Fishponds Voice January 2019

fishpondsvoice January, 2019 — ISSUE 48

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PAGE 12

Mixed fortunes in school test tables

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Mary Poppins flies in to Bristol Met: Page 5

Sunk! Art-deco pool makes way for five-storey flats Report: Page 11

Primary schools in the Fishponds area achieved mixed results in the 2018 SATs tests for 11-year-olds, the latest Government tables reveal.

PAGE 5

Many face long wait to see a GP Figures for the number of people waiting more than a week to see a GP at practices in Fishponds have been unveiled.

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fishpondsvoice Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

DEADLINES February edition deadline is January 23.

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

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

January, 2019

n NEWS

Fishponds man is charged with murder A FISHPONDS man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Krzystof Solosciuk, aged 38, is due to stand trial next year over the death of Lukasz Grabowski, 32.

Mr Grabowski, who lived in Lawrence Weston, died shortly after being found with serious head injuries in Gloucester on November 21.

Solosciuk, of Pound Drive, has already appeared before magistrates and is set to be tried for murder at Bristol Crown Court in May. A second man was arrested in connection with the murder on December 3. The 37-year-old, from Bristol, was released under investigation.

Detectives are still appealing for information in relation to the case and are particularly keen to hear from Bristol residents who have seen a black Audi A7 saloon car, a silver Mercedes estate or Vauxhall Vivaro van abandoned in the city.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruth Mather said: "We are working hard to get answers for Lukasz's family and bring those responsible to justice but we need help on specific parts of this case from the public.”

Police have released pictures of the three vehicles they are trying to trace and DCI Mather

Murder victim Lukasz Grabowsk said: “We think they are now likely to be in the Bristol area, possibly abandoned somewhere, and would urge people there to be on the lookout."

Anyone with information should call 101 and ask for Gloucestershire Police, quoting incident number 291 of November 21.

Detectives are also appealing for witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage relating to the vehicles they are looking for, taken in the vicinity of Great Western Road in Gloucester at about 5.10pm on the day of the incident.

Information can also be submitted online at mipp. police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

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

A member of the

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

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January, 2019

3

Bus company says sorry to passenger 'showered with glass' FIRST are investigating an incident where a man was showered with glass after a bus drove too close to trees in Fishponds Road.

Passenger Nick Trott tweeted the bus company to tell them about his experience on the number 48.

"Got showered in glass this morning on the 48 as the driver drove too close to trees on Fishponds Road bus lane and it hit front of bus.

"Can you please get something done as very dangerous and 2nd time it’s happened to me."

First West of England responded with: "Nick, we are very sorry about this. We take

cases of unsafe driving with the utmost importance. We're aware of this incident as it has been reported by several members of the public.

"I would like to assure you this will be investigated as safety is paramount to us."

A spokesperson from First West of England told Fishponds Voice: "We are aware of the incident on 11 December and want to apologise to the customers involved.

"Safety of our customers and drivers is paramount and we treat cases of unsafe driving with the upmost importance.

We will be speaking to the driver involved to establish the exact circumstances of this incident."

IT'S OFFICIAL - Bristol Metropolitan Academy's latest production has been voted Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Youngsters from the Fishponds school pulled out all the stops when they performed their version of the musical Mary Poppins for fellow students, staff, family and members of the community.

The musical, set in Edwardian London, starred Emily Clough as governess Mary Poppins and Ellis Hopkinson Hassell and Jamie Honeywill who shared the role of the formidable George Banks.

Further cast members, who rehearsed for 11 months, included Jessie Davis Griffiths as Jane, Cerys Moss Wills as Michael, Max Bennett as Bert and Dilys Taylor Collins as Winifred Banks.

Director Meesh Vince said: "The students and staff have been working so hard and I am incredibly proud of their talent and commitment. It's been a dream of mine to stage this show since I was a child myself. "

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January, 2019

n NEWS

School in spotlight over knife

Street attack: GBH charge A MAN has appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm over an incident in Downend Road.

Aston Golding, aged 24, of no fixed address, is accused of assaulting Oneil Yearde in the street on October 9.

Mr Yearde, 46, has been in hospital since the incident, which police say left him with “lifechanging injuries”.

Downend Road was sealed off for a day afterwards as police investigated the scene.

Golding appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on

Wednesday, December 12.

He was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Bristol Crown Court in January.

Golding was one of four men arrested on December 12 as part of the inquiry known as Operation Blueshift, which is investigating the attack on Mr Yearde and the fatal stabbing of Ronald Leigh in Gill Avenue, Fishponds. Two of the men, aged

36 and 42, have been released on bail, while a 27-year-old man has been released under investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the investigation team online at mipp.police.uk or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

POLICE have been on duty at Downend School after a boy posed outside the gates with a knife.

Video of the incident, which involved a boy with no connection to the school, was sent to the BBC and was shared online, and featured on the front page of a national newspaper.

The school has moved to reassure parents that swift action was taken and the safety of young people at the school is “paramount”.

Police have interviewed a 12-year-old boy in connection with the incident. They say their enquiries are ongoing.

The incident on November 30 was filmed on mobile phones and shared on social media before a parent sent it to the BBC.

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January, 2019

5

n NEWS THE number of children achieving the Government's expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the age of 11 is increasing, according to the latest league tables.

But pupils in three Fishponds schools were making the least progress in Bristol, the Department for Education has said.

In the Fishponds area, Frome Vale Academy had the highest proportion of children reaching the expected standard for reading, writing and maths, with 74% achieving the benchmark in the 2018 Key Stage 2 SATs tests.

Just over the South Gloucestershire boundary, Frenchay Primary and Christ Church Junior School, which draw some of their pupils from Stapleton and Fishponds, had 81% and 79% of pupils respectively reaching the benchmark.

This was the third time children sat the government's tougher tests, introduced in 2016.

Five other schools in the area – Begbrook Primary Academy, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, Whitehall Primary, St Stephen’s C of E Juniors and Two Mile Hill Primary – had more children who met the standard than the national average of 64% or the Bristol average of 63%.

The remaining schools had fewer children meeting the standard.

The performance measure shown in our table is for those who reached or exceeded the standard in all three subjects.

Figures in the individual subjects are generally higher, and progress measures and past results are also important when considering how well a school has done.

Frenchay and St Joseph’s pupils made the most progress in reading in the area, while Two Mile Hill and Begbrook pupils made most progress in writing and maths between the ages of seven and 11.

Three schools in the

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courses for of spite of tougher summer in Find out about more results this and A-levels. both GCSE 9-12. them on Pages

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Key Stage 2 SATs 2018 Figures for the proportion of pupils that reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined

Begbrook Primary Academy 71 Chester Park Junior School 51 Christ Church Junior School, Downend 79 Fishponds C of E Academy 25 Frenchay C of E Primary 81 Frome Vale Academy 74 Glenfrome Primary School 60 May Park Primary School 22 Minerva Primary Academy 54 St Joseph’s Catholic Primary 69 St Stephen’s C of E Junior 67 Staple Hill Primary School 47 Steiner Academy Bristol 0 Summerhill Academy 52 The Tynings School 55 Two Mile Hill Primary School 66 Whitehall Primary School 68

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Fishponds area achieved the lowest progress scores in Bristol.

They were Steiner Academy Bristol, Fishponds C of E Academy and May Park Primary School.

Pupils are expected to achieve scores of at least 100 in their Key Stage 2 exams. At St Joseph’s, 21% of pupils achieved the higher standard of 110 or more in their reading and maths tests – more than double the Bristol and national average of 10%.

Parents need to remember that the size of a cohort can affect the figures – in a small school, one child could represent 11 per cent of the total, while children moving in and out of the school during their junior school years can also have an impact. It can also be useful to look at the progress and achievement of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Pupils across Bristol achieved below average Key Stage 2 results for England.

Average scores of 105 in reading, 105 in grammar, punctuation and spelling and 104 in mathematics meant the local authority ranked 118th of England’s 152 authorities: a drop from 94th in 2016-17.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said that nationally, standards were rising, especially for children from poorer backgrounds.

"These statistics show that the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has closed by 13 per cent since 2011," he said.

The validated results of primary school pupils have been published online by the Department for Education.

To find all the figures for every Bristol primary school, visit bit.ly/2rKiUiU.

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January, 2019

n NEWS

Deluge of help after school library is flooded I'm humbled by response to our disaster - headteacher WHEN rain came cascading through the roof of a Downend school’s library it wrecked hundreds of books and put the area out of action.

But the near disaster also brought about a big community effort to make repairs, rescue the remaining books and replace what was lost.

Torrential rain breached the roof of the conservatory which houses Christ Church Junior School’s library while the librarian and a small group of pupils were inside on November 27. Water came through in three or four places, soaking books, a computer and heaters, and flooding the floor.

The children were quickly moved out of the library and electricians were called in to

The rainwater soaked a computer

Pippa Osborne with Jon Hunt in the library isolate the power supply but it was impossible to stop the rain from causing extensive damage.

The school was left facing a disaster – but head teacher Pippa Osborne says she has been “humbled” by the response.

South Gloucestershire Council has already agreed to fund the estimated £40,000 cost of repairing the roof, with deputy leader Jon Hunt, a Downend ward councillor, visiting to see the damage for himself.

But the school needs to raise money to replace the hundreds of books which could not be saved, along with the computer, heaters and carpet damaged by the water.

It faces at least six months without a valuable space which was also used for lunchtime

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activities, intervention work and for parents to read to children.

Mrs Osborne said: “There’s a hole in the middle of the school now.

“But I’m just bowled over by how many people have come forward to help. It’s been an incredible response from the local authority and the community, and we have been humbled by it.”

More than 30 volunteers came to the school to help clean up the aftermath of the flood and rescue books.

The school has been lent dehumidifiers and inundated with support in raising the estimated £10,000 to £15,000 needed to replace books, carpets and equipment.

Already RBS has given a donation, nearby Christ Church held a collection at its Christingle service and Bristol Rovers

collected donated books at their home game against Doncaster Rovers on December 8.

A page has been set up for people to make donations on website GoFundMe, with more than £1,400 pledged as the Voice went to press.

And a sponsored walk from Bristol’s Central Library to the school’s library is to be held on January 19, as the school and its supporters try to raise the they think they will need.

Mrs Osborne said the library had lost around 500 books in total, with those written by authors with surnames beginning A to E the worst affected.

Donations of suitable books for children aged 7 to 11 are being welcomed.

Mrs Osborne said that, with the help of donors and the council, she hoped the school would have an even better library than the one which was wrecked, adding: “It just goes to show the power of our community and how important the power of reading is.”

Councillor Hunt said the authority hoped to start repairs “as soon as possible” after leaders decided to use an emergency fund to pay for repairs.

He said: “As soon as we made the decision, I visited the school with officers and met with head teacher Pippa Osborne to see the extent of the damage first hand and deliver the good news personally."

To donate to the appeal to help replace the lost books, visit the GoFundMe page at bit. ly/2KFtsZd.

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January, 2019

n NEWS A FISHPONDS pre-school has been told its provision is good by Ofsted.

The education watchdog said children at St Joseph’s Pre-School in Forest Road were “emotionally well prepared for their next steps in learning” and formed “strong bonds with friendly and approachable staff”.

It also praised the way staff at the pre-school, which has more than 50 children on its roll, engage with parents and its “stimulating, well-resourced learning environment”.

The positive verdict from the regulator comes just months after an earlier report said the pre-school at St Joseph’s Church Hall, which has 13 staff, was inadequate.

The failings Ofsted had highlighted in June centred mainly on safeguarding procedures and accident recording, and centre manager Cathy Williamson said staff had worked hard as a team and undergone training to ensure this area was now rated good.

In the latest report, made after a visit in October, Ofsted inspector Rachael Williams said: “Leaders and managers have worked hard to make improvements since the last inspection. They have effectively increased staff's understanding of safeguarding to ensure they protect children from harm.

“Staff focus well on engaging with parents, especially to support disabled children. Staff keep parents well informed of children's progress and actively encourage them to share their children's learning at home.

Staff provide parents with ideas for learning at home, such as borrowing book bags or attending workshops.”

The inspector also praised the effective use of home visits to ensure children settled well when they arrived at the preschool, which has been providing sessions for two to four-year-olds since 1975.

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

St Joseph’s is now rated good in all four areas.

Cathy said she was pleased that the latest report had reaffirmed the good work the pre-school had been doing all along, and praised the teamwork

7

Good things are happening at St Joseph's pre-school

Children from St Joseph’s Pre-School with (left to right) pre-school committee secretary Ranjit Kaur, pre-school manager Sheila Hastings and centre manager Cathy Williamson. of staff.

She said: “I’m pleased that Ofsted have noticed the positive things we do to support the children in all aspects, particularly the good relationship we have with the parents – they really backed us up after the last report.

“Ofsted saw that the children are well-prepared for school, how well the staff know the children and focus on engaging with them.

“They picked up that it was a well-resourced, happy environment for the children and the bond the children have with the staff.

“Staff have worked really hard and have really pulled together.”

“Even the things we have got down for improvement are making more of the opportunities we give the children.

“The report confirms what we knew already, that we are a good setting and good work is being done.”

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January, 2019

n NEWS

£800k for Police smash cocaine gang minibuses COMMUNITY transport in South Gloucestershire will benefit from a record grant of £800,000.

The cash injection will help transform services provided

by Kingswood Community Transport, Green Community Travel in Yate and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport.

The money, the largest single investment for South Gloucestershire’s community travel, was awarded to South Gloucestershire Council at a meeting of the West of England Joint Committee in Kingswood.

Old vehicles will be replaced by the new Euro 6 engined vehicles which will provide a range of benefits, from reducing harmful emissions, fuel consumption and ongoing maintenance costs to offering an enhanced experience for service users.

AN organised crime gang dealing cocaine across Bristol has been smashed after a drug bust in Fishponds.

Police spotted a deal taking place on the street and stopped a car used in the exchange.

Inside were two men - Fatmir Gjeci and Festim Hoxha – and £39,000 in cash, which had been hidden.

Police arrested the men and Tedi searched properties linked to them, Hoxha where they found more money and more than 800g of cocaine.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said the drugs were worth more than £65,000 on the street.

In total more than £53,000 was recovered during the investigation and six men have been jailed for a total of 29 years for their roles in the gang.

Tedi Hoxha, aged 21, of Fishponds Road, Fishponds, was jailed for five years and six months, as was Festim Hoxha, 29, of no fixed address.

Two other men were each jailed for five years: Andrea Kopo, 22, of Manor Road, Horfield and Azir Meta, 24, of Cheltenham Road, Stokes Croft.

The other men – Fatmir Gjeci, 21, of no fixed address and Serjan Hoxhaj, 25, of Eve Road, Easton

– were sentenced to four years in prison.

Police said the men were using fake driving licences and ID cards from Greece, Italy, Lithuania or Romania.

Detective Inspector Steve Cartlidge said: “Judging by the quantity of cash and Class A drugs seized from these men, they had clearly been running an illegal drugs operation for some time.

“Most used false documentation, which I’ve no doubt enabled them to evade detection as well as launder the profits from their activities more easily.

“It’s vitally important the public support us in tackling such operations and I’d ask anyone who thinks they may have witnessed a drug deal taking place to report their suspicions to us.

“We will robustly investigate any reports regarding the illegal supply of drugs and those involved will be caught, arrested and face justice.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing drugs can call the police on 101 or make a report online via the force website.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

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January, 2019

9

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

A few tips to help your body cope with your resolutions SUTTON Chiropractic in Downend helps you and your family get back to doing the things you love. As such, we love New Year’s resolutions. It’s a time when new hobbies emerge or you commit further to something you love.

This could be walking those extra few steps a day, training for a race later in the year or taking up that dance class you have always been tempted by.

Whatever it is, we want you to excel at what you do, and enjoy it.

So we thought we’d put together a few tips that can help you get the most out of your newfound hobby or achieve that long-standing goal.

1. Address the whole picture The different aspects of your health support and strengthen each other when given equal attention. If one area is neglected whilst another is vigorously pursued, the whole picture can unravel. Simplicity and balance are the key. Here are the five cornerstones of optimal health, address these and you’ll be able to make changes that last: • Regular exercise and movement • Joints and muscles in good alignment • A varied diet of fresh natural

foods • Healthy spine and nerves • Relaxation/mindfulness 2. Start with a good foundation In an effort to get healthier our exercise levels increase throughout January/February, however many people develop injuries from this as they have missed one of the fundamental components listed above. The most common issue is when the spine, neck or pelvis are out of alignment at the start of the get fit phase and injuries start to develop. It’s not uncommon for these to spread to the knees, elbows and shoulders too. This is why the body must be assessed and helped back to proper alignment. Ensuring that you can carry your fitness regime further into the year. A sound body can produce wonderful results in your overall health, especially when linked with the other parts of the optimal health approach.

3. Consistency is key We are creatures of habit and the quality of our habits determines the results. Essentially this means what you do today, sets you up for tomorrow. This could be preparing food for the week ahead, getting to bed earlier or planning an

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10

January, 2019

n NEWS

Patients face long wait to see a GP ONE in every ten patients in the region is waiting at least three weeks to see a GP, new figures reveal.

As the NHS faces its busiest time of the year, 56,250 people in the area covered by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group had to wait at least 21 days to see a doctor after booking an appointment.

And 24,700 people waited more than a month for an appointment booked in October, the latest NHS Digital data shows. The waiting times are similar to those in November 2017, when the figures first started to be collected for the CCG. Two in five patients in the local CCG’s area were able to see a GP the same day the appointment was made.

Figures from the annual NHS England patient survey in

the Fishponds area show that, among patients of the Fishponds Family Practice, 49% received a same-day appointment, 7% booked one for the following day and 14% had to wait more than a week.

At Beechwood Medical Practice, 58% of patients said they were able to book a sameday appointment, 9% had one on the following day and 8% had to wait more than a week.

At the Old School Surgery, 28% were able to book a sameday appointment, 10% had one the next day and 41% had to wait more than a week.

Eastville Medical Practice patients who answered the survey reported a 37% success rate in making a same-day appointment, while 12% were able to make one for the next day and 20% waited more than a week.

At Maytrees Medical Practice, 53% of patients were able to

make a same-day appointment, 8% had one the next day and 22% waited for more than a week.

Other patients answering the survey either waited between two days and a week or could not remember how long they waited.

The figures include patients who need regular appointments and are likely to be booking ahead.

Patients Association chief executive Rachel Power said: "It can be incredibly stressful to face a long wait before getting to see a doctor, quite apart from prolonging the length of time someone has to live with the medical issue that is troubling them.”

Dr Martin Jones, GP and Medical Director of Commissioning and Primary Care at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Local GPs are working

hard to provide the best quality care to their patients, with more than 500,000 appointments in October and around 40% of people seen by practice staff on the same day. However, we understand that some people struggle to get appointments quickly and we are working with local GPs to improve access to appointments.

“Every practice in the area now offers appointments at the evenings or weekends, making it easier for people to see a doctor, nurse or other health professional at a time convenient to them. By offering more GP and nurse appointments we hope to help keep our patients well and relieve pressure on the wider health system."

“NHS Pharmacists are also available to offer advice on treating common winter ailments like coughs and colds and can usually see you on the same day.”

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Friday 15th February

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ACTORS from St Stephen's Drama Group are putting the finishing touches on their latest panto, Little Red Riding Hood & The Three Pigs.

The show, a unique mix of the two well-loved children's stories, sees heroine Little Red Riding Hood take on an evil stepmother and a cunning wolf.

The production, a new adaptation by David Crump and Paul Simcox which is littered with one-liners, runs from January 31 to February 2 at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Church Road, Soundwell, Bristol, BS16 4RH. Shows start at 7.30pm with a matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets are £7 for OAPs and children and £9 for adults.

Christine English Friday 15th March

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The Askew Sisters Support from Nick Hart

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

11

n NEWS

Pool restoration hopes dashed as plans are unveiled for flats DERELICT Speedwell Swimming Baths will now be turned into 31 affordable homes despite hopes it could be brought back to life for community use.

Residential developer Crossman Homes has signed a deal with housing association Yarlington, which received grant funding from the city council to develop the Whitefield Road site.

Under the scheme, the artdeco building will be demolished and replaced by five-storey apartments.

Speedwell Baths was built in 1937 but closed down in 2005 when it was deemed surplus to

requirements by Bristol City Council. The building was then sold the following year.

Very little of the original interior now exists with only the metal roof structure remaining.

Residents had wanted the building brought back to community use but hopes were finally dashed after representatives of Historic Pools of Britain agreed with the developer that the conservation and repair of the existing baths would be "wholly unrealistic".

Brad Hughes, of Crossman Homes said: "We are delighted to be leading this exciting

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received grant funding from Bristol City Council to build 31 much needed affordable homes.

As disused, existing developed land we are able to deliver much needed homes and help solve the city’s housing need without putting pressure on an expanding city."

Councillor Paul Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: "The Speedwell Swimming Pool site was sold in 2006, so I am pleased to see it is finally being developed. It is important that we make the best use of land across the city and not allow sites to be left empty for too long.

There was initially only going to be four affordable properties on this site, so this is another great example of how our grant funding can help support the construction of more affordable housing, which will be available for those who need it most."

The development was designed by Angus Meek Architects working closely with Bristol City Council’s design and planning team to reflect the style and shape of the existing building.

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development which will provide much-needed social housing for the area. The site has been vacant since 2005 and has become a dangerous eyesore, attracting anti-social behaviour which has been a real concern to the local community."

The council had promised residents of east Bristol a new pool after the closure of Speedwell but despite a 700-named petition presented to the authority in January 2017 nothing has materialised.

In 2012 an attempt to get the building placed on the national list of Grade II listed buildings failed. It has since been placed on Bristol's Local List however this does not offer the same protection by law.

Since 2005 two plans to redevelop the site for residential have not gone ahead for financial reasons. Crossman Homes will now build a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments on the site, with work expected to start in early 2019.

Wyn Bevan, Yarlington’s head of development, said: "We are delighted to be working with Crossman Homes and to have

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fishpondsvoice

12

January, 2019

n NEWS

New Metrobus route goes live A NEW Metrobus route promises to provide services to and from the city centre every 10 minutes.

Passengers from the Broomhill, Frenchay and Stapleton area have repeatedly complained that buses running the m3 service, which launched in May, are unreliable and overcrowded by the time they reach the Begbrook stop by the bus-only M32 junction. Some services do not let on passengers as they are already full to capacity.

But from this month the new m1 service will link the Begbrook stop with the city centre, Bedminster, Knowle West and Hengrove to the south and UWE, Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Cribbs Causeway to the north.

Bristol Community Transport will operate the m1 service under contract to First West of England. Buses are timetabled to call at Begbrook in each direction at ten-minute intervals

throughout the day and evening, between 6.26am and 12.40am.

It will launch on Sunday, January 6, when passengers will be offered free journeys.

After that, tickets will cost £2

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(or £2.07 using the First app), with an all-day ticket costing £4.

Like existing Metrobus services, passengers have to buy tickets in advance from the iPoint electronic consoles at each stop, via the First phone app or on pre-paid cards at shops.

Bristol Community Transport has bought a fleet of new buses running on bio gas – generated from food waste, farm waste and sewage – to run the service.

It has created up to 60 new driver and support positions

to run the service from its Bedminster depot.

At the same time the m3 service is being altered so that some rush hour buses do not stop at Begbrook or UWE but instead go direct from Hambrook to the city centre via the M32. It will mean two fewer m3 buses per hour calling at Begbrook in each direction.

First Bus West of England managing director James Freeman said: “Congestion in the city is reaching crisis levels and anything we can do to be able to cut through that congestion is good for our customers and our drivers.

“M3 and m2 have proved very popular and feedback is that they are getting people to where they need to be faster and more smoothly.

“We believe this third and final route of the first phase of Metrobus will be equally successful and contribute to a longer-term transport strategy that will alleviate the pressure facing our roads.”

For more information about the new service visit metrobusbristol.co.uk/m1/ online or call 0117 922 2910. For details of shops selling tickets visit consumer.paypoint.com.

Comedian Jethro supporting fundraiser for minibus LEGENDARY Cornish comedian Jethro is to host two comedy nights in support of a group of Bristol fundraisers who want to buy a minibus for underprivileged children.

Jan St George, Julie Houselander and Tracy and Dave Hook, from Downend, are among volunteers who have been working with the charity Variety to raise money for the vehicle.

They have held numerous fundraising events, including a ladies' lunch, sponsored walk and pub Olympics, to reach their target.

The bus will help sick, disadvantaged and underprivileged children in the South West experience days out to places they would never normally visit.

Jethro's The Count of Cornwall shows will take place on Thursday and Friday May 16-17 at the Bawa Club in Filton at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and 12.30 finish.

Tickets are £22 and can be purchased by calling 0117 967 8065/987 3244 or visiting www.ents24.com. The minimum age for tickets is 16.

VIP and after party tickets are £40 and are available by calling the organisers on 0788 4054630.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS A PETITION has been launched calling for a review of traffic calming measures in a busy road in linking Fishponds and Staple Hill.

Acacia Road links Staple Hill High Street with the Hillfields estate and is also used as a through route by drivers heading between Downend, Fishponds, Kingswood and beyond. It still has a 30mph limit, unlike many nearby roads which have had 20mph limits imposed.

Staple Hill ward councillors Ian Boulton and Shirley Potts are calling for South Gloucestershire Council to take action over speeding and have submitted an online petition to the authority, which is responsible for the road.

He said: “Shirley and I have long been aware of the problem with speeding vehicles in the Acacia Road area and we have spent a great deal of time and effort trying to get the council to come up with an effective traffic management scheme.

“This has seemingly fallen on deaf ears and, after a series of road traffic accidents in recent months, we are now asking local

13

Call for action to curb traffic speeds on busy link route

residents to support our efforts by signing this petition. We hope that, with enough local support, the council will come up with a plan to implement and enforce traffic calming measures before

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

we experience a tragedy at this accident blackspot.”

The council has no current plans for traffic management schemes on the road and a spokesperson said: “Our records

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

show that there has been four reported injury accidents on the whole length of Acacia Road in the five year period to date. This is not an unusually high number for this type of busy road that has a number of junctions.”

The spokesperson said a temporary speed reminder sign had been installed on the road during September and October and had found the 30mph limit was adhered to.

He added: ““We will revisit Acacia Road with the speedvisor sign again in the New Year, and our road safety team will continue to monitor results and liaise with the Police camera enforcement team regarding enforcement as necessary.”

To sign the petition online, visit bit.ly/2EpHtJl.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

15

n NEWS

Outstanding GCSE results for Abdur A STUDENT from Fishponds has been presented with an award for outstanding GCSE results.

Abdur-Rehman Tabraiz achieved five grade 9s in biology, chemistry, physics, history and geography. He also bagged three grade 8s and one 7.

The 16-year-old studied GCSEs at Hanham Woods Academy and is now at CLF Post 16 studying A levels in biology, chemistry and geography.

His talents were recognised in the South Gloucestershire Secondary Education Awards 2018 which acknowledged the hard work of youngsters across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.

Abdur-Rehman was presented with a certificate and

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£50 Mall gift voucher by Claudia Fragapane, Commonwealth Games gold medallist gymnast and Strictly semi-finalist.

Mum Franaz Tabraiz said Abdur-Rehman plans to apply to university and would like to work in the health sector: "I am immensely proud of my son and overjoyed with his exceptional GCSE results.

"To achieve these top grades after sitting reformed GCSE exams which were stated to be more challenging for the students than previous years has just shown that hard work overrides everything. For AbdurRehman to receive this award was the icing on the cake!"

The awards also recognised

the dedication of school teachers and staff who helped make the student successes possible.

There were a total of 118 award winners, covering 18 schools at the event which took place at Aerospace Bristol.

HEALTH leaders across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are reminding local people that pharmacies are open over the holiday.

Emergency pharmacies will be open between Christmas and New Year, at a time when many GP surgeries will be closed or have reduced opening hours.

You can find the full list on the Clinical Commissioning Group website: https:// bnssgccg.nhs.uk/healthservices/pharmacies/ The free Service Finder app is available on smartphones and offers on-the-go advice of local NHS services. You can also download the HANDi app that provides expert advice on common childhood illnesses.

If it’s news, email Linda or Jayne at news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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January, 2019

fishpondsvoice

17

n NEWS

Some of the photos on Sarah's Facebook page show the heartfelt reactions from residents to her Bake a Smile initiative

Cakes bring smiles to care homes A MUM was so alarmed when she discovered that as many as 1.9 million older people in the UK feel ignored or invisible she decided to do something about it.

Sarah Byfield had always loved baking so hatched a plan to use her skills in the kitchen to combat loneliness.

She knew only too well the happiness a freshly baked sponge brought to her friends and family - so why not make a stranger's day by presenting them with a birthday cake?

Sarah, 36, who lives in Staple Hill, explained: "I work in insurance for the over 50s and often see research about loneliness and how it affects old people. Some of the statistics are really sad - apparently 3.5 million adults in the UK would cite the television as their main source of company. I wondered what I could do to make an impact.

"I'm a member of a cake baking group on Facebook and saw that there is an initiative in America where people bake for terminally ill children for their birthday, which I thought was a really lovely idea but wasn't sure how it would work over here. It got me thinking I could do something similar for older people on their birthdays. I think everyone has the right to feel special on their birthday."

Enthused by her brainwave and its capacity to do good, Sarah got in touch with Alive Activities, a charity that works towards ending loneliness in older people.

"I got in touch to say that if there were residents without family I would really like to bake for them. The idea was that I could eventually get other volunteer bakers involved, matching them up with care homes across the city."

Calling the free service the Bake a Smile project, Sarah set up a Facebook page back in October and says the response has been "unbelievable". "At the moment I've got about 100 people signed up who have pledged their time to bake and visit. We've already made about 15 cakes for people and I have a list of about 30 to do after Christmas. I'll also be going out to more care homes to find other elderly people who might benefit."

The idea is that the baker makes a cake and goes to a care home on or around a

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Everyone has the right to feel special on their birthday - baking project founder Sarah Byfield person's birthday. They present them with the cake - sometimes it might be a surprise, other times they will be expecting the visit and spend some time talking with them.

So far volunteers have been to care homes in Frenchay, Winterbourne, Westbury-onTrym, Redland, Hengrove and Bath but next year Sarah would like to expand the service even further. As her volunteers come from a wide area - including Downend, Emersons Green, Mangotsfield, Warmley, Brislington, Bedminster, Bradley Stoke, Nailsea and Portishead - Sarah is keen to hear from care homes in those areas so she can match bakers to people. "As long as there is a baker near a care home, we can arrange it," she said.

Sarah, like many of her bakers, takes her children, Harry, 10, and two-year-old Grace, with her as she has discovered older people love to see young children.

"The first lady I baked for was 91 and she held hands with my daughter while she blew the candles out. We then sat and chatted for a while before sharing the cake out between the residents.

"I always take a bunch of flowers and a card with me as well so they've got a little present. The feedback from residents has been amazing. One woman burst into tears when her care home told her someone was coming in with a birthday cake for her."

Sarah, an avid baker, who made both her brother and sister's wedding cakes, held a Big Christmas Bake with teams of volunteers going into care homes across Bristol with mince pies and Christmas cake.

Volunteers who want to join the scheme pay for the ingredients themselves and agree to give up their time to make a visit.

It's not about the quality of the cake; it's about the gesture and spending quality time with someone to show there are people who care about them on their birthday."

Sarah admits to feeling very emotional about her project: "You can see the older

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Sarah takes along her children Grace and Harry who love talking to old people people's faces light up and they're just so happy that someone has come in and made a fuss of them on their birthday.

"A gentlemen I baked for passed away a couple of weeks after I went to see him. The care home contacted me to say thank you for making his last birthday so special. It just goes to show how important it is to make every birthday special and to make every moment count.

"If I can make someone smile on their birthday, then that makes me very happy."

Sarah is looking for more bakers but also wants to hear from people if they know someone who would benefit from a visit - and a cake - on their birthday. "Giving a cake is such a simple thing but it makes such a huge difference to people."

You can get in touch will Sarah via her Facebook page, The Bake a Smile project, or call her on 0784 7408420.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

18

n NEWS

£3m for High St KINGSWOOD will benefit from a slice of £10m thanks to a special Love our High Streets fund.

The West of England Combined Authority has put forward the money for regeneration pilot projects in South Gloucestershire, B&NES and Bristol.

It is expected that around £3m will pour into Kingswood, aimed at transforming the High Street. Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore said: "It is particularly exciting to see proposals that look to the future and seek to increase access to digital training for the community, investment to kick-start a scheme to bring the derelict Tabernacle back into use, as well as long-term planning with the community to breathe even more new life into our treasured High Street."

The decision to fund the schemes was made by the West of England Combined Authority.

January, 2019

Rapist who targeted girls online is jailed A RAPIST who targeted teenage girls and women online has been jailed for 15 years.

Joseph Cook used fake social media and dating website profiles to make contact with his victims and trick them into sending them nude images by pretending he wanted to be their boyfriend.

He then threatened to share the pictures unless they sent him more images and videos of themselves carrying out sexual acts. He also blackmailed a woman into having sex with him.

The 28-year-old, of Fishponds, denied charges of rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity but was convicted by a jury after a trial at Bristol Crown Court. As well as his jail sentence he was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect the public after his release.

Avon and Somerset police said their investigation began in 2016 when a 17-year-old girl

Bristol Libraries new ideas created together

Joseph Cook called them to report that a man had threatened to share images she had sent when she was aged 13 unless she sent him more indecent pictures.

Cook was traced and his mobile phones were seized.

Officers discovered he had created social media accounts using false names so he could contact girls and young women to obtain nude images of them by pretending to be interested in them romantically.

In April 2018, while already

under investigation, Cook made contact with a woman he already knew using a dating website profile in the name of Jack Barry. He made threats to share indecent images of her with her friends and family if she did not carry out sexual acts with him.

She did what he demanded, fearing that he would carry out his threats.

DCs Nina Wilson and Lucy Staniland, who were the officers in charge of each of the investigations, said: “Cook has shown himself to be a dangerous individual who offends against children and adults and seeks not only to control and exploit his victims but also threatens and frightens them into engaging in sexual activity.

“There is no doubt that if he was not brought to justice on this occasion he would continue to offend and anyone who believes they have been a victim to any similar offence is urged to contact police.”

Come and join the conversation!

Have you got ideas for your library and its building?

Can you or your community help make these happen?

Events take place across the city January to March 2019, to work together to create community-led activities and partnerships.

To find out more and book, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/libraryideas or visit your local library.

BD11037

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

19

n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

I want Bristol to become the first real Living Wage city I WAS delighted that Bristol city council has recently been accredited as a Living Wage employer, joining more than 220 South West employers officially committed to paying the voluntary rate. This means every employee and contractor earns a decent living wage and we are now rolling it out to all our suppliers too.

The Living Wage is an independentlyset hourly rate of pay for everyone over 18, calculated according to the basic costs of living, and is higher than the current minimum wage for those aged over 25 set by the Government.

The Living Wage recently increased by 25p to £9 due to rising living costs.

I am proud to be championing the real Living Wage and I am pleased we can lead by example in promoting employee economic and social wellbeing. I hope that other large employers in the region follow suit and do the right thing. A living wage is part of developing an economy based on inclusive economic growth and

ensuring everyone shares in Bristol’s success.

Now, working with unions and businesses in the city, we have started the conversation about making Bristol the first real Living Wage city.

This could include a Bristol-specific living wage (probably somewhere between the national real Living Wage and the London weighting). I am writing to chief execs across Bristol to join us in this ambition. I want to make it the benchmark for the employers in our city, not the aspiration.

So because of this commitment, I am concerned about the Post Office’s proposals to close our only Crown Post Office in Bristol at the Galleries shopping centre and relocate into the nearby WH Smith.

This will leave Bristol with no flagship Post Office, having a significant impact on services we receive, and also a loss of decent jobs which will likely be replaced by minimum wage roles.

It is unacceptable not to have a major Post Office serving our citizens and economy when

Park way

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

Bristol has the fastest growing population of any core city, with three quarters of a million people in the city region, and a strong economy which contributes £14.3 billion to the UK economy.

I spoke at the recent day of action organised by the Communications Workers Union (CWU) to campaign against this proposal and for decent jobs, and for the services Bristolians rely on. I encourage people to sign the online petition at saveourpostoffice.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

21

n NEWS

Billy's birthday trolley dash for foodbank

Pupils take athletics gold

NIMBLE youngsters from Fishponds C of E Academy are jumping for joy after coming first in an athletics competition.

A total of 11 local primary schools competed in the School Games Athletics tournament at the City Academy, with Fishponds emerging victorious.

The pupils took part in a number of different disciplines including track and field events.

Final points were 506 for Fishponds, with second place going to Hillcrest Primary with 398 points and May Park primary third with 396 points.

The team will now compete in

the district finals at UWE at the end of January.

Headteacher Debbie Coker said: "The group had training every Friday lunchtime to build up their skills and learn to work as part of a team. They have definitely learnt that hard work and determination pays off!"

WHEN Billy Neale’s mum asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he decided he didn’t really want anything.

So the teenager from Emersons Green asked his mum Helen if he could spend the money she had put aside to help other people instead.

She gave him £100 and he went to Asda in Longwell Green to buy donations for the Resound Foodbank in Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield.

This is despite supermarkets being a challenging environment for Billy – he has nine conditions, including autism and Tourette’s syndrome.

The 19-year-old went with his carer, Justine Guatieri, and bought 57kg of supplies, including enough food for 63 meals, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel and nappies.

Plans unveiled for new Frenchay Primary NEIGHBOURS and parents of children at Frenchay Primary School have had the chance to find out more about plans to build a new home.

South Gloucestershire Council is planning to build a new school on the site of Frenchay Hospital, to open by September 2020.

The new building would enable the school to expand to provide a total of 420 places for children aged from four to 11.

A consultation was held in Frenchay Village Hall on December 4, when the project team behind the plans discussed them with the public.

Those at the consultation event were shown indicative plans to give them an idea of how the new school could look.

If the current plans go forward, the new school would be built on a car park next to the Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, the only part of the former hospital where patients are still being treated.

It would be two storeys high, with eight classrooms, halls and a kitchen on the ground floor and a further six classrooms on the first floor.

After taking on board comments made during the consultation, final plans will be drawn up so a formal planning application can be made.

The site previously identified for a new school, off Malmains Drive, would be sold off by South Gloucestershire Council to fund the project.

View us online www.fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsdsvoic voicee July, 2018 — ISSUE 42

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THE GREATER

'Don't spray poison near kids' CAMPAIGNERS against pesticides stepped up their protests after council workers sprayed toxic chemicals next to schools in Fishponds.

They are furious that the city seems to be rowing back on pledges to phase out harmful pesticides.

The Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance has been calling for an end to the use of glysophate, a weedkiller that is under review in Europe because of its hazardous impact on human health, since Bristol was European Green Capital in 2015.

The Mayor Marvin Rees committed to their cause in his election campaign a year later but now the council has told the Voice it has no plans to stop using glysophate.

Full story: Page 3

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Frankie's new £1m campaign Sunshine and a flypast by the Red Arrows ensured Party in the Ponds was a big success. The event was organised To join them, email pinp2017@outlook.comby a group of volunteers.

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS CHILDREN at Gracefields School in Fishponds are proving it's never too early to learn life skills.

The youngsters visited the Lifeskills Centre in Bristol, a realistic village with houses, shops, a railway and a beach where they learnt to deal with dangerous and difficult situations.

Headteacher Elizabeth Morgan said: "Our visit to the Lifeskills Centre is an important part of the curriculum at Gracefield School. The children learn valuable lessons about safety in everyday life and always enjoy the interactive settings.

The volunteers help make the experience an interesting and informative one."

The centre, based at the Create Centre in Hotwells, is a safety education charity and is looking for volunteers to guide small groups of children through the different scenarios. Sessions run from 9.40am-noon and 12.40-3pm weekdays in term.

If you would like to get involved call 0117 922 4511, email johanna@lifeskills-bristol.org.uk or visit https://lifeskills-bristol. org.uk

23

Children learn skills for life

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS

Tree-rrific!

THERE’S more than one way to decorate a Christmas tree, as community groups in Fishponds have proved.

Thirteen different concepts were thought up by groups taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival at Fishponds Baptist Church in Downend Road. They range from a tree hung with woollen pompoms by the Fishponds Baptist Church Craft Group to a Brussels sprout, baby corn and Club biscuit-bedecked wonder from the church’s Luncheon Club.

The church opened its doors every morning in the week up to December 22, to allow people to look at the trees and vote for their favourite efforts in two categories – one for adult groups and one for children.

A memory tree for people to hang the name of a loved they would missed over Christmas was also erected.

The groups taking part are: Fishponds Baptist morning congregation; Sticky Fish Pre-School; Gracefield School; Fishponds Baptist Church Luncheon Club; Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Group; The Source (Thursday after-school club); Friendship and exercise group; 55th Guides; 55th Rainbows; Kids Alive; 151st Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; Fishponds Over 50s Social; Fishponds Baptist Church Craft Group.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

55th Guides' tree with Gracefield School in background

Fishponds Baptist Luncheon Club's tree

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Organiser Linda Payne with the Baptist church craft group's pom pom tree

55th Rainbows' tree

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

25

n FROM OUR MP

A year of challenges - and successes WITH 2018 coming to a close, it seems appropriate to reflect on the past 12 months, which have presented many challenges – both in parliament and in Bristol – and some positive developments too.

Much of the year has of course been dominated by Brexit. Theresa May pulled the meaningful vote on her Brexit deal, as it became clear she has very little support. Unlike the Prime Minister, my position on Brexit has been consistent since the referendum in 2016. I voted against the triggering of Article 50 in 2017 because I did not believe the Government was sufficiently prepared for the negotiations.

Since then, it has become clear that the current deal is the best that the UK will be able to get, yet even the Chancellor has acknowledged that this would make the country worse off. For that reason, I am supporting a People’s Vote, with Remain as an option, which is the only way to overcome the current impasse.

I was proud to present a

petition to the House of Commons earlier this month, calling for greater funding for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, which had been signed by over a thousand constituents. The petition also has the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, whose job has been made incredibly difficult by Governmentimposed austerity. The same can be said for council leaders, city mayors, and Police and Crime Commissioners across the country.

I hope that the Government will listen to the widespread concerns being raised about the consequences of their cuts and announce the desperately needed funding for police forces and local authorities in the upcoming Policing and Local Government Finance Settlements.

One of the biggest successes over the past year was the Government’s decision to close viability assessments, a loophole in the planning system which allowed developers to avoid

building affordable homes. I have raised the injustice of this practice with Ministers on a number of occasions, and am pleased to see the issue is now being addressed.

We are lucky in Bristol to have a city council which is leading the way in getting homes built and ensuring that they are at prices local people can afford, as the campaign over Blackberry Hill Hospital housing site clearly illustrates. High rents, skyrocketing house prices and homelessness remain major problems but I know that the Council is doing what it can to address these issues, and I will continue to call for greater Government action to address the nation’s housing crisis.

Also this year, I have raised constituents concerns with First Bus about a number of issues including the high number of delayed and cancelled services in recent months. I am pleased to see that they have since brought additional buses to Bristol to plug gaps in the service when

n NEWS

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice they occur and hope that my constituents find their journeys improving as a result.

To contact Kerry, email kerry. mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk or call 0117 939 9901.

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REVELLERS at Begbrook Retirement Club had a ball when they held their annual Christmas party.

Food and entertainment was provided courtesy of the John James Bristol Foundation, which gives grants to charitable organisations working for the benefit of Bristol residents.

Sharon Hazell, who helped organise the event, said: "We had a wonderful Christmas buffet for the members and a singer called Danny Guest entertained us. Even Father Christmas made an appearance."

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26

January, 2019

n FISHPONDS MUM

Yawn: the tricky business of sleep BY the time your child is three, you may be slowly, gradually, getting a few more winks of sleep. The subject of sleep is a tricky one; I knew I had been going on about it slightly more than is socially acceptable when I overheard a friend whisper to another friend, also a new mother, not to mention to me that her child slept really well.

Some people have those babies who nod off in a biblical Moses basket or sleep twice in the day then drift off to sleep at about seven pm. My child would not entertain the idea of a Moses basket past two weeks and, despite the best of routines, lack of sleep is still the most talked about thing in our house.

“Of course she goes to sleep at your house, Mum, it’s nine o’clock when you put her to bed,” I reply when my mum tells me that she doesn’t understand what the problem is and that she “really

ought to be sleeping through the night by now”. Just what you need when you are tired and cranky – someone telling how you ought to be doing it.

But if you actually want to have an evening, you know, a proper evening during which you squeeze in all the things you used to do across the fourteen-hour period of a waking day, then you might aim at 7pm as a good time to get the child to bed.

They say a baby’s sleep cycle is three hours long and if they can settle themselves after three hours and sleep up to six hours, then that’s the beginning of sleeping

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through the night.

My friend Claire says “you can’t let them go backwards…once they’ve done it once… you must keep on…”

I can remember introducing night and day to my baby, turning lights out when upstairs so she understood what night time was, so she could set her body clock.

I know toddlers, often my own, who are still dancing at ten o’clock with parents asleep around them, but I also know lots of militant parents who do not compromise – seven o’clock is the bedtime hour for 0-5 year olds. My friend Jo is one such mother. She has children who go to bed, come rain or shine, at 7pm and sleep for twelve hours.

They do not wake; we have had very loud karaoke parties in the house and the children hear none of it. They sleep through anything.

She puts this down to not walking on tiptoes from the day they were born and always having a noisy house, to which they have acclimatised.

Alternatively, my friend Kellie has a child who basically puts himself to sleep. She read him a book then said, “night, night Sam…” and gentle Sam was asleep and self-settling since birth. Initially, she put this down to, well, putting him down. Not rocking, singing, none of the lullabying malarkey. Smug was she until her second child, Matthew, was born. He hardly sleeps at all and needs much of the above to even consider going to sleep.

Aged almost four, Matthew has never slept through the night. I can remember the day when she rang me weeping, breathless and panicky, to say, “I think Matthew is trying to drop his afternoon nap…”

My child slept for longer periods (six hours than three) after dropping a nap, and even better after starting pre-school, but others don’t.

We moved our daughter into her own room aged one when she

went into her toddler bed. I tell you this as an example of what we did, not what anyone ought to do. I’d read the books, (Sleep Sense is a good one) the disappearing chair, the no talking approach and, for whatever reason, it wasn’t right for us. She is still in her own bed room and will sleep until 2am when she normally climbs into our bed. She has slept through a handful of times. Her arms flail, I get kicked in the head, she twirls my hair and often her nappy leaks. There is nothing quite like the whiff and temperature of waking up to that delight… but it is also lovely and we have developed a very secure attachment.

We figure that when she is ready to sleep in her own bed all night long, she will. Strangely, we all seem to get more sleep this way rather than me running in, settling, and nipping quietly out again, on repeat, all night long. She will have none of my partner in the night time hours and despite our best efforts, it is me who undertakes night hours.

What is catastrophic is that the minute you have even slightly more sleep and begin to get more energy, it hits you: you are absentmindedly considering having a second child, as if the past three years of feeling exhausted has never even happened.

I feel comforted by parents who have grown up children who say things like: “She still doesn’t sleep well…she still generally only eats pasta and cereal…she still hates sharing stuff… and she’s twentyeight…”

Sometimes it is worth listening out for what your child wants and what makes them happy, rather than responding to what the books say or what you ought to be doing. I’m all for development and routines, but in my experience, children are all different sleepers and muddling along is just fine.

YAPO Certified Yoga Teacher

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To reserve your place please contact Portland Therapy on 0117 9565855 or email: enquires@portlandtherapycentre.co.uk Price per class £7 (drop in) or £6 (block booking) Portland Therapy Centre, Church Court, North View, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 4NQ

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

27

n NEWS

Tree planted for community stalwart A TREE has been planted in memory of a Downend woman who fought to save Lincombe Barn from demolition.

Jean Hamner MBE was one of the founding members of Downend Folk House Association which she helped set up in 1970, two years after saving the barn from a road-widening scheme which would have seen it bulldozed.

She became the first female chairman of the former Mangotsfield Urban District Council and was chairman of governors at both Kingsfield School, now King's Oak Academy, and the now defunct Grange School in Warmley.

At the time of her death - on her 100th birthday on March 5, 2018 - Jean was still on the management committee at Lincombe Barn and was a regular face at Staple Hill Methodist Church where she had been attending for 60 years.

Members of her family met at Lincombe Barn, together with present members of the Downend Folk House Association and children from the Barn Play Group, to plant a Japanese Rowan tree in her memory.

Roy Taylor, from Lincombe Barn, said: "Jean, together with another councillor Cliff Werlock, insisted that Downend needed a community centre, secured a lease, and with a small team, they renovated the dilapidated building.

"The Barn Community Association opened in 1970 with 75 members. With further developments, in which Jean provided an active leadership, it is now a busy meeting place with an extensive programme of social and learning activities for

Jean Hamner pictured two weeks before her 100th birthday people from Downend and the neighbouring communities."

Jean was brought up in Dulwich, London but instead of joining the family commercial laundry business she went into education, going to Bedford College in the mid-1930s, then Oxford University, something which was then rare for a woman to do.

After Oxford, Jean taught geography in Ludlow during the war, then moved to Derby where she met her husband James.

After the war James taught near Doncaster, Yorkshire before the family moved to Grace Road, Downend in 1952 when he got a teaching job at Chipping Sodbury Grammar School.

Jean and James had four children - Owen, a retired paediatrician; Ruth, a retired teacher; Frances; a retired social worker and Patrick, a tropical forester.

Jean, who was a Methodist preacher, gardener and keen traveller, was awarded an MBE for her community work, something which took her

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Members of Jean's family with Merle Hosking who led proceedings on behalf of the Barn by surprise as glory wasn't important to her.

After James died in 2002, Jean continued to travel, visiting places such as Sri Lanka, Australia and South Africa. She recovered from bowel cancer and two mini strokes, going on to spend her later years in good heath.

Son Patrick said: "Jean was a forthright extrovert, with a huge capacity for good. A woman of great principle and spirit, with a deeply held Christian belief.

She was a great communicator, even inspiring, taking a personal interest in people and the community. Nowadays she’d be called a great ‘networker’.

Her positive, sunny nature was absolutely instinctive; there was nothing false about her.

"She was always determined to ‘do something’. She was a local Methodist preacher for many years, always very liberal

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

and open-minded, mindful that society is always evolving, moving forward.

"At the time of her death she had 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, with one more due – so passing on the genes in quite a determined way! She was very proud of them all, taking a keen interest in them individually right to the end of her life."

Her family believe it was her dogged determination to become a centenarian and receive a birthday greeting from the Queen that kept her alive until she succeeded in reaching her milestone.Patrick said: "She was probably hanging on as she was always determined to achieve milestones and make the most of everything."

Jean died at her Downend home of 66 years surrounded by her family.A thanksgiving for her life was held at Staple Hill Methodist Church in April.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

28

January, 2019

n PLANNING

Consider terms of engagement

HAPPY New Year. You may not have realised it, but you have just been engaged with. By me. Engagement is something that planners often agonise over. The whole idea of having a planning system is to benefit society as a whole, to regulate development decisions in the interest of, ultimately, all of us. If everyone is to benefit, then everyone needs to have a say in these decisions. Off course we don’t live in the kind of society that makes many things compulsory.

Engaging people in the process so that we can all have somewhere to live, somewhere to work and places for our leisure time is vital and you have been engaged the some extent by reading this far. And that is where we could let the matter rest - job done.

But it is not that simple. Let’s talk about you. You are someone who decides to read this article in the full knowledge that it will be about planning. Good for you!

You have most likely had the Fishponds Voice dropped through your letterbox. You read it because it relates to the district where you live. You read it because you care.

Again, good for you. However, you haven‘t sought this article out. You haven‘t had to head out in the January wind and rain and

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involvement in planning, talk to your friends and neighbours and listen to what they have to say. I often suggest this before a planning application is submitted.

If both parties are talking and ideally prepared to compromise, there is a better chance of coming to a solution that will suit everyone.

This approach also applies within the planning system itself.

I have previously noted the stress under which all councils have to operate in dealing with planning applications and, as I write, councils are having to deal with further funding cuts, stretching resources even thinner. A by-product of these dwindling resources is how far a local planning authority will go to engage with applicants, who after all are the ones who have to shell out for the planning applications, which is a key part of funding planning departments. In these times of polarisation across the world, the answer is not to draw up battle lines where you are obliged to be on one side or the other.

However, the opportunities for dialogue are diminishing further.

Without such dialogue and with a growing bunker mentality in planning departments, solutions to problems are always going to be one-sided and as a result

Chris Gosling unsatisfactory. I suspect that I am hoping in vain for an improvement in relations, but its a New Year and if you can‘t get your hopes up then, when can you? I just hope that some planners have made a resolution for 2019 not to hide behind their answer machines.

Let’s all try to engage again.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

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

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FISHPONDS

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exchange cash to read this. In order to engage someone under those circumstances takes more effort, even though its always tempting to think that the previous paragraph was good enough to tick the engagement box. Everyone has an opinion, however apathetic, untrusting, cynical or just plain busy they may be. And everyone‘s opinion counts just as much as anyone else‘s. In the end, everyone needs shelter, work, education and leisure destinations. Everyone has their own enjoyment of the environment. Reaching the people who aren’t actively interested is a challenge.

At times, it seems as if planning is an old person’s preserve. Older people have the advantage of time and will be more likely as a result to express their opinions, but without wishing to be blunt, they are going to feel the impacts of planning decisions for a shorter period of time. At the other end of the scale, young people are less likely to have the confidence or experience to engage with the planning system, even though these decisions will affect them for longer. These days, first and often last contact with planning can often be through school and college visits.

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS

Arrest after van break-in

From left to right: Oliver, Benji, Jacob and Kyal now have their Chief Scout gold award after embarking on a two-day hike

Scouts triumphant BOYS from the 74th Kingswood Scout group in Staple Hill emerged tired but victorious after a two-day hiking expedition.

Thee expedition was the last challenge they needed to complete in order to achieve their Chief Scout gold award.

The group, which also has Beaver and Cub sections, meets

29

at the Methodist Church ion Friday evenings and urgently needs adult volunteers to join the leaders in running the sessions.

Group Scout leader Katie Cox said: "Being part of our group is fun, very rewarding and helps our young people gain skills for life."

To find out more, please email katiecox@blueyonder.co.uk

A MAN is due in court after van was broken into in a Fishponds street.

Avon and Somerset police say the 39-year-old was arrested after suspicious activity in the early hours of the morning was reported to them.

A force spokesperson said officers on patrol were flagged down shortly after 4.15am on November 27 in Redhill Drive by a man on his way to work, who said he had seen two men on bikes behaving suspiciously.

Another resident also called police after being woken up and seeing suspicious activity outside.

Officers found that a van had been broken into and detained one suspect almost immediately, on suspicion of theft. A police dog and handler were called in to search for the second suspect but he escaped.

The arrested man, from Sea Mills, is due to appear in court in early January after being charged

with vehicle interference.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Chris Green said police were grateful to the people who reported the incident to them, adding: “This goes to show how big a part the community can play in helping us to keep neighbourhoods safe.

“We’ve been targeting marked and covert patrols in this area after a number of thefts from vans in recent days. It’s really important that this sort of crime is reported so we can bid for resources and focus them in this way.”

Anyone who sees suspicious activity underway should immediately call 999. To report a break-in after it has happened, call 101.

PS Green added: “Prevention is better than cure. We understand how such crimes affect the livelihoods of tradespeople and know it’s not always possible to empty a work

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OCAL dog waking business owner Lynn Lloyd has added a new service to their portfolio enabling you to have your dog or pet attend your wedding.

Lynn explains: "Weddings are such a joyous occasion, but in most instances your pet doesn't play any part in your special day, we are finding more and more couples are taking the option of having your pet attend the day.

It makes sense for pet lovers to have your pet play a part in the proceedings" and we tailor make the package just for you.

Lynn has an initial consultation with you to discuss your

Wedding package proves popular for Waggs 'n' Woofs

requirements for the day. We will discuss things like what part you would like your dog / pet to play on the day ie: Guest of Honour, Ring Bearer etc and how we can make that work.

I would then need details of your photographer to discuss time frames for shots /poses/ props etc. I will collect your dog / pet from the agreed address and time and transport them safely to your

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Wedding / Event venue in plenty of time to enable me to give them a short, calm walk to familiarise them with the surroundings and give them a final spruce up to ensure that they look their best.

I will dress them in your chosen attire (if requested) and make sure that they have adequate rest periods to ensure that they are happy and relaxed. I will work with your photographer to ensure that we get those perfect shots for you to cherish forever. I will then transport your dog / pet home safely and ensure that they have adequate food and water, before tucking them up in bed to dream of your happy day.

We offer 3 different packages from Silver, Gold and Platinum to give you a wide choice of options.

All packages are completely tailor made for the happy couple, so please feel free to ask if there is anything in particular that you would like.

I will do my utmost to make sure that everything is just perfect

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

for you.

Lynn can be contacted on 07866 588 920 or by email enquiries@waggs-n-woofs.co.uk or take a look at our website: www. waggs-n-woofs.co.uk/

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

30

n NEWS SHOPPERS have expressed their delight after a popular discount store was saved from closure at the eleventh hour.

The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) looked set to shut at the end of the year after the company was served notice by the store's landlord.

Although the company had closed 32 of its 224 stores due to a challenging retail market, the Staple Hill branch had been performing well and the company wanted to continue to trade there.

Negotiations between TOFS and the landlord had been continuing while staff were kept up to date with progress.

Finally, it was announced on December 11 that the landlord had signed a new lease and the store would remain open.

More than 60 people welcomed the news on the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Facebook page, with people describing the news as "fantastic" and "brilliant".

One woman posted: "Thrilled for all the staff and Staple Hill

January, 2019

Joy as shop closure halted

regulars!" Another said: "Glad to hear it, happy for all the staff that will keep their jobs in these tough times."

Staple Hill councillor Shirley Potts told Downend Voice: "This is really great news. Many elderly people expressed to me their concerns since other ways of shopping are not always available

to them. Together with other members of the community they are delighted that job loss is not facing staff particularly at this time of year."

Cllr Ian Boulton said: "The welcome news that TOFS has been able to secure a deal to stay in Staple Hill is another indication that our High Street

is a place that businesses want to trade in.

"Most importantly I’m delighted that the TOFS staff have some job security over the Christmas period which can be such a strain for many households, let alone those facing redundancy."

Local People WE WANT YOU! People are at the very centre of everything we teach and practice.

Valuing & supporting YOU is at the heart of our club culture.

Nothing is more important than helping YOU develop and achieve.

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Open: Mon-Fri 9 - 5.30pm | Sat 9 - 5pm | Sun 10 - 4pm The Old Coachworks, Bath Road, Longwell Green, Bristol BS30 6DL Tel: 0117 947 7721 | www.thecarpetbarn.co.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Karate, don’t be put off by the word!

Visit for more details www.zenshinkarate.co.uk Email robzenshindojo@gmail.com

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

31

n NEWS

Christmas on the Hill attracts big crowd THIS year's Christmas on the Hill has been hailed a success after record crowds flocked to Staple Hill to enjoy the festivities.

The much-anticipated annual event, which took place this year on December 1, is seen by many as the start of Christmas.

High Street, Broad Street and Page Road were transformed with a party atmosphere as various activities took place along main roads as well as in churches, shops and community buildings.

Choirs, bands and dance troops provided entertainment with characters from Star Wars proving a big hit with the children.

Later in the afternoon visitors crowded

around the Christmas tree in Fountain Square ready for carols and the light switch-on, courtesy of 11-year-old charity fundraiser Jake Skinner who lives in Staple Hill.

The event had the double bonus of helping boost trade in the area as visitors purchased gifts, food and refreshments from local traders.

Staple Hill councillor Shirley Potts said: "Our thanks must go to all those supporters whose contributions made Christmas on the Hill such a great success. The town centre was alive with numerous activities culminating in the switching on of the lights by Jake Skinner and the Christmas Angels followed by carol singing around the Christmas Tree. The indication was that Christmas had come to Staple Hill."

Fellow councillor Ian Boulton said: "It is fantastic to see so many people visiting our town centre and enjoying their time in Staple Hill.

"Having even more traders getting into the spirit of the event was really encouraging as we work to give them an opportunity to entice new visitors into their shops and showcase their businesses."

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

2 and 3 year old funding available We take children from 2 - 5yrs old 1

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PLACES AVAILABLE NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 Phone Liz (manager) on 07746404262 or 01179584075 (preschool hours only) FOR FURTHER DETAILS

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

AFTER

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

MINERVA PRIMARY ACADEMY

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Minerva Voice (full page) advert 250x180mm_CLF0013.indd 1

12/12/2018 15:44

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

33

n NEWS

Kingswood WI is set to close KINGSWOOD WI is set to close after 29 years - because no one wants to take charge.

The organisation will meet to dissolve its constitution in the New Year after members failed to step up to the roles of president and treasurer.

President June Thorn, 68, said: "We've still got a good membership but unfortunately we're unable to find a president and treasurer.

"Our current treasurer Pat Bean has done the job for the last 29 years and she's in her early 80s. The founding members have all done their bit over the years.

"I took on the role of president two years ago rather than see the WI close and the same happened again last year so I did a further year.

"Back in August I said I wasn't prepared to do another year and no one came forward.

Since then nothing has changed so unfortunately, despite having a membership of about 50, we're having to dissolve. On January 10th Kingswood WI will cease."

Any monies which are left in the coffers will be held for two years for any future group.

June, who has served five years as president, said she was keeping her fingers crossed.

It would need a president, treasurer and secretary, as well as a committee of about eight, to come forward at the meeting if the WI is to continue.

If anyone would like to form a new version of Kingswood WI, they should contact WI House in Keynsham on 0117 986 4782 for advice and support.

Super support for Young Carers MEMBERS of Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club had a surprise when they visited Young Carers Bristol & South Gloucestershire at the Vassall Centre - the staff were dressed as super heroes for a fun day for young carers and their families.

The event was partly funded by Rotary, who handed over £2,500.

Fishponds and Downend Rotary member Judy Powell said: "Carers lead a difficult and often lonely life. It's great to be able to play a small part in something that allows them to have fun and forget their everyday cares for a short while. Whilst the staff wore great costumes it's the young carers themselves who are the real heroes."

You’ve got the skills to foster… you may not know it yet

“I wIsh we’d done It years ago” Fatima, Foster Carer

Become a foster carer with South Gloucestershire Council and make a real difference.

We’re looking for foster carers for children of all age groups. If you have a spare room, childcare experience and the time, we’d love to hear from you.  01454 866423  fostering@southglos.gov.uk www.fostersouthglos.org.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

34

January, 2019

n PETER'S VISION NOW I may have said this before, but I do believe that every day’s a school day. Well at least in my sphere of operation anyhow. I guess it’s a mind set, perhaps you could say even a way of life. I just love meeting people you see, chatting and learning. Every day.

Without fail.

We’ve recently had four optometry students with us, two in Henleaze & two in Fishponds, to experience life in an optometry practice. They’re studying at the new UWE Optometry School. It’s a super course, with a key element of the learning being the practical aspects of actually caring for patients. As it’s a Bristol based course I’m biased of course, but I know a few of the clinical and academic team and they really are very good at what they do.

It reflects in the quality of their students - you’ll see for yourselves in the years to come!

Perhaps it’s not only what we learn but also what we do with it that really counts. For example I attended a dry & watery eye training course to gain my dry eye certificate in 2013. My own experience of sore then watery eyes when using a VDU prompted me to undergo the additional training (and even an exam!). I followed this with additional learning from research papers on the finer details of how to diagnose and then effectively treat the symptoms our patients came to see us with.

The process of learning to diagnose and then treat eye and vision conditions is a continuous one. We were one of the first in the area to offer in-depth eye imaging

You learn something new every day!

The team at Turners

scans which has taught us (and our patients!) a great deal about their eye health and vision. It’s really a shared learning process. Come see us and we’ll show you more detail than you’ve probably ever seen before!

We can’t let the new year pass without wishing you all a very Happy New Year! I have a plea as well, unless you’ve recently done so, please, please make a new years resolution to book an eye exam.

It’s also an opportunity to see

whats new in the world of glasses just think how amazing you’ll look & see!

Whether you’ve dry or watery eyes or would just like a thorough & in-depth assessment of your eye health & vision I highly recommend an extended eye exam for each of you. A thorough & in-depth assessment of your eyes & vision, including personalised advise for your eye and vision health. You can book to see us by calling 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Eye

exam appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bristol-based company determined to make energy fairer A BRISTOL-based firm is on a mission to make saving money on energy bills quick and simple by continuously ‘flipping’ its customers on to the best possible tariffs.

Flipper, the UK’s first energy auto-switching service, prides itself on being different from price comparison websites as it doesn’t take commission payments from energy providers, meaning it can truly find customers the best deal from the whole energy market.

Auto-switching services are a new concept which take data from a customer’s energy

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

bill and then regularly scan the market, automatically switching them on to a cheaper tariff when one becomes available. Flipper’s managing director Mark Gutteridge says this doesn’t just save people money, but also a lot of time and hassle – which are the key reasons people don’t switch suppliers.

“Consumers are urged to check the energy market and are told switching suppliers will save them money, but no-one has the time to do this every month and it can be confusing trying to find the best deal on a comparison site” said

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Mark.

“Our service takes the hassle out of finding the best deal and switching suppliers and also gives people confidence that they will stay on the cheapest possible deal throughout the year.

We carry out monthly market checks looking at the whole market, meaning the tariffs we flip our customers to are genuinely the cheapest available.

“Bristol is a city known for innovation and we’re proud to be leading the charge for fairer energy.”

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

35

n VET BLOG

Aching bones and creaky joints OSTEOARTHRITIS is the most commonly seen in joint disorder in cats and dogs. It is a painful condition which impacts on day to day life.

A healthy joint should have a layer of cartilage over the end of the bones, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other with no pain or discomfort. However, with osteoarthritis this smooth surface wears away leaving rough bony surfaces to rub against each other causing further inflammation.

Ouch!

There are many reasons the smooth cartilage may fail, such as: - As we age the cartilage layer begins to fail exposing the bone underneath - Breed, eg Labradors and German Shepherd dogs.

- Previous trauma or surgery to the joint, or abnormal joint development like hip dysplasia .

It is important to get started with treatment before osteoarthritis becomes severe.

It is a ‘snowball’ disease - once the initial inflammation begins it accelerates further destruction of the cartilage.

Management at home: - Weight management as obesity increases the load on the joints and fat cells release inflammatory mediators that exacerbate osteoarthritis.

- Warm, comfortable bedding - Floors should ideally be nonslip and consider ramps over steps and into the car - Short walks often - Consider hydrotherapy. A qualified physiotherapist may be able to show you some exercises which can help.

- Joint supplements to support the health of the remaining cartilage. The ingredient quality can vary so we always recommend getting them from a reputable source.

As the disease progresses pain relief and anti-inflammatories may be required. Remember not to use

human medication on your pet as it can be very toxic. Ibuprofen can cause serious stomach problems and one paracetamol tablet is enough to kill a cat! We often get asked about cannabid oil. It is currently illegal to buy this for animals without prescription, and until tests have confirmed safe doses we would advise against using this.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at Kingswood Vets4Pets on 0117 9616417.

Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

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

Pet obesity is a growing issue!

Ask us about our FREE nurse weight clinics at Vets4Pets Bristol Kingswood

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

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

36

January, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday January 4 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 075 2780 8206 Monday January 7 n Memory cafe afternoon tea at Holy Trinity Stapleton church hall, 2-4pm. For people with dementia and their carers to enjoy music and company. For details call Ros Hathaway 0117 9518980 Thursday January 10 n Gardening Club talk, Nick Wray "Canada, Vancouver and North America" at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road.

7.30pm. Pay at the door £3.

Thursday January 24 n Natural History Society talk, Pauline Robinson "Ethiopia" at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 7.30pm. Pay at the door £3.

Thursday January 24 n Avon Organic Group invites local gardeners and growers – Talk, John Salvat “Walled Gardens & Old Growing Techniques” 7pm, The Station, Bristol. BS1 2AG. £5, incl. refreshments. www. groworganicbristol.org Saturday January 26 n 7pm – Concert with the Nexus Youth Gospel Choir at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN. Tickets £5 tel: 07837 086619 or 0117 956 9733 Friday February 1 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 075 2780 8206 Saturday February 2 n Craft fayre and Coffee Morning.

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

Alan Freke "The Bells of Frenchay" at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at the door £2.50.

Coffee extra. Also cake stall.

Thursday February 14 n Gardening Club talk, Coral Gardiner "For the LOVE of Flowers" at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 7.30pm. Pay at the door £3.

n Spine Safe Pilates Course 6 weeks - £42 - limited participants (pre-booking required) - 30 minute classes Next course starts early January www.gentlefitness.co.uk samantha@gentlefitness.co.uk Samantha 07736309272

REGULAR EVENTS Mondays

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

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

Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 7-8pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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 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.

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

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

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

Quakers Road Church Hall.

10.30 - 11.30 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com WEDNESDAY Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com THURSDAY Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing.

Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon.

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

7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities (non profitmaking only) in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148

Tuesdays

n Bristol Blues Club. Live blues/ rock music at 9pm in the Downend Tavern. Local, national and international musicians. https://bristolbluesclub.wixsite. com/mysite n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Email: bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place n Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club.Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday.

Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954. n Morning Prayer, St John’s Church 9:15am n Foot Care Sessions, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9:30am n Coffee and Craft Morning, St John’s Church 10am n Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers, All Saints Community Hall 10am n Level 1 Walking Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Music for Toddlers, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 10:30am

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

January, 2019 n Lunch Club, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12:30pm n Film Club for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Pre-school Storytime/ Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15-2.45pm n Eucharist with signing for the Deaf, Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL 3pm n Messy Church, Fishponds CofE Academy 3:15pm n Woodcraft , All Saints Church Hall/Link 6pm n Evening Prayer, St Aidan’s Church 7pm n Evening Prayer, St Ambrose Church 7pm n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Scouts (10-14 years), Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. 7.309pm (Term Time only) Email: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Call Ami 0746 2727 229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15-8.15pm.

Meeting in small room. n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm.

Contact Anna 0779 9180 437 n Badminton, Downend Sports Centre 8 -10pm. Call 0117 9400706.

Email: ridgewaydownend@yahoo. co.uk n ‘Friends and Neighbours’, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, 2 - 4pm alternate Tuesdays. A friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea. n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club.

10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n 8.15pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club.

Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club.

10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Pilates classes, Steiner Academy, Oldbury Court Road, 7-8pm, £6.50 Bring an exercise/yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. 07952 941 531 n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159. n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. n Under 5s Make a Mess session

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n New session for Under 5s has space for structured making, free play and exploration - 1.45-2.45pm every week £5 / £4 extra siblings www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Monthly social meet up for disabled people at the Old Post Office pub, Fishponds Road. Open and friendly group, meets second Tuesday of month 6-7.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - www.wecil.co.uk. n 10.15am, Under 5s Make A Mess session, Children's Scrapstore, Sevier Street, St Werburghs. £5 / £4 extra siblings, www. childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 914 3002. n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Bristol, BS16 4HL n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Speedwell, BS16 4HL. Ask at the library for more details: 0117 9038576 n Speedwell Community Café 11am-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779

37

Centre 11am n Level 3 Walking Group, starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1pm n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1:30pm n Punjabi Dance and Song, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Support and Activity Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Chair based exercise class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ladies Circle, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2:30pm n Wives Group, St John’s Church 2:30pm n Messy Church, Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George 3:30pm n Home Group, Location varies 6:30pm n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am-noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am n Hannah More Club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm (fortnightly) n Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 1.30-3 pm, fourth Wednesday of every month.

Call Anne 0117 9041875 for

information. n 5.45pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club.

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

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

Contact Beryl 0117 9774534. n Cycle UK (CTC). For all cyclists from beginners to professionals, commuters to sports. Beechwood Club, Fishponds, BS16 3TR. 8-10PM winter months only (other months are rides, see http://www. cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) n Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 n Flower Arranging practice classes, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel Cooke on 0117 9568504 n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall.

10 am to noon. Visitors welcome.

Continued on next page

Wednesdays

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

Ffi call 07808 581739 n Shared reading group is taking place at Hillfields and Little Hayes Family Hub and Library 12,30-2pm.

Contact Emma Crago for details, 07970 247410, emmacrago@ thereader.org.uk n Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive

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38

January, 2019

n WHAT’S ON www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm.

Calling from Alan Davies and music by Mike Elsom. Dancers of all abilities and experience are welcome. Information at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm.

More information is available at www.frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook. com. n Pilates classes.

The Life Church, Forest Road.

10.15 - 11.15 a.m. and 6.45 7.45 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates.

n 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 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 Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Diamond fellowship at

Est 1984

Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am to noon. All mediums, all abilities, all welcome.

Thursdays n Dance Fit with Cressida.

Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps and music. 2pm-3pm plus tea and chat. Starting Sep 7. Ffi call 07808 581739. n Yoga class for beginners.

Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, 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

La Porta Barbering Company

Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds.

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

Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 1012 or Wednesdays 7-8.30pm For more information see www. taoist.org or call Crispin on 07407175127 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA, evening. Full details on website - Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year.

Call Ruth 0796 6032 414 n East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. . Further information from Hazel Durn on 0117 9513868 or Tony Locke on 07919 173450 n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7-18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities welcome.

Contact Patsy Holdsworth 01179078994 n 9.30am Fitness Yoga (beginners

& improvers) at Beechwood Club.

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

Thursdays in each month.For information, please telephone the Secretary, Malcolm Forbes, on 01179 836886. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 956 1846. n Riff Raff Choir - The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30-9.30pm. Pop and rock, mixed choir. All voice parts taught by ear. Everyone welcome - no audition. Booking essential. FREE taster session at start of term. £80 for 10 week term. www.

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

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

Greeting cards and preserves on sale in aid of St Peter's Hospice.

Est 1984

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

0117 965 1220

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

n WHAT’S ON

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

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

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

Open to all. Friendly and caring.

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

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

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

Stapleton church hall, Park Road.

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

Saturdays n 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 Breaks: Summer Jul –Aug / Winter Dec –Jan) For info or to register Tel: 07508390298/Email: life.universecity@gmail.com n 10-11 am Saturday Sports Club for 4-8 year olds at Mangotsfield Primary School, Church Farm Road, Emersons Green, BS16 7EY. Introducing children to sport through a range of activities/ sports. £5 per session. Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@ sportingchance-pt.co.uk n Monthly Bric a Brac and Clothing Sale at Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill, Stapleton. It is held on the 1st Saturday of each month, from 10am til 12pm. Refreshments available in the Hall. Dog friendly, everyone welcome. 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.

39

Michael’s Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Aidan’s Church 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St John’s 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, All Saints Church 10.30am n All Sorts Youth Group, St Aidan’s Church hall 6pm(fortnightly) n Evensong , St Mary’s Church 6:30pm n Worship, Staple Hill Methodist Church 10.30am and 6pm. A creche is available for little ones and Sunday Club. Taize Worship second Sunday evening of month and communion first morning and evening of month. 0117 957 5221 n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - 10.30am. Children and youth provision for all ages. 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month which is ‘Messy church’ at 4pm y.There is a songs of praise service on the 4th Sunday at 3pm. n Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, BS16 3TR 9.30am-1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm For bookings, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. email: tk007h9736@blueyonder. co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. n Weekly Meeting for Worship 10.30 - 11.30, all welcome, With Children's Meeting 1st. and 3rd. Sundays, Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT n All Age Worship featuring the band, choir and children at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Staple Hill

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Walks for Single People

Sunday December 30: Meet Sandie 11.000am in the centre of Wickwar High Street, Wickwar for a circular walk through ancient woodlands.

Refreshments at the Buthay.

Tel: Sandie 01454 775508 or 0786 659 7104 Tuesday January 1: New Year’s Day Walk. Join Ray 1.00pm in the car park between Aldi & The Hollow Tree P/H. BS329DA (Bradley Stoke North) for a walk along Country & Woodland paths an ideal walk for new walkers. Tel: Ray 0791 922 1125 or 01179 236870

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

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

We have just been to the Royal Mint in Cardiff. Last month was our birthday so we had an open afternoon for spouses and friends. Great music with wine and cake.

Tel 956 0805 for more information.

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

L

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

10.30am Friendly, informal and lively. n Morning Worship, New Place, Eastville Methodist Church, Fishponds Road. 10.45am. Holy Communion once a month. n Eucharist, All Saints Church 8am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am with Giggle Club in Parish Rooms n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St

n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield10.30am.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

40

n NEWS

Sue wins award A CARE worker who helps people to cope in their own homes has won an award for her service.

Sue Gilmour, who works for Staple Hill-based Elite Home Care, won the Care Worker of the Year prize at the Care & Support West 2018 awards.

Sue was nominated by the service users she cares for in Downend, Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham and Frenchay.

Elite was also nominated in the Team of the Year category at the awards, which are organised by the region’s representative body for organisations and individuals involved in the social care, support and health sectors.

The evening was attended by over 400 people, with celebrity host Rudolph Walker, best known for playing Patrick Trueman in EastEnders.

An Elite spokesperson said: “We feel so proud, especially as it’s the third time Elite has won a Care Worker of the Year award.

“All our care workers work so hard making sure our service users are well cared for and are safe, enabling them to remain in their own homes.”

For more information about Elite’s work call Lucy on 0117 956 2374.

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January, 2019

Used car dealer admits fraud A USED car dealer has been handed an eight month suspended prison sentence after ripping off customers.

Busharat Rana Ali who traded from a site on Ingleside Road, Kingswood pleaded guilty to six fraud offences following a long and complex investigation by Bristol Trading Standards.

Mr Ali was discovered to have used many different trading names to avoid having to refund his customers, after he repeatedly lied to them about the availability and quality of the cars he sold. He also made false promises about providing a money back guarantee.

Alongside his suspended sentence, Mr Ali was also sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work and a 10 day rehabilitation course. He was also ordered to pay compensation to his victims of £1,150.

The investigation was launched following numerous complaints received by Bristol Trading Standards.

Councillor Kye Dudd, cabinet member with responsibility for Trading Standards, said: "The investigation into the activities of Mr Ali revealed his dishonesty and a disregard for the rights of

his customers.

"This is not the way to run a successful business, and here in Bristol we want legitimate business to thrive and everyone in the city to prosper from a fair and safe trading environment.

"It has been a lengthy investigation with numerous victims helping us to bring Mr Ali in front of the courts. We will not hesitate to take action against business in this way again and would urge the public to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service if they have suffered any loss at the hands of a fraudulent car dealer."

This is the first time Bristol’s Trading Standards team have used the Fraud Act to tackle a used car business that has received high levels of complaints.

Nearly one in every four complaints received by Bristol Trading Standards relates to used car sales where businesses are targeting consumers who often are least able to afford the loss suffered.

To report an issue with a used car dealer, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk

Man wanted over assault in shop POLICE want to trace this man as they investigate an alleged assault in a Fishponds shop.

The Avon and Somerset force released a CCTV image of the man, asking for help from the public to identify him.

A police spokesperson said: “We’d like to speak to the man following a suspicious incident in which we’re investigating an offence of common assault.”

The spokesperson said the incident happened at around 10am on September 28 inside a shop on Fishponds Road.

Anyone who thinks they recognise the man should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5218 226 087.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers 100 by calling 0800 555 111.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

41

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

What an inspirational place!

IT'S not surprising that among the many thousands of visitors to Eastville Park, we have a fair number of artists who can wonderfully bring to life the landscape and wildlife around us.

This is a small selection that showcases their impressive talent.

Over the course of the last year or so we have built up a collection on our Facebook page 'FriendsofEastvillePark ArtSpace' and we would love to

hear from you if you would like to have your own work displayed.

In the New Year we hope to stage exhibitions of artwork in pop-up galleries around the park as part of our ambition to expand our Events and Activities programme for all our visitors. Exciting times ahead and a great opportunity to bring our community into the park!

The Parkie

Butterfly Dani CalRos.

Steeple Geoff Edmonds

Tree lined path Sue Winter

Ivy June Pugsley

Jessie May target smashed

KINGSWOOD-based charity Jessie May is celebrating after its Christmas campaign smashed its target. The charity raised more than £33,000 during the national match-funding campaign The Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Jessie May took part with the aim of raising £23,100 - the funding required to welcome 11 additional children to their services.

Supporters had the opportunity to have their donation doubled through The Big Give, as they

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Friends of

EASTVILLE PARK

were matched pound for pound by the charity’s ‘Pledgers’. The charity reached its £23,100 online fundraising target within five hours of the campaign going live, and went on to raise a total of £33,495.75 during the week.

This funding means 15, instead of the targeted 11, children with life limiting conditions can be supported by Jessie May’s specialist nurses.

Chris Roys, CEO at Jessie May, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with this fantastic outcome. "

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

42

January, 2019

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

January: ripe with new ways of living IT'S bleak, the decorations have been packed away, we are all considering our expanded waistlines and hoping they will magically shrink by the end of January. Money may be tight.

Christmas and all its excitement and glamour are well and truly behind us. I imagine many of us are feeling ‘what is there to look forward to but cold wet winter days?’ January even holds the record for having the day considered the most depressing of the year ‘blue Monday’; there will be a host of reasons for this phenomenon and we may be experiencing some or all of them.

The question is, is this all there is to January? The annual expectation of new years resolutions may feel like a burdensome ‘to do’ list but the concept might hold some wisdom.

In Christian tradition, and other traditions, there is a school of thought that suggests it is only in

our darkest moments we can begin to see a new perspective, a new hope.

When all of our comforts are stripped away we must, by necessity, find new ones.

New resolutions offer us the chance to rethink, and reimagine our priorities. In the midst of January bleakness, when the temptation is to be swept up in the frenzy of January sales, just for something to do.

We can instead choose to embrace the slowness and our temptation to hibernate. Then we may, in the darkness, in the emptiness, find new patterns of being that are more fulfilling, which offer hope.

The Old testament prophet Elijah found himself running on empty, as any of us may well be in January, and cried out to God for some comfort. Elijah was surprised to find that God was not in the spectacular of the storm or

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earthquake or fire but in the gentle whisper. In order to hear the gentle whisper that nurtures our soul we must first be still, make quiet space.

The bustle of life can drown it out. A new resolution may, for us, hold a commitment to quietness or prayer/meditation in each day.

A new resolution may for us involve meeting with other people who are also seeking the gentle whisper of something divine, of hope. Or perhaps we have heard the gentle whisper and yearn to respond.

For Christmas 2018 our group of East Bristol churches responded by going out to meet the homeless of our city and gift them with rucksacks full of useful items to be more comfortable in winter. It was a humbling experience to be connecting with people who are struggling while all around others are overspending, overeating and over partying.

Their choice to reimagine is not

Jordan Ling St Aidan’s, Anayo St John’s, Beatrice St Michael’s churches

Pastor of Stapleton Baptist Church

as easy as.

January may feel empty but it is ripe with new ways of living, new ways of connecting and of giving back. I would encourage us to embrace the choices new resolutions afford us.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

43

n NEWS

More success for Downend Boxing Club DOWNEND Boxing Club has enjoyed a hugely successful month, with one achievement coming out of the blue.

On November 29, head coach Craig Turner received a telephone call from England high-performance coach Mickey Driscoll, asking if 24-year-old Downend boxer Kimberley Rowe was available to box in the GB championships a week later.

Kim jumped at the opportunity to perform in the Elite-level event between the GB team (comprising the top boxers in England, Scotland and Wales) against England representatives.

Kim faced one of the full-time GB athletes, Hannah Robinson, at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, with live coverage on BBC. The decision went to the talented GB girl, but not without a great performance from Kim, who said: “I am so pleased to have represented my country, and boxed well despite not having the best preparation.”

Craig said: “The GB team are highly gifted full-time athletes and have the best coaching and facilities available to them. These are international medallists and Olympians.

“The atmosphere at our base at the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds was electric as we gathered around the TV. Kim gave it her all, representing her country and Downend superbly – we are so proud.”

This success was followed by club mate Ellouise Challenger taking two titles in a week!

Ellouise, 16, won the National Clubs for Young People

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Kim

Ellouise championship in Bridlington by a unanimous points win over classy boxer Demi Uscroft, of Hull.

A week later, the action moved to Manchester for the inaugural England Boxing Women’s Winter Box Cup. In her semi-final, Ellouise again faced Demi Uscroft, this time forcing the referee to stop proceedings in the first round.

The final saw the Downend girl up against talented Irish International Lisa O Rourke. At the end of three action-packed rounds, the title came back to Bristol, and a delighted Ellouise Challenger.

Her 15-year-old clubmate Morgan Baber, took her first steps in major competition at the Manchester event.

Morgan faced Emily Monks of

Leigh boxing club, Lancashire and lost to a split decision Coach Simon Pirret said: “It was simply brilliant. Morgan

regained her composure at the big event well, and lost a very close decision. She will be no stranger to major tournaments.”

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January, 2019

n TAKE A BREAK

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This month: Capitals

Traps The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad 1 2 Treble recorder Down Across

Vamphorn

E H S J X B A S S R E C O R D E R

S U

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M A R I M B A V B O N E S T J L S

Count the aliens and their spaceships

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Y W T R E B L E R E C O R D E R F

HOW MANY ALIENS?

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Musical instruments

8

WORDSEARCH

Can you find 45 types of musical instrument, spelled horizontally, vertically or diagonally?

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

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2019

45

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

It’s Christmaaaaaaas!!!!

M

ERRY Christmas and a Happy New Year everybody!!! What an amazing year this year turned about to be. Brexit has just left us all in a head spin with no idea where we will end up.

Although order has been restored in ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ as Harry Rednapp wins, touting his need for a chiropractor! Go Harry! We can help! Little Molly Button skipped off to school for the first time and even little Harry Button mastered the elusive forward roll.

It’s a time to contemplate for many as we have lost loved ones, people that cannot be replaced but left an indelible imprint in us that lives on as we live our lives to the fullest.

The team at Next Step grew a little too as Sian and Chris our world famous physios have welcomed another beautiful baby.

They are all doing well and we are looking forward to welcoming Sian back when she is ready after her maternity leave.

For Christmas this year we are having a family skiing holiday in France. My brother and his family, Mum and Dad, my Auntie and Uncle and of course us little Bristol Buttons make up the team. I’m sure our little Molly Button (now 4 and half ) and Harry Button (who just had his 3rd birthday) will love their first time in the snow. They are proud owners of the cutest little ski outfits, which makes the other half very happy indeed. Expect many photos.

Without wishing to tempt fate before our ski trip, classic ski injuries include knee injuries from twisting accidents, wrist injuries from falling outstretched and lovely whiplash style neck injuries. Over the years I’ve had a good knee injury and neck injury in a couple spectacular wipe outs.

One time I went off a small cliff sideways, cartwheeled as I landed, flew and then landed again. I can’t remember which way up I landed but there was a lot of white everywhere which is how I knew I was alive. The good news is that I won the wipe out award for the week for that one. I’m sure my mum still hasn’t forgiven me for scaring the life out of her as she watched me make some decent air.

As she didn’t see my knee injury, let’s just say that I was skiing nice and gently and I was taken out this time by the rare and elusive Marmot that lives exclusively in the Alps. Now while it may be a rare event that led to my inevitable downfall the injury was much more common, a medial collateral ligament sprain. The ligament on the inside of the knee that many footballers also hurt. It was the end of the trip for me but as soon as I returned home, I started my rehab. I had soft tissue treatment on the ligament to avoid scar tissue forming incorrectly and kept my low back in check with chiropractic work. It was a bad sprain and it took me a couple of months until I felt normal again. I have to say that I have had patients with the

same problem who still had the pain a long time later. With these patients you have to work hard to normalise the tissue and joints and then rehabilitate the muscles from the back to the knee and the knee to the foot. Get that right and voila, get back on the slopes!

If you want to reduce the risk of injury skiing you must firstly wear all of the correct safety equipment from helmets to well-fitting boots with insoles. From there you really should try to get fit and develop some strength in your legs before you go. Not only will you reduce your risk of injury being strong and fit, but you will enjoy your skiing more and increase your performance. Don’t do what I normally do and get fit by the end of the week and then go home promising to be fit next year!

There are many things to look forward to and tell you all about.

We have lots of surprises up our sleeves, that I look forward to telling you about but for now may I

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@ clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

wish, a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year for 2019. Lots of love from me and the whole team at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step Physiotherapy.

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

A Team approach to healthcare.

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games

To advertise, call Gary on

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l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Contact

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

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:

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January, 2019 OVEN CLEANING

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