Fishponds Voice January 2020 by Fishponds Voice

fishpondsvoice January, 2020 — ISSUE 61

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Raiders target charity farm Noah Parfitt, 18, was one of 80 people affected when burglars struck at Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton. stealing power tools, a van and cash from the charity. PAGE 6

Making path safe for everyone

Students at Bristol Metropolitan Academy performed their divine rendition of the hit Broadway show Sister Act. Report: Page 4

Gifts pour in after burglary FRIENDS of Eastville Park say their faith in humanity has been restored after the community rallied to help following the theft of more than 600 children's Christmas presents. Volunteer Andrew Gee was shocked to discover thieves had ransacked a building at

the bowling green in Eastville Park where 680 wrapped gifts were being stored, most of them costing just a few pounds. They were being held there after the Friends' main annual fundraiser at the park, a Santa's grotto event, had to be cancelled due to high winds.

Devastated, the Friends posted a message on their Facebook page informing supporters of what had happened. The news spread like wildfire, with the Friends receiving numerous requests from media Turn to Page 2

Ideas for improving the Bristol to Bath Railway path to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists have been unveiled. PAGE 10

Kerry is back as Bristol East MP Labour's Kerry McCarthy won the Bristol East seat at the general election. She has represented the constituency since 2005. PAGE 13

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fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

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ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 EDITORIAL news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 15 Mayfield Park, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3nn. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINES February edition deadline is January 22. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

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

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

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January, 2020

n NEWS

Eastville Park raid: From Page 1 across the country all wanting to report the particularly unfestive crime. Within no time members were inundated with support. Presents started to arrive daily to replace the stolen gifts, with a truck load of toys turning up from a company based more than 100 miles away in Milton Keynes. Andrew said: “We soon started to get messages from people saying they wanted to help. There were lots of individuals but there were also some toy companies who got in touch. We also had offers of help from groups including the Freemasons in Bristol. “The response was just amazing. There was so much generosity out there and so many people who cared that we knew we'd be all right. We knew we would recover even if it took a long time.”

Then, someone suggested the Friends set up a Go Fund Me internet page and donations quickly came flooding in. At the time Fishponds Voice went to print the amount raised was more than £3,200, smashing their target of £2,000. Andrew said: “It was to cover the items stolen and to recoup some of the funds we would have raised had the grotto event gone ahead. It reached the target within days. The support and generosity of the local community has been overwhelming. One man on benefits sent £50. It's hard for it not to restore our faith in humanity. It's certainly turned a few of us to tears.” Andrew said the incident has made the group more determined than ever to continue with their work. “We're still trying to get over the shock and sadness of it all but we have talked about holding an event in the Spring just to

Hit-run driver injures guard POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of multiple offences after a hit-and-run driver left a security guard injured. The incident on Church Road is being linked to a theft at the Co-op store. Avon and Somerset police say the 48-year old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and handling stolen goods. He has been released under investigation. A 43-year-old woman was arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of theft and has also been released under investigation. The guard was injured at about 9.30pm on December 5, as he attempted to stop a suspected shoplifter from getting away. A car drove over the guard, who is in his 20s, and left him in the road before leaving the scene. He received significant injuries, including a broken arm and ribs, and needed hospital treatment. Church Road was closed for more than 12 hours after the incident, as forensic investigators examined the scene. Traffic, including bus services which use the A420 to link the city centre with Kingswood and Hanham, was diverted. The car was recovered the following day. Detective Inspector James Wasiak said: “This incident could’ve been much worse and the victim is extremely lucky he escaped with the injuries he did." Anyone with information should call 101 and provide the reference 5219 281 353.

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January, 2020

Kind response ' has moved us to tears' prove to ourselves we're not down and out. We're an active group and are fairly resilient so we will bounce back from it and come back even better.” As well as the presents, thieves also made off numerous items which were left from the cancelled event including four hotplates, a warming plate, a room heater, 15 cartons of juice, 20 large bottles of cider, six bottles of mulled wine, 72 cans of soft drinks and disco lights. The cost of replacing the items has been put at at least £1,700. Andrew said he was the one who made the grim discovery when he went down to the pavilion on the morning of December 10. “I opened the door and knew what had happened straight away. There were torn wrappers all over; the place was a mess. “There were about 680 presents, but they were just small, inexpensive presents because we do the grotto on

A selection of donations from the community and businesses to replace the items stolen.The costumes were those that would have been worn by some of the helpers at the grotto to fit the Wildlife Winter Wonderland theme. a budget to make sure it's affordable for everyone to come and visit Santa. “The thieves cleared us out. We would have kept the presents

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to use next year after we realised there wasn't time to reschedule the cancelled event. We just didn't believe anyone could sink that low.”

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A police spokesperson said: “We’re investigating a burglary in which a large quantity of presents, as well as food and cooking implements, were stolen from a building within Eastville Park, Bristol, sometime between 4pm on Monday, 9 December and 10am the following day. “The incident was reported to us by the Friends of Eastville Park. “We’d appeal for anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity around the building between 9 and 10 December to contact us on 101. Please give the call handler the reference number 5219284526. We also want to hear from anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the stolen presents.” To make a donation to the appeal visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/friends-ofeastville-park Bowling club: Pages 4 & 5 Friends' column: Page 37

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January, 2020

n NEWS

Met's 'most fun show yet' Bringing bowling to new generation REJOICE! Actors from Bristol Metropolitan Academy went down a storm when they performed the musical comedy Sister Act. The cast and crew, made up of more than 80 students from Years 7-11, took part in an exhausting 10 shows. But the audience reaction made it all worthwhile when they stood to applaud the students' polished performance. The production was 10 months in the making with students showcasing a sneak taster at this year's Party in the Ponds. The sell-out shows saw performances in front of proud staff, parents, carers and friends as well as matinees in local primary schools. Students showed their dedication to the production by agreeing to give up their spare time to rehearse both after school and in the holidays.

Based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg film, the musical follows Deloris Van Cartier, played by Year 11 Ella Coy, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the police hide her in the last place anyone would think to look - a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Director Michelle Vince said: “This is by far the most comical and fun production we have ever staged. Every year our cast and crew bring the West End effect to Fishponds and deliver a professional quality show. The audience simply cannot believe they are aged 11 to 16. “We are so proud of our very dedicated and talented students who never fail to deliver.”

THE future of Eastville Park Bowling Club looks back on target following a decision to disband back in November. The club's committee decided to fold due to falling membership and lack of take up for essential roles such as chair, secretary and treasurer. It also followed a policy by Bristol City Council not to prop up clubs based in parks but to ensure they are self suffient. Due to falling membership and an increase in the cost of maintaining the facililties, especially the green, the club looked unlikely to stay afloat. But now Friends of Eastville Park are looking at ways to keep the club going by examining how it can be opened to more members of the community in order to make it pay for itself. The Friends had previousy worked closely with the club by

launching a recruitment drive to enable it to stay above water for at least another season. This achieved some success but numbers weren't high enough to secure a long-term future. The Friends felt strongly the park should not lose the facility as bowls have been played there for more than 100 years. Members are currently in discussions with the council to look for a way forward to enable the club to have a more secure future. Friends volunteer and keen bowler Justin Quinnell said: “We want to keep bowling at Eastville Park as part of the community. “We will definitely be running this year but we need people to come along and be involved. Bowling is a great game especially on a slow summer's afternoon. We want to have a

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January, 2020

community bowling approach so there's also something for families. “We are still looking at how to structure it and how to pay for it because bowling greens cost a lot to keep going. “Although we are sure we can go for another year, we are hoping that this will be the beginning of something very big and very unique.” Justin said part of the issue in attracting new people is that bowling has a reputation of being

for old people. “It's seen as something older people do – and it is – but it's also something that everybody can do, of all different ages and abilities, or disabilities. “We don't want to lose the formal white events as they're a mad tradition and are fun to watch but we also want to open it up to everyone. This means traditional bowling would become a small part of a community bowling hub, for children and adults.

“We're already getting a lot of new people involved and they're a complete mixture from a punk guitarist to football team members to graphic designers.” The club was originally called Whitehall Bowling Club but changed to Whitehall Eastvillians before reverting to Eastville Park Bowling Club, a name used around 45 years ago. Justin said: “It's an amazing sport and is a very addictive game. It's certainly not just for the elderly.

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"Bowling used to be huge but since the cuts it's been one of those things where we have to look at creative ways to enable us to pay for the cost of maintaining the green. "It's difficult to attract new members but we're going to try. It's too special a place and activity to lose.” Anyone who has any ideas or would like to find out about membership, should sign up to the Friends of Eastville Park on Facebook.

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January, 2020

n NEWS PEOPLE are being urged to help a charity-run farm which was ransacked in a devastating burglary. Power tools, a van, cash and a safe were stolen from Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, a social enterprise which gives about 80 people from across the area with learning disabilities and autism the chance to gain skills in its wood workshop and garden. The things they make and grow are sold to help support the farm. The raid on the 37-acre farm in Park Road, run by charity the Brandon Trust, happened overnight on December 7-8. Thieves took everything from lawnmowers, power tools and chargers to the van used to deliver logs to shops. Brandon Trust chief executive Sue Porto has thanked the many Bristol people who have already come forward to offer help and replacement tools. She said: “We’ve had a great response from people in Bristol, with offers of equipment, tools and practical help such as security, as well as donations

Charity farm appeals for help after burglars strike

Elm Tree Farm and well wishes, so thanks to everyone! "However, we still need help, particularly to replace our van that was stolen, which is vital for transporting the people we support to and from the farm as well as taking our produce to Bristol Farmers’ Market at St Nicks, where we’ve had a stall for over 20 years.” Sue said she was "shocked,

sickened and dismayed" at the burglary, adding: "Elm Tree Farm offers vital opportunities for individuals to learn work skills and have a paid job, something which far too few people with a learning disability have access to. Coming to the farm also has an invaluable impact on people in terms of enabling them to build confidence and make friends.

"A crime like this is utterly devastating for everyone who benefits from the work we do here. Elm Tree Farm has lost almost everything, so any help will be greatly appreciated by us all." Anyone who would like to offer tools or equipment should email info@brandontrust.org. Cash donations can be made directly to the farm online, at elmtreefarm.org. Sue has written an open letter to the thieves, appealing to them to contact the trust on 0117 907 7200 to arrange to hand back what they stole. She said: "It is never too late to put this right." Anyone who has information about the break-in or thinks they may have been offered something stolen should call the police on 101 and quote the reference number 5219 282 417.

How Elm Tree Farm makes a difference TEENAGER Noah Parfitt is one of the 80 people working at Elm Tree Farm. Noah, from Downend, has been working one day a week for more than a year at the farm's Splinters Workshop, making wood products, from kindling to bird boxes and Christmas decorations, which are sold to help support the social enterprise. He has also helped make deliveries in the van which was stolen in the burglary. The 18-year-old, who also studies at City of Bristol College, said: "I like making stuff and learning new things. "They are nice and

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friendly – I've made new friends." When Noah arrived to work a few days after the break-in he was told he couldn't do his usual job. He said: "We couldn't make the Christmas stuff because it would involve having to drill some holes. They had taken all the chargers and tools from Splinters Workshop. "Hopefully people will give some tools, so we can start making things again." Noah's dad Adam said: "Going to the farm has increased his confidence and his

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skills with woodwork, given him additional social skills and he's doing something for a social enterprise, so he's giving something back to the community. "Brandon Trust is a really great organisation – the staff are supportive and encouraging. The benefit Noah has received is replicated many times and makes a huge difference to the wider community."

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January, 2020

n NEWS

George, 17, opens pet rescue centre AN ANIMAL-loving teenager has opened a pet sanctuary at his parents' home in Fishponds. George Sheppard will help take on some of the animals from the charity the Littlest Rescue after it was announced founder Bev Taylor would step down in the New Year after 13 years at the helm. The Staple Hill-based Littlest Rescue will become an umbrella organisation with the job of looking after rabbits and guinea pigs split between three other organisations, including Shepp's Rescue, set up by George. Bev, who is 64, will now concentrate on rescuing pigeons and offering boarding facilities for rabbits and guinea pigs. George has been volunteering with Bev for nine months, indulging his life-long love of animals. He is so passionate he has also embarked on a course studying animal care at SGS College. He also pitched at the latest Downend Soup for funding for his venture. The 17-year-old said: “I love everything about animals - I love learning about them, I love that every one is different, I love helping animals in need and I love how animals can help us as much as we can help them. “If I have a day where I feel a bit down, I'll go outside and take care of my animals. It makes me feel a lot better.” George lives at home with his mum and dad who luckily have a large garden. At the moment he has just

George with Humphrey, a Dutch rabbit four rescue rabbits but will increase this to include guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, chickens and fish. “Inside my house, I've got mostly my personal animals - a dog called Bella, a crested gecko, four praying mantis and multiple fish tanks. “Outside I've got four rescue rabbits with the aim of getting them into good homes. I've got a Facebook page and Instagram account where I post pictures of the animals I want to rehome. I like to get to know the person who will be adopting the animals. If they live quite far away and I couldn't get there to meet them, I would want to see photographs of the

accommodation the animals would live in.” Thankfully George has the full

support of his parents. “I think I drive them up the wall but they love seeing the different animals I bring in. My mum likes it when I bring the rabbits into the house to cut their nails. Interacting with animals is a fun thing for my family to do. It's also a good source of conversation.” George isn't too sure what his future holds, only that it will include animals. “I'm just going to see where life takes me. Obviously it would be great if I could do the rescue full time and then I could put all my energy into rescue work. If not I would love to work in a zoo or as an animal handler for the police. But whatever happens, I definitely want to work with animals.” You can find out more about Shepp's Rescue by visiting https://www.facebook.com/ sheppsrescue/

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January, 2020

Cyclist stabbed on railway path

Eastville burglary TWO men have been arrested following a burglary at the home of an elderly man in Eastville. The victim, who is in his nineties, was at home in the Parkside Gardens area when he heard banging in his conservatory. He went to see what the noise was and was confronted by two men. One of the men grabbed him and demanded money. The offenders ran off when the victim said he was calling the police. Nothing was stolen during the incident, which happened at around 10.20am on Thursday December 12. If you have information for the police inquiry, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219286175.

A CYCLIST was stabbed as he was attacked by muggers on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. He was jumped near to where the path passes under Forest Road, between Morrisons and the Staple Hill Tunnel, at around 7.15pm on Wednesday December 18. Avon and Somerset Police said a knife was later recovered from the scene of the incident. Police patrols have been increased on the path and officers have called on people to contact them if they see anyone suspicious on the path. Police said the victim was a man in his 30s who was cycling home from work along the path. A spokesperson said: "He was approached by two suspects who blocked his path and demanded he hand over his belongings. "In the resulting tussle the victim sustained what is believed to be a knife wound to his leg. "He was treated at hospital

for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. "The offenders fled the scene empty-handed in the direction of Forest Road. "While this is an isolated incident, the local neighbourhood team take any such occurrence on the cycle path seriously. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be stepping up our patrols in the area. "We want to hear from you if you see any groups gathering and they are being intimidating, antisocial or blocking the path. "If you think a crime could be or is being committed, call 999." Police have called for people to pass on concerns to the local neighbourhood team by calling 101.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation into the incident, which is being treated as an aggravated attempted robbery, should also call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 291 413. No detailed descriptions of the attackers are available, although reports on social media have said they were hooded and masked during the incident, which happened well after dark.

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January, 2020 THE city council has revived plans to charge motorists to park cars at Vassalls Park. Double-yellow lines are planned for residential streets surrounding the edge of the park, to deter drivers visiting the park from avoiding the charges by parking nearby. If the scheme goes ahead, drivers would pay £1 for up to one hour, £2 for up to two hours and £3 for up to five hours at the main Oldbury Court Estate car park, off Oldbury Court Road, and the Snuff Mills car park, off River View, every day between 9am and 6pm. New double-yellow lines would be put down in: Bishop Monk Avenue, Brentnall Way, Crescent Road, Dodisham Walk, Frenchay Close, Frenchay Road, Glenside Close, Grange Drive, Long Close, Oatley Way, Pendock Road, Selbrooke Crescent, Sidelands Road, St Matthias Road, The Thornhills, Warneford Road and Whittington Road. Existing double-yellows could be extended in: College Road, Comyn Walk, Gill Avenue, Goffenton Drive, Little Hayes,

Fresh move to bring in parking charges at Vassalls

Oldbury Court Drive, Oldbury Court Road, Perrymans Close, Ronayne Walk, Vassall Road and Willow Bed Close. The council is also planning to introduce new double yellow lines on Deep Pit Road A three-week consultation on the new charges and parking restrictions was unveiled after December's edition of the Fishponds Voice – and closed before the January edition was

' Listen to locals' plea over chicane CAMPAIGNERS who want to remove the chicane at the Royate Hill viaduct have made their case direct to city councillors. More than 700 people signed a petition calling on the council to review the traffic calming measure, which they say was introduced with no consultation and has caused increased congestion, pollution, noise and road rage, as motorists can no longer pass under the viaduct in both directions at once. Although the final total of 709 signatures was below the level which automatically requires the council to debate an issue, the campaigners were allowed to state their case at a council meeting on December 17. Resident Martyn Cordey, who organised the petition, told councillors that the previous road layout had existed for decades without problems before the pavement was widened, making road traffic one-way. The petition proposes that the footpath on one side of the

road is diverted around the viaduct arch, that the chicane is removed along with the priority for right of way for traffic coming from Fishponds Road, that a pedestrian refuge is installed to help people cross south of the viaduct and a 20 mph limit in introduced along the length of Royate Hill and Gordon Road. Martyn told the council: "Officers met earlier in the year to discuss – campaigners were not invited – and only considered four options. "The option of re-routing pavements was not even mentioned. "Current problems were created by a decision made with lack of foresight or consultation with the public. "Please have a conversation, and work, with local campaigners to help make improvements." The campaigners were supported at the meeting by Eastville ward councillor Mhairi Threlfall.

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published. Charges to use the Oldbury Court estate car park were proposed last year: at the time, residents told the Voice that if park users started to park in their streets it would leave them unable to park outside their own homes and make it difficult for emergency vehicles, delivery lorries and carers' cars to get to them. The council says it is planning to improve cafe and play facilities and host events at Vassalls, and as a result there may be more visitors. Stating its reasons for the charges and parking restrictions, the council said: "The introduction of pay and display parking charges in these car

parks will formalise and improve existing parking arrangements, enabling improved enforcement. It will allow for a turnover of spaces, which cannot be guaranteed under the current arrangement. It will also enable the council to maintain and invest in its green spaces for current and future generations. "To mitigate the effects of any potential indiscriminate parking that may take place on the highway as a result of parking charges being introduced in the estate car parks, the council proposes to make a traffic order, for additional waiting restrictions on various surrounding streets." A council spokesperson said responses to the consultation would be considered by officers and members before a final decision was made, although there is "no current timescale" for a decision to be made.

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Unveiled: ideas to cut cyclists' speed RADICAL new designs for some of the busiest sections of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path have been unveiled. People are being asked to have their say on the designs, which are part of a £1.1 million scheme to improve the path on its busiest stretch as it passes through Whitehall, Easton and Lawrence Hill. Transport charity Sustrans is running a 'community-led redesign' focusing on the stretch between Clay Bottom, near Whitehall, and the end of the path at Newtown Park, which is used by up to 1,800 people per hour at peak times. Ideas gathered at earlier public consultations were translated into possible designs, unveiled at two workshops at the Rose Green Centre and Easton Community Centre in December. The designs on display concentrated on changes to six trouble spots: the 'Clay Bottom Wiggle' near Greenbank

One of the design concepts for the railway path Cemetery, where the path goes through two tight bends; the pedestrian crossing next to Whitehall Primary School; the 'Parklet' near Chelsea Park in Easton; the area next to Easton Community Centre, close to the Easton Road and Whitehall Road junction; the railway bridge at Russell Town Avenue; the underpass under St Philip's Causeway.

Ideas ranged from straightforward segregation and raised sections at St Philip's Causeway to park areas with seating and planting at Russell Town Avenue and Easton Leisure Centre, where the course of the path would be diverted to slow cyclists down. Staple Hill residents Catalina and William Lee, and Sarah Ward, from Downend, were among those who attended the December workshops. Catalina said the changes were trying to "change the mindset of the speedsters", the small minority of cyclists who assumed slower path users would just get out of their way. She said: "It's not a cycle path, it's a shared path. Some people haven't quite got that yet." The designs have been published on the Sustrans website: bit.ly/2MzTEqr. They have already proved controversial, provoking debate on Sustrans' Bristol &

Bath Railway Path – OnePath Facebook group, which was set up to help get people involved in shaping the future of the path. One cyclist said the community Sustrans is engaging with "is viewing cycling as the issue and how they can control it rather than design to accommodate it", saying that creating more shared spaces as the path became overcrowded was "not fixing the problems or making it a safer space". Another said: "Any physical restriction that is sufficiently severe to make a 25-30mph time trailer actually blink is also going to be sufficiently severe that it will cause problems for disabled users." Sustrans South area director James Cleeton said some people called for the path to be widened and segregated between cyclists and pedestrians along its whole length, but this was not possible everywhere. He said the aim of the changes was to reduce conflict between path users and ensure everyone who wanted to use it felt safe to do so, striking a balance between ease of movement and being able to enjoy a green space. James said: "We’ve heard that the excessive speed and close-passing of a handful of the people cycling on the path really does put others off using it." Questions and comments on the plans can be sent to south@ sustrans.org.uk. A further set of workshops will be held in February, on dates to be confirmed.

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January, 2020

n NEWS

Glenfrome flies high in school league tables

GLENFROME Primary School is officially number two in the Department for Education's list of the best schools in Bristol. The DfE has just published new league tables for primary schools based on how pupils perform in Year 6 Sats test. The results put Glenfrome, in Cottisford Road, Eastville, in second place, behind top performing Perry Court E-Act Academy in Hengrove. The tables reveal 77 per cent of pupils at Glenfrome are meeting the expected standard, and performing above average in reading and maths. The aim of the league tables is to ensure schools are held to account and to give parents a better idea of how schools in their area compare. Tougher Sats tests were introduced in 2016 with many teachers calling for them to be abolished saying they put too much pressure on young children. Headteacher Inger O'Callaghan welcomed the news, saying staff at the school work hard to make the curriculum as exciting as possible for pupils. “We are delighted that the hard work of our staff and children has been recognised. “Glenfrome is a community and we are really proud of the efforts all our children make to do their very best. We try to ensure our curriculum is inspiring and engaging, and our parents are also really supportive of this.”

Exam Invigilators needed We are a diverse multi-academy trust, looking for professional and ambitious people, with a passion for transforming our students’ learning. Our academies need exam invigilators, readers and scribers to assist with scheduled exams across the Federation. As this is a casual position, you will work when available and will be called upon when required to support our academies during their exam season. Exams usually fall within November, January and March. The summer exams are held in May and June. There are also mock exams for Years 9, 10 and 11 at different times throughout the year. To be successful within this role you will need to be flexible as you will be

required to work across a variety of CLF academies at different times depending on each academy’s needs. This position will be paid on an hourly rate plus holiday pay.

Visit www.clf.uk/examsjobs to find out more and apply Or email

clfrecruitmentmailbox@clf.cabot.ac.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

Teenagers arrested after bike thefts

THREE teenagers have been arrested after people selling bikes and motorbikes online were targeted for burglaries. The boys – 16 year olds from Staple Hill and St George and a 17 year old from Speedwell – were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle on December 19 in coordinated raids by police. Officers from the antiburglary Operation Remedy said the teenagers had been arrested in connection with a "significant number" of bicycle and motorbike thefts across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and B&NES over the past year. A police spokesperson said: "Officers believe online selling sites and social media platforms have been used to identify high value bicycles and motor bikes for sale, whereby sellers have shared their address and details of their whereabouts with prospective buyers. "The majority of the

burglaries reported have occurred shortly after victims have disclosed these details and whilst they were away or at work." Police seized 13 bikes, motorbikes and frames which they believe are stolen. They are now trying to identify them and reunite them with their rightful owners. Inspector Andy Peppin, of Operation Remedy, said: "Nearly all of the thefts have occurred following the victims sharing their address and movements with individuals they believed to be interested in buying their

bikes. “I cannot advise members of the public strongly enough to never disclose any personal details – particularly your home address and movements – when attempting to sell bikes or other belongings online." Police are also advising sellers not to share bank details, to only meet potential buyers in a "neutral" location, ideally with CCTV or a public location. They are also reminding bike owners to keep them locked, preferably in a secure storage place, to get them securely marked and registered and to

record the frame number and any distinguishing features. The items seized are: A blue Carrera Zelos JR frame; a black Forme hybrid bicycle; a white Freespirit Albany bike; a green Giant Brass frame; a silver Giant XTC frame; a black Maxxis dirt bike; a silver Pitbike; a motorbike topbox; a yellow Planet X London Road SL bike; a turquoise Saracen mountain bike; a black Specialized Crosstrail frame; a grey Specialized Crosstrail bike; a black Trek 4300 frame; a blue Trek mountain bike; a black Trek X-Caliber 7 bike.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

5 ways to reduce your plastic use WE are the Wattens and run nomwholefoods.co.uk from our home in Fishponds. Over the past few years we have noticed the increasing amount of plastic that we throw away. Much of this can’t be recycled, ending up in landfill. So we’ve looked for ways we can reduce our plastic waste around the home. These are some of the changes we have made. 1. Cling film – Cling film is so useful but it is single use and cannot be recycled. There are many alternatives to cling film for keeping leftovers. We keep every take-away container, ice cream tub and glass jar. We also wash and reuse ziplock bags many times. Beeswax wraps are also a good alternative. For example, we’ve used these instead of cling film to cover pastry when resting in the fridge. 2. Toothbrushes – It’s a shocking thought that all the toothbrushes ever used still exist somewhere. They take 400 years to biodegrade! As a replacement, these can be swapped for bamboo toothbrushes, which are just as effective. They will be made from all natural materials and be biodegradable. 3. Use a refill shop/zero waste shop – Much of the plastic packaging containing foods such as rice and pasta cannot be recycled. An alternative is to reuse your own containers or paper bags at a refill/zero waste shop. You may be surprised that in most cases you’ll pay less for like for like products. 4. Avoiding disposable cutlery – If we are going out for the day and will be buying food, we take our own cutlery with us just in case. It’s easy to get caught out though. Consider carrying knife and fork (or spork!) with you or keeping some in your desk at work.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n ELECTION 2019

n NEWS in brief

Fifth victory for MP Kerry LABOUR'S Kerry McCarthy has been re-elected as Bristol East's MP, with the city one of the few bright spots for the party in the general election. The constituency's sitting MP, who has held the seat since 2005, saw her majority reduced by 2,600 but still received well over half of the votes cast on December 12. All four Bristol seats remained in Labour hands after the vote, despite an electoral pact between the Greens and Liberal Democrats in Bristol West and Tory hopes that the party could regain the Bristol North West seat it lost in 2017. In Bristol East, which includes Fishponds, Speedwell and Eastville, Labour's share of the vote fell by 7.6% but the 27,717 votes for Ms McCarthy, down from 30,847 in 2017, still represented 53.1% of those cast. The Tory vote also fell, from 17,453 in 2017 to 16,923 (-1.9%), with the Lib Dem and Green votes rising slightly.

Quarry Court

Ms McCarthy said: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who voted for me to continue as the MP for this area. I really do appreciate it. It was a tough election in many ways but it was the support of people on the doorstep – and in the street, in the shops, everywhere I went – that kept us going. "The national election result was of course hugely disappointing for Labour. We need to learn from this defeat. I will be part of that conversation, and I am keen to hear from you too. And of course, whether you voted Labour or not, I am here to help you with individual problems, to support the local community, and to speak up for you in Parliament." Ms McCarthy's nearest challenger, Conservative Sarah Codling, said afterwards: "I’d like to offer my sincere gratitude to every single person in Bristol East who voted for me. It wasn’t to be and I congratulate Kerry on retaining the seat.

"The Prime Minister spoke from Downing Street about the need to heal and it is my abiding hope that we are now able to move on from pro Leave and pro Remain divisions, to become pro Bristol and pro Britain." MP's column: Page 30 BRISTOL EAST RESULT:

n HILLFIELDS BMX Club is looking for volunteers as it prepares to relaunch this month. The club now has a container to store equipment next to the Hillfields Community Hub, off Thicket Avenue, and is relaunching from January 11. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help run sessions, take care of admin or carry out another role should make contact via the Hillfields BMX Club Facebook page or email AzleeManley@britishcycling. org.uk. n ROYATE Hill Local Nature Reserve will hold an activity day on Sunday January 5, from 11am. The event will involve bramble cutting and a litter pick. Volunteers are welcome to come along and help – bring shears, and gloves if you have them. The reserve has been awarded funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy to create a safer entry point and steps at the Clay Bottom end. Work is expected to start soon.

Kerry McCarthy (Labour) 27,717 Sarah Codling (Conservative) 16,923 Nicholas Coombes (Liberal Democrat) 3,527 Conan Connolly (Green) 2,106 Tim Page (Brexit Party) 1,881 Total votes 52,154 Turnout 70.8% (157 rejected ballot papers)

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14 January 2020

January, 2020 13

n WILL W ILL & PROBATE ADVICE ■

Make a difference to those you love THIS January, make a difference to those you most care about. Make sure you have an up to date Will and Powers of Attorney in place. It’s your chance to make sure your wishes are followed. Done properly, you will avoid them suffering the upset of an out of date Will resulting in the inheritance going to the wrong people or being wasted on legal disputes or paying care home fees or inheritance tax that could have been avoided. Our local experts, Simpson Solicitors, can help you make sure your wishes are clear and legally valid, to support those you intended; preventing family fallout. You have the peace of mind that this important protection is carried out

properly by a law firm that is fully regulated and insured. If you have young or vulnerable members of your family, the Simpson’s service covers advice on how best to provide future provision for them in their particular circumstances. As well as advice for parents on appointing guardians to raise their children. The service starts with a free advice meeting. As well as your Will the service covers issues such as who you trust to appoint as Attorney to support you, if you became too ill to make decisions on your own. To book your free meeting, just call their friendly team on 0117 960 8594. Vincent Mulcock, says “Our service will let you make a big difference to those you love. The free meeting doesn’t just cover the Will. We will guide you through all the issues

you should think about to prevent problems for your family. You will not feel rushed, as we take as long as you need”. Whether it is buying your first home or having children or grandchildren or worrying about care home fees – these are all good reasons to make use of our free review service to find out how to protect those you love. There is nothing to prepare as Simpson Solicitors will talk you through all the issues in plain English. If you have made a new year’s resolution to get your Will sorted then take the first step of booking your free meeting with their friendly team. It will mean you’re remembered for all the right reasons and not for leaving a legal mess for your family to sort out.

Vincent Mulcock

of Simpson Solicitors, Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood

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www.simpsonsolicitors.com vbm@simpsonslawuk.com

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No one wants to leave behind a legal mess for their family to sort. Simpson Solicitors will give you peace of mind that your Wills & Powers of Attorney are properly prepared. Our friendly legal advisors are all fully trained, regulated and insured. Start with a free review meeting. Then we offer clear fixed prices with a promise of no hidden costs.

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On your own Wills: It’s how you decide who you want to inherit from you. “We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R.

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BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING: Call 0117 960 8594 OR message@simpsonslawuk.com OR Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR Kings Chase Shopping Centre offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa). If getting to us is difficult our FREE home visit service covers Bitton, Downend, Fishponds, Hanham, Kingswood, Oldland, St George, Staple Hill, Warmley, Willsbridge and surrounding areas.

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

Charity helps schools support young carers YOUNG carers at Bristol Metropolitan Academy are being supported by a charity set up to help them cope with the demands of their daily lives. Carers Support Centre say children who care for a loved one are at risk of feeling isolated and can suffer from depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Research has also shown that they can struggle to keep up with school work and run the risk of low attainment. The charity, based at the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, has helped the academy run two weekly support groups for the young carers. The groups, one for younger students and one for older, allow young carers to check in and share their experiences with each other. Staff also take young carers on trips to places like Bristol Zoo and Oldbury Court Estate, giving young carers a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities. Andy Young, one of two young carers leads at Bristol Met, said: “We have seen the young carers who have accessed our support grow in confidence, be able to recognise the additional responsibilities they may have at home, helped them to manage school life and have seen them support each other.” One student, 12-year-old Georgina

Jo Howell, learning mentor and young carers lead; Year 8 student and young carer Georgina Moyston-Jones, age 12; Andy Young, learning mentor and young carers lead Moyston-Jones, said: “The group helps support me and I get chance to talk about my feelings.” A young carer is someone who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without their help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Bristol Met is among the many schools

supported by the centre to set up groups, homework clubs and drop-in sessions for young carers. It is one of 38 out of the 173 primary and secondary schools in Bristol signed up for the Young Carers in Schools programme. With new funding from the Nisbet Trust, the charity now wants to support more schools and hopes others will sign up ahead of National Young Carers Awareness Day on January 30. Young Carers in Schools is a national programme promoted by Children’s Society and Carers Trust, and hundreds of schools across England are part of it. Kama McKenzie, young carers manager at Carers Support Centre, said: “On average young carers will miss a day of school each month as a result of their caring role, so the steps schools take to identify and support them can have a huge impact on their learning, wellbeing and life chances. “You can help young carers by finding out if your local school is part of the Young Carers in Schools programme. If they are not, ask your school to get in touch with Carers Support Centre.” For more information visit https://www. carerssupportcentre.org.uk

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

Library is given a revamp

After: Now readers have more space to browse

Before: The library was cramped FISHPONDS Library has undergone a facelift in a bid to make more space for users. The library, based at Robinson House in Hockey's Lane, closed for a week at the end of November to remove a wall and get rid of the old Citizen Service Point counter. It follows discussions that took place at the start of the year, where local people mentioned they would like to see a better layout and more space. Deputy mayor, councillor Asher Craig, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “We are committed to making sure our library service meets the needs of the community and the city as a whole, and we are working with local people and organisations to make this happen. “The feedback from the people who use Fishponds

Share the joy of reading

Library was that they wanted more space, so we have made that happen. “We hope that the work will help improve the library experience for the local community.” Bristol Libraries recently launched a new fund to help community groups develop innovative ideas for their local library. The Library Innovation Fund will be split between the city’s 27 libraries (up to £3,000 per library), and will enable communities to take the lead on putting the ideas they have about their local library and the library building into action. Projects could range from buying furniture or equipment to funding activities such as creative writing workshops. It could also be used as match funding for a larger project.

People were given until December 13 to submit a draft application with the deadline for final applications on January 13. Results will be announced in February.

A NEW group that brings people together to read, listen and talk about stories and poems has launched at Fishponds Library. The weekly Shared Reading sessions are on Tuesdays at 11. Visitors can drop in to listen to stories and poems; there’s no pressure to talk or read out loud, and the sessions are free. Trained volunteers run the group and choose what is read. There are more than 500 Shared Reading groups in the UK with 31 in Bristol, 14 open to the public and others in care homes and sheltered housing. They are run iwith Bristol Libraries and funded by Bristol Ageing Better. To find out about other Shared Reading groups in the city email michaelprior@ thereader.org.uk.

Give your child a GOOD start in life! Open term time Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 16.00pm Funding places available for all eligible 2, 3, & 4 year olds Set in a quiet location of Fishponds with a beautiful secure garden for outdoor learning, make friends secure relationships in a warm, stimulating and nurturing environment.

Children love Happy Dayz because it is fun why don’t you join us? For further information contact us on Tel: 01173 360 516 email: happydayzpreschool@gmail.com

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fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

January, 2020

Man gets seven years for manslaughter A FISHPONDS man has been jailed for seven years for killing a friend who was dumped outside a hospital. Krystof Solosciuk, of Pound Drive, co-defendant Tomasz Urbaniak, of no fixed address, were found guilty of the manslaughter of Lucasz Grabowski following a trial at Bristol Crown Court. The jury was told that Mr Grabowski, 32, of Lawrence Weston, was beaten to death after stealing a consignment of illegally imported Ukrainian cigarettes from an organised smuggling gang. A third man, Krystian Czelewicz, 37, is still wanted by police after fleeing the UK the day after the killing. Czelewicz, who was blamed by Urbaniak during the trial for causing Mr Grabowski's death, is believed to be in Poland and is subject to a European Arrest Warrant. Mr Grabowski had become friends with the men after

Krystof Solosciuk

Tomasz Urbaniak

meeting them through his gym in Bristol. The court heard that in November 2018 the four men planned to distribute a consignment of smuggled cigarettes around the UK. They hatched a plan to steal the load for themselves and Mr Grabowski saw it through, but once threats from the organised crime group were received he and his friends fell out over what to do. Gloucestershire Police said Solosciuk and Urbaniak

Lucasz Grabowski

assaulted Mr Grabowski in an alleyway behind a Gloucester hotel, before forcibly bundling him into the rear seats of his own car. He suffered serious head injuries and was dumped outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where he died despite the efforts of staff to save him. Urbaniak, 36, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison and Solosciuk, 39, was sentenced to seven years in prison at the Old Bailey last month. Both men had pleaded not

guilty to murder but, following several days of deliberation, the jury found them guilty of manslaughter in November. After the trial Detective Chief Inspector Ruth Mather said: "Lucasz had clearly got in with a bad crowd and tried to solve his own financial problems by stealing from them. "Lukasz suffered a violent death which he did not deserve and it shows the level of violence those organised crime groups will go to." Mr Grabowski's family said in a statement: “These verdicts will not bring Lukasz back to his family. "Lukasz is missed greatly by his family and friends. We have waited a long time for justice. "We would like to thank the police for their work and effort in investigating Lukasz’s death and for helping his family both in England and Poland."

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sutton Chiropractic -helping you to get back into shape 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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exercise slot into your schedule. Keep consistent in the pursuit of your health goals and the changes will come. Getting support can really help keep you on track, and this could be in the form of a gym partner, running/walking groups or a local slimming world. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you get back to doing the things you love, or setting the best foundation for activities you’re taking up, we’d love to help. We want you at your best and would love to see how we can help for 2020. Remember, keep it simple, start with a good foundation and be consistent.

Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

Cafes urged to welcome older people A CAMPAIGN has been launched to persuade cafes and businesses to become more age friendly – just like Fishponds' Kingfisher Cafe. Charity Age UK Bristol is behind an initiative which aims to end isolation and loneliness and support the over 50s. The project, called Friends Ageing Better (FAB), runs regular cafe meet ups - called catch up cafes - across Bristol to bring people together. These happen in a number of different locations, in high street cafes, community centres, even in a Sikh temple. The charity is calling on cafes to sign up to FAB and offer discounts for older people and/or host a regular catch up session. The scheme has already been embraced by the Kingfisher Cafe in Straits Parade which holds two monthly FAB catch ups for people living in the area. The one at the start of the

month focuses on new careers, looking for jobs and volunteering opportunities, and the one at the end of the month has a retrogames theme. FAB's Silvia Jimenez Cruz said: “We know that many older people can experience isolation,

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neighbours and enjoy more of what the city has to offer. “Cafes can offer a discount or incentive to encourage older people in on a particular day or time, to encourage more customers to come through the door during quiet times. By offering discounts for people at quiet times, they can also encourage older people in the community to get out and about and socialise.” FAB membership in the city stands at around 1,000 and is growing. The free service is open to the over 50s and members are invited to catch up cafes in their neighbourhood and to attend special events, such as tours and talks at places of interest. If you run a business and would like to find out more, get in touch with the Friends Ageing Better team on 0117 440 4301 or email fab@ageukbristol.org.uk. If you would like to become a member, visit www.ageukbristol. org.uk or call 0117 440 4301.

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n VET BLOG

Time for a January diet?

OST of us are aware of the risks of carrying extra weight, but did you know that many of these risks are the same for our pets? Obesity is linked to joint problems, heart disease and skin problems, with overweight cats being 3 times more likely to develop diabetes – Vet Report 2016. A phenomenal 1 in 3 dogs, 1 in 4 cats and 1 in 4 rabbits are considered overweight. For cats and dogs, when viewed from above you should be able to see a waistline. Their ribs should be easily felt, with only the last 1 or 2 ribs visible. Before embarking on dieting, we ALWAYS recommend you see your vet first to rule out medical problems such as hypothyroidism. At Kingswood Vets4Pets we offer free weight clinics with our nurse who can tailor a plan for your pet! Dieting requires you to be

Very overweight pets may need a gentle exercise regime to begin with to protect the heart, so please see a veterinary professional first. We are always happy to help so please contact Kingswood Vets4Pets on 0117 9616417 if you would like to enquire about the free weight clinics. A very Happy New Year to you from the team at Kingswood Vets4Pets strict. Our top tip is to cut out the treats as these can quickly add up. Remember this isn’t forever. If you use treats to reward your dogs, perhaps consider using praise or a favourite toy instead. Once the weight is off they can have treats again, but in moderation.. Changing to a prescription weightloss diet will help your pet feel fuller for longer and also promote lean muscle mass. Increasing exercise can also help a lot, including hydrotherapy for dogs with mobility problems.

Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

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

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Vets4Pets Kingswood Willowdean Court, Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1LT Just off Lodge Causeway Call: 0117 961 6417 or visit: vets4pets.com/kingswood *Terms and conditions apply. Offer expires 29/02/2020. Valid for cats and dogs only. Only available at Vets4Pets Kingswood. For full terms and conditions visit vets4pets.com/kingswood Bristol 180m x 120mCaroline DENTAL.indd 1 ToV4Padvertise, contact on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

10/09/2019 09:01 Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n PETER'S VISION

2020 vision is our goal

glare, and from the number of comments I’ve had I know this rang true for many of you. If you experience glare and have yet to have your eyes looked at then how about a New Years resolution to see us soon? I’m particularly championing clear vision for young eyes. Every child deserves the opportunity to see clearly, yet so so many still don’t get to have an eye exam with an Optometrist. It’s free under the NHS at our practices, so really there should be no excuses! We check how well the young eyes of your loved ones can see close, mid & far away, we make sure their eyes work together and are healthy as well as looking for the signs of problems just around the corner (do eyes have corners?). If they need glasses, well we can even provide two pairs free under the

ELL a Happy New Year to you all! I trust that however you celebrate Christmas you had a truly super time. I’m sure you’ve all noticed the year 2020 is upon us. As an Optometrist, it would be a missed opportunity, short sighted even, if I didn’t mention the year, seeing as how it’s almost a vision standard. 20/20, or 6/6 if you prefer the British notation to the 20/20 US version, is how we write down good vision. Perhaps it could be the year of good vision, who knows? I hope it is a year of good vision for as many of you as possible. For me, clear vision is the goal for each and every patient I see. Now sadly for some this is just not achievable, but wherever and whenever possible we’ll aim for this for each of you. And why not eh! I wrote a few months back on

GLASSES

NHS optical voucher scheme. As it’s the New Year, I should mention a new lens I’m a fan of. It’s our Drive lens. No prizes for guessing what this one’s for! Whether you need glasses just for driving or for driving & close we’ve a new lens just for you! These lenses are designed for driving but also allow you to see at home, in work and when out and about too. The clever bit’s inside the lens, giving optimal clarity & focus, which is surely key for a glasses lens. So, back to the year of good vision - how’s your vision? Are you definitely sure it’s as good as it could be? If you, or your loved ones are due (or overdue) an eye exam, why not book one now? As well as a vision check we also carry out a full eye health check for your peace of mind. You can

book an appointment to see us by calling 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434, via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

Men jailed for violence after World Cup win

A FISHPONDS man was among 13 jailed for their part in a brawl which broke out after an England World Cup match. A second man from Fishponds and another from Soundwell were among those arrested after the fight, which saw furniture thrown in Park Street in the middle of a Sunday afternoon and left onlookers "terrified". England had just beaten Panama 6-1 when the violence broke out at about 3.15pm on June 24 last year. Avon and Somerset police said several of the men who

Darren Knowles

ended up in court were injured in the fight: one had a broken leg while another was knocked unconscious. The Fishponds man jailed at Bristol Crown Court was Darren Knowles, 42, who was jailed for three months and issued with a six-year Football Banning Order. Callum Powell, 28, also of Fishponds, was given a fourmonth suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 260 hours unpaid work and issued a threeyear FBO. Lee James, 33, of Soundwell, was jailed for four months. Football banning orders are

Callum Powell

legal bans on attending football matches and being in specified places, such as pubs or areas close to football grounds, before, during and after games. The longest sentence was handed down to Leon Gregor, 25, of Patchway, who was jailed for a year and given a six-year FBO. The brawl took place in front of families with children and one told police: “I found it distressing to watch that level of violence in real life, watching people get hurt and bleeding in the street." Another said: "What I was seeing really disturbed me. I felt terrified … this was a vicious attack and there was a lot of hate in the atmosphere.” The defendants have all appeared before District Judge Lambert at the end of November. Judge Lambert described the incident as “major disorder” which “engendered terror and distress”. He told the defendants only custodial sentences were

suitable “however small a part people played”. Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Rhys Hughes said: "This incident of violent disorder was quickly brought under control on the arrival of police officers. "However, those few minutes were enough to put many of those enjoying a Sunday afternoon in the city in fear of being injured. "The effects of these men's actions include damage to property, a cost to the public purse in bringing these prosecutions and financial losses to nearby businesses, as their customers fled. "This type of violence has absolutely no place in our society. I welcome these custodial sentences and hope they send a clear message to anyone involved in footballrelated violence that it simply will not be tolerated in Bristol."

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Old age is a time when you can really fulfil your potential. B

AGE

RIEN -F

Y DL

Judith, Ambassador of the Bristol Older Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forum. Age 81. www.agefriendlybristol.org.uk

STO

fishpondsvoice

January January,2020 2020

southbristolvoice

17 25

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Why we are challenging perceptions of old age

Age Proud Bristol is an awareness campaign that challenges perceptions of older people in Bristol and encourages people to feel proud of their age. The World Health Organisation has described ageism as “the last form of acceptable discrimination” and according to research carried out by SunLife in 2019, 68% of over 50s in the UK say that ageism in everyday life has made them feel less valued. Age Proud Bristol aims to challenge this and encourage everyone over 50 to feel Age Proud. The campaign is run by Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) and has gathered the views of a variety of inspirational people from across Bristol about their experiences and advice regarding later life. For this article, we spoke to Judith Brown (81), Bristol Older People Forum’s Ambassador. Judith has always had an interest in campaigning, including for women’s rights, disability rights, gay rights, and more, so it is perhaps not surprising that her

Judith Brown, 81, shares her experience of old age as part of a campaign to challenge perceptions of older people

latest volunteer role is all about promoting the rights of Bristol’s older people. “You’re still the same person you always were,” says Judith. “Later life is just a new phase of the adventure and old age is a time when you can really fulfil your potential.” Judith says that when she was growing

up there were expectations placed on what women could and couldn’t do, but now she can follow her interests fully. Judith’s advice for people of any age is to “Be yourself. Don’t let anybody put you down. If there is something you feel you want to say, you should say it.” Women are often socialised to be more self-conscious of their age and physical appearance.

Whilst a man might be described as a ‘silver fox’ when his hair turns grey, women are described in less appealing terms, suggesting that a woman’s worth is measured by her age and appearance. Judith argues that people shouldn’t feel limited by stereotypes. “You hear older women say, ‘Oh I can’t wear that dress, it’s too young.’ Rubbish! We should accept people as they are and demonstrate how wrong the stereotypes are.” Many people have outdated perceptions of what later life will look like, whereas the reality is that we are all individuals with different experiences and knowledge and that doesn’t change when we reach our 50s and beyond. This is the first in a series of three articles inspired by older people based in Bristol. Find out more about the Age Proud Bristol campaign by visiting www.agefriendlybristol.org.uk or search #AgeProudBristol on Twitter and take part in the conversation about ageism in Bristol.

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Doing something new WOW 2020, a brand new year. How many people stayed up to welcome the New Year in? And with a new year come commitments to change our lives to make things better or at least different. I don’t know what your resolutions might be I would suspect that there have been a pile of New Year’s resolutions made in the past week and if the truth was known there have probably been a pile of New Year’s resolutions broken in the past week. We have probably all verbally or silently, publicly or privately resolved to do something new this year then we did last year. Whether that something is starting a new diet, starting an exercise program or start saving so we can get a foot on the property ladder. It is not unusual for people to want to start something new in a new year. I am not one who makes New Year’s resolutions, but this year there are some targets that I want to meet—some things I want to accomplish. So, I have set myself a goal to save for a much desired

holiday. I know that to do that I will have to develop a new mindset towards what I spend money on, and I will have to make some sacrifices. Throughout the bible there have been numerous people whom God has spoken to and directed them to do something new. Abraham had to move to a new place, Moses had to learn how to lead God’s people and Paul had to adopt a whole new way of thinking. I believe we are living in a revolutionary time and we need to seize it for Christ. God is doing something new and is calling us to join him in it. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” So what are your resolutions for 2020? Big, little, practical, impractical, what have you decided to change about your life in the next twelve months? On 31st December of this year will you be the same person you are now? A better person? Or a worse person? Will you have won

a victory over some area of your life or will you have gone down in defeat? I want to go on record right now as saying I believe people can do whatever they set their mind to. And I know that many of you are sitting there reading this and thinking, “That woman doesn’t even know what I’m struggling with.” You’re right, I don’t, but I know my God and I know that God can give all of us victory. Do you believe that? Do you believe that you are a partner in faith with the Almighty God? Do you remember what Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1:37? That’s right, “For nothing is impossible with God.” And if nothing is impossible with God then all things will be possible with God. Just because you decide to do something new doesn’t mean everyone will understand the change or for that matter even like the change, but you can’t do it or not do it for the sake of others. You have to do it for yourself. So where are you at? What is

Rev P Jackson Minister for Fishponds, Kingswood, Made for Ever & Speedwell Methodist churches there in your life that you need to stop doing, or you need to start doing? Who is there that can help you and are you willing to pay what it cost because any time you start something new it’s always wise to look at the cost’s vs. the benefits. The New Year is a perfect time for starting over and doing something new. May we all succeed in the endeavours God is leading us toward.

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

D-day for inflatables centre and gym

A DECISION on whether to allow an "inflatable theme park" to open at a former Fishponds car showroom is due to be made later this month. The application by owners Castel Limited to open an indoor inflatable play centre on the Oakwood Park trading estate, next to Parnall Road off Lodge Causeway, has been delayed for a second time. It was due to be decided at the start of October last year and was delayed to the end of that month

before a further postponement until January 10. The extension has been agreed by the city council to allow the operator extra time to submit travel and premises management plans. If permission is granted, a large gym could also move in to two of the units at the site, which have been empty for more than two years since ALD Automotive relocated to Emersons Green. Inflatable play park operator Jumpin runs similar facilities in

Sussex, Salisbury and Derby, and says the facility would create up to 70 full- and part-time jobs. Documents submitted by planning agent Andrew Beard to the council say that there have been no takers for the buildings in their allowed use as commercial, industrial, storage or distribution premises since ALD left. If approved without amendments, the plans would allow the businesses to open between 6am and 10pm each

day, including Sundays and bank holidays. The agent says the early opening times would be for gym customers to go before work and that Jumpin generally opens between 10am and 3pm on Sundays. Parking for more than 200 cars and 50 bikes would be provided on-site, using existing car parking spaces and new bike facilities. Fishponds residents have written both in support of and opposition to the plans.

Children's happiness is club's priority AN out of school club which looks after 80 children has been praised by Ofsted. An inspector from the education watchdog who visited Frenchay Out of School Club praised children's behaviour, the bonds formed between staff and children and its "extremely inclusive environment". During her visit to the club, at Frenchay Primary School, in November, inspector Kelly Sunderland saw the children stage a fashion show organised after they showed an interest in being designers and staff gave them materials to make clothes. She also saw them playing football and basketball, with staff "enthusiastically" joining in. The inspector said: "Children enjoy their time at the club. They eagerly arrive and happily talk with staff about their day at school. Staff have formed lovely bonds with the children and know the children well. They value their opinions and use

Staff and children at Frenchay Out of School Club celebrate their knowledge of the children along with children's suggestions to plan fun, exciting activities. "Staff create an extremely inclusive environment where diversity is highly respected. They are excellent role models and treat children with high levels of respect. Children with special educational needs and/ or disabilities are well supported.

Staff know the children well and genuinely care about the children's enjoyment while at the club." The inspector said club owner Cath Purchase and her staff regularly evaluated their service and gave the views of children and parents high priority, adding that safeguarding arrangements and links with parents and the

school were good. She said: "Parents speak highly of the club." Ofsted has recently changed the way it rates out of school and holiday clubs, and no longer uses the same grades it gives to schools and preschools. The regulator now only says whether clubs meet its requirements and recommends any action needed to improve further. By saying the club met its standards with no actions needed, Ofsted gave it the highest grade an inspector can award. Cath said she was delighted with the report. She said: "The care and happiness of the children is of paramount importance to us and we are pleased that Ofsted were able to recognise the high standard of care we offer. "The wording of the report tells us that everything about the club is running at a really high standard."

Oh yes they are ... players set for panto challenge A POPULAR drama group are taking on an ambitious project for their annual panto. Soundwell-based St Stephen's drama group are busy rehearsing Little Miss Muffet, a family show featuring sing-a-long tunes. The show sees heroine Little Miss Muffet, with the help of her aunt Dame Dolly Drinkup, join the handsome Captain Jack Dauntless to rescue a princess and defeat the evil witch, Morac.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Producer Kate Kendell said: “I’ve wanted to do this panto for years but we’ve never been ready for it as it’s very ambitious. Now though, I feel that the group has gained so much experience and talent that we are more than ready to do this justice.” Samantha Vernon, the panto’s choreographer, said: “I have developed some quite complicated dance routines and the group has quite literally stepped up to the

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

mark. Our chorus have been amazing and thrown themselves into this with gusto and have made each routine their own.” Little Miss Muffet runs from January 30-February 1, with shows at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm, at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Soundwell, BS16 4RH. Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 for concessions. They can be purchased at www. ststephensdramabristol.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n NEWS

Princess Anne opens autism school A SCHOOL for children with autism from east and central Bristol has been officially opened by Princess Anne. Venturers’ Academy St Anne’s Park opened in September and is housed in a new building in Lichfield Road alongside The Kingfisher School, a mainstream primary. Both schools are part of Venturers Trust and say the colocation, alongside a children’s centre, is bringing togethere additional resources and expertise that benefit everyone. The Princess Royal toured both schools before unveiling a plaque. Pupils were keen to introduce her to several of their favourite areas including classrooms, the library and the spacious outdoor play areas and to tell her Venturers’ Academy is a special school for children with a primary diagnosis of autism. Its first site opened in Withywood in 2016 and since then student numbers have increased from

28 to 95, with many still on a waiting list. Venturers’ Trust St Anne’s Park has 28 pupils while The Kingfisher School currently has 161 children on its roll. Kaitlyn, age 8, said: “We’ve been so excited to have a real

Princess visit our school! She really liked our allotment patch and asked lots of questions about our three rescue chickens.” Kirsteen Craig, principal of The Kingfisher School, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have welcomed to our school Her

Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The excitement has been building for several weeks and the children couldn’t wait to show The Princess around their amazing new school. This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate the community spirit that really shines through here.” Trystan Williams, principal of Venturers’ Academy and executive lead for Venturers Trust, said: “The Princess was extremely interested in the collaboration between The Kingfisher School and Venturers’ Academy which is already providing so many benefits for the whole school community. It is also an excellent example of good practice within a multi-academy trust where the emphasis is on building and developing healthy environments in which children can thrive, enabling us to deliver significant academic progress and achievement for every student.”

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Challenge for the decade

ITH a new year comes the opportunity to reflect, take stock of the last 365 days and plan for the year ahead. I'm very proud of what the OPCC and the Constabulary have achieved in 2019 but am aware there’s always plenty more to be done. As your PCC, I will continue to act as a fierce advocate for victims and as your voice in policing. I would also like to challenge you to do something different by getting involved in your local policing service in 2020. Volunteers play a vital part in assisting me in my role and make a huge difference in ensuring our local communities are safe

and feel safe. Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding and it is always a privilege to work alongside so many people who selflessly give up their time. Find out more about volunteering roles on the PCC’s and Constabulary’s website. As always in December, Avon and Somerset Police launched Op Tonic, a monthlong campaign that includes high visibility and covert patrols to target drink and drug drivers. Over the festive period, many of us have been having fun and celebrating with friends and family. But remember, driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a serious crime that can devastating consequences. Even being ‘slightly’ over the

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

limit will still land you with a penalty if you’re caught and it’s really not worth the risk. I know officers have been working hard to keep the roads of Avon and Somerset safe during the festive period. I believe that local people support the police in doing all they can to bring offenders to justice so they can ensure our roads are safe to use over Christmas and New Year, as well as the whole year round. Finally, I want to take a moment to think about the people who have been working hard day and night over Christmas and New Year to ensure our safety and protection. It’s always an extremely busy time of year for those who work in emergency services and I

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With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens know they all go above and beyond to keep us safe. I want to say a massive thank you to those in the NHS, police and other emergency services as well as those in voluntary and charity organisations who work hard during the festive period to support local communities.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n GARDENING

The city gardener By Tim Barton

Looking forward to the spring HAPPY New Year, in fact Happy New Decade, it feels like only a few years ago we were all welcoming each other to a new millennium. Now that the furore of Christmas has died down, the celebrations are over and many of us are thinking of trying to stick to our resolutions, we can start to look forward to another year of growing. Many years ago I made a final New Year's resolution and that was to never make any more New Year's resolutions. If I hadn’t done something purely because I wanted to then there was no chance of me sticking to it because it was January. So far it’s worked out, I’ve not broken one for eight years. I’m always a sucker for getting seeds in early but I know that I have to resist the urge, all too often there are frosts into late March or even April so many things really are best left and don’t benefit from an early sowing. There are however a number of plants that if you’ve got a protected environment you can get going in January. Chillies for example need a long growing season for them to ripen properly so getting these on the go towards the end of the month is a good idea. You can also sow sweet peas and delphiniums for example, but all of these will need some heat to help them germinate as it won’t be warm enough outside or in an unheated greenhouse for a few months. You do have to be careful at this time of year though as due to the low light levels the plants can suffer from etiolation or legginess. This is where the plants put on too much weak growth in the absence of light that can make them susceptible to damping off and other ill effects. To be sure of good strong growth at the start of the year it’s best to keep them under lights if you can or at least in a bright south facing window.

I’ve also seen a contraption made from silver foil that simply reflects the light from the window back onto the plants from the opposite side. It’s really just foil covered card that sits on the opposite side of the plants to the window and curves up until it’s just past vertical, I’m assured that it’s a highly effective and cheap way to get the best from your seedlings. As I have some lights I’ve never tried this but I’d love to get some feedback on how effective it is. It’s also worth noting that the next two months are usually the coldest. It’s tempting to clear plants that have died back but I leave everything that is still standing and not starting to decay. Not only does this look good and retains some structure to the garden, especially in a hard frost but it’s also somewhere for insect to find protection and even a few seed heads left over for the birds. My garden stays fairly unkempt over the winter months as I don’t really feel the need to cut everything back to the ground as soon as it’s gone over. This is mostly due to a bit of lethargy though and a severe lack of time at the moment, but it’s no less loved for it. Knowing that in a few months' time there’s going to be the first signs of spring growth fills me with an intense sense of joy and I want to get the most out of it, part ornamental and part wildlife garden suits me perfectly. Keep feeding the birds with fat and seeds and keep yourselves warm as there are a few weeks until we can start to really think about spring, but not so many that I’m not already excited.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Talk to the hand ... DO you want to know what your baby is thinking about before they can speak? Do you want to take part a class with your baby that is scientifically proven to make parents happy too? Gabriela Saxon is mum to a very feisty 18-month-old, and credits Tiny Talk baby signing classes with practically eliminating any frustration her daughter has experienced with communication. She was so impressed with the classes that she’s now starting her own, and bringing them to Fishponds in February! When your baby is crying inconsolably, every new parent struggles as they try to work out what their child needs. Babies are born clever and know that a piercing shriek generally gets great results. But it takes a lot longer for them to form actual words. Baby signing is a way for them to get the message across before they can talk, without affecting speech development. From six months, most babies can clap, wave and point. They also realise that everything has a name: ‘Milk’, ‘Mummy’, ‘Daddy, ‘cat’ and so on. By teaching them a few simple signs as you say the words, they start to understand what you’re saying and make attempts to talk back to you. Suddenly they’re telling you they’ve seen a ‘bird’ in the garden, that it’s starting to ‘rain’ and that they want their ‘milk’! Tiny Talk classes are full of fun, well-known nursery rhymes, action songs, musical instruments and sensory activities, as well as simple, easy-to-learn signs. Signing babies are keen to let you know how they see the world. By pointing to your mouth as you say the words to them, they will also start to copy you. Early speech sounds then come through, which eventually develop into words. Gabriela says: “There is nothing more amazing than the look on your baby’s face when she realises you understand her! Signing babies are definitely happy babies!” TinyTalk baby signing classes will be starting in February. Classes will be held at St John’s Church Hall on Lodge Causeway on Mondays from 11am until noon. To find out more or to book your place visit Gabriela’s website www.tinytalk.co.uk/gabrielas

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fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n FROM OUR MP

IRST of all, I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year! The election already seems a long time ago, but I would also like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who voted for me to continue as the MP for this area. I really do appreciate it. It was a tough election in many ways but it was the support of people on the doorstep - and in the street, in the shops, everywhere I went - that kept us going, despite the dark nights and the icy rain and the soggy leaflets. (No more December elections, please!) The national election result was of course hugely disappointing for Labour. We need to learn from this defeat. I will be part of that conversation, and I am keen to hear from you too. And of course, whether you voted Labour or not, I am here to help you with individual problems, to support the local community, and to speak up for you in Parliament. What is particularly important

for me in carrying out my role as your representative in Westminster is to hear personal stories of how you’re being affected by cutbacks to services, and how the people and systems that are supposed to be there to support you are proving obstructive. That could be delays in getting appointments or assessments, or unfairly being denied disability benefits. You could be struggling to get to work on time because of unreliable buses, or your landlord could be refusing to carry out essential repairs. My first course of action would be to take these up as casework, and try get you the help you need. As your MP though, I can also go right to the top, to the people who make the decisions, and I can make the case for systemic improvements and more resources. One example of this would be the law introduced earlier this year by a Labour MP, requiring all homes to be fit for human habitation. Finally, on a sad note, just

before the election two fantastic community projects in this area were hit by burglaries. Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, which is run by the Brandon Trust and provides work opportunities for people with learning disabilities, in food and flower growing, woodworking and looking after the animals, had its tools and the proceeds from Christmas tree sales stolen. Then the Friends of Eastville Park’s storage facilities by the bowling green were targeted. The group had already, sadly, had to cancel the Santa’s Christmas grotto event planned for Sunday December 9 because of high winds. I’d popped in to visit them the weekend before, and the volunteers had been doing some truly amazing creative work. The callous thieves took 600 wrapped Christmas presents intended for children visiting the grotto. Please do support the appeals if you can: https://tinyurl.com/ FoEastvillePark; https://tinyurl. com/ElmTreeFarm.” You can contact Kerry via

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice email at kerry.mccarthy.mp@ parliament.uk, calling her team on 0117 939 9901, or writing to her at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

n PLANNING MATTERSWITH CHRIS GOSLING

Quality and quantity YOU may recall that I have bemoaned the use of space standards as a one-size-fits-all solution to housing provision and also prescriptive policies, which set strict boundaries for what can and can’t be built and where. Since I am on familiar ground, I am going to develop this argument further in regard to what has been termed "micro-living". Micro-living is a concept that has grown up around the limitations of the planning system, treading carefully around existing legislation to ensure that planning permission is not required and therefore cannot be refused, as would otherwise be the case. The whole issue has been brought to the fore with some recent cases making national news, where grossly deficient dwellings were created through the conversion and sub-division of office buildings. One of these didn’t even have

windows and yet there was no way of stopping the development taking place. Much was made of comparisons with the housing situation in Hong Kong and other cities, where space is at a premium. This is truly an unheeded consequence of policy. I have no problem with the idea of internal space standards, in that they can protect the occupants of new properties from exploitation and their economic circumstances condemning them to sub-standard accommodation. However, there is no protection for people who already live in housing stock that does not meet those standards and do not have the economic power to extend their properties, where it is physically possible to do so. In that sense, we are always going to have a two-speed housing stock, largely defined by the age of the property. Strangely enough, though, something like two thirds of housing does not accommodate children. The national space standards operate on the basis of number of bed spaces dictating the size of a dwelling, with no regard for need or occupation.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

No allowance is made for smaller families or single occupiers rattling around in excess space. On the other hand, a growing number of people are taking action over their carbon footprint and choosing to live in smaller units. This is not limited to those who downsize on retirement, but also those who choose to reduce their demand on resources. These people actively choose to live in dwellings below the minimum space standard and can often only achieve this through by-passing the constraints of the planning system, for instance by converting a house to a house in multiple occupation. This involves the communal use of some space. What you lose in privacy in some areas, you gain through the savings on heating and other bills. This may all sound a bit desperate to those concerned for general welfare in society but on the other hand, who are planners to tell people how they should live their lives? The space standards were set on the basis of ensuring well-being and mental health. However, if the dwelling is (albeit large) but only faces North, the absence of sunlight could have a

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

worse effect on occupants than the benefits of its size. Quality can be just as important as quantity, but the important thing is the interplay between them. Planners have the ability and the responsibility to see things in the round. As such, it is always a shame when box-ticking dominates the exercise. Recent research has shown that, of people who undertake all forms of micro-living, about half are doing it voluntarily, while the other half are compromised into it. The challenge is to protect the population from exploitation due to limited choices, without limiting the positive choices of others. Just one of the challenges of the new decade. Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Sunday January 5 n Royate Hill Nature Reserve activity day, including bramble cutting and litter pick, from 11am at the nature reserve off Greenbank View. Bring own shears, loppers and gloves if you have them. Friday January 10 n Activate Drop-in Lunchtime Concert featuring the Concord Clarinets, 1-2pm at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds Bristol. Tea/coffee/ biscuits available. Free entry. Retiring collection. Contact 0117 9654521 Saturday February 1 n Winter craft fayre and coffee morning, 10am-1pm, All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds, BS16 2DH. Browse through the various crafts that will be available, purchase some handmade presents and have a chat over a cup of coffee. Entry is free. If you have any items to repair then you can bring them along to the Bristol Repair Café which is also happening.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays

n Holistic Massage, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9am n Tiny Tots, All Saints Community Hall 10:30am n Bereavement and Well-being support, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Computer Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Table Tennis for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Alzheimer's Society Singing for the Brain Mondays Fishponds 11 - 12.45 to book please phone 01179610693 sandra.corke@ alzheimers.org.uk

Yoga with Yolanda Smile - Heal - Empower

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

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

n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Pilates class. Fishponds Methodist Church Hall. 7.30 - 8.30 p.m. Booking essential. £39 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Bristol Community Café 11-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n Sequence dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel 0117 965 0203 for details. n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3pm. Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level. n 4-4.45pm, introduction to exercise, All Saints Church, Grove Road, Fishponds, BS16 2BW. Also aimed at meeting people in the area. Run by Southmead Development Trust. First session free, £3.50 there after. Venue is wheelchair accessible and sessions are open to all. People can just turn up or contact Colette on 0117 950 3335 for more details. n 7-8pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n 252 Beaver Scouts 6 - 7 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Sarah 0789 2852226 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.15 - 8.15 pm. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me n Stapleton Afternoon Tea Memory Cafe for people living with dementia and their carers. First Monday of every month except Bank Holidays, 2.00 – 4.00 pm at Stapleton Church Hall, Park Road, BS16 1AZ. Tea and homemade cakes, activities and music. No charge but donations welcome. . Tel. 9518980 n Speedwell Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa,

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, BS15 1NU. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n Beginners Salsa Class. Begbrook Social Club, Frenchay Park Road, BS16 1HY. 8-9pm. www.salsadacapoloco.co.uk n Senior Film Club at Christ Church Hall, North Street, Downend. A social afternoon with a film, cake and company! Come along and join us on the 2nd Monday of the month: 11 November & 9 December at 2pm, £3 including refreshments. For more information call Home Instead Senior Care 0117 989 8210. n 3rd Monday of each month Coffee Morning Refreshments, a chat and games 10.30am-12noon Good News Church, Pendennis Road, Staple Hill 01179658455

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 Group every Tuesday from 10-11.30am for gentle, elderly exercise at the Youth Hall Fishponds Baptist Church. Contact Janet on 0117 967 2041. n Morning Prayer, St John’s Church 9:15am n Foot Care Sessions, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9:30am n Coffee and Craft Morning, St John’s Church 10am n Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers, All Saints Community Hall 10am n Level 1 Walking Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Music for Toddlers, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 10:30am n Lunch Club, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12:30pm n Film Club for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Pre-school Storytime/ Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15-2.45pm n Eucharist with signing for the Deaf, Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL 3pm n Messy Church, Fishponds CofE Academy 3:15pm n Woodcraft , All Saints Church Hall/Link 6pm n Evening Prayer, St Aidan’s Church 7pm n Evening Prayer, St Ambrose

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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 8.15pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n New session for Under 5s has space for structured making, free play and exploration - 1.45-2.45pm every week £5 / £4 extra siblings www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Pilates classes at Bethesda Church, Staple Hill Six week blocks costing £45 Back Pain Specialist Instructor Multi-level classes at 6.15pm and 7.25pm Limited places, enrolment required www. feelgoodpilates.co.uk feelgoodfactor@live.co.uk Amanda 07815 886798 n 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.

Gentle Hatha Flow & Well Woman Yoga

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

Fishponds Vassal Centre

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

Frenchay Quaker House

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

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

How to book/contact details:

www.letgoyoga.co.uk/07904073535

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

32 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 Speedwell Community Café 11am-2pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane, Speedwell BS15 1NR. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n 69th St Joseph's Scout Group at St Joseph's Church Hall, Forest Road, Fishponds. Beavers 5pm-6pm, Cubs 6pm7.30pm, Scouts 7.30pm-8.30pm. Email stjosephscoutgroup@ hotmail.com for more details. n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. For further information please contact Pat Woodman on 0117 382 5363. n Folk Around Fishponds meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, upstairs at the Cross Hands, Fishponds at 8pm, entry £2. For more details visit www. folkaroundfishponds.org.uk

n Pop-up Community Cafe The New Place, 119-121 Fishponds Rd. 1-4.30 pm. n Keep fit group: Hour of mixed exercise whilst jogging around Vassall's Park. No charge. Wintertime we hire a hall in Fishponds. Age 45 to 60, must be able to run a mile! 7pm in summer, 8.30pm when indoors. Give it a try! Call Chris on 0785 564 8218. n 5-7pm, sports activities for young people age 8-19, Meadowvale Community Centre, Speedwell. All welcome. For further information call Bev on 07810 506966. n Shared Reading group, Fishponds Library, 11am-12.30pm. Drop in to read and listen to a great story and poem and talk about it. Meet new people and hear a new story every week. Free, no pressure to read and no prep required.

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 Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little

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To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

January, 2020

person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Level 3 Walking Group, starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1pm n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1:30pm n Punjabi Dance and Song, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Support and Activity Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Chair based exercise class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ladies Circle, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2:30pm n Wives Group, St John’s Church 2:30pm n Messy Church, Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George 3:30pm n Home Group, Location varies 6:30pm n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am-noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Tai Chi for Health and Happiness: Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.45am at The Beechwood Club (BS16 3TP) and 7.45pm to 9.00pm at All Saint’s Church (BS16 2BW), also Thursdays 9.30am to 10.45am at All Saint’s Church – tel: 07938 240158, web: www.tchh.co.uk. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am n Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 1.30-3 pm, fourth Wednesday of every month. Call Anne 0117 9041875 for information. n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm. Contact Beryl 0117 9774534. n Cycle UK (CTC). For all cyclists from beginners to professionals, commuters to sports. Beechwood Club, Fishponds, BS16 3TR. 8-10PM winter months only (other months are rides, see http://www. cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) n Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 n Flower Arranging practice classes, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel Cooke on 0117 9568504 n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Pilates classes. All Saints Church Hall 10.15 - 11.15 a.m. and 6.45 - 7.45 p.m. Booking essential. £39 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. Calling from Alan Davies and music by Mike Elsom. Dancers of all abilities and experience are welcome. Information at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n Coffee morning held on the first Wednesday of the month from 10.30 am - 12.00 pm at Fishponds Baptist Church and that all are welcome. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am to noon. All mediums, all abilities, all welcome. n Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me. n Carers Café at Kingfisher Café, Straits Parade, 2-3.30pm. 3rd Wednesday of each month. Contact Caroline 0117 958 9989 or carolinem@carerssupportcentre. org.uk n Hannah More Senior citizen "Fun and Entertainment" , Beechwood Club, Fishponds 2-4pm, fortnightly. Tel no 0117 965 0356 n Tai Chi for Health and Happiness: Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.45am at The Beechwood Club (BS16 3TP) and 7.45pm to 9.00pm at All Saint’s Church (BS16 2BW), also Thursdays 9.30am to 10.45am at All Saint’s Church – tel: 07938 240158, web: www.tchh.co.uk. n Gentle chair based exercise. With professional trainer. The New Place, 119-121 Fishponds Rd. 10.30-11.30 a.m. n October has been a fantastically busy month for Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds. We have had a successful educational and entertaining acrylics and glazes demonstration by Vincent Brown of a Bob Marley portrait. Also we

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

January, 2020

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

Thursdays n Dance Fit with Cressida. Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps and music. 2pm-3pm plus tea and chat. Starting Sep 7. Ffi call 07808 581739. n Yoga class for beginners. Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n 252 Scouts 6.30 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am. Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre

10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds. We have classes in Fishponds and Kingswood - come and try your first class for free! Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 1012 or Wednesdays 7-8.30pm For more information see www. taoist.org or call Crispin on 07407175127 n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year. Call Ruth 0796 6032 414 n East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. . Further information from Hazel Durn on 0117 9513868 or Tony Locke on 07919 173450 n 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities. Contact Patsy Holdsworth 01179078994 n 9.30am Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Fishponds Probus Club, Fishponds Club, Fishponds Road at 10 am. on the first and third. Thursdays in each month.For information, please telephone the Secretary, Malcolm Forbes, on 01179 836886. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 956 1846. n Riff Raff Choir - The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30-9.30pm. Pop and rock, mixed choir. All voice parts taught by ear. Everyone welcome - no audition. Booking essential. FREE

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

taster session at start of term. £80 for 10 week term. www. RiffRaffChoir.co.uk n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. We meet at the Langley Arms on Guest Avenue and welcome visitors on the following Thursdays: 1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements. n Kingswood Community Café 12-3pm, pop along for a cuppa, bite to eat and make new friends, everyone welcome. KVA, Kingswood Community Centre, High Street, BS15 4AB. Tel Gill for more details 0117 9025779 n From September 12, Gospel Generation Community Choir, 11am-12.15pm, House of Praise Church, Tudor Road, Easton. No membership fee, donations welcome. Contact Emma

gospelgen@googlemail.com for more information. n 7-9.30pm, rehearsal evening with Bristol Male Voice Choir, St Andrew's Church, Filton, BS34 7PS, on the A38 near Filton roundabout. You will get a very warm welcome and can look forward to learning a very wide range of music with us; we provide learning tracks for practice and you do not need to read music to sing with us. You will eventually be able to sing in our regular concerts and travel with us to many different venues. Contact 07941 040472 for more information.

Fridays n Coffee Morning from 10.30am11.30am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entrance through main church door. Greeting cards and preserves on sale in aid of charity. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hal 10-11.30 am in termtime. £2.50 + 50p per sibling; includes kids' snacks

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COMPETITIVE RATES AND A PROFESSIONAL FINISH 07971833538 handyandyfencing@gmail.com

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

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

Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am-1pm. Contact Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Alzheimer’s meetings Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm (2nd Friday in each month). Tel no. 0117 9756 441 n Coffee Morning, Speedwell Methodist Church, 10am-noon. Open to all. Friendly and caring. Lunch once a month. n Living After Loss, St Mary's Parish Rooms, back entrance of church, every other Friday, 11am-noon. Contact Lizzie on 0117 9650856 n Every second Friday of the month, 4-6 pm. Messy church with crafts, celebration and meal. Stapleton church hall, Park Road. Further details on Facebook or you can email youngpeople@ holytrinitystapleton.org.uk n In the Pink, Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, 9.00am. Make new friends and enjoy sensible exercise to music for older ladies, followed by refreshments. Tel. 0117 956 0615. n Activate Drop-in lunchtime concerts held every second Friday of the month, 1pm to 2pm at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Variety of entertainers, tea and coffee available. Free entry – retiring

A WORLD OF

Quality

January, 2020

collection. Contact 0117 965 4521 for more details. n OneFitMama Postnatal Exercise at the Beechwood Club, Fishponds every Friday. Mum & Toddler 11am, Mum & Baby 12pm. Pre-booking necessary. Free Trial for every new Mum. E: bristol@onefitmama.co.uk T: 07495 977070.

Saturdays n Pilates class. All Saints Church Hall, Grove Road. 9.15 - 10.15 a.m. Drop-in class, no booking necessary. All levels welcome. £7 per class. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates.

n Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm, 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly, September n Rehabilitation Pilates (Beginners), Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House, in Britannia room. 9am. £7. Samantha 07736 309272, www.gentlefitness.co.uk n Life Universecity LC soul health and wellness education classes, 12.30 -2pm Fishponds Old Library, Fishponds Rd. Rolling Administration 1st Saturdays of the month (except Jul –Aug / Dec –Jan) For info or to register Tel: 07508390298/Email: life. universecity@gmail.com n Monthly Bric a Brac and Clothing Sale at Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill, Stapleton. 1st Saturday of each month, 10am til 12pm. Refreshments available in the Hall.

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n Morning Worship and children’s activities, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. 10.30am n Morning Worship, New Place, Eastville Methodist Church, Fishponds Road. 10.45am. Holy Communion once a month. n Eucharist, All Saints Church 8am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am with Giggle Club in Parish Rooms n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Michael’s Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Aidan’s Church 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St John’s 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, All Saints Church 10.30am n All Sorts Youth Group, St Aidan’s Church hall 6pm(fortnightly) n Evensong , St Mary’s Church 6:30pm n Worship, Staple Hill Methodist Church 10.30am and 6pm. Creche is available for little ones and

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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, BS16 3TR. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm For bookings, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. email: tk007h9736@blueyonder.co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. n Weekly Meeting for Worship 10.30 - 11.30, With Children's Meeting 1st. and 3rd. Sundays, Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT n All Age Worship featuring the band, choir and children at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Staple Hill n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham St, Mangotsfield10.30am n Christian worship and teaching Children’s creche and clubs 10.30-11.45am, Good News Church, Pendennis Road n Morning worship with Eastville Park Methodist Church The New Place, 119-121 Fishponds Rd. 10.45-11.45 a.m. n Sims Hill Shared Harvest volunteer day at Feed Bristol, off Frenchay Park Road near the metrobus interchange at Stoke Lane. Every third Sunday of the month, 10.30am to 3.30pm, except for December and August.

Women's section Royal British Legion We meet fortnightly (2pm) on Wednesdays at the Foundation Old School in Page Road opposite Page Hall, Staple Hill. First meeting of 2020 is on January 8. To find out more call 0117 956 0805.

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January, 2020

n SPORT

Boxers Jodie and Ellouise grab international golds TWO Downend Boxing Club fighters have won international medals, with two more making national finals. Jodie Horton and Ellouise Challenger won through to their finals in the England Boxing 2019 International Female Box Cup, held on the weekend of December 7-8, by points decisions. In her final, Jodie, 23, faced Georgina Cranmer, of Haringey Police Boxing Club. A faced-paced contest saw cleaner shots coming from the Downend boxer, but the London girl's aggressive attacks made it very close. At the end, Jodie took a split decision and the title of Box Cup Champion. Ellouise, 17, was a little more direct in her win, stopping brave Eleanor Coulson of Worksop in the first round to take her second Winter Box Cup title. The contest was a replay of the inaugural Riviera Box Cup Torquay, which took place two

weeks earlier. At that tournament Taylor Andrews, 17, joined Ellouise in winning the competition, beating the tough Barnstaple boxer Aiden Friendship. There were also great performances in the National Association of Girls and Boys clubs championship finals. Morgan Baber, 16, contested her final in Bridlington and 17-year-old Jack Oram travelled to Altrincham. Morgan faced the experienced national champion and England representative Katie Lane, of Bernisfield Boxing Club. After a superb effort, the experience of the Oxford girl proved too much at this early stage of Morgan’s development, with the referee stopping the contest in the last round. Jack Oram faced the immensely strong Edward Hardy of Highfields Boxing Club in Yorkshire. Similarly to Morgan, Jack had a big deficit in experience in

Ellouise Challenger and Jodie Horton both won gold at the International Female Box Cup facing the England international. He made a bright start, taking the fight to his opponent from the first bell and into the second. But the accuracy of Edward’s punches and the massive effort Jack had put in took its toll, and the referee stopped the contest in the last round.

Head coach of the Hillfieldsbased club Craig Turner said: "It was a truly great achievement from both guys, winning through to the finals in such a strong way, so early in their development, is superb – and a great indication of things to come."

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n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Escape to Lake Placid

OME people will do anything to escape all that Brexit and general election chatter. It may seem like I took flight from all the pre-Christmas politics to make my escape to the United States – but the visit to Lake Placid was more snow business than show business! Regular readers of this feature might remember that I have a nice part-time job working for a few of the elite competitors in the physically tough and often scary world of skeleton bob – that’s why I found myself boarding a plane from Heathrow to Montreal on a gloomy winter weekend in December. It was a bitter-sweet occasion, having just left my family in Bristol celebrating our son Harry’s fourth birthday. While he was still engrossed with Paw Patrol’s Mighty Pups Tower, I was turning my attention to the dizzy heights of

the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. The gorgeous scenery of the High Peaks region provided a fitting backdrop to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Championships and, just a few hours after my arrival in Montreal, it was down to the serious business, alongside Milly (our latest sport therapist, who is out working for Skelton for the whole winter season), of working with two of the biggest names in winter sports. On my first day at Lake Placid, I spent a couple of hours treating Kimberley Bos, from The Netherlands and Norway’s Alex Hansen. They both responded well and were in good fettle for the competition, which was an important part of their countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. Then I bumped into another old friend, Great Britain Olympic

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

A Team approach to healthcare.

bronze medallist Dom Parsons, who also needed a chiropractic helping hand. It certainly was another fascinating experience for me, working alongside some of the top athletes in their field. As part of the “backroom team”, I stayed in an amazing Americanstyle ski chalet, with huge wooden beams and staircases, which was built for the 1980 Winter Olympics. While these lodgings were lovely and comforting, the food menu was a little odd, particularly as the hosts were catering for hundreds of elite performers. There were a lot of meat dishes served up smothered in cheese sauces! Even though, at times, the temperatures plummeted to as low as minus 20 during the course of the week, I found myself craving some fresh fruit – just to try to keep things healthy. Back at base camp, the newlook Cleve Chiropractic continues to impress our patients with its spacious treatment rooms and state-of-the-art equipment. Don’t forget that, to celebrate our recent move in Mangotsfield – just across the road to Cossham Street – we have a special offer for you.

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 It will cost just £10 for all new patient examinations, including any treatment needed during that first visit. The offer runs until the end of January and includes all practitioners, chiropractors and physios. To make an appointment, just pop in to the new Cossham Street clinic or call us on 0117 957 5388. Finally from me this year, a big thank you to all patients, both old and new – it’s been a pleasure to look after you. Everyone at Cleve Chiropractic wishes all Voice readers a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year – see you in 2020!

Dom Parsons the GB Olympic champion and me

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced

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January, 2020

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

Battling back after devastating blows AT any other time, the sight of eight pairs of legs dangling from a 12x6-metre marquee frame while 30mph wind gusts lifted us 2ft off the ground would have made for a great comedy sketch. Thoughts of ascending skywards under canopy across Bristol may even have been my idea of the ultimate great adventure (I can’t speak for the others!), while spectators below may have been thinking that the Balloon Fiesta had arrived in spectacular fashion, much earlier than usual! Our preparations for setting up Santa’s Grotto on the Old Bowling Green started three days earlier than last year. We were expecting more visitors, we had increased the numbers of marquees and there was so much more we’d planned to be sure it was going to be the best ever. Our Master of Marquees, Paul Lewis, had everything shipshape and Bristol fashion, ready to go for the build, while the creative team, led by Chrissy and June, had been working tirelessly on bringing the Wildlife Winter Wonderland theme to life with elaborate Grotto backdrops, set-building, models, costumes and decorations that would reflect the wide variety of wildlife we find in our park. Our catering team, with Alex, Julie and Mo, was as well-prepared and slick as a Michelin restaurant, with a menu to match. Jo devised a toutproof ticketing system and masterminded children’s presents, while Gill and Stef headed up our

live music stage like the pros they are! A team of Santas, Sarah’s spreadsheets, Jack’s wildlife knowledge and Joe’s site safety role meant we were headed for a sure-fire successful event. We had an incredible group of over 80 volunteers in all, who had been involved in preparing and were due to help out on the day: artists, face painters, as well as games and activities folk who would all make this a day to remember for the children who would come. The weather forecast during the week was uncertain but not causing us any major concern. Come Thursday, a calm day, we managed well, setting everything out ready to cover the structures on Friday. The forecast for the next few days was now shifting to moderate winds, with strengthening gusts. As we set to work on Friday, we were doing well until midday,

when the first of those gusts paid us a visit while we were halfway through fitting the canopies. Within the space of a few minutes, we had a battle holding on to anything and could only watch from 30m away as one of the canopies we’d already secured lifted and tore itself from its fixing, resulting in a 6ft gash. It whipped and whapped like a demented bed sheet, while we cursed and held on to this one for dear life. A quick check on the latest forecast showed winds for Sunday expected to be over 40mph, which would take us way outside the limits for a safe site and event, so we made a decision there and then – while still hanging on – to cancel. We worked in haste to bring everything down to prevent further damage and spent the rest of the day packing away as best we could. The real impact of the decision we’d made only really started to sink in around about then, and a wave of sadness washed over all of us and lingers on yet. As things go, that was a pretty rough week for us. What happened the following night left us wondering how things could possibly get any worse. Our defences were down just as much as we were. We had stored Santa’s presents, food, provisions and equipment overnight at the bowling club while we tried to make a plan to get back to some sort of normal. Sometime during the night, uninvited guests burgled the

AERIALS

premises and removed everything of value. The quantity of stolen items: 600+ presents, a large heater, catering equipment and a few trolley loads of food and drink, would have needed more than one person and a vehicle for sure - probably loaded up on the roadside, where the park drops down opposite Royate Hill. While we are not optimistic of recovering any of the stolen items, we are overwhelmed by the local community’s support and generosity in helping us to recover from this dreadful experience. Local and national news coverage has led to donations of some replacement gifts, which we will hopefully be able to use next year. Our GoFundMe page has been an amazing success - we are on course to cover our losses and make up for some of the lost proceeds from the event itself, thanks to an incredible outpouring of generosity. The appeal is due to run until January 10 (https://www. gofundme.com/f/friends-ofeastville-park) and any surplus raised will be put towards our continuing programme of community activities and support of maintenance and improvements around the park. Our very sincere thanks to anyone who has supported us in any way through this difficult time and we wish you all a very Happy New Year. The Parkie Facebook – friendsofeastvillepark www.eastvillepark.org.uk

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