Fishponds Voice November 2016

fishpondsvoice November, 2016 — ISSUE 22

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All set for McD-Day THE saga of McDonald's and its attempt to open a drive-through in Fishponds Road enters a new chapter this month.

The fast food giant's scheme for a former tile warehouse will be discussed at a Public Inquiry, which opens at M Shed on November 8.

The company will outline why it thinks Bristol City Council was wrong to refuse its plans for a two-storey restaurant and takeaway.

Campaigners, who have been battling against the idea for more than two years, will put forward their reasons why the site is the wrong place for a huge fast food drive-through restaurant.

These include traffic and road safety as well as health, nutrition and pollution grounds.

Hundreds of people signed a petition against the McDonald's proposals, although some residents contacted Fishponds Voice to say they supported the scheme.

Meanwhile, the campaigners have tried to keep the increasingly derelict site attractive by planting flowers.

Full story: Page 3

Just do what the signs tell you!

Nwanna Egwuonwu, one of Fishponds' PCSOs, urges drivers to observe the 'no left turn' at Hockey's Lane in the interests of road safety.

PAGE 11

Chilly reaction to winter cafe hours Dog walkers and parents are unhappy that the cafe at Oldbury Court has had its hours cut for winter.

PAGES 6 & 7

Who can afford these homes?

Lily celebrates her 85th birthday in style - at an Old Time Music Hall organised by Begbrook Retirement Club. More pictures: Page 40

Affordable housing must be included in the plans for 300 homes at Blackberry Hill Hospital, say campaigners.

PAGES 8 & 9

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wu, one of Nwanna Egwuon urges drivers Fishponds' PCSOs, left turn' at 'no to observe the of in the interests Hockey's Lane road safety.

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to Chilly reaction s winter cafe hour parents Dog walkers and the cafe at are unhappy that had its hours has Oldbury Court cut for winter.

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All set for McD ld's and its THE saga of McDona a drive-through attempt to open new Road enters a in Fishponds chapter this month. giant's scheme The fast food warehouse will for a former tile Public Inquiry, a at be discussed at M Shed on which opens 8.

November will outline The company Bristol City Council why it thinks refuse its plans was wrong to restaurant and for a two-storey takeaway. who have been Campaigners, idea for more the battling against will put forward years, two than the why the site is their reasons a huge fast food wrong place for restaurant. drive-through traffic and road These include n as health, nutritio safety as well grounds. and pollution people signed a Hundreds of the McDonald's petition against h some proposals, althougd Fishponds residents contactesupported the Voice to say they scheme. campaigners Meanwhile, the keep the have tried to site increasingly derelict flowers. attractive by planting 3 Full story: Page

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WELCOME to another news-packed edition of Fishponds Voice – as always there is so much going on in our community.

Light is a bit of a theme this month, appropriately enough now that the clocks have gone back. It's fascinating to find out how and why Lisa Malyon starting drawing on lampshades. And no doubt fireworks will be illuminating the sky by the time you read this. Have a safe Bonfire Night, everyone.

We also wish the best of luck to the Friends of Fishponds Park in their efforts to make sure the trees are lit up to create a festive feeling in the heart of the neighbourhood. As Councillor Nicola BowdenJones told us, if everyone gave a pound to the cause they would have the money for the lights in no time.

fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

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

If you can support them, look up their crowdfunding page online or put some money in a collecting bucket (now, there's a good excuse to go to the pub!).

Fishponds Voice is here to share news about our community, so please keep getting in touch with your stories and photos.

We hand-deliver more than 7,500 free copies to homes every month and are increasing our circulation but we can't go everywhere. So if you live outside our delivery area, look out for the paper in local shops, cafes and libraries.

Check out our website - www.fishpondsvoice.co.uk – as well as our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Many people contact us through social media to share their news. We are trying to get out and about to meet more of our readers but in the meantime do please get in touch by email: news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk.

You can even write to us! The address is 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6JT.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ fishpondsvoice

Follow us on Twitter @fishpondsvoice

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www. wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999

DEADLINES

NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

December edition deadline is November 23.

Anti social behaviour team

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

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

n NEWS DOZENS of Fishponds residents have spent the last few weeks preparing for the Public Inquiry into a plan for a two-storey McDonald's drive-through restaurant on the Fishponds Road.

The Say No to McDonald's In Fishponds campaigners thought they had achieved their aim when Bristol City Council turned down the multi-national's plan for the old Bristol Tile site early last year.

McDonald's appealed against the council's decision and now a Government-appointed Planning Inspector will hear evidence from both sides at the Inquiry, which opens on November 8 and is expected to last for at least four days.

Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and local councillors will be giving evidence alongside city council planners and the Say No to McDonald's group, who have called in two experts on public health and nutrition. Dr Martin Caraher of London's City University and Dr Franklin Apfel of World Health Communication Associates will be challenging

3

Massive effort to make case against fast food drive-thru

evidence from Dr Matt Capehorn of the Rotherham Institute for Obesity.

"The Council's main objections are on traffic and road safety grounds," explained Mike Jempson, who now chairs the Say No Group.

"We share those concerns, but we are also determined that

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the voices of the hundreds who raised objections on health, nutrition and pollution grounds are also heard at the inquiry."

The group has achieved 'Rule 6 status' which means it will be on an equal footing with the council and McDonald's at the Inquiry.

"We have been meeting

regularly to prepare our case," says Jempson. "We are drowning in paperwork, but it is great to see the effort that people have put in without the benefit of professional support."

The inquiry is open to the public and anyone affected may ask to be heard. Jempson says that numerous locals have been in touch to say they want the Inspector to hear from them directly.

The original protests against McDonald's plan galvanised local opinion and led to the creation of the Fishponds Planning group which also hopes to address the inquiry, and the highly successful Make Sunday Special event in September.

• The inquiry will run from 10am to 5pm in the MShed on the Harbourside, from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 November.

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fishpondsvoice

4

November, 2016

n NEWS

'I just want to see son's first Christmas' NEIGHBOURS have rallied round to support a Fishponds father-of-two who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

James Moore has been told by doctors there is nothing they can do to save him and have given him just months to live.

As his wife Zed and their two children, Pipin, six, and six-month-old Elfric, adjust to facing a future without James, neighbours and friends have started fundraising to support the family.

In less than one month, a JustGiving page started by neighbour Jodie Hedges has reached more than ÂŁ3,300 which will help towards funeral costs as well as enabling the family to spend some days out together.

James, 52, had initially been given the all-clear after enduring radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat throat cancer.

But in September, just 10 weeks after the all-clear, the cancer returned. This time the

tumour was aggressive and doctors have not been able to give James the reassurance that he will live to see Elfric celebrate his first birthday.

The family moved from Easton to Fishponds last summer after purchasing a house which needed total modernisation. As James worked as a carpenter, the plan was that he would do as much of the required renovations as possible to keep costs down.

Three-weeks after getting their keys, the couple, to their joy, discovered Zed was pregnant with their much-longed for second child.

At the start of Zed's second trimester, James developed a painful lump in his throat.

Zed, 42, said: "We first thought it was nothing so waited a while for it to go. James then went to the GP and was given various diagnostic tests.

"When I was 26-weeks pregnant, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. They said 'It's fine,

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James, Zed, Pipin and Elfric are treasuring every moment they have left together we've got this. The treatment is awful but it's going to be ok'."

During the course of his radiotherapy and chemotherapy, James became unable to speak or eat and had a tube fitted through his stomach to enable him to take food.

An MRI scan and ultrasound investigation revealed the cancer

had gone, however James was still sick from ensuing heart problems and infections, which left his immune system vulnerable.

Then, just 10 weeks after getting the all-clear, James started coughing up blood - he was then told he had a 4cm tumour in his throat which was

Last trip down memory lane THERE'S a last chance to look around the buildings of the former Hillfields Park Infant and Junior Schools this month before their demolition.

Minerva Primary Academy is opening its doors to visitors from 10am to noon on Saturday November 26.

Principal Peter Hallam said he hoped many local people would come along to share their memories of the schools, which opened in 1927 and 1929.

Children and staff are moving into temporary accommodation while a new school is built. It will be a two-storey building with 15 classrooms and a dining and assembly hall and studio space as well as a community room, an after school club/art/DT/cookery room and extra outdoor space for adventure areas and learning undercover.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

November, 2016

n NEWS aggressive. Zed, who uses a wheelchair due to a right lower leg amputation when she was five and a spine disease, said: "At that point we were told it was terminal and there was nothing they could do. They said he wasn't even well enough to have palliative chemotherapy.

I had Elfric on my lap, who had just turned five-months, and I asked them if James would see our son's first birthday. They said 'Let's aim for Christmas'."

Zed, who is on maternity leave from her job in the NHS, said the family has been overwhelmed by the kindness of others who want to raise money so they can continue to renovate the house, take days out together and pay for James's funeral.

"I have James terminally ill in bed 22 hours a day, a sixyear-old, a baby and a house with plaster everywhere and a kitchen half done. We used all our savings to buy the house and don't even have the money for a funeral.

"We have been honest with Pipin and he is very sad that his daddy is going to die. He goes to

fishpondsvoice

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The love and kindness which has been showered upon my family has been really lifeaffirming

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Glenfrome Primary School and they have been outstanding. The love, care, support and attention that they are giving to Pip is amazing.

"There is a lot of love in our house and a desire to enjoy what we can. There's lots of hugs and we tell each other never to forget how much they are loved. We're just helping each other to get through it.

"It's limited what James can do so it's difficult to plan things.

We can't go out of the country for a holiday because insurance would be prohibitive but we'd like to do some nice train trips and see some of the countryside."

Zed said the family has been moved by the kindness of others.

5

"Jodie is the kindest, most caring person you could wish to meet. She has time for everybody and is an amazing friend.

"In the most challenging of times, the love and kindness which has been showered upon my family has been really lifeaffirming. The few people in the world who aren't very nice loom so large that it's really easy to forget that most people have a good heart. People have been amazing and their kindness will never be forgotten."

Jodie said: "I just like to treat people how I'd like to be treated and if I see someone needs help then I try to help as much as I can. Zed is amazing in every way. Given that she has her own health struggles, she just keeps going and going. Although the family has had such devastating news, Zed is still trying to do as much as she can so it doesn't affect their boys as much. She's an inspiration."

You can make a donation to the Moore family via Jodie's JustGiving page: https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ jodie-hedges

Funding on offer for arts projects CREATIVE projects in Fishponds are being encouraged to apply for two funding opportunities being offered by Bristol City Council.

The annual Creative Seed and Community Festival & Event funds are aimed at supporting projects, festivals and events that engage the city’s diverse communities, and support community celebration.

The application window for the 2017/18 round of funds is open and runs until Monday November 21.

The amount of funding available is capped at £3000 for the Creative Seed Fund or £2000 for the Community Festival and Event Fund.

Organisations can only apply for one or the other.

For more information please visit www.BCCAD. wordpress.com or follow the Arts Development team on Twitter @ BristolArtsDev.

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November, 2016

n NEWS

Winter cafe hours cut ‘is a bad move’ A POPULAR café described as the “Hub” of Vassals Park will be shutting its doors during the week and opening for shorter hours at weekends – a move that has caused dismay among its customers.

The kiosk near the play park, which serves hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks, will be

closed Monday to Friday and open 9am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter months in an effort to save money.

But dog walkers and parents who use the facility regularly say it is outrageous that the Bristol City Council-owned kiosk should be closed as it is the place they go to get a warm drink and meet up with friends.

Nick Taylor, 48, from Frenchay, uses the kiosk every day when he walks his dog and says it is the main meeting place for everyone who uses the park.

He said: “I am really not happy about the decision to close this facility and really shocked at how little notice we have been given.

“I walk my dog every day and the café is the first place I go to meet with other dog walkers. It is such a popular place and always really busy.

"It's really sad that the council

is shutting the kiosk and saying the reason is because of financial reasons when they make such a big profit for three of the four seasons a year.

“I just cannot understand it. I think it will be a really bad decision and also a dangerous decision as it is a safety hub for people especially people walking their dogs alone and especially as the days get darker earlier.

“I know that if anything was

to happen I could go straight to the café and someone will be there to help. If that goes, who knows what could happen?

“I really don’t think the reasons are good enough and I personally don’t think the council care what the public think.

“The notice of the new opening hours was put up so sneakily and with such a short time frame that they obviously don’t have any intentions of

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

7

n NEWS listening to people’s views on the matter.”

Carol Baldwin, a dog walker, from Fishponds, said how disappointed she was with the decision.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard they were shutting the kiosk and was really surprised that there has been very little notice.

“I use the kiosk every time I walk my dog; it makes a difference walking her with a fresh cappuccino.

“I also feel for the people that will be without a job as they are always so friendly. It just makes it a nice experience visiting Vassals.”

The new café opening times will operate from November 1 until February 28. It will be open for longer daytime hours during school holidays.

A spokesman for Bristol City Council said: "It is important that the council operates café facilities in its parks in a way that is financially sustainable.

“Sales figures from the last four years show that the

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Oldbury Court café is visited far less during the winter months (November-February, not including school holidays) averaging just over 10 visitors a day. The costs of opening and

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staffing the café are significantly greater during this period than the income it generates.

"Through careful resource management the park service have ensured that the café

will stay open at weekends throughout the year where visitors to the park can still enjoy a quick drink and snack. Normal service will also still remain during school holidays.”

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A RESIDENT is hoping to start up a formal Friends group for pm Sunday 10-4pm Oldbury Court.

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Fiona Gleed, who has lived in Fishponds for more than 15 years, has tried before to get a group together to support the park. She A world of quality hopes it will now take off because of the number of people who are Opening times A world of choice upset over the plans to cut the café opening hours.

Monday - Friday 9 - 5.30pm Opening times Monday - Friday 9-5.30pm After an initial appeal on Facebook, Fiona has had a handful Saturday 9 - 5pm A world of value 9-5pmfor Sunday 10-4pm of local people volunteer to be involved but sheSaturday is still looking Sunday 10 - 4pm more who would be willing to meet up and agree a structure, aims and a name.

Fiona is hoping the group will be an advocate for the park and Discover a range of: potentially get more hands-on with conservation work and fund• Karndean • Carpets raising.

• Commercial She said: “We’ve been trying to get this started for a few years • Vinyls so there have been various people involved, including Mark Logan solutions A • Laminates and Steve England who are actively involved with Snuff Mills and to �K t�e in s sse ine �rst �us Stoke Park, which are also in the Frome Valley.

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• Vinyls Once enough people have joined the Friends group, the first solutions • Laminates meeting will take place at an agreed venue, date and time. Details will be publicised on Facebook and notices will be put up locally. t �usinesses in t �e are one of t�e �rs If you would be interested in helping to get the Friends Group tive Virtual Reality offer Google Interac started please contact Fiona through the Oldbury Court Estate Facebook group or contact one of the councillors.

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fishpondsvoice

8

November, 2016

n NEWS

Blackberry Hill 'must include homes MAJOR concerns are being voiced about the proposed 305 homes on the former Blackberry Hill Hospital site in Fishponds.

People living in the neighbourhood are worried about the traffic and parking impact on Manor Road and Snowdon Road and the surrounding area, while many residents are angry that there is not yet any commitment to affordable housing on the site.

The formal planning application from developers Galliford Try is now live on the city council website and campaigners are urging people to go online and make their views known.

The objectors say the council’s policy is for 40 per cent of homes on all major new developments to be affordable to help address the chronic housing shortage in Bristol.

But the developers say they already have to pay £2.3 million

for improvements to the area, which, coupled with the cost of refurbishing the Grade II listed buildings, means they cannot afford to provide social housing on the site.

The former mental health hospital closed in 2005 and

the site is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency. The housing development plans were delayed while a part of the site known as the Laundry Field was designated a Town and Village Green, preserving it for open space.

Originally, social housing company Curo Homes was a partner in the project and was due to provide the affordable housing part of the scheme but it pulled out a year ago, saying the proect was not viable.

Galliford Try and the HCA argue in their application that the scheme will bring “substantial benefits”, including upgrades to the road network, that outweigh the need for social housing.

Frome Vale ward councillors Lesley Alexander and Nicola Bowden-Jones plan to meet the HCA this month to press the case for affordable homes.

Ms Bowden-Jones said: “Bristol is in the middle of a huge housing crisis, caused largely by spiralling house prices and rents.

This new development has no intention of building houses that ordinary Bristolians can afford to rent or buy, and will only add to the cost of housing by benefiting

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

9

n NEWS

folk can afford' remote 'investors' and buy-to-let landlords.

“I implore all local residents who feel strongly about the Blackberry Hill development to register their feelings. This could be your last chance to prevent a significant backward step in the development of the Fishponds area.”

The proposed development is to convert three of the hospital buildings to provide 113 homes, with 192 more being being newly-built. The aim is for a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, together with two, three and four-bedroom houses.

Shops and offices are also planned for the 21-acre site.

The developers say they will provide 430 parking spaces, but residents fear this will not be enough. Neighbours are also concerned about the effect on traffic, especially as there are other large housing developments taking place on the St Matthias campus site in

Fishponds and at Stoke Gifford.

They fear increased congestion and poor air quality, which is a concern for the health of school children at Fishponds CofE Academy and Bristol Metropolitan Academy.

The developers maintain that there are “no valid highways or transportation reasons” to prevent development.

“The location of the site provides the opportunity for residents to use non car modes of travel as genuine travel alternatives to the car.

It is therefore anticipated that vehicular trips associated with the users of the proposed redevelopment will be minimised,” they say.

To comment, go to http:// planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/ online-applications/ and look for the references 16/05376/F and 16/05398/LA It is expected that a decision on the plans will be made by city councillors early in 2017.

First council houses in years are built FOUR new family homes have been built in Fishponds as part of a drive by the city council to start addressing the housing shortage.

The council house development in Lewington Road

by Oakland Construction is one of 13 on brownfield sites across the city in the authority’s New Build Housing Programme.

Another, in Lawrence Hill, is creating 13 homes for larger families. Smaller homes are being built on some of the other sites, depending on the need in each area.

Many of the sites being built on make good use of disused housing land including exgarage sites that have become uneconomical to rent or fallen into disrepair.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “The shortage of adequate housing is one of the biggest issues facing the city and I have pledged to build 2,000 homes a year by 2020, 800 of which will be affordable homes.

“We are not just building

houses; we are trying to build communities where people feel they belong.

“Although every house is important, we need to do all we can to accelerate our build programme to try and address this chronic shortfall. We have put a halt to the sale of land and 1,700 new homes will be built on the land we free up – this will include 60 council-owned houses.”

Paul Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities, said: "These homes are another small contribution to meeting Bristol's housing need. We are seeking to dramatically increase the number of new homes which are affordable to rent for the people of Bristol.

“This will be achieved through council homes like these, as well as housing associations and community led organisations working with us on council owned land to tackle our housing crisis in a way which is sensitive to the needs of communities."

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fishpondsvoice

10

November, 2016

n NEWS

Children turn back the clock 75 years to understand the plight of evacuees YOUNGSTERS from Frenchay Primary School stepped back in time when they experienced what life was like for evacuee children during the war.

Boys and girls from the school's Dragon Class visited Swindon Steam Railway Museum as part of their topic on the Second World War. Pupils from Years 5 and 6 came dressed in clothes that would have been worn during the war, most choosing to be evacuees who were being sent to the safety of the countryside.

Some even had replica name labels from the time and carried gas masks. Teachers also came in character.

The children experienced how it would have felt to have been in an air raid shelter, listening to the sounds of bombs dropping all around them.

They also carried out role play, becoming members of a family during the war and also

played with toys which would have been popular at the time.

Another highlight was when they sat on a steam locomotive

which was used for transporting soldiers and artillery. They also managed explore the interactive activities and artefacts on display in the museum.

Class teacher Helen Shepherd said: “The day was amazing. The trip gave the children a fantastic opportunity to experience what life would have really been like for children living during the time of the Second World War. They enjoyed dressing up and getting into character and they learnt so much from the day.

"The best part for many though was the ‘Evacuee Experience’. Children could really see what it would have been like to leave their families and be evacuated on a train to

the countryside.

"The volunteer staff at the museum were excellent and played the roles of Air Raid Patrol Officer and Evacuation Officers brilliantly. The children really believed they were there and learnt so much from them."

Pupil Che Mate-Kole, age 10, said: "I had a mind-blowing time! During the trip, we laughed and joked but found it very interesting. To be honest I found it so interesting I would love to go again!"

Zachary Webb, also 10, added: "I learnt so much over the day such as: despite everyone being issued with gas masks, the Nazis never bombed us with gas."

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

11

n NEWS AT last someone's listening to us – but will there be any action? That is the question campaigners are asking after Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees visited to discuss the problems caused by the northbound closure of Stoke Lane in Stapleton.

Mr Rees cycled to meet the Stoke Lane Action Group on October 21 to hear their concerns about the negative impact on residents and commuters of the works, which are part of the project to create a MetroBus network for Bristol.

He agreed that more should be done to reduce the length of time the road is shut and to alleviate the distress for people living in the area. Following the meeting, Mr Rees announced that Bristol City Council officers would investigate.

The council and South Gloucestershire Council and their contractors are working together through the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver MetroBus, which is aimed at cutting journey times and improving

Mayor Marvin's MetroBus pledge to campaign group transport links across the city.

As the Voice went to print, Amanda Vinall, from the action group, said she was hopeful of an announcement soon, although any changes would not be immediate as consultation would be required.

Stoke Lane, which runs between Stapleton and UWE, closed to northbound traffic in June, meaning many people have to make a detour of more than two miles around the A4174 Avon Ring Road, which is also undergoing road works in preparation for the new bus system.

Traffic delays have worsened since the summer holidays ended – just as the protesters had predicted. They would like to see two-way traffic lights, even if this makes the works take longer.

Recent days have seen more

More road works mayhem ahead ...

DRIVERS can expect delays on the ring road near Downend for the next 18 months as work is carried out to ensure the route remains safe for the future.

It has been revealed that a programme of repairs is needed on the Bromley Heath viaduct, between the roundabout and the Hambrook lights.

The work is due to start in April. It will take a year and will inevitably involve lane closures and diversions - with a knockon effect on people living in the surrounding areas - although South Gloucestershire Council says every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

A council report says that without the essential maintenance, which includes waterproofing and repairs to the deck and parapets, the viaduct would be at risk of failure within a decade. This would potentially mean permanent lane closures and speed restrictions for safety.

The report says: “Lane closures on this section could cause

tailbacks of 8km and delays of up to two hours choking the adjacent road network.”

The westbound carriageway is considered to be most at risk.

The Bromley Heath viaduct is the busiest section of the A4174 and carries about 52,000 vehicles a day. This is forecast to rise to 60,000 a day by 2020 because of the thousands of homes being built and job opportunities being created.

The work is part of the £15.5 million Challenge Fund package for the ring road alongside the creation of the MetroBus. Long stretches are being resurfaced in a programme designed to add 20 years’ life to the road. Cycle paths, footpaths and lighting are being improved, and structural repairs carried out.

Planned restrictions on the A4174 this month include off-peak lane closures between Hambrook lights and Bromley Heath roundabout and between Bromley Heath and Wick Wick roundabout.

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troubles for MetroBus, with the costs of the scheme rising rapidly to £216 million, and an unexpected gas main causing further delays to road works in Bradley Stoke.

Frome Vale Councillor Nicola Bowden-Jones said Mr

Rees had asked her to review the impact on people across the city of the MetroBus project.

“We want to look at what is happening, what has gone wrong, what we can learn from it and what we can do in the future,” she said.

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fishpondsvoice

12

November, 2016

n FISHPONDS FACES November's Fishponds Face is Nwanna Egwuonwu, one of the Fishponds Police Community Support Officers (PCSO). He talks to Sarah Heywood So Nwanna, tell us a bit about you.

Well, I’m originally from Nigeria, I live and work in Fishponds, happily married to Stella, and I have a son and daughter who attend Bristol Metropolitan Academy.

How long have you been a PCSO in Fishponds?

I started in 2007, so nine years.

What made you want to take on the role?

I wanted to get involved with the community, to talk to people, give reassurance and make them feel good about the area. It’s important to me to help make the community safe.

And what has changed in Fishponds since you started?

The main things are the showcase bus route and dedicated lane, and

the No Left Turn at the junction of Fishponds Road and Hockey's Lane.

Before the bus lane, the buses were often very delayed as they had to queue up in all the regular traffic.

The Hockey's Lane junction is quite controversial – do you think any changes are needed to make it safer?

I think people need to observe the No Left Turn – the signage is clear but people just need to obey it.

What do you do when you’re off-duty?

I like to spend time with the family – we often go into Cabot Circus and sometimes go out for burgers.

It’s nice to relax with a glass of red wine too.

Any hobbies?

Listening to the news. I like watching the football too – I’m an Arsenal supporter.

What’s your favourite part of Fishponds?

I like walking down Fishponds High Street when I’m on duty – there are problems with street drinking and shoplifting, and I have a feeling

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In a mature, relaxed environment?

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What has been your most challenging moment?

A while ago I was dealing with someone drinking in the street – he became very abusive and told me I should go back where I came from. That was hard, but he was recently convicted and sentenced for hate crime, so I feel that justice has been done.

Best thing about the job?

It’s when people are happy with the work you’re doing – it gives you joy and makes you want to put even more effort in. My colleagues, PC Joanna Sibson and PCSO Emily Cook and I recently had a search warrant for a house for drug dealing and possession. We gained an injunction and it was satisfying to stop this one situation of drugs being supplied and damaging lives.

Who’s your biggest influence?

It’s definitely my wife. She is such a lady who gives me support and advice.

What changes would you like to see in Fishponds?

In the past, there was an intercom system between the shops, similar to the one in Gloucester Rd, where retailers could alert each other to shoplifters. Unfortunately this fell out of use because, at the time, not enough businesses wanted to take part. We’re in the early stages of a plan to reintroduce this intercom system, which I think will help bring crime down.

Most beautiful place in the area?

I love the hanging baskets of flowers on the High Street, and also Vassals Park.

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people who do those things see me walking around and think they will not be naughty doing what they planned for that day!

And what would you like to say to people who might see you out and about?

I am easy and simple to approach!

Stop me and talk to me about any problems in the community. I am free any time to talk.

What’s your favourite dish to cook?

It would have to be Nigerian dishes - pounded yam and Draw Soup [a soup popular in south-east and south-west Nigeria, typically made with okra and pumpkin seeds].

And finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Be good to people, do your best to help people.

Who would you like to see featured in Fishponds Faces?

Email your suggestions to: news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk.

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

13

n NEWS

Guild celebrate their 80th birthday

FISHPONDS Townswomen's Guild celebrated its 80th birthday in style.

Fifty five members, including five past presidents and three visitors from Lodge Causeway

townswomen’s Guild enjoyed a lunch at the Beechwood Club.

President Rita Keen cut two splendid cakes, which were made by the deputy chairman’s granddaughters Lauren and

Helen, before guests sang happy birthday to themselves.

Chairman Maureen Bennett thanked the committee and the caterers. Many memories, photographs and souvenirs were

shared at the event.

New members are welcome at the guild, which meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Beechwood Club between 2 and 4pm.

The Kingfisher Café & Event Space

Dates for Christmas Dinner Wednesday 30th November Wednesday 7th December Thursday 15th December (Caribbean evening) Tuesday 20th December

All Christmas pre-bookings are essential.

Christmas menu: Starters:

Spiced parsnip and apple soup with crusty bread Pate/Terrine on ciabatta with leafy green salad Smoked salmon salad with hollandaise sauce Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Toast

Mains:

Traditional turkey & all the trimmings (roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, pigs in blankets, special stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, cranberry sauce) Beef & all the trimmings (roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, pigs in blankets, special stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, horseradish sauce) Vegetable wellington (roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, special stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese) Vegans catered for on request

Desserts

Traditional Xmas pudding with brandy custard Apple and Peach Crumble Sticky Toffee Pudding with honey ice-cream Add mince pie and coffee on the end of a meal for £2.95 £19.95 for 3 courses

An ongoing programme of friendly, accessible talks and events. Coming soon: Slaughter No Remedy: the life and times of Walter Ayles Sunday November 13th 7-9pm. Tickets £2 in advance/on door.

Colin Thomas, three times BAFTA winner will tell the fascinating tale of Walter Ayles. Walter was a North Bristol (Easton) Labour councillor who dared to speak out against WW1 and was imprisoned as a conscientious objector.

Find out what happened to this principled, controversial man in troubled times (sound familiar?!), this coming Armistice Day - 100 years after the 1916 Act for compulsory conscriptions began. Colin Thomas is renowned for his ‘compelling… witty… excellent’ documentaries, his reputation as a director: ‘a guarantee of intelligence..and integrity’. He’s also a member of the Bristol Radical History Group and author of ‘Slaughter No Remedy’ on Walter Ayles’ life.

Advance booking recommended. Refreshments available.

The Maltreated and the Malcontents

Sunday Nov 27th 7-9pm Tickets £2 in advance/on door.

Working in dangerous conditions, suffering ill-health, wage cuts and unrelenting management, the working class women and children of Barton Hill’s Cotton Works are largely forgotten – but historian and author Mike Richardson will be telling us the story of these marginalised, rebellious women of Bristol. We’ll hear about their many acts of protest and sabotage, how they took action against their managers, and how they got on taking their grievances to court… In this era of zero hour contracts, these brave and determined women deserve to be remembered!

Advance booking recommended. Refreshments available.

Tel: 0117 965 1001

17-18 Straits Parade, Fishponds, Bristol To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

14

November, 2016

n NEWS

Pedalling to Paris for children's hospital A NURSE who has witnessed first hand how fundraising helps support the NHS is planning to cycle to Paris to help children with head injuries.

Mum-of-two Tracey Arthur, a senior staff nurse at Bristol's oncology centre, is gearing up for the gruelling 430km ride in aid of the Above and Beyond charity.

The charity supports all of the city's hospitals including the BRI, St Michael's, Bristol Dental Hospital and the Heart Institute.

Tracey, 48, plans to raise £1,500 towards the charity's target of £100,000 to make improvements at the major trauma and neurorehabilitation unit at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

Donations will benefit hundreds of children across the South West who are suffering from traumatic brain injuries, brain tumours, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

"Children can be in the unit for quite a while and sometimes their journey can be a difficult one," said Tracey, who has worked at Bristol's oncology unit for 18 years.

"When children have had a major trauma affecting the brain often they have to relearn things. They want to build a rehabilitation kitchen to help children relearn basic skills. They also want a garden so families can go there to have quiet time together. At the moment the unit is very outdated and not a very stimulating environment for children."

Tracey said the Above and Beyond charity was a cause very close to her heart: "My son was admitted to Bristol Children's Hospital when he was a baby so I know how vital a service it provides.

"I've been very fortunate working in the oncology and haematology unit because I've been able to see what benefits the Above and Beyond charity can offer to patients and their families. The NHS can provide a lot of things but there isn't a bottomless pit of money there so it's important to support the charity which supports the NHS." Joined by her friend, fellow Fishponds resident Andrea Butcher-Wood, Tracey embarks

Tracey Arthur (right) with her charity cycling partner Andrea Butcher-Wood

Tracey's fundraising schedule for Above and Beyond Can you help cyclist smash her target?

November 7- December 3 Cash for Clothes - if you have any unwanted clothes, bedding, shoes or household items you can email Tracey (traceyarf@aol.com) to arrange a collection time and these items will be sent off to be recycled November 19 Bag packing and bucket collection at Morrison’s in Fishponds November 25-28 Trash for Cash - do you have any unwanted metal scrap? This can include old pots and pans, metal items, wiring, cooper, bikes and any other metals. If you do then email traceyarf@aol.com to arrange a dump time November 28-December 18 Christmas wrapping - hate wrapping all those presents at Christmas?

Don’t despair Tracey will do it for you in exchange for a donation no matter how big or small. Drop her an email (traceyarf@aol.com) to arrange a date suitable for you December 13, 10.30am-3pm Christmas cake sale - pop along to the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Horfield Road, Bristol, BS2 8ED for some homebaked cakes If you have any ideas or opportunities for Tracey to hit her fundraising total, or to find out more, email traceyarf@aol.com

on her epic journey on April 28, cycling 95km from Bristol to Salisbury. She will then

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

travel 80km from Salisbury to Portsmouth before catching an overnight ferry crossing.

Once in France, she will go

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from Caen to Evreux (140km) before cycling another 120km to the French capital.

Tracey is no stranger to crazy challenges - over the years she has raised around £5,000 for Above and Beyond, taking part in various fundraisers including skydives.

"I enjoy cycling but am the moment I cycle to work and that's as far as I go so it's going to be a massive challenge for me. It will involve a lot of training but that gives me a real buzz. I like to give myself a challenge!"

As if that wasn't enough, Tracey is planning a series of mini events to supplement her cycle ride which you can read more about on the left.

She has set up a fundraising web page, Facebook page and has a successful cake sale under her belt. She has already raised around £1,000.

"I've been really lucky so far although I have dragged all my family into it! The least I'd like to raise is £1,500 but really I'd love to raise a couple of thousand.

I'd be over the moon if I could achieve that."

If you would like to find out more or sponsor Tracey, please visit https:// bristoltoparis2017.everydayhero. com/uk/tracey

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

15

n NEWS

Children branch out in new woodland play area

TOTS are enjoying a new woodland play area which has opened up in Eastville.

The open space is part of Bristol Children's Playhouse which runs two pre-schools at its base in Berkeley Green Road.

The play area was given the thumbs up when the charity held a recent autumn-themed 'Play and Stay' fun day where mums, dads, carers and children were invited to look around.

For further information visit www.bcph.org.uk or call 0117 951 0037.

Marvin's coming to Speedwell to talk budget challenge PEOPLE in Fishponds are being encouraged to attend a public event to discuss Bristol’s future.

It takes place at Bristol Brunel Academy on Wednesday November 16 at 7pm and is one of four meetings being held where people can share ideas with the Mayor, Marvin Rees,

following the launch of Bristol City Council’s draft Corporate Strategy for the next five years.

It details the challenges for the city and outlines possible solutions to a budget gap of at least £92m from April 2017 – March 2022.

Against a background of

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anticipated increase in demand for services such as schools, social care and transport and related pressure on budgets, the council is rethinking its role, anticipating less direct provision of services and a bigger role in helping others – including community and voluntary

groups, businesses and citizens – to get things done.

Entry is by ticket only. Tickets can be reserved by visiting http://bit.ly/2dS29Mz The consultation runs until January 5. The proposals are available at bristol.gov.uk/ corpstrategy.

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

17

n NEWS

There's no business like glow business Illustrator Lisa Malyon tells Jayne Taylor about the lightbulb moment that led to a new career WHEN is a lampshade not a lampshade? When it's a work of art, of course.

Fishponds artist Lisa Malyon is gaining a reputation for her work which cleverly combines art and function in the form of lampshades featuring architectural drawings of iconic buildings.

Lisa draws directly onto the shades to produce the striking images, many of which feature local landmarks such as the Suspension Bridge and Clevedon Pier.

The 49-year-old, who studied for a degree in textile design in Loughborough, originally worked for a large department store chain as a buying assistant.

After four years in the job she went travelling and on her return moved to Bristol, a city which inspired Lisa to revisit her artistic roots.

"I hadn't really done a lot of drawing up until then as when I was at art college it was all about experimental stuff," Lisa said.

"I felt very inspired by the architecture in Bristol which was strange because I hadn't really spent much time looking at architecture before."

Lisa, who has lived in Fishponds for 11 years, got a job at the Environment Agency for four days a week and spent one day working at the Architecture Centre gift shop in Narrow Quay.

"It made me think more about architecture. Before I went into work, I would sit in the coffee shop in the YHA and start drawing what was around me."

When she was made redundant from her government post, Lisa had time on her hands and would cycle to the city centre, sketching what was around her.

"I thought 'What am I going to do with all this?'"

But the leap from sketching to making her unique lampshades was to come later.

Lisa attended a lampshade making workshop at Bristol Safe House, where she now works.

"I made a ceiling lampshade from printed fabric, brought it home and put it up. I took my old cream drum shade down and left it sitting around on my dining table. I wanted to do something with it because it seemed a shame to throw it away or take it to a charity shop. An ex-boyfriend asked me if I'd ever thought about drawing on it.

And funnily enough, I had, but that comment really gave me the impetus."

Lisa's first attempt was by her own admission full of 'mad' drawings of Bristol buildings.

"I got a bit carried away and chucked as many buildings as possible on to it and it was all a bit slapdash!" she said.

Nevertheless she gave the shade to her brother and it remains in his hall to this day.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Encouraged by his positive response, Lisa tried her hand at more, putting photographs of her work on her art website. This led to invites for her to exhibit at art trails and pop-up shops and the rest is history.

Many people who see her work are surprised Lisa draws directly on to the shade.

"People can't believe it when I say I draw them 'on the round'. It triggers their curiosity."

Most of Lisa's work comes from commissions. She often works off photographs and can draw any building in the world as long as she has a clear uncopyrighted image to work from.

Recently she drew Bath Circus for a couple who now live at Lake Como in Italy ("That's one I would have liked to have personally delivered," jokes Lisa) and the Orient Express for a friend's father-in-law but most of her commissions involve Bristol landmarks.

If you think Lisa's work might be out of your price range, it may come as a pleasant surprise to know her bespoke work starts at ÂŁ85 for a 20cm diameter shade.

"People say it's not that expensive but I want to sell them. There's no point in making

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them so expensive that they are priced out of people's range. I love being commissioned and love drawing so I want to keep doing that."

Lisa, who is a volunteer business mentor for the Prince's Trust in her spare time, orders her shades from a company in Wales - the most popular size is a 25cm - and uses an archival pen which is bleed and water resistant and doesn't fade.

The average lamp will take Lisa two to three hours to complete, although she rarely finishes them in one sitting.

"What appeals about the lampshades is their practicality.

Artwork on the wall is a luxury item and hasn't got a job or a function. With a lampshade, it has a use and even when the lamp is off you still have a drawing to look at."

You can catch Lisa in action on November 18/19 from 12-6pm at Totterdown Baptist Church.

She will also be at the Best of Britannia event at St George's off Park Street on Sunday November 6 from 10am-6pm, and at a one-day market at Bristol Folk House, Park Street on Saturday December 10, 11am-5pm.

Find out more by visiting www.lisamalyondraws.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

18

November, 2016

n NEWS

Warm welcome for Fishponds foodbank DID you know that there is now an outlet of the East Bristol Foodbank open every Friday 12.30-2.30pm at Fishponds Baptist Church? We are situated on Downend Road opposite the Cross Hands Pub and the entrance to the foodbank is via the door at the side of the building from the car park. We would like to thank those of you who have already made generous donations to the foodbank, it has been a very encouraging start.

We have been open since June 2016 and have already had a steady stream of visitors through the door. Fishponds Baptist Church had been thinking about setting up a foodbank for a little while as church members became increasingly aware of the need for one in our local area. We have become part of the wider East Bristol foodbank which is part of the national charity Trussell Trust.

Each week at foodbank a team of volunteers set up a cafĂŠ style

area in the hall below the main church and provide a warm welcome, and hot drink and biscuits and a listening ear to all those who come each week. Behind the scenes more volunteers pack up bags of food which are given free to those who have been referred to the foodbank by a number of different agencies. These include health professionals, schools, a variety of charities and the local council and job centres.

If you would like to donate to the foodbank items can be brought to the church any weekday morning or on a Sunday morning. Alternatively, look out for the donation baskets in local shops for the East Bristol Foodbank. For larger collections we can offer a limited collection

service please see contact details at the end of the article. We collect non-perishable food items and basic toiletries, please see the East Bristol Foodbank website (www.eastbristol. foodbank.org.uk) for a full list, but popular items we always need include: tinned fruit and vegetables, UHT milk, long life fruit juice, cereals and toilet roll. Amazingly, over 90% of

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3 Portwall Lane, Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6NB

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

the food given out by Trussell Trust foodbanks is donated by the general public and every donation helps the foodbanks stay open for those who need them.

The idea of foodbank is to provide three days of balanced nutritious emergency food to individuals or families who for whatever reason find themselves in a crisis situation and haven’t the money to buy the food themselves. Foodbanks are an emergency solution to an immediate problem not a long term solution. People are referred to us for a variety of reasons including benefit delays and changes, low income, job loss, fleeing domestic violence, leaving prison and family crisis.

If you have any questions or queries about Fishponds Foodbank or want to arrange collection of a donation please email via richard@fbcbristol.org. uk or on 07948 676089.

Rev Richard Pollard

32A Downend Road, Bristol BS16 5UJ

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

n NEWS

19

30,000th visitor

Christmas lights and good cheer in the park CHRISTMAS lights are set to sparkle in Fishponds this year with Fishponds Park as the centre of the festivities.

The aim is for lights to twinkle in the trees from December 2 to January 2, creating a seasonal atmosphere at the heart of the shopping area.

Fishponds Baptist Church is planning to hold a carol service in the park on December 14 and other festive events are being lined up.

Frome Vale Councillor Nicola Bowden-Jones has set up an online crowdfunding appeal for the lights on behalf of the Friends of Fishponds Park and there will be be collection boxes in the pubs to fund the £2,000 cost.

“We want to make it a really pleasant feel so everybody can benefit from it,” she said.

Last year saw the first organised lights display in Fishponds since 2003, with lights in the park and decorated trees outside dozens of shops and businesses.

A reindeer trail, in which children were encouraged to track decorated reindeer in local shop windows, proved highly popular and is expected to be run again this year.

FRENCHAY Village Museum has welcomed its 30,000th visitor since it opened in April 2000.

Brigid Benson, of Barkleys Hill, Stapleton, (pictured centre) arrived with two friends from Montpellier, France. They were given a special welcome, and are pictured in front of a case displaying fifty medals awarded to Fry’s in the 19th century for their chocolate at various international expositions.

Alan Freke, from the museum, said: “Many of these

exhibits are French, such as the Exposition Universelle Marseille 1896, Exposition Toulon 1897, Lyons 1898, and Exposition Internationale Paris 1897, but sadly there are none from Montpellier!”

The museum is open on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. Wednesday November 30 is the last opening before the annual winter shutdown.

The museum reopens on January 7, 2017.

Come & Meet Father Christmas At the Scout’s Christmas Bazaar

Saturday 26thNovember 10.30am – 1.30pm 151st Bristol Scout Group

Fishponds Baptist Church Halls

(Opposite Cross Hands in Fishponds, at the bottom of the car park).

www.151-bristol-scouts.co.uk

Come and do some fun Christmas shopping.

Enjoy refreshments and pick up a bargain!

Books, toys, food, Bric-a-Brac, Jewellery & much more.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

D O N ’ T D E L AY BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS APPOINTMENT TODAY

[[ 607 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3AA

Call us on: 0117 9650829

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Berkeley Green UTC

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BOOK IN A VISIT ON ANY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY OR JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR UPCOMING OPEN EVENTS: Saturday 5 November – 10am–2pm – SGS Berkeley Green UTC Thursday 17 November – 6.30pm–8pm – Bristol Technology & Engineering Academy (BTEA) Thursday 1 December – 5.30pm–8pm – SGS Berkeley Green UTC Thursday 8 December – 6.30pm-8pm – Bristol Technology & Engineering Academy (BTEA) Wednesday 25th January – 6.30pm-8pm Bristol Technology & Engineering Academy (BTEA)

www.berkeleygreenutc.org.uk | 01453 847305 www.bteacademy.co.uk | 0117 8938080* *5 minutes walk from Bristol Parkway Train Station

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

21

n MP COLUMN

Why we must challenge inequality

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

A FEW months ago, I joined St Mungo’s on a walkabout of homelessness hotspots in the city, which included around St Mary’s Church at the top of Fishponds Road. This was to learn more about the charity’s support work, and what the government and council should be doing to help.

Homelessness is one of the most noticeable signs that Bristol is amongst the UK’s most unequal cities. Recognising inequality is the first step to challenging it; we need to work hard to reduce inequalities in housing, income, educational attainment, health and quality of life.

I recently met with the Quartet Community Foundation, which works to support charitable giving, improve our communities and make a real difference to people in our region. They have published a ‘Vital Signs’ report on the state of the West of England.

For many, their findings won’t

be surprising – if you live in certain areas, are on a low income, are from a BME background, grew up in care or are disabled, then your opportunities to live comfortably, enjoy life, and get a good job are reduced. If we do not act, disadvantage and inequality will only get worse.

There is already evidence of this – East Bristol Foodbank has recently had to open a new foodbank in Fishponds Baptist Church to help people who cannot afford to eat, often because rates of pay are still too low in Bristol, or because of delays or mistakes in getting people the financial support they need.

It is plain to see how homelessness is one of Bristol’s biggest challenges. Quartet’s report gave the West of England a Grade D for housing, and highlights how prevention and early intervention are key. I will be doing everything I can to support the council’s efforts

to prevent homelessness and help everyone to access affordable, decent housing.

Quartet also, more positively, highlighted how access to local green space is one of the best things about the West of England and how, given the benefits for our physical and mental health, green spaces can help to reduce inequalities. We are fortunate to have green spaces such as Eastville Park, Oldbury Court, Snuff Mills and Stoke Park but at a very local level, anti-social behaviour such as littering and fly-tipping can detract from our local environment.

So, just as with Bristol’s European Green Capital Year, I’ll continue to argue that we cannot just focus on Bristol’s tourist hotspots, but need to look at how we can make a genuine difference in communities around the city. Yes, Bristol is a great city, but we need to make it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

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

Vets4Pets Kingswood Caring for your pets as if they were our own

Pop in and visit us today

FREE Vet Consultation for new clients

Offer valid for new clients of Vets4Pets Kingswood only. This offer is promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Handforth, Cheshire, SK9 3RN. Voucher entitles you to a free veterinary consultation. Vet will perform a physical examination of your pet; further consultations, treatment or medication will be charged at full price. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Appointment to be booked in advance and you must present this voucher at your appointment. Single use voucher. No cash alternative. Valid only at the surgery where the offer is purchased. Expires 30.09.16.

Book your appointment today Vets4Pets Kingswood, Willowdean Court, 247A Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1LT Opening times: 8.30am - 7pm Mon- Fri, 9am - 12pm Sat Call: 0117 961 6417 Visit: www.vets4pets.com/kingswood

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

22

November, 2016

n LETTERS Thanks for helping me after fall on bus

Blackberry Hill is not brownfield

I GOT on the number 16 bus at the stop near the Old Surgery in Manor Road on Friday October 21. Before I could sit down, the bus drove off and I fell and bumped my head.

I would like to say a big thank you to some young lads from UWE who kindly helped me up and made the bus driver stop while they checked I was ok.

YOU carry a report of the development plans for the Blackberry Hill Hospital site (October Fishponds Voice) and mention that houses would be built on the "brownfield" area.

This area is certainly not brown. It is the remaining part of the Laundry Field which is not protected by the Town and Village Green order covering appx two thirds of the field, which a local group managed to achieve some two years ago after a lengthy battle with HCA. Building on the remaining area from Manor Road down will destroy a well used local amenity and ruin the nature of the protected area which is part of the green corridor to Grove Wood and Snuff Mills from Fishponds.

The proposed house building will not benefit anyone other than the property developers and I hope that when the planning application it submitted, the people of

Rita Blanchard Fishponds

Voice helps me keep in touch A BIG thank you to the person/ people who post my Fishponds Voice. As a house bound person it helps me to keep in touch.

Thank you to all involved in the publication.

Elsie M Hill Homefield Drive

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J. Freeman * The planning application is now live on Bristol City Council's planning website.

Arrogance brought us a White Elephant HERE we go again. The excuses to justify further private plunder of the public purse have begun in respect of the Metrobus project, that Great White Elephant to be.

Local news broadcasts report that the project is already over budget by more than 12 million pounds. Money that will come out of three local council coffers, ie the tax-payer’s pocket, your pocket.

One of the main factors claimed to contribute to this overrun is the cost of removing protesters from trees on the Stapleton allotment site.

I am among those who publicly applauded the actions of those protesters and the residents in the area who continue to make highly visible protest in the form of ‘Pants to Metrobus’.

Such protest, reasonable and often justified, even if the authorities deem it unlawful, is not without precedent. I cannot think of any major controversial event or civil engineering project that has not encountered vigorous protest from otherwise law-abiding citizens. Think of Greenham Common, think of Swampy. Those anonymous minions who do the costings for these projects ought surely to anticipate and make contingency for such events within their budgets. Those equally anonymous and largely unaccountable public servants who prepare projects for tender ought also to be expected to scrutinise contracts for those contingencies.

Failings on either side, contractor or public servant, are frank incompetence.

If you attend university to study engineering or accounting,

THE STAR

MARIANBLAKE

wit

Fishponds will object to this part and try to protect this lovely historic field.

539 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3AF Tel. 01179 9654297 “OLD WORLD TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY BAR” (IRISH FREE HOUSE) Tues 1st 7.30pm. Folk/Trad

session Fri 4th 8.30pm. Vintage Vinyl Night Sat 5th 8.30pm. Magic Night with Tim Stracey, magician/mentalist.

Sun 6th 4pm. Open Mic. Sat 12th 8.30pm. The Terraplanes (acoustic blues) Sun 14th from 4pm. Reggae Night at the Star Thurs 17th 8.30pm. Irish Traditional Session Fri 18th 8.30pm. Chasing Whiskey (5 piece girl band) Sun 20th 4pm. Open Mic Fri 25th 8.30pm. Indie/Alternative Night Sat 26th 8.30pm. The Wurz-Alls (Time for straw bales and neckchiefs)

Sun 27th 4pm The

Dunbars (foot stomping rock and blue grass)

Visit us on facebook – The Star Fishponds

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

23

n NEWS you read your subject. You do not merely hone the practical or theoretical skills required to perform a task; you also acquaint yourself with the wider picture in which your speciality operates. You read about and maybe understand Greenham Common; you read about and maybe understand Swampy.

Did those above-noted minions and public servants really imagine that their grand White Metrobus Elephant could simply be imposed after a bit of inconvenient pro forma ‘public consultation’? Did they imagine that people would lie down and play dead or simply go away?

If so, this speaks of arrogance on the part of contractors who saw the guarantee of easy money from the public purse. If the project’s budget is overrun then the deficit should come out of the contractors’ pockets, not from council tax payers. As for those unaccountable public servants – fire them.

Dr Stephen Buston Stapleton

Blitz on takeaways' trash CAMPAIGNERS for a cleaner Fishponds are launching a drive to reduce rubbish from takeaways in the area.

They hope to work with the operators of some of the fast-food outlets to encourage customers to dispose of their snack wrappings with care.

Fishponds Clean Streets members, who have picked up 57 full-size bags of rubbish since they started their regular collections in March, have also started a Twitter account - @ cleanfishponds - where they tweet Bristol City Council and outlets whose branded litter is on the streets.

Paul Masri-Stone, from the group, said: “We're passionate about making a difference, through directly litter picking but also by getting the wider community on board. We want to encourage pride-of-place in Fishponds and would like to

invite all businesses to keep the area around their premises clean and clear.”

Fishponds Clean Streets has won the backing of the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership's environmental sub group, which will urge the council to step up its street cleaning to support the efforts of the volunteers.

“They were keen that community efforts should be

alongside council services, not instead of them,” said Paul.

The group welcomes new volunteers. The collections start in Straits Parade and the next one is due to place on November 20. Check litteraction.org.uk/ fishponds-clean-streets for details, as it might be called off if the weather is bad.

If you have a suggestion for the volunteers' attention, get in touch via the website.

Staple Hill Royal British Legion

Achieve your goals with the correct training, coaching and nutrition

KENDALL ROAD, STAPLE HILL, BRISTOL BS16 4NB all events listed are open to all to come and join in

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

You dont have to be fit to get started

DON’T GO TO THE GYM - I COME TO YOU Whether you are training for a marathon, recovering from a surgery, dropping the baby weight, toning up for your wedding, I will get you the results.

Great New Years Eve

with great music and entertainment £10.00 Well stocked bar with ale on draught 8.00pm to 1.00am Tickets from 0117 9560805 or Sheen’s

Family Fun Night

Adults and all aged children welcome Friday 11th November Theme “Circus” 7.00 to 10.00pm Disco, games and circus skills. Children under 3yrs free over £3.50 Adults £2.50

Remembrance Services

Give me a call on: 07984300673 Or drop me an email: strongcurvespt@gmail.com

Thursday 10th November Downend Christ Church 10.30am Friday 11th November Fishponds Park 10.45am Sunday 13th November Staple Hill Parade 10.30am Page Road Service Page Park 10.45am Everyone welcome

Poppy Awards night

Shields Carpentry

All Carpentry and Maintenance • 1st & 2nd Fix • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Bedrooms • Flooring • Fencing • Timber Decking • All UPVC Products • Free Quotations

Call Sam on 0117 9146727 / 07799 206067 Or E-mail shieldcarpentry@hotmail.co.uk To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Dance and Social Night Friday 18th November £5 entry (money to the Poppy) Every one welcome Saturday 26th November

Rock and Roll Night with Delta 88 Band

1st time in Bristol 3 piece Rockabilly/Rock n Roll Band Festivals all over Devon £10 7.00pm to 12.00pm organized by Mike Burrows. A great Rock & Roll night.

Sat 3rd December Christmas Fayre and Entertainment 11.00pm Sat 3rd December Jays Social Dance 8.00pm Friday 9th December Family Fun Night Meet Father Christmas

Don’t forget our regular weekly sessions See our website for more details: www.staplehillbritishlegion.co.uk Staple Hill Legion open for tickets Monday & Friday 10.00am to 12.30pm or tel 0117 9560805 07519717372 or visit Sheen Studios, High St Staple Hill (Shop hours)

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

24

November, 2016

n PEOPLE

Strong, relentless and glorious: Amber Reed World Cup glory in 2014 was addictive for England rugby player Amber Reed, who grew up in Fishponds.

She tells Jayne Taylor how her side are going all out to win again as they gear up to defend their title THE DAILY Telegraph listed her as one of ten female rugby players to watch as England prepares for the 2017 World Cup. But for centre Amber Reed the game is very much a team effort, although she makes no bones of her desire to retain World Champion status in Ireland next August.

Amber, 25, who lives in Downend, had been making a name for herself with Bristol Ladies but her success reached new heights when she was part of England Women's World Cup squad who were crowned champions in 2014 after a nailbiting final against Canada.

A lot has happened since then, not least a full-time professional contract which winged its way to Amber's door. As a member

of England's 54-strong Elite Player Squad, she was one of 29 players to be awarded a first ever 15-a-side professional contract.

"It was something I never thought I'd get the chance to do," said Amber.

"Following the last World Cup there were sevens contracts given out but with fifteens being my specialist format, I thought I'd miss it in my playing career.

To have the opportunity to go professional and do something I'd always dreamed of is, although it's a bit of a cliche, a dream come true."

Given that her uncle is former British Lions and Scotland lock Andy Reed, it's surprising that Amber's first passion was football.

"I started off playing football

because that's what all the boys did at school and I was friends with them. I joined Bristol Rovers Academy when I had to switch from the boys' team to the girls' team but when I was about 14 I gave up football because I didn't fancy playing it any more.

My school had a sevens team so I joined it and that's where I started playing rugby. Rugby has always been the sport that my family played and I've always been around it, I've just been the odd one who had the round shaped ball instead of the oval one!"

Amber, who has 32 caps for England, said the ladies game has gained momentum since 2014.

"Since the last World Cup, there's more women and girls playing than ever and it's continuing on an upward trend which is something which is really positive. Women's sport in general is growing, having had the momentum of London 2012,

then the World Cup win and now the GB athletes coming back from Rio.

The Fishponds Club Fishponds Conservative Club

761 Fishponds Road BS16 3UP Telephone 0117 965 2532 www.fishpondsconservativeclub.co.uk SERVING THE COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF FISHPONDS We offer a full range of social events including live entertainment, theme nights, tribute nights, quizzes, bingos and raffles.

We have an active ladies section.

We have two bars with large spacious lounges as well as 3 snooker tables, carpet bowls and darts.

The club is available for members to hire for special events, anniversaries, parties, wedding receptions and wakes.

Hot food served everyday at amazing prices, plus a fully equipped kitchen is available for functions Private Car Park with CCTV cameras

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FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR MORE DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR TELEPHONE TO DISCUSS

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

25

"There are so many more role models and so much more media coverage, like the GB hockey girls with their gold medal win. They really fought hard to get that medal and now everyone knows their story. It's not kept in the dark any more - they're out in the forefront and all over the news."

Amber's new contract means she has had to give up her job as a PE teacher at Colston's School although she has strong links with the school which is sponsoring her this season at Bristol Ladies.

"I try to help out when I can so I still see them - they can't keep me away that easily!"

At the moment Amber is busier than ever. Part of the week she is based at the new centre for England's contracted players in Bisham Abbey, Marlow, with the rest spent training and playing with Bristol Ladies, who at the time of going to print were three points clear at the top of the Women's Premiership.

Defence She sees November's Old Mutual Wealth Series when England take on France (the team which denied England a grand slam after beating them in the Six Nations final earlier this year), New Zealand and Canada as a chance to lay down a marker ahead of their World Cup title defence.

Amber said: "The Autumn internationals are set to be the toughest and best yet. We get to play some of the best teams in the world. We've got the start of a really exciting squad and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together.

"All the games are going to be really tough and we've got past history with them all. I couldn't

Come on, England ENGLAND'S first game of the Old Mutual Wealth Series takes place at the Stoop, Twickenham on November 9 against 2016 Six Nations title holders France.

They will face New Zealand, again at the Stoop, on Saturday November 19, before tackling Canada at Twickenham a week later.

The side with travel to Dublin, home of the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, to play Ireland on Sunday November 13. really pick a game I'm looking forward to the most but possibly the Black Ferns (New Zealand) because of the nature of the England/New Zealand rivalry and the fact that they are a team we don't necessarily get to play against as often as the others."

The series will also provide a chance for the team to showcase

a new look after a recent rebrand of the women's side by England Rugby.

They will now be known as the Red Roses, providing a clear identity in a similar vein to the England Lionesses football team.

"The idea of the Red Roses is to give us a brand identity

Seeking out those unsung heroes DO you know a Fishponds hero? Someone who goes that extra mile to help their community?

Bristol’s Lord Mayor is asking for your help to nominate people for a special award which recognises their sterling work.

Nominations for this year’s Lord Mayor's medals have now opened to the public. Anyone who is nominated must either live or work in the city and serve the people of Bristol through their voluntary community work or charitable acts.

Up to two Lord Mayor’s medals may be specifically awarded to young people, aged 18 and under, who have inspired others by their actions.

The 2016 Lord Mayor’s medals will be awarded at a special ceremony at the Mansion

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

House in 2017. Anyone wishing to nominate a local hero has just over eight weeks to do so as nominations must be submitted by December 31.

Bristol’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Jeff Lovell, said: "These awards are about local people and recognising the work they do on a daily basis to improve their communities. If you know someone who goes above and beyond for those they work with or live locally to this is an opportunity for your community to thank them.

For more information about how to nominate someone for a Lord Mayor’s medal for 2016 visit https://www.bristol.gov.uk/council-and-mayor/ lord-mayor-of-bristol or contact the Lord Mayor’s office on 0117 903 1450.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

that people can look at and we can become renowned for," said Amber.

"It's the idea of us being strong, relentless and glorious.

It's something that has beauty but is actually quite hardy and strong. It's something that will represent us as we move forward to try to retain the World Cup." Although Amber's immediate thoughts are on the Old Mutual Wealth Series, her eye is constantly on the bigger picture.

"The teams that are playing in the Autumn internationals are probably up there amongst the favourites to take the World Cup next year. To get a bit of a head start so early in the season and to see what level we're at compared to them is going to provide a fantastic opportunity for to us to find out what we have to build on over the course of the year.

It's definitely going to allow us to come up with a plan heading into the World Cup next August.

World Cup

"We want to go out and win the Autumn internationals; it's not something we're going to shy away from but we do have our sights set on retaining that World Cup next year.

"Everything we're going to do is aimed at putting our squad in the best place so we have a competitive 26 players, all of whom could take the field come August and everyone will be in the best position they could be in."

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

26

n FISHPONDS MUM

Eye Blog . . .

FISHPONDS

with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians

Rubbing your eyes can harm your vision DO you ever find yourself rubbing your eyes as you wake up in the morning? How about after a long day working at your computer?

When our eyes are tired or irritated, our first instinct may be to rub them for relief. Even though it seems harmless, that small sense of alleviation may come at a serious cost to your vision.

We often rub our eyes when they are irritated—either from dryness, fatigue, or from external irritants like dust or allergens. Tired and fatigued eyes often become dry as a result. Gently rubbing your eyes helps trigger the secretion of tears, helping lubricate eyes that are dry or itchy.

Rubbing your eyes doesn’t just help produce tears to provide relief. It can help relieve stress too. Pressing down on the eyeball can stimulate the vagus nerve, which slows down your heart rate and relieves stress by triggering your oculocardiac reflex. Despite the benefits associated with an occasional gentle ocular massage, rubbing your eyes can potentially do more harm than good.

We use our hands for just about everything throughout the day.

From working on your computer to cleaning up around the house, they are introduced to a host of bacteria. Anytime we touch our eyes without washing our hands, we risk transferring that bacteria and exposing our eyes to infection.

And if you’re rubbing your eyes for allergy relief, you could be making it worse! Allergens can become trapped in your eyelashes and when rubbed, can be transferred to the eye’s surface.

As we get older, the skin around our eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of aging.

Rubbing your eyes can cause tiny blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface to break, resulting in dark circles, puffiness, and can even

contribute to premature crow’s feet and drooping eyelids.

Although eye rubbing can be a contributor, those dark circles— also known as periorbital circles— can also be caused by illness, allergies, prolonged tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and even excess salt intake.

Even light rubbing can double the pressure in your eyes. Activities such as removing makeup or wiping away tears can add more pressure. Aggressive eye rubbing can increase eye pressure by as much as 20 times. For most, the pressure will return to normal after they finish rubbing, but some with certain eye conditions risk seriously harming their vision. Those with progressive myopia—a common type of short-sightedness—can find that excessive rubbing worsens their vision. In some cases, their retina may detach from the back of the eye due to the extreme pressure.

Rubbing can harm the front of the eye as well. The combination of the pressure exerted and the rubbing motion of the hand can potentially damage the cornea (the transparent window of your eye). This may either cause a tear, or weaken the cornea and cause it to be misshapen, resulting in a condition called keratoconus. Both causing significant loss of vision.

If your eye’s natural defences aren’t quite enough, try using eye drops to relieve the discomfort. If you have any questions about how to calm your eye irritation, make an appointment with me. At Marian Blake Opticians we are offering a discount on our private sight tests along with free retinal imaging to promote eye health this month.

Book now on 0117 9651861.

Jonathan Best Bsc (Hons)MCOptom Optometrist Jonathan qualified in Optometry from the University of Manchester and recently moved to Bristol to be closer to family. He lives with his wife and two small children in Staple Hill.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

November, 2016

Mu m

DragonBird are not to be missed - such a treat

W

E are so lucky to have a great Children’s Centre in Fishponds. Not only does it provide much needed support to new and experienced parents locally, but it also runs a range of high quality events. One such free event is a regular performance by DragonBird Theatre, which happens normally in the last or penultimate Thursday of the month.

DragonBird Theatre performances are so popular because of their brilliant shows. The performers are Tilly Langdon and Lotte Norgaard who co-founded it because they wanted to create a theatrical experience for very young children that would instill a love for theatre, engage the imagination, boost motor and language skills and support physical and emotional development.

The theatre performers take well-known children’s stories and recreate them through visual, sound and movement effects. In the past few months you might have enjoyed seeing them perform ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ or ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’ Toddlers sit and listen as they read and perform the story. My 14-month-old-toddler sat for the full length of the reading because the performers act out their roles and are very compelling. They then take the children on an adventure. Their attitude is relaxed, but they provide a genuine theatre experience for children. The toddlers quickly get used to their style, which is friendly but professional.

They use repetitive song, sounds and movements, rhymes and rhythms to captivate their young audience. Tilly and Lotte are both trained in theatre and education and so their shows are littered with clever visual, linguistic and aural tricks to help children learn and memorise words and sounds easily. Their shows include well-made props; huge bed sheets become boats or a forest that the children can play under. The audience is encouraged to sing with the performers and get involved and, because of this, the children are involved too.

What happens is quite magical and children are transported to a different world of pretend, role-play and make believe. Before seeing the show, my child wasn’t much interested in the books performed, but now she brings them to me to read and makes the sounds from the show. The performance has clearly resonated!

DragonBird Theatre is a Bristol treasure. They tour in lots of venues across the city for a small sum, but it remains (unbelievably) free at Little Hayes Children’s Centre in Fishponds. In my view, DragonBird provide some of the best examples of early literacy and motor skills development you’ll find locally. And it’s free. Simply add your name to a list at reception at Little Hayes Children’s Centre.

DragonBird Theatre’s website lists their show times and costs at venues across Bristol: www.dragonbirdtheatre.co.uk They have a reliable mailing list which announces their shows and times and can be contacted through their website.

Little Hayes and Hill Fields Early Years and Family Centre is on Frenchay Road, Bristol BS16 2QS and the website with their calendar of events can be found at www.littlehayes.org

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Claire Stewart-Hall

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

27

n NEWS

Conversation coming to you

Y

OU may have already heard about the financial challenges being faced by the council over the coming years and the launch of our five-year plan for the city, including possible solutions to close a budget gap of at least £92m between April 2017 and March 2022.

I’m asking everyone to join me in a city-wide conversation about our future. We don’t just need your views – we need your solutions and we need to know if you can get actively involved in your community and services people might traditionally associate with the council.

We’re bringing the conversation out of City Hall and nearer to your doorstep in November, with a series of events across the city to discuss your feedback and ideas.

You can join us from 7pm on the following dates, but make sure to book your place in advance by visiting www.bristol.gov.uk/ corpstrategy, where you can also find our draft plan, proposed savings and questionnaire: • Thursday 10 November – The Station, Silver Street, BS1 2AG;

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

• Tuesday 15 November – Henbury School , Station Road, Avon, BS10 7QH; • Wednesday 16 November – Bristol Brunel Academy, Speedwell Road, BS15 1NU; • Thursday 17 November – Oasis Academy John Williams, Petherton Road, BS14 9BU. The conversation may have only just started, but one of the most common questions people have been asking is how we can afford to build

an arena when we need to save so much money.

It’s a valid question, of course, with the answer being that if the money came from our normal budget, we couldn’t. However, the facts are more complex and mean we cannot use the vast majority of the arena funding in other ways.

The council is borrowing the money to build the venue, with the funding coming from two main sources. The first is retained business rates from the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone through the West of England Partnership. The second is borrowing against the future rental income from the operator of the arena.

If we do not build an arena the offer of £53m from the West of England Partnership would be withdrawn and the £38m income from the operator would never exist.

Moreover, in difficult financial times, it is important to continue to invest in these kinds of projects, which will deliver future growth, investment and job opportunities.

Not everything is so simple. The conversation we need to have is about new ways of providing services, including more roles for our partners, community groups and volunteers. This can be challenging, but it can also give more power to local people and provide health and social benefits. This isn’t just about ‘cuts’, it’s about redefining what we all do as part of normal city life.

Together we can make the best of a really challenging situation, and now is the time to get involved in defining our future.

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28

November, 2016

n NEWS

Legends! FishFest hails scarecrow success ORGANISERS were delighted with the success of this year's FishFest Scarecrow Trail - and promise it will be even better next year.

Kate Brooks and Angie Seward said there had been some fantastic creations across Fishponds, including more businesses along Fishponds Road, and Fishponds library.

"We had some lovely feedback from scarecrow creators who enjoyed the large numbers of people tracking down and guessing their scarecrows' identities!

"Next year we are aiming to make it even bigger and will be looking for local sponsorship for the paper copies of maps as both years so far we've run out of maps very quickly. Well done to all those talented people who created such amazing myths and legends in their gardens, roofs and shop windows!"

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November, 2016

n NEWS

Big Sing hits the right note

Premium Partners scheme set to launch DOWNEND and Mangotsfield Schools are preparing to launch their ambitious Premium Partners programme this month.

The scheme, which links students with businesses, mirrors one at The Castle and Marlwood Schools in the Thornbury area, which has been running for five years and has proved highly successful, winning several awards and forging links with hundreds of businesses.

More than 200 local businesses have been invited to the launch at the Innovation Centre at Downend School on October 24.

Head teachers Mark Fuller and David Spence will address guests, as will Lara Loomes, who is running the programme.

Mr Spence said: “We aim to become partners with local businesses across a wide spectrum of professions who

share our aims of helping students develop vital employability skills.

“We place a strong emphasis on ensuring that students receive high quality careers education, guidance and support throughout their time with us, starting in Year 7, to allow them to progress on to their choice of employment or higher education.

"During years 7 – 13 students will complete a range of activities and attend a number of career related events.”

Downend and Mangotsfield Schools have a joint sixth form.

Both schools are part of the Castle School Education Trust, as are Castle and Marlwood Schools.

To find out more about Premium Partners, contact Lara Loombes by email L.Loombes@ downend.com or call 01454 862300.

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AN AMBITIOUS community concert has hit certainly the right note with residents.

Fishponds Big Sing took place recently as part of FishFest and involved volunteers rehearsing and performing in just one week.

Rehearsals took place at All Saints Church, with performances on Friday October 14 at St Mary's Church and Saturday October 15 at All Saint's Church.

Fishponds Big Sing was the brainchild of Rev Lizzie Kesteven who thought a scratch choir would help put a new twist on community engagement.

She recruited the help of choir masters Elisa Williams and John Waldren to work on musical arrangements and started short-listing songs and advertising for volunteers.

More than 50 people came together to rehearse, some had never sung in a choir before and others were experienced singers. Over the course of eight hours, they worked on eight songs, each in three part harmony, and performed in front of the public a week later.

They were joined by a group of Year 3 pupils from Fishponds Academy who sang a selection of songs they had rehearsed with Mr Waldren.

Proceeds from the event will be split three ways between the two churches and local dementia support group, Singing for the Brain.

Landlord fined over poor quality flat BRISTOL City Council has successfully prosecuted another private landlord for failing to obtain the appropriate licence for his property.

At Bristol Magistrates Court, Saleem Nazir was convicted of offences under the Housing Act 2004 and ordered to pay more than £4,200 in fines and costs.

The flat was required to be licensed under Bristol City Council’s Stapleton Road property licensing scheme.

Mr Nazir owns 437 Stapleton Road, renting the ground floor as a commercial property and letting the first floor flat as residential accommodation. The council had been in discussions

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

with Mr Nazir since 2015 encouraging him to make the application for the licence, but although an application was received he failed to pay the correct fee.

A visit to the property in January 2016 revealed very poor conditions in the flat, including a leak which caused the floor boards to rot.

The toilet had also sunk through the floor causing the pan to become disconnected from the soil pipe. This meant the tenants had no access to a useable toilet.

Mr Nazir was asked to make the necessary repairs but failed to do so, resulting in the council having to do the work.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

31 November, 2016

n ON THE BEAT

The golden rule is 'lock up your valuables'

Sergeant Anthony Westwell

A

S the nights draw in and the days get shorter, it is really important to make sure we keep our houses as safe and secure as possible. A recent burglary on Radley Road saw a house targeted for high value gold and jewellery. The homeowners went out for an hour, during the day, but unfortunately left a small

bathroom window open at the back of the property, which the thieves used to gain access. As well valuable gold jewellery, a laptop, a camera and tools were stolen along with a large amount of cash.

I would appeal to our Asian communities to take extra care of their jewellery and valuables, as we know that thieves do target these households, sometimes carrying out ‘recces’ before a burglary, offering services such as driveway cleaning or gardening, or even pretending to deliver a pizza, as a way of choosing a property to target. If you do get an unexpected call at the door which makes you suspicious, then please report this to us on the ‘contact us’ section of our website www. avonandsomerset.police.uk or by calling 101.

Please make sure you shut all windows and doors before you go out and go to bed, even if they’re not visible from the front. I’d also advise owners of high value gold to invest in a suitable safe that is supplied and fitted by a company

approved by the Master Locksmiths Association and to not keep large amounts of cash at home – store it in a bank, building society or post office.

Throughout November we are focussing on road safety and will be carrying out patrols and operations in areas which we know from your feedback are of particular concern, such as the ‘no left turn’ junction at Fishponds Road into Hockey’s Lane and speeding on Radley Road.

We will also focus our attention on parking outside schools as we hear time and again from local residents and parents about the problems during school drop off and pick up times, with cars parking on yellow zig-zag lines outside schools, on double yellows, or obstructing pavements.

We have recently been carrying out patrols during school run times at Chester Park and May Park Primary Schools, and at Colston’s School issuing tickets and words of advice to parents flouting the rules. We have also sent letters

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During National Road Safety Week at the end of November, we will be going into schools to talk to students about how to stay safe on the roads. We will also be carrying out our seasonal ‘Operation Tonic’ patrols, targeting drink or drug drivers along Fishponds Road.

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

33

n NEWS

Event is fitting tribute to music-lover Alan DOWNEND'S Alan Yandell was 66 when he died of oesophageal cancer, just six months after receiving his diagnosis.

It is believed he may have had the condition for up to three years but because there were initially no symptoms Alan did not seek help until it was too late.

Now his partner Cynthia Travers-Capper wants to raise money and awareness to help other people suffering with this type of cancer.

She has organised a music fundraiser at Downend's Horseshoe pub on Sunday November 20 and hopes people will come along to support the event.

Cynthia, who had been with Alan for 12 years, said: "Alan had been a BT engineer for 40 years and had only taken early retirement a few years before.

"Just after Christmas 2014 he had what he thought was a chest infection, it was a cough which wouldn't go away. He was also getting a bit of discomfort when

he ate.

"The doctor treated it with antibiotics but after a few months it seemed to be getting worse.

Eventually they sent him for an endoscopy to see what was going on. I'll never forget going to Southmead Hospital to pick him thinking 'Maybe it's an ulcer' but he had been told he had a tumour and they didn't think there was anything they could do."

Alan was referred to the oncology department at the BRI but after a series of test doctors told Alan the cancer had spread to other parts of his body.

"They told him he probably had it for two or three years, perhaps even longer," Cynthia said.

Cynthia, 68, said Alan was so full of life with lots of friends and a passion for music.

He also adored his beloved granddaughter Isabelle.

"He was very fit and healthy and didn't smoke. He would think nothing of walking from his home in Downend to Chipping

Sodbury and back, just for something to do.

He was so active, it came as a huge shock he had this illness. It was just horrible. He went through hell with the chemotherapy for several months but was told it hadn't shrunk the tumour, it was still growing.

"Oesophageal cancer is known as one of the 'silent' cancers. You can have it for several years and not know it but when you do start experiencing problems, it is usually too late for any form of treatment which was the case for Alan."

Alan sadly passed away in June 2015.

Cynthia's fundraising evening starts at 7.30pm and includes singing waiters who sing requests in return for donations, rock band Caught on the Back Foot and a charity auction with auctioneer. Prizes include a spa

treatment, full body massage and circus tickets. Riff Raff choir, of which Cynthia is a member, will also be belting out a few tunes.

"Alan used to drink in the Horseshoe and the landlord John thought it would be a good idea so we booked a date and it's really grown from that. Alan absolutely loved music and had several guitars. We thought a musical evening would be a fitting tribute."

Proceeds from the event will go to Cancer Research UK.

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

34

November, 2016

n MEDICINAL PLANTS

Willow bark is quite the wonder cure A NUMBER of different species of willow are native to this country, and large, majestic willows can be found on the islands in the middle of the lake in Eastville Park and nearby. The common Osier (viminalis) is found by rivers, and was much used in basket-making, being pollarded each year to encourage the small, supple twigs to grow. The white willow (alba) is also native and grows by rivers, and its bark was used in tanning

leather, as it contains tannins. This is the willow most commonly used in medicine. The weeping willow, popular in large parks and gardens, is thought to have been introduced from China, though its Latin name is x babylonica, or x sepulchralis.

Male and female flowers are on separate trees - the white willow bears yellow male catkins and slender green female catkins.

Willows can apparently root easily just from a stick put in the ground, and the leaves crushed in water can be used to help root cuttings.

In a previous article I mentioned salicylic acid, apparently first prepared from Meadowsweet in 1838.

However, another source mentions the Reverend Stone, who extracted it from willow bark back in the 18th century and used it on his parishioners - the ideal vicar, tending the bodies as well as the souls of his flock!

It is the derivative salicin which relieves pain and

inflammation, though as with all plant medicine, herbalists extract the whole plant and not just specific constituents. The bark is removed in thin pieces, obviously taking care not to damage the tree. The taste is bitter, so it can also be used as a digestive tonic.

The leaves and twigs can be used as well as the bark, and should be harvested April - May. One advantage of willow bark is that it doesn't irritate the stomach, as aspirin does, though if you are allergic to aspirin it's best to avoid it. It is used to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis and gout, and to reduce nerve pain and fevers. It can sometimes help with headaches and migraine.

The older herbals focus more on its used as an astringent, to stop bleeding and diarrhoea, but it was apparently chewed to relieve headaches and toothache as well.

You can buy small quantities of the bark from herbalists such as Baldwins in London, and experiment - simmer 25gr in water for 20 minutes and take 3 times

daily. It's not to everyone's taste!

If you would like to find out more about herbal medicine, you can contact me as follows: ruthbaker.herbalist@gmail.com Mobile: 07986 825699 Ruth Baker Medical Herbalist Sources: in addition to sources cited in previous articles, I have consulted Roger Phillips' Wild flowers or Britain, and Alan Mitchell's Field guide to the trees of Britain.

Ways to Wellbeing

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

simpler ways of challenging the council’s decisions, however.

Planning matters Columnist Chris Gosling takes a look at planning appeals

T

HIS month is the most opportune time, with the Fishponds Road tile depot public inquiry about to start, to look at the subject of planning appeals. As you cannot have missed over the last two years, McDonald’s planning application to turn the tile depot into a drive-though burger joint is one of the biggest recent planning events in Fishponds. Bristol City Council refused permission on the grounds of highway safety and impact on nearby occupiers. With the appeal about to commence on Tuesday the 8th and expected to last for four days, some of you may well be involved with planning directly for the first time. It may all seem a bit forbidding, as a public inquiry takes on a court structure, with cross-examination of witnesses. The Rule 6 statements of the witnesses are available to view on the council’s website (ref. no. 14/04519/F). These are essentially the issues for the Inspector to consider. There are

Written representations There are three ways of appealing against a refusal of planning permission, or more rarely, a condition placed on a planning permission. The simplest and quickest method is a ‘written representations’ appeal. In this, both the appellant and the local planning authority submit their case in writing to the Planning Inspectorate. Planning inspectors are appointed by the Secretary of State to decide appeals. They are entirely independent of local authorities, working for the government as civil servants. The right of appeal does not extend to third parties, it is only open to the applicant to appeal against the local planning authority’s decision to refused permission.

Courts With a written representations appeal, the appointed inspector will visit the site, look at all the evidence presented to him/her and come to a judgement. This is based on adopted policies in the relevant Local Plan and material considerations such as government guidance and local opinion, where that is relevant to planning. The judgement is presented in the form of a decision letter. There is a further right of appeal to this or any other inspector’s decision, but only in law – ie that the Inspector has made a mistake that would leave it vulnerable in terms of its legality.

As such, further scrutiny can only be brought to bear by the courts.

Hearings

Email us your views at

news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

35

One step up from written representations is a hearing.

This involves the submission of an agenda from each side for discussion. Then the appellant and the decision-taker and other interested parties have a meeting around the table, chaired by the planning inspector. This is a different way of examining the evidence, with the chance to ‘answer back’, with the Inspector attempting to ensure that both sides have made their case. As with written representations, the decision arrives later in letter form.

The third method, one step up again, is the Public Inquiry.

A few years ago, the government conferred on the Planning Inspectorate the right to decide which form of appeal would be appropriate. The intention was to ensure that there were less public inquiries and more ‘lower level’ appeals, especially written representations, as these are simpler, faster, but also cheaper to administer. This has led to discussions on a case by case basis over what type of appeal would be most appropriate, with the Inspectorate having the final say.

Chris Gosling McDonald’s Overall, historically there has been approximately a one in three chance of an appellant winning an appeal, but this figure can never take into account the merits of any particular case. With a public inquiry, such as the McDonald’s case, each side generally takes on expensive legal expertise, but statistically there is a slightly enhanced chance of the appellant winning than with the other methods. chrisgoslingplanning@gmail. com

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fishpondsvoice

36

November, 2016

n GARDENING IT was about this time in 1605 that a turn of events led to us over 400 years later, celebrating by burning effigies of one of the key conspirators, a plot to kill the king.

It does mark another key point in the calendar however when we revert to daylight saving time. I can’t help feeling a little sad inside now that the clocks have gone back and we are resigned to the long nights and short days for the next 5 months ahead.

The leaves are turning from the summer greens to predominantly yellow, red and brown before falling from the deciduous trees.

My ride down the cycle path each morning is becoming more treacherous as the leaves turn the ground into a skating rink if you ever need to brake too hard. It’s also becoming considerably colder as is apparent in the foliage around us.

My garden is hanging on to the last of any above zero temperatures with a final display of colour that is, unfortunately, fast fading. If the flowers don’t go, the plants that are holding them up certainly will. It’s a sure sign to start packing it all up when the Dahlias blacken with the first frosts, time to make sure that anything tender should be well protected from the cold. I know it’s a common theme of mine but if it’s anything like last winter, those days will be few and far between.

Most of the allotment has been stripped of it’s Autumn glory too, it looks especially ravaged now that the bean poles have been taken down. Just a pile of soon to be compost remains alongside the once prolific courgettes. Courgettes I might add, that we are still eating in large quantities.

It’s another change in season

The

city gardener

By Tim Barton

though and for that I shall never complain, if we didn’t have the variety in weather that we do, and we certainly do, it would be a dull place. Due to a wet spring where we saw a 30% higher than usual rainfall and the excellently long summer, the trees have had a perfect growing season to produce the sugars that are required for the exceptional colours. As a result of this we are experiencing one of the best displays this year than we have had for a long time, and here in the south west there are no shortage places to get out and experience it.

Simply taking a walk along the Frome from Eastville Park will furnish you with an annual display that will raise the spirits now that the colder weather has started to set in.

In this household we’ve been putting together a plan for next year as there were a few things that I regrettably missed and a few that we had too much for too short a time. This has been meticulously documented by my wife in a spreadsheet that will become my bible for what I’m growing and when next year. This has unfortunately got me all excited about the prospect, at a time of the year when there’s nothing much to do. A few brassicas are in the cold frames waiting for next year and more hardy annuals are

joining them as they move from the propagator. I recently invested in some LED lights for growing seedlings up as my utility room is a little dark and the greenhouse a little full. I will report back on the efficacy of them once they’ve had a chance to prove their worth, or not!

If you are itching to get something planted then you would do well to get your garlic in the ground now. Garlic needs a good cold spell in the ground to form decent bulbs next year. There’s little to it if you have the space but although I’ve had mixed results with supermarket cloves, I wouldn’t bother in future. If you want to get some in then you can pick up some very reasonable bulbs from the allotment shop off Thingwall park, break the cloves apart keeping the papery skins on then stick the in the ground, pointed end up, 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart.

If that wasn’t simple, I don’t know what is, apart from planting your broad beans, another thing that you can do right now. Just follow the instructions above but substitute the garlic for beans and choose a different spot. If you are rotating your crops, and you should be then both of these will go well in a place that your potatoes occupied last year. Apart from these few things, if you are still keen to get into the garden

here are some other jobs to keep you busy.

• There is still time to get some spring flowering bulbs in ground • Plant out winter bedding • Protect brassicas from hungry Pigeons • Put out some bird food for them and the other birds • Gather leaves and store for good stock of leaf mould next year, but avoid any diseased ones such as roses with black spot, these should be destroyed.

• Remove Dahlia tubers and Gladiolus and store for the winter, it’s mild here but sometimes not mild enough • Divide rhubarb to maintain vigour and increase production • If you have fresh manure, get this copiously spread prepared vegetable plots

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November, 2016

37

n NEWS

Public urged to Go Purple 4 Polio

PEOPLE in Downend are being urged to go Purple4Polio.

Fishponds & Downend Rotary Club is backing the nationwide Rotary initiative to help rid the world of polio, a crippling and deadly disease.

Events will be held throughout the year to raise funds and awareness. Pete Lawry, president of The Rotary Club of Fishponds & Downend, said: “As a club we have worked to ensure that polio is totally eradicated, and with fewer cases being reported we believe we can end this disease forever.”

As part of the campaign, members have been planting purple crocuses with Downend & Bromley Heath in Bloom. Purple

was chosen as it represents the colour of the dye which is placed on the little finger of a child on mass immunisation days, when millions of children in entire countries are protected against

the disease.

Since Rotary’s campaign to end polio started in 1985, over 2.5 billion children have received vaccinations, the amount of polio-endemic countries has

dropped from 125 to three, and only 18 cases of polio have been recorded this year.

For more information visit www.rotarygbi.org and see the Purple4Polio information.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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38

November, 2016

n BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Peter Turner is the Lead Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

Focus on Turners Opticians

Tell us about your company?

Our family Opticians Practice was founded by Grandfather Harold, expanded by Dad Philip and further developed for our patients benefit by Peter Turner.

What service do you provide to the people of Fishponds?: Our extended eye exam is an in-depth, thorough assessment of our patents vision and eye health.

We use our most sophisticated 3D eye scanner, (an OCT), as well as a multipoint detailed assessment of their peripheral vision to thoroughly assess our patients eye health.

Our specialist clinics include Vision Therapy (for children and young people with reading difficulties), Contact Lenses, Dry/

watery eye Clinic and Minor Eye Conditions (flashes, floaters or just about any other eye or vision concerns patients experience).

Turners Opticians was the first practice in Bristol to offer

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the amazing overnight vision correction treatment: Ortho-K. This has been hugely popular with patients coming from a wide area to see Peter.

What is the best part of running your business and working in the area: We just love seeing our patents, catching up with them, listening to any concerns about their eyes or vision, thoroughly investigating the health of their eyes, testing their vision and discussing and explaining their personalised recommendations for the best vision and healthy eyes.

What makes your service different from other companies?:

Our commitment to caring for each patient as an individual, paying

Autumn Offer

We are shortly to open our second family practice in Henleaze. Peter and the eye care team will be available in both practices. Our Fishponds practice will see a redesign and refresh later this year as well!

Turners Opticians are on the Fishponds Road, between the Van Dyke and Nat West Bank.

Appointments can be made by telephoning our friendly team on 0117 965 4434, popping in our via our website www. turnersopticians.co.uk

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

39

n CULTURAL FIX WITH ANNA BLIGHTMAN

Colour to brighten up the darkest evenings NOVEMBER. Dark evenings, bonfires, fireworks, hot drinks outside. It has its charm for certain. Now the chill is in the air we want to be cosy and warm, and before we start to think of… although Co-op has stocked mince pies before schools went back…there is loads to keep us occupied here on our doorstep.

Opening on November 10 is the latest show in The Kingfisher Cafe up on Straits Parade. This month, as the light diminishes, there are some beautifully bright, colourful paintings from local artist Claire Ball.

Claire has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember, designing the family Christmas cards and being lucky enough to have her own art space she called “the studio”.

Once in Bristol, Claire had four years studying painting and life drawing at the Queens Road Art School where she particularly enjoyed painting in the large studio.

Colour is immersed in all of Claire’s work, from wonderful

block colours, to capturing the essence of a season. Her subjects vary from animals to commissioned images of people’s houses, to a current study of trees. She said: “Trees are a wonder to me, more and more so. I am awed by their frequent hugeness, mystery and longevity and I love picking out the rich variety of colours embedded in their structures. Trees seem so expressive to me, their huge arms up-stretched, sometimes as if in passionate prayer. When they are clustered together I can feel as if I am in an ancient cathedral sanctuary.”

Painting regularly, Claire now takes on commissioned work (contact details below) with all proceeds made going to various charities. The show is on until the January 11, 2017. Take time to stop by and view her work.

Also in the Kingfisher, the newly founded People’s University of Fishponds has been scheduling regular talks over the year. The PUoF has covered topics from philosophy to fishwives and will entertain you again in November with the story of Walter Ayles, the controversial Labour councillor who spoke out against WW1 and a compelling tale of the against all odds bravery and determination of the women and children of Barton Hill’s Cotton Works. Walter Ayles’ story, entitled Slaughter No Remedy will be told by three time BAFTA winner Colin Thomas on November 13.

Historian and author Mike Richardson will recount the victories of The Maltreated and the Malcontents on November 27.

Both events are £2 and run from 7-9pm. Advance booking is strongly recommended as the cafe’s capacity is limited.

More information about all the above is available at the Kingfisher Cafe.

Feel free to contact me with any ideas/suggestions or comments: Anna Blightman anna@ thedistant future alwayssoundslovely.com Claire Ball is contactable at claireball@blueyonder. co.uk

REGISTER FOR YEAR 7 & RECEPTION 2017 TASTER DAYS ARE TAKING PLACE NOW Scholarships & bursaries available Year 7 Entrance Exam: Saturday 14th January 2017 For further information visit www.colstons.org Email: admissions@colstons.org Telephone: 0117 965 5207

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

40

n NEWS

fishpondsvoice

Memories of the good old days

Begbrook Retirement Club held an Old Time Musical Afternoon at Greenfinch Lodge. Members made their own bonnets and several dressed up. They enjoyed a music performance by Roger and Christine Clements, followed by cakes and refreshments.

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fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

41

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

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

Blog 34 – Hello there! New readers start here...

I NOTICED last week that the first edition of the long awaited Emersons Green Voice has been circulated. A huge number of our patients reside in Emersons Green so we are happy to welcome you to the family of readers that include Downend and Fishponds.

It seems only fair to give them a quick introduction into what the monthly blog is about. I run a chiropractic, physiotherapy and Sports Therapy clinic in Mangotsfield.

We have a high tech rehabilitation gym called Next Step and a top injury clinic called Cleve Chiropractic. Over the past 13 years I have developed the practice from a one-man band to a multi-disciplinary clinic and injury rehab centre.

All the way back in 2003 when I was a mere lad, shortly after graduating and starting Cleve Chiropractic at Cleve Rugby Club (hence the name) I got a job working for Bath Rugby in the Premier league. By the end of the

season I was working for Bath and Bristol Rugby and Bristol Rovers FC. Since then I have worked in many elite sports environments from the London Olympics and Premier League football to Masters Judo and Athletics all over the world.

I have been fortunate to meet many great people on the way, from world class therapists (a few who now work with me!) to athletes and celebrities that left me embarrassingly star struck.

This blog is designed to tell you fun stories from the past and present (not just from me but all of our wonderful staff ) and offer advice and information regarding injuries. If you ever have any questions, please contact me using your favourite method of one of the plethora of ways that the modern world enables us to be in constant contact at the bottom of the blog.

So, what story can I think of today? There was one I can think of that I probably shouldn’t tell but it was a long time ago so why not?!

I was invited to the wedding of my dear friends Lee and Danielle Mears. Two friends that I went to school with and Lee was playing rugby for Bath and England at the time. Whilst eating the canapes and drinking the free bubbly I noticed that my childhood crush was there, Kirsty Gallagher. She was married to a rugby player at the time so it made sense.

To put it into context, when I was a teenager I used to have the usual pull out poster of her from Loaded magazine on my wall.

I can honestly say that TV and photographs didn’t do her justice.

From a distance she seemed fabulous.

At this point it seems appropriate to say that I hadn’t even met my wife yet! Now, I had met celebrities before, especially sports ones so I made a mental note to keep my cool and my

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distance and not act like an old fashioned wally, so I walked the opposite way and went to the bar to get a stronger drink.

I found a quiet bar with nobody waiting so I stood there, about a foot away from the wall and waited for the barman to come over. As I stood there, and with no warning at all, Kirsty slipped up between me and the wall.

The double take and jaw drop I gave her must have looked ridiculous. It wasn’t fair, I wasn’t ready, I didn’t see her coming and then the most peculiar thing happened…I went deaf. I could see things just fine but I think I panicked so much that blood seem to fill my ears and I couldn’t do anything but gape at her from a few inches away.

Of course the barman came straight over now that Kirsty Gallagher was here and I believe, to her credit, that she said that I was there first but as I was completely deaf I didn’t respond and just blinked at her and the barman with my mouth open in an utter state of panic. The barman just shook his head at me and eventually took her order.

After Kirsty took her drink she

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turned to me, put her hand on my arm and it looked like she said something that was kind then smiled sweetly and walked off. To this day I have no idea what she said to as I was deaf the entire time.

After she left, I turned back to the barman and my hearing came back so I asked for a double Gin and Tonic.

I do believe that, that was one of my most embarrassing moments ever.

I can however, say that the same thing did happen to me only one more time and it was the first moment that I laid eyes on Jenny… so I married her…but that’s another story…

Next month (after I have been suitably told off by Jen!) I promise to talk through some common injuries and see what advice we can give to help you through them.

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42

November, 2016

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Thursday November 10 n Downend Horticultural Society meeting at Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, 7.30pm. Talk on Wild Flowers of the Wye Valley. Non members welcome. Roger Davis 0117 957 1703 or Hilary Walton 0117 979 2832.

Friday November 11 n Activate Fishponds drop-in lunchtime concert featuring the singing group Tapestry at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds, from 1-2 pm. Tea and coffee available. Free entrance. Retiring collection. 0117 965 4521 Saturday November 12 n Autumn Fair, 11am-2.30pm, Argyle Morley United Reformed Church, Whitfield Road, St George Saturday November 12 n Autumn fair, St John’s Lodge Causeway, 10am-2pm. Gifts, lunches, coffee, cakes, face painting, crafts, games.

Saturday November 12 n Christmas Market. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.11am3pm. Admission free. Presents for friends and family from a variety of stalls, with Father Christmas’s grotto and lucky dips for young children, with refreshments including bacon rolls.

Sunday November 13 n Remembrance Day Service with Holy Communion Christ Church Downend 10.30am www. christchurchdownend.com Wednesday November 16 n Men’s Night: Beer and skittles at the Royal British Legion, Staple Hill 7.30pm. Contact Norman Low 0117 956 8184 or email men@ christchurchdownend.com Friday November 18 n Music for Enjoyment. “A Little of What You Fancy” – chosen by our members (recorded music).

Friday November 18 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend.

2- 4pm Visitors welcome, £2.

Friday November 19 n Christmas Craft Fayre and Bazaar, All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road, Fishponds BS16 2DH, noon to 3pm. Lunch, Santa in his grotto, crafts and handmade gifts. 50 pence per adult.

Thursday November 24 n Avon Organic Group meeting at The Dance Studio, The Station, Silver Street, Bristol BS1 2AG Speaker Maggi Brown, former head of education, Garden Organic – subject: Fruit Growing. Contact secretaryaog@gmail.com Saturday November 26 n Christmas Breakfast, 10am to noon, at Speedwell Methodist Church 378 Speedwell Road. Coffee and homemade cakes, bacon rolls or full breakfast. Christmas gifts.

Children’s corner.

Sunday November 27 n Lincombe Barn Wargames Society annual war-games show Reveille at Lincombe Barn. Doors open to the public at 10am, show finishes at 4pm Trade stands and participation games, hot and cold food and drinks available.

Tuesday November 29 n Natural History Society “St Georges Flower Bank -A Local Nature Reserve” – Speaker Bob Buck.

Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Visitors welcome, £3 Friday December 2 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm.Pay at door.

Saturday December 3 n Christmas Fair at St Mary's Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 11am - 2pm. All the usual stalls plus light refreshments. Email: stmarysfishponds@hotmail.co.uk Friday December 16 Christmas concert with Cleeve Singers and Handbell Ringers.

Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 from

Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door.

Saturday December 17 Christmas concert with Cleeve Singers and Handbell Ringers.

Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door.

REGULAR EVENTS IN THE FISHPONDS AREA Mondays

n Gentle/beginners drop-in yoga class, Kingfisher Cafe, Straits Parade, 6.45pm - 8pm. £8.

Contact Debbie: 0796 8223670 or visit www.omkariyoga.com n Holistic Massage, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9am n Tiny Tots, All Saints Community Hall 10:30am n Bereavement and Well-being support, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Computer Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ping Pong (Table Tennis) for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Messy Church , St John’s Church 3pm n Prayers, St John’s Church 6:30pm n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559.

Alzheimer’s choir, Beechwood Club, 11am to 1pm, Paula Shears 0117 9610693 n Sequence dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel 0117 965 0203 for details. n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3pm.

Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level.

Tuesdays

Classes for age 2.5 upwards!

www.344danceschool.com To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

n Art workshops with GreenFox Workshops, Kingfisher Cafe, Straits Parade, 7.30-9pm. Call to book (gemmalane99@gmail. com/07532327810). First Tuesday of the month. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Email: bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place n Morning Prayer, St John’s Church 9:15am n Foot Care Sessions, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9:30am n Coffee and Craft Morning, St John’s Church 10am n Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers, All Saints Community Hall

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 10am n Level 1 Walking Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Music for Toddlers, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 10:30am n Lunch Club, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12:30pm n Film Club for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Pre-school Storytime/ Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15-2.45pm n Eucharist with signing for the Deaf, Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL 3pm n Messy Church, Fishponds CofE Academy 3:15pm n Woodcraft , All Saints Church Hall/Link 6pm n Evening Prayer, St Aidan’s Church 7pm n Evening Prayer, St Ambrose Church 7pm n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, first Tuesday of the month 2pm. The programme changes monthly but includes coffee afternoons and outings. For details call Barbara Davies on 0117 9653557. n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild, Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds , second Tuesday of the month 7.15pm. Call 0779 9108 890 n Scouts (10-14 years), Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. 7.309pm (Term Time only) Email: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Call Ami 0746 2727 229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15-8.15pm.

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

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

Email: ridgewaydownend@yahoo. co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016 n ‘Friends and Neighbours’, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, 2 - 4pm alternate Tuesdays. A friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea. n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club.

10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club.

10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Pilate classes, St John's Church Hall, next door to Chester Park School on Lodge Causeway, 7-8pm, £6. Bring an exercise/yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. 07952 941 531

Wednesdays

n New weekly Salsa class for complete beginners with Cressida.

Cross Hands Pub, 1 Staple Hill Road. 7.30-9pm includes social and dancing. No partner needed. Ffi call 07808 581739 n Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Level 3 Walking Group, starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1pm n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1:30pm n Punjabi Dance and Song, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Support and Activity Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Chair based exercise class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ladies Circle, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2:30pm n Wives Group, St John’s Church 2:30pm n Messy Church, Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George 3:30pm n Home Group, Location varies 6:30pm n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am-noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am n Hannah More Club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm (fortnightly) n Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 1.30-3 pm, fourth Wednesday of every month.

Call Anne 0117 9041875 for information. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-8pm.

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

Contact Beryl 0117 9774534. n Cycle UK (CTC). For all cyclists from beginners to professionals, commuters to sports. Beechwood Club, Fishponds, BS16 3TR. 8-10PM winter months only (other months are rides, see http://www. cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild, Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. Second Wednesday of the month (except August) 7.15pm.

Different speaker each month plus handicrafts and walking group. Call 0779 9108 890 n Living after Loss, St Mary’s Parish Rooms, back entrance of church 11am-noon. An informal bereavement group. Please note this group is fortnightly. Call Lizzy on 0117 9650856. n Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 n Flower Arranging practice classes, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel Cooke on 0117 9568504 n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall.

10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm.

The 2016/17 season starts August 31 with calling from Alan Davies and music by Mike Elsom. Dancers of all abilities and experience are welcome. More information at www.frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook. com. n Walks for single people. Solo Rendezvous meet at Downend Cricket Club, every Wednesday, 8.30pm, entrance £3, and walk every Sunday. Please phone for walk details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210. n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. More information is available at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome.

Thursdays

n Dance Fit with Cressida.

Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps and music. 2pm-3pm plus tea and chat.

Ffi call 07808 581739. n Yoga class for beginners.

Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Bring a mat. £7 per session. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n Morning Prayer - St Aidans

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

43

Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am.

Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Beginner’s Taoist Tai Chi, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane 7-8.30pm. Come and enjoy better balance through Taoist Tai Chi practice. Moving meditation for body, mind and spirit. taoist. org.uk n Fun Fitness 2-3pm.

Variety dance and fitness class including Zumba Gold, Line dance, Salsa etc! Suitable over 50’s or those looking for fun & easy class. £4 or £20 for 6. ffi Tel Cressida 0117 9391672 or 0780 8581 739 n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm. Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students.Special offer -first class £3. Tel no. 0117 330 9549 / 0780 8581 739 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA, evening. The club is actively seeking new members to share fun, fellowship and community service. Full details on website - Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year.

Call Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Cressida dance keep fit and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 2-3pm. Tel no. 0780 8581 739 n East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. All welcome. Further information from Hazel Durn on 0117 9513868 or Tony Locke on 07919 173450.

Fridays

n Greeting cards sold in aid of

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

St Peter’s Hospice, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, morning. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hall 9:30am n Line Dancing, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30amnoon n Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n The First Friday Film Club - All Saints Church Hall, 2pm n Taekwondo, St John’s Church Hall 5:30pm n Silent Meditation, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 6pm n Grove Road Youth Club, All Saints Community Hall 7pm n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds 9am. Good company and a chat over coffee. Call 0117 9561231. n High density Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.157.15pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437 n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30-10.30pm n Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.3010.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am-1pm.

Contact Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Alzheimer’s meetings Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm (2nd Friday in each month). Tel no. 0117 9756 441 n Fishponds History society Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-9 pm ( 1st Friday monthly).

Contact John 0117 965 8110 n Coffee Morning, Speedwell Methodist Church, 10am-noon.

Open to all. Friendly and caring.

Lunch once a month. n Community art club at Castle Suite, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road BS16 6UE. 10am-noon on alternate Fridays. Professional tuition. Sessions will be held on alternate Fridays. Cost is £5 per session and materials are supplied.

Limited numbers so please, in the first place, contact Paul Foss on pobble57@yahoo.co.uk or 0117 957 0045 n Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, 7-9.30pm. We welcome and support all levels of experience including beginners. n Elfin Factory: cosy gift-making evenings for adults, simple crocheting/sewing patterns, different each week. 7pm. See "Elfin Factory" on Facebook or call Dotka 07821 628 888 for details

Continued on next page Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

44

November, 2016

n WHAT’S ON CONTINUED Saturdays

n Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm, 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly, September n Rehabilitation Pilates (Beginners), Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House, upstairs in Britannia room. 9am. £7. Samantha 07736 309272, www.gentlefitness. co.uk

Sundays

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

10.30am Friendly, informal and lively. n Eucharist, All Saints Church 8am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am with Giggle Club in Parish Rooms n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Michael’s Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Aidan’s Church 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St John’s 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, All Saints Church 10.30am n All Sorts Youth Group, St Aidan’s Church hall 6pm(fortnightly) n Evensong , St Mary’s Church 6:30pm n Worship, Staple Hill Methodist Church 10.30am and 6pm. A creche is available for little ones and Sunday Club. Taize Worship is held

on second Sunday evening of the month and communion is taken on first morning and evening of the month. Call 0117 9575221 n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - 10.30am. Friendly, welcoming church with people from a range of backgrounds, nationalities and ages. Children and youth provision for all ages. 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month when we have our ‘Messy church’ at 4pm with crafts, food and fun for all the family! There is a songs of praise service on the 4th Sunday at 3pm. n Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, BS16 3TR 9.30am-1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm For bookings and other inquiries about Beechwood Club, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. email: tk007h9736@ blueyonder.co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. Call Stella

Don't forget to buy your poppy POPPY sellers from the Royal British Legion will be collecting to help the armed forces community at Sainsbury's in Emersons Green.

The dedicated men and women will be at the store from Saturday October 29 to Friday November 11, when the store will observe Armistice Day at 11am.

Store spokeswoman Tracy Cannard said: "We will be raising the standard at 11am for this year's Poppy Appeal. Please come along and show your support." * The store is asking customers who knit to bring in baby blankets and hats for the special care baby unit at Southmead Hospital.

Also welcome are warm scarves, which will be passed on to the homeless in Bristol.

Any donations should be brought to Tracy Cannard on the last Wednesday of each month who will then forward the items to the relevant charities.

Est 1984

La Porta Barbering Company

Est 1984

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

0117 965 1220

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016

n NEWS

45

Children to get flu vaccine

CHILDREN at Minerva Primary Academy decorated their bikes and scooters Halloween style and rode them into school for the annual Bike-o-Ween competition.

Thirty pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 took their bikes and scooters into an assembly to have them judged. Judges looked particularly for decorations the children have made themselves.

Pupils had spent a lot of time and effort decorating a range of scooters and bikes that looked very scary.

Cath Archer, who organised the event, said: “Although this is a great fun activity for the children to take part in we are hoping this will encourage children to get to school by bike or scooter as part of our healthy living programme."

PARENTS of young children aged two to five are being urged to have them vaccinated against flu to help stop the spread of the virus.

The vaccination is available free on the NHS as a quick, effective and painless nasal spray for children who were aged two to seven on 31 August this year. All children across Bristol aged two, three, and four will continue to get the vaccination from their GP – parents should arrange appointments accordingly.

For the first time this year, children in Years 1, 2 and 3 will be vaccinated by school nurses.

Parents will receive a consent form from the school which they need to sign and return. This follows a pilot in other parts of the UK, which showed that getting children vaccinated can reduce the amount of flu circulating and help protect the community Other groups eligible to receive the flu vaccination in 2016/17 are: those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups; pregnant women; those aged 65 and over; those in long-stay residential care homes and carers.

Frontline health and social care workers should be provided flu vaccination by their employer.

WE’RE RECRUITING CARE WORKERS IME TRAVEL T VISITS & HOURLY IGHT UR JOB R TO DO YO

MOT testing for Cars Light Vans & Motorcycles

Time for a change?

Be Happy

Feel Supported

Grow Your Skills

Flexible Hours

Feel motivated, valued and appreciated for all the work that you do

Never feel alone with a committed team and network supporting you

We will support you to grow and develop your skills and knowledge

To suit your lifestyle, with a choice of part or full time hours

From £8.96 to £11.20 per hour or starting from £17,500 for 35 hours salaried Bristol East & South Experienced and New to Care welcome Driving License & Car Owner preferred

Apply Today

50 CASSELL ROAD BS16 5DE Tel 0117 9565618 Find us on

&

0117 370 1710 recruitmentbristol@rightathomeuk.com www.rightathomeuk.com/bristol

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Very long established with a modern approach www.downendautos.co.uk Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

46

LOCAL SERVICES

November, 2016 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical specialist domestic installers

Why not advertise your business

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.

Rates start as little as under £16 per month

For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

Contact Caroline on 07458 954261

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

AERIALS

DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICES

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS DOWNEND

Misted Unit Replacement Service For the replacement of misted or broken glass units Window hinges & handles replaced/door adjustments Air trickle vents fitted to window frames to reduce condensation / mould problems All parts guaranteed Full window refurbishment service All areas of Bristol covered - No job too small / call Tom

07968 261344 / 0117 9567318 Enquiries@fitzgeraldglazing.co.uk

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

GARDEN SERVICES

Ben Valentine Garden Services

Services include: Garden Tidy ups • Grass and hedge cutting • Domestic and commercial maintenance • Waste Removal • Fencing • Turfing •Plus more.

For a free quote at competitive prices please contact

07513147694 or 0117 9396068 Email bvgardens@outlook.com

www.fitzgeraldglazing.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

GUTTERING REPAIRS

Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning Carpets dry in 30 minutes!

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS

Current Offer

CARPETS

1 Room 3 Rooms Whole House

£35* £60* £80*

UPHOLSTERY

1 Armchair £20* 1 Sofa £30* Rugs £5 to £20*

Call Nick / Alison at A.Cleaning Service on:

Tel: 0117 3771450 Mobile: 07921 543814 Email: info@infinitysouthwest.co.uk

www.a-cleaningservice.com

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

07812 730346

*PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT

GUTTER REPAIRS DOWNEND

Why replace when we can repair Gutter clearance/unblocking/cleaning Free quotes NO JOB TOO SMALL CALL TOM

07968 261344 / 0117 9567318 Enquiries@fitzgeraldglazing.co.uk

HOUSE CLEARANCE

House, Garden, Office Clearance

• Plastering • Plumbing • Landscape Gardening • Painting & Decorating

• General Rubbish Clearance

Tel: Simon 07766838872 0117 9850537

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Home Audio • Domestic • Commercial Industrial Contractor

T: 07894 685 623

W: orbelectrical.co.uk E: info@orbelectrical.co.uk Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! all other cheaper than a skip. waste removalOn-Average On average cheaper than a skip

Tel: 003 Tel:07592 07592 506 506 003 1/4 Load £89 Half Load £139 3/4 Load £179 Full Load £199

www.junkmonsters.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

November, 2016 HYPNOTHERAPY

47 PLUMBING

PLASTERING

Want to

Feel relaxed and free from anxiety and stress Have a good night’s sleep Stop smoking, lose weight Overcome fear of flying, dentists or other phobias Get relief from migraine, irritable bowl syndrome

Hypnotherapy can help For more information and a free initial consultation contact Gerry Monaghan Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

Tel/text: 0771 955 3587

www.gerrymonaghanhypnotherapist.com

IRONING & LAUNDRY SERVICE

Eco Spin Cycle

Eco Friendly Ironing and Laundry Service

Free bike powered collection & delivery

PHONE TODAY 07939 500 131 TO ARRANGE COLLECTION www.ecospincycle.com - https://www.facebook.com/ecospincycle/

PAINTING & DECORATING

SBS PLASTERING City and Guilds Qualified

Affordable | Reliable | Professional Free Quotations

Tel: 07900 551199

email: sbsplastering@aol.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

Your Local Gas, Boiler and Heating Engineers • Boiler Installation • Central Heating Installation • Gas Boiler Servicing

• Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires • Safety Certificates

Call Dan on

assistplumbingandheating.co.uk

0117 214 0949 PHONE REPAIRS

PLUMBING & HEATING

SJM DECORATING

PHONE WORLD

Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service No hidden extras Free Quotations Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411

TEL: 0117 939 1389

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLUMBING

www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk

J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:

07474573780 0117 2792264 e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS • Gas safe registered • Boiler Service & Repairs • Boiler installations • Landlord gas checks • 2 Hour Appointment Time Slots • OAP Discounts • Gas fire servicing • Hot water cylinders

• All gas appliances installed • Green Deal - Eco free boilers • Oftec registered - Service, repair and install oil boilers.

• Service, repair and install LPG appliances.

10% OFF

Boiler Service when you quote Fishponds Voice

E-mail: info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc…

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

UNLOCKING • REPAIRS ALL ACCESSORIES • PAY AS YOU GO PHONES

957 5092

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

WATCH BATTERIES

CHARGERS

HEADPHONES

PHONE BATTERIES

PHONE CASES

679 Fishponds Road, Fishponds 0117 939 0647 REMOVALS & COURIER SERVICE

5H Removals & Courier Service

Available for all your moving needs

Tel: Tel:

07765 297496 07824 643649

www.5starremovals@weebly.com

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

F O R M E R LY

B R A N C H E S

O F

B R I S T O L

We’re opening The Old Mill Interiors & Furnishings store in the heart of Bristol, bringing the people of Bristol and surrounding areas great value furniture, homewares and gifts with everyday low prices.

On the site of the recently closed Branches of Bristol store, you’ll be able to find a world of oak, pine and painted furniture for all rooms in your home in every look imaginable, from stylish classics to ultra-modern industrial looks. But we don’t stop there, with leather and fabric sofas and chairs, mattresses and more. There’ll also be a great range of rugs, lighting, homewares and gifts. Simply everything you need for a more beautiful home.

WARWICK OAK RUSTIC FINISH LIVING & DINING FURNITURE FROM JUST £99.99

CAMBRIDGE NATURAL LOOK PINE BEDROOM FURNITURE FROM JUST £35.00

NEW LOOK STORE NOW OPEN! ENJOY THESE OPENING OFFERS IN OUR NEW STORE!

5% OFF ANY ORDER SPEND £1000 & GET 10% OFF V A L I D F O R A L I M I T E D T I M E O N LY

Store Opening times Monday - Saturday: 9.30am -5.30pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

Stay up-to-date with offers on our Facebook page or visit our website

W W W .T H E O L D M I L L I N T E R I O R S . C O . U K

0117 934 9200

T H E S H O W R O O M S , C I T Y P O I N T, T E M P L E G A T E , B R I S T O L , B S 1 6 P L Minimum spend and delivery radius applies for free local delivery