Fishponds Voice October 2017

fishpondsvoice October, 2017 — ISSUE 33

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New fears over road perils Motorcyclist cut free after being trapped under van

A CRASH in Fishponds Road close to the site of the planned McDonald's drive-through has provoked new safety concerns.

It happened on August 31, when a motorcyclist became trapped under a van after a collision and had to be cut free by firefighters.

The rider, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital with leg and shoulder injuries.

Members of the campaign group, Say No to McDonald's in Fishponds, have always argued that the road is busy and dangerous and that the development of the fast-food restaurant - approved at a public inquiry earlier this year - will add to the risks.

Some members have asked for additional conditions to be placed on demolition of the old tile warehouse at the site to ensure that debris does not add to the road dangers.

McDonald's concerns: Page 3

It's Mo - has he lost the plot?

Scarecrows worthy of a gold medal were on show in Fishponds for the annual Fishfest trail, which this year had the theme of Great Britons.

PAGE 9

Star by name ... pub up for prizes The Star in Fishponds Road has been nominated in six categories of the Irish Global Pub Awards.

PAGE 10

Our version of Wigan Casino Meeting a unicorn was a bonus at the first Party in the Ponds. The event was a big success in spite of several downpours. Pages 6 and 7

We meet three guys who put their hearts into bringing northern soul music to east Bristol.

PAGES 34 & 35

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fishpondssvvoice October, 2017

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— ISSUE 33

PONDS AREA

ATER FISH TH IN THE GRE

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ad perils

er ro New fears ov Motorcyclist cut free after being trapped under van

ds Road A CRASH in Fishpon of the planned close to the site rough has McDonald's drive-th concerns. safety provoked new August 31, It happened on became clist when a motorcy van after a a trapped under free had to be cut and collision by firefighters. in his 20s, The rider, a man l with leg hospita was taken to injuries. and shoulder campaign Members of the to McDonald's No Say group, have always in Fishponds, road is busy argued that the and that the and dangerous d of the fast-foo development d at a public restaurant - approveyear - will add this inquiry earlier to the risks. rs have asked Some membe be conditions to for additional ion of the demolit on placed to use at the site old tile wareho does not add ensure that debris . to the road dangers s: Page 3 McDonald's concern

It's Mo - has he lost the plot?

of a gold Scarecrows worthy in show medal were on annual Fishfest the Fishponds for year had the trail, which this Britons. theme of Great PAGE 9

...

Star by name s pub up for prize

ds Road has The Star in Fishpon es ed in six categori been nominat Pub Awards. of the Irish Global PAGE 10

Our version of Wigan Casino

guys who put We meet three bringing their hearts into music to east northern soul Bristol.

PAGES 34 & 35

The in the Ponds. the first Party urs. Pages 6 and 7 was a bonus at of several downpo Meeting a unicorn success in spite event was a big

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Write on! Letters are a way all can have a voice AS we said last month, our free monthly paper is not one Voice, but many. As well as providing a platform for local businesses to advertise their goods and services and for organisations to share details of their activities, it offers a space for people in the community to share their views.

Readers appear to have taken us at our word - we have received a record eight letters for publication this month.

Many thanks to all who engage with us.

Exchange of views is healthy within a community!

As always, this month's edition shows how ready many people in Fishponds are to get involved with events and activities.

Party in the Ponds was a brilliant first effort

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.

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ fishpondsvoice

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 November edition deadline is October 25.

Anti social behaviour team

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- they did not let the crazy weather put them off in any way! The scarecrows were fantastic too.

Organisations such as the Freemasons and the Begbrook Retirement Club are going great guns with charity fundraising. We suspect many others have held Macmillan coffee mornings and similar this autumn why not send us a photo and some details?

There's lots going on for the very young, too, as our columnist Claire Stewart-Hall and her daughter have been finding out this month.

We love to share your news. You can contact us via email, Facebook or Twitter or you can write to us at 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6JT. Our email is news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk.

If you are planning an event, we will be happy to list it free of charge in our What’s On pages.

We hand-deliver more than 8,000 free copies to homes every month. Copies are also available to pick up.

The Voice series has 16 titles in Bristol and S Glos.

Follow us on Twitter @fishpondsvoice

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

Pilates

October, 2017

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

October, 2017

n NEWS FAST FOOD giant McDonald's is pressing ahead with its plans for a drive-through on Fishponds Road.

The firm, which won permission after a six-day public inquiry in June to open the two-storey restaurant, has now applied to Bristol City Council for planning permission to demolish the derelict tile warehouse on the site at 541-551 Fishponds Road.

The Say No to McDonald's in Fishponds group, which led a spirited opposition to the drivethrough alongside a busy road in a built-up area, has pledged to monitor developments closely and to ensure that the impact is minimised through the 29 planning conditions stipulated by the inspector Martin Whitehead.

Some members have lodged concerns about the demolition application - 17/04974/N - on the Bristol City Council planning website.

Pauline Shaw, of Grove Park Terrace, said she was worried about the risks of asbestos removal. " I am particularly concerned about the impact on the local

3

Asbestos fears as McDonald's gets set to demolish tile warehouse

residents, customers of the Star public house, pedestrians, cyclists and children as no consideration has been given to these people whatsoever. I would therefore like to be given complete reassurance that this large-scale demolition will not impact the health of the general public," she commented online.

She also asked: "How will an effective traffic management system be put into place both for construction vehicles on site but also for managing the transition of vehicles between site and on to the main road?"

Ms Shaw and others also expressed anxieties about the threat to a badger sett and about

National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme

the removal of guano - feathers and pigeon droppings - from the site, as well as possible noise and air pollution.

Louise Lowman, of Lodore Road, commented that she had multiple concerns about the demolition process.

However, another commenter on the site supported the demolition, saying: "I hope the council will do all it can to help expedite the completion of this eagerly anticipated development and get the new significant sums of business rates from McDonald's rolling into the council coffers as soon as possible. I know the vast majority of my Fishponds friends and acquaintances can't wait for the new restaurant to open."

McDonald's estimates that the demolition works will take about ten weeks.

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October, 2017

n NEWS

John nominated for Pride of Britain title HE'S been fundraising tirelessly for a charity close to his heart for eight years. Now it appears John Billitteri's efforts have not gone unnoticed.

John has been nominated for ITV Fundraiser of the Year as part of the annual Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.

If he's successful, John will go forward to the national awards hosted by celebrity brainbox Carol Vorderman which will be televised at the end of the month.

John has raised more than £70,000 over the years for Help for Heroes, a charity supporting British service men and women who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty.

His latest campaign sees him cycle around the city in a bid to collect one million pennies - or £10,000. He can also be spotted with his bike and trailer at local events.

John's previous fundraisers have been a little more intrepid though and he lists climbing Kilimanjaro, a Bristol to London bike ride and a daredevil skydive among his many charity achievements.

He has also boosted the coffers over the years through regular entertainment nights and events where he performs as singer Frankie Johns.

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John, who lives in Kingswood, said: "I have been fundraising for Help for Heroes for eight years and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's a fantastic charity and something I feel we need to keep supporting because these men and women need our help to get their lives back to normal. That's the reason I do it but to be nominated for an award in recognition of what I do is just fantastic. I'm over the moon - it's brilliant!"

John is up against three other nominees in the Fundraiser category.

He said: "A panel will sit down and look at what we all do and why we do it and pick the person they think most deserves to win.

I've got a one in four chance which is good odds! When you consider the size of the area where ITV West is broadcast, to have got to the last four is a huge achievement anyway. I never expected that in my wildest dreams."

Biographies of the four nominees are due to be televised on ITV West before the winner is announced. The winner will then compete nationally at the Pride of Britain Awards to be screened on ITV on October 31.

The Pride of Britain Awards celebrate the achievements of ordinary people who do extraordinary things to make the world a better place.

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

n NEWS

5

MetroBus - when it finally arrrives is just the start ...

HI-TECH ticket machines are to be installed at all MetroBus stops before any of the routes start operating.

Passengers will have to have a ticket before boarding to ensure the the service runs to time. MetroBus says the new iPoint devices will make the stops easily identifiable, display real-time information and enable passengers to plan their route and buy tickets.

But news that the machines are still being made and have to undergo rigorous testing has led to fears that the new transport system will be further delayed.

Already it looks likely that the first route will not start until the new year. Originally it was due in late 2016. Services on the Hengrove to North Fringe route, serving Stoke Lane and Bristol UWE and using the new M32 bus only junction, are due to come later in 2018.

Meanwhile, transport leaders from the three local authorities are looking at possible future extension of MetroBus, including a route to Yate, as part of an ambitious package of measures to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which includes the Metro Mayor Tim Bowles and the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East

Somerset Councils, has agreed to spend £1.2m investigating the feasibility of several schemes.

These include looking again at a park and ride at the top of the M32, which was dropped from the first phase of MetroBus works after protests from environmentalists.

WECA, formed earlier this year, is seeking evidence and investigating costs for the various schemes and says it is essential that the councils work together to achieve transport improvements.

Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Mhairi Threlfall, said: “These innovative information points are a vital part of the way MetroBus works. Passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding the MetroBus and these iPoints can sell single journey tickets, top up and sell smartcards. All this reduces waiting time, making MetroBus faster and more reliable.”

• MetroBus is like a tram but runs on tyres instead of rails.

It uses bus lanes and guided busways and is connected to the traffic light system to ensure it moves past other vehicles.

• It is said MetroBus will reduce the journey time from Emersons Green to the city centre from 40 minutes to 29 minutes.

• Tickets will cost a maximum of £3.50 for adults, £1.75 children.

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fishpondsvoice

6

October, 2017

n NEWS

Party in the Ponds proves a triumph EVEN rain couldn't dampen the spirit of visitors to Fishponds' very first Party in the Ponds.

The event, on Saturday September 9, took place in Fishponds Park and Beechwood Road.

It was organised by the same team that was behind last year's successful Make Sunday Special in Fishponds.

Pauline Shaw, one of the organisers, said the event was such a hit, it is hoped to make Party in the Ponds an annual fixture.

She said: "The weather was a bit hit and miss, but despite the

terrible, storm-laden forecast and intermittent showers, we didn’t let that dampen our spirits and lots of local people still came out and partied.

"A big shout out to the numerous bands and performers, all of whom were local acts and all equally amazing.

There were lots of local community groups and businesses represented in the different stalls, although we were disappointed by a couple of very lastminute cancellations which meant that Beechwood was a bit depleted.

"We must thank all the local businesses who either sponsored us or donated prizes to the raffle, plus of course our wonderful volunteers. The clean-up operation went smoothly and

we were ably assisted by the Lord Mayor.

"We would very much like this to become an annual event and welcome feedback and

suggestions as to how it could be improved.

"Please feel free to contact us via our Facebook page Party in the Ponds."

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October, 2017

fishpondsvoice

7

Thanks to James Sweet for the photos

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fishpondsvoice

8

October, 2017

n NEWS

Parents and carers go back to school

Elderly women's bags snatched

IT was not only children who went back to school at Glenfrome Primary last month - parents and carers were invited in too!

They joined in with lessons in Years 4, 5 and 6 and shared breakfast with their children while they were put through their paces in maths and English.

Everyone enjoyed eating French toast and jam, as well as some fresh fruit.

All the food was donated by the local Tesco store.

Felicity Llewelyn Hodgson, the phase leader, organised the event.

She said: "It’s a great way for parents to engage with their children’s learning, and get to know what happens in class.

The children love it when their parents come in.

"At Glenfrome we value parents as partners in their children’s learning, and always welcome them into school.”

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two elderly women had their handbags snatched in Downend Road.

Both incidents happened between about 11am and 11.15am on Tuesday September 5.

In the first, an 80-year-old was pulled to her knees when a man grabbed her bag from her shoulder and tried to run off with it. He dropped it after a member of the public gave chase and it was returned to the woman. She was left with grazes and bruising and was taken to hospital by ambulance for a check-up.

The second incident happened at a bus stop, where a 94-year-old was waiting. A man took her bag from her trolley and was driven away in a silver people carrier. The lady was uninjured but upset by the theft.

Officers investigating the

incident later found a silver people carrier in Goffenton Drive, Oldbury Court, and recovered the bag in bushes nearby. A man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft two days later and later released under investigation.

T/DS Tom Williams said: “We’d like to thank the members of the public who stepped in to help both of these ladies, and who have given us statements about what happened. It’s clear the community here will stand up for vulnerable people.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone else with information which could help our investigation.”

Anyone who can help is asked to get in touch through the police website, www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/contact, or calling 101 quoting reference 5217203134.

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

9

n NEWS

A suffragette, Mo Farah and Mr Tumble were among the scarecrows on show in Fishponds Photos: E. Brooks-Neath

Didn't they do well?

Scarecrow festival hails Great Britons A SUFFRAGETTE, Mo Farah, Mr Tumble and the late Sir Bruce Forsyth were among the characters spotted in Fishponds in the annual FishFest Scarecrow Trail.

Residents enjoyed checking out the creations, who also included Banksy, astronaut Tim Peake, Mary Berry, Quentin Crisp. the Queen, James Bond and Peppa Pig’s Dad. James McGill, from the Fire Basket, whose Fishponds Road shop participated in the trail, said:"It's great to get involved with the community; it’s been a fun talking point - I saw people putting theirs up and neighbours stopping to help and chat. It’s lovely for the children to do as well, gets families out and about. " Co-ordinator Kate Brooks said: "It's always lovely to

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This year we had such a diverse range of entries. A particular talking point was ‘St George’s dragon’ - a dragon who actually breathed fire!"

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fishpondsvoice

10

October, 2017

n NEWS

Luck of the Irish! Star's in line for awards REGULARS at the Star pub in Fishponds have plenty of reasons to raise their glasses this autumn.

The popular bar in Fishponds Road has been nominated in six categories in the UK section of the Irish Global Pub Awards.

The pub is owned by Oisin Hawes but is run by his brother Eimear who posted a mention of the awards on the bar's Facebook page, triggering a rush of votes by satisfied customers.

Eimear said it a huge accomplishment for a bar that has been running for less than three years.

"We put it up once on our Facebook page and never expected to hear anything back.

Considering some Irish bars have been established here from the 1950s we felt we didn’t have a hope in hell but here we are, more nominations than any other Irish bar in the UK! "I believe the criterion the

myself and my staff, I would like to thank all our customers for their votes and kind remarks.

"We took the decision to run this bar on the very best of old Irish rural traditions, not knowing at the time that it would hold a resonance with anyone else. We tried to instil in the Star a sense of community, music, fun and a welcome for everyone."

The categories the Star has been nominated for are: Best bartender (Ruby Butcher) Best Irish whiskey experience, Best Craft Ale experience Best live entertainment experience Best Irish community bar, and Best Irish Bar in the UK. judges used is to count the votes to reduce it to a shortlist for nominations. From there they assessed it from the quality of the

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"Whether we win anything or not, on behalf of my brother,

The final will take place on October 10 at an award ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin, the seat of the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

11

n NEWS

Freemasons support Elm Tree Farm ELM Tree Farm in Stapleton is delighted to have received a £4,475 donation from its neighbours, the Freemasons.

The link between the two organisations began earlier this year when the Freemasons organised a successful family fun day at the farm as part of their tercentenary celebrations.

Afterwards, each of the lodges that meets at the Stapleton Masonic Hall dug into their charity chests and Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action added a further £1200 to arrive at the total.

Farm manager Keily Elvin said it was the largest single donation the farm, which is run by the Brandon Trust, had ever had.

“This outstanding contribution will help fund the first phase of our new community space, which will be used by school groups, a holiday club and for private events,” she said.

The cheque was presented to Keily by Steve Manning, who belongs to the Lodge of St Christopher, which meets at the Masonic Hall in Park Road.

Steve said: “Throughout the year and all over the country, in an effort to show we have a relevance in society and also that we are these days much more open about our

Farm manager, Keily Elvin receives a cheque from the Freemasons at Stapleton membership, masons are engaging with local charities and the community as a whole.

At Stapleton, where we are in the Masonic Province of Gloucestershire, we were aware that this very worthy charity was on our doorstep and we grabbed at the opportunity to help out.”

Elm Tree Farm is a 47-acre working farm where a variety of livestock is bred and a wide range of produce grown.

It’s also a thriving social enterprise, providing support and training to adults with learning disabilities and autism.

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Nikki and Zoë bring to work.

Over dinner Zoë said how she loves being part of the Turners team, enjoying getting to know our patients and seeing you year after year. So many of us have benefitted from their labour!

Welcome to Turners Opticians:

Time to Celebrate

We had a particularly good damson and apple crop this year. Enjoying the fruits of our labour is always nice.

However, the credit for selecting, nurturing & cultivating the fruit trees, goes entirely to someone else! I will add that I have pruned the odd branch off here and there, so we have laboured a little before the harvest! It was nice to be able to share our crop with Dad, who as usual had planted a veg patch large enough for us all to share!

As autumn sets in, I have put away my summer mirrored sunglasses and returned to my trusty polaroid’s when driving and cycling. The added glare as the sun lowers in the sky is greatly offset by these super lenses. With a choice of three tint colours, far or near single focus lenses as well as multifocals, there is a lens in our collection for all of you!

This month at Turners Opticians we have had a double celebration. Both Nikki and Zoë joined us 10 years ago! The time has, as it often does, flown by. It was lovely to hear Nikki saying how much she enjoys working at Turners Opticians. We had an enjoyable meal out to celebrate. It was lovely as a team to thank them on behalf of our patients for the care, attention and dedication both

The frame collection you can choose from has multiplied with two new collections you can choose from! William Morris are a classically British design and style (in a good way you see), while Charles Stone bring a New York inspired burst of colour to your selection.

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To view our new frame collections or to book an extended eye exam, for yourself or your family, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434, book via our website, or you are very welcome to pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! See you soon!

Peter

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

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

13

n NEWS

Club raises £500 for Macmillan charity BRISTOL Lord Mayor Lesley Alexander was guest of honour at a recent charity coffee afternoon at Begbrook Retirement Club.

The event, in aid of Macmillan, saw neighbours, friends and members of the retirement club turn up in force to lend their support.

Local PCSO for Fishponds, Nwanna Egwuonwu, was also in attendance.

A spokesman for the club, which was founded by Councillor Alexander, said the coffee afternoon raised £500.

"This generosity from local people and the hard work by the club committee has helped Macmillan Cancer Support for the third year, making it part of the annual programme since the club started in 2014.

"It's already been pencilled in for September 2018 and the committee even has their own

Bristol Lord Mayor and Frome Vale councillor Lesley Alexander supports a coffee afternoon which raised £500 for Macmillan green T-shirts especially for this lovely afternoon."

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

14

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

We're taking action now BRISTOL is on track to be able to build 2,000 homes a year, 800 affordable, by 2020, which is one of the key pledges of my administration.

This month, Bristol has been named in the top 10 UK cities for building new homes in a list published by 24 housing magazine.

This is a great sign but we are not being complacent. We realise that we still have a lot of hard work to do before we can achieve our goal.

Later this month I am looking forward to unveiling new vital council homes. This will be great news for people in the city and a key part of our aim to offer more affordable accommodation in strong Bristol communities.

Last month I was pleased to announce, alongside my Cabinet Member for Housing Paul Smith, our plans to convert more empty properties into temporary accommodation for those who most need it within the city.

While we put our long term plans to deal with this problem in place, it is also important we take steps now to offer help with an issue literally on our doorsteps. This is especially true as the temperature gets colder. By creating more temporary housing we will be able to protect as many as we can

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

from the harsh conditions of living on the street this winter.

On top of that, at our last meeting my Cabinet approved plans to provide £5million worth of funding towards the National Homeless Property Fund. This will make sure that 30 one- and two-bedroom properties are bought to provide affordable rents for local homeless households. During these hard financial times we need to prioritise those who most need our help.

Elsewhere I am taking direct steps to tackle another key priority for Bristol – transport. Earlier this year plans were released for several schemes we are looking into, including an underground system.

At this point we are just looking to see what might be possible and this is very much an initial study that will allow us to compare underground with other options, such as trams or guided buses. The region needs to develop a rapid transit system of some form – underground being just one option.

I’d also like to thank everyone who came out to show their support at the rally on College Green last month.

You really helped us to carry a strong message to Government about our city’s desire to find another way of dealing with our

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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

national financial problems.

This is just the first part of our work alongside other Core Cities to convince the government that cities need to play a bigger role in deciding what’s best for the economy of this country and getting fairer funding for Bristol.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

15

n NEWS

STAPLE HILL WI

Discover the People's University of Fishponds DID you know Fishponds has its very own ‘university’ aimed at celebrating local people and their passions?

The aptly named People's University of Fishponds is currently hosted by the Kingfisher Cafe in Straits Parade and holds regular talks on varied topics.

This month's offering sees three very different events lined up, with the first, The Fun Palace, taking place on Sunday October 8.

Run in partnership with Bristol Libraries, the open mic night promises to be great fun.

Coordinator Kate Brooks said: "The Fun Palace idea is that people come and share what they’re interested in – hobbies, interests, collections and so on.

It’s an open mic night so anyone can pop along; they’ll be given 10 minutes exactly to share their interests with the audience."

Next up, on Sunday October 22, ‘Moving Stories, Travelling Tales’ will celebrate human rights and social justice.

Guests will have the opportunity to listen to personal stories from refugees in Bristol, all drawn from a locally published book, Borderlands.

Other performances will include Professor Madge Dresser on black history in Fishponds in the 1920s; playwright and performer, Dr Edson Burton, and Bristol’s ‘Poet Laureate’ Miles Chambers.

The University will follow this with a complete contrast on Sunday October 29 with an event called Bats!

Kate said: "We’ll have a visit from Fishponds’ very own bat hospital and Avon Bat Care, who rescue, rehabilitate and release bats from in and around the Bristol area, working with the Bat Conservation Trust. Rumour

has it they may even bring along some of their little furry friends, just in time for Halloween, but they definitely won’t be allowed out of their box to fly around the cafe!"

Kate said she hoped local people would turn up to celebrate everything that is great about Fishponds and its people.

"These are three very different events but each is an opportunity to celebrate local people and their passions," she said.

The Fun Palace event is free; all other events are £3.50. All events run from 7-9pm. Profits from ‘Moving Stories, Travelling Tales’ will go to Borderlands charity and profits from Bats! will go to Avon Bat Care.

To find out more about any of these events, visit www. peoplesuniversityoffishponds. com

FOR our September meeting the speaker was Judi Wray Bliss who entertained us greatly with a talk about 18th century Bath and the people who spent the season there.

We were all horrified by the fact that ladies had a small hollow stick filled with raw meat to attract the fleas under their skirts to try to limit the bites! Hygiene was not a priority, most people bathed twice a year!

We all enjoyed the talk which was followed by tea and tasty biscuits.

The book club this month will be held at Grounded in Fishponds at 7.30pm on October 4.

Our next meeting - our AGM - is on the third Tuesday of October where cheese, biscuits and nibbles will be served. New members are very welcome.

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fishpondsvoice

16

October, 2017

n LETTERS Does BF stand for Bitter Fishponder?

THE letter from 'BF' - showing cowardice by hiding behind an acronym while launching personal attacks - is very unpleasant.

'Gatekeeping' is the practice of judging that others do not qualify to be part of your particular group.

BF's gatekeeping - in this case proclaiming that you need to have been here since the 1960s to have a valid opinion - demonstrates the type of small-minded isolationism that has become part of our tragic politics of fear and hate recently.

Anyone with good ideas and a sense of community should be welcome to consider themselves 'Real Fishponds People' - whether they've been here five minutes or five decades. The world - and our neighbourhood - needs all the community spirit, activism and inclusivity it can get at the moment.

The tired old assertion that having eaten McDonald’s, you should be fine having a drivethru on your doorstep or you're a hypocrite, is an obvious fallacy. Just because I use a toilet, doesn't mean I should be happy with a sewage works setting up next door.

Criticising temporary street closures 'so their little darlings can play outside' is stupendously mean-spirited. It's a celebration that caters for all ages and brings neighbours together. Surely the trifling inconvenience of closing a minor road cars for a few hours can't cause offence? Or is it people having fun that grates?

The crass and vitriolic remarks of BF show five decades in Fishponds that have not been well lived. I've only been here twelve years, but I'm qualified to say: BF should get out more.

Perhaps 'Bitter Fishponder' would be an appropriate pseudonym?

Robbie Allen

Committees ensure accountability WHAT a thoroughly disagreeable person 'BF' ('Fishponds doesn't need committees', Sept FV) appears to be. If he knew his history he would realise that there have always been civicminded people who have formed committees to achieve social aims, from tenants' associations and charities to political parties and trades unions, in every part of the city. Even now Fishponds is full of

them. Committees provide a form of accountability to ensure that individuals don't just blow their own trumpets or feather their own nests.

It does seem a pity that someone with such trenchant views isn't prepared to give their full name (I'd hazard a guess that 'BF' doesn't stand for Best Friend).

Perhaps that is because BF relies on assumptions about people without bothering to check the facts.

Incidentally, BF, I have lived in Fishponds for more than 30 years and brought up my children here.

What is more my family has lived in Bristol since the 19th century, contributing to numerous local trades and services including the police force, Royal Mail, the NHS, and the teaching profession. But perhaps BF would prefer us all to go back to Ireland.

Mike Jempson, Fishponds

Working together builds community FISHPONDS has always had committees, it is not compulsory to join them.

We are all Fishponders, we all have a right to live here; we all have something to give to our community. If our creativity, vibrancy and energy is difficult to deal with then that is not our problem.

I moved here in 1968 to attend St Matthias College. Have I lived here long enough? When I moved to Fishponds black students were not allowed in the Portcullis or Cross Hands so we went to the Railway, and we worked hard to change this situation. I still work hard to change situations that I think are discriminatory because I care. Not just about Fishponds but Bristol, the West Country, UK, and ultimately the Planet . We can change things locally for the better for everyone who lives here.

It is a waste of energy moaning about what is wrong and criticising others.

I too hark back to the old days when the council could look after our parks, streets, lights etc. When disabled and elderly people were better supported. When people who needed a home could have a council house. When children played out in the street. Sadly those days have gone we live in the days of caring in our community, that’s what many of us are trying to do.

Much of the content of the offensive destructive letter is based

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

on assumption. The assumption that people involved in the No Mcdonald’s campaign have eaten Mcdonald’s and suggesting that, makes them hypocrites for not wanting McD’s in Fishponds. I haven’t eaten one but this is not the issue, it is about the increase of traffic on Fishponds Road and roads around the area, road safety, the rubbish, the low pay for workers etc ... If you want Mcdonald’s, that is your choice.

Campaigning against it is our choice.

What really upset me was the offensive statement about parents being too lazy to take their children to green spaces. Playing in the street is about building a community to include all the people on the street. Organising a street playday takes commitment and energy. I can’t believe I find it necessary to explain the purpose of closing streets to traffic to allow neighbours to get together that’s what happens in areas up and down the country, It is not peculiar to Fishponds.

I am surprised that a letter attacking specific people was printed in Fishponds Voice. It is strange that the person who penned the letter did not add their full name.

Fishponds in fact has been a community for much longer than 100 years and a few years ago was anything but thriving, I was concerned and saddened by its potential demise and stagnation.

Thank goodness new people moved in with energy and ideas and a desire to live in a sustainable community.

That is progress, whatever we think about that. Fishponds would be a flat, dull, sad place instead of the vibrant, diverse, caring place it is becoming When all is said and done we are all just trying to get by in challenging times. Working together is the way to build on our community.

Suzy Robson Fishponds

Thanks to the local New Agers!

AFTER reading the letter from BF in the September edition of Fishponds Voice I would like to redress the balance and thank Mike Jempson and Grant Hudson for all they do for the Fishponds community. My thanks also goes to all the other 'New Aged Fishpondians' and 'Real Fishponds

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

People' who organise many community events from street parties, Fishfest, Party in the Park to the groups of volunteer gardeners and litter pickers who make our parks and streets look slightly less unsightly. I appreciate all that is done.

T Matthews New Aged Fishpondian of 13yrs!

Marriage memories of Masonic Hall REGARDING the letter from Roland Jempson in your September issue, referring to Stapleton Masonic Hall: This building was in existence before WW2. In the early 1930s I was a young bridesmaid at the marriage of my aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Roy Bryant at Holy Trinity, Stapleton (the exact date can probably be found in the church register). After the ceremony the reception was held in the Village Hall, which is now the Masonic Hall. To the left of the building where now is residential property, was a lawn on which the bridal party stood with their backs to the road, whilst having the official photographs taken, a copy of which I still have. I also have a snapshot of the bride and groom in the same position and in the background is the local bus coming into view on the main road.

Ms T Guy Willow Bed Close, Bristol BS16

Help me stamp out smoky bonfires If a person feels so passionately about a matter that they write to a newspaper then they should have the courage to put their name to it.

The 'Two Residents of Redhill Drive' did not use their names but felt free to use mine and to use it in a negative manner.

For the record: Bonfires are banned on all allotment sites from 1st April to the end of October.

This summer there were five bonfires in the Thingwall Park Allotment area that I know about.

Three were on the allotment site and the tenants were dealt with accordingly. The other two fires were in residents’ gardens in Thingwall Park and Redhill Drive.

There have been bonfires in the park over the summer as people have been living in the woods close to Redhill Drive ..

The 'Two Residents of Redhill Drive' are welcome to contact me when they see a bonfire and

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017 I am happy to walk around the allotments with them to look for evidence of an 'incineration centre' or bonfire. (Contact details, if they do not already have them, are available from the Allotments Dept 0117 9223719 or from the allotment shop at the weekend).

Smoky bonfires are not permitted on the allotments at any time so I would be grateful to the ‘Two Residents of Redhill Drive' for their assistance in helping to stamp them out. They will then, along with the allotments and Community Orchard, be helping to raise the ' area's profile in positive ways' and assisting in keeping this beautiful, lush space clean and green.

Irene Blessitt (Site Rep) Everest Road

Teach children to be risk savvy READING ‘Laws can make our lives safer’ (Fishponds Voice, August 2017, MP Column) I was reminded of a conversation I’d had a year or so ago with Margaret Gilmore, an occasional reporter for the BBC. She had been giving a talk on the perception of safety and security in the world.

After relating my experiences to her of travelling alone and unaccompanied through Lebanon and Syria, I said, “If you want to feel safe in this world, ignore the BBC”.

Perhaps I should now add, “Ignore the politicians as well, whatever their party”.

There are, however, two areas on which law makers such as Miss McCarthy might petition that would have benefits locally and nationally.

The first is to take up the challenge of Gerd Gigerenzer and start educating children in what he calls ‘Risk Literacy’. This would not be the tick box stuff of health and safety; nor would it be hysterical rubbish of the type on which, this year in particular, politicians and the press and television media have gorged. He looks instead to the skills of statistical thinking, rules of thumb and understanding the emotional and social forces that guide our actions, alone and in groups. Even very young children can understand risk and probability when it is taught in a playful way.

Armed with these skills we would have a generation of people better able to manage their finances, great or small. We would also have a growing population of people better able to manage and take responsibility for their own health.

As one local GP said to me recently, “You’d be amazed at the number of young people we get complaining of problems they couldn’t possibly have”.

The other area takes its cue from 10 years old Carole Hailstone.

She and her family feature in a documentary series, filmed by National Geographic, about life around the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

Everyone in the series has chosen to live a subsistence lifestyle, hunting, trapping and fishing for their basic needs.

Carole and her four siblings seem to be content, well-adjusted, fun-loving and responsible children. The camera watched her on her 10th birthday as she happily opened her box of presents: mitts and a hat for warmth, a damaged fishing net she could repair and call her own and some traps for catching rabbits and other small animals. It was, said her father, the first birthday on which she had not received a gun or rifle. She already had an array of firearms that she used responsibly as tools for hunting.

Older residents of Stapleton and Frenchay tell me that the sound of shotguns being fired in Stoke Park/Duchess Park and similar areas was once a commonplace. The shooters’ targets were rabbits and pigeons that they took home and ate or gave to neighbours.

So, Kerry, what about it? Risk literacy and firearms training for all school children. Twenty years from now, as sales of new diesel and petrol driven cars are ended, we could have a population that is risk savvy, content and responsible.

Or is that not ambitious enough for you?

Dr Stephen Buston Kingfisher Drive Stapleton

17

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MOT testing for Cars Light Vans & Motorcycles

How about barrier at Hockeys Lane?

I AM sending you this letter about Hockeys Lane (September Fishponds Voice).

Why not have the ‘no left turn’ signs light up or flash, or move the crossing up, or fix cctv and fine them?

I know it’s money but fine them and it would pay in time. Or a barrier like on a train crossing, and have it fixed to the traffic lights. I hope this will help.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

18

October, 2017

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Have you ever had one of those days?

RECENTLY, I was told a story by a friend that is well worth repeating.

She was travelling internationally and was on the way to visit her family for the Christmas season.

She was all packed and ready to go. She had everything she needed for the trip plus special gifts for each family member all tucked away in her suitcase.

As she arrived at the airport everything was going as planned.

She received her boarding pass and headed toward passport control. She was now on to security.

As it approached her time to enter through screening everything changed. The security officers were concerned, they began to move quickly. They pulled my friend to the side and told her not to move.

The security officer immediately began frisking her. As the officer felt the back of her leg he again told her not to move. Everyone had

sprung into action. They had found something suspicious on my friend.

They asked her what it was as she stood there dumbfounded!

Speechless, she began to reach inside her trousers being as confused as they were to what she might find. They stopped her!

“Slowly!” they said. As she reached into the back of her trousers down to the back of her knee she slowly pulled out…”Yesterday’s knickers”!

Standing there in front of all the security officers with a pair of her pants in her hand, she tried to figure out how she hadn't noticed a pair of her own knickers stuck in the leg of her SKINNY jeans!

She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry from the embarrassment! One things for sure they certainly weren’t laughing as she’d just put them on high alert with her underwear crisis!

Thankfully, they soon released her on her way as now the crisis

had been averted. What a day!

Have you ever had one of those? We all have. Okay, well maybe not exactly like my friend’s!

(Thankfully!!) You think everything is going just fine. You’ve prepared.

You’ve done all you think you should and still things go wrong.

It is in those ups and downs of life that God wants to walk with us.

Sure the story above is a funny one (and a true one I might add!) and sometimes the things that happen to us ARE NOT funny.

He loves you like a parent loves a child but even better. He loves you perfectly. He loves you when you succeed, he loves you when you fail. God loves you when your knickers are caught in your trouser leg. He even loves you when you don’t love him. So today, if you are having “one of those days” remember there really is someone who cares and wants to to hear all about it.

Chas Parks Church Leader, Life Church

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

October, 2017

fishpondsvoice

19

n NEWS IN BRIEF

n ADVERTISEMENT

IF you're one of the many people who suffer from sight loss or visual impairment then a good read, magazine or newspaper may be a struggle.

However, Avon Talking Magazine, a charity for the blind, may have the answer.

They are looking for listeners to join their subscribers who received a free monthly magazine, packed with news and features, on memory stick. The charity can provide a memory stick free of charge of you don't already have one.

The magazine, produced monthly from a studio in Bristol and posted out in bright yellow envelopes, welcome letters and ideas for future editions. It is also looking for volunteers to produce the magazine, read articles and help in its running. Training can be provided.

For more information on how to subscribe to Avon Talking Magazine email avontmag@gmail.com, phone 0117 952 5121 or write to Avon Talking Magazine, c/o The Beehive Centre, 19a Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol, BS5 7AW.

100 not out

A LUNCH club which has been running in Fishponds for five years is looking for more members.

The club, held at All Saints Church and run by volunteers, provides a place to meet and socialise for people of all ages whilst enjoying some food.

Lunch (soup, sandwiches, light snacks) is offered as well as tea, coffee and cake. Payment is by donation.

The club meets from 12.30-2pm on the last Tuesday of every month at the church in Grove Road, BS16 2BW. For more information contact Kate Turkentine on 965 7240 or email bethanmills89@yahoo.com

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

THIS year sees the centenary of part of the oldest uniformed voluntary organisation, The Boys’ Brigade. Although founded back in 1883 the Junior Section age group now celebrates its hundredth birthday. There are companies across The UK and the world and The Boys’ Brigade has organised special events over the year including sleep-overs, activity weeks and charity events.

As the new year approaches Avon Battalion Boys’ Brigade would welcome any new members and helpers join them continue this work in what is a great organisation.

The local Boys’ Brigade has groups across the Bristol area in Hanham, Kingswood, St.George, Bedminster and Hengrove as well as companies in Yate and Weston-super-Mare for ages 5-19.

Although up till recently it has been a boys’ organisation our group in Windmill Hill now caters for both boys and girls.

For more information on how to join one of our groups please call Mark Fuller on 07984 983454 or Find us on Facebook @ Avon Battalion Boys’ Brigade.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Discover your future Could you see yourself as a scientist or biomedical engineer?

Perhaps an applied scientist, engineer or forensic analyst?

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

n MP COLUMN

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice You can contact Kerry at kerry. mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk or via 0117 939 9901 for her latest newsletter or for details of her regular constituency surgeries

21

Why we have to keep on fighting for Bristol’s schools EARLIER this year thousands of you took to the streets in protest at the planned funding changes to the city’s schools under the Government’s new National Funding Formula (NFF). In June, fellow Bristol MPs and I wrote a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Education detailing our concerns about the impact this would have on our schools, with swingeing cuts to staffing and specialised services. We still haven’t received a reply.

The Government has, however, now released details of its plans.

They show that Bristol will be among the worst hit local authority areas under new cuts to education funding – with over five hundred teachers potentially losing their jobs across the city. In Fishponds alone, twenty-one teaching staff could be axed, with Bristol Metropolitan Academy the worst hit school, losing eleven per-cent of its funding.

The disastrous consequences

Wigs Bristol

of these cuts should not be underestimated, with every child affected by the reduction in funding and loss of key staff. Many schools have already warned of shorter school days, bigger class sizes, and cutting the curriculum to make ends meet.

The quality of education that a child receives is critical in determining what their prospects will be when they leave school and have to find a job, which then has major implications for their quality of life. Education is also more than a pathway to a good career; a quality education helps create well rounded, resilient young people able to contribute to society.

The proposed cuts will hit the most vulnerable students the hardest – including those with additional education requirements, and those who perhaps do not get the support or stability they need at home because of difficult family circumstances.

Our schools are doing

tremendous work despite the cuts, and it is always a pleasure to visit them. This month I’ve got visits to Chester Park school with the British Lung Foundation to talk to pupils about air pollution, and Briarwood School to hand out an Artsmark award. Sometimes it’s the extracurricular activities which pupils find most inspiring, such as forest schools, eco-schools, or creative classes. These are so important to nurturing talent and developing a child’s social skills, which will suffer if school funding is cut to the bone.

And so we must continue to speak out against the proposed cuts to schools and challenge the Government’s short-sightedness.

Every penny invested in our schools is money invested in our country’s future. I will be contacting every head teacher in Bristol East to understand the full extent of how the cuts will affect them and demanding a response from the Minister to our concerns.

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

22

October, 2017

n NEWS

Winning ways! Players reap rewards for A GROUND-BREAKING basketball programme where students are dropped from the team if their behaviour is not up to scratch is proving a huge success.

Players from Bristol Metropolitan Academy along with their parents have to sign a contract to confirm that they will maintain certain standards to keep their place in the programme.

Students must have good behaviour, attendance and punctuality - but if standards drop they will not play for their team.

The initiative has so far been a roaring success with teams winning not one, but two European titles this summer with some being selected for their national sides.

Two teams - U14s and U16s -

Bristol Metropolitan Academy European Champions

travelled to Belgium to take part in the Flanders Coast Trophy where they were pitted against

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Our popular local secondary school saw greatly improved exam results in 2017. We have a new Principal with a proven track record and a strong, dedicated and talented staff team.

To support our journey to the next level, we need a

Chair of Governors This is a hugely rewarding voluntary position, leading a Local Governing Body in the growing Wellsway Multi Academy Trust.

Training will be provided and you can find further information online at www.wellswaymat.com or www.sbllearning.org.uk To apply, write a short letter outlining your skills and experience and why you are interested in the role. Send it to Sue Holdaway at Wellsway MAT, North Street, Oldland Common, BS30 8TS. Closing date: October 30, 2017

www.wellswaymat.com

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

tournament, beating all 16 teams in their age category with the U16s also emerging victorious

Wanted: Exceptional leader for next stage of school's journey

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is aiming high!

Leading the way

teams from Belgium, Holland, France and Sweden.

The U14s won their

SIR Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common is seeking a chair of governors.

The popular local secondary school is part of the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust and has its own local governing body.

The academy saw greatly improved exam results this summer and its new principal Dean Anderson has a proven track record. This puts SBL in a strong position to move forward with the support of the trust, governors, staff and families.

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Wellsway MAT, said the role of chair would be hugely rewarding.

“It is a chance to have a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young people in our area,” she said. “We are a local trust, committed to working together for the benefit of everyone in our care.

“Each school has unique characteristics and it is the job of the chairs to uphold those, while also collaborating with the trust and the schools within it to ensure that we provide the very best education for all the young people and families we serve.”

Malcolm Broad, chair of another governing body in the trust, added: “The trust takes care of finance, buildings and HR, which leaves the governors free to focus on education. We look at attendance, achievement and attainment and provide support and robust challenge to the head teacher.

“Being a governor brings opportunities for personal and professional development, especially as chair, which is an important leadership role.

It is very satisfying to help a school grow, and being part of a growing academy trust is exciting. Of course, training and coaching is provided for all aspects of the job.”

To find out more about the school, visit www.slblearning.org.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

toeing the line against the 12 teams in their group.

Parents and families supported the trip by fundraising, with additional financial support from the academy.

The teams are doing so well that five players have been selected for their national sides.

These are: • Nassim Ladjimi, 15, represented Tunisia U17s vs Algeria U17s in August.

• Marvin Dinnall, also 15, selected for the U16 England training camp.

• Kacey Cox, 14, selected for the U15 England training camp.

Nathan Symons, 14, selected for • U16 Wales training camp.

• Hasan Ali, 14, selected for U16 Wales training camp.

The players make huge sacrifices to stay in the squad, training at least four times a week with most players completing seven to eight sessions and some starting as early as 7am.

Tom Hooper, head of PE said: "I am massively proud of the work of the PE department, the coaching staff and, of course, the students who have put a lot of hard work and effort into this ground-breaking project.

"I hope that players will go on to play for their national teams which will be a massive achievement, but it is important to me that their effort and behaviour in regard to their studies is maintained and continued."

23

Chase fitness after the school run A FISHPONDS mum is helping others to get fit with a run straight after school drop-off.

Jane Rogers, a qualified personal trainer, is starting a park-fit group at Oldbury Court every Thursday morning for mums who have just done the school run.

The group is starting on October 5 and will meet every Thursday from 9.15-10.15am.

Jane said: "I came up with the idea for the group after chatting to mums at the school gate. Lots of us would love to get fit, but it’s often hard to find the time to exercise, especially if you’re a mum, so this group is a chance to get it done straight after the school run, easily slot it into your time, and feel amazing for the rest of the day.

"We will do a mix of strength, toning and cardio exercises, which cover all the muscle groups, so whether you're new to exercise, or work out regularly and want to try something new, you can decide the level you want to work at."

The group is open to all mums and carers in the area.

Jane said: "Being a mum can often feel isolating, so it’s a great chance to meet other mums too. The class is pram and toddler friendly."

You can find the group at Oldbury Court estate, every Thursday.

They’ll be on the grass to the left of the path as you walk from the carpark. Sessions cost £4 per session To book, text "Jumpstart" to Jane on 0775 1237049

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Child of the 90s?

Play your part in cutting-edge research VOICE readers have responded enthusiastically to an appeal to contribute to one of the world’s biggest and longest-running health studies – Children of the 90s.

Based at the University of Bristol, the programme has been tracking the health and development of more than 14,000 families for more than 25 years.

Almost 4,000 young people have taken part in the latest stage of the research, called Focus@24+, volunteering for a series of cutting-edge tests, including blood pressure, liver and lung function checks.

Since we featured Children of the 90s in our September edition, a further 146 participants have booked or attended a Focus@24+ appointment – many of them saying that it was the Voice article which prompted them to get in touch.

Children of the 90s studies families with a child born in Bristol and the surrounding area between April 1991 and December 1992. It’s also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, and is followed by scientists all over the world.

Researchers have used the data collected over the last 25 years to help answer important questions on key health issues, including asthma, childhood obesity, and dementia.

Now, with the Focus@24+ clinics drawing to a close this autumn, the Children of the 90s team is keen to hear from anyone who was born in or around the city in 1991/2 and would like to play their part in building an even more detailed picture of the health of their generation.

The team at Children of the 90s have opened clinic appointments throughout October, including in the evenings and at weekends. There are also new, shorter, two hour appointments available.

To find out more, please call 0117 331 0010, email info@ childrenofthe90s.ac.uk or visit the website: childrenofthe90s.ac.uk.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

REMEMBER US? BORN 1991-92?

WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU AGAIN

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Book a Focus@24+ visit now!

Phone us: 0117 331 0010 Text us: 07789 753 722 Email us: info@childrenofthe90s.ac.uk www.childrenofthe90s.ac.uk/focus24 Get a shopping voucher as a thank you.

All travel costs reimbursed.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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• Wheelchair and mobility scooter access

Plus lots of superb facilities • Stylish restaurant with terrace and garden view • Stunning leisure suite, including gym, Jacuzzi and spa pool • Hairdressing salon • Roof patio garden • Communal lounge for socialising and activities Easy walking access to Fishponds with its vibrant community and wide range of shops and cafes.

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tel 0117 322 6026 ross.vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk

More about Extra Care Making life easier Extra care living is the best solution for the later years in life. It combines complete independence with on-hand care and support when it’s needed. Residents at Quarry Court have their own new luxury apartment with all facilities for independent living. Quarry Court apartments are affordable. Residents usually find that the value of their present home more than covers the cost of an apartment at Quarry Court.

At the same time, 24/7 support is available, both with planned support packages, and on ad hoc occasions. You may want to take advantage of our regular daily help with chores such as housework, laundry, or home delivery food shopping. High quality meals are available from our restaurant with its lovely garden views for those times you don’t feel like cooking for yourself. The superb leisure pool, Jacuzzi and gym are all available for you. You can also participate in interesting social events.

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Our flexible personal care packages mean that you only pay for the care you need. This offers help for example with: • Dressing and undressing • Washing and bathing • Mobility • Rehabilitation and exercise • Getting up and going to bed

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• Laundry requirements – returning clothes washed, dried and ironed for you • Cleaning and tidying • Maintenance of your apartment Quarry Court includes a camera entry system and emergency call bell in each apartment, ensuring a safe and secure environment. Our on-site manager is available during normal working hours, and the experienced team of nurses and carers at Quarry House, our adjacent care home, is available at all times.

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Contact Ross Vickerman Taylors Estate Agents 770 Fishponds Road BS16 3UA

tel 0117 322 6026 ross.vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk

Quarry Court is a development of Bristol Care Homes

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Quarry Court FISHPONDS

fishpondsvoice

26

October, 2017

n ON THE BEAT WITH PCSO ANITA PERKS

Don't make it too easy for burglars ON behalf of your local neighbourhood policing team, let me introduce myself. My name is Anita Perks and I am a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer), based at Trinity Road Police Station, covering the Eastville area of Bristol. I’m so pleased to have this opportunity to update you every month on our work.

We have seen a spike in burglaries Eastville and Fishponds recently. Most of these burglaries take place at night and are the result of householders making things too easy for burglars, who get in through open windows (top and bottom floors) or unlocked doors that have been pushed shut.

If you have a door with a paddle or stub handle please make sure you lock it with a key. We know that thieves actively target houses with this style of door handle precisely because they know many people don’t lock them properly.

Simply lifting the handle up until it clicks isn’t enough – thieves can easily disengage the lock and then walk right in and help themselves to your belongings. Always lock

your door with a key and then take the key out so thieves can’t fish it out through the letterbox.

Other good tips are to hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox.

It sounds obvious, but if you have a burglar alarm, use it! Say hello to your neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your property for you. You may also wish to consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme – you can find more details on schemes in your area on our website: www.avonandsomerset. police.uk – search for ‘neighbourhood watch’.

You may have heard about two terrible attacks on elderly people in the Downend area recently, who were robbed as they were going about their daily business in broad daylight. I am pleased to tell you that a 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with one of these attacks and investigations are ongoing. I wish the victim a speedy recovery.

Below are some simple tips that could help to keep you safe when going out and about. If you have

elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives, then please share these with them.

Think about the time of day you are going out – earlier in the day, there are usually more people about and therefore less opportunity for a vulnerable person to find themselves alone on a quiet street. It’s always best to be out in daylight if possible. If you tend to carry cash with you, keep the amount you carry to a minimum – just carry what you absolutely need for this trip. Many elderly people often carry their week's pension with them in their purse or wallet, and if this is lost or stolen, it is significantly more distressing.

Stay aware of your surroundings – it’s easy to become lost in your thoughts if your trip is routine and familiar, but it’s important to be aware of whether someone is acting suspiciously, walking particularly close to you or coming up quietly behind.

If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, walk purposefully away, cross the road, go into a shop

or a nearby house, or approach another passer-by.

If you need to do a bigger shop, consider getting your shopping delivered so you don’t have to struggle, laden down with shopping bags. It’s important to stay as independent as possible, but shopping with a friend could make a nice change and make you feel safer.

If you have any subjects or questions that you would like me to answer in this article, then please let me know. Ways to get in touch: Website – www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/contact-us – visit our individual team pages. Go to the section called ‘Your Area’ and search using your postcode.

Twitter – @ASPFishponds - The Fishponds and Eastville team use this account.

Email - Anita.Perks@ avonandsomerset.police.uk I wish you a crime free month.

PCSO Anita

THE STAR

Will Writing & Estate Planning

539 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3AF Tel. 01179 9654297 “OLD WORLD TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY BAR” (IRISH FREE HOUSE)

OCTOBER EVENTS

A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –

if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk

Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Sun 1st 4pm. Open Mic. Tues 3rd 8.30pm Folk /Trad session Wed 4th 8pm Jamming with Phil Thurs 5th 8pm. Michael Sings (Regional finalist in the UK Open Mic Sessions) Sat 7th 8.30pm. The Wurz-All’s (Straw bales & cider).

Sun 8th 4pm. Female Singers Night (All female singers welcome in a friendly and supportive night).

Sat 14th 8.30pm. The Propane Brothers (bluegrass, young, wild and extremely talented).

Sun 15th 4pm. Open Mic Tues 17th Folk/Trad session If you haven’t been to this it is well worth a visit. (Great musicians playing for the sheer love of it) Wed 18th Jamming with Phil (Open Mic for the more adventurist).

Thurs 19th 8pm. Full Irish Traditional session Tues 24th 8pm. Music Quiz Night Fri 27nd 8pm. Indie/Alternative Night Sat 28nd 8.30pm The Petty Hegglers (High octane fiddle fuelled folk, rock and blues).

Sun 29th 4pm. Open Mic

Visit us on facebook – The Star Fishponds

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

27

n VET BLOG

Helping your pets start life well THERE are many reasons to ensure you get your new puppy and kitten off on the right start such as ensuring they’re vaccinated as the mother’s antibodies are wearing off and providing good nutrition which is tailored to their growing needs.

Here’s a handy list to get you started: Vaccinations: this is very important as many diseases we vaccinate for often have poor outcomes. If the mother is vaccinated, she will pass on temporary immunity but this will start to wear off, often around the time puppies and kittens go to their new homes, when their immunity may already be weakened.

Parasite Prevention: younger animals are more susceptible to the problems caused by parasites so may need treatment more frequently to reduce the risks.

There are many products on the market, some more effective than others and effective against some

parasites but not others.

Nutrition: all species have different food requirements, but did you know large breed dogs have different needs from smaller dogs?

It is so important to get this right.

A good quality food will mean your new family member can absorb nutrients effectively reducing the risk of diarrhoea and growth problems.

Microchipping: this is now a legal requirement for dogs but we would always recommend it for cats and rabbits also. It is a permanent form of identification and can be put it during a consult.

Training for Puppies: it is now becoming more and more important our dogs adapt effectively to a busy owner lifestyle.

Many training classes are available and we would be happy to discuss with you what to look for in a training class.

Our Best Start in Life package ensures all of the above is covered offering you total peace of mind.

Our friendly staff will be able to help you with any queries and we also run puppy socialisation classes to help your puppy get off to the best start with their behaviour.

If you would like more information, we would be more than happy to help. Just pop us a call on 0117 961 6417. We’re located just off Lodge Causeway near Cossham Hospital. We look forward to seeing you! From Catherine, Rochelle, Lucy, Sara, Charlotte and Jade at Kingswood Vets4Pets.

Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

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

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Terms may be amended at any time. Offer valid from 2nd October 2017 to 26th November 2017.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

29

n PLANNING

Planning under scrutiny over developers' tricks YOU may recall BBC's Inside Out West magazine programme last month when planning came under scrutiny. There was a ten-minute report on developers who had built houses on sites around Bristol either without planning permission or some 15 per cent larger than they had been given permission for. The latter sometimes resulted in two or three bedroom homes being built with extra bedrooms. This was clearly a case of abuse or disregard of the planning system. Viewers were led to the glib conclusion that there is no point in having a planning department under these circumstances. As is often the case, ten minutes of television coverage is not capable of doing justice to complex matters. So, following the same logic, maybe we should be asking what is the point of having television channels?

In any case, I feel duty bound to fill in some of the gaps. The planning department is not just it’s enforcement function. There are three parts, dealing, essentially, with the future, the present and the past, the latter being cases where something that has been built without permission needs to be rectified. Therefore getting rid of the planning department would also mean losing any kind of forward planning and policy making, dealing with planning applications and also simply giving up on anything that has been built without permission. I doubt that is

really what the BBC was advocating when the actions of one particular developer was presented to the public.

The nature of the Development Management function of the planning department (the present) is to make binary decisions in a grey area. Ultimately the responsibility of officers is to come to a yes or no recommendation or decision, based on policy, but taking into account all material considerations. Not every decision is an easy one, especially in a climate where every refusal has to be justified to an extent where it will survive a potential appeal.

The developers featured in the programme seem to be well aware of operating, apparently cynically, in that grey area. This is not without risks and their actions are a test of whether the enforcement team have ‘teeth’. I would argue that that is essentially the question that the BBC should have posed. It is in everyone’s interest for enforcement to be effective. Without that fallback, the whole system can be called into question, as the BBC did, because the consequences of not complying are not seen through. While decisions on planning applications are a legal requirement, enforcement is undertaken when expedient to do so. This requires even more difficult decisions. The lack of a legal obligation to act allows the necessary flexibility, without getting bogged down in resolving

Hatha Yoga

Planning matters

small details. That sort of decisionmaking is what the developers in question were exploiting.

The current problems come about from the optional nature of enforcement. There are incentives and obligations for the other parts of the planning system to perform, but not enforcement. It is obvious, when resources are scarce, which part of the service will be most tempting to cut back. The results are initially felt at a very local level, but they will become wider spread, as Inside Out West showed. There is a thin line between efficiency savings and compromising effectiveness. Planning departments across the country have been struggling to keep going through the programme of austerity. Enforcement is often at the cutting edge of this. The answer is not simply to do away

Chris Gosling with it, let alone along with the other functions of the planning department.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

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October, 2017

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday October 6 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1426.

Saturday October 7 n ‘Into Africa’ at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN, featuring ‘Salvation Brass’ and vocalist Gen Shaw. 7pm. Tickets £5 and can be reserved by contacting 0785 1121571. All proceeds will support the work of the Salvation Army in Kenya through The Kenya Trust.

Tuesday October 10 n Fashion Show morning with coffee. Shirley Vaughan and members of the Machine Knitting Group. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at the door.

Wednesday October 11 n Come and Sing Afternoon with the Filtones Choir. 1.45-3.45 pm.

Eden Grove Methodist Church, Eden Grove, Horfield, BS7 0PQ. Choir is looking for more singers.

Call Michael for details, 0117 965 5368 or 0797 4280708.

Thursday October 12 n Fundraising event, a musical soiree, including a buffet, at Glenside Hospital Museum, 7 for 7.30 pm. A chance to explore museum's curious collection whilst listening to live music, song and verse. Also quiz. Tickets, £7 each, are on sale from the museum or Eventbright.

Friday October 13 n Activate drop-in concert, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds, 1-2pm, featuring the Filtones Choir. Tea and coffee available. Free entry.

Retiring collection. Contact 0117 96 54521.

Saturday October 14 n Speedwell Methodist Art Group present their second art exhibition at the church.

10am-4pm. Free entrance. Light refreshments All welcome.

Thursday October 12 n Downend Horticultural Society AGM. 7.30pm at the Assembly hall, Salisbury Road, Downend, BS16 5RA. Open to new members. Call Roger Davis 0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton 0117 9792832. n Bristol & Avon Family History Society have organised a coach to the National Archives at Kew. Anyone interested in family history may take this opportunity to further their research. The coach leaves BAWA, Southmead Road at 7.30 am. Seats are £25, bookable by phoning 0117 9561881.

Friday October 13 n Music for Enjoyment Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 2-4pm “Compass Points” presented by Pam. An afternoon of recorded music in the style of Classic FM. Visitors welcome £2 Saturday October 14 n Fleamarket, under the M32.

Starts at 12pm with a litter pick followed by a market with children's workshops from 1pm4pm. We are looking for stall holders to get in touch. Free to book. Email annali.grimes@gmail. com Sunday October 15 n 2-5pm. Come and help Fishponds Community Orchard celebrate Apple Day. There will be apples to taste and press in this lovely green space. All are welcome to this free event. The orchard is on Thingwall Park allotment site.

Saturday October 21 n Downend & Kingswood Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat

Classes for age 2.5 upwards!

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

Institution Coffee Morning at Staple Hill Methodist Church, High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol. 10am until noon. Home made cakes and sales table with souvenirs and Christmas cards.

Wednesday October 25 n Thornbury Musical Theatre Group present the hit comedymusical The Wedding Singer, based on the classic movie of the same name. Runs until October 28. &.30pm with Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.Tickets from £10.50, group discount available. Contact the box office on 0751 6270140 or book online at www.tmtg.org.uk.

Thursday October 26 n Avon Organic Group, talk with James Campbell, chief executive of Garden Organic, entitled: "Garden Organic – Vision for the 21st Century". 7-9pm at The Station (in the Dance Studio), Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2AG. All welcome.

Visitors £5/members £2. n Downend Natural History Society “Life on the Edge” a slide presentation by Pauline Robinson.

Lincombe barn, Overndale Road, 7.30pm in Concorde Hall, Visitors welcome £3.

Friday October 27 n Music for Enjoyment Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 2-4pm “In Time with Strings” presented by Jeanette. An afternoon of recorded music in the style of Classic FM. Visitors welcome £2.

Saturday October 28 n Breakfast at Speedwell Methodist Church, BS15 1ES. 10am to noon. A full breakfast, or coffee and homemade cake. No need to hurry. An opportunity to ask for prayer. All welcome.

Thursday November 2 n Downend Local History Society, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 7.30pm. For the Love of Maps. Speaker: Chas.

Ashley. A guide to reading the past through Ordnance Survey large scale maps. Visitors welcome at £3.

Friday November 3 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1426.

Saturday November 18 Christmas craft fayre and bazaar. n All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds, BS16 2DH. 12-3pm. Enjoy lunch, visit Santa in his grotto, browse through the various crafts that will be available, purchase some handmade Christmas presents and have some fun with selection of games. Entry

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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 50p per adult. n Christmas Market. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.11am3pm. Admission free. Choose attractive presents for friends and family from a variety of stalls, with Father Christmas's grotto and Lucky Dips for the younger children, with refreshments including Bacon Rolls for lunchtime.

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 Table Tennis for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n 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

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 7-8pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n 252 Beaver Scouts 6 - 7 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Sarah 0789 2852226 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol.

7.15 - 8.15 pm. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me

Tuesdays

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 Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club.Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday.

Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954. n Morning Prayer, St John’s Church 9:15am n Foot Care Sessions, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9:30am n Coffee and Craft Morning, St John’s Church 10am n Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers, All Saints Community Hall 10am n Level 1 Walking Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Music for Toddlers, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 10:30am n Lunch Club, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12:30pm n Film Club for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Pre-school Storytime/ Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15-2.45pm n Eucharist with signing for the Deaf, Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL 3pm n Messy Church, Fishponds CofE Academy 3:15pm n Woodcraft , All Saints Church Hall/Link 6pm n Evening Prayer, St Aidan’s Church 7pm n Evening Prayer, St Ambrose Church 7pm n Frenchay Parent and Toddler

group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Scouts (10-14 years), Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. 7.309pm (Term Time only) Email: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Call Ami 0746 2727 229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15-8.15pm.

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

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

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

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

10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Pilates classes, Steiner Academy, Oldbury Court Road, 7-8pm, £6.50 Bring an exercise/yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. 07952 941 531 n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159

31

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 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.

Continued on next page

Wednesdays

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

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

Contact Emma Crago for details, 07970 247410, emmacrago@ thereader.org.uk n Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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[[ 607 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3AA

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32

October, 2017

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

Calling from Alan Davies and music by Mike Elsom. Dancers of all abilities and experience are welcome. Information at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n 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. n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159

Est 1984

n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me

Thursdays

n Dance Fit with Cressida.

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

Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n 252 Scouts 6.30 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham

La Porta Barbering Company

Fridays

n Greeting cards sold in aid of 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. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hal 10-11.30 am in termtime. £2.50 + 50p per sibling; includes kids' snacks and drinks and tea and coffee.

See the Facebook page or email fishpondsfridayplaygroup@gmail. com n Line Dancing, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30amnoon n Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n The First Friday Film Club - All Saints Church Hall, 2pm n Taekwondo, St John’s Church Hall 5:30pm n Grove Road Youth Club, All

Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm Est 1984

525 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3AH

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA, evening. Full details on website - Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year.

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

Contact Patsy Holdsworth 01179078994

Mixed ability Mat Pilates classes

Traditional Gents Barbers

0117 965 1220

956 6996 n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am.

Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds.

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

Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 1012 or Wednesdays 7-8.30pm For more information see www. taoist.org or call Crispin on 07407175127 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest

A mixed ability class aimed at improving posture, strengthening the core and lengthening the body Class cost: £8/class or 6 classes for £40 *Bring a Mat* Venue: The Chapel, Steiner Academy Bristol, College Road, BS16 2JP. To book and for info contact Veronica: facebook: www.facebook.com/restackpilatesbristol/ wesbite: https://www.re-stackpilates.com/ email: restackpilates@gmail.com phone: 07853223871

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

33

n WHAT’S ON Saints Community Hall 7pm n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds 9am. Good company and a chat over coffee. Call 0117 9561231. n High density Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.157.15pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437 n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30-10.30pm n Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.3010.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am-1pm.

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

Open to all. Friendly and caring.

Lunch once a month. n Community art club at Castle Suite, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road BS16 6UE. 10am-

noon on alternate Fridays.

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

Future dates are August 4 and 18; September 1, 15, 29, October 14 and 28, November 11 and 25 and December 9 and 23. Contact Lizzie on 0117 9650856

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

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Booking spaces for September 2017 NOW

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

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

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Sundays

and Sunday Club. Taize Worship second Sunday evening of month and communion first morning and evening of month. 0117 957 5221 n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - 10.30am. Children and youth provision for all ages. 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month which is ‘Messy church’ at 4pm 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.

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

34

October, 2017

n FEATURE IT'S three o'clock on Sunday afternoon and the dance floor is starting to fill. The beat is unmistakable, or at least it is for people in the know. Because this is northern soul - and it's alive and kicking in the middle of Speedwell.

The bi-monthly event, called Splash of Soul, takes place at Barton Hill Rugby Club in Speedwell and is the brainchild of three like-minded soulies keen to recapture the buzzing soul scene of the north of England.

The pals - Martyn Johnson, Jimmy Manu and Malcolm Beedle - take it in turns to play 45-minute sets and also enlist the occasional guest DJ just to add a new dimension to the mix.

Soul snobs might be disappointed but the music isn't exclusively played out on original vinyl. Ironically, this may well be the reason Splash of Soul is so successful. All that's required is that a tune has a good beat and makes you want to dance. The value of a record has no truck with this crowd.

"It's what comes out of the speakers which counts," insists Martyn, a 61-year-old van driver who fell in love with northern soul in the 1970s.

"Some parts of the scene are all about original vinyl but we don't care; we'll play off CD, although 70 per cent of the music we play is vinyl. We don't worry if a record doesn't cost £1,000 so what if someone can afford to pay that much for a record."

Martyn, who lives in Stapleton, is referring to the extortionate amounts of cash that some northern soul DJs will pay for original vinyl. And when he mentions £1k, he's not joking - the most expensive northern soul record sold was the Frank Wilson classic Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) which went for a

Splash of Soul - how music of northern clubs captures hearts in east Bristol Jayne Taylor meets three guys who share a love of sounds from the 70s and discovers that, contrary to popular opinion, they don't insist on playing only vinyl

Martyn Johnson, far left, Malcolm Beedle, aka Malc the Talc, and, above, Jimmy Manu staggering £25,742 in 2009.

"We're not trying to be smart and clever and don't profess to know everything about northern soul, rare soul and R&B," says Jimmy, 58, a building site manager who lives in Kingswood.

"I play vinyl but most people don't come up to look at whether we're playing original vinyl, represses or CDs - they're not bothered. They just want to have a good time.

"Certain people look down their noses if you're not playing original vinyl but we don't care what people think. If they don't like that then they don't have to

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

come."

Malcolm - known affectionately on the soul circuit as Malc the Talc - has been DJing since the 1980s. He admits to spending a lot more money on original vinyl than Martyn and Jimmy, shelling out a whopping £800 for Danny Owens' You're A Little Too Late.

"I'm lucky enough to have a lovely set of original vinyl which I've collected over the years but I've got no problem with others playing from CD or repressings," said the 57-year-old postman.

"I don't show off about my collection; it's just something I'm passionate about. It's more fun waiting for originals to come up for sale. Sometimes I might have to wait a year but if I wanted to buy a repressing of the same song, I could probably look on the internet and find it straight away.

"I buy original vinyl because I enjoy them and want to play them to other people in the hope that they'll enjoy them as much as I do."

The three became friends after meeting up through the Bristol soul circuit, their passion for music and DJ-ing leading them naturally to think about

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

getting something off the ground themselves.

Martyn said: "Up in the Midlands and the north the northern soul scene is thriving, you have a choice lots of venues where you can go to hear it.

We travelled up to a few dos on Sunday afternoons and it just seemed to work. We thought 'Why not give it a go here?'"

Splash of Soul has been running for nearly two years now, gradually gaining momentum as word spreads.

The name was something Jimmy had been carrying around in his head, a nod to the Reggae Sunsplash events at Crystal Palace he used to attend in the 1980s.

Visitors need only have one thing in common - a love of northern soul, or at the very least, a curiosity to find out more.

"If a stranger turns up, it won't be long before someone starts talking to them and asking their name and where they're from. That's how friendly it is," Martyn says.

Like most northern soul devotees, Martyn clearly remembers the day he discovered the musical genre which was to remain close to his heart for the

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

35

Some of the regulars at Splash of Soul in Speedwell, left Above: It's all about the music for Jimmy Manu rest of his life.

"It was 1975 and I was in Jersey on holiday. There was a group of northern lads dancing to this brilliant music and I'd never seen dancing like it. It was nothing like the way people in Bristol danced. I wondered what the hell was going on but I was hooked."

It was also 1975 when Jimmy, a lad of 16, discovered northern soul. From his home in Huntingdon, he travelled to various venues to catch top soul DJs such as John Vincent and Soul Sam. Later, he became a regular at the legendary 100 Club in London and the Ritz in Manchester, moving down to Bristol 20 years ago.

"Huntingdon was a hotbed for soul music. Everyone was listening to it. I loved it from the minute I heard it. I've never looked back."

It was a similar story for Malcolm, who was a mod in the 1970s and thought that meant

listening to the Beatles. It wasn't until he and his girlfriend, now wife, Cath, chanced upon a club in Prince Street, Bristol called Steamers in the late 70s.

"When I walked through the door and heard this music I'd never heard before, I was smitten. I knew then this would be the music I'd be listening to for the rest of my life."

Jimmy's clubbing days took a bit of a back seat until about four years ago when he hosted a charity northern soul event at the

WHAT IS NORTHERN SOUL? • Northern soul has its roots in obsure 60s and 70s black American dance music • The phrase northern soul was coined on this side of the Atlantic • It became popular in the north of England with young fans flocking to meccas such as Wigan Casio and Manchester's Twisted Wheel to dance at allnighters • Classic tunes include If This Is Love by The Precisions, Turning My Heartbeat Up by the MVPs and Dean Parrish's I'm On My Way • Northern soul is associated with a particular dance style. Some athletic dancers take inspiration from disco and break-dancing, performing spins, kicks and backdrops • The music is often distinguished by its fast and furious beat but it also yields some slower treasures, including If I Could Only Be Sure by Nolan Porter

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Begbrook Club after his wife had been treated for breast cancer.

He started to go looking for local soul events, meeting Martyn and Malcolm in the process.

"We started up Splash of Soul and the rest is history, as they say," said Jimmy.

Martyn dismisses the idea that northern soul is elitist, saying Splash of Soul is testament to that: "The scene has been misinterpreted as 'cliquey' because northern soul isn't as widely available as mainstream music but to me, it's friendly. No one takes any notice of how you dance, you just get into the music and the music takes you. It's all about the beat."

Malcolm, who lives in Downend, agrees: "There's something about Splash of Soul at the rugby club that makes people feel relaxed. They don't have to worry about whether they're the greatest dancer.

Some places feel intimidating and people don't even feel they can ask the DJ for a particular record but that's not true of

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Splash of Soul. It just really, really works. I've done lots of different dos but I feel it's a privilege to play there."

The trio have been branching out, holding occasional evening charity bashes at Lockleaze Community Centre and the Begbrook Club. More recently, Splash of Soul evenings at the Crafty Cow pub in Gloucester Road have been popular and look like becoming a regular fixture.

Martyn, who lists his favourite tune as The Young Hearts' A Little Togetherness, has high hopes for the future of the local soul scene.

"There's more northern soul in Bristol now than there was five years ago which bodes well for the future," he said.

"A lot of people are in their 60s and 70s and can remember it from when it first began. We can't make the same dance moves that we made in the 1970s but that doesn't matter, you just let the music grab you and dance how you want to. But it's not just for older people who remember the original scene. The youngest person I ever saw at a northern soul night was a 10-year-old and he really knew the music!

"I'd love Splash of Soul to be an event that is worthy of the scene in the north, but at the end of the day our aim is for people who like soul music to come along and enjoy themselves."

The next Splash of Soul takes place at Barton Hill Rugby Club, Duncombe Road, Speedwell, on Sunday October 29 from 2-8pm.

Entry is £3.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School (Downend) opened in June 2015 and is the second setting to be opened by the owner, Liz Hogarth.

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School is a fantastic purposely designed setting with no compromises on internal and external space.

been awarded an ve ha we ce un no an to d ou pr e ar e W n in September 2017 tio ec sp in r ou in g in ad gr ng di an st Out

Some of the key findings we would like to share with you The enticing and exceptionally well-organised learning environment, inside and outside, encourages high levels of exploration, imagination and choice.

Staff feel highly valued and motivated, for example, the monthly ‘smile award’ recognises determination and hard work.

The inspirational leadership team empowers passionate staff, who provide an uncompromising commitment to achieving high-quality outcomes for children.

Babies have excellent opportunities to learn about the world, such as during forestry skills sessions. Staff use their training exceptionally well to help children to explore nature, to learn new and specific vocabulary and to assess risk for themselves.

“

Staff have an excellent knowledge of children’s individual care needs and review these meticulously.

“

Staff are excellent role models, for example, they stroke children’s cheeks to show the gentle action required when handling small creatures

Wendover House, 170 Downend Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 5EB Downend@redbusnursery.co.uk - Facebook - redbusnursery www.redbusnursery.co.uk - Telephone 01173790937

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

37

n CULTURAL FIX WITH ANNA BLIGHTMAN

The world seems to come alive in autumn IT'S been raining quite a lot. And it’s got cold. I know this because each morning I battle with two small people who have been refusing to let go of the summer and still insist on strapless dresses and ballet shoes as suitable outdoor wear.

And school is back. I know this because my hands and arms (and mouth when necessary) are always full of bags, clothing and other paraphernalia that doesn’t belong to me. I’m also acutely aware of the never ending sneezing, coughing and sniffing that comes with children hanging out in large groups and made worse by the aforementioned inappropriate outerwear.

But I’m happy. Hearty soups, jacket potatoes and warming porridge are all back on the menu,

it’s cosy in my house at night, and everybody goes to bed a lot earlier!

Speaking of warming food, the Fishponds Food Assembly is having its Autumn Taster Market on October 10 at the Steiner Academy.

This is a great chance to catch up with the suppliers, and find new locally sourced flavours and treats.

The market begins at 5.30pm.

Opening in October is Abstract World, new exhibition at the Kingfisher Cafe. Gina Love is a young abstract artist who moved to Fishponds over the summer.

Originally from Stroud, Gina’s paintings currently respond to the emotional impact of physical and aesthetic surfaces and environments. Fascinated with the perception of the aesthetic image, be it authentic or inventive,

Gina is influenced by rebellion, anxiety, memories, visions and repetitive thought patterns. Her interpretation of these themes in the wider sense are replicated in the interaction of layers of paint, and contrasting heavy textures within her paintings. Gina has painted at Upfest, exhibited in Bath, Bristol, the Cotswolds and London. She has recently featured in the Biennial Edition of Peripheral ARTeries. Gina is also working with Gallerique in Chicago which discovered her paintings on

Instagram.

So dust off your rain jackets, and find some wellies. The world comes alive in the autumn and there are lots of adventures to be had.

Abstract World will be on display at The Kingfisher from Thursday October 5 until early December, a chance to get ahead of the game with some Christmas presents!

Anna Blightman anna thedistantfuture alwayssoundslovely.com

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

39

n NEWS

Looking for champions A NEW Fishponds-based project aimed at combating social isolation is looking for volunteers.

Community Champions is a joint initiative between Bristol Ageing Better and The Care Forum covering Greater Fishponds, including Hillfields, Frome Vale and Eastville.

It involves supporting volunteers to create connections with groups and other local people with the aim of making services and activities more age-friendly.

Over the next two years they will be recruiting, training and supporting volunteers across the area to be Community Champions and Considerate Friends.

Both roles are aimed at ensuring neighbourhoods across Fishponds are vibrant places with a wide range of social and cultural activities and opportunities for engagement.

Community Champions will contribute by finding out about all the different local activities and services available in the area, identifying any gaps and developing projects to fill those gaps.

Considerate Friends will involve volunteers visiting services and activities to give help and advice, helping ensure they do not present any barriers against age.

Claire Littlejohn, project worker, said: “This is such an exciting project as anything could happen and it really is up to the community to decide what they want in terms of opportunities for older people to meet and get involved. If you live in the area and are over 50 get in touch and let us know what you think.”

In addition to volunteering roles, The Greater Fishponds Community Champions project will be overseen by a steering group made up of local people who will guide the direction of the project. Local businesses and services also have an important part to play in signposting people to the project, by displaying posters and distributing leaflets.

If you are interested in any of the volunteer roles, or want to hear more about the project email clairelittlejohn@thecareforum. org.uk, telephone 0117 958 9325 or visit the website https://www. thecareforum.org/bristol-ageing-better-bab/

Art studies at the Kingfisher THESE colourful images of a Kingfisher show the progress of a group of art students who have been honing their skills at classes in Fishponds.

Most are beginners and have been taking part in lessons at the Kingfisher Cafe with artist Gemma Lane.

Gemma said: "The students are a group of ladies that live within the local area.

"Most of the ladies are complete beginners and others are new to working with watercolour.

"The focus was to paint a watercolour image of the Kingfisher bird using an image by local photographer Richard Scantlebury who has managed to capture quite a few of the birds down by Snuff Mills."

Look out for the next production

Emma Tarbuck as Pixie "I'll get my man" Potter

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

IF these photographs are anything to go by, the next production by the Kingswood Players looks set to be a real treat.

Members of the am-dram group will present I'll Get My Man, a farce by comedy master Philip King.

The show centres around TV series hero Peter Graham (Dave Munro) who is continually chased by fans, in particular Pixie Potter, who is played by Emma Tarbuck.

Peter seeks refuge at his uncle Humphrey's country rectory but soon chaos ensues and peaceful village life is shattered.

Glenis Noble as Mrs Carter and Performances take place at Sue Williams as Harriette Kingswood Community Centre, BS15 4AB, on Friday and Saturday October 20-21 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £8 for adults and £7 for concessions.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

40

October, 2017

n FISHPONDS MUM

Do you think Judy Garland ate blueberries? It's not Claire Stewart-Hall has been taking full advantage of some of the many activities on offer around our area for parents and small children. And while her daughter has been entertained, she has been pondering ...

event entertainment and runs the business Lolly Lollipop Ltd. I imagine she is pretty amazing at this from what I saw. She clearly throws herself into roles and can get quick results from the budding child actors!

Check out their website at www.lollylollipop.co.uk Contact Marvellous Marie for parties and events: 0117 961 1686. Theatre 4 Tots Sessions are on Wednesdays at The Bristol Hippodrome – doors open at 10.45 and the session begins at 11amnoon. Healthy snacks provided!

Child's play releases my Inner Von Trapp!

IF you are a lover of musical theatre, dances moves and are partial to learning a choreographed danced routine, then Theatre 4 Tots is the group for you (and your child…?)

Happening on Wednesdays at The Bristol Hippodrome, and run by Marvellous Marie, a fully trained performing arts specialist, it really is the beginning of stage school for tiny little ones.

When we went it was a jam packed class full of very eager little toddlers ready to warm up, sing ‘Doh-ray-me-fah-so-la-tea-doh’ and point toes - suddenly it all came flooding back to me and I was again singing scales like the Von Trapps.

The format is very structured and is led by the ball of energy that is Marvellous Marie, also known as Marie Pyke. In full gym kit, she leads from the front and you will observe your child ‘warming up’ by pointing and circling their toes, being rays of sun with arms outstretched and pretending to eat noisily to ‘stretch their vocal muscles.’

All the children follow along and your child will too and before you know it you have the beginnings of a routine. What is fascinating is that Marvellous

Drag Queen Story Time is a sparkling success Drag Queen Story Time in libraries helps to dispel stereotypes Marie uses real physical and vocal techniques used by actors themselves and differentiates them for tiny people.

This is what sets this class apart from others – it is a class in preparation for stage school. She is a professional and it really shows.

Some children are still getting the hang of it, but I imagine after a few months, they really find their flow and their co-ordination and response to rhythm and music becomes accurate and paced.

As a professional and parent herself, Marvellous Marie is enthusiastic and energetic with the little ones, repeating and building their confidence as she goes. I hadn’t remembered quite how much co-ordination it takes to follow a routine to music and I could see the benefit to those toddlers who had been going regularly. She builds up to a choreographed section by adding

Stage struck children 'stretching their vocal muscles'

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

little bits, practising and then performing. Even training the children to keep a steady beat with an instrument in the song proved (for me, at least) quite a challenge.

What is new to me and made me very happy was that she then organised for every child to have a bowl full of blueberries, nectarine, apple and banana (no chocolate biscuits here…) and a cup of full fat milk. I twitched when I heard the price of the session (£4 per child, £4 per adult) and the quality of food helped me understand why.

The fruit is a great idea and, frankly, fruit costs money to provide. It is also, I like to imagine, what real child actors, such as Hayley Mills, Judy Garland or the one who played little Annie, really ate ‘on set’ (and it saves me squashing fruit into endless Tupperware boxes.)

The food planning was really appreciated by parents and the children and is worth the cost.

Towards the end I helped myself to a coffee whilst Marie provided parents with “five minutes peace” – a section where parents get to enjoy a cup of something whilst she entertains your child with tranquil music and bubbles.

Being a group in the city centre, a good cross section of families attend – some come from as far away as Keynsham, who make the effort because their children love the class so much.

Not only do Marvellous Marie and her partner run Theatre 4 Tots, but she also provides entertainment for children’s parties, fetes, face painting,

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

WHEN I heard word that Drag Queens were reading stories in local libraries, I dropped everything to get me and my child a ticket!

Bristol Central Library were the second library to get on board with Drag Queen Story Time, after Bishopston Library, now Fishponds Library, to showcase the local queens reading stories to a crowd of little ones blinking in awe at the glitter and sparkle of the rather gorgeous outfits of two very tall drag queens.

Aida and Miss B arrived to see lots of the little audience also dressed to the nines in full princess gear. Spiderman was there. One little girl was so overcome with delight that she hugged their legs at the joy of just seeing so much sparkle and glitter.

Accessible on so many levels, Miss B and Aida, our Queens at Bristol Central Library, read three brilliant well known stories and sang two well known songs as children gathered cross-legged on the carpet to be told a story. Who doesn’t love to be told a story?

The session lasted half an hour and provided some space to show children that people are different and there are many ways to be.

It was marvellous to hear them read fairytales and stories that showed empowered Little Red, a story of sharing and of someone being bullied for how they choose to dress. They tend to read subtle moral tales in an interactive and comic way.

Drag Queen Story Time began after Tom Canham contacted Drag Queen Story Time in the USA. He asked if it existed here in the UK

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

41

t only tots who ask lots of questions and the response was: make it happen! So he has done just that.

Begun in May, DQST has grown and grown. With events popping up everywhere in the UK and more locally from Fishponds Library to Parson Street Primary School, this is a bit of Bristolian magic right here on our doorstep.

Again, Bristol Central Library are ahead of the curve and have spotted that this is an activity that parents are keen to attend as this event was quickly sold out.

Julia Ball, Reader Engagement Manager, Bristol Libraries, said: “We want to encourage reading in every way and to support children to be the very best version of themselves.”

Aida, a talented local drag queen, who was such fun and very funny during our story time, made the children giggle, by saying things such as, “ohhh…glitter: my favourite colour…” She even posed for photos with the children after the event had finished.

Afterwards she commented: “We want to spread happiness and turn stereotypes upside down through Drag Queen Story Time.

How better than through reading stories?”

Miss B, our other drag queen at Bristol Central Library said: “Our performances are proving very popular and we have been booked up by local primary schools as well as libraries, such as, Exeter, Manchester and London.” She went on to say: “It is important

children have the chance to be themselves. Drag Queens perform and play with gender and identity in a fun and comic way. This is a subtle way to help children see and understand different identities in a safe and fun environment. We want children to feel: it’s ok to be you.”

I am so pleased to be able to show my daughter people performing different identities in a positive space such as the Bristol Central Library. As well as the spectacle of seeing the performance and pantomime of drag, which in itself is a hilarious event, I want my child to feel safe and open to people different from her. I hope she can feel unafraid and supportive of anyone who chooses to express their identity through what they wear. Whilst it enables her to empathise and feel safe around difference, it also acts to prevent her from bullying others for making different choices.

Perhaps with events like this, we won’t have to have special “diversity” lessons or training, as people will be able to accept and feel safe with a myriad of identities open to and around them. Try and catch them locally: it's a real experience.

Follow on Twitter: hashtagDQST

Relax! Feeding friends are here to help FEEDING a baby is a tricky business.

What a new parent is often told is that your tiny offspring will wriggle

up its parent’s body simply latch on and, worry not, that will be all there is to ‘the feeding’ of the baby.

As with many aspects of parenting the idea that there is a ‘normal’ way to feed is a myth.

Very often babies do not do this.

Many women experience all sorts of feelings when their baby doesn’t do as described above – low milk supply, the baby won’t latch, they are tongue tied (and this goes undiagnosed) or it is just too hard for their tiny mouths and they just, for whatever reason, don’t do it.

In addition, it can feel very painful even when they do manage it.

Realising that one has a newborn baby completely dependent upon you for food is quite a pressure. Many women feel as though they are letting down or starving their baby if they don’t feed regularly. Mothers then sit and listen to endless professionals telling them that their baby’s weight is not increasing ‘normally’ or is dropping below an expected level. Very little sleep, a partner who might not quite understand how to support, and a string of people expecting tea at your house, can load on even more pressure. Unless you’ve been there it’s hard to imagine how this might feel. Mothers, especially, can feel lonely and isolated, as well as very anxious around feeding time, experiencing problems or pain all over again. Where can one go for support?

Feeding Support in Fishponds

Happy smiles from the Fishponds Feeding Friends, who share tea, sympathy and helpful advice

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

is literally that: a group of expert and welcoming women who meet weekly and know all about feeding babies. Set up by local lovely mother, Eleanor Kelly, and supported by Little Hayes Children’s Centre’s Gaynor Younger, it provides some welcome relief via tea and cake and informed, nonjudgmental advice.

It is a popular group because it is a relaxed, supportive meeting with a blend of women in the same situation and experts who know how hard feeding can be. It is also attended by a Rockabye Mentor, Sara Headeach, (have a look at www.rockabye.org.uk) who helps parents connect with others who are experiencing difficulty with parenting. They also run a small group and successful group at Little Hayes Children’s Centre.

As well as mothers already breast or combi-feeding, Feeding Support in Fishponds encourages pregnant women to attend their group too so they can prepare and manage their expectations of what the feeding might be like and the different options available to them.

A regular attender and cofounder, Jo Ball, commented: “If women come whilst pregnant they are able to get information so they can make informed choices about feeding their baby and know who to talk to if they need help.

Even asking for the right name at the hospital can provide a break through for women to get the right help they need.”

The meeting space is especially private – the room feels personal and intimate. Women are able to feed there or to have 1-2-1 support if they need it in another space.

Another thing that is fabulous about Fishponds is it is full of people who make things happen.

This group started because Fishponds didn’t have such a group and a couple of women made it happen. Well done them. Pop along if you need some support– they really are a really lovely bunch.

Fishponds Feeding Friends meets at Fishponds Baptist Church every Thursday afternoon(term time only) from 1.30-2.30pm Sticky Fish pre-school entrance, Fishponds Baptist Church, Downend Road. BS16 5AS

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

42

October, 2017

n PROPS COLUMN

Hurray - fewer holidays!

AT the start of September, we welcomed new and returning students back to a new term at PROPS. We are excited to announce that we will now be open all year round for 49 weeks, instead of for an academic year only. This will make a big difference to our students who do not have alternatives to our provision over the summer and in the holidays.

A great achievement for September was a group of 13 students taking part in a sponsored walk over the Severn Bridge in partnership with Can Do. It was a very windy day and everyone did a brilliant job and raised lots of money for PROPS. Thank you to Octagon Consultancy who also supported us on this walk.

This year we are continuing with work placements at local Fishponds charities Babybank Network and Sue Ryder for four of our students. We are also continuing with a regular placement for two students at a

Thingwall Park Allotments when we were filmed by BBC West.

Students were interviewed on their thoughts about gardening, and were filmed planting onions and harvesting some of our wonderful leeks. We can’t wait to see the final edited piece when it is shown on television!

In the meantime, we are being kept busy with orders in the Print Workshop for t-shirts, banners and signs. It’s also that time of year for making chutneys and jams. So far, we have plum jam, blackberry jam and green tomato chutney - yum!

To find out more about PROPS, or to get in touch, visit www. propsbristol.org, email info@ propsbristol.co.uk or call 0117 965 3514.

food bank in Yate. In October, we have an exciting new placement opportunity starting, which we will

report back on next month.

We had a very exciting day down at our accessible plot at

Helen Brittain Programme and development manager PROPS

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

A Team approach to healthcare.

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

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

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fishpondsvoice

October, 2017

43

n GARDENING HAVING felt that the garden was all a bit lack lustre over the last month or so, I erected a new pagoda over a seating area that we have, and there has been the most incredible transformation in the feeling of the garden, almost instantly. This has prompted or been prompted by some other changes that have seen the removal of my two raised vegetable beds, and the installation of some proper staging for growing on my ever expanding collection of seedlings.

The allotment has been so unexpectedly prolific this year that I felt the space used in my garden was not best employed with more vegetables, beyond the apple trees and the expanse of bramble over the fence it is to be dedicated to looking good, and not obliged to provide in any way beyond that.

If you have a small garden, this is not to be mistaken for what the RHS consider a small garden as they would call our city gardens tiny, you need to limit what you use it for. What I’m coming to the realisation is that there are only so many functions that it can perform, and that if you try to do too much, you fail to do any of them very well.

Growing the vegetables at home was one thing too many for me and as I have the allotment only a short walk away, there is now no need. I keep some culinary herbs close by as I’d be hard pushed to make it down the road for a sprig of thyme when the heavens have opened, whereas to nip into the garden in rain coat is no chore.

One thing with making any changes to a garden at this time of year is that the soil can quickly turn to mud, and that in turn becomes a soup in no time at all.

The

city gardener

By Tim Barton

Unfortunately as the garden starts to retire into it winter dormancy, it’s an ideal time to start to move things about. Personally I find it difficult to resist having a bit of a change, but this will inevitably go hand in hand with battling the elements. That and covering any bare soil before the cat leaves one of his presents for me. For a cat who is completely blind, he has an innate ability to find bare soil moments after I’ve revealed it and turned my back. I’ve managed this year to not diminish the lawn any more though as it’s got to a point where I can mow it in under 2 minutes, that for me is plenty as I’ve never been that keen on a manicured carpet of green. If it’s not going to do as I ask then it may as well not be there.

At the start of the year I made the rather rash commitment to try and not buy any vegetables beyond the hungry gap in about April. Well this hasn’t gone entirely to plan, but then again it’s not been a total failure. Like any horticultural experiments, there have been a number of environmental factors that were beyond my control, this of course means that some things were a fantastic runaway success, whereas others failed to get off the starting blocks. Primarily there was one

cause, but if I mention them again you’ll thing that I have nothing else to talk about. Of course I can’t lay all blame with nature, some of my less successful ventures were purely down to my own ineptitude, or lack of observance. I have a shed roof that is covered in stocked plant pots, and given a few warm days they can be on death's door before I remember that they need a drink. Also I put some courgette plants at the base of my runner beans, but as the beans did so well this year, the courgettes definitely suffered from a lack of light.

At this time of year the harvest does all come at once, and we’ve certainly had to change our eating habits as the months have gone on. What we’ve realised is that we need to eat a lot of what can’t be preserved, preserve what we can and not plant so many gherkins next year so when you’ve pickled your last beetroot and dried the last of your beans, October has these tasks to keep you busy.

• Lift Dahlia tubers and Gladiolus corms to store in a dry place over winter.

• Plant out any perennials and biennials that you’ve grown from seed this year.

• Sow some hardy annuals like sweet peas under cover to plant out in the spring

• Prune rambling roses once they’ve flowered and tie in to prevent damage over winter • Cut back perennials that have died back if you like it looking neat, but preferably leave them over winter and clear away at the beginning of next year.

• Harvest squashes once they’re ripe but before there’s a frost • Cut back summer fruiting raspberry canes • Look at planting fruit trees, are rooted ones are readily available at this time of year • Clean and disinfect your greenhouses now that they should be fairly empty.

• Scarify and aerate your lawns, and overseed where it’s looking thin.

N.H. Electrical Services Free Estimates

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Call Nick Hill on 07920037275 Facebook @nhelectrical75, domestic and commercial email nhelectrical75@gmail.com

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44

October, 2017

n TAKE A BREAK

PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles SUDOKU

Can you find 50 chemical elements vertically, horizontally or diagonally?

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

N U N I I J M O R U M F N I P Z A R I

T M U U C U R I U M L R T U H D D H U

I M M W T H U L I U M M I M O W I E M

T R C H E M E R C U R Y M N S I U N Q

A H O V L B S B U M G R O U P H M I E

TXT PERT

N C P N L E U E O T L A N T H A N U M

I O P B U R L R N I H I Y Z O F I M S

U B E K R Y P T O N C E C O R N O N O

M A R U I L H Q B K S A N A U I D C D

P L X T U L U H E I D B N I S U I W I

T T G J M I R L L M X C D W U M N I U

T H O R I U M V I E I Y M Z T M E E M

H E L I U M E U U U A A J I B O R O N

L V D R X R M Q M H P D N I O B I U M

3 2 2 1 4 3 4

SOLUTIONS

O I S J P D C S C A H U A R G O N R L

HOW MANY?

B N S T R O N T I U M Z I A F O A O L

Footballs 12, basketballs 15, rugby balls 8, tennis balls 5.

R A D I U M R I G B U A N B N A V G A

TXT PERT

A R S E N I C U Z I N C S E R I W E H

Across 2 Boss, 5 Organist, 7 Rancher, 9 Judge, 10 Fire Down 1 Cook, 3 Smith, 4 Actor, 6 Guard, 8 Chef

C U U J O M F N E O N O X Y G E N S T

EASY for children

WORDSEARCH Antimony, Argon, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Boron , Cadmium, Carbon, Cobalt, Copper, Curium, Erbium, Europium, Francium, Gold, Hafnium, Helium, Indium, Iodine, Iron, Krypton, Lanthanum, Lead, Mercury, Neon, Nickel, Niobium, Nobelium, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Radium, Radon, Rhenium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Sulphur, Tellurium, Thallium, Thorium, Thulium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Vanadium, Xenon, Zinc.

WORDSEARCH

HOW MANY? The sports field is covered in different kinds of balls – but how many are there of each type?

Answer above – but no peeking yet! © www.123rf.com/profile_izakowksi

This month: Occupations

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad Strontium

Clues Sulphur Across: Tellurium 2. 2677 5.Thallium 67426478 7.Thorium 7262437 9.Thulium 58343 10. 3473

Down 1. 2665 3. 76484 4. 22867 6. 48273 8. 2433

1

2

5

6

7

Tin

Titanium 2 is A, B or C 3 Uranium is D, E or F 4 Vanadium is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L Xenon

6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

3

4

8

9 10

Zinc

Shiatsu Massage Relaxing healing (fully clothed) massage useful for all sorts of conditions including back problems and feeling tired, low or anxious Derrick Purdue MRSS

NLP Life Coaching and Lightning Process courses Stuck with illness, pain, anxiety, life?

Pippa Adamson DipClinHypNLP Coach Advanced Lightning Process Practioner

NEWLEAF

Tel. 0117-9658459 www.newleaf-changes.co.uk The Fishponds Practice, Tel. 0117- 9491290 www.fishpondspractice.co.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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Providing foot health treatment in the Carol’s Foot Care comfort ofCarol yourBath own home MCFHP, MAFHP,

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n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

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Storms, shocks and blows to the head Blog 44 – Michael Jordan talks Chiropractic and Shockwave Therapy AFTER the Chiropractic success of working at the World Athletics Championships in August, Tim has passed the baton on to me for this month’s blog.

While Tim is sunbathing in the south of France, enjoying a wellearned break with his family, I was among the thunder and lightning of Maidenhead with Cleve RFC as they were playing in their first away match of the season.

Despite the narrow defeat, the ongoing dispute over head injuries continued as I had yet another concussion to assess amongst the squad. Loss of memory, blurred vision, nausea and altered balance are among the main signs of concussion which is now being watched closely by most governing bodies in sport. I asked the routine medical questions to the player after the match and cleared him for training next week. However, overlooked concussions can have a detrimental effect to someone’s mental health and it applies to people off the rugby field too.

We’ve had patients in the clinic who have had nasty falls and as part of their assessment I’ll always check for signs of concussion.

While on the subject of sport, I recently treated a good friend of mine who’s now a professional

rugby player. He came to me at the clinic back in June complaining of back pain following a muscle sprain. That sounded simple enough but the catch was the two- month deadline we had, as his pre-season training started at the beginning of August and there was no chance he was missing the first game of the season (his words not mine). Massage and rest hadn’t quite accelerated the healing process as he’d hoped.

After assessing him, it became clear that his hip wasn’t moving fully which contributed to his muscular tightness. After just over a month’s treatment including manipulation, acupuncture and ultrasound, Jacob was back in training and I sat on the sofa on Saturday watching him on Sky Sports, surreal!

So we had two new additions to the clinic this month. Firstly I should mention our new Chiropractor Jack Withey, who’s started this month after graduating as Valedictorian of his year (for those of us not educated in Latin, that means he graduated top of his class!) Both Jack and I were inspired to become a chiropractor after completing a week’s work experience with Tim and five years after our A-level we graduated with a Masters in chiropractic and were lucky enough to be offered two of the most coveted chiropractic jobs in the country, here at Cleve Chiropractic.

Secondly we added shockwave therapy to our clinical toolbox at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step.

It’s been working wonders on our

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield patients with conditions such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and achilles problems that won't go away. Shockwave is used regularly by all of the Premier League football and rugby teams and is widespread throughout elite sport medicine. It is well known for its use in breaking down gallstones and kidney stones within the NHS. It has now been proven to fix 90% of conditions such plantar fasciitis and is on the NICE guidelines for such conditions but is not widely available on the NHS. Without boring you with the details too much, radial pulse waves are absorbed by the muscle, tendon or ligament resulting in a newfound blood supply to the target area as

well as breaking down scar tissue.

The results during our first month have been fantastic, particularly for a few of the Bristol Half Marathon runners who had doubts on their fitness leading up to the race. For more details contact the clinic.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my guest blog and I look forward to Tim returning next month to read more of his unique insights!

0117 957 5388 drtimbutton@clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

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