Fishponds Voice September 2022

fishpondsvoice September, 2022 — ISSUE 90

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THE GREATER FISHPONDS AREA

GCSE success story

Railway path is open again A stretch of the Bristol to Bath Railway Path at Clay Bottom has reopened as a £1.1m improvement project nears completion.

PAGE 7 GCSE students from Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds celebrate as they pick up their results, which principal Cameron Shaw says were the best in the school's history. A-level and GCSE results round-up, pages 10-15

Transport crisis deepens TRANSPORT problems for the Fishponds area will get worse, with the loss of Bristol's Diala-Ride service and a popular electric bike hire scheme confirmed as two bus services are set to be withdrawn.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who oversees the region's transport system, has confirmed that bus operator First will axe the 5 and Y5 services.

Bristol Community Transport has stopped its Dial-a-Ride on demand service and community

minibuses, relied on by many elderly and disabled residents.

And the Big Issue e-bike rental scheme, which was popular in the Fishponds area, has also been withdrawn due to "extensive and relentless levels of vandalism".

It comes less than three months before Clean Air Zone charges for driving older vehicles into Bristol city centre are introduced.

See Pages 3 to 6

Vassall Centre plans opposed More than 80 objections from neighbours have been submitted to the council over plans to redevelop the Vassall Centre site.

PAGE 17

GP surgeries rated highly Patients are finding it harder to get through by phone but overall satisfaction with GP services in Fishponds is high.

PAGE 23

Cambelts • Clutches • Diagnostics • Tyre fitting & Much More!

MOT & REPAIR SPECIALISTS

HIGH QUALITY PARTS & WORKMANSHIP

GET YOUR FIRST MOT WITH US FOR ONLY £30!

10% OAP, NHS & Forces Discount

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

Women Friendly Garage

COLLEGE ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL BS16 2HN Tel: 0117 958 3038 Email: hrmgarage@hotmail.com

Free Collection & Delivery Service to and from your place of work or home

fishpondsvoice

2

fishpondsvoice

EDITORIAL Ken McCormick 07715 770377 news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

ADVERTISING Shaun Edwards Tel 07540 383 870 sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Linda Tanner news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk PUBLISHER Brookfield Publishing Tel 07540 383 870 sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Facebook fishpondsvoice

Twitter @fishpondsVoice Instagram fishpondsvoice

To ensure your news or letters are included, please contact us

by Wednesday September 21. Advertisers are asked to contact us by the same date.

Bristol City Council

http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000

Police

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

NHS 111

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

Anti social behaviour team

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

Environment/trading standards

Fire

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

n NEWS

Driver 'deliberately drove' at e-scooter A TEENAGER was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being knocked off an e-scooter by a car in Fishponds.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or other video footage of the incident, which happened in Vassall Road, between the Straits Parade shops and Gill Avenue in Oldbury Court, at about 11pm on July 19.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "Witnesses describe a car apparently deliberately being driven towards the man, 19, who was riding an electric scooter on the road at the time.

"The driver of the car - described as a red Skoda - failed to stop.

"The victim went to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.

"Thankfully they are not believed to be life-threatening."

Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area, and are appealing for anyone who was on Vassall Road and saw the incident - or thinks they saw the car in the moments before or afterwards - to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 172 210.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Arson attack on shop

OCTOBER DEADLINE

LOCAL INFORMATION

September, 2022

01454 868001

Well Aware

Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

A FIRE at a shop in Stapleton is being treated as suspicious by police.

The fire broke out at the Premier convenience store in Averay Road at about 12.45am on July 31.

Both the police and fire service were called out to the blaze.

A police spokesperson said CCTV enquiries were being carried out.

The police have called on anyone who was in the area and either saw anything suspicious or believes they have dashcam footage to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 182 348.

Cyclist headbutted POLICE are calling on anyone who saw a road rage incident on Muller Road to come forward.

Officers believe "a number of people" saw the assault, which took place at the junction with Filton Avenue at around 9am on July 25, and are calling on them to come forward.

The cyclist was shouted at and headbutted by the driver of a white Volkswagen Transporter van, who was white, in his early 40s and wearing a black cap and top.

Police have been going through CCTV footage and are appealing for anyone with information or video footage to call 101 and quote the crime reference 5222 176 937.

COMPLAINTS

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

A member of the

Mum’s Awards Bristol 2022 PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Fishponds Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents in Fishponds and the surrounding areas. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Brookfield Publishing on 07540 383870 or email news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk. This month 8,000 copies will be distributed in Fishponds and the local area.

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 7PM - 11PM BRISTOL MERCURE GRAND HOTEL

A night of celebrating and recognising amazing mums in Bristol Celebrity mums will be attending keep checking our socials to find out who and further info For further info please go to

www.lifecoach4mums.com

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

3

n NEWS

Axe to fall on 5 and Y5 bus services TWO bus services through Fishponds will be withdrawn next month, according to the region's Metro Mayor.

Dan Norris says the 5, which links Oldbury Court, Channons Hill, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton and Eastville to Downend and the city centre will be axed by operator First from October 8, along with the Y5, which links Fishponds to Staple Hill, Pucklechurch and Yate.

But the area could also see the return of the 47 service, which linked Fishponds to Downend and Yate several years ago.

Mr Norris said in July that the 5 and Y5, both run on a commercial basis by First, were under threat.

First declined to confirm the changes before the Voice went to print, saying it would make an announcement in early September, once the official review process was complete and final timetable changes had been submitted to the regional Traffic Commissioner.

But Mr Norris, who has responsibility for transport planning as head of the West of England Combined Authority, said the 5 and Y5 were among 11 commercial services which would be cut, along with seven 'supported' services, which Weca funds.

Mr Norris said the combined authority offered to pay for all 87 ‘supported’ bus services but a driver shortage meant operators could no longer run them all, even with public funding.

He said: "The problem of too few drivers to staff our region’s

vital bus services has gone off the Richter Scale.

"We are also living in unprecedented times, with annual inflation in the bus industry letting rip at over 40 per cent.

"These two major challenges have come together to create the perfect storm, to see commercial bus providers up-and-down the land cutting back on the services they provide."

Mr Norris, who launched a month-long public consultation called Big Choices on Buses during August, said Weca was looking at using "more costeffective" minibuses, whose drivers could be trained more quickly.

But he said this would take time, and it would be next April before funding from the government Bus Service Improvement Plan would be evident in improved timetables.

A First spokesperson said the network review was called to "assess the viability of all routes in light of changes to travel patterns and bus use postpandemic."

The spokesperson said: "Like all other bus operators in the UK, we have worked closely with

Local Dementia Sitting Service

Shields Carpentry All Carpentry and Maintenance

Do you care for a loved one but need some time out for yourself?

I WILL COME TO YOU (1.5 hours minimum)

I am an experienced dementia Carer with Care Certificate, DBS checked, one off visits or ad hoc too. Hourly rate £12, or £15 per hour weekends and bank holidays. No personal care undertaken

Contact: Suzanne Parker Tel 07387354837 To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Metro Mayor Dan Norris and South Gloucestershire councillor Claire Young talk to residents at the Big Choices on Buses meeting in Yate our local authority partners to adapt our services so they are sustainable in the long term.

“The majority of our networks will be retained, and we will work to match our resources with demand for services in order to provide the majority of our customers with the most reliable network.

"This reset comes at the same time as ongoing labour market challenges in the bus industry, which are particularly acute in the West of England and have caused unprecedented driver shortages."

If the 47 service did return it could be seen as a replacement for both the Y5 and the Y2, which went to Yate via Downend and was axed in April.

However if the 5 is not retained or replaced it would leave people in Oldbury Court without a service.

City councillor Lesley Alexander, whose Frome Vale ward includes Oldbury Court, said the number 5 had been "the bane of my life", after previously fighting to reinstate cancelled Sunday services and dealing with complaints over reliability problems.

She said: "It’s a popular service, although apparently it does not get so much support outside of Bristol. It is much used by people going to work and for people going to the doctors and dentists, as people in Oldbury Court are as near to Downend as they are to Fishponds."

The 5 also travels through the Eastville ward of Marley Bennett, who said its loss, combined with the end of Bristol Community Transport's Dial-A-Ride services, was a "huge blow".

He said: "This will lead to people being cut off from work, family, leisure and retail."

Cllr Bennett called for "urgent action" from the government to mandate a pay rise for bus drivers, expansion of training programmes and relaxation of visa restrictions to allow more drivers into the country from abroad, as well as a return of bus services to public ownership.

Weca's consultation with passengers included a series of public meetings attended by a total of 500 people, and online surveys filled in by more than 900.

The meetings heard calls for Mr Norris to be given the same power as the country's other metro mayors to charge a precept to support local public transport, on top of council tax.

But the Metro Mayor was also accused of giving bus passengers an impossible choice between reducing frequency or reliability

by Emilia Melville, of pressure group West of England Shared Transport and Active Travel Network.

• 1st & 2nd Fix • Bedrooms • Kitchens • Flooring

• Bathrooms • Fencing • Timber Decking

• All UPVC Products • Free Quotations

Call Sam on 0117 9021442 / 07799 206067 Or E-mail shieldscarpentry@hotmail.com

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

4

n NEWS COMMUNITY bus services used by hundreds of vulnerable people across Bristol have been axed.

Bristol Community Transport stopped its Dial-a-Ride service and community minibuses, which had around 600 mainly elderly and disabled users, on August 26.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said “big question marks” also hung over BCT’s 12 mainstream bus services, although the m1 metrobus, which links Stapleton with Hengrove, Bradley Stoke and Cribbs Causeway, is understood to be safe.

Most of the scheduled services serve South Bristol and North Somerset but they also include the 506, which runs from Broadmead to Southmead Hospital via Eastville.

The social enterprise announced it would "no longer be in a position to deliver" its community transport services, including Dial-a-Ride and minibuses, just three days before they were withdrawn.

The on-demand services were relied on by many people with mobility problems to go

September, 2022

End of Dial-a-Ride and minibuses as services shut on essential daily journeys, such as shopping and going to appointments.

Lynn McClelland, the chief executive of BCT’s parent organisation HCT Group, said: "We understand just how important these services are for the people that use them and it is the last thing we wanted to do.

“The move follows a period where we have been rocked by multiple challenges – a period of difficult trading prior to the pandemic, the financial impact of the pandemic itself, followed immediately by the current surge in fuel prices and the cost-ofliving crisis.

“This has led to a position where continued delivery of these services is unsustainable.

“We have tried to the very last minute to find an alternative operator for these

services but, sadly, we have been unsuccessful, which means these services will now come to an end.”

Mr Norris, who has regional transport powers as the head of the West of England Combined Authority, said: "HCT, the owner of Bristol Community Transport, is in trouble nationwide and has also recently pulled out of running bus services in Yorkshire and is selling off its London operations.

“When the West of England Combined Authority became aware of the problematic situation it urgently contacted other bus companies to see if they would take over the running of both the buses and the community transport.

“Progress is being made on the main bus routes, including the flagship m1, and we are

MAL R O N S A N E OP National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme

hopeful that some of the other services will be taken over by other providers, too, to provide continuity.

“There is also some limited interest from community transport providers to take over those services going forward but, sadly, not immediately.”

A spokesperson for First West of England said: “The m1 service is operated by HCT under contract with First and we expect the service to remain operating.

“We recognise this is an important route for Bristol and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that it remains so.”

Bristol's Liberal Democrats have called on WECA to consider buying Bristol Community Transport to protect services and jobs.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS DIESEL SPECIALIST CLEANING AIRCON REGAS AND REPAIRS ELECTRICAL REPAIRS FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY FREE COURTESY VEHICLES WOMEN & PENSIONER FRIENDLY FLEETWORK

0117 939 5555 www.sure-car.co.uk

*10% OFF labour when you mention this advert

Unit 1 Stoke View Road, Fishponds Road, BS16 3AE Tel: 0117 9395 555 Email: admin@sure-car.co.uk OPEN: Monday - Friday: 08.30 - 17.30 Saturday: 08.30 - 12.30 | Sunday: Closed *must be mentioned at time of booking

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

fishpondsvoice

5

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Serving Bristol for over 85 years BRISTOL Carpet Manufacturing Company Ltd is one of the largest retail carpet showrooms in the area. Situated on Chapel Lane in Fishponds, they stock over 100,000sq m of Carpet, Vinyl and LVT flooring for immediate delivery and fitting. For your convenience they also have a large free car park.

A family-owned business, Bristol Carpet Manufacturing Company Ltd have been supplying flooring to the Bristol area for over 85 years.

During a recent renovation of a local public house, a section of floor was uncovered and it showed that that floor had been laid on 5th May 1937 by the father and grandfather of Bristol Carpet's current Directors. This date was the coronation day of King George VI. The family were the first people in Bristol to sell discount carpets in the 1960’s. This evolved into a cash and carry operation called Bells Cash and Carry with the ethos strong in the company today.

Bristol Carpet Manufacturing Company ltd started manufacturing carpets on Crews Hole Road, St George in the early 1980’s and at one time had 12 Axminster Carpet looms which had been purchased from southern Ireland, dismantled there and shipped to Bristol.

The factory shop was opened in July 1985 with one of the company aims being to cut out the middle man and sell directly to the public. They believe they were the first company in Bristol to make carpets and sell them directly to the public.

With an eye to the future, and with sustainability in mind, they are one of only a few retailers to offer the Sedna range of carpets.

Sedna® carpet is soft, luxurious, and durable.

It is made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon - a yarn made from recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea. Sedna® help to save thousands of beautiful sea creatures like sea turtles, dolphins, and seals that will no longer get stuck in this life-threatening waste.

Bristol Carpet Manufacturing Company Ltd pride themselves on the personal touch and are very happy to supply any flooring from large contract job to a residential bathroom. Their knowledgeable staff will help you make the right choice on your new flooring with advice on everything including the right choice of underlay which, importantly, could help with insulating your home to help keep your energy bills down.

6-10 Chapel Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, Bristol, BS5 7EY Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday / Bank Holidays 10am-4pm www.bristolcarpet.co.uk email: bristolcarpets@gmail.com Tel: 0117 9517717

A family run business for over 85 years, supplying and fitting quality flooring in the Bristol and surrounding areas

One of the largest stockists of Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate and LVT in the South West Massive choice of quality carpets and remnants Fitting service available with expert fitters Removal & Disposal of existing carpets Delivery service available (Charges apply) FREE large car park FREE measuring & planning service FREE NO obligation estimates FREE sample service Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday / Bank Holidays 10 am - 4pm

Please ask one of our experienced team for details Chapel Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, Bristol BS5 7EY Tel: (0117) 951 7717 email: bristolcarpets@gmail.com web: www.bristolcarpet.co.uk facebook: @BristolCarpets To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

6

n NEWS

'Relentless' vandalism halts bike rental scheme

ELECTRIC bikes which were a common sight on Fishponds streets have been withdrawn from public rentals due to "extensive and relentless" vandalism of the machines.

The Big Issue e-bike scheme was launched by the social enterprise of the same name, best known for its street newspaper, and Norwegian 'micromobility' company ShareBike to provide an alternative to short car journeys and Voi scooters.

It created ten jobs for long-term unemployed people on the bike's maintenance crews, travelling around the city to change batteries, carry out repairs and move bikes.

The operator had said that Fishponds was one of its most popular areas, largely due to a deal with UWE which saw many hired around the Glenside campus on Blackberry Hill, with other areas, including Hillfields, also seeing frequent hires.

But in July the Big Issue warned vandalism was "putting the scheme at risk", with baskets being ripped off and bikes being stolen only for thieves to find they could not pedal them without electric assistance and dumping them, with the areas around the river Avon, Southmead and Hartcliffe worst affected.

Big Issue e-bikes were a common sight And in August the firm said it had been "left with no choice" but to pause its open, public rental e-bike service.

The operator said: "Since we launched the service six months ago, we have experienced extensive and relentless levels of vandalism to our e-bikes.

"We have taken many measures to try to overcome this issue, including making changes to the design of the e-bikes and trying to work with the local authorities, the

police and our subscriber community.

"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the vandalism has not reduced.

"Having begun with a fleet of over 400, we currently have around 200 e-bikes on the street and approximately 10% of these are damaged every day.

"In practice, this means that our entire fleet is vandalised every two weeks. " "We have more e-bikes destroyed in Bristol in one week than in all our facilities combined anywhere else in the world.

"This is not a decision we have made lightly, and it is disappointing that the actions of a minority of people have put us in this position.

"Bristol was chosen as the first city in the UK to offer the service because of its green credentials and aspirations."

Subscribers have been told that they will be automatically refunded for the remaining time on their subscriptions.

BigIssue eBikes is now planning to provide an alternative service, offering businesses long-term rental of its electric bikes, including maintenance and repairs, and is keeping its customer care centre open.

It is encouraging interested businesses to get in touch at sales@bigissue.bike.

REFURBISHMENT REPAIR REPLACEMENT

OF WROUGHT IRON GATES & RAILINGS Affordable and Professional Refurbishment, Repair & Replacement of wrought Iron Gates and Railings in Bristol, Bath and Surrounding Areas.

For all enquires please contact us for a no obligation quote Phone: 0117 990 2793

Email: refurb@gatekeep.co.uk Website: www.gatekeep.co.uk

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

7

n NEWS

... but there's good news for Railway Path users A POPULAR stretch of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path has reopened, as a £1.1 million improvement project nears completion.

Transport charity Sustrans and the city council have been overseeing the project to widen and resurface some of the busiest stretches of the path, from Clay Bottom through Whitehall and Easton to St Philip's.

Part of the work involved closing the Clay Bottom 'wiggle', where the path goes through a sharp S-bend near the Fishponds Trading Estate, to create segregated paths for cyclists and pedestrians, and seating.

The stretch closed at the beginning of July and reopened in mid-August, with a colourcoded red lane for cyclists, light grey footpath and improved access from Rose Green Road.

The verge has also been widened to improve visibility at an area Sustrans' James Cleeton said was the scene of "countless collisions, near misses and arguments" in the past.

Cyclist Eric Downey, who has been commuting from Fishponds to Bedminster on the cycle path for 11 years, welcomed the improvements.

He said: "I love the cycle path, as it only takes me 20 minutes to get to or from work and it allows me to start the day with a big

Fishponds cyclist Eric Downey at the newly-improved Clay Bottom 'wiggle' smile and warm glow.

"I have occasionally driven in and it can take over an hour on a bad day. I don’t mind the rain, as the path is then ‘surprisingly’ quieter!

"I want to thank Sustrans South, especially James Cleeton, for securing the funding to make the significant improvements to the path.

"Yes, some people might have been a little upset about the length of time it has taken, but we will now all benefit from the

Attend one of our FREE construction breakfast or lunch workshops

improvements."

Consultations on the project started three years ago, when the £1.1m funding for the scheme was announced.

Work started in January and the final closures are expected to be lifted in early September, at the St Philip's Causeway underpass, Bruce Road access and areas needing final resurfacing.

A Sustrans spokesperson said there would also be some "finishing touches" to do, including signs, ground markings, accessibility improvements and planting, which should be carried out without "substantial disruption".

The spokesperson added: "It's great to hear that the improvements are being enjoyed!

"In the autumn, we will be asking for volunteers from the community to come and join us to do some planting along the improved stretch.

"We hope this will be a great way to bring people together, get involved in finishing off the project, and help to make it an even more enjoyable space for everyone to use."

Details of the planting and remaining works will be shared online at sustrans.org. uk/bbrp-project.

code Scan the QiRster to reg

BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE BUILD YOUR NETWORK BUILD YOUR FUTURE FREE SUPPORT for small and medium sized construction business across the West of England Funded by

Delivered by

SOUTH WEST

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

8

n TURNERS VISION

Common eye problems to look out for

common eye symptoms Sore eyes Eye strain Glaucoma

Blurry vision Red eye

whatever your eye care needs, our expert eye care team are ready to help you at both of our practices.

768 Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS16 3UA

57 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4JT

0117 965 4434

0117 962 2474

Marta Bochenek-Cutler

eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

MANY eye problems can be easily and quickly dealt with by your local specialist Optometrist at the Opticians.

Here we list some of the most common eye conditions and symptoms to look out for and some self-help techniques.

Red eye – red eye can have many causes from allergies and conjunctivitis to lack of sleep and too much time in front of a screen. Dehydration can also be a factor – a lack of water in the body can lead to a lack of lubrication for the eye, causing it to appear bloodshot. At Turners Opticians, we see lots of red eye cases, with patients often complaining of soreness and irritation.

Whilst red eyes can self resolve, if moisturising eye drops don’t quickly provide relief please avoid the temptation to rub your eyes, take out any contacts you might be wearing and book to see us for urgent eye care!

Eye strain – intense eye use from driving a long distance or staring at your phone can strain your eyes and leave you feeling tired. Glare from your screen, bad posture and draughts can all make it worse.

It’s usually not serious but prevention is always better than cure so I’d advise: • Remember to blink while you’re using your screen (sounds obvious but people working on a laptop or phone do not blink as regularly as they normally would) • Screens should always be at a comfortable distance and not three inches from your face!

• Check your surroundings – staring at a screen dazzled by direct sunlight is not ideal • Remember to take a break, look away from your screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes • Try to have contrast between text and background to avoid working your eyes too hard In very rare cases, eye strain can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment. See your optician if you are repeatedly getting eye strain and the steps above aren’t helping.

Blurry vision – blurry vision is common and usually nothing to worry about and may be due to a change in prescription, but it can also be a sign of a more significant change such as cataract. Other common causes include eye strain (including dry eye) and high blood sugar levels. You must contact a doctor or optometrist the same day if you get sudden loss of vision as this could have a serious underlying cause.

Glaucoma – this is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It is most often caused by fluid and pressure building up in the front part of the eye. It’s usually found in people in their 70s and 80s but can be diagnosed in anyone, particularly the over 40s.

Glaucoma has been likened to the thief that comes in the night, developing slowly over years and many people do not realise they have glaucoma. It’s often only picked up during a routine eye exam.

Glaucoma can lead to loss of peripheral vision if not diagnosed early.

Whatever your eye care needs, our expert optometrists and eye care team at Turners Opticians are ready to help you. Please call on 0117 965 4434 or 0117 9622 474 to book a time to come in. You can also book online at your convenience. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Former physiotherapist Marta joined Turners Opticians having re-trained as an optician. She has a particular interest in helping young patients with myopia (short sight).

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

9

n NEWS

Disposable BBQ causes big grass fire A SWATHE of grassland in front of one of Bristol's best-known buildings went up in flames after a disposable barbecue was left burning in scorching temperatures.

The fire blackened a large area in front of the Dower House on the Stoke Park estate – sometimes referred to as Bristol's 'front garden' due to its prominent position overlooking the M32.

Firefighters were called at 4.25pm on August 11, during the recent heatwave, and used hoses and grass beaters to put out the flames.

An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said two crews were needed to tackle the flames.

The spokesperson said: "On arrival, crews found a large grass fire affecting an area of approximately 150 metres by 100 metres.

"Using two high-pressure hose reels and grass beaters, crews were able to extinguish

Firefighters damping down the fire in front of the Dower House Picture: Steve England the fire. disposable BBQs." "The cause of the blaze was The fire broke out on a day determined to have been an when temperatures peaked at unattended barbecue."

31C (87.8F) and during hot, dry Naturalist Steve England, weather saw the overall number whose picture captured the of calls to the fire service, in extent of the damage, said: the week from August 8 to 14, "The speedy response by the reach 1,306 - 658 more than the fire brigade and public response previous week. stopped a serious issue, also the Firefighters had to deal with fact that the hay was cut and more than three times as many removed and soil raked over, grass fires during the two recent making a fire break. heatwaves as they did during the "This is a reason not to have same period last year: between

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

July 18 and August 14, crews were called to 117 incidents in fields, parks, roadsides and other grassy areas, compared to 33 on the same days in 2021.

They included a fire in Rousham Road, Eastville, on August 9 involving bushes and grass, which is believed to have started accidentally, an outof-control bonfire containing aerosols, wood and foliage in Speedwell on August 3 and a grass fire on the Lawrence Hill roundabout on the morning of August 13.

Disposable barbecues were blamed for two other blazes, one of which set bushes on fire in Stapleton Road, Easton, on the afternoon of August 10.

The other set fire to part of Clifton Down, near Circular Road, on the afternoon of August 7, burning a 100 square metre area of grass.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton advised people to continue to avoid lighting fires while dry conditions continue.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

10

September, 2022

Hard work pays off for GCSE students Bristol Metropolitan Academy THE teenagers queuing to collect their results at Bristol Met could have been forgiven for feeling anxious.

Despite missing months of school during two disrupted years of their education, having to "constantly adapt and react" to changes, they had sat exams this year amid talk of grades being lowered nationally.

But the school says this year's results were "excellent", with more than 80% of students achieving a pass grade of 4 in both English and Maths.

Principal Cameron Shaw said: "This is the first year of 'back to normal' exams in three years, although it's not been a normal education for these young people.

"The last time they had an uninterrupted year of learning was when they were in Year 8 and they had a very disrupted education in year 9 and 10.

"A lot of schools will be comparing their results to 2019 and ignoring two years of teacher-assessed grades.

IT was a day of nerves, excitement, celebrations and some tears as the first year of GCSE students to sit formal, national exams since the start of the pandemic collected their results.

After two years of teacher-assessed results, candidates and schools were warned that this year's overall grades would not be as high as in 2021 - but at least two schools serving children from the area said they had seen their best results ever.

"Our 2019 grades were our best ever. They then went up in 2020 and 21, but have gone up again for 2022, so not only are they an improvement on our last set of formal exams, they're an improvement on the teacher assessments.

"We're really proud of our young people."

Mr Shaw said this year's GCSEs had been slightly different to pre-pandemic, with exams in some subjects modified to reflect the fact that pupils had missed "significant chunks" of school.

Advanced notice was given of some of the topics which would be examined but Mr Shaw said that, contrary to some claims being made, children were not given any access to papers in advance and the exams were not made easier and the marking was not more lenient.

The expectation was that grades would be

down this year. What we're most proud of is ours are not. They've not only not dropped, they have increased again.

"They are testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our students, their families and, of course, the staff in the academy. ”

Bristol Brunel Academy AT Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell, the theme of the results was continuing improvement - with some exceptional success stories to tell.

Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school, said the academy was continuing its "journey towards excellence".

Bristol Met success stories Natasha Symonds, from Eastville, achieved four grade 9 GCSEs, three 8s, two 7s and two 6s.

She is heading to St Mary Redcliffe Sixth Form Centre to study A-levels in maths, law, psychology and sociology, and an extended project qualification.

Natasha was most happy with her 9s in maths and further maths.

She joked: "I went to the maths transition day and it was really full of boys - the grade 9s will help me not feel scared about going in to that class!"

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Abdirisaq Abdi, from Eastville, achieved one grade 8, seven 7s and one 6.

He is going to North Bristol Post-16 centre to study A-levels in computer science, maths and economics.

Abdirisaq was most happy with his grade 8 in computer science, which is his main interest.

He said: "I'm really pleased."

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Eren Tekin, from Fishponds, achieved two grade 7s, three 6s and five 5s.

He is going to St Brendan's college to study A-levels in computers science, economics and religion & philosophy.

Eren said: "I didn't revise much, except for English, but I got what I wanted!"

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022 The federation said: "BBA have eight years of consistent improvement across our exam outcomes."

Overall, 67% of students achieved grades of 9-4 in both English and Maths, up 10% from 2019, with 48% securing 9-5 in those key subjects, up 15% from 2019.

The federation said: "Students have enjoyed considerable success across the exceptionally broad range of subjects offered at BBA - in particular history, technology, business, art and English have all performed well."

Among the high achievers were Talha Ahmed, who achieved eight grade 9s and a grade 8, Amy Frankcom, who achieved four 9s, four 8s and a 7, Aliyah Hussain, who achieved five 9s, two 7s and a 6, and Taliyah Twynam, who achieved two 9s, five 8s and a 7.

Principal Jon Jones said: "We would like to congratulate all our students for their examination results.

"This is a team effort - we know how hard everyone has worked to achieve these results, from our teachers and staff to our parents and carers in support of our fabulous students.

"We feel so proud of our class of 2022, the first cohort back to complete full exams following the pandemic.

"This cohort of students exemplify ‘The Brunel Way’ and have shown how, through hard work and dedication, they can achieve exceptional things.

"We look forward to welcoming many of our students back to our CLF Post 16 provision."

Fairfield High School AT Fairfield High School, GCSE students were praised for their "excellence across a range of subjects" despite the challenges of learning through the pandemic.

More than one in every three GCSE grades (35.4%) awarded to candidates from the school in Horfield, which draws many of its students from Eastville, were grade 7 or above - A or higher under the previous marking system.

One student secured ten grade 9s, which the school described as "notably exceptional".

Principal Nick Lewis said: “We are extremely proud of our Year 11s. They have achieved great results. These achievements are even greater when we consider their impact on the school and wider community.

"Many students reached standards well above those that might have been expected when they started at FHS. FHS prides itself on recognising the success of all students, regardless of starting point.

"They leave not just with wonderful results but an education that prepares them for life. The support of parents/guardians and staff has been instrumental in students gaining good grades and I would like to thank them for all they have done, they have gone above and beyond. As our students start their next chapter in life, I want to wish them all the best for the future."

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

fishpondsvoice

11

Fairfield High School students celebrate their GCSEs

Montpelier High School pupils Izabella Steele, Sara Saleem, Nicole Steele and Millicent Phillips-Hammond with Principal Kerry McCullagh

MONTPELIER High School was another school to declare its GCSE results the best ever.

Year 11 GCSE candidates achieved an average grade of 6.59, which the school said was higher than in any previous year.

Overall, 18% of grades were the highest grade 9, with some subjects going further: half of all further maths grades and a third of biology, French and music grades were 9.

Across all pupils, 94% of grades were 4 or above and 89% 5 or above.

Among the highest achievers were Lauren Sockett, who achieved ten grade 9s, and Phoebe Aubrey, Hannah Connor, Molly Fenwick-Moore and Isabel Mathew, who all achieved nine grade 9s.

Twins Izabella and Nicole Steele achieved 18 top grades between them: Izabella had eight 9s and two 8s, while Nicole had two 9s, three 8s and four 7s.

Two students gained seven 9s, three

gained six 9s and two had five 9s among their results.

Among a year group which had seen its school experience "significantly impacted" by the pandemic, with much of their Year 10 studies taking place remotely during lockdown, some students had an even more direct impact from the pandemic.

Megan Hart-Jones suffered from long Covid throughout her exams, which the school said left her fatigued and struggling to revise.

However Megan managed to completed all her exams, finishing with "fantastic" results, including three 9s and five 8s.

Montpelier High School, formerly Colston's Girls' School, is a non-selective fully comprehensive girls’ school.

Principal Kerry McCullagh said: "There is something very special about MHS students.

They throw their heart and soul into everything they do, whether it’s championing a global cause, powering through a pandemic or focusing on their studies, this group of young people is unstoppable.

"They have all absolutely smashed it - with results they should feel extremely proud of. I cannot wait to see what they do next.”

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

Montpelier High School

September, 2022

12

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Personalised learning plan for your child

R

EGULARS to Downend High Street will have noticed that we opened the doors of our new premises at the start of this year. With additional teaching space, we’re really pleased to be able to offer in centre English and maths tuition to even more of our local students, alongside our ongoing online provision. Thanks to our parents for supporting us in the move, as well as to those who have called in to simply wish us well!

I first opened the Downend branch of the internationally renowned Kip McGrath franchise six years ago and it has been a joy to witness so many young people grow in confidence, build self-esteem and achieve their potential. As qualified teachers with years of experience, our tutors are able to bring out the best in students who are struggling to keep up, those who need support to stay ‘on track’ as well as those who are looking to excel beyond their year level.

Some of our students come to us because they are preparing for exams, including Entrance Exams, SATS and GCSEs. As we embark on a new school year, it’s the perfect time to get started with additional support for your child’s education. We offer a free assessment where we identify your child’s

strengths and weaknesses, after which your child is matched to a specialist tutor who will devise a personalised learning plan to meet their needs. Underpinning everything we do is the Kip McGrath ethos that ‘all children can progress if given the right support’.

To set up a free assessment or to chat to us about how we can support your child, please call us on 0117 373 8367, pop in to our centre at 23 Badminton Road or email us at bristolnorth@ kipmcgrath.co.uk.

Visit kipmcgrath.co.uk to find out more.

BRISTOL NORTH - 0117 373 8367 23 Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 6BB kipmcgrath.co.uk/bristol-north

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

13

n EDUCATION

Colston’s students exceed expectations

PUPILS at Colston’s School celebrated "excellent" results in A-level, GCSE and vocational exams.

The independent school in Stapleton, which has relaunched as Collegiate School in the new academic year, said performance had "exceeded expectations", after the government announced that this year’s grades would be between the last set of nationally-examined results from 2019 and last year's teacherassessed grades.

The school's upper sixth formers achieved 54% of A-level grades at A or A*, 80% of A-level grades at A*-B, and 47% of CTEC and BTEC grades at distinction or distinction*, with 30% of students achieving the equivalent of AAA or better.

Headmaster Jeremy McCullough said: "We are aware that this cohort has been anxiously waiting for their results, their first set of actual public examinations having had their GCSEs cancelled, and so it

Colston's A-level candidates receive their results has been a delight to see so many happy faces.

"We are delighted that the vast majority of them have secured their first-choice university course and a number have secured access to competitive apprenticeships."

GCSE results from Year 11s again "exceeded expectation" following the government grading announcement, with top grade 9s making up 17% of all results, 58% of grades at 7 to 9

and almost one in four students achieving all their grades at 7 or above.

The majority of the Year 11s are returning as sixth formers in September, and will be joined by new arrivals from other schools.

Mr McCullough said: "While it is important to remember that our students always learn far more than simply what is required to pass exams, it is certainly very rewarding to see them achieve such good

examination results.

"This cohort have faced a number of very real challenges during the past two years but they have, with the amazing support of their teachers, risen to all of these challenges and have reaped the rewards of their hard work.

"By returning results higher than might have been expected following the government’s direction to lower results this year, they have demonstrated just how well they have coped with the academic challenges presented.

"We know that these brilliant young people have also excelled in sport, music, drama and other areas too.

"In addition, their holistic education will have helped them develop a great many other personal qualities, such as resilience and determination, that will stand them in good stead for the future."

We are Collegiate JOIN US AT OUR NEXT WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2022

Visit collegiate.org.uk to register Collegiate School, Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BJ Telephone: 0117 992 3194 Email: admissions@collegiate.org.uk

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

14

n EDUCATION

A-level and BTEC success is celebrated A-LEVEL and BTEC students are looking towards future courses or careers after receiving their results following the first national exams for three years.

This summer's Year 13 school and sixth form college candidates were sitting formal exams for the first time: their GCSEs in 2020 were cancelled because of the pandemic.

They also faced comparisons with grades awarded to the classes of 2020 and 2021 using assessments.

Nevertheless sixth form and college leaders said this year's students had achieved "excellent" results overall.

At Cabot Learning Federation Post 16 sixth form, based at the John Cabot Academy site, Kath Cooper said results had "exceeded expectations".

She said: "We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students.

"We’ve had some significant successes through really high challenge and lots of barriers that our students have faced.

"So many of our students are moving on to extremely positive destinations, including a range from Oxford, Bristol, Manchester and London universities, along with various degree apprenticeships. "This is a very

Jamie Honeywill is heading to Oxford University exiting time for their future and we couldn’t be prouder of all they have achieved."

At St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, students achieved a pass rate of 97%, with 59% of Level 3 BTEC and Applied General courses either Distinction or Distinction*.

More than 500 St Brendan’s students applied to university, and the college said

the majority will be going to their first choice.

They include Jamie Honeywill, a former Bristol Metropolitan Academy pupil from Fishponds, who secured A* grades in computer science, maths and further maths, and an A in physics, and is heading to Oxford University to study computer science.

The college said a record number of students had secured apprenticeships, in fields including accounting, law, business and engineering, taking up employment with companies including Rolls-Royce, Grant Thornton, the NHS, Ministry of Defence and BT. St Brendan’s principal Marian Curran said: "This year our BTEC and A level benchmarks were higher than in 2019 and in some cases were higher than teacherassessed grades in 2021. This is against a national backdrop where results were meant to be at a mid-way point between 2021 and 2019.

"Our students have done extremely well and we are proud of every single one of them."

Montpelier High School’s coeducational sixth form, V6, said its results

OPEN EVENT Tuesday 18th October 5.45pm - 7.45pm

Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form at 5.45pm and 6.00pm for Year 11 students choosing a Sixth Form place for 2023.

RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | CURIOSITY | RESILIENCE To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022 had been "fantastic", with one in ten grades at the top A*, 30% A*-A and 55% A*-B or above.

The overall pass rate at A-level was 98%, with 77% of grades at A*-C. Among the many high achievers was Katy Thackray, who is heading to Cambridge University to read computer science after achieving four A*s.

Jennifer Crossley achieved three A* grades and an A, and will read chemistry with international study at Manchester University, while Alice Mason-Flucke will study civil engineering at Southampton University after securing three A* grades.

Bristol University is one of the sponsors of the school and among a number of students heading there to study is Aamina Bashir, who will study dentistry after achieving A* 2A grades.

Principal Kerry McCullagh said: “This cohort of Year 13s has been a real inspiration to everyone at MHS. "Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our students worked with resilience and supported each other, remaining optimistic and good humoured throughout."

Colleges serving students from the area say they have achieved some "outstanding" results.

At City of Bristol College, director of further education Pasquale Fasulo said: "Students have worked exceptionally hard this year and we are very proud of their

Jennifer Crossley, pictured with Montpelier principal Kerry McCullagh, is going to Manchester University achievements.

"A large percentage of our A Level and advanced vocational students will progress to their first-choice university, with some staying with us to study their higher education course, or going directly into employment."

The college reported an increasing number of students taking up a higher

15 apprenticeship, to combine learning with the start of their new careers, and said it was working with hundreds of employers to help find them roles.

At South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), 69% of students achieved grades A*-C, with an overall pass rate of 97%.

The college said highlights included 73% of physical education students receiving A*-B grades, 70% A*-B for biology and 66% A*-B in psychology.

Assistant principal Mark Anthony Jones said: "The past two years have been exceptionally challenging for students, teachers and the wider community, but SGS Sixth Form students are celebrating some truly outstanding results.

“Our students have made exceptional progress and proved that through hard work, commitment and ambition, you can and will realise your dreams."

At Digitech Studio School in Warmley, 87% of students on media, art and IT courses achieved at least a merit, with everyone passing.

All students at creative industries college Boomsatsuma achieved a qualification, with 62% awarded a distinction or higher, including 70% of acting students, and half of all dance students achieving the highest distinction * grade.

Director Mark Curtis said: "These results speak for themselves."

OPEN EVENT Thursday 6th October 4:00pm - 8.00pm

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Please see our website to book your place www.montpschool.org

YEAR 7

RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | CURIOSITY | RESILIENCE

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

16

n NEWS

Michael's quirky tales raise cash for charity

Flat closed over 'criminal activity'

A STAPLETON grandfather has had a collection of his children's bedtime stories published to raise money for charity.

Michael Mackriel originally wrote the stories as birthday or Christmas presents for his grandchildren but has now collected them in a book, the proceeds of which will go to disability charity Mencap.

He said: "Having been totally bored by the stories my grandchildren brought home from school, I decided to do better, writing stories that encompassed the wonderful world of children’s imagination, where anything is possible."

Michael Mackriel with his Michael, who has lived in Stapleton for 12 years, said he decided to give all of book his royalties to Mencap, which provides support and advice and campaigns on behalf of people with learning disabilities, because his late wife worked for many years with disabled children.

The book, which is called Eleven Quirky Bedtime Stories and includes illustrations, is published by the Choir Press and is available from bigger shops and online sellers, including Amazon, the Book Depository and Barnes & Noble.

POLICE have won a court order to shut a flat in Speedwell after complaints of "racially-aggravated language, drug dealing and fighting".

The tenant of the flat at La Maison in Deans Drive now faces eviction, after the housing association which manages it started legal action to regain possession.

Police successfully applied for a three-month closure order in July after A police community support officer seals "reports of drug use and up the flat other criminal activity".

A spokesperson said: "Since April we have received calls regarding racially-aggravated language, drug dealing and fighting relating to a residential address in La Maison, Deans Drive."

The police neighbourhood policing team worked with the city council's anti-social behaviour team, legal services, and landlords Sanctuary Housing to submit a closure order application to Bristol Magistrates Court, which was granted on July 26.

Neighbourhood Inspector Kris Harris said: "We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported this application by providing statements and information about what has been going on in the area in recent months.

"They told us antisocial behaviour was persistent and it was having a huge toll on their day-to-day lives.

"It is absolutely unacceptable for people to feel unsafe in their own home. It’s for that reason that the application was made to magistrates and we’re glad it was approved.

"We’d urge anyone who finds themselves experiencing similar issues in their neighbourhood to make sure they report it to police, because your concerns will be taken seriously and we can help.

"We are grateful for the housing association’s support in progressing this matter so that hopefully it will make a positive difference to the community."

Sanctuary Housing Area Manager Gael Auton said: "We take all complaints of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously.

"Everyone should have the right to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, and we are committed to working with our partners to take action whenever problems occur."

NO AUDITIONS AND PERFORMING REGULARLY

DOWNEND GROUP STARTS MONDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 7:30-9PM AT DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE

OVERNDALE ROAD, BS16 2RW

Groups now fully open

Mondays 6.30pm & Tuesdays 9.30am

The Beechwood Club, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3TR Tel: Claire 07791574353

JOIN BRISTOL SHOW CHOIR THIS AUTUMN!

bristolshowchoir@gmail.com To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

17

n NEWS

Residents object to Vassall Centre plans MORE than 80 people living near the Vassall Centre in Oldbury Court have written to the city council to object to redevelopment plans.

Bristol Charities, which bought the site last year, submitted plans during the summer to demolish the current centre – built during the Second World War as a military hospital – and replace it with a new "accessible multi-generational neighbourhood and disability centre".

The plans, which the charity unveiled earlier this year during a lengthy pre-application consultation, include a total of 90 new affordable homes for older people, families and smaller households, as well as specialist supported housing for eight people with disabilities, office space for the existing tenant organisations, a nursery, cafe and community space.

It has submitted plans for the first phase of the scheme, on the western half of the site, to Bristol City Council, with the second phase to be submitted at a later date.

A total of 85 objections were posted on the council's website in the month after the plans were published on July 26.

Opponents said the three-storey buildings would "dominate" and block sunlight from the surrounding two-storey homes, would affect privacy by overlooking rooms and gardens, and were not in keeping with the surrounding area.

Many people also raised the issue of overcrowding on existing nearby roads due to "inadequate

on-site parking" - the plans indicate there will be a net loss of 52 spaces, from 92 to 40, with the number of disabled spaces cut from 18 to 11.

Other objections mentioned the density of the development, "oppressive" buildings, noise during construction and "inadequate" safeguards for restricting antisocial behaviour in the new centre.

One neighbour said: "I have no objection to the focus of the plans: the provision of local housing for the less welloff, facilities for local groups meetings, etc. It is the height of the buildings and the problems of safety and parking that I ask you to re-visit and amend."

Another said: "In recent months double yellow lines have been enforced and, with the Oldbury Court Estate park now charging for parking, it is already difficult to park near our homes, due to park visitors parking on surrounding streets to avoid paying."

One objector who lived "directly opposite" a proposed three storey building said it would affect "our privacy and light".

Another described the existing Vassall Centre as a "vibrant hub in the community", and said redevelopment would "remove the history and dampen community spirit".

A neighbour who lives behind the site told the council the sloping ground would make problems of overshadowing and overlooking worse, saying they have "had privacy at the back of our properties for many years

and believe we are entitled to privacy going forward".

A flyer has been circulated from "concerned local residents in Gill Avenue, Little Hayes, Symington Road, Vassall Road and Willow Bed Close" encouraging people to write to the council. Objections have also been submitted on behalf of two of the centre's 14 tenants, the Driving and Mobility Centre (West of England) and the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living.

The Driving and Mobility Centre objection said its proposed new provision was "inadequate" as it did not include a "covered weatherproof mobility facility", which was essential for its operations, and office space was reduced.

The WECIL objection said that the plans would contain "no comparable accessible conference facilities" to those currently on site, which were the

Take a fresh look at caring with Home Instead Unrushed, relationship focused care 1 hour visits Matched to clients in your own area Up to £14 per hour Variety of work patterns available

5 DOORS FITTED FOR £479

First class training & career development

ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL‘SUFFOLK’DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST

12% Holiday pay & a pension scheme

Interested? Call in for a coffee & chat at our

Additional Doors available

DOOR EXPRESS

08000 973333 - 07767 376770

OPEN DAY

Thursday 8th September, 10.30am-2.30pm at 77B North Street, Downend BS16 5SE

A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR FITTING ORDER DATE

This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27” Other sizes available for a small extra charge

www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

"heart and unique selling point of the Vassall Centre to date".

Just one comment had been listed in support of the application, from neighbours who said they "support the project" but opposed any new site access near their homes.

When it unveiled the final plans in July, Bristol Charities stressed that groups currently using the centre would not lose any facilities they currently have, including space for conferences.

Chief executive Julian Mines said at the time that Bristol Charities had "consulted extensively with the disability organisations at the centre, local residents and the wider community, listened carefully and revised our approach in response to their views and concerns".

The plans can be viewed by searching for application 22/03476/F on the planning section of the council's website.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Call 0117 435 0063 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

18

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Get a FREE Will and support Bristol Children's Hospital We are so lucky to have Bristol Children’s Hospital covering our area. It provides an unrivalled level of service when our youngsters are most in need. The Grand Appeal charity covers the many extras that the NHS cannot – making life a bit more bearable for sick children and their families.

Michelle Baden-Daintree

This September our local Will experts – Simpson Solicitors – have again teamed up with The Grand Appeal.

The scheme means you can make a donation to support the Children’s Hospital in your Will. With nothing to pay now, even giving a small percentage of what you leave behind could make a tremendous difference to help future generations of local sick children.

To thank you, under the scheme, Simpson Solicitors will prepare a Will (or two mirror Wills for a couple) absolutely free to you. You will still receive their full awardwinning service. They hope that you will then leave a generous legacy in your Will for the Grand Appeal. As a further thank you, if you also need Additional Trust Protection or Powers of Attorney,

Melissa Witter

Sigrid Grind

Simpsons will take 30% off the usual full cost.

Michelle Baden-Daintree who runs Simpsons’ local office says: “I hope many people will take advantage of the scheme and leave a generous gift in their Will to the Grand Appeal. Call our friendly team on 0117 960 8594 if you would like to make or update your Will under this scheme. By leaving a donation in your Will, you can gift a sick child a brighter future.”

Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood

0117 960 8594 message@simpsonslawuk.com

FREE WILL REVIEW

WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT REMEMBERED FOR LEAVING BEHIND LEGAL PROBLEMS Simpson Solicitors’ award winning team will help you do the job properly.

Protecting those you most care about with Wills and Powers of Attorney.

At the FREE review meeting we’ll take as long as you need to consider what is best for your particular situation. Then we offer clear fixed prices with no hidden costs.

SPE

R FFE

FF O % of 2

CIA

LO

20full pricfeAttorney o ers Pow

On your own Your Will is how you decide who will inherit from you.

Living Together Avoid disputes and provide for your partner in the

way you want.

Parent Wills In case the worst happened, provide for children under 18 and decide who you would want to raise them.

Later Life Wills Protect your family’s inheritance from Care Home fees and Tax Lasting Powers of Attorney Ensure your wishes are followed by appointing those you trust, in case of serious injury or illness.

Wills

“We were made to feel very welcome and cared for” H.L. “You have lifted a great weight off our shoulders” C.R.

Powers of Attorney

Probate

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

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

19

n NEWS

Come and talk about mental health A FISHPONDS woman is inviting people to talk about mental health, loneliness and trauma.

Laura Connor, who describes herself as a trauma survivor, is sharing her story to encourage others to talk freely and take advantage of help on offer.

Laura has received a grant to run regular trauma support and mental health events in Fishponds and Eastville.

Laura says she started having mental health issues around the age of 11, as she was growing up in Bath.

She said: "Things got worse and worse.

"I was bullied at school and had a difficult home life. By the time I was 14 I was self-harming, had binge-eating disorder and had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.

"By 15 I was severely ill, I had a nervous breakdown and was under treatment from a psychiatrist and psychologist.

"Things continued to get worse - I got into drugs when I was 17, developed anorexia at 18 and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at 19.

"I have been in and out of therapy since 15 and I have turned my life around.

"At 23 I went back to college to study music, went to university at 25, then graduated from a masters-level post-grad at 29."

Laura has been an FE lecturer since 2017, working with teenagers who have special educational needs and disabilities, and challenging behaviour.

She has also trained as a life coach, offering free online support as well as personal and group coaching and retreats.

She said: "I have been lucky to survive my mental illness - by the grace of God, kind NHS staff and other trauma workers.

"More people are suffering

right now due to the pandemic, rising cost of living and loneliness - and I want to be part of the solution.

"Helping others is my life mission and if I can survive all I have been through and manage to achieve what I have, despite having a really serious mental health issue, I can give hope to others."

Laura's two free groups include one at the Beechwood Club in Beechwood Road, on the last Saturday of every month at 3.30pm, which aims to teach techniques to empower people to deal with mental health issues, stress and trauma.

The Beechwood group has received some funding from a city council Frome Vale community grant and donations of refreshments from Morrison’s.

Sessions are free to attend and suitable for anyone aged over 18, with a "diverse demographic".

The other group is called

Laura Connor FreeTalk and holds sessions at the Nissen Hut in Eastville Park, in conjunction with the park's friends group, who offered free use of the hut.

The group, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 6.30-8.30pm, offers a space talk freely, with a focus on ending loneliness and tackling mental illness.

FROM STORE TO DOOR IN 24 HOURS

HUNDREDS OF ITEMS IN STOCK READY FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

EDA, 744 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

0117 958 4769

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

20

n NEWS

Local taxes and land values 'could pay for underground' LOCAL taxes and rising land values could help fund an underground network for Bristol, according to two studies.

Land along the four proposed underground routes would shoot up in value, if and when the longplanned mass transit system is finally built, as better public transport links would mean property developers building more housing nearby, the studies said.

Consultants working for the city council said an underground system could boost the region’s economy up to a level on par with London and the South East.

But it is unclear exactly how rising land values would help fund the multi-billion pound project, as only a few details were published.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees published two "executive summaries" of the new studies into the potential of mass transit on his blog.

A council spokesman declined

to say when the studies would be published in full.

Plans for a Bristol underground first surfaced in 2017, and previous estimates have put the total cost at £4 billion.

The idea is for a system running along four key routes: to South Bristol and Bristol Airport, to North Bristol, to the east through St George towards Kingswood and south east to Keynsham.

Mr Rees said: “Those of us old enough can remember the endless announcements for tram lines, the announcements of transport systems of the future, and political promises that offered 21st-century travel options. The reality is nothing was delivered, and Bristol commuters continue to crawl.

“We have made real progress since first announcing our aspirational plans, and remain unapologetic about our ambition for Bristol."

The West of England Combined Authority board is expected to vote in September on whether to invest more money into the project, at which point details of its outline business case and consultation are expected to be made public.

A future Bristol underground system could move 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction, according to the first study, which was carried out by consultants CH2M and Steer Davies Gleave.

The metro scheme “has the potential” to cover its own operating costs, the study said.

An overground tram system would cost just a fifth of an underground, but would involve demolishing many buildings on major routes into the city centre, like Church Road or Gloucester Road, according to the second study by consultants Jacobs and Steer.

Rising land values along the routes would lead to more

development and could also help fund the construction of the underground, through some form of as-yet undefined local Marvin Rees taxes.

The consultants said: “The wider economic benefit potential to the region is key and transformational.”

Mr Rees said: “These expert studies demonstrate that delivering an underground transport system for Bristol isn’t some grand design. It’s us punching at, not above, our weight, in line with Newcastle, Liverpool and Glasgow.

"We must keep this project on the rails and finally transform the way we travel in and around our city."

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Otis, Year 3, May Park Primary School

Follow us on Twitter @MayParkPri maypark.bristol.sch.uk/welcome/open-events

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

21

n NEWS

Charity cafe helps another young person A VOLUNTEER-run charity cafe in Speedwell has handed over the tenth piece of specialised equipment it has funded for a family.

Customers of Barton Hill RFC Charity Cafe, in Duncombe Lane, donated £4,875 to buy a specialist all-terrain wheelchair to help youngster Mary Jones enjoy trips outdoors.

Mary's mum Kee said: "We could not be more thankful to all at the cafe.

"Mary absolutely loves it - everyone involved is simply brilliant.’

The wheelchair was supplied by Taylor Made Wheelchairs, a specialist firm which is also preparing to supply an electric wheelchair for Luca Cerabona, from Keynsham, after the charity cafe raised more than £4,900 in its next fundraising drive.

Mary, from Whitchurch, is the tenth person and Luca the 11th to be helped by the cafe since it first opened in February 2020, providing a place for people to meet and have a bargain-priced meal in good company each Monday and Wednesday, from noon until 3pm.

Fundraising, good work and support for customers carried on even though the cafe itself had to close during the lockdown.

Staffed and managed completely by

Mary Jones with her chair volunteers, the cafe was set up to provide a warm, friendly and welcoming place to meet, with serving cheap food and drink, and

collecting donated goods to sell at bargain prices to raise money.

Customers come from Fishponds, Speedwell, Kingswood and across the wider area to enjoy the food and company.

Volunteer Mandy Bryant said: "At the cafe you can expect a chat, lunch, some bargains, raffle, good company and to raise money for Mind and someone in the local community who needs specialist equipment to enhance their quality of life.

"Everyone is welcome and you do not need to buy anything, you can just go for company and conversation."

Representatives of Taylor Made Wheelchairs visited the cafe to deliver Mary's chair and collect their next order.

The family-run firm, based in the West Midlands, makes bespoke equipment for individual users.

Volunteer Elizabeth Harris said: "It is a pleasure to see the difference our cafe makes to people and their families.

"Together we are really making a difference and achieving good things."

After a break of two weeks for the summer holidays, the charity cafe was due to reopen on Monday, September 5.

Get ready to party PEOPLE are being urged to come along - and bring their friends when Fishponds' own free festival, Party in the Ponds, returns.

This year's event, on September 3, is at a new site in Vassalls Park, after it outgrew its previous home in Fishponds Park.

Back after missing two years because of the pandemic, Party in the Ponds will festure two performance stages this year, including music from Da Fuchaman, The Real SkaDub, Deamscape and Angel Upfront, dance shows on a separate stage from acts including 344 Dance Studio, MF Dance Studio and V Dance Academy, and a performance by Bristol Met pupils.

It will also festure a host of stalls, food, from Jamaican and Mexican cuisine to vegan, popcorn, cakes and ice cream, as well as crafts. clothes and games.

There will be specialist drinks vendors, including a wine and Prosecco bar, cocktails, a gin and Pimms stall and two beer, lager and cider specialists.

And a huge raffle will include prizes ranging from hampers and booze to bouquets, stereos and Premier League football tickets donated by dozens of Bristol businesses.

Organisers of the not-for-profit event are still on the lookout for volunteers to help set up and steward the event.

Anyone who is interested in stepping up to help should email tommy.trueman@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

Party in the Ponds will take place from noon to 7pm on September 3 on a site near the park's children's play area, close to the Oldbury Court Road entrance.

Organisers are calling on people from across the area to support the event, which will move to its previous mid-June slot next year if this year's event proves to be a success.

For more information email partyintheponds@gmail.com, visit the Party in the Ponds Facebook page or partyintheponds.co.uk website.

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

COME &

MAR CH 2 T 6 H

VISITOUR

SHOWROOM 72-74 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HN

Rated ‘Excellent’

Trusted trader

T: 0117 313 4862 E: info@thewindowhub.co.uk

www.thewindowhub.co.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

22

n NEWS

No places for new NHS dental patients NHS dental services are facing a "tipping point" and will "die" without reform, says the profession's official body.

A survey of dental practices across the region by the BBC found 98% of them were not offering appointments to new adult NHS patients – the joint highest proportion in the country.

When the Voice checked the 50 dental practices closest to Fishponds, in a four-mile radius, in late August using the NHS Find a Dentist website, none said they were taking on new NHS adult patients.

Only one – Warrington House Dental Practice in Brislington – was accepting new child NHS patients.

Most entries on the site, including those for the practices in Lodge Causeway and Oldbury Court, either said they were not taking any new NHS patients, only taking

new NHS patients referred for specialist treatment by another dentist or GP, or had not given a recent update on their status.

Around a quarter of the 8,533 dental practices across the UK with an NHS contract contacted by BBC researchers from May to July had an open waiting list for new patients, with wait times of a year or longer for most of them.

The British Dental Association blames a "discredited" NHS contract it says "funds care for barely half the population and puts government targets ahead of patient care".

It says recent "modest" changes came without any new investment, would not address patients' problems accessing services or keep dentists in the NHS. The BDA says thousands of NHS dentists have left the service entirely since lockdown,

Our teams at Little Heath are recruiting!

and a "decade of savage cuts" has left NHS dentistry in need of an extra £880 million a year just to restore funding to 2010 levels.

BDA general dental practice committee chair Shawn Charlwood said: "NHS dentistry is at a tipping point, with millions unable to get the care they need and more dentists leaving with every day that passes.

"We’re seeing the results of years of chronic neglect, set into overdrive by the pressures of the pandemic. The question now is, will ministers step up before it’s too late?

"Nothing we’ve heard from government to date gives us any confidence this service has a future. Without real reform and fair funding NHS dentistry will die, and our patients will pay the price."

A spokesperson for NHS England South West

said: "Access to NHS dental services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire has historically been challenging, with demand exceeding the capacity available, mainly due to workforce challenges and the capacity of practices to take on new patients.

"The NHS recently announced the first reforms to dentistry services since 2006, which will support practices to improve access including by giving high performing practices the opportunity to increase their activity and treat more patients – discussions around further changes that benefit patients and staff are ongoing."

The spokesperson said NHS patients should regularly check the NHS website for updates on practices taking on new patients, call a practice to ask if it has a waiting list or call 111 if they need urgent treatment.

St Mary Redcliffe Church Stained Glass Design Competition And Who is My Neighbour?

Free exhibition of five shortlisted designs to replace four small panels of one of the major stained-glass windows of St Mary Redcliffe Church

Join ou Littl r team e Rea Heath at Cen bleme tre a nt Hom nd C ar e to day e !

We are recruiting Care Assistant Nurse Housekeeper Catering Assistant Free DBS Check Pension Scheme Company sick pay Real Living Wage Training and Professional Development

Contact us Little Heath Earlstone Crescent Barrs Court Bristol BS30 8AA Care Home 0117 450 0320

SAT 20 AUGUST - MON 19 SEPTEMBER / MON - SAT 8AM-5PM • SUN 12:30PM-5PM

Contact parish.office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or visit our website for further information

Reablement Centre 0117 450 0340

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

23

n NEWS

Patients find it harder to get through on phone PATIENTS are finding it more difficult to get through to GP surgeries in the Fishponds area on the phone, according to new figures.

But the annual NHS GP Patient Survey found overall satisfaction with family doctors remains high, although it has slipped slightly compared with last year.

At Fishponds Family Practice, based at Fishponds Health Centre in Beechwood Road, 62% of patients said it was not easy to get through on the phone - up from 27% last year.

At Beechwood Medical Practice, which is based at the same centre, the percentage of patients reporting problems was 32%, up from 19% in 2021.

At the Old School Surgery in Manor Road, 44% of patients said it had not been easy to get through, up from 30% last year.

And at Eastville's East Trees Health Centre, more than three quarters of patients (77%) reported difficulties, up from 48% last year.

The number of patients being offered an appointment on the same day they called their surgery had fallen at some of the

Girlguidi South Glong Bristol & ucestersh ire

practices, while at others it had increased.

At Fishponds Family Practice, the proportion of same-day appointments fell from 27% in 2021 to 23%, having been as high as 49% four years ago.

While most patients were offered appointments within a few days, those waiting a week or more had doubled at the practice, from 13% last year to 26%.

At Beechwood Medical Practice, the percentage of same-day appointments fell from 24% to 19% this year: four years ago it was 58%. The proportion waiting a week or longer rose slightly from 22% to 24%.

At Old School Surgery, same day appointments had risen from 24% to 34%, higher than 2018 and every year since, while the number of patients waiting a week or more had fallen from 38% to 29%.

East Trees offered 30% of its patients a same-day appointment this year, up from just 18% last year, although the number waiting a week or more had also gone up, from 24% last year to 37%.

Some patients who took part in the snapshot survey could not remember how long they had waited for their

Volunteer with us

appointment.

Asked to rate their experience of their surgery, the percentage of patients who said it was good overall was: 78% for Fishponds Family Practice, down from 81% last year; 89% for Beechwood, up from 87% last year; 69% good for the Old School, down from 85% last year 67% good for East Trees, down from 75% last year.

The survey was carried out by Ipsos MORI with NHS England, based on around 720,000 responses to questionnaires sent out nationwide between January and April.

A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which funds GP services, said: "Practices are working hard to make sure everyone can access the right support when they need it; whether that’s online or face-to-face.

"However, we also recognise there are some areas for improvement. We are continuing to share learning between practices about what works well, and are working to support practices to deliver high-quality services to patients."

‘I enjoy it so much.

The girls are lovely and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s amazing!’

Tayba, leader

girlguiding.org.uk/interested To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870 19_0000_VolunteerPostcard_Jan2022.indd 1

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377 26/01/2022 23:29

September, 2022

24

n NEWS

Meet Bristol's growing communities

A CITYWIDE event is being held to showcase groups growing food on farms and community projects in Bristol.

The Get Growing Garden Trail on the weekend of September 17-18 will give people the chance to visit 30 fruit and vegetable gardens around the city on a harvest-themed tour.

They include city farms and the Bristol University Botanic Garden, as well as projects in the Eastville, Fishponds and Stapleton area.

The local projects taking part are: • Bridge Farm, Glenfrome Road, Stapleton: open for visits and volunteering on both days from noon-4pm. No booking required - visit bridgefarmbristol.co.uk for more details.

• Elm Tree Farm, Park Road, Stapleton, next to Stapleton Cricket Club. Tours of the Brandon Trust care farm for adults with learning disabilities and autism, including market garden, nursery and animals, are on offer on September 17 from 10am–4pm. Book via the farm's Facebook page. More details at elmtreefarm.org.

• Avon Wildlife Trust Grow Wilder project, Frenchay Park Road, Stapleton.

Open on September 17 and 18, 10am-4pm.

Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton. Picture: Hal Miller, Wandering Path Productions More information at growwilder.co.uk • Hillfields Community Garden, Hillfields Park volunteer session, September 17, 10.30am–noon. More details at hillfieldsgarden.fishpondsbristol.uk.

• Royate Hill Community Orchard and Allotment Project, Royate Hill (entrance lane under viaduct on Royate Hill). Applepressing workshop on September 17, 11am– 4.30pm. Visitors invited to help press apples to make fresh juice and bring a 2L container to take some away. Wear old clothes and bring work or gardening gloves. Followed by open day on September 18, noon-3pm. More details on the orchard's Facebook page.

• Street Goat, Royate Hill Allotments, open days on September 17 and 18, 11am3pm. More details at streetgoat.co.uk.

• Edible Bristol Cultivation Place, Speedwell Allotments, Whitefield Road: tours, plant sale and open day, September 17, noon-3pm. More details at ediblebristol. org.uk.

This year is the tenth that the trail has taken place and it is returning in full after two scaled-back events during the pandemic.

Coordinator Ramona Andrews said: "During the UK national lockdowns, increased interest in connecting with family and friends outdoors bloomed, and there was an increased interest in growing. This trend has continued, leading to a surge in community growing in Bristol this year.

"Sharing space, sharing the work, sharing produce, sharing ideas… there are just so many benefits to growing with others.

Bristol boasts some amazing community growing projects all over the city. The Get Growing Trail offers the chance to have a nosey around some of them and hopefully get inspired to get growing either at home, or with others in your local community.”

Full details of all 30 garden openings can be found online at bristolfoodnetwork.org.

Up to

£1,000 OFF

Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners? *

the cost of works to your home**

Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations.

If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.

For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk

For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk

*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value.

Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225.

Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

25

n NEWS

Baby Bank needs you A FISHPONDS-based charitable group which helps thousands of families in the city is looking for new volunteers.

Baby Bank Network operates from a small trading estate off Fishponds Road, redistributing high-quality baby items including clothes, slings, high chairs, cots and pushchairs, donated by the public, to families in need.

A Baby Bank Network volunteer It ensures items donors no with some donations longer need are used again, at the same time helping parents including those who are on low incomes, homeless, refugees or escaping domestic violence.

Established in 2015, by last year Baby Bank Network supported more than 1,500 families with baby items.

It takes referrals from children's centres, midwives and agencies that support vulnerable families to ensure babies' basic needs are met, and all donations go directly to families.

Ness McLean, from the group, said: "None of this would be possible without our team of volunteers, who fundraise, collect, sort and prepare items for families.

"We would love some more volunteers to help us pack bundles of clothes and toiletries."

Anyone willing to spare a couple of hours per week or fortnight, who has items to donate or would like more information on Baby Bank Network can visit the group's website at www.babybanknetwork. com or its Facebook page.

Pilates classes in Fishponds Suitable for all levels

Mondays 18:45 & 19:55 at The Life Church Saturdays 9.15 at All Saints Church Hall Please contact Emily to book your place on 07974252486 email: info@teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook and Instagram: Emily Osborne Pilates

Microsuction and irrigation (syringing) Ear Wax Removal Service

Ear Clear Bristol THE SOLUTION IS HEAR Call Sarah Hayward (Ear Wax Removal Specialist) on

07798608859 or visit

www.earclearbristol.co.uk 92 Westbourne Rd, Downend, BS16 6RF To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

26

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Father-and-son athletics story has lesson for us all IT'S hard not to feel that all news is bad news. There seem only so many sad news stories we can absorb and, over time, we regrettably become less responsive than we would want to be.

So from time to time, it’s encouraging to hear a personal story of success or good news.

Although not an avid follower of athletics, I was recently inspired by hearing of the British athlete Jake Wightman and his victory in the 1500 metres at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA. What caught my attention was that Jake’s father, Geoff, was commentating as the stadium announcer.

Geoff is a former athlete and very knowledgeable about running. The commenting was very professional and dispassionate.

From

After the race, when Jake had crossed the finishing line, the stadium cameras turned around to Geoff on the gantry in the stadium, where he stood commentating.

Geoff had to explain why the cameras were on him and he said: "That’s my son! He is the world champion and I’m his coach!"

This was an outburst of emotion, pride, and joy. One could sense the elation in the achievement and join in with it.

To coach your son through all the arduous and difficult times, day after day, cannot have been easy, and to see it all come together must have been a tremendous joy.

For Jake a large part of his success came in listening to and following the advice of his coach.

As a church minister, this echoed loudly for me with three events recorded in the life of Jesus

in the gospels.

The first was just before Jesus began his ministry, his 'race', when he was baptised in the Jordan river.

The gospels say that as Jesus came out of the water, a voice was heard from heaven saying: “This is my son, I am pleased with him”.

The second was just as Jesus was about to finish his 'race' at the cross, the cruellest and hardest part.

He went up a mountain with three disciples and again a voice came from heaven: “This is my son, listen to him."

After he had finished the race and had been crucified, the Bible says he was raised to life from the dead, an event declaring that Jesus was the son of God. It’s as though God was shouting down the universe’s microphone: “That’s my son, he has overcome the world!”

Tony Davies

Church Leader, Waterbrook Church, Stapleton The Bible that says for all who believe in him, God gives them the right to become his sons and daughters, and helps us to run the race set out before us.

We have a whole host of people who have already run the race ahead of us and crossed the finishing line to spur us on, but I believe the ultimate encourager is God himself, who if we listen to him, will be our coach and father.

£895

*

for a fully fitted electric garage door.

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: • • • • •

EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING 2 REMOTE CONTROLS ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge.

CALL US TODAY ON:

01454 740 034 MOBILE:

07537 149 128

*Offer valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

fishpondsvoice

27

n NEWS

Campaigners refused toilet entry Start on new homes CAMPAIGNERS were refused access to toilets in Bristol cafes and shops involved in a council-run scheme to replace 18 shut public loos.

The city council closed the toilets in 2018 and planned to replace them by encouraging shops, cafes, pubs and other venues to open their toilets to the public.

But research conducted by the community union Acorn has shown that most of the 126 venues in the Community Toilet Scheme do not have the required posters up clearly advertising the scheme and many staff appear to be unaware they are involved in the scheme.

Acorn campaigners say they were unable to use 28% of the toilets they visited.

A recent open letter addressed to council chiefs, signed by Acorn Bristol and several other groups including Bristol Women’s Commission, described the Community Toilet Scheme as a “sticking plaster that isn’t functioning effectively as a replacement for the missing toilets”.

The letter said: “The lack of access to public toilets in Bristol isn’t simply inconvenient, it raises issues of equality and dignity. Lack of toilets had led to the use of public spaces as substitutes, effectively open sewers in our city. Parts of Bristol stink of urine and faeces, in parks, alleyways and car parks. It’s grossly unhygienic, detracts greatly from the impression the city has on residents and visitors, and raises significant public health concerns."

No financial incentive is given to take part in the scheme.

Council cabinet member for public health and communities, Ellie King, said: “All toilets on the list have been recently visited to check if signage was present and to ensure staff knew about the scheme.

We are actively increasing the number of toilets signed up to the Community Toilet Scheme."

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

WORK has started to build 30 "climate friendly and energy efficient" new family homes in Frenchay.

South Gloucestershire Council has linked up with housing company Aequus, owned by neighbouring B&NES council, to build the Manor Gardens A turf-cutting event held for the new development off development Malmains Drive.

The 30 homes, ranging from one to four bedrooms, include 11 classed as affordable, of which eight will be designated for social rent via Alliance Homes and three will be available for shared ownership.

A turf-cutting ceremony was held at the site in August to mark the start of the building work.

The council says the homes include "climate friendly elements" including solar panels, air source heat pumps, extra insulation, mechanical ventilation and recovery systems and a dedicated electric vehicle charging point, which it says will give them energy bills an estimated 70 per cent lower than similar average properties.

Cabinet councillor Ben Burton said: "With so many families in need of a new home, and rising energy prices impacting everyone at the moment, these climate friendly, efficient properties will make a real difference to people’s lives."

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

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

Please visit our careers page on www.eteach.com/schools/briarwood-school-25106 or contact us via emal on HR.briarwoodsp@bristol-schools.uk Are you looking for a way to get involved with your local community?

Have you considered being a School Governor? If you are interested please contact Deborah Smith for more information chairbriarwoodsp@bristol-schools.uk Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 4EA To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

www.briarwood.bristol.sch.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

Get ready for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone

November 2022

Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone.

Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone.

bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

n NEWS

29

Making endangered swifts welcome

Plea for volunteers

THEY may have left to fly back to Africa but a project is aiming to ensure that swifts have a warm welcome when they return to the area next year.

Kelly Allen, of Emersons Green, and ecologist Sarah Roberts, of Mangotsfield, have been working to map and increase the number of swift nesting sites.

The fast-flying migratory species is on a red list of atrisk birds, with numbers having fallen by more than half since the 1990s.

But Kelly says the BS16 postcode area, which includes A swift in flight. Picture: Robert Fishponds, Stapleton and Frenchay, is a "swift hot-spot", Booth with many birds making summer homes in buildings here.

She said: "Swifts are awesome birds, amazing flyers - they only land to breed.

"They spend months in the air and sleep on the wing. They travel huge distances to migrate to Europe in the summer from Africa, and are only here from May to August, their cries being the sound of summer.

"Yet they only weigh the same as a Cadbury's Cream Egg! Sarah said: "They only nest in buildings, in small gaps, under tiles and in fascias, so a lot of nest sites are lost inadvertently, when people do repairs and re-roof properties."

Locally 12 nest boxes have been fitted by the project, with several more planned.

Activity will continue throughout the autumn and winter to increase nesting sites ahead of the 2023 migration.

Sarah and Kelly can supply boxes at cost price and provide advice on the best place to mount them.

They are especially keen to work with local businesses.

Sarah said: "Commercial buildings and churches often provide great opportunities for colony boxes and are a great way to demonstrate corporate social responsibility."

Anyone who wants to find out more should email Sarahseeksbirds@gmail.com or look for recent posts in the BS16 Wildlife Group Facebook group.

A CHARITY which supports families through some of their toughest times is looking for new volunteers to join a training course, as demand for its services grows.

Home-Start Bristol recruits and trains volunteers who typically spend two to three hours a week visiting a family in their own home.

The charity supports families in Bristol and South Gloucestershire who may be struggling and who have at least one child under the age of five.

Manager Terri Fletcher said: "We are seeing a growing need from young families, as pressures on them increase.

"The after-effects of the pandemic, including increased isolation and financial pressures, coupled with the rising cost of living, are putting families under more stress and impacting children.

"Volunteers usually have parenting experience themselves and stand side by side with parents to give children a better start."

The volunteer training course starts on September 20 and runs every Tuesday from 9.30am-2.30pm for five weeks, finishing on October 18, at the Greenway Centre, Southmead.

Visit homestartbristol.org.uk, email admin@ homestartbristol.org.uk, or call 0117 950 1170 for more information.

BAGS of HOPE

Loft Boarding & Insulation

Every Little Help Counts!

Do you need FREE provisions and supplies to get you to the end of the month?

If so, please drop by at the Bristol Dance Company on any Sunday, 12noon to 1pm to pick up a free bag of provisions. No questions asked and you don't have to be a member of our Church. Please text "Bag" and your first name to the number, 07881 339217 so that we can reserve a bag for you.

CFT BRISTOL CHURCH Bristol Dance Company Brook Road, Fishponds Bristol BS16 3SQ Web: WWW.CFT-BRISTOL.ORG

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

www.useyourloftspace.co.uk USE YOUR LOFT SPACE is the reliable, affordable and trusted local company for all your loft boarding, and loft insulation requirements

0117 2980810 INFO@USEYOURLOFTSPACE.CO.UK Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

30

September, 2022

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Fuel bills support can't come soon enough

T

HE cost-of-living crisis has continued to grow this summer.

People are looking to the Government for help, but with a leadership contest rumbling on, a Prime Minister on holiday and a stopgap Chancellor who knows he won’t be in the job come September, they’re not getting it.

This interregnum couldn’t come at a worse time, with Ofgem now having confirmed the energy price cap rise that will come into effect in October, pushing the typical bill way up beyond many households' means.

We urgently need the Government to come up with a way to ensure millions don’t fall into fuel poverty this winter.

Whoever enters Number 10 in September must at least show they are on the side of working people by freezing bills.

At a time when Bristol City Council is having to set up ‘warm

places’ in community spaces like schools and libraries to offer sanctuary to those who can’t heat their homes, ensuring people don’t pay a penny more on their fuel bill has to be top of the new Prime Minister’s 'to-do' list.

Over the summer local residents have been asking me why their families are paying the price for a broken energy sector, as oil and gas giants record obscene profits. Why does the burden fall on those who are already struggling? It’s this contradiction which has encouraged Labour to call for a price cap freeze at the previous £1,971 level, a move that would be paid for through extra tax from major oil and gas companies, like Shell and BP. This would save people in Bristol East £43 million in total, with savings across Bristol of £193m.

We also need a longer-term

strategy for energy security and affordability, alongside a commitment to achieve our climate targets, insulating millions of homes across the country over the next decade and ending our dependence on foreign gas imports by investing heavily in renewable energy.

Bristol is ahead of the curve on this, as it often is. Over the summer recess I went to see the water-sourced heat pumps in Castle Park, met with City Leap to hear about the council’s ambitious energy programme, and heard from Bristol Energy Co-operative about community energy schemes. I also visited Bristol-based charity Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) who, along with Citizens Advice, provide brilliant, cost-free support and advice.

By taking urgent action we can prevent millions of families from falling into fuel poverty.

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice Support can’t come soon enough.

In the meantime, if you need help, please do contact CSE on 0800 082 2234 or Bristol Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7957.

Pa rkway automobile engineering

Protect your family's inheritance Meet with one of our qualified estate planning consultants to discuss your needs.

Single & joint Wills from

£99.00 *Including VAT

Home visits or online appointments are available.

Call us today on 0117 952 0698

or email info@elm-online.co.uk

www.elm-online.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz specialist with over 35 years experience

• Full diagnostic equipment • Factory trained technicians • Collection/delivery service • Courtesy car on request

• MOT’s • Servicing • Gearbox repairs • Electrical faults

0117 965 6164 Parnall Road • Fishponds • Bristol • BS16 3JQ

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

n HISTORY Mike Jempson chats with ‘history man’ John Pimm, who has many a tale to tell ANYONE visiting Glenside Hospital Museum will notice an elderly gent in a flat cap ensconced in the information booth opposite the entrance.

This is the redoubtable John Pimm, very much a part of the place. He has written about the Dower House on Purdown, and Stoke Park Colony where he was a driver, and compiled the museum’s exhibit about it. But engage John in conversation and you will discover his interests extend far wider.

He has his own theory about Oliver Cromwell’s visit to Stapleton to plan the siege of Bristol, then England’s second largest city. It had been recaptured from the Roundheads during the Civil War in 1643, by Prince Rupert of the Rhine, nephew of King Charles I. The fact that a sword from the English Civil War period was found at Wickham Court off Blackberry Hill cuts no mustard with John who is sceptical that the Lord Protector held a council of war there with General Sir Thomas Fairfax in September 1645.

“The horsemen of the New Model Army may well have watered their steeds at the River Frome nearby,” says John, “but I believe Cromwell and his Commander in Chief would have surveyed the scene from above at the Dower House.”

Prince Rupert was to surrender the port city within three weeks.

A confirmed republican and bachelor, John likes to think he may be descended from Tavistock MP John Pym (1584 -1643). It was King Charles’ failure to arrest the parliamentarian who had challenged him that led to the English Civil War and the triumph of

John Pimm

31

From Cromwell to Kit Carson

Navajo Richard K. Yazzie’s ‘Long Walk Home’ mural in Gallup, New Mexico the Puritans.

Born on 23 May 1939, John claims to share his birthday with Pym, and recalls that his boyhood hero Kit Carson (1809 – 1868) also died on 23 May. Brought up on cowboy comics portraying the fictional exploits of the Wild West trapper and frontiersman, John has travelled to New Mexico in search of the facts about Christopher Houston ‘Kit’ Carson.

“I wanted to know what he was really like,” explains John, who is keen to rehabilitate a reputation sullied by claims that Carson was a ruthless killer of native Americans.

Although illiterate, Carson spoke several First Nation languages as well as French and Spanish. His first two wives were from the Arapaho and Cheyenne nations, and he served as an Indian agent with the Utes of Colorado.

But after the American Civil War Carson, who fought with the Union side, was given the task of quelling uprisings amongst tribes who objected to the White man’s takeover of their territory.

Initially resistant, he accepted the task of driving thousands of Navajos some 300 miles from Arizona to a ‘reservation’ in New Mexico. As a result he is remembered for the Long Walk inflicted on them. The Navajos have not forgiven him for killing their livestock and destroying their crops and way of life.

John’s ambition is to visit them and apologise on Carson’s behalf.

“We’ve got to let them live in their time, not ours,” he says.

Always a bit of a rebel, Stapleton-born John tried to bunk

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Oliver Cromwell out of his National Service, going absent without leave several times.

Once he hid overnight at timber merchants John Randell & Son where he had been apprenticed; another time in a pit he’d dug beneath a bench in a workshop behind his family home. To avoid a patrolling policeman he ducked into the cart shed where the City Council kept snow ploughs, and with help from two girl friends he even bedded down in a room above The Old Tavern on Blackberry Hill, unbeknownst to his mother who worked there.

Caught and sent back over and over again to take his punishment in military clink, he spent time in Shepton Mallet Prison, now another museum.

After his last escapade he was sent to Long Marston, near Stratford-on-Avon. where a Major Tierney respected his views. “I wanted to be a soldier, you didn’t,” he told the errant young man and set John up as staff driver. It was a move that would later help him get work at Stoke Park.

John’s craftsmanship is evident

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

First known photo of Kit Carson

throughout the museum, where fellow volunteers also admire his skill as a calligrapher.

• Glenside Hospital Museum is open from 10am-1pm on Wednesdays and 10am-4pm on Saturdays. www.glensidemuseum.org.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

Chester Park Infant School Are you looking for a school for your child?

Enquire now 0117 3773047 Experienced and caring staff who provide exceptional education to all children.

Engaging outdoor learning areas and equipment!

Vibrant and safe learning spaces where children thrive.

A Meaningful Curriculum that is designed to promote independence and lifelong learning skills.

Regular forest school sessions to develop resilience, social development and emotional skills!

Is your child due to start Reception Year in 2023?

Come and see what Chester Park can offer your child

Open Evening Wednesday 12th October 2022 - 6.30-8pm Do you have a child born between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019? If so, we will be holding an Open Evening for you to view Chester Park, the Headteacher will give a talk at 6.30pm and you will be able to tour the schools and talk to teaching staff.

Book now call 0117 3773047 or email chesterparki@bristol-schools.uk “Adults form positive and caring relationships with pupils.

Pupils trust adults in the school and feel valued and respected” - Ofsted 2019

Positive, Resilient, Meaningful

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

33

Help us sow the seeds of change

AS a working parent of young children, I don’t have a lot of free time but I love to volunteer at the pop-café when I can.

I meet interesting, kind people I learn something new from, and sometimes get advice that helps set the direction of the Friends of Eastville Park.

Our new CIO charity status has meant we have some new responsibilities to embrace, but it also means we have better access to certain grants and funds.

We are preparing plans for the next phase of improvements, from additional play equipment and improved storage for the bowlers to a dedicated space for a more frequent café, and toilet facilities.

It will be a big bid, so if park users have suggestions of what needs improving or would like to help, please do get in touch via our email address.

The new facilities will continue to connect people to the history of the park, to nature, and be a space for well-being.

The community hub has been busy this summer, hosting lawn bowls matches, pop-up cafes, film club, weddings, birthday parties, yoga and a Friday food club that helps tackle food poverty by redistributing food otherwise at risk of going to waste to those who need it in Eastville.

Membership costs £1 per year and enables people to take a full bag of shopping home each week for just £3.50. For more details email eastvilleparkfoodclub@gmail.com or call 07591 748548.

You may have noticed autumn seems to have arrived early, with many of the trees turning brown and dropping leaves. Just as the grass has turned yellow, the recent

Food club produce

Wild flowers in the park

heatwaves have brought a false autumn in response to water stress.

Once we have enough rain the grass should recover - we may even see a false spring again if trees can resume the last part of the growing season before true autumn.

It’s great to escape to the park on such hot days, but do spare a thought for the council waste teams, who have huge amounts of extra work when people bring packaging to the park then don’t take it home again.

Please help your park by protecting the grass from BBQ burns, and dispose of waste in your home recycling rather than overwhelming the park bins.

Our warming world means that by 2030 we in Bristol will see unusual weather events like heatwaves and surface water flooding much more often.

Shading and green spaces provide respite from scorching city streets, providing a 20-degree

lower temperature difference.

Having more trees along streets surrounding parks and green spaces provides more shade, resilience to surface water flooding, reduced air pollution and space for nature that joins together, while also having a positive impact on well-being. If you’re able to sponsor a tree in your street or local park, visit sponsor.treesforstreets.org/ provider/bristol-city-council.

In July's Voice Martyn Cordey wrote about the FOEP Nature sub-group's work to manage habitats around Eastville Park, allowing some green spaces to be carefully returned to nature for the benefit of insect species, birds and wildflowers that are stressed through unpredictable seasons and chemicals in the environment.

You can support your park by joining in with the nature group, or Parkwork sessions (on the first Thursday each month), avoiding the use of glyphosate weedkiller

MIKEBUILDING PALMER STAPLETON BRISTOL

L L L OY D B O T T OM S

All Building work undertaken

chartered accountants

ROOFING, EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS, PLASTERING & RENDERING BRICKWORK & LANDSCAPING

Professional Local Building Contractor

118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.

07833 691895 michaeldickasonpalmer@gmail.com To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

or slug pellets, and planting a few wildflowers or pollinator support species in your garden or window box.

Eastville play area also has £108,000 in community infrastructure levy funding waiting to be spent. It has been a tremendously long journey from funding award to being able to use it in the park on more than minor improvements.

We have conducted surveys to understand how best to improve the play area for older children, taken advice from play specialists, and worked with the council to prepare the tendering process, and now the council is finally ready to receive bids from play equipment providers. It’s an exciting time!

It’s easy to become impatient when projects progress slowly but, just like the wildflower meadows, we plant the seeds and slowly but surely, beautiful things happen.

The Parkie

Contact us now! — Free initial consultation

Freephone 0800 781 8783

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

34

September, 2022

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING

Lack of quality street I HAVEN'T often commended government planning policy in this column.

In many respects it is a hindrance rather than a help, either being ill-thought-out or having unintended consequences that leaves people tearing their hair out, myself included.

Therefore it is nice to highlight one area of policy I was surprised the government even picked up on, let alone the line that it took. For those with their search engine at the ready, it is paragraph 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework and it requires planning departments to seek to ensure that the quality of an approved scheme is not diminished between permission and completion. There is even an example given - changing building materials.

So what is diminished quality?

It normally comes down to costcutting. You may not be aware there are cheaper alternatives available and, in some cases,

house builders will simply make changes without seeking permission.

The classic approach is trying to replace natural stone with reconstituted stone. This product is made using stone or dust that would otherwise be tipped, to produce an 'authentic' face on a concrete block.

Being of a regular size, you can avoid the expense of employing a stonemason. But it leaves a ‘lifeless’ finish, without the colour and shape variations found in natural stone. There are some cases where you can easily spot the difference, when natural and reconstituted stone are in close proximity: there is always a clear winner.

Another example common to most new housing estates is using the best materials on the houses that are most visible - the sales home and those at the front of the estate. Further in, the finishes become more generic and - you guessed it - cheaper to build.

In recent years, to cut down on the costs of leadwork, tiles and fitting, some new houses have a plastic canopy over a bay. I am even led to believe that plastic chimney pots exist although, unlike these dismal canopies, I have yet to see one. I sincerely hope that they would not be connected to a fireplace that can accommodate a real fire.

When buying a new house, who looks at those kind of external details? When selling it a few years later, however, it might be difficult to explain why the entire roof over over a bay has faded in the sunlight.

On a new estate where nobody has moved in, who is there to point out the inconsistencies between the plans and what is being built?

I very much doubt planners, designers or architects would advocate making such changes, and for small builders, the cost savings would not tally with the possible cost of having to

re-do their work with the correct materials.

This trend is much more likely to occur at the behest of accountants at the volume housebuilders where, for example, the savings in leadwork over a whole estate can be substantial.

If such changes are being made, however, then national advice needs to be taken into account, and you really can’t argue with its intent.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

35

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Giving West of England workers a fair share

MANY of us will be feeling refreshed from a summer break, perhaps far from home or maybe from a staycation, enjoying everything our amazing West of England has to offer.

But now it’s back to work, which is where, astonishingly, we spend a whopping third of our lives. What that tells me is that having a decent job really matters.

We’ve all done jobs that aren’t great. I was never a fan of 6am shifts at a factory job I did; nor of the particles of rust that irritated my eyes as a young scaffolder’s assistant; and there have been a few bosses that I met that would give fictional boss David Brent a run for his money.

But equally, you remember those fantastic mentors in your career, the people that made time to invest in you, and where you felt every day was worthwhile.

So, because we spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, I am determined to try and make sure those hours are the very best they can be.

That’s why, as part of my push for decent jobs, I have launched my Good Employment Charter, fulfilling a manifesto pledge I gave to you in the Metro Mayor election last year.

The charter is a co-operative effort between employers, employees and trade unions.

There are two tiers: “supporters” - working

with aspiring organisations to help them raise employment standards – and “members”, where employers prove they are exemplars.

The tests are about secure work, where people know when the next shift is coming; paying a real living wage; making sure workers are listened to and can get training and promotions.

It’s also about making sure people stay healthy.

First to sign up were Wallace and Gromit’s creators, Aardman, the world famous, four-time Oscar-winning animation studio. They’re being joined by businesses and organisations big and small from across the West of England.

Why? Because happy and healthy staff are also productive staff and mean a successful business. It’s a win-win for employees and employers.

But, sadly, across our region there remains a less good side, with too many jobs not offering workers the respect, security, wages or future prospects they deserve, and their hard work and efforts merit.

Shockingly today, one in six West of England workers take home less pay than the Real Living Wage and a record one in six families live in poverty.

Inflation has hit a 40-year high, even as wages fall at their fastest rate in two decades.

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

Plus, too many people don’t know what hours they will work and so what salary they’ll earn from week to week, as they languish on zero hours contracts when they would rather have certainty.

Every company that signs up to the charter receives bespoke training organised by the West of England Combined Authority that I lead. I’m proud the West of England Good Employment Charter is making a difference in something so central to our lives.

Please ask the place where you work to sign up too, at www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk.

n LETTERS

Something must be done I READ in disgust that First are making more cuts to buses through Fishponds (Voice, August).

We currently have such a slow service, a journey of a few miles takes up to 30 minutes.

The buses that go down Stapleton Road are always held up by people double parked on a main road. The Y2 and Y5 services were great, as you could bypass this chaos and get into town in 10 minutes flat.

Other areas of the city get express buses, why can't we? Even Marvin's future fantasy transport plans didn't offer services through Fishponds.

More can be done with the 48A, running it down the M32, through Fishponds, Stapleton, UWE and on to Parkway station.

As for killing off the Number 5 route, this again is sometimes a quicker service back to Fishponds.

Most cities in the UK have amazing public transport systems. It's about time something was done about it - thank goodness Dan Norris is on board, if you pardon the pun.

Jason D'Arcy

A Team approach to healthcare.

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and World Athletic Championship 2017 Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica Sports Massage Headaches & Migraines Trapped Nerves Repetitive Strain Injuries Occupational Injuries Sports Injury Specialist Competitively priced

Leaders needed COULD you be an adult volunteer at 151st Bristol Fishponds Baptist Scout Group? We have Beavers (6-8yrs), Cubs (8-10yrs) and Scouts (10-14).

All sections have waiting lists and we plan to open a Squirrel Drey for four to six year olds.

We change lives by offering fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others, so that we make a positive impact in communities. This is only possible thanks to our team of adult volunteers, who support Scouts in a range of roles, from working directly with young people to helping manage a group, to being a charity trustee. Our award-winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouts as young people. If you want to get involved, we can offer you all the support you need.

For an information pack contact me at jt151gsl@gmail.com or call 07738 108335.

Jenny Turner Group Scout Leader

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN

Contact

0117 957 5388

w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

36

September, 2022

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

A letter from Provence via the Commonwealth Games BY the time you read this, the summer will be nearly over, but I hope you will indulge me as I briefly reminisce…

Ever since I was a kid, we have headed off to Provence for our summer holidays, this time meeting mum and dad who drove down in their camper van and my brother and his family. So it was a big Button family trip down memory lane.

This year, I had a very important job to do before I could put my feet up in the south of France. So, despite the temptation to just talk here about vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields, I’ll concentrate on the true preholiday highlight – working at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Four of us from Cleve Chiropractic – Catherine, Lucy, Charlie and myself – were selected to help athletes at the Games, so we had chiro, physio and sports therapy all covered.

Because of my impending holiday, I was given shifts at the Warwick University campus the week before the Games started. I also volunteered for back-to-back, eight-hour stints so that I didn’t miss too many days at my own clinic.

I was originally a bit disappointed with this placement.

I considered Warwick to be away from the central hub and the early shifts maybe a little slow… but, as ever, I headed to my first 7am with my chin up and shoulders back,

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

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

eager to meet the athletes and my colleagues.

When I arrived, the atmosphere was muted and the energy in the polyclinic was low.

As I walked through the double doors it was as if I had entered a Wild West saloon – everyone looked up at me. You could see they were thinking: who is this guy? Perhaps I was the new sheriff!

Some of the physios and sports therapists who had been there for a couple of days told me they pretty much hadn’t seen an athlete since they had arrived. This place needed a lift so I set myself the task of seeing what there was on offer.

The athletes seemed to be walking right past the clinic. Then I clocked that there were loads of rugby players, which started to get me really excited. That’s the sports language I know best.

Soon enough I saw a big group of Aussies walking around clearly getting their bearings so, instead of looking at them looking at me, I went over and said hello and asked if they had been inside the polyclinic for a look round yet. No? OK, would you like me to show you what we have?

It was amazing. As I walked around, the first people I introduced were the dentists and optometrists. Next along the line were the GPs and sports docs, then I introduced the radiologist

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

who was in charge of the digital X-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and the MRI suite.

Next up were the physical therapists. Obviously I explained that I was a chiropractor – I might have mentioned that I have worked in the rugby’s Premiership – and they were surprised to see me working at the Games. They would normally just bring their physio, sports doc and sports therapist along with them. Many had experienced and liked chiro from back home, so we were a welcome sight.

The Aussies’ tour went on to the physios, sports massage, podiatry and osteo teams before we reached the well-stocked pharmacy – who seemed to take great delight in explaining that they were providing more than 50,000 condoms for free at the Games!

After a morning of tours – Tonga, Fiji, Canada, Scotland, England and Mauritius were among those who followed – the afternoon quickly got busy, with my first patient a rugby sevens player from Tonga. As I demonstrated how we can increase a player’s muscle control, making them feel like a million dollars, he was hooked.

He asked if I could see his whole team and, via his telephone, the word started to spread. Before he left, I explained that he would do well with a

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

sports massage straight away, so off he went.

This became the routine. I treated one player, they referred a friend, then promised to come back again. I would offer them access to a scan if they needed or suggested they go and get their eyes checked and teeth cleaned while they were there. The clinic became super busy – not just because of me – but I’m proud of the little kick start I gave it.

When I had a moment, I spoke with all the other professions, spreading the word about chiropractic and giving a few hands-on demonstrations. I believe this really helped dispel any myths about chiro. I explained about the four or five years of fulltime university studies we need to complete before we qualify.

I now have great contact with more sports docs, GPs, physios and chiros that I hadn’t met before. A number asked me to help them find a trusted local chiro to them (you start by going to the British Chiropractic Association website). A few were even interested in the chiro conversion course in Bournemouth.

So, as I listen to the cicadas, my children run dangerously around me with water pistols in Provence and I can hear the family wondering which vineyard to visit at lunchtime, I’m signing off, hoping that everyone has enjoyed a happy and healthy summer.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022

37

nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Until 4 September 2022. n DISHES OF DISCOVERY AT BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN - Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer. Embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol as you sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship.

September 3 n PARTY IN THE PONDS, VASSALLS PARK, OLDBURY COURT, noon-7pm. Free event with music, dance and a huge variety of stalls: Jamaican, Mexican, vegan, cakes, candy floss and ice cream; face painting, wood carving, crafts and games.

September 5 n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY GARDEN WILD WOMEN, 7-9pm.

Supportive group for women of all ages, sharing seasonal food and drink, and exploring simple mindfulness techniques. No need to book, just turn up on

the day. More information from hillfieldswildwomen@gmail.com.

September 17 HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY GARDEN VOLUNTEER GROUP, 10.30am-noon, Hillfields Park. Help look after the garden in a friendly group. Activities for children. No tools or experience needed - all ages welcome. More details from hillfieldscommunitygarden@gmail. com.

September 17-18 GET GROWING TRAIL 2022.

Free open events at Bridge Farm, Glenfrome Road, Stapleton, Elm Tree Farm, Park Road, Stapleton, Avon Wildlife Trust Grow Wilder project, Frenchay Park Road, Stapleton, Royate Hill Community Orchard and Allotment Project, and Edible Bristol Cultivation Place, at Speedwell Allotments, Whitefield Road. For more details see p24 or visit bristolfoodnetwork.org.

September 20 DOWNEND GARDENING IN RETIREMENT CLUB, 10.15am, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road. Nonmembers welcome. £3 including tea/coffee. Easily reached by any bus into Downend.

September 25

MANGO REDS V BLUES CHARITY FUNDRAISING MATCH at Mangotsfield United FC, Cossham Street, all day from 10.30am. Raising money for St Peters Hospice and Special Friends Autistic Club, with music, bouncy castle, hot food, bar, raffle and auction. Free entry, collection for charities around the ground. To register to play visit the Red Lion in St James Street.

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

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

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

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 raising money for charity.

DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. For more information call Genise on 0777 245 1217. Friday n EASTVILLE PARK FOODCLUB OPEN FOR COLLECTIONS, every Friday 12-1.30pm (please note change of opening hours). To enquire about membership, email eastvilleparkfoodclub@gmail.com or call 07591 748548.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community.

We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible

BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS FOR

IN CLASS FOR VI

IFOR TIES ACT I IES CTIIV VIT TIES AC A T

BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS FOR

IN CLASS FOR R

E FOR ING CAT ATER CA RING C TE ING

BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS FOR

IN CLASS FOR PLANS REFOR CA PLANS RE E PLAN CA S CAR

BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS IN CLASS FOR

FOR RING E FOR CAT ATER CA RING C TE ING

BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS IN CLASS FOR

FOR PLAN REFOR CA E PLA SS CARE PLAN NS CAR

We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home...

Give us a call on 0117 969 0990 or visit our website at bristolcarehomes.co.uk To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

September, 2022

38

n SPORT

Boxers can take the heat in Torquay THE new competitive season started early for Downend Boxing Club members who took part in the Riviera Box Cup at the height of the heatwave.

Jay Holloway, Gio Davino, Jasmine Poole, Riley Catley and, in an extra contest, Usamah Zaman, worked very hard for the tournament in Torquay, on August 13-14.

Jay, 18, opened against Liam Harper of Exhall, in a toe-to-toe, all-action clash of styles, with both guys throwing hard shots in the extremely demanding hot conditions. Liam took a points decision.

Gio, 21, was involved in a bout against Peckham's Jemal Sesay that could only be described as epic.

The London boxer possessed fast hands and feet but Gio employed great upper body defence, nullifying most of the attacks and using effective body punching to score.

Caught with a straight shot, prompting a protection count, in the second round, the Downend boxer came firing straight back,

AERIALS

Jasmine Poole with coach Craig Turner after winning the belt for best female performance at the Riviera Box Cup. knocking down his opponent. At the end the audience were on their feet giving generous applause - but the points decision went to Jemal.

Usamah, 22, was without an opponent ahead of his final due to a withdrawal on Saturday, so took an extra contest against Tyrone Roper of Lucky Gloves, Slough.

The heat had taken it completely out of the Downend boxer, who found it difficult to move and lost a points decision.

Day two, however, was vastly different in the Box Cup final for Usamah, who had been the

runner up in last year’s tournament.

Opponent Nicholas Rosa of Peckham applied pressure from the first bell, making the Bristolian box and move whilst throwing eye-catching long shots across the three rounds: Usamah took the championship title on a unanimous decision.

Straight afterwards Jasmine, 20, contested her final against Tracey Sheppard, of Newdigate Warwickshire.

Jasmine landed fast punches through the centre of her aggressive opponent's defence: Tracey would not take a backwards step and Jasmine had to get on her bike to punch and move her way to a unanimous decision, winning the title belt for best female performance.

In his second contest, Riley, 18, showed great determination and courage against the strong Mike Bowman of Leigh Park, Hants, who already had nine bouts.

A good start from Riley saw him box calmly and score with long shots but Mike came steaming back, using hard hooks to fluster Riley and prompt a standing count.

Digging deep, Riley had a torrid start to the third session but regained his composure and got behind his jab, to earn a split points decision.

Looking on was proud dad and former world champion Glenn Catley, who paid tribute to both lads.

Craig Turner

CLEANING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES



Free Quotes Inspection and Testing Landlord Certificates New builds and Extensions Extra Sockets and Lights Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors

Est.2004

The Aerial Co.

● TV Aerials & Satellites ● Extra Points ● Repairs ● Sky Work Undertaken ● Telephone Extensions ● TV Wall Mounting ● CCTV ● Data Points & Wi-Fi Extensions ● TV/DAB/FM Multi Point Systems Call Nick on 07970 529787 Email: theaerialco@yahoo.com

AERIALS

 

www.ElderwoodElectrical.com Office - 0117 9322379 Mobile - 07725 058581

  

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical

Poor Reception Problems Solved

specialist domestic installers

OAP Discount Digital Aerials Satellites Two Year Guarantee Additional TV Points

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

Humax Recorders TV Sales

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

www.theaerialman.co.uk | info@theaerialman.co.uk

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

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

September, 2022 GARDENING

JET WASHING

D. ATTWELL

39 PLUMBING & HEATING

G

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

200808

Contact Geoff on tel: 07870 702088 www.graheatingservices.com email:graheating@gmail.com

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On-average Average cheaper than a skip.

On cheaper than aa skip.

OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003

A

A Local company offering a professional, friendly service

• Boiler installations - Vaillant specialist • Boiler service & breakdown • Gas Safety Inspections • Summer special - Combi Boiler service £60 + VAT • Unvented Hot water cylinder installation & repair • General plumbing service & repair

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE

R

Heating Services

OVEN CLEANING

PLUMBING

 

1/4 Load 1/4 £99 1/4 Load Load £99 £99 Half Half £149 Half Load Load Load £149£149 3/4 Load 3/4 £199 3/4 Load Load £199£199 Full Load Full £249 Full Load Load £249£249

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

PAINTING & DECORATING

HYPNOTHERAPY

Want to

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

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

Tel/text: 07599 207 299

www.gerrymonaghanhypnotherapist.com

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

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

PLUMBING

ADVERTISE HERE

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

PLUMBING

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

From as little as

£20.00

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

+VAT

Per month

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

E-MAIL:

TEL: 07765 250816

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

* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

56746

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

ST. ALDAMS FARM NURSERY EST. 1973

BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER

THE BEST PLANTS AT THE BEST PRICES

Available now at St Aldams

OPEN

Mon-F 7 DAYS ri 9A sun 9A M-5PM M-4PM

PANSIES TRAY OF 25 PLANTS £6.00

WINTER BASKET PLANTS £2.00

PANSY BASKETS ONLY £7.00 EACH

PRIMROSES & POLYANTHUS

VIOLAS TRAY OF 25 PLANTS £6.00

HERBS FROM £2.00 EACH

POTS, TUBS & GIFT SELECTION

SHRUBS from £8.95

TRAY OF 15 PLANTS

£6.00

ERIN MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST Top Quality each or 3 for

£6.50 £17

WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY SEE OUR SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS staldamsnursery.co.uk