South Bristol Voice

southbristolvoice

January 2022 No. 73

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL – 15,000 copies of this edition

FREE MONTHLY IN Bedminster, Southville, Knowle, Totterdown, Ashton, Ashton Vale and Windmill Hill

INSIDE Lantern Parade Page 04

Lantern parade set to light up the streets of Bedminster

Looking back with John Fletcher Page 14-15

After a gap year caused by the Covid-19 crisis Bedminster's Winter Lantern Parade returns on Saturday January 8th, 2022.

The huge community event featuring marching bands, musicians and street theatre sees thousands of children and families parade through the streets of South Bristol with some of the most amazing lanterns ever created. It's a don't miss parade that brings the city together.

See page 4 for more details.

Sports News in brief including lacrosse Page 19

The Windmill Hill pub's future remains in doubt after victory

What's On this January Page 20-21 The Wicked Witch of Knowle Page 09

By Harry Mottram. Last November planners turned down plans by the owners Bar Wars to convert the empty Windmill Hill pub into flats.

It led to a bad tempered outburst

by Mike Cranney of Bar Wars who suggested the decision by council planners was bordering on 'the corrupt' according to a report in

Bristol Live and he claimed councillors had already made up their minds about the plans.

Cllr Lisa Stone said because the application for change of use had been turned down it didn't follow that he had to turn it back into a pub.

She told South Bristol Voice in

an exclusive interview: "There's no law to say he has to do anything. He could just sit on that land for another five or ten years and let it go into rot and ruin.

"The local community got together and fought against the plans to turn it into flats so the planning Continued on page 3

The changing face of East Street on page 16

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours Tel: 01179634373

Email: Southville@cjhole.co.uk

Web: cjhole.co.uk

IN

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Contacts

Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Harry Mottram News Editor 07789 864769 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is January 10, 2022

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 South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 07590527664.

January 2022

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call the above number for an appointment My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Tony Dyer Green, Southville USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900

By phone: 07584182862 By email: Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk Christopher Davies Lib Dem, Knowle Email: Cllr.Christopher.

Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714 Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem deputy leader) Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

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January 2022

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n NEWS

Nothing is guaranteed about the future of the Windmill pub Continued from page 1 was turned down unanimously by the council's planning committee."

The landlord of the pub also didn't pull his punches over the decision with the locals who had objected to the plans and persuaded the council to reject the change of use.

In an article on Bristol Live he said the locals felt they were 'entitled' to keep the pub.

Windmill Hill Green Party Cllr Lisa Stone said she had a conversation with the community group campaigning to keep the pub.

She said: "I explained that just because the plans were rejected doesn't necessarily mean he has to sell it to the locals as a community pub.

"They seemed to think though that the owners would be fair and come up with some compromise.

"There are people in the background who are negotiating with Mike Cranney but we have to wait and watch this space."

The planning decision is another chapter in a long running battle to

retain the pub on Windmill Hill and in broader terms it fits into a picture of pub closures across the country prompting locals to challenge the decision of the owners to throw in the towel and redevelop the often highly valuable properties into accommodation.

Writing for the website mypropertypowerteam.co.uk Graham Phelps said the fact the pub is up for sale is a likely indication that it is not profitable.

He said: " However, it is worth finding out why a particular pub is up for sale or ceased trading."

He lists issues with the brewery, high overheads and simply the wrong landlord. But he continued: "However, if the pub was popular but not profitable, this is easier to fix. Clean the place up, define your market and rent or lease to a suitable ‘personality’ landlord with a low rent and profit share. A change of personality can really make a difference."

Around the corner from the Windmill pub is the Rising Sun community pub which perhaps shows one potential future should

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The sadness of a closed down pub: the Windmill Hill remains empty the Windmill ever return to being a hostelry.

An online fundraising campaign to raise cash to buy the pub ultimately failed to raise anywhere near the £500,000 asking price, while earlier last year a landlord of pubs in Wells and Chew Magna wanted to buy it for around £400,000 had his bid turned down

according to Bristol Live.

"Nothing is guaranteed," said Cllr Stone, "it doesn't now follow it will become a pub again. It was turned down for change of use but it will probably go to appeal."

She thought it could still be sold as a pub or leased as a pub - possibly by the local community if the price was right.

n NEWS IN BRIEF Freedom of Information: In April 2021, resident Paul Woodstock asked the council questions about the stolen mayoral chains under the Freedom of Information Act. The chains were stolen last year and he asked for the insured value of each item, the sum of any money paid out by the insurance company, the estimated replacement cost, and whether the chains of office will be replaced and when.

The council did not answer any of his questions citing the need for secrecy so as not to prompt further robberies. He complained to the Information Commissioner’s Office, who investigated prompting the local authority to change its mind claiming it does not hold the information, adding no decision about whether to replace the chains has been made, according to a response to Mr Woodstock on November 17.

The local authority still stands by its original reason for refusing to disclose the insured value of each of the mayoral chains and the size of any insurance payout for the loss of each item, a spokesman confirmed on December 2.

Youth centre: Councillors are studying the feedback from the

public about the proposed new youth centre in south Bristol.

Citizens are being asked for their views on plans for an £8.4m Youth Zone in south Bristol at Inns Court and by Hengrove Way roundabout.

The national charity OnSide, would be responsible to deliver the so-called Youth Zone designed for children and young people (CYP) aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A decision on the centre will be made later this year. There are currently 14 Youth Zones across the UK which are open seven days a week, offering 20 activities at every session.

Electric food: Bristol’s meals on wheels team has agreed a deal that will see electric vehicles replace older diesel vans on the rounds.

The service provides over 100,000 lunchtime meals a year and the drivers also check in on vulnerable residents to ensure they have what they need.

To find out more visit Bristol Community Meals' webpage, call 0117 903 1520 or 0117 903 1522 Monday to Sunday 9am to 3pm, or email community.meals@bristol. gov.uk.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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January 2022

n FEATURE

Lantern parade set to light up Bedminster

By Harry Mottram. The Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade is perhaps more like a Somerset carnival parade - but without the light bulbs - rather than a parade of children and their parents with paper lanterns. It is a major community event through the streets of South Bristol involving thousands of onlookers, participants and performers - all blessed by every section of Bristol society.

And it all started almost by accident over ten years ago as one of the founders Malcolm Brammar explained to South Bristol Voice: "We were originally involved in a one off event run by ACTA the community theatre group who put out an appeal for volunteers to help marshal their parade in Bedminster."

Stef Brammar explained that the parade was the closing event of an arts festival - and that was the seminal event of the current lantern parade.

She said: "We had just moved here and we thought that's a nice thing and so we volunteered and went along to help marshal it."

Organiser Naomi Fuller said the first parade took place in 2011 after the Brammars decided to stage a parade which they called The Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.

Stef said they managed to raise the £9,000 required to stage it compared to the £21,000 needed for this year's event..

Naomi said: "Some people don't realise the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes throughout the year to make it happen.

"And also they don't realise that it takes a lot of money to put on an event that brings so much joy, that lights up the streets and is so inclusive.

"There are workshops, materials, artists to be paid for and lots of logistical costs such as paying for the road closures, traffic management and insurance."

Malcolm said: "The first one was a short circular walk and we didn't even stop the traffic.

"But as it got bigger and more popular we thought we'd better have a rethink and stop the traffic to

The lanterns are made from recycled materials including paper and cane

make it safer.

"At that point the business group BID was established and they said they would support it but asked us to change the route to support the traders."

The tie up was agreed and the traders chipped in with sponsorship cash.

The parade on Saturday 8th January sees local roads closed to

traffic from 3-7pm so the parade sets off along North Street, Cannon Street, British Road and part of South Street with the parade beginning at 4pm near St Francis Church.

If the weather is bad the event is moved to another Saturday with details given out to everyone.

For more details of the parade visit https://www.lanternparade.org/

Missing cat

Fifi went missing on 22 October and we have been looking for her ever since. She is a grey, black and white tabby wearing a collar with two bells.

She is neutered and chipped and has been reported lost so will flag up if taken to the vets.

Fifi responds very well to her name and her home is in Beckington Road.

We would be very grateful if you could keep an eye for her and contact us if you see her.

We are also offering a reward to anyone who will safely return her.

Please call anytime on 07956065130

A giant parrot in a previous parade showing the possibilities of design

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2022

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n NEWS

'We need liveable neighbourhoods to end rat runs'

By Harry Mottram. The streets of Bedminster, Southville, Totterdown, Knowle and Windmill Hill are a warren of roads that see motorists using them as short cuts - especially in the rush hours.

Liveable Neighbour schemes have been seen as one solution to the problem of so-called 'rat-runs' where drivers nip through residential roads to beat the traffic jams.

All well and good for the motorist but for children crossing the road to get to school, parents pushing prams and buggies and people walking their dogs the speeding traffic is both unwanted and dangerous - let alone the noise and pollution they cause.

"Liveable neighbourhoods seem to have been pushed aside by Donald Alexander the cabinet member for transport," said Cllr Lisa Stone, "but they are needed in places like Windmill Hill where there are a lot of ran runs and people parking there and walking into the city or walking their dogs."

She said that applications for residents' parking schemes had been turned down by the Council because they don't agree that the parking schemes are the 'way forward.'

"I can see there are some pitfalls as far as residents' parking is concerned," she said, "but I thought that liveable neighbourhoods and residents' parking schemes could be a winner but Donald Alexander is not putting his money where his mouth is as he's been promising these schemes for some time.

"Now he's handing out handbooks for residents to form their own schemes, and I understand we must talk to local communities.

"But it could take years while we wait for solutions and in the meantime we have to put up with rat runs and quite aggressive drivers.

"We have to slow everything down rather than speed up traffic.

"As a cyclist I notice how aggressive drivers can be and they abuse cyclists and I don't know why as they are in safe metal boxes - we need to calm people down and treat people properly."

She said residents around Victoria Park would like a liveable neighbourhood scheme as the area is ideally suited for one as would the Stanley Road area in Totterdown where drivers coming from the Bath Road

Cllr Lisa Stone

Cllr Donald Alexander

turn left and use it as a rat run to get to Wells Road.

Bristol Live reported that Cllr Alexander said the handbook referred to by Cllr Stone would 'set out how councillors, residents and officers can work together to develop a liveable neighbourhood, so that they can continue to work up ideas without waiting for a final strategy to be developed and signed off.'

They reported that he told the scrutiny committee: "I have decided to take a slightly different approach and that is going to cause a little delay."

Apart from the issue of residents' parking schemes and liveable neighbourhoods pushing the problems of rat runs and parking into the next area there is another factor possibly at play and that is of cash.

Bristol Live reported: " Liveable neighbourhoods cost anywhere from about £1million to £10million per square kilometre, the council has heard. The council must bid for money for transport initiatives from the Department for Transport via the West of England Combined Authority (Weca)."

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January 2022

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January 2022

southbristolvoice

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

Just what does a Methodist minister actually do all day?

There’s an old joke that ministers/ vicars/pastors have a very easy life because we only work on Sundays and have the rest of the time off!

I am sure how we spend our time is a mystery to most people.

I love my work – what a privilege to connect with all sorts of people, sometimes at crucial times of their lives, and get involved with community activities like the Arts Trail (Totterdown) and the Lantern Parade (Bedminster).

As well as Sunday services, a typical week might mean visiting someone who’s housebound, a discussion group on the Bible (such a great resource to help with the daily challenges of life, and lots of interesting questions raised by it too); phoning someone who’s ill (no hospital visits since Covid); a school assembly (pre Covid at any rate – now on zoom again); planning ahead; and supporting the fantastic volunteer teams who organise church life and keep our

buildings in good repair. I was so pleased recently when a local Muslim family asked me to visit them and their new baby and it was especially lovely to pray with them.

These are challenging times for churches, and there’s always more that could be done, so it’s important to take time out to pray and think things over – for me, often easiest when I am doing something like making bread or gardening.

If you’d told me when I left school that I’d end up doing this job I certainly wouldn’t have believed you – life is full of unexpected turns, but I’m so grateful I said ‘yes’ when I was challenged to take this particular road.

Rev Sally, looking after St Peter’s, Broomhill; Knowle; Totterdown and Bedminster Methodist Churches; more info at www.southbristolmc.org.uk

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2022

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8

NEWS IN BRIEF De-Colstoning: It's a new word in the Bristol dictionary - essentially anything called Colston - named after the 18th century slave trader and philanthropist - has a name change - like Montpelier High School for Girls - formerly Coltson's Girls' School or Beacon Tower originally called Colston Tower.

The latest to de-Colstoning is Coltson's School. The new name is yet to be revealed but the editor of South Bristol Voice suggests Eastville Park School is possible since it is close to the lake and green space.

Follow the trail: The Windmill Hill and Victoria Park Arts Trail was held last year but this year they hope to make it a full trail in October following their AGM in February.

They said: "We are looking for new people to join our friendly organising team. You don't need any particular skills to make a valuable contribution but any skills and ideas you do have will be most welcome."

The AGM is planned as an in-person meeting at The Windmill Hill Community Centre in Vivian St BS3 4LW on 3rd February 2022 at 7.30pm. Details at www.

artonthehill.org.uk or email artonthehillbristol@gmail.com Park and pay: Personal trainers and professional dog walkers will have to pay a fee to use Bristol’s parks under a new licensing system being introduced by the council writes the Local Democracy Service.

The system - designed to regulate activities in the city’s green spaces - will generate an income stream to pay for their upkeep.

Yoga teachers, fitness trainers, dance teachers, walking clubs, dog walking businesses and balloonists are among those required to pay for an annual licence.

Bristol City Council said it is in the process of issuing licences to groups who use its parks, but is aware there may be more groups it does not know about.

Jon James, head of service for natural and marine environment, said: “As a landowner, we have a duty to effectively regulate what’s happening on our site.

“If you’re a commercial operator then there’s going to be a fee.

“If you’re non-commercial then we need to see what we can do.

The Floating Harbour. Pic: Bristol Docks

There might just be a nominal charge for a licence to cover any administration costs.”

The licensing scheme runs alongside the council’s Future Parks programme, which aims to find ways to commercialise the city’s green spaces to shore up the parks department’s scarce budget after a decade of austerity.

Floating costs: The Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees has announced major repairs to the Floating Harbour.

In a Tweet he wrote: "Cabinet will consider £1.25m investment in the historic Underfall Yard sluices, protecting #Bristol’s Floating Harbour and reducing flood risk in surrounding areas.

"These proposals follow £2.5m

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of investment in infrastructure around our harbour and the New Cut in March."

The four tunnels link the Floating Harbour with the New Cut to keep the level of the harbour stable.

They were built in the 19th century and repaired in the 1990s.

The New Cut was dug out in the early 19th century to create the Floating Harbour as the port of Bristol grew in size.

Road deaths: The police has reported that most one in three fatal collisions on the roads of Avon and Somerset in the last year have involved drink or drugs as a contributory factor.

This equates to 12 collisions where people were killed through drink or drug driving.

They said in early December: "We have already made 50 arrests for drink and drug driving offences since 1 December.

This is up from 32 in the equivalent period last year, when we arrested a total of 229 people during the annual campaign and up from 26 in the equivalent period in 2019, which saw 221 arrests across the month."

ormally the happenings in full council meetings are so far removed from ordinary peoples lives that a local magazine would shun them.

On 7th Dec though I had 3 involvements that were strongly connected and which affect so many of us. The first was questions to the mayor where I got the response that not only was it “acceptable “ for the mayor to demand a share of profits from the projected new community management of Jubilee pool but that as a senior Cllr it was my duty to support him (this despite the fact that the profits were needed to pay for the investment that he had withheld and that his previous “consultation” had dismissed jubilee as a hopeless basket case.)

The second was my presentation as chair of the audit committee report detailing how £40+ million pounds of Bristol city public funds had been

wasted and covered up by his administration by Bristol energy.

The third was a vote by Cllrs to demand that the Bristol public get a referendum next May on whether they should keep or abolish the mayor system. This was passed with all but one Labour Cllr voting to deny the referendum to the people. Every other councillor piled in to win the vote. Many readers will know my long term commitment to this cause. Only the mayor could be so tone deaf to the realities in the community that he finds it acceptable to attempt to replenish city coffers wiped out by his arrogance and stupidity by squeezing the loose change from community efforts.

Earlier in the day Chris and I had met with the new owners of Broadwalk again to influence their plans towards quality and away from the mayor's priority of numbers of flats at any price.

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2022

T

southbristolvoice

9

In witch everything goes wrong

here was a loud knock at the door and my smiley postie handed me a large package. How exciting. I opened it wondering what I had purchased. A book. A book which I was part of. 1000 authors with their 81-word, record-breaking stories. It was huge, the size of a telephone directory.

I flicked through searching for my name. The Evil Teen grabbed it, found the index page and said “You're not in it”. I snatched it back and searched with my own eyes. She was correct. I was not.

I thought my words had been submitted but they had not. I had subsequently sent in a story for my friend who does not have a computer. This had registered my email address but it was for her. I’d been getting updates on the book and finally, an email asking if I wanted to buy it. Of course I did. Now I have a book which, in all honesty, I won’t read because I’m not in it.

Then there was another purchase. Over in Facebook

Marketland. A pair of gorgeous second-hand Dr Martens. I travelled over to Bedminster not taking any notice of my surroundings because I had Mrs Satnav directing me. “You have reached your destination” she told me. I knocked on the door. Nothing. I knocked again.

Weird. I’d just spoken to the woman, she knew I was coming.

Finally, a lady wrapped in a pure white dressing gown with a matching towel on her head opened the door a tiny crack and whispered, “is everything ok?

Do you need help?” I frowned, tripped over my words and

finally ascertained that I did not need medical assistance, I was in fact at the wrong house.

When I returned to the car Mrs Satnav had changed the route and the correct address was on the screen. She messes with my mind.

With the new Dr Martens on my feet I went out for a Christmas jolly with my friends.

We decided to test out the Voi Scooters, scoot into town where we had a booth booked at Flight Club for an hour of darts.

I downloaded the Voi app, added a day rider and trotted down to Knowle Road where there was loads of them parked up. I scanned the scooter with the app and then was told I needed to upload my driving licence.

I did not have it. I called the Evil one and she photographed my licence and sent it to me.

I forwarded it to my friend’s phone so the Voi app could take a picture. This app is clever after draining my phone’s battery it told me I was a fraud.

Time was ticking so my friends shot off on the scooters and I said, sulkily, that I’d get the bus.

One of my friends decided to keep me company. “Well you tried” she soothed “if you hadn’t, I’d be really mad right now”. I was mad. Mad with myself.

Of course there were no buses so we marched super quick to Corn Street. By the time we got there, my feet were raw nubs of goo. Dr Martens are things of pure torture.

The Flight Club is brilliant.

We had an hour but needed two.

You get a booth with a normal dartboard, but it’s attached to a computer that adds up your score – a bit like ten pin bowling but with darts.

To everyone’s great surprise I won the first game. But to my horror the screen replays the moment – that’s a bit of a shock. The angle is not the most flattering, I realised, despite my daily swimming routine, that I still look like a King Edward potato. Oh who’d be me?

Ferguson became the city’s first directly elected mayor in November 2012.

The debate ahead of the decision to hold a referendum heard claims from opposition councillors that the role of city mayor has “absolute power” while the Labour group dismissed the motion and said the debate was ‘navel gazing’.

Critics of the mayoral system say it has put too much power in the hands of one person and undermined the role of local councillors, whereas opponents of the committee system say decision-making was too slow and nothing got done.

The committee system saw full council appoint cross-party committees to make decisions on specific matters such as transport, but retain the power to set the annual budget and make other large decisions. A core executive of members of the majority party retained the right of veto.

The motion to let the people of Bristol decide whether to ditch the mayoral system and return to the committee system at the end of the second term of current mayor Marvin Rees was put forward by the Liberal Democrats with the support of the Green Party, whose national policy favours committee systems.

After an impassioned debate on Tuesday night (November 7), the motion passed with the support of almost all opposition members, with 41 votes in favour of holding a referendum next year against 24 votes from the Labour group.

Two councillors abstained from the vote – Labour’s Zoe Goodman and Tim Wye from the Greens – while no votes were recorded for four councillors, including Paula O’Rourke, the former leader of the Green group, who did not attend the meeting.

It is estimated that it will cost the council roughly £700,000 to hold the referendum.

THE WICKED WITCH OF KNOWLE

NEWS IN BRIEF Referendum in May: Bristol will go to the polls in May to decide whether to scrap the mayoral system after opposition councillors had a victory in City Hall with a vote on the issue of elected mayors.

A majority of elected members of Bristol City Council backed a motion in November last year to hold a legally binding second referendum ten years after the first which created the post of Mayor of Bristol in 2012.

The referendum will offer Bristolians the choice of keeping an elected mayor or going back to the committee system of governance that was in place before George

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2022

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10

INVITATION

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southbristolvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Spinal Column As the joy of Christmas fades away we enter the coldest and darkest months of the year. People respond to this time of year in different ways.

Some go into hibernation, making the most of the early dark to watch movies and huddle under a blanket.

Some, fuelled by the guilt of too much turkey and quality streets, join the gym, go 5 times then ignore that rolling membership until next year.

Do what appeals to you the most, however the most important thing to do is to make sure you’re looking after you. Here are a few of my top tips to look after yourself.

Keep moving. With shorter, colder days the tendency is to stay indoors. Of course you can exercise at home or at the gym, but keep moving on a regular basis.

This time of year can be beautiful. Get out to Leigh Woods or Ashton Court and re-connect with nature. Nothing beats a roast by a log fire after.

Supplement with Vitamin D. We don’t see much sun this time of year and when we do we are often well covered up. A large percentage of the population are deficient in vitamin D all year round and most during the winter months.

This sunny vitamin has many health benefits, including

11

What causes back pain? do list all affect you physically and

strengthening your bones and boosting your immune system.

Plan things to look forward to.

This is the time of year most summer holidays are booked - probably because every one is craving warmth and sunshine.

Having dates in the diary - holidays, meeting with friends, a meal out - is a real psychological lift.

It’s important to be at peace and present in each moment of life, however having a goal to work towards gives clarity to your journey.

Love yourself. Most think about their health this time of year too, which is another reason so many sign up to the gym. Connect with others and with yourself and start taking balanced steps towards improving your health.

Move more, think better thoughts, eat better foods. There’s a lot of resources out there to help you. If you need some advice then please feel free to reach out to me.

Charles Herbert Director The Chiropractic Centre: Bristol www.thechirocentre.co.uk Charles Herbert The Chiropractic Centre in Bristol Telephone: 0117 9741 501 www.thechirocentre.co.uk

This Back Awareness Month we are looking at what causes back pain? The answer is simple. Stress!

Certain things might jump to your mind when you think of stress, however there are many different types of stress.

Let’s break them down into the 3 main types.

Physical Stress This is all about how you look after your body physically. Poor posture and bad lifting techniques are obvious culprits.

Lack of exercise and stretching, repetitive movements, accidents and falls, carrying your kids - the list goes on.

The biggest piece of advice I have for this type of stress is, keep movement varied and frequent. There are ideal postures we should adopt, however the worst position is the one you spent most of your time in. If you’ve been working from home during the pandemic then the amount you need to move, compared to commuting and walking around an office, is dramatically reduced. Try and move each joint in your body through its full range of movement at least twice per day.

Emotional Stress We are all affected by this one but rarely do people link it to back pain.

The truth is, worrying about a deadline, running around after your kids, making ends meet, having a never ending to

cause pain. A classic example, how many times have you heard someone say they’ve had a stressful day at work and now they have a headache?

Although not an obvious cause, emotional stress probably causes or is involved in 80-90% of the patients we see!

What can you do? There’s a huge amount of advice about stress management available. What my patients find most helpful are taking time for yourself (‘me’ time), doing a daily gratitude journal, walks in nature and meditation. Different things work for different people, but it’s important to find what works for you.

Chemical Stress This is probably the least obvious one.

It’s our environment and what we put into our body. We all know ‘we are what we eat’ and it’s true. Our cells are changing constantly, millions of cells per minute. So if you put crap in, you get crap out.

A simple one to solve, eat clean home cooked food that’s as close as possible to how nature provides it (more raw, less processed).

If you have any questions about managing your back pain, please feel free to get in contact on 01179741501.

We would love to help you get back on track.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2022

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KARIN SMYTH, MP for Bristol South

Health and Care: the Government rejected Labour's amendments

O

ver the past few months I have had the privilege of working on the Health and Social Care Bill, scrutinising the detail of the Bill during its Commons committee stage. I strongly believed this would be a chance for us to reinvigorate our NHS and give it a renewed life to achieve its objective of providing high-quality and free at the point of use healthcare, fit for the 21st century. I approached this role determined to stop the Bill from becoming a cronies charter under the Tories.

I was spurred to seek elected office because of the Conservative Party’s disastrous reforms implemented nearly a decade ago.

The Lansley Act was focused solely on the reorganisation and marketisation of the NHS instead of focusing on what really matters: services delivered to patients.

There were more warnings from experts than you can count that this would undermine care.

They were right and the new Bill

was a last ditch attempt to save face.

Over the last months, together with Labour colleagues, I have been pushing the Government to increase accountability,

transparency and integration.

Unfortunately, the Government refused all of the Labour’s amendments to the Health and Care Bill, meaning the Bill will be unable to bring the required openness and transparency that aids accountability I have been pushing for.

The Government’s decision will have terrible consequences and it’s choice to proceed without adding in better local accountability and challenge in the system will need fixing in the not too distant future. The risks of which we heard in evidence from Sir Robert Francis. A system needs to be put in place to challenge the culture and give a voice to local patients and the public, otherwise new rules will fail as the old ones did.

The position of the NHS as default for most clinical services will remain and the Bill will not favour more privatisation, but it won’t stop outsourcing where a case can be made and a process followed.

Although the overall outcome of the Bill was disappointing, we did see some small victories. The Bill has reversed much of the Lansley Act, which I welcome.

However, we still do not have a strong approach to integrated care. The proposed Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPS) appear to be mainly vehicles for discussion with no powers or duties.

This is not the solution that is needed for the rising number of people with multiple long-term conditions. The Bill also fails to address major problems around workforce retention and recruitment, and crumbling infrastructure.

Backlogs and a strained workforce are not the result of the pandemic alone. They are a result of a decade of mismanagement and underinvestment. We urgently need reform that will address these serious and fundamental issues. As the Lords debate the Bill, I hope to see these problems being discussed.

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January 2022

southbristolvoice

n FEATURE

13

A short (and hidden) history of women's rugby union

By Harry Mottram: Despite over 130 years of rugby union played by a wide variety of club teams in Bristol currently it is Bristol Bears Womens' rugby team who are the most successful this season.

The female side of the game has for long been in the shadows of the male fifteens partly due to sexism and partly due to historically games such as tennis and hockey were seen as the preserve of the so-called fairer sex.

This as we know is rubbish as I can testify with a female relative playing at a very high level in the women's game.

Although women have long wanted to play the running game it wasn't until 1984 when Clifton Ladies RFC was founded, before changing their name to Bristol Ladies and eventually Bristol Bears.

Surprisingly the history of women's rugby dates to the 19th century and due to prejudice has been ignored by mainly male sports commentators.

De Monfort University's Professor Tony Collins said: " The story of women and rugby has

been hidden from history. Women have played a huge part in the sport, whether it is playing the game, organising it or supporting it."

The Leicester academic said the first known female rugby player was a schoolgirl called Emily Valentine, who played in a team formed by her brothers at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, where her father was the headmaster. She is recorded as scoring a try in a match held in 1887.

Four years later there was even an international between England and Scotland women revealing that even in Victorian Britain feminists were breaking out of the social restrictions of the time.

The main drivers of female rugby were to be found In New Zealand and universities where women keen on sport tried out various sports through college clubs.

In the land of the Long White Cloud down under women were playing the game with inter club competitions taking place by the

A cigarette card from 1895 celebrating the female game of rugby - who said it was only a recent trend?

turn of the 20th century.

In the 1920s as women's football took off rugby was making

inroads as well especially in Wales and France. It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s with the sexual revolution heralded by changes in attitudes, the Equalities legislation and the increase in leisure time and attendance by women in higher education that the female game began to flourish.

In 1983 the Women’s Rugby Football Union (WRFU) was founded with ten clubs including Leicester Polytechnic with home internationals starting in 1996 followed by the Six Nations in 2007.

The game has come a long way since those Victorian women picked up the oval ball and ran down to the pitch - but with the world cup set for later this year the game has come of age.

Since it began in 1991 only three teams have won it. England, New Zealand and the United States.

New Zealand will host the next Rugby World Cup for women in 2022, one year later than planned due to Covid. From 2025 the competition finals will be expanded to 16 teams, from the 12 competing in 2021.

Advertising Feature

New Beginnings in Withywood

Age UK Bristol run the New Beginnings day centre in Withywood for people living with dementia Monday-Friday. New Beginnings offers a cooked lunchtime meal, varied social activities and a host of dedicated staff and volunteers to support visitors throughout the day, providing respite for carers.

Transportation can also be provided for attendees.

“I am really looking forward to my next visit, I enjoy spending time in the New Beginnings garden, it helps me to focus on other things.

I am not much of a talker but I do enjoy listening.” - Attendee The centre follows strict health and safety requirements with regards to covid.

If you know someone who would enjoy attending, please contact newbeginnings@ageukbristol.org.uk or ring 0117 987 8406 to discuss individual needs and costs for private paying visitors.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2022

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14

John Fletcher recalls his National Service days and is allocated a training centre - but where?

We continue our serialisation of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood

by Knowle resident John Fletcher as he begins his National Service

W

e were marched through massive store warehouses and issued with all our kit. We were given vaccinations or inoculations, standing in long lines with sleeves rolled up and hand on hip to present a good target for the bored medical orderly with a blunt needle to do his bit. Several people, usually the biggest, strongest looking, managed to faint as it neared their turn. I think it was the sight of the needle not any likely pain that floored them. For some the worst was still to come – the dreaded first haircut. For most of us provincials it was not too dramatic as a ‘short back and sides’ was the accepted cut, but for the more fashion conscious Home Counties lads it was an utter disaster. They

sported a DA (‘Duck’s Ass’) in which the hair on the sides of the head was allowed to grow very long and was swept up and over to produce a tail-like effect at the nape of the neck. The motto of the barbers seemed to be the more you had to start with, the less you finished with. It was not uncommon to see tears shed when surveying the final effect.

The issue of uniforms took several days because in each intake of several hundred 18-year-olds there would be a variety of every shape and size. I was fortunate in that although I was rather short I was fairly standard in other dimensions, so the clothes thrown at me by the store men fitted quite well. For those who were not of regular fittings, alterations were made by a team of tailors which took several days. This produced

National Service: picture of rugby played from the National Army Museum the rather comical effect of an airman in partial uniform but topped off with a sports jacket, or if the jacket fitted, a pair of brown trousers.

Probably the most significant event of the introductory week was the allocation of your service number. Mine was 2502162. This number was to be transferred to every item of clothing and equipment, mostly by use of indelible ink through a stencil.

Even the metal knife, fork and spoon had the last three digits of the number indented by means of hammering a metal die. I think the only unnumbered item was the china mug.

At last the week in the reception unit was over and we

waited to hear which of the dozen or so recruit training schools we would be sent to, to do our square bashing. Most of us were hoping for somewhere in the south which would be a bit warmer. At last we were told. It would be No. 3 School of Recruitment Training, but where was that? Find out next time as we continue with John's autobiography.

Mus A mur On N

John Fletcher in the 1950s

National Service: a sergeant checks out new recruits. PIc: NAM

John's wonderful recollections are sure to jog the memories of some of our readers. We would love to hear similar tales and see photos from the period. Please email to news@ southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to South Bristol Voice, 111 Broadfield Rd Knowle Bristol B42UX. All items will be safely returned

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2022

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15

eat out and lose weight Monday Oldfield Park 10am Sarah - 07881 758292 Knowle 10am & 11.30am Kim - 07920 023170 Knowle 5pm & 6.30pm (from 10th Jan) Kim - 07920 023170 Sandy Park 5.30pm & 7.30pm Julie - 07854 806096

Tuesday Broadwalk 9am & 10:30am Susan - 07711 388511 Sandy Park 9.30am Julie - 07854 806096 Hengrove 9.30am Sarah - 07879 443888 Broadwalk 4:30pm, 6pm & 7:30pm Susan - 07711 388511

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Bath Centre 6pm & 7:30pm Jane - 07857 147093

Weston 6pm Sarah - 07881 758292

Hengrove 5.30pm Sarah - 07879 443888

Saltford 7pm Cher - 07824 336925

Friday

St Anne’s 5.30pm & 7pm Emma - 07867 783911

Thursday

Knowle 9am Kim - 07920 023170

Keynsham 7:30am, 9am & 10:45am Kelly - 07795 951137

Stockwood 9am Vicky - 07999 617075

Wednesday

Bishopsworth 9:30am Keesa - 07399 597267

Combe Down 9:30am Cher - 07824 336925

Withywood 9am and 10.30am Vicky - 07999 617075

Stockwood 5pm and 6.30pm Vicky - 07999 617075

Southdown 9.30am Jane - 07857 147093

Withywood 5pm and 6.30pm Vicky - 07999 617075

Keynsham 5.30pm & 7;15pm Kelly - 07795 951137

Saturday

Timsbury 5.30 & 7.30pm Trina - 07538 309708

Bishopsworth 5.30pm Keesa - 07399 597267

Brislington 5.30pm & 7pm Emma - 07867 783911

Southdown 5:30pm Jane - 07857 147093

Whitchurch 5.30pm & 7pm Sarah - 07879 443888

Broomhill 6pm Emma - 07867 783911

Twerton 6pm & 7.30pm Sarah - 07881 758292

Odd Down 9.30am Emma - 07886 629496 Hengrove 9:30am Keesa - 07399 597267 Ashton Vale 9.30am Susan - 07711 388511

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2022

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n BUSINESS NEWS

n NEWS

Lorries on pavement charge

East Street today is changing

The changing face of East Street in Bedminster Back in the day East Street was the main shopping area of Bedminster with most of the well known stores taking a place on the through road.

However it was also a rat run in the rush hour and during the 1980s the traffic at times was non-stop making crossing the road difficult.

Parking was still allowed outside the shops in some places adding to congestion - long before cycle lanes were thought of.

The council moved to make to make it a car free zone and restricted parking in order to make it safer - but this led to a slow decline with shops closing and some of the big names moving out.

North Street by the late 1990s was experiencing a renaissance with its wider streets, parking on the road and the influence of he Tobacco Factory Theatre and bars bringing in new people to shop, to go to the theatre or dine out.

But it now appears that the fortunes of what was once the centre of the Somerset town of

Bedminster are changing again.

A number of new 21st century retail outlets have been opening - and I don't mean just phone shops and charity shops - but food and clothing stores such as the East Street Emporium.

The latest is a 'zero waste' shop called Preserve selling mainly dried food in bulk - it opened last autumn and is owned by Tiriel Lovejoy.

He said: "I have other shops in Bristol and was looking for a new location. This shop came up and I do like the area and Bedminster in general.

"Bedminster is a busy and vibrant area and is very mixed compared to other parts of Bristol which can be very chalk and cheese.

"There's also lots of regeneration planned which you can see. There's also a high student population and they have many of our beliefs and they are attracted to our store."

South Bristol Voice has seen a number of photographs and videos showing trucks and vans outside the Asda loading or service area on St John's Road parked on the pavements.

It is understood that the practice of goods vehicles parking on the pavements outside the gates of the rear part of the supermarket while waiting their turn to unload is common place.

A number of residents have contacted this newspaper to highlight the illegal parking and to note the round the clock deliveries and general noise and disturbance caused by the practice especially at night. The city councillors for the area said parking on the pavements by lorries was unacceptable.

Cllr Tony Dyer said: "Parking on pavements is not only inconsiderate to pedestrians, it is dangerous and also causes structural damage which can make pavements unsafe thus requiring expensive repairs. This then puts additional pressure on funding available for other public services.

"Pavement parking is not just restricted to lorries of course, but their sheer size obviously makes them a particular obstacle

to pedestrians increasing the likelihood of pedestrians, especially those with pushchairs or reliant on wheelchairs, being forced into busy roadways like St John's.

"In addition, the extra weight of HGVs obviously increase the level of damage to pavements.

"In London additional legislation has been introduced to allow for a greater level of enforcement to be taken against pavement parking. We will be looking to explore whether similar measures can be adopted in Bristol."

In reply Asda said: " “To help support the local community in Bedminster and manage an increase in online orders from vulnerable customers shielding during the pandemic, the delivery schedule at the store has temporarily changed.

"These changes are in line with Government guidance to ensure supermarkets can restock and continue to serve customers at the present time. We understand the frustrations of some local residents and will ensure that deliveries are made as quietly and quickly as possible.”

The entrance to the service area at Asda on St John's Road. Pic: Google Maps

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To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2022

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A job that matters

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Looking for a career change?

Looking for part-time work?

Looking for a job that can fit around family life?

Join our teams of amazing local care workers Whether you are looking for a fresh challenge or a job to fit around other commitments, a role in care could be for you. A range of local jobs are available:

Support workers

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Domiciliary care workers

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Katherine is a support worker helping adults with learning disabilities. She fits her job around being a mum.

Casey visits people’s homes as a domiciliary care worker. She’s also studying for her NVQs in health and social care.

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Glenn works in a residential home.

After 10 years of office work, he loves the difference he’s making to people’s lives.

To find out more, get in touch with our Proud to Care Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire teams. We work closely with care providers across the area and can help you explore your options, explain the opportunities available and introduce you to employers.

Everyone is welcome, with or without experience, as we’ll offer all the relevant training and support.

www.beproudtocare.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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January 2022

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m atthews estates.co.uk

Lisa Stone & Ed Plowden Green councillors Windmill Hill

H

aving your say!

You can read about the chance to have your say about the way Bristol is governed – the referendum next spring about whether to keep the Elected Mayor - in the column of our Southville Green Party councillors alongside this piece.

We both voted for a referendum: after 10 years of the Mayoral Experiment it is now time to hear what the people of Bristol think.

We are pleased that local people were heard when the Planning Application to turn the Windmill Pub was unanimously turned down by the committee.

This was because so many residents spoke of how important this pub – and pubs like this – are to the wellbeing of the local community. This was a real victory for people power It is also great to see the campaigners for keeping Jubilee

Pool open have been listened to and have the chance to bring the Pool into Community ownership.

Although we are concerned that the Mayor, having said that the Pool does not cover its costs, now insists on a profit share as part of any deal. If you have any skills to share with the campaign group please make contact ASAP Until 28th January you can have your say about the proposals for improving the Number 2 Bus Route. We need more reliable bus services, and as Greens we believe this is a top City priority. So we want to hear from local people thier views about the detailed proposals for how this is done.

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To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2022

southbristolvoice

n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF Bristol City Women Footballers: Their next home game is on Sunday, January 9th against Coventry United in the FA Championship when they hope to consolidate their mid table position in the second tier of the league. On the 23rd they entertain Charlton Athletic at home while on the 16th they make the long journey to Blackburn Rovers for a league clash.

The club also has an under 23s team who share the ground with the first team at the Robins High Performance Centre at Failand which has won the 2021 Northern Design Award for its design and facilities.

Bristol Rugby Women: Unlike the men the Bristol Bears Women play in the top flight of the sport in the Allianz Premier 15s. The team have been sweeping all before them this season with impressive wins agains Exeter, Gloucester, Durham and Wasps. The team play at Bears High Performance Centre, Beggar Bush Lane, Bristol, BS8 3TF. For details visit https://www.bristolbearsrugby. com/teams/bristol-bears-women/ Bristol Rugby Men: The Bristol Bears have two tough fixtures this month in the Gallagher Premiership with an away game against in Devon against Exeter Chiefs on New Year's Day and on the following Friday they take on Sale at Ashton Gate in an evening fixture when they will seek to use the game as a spring board to the season that's disappointed so far.

They have two European Champions Cup games on at home on the 15th against Stade Francais in Bristol and another away in wales on the 22nd against Scarlets.

Bristol City FC: The team are at home at Ashton Gate in the championship on Sunday, January 2, when they play Millwall.

Hopefully the Robins will prevail and move away from the wrong end of the league table. They also play at Ashton Gate on the 22nd when they face arch rivals Cardiff City - in an earlier kick-off at 12.30pm. They hit the road on the 15th when they travel to Fulham and on the 29th when it's a long drive to Preston North End. Cricket: Bedminster Cricket Club is based in the heart of South Bristol and is one of the premier clubs in the South West.

And although the season is now over until next spring it's worth reminding everyone of this successful and friendly cricket club.

They offer both senior and youth cricket iwth five Saturday senior teams, with the first XI in the West of England Premier League Division, right down to the C XI in

the Bristol & District League Division 13, we can truly offer cricket for all.

Hockey: Firebrands Hockey Club is the home of hockey in Bristol. Since 1947 the club has not only been hugely successful on a national and local level, but is also highly inclusive, family friendly and fun.

Tennis: South Bristol is blessed with a number of tennis clubs. These include the Greville Smyth Park Tennis Club, Knowle Lawn Tennis Club, Victoria Park Tennis Club and the David Lloyd Centre in Ashton.

With the success of Emma Raducanu in the USA Open there is an expectation the sport will get a boost. With hard courts, tennis can be played all year round. Greville Smyth Park has a thriving junior section with prices frozen at the 2018 level meaning for an adult the fee is less than £1 a week - a lot less than a gym.

Broad Plain Rugby Club: the first team play in the Gloucester Second Division South. The second XV play in the Wadworth 6X Bristol & District Second Division. The teams train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. New players always welcome.

Lacrosse: Formed in 2007 by a handful of enthusiasts, Bristol Bombers has now grown into one of the biggest men's and ladies' lacrosse clubs in the country. The ladies have been league champions for the last three years and Division 1: National Champions for the last two. To get up to speed with stick and net enthusiasts visit https:// www.facebook.com/ BristolBombersLacrosse/ Croquet: Established in 1897, Bristol Croquet Club maintains an excellent reputation as a leading club. We are home to several national and international players as well as lots of members who love just playing at the club. For details and to join visit http://www. bristolcroquet.org/

Have stick will play: action from a Bristol Bomber's game in November

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Harry on 07789 864769 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

19

January 2022

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WHAT'S ON

Lantern parade and Romeo and Juliet We can’t be sure there won’t be another Covid-19 crisis this month so do check with the venue before buying tickets Sat 1 Jan - Sun 9 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath: Cinderella. John Monie returns as Buttons in a classic seasonal pantomime and is joined by mum-to-be Dani Harmer as the Fairy Godmother. Continued from December.

Sat 1-Sun 9 Jan. Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol. Oz. After a violent storm, a brave young girl finds herself lost in a world that bears no relation to her own. A magic land of potent poppy fields, ferocious flying monkeys and rogue rulers.

Continued from December.

Sat 1 Jan - Sat 8 Jan. Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Robin Hood and the Legend of the Forgotten Forest.

The Wardrobe Ensemble team up with Bristol Old Vic for a fresh spin on the swashbuckling legend.

Continued from December.

Sat 1 Jan - Sun 16 Jan. Bath. Egg Theatre. Five Children and It. EE Nesbit’s classic children’s story about a strange creature that grants wishes. Continued from December.

Wed 5-Sat 22 Jan. Bristol Hippodrome. Dreamgirls. Meet The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. Join the three friends as they embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through a world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business, testing their friendships to the very limit.

Thu 6-Fri 7 Jan. Bristol Alma Theatre. Half Stunning. A completely improvised comedy inspired by conversations with an audience.

Fri 7 Dec. Redcatch, Bristol.

Tea Dance 2-4pm. Redcatch Community Centre. Call Katrina Meyo 01275 541459. Drop in anytime. Every Friday.

Sat 8 Jan. Bedminster, Bristol.

Lantern Parade. The 10th Lantern Parade passes along the streets with live music, entertainment and marching bands. Several local roads will be closed to traffic from 3pm to 7pm including North Street, Cannon Street, British Road and part of South Street.

Street entertainment will start at

CHURCH OF CHRIST, ST JOHN'S LANE, BS3 5AY Currently meeting every Sunday: • 9:00 Worship • 10:15 bible classes for all ages • 11:30 Worship Currently holding two morning services to accommodate more at a social distance For details or help: Jason 07795560990 4pm and the parade leaves near St Francis Church at 4.30pm with local schools and community groups parading with their lanterns big and small watched by local residents lining the route.

Details at: lanternparade.org – or the Bedminster Winter Lantern Facebook group.

Mon10-Tue 11 Jan. Bath Ustinov Studio. The Late-ivity. Living Spit’s comedy take on the late regal trio of arrivals to the crib. If you missed it at the Tobacco Factory it's on here.

Tue 11-Thu 13 Jan. Bristol. Alma Theatre. How to Live a Jellicle Life; life lessons from the 2019 hit musical CATS. A one man comedic parody that celebrates one of the biggest cinematic flops of recent years.

Wed 12 – Sat 15 Jan. Bristol Old Vic. Weston Studio. Romeo and Juliet. Bristol Old Vic Young Company and Young SixSix production of Shakespeare's story of the star crossed lovers directed

by Julia Head.

Wed 12 - Sat 22 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath. The Play What I Wrote. David Pugh and Theatre Royal Bath Productions in Arnos Vocale: For singers who love classical vocal music, great jazz standards and beautiful international folksongs all in 4-part arrangements and above. Some a Capella, some accompanied. Experience of choral singing and reasonable sight-reading ability preferable but come for a free trial session where we can all see if it’s a fit! £8 each week thereafter. Knowle Methodist church hall, entrance in Redcatch Road BS4 2EP every Tuesday 7-9pm. Contact Anya Szreter szreter. afm@icloud.com

association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre in which two actors set out to create a tribute show to Morecambe and Wise. By Hamish McColl and Sean Foley and Eddie Braben.

Wed 12 Jan - 6 Sun Feb. Bath. Egg Theatre Bath. Snow Mouse. In this enchanting tale for the very young, winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world.

Wed 12 - Sun 16 Jan. Bath. Rondo Theatre. Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. Bath Drama present a pantomime mixing legend with fairy tales involving songs, jokes, romance and sword fights. One for all the family.

Sat 15 Jan. Bedminster. Wassail.

Join the Patchwork Community Gardening Group for its annual Wassail, a chance to welcome in the new year and wake up the fruit trees for the season ahead.

From 2-4pm at the Myrtle Street Orchard (behind the Tesco on North Street). There will be music from the Red Notes choir, folk singer Guy Malkerson, poetry from Roy Gallop, as well as mulled cider and cake. For more information bemmiepatchwork@gmail.com Tue 18-Sat 22 Jan. Bristol. Alma Theatre. Bunker. A haunting, atmospheric and taut psychological thriller from Harpy Productions and Stepping Out Theatre Wed 19 Jan. Bath. Rondo Theatre. Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope. From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was openly gay as early as the 1930s,and despite beatings and hostility he refused to be anything less than himself. An inspiration to everyone who wants just to be themselves.

The Lantern Parade in Bedminster is on Saturday 8 January Thu 20 Jan – Sat 12 Feb. Bristol Old Vic. Dr Semmelweis. Mark Rylance's story of the Austrian doctor whose views on midwifery hygiene were ignored in the 19th century after his methods of cleanliness saved many birthing mothers from 'childbed fever'. The drama has a large cast and sees the good medic haunted by the ghosts of women who should have been saved until hygienic good practice was introduced after his death.

Sat 22-Sat 29 Jan. Kingswood, Bristol. Kingswood Community Centre. Aladdin. The Kingswood Players present a traditional pantomime where east of a sort meets east Bristol Sun 23 Jan. Bristol Hippodrome.

Jimmy Carr. The comedian brings his Terrible Funny show to town.

Mon 24 Jan. Bristol Hippodrome.

Van Morrison. Northern Irish singer-songwriter still going strong

My Wild Child Wild play sessions for toddlers in your local green space!

Meet at the entrance to Bommie (next to 105 Wedmore Vale) BS3 5JB Every Wednesday during term time 10am-11.30am For parents and carers with children under five

BRISTOL PILATES FITNESS REDCATCH COMMUNITY CENTRE REDCATCH COMMUNITY CENTRE Wed 6.30-7.20pm 6.30-7.25pm Beginners WED BeginnersPilates Pilates SAT 9.30-10.20am Beginners Pilates VICTORIA PARK BAPTIST CHURCH Wed 10.00-10.55am

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Sat 9.00-9.55am BeginnersCHURCH Pilates TOTTERDOWN METHODIST WED Beginners Pilates HOLY9.10-10.00am NATIVITY CHURCH Tues 10.10-11.00am 7.30-8.25pm Beginners THU Postnatal Pilates Pilates Thurs 7.45-8.40pm Beginners Pilates THU 7.45-8.35pm BeginnersPilates Pilates Fri 10.00-10.55am Beginners

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WHAT'S ON Wednesdays Essentrics low-impact, therapeutic fitness class for men & women.

Kingswood Sports Pavilion BA1 9BJ, 8.45-9.45am.

Contact Catherine 07980 595440 Facebook: essentricswithcatherine

YOGA CLASSES Kate: 07967 623 392 kate@yogawithkaty.co.uk Instagram: @katylou_fox Caroline: 07570 507 494 caroline@carolinereidyoga.com Instagram: @carolinereidyoga

since his hit single Brown Eyed Girl in 1967.

Tue 25-Wed 26 Jan. Bristol.

Alma Theatre. My Soulmate's Husband's Soulmate. An upbeat but bittersweet black comedy about fate, romance, empathy and the ways we're taught to think about love.

Tue 25 - Sat 29 Jan. Theatre Royal Bath. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mystery set on Dartmoor adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus.

Wed 26-Sat 29 Jan. Bristol Hippodrome. Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Musical stage adaptation of Mary Norton's 1943 children's novel The Magic BedKnob, and popularised by Walt Disney in the 1971 film version

with Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson.

Wed 26-Sun 30 Jan. Bristol Slapstick Festival. A celebrityled programme of live events, taking place at Bristol Cathedral, the Redgrave Theatre, St George’s Bristol and Watershed. The programme includes Arthur Smith, Armando Iannucci, Richard Herring, Jon Culshaw, Peter Lord, Bill Oddie, Arthur Smith, Tim Vine and Barry Cryer plus films screened at a number of venues.

Thu 27-Sat 29 Jan. Bristol. Alma Theatre. Saving Britney. Inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, Saving Britney is a hilarious and heartbreaking look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early noughties.

Is your child short sighted?

Did you know you can do things to help?

Fri 28 Jan. Bath. Chapel Arts Centre. Alex Voysey Blues Band – ‘Old Dogs New Tricks’. Four stunning musicians, breathtaking grooves and riffs, and a deep passion for blues.

Sun 30 Jan. Bath. Komedia.

Samantha Fish. The genrebending guitarist, singer, and songwriter is set to rock the Bath venue.

Mon 31 Jan - Sun 5 Feb. Theatre Royal Bath. The Da Vinci Code.

Mystery thriler based on Dan Brown’s imagination of how Biblical story was covered up.

Tue 1-Thu 3 Feb. Bristol. Alma Theatre. Hutch. A comedy examining the injustices and absurdities of the current housing crisis and, in particular, ‘sex for rent’. The play’s serious spine conveys the everyday struggles of those living in the realm of the rogue landlord.

Tue 1-Sat 5 Feb. Bristol Hippodrome. Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker. Bourne’s trademark wit and magical fantasy, Nutcracker! follows Clara’s journey through a shimmering, ice-skating wonderland to the scrumptious

candy kingdom of Sweetieland, influenced by the lavish Hollywood musicals of the 1930’s.

Wed 2 Feb. Bristol. Wardrobe Theatre. People's String Foundation. The South West based band who mix passionate theatrics with an urban gypsy sound, mixing artisan flavours with urban/world beats.

Sat-Sun, 5-6 Feb. Bristol.

Wardrobe Theatre. Nick Cope.

With songs about dogs eating soap and dragons called Keith, the popular Nick Cope with his special live music gig for children.

• Have you got an event you'd like included in our What's On section?

Email sales@southbristolvoice. co.uk Nightingale Valley Community Choir: No experience necessary, no need to read music. Come and join our friendly choir and learn to sing better than you ever knew you could. St Cuthbert's Church, Sandy Park Rd BS4 3PG. Every Monday 7.30-9pm. Taster session free then £7 each week or £70 for 11 weeks.

Contact: Anya Szreter szreter.afm@ icloud.com

“One day I’ll explore the Amazon” Slow their short-sightedness not their ambition

At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, we offer a programme which is clinically proven to slow down short-sightedness progression in children by 59% on average.1† This reduces your child’s dependency on glasses, can provide thinner lenses, and decreases the likelihood of certain eye health conditions later in life.

We are passionate about this opportunity to protect children’s future eye health. Our myopia management clinics are backed with evidence and research, so you can be reassured that you and your child will have the best care.

182a Wells Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2AL bristol@lynnefernandes.co.uk 0117 977 6330

Call the practice to book an assessment or visit our website www.lynnefernandes.co.uk/questions-about-myopia to find out more.

75 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AS bristolgr@lynnefernandes.co.uk 0117 942 6843

† Over 3 years, compared to a single vision 1 day lens.

1. Chamberlain P, et al. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96:556–567

124a High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AH nailsea@lynnefernandes.co.uk 01275 854946

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n LETTERS Giving to good causes The Bristol 500 is not a race, but a new way of giving locally.

Members pay a small regular amount, which collectively turns into a larger monthly amount.

Members are then able to nominate a cause close to their hearts in the BS postcode. Those nominations are shortlisted and members vote on who gets the money each month. Nominations roll over until they either receive the money or all withdrawn.

It could be a group providing meals for vulnerable people, equipment for a local walking group or to support a family or individual starting again after suffering domestic abuse. If you know someone in need and it’s not for religious or political reasons, it will be considered.

Inspired by Joe Sim's 500 Reasons, we want to find ways to connect and appreciate each other in our local communities. We also appreciate that times are hard right now - and every now and then, we all need a little help.

'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'

Margaret Mead So far this year we have given £5000 to the following individuals and good causes (£500 each): January - Survivour of domestic violence (a family); February - Mud Pie Explorers (www.mud-pies. co.uk); March - Suicide Prevention Bristol (www.spbristol.org); April - Victims of modern day slavery (a family through Unseen www. unseenuk.org); May - Funding for an electric chair (individual person); June - All Aboard Water Sport (www.allaboardwatersports.

co.uk); July - Brain Tumour Support (www.braintumoursupport.co.uk); August - Love you to the Moon and back (www.thejhf.org); September - Family in Need; October - Baby Bank network (https://www. babybanknetwork.com) The Bristol 500 Team: Beth Rowley, Colse Leung, Dionne Frohofer Rees, Holly Maurice & Katie Collier For more: thebristol500 @gmail. com; Facebook: TheBristol500; and Instagram: @thebristol500 Volunteer group BS3 Helping Others is a volunteer group which aims to connect groups which need help with those who have some time to offer.

The group meets regularly to share information and listen to speakers from voluntary groups and it produces a directory of volunteer opportunities.

BS3 Helping Others will be taking a break for December, but will be back in the Tobacco Factory snug in January for their weekly meetings on Mondays at 6.30pm and Tuesdays at 10.30am. They'll have lots of interesting speakers and a chance for you to find out about local opportunities to help in your community. If you'd like a copy of their directory of volunteer opportunities, please email them bs3helpingothers@gmail.com or find it on their Facebook group BS3helpers.

What is Myopia Myopia (short-sightedness) is the eye condition where near objects are clear, but objects farther away are blurred. It is caused by the eye ball growing slightly too long. The traditional answer was glasses, but at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists there’s more we can do.

Myopia in kids tends to get

worse throughout childhood, and higher levels of myopia are associated with higher eye disease risks in adulthood. If your child already wears glasses, you can do something to stop their vision getting worse. If they don’t you can assess their risk of developing myopia The average age for developing myopia is reducing: young onset means faster and increased eye growth, increasing the likelihood of high myopia and an increased risk of retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract.

Money: the average cost of glasses and contact lenses over a lifetime is much higher for higher myopic patients. High myopia reduces quality of life Myopia is multifactorial: this means that there are many causes.

The pandemic has forced us all inside more, to use screens more, our ethnic origin and genes, having one myopic parent increases our risk by three times, having two myopic parents by six times. Under correcting vision has been shown to stimulate the onset and accelerate myopic progression

Request an assessment of your child for myopia as early as 6 years old. At our Gloucester Road practice we will measure the length of the inside of the eye with specialized instruments, look at how the eyes work together and compare a prescription with standardized growth curves. If we feel your child is at risk we will recommend joining our Myopia Management program where we reassess and give advice every 6 months. We can treat with specialized lenses and lifestyle plans.

Lynne Fernandes Optometrists 182a Wells Road, Knowle , Bristol, BS4 2AL.

Rewarding roles; be a support worker Join learning disability charity Brandon Trust, and discover an inspiring role as a support worker.

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The FIEND

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Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Easier sudoku Solution

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

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Your local councillors Tessa Fitzjohn Green councillor Bedminster

R

eferendum You have an opportunity to change the system In 2016 the Mayor shocked many Bedminster residents when he cancelled the Arena project, even though it had total cross party support. Council has now voted to hold a city-wide referendum on May 6 2022 to change the Mayoral system. Remember the date.

Bus services to change across the region Service 23 is new and will operate hourly from Langley Crescent, Ashton Vale to the Centre.

Service 24 will terminate at The Robins Pub Winterstoke Road, and the shuttle bus 24A will be replaced

by Service 23.

Easton residents oppose giant illuminated advertising screens A petition organised by Adblock Bristol supported by Adfree Cities, with over 1700 signatures was presented to the Mayor. This is of interest as planning for billboard advertising is due to be reviewed.

The council benefit financially so its

Tony Dyer & Christine Townsend Green councillors Southville

important residents make their views known. Bedminster has three bill board sites, on South st, Parson St station and North Street Green, my personal view is that they are an eye sore!

Parks are under review Parks are a wonderful community asset as they provide wildlife habitat, and a place to recharge, have fun and get healthy.

Due to budget cuts, parks are under review. In 2017 the Mayor proposed a zero revenue budget for parks.

There was public outcry and opposition from Greens and others led to a rethink. Bristol Future Parks is calling for ideas via an Expression of interest visit:Bristol.gov.uk/ futureparks At the same time commercial activities such as dog walking, or training services are being asked to contribute to the upkeep of our parks, which I consider reasonable.

There have been other more offensive ideas such as displaying advertising hoardings.

Please get in touch and let me know your views?

A

s we write this, Bristol City Council has passed a motion to hold a referendum on whether to continue to have a directly elected Mayor running the council, or to move to a committee based model where cross party committees of councillors make the decision.

The referendum will be held on 6th May next year, and all those eligible to vote in a local election will be eligible to vote in the referendum.

Roadworks By the time you read this, you will probably have noticed some road closures as development begins at Bedminster Green.

With three of the five plots of land now having planning permission, and a fourth plot due to go to planning in a matter of weeks, Bedminster Green will see a lot of construction work over a prolonged period of time.

In addition, from January, road closures and detours will be in place at various points around the Bedminster Green and Dean Lane area as the installation of district heat networks begin as part of the drive to help Bristol become carbon neutral.

Local Infrastructure Projects As readers will know from our previous columns, Dame Emily Park received funding of £65,000 from Community Infrastructure Levy and s106 payments arising from building projects in our area.

We will soon be starting on the next round of funding applications, and if there are any local community groups out there who may be interested to learn how they can apply for funding, please get in touch with either Tony or Christine.

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What's on at your local churches CHURCH OF CHRIST, St John's Lane, BS3 5AY Currently meeting every Sunday: • 9:00 - Worship & Breaking of Bread • 10:15 - Bible classes for all ages • 11:30 - Worship and Breaking of Bread Also broadcasting Sunday services (Zoom: 81091322934 Passcode: 134738) Online meetings: Tuesday - Bible Study 7:30pm Thursday - Prayer Meeting 7:30pm For details or help: Jason 07795560990 QUAKERS (RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS), Bedminster Quaker Meeting House, Wedmore Wale, BS3 5HX Meeting for Worship, every Sunday at 10:30.

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST The Secret to Success when adopting Positive Lifestyle Changes in 2022

J

anuary is traditionally the time to take stock and decide on positive lifestyle changes to improve health, wellbeing, and relationships. What is the secret to success when adopting positive lifestyle changes?

The first coronavirus lockdown was a catalyst for many people to change their lifestyle, especially as people sought to take advantage of the exercise freedoms allowed during the pandemic. Adoption of coping mechanisms for loneliness and isolation while also having more time at hand with less commuting and being furloughed from work, reviving old and many new interests.

The statistics are very compelling. 1.3 million Brits bought a bike during the first lockdown. Research released in April 2020 by Sports England showed that 59% of adults were walking as their daily activity, 44% of people were doing a home-based exercise (including 23% doing online workouts and 20% doing home-based fitness online – Thanks, Joe Wicks!).

Further details (and Zoom code for online attenders) from the Clerk at bedminster. clerks@bristolquakers.org.uk or 07929727259 (Barney Smith, Clerk) VICTORIA PARK BAPTIST CHURCH Sylvia Avenue, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 5DA. Join us every Sunday at 10.30am Church office: 0117 9772484 (answer phone only) Church email: victoriaparkbaptistchurch1@ gmail.com Foodbank emai: vpbc. foodbank@gmail.com Booking enquiries: bookings@ victoriapark.org.uk See our hall hire page for details (www.victoriapark.org. uk/hall-hire/)

with Ade Williams

Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy discusses how pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions, and ease pressure on the NHS Sadly, this Sports England research also showed the inequality prevalent even in seeking positive change. People were finding it harder to be regularly active - including older people, those on a low income and those living in urban areas.

A 2021 Public Health England survey provided a scorecard on the nation's lasting performance– after that initial surge in positive activity and enthusiasm has waned.

It isn't good. 1 in 3 of people reported snacking on unhealthy food and drinks at least once a day (35%) – up from 26% this time last year – this is reflected in recent sales data that showed an increase of around 15% in sales of take-home snack foods, including confectionery and biscuits 1 in 3 also said they were exercising less (30%) in the latter half of 2020. Why do People fail at these changes?

Misappropriating enjoyment and importance together, as equally significant factors for success for example. Research shows

ENJOYMENT was the only thing that mattered regarding adopting change. Also contributing are wrong ideas about willpower and timescales for adopting new behavioural patterns– habits. Every time we exercise self-control, e.g. passing on the desert, it becomes easier next time. IT CAN TAKE UP TO 66 DAYS TO FORM A NEW HABIT-Don't give up!

So, what is the road to success? Good tips include focusing on developing good habits rather than just meeting goals, e.g. I want to exercise/eat better every day rather than lose 15kg in 16 weeks". To stay motivated, CELEBRATE EVEN THE SMALLEST POSITIVE CHANGES. Research shows that immediate rewards from new habits help us stick to them. Embrace self-compassion and avoid perfectionism. Don't compare yourself to that person on Tik Tok! Be kind to and supportive of yourself. Self-criticism has been linked to less motivation and worse selfcontrol. Find your preference, e.g. doing activity in the morning, in a group, embedding technology or record-keeping. The Bedminster Pharmacy team are on hand to offer you support. Do also Search 'Better Health' or visit nhs.uk/better-health for free tools and support to help you make healthy changes. Finally, a reminder that you may have a bike you have now ignored for over a year.

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January 2022

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n HOME CARE & FUNDING

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

We Care & Repair

Local not-for-profit organisation improving household wellness SOMERSET based Social Enterprise, Lendology CIC, have today released their Social Impact Report for 2020/21. This Report, compiled by The Financial Inclusion Centre, analyses how the work of the organisation has impacted its clients’ financial, property and household wellbeing.

Lendology CIC work in partnership with Bristol City Council to support eligible homeowners with funding essential home repairs via the council’s subsidised loan scheme. Since 2005, over £3 million has been lent for home repairs, improvements, adaptations or energy efficiency measures.

Unlike most lenders, Lendology has no shareholders which means they are able to put impact before profit. Their small team assess each homeowner on their unique circumstances, using people to make decisions for people, not computers or credit scoring.

The Report found that 58% of borrowers had few alternative borrowing options due to their financial circumstances. Lendology are able to work with a wide range of homeowners, from those who are employed, self-employed, or in receipt of benefits, retired, or have a poor credit history.

5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk Ellie Lister Service Delivery Manager

Lendology

www.lendology.org.uk, loans@lendology.org.uk, and 01823 461099

The Report also highlights the stark issues with housing with 1 in 5 households across the South West being classed as ‘non-decent’.

With the rising energy costs and the need for investment in homes to reduce carbon emissions, local councils are keen to raise awareness of the little known loan scheme it funds.

Emma Lower, CEO at Lendology CIC, said: “Every day, we are taking calls from homeowners who live in cold, damp, dangerous or hard to heat homes or people who are looking to adapt their homes to suit their needs, or in-

vest in renewable technology. 2020/21 has been extraordinarily busy for us, and despite the pandemic, we continue to find ways to help more people, because for us it is too important not to”.

For more information on the work of Lendology CIC or to apply for a loan, visit www. lendology.org.uk or call 01823 461099.

If you are thinking about investing in home repairs or adaptations, call We Care Home Improvements for advice on 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk 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.

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MARVIN REES, Mayor of Bristol

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Delivering for Bristol in 2022

’d like to begin by wishing readers a happy new year.

The new year provides an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed, and also look ahead to what the coming year might bring. And though we face undoubted challenges and uncertainties ahead as a city, I’m ambitious about what we can collectively achieve for Bristol in 2022.

One of my priorities has been to transform the council into an organisation that is focussed on delivery, rather than being focussed inwards. Nowhere is that more in evidence than in our commitment to deliver the homes that Bristol urgently needs.

This year we’ll continue to accelerate house building across the city to fulfil my pledge to deliver 1,000 affordable homes a year by 2024.

This includes our flagship redevelopment of Hengrove Park, community-led housing and sustainable homes heated by air source heat pumps in Lockleaze, and the completion of Castle Park View to name just a few developments coming forward this year.

All these developments help us fulfil our ambition to provide everyone with a safe and secure home. We have more than 16,000 people on our housing waiting list. This is the

most important intervention we can make to improve people’s life chances.

On transport too, we are consulting on how we can improve our transport network to help people travel around the city.

Our plans for the number 2 bus route will allow buses to run more frequently and more reliably help people from Stockwood to Southmead and beyond to access the city

centre. And of course we’re continuing our work to deliver a long-overdue sustainable mass transit system to connect people to people, people to jobs, and people to opportunity.

We will ensure children in Bristol have access to a school that inspires a love of learning, and sets them up with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. And we’ll start work on our city’s first Youth Zone, an £8.4 million hub for young people to play, grow and learn.

We know we need to respond to these challenges in the face of a climate and ecological emergency. Here too, we are leading the way – from developing homes that don’t rely on fossil fuels for the power and heating; to bringing forward £1 billion of investment through City Leap to decarbonise our energy, transport and heating systems, making it easier for everyone to live a lowimpact life.

The work we do this year will help make sure Bristol meets the challenges we’re facing now, and ensure that we’re building a city that’s fit for the future.

We have an exciting year ahead, and I’m excited to getting even more done with partners and communities across the city.

MATTHEW KING STONEMASON CALL 07979 895569

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