively in the hockey season, because I was out most days coaching and umpiring, he gave me a simple explanation : Homo sapiens wasn’t designed to be indoors all the time. From what I have heard and read, there are great

cardiovascular benefits from taking regular exercise. It makes sense as well that the fresh air and wider visual horizons benefit the mental health of a person. So, what about the spiritual benefits of time spent outdoors? Were it not for the unpredictability of English weather, I would advocate lots of open air church services. Certainly, most of Jesus’ teaching ministry seems to have been conducted outdoors, and to huge numbers of people at a time. As he sat in the boat and the shoreline provided his amphitheatre, people would have heard the lapping of the waves and the other Galilee lakeside sounds accompanying his voice. People were carried

Rev Charles Sugden Rector of Frenchay and Stapleton parishes.

miles across countryside to be brought to Jesus for him to heal them. My prayer is that you reading this will not be put off coming to meet with Jesus and His people by big buildings – we would be outside, but for the weather, and the needs of everybody to be comfortable and able to hear.

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

How new locks can unlock a new you A HAIR salon in Kingswood is leading the fight against female hair loss, transforming the lives of clients. Charisma, on the Kingsway, set up a hair loss clinic 12 months ago. Following the fitting of their integrated hair mesh systems, clients are leaving with a newfound confidence, delighted with their dramatic make-over. The hair loss clinic is based on the first floor of the salon allowing customers who may feel embarrassed or upset by their hair loss complete privacy. The intricate work is carried out by Emily Gil, who originally honed her skills at Charisma as a Saturday girl under the leadership of salon owner Becky Rendell. After qualifying as a stylist, Emily wanted to explore aspects of the business so went to work for a national hair loss clinic. She missed the staff and after several years decided she wanted to return to Charisma. Emily said: “I just wanted to come back as I loved the salon and loved working with Becky but I wanted to continue to work with clients with hair loss. I just wanted to make it more affordable for people. “Becky and I met up a few times and we started planning the clinic. It took about a year and a half to plan but now we’re up and running and it’s going really well.” Emily, 27, has seen clients of all ages with very different conditions causing hair loss or thinning. Her eldest client was in her late eighties but her youngest client was just nine years old. She had hair loss due to treatment for leukaemia. “It was very emotional,” says Emily, who lives in St George. “I had a lady who came in before having chemotherapy and I was with her through her whole treatment journey. I’ve seen alopecia, female pattern baldness and trichotillomania, which is where someone pulls their own hair out. “There are a lot of women suffering and I can understand they might feel embarrassed but we are

Emily Gil here to offer support. People are putting their trust in me so I make sure I listen to what they want and take care of them. I want to help every client who walks through my door.” Potential clients are given a one-to-one consultation where Emily talks them through her integrated mesh system which is attached to your scalp, with bonds made with your own hair in order to individually attach 100 per cent human hair extensions. “We have a chat and find out about their condition which is causing the hair loss and how long they’ve had it for. I do tests on the hair and see if it’s growing back. We also discuss what they would like to achieve in terms of thickness and length. I encourage clients to bring in photos of the sort of hair and style they would like to achieve. “If they are happy to proceed we match up hair colours and make a first appointment.” The system means clients can have their hair any thickness, length or colour they desire, with the added bonus that their scalp can breathe under the mesh, enabling their own hair to grow back, should their condition allow it to. Clients can treat the hair as their own and can wash, blow-dry,

straighten and curl it. Emily said: “It’s life-changing. You can tell that because you see how much confidence a person gains after having the system. They can be very timid and worried when they first come in but by the end of it you can see them glowing with confidence. We recently had a lady who came in with general thinning. She was very shy and apprehensive about what was going to happen but by the end, she was crying with joy - she just loved how she looked. She called me that evening and told me I had literally changed her life.” One of her clients is Kingswood resident, 55-year-old Debbie Bush. She had been going to Charisma for years for cuts but, with ever thinning locks, was intrigued by the salon’s integrated mesh system. “I have really thin hair which runs in my family. I’ve done loads of things to it - I’ve dyed it, bleached it and have gone through stress and the menopause so it all took its toll on my hair. I’ve always wanted long, thick hair but have never been able to grow it past a certain length. “I was nervous but excited and I couldn’t believe the result - it looked so natural! It’s given me a lot more confidence. I now bother with myself more and wear make up because I’ve got nice hair to

show off. “I wasn’t embarrassed by my thin hair but it was hard work. I had to wash and blow-dry it every morning just for it to look ok, but now it’s just once a week. “It was a considered purchase but I would say it’s well worth it as it makes me feel so good.” Clients need to return every six to eight weeks to have the system tightened as it becomes slightly looser once their own hair starts growing underneath. Once every six months the system is completely taken off, their hair and scalp washed and any repairs are carried out before the hair is connected back to the mesh. The system should last between two and two and a half years, depending on how it is looked after. Emily said she loves her work and is delighted to be back. “I always wanted to end up back at Charisma but I didn’t know what I wanted to specialise in. It was only when I got into hair loss solutions that I knew what I wanted to do. “You build friendships and personal relationships with clients as you go on a journey with them. “The best feeling in the world is watching their emotion at the end. It’s priceless and it’s what makes my job worthwhile.”

Debbie has always wanted long, thick hair

3 Kingsway, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8BF Tel: 0117 967 4040 Email: charismahairlosslinic@gmail.com To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

February, 2020

n FISHPONDS MUM

Have your say on Winning - if only at the 'I'm more tired than you' battle housing plans A COMPETITION to choose designs for a housing project at Hillfields Hub will be launched later this month. Hillfields Family and Community Trust is giving people the chance to choose the housing they would like to see constructed around the hub, in a project first reported by the Voice last year. The trust is inviting three architects come up with outline drawings and plans, and will give residents the opportunity to look at them and talk to the architects about their ideas. People will then have the opportunity to vote on each plan, with the winning design built on the land to the side of the Hillfields Hub. The trust is also looking for local people to join its steering committee, particularly people with skills and experience related to construction, planning and architecture. The group will work with housing project manager Leah Eatwell and trust co-manager Jan Ross to move the housing project forward. The trust has been granted £75,000 from the Power to Change community-led housing fund and is awaiting a decision on another funding bid. Jan said: “It is a very exciting time!” Anyone who would like to get involved with the project should email jan.ross@hillfields.community or leah.eatwell@hillfields. community.

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I KNOW I have written before in this column about returning to work but I don’t feel I have quite covered it enough. There is no end to the spouting on about it, really. Before, when I had returned to work in September with one child safely in school, I was feeling a bit of zing, the vim of prioritising my own things in my own day – an hour for lunch – an hour for lunch! It was mind blowing. I had forgotten, of course, how long it takes to make a decision at work, having spent under two seconds making most of my decisions when parenting at home full time for four years. The amount of time spent ‘in meetings’ at work came as a bit of a shock. I found myself thinking: ‘can’t someone just decide and then we’ll all do it?’ Something I would have never entertained before, shared decisions and distributed leadership and all that. It all just takes so long. I’ve lost any sense of hierarchy or pride in it, perhaps. When our second child comes along, the reduced sense of time was quite exciting. Now we know what to do, we are suddenly way ahead. For about two weeks. Then reality sets in. The first one still isn’t sleeping through the night, despite the long school day, that plate is still very much in need of spinning. We take it in turns to go in and resettle, and so, parents you will know, we are both knackered. Trying desperately to avoid that same parent argument: I’m more tired than you are. The new baby sleeps some nights – actually sleeps - from 10pm until 5.30am. When people told me this when my first nonsleeper-child was small, I genuinely used to think people were making this up. I thought they must be giving their baby an extra dose of Calpol, or whisky (as in my Scots and Irish generation)…but it turns out this is not necessarily so! We have a bona fide sleeper. After four years of non-sleepery, we are due a good sleeper. It is not every night (yet) I hasten to add, but it is already almost night-through. I heave a sigh of relief. With our second child now three months old, and sometimes sleeping through the night, one

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

would think this was a plain sail. And it is. There is nothing that can quite capture the joy of seeing my partner in the midst of it, seeing how brilliantly everyone gets on and enjoys this new burst of family life. I have never been happier. My partner came to life this week when describing how she dealt with a giant nappy situation while on the school run. Frost on the ground, should she change him in the car with door open in the freezing cold or pop him in the sling with socks full of poop? It’s a hard decision for any parent. This is the reality, people. Babies poop and vomit regardless of what is going on in your day. In the end, she plumped for the sling and apologised for the stench. I must remember to take photos, as I frantically documented the first. I have almost forgotten that I need to do this. My uncle recently told me that as a fourth child, he has only one photo of himself as a baby. Imagine trying to go to work in this? Wish me luck. I’m skidding from meeting to meeting, from swimming lesson to bake sale, spending much time driving and waiting for lights to change so I can race home to help. I managed to go out for dinner with an old friend recently, who couldn’t help but point out the baby sick on the shoulder of my cardigan…we’ve all been there. What is so refreshing is that parenting releases you from the need for absolutes. I couldn’t care less. There is so little time to actually give a damn about it. I’m beginning to see these blemishes as badges of honour – a lot like brownie badges on my sleeve. My wife now has the baby-sh*t-onthe-way-to-school badge. Claire Stewart-Hall

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n NEWS

n GARDENING

The city gardener By Tim Barton THIS month has seen the last delivery of compost on our allotment site. That brings the total to 45 tonnes since November, and all of it locally sourced. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the green waste that accumulates near the exit to the recycling centre in town, I can confirm that a good quantity of it ends up in Fishponds. There’s a definite, albeit slow move towards a more environmentally friendly means of horticulture, whether this is industrial, in your garden or on an allotment, and a change in mindset is all we need. I use nothing but compost and some homemade comfrey fertilizer to grow everything on my plot; this makes my home-grown food entirely organic, and incidentally not just vegetarian but vegan too. And with the compost that we buy in costing only 50p per barrow full, it’s considerably cheaper than any alternatives. My brassicas are full of healthy leaves, my leeks immaculate and my parsnips this year bigger than any I’ve seen before. There is no way that anybody can tell me that they have to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides to grow food on a small scale – it’s nonsense. Our allotment is moving towards being entirely pesticidefree, for example. There are people who argue against this but, with so many others demonstrating with great success that there is no need to use them, I fail to see any justification in doing so. Yes, you have to put up with a few pests, but at what cost? Our site has also proposed to the council that all new allotment tenants should have to be pesticide free or even fully organic. This, by all accounts, was met with some objection from other sites. This isn’t the council objecting but other allotment holders, other people who are the current custodians of 10s if not 100s of acres of Bristol land growing food, and there is objection to them being prevented from spraying with harmful chemicals?

The last weekend in January saw the Big Garden Birdwatch run by the RSPB. This, for those who don’t know, is a chance for people to get out and record any number of bird species that they spot in a park or of course in their gardens. We all know that there’s a decline in many bird species and this is demonstrably caused in part by our destruction of habitat and the flagrant use of chemicals in agriculture. But on a smaller scale, it’s also to do with the way that we garden ourselves. All too many gardens I see are swathed in green plastic: it may look pristine to start with but trust me, it will look tired quite soon – and then what? Natural lawns - and by that I mean ones that aren't doused in moss-killing fertilizer - are a haven for worms that the birds we are missing need to survive. I wrote last month how I leave my garden until the middle of February before cutting back for the new year's growth. This is mainly because of the abundance of food that there is for the wildlife that is so prevalent. At times there is a literal feathered banquet in progress, as the seed heads are picked clean and the overwintering bugs are found among the dead plant stems. If there were pesticides at play here then none of that would exist: I’d have lifeless wasteland just waiting for me to bend it to my will. I’m not going to fight nature, it’s been playing this game for too long. I’m happy just playing along, changing the rules a little here and there to make sure that it doesn’t get out of hand.

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Minister praises transport ambition THE government minister in charge of future transport planning has vowed to help Bristol meet its zero carbon target but says he is “not going to write a blank cheque”. Transport minister George Freeman was in the city on January 23 to speak to Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees and Metro Mayor Tim Bowles about their ambitions for transport. The meeting came ahead of the launch of a government transport ‘decarbonisation plan’, due in the next few weeks as part of a wider plan for the UK to go carbon neutral by 2050. Bristol has set its own target of 2030, and is one of the areas that the government will help, the minister said. Support for places like Bristol will include policy “freedoms” and funding. Mr Freeman said: “We’ll be looking at all their plans, but I’m not going to write a blank cheque here, obviously, and that’s the reason for coming is to see the city and the region and talk to both mayors.” Mr Freedman described Bristol as “leading” in transport terms. He said he was impressed with the “ambition” and the “clarity of leadership” from the council and Weca. But when asked whether the government would commit to funding a mass transit system for the city, he said: “It needs to be strategic. It needs to link the

right centres of employment, it needs to tackle the travel to work black spots, and it needs to be affordable and sensible. “We’ve had a history in the UK of very expensive grand projects that slightly never get off the ground.” Asked what the government was prepared to do to tackle Bristol’s transport woes, Mr Freeman said: “We are not going to sit in London and tell Bristol what the best way for people to get around Bristol is. But what we do want to do is make sure the support is there: both the policy support, the freedoms, the devolution and the funding.” He said a government commitment to spend £220 million on buses would not only see the greening of the national fleet but a move towards digital, demand-led services that responded to passenger need rather than ran to timetables. Weca has recently reaffirmed its commitment to its Joint Local Transport Plan, despite the collapse of the overarching Joint Spatial Plan for development in the region involving Bristol and its neighbouring councils. The commitment to change came as the British Heart Foundation said particulate air pollution was a “major public health emergency” which could cause 800 deaths in Bristol over the next decade. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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February, 2020

n FROM OUR MP

We'll do what we can to protect child refugees MPs are now back in Parliament after the General Election, and the reality of what happened on December 12 is starting to sink in. The Palace of Westminster is buzzing with eager new Tory MPs who have taken seats from former Labour colleagues. There’s a lot more space on the Opposition benches, while on the Government side, it’s standing room only. It’s when the results of divisions are read out that it really hits home. The Prime Minister, who lost seven votes in the Commons in a row when he took over from Theresa May last year, now has a very comfortable majority indeed. This became starkly obvious when MPs voted on the so-called “Dubs amendment” to the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which many constituents had urged me to support. This came to a vote in the week when MPs were marking

Holocaust Memorial Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau with a Commons debate and signing a book of remembrance, as we do every year. (Lord) Alf Dubs fled Prague on the eve of the Second World War. His Jewish father had escaped to London earlier, when the Nazis arrived in Czechoslovakia, and six-year-old Alf made the journey on the Kindertransport organised by Sir Nicholas Winton, to be reunited with his father at Liverpool Street Station. Alf went on to become a Labour MP, director of the Refugee Council and, now, a Labour peer and a champion for child refugees, especially those who have been orphaned or lost contact with their families because of war and conflict. Under “the Dubs scheme” in the last Parliament the Government – somewhat reluctantly – agreed

to take in 3,000 unaccompanied children, but have dragged their feet and taken in fewer than 500. The Dubs amendment would have allowed unaccompanied migrant children to join their families in the UK. I voted for this in the Commons but, sadly, that was not enough; the Tory majority meant that it was easily defeated. It was then reintroduced in the Lords, and this time the Government could not command a majority, as the Lords are far less likely to obey party whips, and there are a considerable number of independent-minded cross-benchers too. But the Bill returned to the Commons, and once again, the Government whipped its troops to vote the amendment down. I was very proud of my Labour colleague Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, who, as a new member of Labour’s Brexit team, took to the Despatch Box to make

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice the case for supporting the Dubs amendment. We didn’t win on this occasion, but we will carry on trying to do all we can to protect child refugees in this Parliament.

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING

The quest for simplicity PLANNING is unfortunately a complicated business, both in theory and in practice. A recent example has stemmed from a report that concluded that nearly 200 housing developments across the country should not have been approved, as they were poorly designed and lacked the necessary infrastructure. The coverage of this was correct in broad terms, but mostly missed the complexity of the bigger picture – the relationship between central and local government, public and private sector and the compromises that need to happen at a time of austerity. Many people would like or need planning to be simpler and I spend a lot of time trying to explain complex issues and the interplay

between them in simple language. It is often a matter of boiling down what matters most and what matters to a lesser extent. This is a practical approach that politicians also like to use to get across simple messages. They are the people who also get to change policy and often fail to think through the unintended consequences of simplification. These consequences end up at the courts, where the message is always the same: the law is what it states and not what you would like it to be. Simplicity is usually intended to be achieved through new regulations replacing old. The last bonfire of the regulations in planning came in 2012 with the publication of the first National Planning Policy Framework. It was trumpeted as the best way to reduce over 1,000 pages of secondary legislation to about 50 but the reality was somewhat different. Among a series of headaches, policies that mentioned "isolated dwellings" created particularly thorny problems, until case law could help make clear how to interpret the word and how it related to each type of site. This

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supposed simplification, for a few years, left applicants in limbo. Last December’s Queen‘s Speech put forward the intention of a bill to reform planning. There is a strong possibility that the same kind of problems will recur. There is once again a recipe for unintended consequences. In my 26 years as a planner I have seen the Planning Encyclopedia grow from 6 volumes to over twice that. In the 1970s, it only ran to four volumes. This is not a resource which can only grow: When new pages are added due to evolving case law, this is accompanied by selective pruning. Another old chestnut introduced in 2012 was the presumption in favour of sustainable development. The NPPF set out three categories to be satisfied - that development has to be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. How that translated to practical circumstances led to much confusion before experience brought about a rough consensus, with the courts ruling on various aspects. It sounded so simple: sustainability is a fundamental aim of making decisions now that will

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affect the future. In practice, it was not so straightforward. I am all for simplification. Ironically, so are the lawyers for whom it generates work and sometimes careers. Some of that work and uncertainty could be avoided by not rushing through illthought-out reforms and listening properly to the opinions of those who work in the system. Most of all, politicians need to beware of unintended consequences: they are always out there. Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

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fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday February 1 n Winter craft fayre and coffee morning, 10am-1pm, All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds, BS16 2DH. Browse through the various crafts that will be available, purchase some handmade presents and have a chat over a cup of coffee. Entry is free. If you have any items to repair then you can bring them along to the Bristol Repair Café which is also happening. Wednesday February 5 n Frenchay & Hambrook Horticultural Society American Supper, Friends Meeting House, Frenchay Common, 7pm. Informal evening to meet and swap ideas. All welcome. No need to cook but please bring something to nibble on. Soft drinks will be provided. Quiz and raffle. Wednesday February 19 n Holiday Club at Speedwell Methodist Church BS15 1ES 10am to noon, followed by optional lunch. Craft activities, toddler toys, singing, story and refreshments. A welcome for all children accompanied by a responsible adult. Saturday February 29 n Breakfast at Speedwell Methodist Church 10am to 12 noon. Coffee and cake, a bacon roll or full breakfast. (veggie available) No need to hurry, and an opportunity to ask for prayer. All welcome. Monday March 2 n The Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group will meet at 1.45pm in Westbury Methodist Church Hall. The talk will be by occupational therapist Maria Fitzgerald. Everyone welcome. For more information ring 07710 743613

Yoga with Yolanda Smile - Heal - Empower

Come and join our Yoga tribe, to relax your mind & body, to empower & nurture your soul. All levels welcome.

Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail.com Mondays 7.30pm Thursday 9.30am & 10.45am Thursday 7.00pm AT Pomphrey Hill Pavilion. BS16 9NF. Mangosfield/Emersons Green. Tuesdays 9.15am & 10.30am AT Quakers Church Hall. BS16 6NH. Downend Wednesdays 7.00pm AT Steiner Academy. St. Matthias. BS16 2JP. Fishponds

Wednesday March 4 n Downend Flower Arranging Club demonstration with Sally Taylor “Sallying Forth Once More” Visitors very welcome - £8 pay at door. 7.30pm, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend BS16 2RW Saturday March 7 n Splash of Soul charity night, KES Club, Kingswood (formerly Kingswood RBL club). DJs will be spinning northern soul, Motown and 60s R 'n B tunes. £5 on the door. 7pm-12am. Saturday March 21 n St James Mangotsfield are holding a Breakfast Morning and Table Top Sale, 10 am to 1 pm. In St James Church Hall, Richmond Rd

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 Alzheimer's Society Singing for the Brain Mondays Fishponds 11 - 12.45 to book please phone 01179610693 sandra.corke@ alzheimers.org.uk n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Pilates class. Fishponds Methodist Church Hall. 7.30 - 8.30 p.m. Booking essential. £39 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 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 Sequence dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel 0117 965 0203 for details.

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Tuesdays

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 4-4.45pm, introduction to exercise, All Saints Church, Grove Road, Fishponds, BS16 2BW. Also aimed at meeting people in the area. Run by Southmead Development Trust. First session free, £3.50 there after. Venue is wheelchair accessible and sessions are open to all. People can just turn up or contact Colette on 0117 950 3335 for more details. n 7-8pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n 252 Beaver Scouts 6 - 7 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Sarah 0789 2852226 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.15 - 8.15 pm. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me n Stapleton Afternoon Tea Memory Cafe for people living with dementia and their carers. First Monday of every month except Bank Holidays, 2.00 – 4.00 pm at Stapleton Church Hall, Park Road, BS16 1AZ. Tea and homemade cakes, activities and music. No charge but donations welcome. . Tel. 9518980 n Speedwell Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, BS15 1NU. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n Beginners Salsa Class. Begbrook Social Club, Frenchay Park Road, BS16 1HY. 8-9pm. www.salsadacapoloco.co.uk n Senior Film Club at Christ Church Hall, North Street, Downend. A social afternoon with a film, cake and company! Come along and join us on the 2nd Monday of the month: 11 November & 9 December at 2pm, £3 including refreshments. For more information call Home Instead Senior Care 0117 989 8210. n 3rd Monday of each month Coffee Morning Refreshments, a chat and games 10.30am-12noon Good News Church, Pendennis Road, Staple Hill 01179658455

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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 Group every Tuesday from 10-11.30am for gentle, elderly exercise at the Youth Hall Fishponds Baptist Church. Contact Janet on 0117 967 2041. 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

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

32 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 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 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 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 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 Pilates classes at Bethesda Church, Staple Hill Six week blocks costing £45 Back Pain Specialist Instructor Multi-level classes at 6.15pm and 7.25pm Limited places, enrolment required www. feelgoodpilates.co.uk feelgoodfactor@live.co.uk Amanda 07815 886798 n Speedwell Community Café 11am-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n 69th St Joseph's Scout Group at St Joseph's Church Hall, Forest Road, Fishponds. Beavers 5pm-6pm, Cubs 6pm7.30pm, Scouts 7.30pm-8.30pm. Email stjosephscoutgroup@ hotmail.com for more details. n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each

February, 2020

month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. For further information please contact Pat Woodman on 0117 382 5363. n Folk Around Fishponds meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, upstairs at the Cross Hands, Fishponds at 8pm, entry £2. For more details visit www. folkaroundfishponds.org.uk n Pop-up Community Cafe The New Place, 119-121 Fishponds Rd. 1-4.30 pm. n Keep fit group: Hour of mixed exercise whilst jogging around Vassall's Park. No charge. Wintertime we hire a hall in Fishponds. Age 45 to 60, must be able to run a mile! 7pm in summer, 8.30pm when indoors. Give it a try! Call Chris on 0785 564 8218. n 5-7pm, sports activities for young people age 8-19, Meadowvale Community Centre, Speedwell. All welcome. For further information call Bev on 07810 506966. n Shared Reading group, Fishponds Library, 11am-12.30pm. Drop in to read and listen to a great story and poem and talk about it. Meet new people and hear a new story every week. Free, no pressure to read and no prep required. n Community bingo, Staple Hill Primary School, 6.45pm, eyes down 7.45. Call 0117 983 3750. Food and drink available.

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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 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

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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 Tai Chi for Health and Happiness: Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.45am at The Beechwood Club (BS16 3TP) and 7.45pm to 9.00pm at All Saint’s Church (BS16 2BW), also Thursdays 9.30am to 10.45am at All Saint’s Church – tel: 07938 240158, web: www.tchh.co.uk. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am n Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 1.30-3 pm, fourth Wednesday of every month. Call Anne 0117 9041875 for information. 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 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Pilates classes. All Saints Church Hall 10.15 - 11.15 a.m. and 6.45 - 7.45 p.m. Booking essential. £39 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. www.frenchayprobusclub.com

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

February, 2020

n WHAT’S ON 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 Coffee morning held on the first Wednesday of the month from 10.30 am - 12.00 pm at Fishponds Baptist Church and that all are welcome. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am to noon. All mediums, all abilities, all welcome. n Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me. n Carers Café at Kingfisher Café, Straits Parade, 2-3.30pm. 3rd Wednesday of each month. Contact Caroline 0117 958 9989 or carolinem@carerssupportcentre. org.uk n Hannah More Senior citizen "Fun and Entertainment" , Beechwood Club, Fishponds 2-4pm, fortnightly. Tel no 0117 965 0356 n Tai Chi for Health and Happiness: Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.45am at The Beechwood Club (BS16 3TP) and 7.45pm to 9.00pm at All Saint’s Church (BS16 2BW), also Thursdays 9.30am to 10.45am at All Saint’s Church – tel: 07938 240158, web: www.tchh.co.uk. n Gentle chair based exercise. With professional trainer. The New Place, 119-121 Fishponds Rd. 10.30-11.30 a.m. n October has been a fantastically busy month for Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds. We have had a successful educational and entertaining acrylics and glazes demonstration by Vincent Brown

of a Bob Marley portrait. Also we have recently put on an Affordable Art Exhibition at Chipping Sodbury, StLawrence Church Hall, which was very popular and where we sold lots of work. The work covered romantic landscapes, the urban environment, animal and bird studies and Terry Pritchett style scenarios, sinister, fascinating and detailed. No Tasteful nudes this year. We are looking forward to our exhibition in Iron Acton on May Day next year which coincides with lots of fun, Maypole and other dance, dog show, music and lots of stalls. A great day out. Not only is October, Halloween month, it is also the Big Draw Festival which encourages people to take up art projects for enjoyment and mental wellbeing. So Phoenix Art is contributing in a little way by its workshops, sessions and exhibitions. Christmas is round the corner and we have a lovely party with home entertainment and sometimes we go for a meal. The group are very friendly share tips with each other and encouragement. We let potential members try the club out for a week or so. So there is nothing to lose. Visit us between 10 and 12 on Wednesdays have a cuppa and a piece of cake. We have our own library for reference and often use of materials. n Cleeve Singers, Lincombe Barn 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. Singers required in all voice parts. No auditions and free trial rehearsals. PLUS Hear us on our Facebook page. Contact: 0117 9561881 or e-mail cleevesingers@gmail.com. n Socialise with Exercise Club Form new Friendships whilst getting a weekly dose of Exercise @ The New Place 119-121, Fishponds Rd , Wednesdays 10:30-12:00 Improve your strength, balance, posture, flexibility & mental

Wellbeing. Followed by a chat over Tea and Biscuits. Enquires Call Ellys: 07805 086738, Swans830219@ gmail.com 0117 952 0522

Thursdays n Dance Fit with Cressida. Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps and music. 2pm-3pm plus tea and chat. Starting Sep 7. Ffi call 07808 581739. n Yoga class for beginners. Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n 252 Scouts 6.30 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am. Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am

613 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS BS16 3BA 01179656250 FIND US ON

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n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds. We have classes in Fishponds and Kingswood - come and try your first class for free! Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 1012 or Wednesdays 7-8.30pm For more information see www. taoist.org or call Crispin on 07407175127 n 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 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities. 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 Fishponds Probus Club, Fishponds Club, Fishponds Road at 10 am. on the first and third. Thursdays in each month.For information, please telephone the Secretary, Malcolm Forbes, on 01179 836886. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 956 1846. n Riff Raff Choir - The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30-9.30pm. Pop and rock, mixed choir. All voice parts taught by ear. Everyone welcome - no audition. Booking essential. FREE

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n WHAT’S ON taster session at start of term. £80 for 10 week term. www. RiffRaffChoir.co.uk n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. We meet at the Langley Arms on Guest Avenue and welcome visitors on the following Thursdays: 1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements. n Kingswood Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. KVA, Kingswood Community Centre, High Street, BS15 4AB. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n From September 12, Gospel Generation Community Choir, 11am-12.15pm, House of Praise Church, Tudor Road, Easton. No membership fee, donations welcome. Contact Emma gospelgen@googlemail.com for more information. n 7-9.30pm, rehearsal evening with Bristol Male Voice Choir, St Andrew's Church, Filton, BS34 7PS, on the A38 near Filton roundabout. You will get a very warm welcome and can look forward to learning a very wide range of music with us; we provide learning tracks for practice and you do not need to read music to sing with us. You will eventually be able to sing in our regular concerts and travel with us to many different venues. Contact 07941 040472 for more information. n 2.30pm – Friendship Club with speakers and entertainment @ Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN, tel 0117 956 9733. n Thursday 2.30pm – ‘Friendship Club’ with speakers and entertainment @ Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN )Tel: 0117 9569733)

Fridays n Coffee Morning from 10.30am11.30am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entrance through main church door. Greeting cards and preserves on sale in aid of charity. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book.

n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hal 10-11.30 am in termtime. £2.50 + 50p per sibling; includes kids' snacks and drinks and tea and coffee. See the Facebook page or email fishpondsfridayplaygroup@gmail. com n Line Dancing, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30amnoon n Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n The First Friday Film Club - All Saints Church Hall, 2pm n Taekwondo, St John’s Church Hall 5:30pm n Grove Road Youth Club, All Saints Community Hall 7pm n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds 9am. Good company and a chat over coffee. Call 0117 9561231. n High density Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.157.15pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437 n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30-10.30pm n 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 Living After Loss, St Mary's Parish Rooms, back entrance of church, every other Friday, 11am-noon. Contact Lizzie on 0117 9650856 n Every second Friday of the month, 4-6 pm. Messy church with crafts, celebration and meal. Stapleton church hall, Park Road. Further details on Facebook or you can email youngpeople@ holytrinitystapleton.org.uk n In the Pink, Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, 9.00am. Make new friends and enjoy sensible exercise to music for older ladies, followed by refreshments. Tel. 0117 956 0615. n Activate Drop-in lunchtime concerts held every second Friday of the month, 1pm to 2pm at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Variety of entertainers, tea and coffee available. Free entry – retiring collection. Contact 0117 965 4521 for more details. n OneFitMama Postnatal Exercise

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at the Beechwood Club, Fishponds every Friday. Mum & Toddler 11am, Mum & Baby 12pm. Pre-booking necessary. Free Trial for every new Mum. E: bristol@onefitmama.co.uk T: 07495 977070.

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 Monthly Bric a Brac and Clothing Sale at Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill, Stapleton. 1st Saturday of each month, 10am til 12pm. Refreshments available in the Hall.

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. Creche is available for little ones and Sunday Club. Taize Worship second Sunday evening of month and

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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, 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, 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. n Weekly Meeting for Worship 10.30 - 11.30, With Children's Meeting 1st. and 3rd. Sundays, Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT n Sunday 11am – ‘All Age Worship’ with Band, Songsters and children. Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN (Tel:0117 9569733) n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham St, Mangotsfield10.30am n Christian worship and teaching Children’s creche and clubs 10.30-11.45am, Good News Church, Pendennis Road n Morning worship with Eastville Park Methodist Church The New Place, 119-121 Fishponds Rd. 10.45-11.45 a.m. n Sims Hill Shared Harvest volunteer day at Feed Bristol, off Frenchay Park Road near the metrobus interchange at Stoke Lane. Every third Sunday of the month, 10.30am to 3.30pm, except for December and August.

Women's section Royal British Legion We meet fortnightly (2pm) on Wednesdays at the Foundation Old School in Page Road opposite Page Hall, Staple Hill. To find out more call 0117 956 0805.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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February, 2020

n SPORT

Alexa joins women's team heading to Europe A TEAM of five female fighters from Downend Boxing Club is heading to Sweden to test themselves against leading European opposition. The annual Golden Girl Championship tournament is due to take place in Boras, near Gothenburg, from January 31 to February 2. The tournament is the largest female-only event in Europe and Downend head coach Craig Turner says the competition the boxers will face "promises to be top-level". Among the strong team from the Hillfields-based club is 14-year-old newcomer Alexa Smith, British Champion Eloise Edwards, 15, Development National Champion Morgan Baber, 16, multi-national title holder and previous gold medal winner Ellouise Challenger, 17, and 23-year-old England Boxing woman’s box cup champion Jodie Horton. Ellouise and Morgan both

Young boxer Alexa Smith (centre, with coach Craig Turner and assistant coach Tracey Hayne) is heading to the Golden Girl Championship tournament in Sweden picked up silver medals at the event last year and will be looking to go one better this time around. Craig said: "I am delighted that we are able to send a strong team to the event. "Downend have been very successful in female boxing,

from our first National champion Adelaide Baker back in 2012. "I’m sure the girls will perform and do us proud." Downend Boxing Club will set a new benchmark in June, when the annual Bristol Box Cup it organises will be staged for the first time at Ashton Gate

stadium. The event, for male and female competitors aged 11 to 13, is now in its seventh year and has gained pace over that time. Previously staged at City Academy in Redfield, this year promises to big the biggest yet, with teams coming from all over England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and, for the first time, Poland. Tournament co-ordinator Joanne Turner said: "It’s just amazing to see what commenced as a small event for school kids, has developed into an international tournament. "Hosting the tournament at Ashton Gate, will showcase our city and our young people's talent." The club is looking for sponsors to help ensure its success. Anyone interested should contact Craig at downendboxing@gmail.com or call 07723 341013.

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February, 2020

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Vitamin D - cheaper than a trip to the Mediterranean

N this new year I want to help you see with 2020 vision and send those winter blues away. Non-stop in the clinic I see patients suffering from varying degrees of seasonal affective disorder. When the days are dark, cold and wet during the bleak weeks after Christmas and New Year, we could probably all do with a bit of cheering up. Sadly, we can’t all afford to make a swift exit for a welcome dose of winter sun in Spain, Portugal or the Caribbean. Luckily, there’s a cheaper, more realistic option to help make you feel better and start counting down the days until spring and summer arrives. Many people who suffer more than others during the long winter days are lacking in a key ingredient that could make all the difference,

thrusting them into a positive and cheerful frame of mind. Vitamin D, which is found in only a small number of foods, helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. In turn, these nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It’s true that, from around late March or early April to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from natural sunlight. However, in autumn and winter, it’s a completely different story. The NHS says that, because it's sometimes difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone – including pregnant and breastfeeding women – should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of this vital vitamin. Some people won't get enough

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lacking in. It’s easy to make a booking for a 15-minute consultation at Cleve Chiropractic. We can take the blood sample and send it off for analysis straight away. Results are normally available within two or three working days working days via our online portal. You’ll quickly get some peace of mind. The test result will either mean you can rest well, knowing your Vitamin D level is spot-on, or you’ll be able to grab the correct sort of supplement to top up and beat away those winter blues. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic in 2020 to come and see your immensely talented and experienced medical team in Mangotsfield.

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vitamin D from sunlight because there’s very little or no exposure to real sunshine. The Department of Health recommends that you take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if you: -D on’t go outdoors much – for example, if you're frail or housebound - L ive in an institution like a care home -U sually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when you’re outdoors -H ave dark skin – for example, if you have an African, AfricanCaribbean or south Asian background, you might not get enough vitamin D from sunlight. You should know that too much Vitamin D can also be bad for you – so not everyone NEEDS to take this type of supplement. So, do you or don’t you? One way to check is to have a simple blood test, which is now offered by Cleve Chiropractic at our brand new premises in Mangotsfield. Many tests will give you a single level for Vitamin D. However, the venous test, where blood is taken from the vein in your arm, provides the most accurate reading. Importantly, this test straightforward test will tell you which sort of Vitamin D you may be

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February, 2020

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

So many stories in every season This month we’re delighted to welcome our guest contributor Chrissy Quinnell, the secretary of the Friends. WHAT do you write about life in a park in February, when there are no spontaneous gatherings of friends seated around mini rigs or wobbling on slacklines strung up between trees, no raucous games of rounders or cricket or smoky family barbecues or toddler picnics? It’s just too cold! Collars are up, gloved hands are thrust deep in pockets and all one really wants is to be inside! No snow to confer a party atmosphere bringing the community together and no floods to alter the landscape and cause things to float away and river and lake to mingle. The colour and glorious chaos of the music festivals are a distant memory. February is a very different world. There has, of course, been the joyous weekend regularity of the thundering footfall of adult and junior Parkruns and ‘The Big Tidy’ were seen litter picking the edges of the windswept crisp packetstrewn dystopia, where park meets motorway. You may have spotted faithful flurries of activity from Friends of Eastville Park sprucing up the bowling green ready for the launch of Eastville Park Bowling Club in April or have seen the Parkwork truck heading out of their depot on missions to parks across Bristol.

drama of deep winter or the slow promising heave of spring. If summer is the glory of weekend possibilities and autumn the back to work Monday and Tuesday of our notional “Year in a week”, Thursday and Friday bring new hope and expectation of growth, flowering, partying and sun. February is the Wednesday afternoon of the year. So, who uses the park on a Wednesday in February? I decided to find out. As I predicted; dog walkers, runners, photographers, those passing through, maybe a few for whom the park might provide one of the few places to sit down on a bench, free from judgement or pressure to engage. I went out in search of stories. I took a clipboard, my best pen and was ready to discover my very own untold stories. Barely had I reached the lake before I was deep in conversation with Mr R, he walks and runs around the park every day. He began this regime after developing a lung infection abroad and a hospital stay made him reevaluate his health, we shared our mutual awe and gratitude for the NHS - a wonderful first encounter! My attention was then caught by a young man talking to the pigeons: “Why are you walking on the ice, you silly things? Your feet must be so cold!” A moment so marvellous I did not want to

Take one of the many winding paths down from the park and you can rely on the lake to reward with an everchanging screensaver of birdlife but mainly it’s all a bit bleak! Bare brittle trees, mouldering leaf piles and saturated muddy ground where only the scurry (official collective noun) of the grey squirrels might cause one to stop briefly and smile. However, no matter the season, on any day of the week, there are individuals for whom Eastville Park is a crucial personal choice, not just those obliged to attend to the coiled spring of energy inside the un-walked dog or the parents of pre-schoolers for whom “Let’s go to the park!” promises the muddy, shouty, limitless exuberant release from domestic confinement that we adults can barely recall. Late January and February is the seasonal inbetween time, neither the rueful melancholy of autumn nor the frozen hard

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pry further. One of life’s worst eavesdroppers, I knew it would be possible to fill this article with snatched surreal phrases, my favourite was “Ooh five swans, that’s an odd number!” It was only then that, being local, I began bumping into people I know and my research took a different turn. There were stories everywhere! An eager posse of Cardiff University architecture students conducting a survey about the possibility of restoring the old swimming pool to a modern-day lido and an old running friend puffing who passed, urging me to start running again. Carrying on around the park, I briefly stood and giggled as my lovely friend M attempted to retrieve her dog’s ball from the icy centre of the lake, missing time and time again whilst involving more and more passers-by. She and her dog are hilarious and well aware of the commotion she was making as she hooted about “enterprising, resourceful pensioners!”. Touring the park on the look out for stories had only made me want to return looking for more, and February bleak? Not a bit of it!

Chrissy Quinnell Photo courtesy of Alison Sloman

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