Fishponds Voice June 2023

Centre is transformed

A COMMUNITY centre in Speedwell is reopening after a £350,000 transformation led by volunteers – and now residents are being invited to come and make it their own.

Meadow Vale Community Association has spent three years fundraising and managing the project to expand the Meadow Vale Community Centre, with a

new hall next to its original building. There are more developments still to come, with an outdoor space also planned. Now the association is calling on Speedwell residents to come forward, use the centre and volunteer to help make it a true community hub. Turn to Page 5

Tribute to bomb victim Bert

George Bennett, 92, welcomes plans for a memorial to four teenagers killed by a wartime bomb in Eastville Park, including his cousin Bert, pictured.

PAGE 13

Explosion hits cash machine

A cash machine in Fishponds Road was blown up in an explosion that could be heard two miles away.

PAGE 3

Basketball success for Met

A girls' team from Bristol Metropolitan Academy reached the national final of a basketball competition.

PAGE 25

if you are interested

and would like to be part of the HRM family.

Moira Currie, Jim Currie, Lindsey Fuller and Councillor Nicola Beech preparing the centre for its open day

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Ken McCormick

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Linda Tanner

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Bank and shop robbed

A MAN has been charged with three armed robberies, including one on a Fishponds bank and one on a newsagent.

Police were called to the NatWest bank branch in Fishponds Road at about 9.30am on May 23 after a man who was seen to be carrying a knife threatened staff before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect was seen escaping on an e-scooter after the incident.

To ensure your news or letters are included, please contact us by Wednesday June 21. Advertisers are asked to contact us by the same date.

LOCAL INFORMATION

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

COMPLAINTS

NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards

01454 868001

Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk

Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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 Kingswood 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 obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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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 in Fishponds and the surrounding areas. 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 Brookfield Publishing on 07540 383870 or email news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk. This month 8,000 copies will be distributed in Fishponds and the local area.

Later that day police arrested a man on suspicion of robbery, and a woman was arrested in the early hours of the following morning, on suspicion of conspiring to commit robbery.

Police said 42-year-old Marcus Laing, of Rodney Road in St George, had been charged with three counts of robbery and three counts of possessing a bladed article.

The charges relate to three separate incidents.

Police say the other two incidents were an alleged robbery on May 18 at a newsagent on Forest Road and another robbery at a home in Bristol on May 20.

Laing has appeared before magistrates and been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Bristol Crown Court on June 23.

A 53-year-old woman has been released under investigation.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in Fishponds Road at the time of the bank robbery, who saw someone fleeing the scene or was in the bank, but has not yet come forward, to contact them.

They are also calling on anyone who has relevant CCTV, dashcam or phone footage to get in touch.

Witnesses should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 119 763.

The bank was closed for two days after the incident, reopening on May 25.

A NatWest spokesperson said: "We continue to work with police on their investigation relating to this incident."

Pilates classes in Fishponds

Suitable for all levels

Mondays 19:00 at The Life Church

Wednesdays 9.30 at Lincombe Barn

Therapeutic Yoga Fridays 9.30 at The Life Church

Please contact Emily to book your place on 07974252486

email: info@teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook and Instagram: Emily Osborne Pilates

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870 Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

The NatWest bank in Fishponds Road

Arrests after cash machine is blown up

POLICE have arrested a man after a cash machine in Fishponds Road was destroyed in an explosion that could be heard two miles away.

The free-standing ATM outside the Lodge House Department for Work and Pensions offices was destroyed at around 4am on Monday May 8, the Coronation bank holiday.

The explosion also damaged nearby parked cars, a bus stop, the exterior wall of Lodge House, a tree and road signs for the nearby Lodge Causeway junction.

The noise could be heard up to two miles away, with residents of Mangotsfield and Bromley Heath posting on social media to report hearing a loud bang at the time of the incident.

Avon & Somerset police have not confirmed whether gas canisters were used in the explosion - a technique used by criminals hundreds of times in recent years to attack cash machines.

Evening:

They have also not confirmed how much cash, if any, was taken.

A spokesperson said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of theft and arson while reckless as to whether life was endangered, on May 9. He was then bailed pending

further investigation.

The spokesperson said enquiries into the incident continued and appealed for or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that could help the police to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 106 495.

The Cash Zone-branded

machine belonged to independent operator Cardtronics, which has not responded to a request for more information about whether the ATM and attached payphone were operational at the time of the incident, how much cash is thought to have been stolen, the value of the machine or whether there are any plans to replace it.

Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants – get involved!

Tuesday 13 June, 6–8pm

Afternoon: Thursday 29 June, 1–3pm

Your opinions help us make decisions!

If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and make suggestions about improvements. For June 2023, we are hosting online meetings focussing on issues we know matter most to tenants.

● Come along and find out about the action we are taking to ensure fire safety for residents in our high rise blocks of flats. At the meeting you will also be able to hear about how we are shaping our plans to improve energy efficiency in our homes.

● Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums

● If you are not online but would like to take part, there is also a free dial-in option which you can join using your phone. For more information about how you can access the meetings contact Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email  tpu@bristol.gov.uk

What the ATM looked like before the explosion

The remains of the cash machine after the attack

A NEW group has been formed to respond to major development plans for the middle of Fishponds.

The Fishponds Community Planning Group aims to raise awareness of the plans, help residents understand their potential effect on the area and find out how to make sure their voices are heard.

Plans for the redevelopment of a large area between the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, Lodge Causeway, Enfield Road and Forest Road were unveiled earlier this year, and named Atlas Place.

Although no formal planning application had been made as the Voice went to print, the owners of two of the three development sites have held initial consultations and say they intend to build 1,160 new homes between them, including blocks of flats up to 13 storeys high.

The owners of the third site have yet to say how many homes they plan to build - but it has the highest housing density of the three, so is also likely to also include multi-storey blocks.

The Fishponds Community

New community group to respond to Fishponds plans

Planning Group was formed by residents following the first two initial consultations and has set up a Facebook page to share information and advice.

A group spokesperson said: "Members of our group attended both of the recent consultations, although the information regarding them arrived so late it meant that several of their neighbours were unable to attend.

"On speaking with family and friends within Fishponds, it became clear that a lot of people were completely unaware of the Atlas Place development, which we found really concerning –especially as the development will have an effect on everyone living within Fishponds.

"As a group, our aim is give as many residents as possible information regarding the developments, whilst also making sure they know where

to feed back their opinions.

"We want to make sure that any development in Fishponds is influenced by the community and that their needs and opinions are considered when any planning decisions are made.

"The majority of residents we have spoken with are happy to hear that a part of Fishponds that has been neglected for so long is finally being invested in, and we would like to think that, as a community, we approach this in a positive way, whilst also making sure our voices are heard. "However there are some real concerns regarding the height of buildings, density of the development and the effect on the local infrastructure that an

will bring."

The group is planning to arrange a community event for residents to attend in July, and will advertise details closer to the time.

In the meantime people who want to get involved are being encouraged to visit the Fishponds Community Planning Group Facebook page.

approximate extra 2,500 homes

Historic factory chimneys on one of the sites face being demolished under the plans.

Building a 'vibrant hub for the community'

From Page 1

The MVCA is carrying out a three-phase development plan to transform the former council housing office in Meadow Vale, which it first took over as a derelict building in 1985.

Phase one, a £97,000 refurbishment of the original building, finished in 2018, and included a kitchen suitable for catering events.

But the building only had a capacity of 33 people, and when the pandemic arrived in 2020, covid restrictions meant no more than three could enter it at once, emphasising that a bigger space was needed to serve the community.

The centre had been closed ever since - but behind the scenes a small team of volunteers has been working tirelessly on the transformation.

Both the old and new buildings welcomed residents at an open day on May 29.

The MVCA was offered the chance to expand the centre using £200,000 of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy fund - money paid to the city council by developers building in Bristol - but had to raise its own funding to match the grant.

The charity's trustees won grants from bodies including the Enovert Trust, which distributes money from landfill charges, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Bristol-based Quartet Foundation and John James Foundation.

MVCA chairperson Fiona Russell said: "Getting the chance of £200,000 from the CIL fund spurred our dream team to go for it, and since then we have raised another £200,000, which has given us a lovely big hall and increased our capacity to 133, which should mean we are now able to provide activities for all ages."

Free judo sessions by local club Drake Judo are being held on Monday evenings to bring people into the hall, which has an accessible toilet and kitchen of its own.

Fiona said: "As soon as we are able to start hiring the hall, the profit will go into enhancement.

"Locals would like keep fit,

toddler groups, workshops and exhibitions here, and we wish to cater for all ages and abilities."

The third phase of the transformation is an outdoor space, with a seating area and kitchen garden. The project, which will cost around £100,000, also involves new fencing, a gate to Meadow Vale Park and new surfacing.

Some funding could come from the council's Community Resilience Fund, created to support organisations working in the city's more deprived areas.

Speedwell is divided between two council wards, Eastville and St George Central.

Councillor Nicola Beech, whose St George Central ward includes the hall, is a trustee of the MVCA.

She said: "My personal view is that for a long time it's felt like Speedwell has been left behind and something of a forgotten community.

"This hall is a symbol of change. It shows the community we can have a bright future.

"A group of six or seven trustees has done this on their own - now we need Speedwell residents to get involved and get the community back engaged in Meadow Vale, as they were before the pandemic."

Deputy chair Lindsey Fuller, a retired head of Speedwell Nursery School, has been involved in the MCVA for ten years.

She said: "We've now got the buildings we need to get the services up and running.

"We want ideas and helpers - a volunteer base so we can

become a vibrant hub for the community."

Treasurer Jim Currie first got involved when, as president of Bristol Rotary Club in 2017-18, he was looking for a project to support that made a difference to a community.

Five years on, he has coordinated fundraising, secured grants, managed the building project and, as Rotary's West of England district governor, is encouraging members to join him "getting our hands dirty" doing practical work, including weeding and cleaning the site.

He said: "Now we're moving from a building project to a community project."

Anyone who is interested in running sessions in either hall can text Fiona on 07849 801709. Anyone interested in volunteering can get in touch via the MVCA website, www. mvcaspeedwell.com, Facebook page, or by visiting the centre.

Inside the new hall, which can host events for up to 100 people

n TURNERS VISION

5 mistakes to avoid when choosing glasses

Finding glasses you’re happy with isn’t just nice to have, it is essential. You’re likely to be wearing them every day after all, so you won’t want to be constantly irritated by them or wearing them less than you ought to because you’re embarrassed to wear them.

But choosing the right frames can be frustrating with so many different frames available. The amount of choice can often feel overwhelming and timeconsuming, leading to people making snap decisions, just to ‘get the job done’. And that’s when mistakes get made that lead to discomfort, dissatisfaction, and glasses you don’t much want to wear.

Here are five mistakes to avoid when choosing your next pair of glasses:

Not considering your face shape

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing glasses is not considering their face shape. Different frames suit different face shapes, and it's essential to choose a pair that complements your features. For example, round frames look great on angular faces, while square-shaped frames tend to suit round faces.

Not thinking about your lifestyle

What you do in life plays a significant role in what style of glasses you need. If you lead an active lifestyle, you may need more durable glasses or have sportspecific frames. Alternatively, if you spend a lot of time at your computer, you may need lenses that block screen glare.

Putting fashion first

Everyone wants to look and feel good in their glasses, but it’s just as important to choose a comfortable and functional pair. A fashionable frame that doesn't fit well or causes discomfort can lead to headaches, eye strain, and other eye problems. Our frame stylists are experts in helping our customers find the perfect pair that tick all the boxes.

Forgetting that lenses matter

The material of your lenses can affect clarity of vision, weight of your glasses, and overall comfort. Scratch or impact-resistant lenses improve durability, whereas transition lenses improve your vision in the sun. Choosing the right lens material makes a significant difference to vision and comfort. At Turners, our specialist lab makes lenses just for our patients. Our experienced team can help you choose the right lens options to match your individual needs and lifestyle.

Bypassing a professional fitting

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing glasses is bypassing a professional fitting. This often happens when people buy online. Poorly fitting glasses cause discomfort, slippage and even headaches. Our expert frame stylists ensure your glasses fit comfortably, so you enjoy maximum comfort and visual clarity.

At Turners Opticians, we offer a VIP fitting experience to help you avoid the pitfalls and find the perfect glasses. Our frame stylists are available at both practices to guide you through the process, taking your lifestyle, face shape, and personal preferences into consideration

To book view our glasses range, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.

Ginny Allwood MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret, is an Associate specialist Optometrist and Qualified Dispensing Optician, at Turners Opticians in Bristol

Get ready to party, Fishponds!

FISHPONDS' biggest free party is back this month.

Schedules have been fixed, stalls booked and prizes donated for the big fundraising raffle at this year's Party in the Ponds, which is on Saturday June 17 from noon until 9pm.

Last year the volunteer-run community event was staged for the first time since the pandemic, in a new home at Vassalls Park and at an unfamiliar time of year, early September.

This year it is back in its traditional slot on the weekend before the Glastonbury Festival, with extra space allocated at Vassalls Park for the performers and 85 confirmed stalls.

Headlining the main stage is Bristol-based reggae artist Da Fuchaman, who is returning to play at the event for a third time.

Other musicians on the main stage include Riff Raff Choir and the Raff Pack Choir, Bristol Pop Orchestra, Thomas Heppell Blues and an Elton John tribute band.

Karen Swan headlines the Performance Stage, with other acts including Freestyle Dance, 344 Dance School, Sublime Dance Troupe and Stuart Irish Dance.

The stalls include an array of arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, bath and body treats, children’s games, a tombola and the Party in the Ponds raffle,

which has dozens of donated prizes from local businesses, from booze, meals out and chocolate to haircuts, treatments and tattoos. There are 12 food vendors on site, offering food including Mexican and Indian cuisine, burgers and doughnuts, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks.

Some stalls will be cash-only.

People coming to the event can also bring their own picnics, but are being advised that disposable BBQs are not allowed - a barbecue food stall is being laid on.

Festival-goers are being asked to walk to the event if they can. For those who need to drive, there will be free parking at the Vassall Centre, with a signposted one-way system.

Organiser Vicki Stoneman said: "Our ethos and complete drive behind this event is to provide something for everyone, whilst showcasing the wonderful talents of Fishponds.

"We really hope as many people in and around Fishponds as possible can come and enjoy our incredible event.

"This year, we have scaled everything up to create the most enjoyable event to date.

"We have a jam-packed line-up of musicians, performers and dancers, as well as so many stalls, food and drink vendors, which really highlight just how incredible Fishponds really is!"

More volunteers are still needed for roles including parking control, helping with the entertainment and providing support for the stalls.

Anyone interested in helping should email partyintheponds@gmail.com.

Da Fuchaman, seen performing at last year's Party in the Ponds, returns to headline the event again this year. Picture: Tony Bundy

ARTISTS hoping to build an outdoor gallery in Eastville Park say they are growing increasingly frustrated at an 18-month wait for a decision from the city council.

Guglielmo Ardizzone and partner Tamara Garofalo, who live in Fishponds, submitted a project for a "sustainable art space" on the old bowling green between the Nissen Hut and children's play area at the end of 2021.

They planned to set up an outdoor gallery, using recycled materials and solar power, to provide exhibition spaces for artists and art fairs, with marquees or gazebos providing cover from the rain and the possibility of adding repurposed shipping containers as temporary indoor workshops.

The project was one of eight which passed the initial stage of the council's Future Parks initiative to allow outside charities and businesses to run facilities in Eastville Park.

However, since receiving a confirmation email early last

Park arts project organisers frustrated by decision delay

year, there has been no further indication from the council as to whether the art project will be given a final go-ahead.

Guglielmo and Tamara set up a community interest company called the Circular ArtSpace and started to offer online virtual art exhibitions while they waited to finalise details of a physical gallery.

But the space they want to use is also wanted by other projects which passed stage one of the Future Parks process, including the Eastville Park Lido group, which wants to build a new outdoor swimming pool there.

With no decision made on which projects should be given final approval, all of the applicants are left in limbo.

The wait for a decision is made more urgent for Circular

ArtSpace because Tamara has a serious health condition, Behçet's Syndrome, which causes an inflammation of the blood vessels resulting in symptoms including joint pain, headaches, mobility and vision problems.

Guglielmo said: "We're just waiting, waiting and waiting. Tamara's health condition is getting worse. She would like to do something while she has the energy. She doesn't give up but it's more than frustrating. Maybe for the council 18 months are not a problem but for Tamara, every day is a problem."

Guglielmo said the long delay had meant Circular ArtSpace had been unable to apply for funding and some potential partners had lost trust in the project.

Cabinet councillor for Public Health and Communities Ellie

King, who has responsibility for parks, said there could soon be movement.

She said: "Over the coming weeks the parks department will be talking to groups who submitted an outline application to Future Parks to talk about the outcomes of their proposals and next steps. "What we’ve recognised from the diversity of the applications for Eastville Park is the shared aims and potential for collaboration between proposals.

"The committed Friends of Eastville Park group have worked hard to create an engaging, fun and inclusive space, and this could be an opportunity to further support the development of a vibrant hub which will benefit the wider Eastville community and park users."

NEWS that a plaque will be created to remember four teenagers killed by a German bomb in Eastville Park has brought back vivid memories for Fishponds pensioner George Bennett.

George was just nine years old when his cousin Bert Bennett died in November 1940.

Bert and three others were killed when a Luftwaffe bomber on a raid over Bristol dropped its payload over the park in November 1940, while being pursued by a fighter from Filton.

One of the bombs hit and destroyed Eastville Lido, where Bert had met up with another of his cousins and some friends.

Bert, who was 17, had been adopted by George's grandfather, also named George - a former miner who had built a thriving family business as a coal merchant and greengrocer, which became a well-known Bristol transport company, GH Bennett & Sons, and operated until 2018.

George senior was the brother of Bert's dad, and brought Bert and his three siblings to live with the family in Greenbank Avenue, Easton, where the family had a shop.

Sharing a home with George, his parents and his five brothers and sisters, conditions were cramped, and George and Bert had to share a bed with another child.

Bert attended Bannerman Road School and Greenbank School for Boys, before leaving at 14 and joining the family business.

George still remembers the day Bert died.

Although the Battle of Britain was over, the country was still braced for a possible invasion at the end of 1940, and just before he died Bert had been delivering concrete blocks to prevent enemy planes from landing in fields north of the city.

He had gone to the park to enjoy some time off.

George said: "Everybody used to go up to the park on a Sunday. Bert liked to go up there and play football and rounders.

"If you had a crowd there you could make your own entertainment."

George understands that the bomber that killed Bert was probably heading for another target but dropped its load over the park so it could fly faster to escape a fighter trying to shoot

Bomb memorial backed by victim Bert's family

physical person. If you said to him to climb a bridge, he'd climb that bridge.

"If you went anywhere touchy, you kept close to Bert. You only had to look at him and he would calm things down."

George's son Steve said many of Bert's relatives are still alive, including his niece Belinda Walters, who also still lives in Bristol. The family are looking forward to the plaque being unveiled.

Steve said: "What happened to Bert was devastating, but it happened to families every day during the war.

"The legacy is that Bert's relations are alive now and are still living in the area."

Friends of Eastville Park chair Sarah West, who revealed news of the plaque in the Friends' regular column for the Voice in April, said the plaque was part of an improvement project for the former lido, now known as the Old Swimming Pool Garden, which is due to be unveiled during the summer.

it down.

He said: "The Germans used to send single bombers over. The trouble was, the bomber was being chased by a Polish squadron from BAC in Filton.

"It got rid of its bombs and the one that killed Bert was a 500lb bomb - it left a big crater."

The cousin Bert had been with in the park, who was on George's grandmother's side of the family, was also killed. George and his family do not know her first name but say her surname was Trotman.

George was not in the park at the time Bert was killed, having gone to Sunday school at St Mark's Church in Easton.

Bert was killed on November 24, the day Bristol suffered one of its worst night raids of the war, with 207 people killed in total.

During the evening, waves of German bombers dropped thousands of incendiary and high-explosive bombs and destroyed much of the historic city centre.

The area around Castle Street was particularly badly damaged and was never rebuilt, eventually becoming Castle Park.

George, who is now 92, has fond memories of Bert, who was tall and well-built from carrying coal sacks as part of his job.

George said: "He was a

Sarah said: "The garden is an area of peaceful contemplation for people but it has been closed off for a long time.

"We’re keen to get it open again but it has been difficult, because it is abused by those who graffiti the old brickwork and hold parties late at night in there."

George Bennett has fond memories of his cousin.

Bert Bennett pictured outside the family shop in Greenbank Avenue

Chester Park Infant & Junior School

Chester Park Infant & Junior School

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Call 0117 3773047 to book a visit to the Infant school or 0117 3773365 to book a visit to the Junior school.

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Call 0117 3773047 to book a visit to the Infant school or 0117 3773365 to book a visit to the Junior school.

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Praise for 'welcoming and inclusive' junior school

A FISHPONDS junior school has retained its good rating from Ofsted after a visit by an inspector.

The education regulator visited Chester Park Junior School in March and inspector's report, released last month, praised pupils, staff and school leaders.

Inspector Catherine Beeks said: "The school is welcoming and inclusive.

"Pupils are happy, polite and friendly."

She said children were well-behaved and had "positive attitudes toward learning".

It was the third consecutive 'good' rating for the school in Abingdon Road, which has 273 pupils aged between seven and 11.

The inspector said: "Parents speak in glowing terms about the school. They typically comment that the school is ‘fantastic’ and appreciate all that the school does for their children."

She said the "caring and

supportive relationships" staff formed with pupils meant children felt safe, with "sensitive and caring support to pupils who find it difficult to manage their emotions", which meant bullying and "low-level disruption" were rare.

Children were given an appreciation of the different cultures and faiths in their community, and also had extracurricular clubs and activities, which supported their "wider development".

The inspector said: "Leaders

and staff have a shared ambition to provide high-quality, enjoyable learning experiences.

"Leaders have put an interesting and well-sequenced curriculum in place. This clearly identifies the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils must learn.

"Pupils show an interest in finding things out and usually learn the curriculum well.

"Staff explain concepts clearly and, in most subjects, check pupils’ understanding accurately. Teachers use this insight to adapt

learning when necessary."

The inspector said school leaders "inspire pupils to develop a love of reading" and quickly spotted children who had fallen behind for extra support.

Mathematical understanding was also "developed successfully", through routinely revisiting previous learning and then applying it to new areas.

The inspector recommended that leaders at the school, which is in a federation with Chester Park Infant school on Lodge Causeway, continue work to improve the curriculum and use of assessment, and continue their "relentless" efforts to support families of pupils who do not attend school regularly.

In the letter to parents, head teacher Mike McNama said: "Schools are more than what is reflected in a short report.

"Schools are a hub for the community offering learning, safety, reassurance, fun, compassion and warmth."

Head teacher Mike McNama with children from Chester Park Junior School

WE celebrated our 10th Birthday in May!

Pop in and visit us during June to get 10% off cards with the coupon below.

We’re proud to be frequently described as an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’, an independent card and gift shop offering an extensive choice of cards in a variety of styles and for every occasion, along with party accessories such as banners, candles, badges and a wide variety of helium and latex balloons.

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BRISTOL City Council has refused to reveal how many drivers have received fines for failing to pay Clean Air Zone charges for driving into central Bristol.

The CAZ scheme was introduced six months ago to cut airborne pollution. Drivers of older diesel and petrol cars must pay £9 a day and older buses and lorries £100 a day to enter an area including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, the Centre and Temple Quay, with penalty charges of up to £120 incurred for not paying within a week.

The Voice first asked the council how many motorists had paid the basic charges, received penalties or been incorrectly charged in January, just over a month after the scheme began.

But the council has not released any figures, and refused to answer a recent freedom of information (FoI) request asking the number of penalty charge notices issued between December and March.

The council says it will not publish detailed figures until December, and says publishing them earlier could "result in

Council refuses to reveal number of CAZ fines

confusion".

Responding to the FoI request, a council officer said: "Accelerating publication would unnecessarily divert scarce council resources in dealing with premature scrutiny of the success or otherwise of the CAZ scheme, and would represent an inefficient use of public money.

“Council officers would have to take time away from their normal duties to locate and collate the information.

“To accurately assess the performance of the Clean Air Zone against the stated objective for introducing the zone requires accurate air quality data to be available. The full data set required to accurately assess this performance will not be available until the zone has been in place for a minimum of 12 months.

"Disclosure of partial or incomplete information would

be likely to mislead and result in confusion, inaccuracy or misunderstanding.”

Sheffield and Newcastle city councils published figures for drivers who breached their schemes within the two months of starting, and Birmingham published a detailed report within nine months.

Pressed for an explanation during an appearance on BBC Radio Bristol, Mayor Marvin Rees said revealing the numbers too early could lead to “erroneous conclusions” about the scheme.

He told presenter John Darvall: "The concern is that if we jump off too soon and we have too short a period with which to study what is actually happening with the Clean Air Zone, then we could come up with a picture that is a little bit misleading.

“It’s important that we get a sufficient quantity of data on the fines, on the transport journeys, and on the people who have taken the support packages, before we jump to any premature conclusions.

"What we worry about is incomplete data that leads us to any erroneous conclusions.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

National Award winners

Marvin Rees

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Martin Lewis TV show on death and dementia

The financial expert Martin Lewis recently focussed his TV programme on the difficult issues of death and dementia that so many families avoid discussing.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM HIS PROGRAMME WERE:

1: All adults need an up to date Will (for when they die) to provide for those they love, and to save money spent on family disputes.

2: Having Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) is now even more important than having a Will.

3: The age for adults to set up LPAs is NOW!

LPAs need to be set up whilst you have mental capacity, and you don’t know what life will bring –

LPAs make sure your wishes are followed if you became seriously ill or injured and lost mental capacity. The alternative to LPAs was described as horrendously expensive, slow, and may still not give you the results you’d want.

4: The gold standard to aim for is a Will and LPAs prepared by a firm of solicitors. They may cost a little more, but you should take professional advice and they will make sure they are legally valid.

5: Also, a firm of solicitors will (as part of their service) help you

avoid other problems as they will check related documents such as property titles.

The programme is Episode 14 and is still available on ITVX – but everyone should take professional advice on their own individual circumstances.

A FREE (no obligation) Will and LPA review is offered to readers of the Voice by your local experts, Simpson Solicitors.

To book your free review pop into their Kingswood Office (opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping Centre) or call 0117 960 8594

Michelle Baden-Daintree

Woman assaulted police during riot

A FISHPONDS woman has been given a suspended prison sentence for barging into police officers and daubing graffiti during a riot in Bristol.

Leah Brenchley, aged 22, admitted charges of assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage and was given a twomonth suspended jail sentence when she appeared at Bristol Crown Court in May.

She will also be subject to a curfew between 5pm and 5am for two months, and undergo 15 days of rehabilitation.

Brenchley was arrested after a 'Kill the Bill' demonstration in March 2021 against the then Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill turned violent around Bridewell police station.

She appeared in court on the same day as three other defendants: Rokas Barisauskas, 21, of Manchester, who was jailed for six years for riot and arson; Daniel Ellis, 27, of Hartcliffe, jailed for four-and-a-half years for riot and arson; Carmen Fitchett, 24, of St Andrews, Bristol, given a 10-month suspended sentence and 180 hours of unpaid work for affray.

Avon and Somerset police said Brenchley "pushed and barged into officers and daubed graffiti over bus shelters, bins and a police vehicle" during the riot.

Barisauskas kicked and poured drinks over officers, attacked a mobile police station and two other police vehicles, and tried to set a police van alight while officers were inside.

Ellis was described in court as a "catalyst" for the riot, kicking and ramming officers, and helping to set fire to a mobile police van, which was destroyed.

Fitchett was abusive, involved in scuffles and threw objects at Bridewell police station.

In total 35 people have now been jailed for offences committed during, with a combined total of 111 years and 10 months in prison sentences handed down.

Det Supt James Riccio said: “The fact the courts have now given out prison sentences amounting to more than 100 years shows the gravity of offences committed on that shameful evening.

"To say the riot is a stain on the history of Bristol is no understatement."

Teen charged over taxi assault

A SPEEDWELL teenager has been charged in connection with an attack on a taxi driver in South Bristol.

Avon & Somerset Police said a group of teenagers arrived in Choke Walk, Brislington, on May 21 by taxi and went to a nearby home, where an altercation broke out.

A resident then chased the group back to the taxi and during subsequent violence the taxi driver, a man in his 50s, was wounded.

He was treated in hospital and later discharged.

Police said the 17-year-old from Speedwell, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with affray and criminal damage.

A 16-year-old has been charged with affray, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

Another boy of 17 and a 16-year-old girl have been released on police bail.

Leah Brenchley

School has 'ambitious vision', says inspector

A SECONDARY school that serves hundreds of children from Eastville has been praised for its ambitions and expectations for pupils.

Education watchdog Ofsted visited Fairfield High School in Allfoxton Road, Horfield, in February, for the first time in more than five years.

The inspectors said staff were "caring and respectful", pupils were "happy and safe", and parents felt Fairfield was "a nurturing school that prepares pupils to be good citizens".

They said: "Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and conduct. As a result, the school has a calm and purposeful atmosphere. Staff are quick to challenge any form of disrespectful behaviour or bullying.

"Leaders have an ambitious vision for the quality of education that all pupils receive. They are determined that pupils gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life."

The inspectors said pupils felt they had "a voice in the school" and were given opportunities to show leadership, including a recent campaign to prevent and keep children safe from harmful sexual behaviour.

They added: "Leaders listen to pupils’ ideas and act together to tackle this important issue."

Ofsted said the curriculum was "carefully planned", enabling pupils to "build successfully on what they already know and can do".

The inspectors said: "Teaching presents new information clearly. Teachers use assessment effectively to remedy pupils’ misconceptions and to inform future planning. Teachers have the subject knowledge they need to teach the curriculum well."

The report said pupils who need support to improve their reading were identified

and those with special educational needs or disabilities were well cared for, although they called on the school to improve the curriculum for pupils still in the early stages of learning to read.

Support for pupils' personal development and mental health was highlighted, along with teaching on healthy relationships, careers advice and "meaningful work experience" with a range of employers.

The inspectors said: "Staff are proud to work at the school.

"They feel that leaders support their workload and well-being. Local governors know the school well. Their support and challenge to leaders enhance the school’s effectiveness."

The report was third in a row to result in a 'good' rating for the school, which has 1,069 pupils aged 11 to 16.

Principal Amanda Bridgewater said: “I am so proud of our whole school community for this wonderful report, which includes so many positive comments.

"The inspectors have recognised the unique qualities of our school, where young people are able to thrive in their learning and development because they feel safe, are happy and have confidence in the adults around them.”

Principal Amanda Bridgewater with Assistant Director of Science Anilla Khan and pupils at Fairfield's recent community Iftar event

Britain needs to build more homes – and so does Bristol

THE housing debate has risen higher up the political agenda in the past month.

There are two topics where action is long overdue: the need for leasehold reform and the Renters Reform Bill, which would outlaw ‘no fault’ evictions and tackle rogue landlords.

But it’s building new homes that is the most controversial issue, both nationally and locally.

There’s nothing radical about saying we need to build more houses: we haven’t been building enough.

Between 2010 and 2021, 1.8 million new homes were registered in the UK, while the

population grew by nearly 5 million. (The average household being around 2.37 people).

The housing shortage has many consequences. As well as our growing homelessness crisis - Shelter estimates that there are currently 271,000 homeless people in England alone – it drives up house prices and rents to unaffordable levels.

In 2022, the median house price was eight times the median salary in England and Wales. Generations are having to accept that they may never be able to afford to buy their own homes –but rents are rocketing too.

There is one straightforward solution to this: build more homes. Yet the Government has backtracked from its mandatory house-building targets to appease its own backbenchers. Labour has pledged to reinstate those targets.

Around Fishponds there has already been some significant new housing built in recent years, for example on the Blackberry Hill site previously occupied by UWE.

There are now plans for the brownfield site behind Morrisons,

known as Atlas Place.

It’s important they get this right - and I recognise the concerns about some aspects of the development, including the desire to protect the chimneys and to ensure local services can meet the increased demand – but that’s what the planning system is there for.

Done properly, this will mean many more people get to live in a comfortable, affordable and secure home.

There are areas, however, where we shouldn’t be building.

Bristol has been very clear in its One City Ecological Strategy that it wants 30% of the land in the city to be managed for the benefit of wildlife.

It’s therefore hugely disappointing that the Planning Inspectorate overruled the council – and the wishes of local residents - to approve a development by Homes England on Brislington Meadows. We are continuing to explore ways in which it might still be possible to stop this.

Yes, we need house-building targets for councils but at the

same time, councils need to be given autonomy to decide which sites get developed.

The current system – where not enough homes get built, yet local authorities still don’t have the final say – is the worst of both worlds.

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East writes for Fishponds Voice

Rory's huge Tour de France challenge

A FISHPONDS teacher is taking on en epic cycle challenge to raise money for a new charity cafe which will help adults with learning disabilities into work.

Rory Mansfield and his friend Ben Cannel plan to ride the entire route of this year's Tour de France - including the sections between stages that the race competitors will cover using motorised transport.

In total they will ride 4,529 km (2,814 miles) in no more than 23 days - the same amount of time the race itself will take to cover the official 3,404km (2115 mile) route.

The pair are raising money for PROPS, a charity based at the Vassall Centre which is planning to turn an empty shop on Fishponds Road into a cafe run by adults with learning disabilities.

Project 769 will be a fully-accessible café offering drinks, food and products handmade by trainees, with space for workshops and meetings.

Rory said: "We decided to support PROPS because they are a local charity doing fantastic work in the area I live in.

"Although larger charities obviously do incredible things, there is something much more tangible and uplifting about supporting an organisation that is directly improving

1 2

peoples' lives who might live next door to you.

"PROPS have also organised the Bristol to Bordeaux cycle ride and are supported by the PROPS Cycling Club so have a close connection to the Bristol cycling community."

Rory and Ben, who met through a local cycling club, will start their journey in Bilbao on July 11, ten days after the Tour sets off

from the city in Spain's Basque region. They aim to reach Paris on August 2.

Rory said: "As a young cyclist, the Tour de France represented the pinnacle of athletic endeavour, outlandish adventure and a 3-week immersion into some of the most glorious landscapes on Earth."

Rory said that they aimed to "rediscover simplicity and audacity of the Tour", in contrast to the modern commercialised race, and would be fully self-supporting, sleeping in tents and riding the extra miles between stages on what would be rest days for the official race.

They will also climb more hills and mountains, tackling 62,321 metres elevation as opposed to 55,086m in the official race.

Rory's training has included 86 laps of Belmont Hill in North Somerset in one day on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, while Ben, an engineer who recently lived in Mangotsfield, rode across Europe from Portugal to Norway on the European Divide Trail.

To sponsor the riders visit the PROPS website at www.propsbristol.org.

They are posting updates from the ride on Instagram at les_lanternes_rouges.

Rory Mansfield after a fundraising training ride in May

Dave takes West End bow after Covid recovery

A RETIRED Bristol driving instructor and musician who returned to singing after taking part in a ground-breaking covid recovery programme has performed on the West End stage.

Dave Smith, who lives near Oldbury Court, caught COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic, and had the disease for ten months - the longest recorded case in the world at the time.

Dave's immune system had already been weakened by chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia, which he was given the all-clear from only a week before catching covid.

He came close to death several times and developed pulmonary fibrosis, a form of lung disease which meant he had only half his previous lung capacity.

As part of his recovery Dave, who had sung in rock bands for 57 years, took part in an online course called ENO Breathe, devised by the English National Opera and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to tackle post-covid breathlessness and anxiety.

It caused such an improvement that Dave was able to perform again in December last year, staging a gig at the Langley Arms pub in Emersons Green, where he has been hosting a weekly quiz for 23 years.

In May Dave was one of 67 participants in the course invited to perform at London's biggest West End theatre, the Coliseum, before an ENO production to

showcase the success of the project, which has helped more than 2,500 people.

The event was filmed by the BBC, whose presenter Jon Kay had initially found out about the ENO Breathe programme and joined Dave and wife Lyn at the event.

Dave had been asked to take part because of his previous appearance on the BBC and, after he and Lyn arrived by train in London, a camera crew met them at Leicester Square tube station and filmed them walking to the theatre, through crowds who were starting to gather for the Coronation.

Dave said: "The afternoon was spent doing rehearsals interspersed with sessions of breathing and calming exercises.

"The staff of the ENO were brilliant, and didn’t over-tax us in any way.

"In the early evening we had a rehearsal on stage with the full 30-piece orchestra and then did the performance, which only amounted to some seven or eight minutes before the main opera.

"The house was packed, the Coliseum being the largest theatre in London with a 2,395 seat capacity."

Dave and the rest of the covid recovery choir sang three short lullabies, called Dawn, Twilight and Midnight, which had been collectively written by the participants.

He said: "The cameras followed me right through and left just as the opera started its 'Symphony of Sorrowful Songs' - not my cup of tea, but the audience seemed to love it!

Dave Smith with BBC presenter Jon Kay, who has been following his journey to recovery for the corporation

Dave (far right) performing on the Coliseum stage

Doctor to be a minister

A FISHPONDS GP is joining the Church of England ministry as a deacon.

The Diocese of Bristol has announced that Dr Simon Atkins, a partner at the Fishponds Family Practice in Beechwood Road, is due to be ordained a deacon in the benefice of Holy Trinity with St Gabriel, St Lawrence and St Jude, also known as Easton Christian Family Centre, in July.

In an announcement on the diocese Facebook page, Dr Atkins said: "I initially felt called to ordained ministry, aged 19, in a Baptist Church in Portsmouth.

Low rape charge rates concern

ONLY eight percent of rapes reported to Avon & Somerset Police are leading to charges being brought.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew told a meeting of the force's performance and accountability board that it was actually double the number of charges from the previous year but was "not enough".

In the year to April, she said the force brought 141 rape charges, more than double the 69 brought in 2021/22.

Ms Crew said: "We are now in the top quartile for positive outcome rates for rape and serious sexual offences, having been previously bottom quartile 24 months ago."

Dr Simon Atkins

"I also wanted to be a doctor, and the ordination panel wisely suggested I apply for that vocation first.

"As a result, I’ve spent the past 23 years working with outstanding colleagues in a - never-dull - GP practice in Fishponds.

"Meanwhile, in the background, I’ve been nudged towards various church leadership roles, culminating in my licensing as a Reader in 2017.

"But it seems God (to quote 2Pac in 'Ghetto Gospel') hasn’t finished with me yet.

"So I’ve spent the past two years in the stimulating surroundings of Sarum College in Salisbury, training part-time for ordination.

"I’m excited to see what God has in store for me, serving as a deacon alongside the wonderfully diverse community in and around Easton Christian Family Centre, and am grateful for everyone who’s supported me to this point and will continue to do so along the journey to come.

The meeting heard the number of sexual offences and domestic abuse crimes recorded across the last year has gone down but it was not clear whether this was due to "proactive and preventative work undertaken" or a loss of confidence in the police which is deterring victims from reporting.

The chief constable said: “Increasing trust and confidence is our top priority as an organisation."

Ms Crew is the National Police Chiefs’ Lead for Adult Sex Offences and the police force ran a pilot scheme of a new approach to rape cases, Operation Soteria Bluestone, in 2021.

It involved the creation of a specialist rape investigation team, improved collaboration with victim support services, and a focus on perpetrator behaviour rather than on the credibility of victims.

The approach is now being rolled out in police forces across the country.

The chief constable said: “We believe that what we are learning from Soteria Bluestone has the potential to improve our response to all male violence against women and girls offences.

"The dynamics are the same and, actually, the problems in rape that we are starting to overcome are the most difficult.”

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

ADVERTISING FEATURE Fun for all the family at Vassall Summer Fayre on June 24

THE Vassall Summer Fayre is back for another day of fun on Saturday June 24.

The Summer Fayre is set to be a jam-packed fun occasion for all ages, with a bouncy castle, face painting and even a Disney Dance performance, which is sure to get everyone tapping their toes! Kids will have plenty of choice for entertainment, as there will also be hair braiding, glitter, sports and drama games and much more.

The event has been running for over a decade, so many locals will be regular attendees of the Fayre.

Last year saw nearly 500 people attending the event, and this year is set to be bigger and better than ever. The Fayre will be taking place come rain, come shine, with a bad weather

alternative being held inside the building.

Entry to the Summer Fayre is free, and attendees can expect to browse stalls from local artisans, including jewellery, homeware, wood crafts, clothing and candles.

You’ll be able to enjoy a soundtrack while you shop, as the country band ‘Sweet Surrender’ will be performing at 11.30am.

Many people will also be happy to see an array of familiar Fayre classics such as hook a duck and splat the rat! For all the foodies out there, you’ll be able to choose between a selection of curries, ice creams, cakes and more.

Local community organisations have also been invited to hold stalls at the Fayre,

where they’ll be chatting to people about opportunities in the area and letting you know how to get involved.

Repair Café will be setting up shop, so you can even bring your broken clothes, household goods and toys to be repaired, and can pick up newly fixed goodies to take home.

Zoe Williams, Centre and Community Manager at Vassall Centre, said: “We are so excited to invite everyone to the Summer Fayre, it's one of the highlights of our year!

"The Fayre is such a fun, bustling event and it’s particularly lovely to see people of all ages coming together to enjoy themselves.

“The Fayre comes at a great time of change for the Vassall Centre, as we work to develop

an agenda of weekly activities in our new community space, as well as one off events to support local projects in the area.

"Working with the Council, we have recently launched the Frome Vale Grassroots Grants Fund which encourages local people to set up a community project, event or group and provides the funding to do so.

"At the Fayre this year, we’re particularly keen to meet people from the area, get their opinions on living in Frome Vale and what they'd like to see developed in the community. Come down and say hello, we'd love to see you there!”

The Vassall Summer Fayre takes place at the Vassall Centre from 11am-2pm on Saturday June 24, with free entry for everyone.

Met girls make national basketball final

BRISTOL Metropolitan Academy’s Under-16 girls' basketball team made it to a national final for a second year in a row.

Last year the team won the Dynamik National Schools Championships Under-14 title.

This year they made the step up to U16 and, despite being a year younger than many other teams, made it to the final again before losing 75-48 to Trinity High School of Manchester, in front of a crowd including more than 40 Bristol Met students at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester.

The squad of 12 girls trained three times a week, in and out of school, in preparation for the competition.

PE teacher and team coach Hannah Wallace said: “I feel proud of the girls for reaching the National Finals for the second year in a row.

"After winning the U14 competition last year, we went into the U16 league a year young (or in the case of Esma Missaoui, three years young!) and it was always going to be a tough ask to win back-to-back championships.

"The girls battled bravely and tirelessly but it wasn’t to be on this occasion.

"Being one of the last two teams in the country was a huge success in itself, and gave our students an amazing opportunity to play on the home court of British basketball.

"The final was a tough match-up for us, with the opposition getting an early lead and some of our key players getting into foul trouble.

"Angel Whyte was the standout player for

Eco club thrives

A CLUB set up to help nature thrive on a secondary school's grounds is celebrating its third successful year.

Bristol Metropolitan Academy's Eco Club now has 30 members, and has planted 105 trees as well as maintaining the school allotment.

Started by science teacher and Eco coordinator Gwinear Lloyd in response to a request from a pupil to rewild part of the school grounds, club members have made bug houses and bird feeders, and successfully campaigned for a pond in the wildlife area.

The club has been busy working to formulate an 'active travel' plan for the school, to persuade more pupils to come by foot or bike, and has won £250 funding from the council to implement the plan.

The club is also working on a sensory garden at nearby Glenside Museum and drawing up plans to create an outdoor classroom in the school grounds.

Its latest Eco Day on June 23 will include activities, outdoor learning and fundraising for environmental charities.

Ms Lloyd said: “Eco Club is a magical hour in the week where likeminded students and staff get together and have fun outdoors, caring for the environment and each other.

"I'm so proud of what we have achieved together."

Met, scoring 21 points and demonstrating an outstanding mentality and resilience throughout the game.

“We will look to go again next year and hope to claim back the national title.

"Thank you to the staff at Bristol Met, especially the PE department, without whom it would not have been possible to reach the final."

Bristol Met Eco Club members

The Bristol Met girls' under-16 basketball team

Helping Frenchay field flourish

A NINE-acre field in Frenchay is being turned into a wildflower meadow as part of a five-year nature project.

Tuckett Field was left to the community in 1928 by the widow of Francis Fox Tuckett, a local botanist and explorer, "for the benefit of the inhabitants of Frenchay".

The field, which lies between Cleeve Hill, Beckspool Road and Frenchay Hill, and is also known as the saddleback or hilly field, will be planted with 70 species of flower later this year.

It is part of the Local Nature Action Plan drawn up by Winterbourne Parish Council, the field's custodian.

The project is being financed by a £20,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority's Bee Bold Pollinator Fund and private donations.

Parish councillor Adrian Collins said the five year plan would be complete in time for the centenary of the field being given to Frenchay residents, in 2028.

The field is used by many local people for dog walking and picnics.

It is next to the National Trust's Frenchay Moor, alongside the River Frome, which is

n GARDENING The right plants in the right places

LAST month I received a lovely email from someone called Julie regarding an issue with dianthus, also known as 'pinks'.

The issue was that the flowers were drying before they’d had a chance to bloom.

Although with many plant ailments there are a multitude of possible reasons, in this case the best advice I could give, beyond the usual feeding and watering, was that it may be in the wrong position.

Dianthus like a good deal of sunlight to thrive, so too much shade will have a detrimental effect. That said, every plant will fare much better if it's in a place where it’ll naturally be happy.

There is a reason why leaving an area of land untouched will quickly turn it into a haven of flora and fauna. The plants that settle into the habitat are the ones that work best for that specific aspect.

If a plant is struggling due to light or soil conditions, another happily take its place.

subject to its own 20-year plan.

Cllr Collins said: "The WECA team who assessed our application were particularly impressed with the existing conservation and preservation work undertaken in Frenchay, which has involved local residents and Duke of Edinburgh award students being completely hands-on with many vital projects in a key conservation area.

"This award will facilitate continued community involvement, with many other local voluntary groups wanting to make a difference as the project gets under way."

He said the WECA grant meant environmental work that will have a lasting benefit for residents could be carried out without using parish funds that are "needed for so many other deserving projects", and other grant-giving organisations were now interested in providing support.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited the field as part of work to promote 'No Mow May', a drive to let lawns grow and flowers flourish during an important part of the year for bees and other wildlife.

He said: “Giving the mower a breather for a few extra weeks, and embracing a little more wildness in our gardens, really is so, so important – for our plants, our butterflies and of course, our bee buddies."

Community planting days to sow the wildflower seeds are planned for the autumn, with local organisations Grow Wilder and Winterbourne Environmental Group involved.

Managed grazing by small dexter cattle, which are often used in rewilding projects, could also take place on both the Tuckett and National Trust fields.

A wetland pond on the site will also be enhanced, and new trees planted at the boundaries.

Once the wildflowers are established the area will be more attractive not just for pollinating insects but for the other wildlife that feeds on them, including birds, bats and other small mammals.

I took a walk in the Cotswolds recently and among the grasslands there were vast swathes of buttercup and dandelion, distinctly contained by nothing more than a slight change in the lay of the land. Path edges were festooned with nettle flowers just about to burst, but not a single one in the open fields.

Once you have some living greenery, wildlife won’t be far behind. Of course some we would happily do without, but the most valuable are the creatures that are hardly even noticed.

Nobody is surprised to hear about the drastic decline in butterfly and moth populations in the UK; maybe if we cut down a few less hedges we might start to see a change.

We all love our gardens, and enjoy making use of the space that you have.

But spare a thought for the little guys keeping everything ticking along, fertilising flowers, breaking down the soil surface and providing protein for the food chain. Take away one element and there is a domino effect on the things that we rely on.

It’s worth keeping part of your garden just as nature would have it. The things that grow there, probably nettle, will be there because it’s their spot, just the conditions that they, above all, will be happy with.

Let mice make a nest or bees hibernate and the little patch you’ve created is one small step to restoring all the wildlife we’ve lost over the

City Gardener with Tim Barton

years.

If you have any questions, please email tpvoice@gracelands.garden.

June jobs:

• Plant out your last summer bedding plants

• Plant up hanging baskets

• Lift and divide snowdrops, bluebells and spring bulbs

• Start to sow some biennials for next year

• Cut back hardy geraniums after flowering

• Stake and support tall perennials

• Harvest lettuce and radishes regularly, and keep sowing more to keep them coming

• Clip hedges such as box and privet but leave larger ones which may have nesting birds

• Tie in climbers and try to keep climbing roses close to horizontal to promote new stems

Parish councillors Charlie Watkins, Hugh Whatley, Paul Kembery and Adrian Collins with consultant Neil Falango and Metro Mayor Dan Norris on Tuckett Field in Frenchay. Picture: WECA

Cattle return to Stoke Park

CATTLE have returned to Stoke Park for a third year running.

A herd of cows has grazed on the estate over the summer since 2021, as part of a city council project to manage the parkland in a "more sustainable and natural way", improving biodiversity.

The first heifers (maiden cows) and bullocks (castrated males) arrived at the end of April.

Breeds in the 18-strong herd include Shetland, Hereford, British Blue, and Holstein.

Announcing the latest arrivals, the council said: "The cows will be coming from a local farm and will be checked daily by the herdsman and park rangers.

"Most of them were grazing at the parkland last year but there are some newcomers this year.

"Breeds were picked for hardiness and being able to thrive well on grass alone.

"Cattle’s grazing habits can often get to places that machinery cannot, and they also help stop the spread of scrub and invasive, more dominant plant species.

"This allows other plants, including wildflowers, to thrive, which will encourage insects, which in turn provide food for birds and mammals.

"A whole host of wildlife will also make a cowpat

their home - more than 250 species of insect can be found in or on cattle dung in the UK and these in turn provide food for birds, badgers, foxes and bats."

The land at Stoke Park was historically used for grazing cattle and plans to reintroduce them were first mooted in 2009, to produce meat for local schools and restaurants. Plans were revived in 2019 as a way of managing the landscape, following a trial project using goats.

The council says fields with cattle in will be clearly signposted and dogs will need to be kept on a lead while walking through them.

A spokesperson added: "Please ensure gates are closed behind you, too."

Post office reopens

STAPLETON'S post office, which closed in the new year, is set to reopen this month.

The Beech Hill branch closed when the shop where it had its counter, McColls in Frome Valley Road, Begbrook, was closed by owner Morrisons. However the shop is reopening under new ownership on June 20, and Post Office Ltd says counter services will be provided from 7am-10pm, seven days a week.

Scott Lacey, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to soon be restoring Post Office services to the Beech Hill area of Fishponds as we know how important a Post Office is to a community.

"This will provide 105 hours of Post Office service a week for the convenience of customers.

"Similar services will continue to be available, however excluding vehicle tax."

One of the cows grazing at Stoke Park

Bells ring for King

FRENCHAY Bellringers took part in the national 'Ring for the King' event on Coronation Day at Frenchay Parish Church.

The ringers at St John The Baptist joined hundreds of churches around the country in the event to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey that day.

Taking part were Roger Algate, Edna Cause, Neil Evans, Richard Fox, Dan Gearing, Peyipey Gerard, Paul Gerard, Sheila Lewis, Bill Liebow, Catherine Newey, Julie Newey, John Payton, Linda Pick, Geoff Pick and Kate Whatley.

Roll up for the Billy Kart Derby

DAREDEVIL racers are being set a four-wheeled challenge in Page Park. The park will be turned into a race circuit for a day when it hosts the first Page Park Billy Kart Derby on September 9.

People are being encouraged to enter teams then design, build and race their own 'pushcarts' - non-motorised go-karts - for the event, which will have separate races for children and adults.

Entry is open to individuals, schools, clubs and community groups, who can use the event to raise money for charity.

Businesses are also being encouraged to sponsor or enter teams, support the event and get their names seen.

The races will take place around the park's clock tower and part of the path heading towards South View, with teams of three competing in divisional races throughout the day.

There will be prizes for the race winners as well as for the best karts, best competitors and best-dressed team, with people encouraged to wear fancy dress.

The event is being organised for the Friends of Page Park by Tom and Melody Beard of the park's Bean Tree Cafe.

A prototype kart built for the friends by Downend Men in Sheds was on display at the Coronation Big Lunch event on May 7 but teams can build their karts out of anything they like, with use of recycled materials encouraged.

Melody said: "Your kart can look however you want - as long as it's got wheels, it's safe and is completely people-powered. We're interested in hearing from community groups or businesses who want to enter a kart or sponsor one."

Staple Hill's YOU Foundation and 1st Bristol Muslim Scouts have already entered teams for the derby, which will have separate under14s and over-14s competitions.

People can enter the derby and find more information on the Page Park Billy Kart Derby page on eventbrite.co.uk, at bit.ly/3WlASp8

Anyone not online can ask for more details at the Bean Tree Cafe.

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING Consultation overkill

THE next general election is 18 months away, and don’t we know it?

Just a casual glance in the direction of Westminster reveals feverish activity in terms of pledges, commitments, targets and attempts at delivery.

Some of this may be making up for lost time and undoing damage caused by previous leaders. Frantic activity with a deadline looming will be a feeling common in many working lives. It is not necessarily the best way to work, if an alternative is available.

So what does this mean for planning? In a word, consultationon new policies.

If the polls are any indication, it is highly likely that we will see the Conservatives’ new policies followed by the Labour way, in pretty short order. This would be the equivalent of putting the profession through more turbulence than your average spin cycle. And that is no way to treat a

political football.

In the week that I have written this column, the longheralded renters' reform has been introduced.

This has put planning on the map through analysis of house building rates, and whether targets should be enforced to reduce the overall housing shortage.

In the broadest economic terms of supply and demand, scarcity causes inflation, in rent as with other products. Mortgage rates also have a knock-on effect on rents, particularly through buy-tolet mortgages.

That is one outside effect impacting on planning, but with the amount of new ideas floating around at the moment, adopting one new policy is likely to also have an impact on another.

Can every consultation response really include a series of conditions, in case other factors are brought about by other new policies?

Taken in isolation, being asked your opinion on changing various aspects of national planning policy, such as how to align cross-boundary infrastructure, is admirable and sensible.

However, just that one example has implications for the eight other consultations (as of late April) which will potentially affect the Localism Act and other legislation.

I am not some kind of fossil, railing against any change - this is more about the method of achieving it.

Change is needed, but in a form that can be coped with. Over the last few years, planning has had many changes imposed on it, and now more are likely to follow, at an accelerated rate.

It is no wonder that many authorities are delaying publication of their local plans to guide future decisions - the kind of changes in the pipeline could make them meaningless, or commit a council to a policy not replicated by their

neighbours.

The government really needs to concentrate on creating a level playing field, then leave it alone so planners can be the groundskeepers.

Everyone, development industry and public, is crying out for certainty.

It has been said many times before but is still true: give us the tools and we will do the job.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

The Frenchay Bellringers who took part in the Ring for the King event

From rough sleeper to Bristol Lord Mayor

BRISTOL'S new Lord Mayor has shared the story of his journey from the city streets to City Hall.

Paul Goggin is a former rough sleeper who has battled mental health issues and now champions speaking out on mental health issues.

The Labour councillor, who represents Hartcliffe & Withywood ward, promised to “recognise the unrecognised” during his year in the historic, ceremonial role as the city’s first citizen.

He was sworn in during Bristol City Council's annual meeting on May 9, and, during the interval, proposed to his girlfriend of 17 years, Deborah Griffiths, in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour before returning to the chamber to tell colleagues she had said yes.

In an acceptance speech full of selfdeprecating, wry humour, Cllr Goggin said he had been asking himself how he got to the position and outlined his chequered life, from growing up in London and dropping out of school to sleeping rough in Bristol.

He said: "In no particular order, I’ve built motorbikes, sold investment grade diamonds, been a croupier in a smoky casino and gone door-to-door selling carpet cleaner.

“I moved to Bristol in 2003 but in 2005 I became homeless, through no fault of my

own, and had to sleep on the streets and sofasurf with friends.

“Then Bristol City Council stepped in to help me.

“I lived in emergency accommodation for six months, alongside refugees, asylum seekers and other unfortunate Bristolians.

“It was a difficult time to say the least, and I saw things that would make the devil blush.”

Cllr Goggin said local mental health

charity Second Step helped him find temporary accommodation before he moved into a council bungalow in Knowle West, where he still lives.

He added: “As some of you know from my previous speeches in this room, I live with bipolar disorder and complex PTSD.

“In a way they don’t hamper me, they enable me to think slightly differently from most others – my secret superpower.

“I also have chronic anxiety, and I can’t put into words how difficult this is today, because I’m talking about myself.

“But we must keep speaking out about our mental health issues, not be ashamed or embarrassed – own it, normalise it to fight against the stigma so many suffer from.”

Cllr Goggin said he was a humanist – the first sworn into the office of Lord Mayor –rejected the idea of an afterlife and believed in “science, reason and evidence”.

He said: “The basic tenets are this – we treat all around us with warmth, understanding and respect regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

“I will of course still champion all the faiths in this wonderfully diverse city but also the increasing number of those with none."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Deborah Griffiths

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Many happy returns (and singles)

AS your Metro Mayor, there are three things that are constantly on my mind.

The first is the cost-of-living crisis, which is frightening to many of the one million people I proudly represent.

The second is the climate emergency, with the latest research suggesting things are far worse than feared.

The third is, how do we encourage people to voluntarily change their behaviour on an ongoing basis to meet the huge challenges of the modern world?

With these three things in mind, I’m delighted to tell you about a special birthday initiative I’m introducing as your regional mayor.

Starting soon, you’ll be able to ride the buses of the West of England completely free throughout the month of your birthday. This will help your pocket, the planet, and, I hope, see positive change in the way we all travel in future to reduce congestion, pollution and delays.

This innovative offer - which applies to the vast majority of buses running in the West of England, as well as the region’s WESTlink bookable minibuses - begins for lo-

cals with a July birthday and runs 12 months until every resident has had the chance to benefit from their free Birthday Month Bus Pass.

If you’re not a regular bus user, this birthday month of free bus travel is particularly aimed at you. Give it a go - you’ve literally got nothing to lose.

If you are a car user, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station during the month of your birthday? I hope, with a whole birthday month to try the bus for free, we come to like (even love) bus travel to continue to use it into the future.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change. Try a whole month - maybe you won’t look back!

This offer is also for you if you’re already a bus user. I hope this birthday bonanza is a boon to you too. A free month to help during the cost-of-living crisis. Plus, you can use it for extra days out too - perhaps to enjoy the amazing attractions and beauty of our fantastic region. You could be better off by one twelfth of the bus costs you shell

Mayor

out annually. It’s super easy to claim your free Birthday Month Bus Pass – simply go to www.birthdaybus.co.uk. We’ll send you your pass in the post, and you’re away!

People tell me buses are important. That affordable transport is critical. That behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate emergency.

This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of your birthday is a UK first. It is innovative and new. It allows our brilliant region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

I wish you many happy returns - and singles!

Are you a passionate, empathetic, hardworking person, who likes to make a difference in children’s lives, if so, we have exciting opportunities to work at our rapidly expanding Special School in a variety of roles.

Briarwood is a Bristol Special School, based in Fishponds and Barton Hill, committed to providing a high quality of education, care and life skills for children and young people with severe learning difficulties and complex needs including autism and sensory impairment from 3-19 years.

Are you looking for a way to get involved with your local community? Have you considered being a School Governor? If you are interested please contact Deborah Smith for more information, chairbriarwoodsp@bristol-schools.uk

Please visit our careers page on www.eteach.com/schools/briarwood-school-25106 or contact us via emal on HR.briarwoodsp@bristol-schools.uk

Metro

Dan Norris writes for the Voice

n LOCAL HISTORY

Mike Jempson discovers what life was like for workers in the early days of the National Health Service

AS we live through a worsening crisis in the NHS, with the government choosing to ignore the pleas of hospital workers for decent wages and conditions, it is revealing to see how such issues were dealt with 75 years ago.

Reading through the 1948-49 management committee minutes for the Bristol Mental Hospital at the Glenside Museum offers a stark reminder that things were handled differently back then.

The unions that represented the various trades needed for the hospital to function efficiently were recognised and respected.

In July 1948, at the request of the National Union of Furniture Trade Operatives (NUFTO), the basic hourly rate for the hospital's upholsterers was increased to include a 4d (1.5p) an hour cost-of-living bonus.

NUFTO had been formed the previous year by a merger of two other unions, and there would be other mergers until 1971, when it became the Furniture, Timber and Allied Trades Union (FTAT) with six different trade groups. Nowadays it is part of the GMB, itself an amalgamation of more than 50 smaller unions with a history stretching back almost 100 years.

Meanwhile the hospital's shoe repairer had left, leaving the Male Occupational Therapy department overwhelmed.

The hospital secretary was authorised to employ a replacement under conditions approved by the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives.

NUBSO had begun life as the National Union of Boot and Shoe Riveters and Finishers in 1873, changing its name in 1897.

With at least 38 footwear companies in Kingswood alone, there were plenty of members locally.

In the 1910 General Election NUBSO sponsored Frank Sheppard, the unsuccessful Labour candidate for Bristol East. NUBSO was subsumed into the general union Community in 2004.

Negotiations with the Bakers Wages Council reduced the working week for hospital caterers from 48 to 46 hours and increased their hourly rate by five farthings.

As two of the three bakery staff were about to retire, the committee agreed to hire two members of the Amalgamated Union of Operative Bakers (AUOB) as baker-confectioners, so the hospital would no longer have to buy in confectionery.

The union owed its origins to a Manchester Friendly Society in 1847, which grew to encompass bakers in numerous towns and cities. In 1913 it opened membership to women and unskilled workers. In the 1960s it would become the Bakers Union before settling as the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) of today.

Hall Porter Mr. L Brown did well out of the improved wages and conditions established by the National Joint Council for Staffs of Hospitals and Allied Institutions. He was upgraded to

In kinder days

Porter Class 1 and his weekly wage packet went up by 4 shillings, to £5 and 6 shillings.

The Management Committee also agreed to a recommendation from the Bristol Association of Building Trade Employers (BABTE) of a halfpenny an hour increase for craftsmen on two shillings and ninepence an hour. Labourers got the same increase, taking their hourly rate to 2 shillings and 3 old pence.

Set up in 1916, the College of Nursing only achieved its Royal status just before World War II.

The RCN gets no mention in the committee minutes, but it is clear that nurses were respected.

Any who went off sick remained on full pay for several months before going onto half pay, sometimes for as long as another three months. Only then would they be examined to see whether they should be pensioned off.

Most of the staff were covered by agreements reached with the local branch of the recently-formed Confederation of Health Service Employees.

Anticipating the need for a strong voice to represent health workers in a National Health Service, COHSE had been set up in 1946, a merger of the Mental Hospital and Institutional Workers Union and the Hospital and Welfare Services Union.

In 1993 it linked up with public sector unions NUPE and NALGO to form UNISON, the country's largest union, which continues to advocate for health workers in the current round of pay disputes.

COHSE did not win all its battles. It took up cudgels on behalf of three charge nurses who argued that their 11-month voluntary supervision of patients should make them eligible for Mental Health Officer status. But the committee turned them down, saying it did not fit with hospital conventions about volunteering.

And there was a slightly sour end to 1948: COHSE members were upset because the final payday of the year was switched from December 30 to 31 without any consultation.

Sewing machines were used by the hospital's upholsterers

The hospital carpentry workshop

Hospital bakers

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Do not be anxious!

ARE you feeling overwhelmed or stressed with life’s challenges?

Reflecting on recent months, with the rising cost of living and numerous strikes in the public sector involving nurses, doctors, teachers and more, predicting the next news headline has become increasingly difficult.

The overwhelming challenges of life have led to anxiety and depression for many.

Anxiety can affect anyone: it is a normal emotion but when spiralled out of control, it negatively impacts us.

The Bible acknowledges this emotion and tells us in Philippians 4:7 not to be anxious but to come to God with our burdens.

When you are gripped with anxiety, you lose your peace and joy. So, when the Bible tells us not to be anxious, it is acknowledging that there is the possibility of becoming anxious. It validates that anxiety as an emotion exists

and can affect us negatively.

Its advice that God can give you peace during the storm doesn’t mean all your problems will disappear, but Christians believe you will find comfort in God’s peace, which will help you navigate and overcome the things that bring you anxiety.

This reminds me of another Bible story, in John chapter 11, where Mary and Martha reach out to Jesus with news of Lazarus's severe illness. Despite their plea, Jesus delayed, and Lazarus passed away.

Sometimes it feels like that for many of us. We feel as though our needs have been neglected until it’s too late.

The people we expect to help us don’t always help in time: the delay in receiving an urgent appointment from your GP, which may trigger anxiety or stress; the spouse or partner who leaves you broken-hearted after vowing to

Loft Boarding & Insulation

love you endlessly.

Perhaps it’s your children becoming wayward, or the state of your finances that worries you. Help may seem far away, which can cause anxiety that leads to depression.

However, note that despite being dead for four days, Lazarus was resurrected once Christ came to the scene.

Regardless of where you are in your journey, no matter how bad things look, if you heed the advice of Philippians 4:7 you will find perfect peace.

I believe that when we learn to rely on God and invite Him in, our anxiety reduces significantly. He can give you unexplainable peace; God has got your back.

He supports us so we are not emotionally wrecked.

This month my prayer is that, amidst our busy lives and countless needs, we will learn to entrust our worries to God.

Gifty Markey, Bread of Life Ministries, Bristol

The Gospel of Matthew entreats us not to worry about what we will eat or wear and finally not to worry about tomorrow.

I know it sounds hard to comprehend amid all the challenges, but I believe God can take care of our needs daily. Don’t be anxious!

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

IT'S an exciting time in the park, as play area renovations begin from June 5.

The upper play park will be out of action for five weeks while the new equipment is installed. This will make the park appealing for older children age 8-plus, with a zip line, new swings, climbing nets and trim trail.

The lower park play area will still be in use and unaffected by the renovations, which will be complete before the summer holidays.

The play area renovations have been funded by a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and funds raised by the Friends of Eastville Park, some of which came from festivals Love Saves The Day and Tokyo World 2018.

We are very happy to be finally seeing these funds spent in the park, along with the addition of benches both in the play area and throughout the rest of the park.

We have submitted a further CIL bid for the 2023 funding round, with the support of Eastville's Green Party and Labour Party councillors, in the hope that we will be able to improve the play area for younger children before the current play equipment is removed, as it reaches end of life.

We’d love to hear from if you know of any funding grants available for community groups or charities that could help reach the funding goal of around £30,000 to £40,000.

If you have questions for the council during any part of the play area refurbishment, contact the council by email at landscapes@bristol.gov.uk.

The current play area was built after World War II, and stands on the site of the former bomb crater from an air raid, which also permanently damaged the outdoor pool and killed four teenagers.

Last chance for booster jabs

PEOPLE aged 75 and over or have a weakened immune system are being urged to come forward to have a Covid booster jab by the end of the month.

The current offer of first and second vaccinations will end at the same time as spring vaccinations, on June 30.

After that date the NHS will concentrate on targeting people judged to be at increased

Play area revamp begins

the colourful history of Eastville Park.

It's been wonderful to see the park come alive, with folks getting outside to play on the cricket pitch and football pitch, and fields filled with people enjoying the park.

The population our park serves is one of the most diverse in Bristol, and the vibes in summer are wonderful!

The lake has new life with families of baby birds, so it’s a good idea to keep dogs on leads, and go a bit slower on bikes when in the park, to keep it a safe place for everyone.

The walk between Eastville Lake, Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court is a wonderful way to get out, while staying in the shade along the river. This year our family explored the more adventurous path, keeping on the south bank of the river at Snuff Mills.

It’s not good for bikes or prams on the muddy trail, but if you want a walk with adventurous kids, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy these three green spaces and the lovely wildflowers en route.

If you’re lucky, you’ll even see the otter and kingfishers.

We are looking to put up a memorial plaque on the Old Swimming Pool Garden this summer, but also produce a booklet of Eastville Park history that was carefully researched and compiled by volunteers.

Search Facebook for Eastville Park History to see photos, find out about your local heritage and

risk, usually during seasonal vaccination campaigns. Those most vulnerable, including care home residents, are being contacted by the NHS at the moment to arrange a jab.

However, carers and loved ones of those most at risk are not eligible for the booster.

Dr Geeta Iyer, clinical lead for the vaccination programme in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said: “We are learning to live with Covid but cannot afford to be complacent – we are only able to live with this virus thanks to the excellent vaccination rates locally and across England. Covid-19 is still in wide

The Eastville Park Welcome Space, which has provided free drinks, meals and activities on Monday and Thursday, opens for the final time on Monday, June 5. There's Film Club on Saturday June 3 and social lawn bowling every Friday evening, while our next Pop-Up Café is on Sunday June 11.

Come down to say hello and enjoy some cake, while supporting your local park.

circulation, and over 8,000 people are in hospital with a Covid infection. Older people and those with a weakened immune system remain at greatest risk of severe illness and being hospitalised from Covid-19, so if you are entitled to a spring top up vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the offer.

"It’s quick and easy to recharge your immunity and will give you protection.”

People who are eligible can book an appointment at their doctor’s surgery when invited, or by calling 119. You can also attend a walk-in community vaccination clinic: listed online at the grabajab.net website.

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA

June 11

n OPEN FARM SUNDAY at Elm Tree Farm, Park Road, Stapleton, 11am-4pm. Tours of Bristol's oldest care farm supporting adults with learning disabilities, including rare breed animals, activities, farm shop. Book online at farmsunday. org. More details from lisa.allen@ brandontrust.org.

June 14

n WILD WOMEN at Hillfields Community Garden, 7-9pm. Supportive group for women of all ages with focus is on nature connection and wellbeing. More information from hillfieldswildwomen@gmail.com.

June 27

n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY

GARDEN Mini Explorers friendly pre-school nature group for children aged 2-4, parents/carers and siblings, 10-11am. Free to attendno need to book in advance.

July 1

n BRISTOL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SUMMER CONCERT, Frenchay Parish Church, 7.30pm with music by Holst, Vivaldi, Nielsen, Britten and Elgar. Tickets

£12 in advance, £15 on the door, Students £5, children free, includes refreshments. Call 0117 956 2106 or visit www.bristolchamberorchestra. org.uk.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n BARTON HILL RFC CHARITY CAFE, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, from noon until 3pm. Food and drink, bargain donated goods, friendly and welcoming place to meet, staffed entirely by volunteers raising money for charity.

Tuesday

n PHOENIX ART CLUB meets on Tuesdays at Stapleton Church Hall, Park Road, from 10am to midday.

n GARDENING IN RETIREMENT

CLUB, Every third Tuesday of every month at 10.15am at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend. Non-members welcome - £3 including tea or coffee.

Wednesday

n BARTON HILL RFC CHARITY CAFE, Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, from noon until 3pm. Food and drink, bargain donated goods, friendly and welcoming place to meet, staffed entirely by volunteers raising money for charity.

n DOWNEND FLOWER

ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Call Genise on 0777 245 1217.

n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY

GARDEN Gardening for Wellbeing group, every Wednesday from 10am-noon to support mental health and feelings of isolation. To find out more or ask to join, email hillfieldsgardenforwellbeing@gmail. com.

Friday

n EASTVILLE PARK FOODCLUB

OPEN FOR COLLECTIONS, every Friday 12-1.30pm. To enquire about membership, email eastvilleparkfoodclub@gmail.com or call 07591 748548.

n FRIENDS OF HILLFIELDS

LIBRARY Silver Explorers social group for retired people living in Hillfields, every Friday, 10amnoon. Activities include talks, music, crafts and history. Free tea and coffee. More information at friendsofhillfieldslibrary@gmail.com or friends' Facebook page.

n IN-THE-PINK Sensible exercise

to music for mature ladies every Friday, 9-10am, Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue. Followed by chat & coffee, pay session-by-session. Get yourself fit & make new friends. More information from Julie on 07903 123793.

Saturday

n LU LIFE CHURCH 'SHARED SPACES', Fishponds Old Library, Fishponds Road. Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 2-3pm. Singing, dancing and drumming. All welcome. For more details email LULifeChurch@gmail.com or call Rev P on 0750 839 0298.

n VOLUNTEER GROUP at Hillfields Community Garden, every third Saturday of the month, 10am1pm. Meet your neighbours and have fun. Free lunch. More details from hillfieldscommunitygarden@ gmail.com.

n FISHPONDS REPAIR CAFE All Saints Church on 1st Saturday of the month, 10am-noon and Vassall Centre on 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am-2pm. Drop in for advice and help in mending electrical, household or textile items, including toys and computers.

If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Fishponds, Bristol.

Quarry House Care Home, Adelaide Place, Channons Hill, Bristol, BS16 2ED

“My mother has been so incredibly well looked after. The nursing staff are so

Joanna, Daughter of Resident at Quarry House (source: carehome.co.uk)

Phone box could be a lifesaver

repurposing it into a life-saving aid, by fitting it with a defibrillator, will be the most beneficial option for the community.

I fear that if action is not taken in the near future to preserve this piece of history, it may be removed along with the rest of these boxes - a missed opportunity to bring a life-saving asset to the Fishponds area.

James Ridgwell

Buses are appalling

I AM writing regarding a forgotten piece of history, left derelict in Fishponds, that could be transformed into a life-saving device.

There is a K6 red telephone box on the corner of Gill Ave and Vassal Road that has been left abandoned.

This classic British red telephone box is the only one of its kind left in the Fishponds area. There are only a handful of this iconic type left in Bristol, as most have been removed in more recent years due to the declining requirement for public telephones.

BT have launched a program that allows charities and organisations to purchase the box from them for £1, so that it can be repurposed. This will mean it can be given a fresh new useful life, whilst being preserved and saved from removal.

There are other possible uses for these boxes - local book exchanges, or information centres, for example - however, I believe

WE desperately need a bus franchising scheme with immediate effect: it couldn't possibly be worse than the slipshod sorry excuse for a service we're currently expected to endure.

The number 5 was axed, then replaced with the 47. What a flash in the pan that turned out to be!

I can now no longer access Yate in an easy and straightforward manner. Some of us do not have the time to make split journeys, and I've never had the option of being able to get to Cribbs Causeway directly from Fishponds either.

Here's a workable suggestion. How about extending the routes of the 48 and the 49 and have them run 'twixt the Centre and Yate/ Chipping Sodbury? It's a good idea, and resembles what a franchise would deliver.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris wants people to shop local. He obviously has no idea of what Fishponds is like compared to the thriving area it once was, when we had access to everything we needed and no need to go further afield.

How can you expect people to

ditch private vehicles in favour of public transport when it's not userfriendly in any sense?

Mrs L Smith

Coronation memories

I CHECKED your website for details of Fishponds Coronation events and there appeared to be none.

I grew up in Fishponds (19491971) and attended Saint Mathias Infant School and then Manor Road Infants School.

We lived in Glaisdale Road, where there was a street party in the evening with a sound system supplied by our neighbour, Mr Prewett at number 13, who worked for Rediffusion.

There were fewer cars in the road then! Our neighbours at no. 17 had a 17in Ferguson TV and there were 23 of us watching the Coronation, with me on the floor.

After the Coronation there was a children's tea party, which was supposed to be in the road but it rained, so we went to the Methodist Church Hall on the Fishponds Road, which was later demolished for Tesco. The Manse was in Glaisdale Road and the Minister had children, so the change in venue was quickly arranged.

The children around the corner in Claverham Road had their party in an old Army lorry because of the rain, which seemed much more fun at the time!

Later in 1953 all the children from Manor Road Infants went in crocodile fashion to the Vandyck Cinema (now Wetherspoons) to watch a film of the Coronation in

colour!

We were all given blue glass mugs to mark the Coronation and I still have mine.

John Cobbett

Thanks from RNLI

The Downend and Kingswood branch of the RNLI recently undertook a collection at Morrisons in Fishponds.

We are pleased to inform you that we raised £271.89 and are very grateful to everyone who contributed. Thanks also to Morrisons for letting us collect. The money raised will go towards saving lives at sea.

Antonette Bawdon (Secretary)

School reunion

CALLING all Rodway School expupils from 1963-1972 inclusive. A reunion has been organised to bring together old friends to catch up and remember their schooldays, on September 23 at the Bromley Suite, Cleve Rugby Club, Cossham Street in Mangotsfield.

There will be refreshments and a memorabilia table, so bring along any old photos or magazines you would like to share.

Among those attending will be head boys Nigel Newnham and Huw Powell, head girls Maureen Pragnell and Judith Pinkett, deputy head boy Tim Brain and deputy head girl Helen Kington.

For further information please email Rodway2023@gmail.com.

David James, Tim Organ and Judith Pinkett (committee)

The phone box in Gill Avenue

ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

A weekend to remember as stars join fundraiser

AVID readers of this blog will know that, sadly, one of our local heroes, former Bristol Rovers and Ipswich Town striker Marcus Stewart has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. It’s the same terrible illness that has afflicted sporting legends Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir recently.

It’s a cruel and life limiting disease that doesn’t discriminate and has affected so many individuals and their families all over the world. One day, there will be a cure for MND, but it will take money, effort and time to push towards the growing level of research.

Most of us are not research scientists so the best we can hope to do is offer to raise money for deserving charities and support our friends and fellow humans who suffer. By raising money we can shorten the time to when we will see a cure, so I firmly believe that it’s in all of our interests to work together to defeat MND. To this end, Marcus’s friends and family got together to put on a fantastic show to raise money and awareness for the cause.

Two charities, the Darby Rimmer Foundation and MNDA, organised an amazing weekend, kicking off with a golf day at Mendip Spring and a huge celebrity dinner on the Friday. That was followed by a celebrity football match at a packed Memorial Stadium on the Saturday. As you can imagine the weekend was support by a host of celebrities ready to support

Marcus, his wife Louise and their lovely family.

Allow me to namedrop just a few… Paul Scholes, Harry Redknapp, England Lioness Jill Scott, Dean Saunders, Big Ron Atkinson, Keith Gillespie, Jeff Whitley, Ryan Thomas from Coronation Street, Dean Edwards (Bristol’s top TV chef!) and Sky Sports presenter Michelle Owen.

The All Stars, managed by former Rovers boss Darrell Clarke took on the South West Legends who, led by another ex-Gas manager Paul Tisdale, included former local stars such as Chris Lines, Lee Mansell, Lee Brown, Oli Clarke and even a friend from south of the river – Scott Murray.

The team from Cleve Chiropractic were asked to supply the medical support to both sides and I would like to thank the staff who came to lend a helping hand.

We had a full set-up of physio, chiro and sports therapy for both teams and I can tell you that it was super fun to work with the likes of Scholes and Saunders and listen to the banter of Harry Redknapp as he interacted with the players, celebrities and fans alike. A day that none of us will ever forget.

I have thought about whether or not to discuss with you the table that Cleve Chiro bought to support the celebrity auction and dinner on the Friday evening, as it was lively and very entertaining as I’m sure you can imagine. However, as I invited Gary Brindle, the amazing publisher of the Downend Voice, his wife Natalie

and stepson Jay, I thought it would be fun!

The evening was hosted by Bristol rugby legend and British Lion Mark Regan, who was sporting a new manly beard! He took to calling me Alan Carr all evening, which was a new one on me but I have learnt to roll with these things…

We got the night off to a good start with a game of head and and tails. After a few interesting coin tosses none other than our very own Catherine Quinn won the final prize, a signed 2019 World Cup cricket final man-of-thematch Ben Stokes plaque.

Supported, or rather egged on, by Gary and Mr Regan, I was almost coaxed into buying a signed David Beckham shirt but, with the likes of Paul Scholes in the room, that would have been a tough ask. Also, I actually had

my eye on a portrait painting of Marcus by world famous artist John Donaldson, from Bristol.

Finally, after several bottles of wine and some great fun, came the biggest auction ‘lot’… the painting! The bidding was fierce but thankfully the big wig footballers in the room let us normal folk play.

I would like to be able to give you more details of how the auction went but, truly, I can’t quite remember… the excitement must have gotten the better of me. However, the next day when I woke up, with the painting next to me, I smiled as I realised I had won.

Then I tried to remember how much it was… I couldn’t but I do know that every penny has gone to the best cause I can think of. It will go up in the clinic and I will love it forever.

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

The Cleve Chiro table at the dinner

A little 'selfie' with the amazing Jill Scott

The team with Marcus

FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Stand with us against knife crime

IN May I attended the first ever Avon and Somerset Police Outstanding Policing Awards, a remarkable opportunity to honour the outstanding achievements of the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

May also marked the start of Operation Sceptre, a national targeted initiative to reduce knife-related violence, increase public safety and engage communities in the fight against knife crime.

Proactively tackling knife crime is central to my police and crime plan, and I would encourage people to safely discard any weapons or knives they may carry in the ‘weapons surrender bins’ installed by Avon and Somerset Police.

The bins are in areas where we know they are needed, and offer people a safe and anonymous way of getting rid of a weapon. If you know someone who carries a weapon, please encourage them to surrender it. You can find your nearest bin in the crime prevention advice section of the police website.

Avon and Somerset Police and partners already carry out a large range of activities to raise awareness of and combat knife crime, and the Violence Reduction Units’ work is at the heart of this, delivering talks to young people in schools, running Blunt Truth workshops in partnership with the NHS and hosting pop-up information stands.

While we have seen a reduction in street-based knife crime across Avon and Somerset, more still needs to be done to ensure people feel safe in their communities. Let’s raise awareness, educate, and stand against knife crime.

As the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ national fraud lead, I also welcome the publication of the government’s long-awaited strategy, setting out how it plans to tackle fraud and bring more offenders to justice.

This strategy, and the accompanying Economic Crime Plan, is an important step forward. I fully support the Government’s three-pillar approach to stop, block, pursue, and

to educate the public.

I have been able to have a direct impact on two important areas within the strategy, which will ensure there is national central coordination of prevention and awareness messaging, and ensure banks are delaying and doing extra due diligence checks on large BACS payments out of accounts that could be fraudulent.

However, the strategy does not recognise some fundamental challenges, including the highly complex landscape of investigating fraud, which needs to be fully supported.

I am calling for more to be done to recognise this crime’s significant impact and harm on victims. Fraud can leave lasting mental and physical trauma, with some victims taking their own lives.

Finally, I am pleased to say that the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund grant has opened for applications.

This grant, set up by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Somerset

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation, aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities.

Community groups previously awarded this grant have delivered some fantastic crime-reducing initiatives and activities.

I implore local organisations to apply for this worthwhile funding, to reduce anti-social behaviour and make our communities safe.

n SPORT

DOWNEND Boxing Club was represented by five members at recent senior elite and schools championships.

In April Jasmine Poole, aged 22, travelled to Rotherham where the draw saw her face the experienced Wanessa Orczyk in the Female Under 63kg category.

Scunthorpe boxer Wanessa had a record of 34 wins from 46 and is also a Polish National champion, whilst Jasmine was entering her 10th bout.

Every round in the fast-paced bout was competitive, and the experience deficit did not show as both boxers exhibited the best that the Olympic style can offer.

At the end the decision was split and on this occasion went to Wanessa.

In May's schools championships, the club is delighted to say 11-yearold Kadon Smith and Lacey Holloway, and Tommy Pring and Elijah Sanchez, both 13, boxed superbly amongst the best boxers in the country, emerging with three regional titles and three bronze national medals.

Jasmine was outstanding and the experience indicates good

Superb championship performances from Downend boxers

straight for Jack from the first bell but using clever, composed boxing the Downend boxer scored well in the first two rounds.

The final round saw the determined Palluv make a superb last effort, however it was the Bristolian who took the judges' decision, in a bout that couldn't have been any closer.

things to come.

It is a measure of the character of our young people that they can participate at the highest level under the extreme demands and discipline required in the sport to be able to conduct

themselves as ambassadors for the city - we are so proud.

On May 6 Jack Foster (16) headed to Taunton to face home boxer Palluv Bhandari (Blue Flames).

The Taunton boxer came

Congratulations to Downend boxer Andrew Cutting, who passed his initial Royal Air Force training and received the Mayor of Aylesbury Trophy, which is awarded to the recruit who has demonstrated the greatest determination and perseverance during basic recruit training. Also congratulations to former Downend boxer Wes Taylor, who has passed out as a firefighter.

We couldn't be prouder!

Craig Turner

Elijah Sanchez, Tommy Pring and Lacey Holloway were among the Downend boxers competing for titles in May