Bishopston Voice June 2023

Get ready for Carnival!

ST Paul’s Carnival is back with a bang – and it’s likely to be the biggest ever.

More than 100,000 people are expected to throng the streets for the spectacular procession and day of non stop music on Saturday July 1.

It’s the first full carnival since the pandemic – though

organisers are keen to stress that behind the scenes community outreach work has continued. And they say the rise in their online presence during lockdown has actually helped promote the event to a wider audience.

Vice chair Carole Johnson joined the board in 2017, as then Mayor George Ferguson

was helping co-ordinate a new management structure for the event’s 50th anniversary in 2018. Before that the carnival had missed serval years because of organisational issues.

Carole told the Voice: “This year the full carnival is back on the streets with fringe events

Turn to Page 3

The street parade is back for the 2023 St Paul's Carnival, which could be the biggest and best yet

Four charged with wounding NHS worker Exploring Loss through art

ST Albans Church is hosting an exhibition by artist Chaja Verkerk next month on the theme of Loss.

The multimedia art installation comprises different mediums - textile art, paintings, photography and poetry.

It will be open daily from July 2-9, 9am to 5pm, at the church in Bayswater Avenue.

Events planned include an official opening on July 2 with a Requiem mass at 6.30pm; a spoken word open mic around the theme of Loss hosted by Chaja Verkerk on July 4 at 7.30pm and a bereavement café on July 5 at 11am.

For more information see: https://www. chajanadiaverkerk.com/loss

FOUR men are due to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court this month charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm after an NHS worker was struck by a car as he walked home from work in Bristol.

Katungua Tjitendero, now 24, suffered significant injuries including a broken leg and nose and extensive facial injuries and reported being racially abused in the incident on Monks Park Avenue, Horfield, on Wednesday 22 July 2020. He is now recovering physically and has since been able to continue performing music and return to work.

A dedicated team of detectives has worked with data forensic specialists, collision investigators, crime scene investigators and forensic scientists in the complex two-

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year investigation, with progress monitored by both the Avon and Somerset Police chief officer group and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The men facing charges are:

• Phillip Adams, 25, of Southmead

• Patrick James, 21, of Lawrence Weston

• Jordan McCarthy, 21 of Lawrence Weston

• Daniel Whereatt, 49, of Bedminster

A fifth man who was arrested in connection with the investigation faces no further action.

Patrick James also faces a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with an earlier, similar incident. On Sunday 12 July 2020 a vehicle mounted

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0844 499 4718

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

General enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999 Fire

www.avonfire.gov.uk

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Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Bishopston Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

the pavement on Broadlands Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, injuring a man on a bicycle and failing to stop.

The cyclist, a man in his fifties, was hospitalised for treatment to injuries including fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and bruising.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Mike Buck said: "We understand the length of time this complex investigation has taken has been difficult and frustrating, taking its toll on Katungua and his family.

"Criminal proceedings are now under way and the defendants have a right to a fair trial. It's important that there is no reporting, commentary or online posting which could prejudice this case and prevent justice from being done."

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2023 could be the biggest Carnival yet

From Page 1 leading up to the big day, and a full procession.

“This will be the full-scale carnival that we know and love. It's really exciting. We think there will be more people than ever because everyone has just been waiting for it to come back to the streets.”

The last Carnival in 2019 was attended by 100,000 people –and this year is expected to be far in excess of that.

Cariole said that during the pandemic the street carnival could not happen. Instead the organisers ran virtual experiences which they found connected with a wide audience across the globe.

“We also continued our community work that helps build stronger links within the community. That’s always been at the forefront of everyone’s minds and continues to be at the core of everything we try to do for the carnival. The carnival has to be community-based.”

She said the organisers worked closely with the police –and that several of the churches in St Paul’s will open their doors as a “refuge” from the lively carnival atmosphere, and act as first aid stations and hydration stations.

There will be a one main stage and several smaller stage venues – all timetabled with performers.

Carole said the old days of impromptu music speakers are gone, and any unauthorised

sound systems would be removed by the police.

“Ultimately that’s what people wanted – for us to ensure that it was well run, while always balanced with community links and an understanding the community that hosts this amazing event.”

A highlight of the carnival will be the procession, when hundreds of schoolchildren and adults will marsh through the streets of St Paul’s in costume.

It’s the culmination of months of work in homes and classrooms, as the project called Carnival 365 uses an education programme to spread the traditions of Carnival all year round. It includes classes in traditional costume making, Black History Month outreach, assemblies and steel pan drumming lessons.

“The procession will be fantastic this year with even more new people joining in. Last time Avon Fire and Rescue even took part, it was good to see communities from across Bristol connecting with each other in this way.

“The school programme centres on St Paul’s first, but every year we extend it wider and wider across Bristol so the invitation to the carnival is Bristol wide and global too.”

Full details of event timetables and road closures will be available on the carnival website from mid June : https:// www.stpaulscarnival.net/ More reports: Pages 4 & 5

Apology over T-shirt error

A T-SHIRT promoting the St Paul’s Carnival has been withdrawn from sale after claims it was based on a street artist’s work.

Organisers of the carnival have apologised for initially endorsing the shirt produced by a local designer.

The shirt produced by Bristol designer Alright Mate, featured a woman in a feather head dress, surrounded by loudspeakers and the words St Paul’s Carnival 2023. The company had offered to donate some of the profits to the carnival funds. But soon after it was promoted by carnival organisers on social media, Bristol graffiti artist Inkie posted on his Instagram that it had copied many aspects of a mural he created for the carnival’s 50th anniversary in 2018.

The Alright Mate design had some differences – it included images of guns with flowers in them, and broken knives, raising concerns that this was not in line with the carnival’s attempts to promote a peaceful image.

Carnival organisers apologised for “the artistic error of judgement” in endorsing the shirt. They said: “We sincerely apologise to everyone involved and to the wider community for the offence this has caused. We have investigated the process taken in reviewing the design and the original endorsement was agreed by a former member of staff who is no longer part of the organisation. While we have robust processes in place for reviewing all collaborations, it is clear that on this occasion we fell far short. We will be reviewing our internal approval processes to make sure we do not make the same mistake in future.”

At the time of going to print, the Voice was unable to contact Inkie or Alright Mate for comment.

Ready to party?

BRISTOLIANS can get a sneak preview of the St Paul’s Carnival – at a series of Carnival Fringe events starting this month.

The highlight is a carnivalthemed cricket match, when performers and musicians will take a break from months of rehearsals to strut their stuff at the home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Other events include a film programme, living history talks at a ‘human library’, and a celebration of youth work in the city.

Carnival executive director LaToyah McAllister-Jones said the events would reflect the 2023 carnival theme Learning from Legends.

“Paying homage and learning from the legends that have come before us is at the heart this year’s activities.

“The team is excited to deliver these impactful events to the Bristol and wider communities offering the taste and flavour of

Glos gets set for glorious night

carnival in the run up to the truly missed full scale carnival event”.

The Fringe starts on Saturday 17th June with the T20 Carnival Clash which promises to bring a Caribbean flavour to the Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires Vitality Blast fixture at the Seat

Carnival T20's set to be a blast

July and this event will provide some of our artists the chance to showcase their performances and of course help us raise funds so we can keep delivering carnival for years to come.”

Syd Lawrence said he hoped Gloucestershire Cricket and St Pauls Carnival could create an event to remember.

“This will be an incredible occasion; cricket has a long and colourful history in Caribbean culture and this is a fantastic chance for us to bring the vibrancy of St Pauls Carnival to T20 cricket.”

On 21st June from 5.30pm to 9pm, you can visit Legends of Windrush: Human Library.

broader work.

It will feature a series of four short films from talented black & brown local creatives, including: Home Carnival Queen, HATS, Celebrate What? and the St Pauls Carnival.

The event will be presented in collaboration with Cables & Cameras, a hub for people of colour filmmakers in Bristol.

Carnival organisers say other Fringe events will be announced in the lead up to the carnival itself on July 1st.

Unique Stadium in Bristol.

The fundraising evening will feature pre-match performances from carnival artists including traditional steel pan and a procession troupe.

Music will be provided by carnival DJs blasting Reggae, Soca and Calypso sounds. Food stalls will also offer flavours from the Caribbean.

Match organisers are bringing together cricketing legend and current

Gloucestershire President, Syd Lawrence, with St Pauls Carnival chair, Levi Roots, of Reggae Reggae sauce fame.

Levi said he was excited to attend. “Carnival, the Caribbean and cricket have a special relationship and we can’t wait to bring our blend of music, food and culture to this unique T20 which will definitely be one to remember.

“We’re busy preparing for our main carnival day on 1st

Organisers say it will embrace the Learning from Legends theme by recognising trailblazers from the Caribbean community who have impacted the lives of many, city-wide and beyond.

The library event will feature local guest speakers, giving first-hand Windrush stories that helped shape the culture of St Pauls Carnival.

On 27th June from 6pm to 10pm Trinity Centre will present Inna Wi Carnival Cinema - a film programme relating to Carnival's

They include a collaboration with Bristol-based social enterprise Babbasa, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary supporting under-represented young people with skills training, mentoring and recruitment events.

The carnival team has also partnered with Active Archives and Afrikan As Future to deliver two other events in June.

More detail about Fringe events is available on the Carnival website: https://www. stpaulscarnival.net/carnivalfringe-2023

Tickets for the T20 Carnival Clash cricket match are on sale. Gates open 5pm, start 7pm.

Elders honoured in vital link to event's roots

MUSICIAN and foodie Levi Roots will host this year’s Elders’ Breakfast – which as always kicks off the Carnival day.

Levi took over as Carnival chair in 2021, and will make an appearance on the main stage outside the St Paul’s Learning Centre on Grosvenor Road.

But before Carnival starts, he will be leading the Elders Breakfast - a tradition that connects the event back to its roots.

Invited guests from the St Paul’s community will gather in the Malcolm X Community Centre to mark the event’s 55th birthday this year.

Carnival Vice Chair Carole Johnson said it was important to honour the people who were around when the Carnival was first set up, and remember how and why it happened.

This year’s Carnival will closely coincide with two key anniversaries in the Caribbean community’s life in Bristol, which are reflected in the 2023 theme Learning from Legends.

June 22nd marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the ship HMT Empire Windrush in 1948, bringing families from the Caribbean to start new lives.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Bristol bus boycott – organised by four

young Caribbean men after black people were banned from working on the buses.

Carole said: “We are standing on the shoulders of legendary figures from the past – if they had not done what they did, we would not have Carnival today.

“One of those men, the late Roy Hackett, said the reason they started the Carnival was after the hostility shown to them by the bus companies, they wanted to show people they were peaceful and friendly.

“They wanted to connect with other Bristolians, and felt the easiest way was to share their food and music and laughter, and

bring a little sunshine to Britain’s cold wet streets.”

That first St Paul’s Festival, as it was known, was attended by just 100 people –this year they expect well over 100,000.

The Elders’ Breakfast even continued during the pandemic, when there was no street carnival for three years – volunteers delivered a Jamaican breakfast the elders in their homes, to keep the connection alive.

Levi Roots has a long connection with Bristol’s African Caribbean community and was a carnival goer in the 1970s, when he was a “soundman” who came to the city to play reggae music, and sell his now famous Reggae Reggae Sauce.

He shot to prominence in 2007 when the sauce was featured on the BBC programme Dragon’s Den. But for years before that he was known to traders along Stapleton Road, where he visited shops persuading them to stock his sauce, before it became well known.

A spokesperson for the carnival told the Voice: “For him it was fitting to come back and give back something to the community where it all started for him. He talks fondly of those days trying to sell his sauce.”

You can read more about Windrush 75 here: https://www.windrush75.org/

Looking forward to the Inna Wi Carnival Cinema event

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Room 212: it's so Gloucester Road!

TEN years ago, Sarah Thorp took over a little pop-up gallery on Gloucester Road with the idea of turning it into a permanent exhibition space and shop for local artists.

As a participant in the popular North Bristol Art Trail, Sarah felt that her fellow artists could do with a space to show their artwork for more than just one weekend in November and she invited a selection to show their work in her shop. This idea proved so popular that the space rapidly expanded to offer paintings, prints, jewellery, lampshades, ceramics, gifts, cards and more, all by local Bristol artists and creatives.

Sarah became an active member of the community, helping to enliven her section of Gloucester Road, known as Glos Rd Central, putting on Mayfest, the Christmas Street Party, the Art Banners and fund-raising events. She loves being one of the longtime traders on her favourite high street of independent shops!

Many of the first artists to join still sell their work at Room 212 and have become good friends. For instance Rosie Webb brought her popular paintings of quirky animals directly to Room 212 the day it opened and she returned home from London, Katie Johnston's beautiful enamel jewellery has evolved over the years but is still a firm favorite and Hannah Turner's ceramics are best sellers even though they are

now made by a women's cooperative in Sri Lanka. Toni Burrows's fascinating mosaics and Jenny Urquhart's beautiful paintings of Bristol always look wonderful in the windows.

Many of the artists are still North Bristol Artists and have exhibited on the Art Trail with Sarah in her studio downstairs and in the Eco House in the garden round the back.

Lockdown was a turning point for Room 212, luckily in a positive way, when Emma Catherine started displaying her beautiful teal and gold Full Moon paintings in the window - the first one was appropriately snapped up by neighbouring business Lunar Optical!

Sarah was honoured that Room 212 was selected as the only shop to feature in the bestselling book '111 Places in Bristol You Shouldn't Miss' which gave her the boost to continue during lockdown, as did the support Room 212 received through online sales.

As nearly all the artists live close by, it's likely you'll meet one or two of them popping in with their latest creations. The big windows are perfect to display original works, tying in with the seasons or Bristol events. For instance there'll be a celebration of unicorns for the upcoming Unicornfest in July and a display of balloon related art for the Balloon Fiesta. Electric the Cat can often be spotted in a sunny spot on top of greetings cards, watching the passersby.

Sarah fondly remembers the first week Room 212 opened, when a customer walked in and exclaimed 'This is SO Gloucester Road!' She quickly learned how much people love unique arty cards and stocks a huge variety and her window displays are always a delight to behold. Her own creative output has changed over the years, from knitting and upcycling with decoupage to her current popular range of brass and copper jewellery. So, if ever you're passing do pop in for a browse and a chat - you'll always be welcome! Follow www.room212.co.uk Instagram and Facebook for more info.

Sarah Thorp at Room 212 Photo: Barbara Evripidou

Parking worries lead to plans being refused

DEVELOPERS have been refused permission to build 17 homes on Gloucester Road after locals raised concerns about the impact on parking.

Residents and councillors warned that if the new apartments were built, some drivers would find it harder to park their cars nearby.

The 17 apartments were planned for the corner of Gloucester Road and Berkeley Road. Developers wanted to convert a derelict Methodist chapel, which was formerly occupied by an electrical shop, into three storeys of flats with some retail space kept on the ground floor.

But because of road safety concerns along Berkeley Road, Bristol City Council’s development control B committee refused permission for the plans.

Developers originally applied for planning permissions, successfully, to build nine apartments on the site. They then applied again for 14 flats, and later 17 apartments. The plans for 17 apartments included just four parking spaces, three of which would be

reserved for the ground-floor.

Speaking to the committee, Gerard Duffy, a local resident, said: “I live on Berkeley Road and I don’t object in principle to the development for housing, and I think the original proposal for nine flats was perfectly acceptable. However, the increase from nine to 17 flats and the lack of parking creates a lot of problems for us further up the road.

“Parking is the main issue. Berkeley Road is just outside an existing residents’ parking zone, and is already heavily used by commuters and Gloucester Road shoppers. It’s already difficult for residents to park and those who drive often find themselves blocked in. This development will make matters worse.

“Regardless of available public transport links, it is inevitable that many of the residents will have cars. These will add to the parking problems which will in turn

Loft Boarding & Insulation

add to the congestion on this already very busy rat run. Congested parking on Berkeley Road already poses safety risks, for example obstructing visibility when driving onto the road from a driveway.”

Conservative Cllr Chris Windows added: “It’s a very busy road and there’s an awful lot of parking there. Quite often one vehicle will have to give way for another vehicle coming down. This isn’t the place for overdevelopment. It seems to me it’s a case of ‘let’s shove in as much as we possibly can’. I don’t like this. The road is not conducive to further development because it’s so busy.”

Other concerns include a lack of daylight and fresh air coming into many of the apartments, and overlooking into the recently built flats above Bishopston Library. Thirteen of the 17 apartments would have been ‘single aspect’, meaning they only have windows on one side of the building.

A suggestion from Green Councillor Guy Poultney that the committee should visit the site before voting was rejected by fellow Green Cllr Ani Stafford-Townsend, chair of the committee.

Councillors voted three to two against approving the plans. Voting in favour of the development were Green Cllrs Poultney and Stafford-Townsend. Voting against the plans were Conservative Cllrs Windows and Lesley Alexander and Labour Cllr Katja Hornchen.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

‘Car-centric approach takes us back to the 1960s’

GREEN councillors have accused Bristol’s Labour leadership of “car-centric” policies following a failure to act on concerns about the diversion for cyclists using Concorde Way.

After safety fears were raised in March, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees promised to take a second look at the diversion via Boiling Wells Lane and Muller Road, which is in place for a year while a new train station is built in Ashley Down.

However, he has since told local councillors that no changes will be made.

Green Councillor David Wilcox, coshadow cabinet member for transport and active travel, said: “The diversion of the Concorde Way is not fit for purpose. It brings pedestrians and cyclists into conflict on a shared pavement, and through Boiling Wells cyclists must dismount because it’s so steep.

“If we’re going to reduce traffic and tackle the climate emergency, we need to be making it easier, not harder, for people to walk and cycle to work. This diversion — which is expected to be in place until at least next March — undermines the council’s own policy aims and will only encourage more people to drive, causing more pollution and congestion for all of us.”

Green group leader Cllr

Emma Edwards

added: “The failure to address this dangerous diversion for Concorde Way is part of a worrying trend we have seen of late, with this Labour administration not only not improving things for cycling in Bristol, but in many instances actively making things worse.

“Far too many decisions by Bristol Labour — whether it’s removing cycle lanes, projects that don’t meet official standards, or simply dragging their heels on basics like new bike hangars — seem calculated to show contempt for cycling and walking. Labour’s car-centric approach belongs in the 1960s — it’s getting us nowhere fast.

“With our buses in a state of nearcollapse, and constant steps backwards on active travel, it’s not surprising that Bristol is consistently one of the worst UK cities for traffic under this administration. Our city deserves better.”

Greens also criticised long delays to a new cycle lane on Nelson Street in the city centre; removal of a bike lane on Cheltenham Road near Stokes Croft; poor maintenance of existing cycle lanes; pavement parking blocking cycle lanes blocking key routes like Gloucester Road and Park Row; and bike storage hangars being rolled out only at some council flats.

But Labour hit back at the criticism and

pointed to many new projects where the council is investing in cycling. These include building new segregated cycle lanes along Victoria Street and Temple Way, two key city centre routes, as well as expanding its School Streets programme, providing more bike hangars and reducing pollution through the Clean Air Zone.

Labour Cllr Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “A section of Concorde Way had to be temporarily closed due to the construction of the new Ashley Down train station. We appreciate that this closure is inconvenient and thank everyone for bearing with us.

“With Portway station close to opening, Ashley Down station will be only Bristol’s second train station constructed in nearly a century and will provide a valuable new transport option for local residents, so I am certain that any inconvenience will be worth it. “We have a proud record of delivery but there is, of course, much more to do. Only last month, the government cut active travel capital funding for councils for the next two years by two thirds. If Green councillors want increased spending on active travel schemes, they need Labour in government.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Vehicles targeted

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after five cars were reported damaged in Clifton and Stoke Bishop.

Between Wednesday 3 and Friday 5 May cars including Land Rovers, Range Rovers and a Volvo CX90 were painted with graffiti. Three cars were damaged in Beaconsfield Road, one in Worrall Road and one in Downleaze.

The incidents have been recorded as criminal damage.

Police say: "If you see someone behaving suspiciously around a vehicle we'd encourage you to call 999 immediately to report it if you believe a crime is in progress. If you have any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage or any other information which could help to identify those responsible for this damage, please call 101 and give the reference 5223079953."

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n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Redland this month...

Redevelopment of former NEG site on Berkeley Rd rejected Residents have long been concerned about the proposed redevelopment of the site at 102 Gloucester Rd and the application was ‘called in’ by Martin so the planning decision would be made in public by a planning committee. This allows statements to be tabled and made in public forum by residents so they will be taken into account during the discussion. Two residents and Martin spoke at committee about various concerns about overdevelopment, parking, overlooking of the library flats, protection of street trees - including the one sponsored by residents - and the need to avoiding lengthy closure of the pavement during construction.

Committee members were concerned about space standards and overall density of a seventeen flat development, road safety regarding the access for the filling station opposite, and overlooking. They compared it to the permission gained quite recently for nine flats with retail and office and included. After a lengthy discussion the committee would not approve the proposal despite a recommendation from officers to accept the plan. They rejected it despite advice from officers that the concerns had to be balanced around the various government policies and none merited full rejection. There will

now be a follow up report to the next committee meeting which may or may not then be advised to approve it.

New smoke controls to be introduced

We’ve had notice that in the near future new smoke control regulation enforcement will be introduced in the city. Using new powers it is likely that the council will be able to clamp down on unauthorised solid fuels and the use of non approved appliances [eg stoves or open fires]. We recognise growing evidence of the harm small smoke particulates are causing to public health and if there’s action the council can take to reduce damaging smoke this could help those with breathing difficulties. Anyone with an unauthorised fire or fuel will have to prove their appliance or fuel is legal.

Trade bins on Gloucester Road

Residents have been in touch with us about the ongoing problem of commercial waste and recycling bins crowding the pavement areas on the Gloucester Road. We know that timed collections have been trialled in the city centre and may get rolled out into our area but in the meantime, we've asked enforcement officers to focus on the area more. Whilst some shops have no option other than to store their waste outside their premises we are trying to ensure that this is kept to an absolute minimum as

In Bishopston this month...

Concorde Way and Station Rd

While work on Ashley Down station carries on at a pace, we are upset to hear of the disruption the work has been causing at antisocial hours. We have been in touch with the neighbourhood engagement team, as well as the project managers to discuss these issues. There will be another public engagement session coming up soon where you can voice your opinion. We would like assurances that efforts are being made to keep of noisy trucks and work to a minimum.

Emma has now passed on all complaints about the closure of Concorde Way to the mayor, who has said that no changes can be made. We want to continue to challenge this assertion, especially as the current route is dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. We fully intend to challenge this and call for more options for cyclists who use this route to commute.

Muller Road

A lot of people have been in touch regarding Muller Road and when it will be reopened. We have been assured that the works will be completed in July at the latest, and that delays have been primarily down to weather. Emma has been working with officers to look at ways to stop cars driving on the green at the bottom of Springfield, and has also raised concerned about the overgrown hedges on the pavement opposite.

Cricket Ground News

Emma recently attended the community engagement meeting at Gloucester Cricket Ground, where she was delighted to discuss issues with local residents regarding the ground. There was discussion about potential changes to the FLUMP and residents were able to ask questions about their concerns regarding the flood

too many commercial bins are not only unsightly but can clog the foot way up for wheelchair users and prams. With very few officers on the ground however, its a long and slow business!

Pothole funds found

We’ve had complaints about the dire state of Cheltenham Road. Even when reported only the largest potholes are being fixed. Martin raised this at a recent meeting of the Cabinet when it was approving extra government funds for road maintenance to be spent. While the priority is preventive maintenance the extra funds can only be used for repairs. Some will be used at priority junctions but despite asking for locations these were not released.

So for now all we can say is do make a point of reporting any damaged roads and pavements via the council website. The Residents' section has a page for reporting all types of street issues, from potholes to blocked drains and abandoned vehicles. Only when these problems get logged in the maintenance and inspection system may they be approved for treatment. Until a pothole has white lines painted around it it will not be scheduled for repair. Reduced opening at household recycling centres

We’re sorry to report that following service changes the household reuse and recycling centres won’t now be open 7 days a week. Please

lights. Emma also discussed future solutions to transport regarding the cricket ground, and whether or not a shuttle bus might be an option in the future. While nothing is confirmed yet, watch this space!

Green light for the Ardagh

We are both delighted to hear the news that the Council have decided to transfer the lease of the bowling club to The Ardagh Community Trust (ACT). This move means that the Ardagh is now eligible to apply for major funding to help grow and develop the site. We, along with previous Green Councillors have been supporting the Ardagh in getting this change.

The decision is the conclusion of a lengthy consultation and decision-making process by the council, which resolved a number of the complex, licensing issues connected with areas of the site previously outside of ACT’ s lease.

check before making a trip to see which one will be open – each will offer a different 5 days a week service and you should still book on line to reserve an entry slot via the bristolwastecompany. co.uk website. There are also now charges for disposal of DIY waste as the waste service seeks to make up reduced funds and growing costs. Review of parking schemes

A routine review of the city’s parking schemes is due shortly. This is an exercise to ensure any changes needed, such as altered priorities or corrections, or new requests for disabled parking spaces can be collated. This is meant to bring together all the changes requested since the last review but ward councillors are not being shown the details. If you have any changes do submit them via the council website.

We’re sorry to say there’s no change at all in the Mayor’s attitude to dealing with parking in areas where it’s not managed at present. No new schemes are likely and despite suggestions corners could be protected with enforceable double yellow lines where they are missing or out of date there’s no work to deal with these problems in our ward.

Contacts:

Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk.

Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk

Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin 0788 4736101 Facebook.com/cllrmartin. fodor or /cllrfi.hance

Lack of clarity about the ongoing maintenance and management of those areas was preventing the charity from being able to progress with much-needed improvements.

ACT has ambitious plansinformed by hundreds of local people over the last five years - which include a Changing Places facility, improved courts for multisport and events use, improved access and egress and ongoing improvements to the public gardens and play facilities. This change does not mean the bowling club will have to close, and can still operate for members under the new lease. We are delighted that a solution has been found that can suit everyone.

Contacts:

Cllr.EmmaEdwards@bristol.gov.uk

Cllr.LilyFitzgibbon@bristol.gov.uk

Facebook: @ EmmaEdwardsLilyFitzGibbon

CONTROVERSIAL plans for 60 homes in Redland have been rejected on appeal.

A planning inspector has dismissed a bid by developers to overturn a decision by Bristol city councillors to refuse permission for two five-storey blocks on a site next to The Vincent retirement complex in Redland.

The local authority’s development control committee voted 4-3 in October 2021 to turn down the application amid concerns for the safety of elderly and disabled pedestrians.

Its decision came despite officers recommending approval and warning that the council would have a “very slim chance” of successfully defending an appeal, which the applicants Elizabeth Blackwell Properties then submitted.

But the Planning Inspectorate has now thrown that out, concluding that the buildings on land called Home Gardens, near the junction of Blackboy Hill and Redland Hill, would be overbearing on two nearby cottages down the slope in St Vincents Hill.

It did not agree that the development would have an unacceptable impact on residents at The Vincent, either during construction or long term, and awarded partial costs against the council on these grounds.

The planning inspector;’s report said one of the two proposed blocks would be “of significant bulk and height, looming above the boundaries” of numbers 7 and 9 St Vincents Hill and would “tower over the skyline and create a foreboding relationship with the simple, modest cottages”.

It said: “I find that the proposed development would create a bulky and overbearing form positioned within an intimate distance of these properties.

“This would visually dominate the outlook for both properties and create a foreboding sense of enclosure which would be harmful to occupiers both within and outside of the properties.”

The report said the developers argued that the scale and design of the scheme reflected the buildings in the wider area and that the council’s planning and transport teams had deemed the plans acceptable, but it

‘Bulky and overbearing’ flats refused on appeal

concluded that “these matters do not mediate the harm identified”.

The inspector said: “I find that the proposed development, by nature of its scale and proximity to the occupiers of properties on St Vincents Hill, would result in a significant level of harm to the living conditions of those occupiers.”

They said residents at The Vincent had a “real perception that they would be fearful of accessing the car park during the construction phase” but that this could be dealt with by a planning condition.

The inspector added: “I find that the proposed development would not result in a level of associated vehicle movements that would be detrimental to the living conditions of the occupiers of The Vincent.”

The report said that although 20 per cent of the homes would be classed as affordable, this would not overcome the harm to neighbours at St Vincents Hill.

The plans received 52 objections during four rounds of consultation before being rejected by councillors 17 months ago.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Unicorns to deliver history lessons ...

UNICORN statues will be placed in more than 50 locations in Bristol and the surrounding area over the summer to raise money for the charity Leukaemia Care.

They will be decorated by local artists including Inkie, Silent Hobo and Holy Moly.

The art trail, named Unicornfest, is due to run from July 1 to September 3. Unicorns have been chosen because they are on Bristol’s coat of arms. The city is this year marking Bristol 650, the anniversary of a charter granted by King Edward 111 in 1373 granting it important rights and privileges.

Unicornfest has now launched its education programme in collaboration with Bridging Histories and the Bristol History Commission.

The education pack, a free resource written by Bridging Histories, will help students explore their personal and local histories. The programme involves poetry, recipe =

creation and sharing, research of local and family history, and exploration of what it takes to be a changemaker.

More than 40 schools and community organisations have each agreed to donate £750 to take possession of a unicorn foal

which they can decorate.

To find out more, visit the unicornfest website https:// theunicornfest.co.uk

A unicorn statue in Broadmead and, left, launch of the history pack

Night at the musicals

FAIRFIELD High School delighted its audience with three evenings of A Night at the Musicals including classics from these much loved musicals: Greatest Showman, Moana, Billy Elliot, The Lion King, Hamilton, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and Grease.

The 40 strong cast appeared in multiple musicals, with a fine balance of minor and major parts, meaning that many had their own moment to shine.

Natalie, Thompson, head of performing arts, said: “It was a tough decision choosing just one musical, which is why we decided to perform eight from different genres and eras. This was an even harder task for our young people as they quickly changed between character, costume, accents and staging. I’m bursting with pride and awe at our fantastic students who portrayed their characters so beautifully.”

Competition success

A TEAM from V6 sixth form at Montpelier High School won two awards at the area finals of the annual Young Enterprise competition.

The scheme empowers young people to set up and run a student company under the guidance of a business volunteer. Students make all the decisions about their business, from deciding on the company name, managing the company finances and selling to the public, with participants gaining practical business experience and key skills along the way.

The Year 12 team - Hayley, Sara, Saayam, Charlie, Evee and Hoang - have been developing their product and attended several trade events this year, winning the award for Best Company at the Spring Trade Fair at Cabot Circus.

At the area final, the team talked to judges about their product, submitted a detailed

report and presented about thei journey, business and product to the judging panel. Their effort paid off, and led to the team winning Best Report and the Sustainability Award.

Team member Sara said

“We took part in the Young Enterprise programme as a chance to expand our skills and get a real sense of what running a business is like— from the process of design to manufacturing and selling a product. Our colouring book for children age 2 to 6 was educational, fun and fully sustainable. We have had really enjoyed the experience of working together and really recommend participation to future Year 12 students.”

Miss Blything, Head of Year 12 said “A massive well done to the YE team. Everyone at V6 is incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”

Grease is the word ... One of the classic musicals showcased at FHS

Former homeless man becomes city's Lord Mayor

A FORMER rough sleeper who has battled mental health issues and now champions against the stigma has become Bristol’s lord mayor – and then got engaged minutes later to his longtime partner.

Labour's Cllr Paul Goggin promised to “recognise the unrecognised” during his year in the ceremonial role as “first citizen”.

He was sworn in during the annual full council meeting of Bristol City Council on May 9, and, during the interval, proposed to Deborah Griffiths, his girlfriend of 17 years, in the lord mayor’s parlour before returning to tell the chamber she had said yes.

The Hartcliffe & Withywood ward councillor succeeds Green Cllr Paula O’Rourke, who becomes deputy lord mayor.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Goggin outlined his chequered life, from growing up in London and dropping out of school because “life happens to us all” to sleeping rough in Bristol.

“In no particular order, I’ve built motorbikes, sold investment grade diamonds, been a croupier in a smoky casino and gone door to door selling carpet cleaner.

“I moved to Bristol in 2003 but in 2005 I became homeless through no fault of my own and had to sleep on the streets and sofasurfed with friends.

Cllr Paul Goggin and fiancee Debs

council bungalow in Knowle West where he still lived.

“And, as some of you know from my previous speeches in this room, I live with bipolar disorder and complex PTSD,” Cllr Goggin said. “In a way they don’t hamper me, they enable me to think slightly differently from most others – my secret superpower.

“I also have chronic anxiety, and I can’t put into words how difficult this is today because I’m talking about myself. But we must keep speaking out about our mental health issues, not be ashamed or embarrassed – own it, normalise it to fight against the stigma so many suffer from.”

Tabling the motion for Cllr Goggin to become lord mayor, Labour group leader Cllr Steve Pearce said that for many of the eight centuries the position existed, it was reserved for Bristol’s elite.

“Then Bristol Council stepped in to help me. I lived in emergency accommodation for six months, alongside refugees, asylum seekers and other unfortunate Bristolians. “It was a difficult time to say the least and I saw things that would make the devil blush.”

He said local mental health charity Second Step helped him find temporary accommodation before he moved into a

Housing Forums for

“Anyone who knows Paul will know that that label doesn’t quite apply to him,” he said.

“He’s been very open about his past and it’s why there’s nobody better suited to becoming Bristol’s first citizen, someone who truly understands the lives of all Bristolians, especially those that are underrepresented in the council chamber.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Bristol council tenants – get involved!

Evening: Tuesday 13 June, 6–8pm Afternoon: Thursday 29 June, 1–3pm

Your opinions help us make decisions!

If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and make suggestions about improvements. For June 2023, we are hosting online meetings focussing on issues we know matter most to tenants.

● Come along and find out about the action we are taking to ensure fire safety for residents in our high rise blocks of flats. At the meeting you will also be able to hear about how we are shaping our plans to improve energy efficiency in our homes.

● Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums

● If you are not online but would like to take part, there is also a free dial-in option which you can join using your phone. For more information about how you can access the meetings contact Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email  tpu@bristol.gov.uk

Team behind The Ardagh plans big expansion

VOLUNTEERS who run the café and gardens at Horfield Common have announced an ambitious expansion plan.

The Ardagh Community Trust took over running the Ardagh site in 2019, and rebuilt the café and some of the gardens.

Now they have agreed a deal with Bristol City Council to take over other parts of the site including the bowling green and ten tennis courts.

Chair Peter Walker told the Voice the move meant they could go ahead with a major fund-raising project to expand their activities, and open the site to more people.

He said: “The café has been very successful – and now we want to do more.

“We can now make a better case for fundraising to make the whole site accessible to everyone in the community. We have a company doing a survey for us looking at the best ways forward.

“It will be quite a challenge as many parts of the area have deteriorated over the past 20 years, as the City Council did not have the funds to maintain it fully.”

Currently the site includes a seven-daya-week café, food bank, and gardens which provide fresh produce. Activities include tai chi for older residents and new basketball hoops for teenagers, a regular repair shop, and mother and baby group.

Peter said the plan is to offer a range of

sport, leisure and community activities –including a Changing Places facility, using some tennis courts for multi sports, and improved wheelchair access.

The café employs part-time staff, while unpaid trustees and volunteers help with garden maintenance and running events.

They hope many of the changes will be in place in time for the Ardagh’s 100th birthday in 2026 – the site on Kellaway Avenue was established as a bowling green in the 1920s. It used to be maintained by Bristol City Council, but by the early 2000s had fallen into disrepair.

Peter has lived at the bottom of common for 40 years – and remembers playing there as a child when a council attendant was on hand to rent out tennis courts and a putting green.

“It became very dilapidated during all the council cutbacks, and local people wanted to restore it for use by everyone.”

Trustees hope the plans for expansion will help the Ardagh be financial sustainable for long term community benefit.

Local BCC Green Party councillor Emma Edwards, a supporter of the Trust, said: “The Ardagh is a much-loved and valued community space, and the trustees and volunteers work incredibly hard to keep it running – so I am so pleased that this community asset transfer is going ahead.

“This measure will give the community trust more scope to develop and grow the space, while still allowing for the bowling club to carry on, a concern that some members have had. I am so pleased that a solution has been reached that works for everyone.”

• Read a history of Ardagh on the Friends of Horfield Common website https:// historyofhorfieldcommon.weebly.com/

• There is more about the Ardagh Community Trust, events and how to become a volunteer on their website https://theardagh.com/

The Ardagh has become a green haven in north Bristol - and more delights are planned

Cllr Emma Edwards, second left, with Sam Thompson, CEO of Ardagh Community Trust and others at an event at the community space

Members of the Misfits Theatre group performing in the gardens at The Ardagh in 2022

Tour de Bristol raises £100,000

A CHARITY cycle challenge for the region’s only adult hospice has raised over £100k.

The sun came out for the 1,200 riders taking part in the Tour de Bristol sponsored bike ride on April 15. Fundraisers set

off from the Centre for Sport at UWE’s Frenchay campus riding distances of 40km, 65km and 100km through the Bristol and Gloucestershire countryside in aid of St Peter’s Hospice.

One competitor, Jim Reynolds aged 90, was in a category of his own. The former PE teacher rode the race with his daughter Louise Vandyke, completing the 40km circuit in three hours and 15 minutes.

Riding in memory of his wife who received treatment from St Peter’s Hospice, Jim Reynolds said: “I don’t think there are many 90 year olds doing it. Two years ago I was the only person in the 80 – 90 year group but a young one – an 80 year old I think – came in last year, so then there were two. This year I’ve moved up a group so I’m now in the 90 – 100 age group so I’m hoping that there’s no one else there!”

Husband and dad of three,

Mike Freeman from Westburyon-Trym, was cared for by the Hospice when he was diagnosed with terminal Bladder Cancer. His family and friends take part in the annual Tour de Bristol race in his memory as team, Bike for Mike. Johnny Freeman, Mike’s son said: “The Tribute fund was set up to fundraise for the amazing work that St Peter’s Hospice did in the final weeks of our Dad’s life and the support that we as a family were given. It was hugely valuable to us and made an incredible difference to his quality of life.

“We’ve raised over £42k for the charity so far. The event is a nice way to reconnect with people and I would encourage anyone to get involved.”

Another team was riding in memory of Marc Davies, from Westbury-on-Trym, who died five years ago, having received support from the hospice after being diagnosed with a brain

tumour.

The Tour de Bristol is now in its ninth year and has raised over £1 million in total for the hospice. It’s a magnificent sum that will help to provide vital funds for patient care during the most difficult of times.

St Peter’s Hospice director of fundraising and communications, Sarah AllenGunn said: “This year’s event was one of the best yet. We’re incredibly grateful to each and every one of the 1,200 participants who signed up to take on the challenge in aid of the hospice.

"They all fundraised incredibly hard to help us reach the £100k target. In the current cost of living crisis, when people have less to give, we have been overwhelmed by people’s support and generosity.”

Register your interest for the 2024 Tour de Bristol: tourdebristol.co.uk

Teams riding in memory of Marc, above, and Mike, right

Jim Reynolds, 90, and daughter Louise Vandyke

A tale of conflicts, Covid and Colston

AN award winning documentary film maker from St Andrews has published a memoir, trigged by his thoughts about the pandemic.

Martin Smith spent most of his working life making films about wars across the globe.

Now his book Mattters of Life and Death: Living with History in a Pandemic reflects on the connections between those conflicts, and the impacts of the pandemic on 21st century life.

He says that during Covid, as an eighty-something “at risk” man he found himself confined to his home – watching an eerily empty city, at a time when no one knew what the future would hold.

“Covid caused a lot of thought about the past and present for all of us, and that gave birth to my book,” he said.

“Being faced with possibility of having to say goodbye to this world, you think about what have you done in your life, what have you witnessed.”

Martin got into the world of

film making with his first job - as a rewind boy at his local cinema in Middlesex in the 1950s rolling back reels of film.

He finally broke into documentary and film making in the 60s, and found himself focusing on some of the darkest and most shocking events in British and international life.

As film editor he worked on Granada TV's World in Action, and his first notable success as a director was in the acclaimed series The World at War.

He made 18 films for Thames Television's series This Week, including Death in the West' - an expose of Philip Morris's Marlboro advertising campaign.

His awards, as a director or producer, include an EMMY for

Peace is at Hand, one of several films he made for the PBS/ATV series 'Vietnam : A Television History'.

His work as exhibition director at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C. resulted in a Design Award from President Bill Clinton.

Martin moved to Bristol 25 years ago. His book looks at some of the historic wars and events of his working life, alongside 21st century events, like the toppling of the Colston statue in Bristol.

“Colston is one of the big events of lockdown – news about it travelled wordwide and helped Black Lives Matter be heard across the world.

“To me being in Bristol and staying at home and seeing Colston demonstration when statue came down was shocking, I was pleased to see it came down, but it did change the world.Bristol is now called the

Woke capital of the country, that spurred me on to find out more and research this book.”

He also reflects on other public protests through the decades.

“I look at Extinction Rebellion today about the climate crisis, and that takes me back to my youth and the threat of nuclear war. I served two months in prion sewing mailbags after demonstrating outside an American war base in my 20s.”

“I have spent a lot of my film life on wars – perhaps too much time, but people wanted me to do them. I was driven to explore why these things happened and why people did these things, and bring it to the public attention.”

You can meet Martin and get a signed copy of his book at Max Minervas book shop in Henleaze Road on 24th August at 7pm.

Martin’s book Matters of Life and Death is available from Amazon in hardback or Kindle version.

happy

show

beautiful, family-owned home in Horfield, Bristol.

that she

everyone was above and beyond

could have expected. All the staff who looked

and respectful.”

Hilary, Sister of Resident at Field House (source: carehome.co.uk)

THE Get Growing Garden Trail – a showcase for Bristol’s inspiring community food growing projects – takes place over the first weekend in June. The city-wide event is a brilliant opportunity to visit thirty different growing spaces. One of the these, the pioneering Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO), was set up on some former allotment plots in 1998. This year it celebrates its silver anniversary as an orchard project, growing fruit, community, wellbeing, and learning.

Orchard member Shannom Smith said: “It’s hard to believe HOCO is 25 years old. It thrives thanks to all those years of voluntary activity and public support. Planting fruit trees is relatively easy. Looking after them as they grow up, and age, asks more of us. We are delighted to be celebrating HOCO as a successful project, although less-than-perfect, with the potential to keep on growing for another 25 years, or more.”

As an established organic

Horfield Organic Community Orchard celebrates 25 years

how to prepare and adapt for an unpredictable future. This event is open to all – and we are keen to show and share actions that can help sustain future harvests.”

Home-made cakes and refreshing cordials, as well as plants and produce, will be on sale. The event takes place from 2pm-5pm Refreshments, plants and produce will be on sale.

orchard, HOCO is home to microorganisms, fungi, insects, plants, birds, and animals, as well as many varieties of apples, pears and plums.

Visitors to the Summer Orchard Open Day on June 3 will be able to ask fruit growing questions and learn about nature-friendly solutions. They are also invited to take a closer

look at experimental projects, such as the passive water capture channel in the Home Orchard Plot area.

Shannon added: “We know the growing conditions of high summer affect the quality and quantity of fruit – in any year and in the following one. We are also concerned about the impacts of climate emergency chaos, and

Is retirement good for your mental health?

RETIREMENT is a major life transition that lasts the rest of your life. Many find it difficult to adjust to their new circumstances, facing changes in their social contacts, personal identity, and responsibilities. 25% of retirees experience difficulties that lead to negative mental health outcomes (Centre for Aging Better 2018, shorturl.at/eJKQ7).

With most retirement planning focusing on financial security, the non-financial side (e.g emotional, mental and physical health) is often over-looked. Published studies on mental health and the transition to retirement suggest there is a honeymoon period, around the time of retirement, that improves mental health; after that, it can go either way.

Overall, about one third of retirees have difficulty adjusting to retirement.

It doesn’t have to be like this!

There are things you can do to make the retirement transition smoother for psychological well being. Planning for this aspect of retirement should be as important as financial planning. Accessing some retirement support via a Retirement Coach provides guidance on:

- Purpose – visualize what you want to do with your time, to bring you satisfaction.

- Agreeing priorities - identify the changes you want to make, to achieve your objectives for a more satisfying retirement.

- Personal development - challenge your mind: what would you like to learn or experience that will help you in your changing purpose and identity?

- Social networks – social isolation fuels loneliness and depressive feelings. Maintain existing contacts where you can; build on

• How to find Horfield Organic Community Orchard: Nearest postcode BS7 8JP. Walk down the lane beside 22 Kings Drive (between Bishop Road & Kellaway Avenue), turn left and it’s the first gate on the right. Or take the lane beside 134 Longmead Avenue Field (BS7 8QQ) until you come to the last gate on the left.

Email: hocohello@gmail.com

Phone: 0117 373 1587

Get Growing: Page 28

these through links with your community, based around your interests.

- Physical activity - this has been found to be the most important way to use additional time in retirement, being associated with better mental health.

If you have concerns about retirement, whether you've retired or are approaching retirement, or want to know more about Retirement Support, contact me, Sian Jones, for a free 30 minute consultation. I'm a certified coach, specialising in non-financial retirement.

Sian.Reclaim@gmail.com

www.ReclaimLife.co.uk

Changes to NHS stroke services

NEW services have been launched at Southmead Hospital as part of the reconfiguration of stroke treatment across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

As part of the changes from last month, the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) for the area has opened at Southmead Hospital for the initial emergency treatment of patients who have a stroke.

The HASU will provide a 24/7 service bringing specialised services to one location.

Alongside the HASU, an Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), is opening at Southmead Hospital, staffed by clinicians with expertise in stroke, to provide ongoing care for patients.

The changes to stroke services have been designed to help more people in the area survive a stroke and to also improve the quality of life for stroke survivors.

As well as the services at Southmead Hospital, there are Stroke Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Units (SSARUs) at Weston General and South Bristol Community Hospital, to support patients who have recovered from their stroke but need further rehabilitation before going home. Stroke survivors can also access enhanced community rehabilitation through the Integrated Community Stroke Service.

The transformation of stroke services has been established following a 2021 review.

The stroke ward at the BRI (ward A528) will become a General Internal Medical ward from Monday 5 June.

£1m appeal launches

A NEW research centre is being built at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC).

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity has launched the South West Children’s Research Appeal, working with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) to make this development a reality.

The £1 million project will give up to 20% more young patients the opportunity to take part in research projects that could help in the development of cures for rare conditions.

Currently, children undergoing pilot treatments often have to travel as far away as Birmingham, London or even Liverpool. Paul Kearney, chief executive of Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, said: “The ground-breaking facility will transform treatments, cures for poorly children will be discovered, and countless lives will be improved today,

tomorrow and into the future.

“We need the people of Bristol to rally with us to help this centre feel like a homefrom-home for poorly children and help us unlock hope and find cures for families.”

Professor A.V.Ramanan, consultant rheumatologist and professor of paediatric rheumatology, said: “The South West Children’s Research Appeal will enable us to participate in trials which can be life transforming and potentially curative, like gene therapy studies.

“Due to the lack of clinical research facility, Bristol has not been a site for cutting-edge treatments for rare paediatric disease.

"This has meant either children having to travel, or often missing out on novel therapies for rare conditions.”

To support the appeal, visit the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity website.

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

James Scrimshaw of CUR A CLINIC AL explains how new technologies are providing ef fec tive answers to people’s pain and suf fering

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

MBST : Arthritic Low Back Pain

MBST Cell regeneration: What is MBST?

James Scrimshaw of CUR A CLINIC AL explains how new technologies are providing ef fec tive answers to people’s pain and suf fering

Construction of MRI and MBST devices

MBST Cell regeneration: What is MBST?

magnets

MBST uses exactly the same technology as MRI scanning, just without the detector coils and imaging software. MBST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation. It was discovered by a German doctor who noticed that some of his MRI patients had reduced symptoms following their MRI scans. He then assembled a team of biologists and physicists to research these positive effects at a cellular level. Cells that had not functioned properly due to damage , were stimulated in such a way by the energy transfer that they could again fulfil their original tasks.

It does this at cell level in a number of ways:

- Optimising cell oxygen levels

MBST uses exactly the same technology as MRI scanning, just without the detector coils and imaging software. MBST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation. It was discovered by a German doctor who noticed that some of his MRI patients had reduced symptoms following their MRI scans. He then assembled a team of biologists and physicists to research these positive effects at a cellular level. Cells that had not functioned properly due to damage , were stimulated in such a way by the energy transfer that they could again fulfil their original tasks.

- Improving Cell energy production

- Optimising intercellular signalling pathways

- Reducing inflammatory mediators

It does this at cell level in a number of ways:

- Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction.

- Optimising cell oxygen levels

Detector coils

- Improving Cell energy production

- Optimising intercellular signalling pathways

I’ve also just discharged Kate 5 months following treatment for her arthritic knees (she’d already had a half knee replaced). She’s now pain free… I anticipate these results will last a number of years.

I’ve also just discharged Kate 5 months following treatment for her arthritic knees (she’d already had a half knee replaced). She’s now pain free… I anticipate these results will last a number of years.

- Reducing inflammatory mediators

- Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction.

therapy.

This translates to you and I as a healing process in the tissue the energy is applied to which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive

Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.

Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.

now in patients with varying really remarkable.

he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain and that’s without his braces. He’s recently done a course on his severe arthritic neck and after 3-4 months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next 6 months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement.

Rob (above) is a great example of how MBST heals cartilage in a moderate to severe arthritic knee. 15 months after his MBST therapy he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain and that’s without his braces. He’s recently done a course on his severe arthritic neck and after 3-4 months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next 6 months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement.

As you can tell from the picture, I enjoy looking after Shaamil. He’s a lovely guy who was suffering with severe back pain for 5 years. Physio, chiro and osteopathy only gave short term relief because he had disc damage with vertebral end plate irregularity. (bone damage) He’d heard some good stories about MBST so we treated his spinal discs and bone using magnetic resonance therapy (MRT). Almost immediately, his pain calmed to a very low level and daily activities that used to cause him flare ups became pain free. To date, he is in a much better place because MBST stimulates healing of the damaged tissues at the cellular level. Thanks for the testimony Shaamil!!

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Many happy returns (and singles)

AS your Metro Mayor, there are three things that are constantly on my mind.

The first is the cost-of-living crisis, which is frightening to many of the one million people I proudly represent.

The second is the climate emergency, with the latest research suggesting things are far worse than feared.

The third is, how do we encourage people to voluntarily change their behaviour on an ongoing basis to meet the huge challenges of the modern world?

With these three things in mind, I’m delighted to tell you about a special birthday initiative I’m introducing as your regional mayor.

Starting soon, you’ll be able to ride the buses of the West of England completely free throughout the month of your birthday. This will help your pocket, the planet, and, I hope, see positive change in the way we all travel in future to reduce congestion, pollution and delays.

This innovative offer - which applies to the vast majority of buses running in the West of England, as well as the region’s WESTlink bookable minibuses - begins for lo-

cals with a July birthday and runs 12 months until every resident has had the chance to benefit from their free Birthday Month Bus Pass.

If you’re not a regular bus user, this birthday month of free bus travel is particularly aimed at you. Give it a go - you’ve literally got nothing to lose.

If you are a car user, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station during the month of your birthday? I hope, with a whole birthday month to try the bus for free, we come to like (even love) bus travel to continue to use it into the future.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change. Try a whole month - maybe you won’t look back!

This offer is also for you if you’re already a bus user. I hope this birthday bonanza is a boon to you too. A free month to help during the cost-of-living crisis. Plus, you can use it for extra days out too - perhaps to enjoy the amazing attractions and beauty of our fantastic region. You could be better off by one twelfth of the bus costs you shell

out annually. It’s super easy to claim your free Birthday Month Bus Pass – simply go to www.birthdaybus.co.uk. We’ll send you your pass in the post, and you’re away!

People tell me buses are important. That affordable transport is critical. That behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate emergency.

This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of your birthday is a UK first. It is innovative and new. It allows our brilliant region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

I wish you many happy returns - and singles!

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Rachel Dickinson, solicitor at AMD Solicitors discusses how to protect your home from property fraud

to date with the land registry (free service – complete and send COG1 form to the Land Registry)

Advertising Feature

• Use the New Property Alert Service to notify you of any applications that have been made against your property. (free service – www.gov. uk/property-alert )

The gift that pays for itself

ONE of the issues which is currently in the media is the risk of property fraud whereby individuals use various means to obtain money or property using properties at risk. This is often to benefit other criminal activity.

What properties are at high risk?

• Empty properties

• Tenanted properties

• Properties which could become empty

• Properties not subject to a mortgage

• Unregistered properties

There are benefits associated with all these alternatives but there are also some pitfalls. If you would like advice on which option fits your circumstances or assistance with completing the necessary forms please contact us.

will be. However a Will can be worded to provide that a gift of 10 % of the value of your estate at that time is given to a charity or charities of your choice. The effect of this will be that the rate of Inheritance Tax payable on the whole estate is reduced from 40 % to 36 %.

Property Alert

Using the Property Alert service is very simple.

• Go to the website address above

• Properties which are not occupied all the time

How can you protect your home?

By Shelley Faulkner, solicitor

• Register your unregistered property

In same circumstances, it has been calculated that this reduction in the tax bill can serve to leave the estate, even after payment of the gift to charity, with a value as high as if the gift had not been made. Thus the gift can in some cases quite literally pay for itself.

• Complete your details including your email address and a safe password and register

for the distribution of the estate, and the estate can then be divided as if the Will had been made in these terms. A Deed of Variation could therefore provide that 10 % of the estate is to pass to a chosen charity or charities, making the estate as a whole eligible for the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax.

• Add the property(ies) you wish to monitor (maximum 10)

• Monitor your emails

• Keep your details up to date

with AMD Solicitors

WHILE most of us support a number of charities in our lifetime, it is perhaps not surprising that a smaller number choose to remember a charity in their Will. Clearly the priority for most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to benefit the next generation.

• Add a Restriction to your property which sets out certain requirements which need to be met before registration of a transaction takes place.

• Keeping your contact details up

Even where a Will has not been prepared in these terms, it may be possible to take advantage of this tax break. If the beneficiaries of the estate agree, it is possible to effectively amend the terms of a Will within two years of the date of death. A ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn up which sets out the family members’ agreed arrangements

The service notifies you if anyone makes an application to register something against the title. It relies on you to check that the transaction is legitimate. If it is not you can then contact the Land Registry fraud line on 0300 006 7030 or at

This change in the law is clearly very good news both for charities, and potentially for some estates as well. However the detail of the application can be complex. For example, the estate is divided into different ‘components’ depending on how the property will pass to the beneficiaries, in order to calculate whether the 10 % test has been met. Taking specialist advice on the implications for your particular circumstances is therefore essential.

reportafraud@landregistry.gov.uk. It does not prevent transactions being registered but it enables you to be warned and take action.

of attorney and all private client issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, Florence Pearce and the other members of the team on 0117 9621205, email probate@ amdsolicitors.com or call in at 15 The Mall Clifton, or 100 Henleaze Road Henleaze.

If you find you are notified and do not know what to do next, first contact the Land Registry.

The writer, Rachel Dickinson, is a Solicitor at AMD Solicitors having recently joined our Shirehampton office as a Conveyancer. Rachel assists clients in their property transactions including buying, selling and transferring between

AMD’s team of experienced private client solicitors and practitioners includes full

individuals and has been conveyancing for over 20 years, bringing a varied insight into the intricacies of property transactions. Sorting out your property affairs could cost less than you think and can give you peace of mind. If you need any assistance relating to the ownership of your property please do not hesitate to contact Rachel or our conveyancing team for a quote on 0117 923 5562 or email info@ amdsolicitors.com

AMD Solicitors takes pride in sponsoring local, Bristol based charities and this year is very pleased to be supporting the Bristol branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, the local branch of this national charity which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in Great Britain. For full details of our fundraising activities visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com.

Copyright AMD Solicitors

However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.

Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax

Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity.

Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value

£8 million more support with national cost of living crisis

SIGNIFICANT pressures remain for many households across Bristol, in particular our city’s most vulnerable residents and families, with no sign of the national cost of living crisis slowing down or coming to an end. The support from national government has been lacking but we’ve worked hard to target supported funding that we have received to help those most in need. Our Household Support Fund has been instrumental in Bristol’s response to the national cost of living crisis, so we welcomed the news that we were receiving an additional £8 million for this financial year.

There are many people who fall through the gaps and are unfortunately not eligible. We used some of the money last year to top up our £1.4 million Local Crisis Prevention Fund, enabling us to provide around 10,000 households

with emergency payments. Over 2,600 of these were through our Household Support Fund. Additional help included in the Mayor’s budget provides support to almost 33,000 households with up to 100 per cent off their council tax bills through our £41.3 million Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

The spend for this year’s Household Support Fund has been approved by Cabinet to provide:

• Free School Meal Vouchers to approximately 22,600 young people for all school holidays from May 2023 half term to February 2024 half term

• Targeted support to those with No Resource to Public Funds (including Refugee and Asylum Seeker households known directly to us)

• Targeted support to care leavers and foster households to assist with their food and heating costs

• Support for 1,100 low-income

households via Discretionary Housing Payments

• Help to around 4,000 low-income households in need through the Local Crisis Prevention Fund who are not eligible for the other payments outlined above

Similar to last year, money is also being allocated to some local support organisations, including Bristol Age UK, Feeding Bristol, Centre for Sustainable Energy and WECIL to help them to continue to provide essential support.

Earlier this year, the government provided us with funding to assist around 13,500 households already receiving partial Council Tax Reduction, allowing us to deduct up to £75 from their remaining council tax bills. This new allocation for the Household Support Fund will enable us to extend this offer for pensioners with up to an additional £25 being taken off remaining bills.

There is no application process for our Household Support Fund and we, or one of the associated charities also distributing funds, will contact people directly if they’re eligible. If you are not eligible and need financial support there is other help available. For cost of living advice and signposting please visit bristol.gov.uk/costofliving or call the We Are Bristol helpline for free on 0800 694 0184, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.

Guest column from Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Look - our Martin Parr photolabel!

A HAZE of green is gradually appearing across the vineyard as the vine buds begin to lengthen to form stems and leaves. It’s so lovely to see! Within a few weeks the vineyard will completely change in appearance from a very sparce and open space to something much denser in appearance.

The swallows have returned in greater numbers and are swooping and calling overhead. The ground is much wetter than is normal for this time of year but a couple more weeks of drier weather and things should be back on an even keel. I’m actually quite pleased the vines have plenty of water to get them going this spring but I’d like it if we get some warmth soon as well!

On the wine front, our new sparkling red and white wines are out. Our 2021 sparkling white has a beautiful photolabel featuring an

image created by the celebrated Bristol-based photographer Martin Parr. The sparkling white wine is made with a variety called Seyval blanc which is a lovely grape that is pretty much naturally resistant to mildew. It’s great for making sparkling wine because it maintains high acid levels even when ripe which is good for creating interesting flavours in a sparkling wine. This year’s sparkling red is paler than previous years but still packs the same fruity punch. We’re really excited to share both these new wines with people.

hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

@DYvineyards (Twitter) dunleavy vineyards (Facebook & Instagram)

Trail returns in time for growing season

BRISTOL'S Get Growing Trail returns this month with 29 sites opening to the public for the weekend.

The trail offers everyone the chance to explore the city’s community allotments, orchards, smallholdings, mini market gardens, city farms, productive parks and even a unique berry maze.

It will be the first time since 2019 that the Get Growing Trail has taken place in June. For the last three years, the event has taken place in September, or as an online event, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Running the trail in early summer allows visitors who get inspired to get growing, enough time to get planting now and to reap the edible rewards from this growing season, rather than having to wait patiently through the autumn and winter for the next spring to come.

Bristol Food Network, which organises the trail, is welcoming some old-favourites back to the event on June 3 and 4. The New Roots Garden opens for the trail for the first time since 2018, Horfield Organic Community Orchard and Metford Road Community Orchard are joining for the first time since 2019. Fishponds Community Orchard, The Haven and Sustainable Westbury on Trym

(SuSWoT) are also happily back on the trail this year after a two-year absence. Other highlights include:

• Explore Bristol’s first dementia-friendly allotment in Brentry (as seen on Gardeners’ World) .

• Tour the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, discovering more about the exotic vegetables grown there.

• Visit Herbalists without Borders, Bristol: a community plot growing all kinds of medicinal herbs. The plot is at Ashley Vale

n LETTERS

Allotments.

The weekend offers the opportunity to learn about permaculture systems, no-dig methods, food justice and other aspects of community growing. There are so many examples of nature-friendly garde¯ning across the trail, showing that it is possible to share the city’s precious green spaces between people and wildlife, and to continue to grow productively.

Some examples include:

• Blaise Community Garden has a woodpile left undisturbed for bugs and mini beasts, plus there are beehives that focus on pollination rather than honey.

• Easton Community Garden collects its own water and makes compost and plant feeds, as well as uses permaculture methods.

• Filton Community Garden is adapting planting for dry summers.

• The Golden Hill Community Garden boasts a solar-powered pump supplying water to the allotment and has a straw bale eco house.

Full details of all 29 garden openings can be found at https://www. bristolfoodnetwork.org/blog/get-growinggarden-trail and Trail maps are available across the city.

Criticism unfair on the Bronx

RE the article in the May Voice about graffiti in Montpelier railway station looking like “the Bronx”.

I grew up in the Bronx, although living in Bishopston for a long time. I am appalled that a railway station can be compared negatively to the likes of an entire borough of New York City. I know that there was a lot of graffiti in the Bronx when I was growing up but since then it has been cleaned up and considered anti social trespassing.

So I would ask for more research before defaming an area of NY in an article in a newsletter in Bishopston, Bristol, which is 3000 miles away.

Bronxite

Herbalists without Borders

Photo: Jane Stevenson

Trespasses

by Louise Kennedy

Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library

THE year is 1975. Chinatown is showing at the cinema. Jim’ll Fix It is on Saturday night television and Mud are top of the music charts. Trespasses is set in Belfast at the height of the Troubles. The main character in the novel is Cushla, a 24 year old Catholic primary school teacher whose social life is limited to driving her alcoholic mother, Gina to Mass and the odd shift at the family bar managed by her brother Eamonn. It is in the bar that Cushla meets Michael Agnew, a married, middle aged Protestant lawyer who takes on civil rights cases for Catholics. Michael invites Cushla to an Irish Language evening where she meets his bourgeois bohemian friends, with their liberal republican sympathies. They start a secret affair, involving many illicit meetings including a derelict farmhouse and a dirty weekend in Dublin with far reaching

consequences for them both. The novel is full of believable characters including Gina who was born above a pub in 1920, during the first Troubles, after her parent’s home was burnt out by her protestant neighbours and whose nine pregnancies resulted in only two children. We also get to meet Gerry, a guitar playing teacher colleague and ally to Cushla at her school, which is ruled by a dogmatic priest called Father Slattery. Each day, at school, Cushla invites her pupils to update the class with the latest news. Every report refers to booby traps, petrol bombs,

Saracens, incendiaries, rubber bullets and internment , common words in every seven year old’s vocabulary in Belfast. The novel also includes several acts of human decency and kindness, breaching the sectarian divide, with Cushla & Gina delivering food to the home of a protestant pupil Davy whose father has been savagely beaten by paramilitaries. This is an engaging love story, written in beautiful intimate prose with skillfully drawn characters and convincing dialogue, told with empathy and with style by Louise Kennedy. If you are not a library member, please visit us at 100A Gloucester Road, and obtain a library card, giving you free access to over two million books including this novel. .

Opening Hours

Monday (1pm-7pm)

Tuesday (closed)

Wednesday (11am-5pm)

Thursday (11am-5pm)

Friday (11am-5pm)

Saturday (11am-5pm)

Sunday (closed)

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence

THERE is one family of plants that almost always impresses. It is one of the largest with around 28,000 species, but it is not always about size, is it! This family contains some of the most specialised, surprising and valuable plants in the world: it is the orchid family.

Orchids are usually pollinated by insects and many rely on a single species: it seems reckless to tie your reproductive fortunes to one particular pollinator but it works for this family. One of my fondest wildlife memories is from watching fly orchids: in front of my eyes a wasp landed (a tiny thing that looks like a fly – hence the confusion in the orchid’s name) and the orchid gave a purposeful twitch that left a package of pollen stuck to the wasp’s head. I probably imagined the wasp’s surprise at this sudden assault, but it launched itself off, no doubt quickly returning to visit another fly orchid having forgotten the startling experience. Orchids also have a precarious start to life. Their seeds

are microscopic and contain no nutrient store. Upon germination the seed has to rapidly establish a connection with a fungus via its roots; if successful a mycorrhizal association is created and they grow together exchanging nutrients, if unsuccessful the seedling will wither or even be overwhelmed and consumed by the fungus.

We have more than 50 native species in the UK (it is quite hard to get agreement on the exact number) and around 20 in the Bristol area with bee, pyramidal and common spotted orchids being the most commonly seen in our part of the city in June to August, whilst green-winged and early purples appear earlier in spring.

Like so many plants, the common spotted orchid has suffered huge declines since the intensification of farming in the 1960’s but it remains relatively easy to find and can form a colourful carpet across an accommodating

stretch of grassland. It has a spike of white, pink or lilac flowers with a frilly lower lip splashed with darker

pink or purple. These spikes can be around 60cm tall and contain 50 flowers. It grows on woodland rides, verges and cuttings but favours open grasslands - the best place to see it locally is the Downs.

Orchids have the unusual facility of springing up unexpectedly where they were previously unknown or have long been absent – this is both a comfort and an exciting spur to keep looking. A couple of years ago I was surprised by the sight of a single pyramidal orchid lighting up a front lawn on Redland Road with its neat spike of candy pink flowers (they are held in a rounded pyramidal shape).

Orchids can survive for many years without flowering and this one may even have derived from the turf originally used to lay the lawn.

Look out also for bee orchids, with a fat brown velvet lower lip and three lilac petals, popping up on dry banks, sparse grassland and even waste ground.

Common spotted orchid, Stoke Bishop

Photo © Rupert Higgins

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Bristol Bus Boycott

Last month, I attended a celebratory event to mark the 60th anniversary of the most important moments in the history of struggle for race equality – the Bristol bus boycott. This was in response to a ban on employing black bus drivers and led to the Race Relations Act.

This campaign was led by Bristol activists such as Guy Bailey, Barbara Dettering and the late Roy Hackett. It was an honour to meet some of them at this event.

We are far from a racially just society. Events like this remind us that the hard work and determination of a handful of people can bring about monumental change. You can find out more about the Bristol Bus Boycott on BBC Radio Bristol .

Standing up for Bristol’s renters in the House of Commons

I was very glad to see that after pressure from me and other

colleagues, and after much delay, the government has finally brought forward the Renters’ Reform Bill. I pushed for this Bill as Shadow Housing Secretary three years ago – as well as for as well as for ensuring greater protections for tenants during the covid crisis at the time. Only last week as Shadow Leader of the House I took the government to task again for continued delays that have been letting renters down.

I will now go through the Bill carefully and push to make sure it includes as many as possible of the measures Labour has been long calling for – including the banning of no-fault evictions. Looking forward, the next Labour government will bring in a powerful new renters’ charter to make renting in Bristol fairer, more secure, and more affordable.

Support for businesses affected by the fire at Underfall Yard

Some readers may not be aware but there was a massive fire at Underfall Yard on Bristol's

harbourside, early last month.

I commend officers from Fire and Rescue, Police, City Council and the Harbour Master who were on the scene within minutes. Thanks to their efforts the fire was brought under control and the residents at risk were evacuated safely.

I recently met with people affected by the fire. Many had their entire life’s work destroyed. It was heart wrenching to hear their stories of working so hard and putting all their savings together to to start a business, for it all to be taken away one night.

The Underfall Yard celebrates an important part of Bristol's industrial heritage as one of the foremost centres for ship building and marine trade in the world. Today the Yard doesn’t only play host to ship builders, but also blacksmiths, a café, a ferry operator, a composites manufacturer and an adventure activity company.

I would like to encourage everyone to visit this wonderful,

functioning, industrial heritage of Bristol and to support them in any way you can.

You can find details on how you can do so on the Trust’s website: https://underfallyard. co.uk/2023/05/08/fire-restorationfundraising/

Thangam Debbonaire writes for the Voice

n WHAT'S ON

June 2 & 3

n BRISTOL STITCHERS EXHIBITION AT Stoke Lodge Adult Education Centre, ]Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN. Lots of embroidery, textile art and mixed media work to see and buy. Sales, demos, raffle, book stall and tasty refreshments. Entrance £4 Children free. Disabled access

June 17

n HENBURY SINGERS

SUMMER CONCERt at Tyndale Baptist Church, Whiteladies Road BS8 2QG. Saturday 17 June 2023 at 7.30pm. £10 on the door or from Eventbritehttps:// www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/631575698917 Music by – John Rutter, Faure, Mozart and others.

June 17

n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR presents a celebration of British Choral Music. 17th June 2023 at 7.30pm in St Mary Redcliffe. Including music by Byrd, Handel and Britten. For information visit bristolbach. org.uk.

June 17

n A CAPELLA SINGING for Square Food Foundation with The Chandeliers and the Gasmen Collective at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, BS9 4LD, doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £10 cash on the door, or from https://snappytickets.co.uk/ events/

June 24

n PLANT SALE AND OPEN

GARDEN AFTERNOON with tea and cake, St Matthews Church, Kingsdown,1-3pm. House plants and pots, home grown herbs, pond plants, vegetable and flowering plants. In aid of St Matthews Eco fund which supports a range of green projects aiming to make the garden more accessible and community friendly. See https:// www.stmatthews-bristol.org.uk/13/ Whats-On for latest details or contact office@stmatthews-bristol. org.uk Tel: 0117 944 1598.

June 26

HENLEAZE SENIOR FILM CLUB at 2pm The Railway Children Return (PG) A group of children are evacuated to a Yorkshire village during the Second World War, where they encounter a young soldier who, like them, is far away from home. Starring Jenny Agutter and Tom Courtenay.

Tickets: £4.00 including refreshments. Carers welcome, easy access

bishopstonvoice

For more information, please call 0117 435 0063. St. Peter’s Hall, The Drive, Henleaze BS9 4LD

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n REDLAND WIND BAND has vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail.com

n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.

n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579

n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON

AREA DISCUSSION GROUP are a merry band of retired people who meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday morning (9.45) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to join and help to solve some of today's challenging issues, contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.

n BRISTOL COMMUNITY

GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4 ! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com

Tuesday

n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL LECTURE welcomes new members. Our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, take place on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information visit our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST GALLERY CHOIR and band sing and play lively church and village music from the 18thcentury. St Edyth’s Church Hall, St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, 7.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. All voices (SATB), string, wind and reed instruments welcome. No auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony. wordpress.com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.

n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday.

Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com

n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL

We are a 'threshold choir' looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/ loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join/support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org.

Wednesday

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. First visit free, come and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk

n HEALING SESSIONS run by accredited healers take place 2 til 3.30pm at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org

n BRISTOL VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR welcomes new members at any time. We meet at 7.30pm in St Werburghs Primary School during term time. See www.bristolvoices. org.uk for details.

Thursday

n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Drop-in 3.00 - 4.15 pm at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. Donation basis. Supported by members of The Healing Trust. Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo.co.uk.

n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at St Michael's and All Angels Church on Gloucester Road. Everyone welcome, no audition necessary. Contact us via email on bishoproadchoir@gmail.com

n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278

Advertise your event with our special rate 5cm advert

Just £15

Exercise Movement and Dance class for ladiesEXAMPLE

Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints.

6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net .

Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

CHOIR Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. Ffi : www. bristolmvc.org.uk ; facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk;or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220

n LOCAL CHOIR. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.459.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See our website www.henburysingers. org or contact the secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org.

n HIGHBURY BADMINTON

CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall

n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE

For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30pm start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org

n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING at St. Monica’s Oatley Hall, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN on Thursdays 7.30 – 10.00 p.m. £6.00 per session.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.

n WHAT'S ON

Phone Trish 0788 052 8925/www. rscdsbristol.info

n THE STEPFORD SINGERS

WOMEN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR meets at St Michael & All Angels Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music - just come and sing, laugh and have a cuppa! For info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com

Friday

n THE SINGING TREE. Fun kodály inspired music sessions for under fives. 1011am Redland Church Hall. Refreshments included. Contact Kate on singingtreewithkate@ gmail.com for further details.

n SINGING FOR WELLBEING. Women's group. 11.15am12.30pm Redland Church Hall. All ages and stages, incl. babies and children, welcome. Refreshments included. Contact Kate on singingmamasbristolkate@ gmail.com for further details. Refreshments included.

n CALLIGRAPHERS wanted to join us at St Edyth’s Church Hall, Sea Mills, on Fridays 1000-1200. Come and meet us or call Peter at 0117 329 4516.

Pop up Restaurants

n MARISCO, BRISTOL'S NEW POP-UP SEAFOOD RESTAURANT now open for business on the following Friday nights @ La Ruca, 89 Gloucester Road : May 5th, May 19th, June 2nd, June 23rd, July 7th, July 21st.

Sergio, a Chilean chef, prepares delicious seafood dishes from Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean.

Great selection of tapas / platters - spicy prawns, scallops and morcilla, sea bass ceviche, Galician octopus, Goan mussels and patatas bravas. www. mariscobristol.com for updates/ menu, or our Instagram, @ marisco_bristol. For bookings call/text 07794766971

MIKE PALMER BUILDING

07833 691895

Welcome back, Project Zulu!

THE Project Zulu children’s choir from the Madadeni Township in South Africa returned to the Bristol area last month for the first time in five years.

The 20 schoolchildren, aged from eight to 15, perform a range of traditional Zulu songs and dances, including gospel songs and gumboot dances, during their three-week tour.

Money raised during the trip was to be split equally between their two schools - Mntimande

Primary and Jobstown Primary

- and used to build new classrooms.

The choir tour is part of Project Zulu, a UWE Bristol initiative. The first Project Zulu choir tour took place in 2013 and continued biennially until it was halted by the pandemic.

The choir visited schools including Montpelier High and The Dolphin School, offering cultural exchange opportunities and musical workshops, as well as performing concerts and busking in Bristol and Bath.

Project Zulu choir members rehearsing for their tour

n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Sefton Park Road£850,000

A SIMPLY stunning four bedroom family home located in the St Andrews area. The ground floor features a large lounge with parquet flooring and a beautiful bay window that floods the room with natural light. Adjacent to the lounge, you will find a convenient utility room with a toilet discreetly nestled under the staircase. Continuing through the property, there is a spacious kitchen/diner complete with all new appliances - this open plan area offers a flexible space for family meals and social gatherings. A wonderful garden room with bifold doors that provides easy access to the outside space completes this level. Leading to the first floor, you will find a generously proportioned bedroom featuring a dressing area and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Additionally, there is a wellappointed family bathroom and two further bedrooms on this floor, offering ample accommodation for family members or guests. A highlight of this property is the master bedroom with en-suite, located in the dormered loft conversion.

Bristol to get new version of

A NEW version of Monopoly is coming and it could feature your favourite Bristol landmark.

To celebrate the 650th anniversary of Bristol being granted independent county status, a special version of the popular board game will be produced. Not only will a new edition be created, but Bristol residents will have a say on what landmarks are included.

The new edition of the game is expected to be available to buy in November this year, 23 years after the original Bristol Monopoly came out.

The most expensive square on the old version of the board is Anchor Road as ‘Mayfair’, while Temple Street as ‘Old Kent Road’ is currently the cheapest. However, this could all change in the new edition.

Some popular landmarks that

are expected to feature are the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the University of Bristol, and both football clubs.

The property sets will be themed in different genres such as tourism, shopping, business and charity. Another potential category is a street art set, which would be unique to any Monopoly ever made.

Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “We can’t wait for this new edition of the world’s most famous board game to be released, helping celebrate our great city.”

John Keen-Tomlinson, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, who are producing the game under licensing from global branded entertainment leader Hasbro, said: “It’s a new game for a new generation”.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees expects the new edition to be a winner

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Stand with us against knife crime

IN May I attended the first ever Avon and Somerset Police Outstanding Policing Awards, a remarkable opportunity to honour the outstanding achievements of the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

May also marked the start of Operation Sceptre, a national targeted initiative to reduce knife-related violence, increase public safety and engage communities in the fight against knife crime.

Proactively tackling knife crime is central to my police and crime plan, and I would encourage people to safely discard any weapons or knives they may carry in the ‘weapons surrender bins’ installed by Avon and Somerset Police.

The bins are in areas where we know they are needed, and offer people a safe and anonymous way of getting rid of a weapon. If you know someone who carries a weapon, please encourage them to surrender it. You can find your nearest bin in the crime prevention advice section of the police website.

Avon and Somerset Police and partners already carry out a large range of activities to raise awareness of and combat knife crime, and the Violence Reduction Units’ work is at the heart of this, delivering talks to young people in schools, running Blunt Truth workshops in partnership with the NHS and hosting pop-up information stands.

While we have seen a reduction in street-based knife crime across Avon and Somerset, more still needs to be done to ensure people feel safe in their communities. Let’s raise awareness, educate, and stand against knife crime.

As the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ national fraud lead, I also welcome the publication of the government’s long-awaited strategy, setting out how it plans to tackle fraud and bring more offenders to justice.

This strategy, and the accompanying Economic Crime Plan, is an important step forward. I fully support the Government’s three-pillar approach to stop, block, pursue, and

to educate the public.

I have been able to have a direct impact on two important areas within the strategy, which will ensure there is national central coordination of prevention and awareness messaging, and ensure banks are delaying and doing extra due diligence checks on large BACS payments out of accounts that could be fraudulent.

However, the strategy does not recognise some fundamental challenges, including the highly complex landscape of investigating fraud, which needs to be fully supported.

I am calling for more to be done to recognise this crime’s significant impact and harm on victims. Fraud can leave lasting mental and physical trauma, with some victims taking their own lives.

Finally, I am pleased to say that the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund grant has opened for applications.

This grant, set up by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Somerset

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation, aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities.

Community groups previously awarded this grant have delivered some fantastic crime-reducing initiatives and activities.

I implore local organisations to apply for this worthwhile funding, to reduce anti-social behaviour and make our communities safe.

ONE of the first migrant birds to arrive and lift our spirits after the long winter is the chiffchaff. They will have migrated from the Mediterranean or North Africa and announce their presence by sitting on a tree and loudly calling their name ’chiff-chaff chiff-chaff chiff-chaff ‘

Stand for a while in your local park or woodland and you may hear the insistent, rhythmic call. Catching sight of the chiffchaff is more of a challenge as it darts among the branches pecking at the new leaves and flowers to find small insects, with its tail pumping up and down as though full of joy to be here for the summer. How would you recognise a chiffchaff ? They are small, pale brown or olive green warblers with a creamy yellow chest. I watched one recently that flitted from branch to branch, pecking at the new leaves and chiff-chaffing with enthusiastic tail pumping, seemingly without drawing a breath !

They will nest among brambles or nettles, quite close to the ground, building dome shaped nests of stems and leaves, lined with feathers.This reminds us how important the wild bramble patches are for the many birds that nest there in relative safety from predators.

Alastair Fraser

Bristol Ornithological Club

PAINTING

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• Faux/broken colour work Tel: 0117 9422589 Mob: 07814 113038

robertogborn@yahoo.co.uk

GET BADM INTO N OUR COMMUNITY

Holistic education for girls aged 4-18 in the leafy suburb of Bristol.

Sixth Form Open Evening:

Friday 22 September

Whole School Open Morning:

Saturday 30 September

Or book a private tour at your convenience.