'Think again' call over £15m Park Street bus gate plans
A COUNCILLOR has called for a rethink on the £15 million scheme to introduce bus gates on Park Street.
Councillor John Goulandris (Conservative, Stoke Bishop) said the proposals risked excluding severely disabled people, who have no choice but to travel by car.
He told a meeting of Bristol City Council’s strategy and resources committee in April that the Park Street project was in conflict with the authority’s aim to improve accessibility.
“Unfortunately there are lots of complications, partly funding, partly also that trying to achieve full access to some groups will actually clank against some policies we have because the harsh reality is that a large number of disabled and very elderly people rely on one mode of transport that is not very popular at the moment and that’s the motor car. I see very little provision for disabled and elderly people using their motor cars with blue badges,” he said.
Cllr Goulandris said that if the Park Street scheme, which would block through traffic to cut congestion, went ahead, an exception would have to be made for the most disabled drivers.
Cllr Ani Stafford-Townsend (Green, Central) said people with physical disabilities were currently at risk from air pollution, so the proposed Park Street changes were welcome, and that it would be easier for
those who did need to drive to get around because there would be fewer motorists.
The Park Street scheme was approved by the Greenled city council in March but the full business case has to be approved by the West of England Combined Authority, so a final decision will be made by whoever is elected Metro Mayor on May 1.
Includes reporting by Adam Postans, LDRS
Happy Days Hub ready for action
Bristol Dementia Action Alliance has opened a Happy Days Hub for people with the condition and those who support them.
PAGE 5
Police arrest Metro Mayor
Dan Norris, Labour Mayor of the West of England, was arrested last month on suspicion of rape, child sex, child abduction and misconduct in a public office.
PAGE 2
School choir wins national title
Badminton School’s chamber choir, Schola Cantorum, has won the GSA Senior Choir of the Year competition.
PAGE 11
How Park Street could look without through traffic
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n NEWS
Metro Mayor arrested
OUTGOING Metro Mayor Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.
The politician, who is also the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was arrested on April 4.
Avon and Somerset police said: "In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.
"Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.
"An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage.
"The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.
"A man, aged in his 60s, was arrested on April 4 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office. He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue. This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered."
Norris, aged 65, was immediately suspended from the Labour Party after his arrest but remains an MP.
However he has been banned from entering both Parliament and the offices of the West of England Combined Authority during the course of the police investigation.
WECA staff received an email from chief executive Stephen Peacock on April 9, which said: "I wrote to the Mayor to inform him that he should not enter the building or attend any other meetings on behalf of the Combined Authority. The Mayor’s building access fob has been deactivated and the Mayor’s access to the authority’s IT system has been removed. It is matter of public record that a similar approach has been taken by the parliamentary estate and the Mayor’s access to parliament has been revoked."
New parliamentary rules mean a risk assessment is carried out when an MP is arrested on suspicion of a violent or sexual offence, which leads to a ban from entering its buildings.
A House of Commons spokesperson said: "We do not comment on individual cases."
Norris remains officially the West of England Mayor until May 1, when a successor will be elected. He was already standing down because of a Labour Party ban on MPs having second jobs.
Includes reporting by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Captain Cortex wins vote for robot name
MEET Captain Cortex – the new neurosurgery robot at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
NHS bosses invited people in the city to come up with names and received more than 700 suggestions. These were whittled down to five - Headward, Brian, Brainbot, Neuronimo and Captain Cortex – for a public vote, in which thousands of people participated.
Julie Woodfield, UHBW consultant paediatric neurosurgeon said: “Botty McBottface and Surgery McSurgeryface were very popular submissions. We did want the robot to have a friendly name which we can use when speaking to the children we care for and their families, but there were criteria we used to help us pick something appropriate.
“It doesn’t look how many people might imagine a robot to look. It has a very precise arm, articulated in different places which allows us to accurately pinpoint an entry and trajectory
point moving us to the exact position on a patient’s head.”
Procedures the robot, manufactured by Renishaw and officially called neuromate, will be able to assist surgeons with include:
• Stereo-electroencephalography insertion, when electrodes are surgically placed through the skull and into the brain, to
measure activity
• Stereotactic biopsies, when samples of tissue are collected
• Insertion of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes.
All of these services are offered to children who live throughout the South West of England, the South of England and South Wales at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Lion pub is open again
A POPULAR pub in Cliftonwood that closed last June reopened at the end of March under new management.
Local people wanted to buy the Lion in Church Lane for the community but the owners, Stonegate Brewery, decided they were going to keep it and refurbish it.
A local businessman, Ben Jones, has been appointed the new landlord. He opens The Lion from Friday to Sunday each week.
A brewery spokesman said: “This is a real hidden gem of a site with great local support. Stonegate empowers landlords to maximise endless profit opportunities. The Lion has been a renowned destination pub as well as a community pub.”
UHBW Children's Epilepsy Surgery Service team to reveal the name of the robot with Gavin May from Renishaw
Clifton, Bristol | Guide Price £POA
An exceptional detached Grade II Listed family home on one of Clifton’s most exclusive garden squares; with over 4000 sq. ft of accommodation enclosed in a fabulous walled south-west facing garden.
Stunning Grade II Listed family home on a sought-after garden square | Fully detached with enchanting walled south-west facing garden | Four double bedrooms with three bath / shower rooms | Bedroom five / dressing room | Elegant through-drawing room and dining room opening out into the garden | Family kitchen with AGA and French doors into the garden | Lower ground floor sitting room / bar and cinema room with steps up to the garden | Large utility room and two further cloakrooms | Sensational vaulted wine cellar and further cellar / vaulted storage | Fully fitted outdoor kitchen and a separate summer house in the garden | Direct access from both Canynge Square and Canynge Road | No onward chain
In all circa 4845 sq. ft (449 sq. m)
Smiles as Happy Days Hub opens doors
BRISTOL Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) has launched its first Happy Days Hub.
It’s open on Mondays and Fridays with a community café open to all from 10am-2pm. The Hub, in Ambition House, Lawrence Weston, will host social groups including memory cafes, carer support groups and a balanced body exercise class.
The aim is to provide a dementia and ageing well resource for people concerned about or affected by dementia.
An important aspect of the Hub is to offer preventative awareness and management of conditions which can affect us as we age and could increase the risk of developing dementia. BDAA and partners will educate about diabetes, high blood pressure and hearing loss as well as other conditions.
More than 70 people attended the launch event, at which Bristol Beacon provided uplifting music and there were several stands sharing relevant
n NEWS IN BRIEF
information.
Lisa Dicker, BDAA development manager, said: “We had an amazing day, welcoming so many people to our Happy Days Hub. This Hub is part of the community and local residents and businesses will play a key part in the success of this much needed resource.”
BDAA still needs volunteers
Clifton Heights on market
A SKYSCRAPER built in the middle of Clifton in 1964 as a block of "prestigious" flats is up for sale.
A figure said be more than £16 million is being sought for Clifton Heights in Triangle West.
Clifton Heights was built over three years. Living accommodation was built on top of showrooms at street level and two floors of offices. There were 48 flats but only the two penthouses were ever occupied.
Estate agents Hartnell Taylor Cook envisage that, subject to planning permission, Clifton Heights could be turned into private flats, a luxury hotel or remain as offices.
Lansdown pub for sale
ONE of the best-known pubs in Clifton has been put on the market for an asking price in excess of £1,125,000.
The Lansdown sits on the ground floor of a Georgian building of five storeys which has original gas lamps in the bar.
Estate agents Savills say the Lansdown is an “independent” pub known for its year-round beer garden and its love of rugby.
QEH walls need repair
Urgent repairs are needed to boundary and retaining walls at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (QEH) independent school in Clifton.
The school is seeking consent from Bristol City Council for the urgent works at the Grade II-listed building in Berkeley Place.
In planning documents, architects said: “The proposed works will not affect the ongoing use of the main school buildings and will ensure they are safeguarded, and the heritage asset retained for future generations. “The proposed works are sympathetic and pose little harm to the protected architectural and historic character of Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital.”
The walls were built in the first half of the 19th century.
to support the Hub – there are a variety of key roles including supporting the café, helping with activities, or being companions at the groups. Further details here: https://bdaa.org.uk/ volunteering/ or email office@ bdaa.org.uk.
Founder and chair, Tony Hall, who launched BDAA in 2013, said: “This Hub is the
culmination of our work as a charity raising awareness of dementia in Bristol. It brings together our experience and expertise into a one-stop ‘shop’ to make it as accessible as possible for people affected by dementia and those who wish to know more about the disease.”
For info, visit https://bdaa. org.uk/happy-days-hub/
Visitors enjoy the Happy Days Hub launch event. Right,BDAA founder and chair Tony Hall
Walk Fest returns
CELEBRATING the best of our city with inclusive walks for all ages, abilities and interests, the Bristol Walk Fest takes place throughout May.
This popular annual festival features more than 200 walks and walking-related events and activities Nature trails, historical tours and scenic hikes combine with walking sports, art/culture routes and family-friendly strolls to provide something for everyone – whether you seek a personal challenge, enjoy a self-guided walk or simply want to get out for some fresh air and exercise.
An in-person event in the city centre on May 1 launches the festival with guest speakers discussing the benefits that walking can have on mental health. The line-up includes Taylor Moore, Rovers’ defender and host of the club’s 5k Your Way mental health initiative, along with Claire Allen, who trekked 4000 miles around the British coastline, raising 25k for homeless charities, and Orla Hennessy, founder of Girls Who Walk Bristol to tackle loneliness among young women.
Co-ordinated by Active Ageing Bristol, hosted by Age UK Bristol and with funding from the city council, most events are free; however, some do require a fee and/or prior booking. Routes are differentiated by easy, fairly easy, moderate and challenging levels.
Karen Lloyd, Bristol Walk Fest director, said: “Bristol Walk Fest is a great chance to discover something new about the city, explore a new area, or try walking for the first time. With a choice of free walks every single day of the month, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest! Printed programmes are out now; available in libraries and community centres across Bristol. We are still adding new walks to the website too, so it’s worth exploring online.”
Full information on the routes, events and booking details can be found at bristolwalkfest.com, while printed copies of the programme are available in libraries and some other local venues.
n LETTERS
New bus service 'a dog's dinner'
WHILST I applaud the new Clifton half hourly 77 bus service to Clifton Down, having badgered First Bus, councillors, Mayors, MPs and others for over two years to re-instate it, what we have now is rather minimal and somewhat of a dog’s dinner result. To recap, the Clifton Down bus stop has eleven or so services to Cribbs Causeway, (a much more attractive shopping alternative to Broadmead/Cabot Circus), Parkway and South Wales plus a shopping centre with many other useful shops nearby.
The new 77 bus arrives into Clifton more or less on the half hour (as does the 8, No.5 and 505). It therefore arrives at Clifton Down five to ten minutes after the half hourly train services to Temple Meads and Avonmouth have departed. Having returned to Clifton it then goes via Broadmead to Horfield. The 505 also goes half hourly from Clifton directly to Horfield. So why would I use the 77 to get to Horfield ? Also, with a 20 minute wait to catch a train to Temple Meads at Clifton Down it makes the slow and often packed No. 8 service to Temple Meads sadly a more attractive alternative.
Delving deeper into the rationale of Clifton bus services, the No.5 travels through the centre from St Anne’s then, after arriving, usually with the No. 8 service, parks up for 10 minutes or so at the confined and recently demolished Christchurch Bus Stop so that the more frequent No. 8 service has to drop passengers in the road at this stop. It could more usefully follow the new 77 routing instead.
I cannot understand why the
No. 8 service still follows its old and previous much needed route to the now closed Zoo around 90 times a day now picking up and now only dropping around 10 passengers a day between the top of Pembroke Road and Clifton (duplicated here by the subsidised 505). Were it also to follow the new 77 bus route instead it would cover the same distance, offer a much more frequent and useful service to Clifton Down and make the new minimal 77 service redundant.
The suggestion that congestion in the City Centre is the reason that the No.8 still goes to the Zoo site rather than Clifton Down is farcical. If anything the No.5 and 77 buses add to the City Centre congestion.
In a way I am not surprised that First Bus uses a sledge hammer approach to routing buses from Clifton to Clifton Down as all routing and decisions for Bristol are made in Glasgow and despite what our Councillors, MPs and Mayors tell you, (and also continue to pour money into services), they have no influence at all on how First Bus route and timetable their services. Don Shapland
'Use it or lose it' route warning
I WONDER if you could highlight in Clifton Voice that the new 77 bus route (starts at top of Muller Road goes to the Centre) now runs approx every 30 mins between Clifton Village and Clifton Down station. This is a welcome replacement for the late lamented 9 service. The driver told me that it’s an experimental route for six months and if it’s not used enough will be scrapped.
Patricia Morris
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Badminton girls win Choir of the Year title
BADMINTON School’s chamber choir, Schola Cantorum, has won the Girls’ School Association’s (GSA) Senior Choir of the Year 2025 Competition.
Schools from across the country submitted video entries in the first round, with five choirs invited to compete in the final in Warwick. Schola sang Lift Thine Eyes by Felix Mendelssohn and the Agnus Dei from A Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott.
The girls were directed by Badminton’s director of music Jack Lapthorn-Graham and accompanied by deputy head and teacher of music Ian Senior.
Jack Lapthorn-Graham said: “I am so proud of Schola for winning the 2025 GSA Choir of the Year Competition. They sang so beautifully and performed with real heart. I was so impressed with their blend, togetherness and wonderfully warm sound.”
Aliza, in Lower Sixth and a
member of Schola Cantorum, said: “Singing with choirs from across the country and in a competitive environment was an invaluable experience. It truly makes all the hours in evening and extra rehearsals
feel worthwhile, and it is an achievement which makes me proud to be a part of Schola.”
Jessica Miles, head of Badminton School, said: “I am extremely proud of Schola for their remarkable achievement in
winning GSA’s Senior Choir of the Year. This accomplishment highlights their dedication and talent, as well as the guidance provided by our music department. Congratulations to all involved.”
Pre-Reception at Badminton
Our new Pre-Reception Class welcomes girls in the September after they turn three.
With twice-weekly swimming lessons, outdoor learning and expert Early Years teachers, Pre-Reception is the perfect place to start your daughter’s educational journey.
Contact us to find out more about our ‘Stay & Play’ sessions and to book a private tour.
n NEWS
'Unstable' stone wall set for demolition
A VICTORIAN wall separating a block of flats and houses in Cotham will soon be demolished.
The housing association that owns the flats, which were built in the 1970s, intends to knock down the stone boundary wall and rebuild it, charging people who live next door for some of the works.
The four-storey Knightstone Lodge on Archfield Road is owned by LiveWest Homes. The wall behind the flats has failed and needs to be rebuilt, and the boundary wall to the front of the property also needs to be partially rebuilt.
Bristol City Council's development control A committee voted on April 16 to grant planning permission for the works, despite objections from some neighbours.
Green Councillor Guy Poultney, representing Cotham, said: “Residents approached me about this some time ago, largely because they couldn’t make contact with the applicant
and they didn’t understand why it was that the applicant seemed absolutely hell-bent on demolishing large sections of this wall, or even the whole thing, unnecessarily.
“We have these walls stretching throughout this particular bit of my ward. As far as I can tell, this is the only time someone has ever proposed demolishing one of them, rather than simply repairing it. We still have no explanation. We do not know why they want to do this in this impossibly destructive way.”
No one representing LiveWest Homes attended the
committee. Before the meeting, the association said parts of the walls were unstable and could collapse. Some parts are cracking and bulging, with water leaking through too. Existing stones would be kept and reused “as much as practical” in repairs.
The housing association could serve a “party wall notice” on neighbours living next to the block of flats. This would compel them to pay for some of the extensive works, as the rear wall is shared. But some residents objected to the plans, saying the demolition was unnecessary.
Writing to the council, one said: “The state and repair of the walls around the property are no different from any other in this area. If one structurally surveyed the area, the entire wall structure of Cotham would require urgent rebuilding. Walls regularly collapse, especially post the very dry summer two years ago, and local repairs are made and stay good for many years.
“The request for a
comprehensive rebuild of entire surrounding walls is an easy option for a management company to pursue — timeefficient, but a huge financial burden for those families living in adjacent properties, who have been told they will be required to share the costs of the works.”
Party wall disputes are dealt with through a separate process, and councillors were told they shouldn’t consider who would pay when making their decision. All but one of the committee members voted in favour of granting permission. Green Cllr Ellie Freeman abstained.
Green Councillor Serena Ralston said: “Having had a situation in my own garden where a wall almost collapsed on one of my children, because the neighbour hadn’t maintained it, I would always go with the safety option. I know it’s not ideal, but nor is it ideal collapsing on somebody.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
The cracked wall in Cotham
One postcode - many artists!
7 and 8 June 2025 - 11am to 5pm – in Henleaze, Stoke Bishop & Westbury-on-Trym
WHERE can you enjoy the work of 87 artists, find out what goes into making each piece and the inspiration behind it?
BS9 Arts Trail returns to our streets on 7 and 8 June 2025, in leafy north Bristol’s Henleaze, Stoke Bishop & Westbury-on-Trym.
Buying direct from an artist means you can gain a closer understanding of each artwork and the person behind it.
Artists include painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, photographers, potters, jewellery designers, glass workers, enamellists and a wood turner spread across 13 interesting venues. All works are for sale and include
items from £3 to £3,000, so whether you want a greetings card, a hand-crafted jug, a unique piece of jewellery or a statement painting, BS9 Arts Trail is the place to come!
The venues are easy to access, and all are located around the northern side of The Downs.
Most of the trail’s 13 venues host multiple artists. Many venues have cafés, toilets and are accessible, ensuring a warm welcome for everyone. The trail is great for walkers and cyclists, is served by bus routes, and all venues have free parking on-site or nearby.
"We are delighted to support the BS9 Arts Trail again this summer. It is a fantastic celebration of creativity, community and talent. Events like this bring people together and showcase the artistic energy in our city. We are proud to be part of an event that inspires and connects Bristol residents through art.”
For full information visit www.bs9arts.co.uk or pick up one of the free trail maps from cafes, libraries, galleries and shops in the BS9 area, Clifton, Redland and Bishopston or you may be lucky and have one delivered through your letterbox!
ai174369148857_2025_BS9_Arts_Voice Press_Ad_120x180mm.pdf 1 03/04/2025 15:45
Michelle Rose, partner and head of the individuals & families department at VWV, said:
Supported by generous sponsorship from VWV
Works by Emma Debs, above, and Nancy Chambers, left, Chris Queree, centre, and Caroline Casswell, far left
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
News from Green Party Clifton Down councillors
George Calascione and Serena Ralston
HELLO from Serena and George. There’s lots to report this month. We’ve been busy on your behalf.
20 is plenty for Upper Belgrave Road
Following concerns about speeding, we’re calling for Upper Belgrave Road to have a 20 mph speed limit like most other roads in the city. Currently, the road, which runs past The Downs, is 30 mph. Several residents have reported frequent speeding and even some collisions over the past year. We will be taking our request to the council’s Area 3 committee when it meets this month but it may then take another one to two years to go through all the required technical assessments and legal processes.
Reducing street clutter
Many of you have told us that you want to see less advertising clutter on our pavements and we have objected to two planning applications for digital street advertising hubs on Whiteladies Road. The one planned for near the bus stop outside Clifton Down Shopping Centre has now been refused. The second planning application, for a hub near Tescos at the bottom of Blackboy Hill, was pending at the time of writing. Each hub would have two digital 75" LCD advert screens.
These hubs are just some of the 20 that BT is proposing across the city. The Bristol Walking Alliance (BWA) has objected to
all of them. We agree with the BWA that these hubs would cause an obstruction on pavements for pedestrians, and distraction for drivers. The hubs proposed on Whiteladies Road would also not be in keeping with the conservation area.
Tackling poor housing: Queens Court
Some residents are living in poor conditions at Queens Court, a once elegant art deco block of flats on St Pauls Road. Despite these conditions, some rents are set to rise, with some tenants even threatened with evictions.
While there have been some repairs, we have visited Queens Court several times over the past year and seen for ourselves examples of poor conditions.
We have also seen close to 100 photographs taken by residents themselves showing issues including damp, mould and leaking ceilings.
Particularly concerning is the potential threat from damp and mould to the wellbeing of children living there.
We are working to support these residents and we’ve written several times to the management company to express our concerns.
We’ve also flagged the situation as urgent with the council’s private housing team who are offering residents help and advice where possible.
The council issued two Civil Penalty Notices totalling £12,000 in October 2023 to the building’s owners for non-compliance with licensing conditions and non-compliance with an improvement notice. Following further investigation, further improvement notices have been issued.
We arranged a meeting with residents and local Green MP Carla Denyer, who sat on the Renters Rights Bill select committee, just before Easter. Around 30 residents attended. Everyone deserves safe and decent housing. If you need our help, please get in touch, and you can also find details about your rights in the Council’s Private Tenant information guide or raise concerns with the Council’s
Private Housing service online @ Bristol.gov.uk or private.housing@ bristol.gov.uk .
Former Be in Bristol building
We’ve supported a planning application for the redevelopment of the former Be in Bristol building at 59-61 Whiteladies Road for five flats on the floors above and a bar and restaurant on the ground floor. This has been a derelict eyesore on this beloved street and conservation area for far too long and we hope the plans will be approved soon. New homes are desperately needed in the city. We have been assured that the flats will not be student accommodation.
Sustainable Transport Fund
Does your business have an idea that could make the way you travel or do deliveries more environmentally friendly? The council wants to fund you to bring it into reality with the Sustainable Travel Grant. The application window closes 5pm Friday 9 May. Find out more and apply here Sustainable Travel Grant To make sure you submit the best application possible, we encourage you to contact Bristol City Council’s transport team to discuss your ideas before applying at businessactivetravel@ bristol.gov.uk
Councillor surgeries
The next ward surgery will be on Friday June 6 from midday to 1.30pm at Redland Library on Whiteladies Road. In the meantime, do email us Cllr. george.calascione@bristol.gov.uk Cllr.serena.ralston@bristol.gov.uk
Listening to Queens Court tenants at a meeting with Carla Denyer MP
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
News from Green Party
Clifton councillors Paula O’Rourke and Jerome Thomas
Solar panels
Clifton residents will soon be able to add solar panels to their roofs without having to apply for planning permission to do so.
For many years, our email inboxes have been receiving correspondence from Clifton residents who want to reduce the cost of energy bills, and reduce pressure on the planet, by retrofitting their period property. However, living in a conservation area means that planning permission, or a Certificate of Lawfulness, is needed to add solar panels, or to upgrade single glazed windows or replace a gas boiler with a heat pump. We were convinced that these changes could be managed better.
Paula, who sits on the Development Control Committee (Planning), argued that a set of regulations, setting out clear parameters of what is acceptable and what is not, could lead to a streamlining of retrofitting heritage properties. This would take pressure off the over-stretched planning department (giving them time to assess the development proposals that really need planning approval) and mean that residents would not incur fees, which add to the cost of retrofitting and are just another hurdle for homeowners to jump over.
New policy coming soon
As Green councillors, we are, of course, keen to facilitate retrofitting, and want to make it easy for residents to add solar panels to their roofs, to change-out gas boilers for heat pumps and double/triple glaze windows in Grade II and Grade II* buildings. So, we argued hard for a policy to be written that would define a clear set of regulations covering all three new green energy-saving systems and allow residents to get on with the changes they want to make without the cost of going through planning.
The Head of Planning has decided that it would be better to implement the changes iteratively, so it begins with solar panels on roofs. There is merit in this method, as we want to preserve the character of the area while, making it easier for residents to move to greener ways to heat their homes.
Bristol City Council in their consultation say, “We are delighted to announce that Bristol City Council is proposing a Local Listed Building Consent Order for the Clifton Conservation Area. Subject to conditions outlined in the Order this would remove the need for listed building consent to add rooftop solar panels to residential grade II and II* listed properties in the area.
The aim is to remove unnecessary planning barriers for residents aiming to help the city meet its net zero climate targets. This is being trialled for the Clifton area where a large proportion of the city’s listed buildings are located. If the trial proves a success, then it is proposed to roll out the approach to other neighbourhoods subject to further consultation.”
To reassure residents who might fear unsightly panels on some of our favourite buildings, we can assure you that the policy would only allow for consent (without planning permission) for solar panels that can’t be seen from the highway, are not higher than any part of the building, does not protrude beyond the building. Full details can be read of the conditions of the Order on the Consultation hub on the Bristol City Council website. The area and properties covered by the draft Order is defined in the map below.
There is a need for a careful balance between making it easy for property owners to retrofit while,
at the same time, preserving the heritage of the area. It is expected that this new sensible policy will be introduced at the May Planning Committee meeting.
Surface dressing
The annual process of surface dressing our streets has started again. It is always a source of complaint, as drivers fail to notice the signs telling them to park elsewhere and ignore traffic cones placed in parking bays … and then wonder why their car is no longer where they left it and why the road is covered in irritating stone chippings!
To remind everyone, this is done as a way to extend the life of the road surface and to reduce the number of potholes that need filling.
While it is annoying, it is necessary. What has not been understood to be necessary in previous years is the lag in time between the new surface being put down and the lines being re-painted. This has often caused traffic chaos, as, with no restrictions, drivers park everywhere. We have been
promised that this will not be happening this year. So, fingers crossed for good weather so that they can get on with it.
Electric buses
Jerome in his role as Chair of the West of England (WECA) Scrutiny Committee is pleased to be helping with the improved working relationships between the local authorities and local councillors in the region in the last year.
The fruits of these improved working relationships are recently most obvious with the announcement that that WECA has secured a very significant Government grant (over £20m) for electrification of our buses.
So in the near future 50% of the region’s local buses (160 out of 320 in total) will be battery powered and running on electricity, contributing to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions!
Contact us
Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome. thomas@bristol.gov.uk
Paula O'Rourke: cllr.paula. orourke@bristol.gov.uk
Using Innovation to Heal Your Condition
At Cura Clinical UK, we combine cutting-edge technology with expert hands-on care to help you achieve your best health. Based in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, we specialise in three key services: Bone Density Scanning, MBST Cell Regeneration Therapy, and Chiropractic Care.
MBST Therapy
MBST is a revolutionary therapy that works at the cellular level to promote natural healing and regeneration. This awardwinning technology is noninvasive, pain-free, and backed by extensive research. What MBST Treats:
• Arthritis and Tendinitis
• Nerve damage
• Sports injuries
• Osteopenia & Osteoporosis
Dr Tim Mitchell - GP & Charity Advocate
“Arthritis in my spine and knee was limiting my mobility, MBST made sense scientically, and the results have been incredible. Years later, my spine and knee
Dave Alred - Rugby & Golf Coach
“18 months ago, I faced a shoulder replacement due to a rugby injury. MBST therapy, combined with hands-onrehabilitation, has been lifechanging. I can now pass a rugby ball and swing a golf club again - things I couldn’t dream of doing 9 months ago. MBST is not just about relieving pain; it’s about transforming lives. Whether you’re dealing with joint pain, degenerative conditions, or neurological issues, MBST offers a holistic approach to healing and longevity.
Bone Density Scanning
Echolight REMS technology, the most advanced bone density scanning available, assesses your bone health quickly, safely and without radiation. In under 2 minutes, we can provide an accurate diagnosis of your bone strength, allowing us to detect early signs of conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia.
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Whether it’s diagnosing your bone health, healing at a cellular level, or hands-on chiropractic care, we are here to help you r ecover, heal, and thrive.
n BOOK REVIEW
n ADVERTORIAL
Landscapes by Christine Lai
T WENTY-TWO years ago, Penelope began a residency at Mornington Hall, a country house and vast estate with an extraordinary collection of books, paintings and rare ephemera, decorated so that one can step onto the veranda to survey the Capability Brown-designed gardens without noticing the transition from interior to exterior.
Among the remarkable works is Turner’s A View on the Seine. For an aspiring academic, quite in love with Turner, (who had himself visited and painted the estate) the setting is almost utopian. But that was then. Mornington is crumbling, land and possessions being sold off, the world outside in dire circumstances and the inner life of the characters no less so.
n FRIENDS OF REDLAND LIBRARY
Tuesday April 29
Event: The Women Who Built
Bristol: Volume Three
Tuesday June 10
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
This is a near future in which climate catastrophe has changed how everyone but the wealthiest lives. Food and shelter are scarce; Penelope and Aidan, the estate’s owner and now her partner, offer a home to travellers who have been displaced while they still can: in a few months’ time the rest of the estate will be sold and the house pulled down.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
Penelope’s diaries, essays on art and notes for the archive tell a story of light and dark – from the darkness she sees in Turner’s paintings, to the objects stored in the depths of the library to the shadows in her own history. Looming over this is the account of Julian, Aidan’s brother, on his way to see Mornington for the last time, a figure entwined with the darker themes of Penelope’s essay subjects, those of Giambologna’s The Rape of the Sabine Women, Titian’s Tarquin and Lucretia and Louise Bourgeois’ Passage Dangereux.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
Author Jane Duffus talks about her latest book 7pm. Doors open 6:45pm £3 - pay at the door. Why were two sisters thrown off the Clifton Suspension Bridge by their father? Who was the Victorian mother who broke world parenting records? Who was the midwife that starred in her own BBC documentary? Hear the answers to these questions and further interesting stories Books will also be on sale; cash and card welcome.
Tuesday May 22
Event: Books To Pack for Your Holiday
A panel recommend books to pack for your summer holiday 7pm. Doors open 6:45pm £3 - pay at the door.
Event: A Life in Books
A talk by author Tessa Hadley 7pm. Doors open 6:45pm £3 - pay at the door.
Tessa Hadley has published eight novels - including The Past, Late in the Day, and Free Love - and four collections of short stories. Her latest collection, After the Funeral, came out in paperback in July 2024, and her novella, The Party, was published last November. She has short stories regularly in the New Yorker, and reviews for the Guardian and the London Review of Books.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
Tessa went to Redland Library every week for years as a child and so this is a return to her roots.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
The result is an absorbing novel about ways of seeing. Penelope recognises how her experiences change her responses to art. Julian tries to slow his judgement of painting and sculpture and learn afresh how to see. Celia, a portrait artist staying in the house, examines how her moods seep onto the canvas in the representation of her subjects. Lai’s writing can be studied at times, pacy at others, so that art and beauty mingle with threat to form an unsettling and intelligent book.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
Elizabeth Moss, Heron Books, Regent Street
The panel comprises Stephen Donovan, book blogger, Bob Deacon, book reviewer and library assistant at Bishopston Library, Bruce Fellows, author, scriptwriter and book reviewer, and Simon Tracy, owner of local bookshop Second Page Books.
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
These events are organised by The Friends of Redland Library. We are a voluntary group set up to support Redland Library, helping to sustain and improve its service, and also connecting it with the local and wider community. Redland Library is situated on Whiteladies Road, close to Clifton Down train station. Details of future events can be found on our website https:// FriendsOfRedlandLibrary.org.uk
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
n WHAT'S ON
Wednesday 30th April
BRISTOL FRIENDS OF WNO, OUR BRILLIANT ORCHESTRA: The extremely versatile WNO Orchestra has appeared on many wonderful recordings in a wide range of reportoire. Ian Cartwright introduces a selection of these recordings with examples from Verdi, Wagner Tchaikovsky ..... and some surprises. All are welcome. 6.45 for 7.15 at The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral. Worcester Road Entrance. £8/£10 easy parking, Bar, Details:01934 842014 or melaniejdavid@ btinternet.com
Various dates
n LA SCALA DELI HENLEAZE
Join us for our Italian wine tasting evenings. Limited availability. Led by our in-house sommelier.
May 1 - Italy’s Volcanic Wines (SOLD OUT)
May 9 & 29 - Sicily Regional Tasting
May 22 - Big Bubbles
June 12 & 27- Sardinia Regional Tasting
June 14 - Summertime Pink Wine
June 19 - Big Bubbles
July 11 - Summertime Pink Wine
July 18 & 24- Trentino Alto Adige
July 19 - Mountain side vineyards
Special events
MAY 31 WINE & DINE
5 courses/ 6 wines
JUNE 20 WINE & DINE # 2
Private Events also available Bookings: www.lascaladeli.com
Various dates
n WANT TO LEARN TO NORDIC WALK?
Our Beginner Workshops are run by friendly, professional instructors, are full of chat and laughter, and you’ll get an effective total-body workout.
Meeting on Clifton Down 7th May, 10th May, 17th May, & 21st May.
Visit www.bristolnordicwalking.co.uk or call Ros on 07886885213.
n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Plants always available. Events: SPRING MARKET with Café on 10th May 10-3, and Cafe on 14th June 10-2pm.
Regular events
Various days
n YOGA IN REDLAND
Tuesdays 6.30pm & 7.45
Wednesdays 7.30pm
Suitable for beginners & improvers Yoga in Clifton
Saturdays 10.30am
Suitable for improvers Text Charlotte on 07533732035 www.yogabristol.com
n WEST OF ENGLAND BRIDGE CLUB based at RAFA Club, 38 Eastfield, Henleaze. Five sessions every week, catering for different standards. Thursday afternoon is Improvers. Monday and Friday afternoon is for more capable players; this is an EBU recognised session. You may come alone to any afternoon session; a partner will be found. The evening sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays, and are open to pairs. www.woebridgeclub.co.uk or contact Secretary, Chris Frew, on 0117 962 5281.
Monday
n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome. See www. dickens-society.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for details.
n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday 9.45am to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to help to solve some of today's challenging issues with good company, tea and biscuitscontact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2-4 pm. Interesting speakers, crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. Our lively, friendly and inclusive group welcomes visitors. Call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
Tuesday
n WESTBURY PARK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Girl Guide Hut on Westmorland Road from 7.009.30pm. We are an active and friendly group with a varied programme plus extra sessions for craft, coffee, book clubs, walks etc. Visitors are always welcome and for more information do call Sue on 07813795936 or email westburyparkwi@gmail. com
n MEET UP TO MEDITATE
Free Class Every Tuesday 7.30 pm-8.30 pm
Starting 14th Jan 2025 At 80 Queens Rd Bristol Email: info@meetuptomeditate.co.uk
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL is recruiting new members We are a 'threshold choir' actively 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 soothing and uplifting 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 or support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@ companionvoices.org. Visit www.facebook. com/CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org
n BRISTOL BRANCH OF THE KNITTING AND CROCHET GUILD meet on the third Tuesday of the month, 10am-12pm, usually in the function room at the Boston Tea Party on Whiteladies
Road. Free to attend, all welcome (members and non-members). We cater for beginners through to experienced makers. Email BristolKCG@gmail. com for more info.
Wednesday
n HENLEAZE CHORAL SOCIETY
We are a thriving, non- audition choir performing mainly classical repertoire. Rehearsals take place at Henleaze Bowling Club, Grange Court Road on Wednesdays 7.30-9.00pm New members welcome. Go to www.henleazechoralsociety.org. uk.
n CLIFTON CRAFTERS
We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved – dig them out and come and share with us a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend. Clifton Library every Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm
n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, open Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Originally a walled kitchen garden. Free to enter. We’re looking for volunteers. Our Café (+ homemade cakes) open 10-2, 18 March and 8 April.
n WELCOME WEDNESDAY Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your area. Call 0117 435 0063.
n CLIFTON CRAFTERS We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved – dig them out and come and share a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend! Every Wednesday in October at Clifton Library 10 30-12 30pm.
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@ gmail.com.
n CLIFTON WOMENS INSTITUTE
We are a friendly bunch who meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2HG, from7.30pm. Anyone interested in coming to a meeting as a visitor is most welcome (£5). Visit our blog cliftonwi. blogspot.com for forthcoming events. For info about us contact thecliftonwi@gmail.com
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www.westburyparksc.org
Thursday
n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See website www.henburysingers.org contact secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org.
n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join
n BOOK REVIEW
OLIVIA Laing is a widely acclaimed British writer and critic. Kathy Acker was a novelist, playwright and essayist from New York City who died in 1997. In her novel Crudo, Olivia assumes the persona of Kathy as she navigates her way through the summer of 2017. Crudo is both a homage to Kathy as well as providing autobiographical details from the life of the author.
Kathy was abandoned by her father before her birth and her mother committed suicide. Olivia married the poet Ian Patterson in 2017. Those facts are woven into the novel, with the narration shifting between Kathy & Olivia.
The author brilliantly depicts what it was like living through that summer eight years ago
n WHAT'S ON
Crudo by Olivia Laing
when the world seemed to be falling apart. We find ourselves in Italy where the temperature is 38 degrees and wildfires are raging across Europe. An iceberg the size of Delaware has broken off the Larsen C ice sheet and the Gulf of Mexico is full of dead fish. Nazis are marching in Charlottesville and Libyan coast guards are firing on sinking refugee boats.
President Trump is active on Twitter threatening nuclear war with North Korea while in the UK seventy two people lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Kathy/ Olivia is contemplating the prospect of married life after a lifetime of independent living
where she had enjoyed not being responsible for anyone else’s happiness.
This is a beautifully written, highly readable, tender and funny account of a woman seeking love and happiness with a new partner against a backdrop of rising nationalism and war mongering across the world. For this book and many more, come and visit your local library. You will be greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
Clifton Library opening hours
Monday 10am-2pm
Tuesday 1pm-5pm
Thursday 1pm-5pm
Friday 10am-2pm
Saturday 1pm-5pm
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.
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@bristolbach.org.uk
n FRIENDS TOGETHER DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CAFÉ A Dementia accessible café for all on the first Thursday of every month, 10am-12pm; The Randall Room at All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd, Clifton. Support, guidance, information and friendship with complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake. No need to book – just come along and be a part of our community!
For more information contact All Saints Parish Office: 0117 974 1355
Friday
n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for details.
n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www.spanishcirclebristol.com/. n FOLK NIGHT every third Wednesday of the month at the Victoria inn, Chock lane, Westbury on Trym. 7.30-10.30pm. All musicians and singers welcome or just pop in. Call 0117 959 0834
Saturday
n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am12pm, every second Sat (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers.. FFI see Facebook @seamillsrepaircafe or email: repaircafe.seamills@gmail.com
n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP
Standing up against cruel welfare cuts
THE announcement about cutting disability benefits will be terrifying to many people across Bristol – I’ve already had hundreds of people write to me about the impact the cuts will have to them or their loved ones. Across the country, research shows that these cuts will plunge 250,000 people into poverty.
I joined a ‘Crips against Cuts’ demonstration in Bristol, standing alongside disabled people to make clear that I’ll do everything I can to fight these cuts. I’ve also been in touch with organisations representing disabled people in Bristol to discuss the impacts of the cuts on them and their members - including a meeting with Bristol Reclaiming Independent Living (BRIL), and in Parliament I met disabled people at an event hosted by Scope, to hear about their experiences with the benefits system and how the cuts will affect them. These cuts are not just cruel but unnecessary, and I will take
every opportunity to oppose them. In Parliament, I confronted Keir Starmer about this choice –asking why he is forcing disabled people to bear the brunt of this country’s economic woes rather than choosing to tax the extreme wealth of multi-millionaires and billionaires fairly. Sadly, he didn’t have an answer.
That question won’t go away, though. Last month I spoke alongside union leaders, campaigners and economists to call for a tax on assets above £10 million, which would raise up to £24 billion a year – nearly five times more than the government is hoping to save by slashing support for disabled people. My fellow Green MPs and I took this same message to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves – you may have seen pictures of us outside the Treasury with a set of scales representing how much more the wealth tax could raise compared to the welfare cuts. A wealth tax is a popular, common-sense
idea – and I’ll keep pushing the government to take it up.
I've also continued to receive a lot of letters and emails from people in Bristol concerned about the crisis in Gaza. I secured a debate on the Israeli government’s announcement that it will seek to annex more land in Gaza, forcibly displacing Palestinians from their home, which is illegal under international law. And while I was pleased to hear the government condemn these plans, the minister would not commit to stopping all arms sales to Israel –something I’ll keep fighting for. Meanwhile, I’ve been heartened as always to spend time in Bristol with people working towards a better world. I recently joined the St Werburgh's Green Feast, where I took part in an event with ‘Nature Rising’, a Global Majorityled environmental project based in and around St Pauls. It was wonderful to share food
Carla Denyer writes for the Voice
and discuss how we can work together to tackle the climate and nature crises].
• If you live in Bristol Central and have a local issue you need support with, you can email me at bristolcentraloffice@parliament. uk or write to Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA For enquiries about national issues email me using carla.denyer.mp@parliament.uk
Will Writing
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n SPORT
Clifton keep up challenge for league title
CAMBORNE, league leaders since October, arrived for an eagerly awaited clash against second place Clifton in early April. They led the table by one point. Clifton turned in their best performance for many a year to win by 41-26 and thereby took on the leadership with two more games to play
In Clifton’s case an away win the following week, with eight tries scored including a hat trick from hooker Tom Anderson and two by winger Zak Hamid, at already relegated Bournville placed them in pole position. However a home win over Exeter University on April 26 would be required to ensure the league championship and promotion. However if Camborne lost on that day Clifton would have ensured success.
Clifton’s director of rugby Matt Salter was delighted with his team’s
Zak Habib
performance in the Camborne encounter and commented “ This was by far the most complete performance I’ve seen in a Clifton side. However this was our quarter
Tennis volunteers are ace!
WESTBURY Park Tennis Club has been celebrating success at the annual Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Awards, winning two titles from Avon Tennis.
At the awards ceremony at the County Cricket Ground, 18-year-old Emily Leask received the trophy for Young Person of the Year while Patrick Dean won an Unsung Hero award.
Emily, who has gained her Level 1 Coaching qualification, was commended in nominations for her “great impact on the club’s junior players, who are inspired by both her personality and playing abilities”.
She has been helping run
Westbury Park’s LTA Amazon
Prime Video Programme, a collaboration that aims to inspire girls to try tennis for the first time. She was lauded for her rapport with the children and being an “exemplary role model”.
Patrick Dean, a playing member of the club for many years, became treasurer and has overseen several projects, most recently the resurfacing of the courts. However, it was revealed that Patrick’s involvement in the club goes “above and beyond money matters – he is also a handyman, roof repairer, lawn mower fixer and cleaner!”
A spokesman said: “Every club should have a Patrick!”
final and there are still potential banana skins to overcome.”
Camborne’s Rugby Director graciously accepted Clifton were much the better team on the day.
Clifton Sausage man of the match, Zak Hamid, was also awarded the accolade of National League player of the week following his hat-trick of tries and all round efforts. Scrum half and captain Mitch Spencer initiated the attack machine with well timed passes and astute kicking.
Some early loose play by Camborne was pounced upon by the lavender and blacks to send Hamid on his way to touch down under the posts. Camborne retaliated with a try and for some time the score remained nerve rattling with honours being shared. The cherry and whites possess players with premiership
rugby pedigrees who made their presence felt.
Ultimately though the Clifton forwards dominated proceedings in tight play to release their strong running backs to cause problems the Cornishmen could not contain.. Winger Matty Smith powered over and the decisive score came when a well judged bouncing kick from centre Marcus Nel saw Hamid steal the ball from a defender and cross for his third try with fly half Tom Quinlan adding the conversion.
Clifton’s second team, the Wanderers, secured promotion from the Counties league to the South West regional league after a remarkable season in overcoming teams including first teams of clubs at one-time opponents of the club’s first fifteen.
Roger Opie
Club members at the ceremony, with Emily in the middle, and a picture of Patrick, who was unable to attend in person
