Fishponds Voice May 2023

Tower block plans unveiled

Goodbye, Jude

HUNDREDS of people attended a funeral service and memorial tournament to pay their respects to Hillfields boxer Jude Moore.

PAGE 5

Parking charge hike

PARKING charges for Vassalls Park and Snuff Mills are rising by up to 50%, as the council promises investment in new facilities.

PAGE 4

Stolen ID raid

A HOUSE in Eastville was raided as part of an international police crackdown on identity fraud.

PAGE 2

Decision delayed

A THIRTEEN-storey tower block could be built as part of a massive redevelopment scheme for Fishponds.

Several other blocks of more than eight storeys appear on plans published by developer Central Fishponds Ltd for the site of current industrial buildings Filwood House and Verona House.

The blocks would accommodate 780 flats, with

another 120 houses also proposed for the site, which lies between the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, Filwood Road and Forest Road, opposite the Fishponds Royal Mail delivery office.

It currently includes two landmark chimneys, said to be nesting places for peregrine falcons, which would be demolished if the scheme goes ahead. Turn to page 3

A DECISION on controversial plans to redevelop the Vassall Centre in Oldbury Court has been delayed, after they were recommended for approval.

PAGE 8

We are currently looking to expand our team of skilled mechanics. Please get in touch if you are interested in the job vacancy and would like to be part of the HRM family.

How Developer Central Fishponds Ltd says the new development next to the Railway Path will look.

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Arrests in stolen ID probe

AN EASTVILLE man was one of three people in Bristol targeted by an international police operation led by the FBI and Dutch police.

Around 120 people were arrested worldwide in an operation to take down Genesis Market, described as "one of the biggest online marketplaces selling stolen credentials to criminals".

Police from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Avon and Somerset police raided an address in Eastville, another in Sneyd Park and a third in Lawrence Weston on the morning of April 4.

A police spokesperson said a 24-year-old man from Eastville would be be interviewed at a later date.

A man from Sneyd Park, aged 29, was arrested on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences and money laundering, and has been released on bail.

The third man, aged 21 and from Lawrence Weston, was also arrested on suspicion of CMA offences and has been released under investigation.

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Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk

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general enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999

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General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999

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NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk

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Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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The raids were part of an international operation involving police in 17 countries.

It led to the Genesis Market site being taken offline.

The National Crime Agency, which coordinated the UK arrests, described Genesis Market as a "go-to service for criminals seeking to defraud victims".

It hosted around 80 million identity credentials and digital fingerprints stolen from more than two million people.

Detective Inspector Ross Flay, from SWROCU, said: “Genesis Market traded in digital identities, providing criminals with the details they needed to gain access and steal from victims, either by directly moving money out of an account or using the credentials to pay for goods and services.

“It shows the link between cyber crime and fraud, which is now the crime type that affects the most people in the UK.

“As well as the arrests yesterday, we have information about several other potential users of the platform across the region who will be visited by SWROCU or their force cyber officers in the coming weeks."

People are being encouraged to check whether their phones, PCs or accounts have been compromised by visiting the NCA website at bit. ly/GenesisMarket.

Caravan destroyed

A BLAZE which wrecked a caravan parked in Eastville was arson, investigators believe.

Firefighters were called to Eastgate Road shortly after 8.20pm on April 23 to find the caravan "well alight".

Police have carried out enquiries but currently do not have evidence to take the investigation further.

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.

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Tower blocks part of 900-home plan

From page 1

Central Fishponds Ltd's Filwood House & Verona House site makes up about one third of the wider Atlas Place project to redevelop industrial and commercial sites between the Railway Path, Lodge Causeway and Forest Road, first reported in March's Voice.

As well as 900 homes, the developer says it wants to build "flexible business and creative workspace", which it says could include offices, cafes, healthcare facilities, nurseries and gyms, but added: "We are keen to ensure that this space does not compete with the local high street."

The tallest building on the plans would be 13 storeys high and overlook the Railway Path. More than ten other apartment buildings of between six and 11 storeys are on the plans, along with 120 two and three-storey terraced houses.

Filwood House and Verona House are currently home to a wide variety of businesses, from garages and manufacturers to stone supplier Bristol Marble & Granite.

All of the current buildings on the site would be demolished under the plans. They were unveiled ahead of a consultation event on March 31, which was announced after April's Voice went to press.

The developer said: "Our ambition is that the new community not only delivers homes, but that it also creates a place that supports the people and businesses of Fishponds."

This would include a public open space, accessible to new

and existing residents.

One of the key issues for the development is transport - and maps drawn up for the consultation do not include car parking for every flat.

The developer said: "We recognise that parking is a sensitivity locally. As such we are working hard to ensure that this scheme does not negatively impact parking in the local area.

"We are exploring how many car park spaces we will need and investigating car clubs and EV charging."

The company said it was "keen to encourage residents to walk and cycle where possible, instead of relying on a car", was looking to connect the site to the Railway Path and provide cycle parking for every flat.

The developer added: "We know that the local road network could serve the community better. As a result, our team is looking at ways to calm traffic in and around the site."

The consultation documents claim the site would generate around 250 vehicle movements per hour, and that this is "very similar" to the present number, "many of which are made by HGVs".

Describing the plans as "a nature-led development with ecological enhancements,"

the developer said: "The plans will regenerate a brownfield industrial site, replacing large areas of hardstanding with new trees and plants, providing habitats for local wildlife and a pleasant environment for new and existing residents.

"The site as it is now offers little environmental value. Our

plans will change this.

"We are also looking at how we can incorporate sustainable and renewable technology into the new homes. This will include solar panels and air source heat pumps."

Asked about the demolition of the former Robinsons factory chimneys, Central Fishponds Ltd spokesperson Adam ScottAvis said: "We recognise the importance of the chimneys locally and are carefully considering their removal.

"The issue is complex. We’re balancing housing delivery, including affordable homes, contributions to local infrastructure and the quality of

new public space.”

Details of the development can be seen online at filwoodverona.co.uk, where an online feedback form for people to give their views was live as the Voice went to press.

Central Fishponds Ltd is also encouraging people who want to comment to email info@filwoodverona.co.uk, call 0800 148 8911 or write to Freepost MEETING PLACE CONSULTATION.

If the scheme receives planning permission, which is expected to take around a year after plans are submitted, the company anticipates work on the site would start in 2026.

Verona House (left) and Filwood House (right) would be demolished and make way for houses

Tower blocks would be built on this part of the site, seen from the railway bridge on Filwood Road.

Projects mystery

DETAILS of projects for Eastville Park approved under the council's Future Parks scheme have yet to be revealed - more than 17 months after the submission deadline passed.

Last month it emerged that eight projects had been given a provisional go-ahead under the scheme to bring outside investment to city parks, launched in 2021.

But the council has not confirmed what each project entails or who is behind it, although the Friends of Eastville Park and Lido Steering Group projects are understood to be among them.

Eastville ward Green councillor Lorraine Francis said she had been "given zero information" about the projects, despite requests.

She said: "There has been very poor communication from the council – given the importance of the park to Eastville residents and the wider city, this is not acceptable."

The Voice has been asking the council for details of the successful projects for the past 14 months.

Parking charges up as revamp promised

PARKING charges at Vassalls Park are set to rocket - just over a year after they were brought in.

The cost of an hour's parking will rise from £1 to £1.50, two hours rises from £2 to £2.50 and the £3 maximum for up to five hours goes up to £3.50, with a four-hour limit.

Mayor Marvin Rees said the money raised at the Oldbury Court Estate and Snuff Mills car parks will go into maintaining parks - and announced a £500,000 investment in play facilities and improving access to Vassalls.

The increase was confirmed at a council cabinet meeting in April, which was told trials had shown no significant impact on visitor numbers to park cafes and kiosks.

But neighbours and opposition councillors say motorists already avoid pay-and-display charges at Oldbury Court, Blaise Castle and Ashton Court by parking outside.

Conservative group leader Mark Weston

said the fees had created “huge problems in nearby residential streets”.

He said the big price increases would “only make a bad situation worse”.

Labour cabinet member for communities and Hillfields councillor Ellie King said she was aware of complaints about parking in neighbouring streets, which had been raised by Oldbury Court residents, and the situation would be monitored.

Disability campaigner David Redgewell told the meeting access to parks for disabled people needed to be improved.

Mr Rees said: “We are approving today £500,000 investment for Oldbury Court in play facilities and improving access to the estate, and as part of the design and delivery of the work we will engage with stakeholders to identify what we should prioritise for disabled visitors.

"The council has already committed £220,000 at Oldbury Court to improve a stretch of footpath along the River Frome and widen the Halfpenny Bridge to Snuff Mills.

“So there is work ongoing, but we will partner with constructive city partners to make sure that’s done as well.”

Charges were introduced for the first time in March last year. A council spokesperson said no date had yet been set for the increase to come into force.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Farewell, Jude

HUNDREDS of people filled Bristol Cathedral to say a final goodbye to Hillfields boxer Jude Moore.

Friends from his home city and across the boxing world joined Jude's family for a moving service, which included laughter at memories shared and applause as the world title belt Jude most wanted to win was presented in his memory.

Jude, who was 19, died suddenly in March in Hoddesdon, where he was training at a boxing academy with a view to turning professional.

Members of Fishponds-based Downend Boxing Club - where Jude won National titles at schools and junior level, was Western Counties champion five times and boxed in European and international bouts - wore their club tracksuits and lined up outside the cathedral in a silent tribute as Jude's body arrived.

Coach Craig Turner gave a eulogy describing the

"whirlwind" nine years after Jude walked into the gym, with "comedy, drama, deep philosophy, romance, elite sporting achievement and above all else a deep and all-consuming love for him".

Tales of Jude's scrapes, energy, love for life and "precocious talent" brought smiles and laughs, before former World Boxing Council super middleweight champion Glenn Catley, who had worked with Jude, presented a championship belt on behalf of the WBC and British Boxing Board of Control.

Jude had wanted to win the WBC title, and Craig said he was sure he would have done.

Making the announcement Jude had not lived to hear, Craig declared him "your winner and for all time the new WBC champion of the world", with the congregation bursting into a huge round of applause that echoed through the cathedral. Jude's brothers Beau and Ethan also took part.

Beau read a poem, The Boxer's Prayer.

Ethan, himself a former double National champion and junior European silver medallist, shared fond memories in his eulogy, from boxing in the garden as children pretending

Tournament tribute

MORE than 250 people attended a tournament at Jude Moore's old school, staged in his memory by Downend Boxing Club.

Jude had been a prefect at Mangotsfield School, whose head teacher Hetty Blackmore said he "inspired others wherever he went".

Complete silence descended on the sports hall on April 2 as boxing's Western Counties regional secretary, Mike Hemming, rang the traditional ten-bells salute that has been heard at tournaments across the country in Jude's memory.

A massive round of applause and emotional scenes followed, as those who attended sang along to The Beatles' 'Hey Jude'.

There was a great reception at the event for Jude's brother Ethan, before 14 bouts and four skills contests were staged involving Downend Boxing Club members and contenders from other clubs around the West of England and Wales.

The Downend members who took part were Archie Caswell, Finley Haskins, Carter Slocombe, Rio Toomey, Lacey Holloway, Kadon Smith, Rudi Watts, Tommy Pring, Caleb Rees, Vinnie Bush, Mackenzie Lawrence, Jack Foster, Chris Richardson, Marlon, Jodie Horton, Nick Wilkinson and Riley Catley.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and former WBC World super middleweight champion Glenn Catley, who boxed each other twice many years ago, presented prizes and watched their sons, Caleb and Riley, both take wins.

Club coach Craig Turner said: "Mangotsfield school were quite simply outstanding in supporting us to put the event together, and we are hugely grateful.

"We are just amazed by the support and generosity from the clubs of the Western Counties, Hoddesdon and County Wexford."

to be Rocky and Apollo Creed, to a recent meeting where Jude turned down a game of pool, saying: "I don't play a game I can

lose."

Afterwards a celebration of Jude's life was held at Cleve RFC in Mangotsfield.

Downend Boxing Club members stood in a silent tribute outside Bristol Cathedral

The memorial tournament at Mangotsfield School

n TURNERS VISION

Why do people complain about their varifocals?

Finding glasses that better your vision at all distances is challenging. Most settle for the headache of switching between glasses for different needs. This is expensive and a hassle - having multiple frames gives you one more thing to worry about losing/breaking.

Varifocal lenses, also known as multifocal lenses, are a great solution. These top-of-the-range lenses are suitable for near, intermediate and distance vision, meaning you have one pair to see in different environments by having different lens zones. For example, the top 3rd of the lens will be designed to see objects further away, the middle for intermediate viewings, with a seamless transition to the bottom 3rd for near vision. You can see any distance by moving your eyes between these points on the lens.

Why do people complain about varifocals?

- Adapting your eyes to these lenses can be challenging. Some struggle with distorted vision when looking through the wrong section of the lens for their needs at that moment in time.

- It can take several weeks to adjust.

- Varifocal lenses can be more expensive.

- They can cause headaches and dizziness initially.

- When reading with varifocals, you must maintain an unnatural position, keeping your head straight and looking down through the near vision part of the lens.

While that might sound bleak, there are many benefits, which is why they are so popular with glasses wearers.

The benefits of varifocals

- Money-saving - you only need one pair of all-purpose glasses.

- They can help with eye conditions such as presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

- They’re customised to your eyesight, whether you choose Everyday Varifocal lenses for multi-distance viewing or Occupational Varifocal Lenses that are better tuned to your vision and the consistent environment you spend the most time in.

- There are no visible reading areas due to the graduated lenses

How to make varifocals work for you

There are a few tips I recommend to patients to help smooth the transition to varifocals:

- Keep changing your environment, this will get you used to looking through the different parts of the lenses. The more you do it, the quicker you’ll adapt.

- Talk to others who use varifocals, they can give you some tips on how they adjusted.

- Practice makes perfect - they may feel uncomfortable at first, but you will adjust. Carry a spare pair of your previous glasses in case of headaches and/or dizziness.

What are my thoughts on Varifocals?

Whether you are short, medium or long-sighted, varifocals prioritise your vision across all distances. Personally, I like them a lot. They can take some adjusting, but their convenience is unmatched. We offer personalised lenses to fit your exact prescription. To book an appointment, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.

Peter Turner is an Independent Prescribing Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, with a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance, who also works as a Senior Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital

School community celebrates Eid together

FAMILIES joined pupils and parents at a Fishponds primary school to celebrate Eid.

Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields also invited ex-pupils and visitors from the wider community for its own celebration of the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Children put on their best party clothes, families brought in food to share and there was music from staff and pupils who had been practising specially for the event, which took place a few days after the religious holiday in April.

Muslim pupils showed how they pray to help give their classmates an insight into their culture.

Assistant principal Sarah Campagnaro said: "We loved coming together as a community to celebrate Eid.

"It was such a special occasion, filled with smiling Minerva children, families and visitors like Imam Ashraf, ex-pupils and grandparents.

"Highlights were a performance from our Year 4 and 5 children learning the violin and viola, music provided by our own Miss

Ali, food and drink sourced by the Friends of Minerva from local businesses such as Lona Grill, and our own mini Mecca complete with prayer mats where children demonstrated how they pray.

"The best thing of all, though, was hearing the comments from the parents who shared how excited their children were to come to school in their Eid clothes and how much they appreciated the opportunity to share their celebrations and culture with the whole school community."

Muslim pupils and parents wore their festival clothes at Minerva Primary Academy

A pupil demonstrates prayer at the celebration

Vassall Centre decision delayed

COUNCIL officers have recommended approval for controversial plans to redevelop the Vassall Centre in Oldbury Court.

But a decision on planning permission, which was due to be made at a meeting in April, has been postponed to May 31 at the earliest, so councillors can visit the site before they vote.

Owner Bristol Charities wants to demolish the site's existing singlestorey buildings, built in 1945 and currently providing affordable and accessible working areas, a conference centre and café for disability charities and non-profit organisations.

It wants to build 90 new affordable homes for older people in need, families and smaller households, as well as specialist supported housing for adults with learning disabilities.

The plans also include new buildings to replace the existing facilities, with office space, meeting places, a cafe and a space either for a nursery or non-residential training centre.

More than 90 objections have now been lodged to the plans, ranging from the size of the three-storey buildings proposed for the site, and the loss of light and privacy for neighbouring homes, to the effect on parking and road safety, inadequate public transport, concerns over the consultation process and Bristol City Council's "neutrality" in making a decision as it is involved in renting units at the site.

Recommending approval, officers said the scheme was an opportunity to "retain and improve" the centre's services, adding: "The proposed positive aspects of the proposal far outweigh any negatives and it is recommended that permission be granted."

A group opposing the plans, Vassall Centre Neighbours group, said: "We'd like to say a thank you to residents for submitting their statements to the public forum, and to keep their eyes open for the new committee date."

What Oldbury Court wants

A SURVEY has found out what people think about living in Oldbury Court, and how the area could be improved.

A small group of residents came together to carry out the survey last summer, to start making the case for local improvements.

Just over 120 people with connections to the area, including 67 who live on the estate, filled in copies after the team knocked on doors, attended local events and spoke to people at the Vassall Centre and bus stops on Gill Avenue.

Lori Streich, who worked on the project, said: "The survey gives a snapshot of residents’ thoughts about the area, and their ideas about what would make it better."

Vassalls Park was one of the area's strengths, with 79% of people saying park provision was either 'very good' or 'good', although better maintenance, more activities and dog-free areas were needed.

Residents were "generally positive" about places to socialise and things to do, but called for more affordable places to meet - something the report said the Vassall Centre was now aiming to address.

One of the areas where action was called for was provision for children, from more term-time and holiday childcare provision to an increase in secondary school places and places for teenagers to meet after school.

About half of respondents said shopping on Fishponds Road was either 'good' or 'very good' - but it was too far to walk from their homes. The survey took place before operator First axed the estate's bus services - the number 5 in October and its replacement, the 47, in April - but even before the decision, residents said more reliable and frequent buses were needed.

Copies of the results can be picked up at the Vassall Centre's reception area, and a Facebook page has been set up to discuss the issues raised.

Lord Mayor's honours for community champions

'INCREDIBLE" dedication to their communities has earned two women from the Fishponds area civic awards.

Mary Golledge and Sarah Rogers are among 20 Lord Mayor’s Medal recipients announced by the city council on the 40th anniversary of the award.

For Mary, from Stapleton, it is her second honour in a year, having been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list.

As reported in February's Voice, Mary has been active in the community for more than 50 years, founding the Duchess Ladies Club, which ran for 50 years from 1971 to 2021, and the Stapleton and Begbrook Community Association, where she still volunteers at the age of 90.

She has also volunteered at Headway Bristol, which was based at Frenchay Hospital, for 26 years between 1990 and 2017, helping survivors of brain injuries relearn how to speak, read and cook.

And she has sent more than 1,500 shoeboxes of donated gifts to disadvantaged children in countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Kosovo and now Ukraine, for charity Blythswood Care over 25 yearssending 70 last Christmas.

Sarah Rogers was nominated in

1 2

recognition of her "outstanding contribution to the Hillfields community", having cofounded Hillfields Community Garden during lockdown and developed the community growing project with fellow volunteers, setting up groups and events.

Sarah has also set up a welcome space and an older people's group, Silver Explorers, as part of the Friends of Hillfields Library, and helped to manage volunteers and organise activities there.

Presenting the medals at the Mansion

House in Clifton, Lord Mayor Paula O’Rourke said: “It has truly been an honour to learn about, and meet, this year’s recipients.

"Their dedication to their local communities and the people of Bristol is incredible. They have all made a huge difference to their communities and have been rightly recognised this year because of their selflessness.

“These awards remind us of the fantastic community spirit we have here in Bristol."

Sarah Rogers with Lord Mayor Paula O’Rourke

Mary Golledge receives her award

A life saved and £5,500 raised

Two years ago baby Elliot Smith was born at Bath Royal United Hospital to Downend parents Tricia and Liam. He was 10 weeks early and spent 9 weeks in the Neonatal Unit at Bath Royal United before being allowed home with a series of ongoing ailments.

A scan of Elliot's head confirmed that he was suffering from a condition called Saggital Craniosynostosis, a condition where the bones of the skull grow together prematurely creating a malformed skull. This in turn leads to the impairment of brain development, increased intracranial pressure, and a great deal of discomfort. With this also comes the possibility of seizures, stroke, and ultimately the loss of a short life.

Elliot was referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital one of five centres of excellence in the UK where he was scheduled for urgent surgery to remove the whole top section of his skull, break it apart and reinsert the remodelled section. He spent a week in hospital under the expert care of the team there before being discharged home.

Because Covid restrictions were in place at the time (only one visitor), Elliot's parents were

forced to take shifts throughout the week, day and night to be by his bedside. Accommodation at a nearby hotel was arranged by the Hospital Charity. Follow up appointments have been carried out at both Birmingham and Bristol Children's Hospitals. Elliot is progressing well and as expected.

In order to show their gratitude to the team at Birmingham, Elliot's parents set about raising funds to assist the Craniofacial unit there with their ongoing work.

Many fundraising events were held, all of which were sponsored by Bristol Carpets. Elliot's parents say that without their fantastic support and sponsorship we would not have reached our target of £5,500. Dave Gibbs of Bristol Carpets together with his team have been with us all the way and we cannot thank them enough.

Elliot's life has been saved. Thank you Bristol Carpets.

Tony Joiner

Elliot's Great Granddad.

School's 'magical' new library

A FISHPONDS school's library has been transformed, thanks to the efforts of families.

Members of Avanti Gardens School's parent teacher association redesigned, furnished and redecorated the library, which had been "in desperate need of a makeover".

They used money raised from events including school fairs and samosa sales to buy the supplies, then carried out the work themselves.

New Principal Harry Penny, who took charge of the school at the start of term after nearly three years as deputy head at St Mary's Primary School in Thornbury, said the library had been transformed into "something really special".

He said: "You are

immediately transported into a magical space, so you simply can't help but want to spend more time in here.

"This incredible makeover is thanks to the hard work and dedication of the school's incredibly talented and artistic parent and PTA community, who worked tirelessly after school, during school holidays and evenings to make this

Loft Boarding & Insulation

happen. One of the children’s grandmothers even rolled up her sleeves to help!

"With this stunning new library, the children have the perfect setting to ignite their passion for reading."

The school has received a donation of some new books from Fishponds' Morrisons store to add to its shelves.

Ben moves on

THE head teacher of May Park Primary School is leaving to take charge of a troubled city secondary school.

Vanetta Spence, who is known as Ben, took over at May Park in 2019 after the school had been placed in special measures by Ofsted following an inspection and has spent the last three years working to transform its fortunes.

She has now been appointed as the new head teacher of Montpelier High School, which was described as inadequate, with "serious weaknesses", in a shock Ofsted report last March and subsequent monitoring visit in December.

Ms Spence, who spent 16 years in senior leadership roles at Fairfield High School before taking charge at May Park, said: "I am determined to lead MHS on a journey of rapid and sustainable improvement that will benefit all students, irrespective of their starting points."

Children from Avanti Gardens School in the new library

Bins finally cleared from Eastville pavements

COMMERCIAL wheelie bins have finally been cleared from a stretch of Fishponds Road, after years of campaigning by residents and pressure from councillors.

The bins had been parked on a stretch of pavement between the Freeland Buildings and East Park junctions in Eastville, and used by shops and takeaways on the opposite side of the road.

They often leaked and were left open and overflowing, attracting rats and creating a smelly and hazardous mess on the pavement near a busy bus stop.

Things came to a head in 2020 when elderly resident Lolita Tucker fell over as she tried to avoid a slick of waste, ending up badly bruised and with her clothes covered in stinking gunge.

The city council announced new commercial waste collection rules for the city the following year, starting with a pilot scheme in the 'Old City' area around Corn Street.

Last December it was expanded to cover Old Market, Stapleton Road and the stretch of Fishponds Road between Stapleton Road and Muller Road, as well as side streets.

A council spokesperson said: "Engagement with businesses in this area started at the end of January this year, to

make sure they were aware of their new responsibilities. Enforcement action to remove bins still being stored on the streets started on March 21.

"Under the new standards businesses are not allowed to store trade bins on the highway or on public land, or to leave sacks for collection overnight."

Mayor Marvin Rees said 113 bins had been removed from Fishponds Road, Stapleton

Road, and Old Market.

Gloria Davey, of the East Park Residents Group, said residents had been lobbying the council to take action for more than five years.

She said: "The removal of the bins will help to discourage vermin from the area and make it a much more pleasant environment for everyone, though it saddens me that Mrs Tucker is now too disabled to walk down here and benefit from these changes herself."

Eastville ward Labour councillor Marley Bennett said: "By working with the Mayor, I was delighted to help secure a commitment for Eastville to be the first area outside the city centre to benefit from the Council’s scheme to remove commercial waste bins from our streets."

The ward's Green councillor Lorraine Francis said her party had also worked with the council and business owners in Eastville and other areas to make the change work

She said: "I spent weeks talking to shop owners whose bins butted against the old Workhouse wall, which was contributing to rats and other vermin causing distress to residents.

"I think the council’s waste team and enforcement team have done a fantastic job and I’m really glad this has been sorted out."

Bins and rubbish left on the pavement before the clear-up. Picture: Gloria Davey

Cafe brings new life to old stuff

PEOPLE who want to save gadgets and clothes from landfill are being encouraged to bring them along to the Fishponds Repair Café.

Part of an international movement, the group's volunteers get busy mending, darning and gluing things for local people twice a month.

Sessions are held at All Saints Church in Grove Road on the first Saturday of the month, from 10am until noon, and every third Saturday of the month at the Vassall Centre, from 10am until 2pm.

Volunteer Kate Brooks said: "The idea behind the cafes is that people will be encouraged to reuse and recycle things, and not throw them away.

"The team of volunteers currently includes experienced

engineers, gardeners, electrical and computer experts and knitters and sewers.

"Their highlights so far have been an old Singer sewing machine, with its original 1918 instruction booklet, and a vintage, much loved bear, who was gently restored to her former glory."

Alongside five or six friendly experts, who try and mend items and advise and guide people on how to make repairs themselves, the Repair Café at the Vassall Centre also has a shop of restored, cleaned items courtesy

New bus bid

A NEW bus service which links Eastgate to the city centre could set an example for Stapleton.

Transpora group's new number 25 service, which also serves St Pauls and St Werburghs, launched in April.

Eastville councillor Marley Bennett says he hopes a similar service could be set up to serve Stapleton, which has been without any buses at all following the withdrawal of the 5 and Y4 bus services last October.

National Award winners

of Bristol Waste, which has so far included vacuum cleaners, strimmers and household items such as clocks and weighing scales.

Kate added: "Anyone can come along, and take one or two items, either free or for a donation, and they can be PAT tested at the Centre.

"The team hope that future events will include sewing and darning workshops, and ‘fix it’ sessions.

"And there’s free hot drinks and biscuits while you wait!"

He submitted a question to cabinet councillor for transport Don Alexander at the city council's May 2 cabinet meeting, asking if funding could be found to support a new Stapleton service.

Cllr Bennett said: "Initially, WECA funding may be required, or one of the numerous Fishponds Road services could be re-routed to run through the neighbourhood."

Cllr Alexander was expected to give a written reply after the meeting.

Getting to work on clothes at the Repair Cafe session in the Vassall Centre

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

Saplings cut down

DOZENS of young trees planted by schoolchildren in Eastville Park have been cut down.

The saplings, planted in the park's Everest Road field earlier this year as part of the city's One Tree Per Child project, were found cut off near the ground in April.

Plastic guards around the trees were lifted up before most of the affected plants were cut, although some had also been uprooted.

Photos of the damage were shared on the Friends of Eastville Park Facebook page.

There was speculation that the damage may have been caused by animals, with some people suggesting either deer or rabbits could have bitten through the saplings.

However an employee of the Forest of Avon Trust, which funded the project and helped plant the trees, said it was "absolutely not deer damage", adding: "Deer nibble the ends of branches and produce a rough edge, rabbits and or voles would leave teeth marks, not a clean cut. This is deliberate damage by a person with secateurs.

"We have done a lot of tree planting all over Bristol and never seen damage as bad as this."

The trust is planning a volunteer day to replace the trees at a future date.

Eastville ward Green councillor Lorraine Francis said: "When we consider the vital role that trees play in our environment, and the effort and care which went into planting these trees, it is heartbreaking that vandalism has taken place.

"These were trees planted by schoolchildren and I cannot imagine what they will think knowing that their contribution to the environment has been treated in this way."

Labour councillor Marley Bennett said: "I was really shocked to hear that a number of newly planted trees were damaged in what seems to be a thoughtless act of vandalism.

"I am sure those involved in the ‘One Tree Per Child’ project, which aims to get all of Bristol’s 36,000 children primary school children planting a tree in the city, will not be deterred by this."

Drug house closed

POLICE and the city council have taken out a court order banning people from visiting a home in Hillfields.

Avon and Somerset police say the house in Gorse Hill was the subject of complaints over drugs and noise, and the "partial closure order" was granted to help protect people living nearby from antisocial behaviour.

Police first raised the house in January.

A spokesperson said police and city council officer had worked together to try to solve the problem without going to court, including offering the tenant an antisocial behaviour contract, but neighbours "continued to be affected".

At Bristol Magistrates Court in March an application for a three-month partial closure order, which means only the tenant and no-one else is allowed to enter the property, was imposed. Breaching this requirement would be a criminal offence.

Acting Inspector Serena Serjeant said: “We take antisocial behaviour seriously and are thankful for the support of residents and partner agencies who have helped achieve this result.

“It is not right for anybody to feel scared by what is happening on their doorstep.

We’d urge anyone who is experiencing antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood to report it to the police.”

Advertising feature

New exhibition at Aerospace Bristol is out of this world!

Aerospace Bristol, on the site of the former Filton Airfield, will host Luke Jerram’s Mars as part of a new Journey to Mars exhibition. The artwork will be stunningly displayed from 4th May to 5th June alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.

The temporary exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars Express, Europe’s first mission to Mars. It will include models of Beagle 2 and the Mars Express Orbiter on display alongside Luke Jerram’s Mars sculpture.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Mars features

detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.

Visitors will have the chance to view Mars from the air, as though they are a satellite, mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain laid bare to inspect.

The Journey to Mars exhibition is included with museum entry.

Visit https://aerospacebristol.org/ for more information and for tickets.

Marathon success

A FISHPONDS

teenager took the London Marathon in his stride, after being confirmed as the youngest of the 48,000 runners to take part.

Jude Brown was 18 years and six days old when he completed the 26 miles, 385 yard course in 3 hours 22 minutes on April 23.

Mum Paula said Jude "loved" the experience of running his first marathon.

Party needs you

PEOPLE are being urged to help make Fishponds' biggest free party a success next month.

Party in the Ponds will take place in Vassalls Park on June 17, returning to its traditional early summer slot.

It is the second time the event will take place on the Oldbury Court Estate, having outgrown its previous home in Fishponds Park before the pandemic.

Organisers of the not-for-profit event, which runs from noon to 9pm, are on the lookout for volunteers to help set up and steward it. They are also aiming to widen the variety of stalls, and are looking out for photographers, perfumers and dog treat sellers, as well as vegan and gluten free caterers.

For more information email partyintheponds@gmail, call Gareth Edwards on 0752 898 9445 or visit the Party in the Ponds Facebook page.

Park group launches

Jude and stepdad Nick Tuftnell, who is registered as severely visually impaired, ran to raise money for charity Fight for Sight - their total was close to £1,000 as the Voice went to press.

course.

Nick finished the course in a time of 2 hours 55 minutes 11 seconds.

Donations to the appeal can be made online at 2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/nick-tuftnell.

Jude runs with Bristol & West Athletics Club, which is based in Whitehall, and is studying a Level 3 BTEC extended diploma in sport, fitness and personal training at SGS College and hopes to continue studying sport at university.

A WAVE of support has boosted a group set up to support a park. Friends of the Park - Oldbury Court Estate/Vassalls Park held its launch event in April, and 50 people came along to talk about its plans for the future.

The group plans to focus on regular work parties to clear and repair, improve the park's ecology, promote access to sport, arts and events, with a longer-term aim of replacing the pavilion wrecked by arsonists in 2020.

Members are carrying out surveys to find out where more benches are needed and what facilities park users would like to see in the future.

The next event for volunteers is a two-hour litter picking and survey session on Monday May 8, meeting at the park's kiosk at 11am, with a clean up and repair working party planned towards the end of May.

For more information email admin@oldburycourtpark.org.uk.

Jude Brown (in the vest with red stripe) runs alongside the Thames Embankment near the end of the

Fast food, slow progress

NATIONALLY, we’re not eating enough fruit and veg.

Just a third of adults, and 12% of children, eat their five-a-day.

Consumption of food high in fat, salt and sugar runs high, especially among families with young children. Research shows many people see healthy eating as incompatible with a busy life, and increasingly unaffordable.

These were the conclusions presented at a Food Foundation event I hosted recently in Parliament.

With food price inflation soaring to 19%, the cost of buying fresh produce and cooking nutritious meals quickly adds up, something which junk food manufacturers and supermarkets have capitalised on.

It’s not helped by the fact that the Government continues to let junk food manufacturers off the hook. Plans to ban junk food special-offers and to limit fast-food TV ads before the 9pm watershed have now been

shelved until 2025.

This is despite warnings from the Government’s own Food Tsar, Henry Dimbleby, that poor diets contribute to 64,000 deaths per year in England alone – costing the economy an estimated £74 billion.

I’ve worked closely with Henry, whose National Food Strategy, published in 2021, included innovative ideas to combat dietrelated illness and to break the ‘junk food cycle.’ (His new book 'Ravenous' is also worth a read.) He has now resigned from his post in despair.

While it’s important to tackle unhealthy eating, it’s also crucial to focus on positive, proactive measures to encourage people to eat more fresh food.

I’ve been calling on the Government to improve access to Healthy Start vouchers, a safety net payment for pregnant mothers, babies and children under 4 experiencing food insecurity.

These give qualifying families an extra £4.25 per week towards buying essential healthy food. Last year 1,600 Bristol families missed out on more than half a million pounds worth of free fruit, vegetables and milk. Complications in the application process and a lack of awareness of the scheme meant that many didn’t even know they were entitled to it.

The Government must support local councils to promote the scheme and expand eligibility, so more families can benefit.

Supermarkets can also go further in offering deals on healthy food, and schools should be incentivised to serve children more fruit and veg.

We also need to support local food-growing, replicating the brilliant work being done at projects like Grow Wilder in Frenchay.

There’s much to be gained in involving communities in growing their own food, from the

nutritional benefits to the sense of pride in growing veg from seed to plate.

Changing a nation’s food habits isn’t an easy job, but the consequences of Government inaction will be with us for years to come if we don’t.

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East writes for Fishponds Voice

n LOCAL HISTORY

Memories of princes and pirates

AS the Coronation of Charles III approaches, Mike Jempson discovers some recent and older royal history hidden in a dusty batch of old newspapers at Glenside Hospital Museum.

THE Silver Jubilee visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Bristol in 1977 was big news.

The Bristol Evening Post, at the time claiming a daily readership of 400,000, ran a four-page ‘Royal Talkabout’ supplement in its August 8 edition.

It recorded the Queen’s visit to Portbury, where she opened the new West Dock. Her great-grandfather Edward VII had done the honours for Avonmouth Docks in 1908.

The royal entourage visited Fliton High School, and took a walkabout in a barely recognisable city centre.

Prince Edward, 13, was in the royal landau, but his older brother Andrew missed the trip as he was "staying on board the Royal Yacht with a heavy cold".

Church bells were rung throughout the city. Campanologist (bell ringer) William Coles, 72, from Mayfield Road in Fishponds, explained: "Years ago if the bells were not rung when the monarch passed by, the church wardens had to pay a heavy fine.

"Whether that still happens, I don’t know."

Williams' Big S store in Lodge Causeway cashed in on the occasion with a ‘Sovereign Sale’, offering 50% off Milady Kitchens complete with gold trim, and 30% off Bermuda Gas Boilers at £111.77, but taps were not included with their £76.52 coloured bathroom suites.

A 1985 Gazette Guide to Bristol reminded readers that the only reference to the city before the Battle of Hastings was when Bishop Wulfstan, favourite of King Ethelred the Unready (966-1016) berated Bristolians for their involvement in the slave trade with Ireland.

When William the Conqueror’s men arrived, they established an island fortress on what is now Castle Park.

Bristol’s importance as a major trading centre was assured when the river Frome was rerouted to join the Avon at Canons Marsh. For centuries, traders and explorers brought the city fortunes and infamy.

In 1552, 15-year-old Edward VI granted the Society of Merchant Venturers a Royal Charter - a licence to fill their coffers with the proceeds of lucrative expeditions to Pennsylvania and Virginia for tobacco, turning to smuggling when Charles I tried to make it a London monopoly.

They rebelled again when London sought to exclude other British ports from the hideous trade in African slaves. Exchanging guns, booze and shackles for men and women in West Africa who would be sold in the Caribbean if they survived the treacherous journey, Bristol merchants got rich on the return cargoes of molasses, sugar, rum, dyes and tobacco.

To protect their investments they remained neutral in the English Civil War, as the city changed hands between Roundheads and Royalists ostensibly under the command of the 15-year-old Prince of Wales, who would later become King Charles II.

Bristol merchants also financed privateers, or pirates, like Woodes Rogers who famously

With a home in Queen Square, which now has a blue plaque, Rogers was a notorious slaver and buccaneer, who not only received a ‘King's Pardon’ in 1718 from George I but was granted a pension and made governor of the Bahamas, being reappointed by George II in 1728 despite a tumultuous first term and bankruptcy.

But by the time George III signed the Bristol Dock Act in 1803, the city’s fortunes were in decline. The Venturers and Corporation joined forces to build the Floating Harbour, but mismanagement of the Bristol Dock Company and their harbour charges put Bristol at a disadvantage during Victoria’s reign. Even Brunel, hired to advise over silting and sewage in the harbour, found them unhelpful over his SS Great Britain.

*Glenside Hospital Museum is open on Wednesdays from 10am-1pm and Saturdays from 10am- 4pm. More details are available at www.glensidemuseum.org.uk

Extended versions of these columns can be found at www.mikejempson.eu.

rescued Andrew Selkirk from a desert island in 1709, providing the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.

A girl rushes to give Queen Elizabeth II flowers during her Silver Jubilee visit to Bristol, despite the attempts of a police photographer to stop her.

Crowds around the old Centre during the 1977 jubilee visit

Welcome space wraps up

A PROJECT to give people struggling with heating bills somewhere warm to go during the winter has held its final session.

The Hillfields Library Welcome Space was one of dozens set up around the city where people could come and relax, warm up, have a drink and find things to do.

Running every Monday between noon and 6pm from December to April, it was set up by volunteer group the Friends of Hillfields Library in coordination with the city council.

People were offered cups of tea and coffee and activities, with children offered toys to play with and films to watch.

Food parcels were also offered to people who needed them, along with advice on support payments.

Coordinator Sarah Rogers said: "We have had on average 100 people to our Welcome Space every week since we opened in December, our volunteer group have done over 200 hours of volunteering and we've handed out £8,000 of food parcels."

As the sessions drew to an end people who came to the Welcome Space wrote cards to thank the volunteers and say what the group meant to them.

Years 1 to 6

Another group based at the library, Silver Explorers, is celebrating winning funding for a year after an initial six month trial.

The group, for people aged over 60 who live in Hillfields to meet up, socialise and take part in activities, started in November last year and has now won a grant to carry on.

Silver Explorers meets every Friday from 10am until noon at the library in Summerleaze.

Garden group relaunches

A GROUP using the power of gardening to help people who are feeling lonely, isolated and struggling with their mental health has relaunched.

The Hillfields Community Garden Gardening for Wellbeing group now meets every week at the garden in Hillfields Park, giving opportunities for gardening, art activities and relaxation.

No experience is needed to join the free group, just a willingness to spend time outdoors.

Tools and refreshments are provided.

People can either be referred by a professional or ask to join the group, which meets on Wednesday mornings from 10am until noon.

To find out more or ask to join the group, email hillfieldsgardenforwellbeing@ gmail.com.

A Welcome Space session at Hillfields Library

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Reasons to celebrate this May

IF you’re reading this, you are likely at home, rather than work, as this May has extra bank holidays. Hurray! And if someone is nagging you to mow the lawn on your day off, tell them the Metro Mayor says you don’t have to. More on that later!

The West of England has a long heritage of May Day celebrations, dating back to pagan times.

Many have echoes in customs such as dancing round the maypole. However, this bank holiday was first brought in as a way of marking International Workers Day in 1978.

The Spring bank holiday is back to its usual slot on the last Monday of May and this year, there’s that extra day off to celebrate King Charles’s Coronation too.

Whether you’re a republican or royalist, this is certainly a moment in history.

I’ve been finding out about our region’s association with coronations. Did you know that on May 11, 973 AD, Bath Abbey was the site of the coronation of Edgar, the ‘First King of All England’?

The service used for Edgar’s coronation

was compiled by Dunstan, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the same service is being used by King Charles III.

Bath Abbey is well worth a visit, as are so many attractions across our amazing region.

I run an Explore Local campaign, and as part of this, I get to visit many fantastic museums, green spaces and other attractions. As the Spring weather improves and everyone looks to the great outdoors, I’d urge you to explore our brilliant region.

I promised to get back to mowing (well, not mowing, to be precise). Because the other thing I’m marking this month is No Mow May. A month off from cutting the lawn for the very best of causes - our bees!

Our bees need our help because they are fighting some big enemies: pesticides, habitat destruction and climate change. But they are so vital. Bees pollinate flowers and crops. In fact, one in three mouthfuls we eat depends on our pollinator pals.

One way to give bees a break is to liberate your lawn and free the wildflowers in your grassy areas so they can grow wild

and provide a feast for pollinators.

Many people are doing that, as are organisations who I’ve been encouraging to enter my annual Bee Bold Awards to showcase the region’s very best “bee buddies”. I love to see the entries - it really gets me buzzing!

Finally, I’m well aware bank holidays don’t mean a break for all, especially people in emergency service roles like nurses, police or firefighters, so a special shout out to them, and particularly to bus drivers as I work hard to recruit more.

Keep safe - and I hope you have a great May.

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 Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Climate action in Fishponds

TWO organisations in Fishponds are among six across the city being given support to help respond to the climate crisis at a community level.

Hillfields Community Garden and the Vassall Centre are taking part in the Community Climate Action Project learning and mentoring programme.

Each group gets a £3,000 bursary, a series of free workshops, and mentoring to help develop their own community climate action plans under the scheme, which is funded by National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund with support from organisations including the city council.

Council cabinet member for communities Ellie King, who represents Hillfields ward, said the project put "local organisations and the neighbourhoods they serve at the heart of the city’s approach", adding: "It will be exciting to see their plans develop as they are mentored and supported to identify what meaningful action on climate and nature looks like to their communities, and to co-produce a climate action plan specific to their area.”

Hillfields Community Garden's Sarah Rogers said: “Local residents and community members from all walks of life will be at the heart of our work to protect the climate and improve our local environment. Developing community-led climate action is important to us as a way to ensure that our community is listened to and able to take practical and meaningful action.”

Bristol Charities Centre & Development Manager Zoe Williams said: "With our local community and neighbouring organisations, we hope the programme will kick start the conversation of green action in the area and help us to develop manageable, attainable actions that the community can feel proud to work towards together.”

Begbrook Litter

Pickers are one of the groups to receive funding

Grants up for grabs

COMMUNITY projects that help make a council ward a better place are being offered a share of £10,000 in funding.

Individuals or resident-led groups based in Frome Vale ward, which includes Oldbury Court, Blackberry Hill, parts of Stapleton and Frenchay and the top end of Fishponds Road, can apply for the grants offered by Bristol Charities and Bristol City Council.

The funds are aimed at projects supporting residents' mental health and well-being, youth provision, food provision, cost of living support and reducing the isolation of older people.

A previous round of funding helped support a children’s drama group, Begbrook Retirement Club and community meals in Oldbury Court.

Bristol Charities' head of community development Charity Wallis said: "We would encourage anyone who has been aspiring to start up a group or project but has previously been held back by funding to get in touch with us and apply for a Grassroots Grant."

People can apply for up to £,1000, by emailing office@ vassallcentre.org.uk.

n GARDENING Peak sowing time is here

WE’VE reached peak sowing now: everything is game for some indoor propagation.

My greenhouses are like a conveyor belt: seed trays, to plugs, to pots and into the ground - it’s hard to keep up.

There have been a few failures, of course, but this year seems to be going quite well so far.

A few years ago we had a frost in the first week of May. This is fairly exceptional but if it catches you out there can be a lot of distance to make up.

Some things will only germinate in heat and will rot in the soil unless they get it, like pumpkins and courgettes.

I’ve taken to germinating them in a warm room. As soon as I see the first signs of life I take them somewhere light, like a greenhouse or cold frame.

Other things, like lettuce, don’t like it too warm and are best germinated in temperatures more akin to the typical British

spring.

Another big problem is slugs and snails. Just when you think that you may have got off lightly, there will be a warm May shower and they will come out in force.

A gastropod army, just waiting until your back is turned to devour anything and everything.

There is no perfect solution to this problem.

The way that I deal with it is to simply grow twice what I need: one for me and one for them.

It's a harsh compromise, but at least when the cosmos that was looking so healthy a week ago is reduced to a stump, I have another to go in its place - hopefully this time a little stronger and more slug-resistant.

One of my biggest worries at this time of year is looking at other gardens and allotment plots with envy and that my plants aren't that big, in flower, less slug-ridden and so on.

The reality of the first point is that most things catch up; by July you’ll be wishing that they weren’t so large and would slow down a little, please.

With regards to the other points, you only have so much time and effort that you can apply to these things, so just go with what you can.

There’s no need to compare yourself to the best and think that you’ve failed. If you only have a few evenings snatched from busy schedules, what you achieve is enough.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LICENSING ACT 2003

Application for Grant of a Premises Licence

I, Jonathan Barnett of Artichoke Wholefoods, 725 Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS16 3UW have submitted an application for the grant of a premises licence to Bristol City Council, Licensing Authority 100 Temple Street, Bristol BS1 6AG. The record of the application may also be inspected at this address between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday – Friday, with the exception of Wednesday when the opening hours are 10.00am and 5.00 pm or on the Council’s website at www.bristol.gov.uk

Details of application:

Application for premises licence to sell alcoholic drinks not to be consumed on the premises, the sale of which during opening hours:

Monday-Friday 8:30-18:00; Thursdays 08:30-20:30; Saturdays 09:00-17:00; Sundays 10:00-15:00

Relevant persons and responsible authorities may make written representation to the relevant Licensing Authority by 16th May 2023 such representation shall be made in writing to Licensing Team(100TS) PO BOX 3399 Bristol BS1 9NE or via email: licensing@bristol.gov.uk

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is an unlimited fine.

City Gardener with Tim Barton

Some jobs for May:

• Sow wild flower seed and hardy annuals

• Sow grass seed where needed to repair a patchy lawn

• Insects are starting to emerge, so make sure that there is everything they need to survive. Deter them, don’t kill them.

• Scrub decking and treat wooden structures

• Go shopping, I strongly recommend a nursery rather than a garden centre, if you have one nearby. Only buy plants that are at the right stage for the time of year: many places force plants prematurely, and they will fade or fail once they’re home

Feedback and questions are always welcome at fpvoice@gracelands.garden.

Bike Repairs

Bike Servicing

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

THE park is blossoming to life again, with pink and yellow flowers, fresh green leaves, and glorious bluebells along the woodland paths.

On a sunny walk by the Frome, you can smell the wild garlic starting to grow among the shade, almost ready for the first forage of the year. Meanwhile, the blossom trees planted in the upper park by volunteers a few years ago are really thriving now.

Eastville Warm and Welcome Space will continue throughout May, except for the bank holiday Mondays, until the last session on June 5.

Many people have benefited from having the door open and we have been providing a simple lunch each day too.

Please do come along for activities, support, information and free refreshments: we have a dedicated ‘Eastville Warm and Welcome Space’ page on Facebook.

With the warmer weather coming, the Pop-up café season is beginning again - the first one of the year was on April 29 and the next is on May 13.

The volunteer-led cafes not only provide a welcome cup of tea, breakfast, and slice of cake on a park visit but also reconnect people with their community, while raising funds for the park.

I always come away feeling good from having a nice catch-up with friends and neighbours, with the backdrop of local musicians and choir singing. It’s welcome food for the soul.

Volunteering for the café is a great way to meet new friends and learn skills: if you’d like to volunteer, please get in touch by email at friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

Film club is running well, with the recent showing of The Woman King. The club has upgraded to a bigger screen and has set film nights for May 20, June 10 and

Our warm and welcoming park

August 5. Just £10 gets you annual membership and notification of the film title for each session, where you can book your free seat on Eventbrite or by email.

The Nissen Hut makes for a fun and cosy venue for a film and snack with friends. Email friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com to join the fun.

Eastville park Bowling club have been running free bowls taster sessions on Friday evenings from 5-7pm. These have proven very popular with locals: so far 37 people have come along and completed the sessions. Further sessions are planned for May 5 and 12, so if you’d like to try bowls, come to the club from 5-6pm to have a fun and relaxing evening session trying out the game.

As excited as we are about the new play equipment for ages 8+ going in later this year, we have received news that the equipment in the sandy play zone for young children is reaching the end of its life. We have less than two years to find funds for the replacement, which is likely to cost around £30,000 or more.

We are planning another bid for Community Infrastructure Levy funding, however it is a small pot this year. If you would like to help, please email us at friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com.

Nature group Habitat Management Volunteers (HMVs) have been working to remove some of the blackthorn saplings encroaching into the grassland of Redhill Drive Field.

The group spends an hour or two on the last Sunday of each month carrying out such habitat tasks and would welcome any new volunteers who would like to help.

Please drop an email to epnaturegroup@gmail.com if you would like to join a session.

On a sad note, some of the newly planted One Tree Per Child trees in Everest Road field have been vandalised.

However, we are hoping a recent bid to the Bee Bold Pollinator fund will enable us to install interpretation panels in both nature fields. These will explain why and how these spaces are being managed for nature, as well as useful information on how we can all do our bit to address the Ecological Emergency.

Pop-up cafe sessions at the Nissen Hut have started again.

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING Contradictions

SO much in planning is all about making decisions and, while it would be good if each one is the right one, properly weighed up and justified, of course this is not always the case.

Every decision has to be based on planning policy, so that it is rational and predictable but tempered by the local circumstances, and fits the site’s context.

Following the policies alone is not always enough, but if you don‘t follow the policy, there can seem to be little point in having one.

There is therefore a balance to be achieved, a grey area, like much of life, that we call the 'planning balance' - essentially weighing up the pros and cons of a proposal.

Spare a thought for planners trying to make decisions, faced with the contradiction between what does not require planning permission and how to control it where it does.

Perhaps the most glaring example is the government allowing up to five agricultural

buildings per farm to be converted to residential use without a planning application.

At the same time, it required most other development to be built in 'sustainable' locationseffectively where occupiers would not need a car to reach any kind of services.

Apply to build a house right next to one of these converted farm buildings and you would be turned down.

If that sounds like "one rule for them", you would be on the right track, because the result in either case is the same - a house in the countryside, most likely in an unsustainable location.

In a similar manner, converting offices to residential use was also taken out of planning control. This was re-examined after an outcry - but only after many large office buildings in urban areas had been turned into often substandard living accommodation, short on space and windows.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the legislation should

be more specific when drawn up, but no doubt the temerity of some developers was not factored in.

With no parking having to be provided and no contribution towards affordable housing, this has not been popular. In the first five years less than 50,000 homes were created, with 300,000 per year now needed nationally.

If nothing else, many people have at least now gained some appreciation of what planning is there for.

The dividing line between what does and doesn‘t require an application needs to be drawn somewhere. As a simple example, if you apply to build a 2.2m high boundary wall in your garden, the planning officer needs to remember a 2m high one would not need permission, so the decision is therefore made on the top 20cm. But years of tinkering with permitted development thresholds mean many 'fallback positions' like this are not so clearcut.

Westminster‘s attempts over

the last decade to encourage housing provision through different routes have brought results, albeit not on the scale hoped for.

Generally, though, the ends do not justify the ill-thought-through means - and any benefits may have come at the incalculable cost of confusion and lack of trust in planners to protect the public from the impact of development.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

Van dwellers moved

PEOPLE living in vans next to Greenbank cemetery are being moved on after the city council obtained a new court order.

The council has obtained a possession order for Greenbank View and surrounding roads last month, giving van dwellers 14 days from April 18 to leave the area.

An interim injunction has also been put in place to stop obstruction of footpaths, use of threatening language, contacting residents, drug use, storing wood, fly-tipping and defecating or urinating in public places in the area.

The large number of converted vans used as homes in the area has led to years of debate, with the people living in them saying the shortage of affordable housing means they have nowhere else to go but residents complaining of persistent antisocial behaviour.

In a letter to residents announcing the latest move, Eastville ward councillor Marley Bennett said he had "sympathy" with van dwellers and the council was setting up specific sites for them to live in, but was aware of the "persistent antisocial behaviour from van dwellers on Greenbank View".

Time to volunteer

A CHARITY shop and Fishponds' own museum are among the organisations on the lookout for volunteers.

Barnardo's, which provides support for vulnerable children and young people across the UK, is inviting people to spend a day at its store in Fishponds Road as part of the Big Help Out, a drive to get more people to volunteer in their communities linked to the Coronation bank holiday on May 8.

Volunteers, aged 14 and over, sort through donations, prepare items to be sold and dress the shop, and the charity is offering training and a 'buddy' to help new recruits.

The charity said: "We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo's and volunteers are a central part of what we do. We would like to welcome you to come and experience a day in one of our stores."

Anyone who would like more information can sign up via the Big Help Out website at bit.ly/3nndlqL.

Also on the lookout for volunteers is Glenside Hospital Museum, which needs new recruits for its 'meet and greet' team to help it cope with increasing visitor numbers.

The museum, which is based at the University of the West of England's Glenside Campus in Blackberry Hill and open from 10am1pmn on Wednesday and 10am-4pm on Saturdays, particularly needs people to help on Saturdays.

Volunteers can cover slots of two hours or more, andcan be of any age and ability.

Museum consultant director Stella Man said there were many other opportunities available to volunteers at the museum, including working in the archives.

She said the archives provided the opportunity for people to pursue projects relating to the hospital's history, with one volunteer recently completing a six-month personal research project which resulted in a new display.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the museum can get in touch via the website, glensidemuseum.org.uk, email glenside_ museum@hotmail.com or Facebook page.

Rehab centre closure

BRISTOL City Council is set to close its last remaining rehab centre for older people who need care after leaving hospital before they are able to go home.

The closure of East Bristol Intermediate Care Centre, which looks after patients from the Fishponds area, will result in more than 25 staff being made redundant or redeployed.

The final decision on the centre, which is Summerhill Terrace, St George, was being taken by mayor Marvin Rees’s cabinet on May 2, following a decision at the budget-setting full council in February to cut the cost of running it altogether.

The service will be taken up by community healthcare provider Sirona at other sites.

A cabinet report said: “Rehabilitation services are not usually provided by local authorities and are a discretionary service for the council, and there is agreement across the health and social care system that the community health provider has the skills and facilities to deliver this service in line with standard practice nationwide.”

It said staff would be consulted on their options and the council would “comply with the obligation to seek suitable alternative employment for all employees at risk of redundancy to mitigate against any compulsory redundancies”.

But the report added that changing to a new team or role could be difficult because 58% of the employees were over 50 and had worked at the council for a long time.

It said the other option would be for NHS partners to take over the rehab centre but “they are not in a position” to do so.

The report added: “They already provide rehabilitation services at other sites across the city which will ensure that a continued highquality provision is available for citizens, and the [health] system priority is to increase the number of people returning home with care and support in place of offering additional community intermediate care beds.

“This has meant that the only viable option for the council to progress is the proposal to stop service delivery at East Bristol Intermediate Care Centre."

Last year the council shut another facility, South Bristol Rehab Centre, and there was controversy after employees were initially told they could transfer to Sirona, which runs a similar service at South Bristol Community Hospital, before the arrangement fell through.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

People have lived in vans on Greenbank View for more than six years

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA

May 6-12

n FREE BOWLS TASTER SESSIONS at Bristol Greenbank Bowls Club, Gordon Road, Whitehall, 10am-noon daily. Expert and friendly tuition, all equipment provided. Drop in - wear flat-soled shoes such as trainers. Car parking available. Plant and cake stalls, licensed bar. More information from greenbankbowls@gmail.com.

May 10

n WILD WOMEN at Hillfields Community Garden, 7-9pm. Supportive monthly group exploring nature connection and well-being, seasonal food and drink. For more information email hillfieldswildwomen@gmail.com or turn up on the day

May 20

n Spring Fayre, All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds, noon-3pm. Enjoy lunch, buy some plants for your garden. Browse through the various crafts that will be available and have some fun with our selection of games. Entrance fee 50p per adult. More information from Gina Smith ginasmith863@gmail.com.

May 23

n Mini Explorers at Hillfields Community Garden, 10-11am, preschool nature group for children aged 2-4, parents/carers and siblings. Gardening, songs, crafts and activities, with teas, coffees, squash and biscuits. Free - all welcome and no booking needed.

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 TAI CHI CLASS, The Folk House, Downend - Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm. All welcome, £7 per class or £35 for 6 classes.

Contact Georgina Green07845 748568, georginagreen@ mindfultaichi.org.uk

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.

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.

n SPORT 600 runners for 10k

THE 41st Frenchay 10k, the oldest event of its kind in the UK, was a great success, with over 600 entries received demonstrating the event’s continuing popularity with runners from across the local area and wider Bristol community.

Adam Stokes, representing Bristol and West AC, was first over the line, in a fantastic winning time of 33 minutes 9 seconds.

Our first woman was Katrina Entwistle, also from Bristol and West, in a superb time of 38m 16s.

This year's winning team was Emerson’s Green running club, who were very well represented.

Our two nominated local charities this year, Children’s

Hospice South West and the Freewheelers (bloodbikes), supported the race organisers by providing marshals to help with the smooth organisation of the event.

In turn, the race committee will make significant financial donations to both, continuing a pledge that was made when the

race was first completed, back in 1979.

Costas Kkolos, owner of the Avenue Cafe in Emersons Green, raised £600 for running the 10k, which is a truly fantastic effort!

We look forward to the 42nd Frenchay 10k, with entries open in December.

Dave Guyatt Race Director

Runners cross the finish line at UWE's Blackberry Hill campus

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Feel better… move more… live a healthier life.

How does that sound to you?

IF you’re suffering in silence from back and neck pain, seeking some expert advice and treatment from a qualified chiropractor might not just be a positive move for you - it could also reduce the burden on a creaking NHS system.

During the recent Chiropractic Awareness Week, the British Chiropractic Association unveiled a UK-wide survey of 5,000 people to understand the impact NHS waiting lists are having on musculoskeletal (MSK) health.

The research found more than half of people are put off seeing their GP because of waiting lists. According to the NHS, more than 20 million people in the UK have an MSK condition like arthritis or back pain, accounting for up to

30% of GP consultations.

At Cleve Chiropractic we see these patients in our clinic each day, with great outcomes, and are proud to support those facing long NHS waiting lists.

We want to give people more choice, quicker appointments and treatment options to help manage pain and discomfort, providing face-to-face care in a way that is convenient.

The research also found 48% of British people are using overthe-counter medication to treat MSK issues. Whilst painkillers have a place, they are best used in the short term, can have side effects and do little to address issues which have led to the condition.

Chiropractors can provide an alternative solution: a wideranging package of patientcentred care, supported by solid evidence, with some great reported outcomes.

More people are turning to chiropractors to manage poor mobility, pain and wider health concerns arising from MSK issues, before they worsen into chronic conditions and further impact our health services in the future.

There are many misconceptions and myths about chiropractic treatment - let’s talk about some of the most common:

Myth: Chiropractors are massage therapists with a different name.

Truth: Chiropractors are extensively trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects this can have on the nervous system and general health. Qualified individuals are fully regulated healthcare professionals with at least four years’ degree-level training.

Myth: Painkillers will speed up your recovery.

Truth: Most MSK pain is mechanical in nature so, even though painkillers can help to reduce pain in the short term, hands-on treatment, movement, or exercise is more likely to successfully manage the problem for longer. We recommend more conservative therapies, such as using a heat pack, manual therapy (massage, spinal manipulation, or acupuncture), gentle stretching

and short walks to help you to relax and reduce pain, allowing you to return to higher levels of exercise.

Myth: Chiropractic is just about cracking backs.

Truth: The crack or popping sound produced from a spinal manipulation comes from a change of pressure occurring within joints. We give patients a wide range of treatment and care options, spinal adjustment being just one. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach and every patient’s needs are treated individually – many will never hear a single popping sound!

If you think you could feel better, move more, and live a healthier life by seeing one of the team then give us a call – let’s start the conversation.

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