Hanham & Longwell Green Voice April 2024

Fond farewell to Lidl

THE closure of Hanham’s Lidl store after 26 years was the end of an era for many local families.

Among those affected was Joseph Dean, who lives nearby and has been going to the shop all his life.

So when the last opening date was announced, Joseph, 19, formed a plan.

“I thought ‘how cool would it be to be the last customer to shop there?’,” he said.

“On the day, Friday March 1, me and my younger sister, Emily Dean, got to the store around 20 minutes before closure, slowly walking the aisles and idling at the back.

“When it came to around one minute to 6pm, we slowly walked to the front, confirming with a staff member we were the last in the store. With that, my sister made her purchase, the second last in the store. This was followed by me making the last ever purchase, made up of items which I bought frequently in there at different points in my life, alongside a souvenir tote bag. After paying, the final receipt printed with a time of 18:02:44. Me and my sister wished the staff goodbye and left for the last time.”

Lidl said in a statement:

“Over the last few years, we have

opened a brand new store in Longwell Green and expanded our Lawrence Hill store, providing households in the area with an enhanced shopping experience.

“Plans were also explored to extend our Hanham store; however the site is unfortunately not able to accommodate our full requirements. We hope to continue welcoming customers

to one of our nearby stores.”

All staff are understood to have transferred to other Lidl stores.

Joseph said: “The Hanham store in Lidl formed the mainstay of our household’s essentials my entire life. It will be very missed by my family and neighbours, and I just really hope that another convenience store moves in.”

Joseph Dean and Lidl staff as the Hanham store shut its doors

Hanham & Longwell Green Voice contacts

Publisher

Emma Cooper

0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448

sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Editor Linda Tanner

0777 0700579

news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Erica Benson

Advertising Sales

0117 908 2121

sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

May deadline

Our May edition deadline is April 24. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by then. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Your views

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

Useful numbers

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Citizens Advice Bureau

0344 499 4718

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

General enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999

Fire

www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Complaints

Emergency: 999

NHS Health Call 111

Well Aware (health and social care information)

www.wellaware.org.uk

Freephone: 0808 808 5252

We are Bristol helpline

Freephone 0800 694 0184

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm

Weekends 10am-2pm

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

Driveway firm fined over rogue advertising boards

A DRIVEWAY company has been ordered to pay a total of £4,563 in fines and costs after South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted them for illegally erecting advertising boards on a number of streets.

John Joseph McDonagh of Meadowview in Shortwood, was convicted in his absence at Bristol Magistrates Court on March 18 after council enforcement officers prosecuted Everset Driveways Ltd. He was handed a £2,500 fine and ordered to pay £1,063 in costs and a further £1,000 in compensation, making a total of £4,563.

The court heard that between September 2022 and October 2023 alone, 113 advertising boards belonging to Everset Driveways Ltd had been found by the council fly posted across the area.

The council operates a ‘threestrike’ approach to offences of this nature, and first wrote to Everset Driveways Ltd in January 2022 after advertising boards had been placed on council-owned street furniture without permission. In July 2022 a further letter was sent to the business for a repeat offence. A third offence was discovered in November 2022 at Park Road, Kingswood. This led to the business being issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) and a Community Protection Warning for them to desist in the future placement of advertising boards, except for directly outside of where they were working, at the time, and for the duration they were working. The FPN was resolved within the 10 day discounted period at the cost of £75.

were seen at the roundabout junction of Gloucester Road North, Southmead Road and the A4174. On October 23, an officer on foot patrol in New Cheltenham Road, Kingswood, came across work being done on a driveway. Outside the address were two large red plastic barriers blocking access, and attached to each was an Everset advertising board. The officer correctly identified that this did not constitute an offence, however, on patrolling a wider area he spotted boards fixed to a pallet propped against a bollard 50-60yds from the address being worked on. In the opposite direction, about 60yds from the address, he found another pallet propped against a telegraph pole with advertising boards attached to it.

On November 8 boards were seen at the junction of St Briavels Drive and Highworth Crescent in Yate.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy

adverts, and it is advertisers’

to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is distributed each month to residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk This month 9,500 copies will be distributed around Hanham and Longwell Green.

On October 12, 2023, an officer patrolling Syston Way in Kingswood saw four advertising boards for Everset fixed to traffic light junction railings. He also saw a wooden pallet propped against the traffic light post carrying two further boards. On another part of the junction he could see another pallet with two more signs on it. The officer could find no trace of Everset staff working nearby.

The following day, boards

The court recognised that South Gloucestershire Council had been through a thorough process with the company and the offence was compounded following the issue of the FPN and their subsequent failure to amend their behaviour. The Magistrate also stated that if it had been possible for them to do so, they would have issued fines for each of the individual 113 boards that had been posted. As it was, they sentenced for them as a whole.

• To report an issue to South Gloucestershire Council visit www.southglos.gov.uk/report, call 01454 868000 or email streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

A member of the

THREE teenage boys will be sentenced next month after being found guilty of killing 16-year-old Mikey Roynon, from Kingswood, at a birthday party in Bath last summer.

Mikey was stabbed in the back of neck with a so-called zombie knife following an incident in the back garden of a house in the Weston area of the city on 10 June. He died at the scene.

Jurors at Bristol Crown Court were asked to determine whether a 16-year-old boy had murdered Mikey or whether they accepted his claim of self-defence.

They were also asked to consider whether the boy’s two friends, also both aged 16, who were also charged with joint enterprise murder, were equally responsible for his death.

None of the boys chose to give evidence in their defence during the trial although jurors were told one of the boys admitted stabbing Mikey but claimed it was after he had swung a knife towards his friends.

Two of these friends were his two co-accused. Jurors were told they too were armed with knives and were jointly responsible for

Three 16-year-olds found guilty of killing Mikey

the attack on Mikey.

After a trial lasting fiveand-a-half weeks, the jury concluded the boy who stabbed Mikey was guilty of murder and his two friends were guilty of manslaughter.

A witness, one of the teenagers at the party, told the court he thought Mikey himself may have had a knife at the time he was stabbed, although he was

only 60 per cent sure.

However, Mikey did not have a knife on him when he died and detectives found no other evidence in support of this claim.

The three boys had travelled to the party from the Wiltshire area. Two of them admitted taking knives with them but the third denied it. However, CCTV from the bus was played to the court which showed what detectives believe was a large knife down his trousers.

The boy was initially treated as a witness until police recovered a knife with both his and Mikey’s DNA on. His clothes were also later forensically examined and found to have Mikey’s blood on.

As well as finding this boy guilty of manslaughter, the jury also found him guilty of possessing a bladed article.All three will be sentenced on 3 May.

Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, the senior investigating officer, said: “Mikey went to that party to socialise and to have a good time. Instead, he was attacked with a horrifying weapon, suffered a catastrophic injury and tragically lost his life.

“Mikey was a much loved teenage boy and his family have been left totally devastated. They have shown incredible bravery and have courageously spoken out against knife crime since his death, which is something they should never have to do.

“Since Mikey’s death other young lives have been lost across our policing area and as a result we have launched a proactive operation to tackle and disrupt serious violence and knife crime involving young people.

“However, we know police enforcement alone won’t solve the problem."

Council seeks ways to improve bins service

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has revealed a raft of changes that will be brought in to recycling and bin collections in coming years.

The council wants to eventually make black bin collections every three weeks instead of every fortnight.

Before this happens it wants to cut further the amount of recyclable materials and food waste going in to black bins –which it says currently make up almost two thirds of their contents.

To start off, the council is extending a trial scheme for kerbside collections of 'flexible' plastics like bags and packaging, which currently account for 27.7% of the space taken up in the average black bin.

During May the service will expand to include one in every five homes in the district, with a view to rolling it out everywhere by the end of next year.

Residents in the new collection areas will be given more details in the coming weeks.

The council is currently in negotiations over a new waste and recycling contract, which will see the running of Sort It centres brought in-house and a new firm appointed

to replace current operator Suez.

A cabinet meeting in March heard bids would be submitted over the summer, before a decision is made in October on a new contractor to take over from August next year.

As well as soft plastics recycling, the new contractor will also be expected to collect food waste from flats.

The council says black bin collections would initially stay fortnightly, but contract bidders are being asked to also submit costs three-weekly collections.

A spokesperson said: "Changes to the frequency of collections for black bins will only be made after steps have been taken to recycle more materials from the kerbside, such as flexible plastics, which will have reduced the amount of waste being placed in people’s black bins."

Council cabinet member with responsibility for waste and recycling, Leigh Ingham, said: "Our aim is to make recycling easier for everyone and by doing that, there will be less rubbish needing to go in people’s black bins.

"We will continue to talk and listen

to residents about changes, and support is always available for those who need it, whether by collecting nappies or medical waste for a period, or through assisted collections for people with mobility issues."

The council says moving to three-weekly black bin collections would save at least £1 million per year, but it still needs to find more ways to balance its waste budget, even after increasing green bin subscriptions from £30 to £60 per year.

It says the cost had been "artificially held back" and the new subscription level would help the service to pay for itself.

A council spokesperson said the blanket expansion of flexible plastic recycling is "dependent on wider, national infrastructure and development of end markets for the material".

Residents whose homes join the soft plastic recycling trial will be given a pack of plastic bags to put them in, which then need to be tied up and put in green recycling boxes.People can order new bags online, by phone or at One Stop Shops – there is no charge for them or any other replacement bins or containers

Early 20th century Belle Époque diamond tiara, assessed clarity Sl2 Sold for

Extensive collection of Spode ‘Stafford Flowers’ dinner and tea wares Sold for

n NEWS FROM OUR MP I will make sure that your voice is heard

FIRSTLY, I’d like to thank everyone who gave me their support in the by-election. To say it’s an honour, to be elected to serve the people of Kingswood and be our community’s voice in Westminster, doesn’t do justice to how I’m feeling.

I’ve now been your MP for more than a month – the time has flown by!

My first task has been recruiting a small team to help me with all the messages that are coming through.

If anyone needs to contact me, my new email address is damien.egan.mp@parliament. uk; a telephone number will be provided to me soon.

The next task is finding an office. Ideally, I would like to find somewhere on, or near, Kingswood High Street. I have

some viewings being set up, but if anyone knows somewhere that’s available, please let me know.

Parliament itself has been a real eye-opener. In some ways it’s as you would expect: grand, lots of rules and tradition, but nothing quite prepares you for walking into the chamber and sitting on the green benches – it still doesn’t feel quite real.

What’s surprised me has been the level of rowdiness – it’s worse in real-life than on the TV and can make following questions difficult. I’m told I’ll get used to it.

The big challenge is navigating this new world. I’m one of 650 MPs, all with their own local priorities, issues and, in some cases, egos! How do I make sure Kingswood’s voice is heard clearly, through all the commotion?

My first chance was in my

‘maiden speech’ in March - the first speech an MP gives, which I used to raise the real issues people across Kingswood have told me they are facing.

I included some of the honest feedback people gave me on the doorstep and what people told me they wanted politicians, of all parties, to sort out: the fact we’ve got no NHS dentists accepting new patients, the difficulties seeing a GP, hospital waitinglists, the lack of visible police on the street, cuts to bus routes, the running down of our high streets, schools funding, cuts to apprenticeships.

It was a reminder that the social media bubble that has become so dominant does not reflect mainstream Britain and the everyday challenges people face.

I want politicians in

Damien Egan

MP for Kingswood writes for the Voice

Westminster to understand that people in Kingswood work hard, long hours – well above the national and regional averages. But that despite working more hours, life has become more of a struggle, and it’s impacting harshly on family life.

There’s a lot to fix: I’ll be giving it my best and I hope I can serve you well and make you proud.

Concorde Book Awards return

THE magical story of a boy finding friendship in a ghost who helps provide the courage to escape from oppression has been voted the 2024 winner of South Gloucestershire’s literature prize for young people, the Concorde Book Award.

The author of Ghostcloud, Michael Mann, beat off competition from five other young people’s fiction titles to claim the coveted award.

This is the welcome return of the awards after they paused during the Covid pandemic. As before, the winner was chosen after a district-wide reading challenge in which young people from groups throughout South Gloucestershire read their way through a shortlist of titles.

Votes were cast on World Book Day (7 March) and the winner was announced at a

celebration event for the young people taking part at Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emersons Green on March 12.

Winning author Michael Mann attended the event with guest authors Jasbinder Bilan and Sophie Cleverly.

He said: “These awards

mean so much to us authors, it’s so important to know you’ve connected with young readers –that’s what it’s all about for me.”

The Concorde Book Award is run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries in which groups of young people read a shortlist of novels. They

are then encouraged to join a reading group, whether at school or in a local library, to read six books and talk about them with other group members, before voting on their favourite title.

The scheme, launched in 2007, aims to promote a love of reading among 11-14 year olds.

2024 winner Michael Mann with guest authors Jasbinder Bilan and Sophie Cleverley and South Gloucestershire school students at the Concorde Book Award ceremony

Monday 29th April

North Wales

5 days

From £640.00pp visits to Bodrhyddan Hall, Slate Museum + Welsh Highland & Ffestiniog Railways.

Saturday 22nd June

Rhine Cruise

10 days

From £2150.00pp

Sailing on the MS Viva Tara - visit Frankfurt, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Spreyer Koblenz, Eltvile & Mainz.

Sunday 14th July

Regal Scotland

5 days

From £815.00pp visit Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Kilbryde & Stirling Castles, cruise + Whisky Distillery

Friday 10th May

Multi Channel

Islands

7 days

£1085.00pp Staying in Jersey & Guernsey with island tours and trips to Herm & Sark included.

Sunday 23rd June Ireland

By Hook & Crook

5 days

£635.00pp

Based in Country Wexford with trips to Dunbrody famine ship, Johnstown Castle, Huntington Castle + House of Waterford Crystal.

Thursday 25th July

Isles of Scilly

5 days

£1105.00pp

Staying on St Mary’s with trips to Tresco + abbey, guided island tour.

Wednesday 12th June Isle of man

5 days

£729.00pp

Based in Douglas, trips to Snafell Mountain Railway, IOM Steam railway, Manx railway + guided island tour.

Monday 08th July Northumberland

5 days

From £599.00pp visit Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle & Holy Island Lindisfarne.

Thursday 01st August

Legendary Locomotives

3 days

From £430.00pp

Great Central Railway

1st class dining experience, Bosworth Battlefield centre & King Richard III centre

Monday 17th June

Lake District

5 days

£645.00pp

Staying in Kendal visiting Lake Windemere & Ullswater , cruise & rail trip and a distillery

Friday 12th July

Isle of Wight

5 days

£570.00pp

Staying in Sandown, visit Osborne House, Shanklin, Godshill, Ryde + IOW Railway.

Friday 27th September

Lake Garda, Verona & The Dolomites

8 days

£1270.00pp

Staying in Riva del Garda and visits to Verona, lake cruise,Malcesine, Merano & Bolzano.

ELECTIONS

Meet the candidates for police and crime commissioner

VOTERS are being asked to decide who sets the priorities and appoints the chief constable of Avon & Somerset police.

On May 2, elections will be held to vote for the next Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC.

Coming with a salary of £88,600, the PCC's role is to oversee the force, ensuring it is "efficient and effective"

The PCC's powers include:

• Hiring and firing the chief constable, and holding them to account for running the force

Benet Allen

Liberal Democrats

Born in Taunton, has worked in TV news and for a coach company. Former deputy leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council, male voice choir singer and hospital charity fundraiser.

THE Lib Dem plan for the police:

• Make policing more visible and community-orientated

• Increase prosecution rates for serious and violent crime

• Help police to work with integrity and without discrimination

• Focus on ‘broken windows’ - small crimes that damage confidence and trust

• Predict and provide policing to help tackle rural crime as well as urban crime

• Help make sure offenders don’t do it again – most want to ‘go straight

• Setting objectives for the area through a police and crime plan

• Setting the budget and determining the precept charge paid by council tax payers

• Contributing to national and international policing capabilities

• Bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners, to 'join up' local priorities.

• Funding crime prevention services

The current PCC is Conservative Mark Sheldon, who was elected to the role in 2021,

Katy Grant Green

I am a councillor in Bristol, and an Avon and Somerset Magistrate. Before that, I worked for twenty years overseas with the UN on child protection and violence against women.

AS ASPCC, I will prioritise preventing crime, working with community to support youth services and tackle the social causes of crime. Knife crime in cities will be a focus, with more visible neighbourhood policing and greater services to victims and families. To address poor performance and prejudice within the force, I will enhance the independence of misconduct panels, while recognising of the integrity of the vast majority of officers. Above all, we will police by consent; and I will work tirelessly with the Avon and Somerset Police to get closer to and re-gain the trust of the communities we serve.

in an election postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.

He took over from independent Sue Mountstevens, who stepped down after being in the post since it was created in 2012.

Nominations for the PCC opened on March 18 and will close at 4pm on April 5.

So far three of the main political parties have announced candidates. The Voice has asked them to send a short biography and manifesto to outline their priorities.

They appear below in alphabetical order:

Clare Moody

Labour

Clare brings rich experience, from her current role as CEO of a charity to her time spent working in No 10. She previously represented our region as an MEP.

INVESTING in neighbourhood policing – to build safer communities and help prevent and solve crime.

Supporting victims of crime –making sure victims are properly listened to, and get the help they need when they need it.

Prioritising reducing violent crime – The scale of violent crime, including knife crime and violence against women and girls, isn't inevitable but it needs focus and commitment to fix it.

Preventing crime – work with agencies across the public sector and civil society to prevent crime and build safer communities.

Restoring trust and confidence in the police –enabling the police to take pride in high standards.

Mark Shelford Conservative

Mark has over 35 years of experience of serving our country in the military and local government and has been your PCC since 2021. Resides in Bath with his family.

WHEN elected, Mark pledged more police, a focus on tackling serious crime and to represent every community when holding the police to account. He has delivered. The constabulary has trained over 1,500 new officers, is the best force for illegal drug disruptions and has seen a 300% increase in rape cases reaching court by designing a nationally acclaimed investigation model. He appointed a courageous Chief Constable determined to restore trust in policing.

Mark will prioritise crime prevention, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women. He remains committed to reducing re-offending, supporting skills programmes for prisoners and ensuring victims get support.

PHARMACY BLOG

Flights booked, passport ready – don't forget your travel jabs!

BOOKED your foreign trip? Do you need travel jabs or Antimalarials? After a particularly wet and damp winter, travelling can offer - escape, adventure and much needed relaxation plus discovering local food and culture. No surprise that many people will make plans - ticking off bucket-list foreign destinations, head off to exotic destinations, whether for a Gap Year travel , Volunteering or a Career break. Also work travel. Whatever the inspiration reason for the trip, it is vital to do so safely.

Discovering your another country's health system is not usually on your wish list or a memory to cherish. Remember those Channel 4 documentaries, the ones… where "Unfortunate person stranded on a hospital bed in Paradise", …travel

insurance was not taken out ("I knew I had forgotten something") or cover invalidated ("I did not know they required me to have travel jabs!"). The unplanned additional cost and anxiety becoming an endless expensive nightmare.

Many countries will have health risks that require vaccinations for protection. First thing is to contact your local GP to find out about availability for NHS travel health appointment and also obtain records of your previous vaccinations. Many people will now have those available on their NHS App. Getting all the information together saves time and ensures you only obtain the required private vaccinations. The recommended time to seek health advice is eight weeks before your trip. Last-minute? Don't

NHS FUNDED PRESCRIPTION TREATMENTS

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

(women, aged 16 to 64 years)

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

(children aged 30 days to 2 years)

IMPETIGO

(adults and children aged 1 year & above)

Ellacombe

www.pharmacyfirstlongwellgreen.com

0117

panic, just get in touch with Bristol Travel Clinic on 0800 7723575.

Our prices reflect our ethos that money should not be a barrier to accessing health services. We also offer treatment to delay menstraul periods while on holiday and to prevent altitude sickness. Not travelling but need vaccinations to protect you from Chicken-Pox, Meningitis B or any other work-related risks, we can help.

To get advice or book an appointment, Call Bristol Travel Clinic on 0800 7723575, Complete the online query form : www. bristoltravelclinic.co.uk or visit Kellaway Pharmacy today. We'll get you ready for wherever your journey takes you.

Arresting moment for ex-PC George

A FORMER policeman relived his past with the help of Avon & Somerset Constabulary.

Staff at Kingswood Court care home arranged for local police

officers to visit resident George Headley, who served in the force from 1954-1987.

During his service, George was awarded a medal for outstanding police service in connection to a house fire and he wore it proudly while sharing stories with the officers, before he was ‘escorted’ to the police station travelling in the police car, accompanied by his granddaughter Stephanie.

George’s grand-daughter Stephanie said: “To see the joy on my grandad’s face was truly magical. His career in the police force was a big part of his life and something I have always admired him for. To see him step back into the station and take a trip down memory lane was fantastic. He greeted everyone in the Police Station as though he’d never

retired from the force. It was such a beautiful thing to see!”

Mathan Balasubramanyan, general manager at Kingswood Court, where George has lived for two years, said: “We believe that every moment is worth cherishing. We want everyone we care for to know how

important they are to us. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here in making our residents’ dreams come true.

"It was wonderful to see how happy George was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”

George's medal re-awarded

George Headley at Kingswood Court with local police officers

Many thanks to the good folk of Hanham

NICOLA Bartlett has shut the doors of her gift shop in Hanham High Street for the last time as she embarks on new adventures.

But customers can still shop for Bristol themed art and souvenirs at www.thebristolshop.co.uk and they can find handmade jewellery, art and gifts at www.eclecticgiftshop.co.uk

Nicola will continue to share her travels in Bristol and Europe and her love of vintage fashion on her 'That Girl Goes Digital' social media platforms. She also plans to return to Hanham with a Christmas Market later in the year.

She says: "I’ve had a brilliant six and a half years running the shop. Commercially it has always been a success and I have been very happy earning a living doing something that I loved. It has been recognised as one of the best small businesses in the UK.

"I am so proud of all the wonderful memories we’ve made together along the way. I can't thank all of my customers enough for an unforgettable part of my life that I will always treasure." It's a fond

Choir celebrates victory

THE choir from The Meadows Primary School, Bitton, won first place in the Thornbury Eisteddfod performing arts competition.

The choir is made up of children from Years 3 to 6 and this was their first competition.

Teacher Cara Clark said: “I was absolutely delighted with how well the children performed both in their singing and deportment. They have worked so hard during the past weeks and I was extremely proud of every single one of them. Lovely comments from the adjudicator included ‘This was polished and musically aware singing’ and ‘A poised and evocative performance’."

The choir performed Double Trouble from Harry Potter and The Rose by Bette Midler.

Daisy Stone in Year 5 was thrilled. She said: "I love being part of the school choir and was so happy to have won our first competition!"

farewell to Hanham High Street from Nicola's Eclectic Gift Shop

A greener High Street

A PROJECT to provide more plants in the centre of Kingswood has won funding.

It is one of 12 schemes across the South Gloucestershire Council area chosen for the ‘Greening the High Street’ programme.

The money, which comes from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will be given to the Friends of Kingswood Park and Kingswood Town Council.

Friends of Kingswood Park/Kingswood Town Council to introduce new planting to the High Street.

Councillor Leigh Ingham, cabinet member for communities and local place, said: “We are delighted to support so many community groups and town and parish councils to help our high streets buzz with life.

"Urban settings such as town centres don’t have to be places where biodiversity and nature can’t thrive; this funding will help projects that support the local environment while making our high streets places people want to visit and spend their time.

“In order to become net-zero, we all need to play our part and work together to understand how street planting can impact climate change, improve air quality and provide vital wildlife habitats. I want to thank those who are putting the environment first and thinking of future generations.”

For more information on sustainable planting, including best practice and the best plants to choose, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ GHSG

Bus link to docks

A BUS service linking Kingswood with employment hubs around Avonmouth will be introduced next month.

The new 41 route will operate every 30 minutes during peak times every day, and the timetable will be aligned to shift start times at Avonmouth.

Operator First says the service will “offer additional capacity between the City Centre and Kingswood, one of Bristol’s busiest high-frequency bus corridors”.

George Burton, Head of Network for First West of England, said: “All the changes we’re introducing in April are as a result of listening to our customers, local residents and working with local councils. We’ve also been able to work closely with the West of England Combined Authority to consider introducing new routes without

the need for public funding.

“Introducing new cross-city routes, adding capacity, creating faster, express journeys and connecting more parts of the West of England, coupled with single ticket prices frozen and our Tap On, Tap Off technology making it quicker to travel and ensuring you pay the cheapest fares, shows we’re doing all we can to encourage more people to make bus the travel of choice.”

The proposed changes are part of a bi-annual review of routes by First West of England, and will come into force on Sunday 7th April.

Timetables for the new routes will be published in the coming weeks.

Customers should check details on the First West of England website before travelling ahead of the new timetables coming into effect.

How your garden can help tackle climate crisis

PEOPLE in Longwell Green and Willsbridge are being urged to make their gardens more nature friendly.

The area has been chosen for South Gloucestershire's second Common Connections project.

The aim of the four-year scheme is to help tackle the climate and nature emergency in which half of UK ancient woodland has been destroyed since the 1950s and between 2006 to 2012 over 1,000 hectares of wetland lost. The project launched two years ago, with a large-scale wildflower meadow planting event at Siston Common. In partnership with Made Forever @ Kingsmeadow, over 300 volunteers from the local community helped to plant 10,000 wildflower plug plants.

More than 300 tree whips have been planted across several local green spaces, with the help of volunteers from Kingswood Climate Action Group, Friends of Siston Common, town and parish councillors and other community members.

Now residents are being asked to play their part by

signing up their gardens to the Community Nature Reserve.

A council spokesperson said: "Many people want to do something about the climate and nature crisis, but feel they can’t have any impact, or aren’t sure how to go about it.

"The Community Nature Reserve is about coming together to share ideas and knowledge about how to make even the smallest space more wildlifefriendly. Imagine if a hedgehog could easily move from one garden to the next on your street, and there were enough trees, shrubs and sheltered spaces to home the native species who are struggling."

To sign up, visit: https:// www.southglos.gov.uk/ willsbridge-nature-reserve

You will receive a window sticker and be given access to ideas and suggestions for ‘quick wins’ – cheap or free changes

you can make that won’t take much time, but will have a big impact for local species.

You can also join the ‘Willsbridge Community Nature Reserve’ group on Facebook for more ideas and volunteering

opportunities in your area.

Common Connections is funded by £125,000 from the council’s climate action plan budget along with £998,973 sourced from the West of England Combined Authority.

Children from eight local schools are involved in the project

Day of culture

HANHAM Woods Academy hosted its first Day of Culture, a celebration highlighting students' diverse backgrounds.

Some wore colourful attire from their countries of origin. Other activities on the day ranged from the Japanese paper art of origami to the movements of Indian Bollywood dancing. Other highlights included African rug printing, crafting clay figurines, mastering embroidery techniques, and global food making and tasting.

From participants immersed themselves in a variety of experiences designed to celebrate cultural heritage. The event was led by head of social sciences Tasha Wolyn.

World Book Day at next level!

A SCHOOLS trust has staged its first literature festival to get children reading more and widen their horizons.

The Leaf Literature Festival was a fortnight of shared events bringing together the 13 primary schools in the Leaf Trust, including Samuel White's Infants, Hanham Abbots Juniors, Cadbury Heath, Kings' Forest and St Barnabas primaries..

Expanding schools’ established World Book Day celebrations in March, the events included visits by authors and illustrators, to inspire children to write their own stories and draw their own characters.

The “headline event” was a live poetry workshop with poet and performer Joshua Seigal for junior children in trust schools.

Schools also hosted individual events and activities, which included inviting parents in as ‘mystery readers’, book fairs and dressing up as favourite book characters.

The event was organised by Mangotsfield C of E Primary School librarian Verity Robinson, who said: “We set about with

the aim to introduce our children to a wide variety of diverse and inclusive texts by a range of authors and illustrators across different genres.

“We wanted to give our children the chance to listen to books being read aloud, choose books they want to read, have time to explore new texts and, overall, have fun reading!

“To create a buzz around reading and the idea that all our schools could join together, every child and staff member in our trust was given a sticker on World Book Day which was specially designed for our literature festival and said: ‘Ask Me What I’m Reading’.

“This gave our whole community opportunities to talk about books throughout the day and it was amazing to see these on school jumpers after home time all around Bristol.”

The festival also included a Bookish Pen Pals scheme, where children in different schools exchanged book reviews, postcards and letters.

Children at Christchurch Preschool in Hanham marked World Book Day by dressing up as book characters. They shared activities including rhyming and using puppets and other resources to support storytelling. There was lots of fun and laughter, said manager Marie Smith.

Students visit Airbus

FORTY-FIVE Year 10 students from King’s Oak Academy had the unique opportunity to visit the Airbus site in Filton for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event during National Apprenticeship Week.

The students started with a tour of the landing gear test facility and the fuel testing facility, witnessing scientists at work and the sophisticated computer systems that control the testing processes.

They then engaged in a task where they had to work in groups to design the inside of an Airbus cabin, thinking about maximising profit for the airline.

They also took part in a series of gliding activities, which included hands-on experiences in gliding simulators, mastering how to complete many different manoeuvres – including loop-theloops – under the guidance of expert instructors.

The final task was an interactive session where students got to question different employees of both Airbus and the Gliding Association about their career pathways, gaining valuable insights into the diverse opportunities within the aerospace and aviation industries.

Laura Phillips, associate assistant principal for STEM at King’s Oak, said: “The students had a really informative visit and were a real credit to the academy. "

A voice on national stage

CABOT Learning Federation (CLF) education director Sally Apps has been appointed to a new national body designed to boost young people’s spoken language and listening skills.

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England aims to provide a blueprint for oracy education at all stages of statutory education in England.

The group has been set up in response to the growing recognition of the importance of spoken language to children’s learning and life chances and increasing evidence and concern about the impact of the inconsistency, quality and accessibility of oracy education in schools.

The commission, chaired by Geoff Barton, a former headteacher and outgoing general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, will report in September.

Lessons in saving lives

THE Great Western Air Ambulance team visited King's Oak Academy to work with students from Years 7-9.

The session was led by Carlota Appleby, who heads the team. Students were given hands-on training on life-saving techniques. They learneds how to put people in the recovery position, how to perform CPR and when to use it. They also practised how to use a defibrillator and where to find them in their local community.

Teacher Robyn Harold, said: " We hope that after these workshops our students are more confident to lead and show others if they were ever to find themselves in a situation to use CPR. "

Supersonic lots

BEING based in Bristol, we see our fair share of Concorde related memorabilia. I meet clients on a weekly basis with some connection to the famous aircraft – they either worked on it, or someone they knew worked on it. Concorde is woven into the very fabric of our city.

Concorde souvenirs were made from the moment the project was announced in the mid-sixties, and continued to be mass-produced until the last one flew home in 2003. That type of memorabilia tends to be hugely popular with bidders, but is seldom of much value. The items that really tickle bidder’s tastebuds are pieces actually from the aircraft.

One such recent consignment featured an array of original items made for use on Concorde. The client had worked at BAC in Filton, and when the Concorde programme came to an end he and his colleagues were given various bits and bobs as souvenirs. These ‘bits and bobs’ included an original tail light for the aircraft, various gauges and dials from the cockpit and my personal favourite items original ‘Emergency Exit’ signs from the passenger quarters. Many of the pieces were ‘ex-stores’ - never actually fitted to one of the planes but ready on hand should a replacement be needed.

The collection of twelve items sold for over three thousand pounds, which was a truly ‘supersonic’ result. To my absolute delight the items were selling to bidders all over the globe – in Europe, America and beyond. The love for Concorde is as strong as it ever was, even though it’s been over twenty years since the last one flew. It was an honour to sell these pieces of Bristol’s history to the world. Do you have any pieces of Concorde tucked away? Drop us a line if you do.

Andrew Stowe, Auctioneum

n AROUND THE WIs

LONGWELL GREEN WI

IT has been lovely seeing all the spring flowers and the blossom on the trees.

At our March meeting we were put through our paces with a session of armchair Zumba led by Philomena Connolly. Everyone took part and hopefully felt a little fitter by the end of the evening. This was followed by social time with tea, coffee and cake.

Members are looking forward to our 70th birthday party in April, a demonstration at Fonthill garden centre, a craft day in May and a trip to Windsor with a boat trip in June. Lots going on at Longwell Green WI.

At our next meeting in April we have a flower arranging demonstration which will hopefully inspire us to have a go ourselves.

We have lots of groups that our members can participate in. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group, skittles and social suppers. On the first Thursday of the month, we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat.

Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting, please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening. We shall look forward to meeting you.

Linda Muller

HANHAM EVENING WI

DRESS to express – not to impress. That was theme running through the talk given by Keri Johnson, owner of the Bath franchise of House of Colour at our February meeting.

Before taking on the franchise Keri explained that she had spent many years working in the NHS as an Occupational Therapist and Psychotherapist. When she decided she needed a career change she wanted to continue to make use of her background of supporting people and her passion to help people. By becoming a colour and style consultant she believed she could achieve her aim.

Keri enjoys her role explaining to women the subtleties of colours

and their shades and how to use them to best effect. She believes encouraging women to dress with confidence and to understand how to express themselves fully through clothes and makeup is a powerful thing. It allows them to become more empowered, more confident and more outgoing.

She encouraged us to look at our skin tones and decide which clothes, colours, jewellery and make up were flattering and which colours and styles did us no favours.

Members found it a very enjoyable talk.

To compliment this talk we held a clothes sale where members were encouraged to bring along pre-loved clothes items for re-sale with proceeds going to WI funds. Members had fun picking colours and styles which suited them bearing in mind the comments from our speaker. It must be said though that mini-skirts and gold lame dresses did not go well – in the words of Mary Hopkin, “those were the days my friends.”

From fashion to sport – I do use term loosely - as a dozen members went along to the local bowling alley for a game organised by the branch. What could be simpler than rolling a couple of large bowling balls down the alley to try to knock over ten pins? Well, in answer to that I can only say that the talent on display would probably have not troubled regular players.

One group had to have the rubber sides, usually reserved for children, put in place and as far as the scores go, they remain a well-guarded secret between the players. Nevertheless, everyone had a really good time followed by a natter over an enjoyable lunch at the bowling alley.

Next month we have a live animal joining us for our meeting. Let’s hope he remembers to bring his owner.

Dianna Coles

n WHAT'S ON

MONDAY

n YOGA CLASSES AT HANHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE - Monday evenings 7-8 pm All levels including Beginners welcome. To book your place or for further information please email yogashula@hotmail.com or Tel 07949333548.

TUESDAY

n LIP READING CLASS, 1.303pm at North Common Village Hall, Millers Drive, BS30 8YH. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@yahoo.com

n TUESDAY CLUB a social group meet every Tuesday 1.45-3.45pm at Longwell Green Community Centre

n HANHAM TENNIS CLUB

Adult Play - Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30am - 11 am. Beginners' session coaching - Wednesday 7-8pm. Junior coaching - most early evenings. New players welcome. Fully qualified LTA coaching. See website for details www. hanhamtennisclub.co.uk

n LONGWELL GREEN LADIES

GROUP meet at 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green BS30 9DU (opp. Aldi). Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341

WEDNESDAY

n BARRS COURT PROBUS

CLUB Retired and semi-retired Professional and Businessmen: Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10-12 at

n NEWS

Longwell Green Community Centre. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Mick Funnell: 0117 932 4104 or email bcprobusclub@gmail. com to arrange a visit. Website: https://barrscourtprobus.org/

n BARRS COURT LADIES CLUB: Wives and partners of the Probus club members meet 10-12 on the second Wednesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/

n LONGWELL GREEN PROBUS CLUB meets at Warmley Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month.. New members welcomefor details contact Mike on 07817094147

n HANHAM BRIDGE CLUB

Every Weds 7-10pm at Hanham Community Centre, see www. hanhambridgeclub.co.uk.

n HANHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: We are a friendly club who welcome photographers of all abilities to share our hobby. Meetings are at 7,30p.m. Wednesday evenings at Hanham Methodist Church, 26 Chapel Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 8SD. Visit https://www.hanhamphoto. org.uk or contact Geoff Mallin by email geoffmemsechps@gmail.com.

n RWP BADMINTON CLUB play at Hanham woods Academy 6.30-7.30 social club, 7.30-9.30 league club. Visitors welcome, please look at the website for more details

n LIP READING CLASS, 10amnoon, Warmley Community Centre. Termtime only. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@ yahoo.com

THURSDAY

n ‘STAND UP REACH OUT’ A social group meet every Thursday 2-4pm at Longwell Green

ACTRESS Stephanie Beacham has a new partnership with Bristol charity BRACE Dementia Research, as part of her new film, Grey Matter. The small charity is based at Southmead Hospital and funds Alzheimer’s and dementia research in Bristol and across the West Country.

The role of ‘Peg’ in Grey Matter, is played by Stephanie and heartwarmingly shows the challenges and triumphs of living with Alzheimer’s, while being supported by her teenage granddaughter, Chloe.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, which is well known for its memory loss symptoms. The disease causes permanent damage to the brain.

Community Centre for different activities.

n HANHAM ART CLUB We are friendly group that meets on a Thursday evening at Hanham Community Centre 7pm-9pm. New members welcome from beginners to the more experienced. For more information contact Hilary on 07880548481 or email tweenuk2003@yahoo.com

n TAI CHI MOVEMENTS FOR WELLBEING (TMW) - gentle, nourishing, easy to learn. Wesley Memorial Church Hall, Bryants Hill, BS5 8QS Thursdays 1.30pm. £8/class. Trial class free. Contact Helen helenc@ tmwtraining.com 07968 361129

TAI CHI MOVEMENTS FOR WELLBEING (TMW) - gentle, nourishing, easy to learn. Wesley Memorial Church Hall, Bryants Hill, BS5 8QS Thursdays 1.30pm. £8/class. Trial class free. Contact Helen helenc@tmwtraining.com 07968 361129

n AVON SCALE MODEL SOCIETY: As a friendly long standing local model making club, we meet at Longwell Green Community Centre on the Third Thursday of every month at 8pm. All subjects in all scales are covered,- aircraft, AFV,s cars, bikes, sci-fi, etc. New members are always welcome. Please phone Ian on 0117 9603435

FRIDAY

n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members

Star supporter

BRACE is currently funding research into earlier Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis at UWE and the University of Bath.

Stephanie Beacham said: “Having witnessed my father’s descent into Alzheimer’s, this film is very personal to me.”

“It's one in two of us who will be affected by dementia, and last year it was the leading fatal disease in the UK over anything else. We need to change that, and that can only be done through more research. Please

are always welcome. Email longwellwi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782.

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S: Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@Taichibodyandmind. co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@gmail.com (07815 662844)

n CROFT END SILVER BAND Hanham Tabernacle, Tabernacle Road, practice 7.15pm - 8.45pm. Players needed on all sections , all ages welcome and training given. We are a happy Band with a good atmosphere. More details contact Rob (Chairman) on 07788 473404

n LONGWELL GREEN SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB, Fridays

13.30-15.30 At Longwell Green Community Centre. Bowls provided. For information please E:mail maryjcoles@hotmail.co.uk 0797 2062449 0117 9606454

n LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT, meets normally first Friday of each month at 8 pm. Bar available. For details please contact Marian.r.summerill@gmail.com, or ring 07503 989880.

support BRACE Dementia Research, visit their website, sign up to their emails and watch the film. Together we can defeat dementia.”

Chris Williams, CEO of charity BRACE Dementia Research says “We’re delighted to be in partnership with Stephanie Beacham and the film Grey Matter. BRACE welcomes Stephanie’s support to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia; and the charity’s mission to find a cure for dementia. If you can, please join us on the 28th April and help raise funds for local research.”

The film can be watched on Sunday April 28, 3pm, at the IMAX cinema Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5TT.

Charity cafe gets Connor moving

VOLUNTEERS and supporters of a community charity cafe in Speedwell have transformed another life.

The Barton Hill RFC Charity Cafe in Duncombe Lane raised more than £6,300 to pay for a three-wheeled electric wheelchair for teenager Connor Head.

Connor, who is 18 and lives in Patchway, has congenital myotonia, a rare muscle condition which severely impairs movement and affects about one in every 100,000 people worldwide.

To help him get around, the cafe funded a three-wheeled chair with handlebars and controls.

Connor and his family met with charity cafe volunteers and supporters and Taylor Made Wheelchairs, the company which made the chair to order, in February.

Afterwards Connor’s mum Natalie Lupton described the effect it had had on his life.

She said: "Connor has only had his new chair for a couple of weeks.

"He has gone out so many times already, it has enabled him to meet up with his friends and be independent, without the pain and fatigue which comes with his condition."

Cafe volunteer Mandy Bryant said: "Connor

was only too happy to do a demonstration of his new wheels in the car park, for all the cafe friends to enjoy.

"It is fantastic to see the happiness and difference our cafe makes to someone.

"It is amazing that we can give Connor so much independence and freedom.

"Taylor Made are a family business and ensure every aspect of their wheelchairs are tailored to users' specific needs. They are based in the West Midlands, but Chris and Emma came down to visit our cafe and

personally deliver the new chair."

The cafe is open every Monday and Wednesday, from noon until 3pm, and was founded as a friendly, welcoming place for people to meet.

It is staffed and managed entirely by unpaid volunteers, providing cheap food and drink and an atmosphere to encourage good company and conversation.

The cafe collects donations of clothes, books and other items which are sold on 'bargain tables' at each session to raise money for each target. Supporters also stage sponsored events.

Since the cafe first opened in 2020 it has helped 19 individual children with disabilities and their families enjoy more freedom by buying specialist mobility equipment, and is currently looking to help three more.

Volunteers have also bought a chair for use at Bristol Children's Hospital and raised thousands for mental health charity Mind, as well as funding defibrillators and bleed kits.

Last year the cafe volunteers won the community group category at the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards, which highlight people who go the extra mile to help others.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

BRISTOL u3a

AT Bristol u3a we are dedicated to life-long learning, and believe that this comes in many forms.

It can be as simple as socialising with people with different life experiences or something more formal.

This month’s column showcases the two very different groups within our East & North-East Bristol group.

Both meet in Warmley Community Centre and have space for new members.

The first is a Scrabble group, meeting on the first Monday of the month (other than Bank Holidays) from 2-4pm.

This is a very friendly group, and welcomes players of all abilities. There are currently 14 members, but there’s plenty of space for more to join in. The group has been active for 2½ years and everyone agrees that it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

The second is a French conversation group which meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Members converse in French throughout the meeting, discussing

a different range of topics each time (chosen in advance to allow for preparation before the meeting).

The group has been running since 2014, and will be celebrating its tenth Anniversary later in the year.

During that time, they’ve enjoyed many different activities, including hosting a group of French people from Nantes, who were taken on a sightseeing tour of Bristol, visited a jazz club and even enjoyed fish and chips together in a member’s garden. Some Bristol members have visited them in Nantes on two occasions.

Alongside general u3a (you in your Third Age) communications, all Bristol u3a members living East and North East Bristol receive a monthly email advertising upcoming social events.

There’s also a WhatsApp group, where members suggest additional activities such as walks, cinema visits or informal cuppa & cake meetings.

Find out more by contacting learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk.

Lindsay Gough

Connor Head picks up his new electric wheelchair from volunteers at the Barton Hill RFC Charity Cafe

Lib Dems choose Dine Fancy running 10k?

THE Liberal Democrats have chosen long-serving Bath and North East Somerset councillor Dine Romero as Parliamentary candidate for the new North East Somerset and Hanham (NESH) constituency.

She will take on the veteran Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg. The Green Party has chosen Bristol councillor Lorraine Francis, who also contested Kingswood at February’s byelection, as its contender. The Labour Party has yet to choose its candidate: two locals, James Caldwell and Becky Montacute, hope to be selected while the Metro Mayor Dan Norris, once an MP for the area, has not ruled himself out of the running.

Dine Romero has been a B&NES councillor since 2003. In her time in office, she has served in a number of important roles and led the local authority through the Covid pandemic. Most recently she has launched an initiative to explore how the council and other bodies can do

more to tackle knife crime among young people - an issue that has come to the fore after a number of recent and tragic incidents in both Bath and Bristol.

Commenting on her selection, Cllr Dine Romero said: “I’m thrilled to be selected as the Lib Dem candidate for the North East Somerset and Hanham constituency. I want to build on recent Lib Dem successes in the area. Unlike other parties, the Lib Dems work hard and keep in touch all year round. We take the time to listen to people’s concerns and be their voice. That approach is recognised and appreciated by local people and explains why the Lib Dems performed so well in last year’s local elections.

“For over 20 years I’ve been a voice for local people at the BANES council - and now I have an opportunity to be a voice for us in parliament.”

The new NESH constituency will include Hanham, Longwell Green and Keynsham.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

INDIA Ellis is taking part in the Bristol 10k to raise money for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire - and she hopes others will join her.

India, aged 23, is an adviser at the independent charity, helping people who are struggling with the cost of living, benefits, debt, relationships and a host of other issues. The charity relies on donations and grants to fund its services.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire helped almost 6,600 people last year – the most ever, and 20% more than in 2022.

Advisers now see around ten times as many clients needing food banks or other charity support every month as they did before the pandemic. India said: "I am running the Bristol 10K for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire as it is a charity for everyone and it is not a one-issue charity, and that is really special.

"We can help with benefits, debt, relationships to any other issue you may need support with. We always do our best to answer it. At present we are booking appointments months in advance. Our drop-in queues are long, as we do not have the resources at present, which is why any support or donation is vital."

India, who also plays rugby, has been in training for the run, which she will do with a team from the charity.

She said: "Anyone who knows me knows running is not my favourite sport but I am always up for a challenge. I am excited and nervous about the day. "

You can sponsor India can do so at tinyurl.com/pjrs2cjm

The charity is also looking for more runners to support it in the Bristol 10K. People can sign up at tinyurl.com/2xf9d75x.

The charity runs a free phone advice line on 0808 278 7947.

For more details visit southgloscab.org.uk.

Time for action to end loss of young lives

THE recent loss of young lives across the West of England is a huge concern.

At my annual Schools Summit, students pitch ideas to me for new policies.

Sometimes it’s the environment, transport, or about skills. This year’s big theme turned out to be how to tackle knife crime.

Many young people are currently worried, anxious and unclear about what they can do to best avoid knife violence. But they know the awful toll of young lives only too well.

Mason Rist and Max Dixon – aged just 15 and 16 respectively – were stabbed in Knowle West back in January.

Darrian Williams, also just 16, was killed in Easton in February.

Another 16-year-old, Mikey Roynon, was stabbed and killed at a birthday party in Bath last June.

In 2022, Radstock teenager Charley Bates was another young victim. His killer was prosecuted last August.

Knife crime is impacting young people, who are changing their behaviour from fear, for example staying in more and not seeing their friends so frequently.

There is no single answer – far from it. But I do know we must act.

We need to invest in young people and the resources that help them. Real-terms reductions to local council budgets for the past 14 years have hit youth services very badly.

There is also a lack of mental health support for youngsters growing up in an ever more complex and fast-changing world. As a former NSPCC-trained child protection officer, this is something close to my heart.

Young people need mentors, to take part in activities that build their self-esteem. They also need access to first rate support from qualified professionals.

Sadly, young people are staying away from youth clubs and youth provision because they and their parents are frightened. That’s a vicious circle we need to break.

We also need to smash the myth that carrying a knife makes you safer. It doesn’t.

However secure it makes you feel, you’re actually more likely to be stabbed with your own knife than anyone else’s. By carrying a knife, you’re potentially arming your attacker.

The police are right to hold knife amnesties. But the fall in police numbers and prosecutions under this government is unacceptable. I also can’t fathom the reason to wait until the autumn to ban dangerous ‘zombie knives’ and

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

machetes. And when the worst happens, we need people trained to react.

At my schools summit, youngsters learnt from the brilliant anti-knife crime campaigner Leanne Reynolds how to use ‘bleed kits’, which contain everything needed to give first aid to someone rapidly losing blood.

So, here’s the deal: to tackle knife crime head-on, we need to get everyone on board – community groups, charities, businesses, police and especially young people.

It also requires political parties to work together, something as West of England Mayor I’m keen to encourage.

The senseless loss of young life is an utter and total tragedy. It’s time for action, so we can beat it – together.

4x4 drivers urged to join volunteer force

A VOLUNTEER charity that enables 4x4 drivers to help communities and emergency services in times of need is on the lookout for new recruits.

Wessex 4x4 Response is a charity whose members head out on the road to help in flooding, snow and other major incidents. They ensure essential workers such as NHS staff can make community rounds or get to work shifts in the snow and transport teams helping in police searches.

Volunteers' vehicles also provide logistical support at major events like Glastonbury Festival, Race for Life and the Somerset carnivals.

Driver and trustee Norman Dagger, who lives in Fishponds, is encouraging other 4X4 owners to join him.

Norman, who puts his 2015 Land Rover Defender to use for the group, joined in 2012.

He has taken part in the response to several floods in Somerset, where Wessex 4x4 Response spent 90 days on the Levels in 2013, has helped transport district nurses on their rounds around Marshfield during heavy snow and transport search and rescue teams combing the Dorset countryside for a missing person.

He manages the Bristol team and also helps train other drivers.

Norman said: "I just thought it was a good thing to do, to put something back into the community."

Any type of 4x4 vehicle can be useful –members drive a variety of vehicles from smaller Suzuki Skoda and VWs with four wheel drive to Land Rover Defenders, Discoveries and Nissan L200 pick-ups.

Norman said: "As long as it's got fourwheel drive it can be useful – especially

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And complete an Who needs care form or call 01173361135 or 07383691944. Citibase, Aztec Centre, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol. BS32 4TD. Our prices are affordable and negotiable.

vehicles with a low-ratio gearbox and 'diff lock' (locking differential).

"But you don't need to have a 4x4 to join up – we also have a computer-based control team, media, fundraising and training teams as well as support functions for the charity.”."

The group started in 2002 in Somerset and has grown to cover the whole of the Avon & Somerset police area, as well as Dorset and Wiltshire.

It is split into local teams – the Bristol and South Gloucestershire team has around 24 members, from a total of 226 responders overall.

They work with local resilience forums, which are partnerships involving the emergency services, councils, NHS and Environment Agency, to provide logistical support in emergencies.

Members are given training to help utilise their vehicles and build their own skills, and also hold social events to build team spirit and share their passion for 4x4s.

For more details visit www. wessex4x4response.org.uk, where there is a link to an application form.

Cricket club's mower appeal

HANHAM Cricket Club has launched an appeal to raise £16,000 for a new ride-on mower after its previous one was wrecked by fire.

The club, which runs senior, youth and women's teams, says the setback has left it unable to keep the pitches at its Abbots Road ground in top condition.

"Without a functioning ride-on mower, our ability to prepare and maintain the playing surface is severely compromised. This not only affects the quality of play for our teams but also poses safety risks for everyone involved. As a volunteer-run club, we rely heavily on the support of our members to keep our facilities up and running," it said in a statement.

You can find the appeal at https://www.gofundme.com/f/helphanham-cc-get-back-on-the-field-new-mower

Help for unpaid carers

DO you look after someone? Perhaps you know someone who does?

Families, friends and neighbours often provide crucial care for someone who couldn’t manage without their help. You could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Local charity, Carers Support Centre, runs monthly carers support groups for unpaid carers in in Hanham, Kingswood, Downen, and St George. It also run a special group in St George for those caring for someone with dementia and an online group for those who can't make it in person to a group.

Carers Support Groups are safe, confidential spaces to meet with other carers to share information and provide support for each other.

If you would like to join a groups, please contact CarersLine: 0117 965 2200, carersline@carerssupportcentre.org.uk

Norman Dagger with the Land Rover Defender he puts to use in emergencies for Wessex 4x4 Response

Politicians ordered to get along

THE government has issued a major warning to the West of England Combined Authority, and ordered its political leaders to get along.

A “best value notice” issued to the combined authority in March by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities directs it to set up an "independent improvement panel" to tackle a host of issues, from poor relationships between political leaders to “confusion” about what the combined authority does.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who heads the three-council organisation, insisted he would “redouble” his efforts.

The notice said one concern identified was “the poor state of professional relationships between the West of England Combined Authority Mayor and the representatives of the constituent members of the Authority, which is impacting partnership working

and potentially limiting the authority’s ability to optimise strategic opportunities.”

Auditors Grant Thornton had previously warned in 2022 that strained relationships between the political leaders were a “significant weakness” and called on them to work together – but the government notice warned there had been “inconsistent action” on this.

There have continued to be a number of high-profile spats between Mr Norris the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset councils, including a row over who should pay for subsidised bus services.

Other concerns raised in the legal notice were the need to review the combined authority’s constitution and the lack of a “clear, shared narrative” about how it will operate for the benefit of the region.

It also warned: “The function and purpose of the authority has

n NATURE WATCH with Dawn

Lawrence

not been collectively understood and the roles, responsibilities and ‘powers’ of a combined authority are not fully grasped, resulting in confusion between strategic governance and day to day transactional activity.”

At a WECA scrutiny committee on March 12, Mr Norris said he would “do a reset” when Bristol's mayoral system is abolished after May's local elections.

He said: "I think there’s a great opportunity now because we are clearly going to have a different political leadership in Bristol, irrespective of the outcome of the elections themselves."

Mr Norris and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees clashed over the feasibility of a London-style underground in Bristol, with Mr Rees's plans for the system vetoed by Mr Norris.

Mr Norris said the change to South Gloucestershire Council's administration last year, with

a Lib Dem/Labour coalition taking over, was also a "great opportunity for...hopefully new relationships.”

He said there were "a lot of dysfunctional things going on" when he took over as Metro Mayor in 2021 and it was "interesting" that the government notice was being issued in a general election year.

However the chair of WECA’s audit committee, Conservative Bristol city councillor Geoff Gollop, said that the “issues of dysfunctionality” had begun in the autumn of 2021, shortly after Mr Norris was elected.

He said the government had "identified and shared exactly the issues that audit committee have been raising", adding: "I don’t want to make a choice as to who’s responsible, other than to say the political leaders, in the form of a committee, are the ones who can lead."

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Birdsong chorus is well worth the early start

COME mid-April the dawn chorus is amplified by the voices of returning migrants joining in with our resident birds. The singing begins in the gloaming, the sun still below the horizon, and the full concerto usually persists for an hour or so after sunrise. The world is quieter at dawn and the air often still, allowing the songs to carry up to 20 times as far, giving the singers a greater reward for their efforts. Listening, as colour seeps back into the world, is a joyous experience and worth the effort (even I admit it).

For those of us who find getting up at sunrise an unwelcome prospect (I was poorly named) we can listen out for the dusk chorus as sunset encourages the birds to sing again. Singing in low light levels attracts less attention from predators and it is too dark to search for food, so it makes sense to use the twilight to proclaim your territory and try to attract a mate.

Identifying birds from their song is a challenging art but people have been doing it forever, and, consequently, there are many little mnemonics. The best ones emphasize the rhythm of the song as well as the sounds.

My parents taught me “Did he do it, did he do it? Who can tell?” which is an age-old transliteration of the song thrush’s refrain. Incredibly, an individual can have 100 of these phrases, usually repeating each one a couple of times and varying his choices to produce his own unique composition: “did he do it” remains one of the most well-used lyrics.

The song of the chaffinch is written as “H, E, B, R, E, W, S, Hebrews!” with the last few

syllables speeding up as they go. Great tits flutily chant “teacher, teacher, teacher” though it is also a big joke in our family that any puzzling bird call is invariably a great tit. Their extensive range of vocalisations may help to explain how great tits, widespread in Europe and a sedentary species, have evolved different accents in different regions, rather like people.

The coal tit is one of our less common garden birds but listen out for “see saw, see saw” and you might see him. The wren, tiny as he is, has an explosive warbling song which always contains a rasping section, like a tiny stick being quickly dragged along a fence “tttrrrrrrrrr”. But best of all is the wood pigeon, whose rich, throaty tones offer the seductive suggestion to “take twoooooo cows, Taffy”. The chiffchaff, like the cuckoo (who is desperately hard to find nowadays, though a few pairs still breed in the Bristol region) sings his name and he is normally the first of the migrants to start singing, usually in March. That first irregular “chiff, chiff, chaff, chiff”, perhaps on a chilly day, coming defiantly from a high perch on a naked tree-top, really sends the heart a-leaping like almost nothing else.

A chiff chaff singing Photo: Edwin Anderton

Tribute match

HUNDREDS of supporters and former team-mates gathered to pay tribute to a Mangotsfield United "legend" who died after being assaulted.

Scott Hendy played almost 400 times for the football club between 1997 and 2011.

He died in hospital on March 3, a day after he was injured in an incident in the village of Pilning, on Severnside.

A match in which the 46-year-old former central defender had been due to play for Mangotsfield United Legends against Marc Ford/Louis Carey Charity FC on March 17 was transformed into a memorial event, raising £5,000 for his family. Scott, who was 46, leaves behind sons Lewis and Harvey, aged 24 and 14, and daughter Holly, 13.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with Scott's death.

FRY'S BOWLING CLUB

WITH April just around the corner, Fry’s Bowling Club are getting prepared for another season of outdoor bowling.

A packed fixture list begins on 10th April with a Wednesday friendly away at St Anne’s Park. The competitive games begin with the Friday Triples League on 12th April with a home game against Page Park. The Saturday friendlies begin on 13th April with a trip to Begbrook Green. An expanded Ladies fixture list begins on 23rd April at home against Page Park. The Bristol and District League season starts on 25th April with division 2 campaign seeing Fry’s start with the long trip to promoted Olveston Kestrels.

The cup campaigns begin with the Bristol and District League Lloyd Trophy on 28th May with a trip to Bristol St Andrews, whom Fry’s will meet in the league following their relegation from Division 1. A

VACANCY

busy July sees the start of the Somerset Bowls Association and City and County of Bristol Bowling Association cups. The City and County of Bristol Clarence Davey starts on 1st July with a home game against Ardagh. The following night the Somerset Bowls Association Turnbull Cup commences with a trip to Paulton. Following last years, runners-up finish in the Triples League Cup, Fry’s have a bye through the preliminary round. Friday 26th July sees the annual Alsop Shield against local rivals Keynsham, with Fry’s looking to regain the shield after defeat last year.

To finish the season, Fry’s play in the Bristol St Andrews Floodlit League Division Two and will be looking improve on last season’s mid-table finish.

In addition to the fixtures with other clubs, the club are running individual competitions, as well as pairs and triples competitions. The popular triples day is scheduled for 13th July. New for this season is Finals Day on 7th

September where the champions for the season will be decided.

A busy winter season has reached its conclusion with the short mat sessions proving popular with members. At the end of February, Fry’s held another race night along with entertainment, which involved a rousing rendition of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.

Work has been taking place around the club throughout the winter. A patio and disabled viewing area is being installed outside the clubhouse, courtesy of a grant from Keynsham Town Council. The greens team have been preparing the green for the new season, which will hopefully improve the playing surface.

If you would like more information about Frys Bowling Club, or give bowls a try, please visit our website: www. frysbowlingclub.wixsite.com/frys, follow us on Twitter: @FrysBowls, or contact our Secretary, Stephen Day, e-mail: frysbowlsclub@gmail. com, tel: 01225 872959.

VACANCY PART TIME CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER TO HANHAM PARISH COUNCIL

PART TIME CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER TO HANHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Do you have excellent organisational and financial skills, able to manage your own time, take on challenges and work from home?

Then this could be the role for you!

Do you have excellent organisational and financial skills, able to manage your own time, take on challenges and work from home?

Then this could be the role for you!

18.5 hours a week with some flexible working you will effectively undertake the dayto-day business of the council You will need to have strong communication skills be a good communicator with an ability to deal with a wide range of people Interpersonal skills are essential together with knowledge of IT systems Further details and an application form is available from the web site https://www.hanham-pc.gov.uk/vacancy/ or call Nicola on 01454 862696

Closing date 12th April 2024

18.5 hours a week with some flexible working you will effectively undertake the day-to-day business of the council. You will need to have strong communication skills be a good communicator with an ability to deal with a wide range of people. Interpersonal skills are essential together with knowledge of IT systems. Further details and an application form is available from the web site https://www.hanham-pc.gov.uk/vacancy/ or call Nicola on 01454 862696

Closing date 12th April 2024

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB

THE bowlers at Keynsham have been polishing their woods and checking their kit bags to ensure they are ready for the opening of the green in mid-April.

The annual subscription day was held recently to allow members to pay their playing fee for the forthcoming season, plus entry fees for in-house club competitions. They also received the fixture books prepared each year by fixture secretary Tony Hunter.

Whilst there was a good sign-up of members, we are always looking for new players, particularly younger ones, and anyone is welcome to come along on a Monday evening and try their hand at a roll-up once the season has started.

At the start of each season, our two captains – ladies’ and gents’ – decide which charity the club will support during the season.

Lynne Pearce and Steve Coles have chosen Sense, which helps people who are deaf-blind or who have complex disabilities that affect communication.

The fund has already received a great boost as one of our members, Julie

Matthews, raised several hundreds of pounds by running the Weymouth Half Marathon.

Our photograph shows Julie looking remarkably relaxed at the end of her run, on the seafront at Weymouth.

Mike Barrow

Cricket returns

CARSONS and Mangotsfield

Cricket Club is holding a number of friendlies in April in the lead up to the start of the league season in May.

The club will be looking to push on following promotion to Division 5 of the Bristol and District cricket league. It is a young team and is being captained again by Sam Braley.

During the season the teams are being coached again by Damian Forder from DFCA.

The club is also taking part in the national All Stars programme, for children up to eight years old.

The programme can be found on the All Stars website, by searching for the club.

We also have spaces in our Under-9 section.

If you are interested in playing cricket, please contact either Iancoles7@sky.com or sam.brayley97@gmail.com

The club also has a number of sponsorship opportunities available: anyone interested should contact cmcc.sponsorship@gmail.com.

Ian Coles

Our spring pond is teeming with life. Find the differences between the pictures then colour them in

WARMLEY RAILWAY PATH

The Warmley railway path forms part of the larger Bristol and Bath Railway Path that provides a walking and cycling path between the two cities, and is used by thousands of walkers and cyclists every year. The photograph shows the official opening of the Warmley railway path in 1982.

Kingswood Heritage Museum would like to hear from any of our readers who remember the opening of the Warmley railway path. If you have any memories that you would like to share please contact us on 0117 960 5664 or by email at: kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com

New season

The Museum reopened for the new season on the Easter weekend, and will be open until the end of November from 2 – 5pm every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holidays.

This month the Museum hosts “On and off the Rails”, an exhibition featuring the story of railways across South Gloucestershire.

The new exhibitions this season also include photographs of the railways in Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Warmley and Bitton.

Museum Talk: Concorde –Queen of the Skies

The first monthly talk this season takes place at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday 10th April. Chris Bigg will tell the story of Concorde, the first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial airplane, that was built jointly in France and Great Britain, including locally at BAC in Filton. Admission costs £4, and light refreshments are available; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664.

Volunteer opportunities

Kingswood Heritage Museum always welcomes new volunteers. The Museum would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone interested in helping with marketing or in managing or helping to run our café. If you are interested in helping the Museum in any capacity, please either: email us at kingswoodmuseum@ gmail.com or call us on 0117 960 5664

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