Hanham & Longwell Green Voice October 2022

longwellgreenvoice

IN HANHAM & LONGWELL GREEN

Surprise visitors

Youngsters from 3D Dance in Hanham were disappointed when their visit to the London studio where the group Diversity train was twice put off. But their misery turned to delight when the Britain's Got Talent dance troupe came to them.

Ashley Banjo and the gang visited Hanham Community Centre and helped the older students develop a dance routine which they performed for their families.

Full story: Page 3

A DRIVE-THRU KFC won’t be opening in Longwell Green any time soon – after the council turned down its planning application.

More than 100 residents objected to the bid for a 24-hr facility in the corner of Asda car park. Oldland Parish Council and governors at Barrs Court primary school were among those who raised concerns.

However, fears over child safeguarding, anti-social behaviour and litter were not the reason that South Gloucestershire Council turned down the planning application.

Instead, the council has said more information is needed from KFC to prove they’ve considered sites in or on the edge of the city centre. They also need proof of how the new fast-food outlet

would improve Hanham and Kingswood town centres.

KFC had already backed down on plans to open around the clock, offering to restrict opening hours to 10am to 11pm. The plans revealed that the drive-thru would have created 30 jobs, as well as 140 construction jobs while it was being built.

KFC has six months to appeal the council’s decision.

Farewell to Queen Elizabeth

Photographer Simon Galloway, from Hanham, shares his favourite shots from the Queen's state funeral.

PAGE 4

Show goes on for panto legend

Comedian and royalist Andy Ford tells of how he adapted his show in Hanham because of the period of national mourning.

PAGE 7

Shop's 80 years

AS Golding hardware store in Hanham High Street is marking its 80th anniversary.

PAGE 11

Music premiere

Futura Learning Partnership schools staged their own oratorio at Bath Forum.

PAGE 24

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Hanham & Longwell Green Voice contacts

Publisher

Emma Cooper 0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448

sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Editor Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Follow us on Twitter @ twitter.com/Hanham LWGvoice

news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

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Jackie Novels

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0117 908 2121 news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

November deadline

Our November edition deadline is October 19. 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.

Get set for Halloween fun

A HALLOWEEN trail on Hanham High Street will take place during October half term.

From Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 October, families can hunt for 12 Halloween-themed posters hidden in shop windows. Everyone who finds all 12 can collect a prize.

The posters have been created by professional illustrator Jon Dixon.

He said: “I’ve been selling my doodles in Eclectic since it opened five years ago and am so excited that local families will be having fun hunting for my Halloween pictures up and down the high street.

Free entry forms, certificates and prizes can all be collected from Eclectic Gift Shop from 10am to 4pm on the dates the trail is running.

The trail is being funded thanks to residents Vicky Mersey and Lucy Morgan, who set up a GoFundMe page to raise money when the High Street’s penguin trail looked set to be cancelled in February half term. The money left over from then was enough to fund the Halloween trail.

Organiser Nicola Bartlett said: “Jon’s art is really popular and there are lots of local families who collect his work. They especially love his alternative drawings of Bristol landmarks being destroyed by dinosaurs and robots.

“Therefore, I could not think of anyone better to work with on this year’s Halloween trail. I’d like to thank all those who sponsored this event by donating to the GoFundMe page. Your generosity has enabled me to run two community events in 2022.

“It’s a lot of work organising them, but it’s worth it see how excited the children are while taking part.”

PUBLISHER’S

NOTE: Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. 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.

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Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

Trail organisers Nicola Bartlett and artist Jon Dixon

Ashley Banjo brings Diversity to Hanham

YOUNG dancers in Hanham were treated to a day learning dance routines by Britain’s Got Talent dance troupe Diversity.

3D Dance owner Louise Hopton entered a competition for pupils at her dance school to visit Diversity’s new studio in London.

However, building work ran over so the trip had to be cancelled twice, disappointing the children who were due to visit.

Louise said: “The day before I got a phone call saying would it be possible for Diversity to come to us instead. Hanham Community Centre was really good letting us come in at the last minute. They had a show going on and they put away all the chairs and scenery for the day so that we could run the event.

“It was an amazing day. Diversity taught everyone a routine to Get Busy by Sean Paul then at the end of the day we

invited the parents back to give them a little show.

“We also did a Q and A session and the children asked some really good questions. Diversity were really good at turning the questions back on the children to involve them, so if they asked what their favourite song was to dance to, they’d ask them in return what their favourite song to dance to was.

“The whole Diversity group was there including Ashley Banjo and Perri Kiely.

"They posed for lots of selfies and were a really friendly, lovely group.”

This workshop was attended by 50 of the older pupils at 3D dance, who’d been the ones scheduled to fill a coach to London, but Louise is hoping Diversity will run a similar event for younger pupils in the future.

For details on 3D’s dance classes Louise can be contacted on 07754 039059.

Advertisement feature

Ethical service with no-pressure policy

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The 3D dancers were delighted with the surprise visit ors to their class

Diversity taught the 3D pupils a new dance routine

The day we said farewell to our Queen

Photographer Simon Galloway, from Hanham, was in a prime spot outside Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He tells Voice readers about the historic day

THE crowds outside Buckingham Palace were unbelievable – it was mind-blowing really. People were 20-30 deep on the Mall. I had a privileged position right outside Westminster Abbey on the day, with about 35 press photographers and film crews from around the world on a three-tier stand. GMTV were filming just above me.

I arrived very early, having checked things out the day before, and after the security checks I began watching the VIPs arrive. The first person I saw was Jacob Rees-Mogg.

I had to have eyes everywhere, as some people were going in through a side entrance. I had a 400ml lens and was ready when President Biden arrived at the front in The Beast. It ramped up from there. Camilla, the Queen Consort, was first, then it was like a Who’s Who of the Royals with the children and grandchildren. It was very quiet until we heard the bagpipes and drums in the distance, which told us the procession was approaching. It was a surreal sensation but I was busy taking pictures and it was only after the coffin went past that it dawned on me what I had just seen and I felt a bit emotional.

After the service, the procession came towards us again as it left the abbey. I had to pinch myself at being part of this big event in history. The king and coffin were only 10ft away and it was then I got my best shot of King Charles with all the family behind him.

After that, we watched the heads of state get on to the buses – it was like the world’s poshest taxi rank!

By about 5pm I was back home in Hanham with my family and starting to catch up with the whole thing on TV – so surreal!

• Simon has been a press photographer for more than 20 years. He has photographed the Royals many times and travels the world taking pictures at Formula 1 and Formula E motor racing events. You can see more of his photos on Instagram at @simon_galloway

The first glimpse of the funeral procession, above

King Charles, the Princess Royal, and Princes William and Harry

Two of Simon's favourite shots, above and above right, Right, President Trudeau of Canada and his wife Sophie

RESIDENTS of Hanham and Longwell Green expressed their grief following the Queen’s death by laying flowers and signing books of condolence.

In Hanham High Street, black flags and Union Jacks with pictures of the Queen were hung outside shops thanks to John Wood Cycle Repairs.

United church in Longwell Green and the Vue Cinema at Aspects leisure park livestreamed the funeral for those who wanted to watch the funeral with other people.

Flags at half mast

Books of remembrance were opened in churches including St Anne’s in Oldland, Christ Church Hanham, and United church in Longwell Green.

South Gloucestershire Council chair Sanjay Shambhu expressed condolences to the Royal Family in a statement.

Three days after the Queen’s death was announced, a Proclamation ceremony for

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

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South Gloucestershire was held in Kingswood, proclaiming King Charles III as King.

The ceremony took place inside Kingswood civic centre and the building’s flag, flown at half mast since the Queen’s death, was raised to full mast for the Proclamation then lowered to half mast again for the remainder of the official mourning period.

Cllr Shambhu read the formal

Proclamation, then Vice Lord Lieutenant Roger Deeks led three cheers for the new King.

This was followed by a wreath and flower-laying ceremony involving councillors and members of the public in Kingswood Park. Reverend Beverley Charles, team rector for Hanham and Kingswood, said: “There have been lots of condolences: nearly 100 to date."

The night before the funeral, a commemorative service was held at Holy Trinity church, followed by a minute’s silence at 8pm.

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A new dawn for divorce law

As from 6 April 2022, a new procedure for obtaining a divorce came into force. The new procedure means it is no longer

necessary to blame the other party’s unreasonable behaviour or adultery; wait until you have been separated for a minimum of 2 years or in some cases 5 years to be able to dissolve your marriage. The new procedure provides for the person bringing the petition (the Applicant) to confirm that they believe the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The application for divorce can be made by one party to the marriage or a joint application can be made, should

both parties consider this their preferred approach.

The new rules have introduced a 20 week ‘reflection period’ within which time the divorce cannot be progressed. During this time it is envisaged that most parties will finalise matters arising from the relationship breakdown, such as making financial and childcare arrangements. Following this 20 week period the Applicant(s) can apply for a Conditional Order and six weeks and one day following

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Flowers in Kingswood Park, left, and flags at half mast in Hnaham High Street. Right, Cllr Sanjay Shambhu reads the Proclamation

Christ Church Hanham CE Primary School

Nurture with love - Grow through knowledge and wisdom - Flourish in hope

Prospective parents’ sessions for children

due to start school in September 2023

If your child was born between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019, they will be due to start school in September 2023. As the only Church of England school within Hanham, we believe that we can provide a place of excellence where your child will be empowered to develop, grow, and flourish, with a belief that anything is possible! We would be delighted to welcome you and your child to Christ Church Hanham CE Primary School in order to tell you more about our school, our wonderful children and what we have to offer.

Part 1: Come and see our school in action on one of the following dates:

• Thursday 29th September 2022, 9:15am.

• Monday 3rd October 2022, 1:30pm.

• Friday 7th October 2022, 11:00am.

• Monday 10th October 2022, 4:30pm.

• Wednesday 12th October, 2:00pm.

Children are very welcome to join you on the tour!

Part 2: Welcome to Christ Church Information Evening

This will be an information session which will last for approximately 1 hour. We will provide you with an overview of the school, our vision and values and information about how children learn in the EYFS. This will be followed by a Question and Answer session.

These will take place on the following dates:

Wednesday 2nd November 2022 @6.00pm

Monday 7th November 2022 @6.00pm

We kindly ask that parents attend these sessions without children.

Part 3: ‘Stay and Play’ session for children

Seeing how your child responds to the environment is key in helping you to make a decision about the right school. With this in mind, we would like to invite you and your child/ children to a short ‘Stay and Play’ session to explore life in a Reception classroom!

These will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday 8th November 2022 @ 3.45pm

Thursday 17th November 2022 @ 3.45pm

Saturday 19th November 2022 @ 9.30am

To book your place, please email office@christchurchhanham.org.uk with your name, telephone number and email address.

Find out more about us by visiting our website: www.christchurchhanhamprimaryschool.co.uk

Check out our Twitter account: @CCHPri Email: office@christchurchhanham.org.uk Telephone: 01454 867145

Reaching high, dreaming big, filled with the fullness of God’s love

Show must go on for panto legend

COMEDIAN Andy Ford decided that the show must go on when his tour launched during the official period of mourning for the Queen.

He was booked to perform the autumn leg of his Back in the Saddle tour at Hanham community centre on 17 September, two days before the funeral.

He said: “I’m a royalist so the news hit me for six and knocked me sideways.

“I was lucky enough to meet the Queen at the Royal Variety Show and it was one of the greatest moments of my life. Her eyes were twinkling and she told me I was very funny.

“I’m so glad I got to meet her.”

With his tour launching during the national mourning period, venues had to be contacted to see whether the show could continue.

They all agreed to carry on,

with the show on the evening of Sunday 18 September moving back to start after the national one-minute silence at 8pm. There were no shows booked for the day of the funeral.

Could you be the next incredible member of our team?

Andy said: “I had to write some new material for the show. I wasn’t going to make jokes about the death of a monarch, but I did need to acknowledge it.

“You know what’s happened, the audience knows what’s happened, so you need to say something in a careful, respectful way while making sure it doesn’t bring the show down.”

The show is a mix of wellknown songs and comedy, including Bristol singer Francesca Carly and the Sorella Dancers.

Other Bristol dates for the tour include the Redgrave, Warmley community centre and Hungerford community centre in Brislington. A full list of dates are at www.andyfordcomedian.com

Once the tour finishes, Andy has a week’s break before rehearsals start for Bristol Hippodrome’s panto, Cinderella. This is the 10th time he will take on the comedy sidekick role.

Community fridge opens

A NEW community fridge will help Kingswood residents redistribute unneeded food to their neighbourhood.

Organisers We Are BS15 are looking for volunteers to help package, organise and hand out food from the fridge from 10.30am to 1pm on Thursdays at Holy Trinity Church.

People will also be able to donate surplus salad, fruit, vegetables and roomtemperature foods to the community fridge.

Anyone able to help run the fridge can email hi@wearebs15. co.uk

Volunteers are also being sought to help with Kingswood community allotment and at Kingswood Library of Things.

To volunteer at the community allotment contact Georgina Green on 07814 288916. To volunteer at the Library of Things email abi@ sharebristol.org.uk

Could you be the next incredible member of our team?

Fundraiser

Fundraiser

Do you enjoy talking to new people and getting involved in the local community? Would you like to run and manage local fundraising events of different sizes? And can you write compelling copy supporting business cases that would secure grants and trust funding?

Do you enjoy talking to new people and getting involved in the local community? Would you like to run and manage local fundraising events of different sizes?

And can you write compelling copy supporting business cases that would secure grants and trust funding?

Well, we have a vacancy for a fundraiser to join our friendly team.

Well, we have a vacancy for a fundraiser to join our friendly team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is excited about making a difference for local people and can get the local community involved in helping too.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is excited about making a difference for local people and can get the local community involved in helping too.

You would be assisting local people with a learning disability to enjoy social opportunities and activities in Keynsham and the surrounding areas.

You would be assisting local people with a learning disability to enjoy social opportunities and activities in Keynsham and the surrounding areas.

A flexible 20 hrs a week role with some weekend and evening work £14.50 per hour based in Keynsham.

A flexible 20 hrs a week role with some weekend and evening work £14.50 per hour based in Keynsham.

If this sounds like you, you can apply online at keynshammencap.org.uk

If this sounds like you, you can apply online at keynshammencap.org.uk

For people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

Andy Ford played Hanham during the national mourning

ST BARNABAS CHURCH

ST Barnabas Church in Warmley were fortunate to host an art installation that featured five local artists who challenged us to think about the wonders of creation that we as humans have neglected to care for.

The works were loaned by Hazelnut Community Farm, where church worship takes place in the open rather than a church building. They garden and grow produce that is then shared with their community.

This inspired St Barnabas to clear a plot of land. With a grant from Siston Parish Council, they have been able to buy wood from Bendrey Brothers. Warmley Men In Sheds then gave their time to erect two raised beds to kick start the beginnings of a Community Garden on the church site. An official blessing and opening of the garden will take place during a Harvest Service at St Barnabas on Sunday 2nd Oct at 10.30am. All are welcome.

Sally Sibley

Disco in memory of Dad

A FAMILY disco will raise funds for brain tumour patients in memory of Hanham resident Edward Crockford.

His daughter, Katie Gingell, also from Hanham, is organising the Sparkly Family Disco to raise money for Thornbury charity Brain Tumour Support.

The event on Friday 7 October from 6.30-8.30pm will take place at Christ Church church hall in Hanham and tickets cost £10 per family.

Entertainment will include a disco, facepainting, raffle and tombola and guests are asked to wear something sparkly.

Katie, 43, said: “Devastatingly, my dad passed away two months ago after knowing for only three weeks that he had a brain tumour.

“It was a massive shock. I went into ‘doing something’ mode and decided to organise this disco.

“I wanted to raise money for Brain Tumour Support because they’re a local charity and I’ve been in touch with their counselling service since my dad died to have someone to talk to.

“There’s been quite a bit of interest and I hope someone from the charity will be able to come along too.”

Her daughters Olivia, 15, Georgie, eight, and Ivy, seven, will all attend the disco with her in memory of their grandfather, who was 75 when he died.

To donate £10 to purchase a ticket, go to: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/Katie-Gingell3

Edward Crockford and Katie Gingell

Crowds return to enjoy Millfest 22

AFTER several years of reduced events during the pandemic, the crowds flocked to Willsbridge Mill’s end-of-summer festival.

Millfest 22 included five live bands. Among them was Crimson Fury, made up of a group of 12-year-old boys who live locally.

Visitors enjoyed craft stalls run by local artists and small businesses, glitter face paint

and refreshments including a gin trailer.

Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh director Tom Baker said: “After months of preparation, the stage was built, bands were ready and the sun was shining.

“It was a lot of hard work and late nights putting all this together, but I was thrilled to be able to entertain our community with

Millfest 22. A huge thank you goes out to our volunteers, sponsors, stall holders, bands, café staff and my fellow directors, all of whom made the day perfect.”

Keith’s Plumbing & Heating sponsored the event, and dog walker Jason Bradshaw supplied and built the stage. Plans are under way for Millfest 23 on Saturday August 26.

Cabot schools celebrate GCSE successes

SCHOOLS in the Cabot Learning Federation reported strong GCSE results in 2022.

Hanham Woods Academy saw 65 per cent of students achieving 9-4 in English and maths (an increase of 19 percentage points from 2019) and 47 per cent of students achieving 9-5 in English and Maths

Principal Steve O’Callaghan, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the students and their families who have worked incredibly hard in order to achieve these results. It’s a privilege to work and serve this community and today we celebrate the resilience and hard work of our remarkable students as they take the next steps in their lives. We wish all our departing students the very best success for the future and hope they continue to Dream BIG, Work Hard and Be Kind.”

Special mention goes to:

• Emily Budd: 9,9,9,9,9,9,8,8,7

• Eleanor Jardine: 9,9,9,9,9,8,8,8,6

• Hayley Sparnon: 9,9,9,9,9,8,8,7,L2D*

• Rozalia Pearce: 9,9,9,9,8,8,6,4

John Cabot Academy saw 83 per cent of students achieving a grade 9-4 in English and maths (up 14 percentage points from 2019) and 61 per cent of students achieving a grade 9-5."

Kate Willis, principal, said: “We prioritise the wellbeing of students and are proud of the resilience and commitment they have shown in their GCSEs. They have risen to the unique challenge of Covid to their immense credit. However, they could not have done it without support and so we also celebrate and thank parents and staff for their incredible efforts.”

Worthy of mention:

• Jun Hao Che: 9 x grade 9

• Max Buckingham: 8 x grade 9 and 1

x grade 8 and 2 distinctions

• Antoni Byczynski: 6 x grade 9 and 2 x grade 8

• Sekandar Wahidi: 6 x grade 9, 1 x grade 8 and a distinction

• Ruby May: 5 x grade 9, 3 x grade 8 and a distinction

Bristol Brunel Academy has eight years of consistent improvement across exam outcomes. In 2022, 67 per cent of students gained 9-4 in English and maths (up 10 percentage points on 2019) and 48 per cent of students achieving 9-5. Students have enjoyed considerable success across the exceptionally broad range of subjects offered at BBA in particular history, technology, business, art and English have all performed well.

Principal Jon Jones said: "We feel so proud of our class of 2022. This cohort of students exemplify ‘The Brunel Way’ and have shown how, through hard work and dedication, they can achieve exceptional things.

"We are delighted for all our students and would like to highlight a selection to celebrate:

• Talha Ahmed: 9,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,8

• Amy Frankcom: 9,9,9,9,8,8,8,8,7

• Aliyah Hussain: 9,9,9,9,9,7,7,6

• Taliyah Twynam: 9,9,8,8,8,8,8,7"

King’s Oak Academy said its Year 11 students' excellent grades in GCSE and BTEC were the result of hard work and commitment across the five years of their secondary education.

Katherine Ogden, principal, said: “We are all very proud of all of our Year 11 students who have much to celebrate."

High achievers included: Megan Bennett and Tatiana Black – Grade 9 English Cameron McKechnie – Grade 9 Chemistry

Digitech Studio School

Bristol reported strong achievements by its students in their GCSEs and vocational qualifications, particularly in the creative and vocational subjects, which underpin the school's specialist curriculum.

Chris Ballard, interim principal, said: “We are extremely proud of our Year 11 students' achievements."

Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care

We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

We also ensure:

• Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented

• Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply

• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand

• Safe face-to-face visits where possible

news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Hardware shop marks 80 years of trading

A HARDWARE store that’s sold DIY supplies to generations of people in east Bristol is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

A S Golding was opened on Hanham High Street in 1942 by Albert Golding and his wife Eileen, who worked in the shop until her early 80s.

Albert was a builder and the shop was initially somewhere to store building materials that were hard to come by during World War II. Albert built many homes around Hanham, including in Abbots Avenue, Greenore and Dundridge Lane.

Eventually they bought the shop next door, then the one next door to that, as they expanded.

Their son, Malcolm, was born above the shop and took over the business with his wife, Maria. They were followed by son Matthew, who now runs the shop with his wife, Claire.

Matthew, 48, said: “We were lucky to be open throughout Covid as an essential shop and our business carried on doing really well because people had nowhere else to go while big places likes B&Q were shut.

“I’ve worked here since I was a kid and came here full-time once I left school.

“I love working here and

talking to all the different people who come in every day. Some of our customers have been coming regularly for years and remember my grandparents running it.

“It’s also great to have the freedom of deciding what the shop will stock and being your own boss. The only down side is it’s hard to take time off. We’re about to go on our first holiday for four years!

“I don’t think my own kids

will want to take over the business because they’ve got different interests. Hopefully I’ve got a lot of years left running the shop yet before we need to make any decisions.”

Over the years the business has evolved as customer demands have changed. Shelves that were once home to rolls of lino and paraffin heaters are now taken up with pet food and decorating supplies.

Council will draw up own housing plans

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council will forge ahead with its own blueprints for tens of thousands of homes and jobs over the next two decades, following the collapse of the regional masterplan.

The council has decided to join neighbouring Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset to press on with individual local plans after Metro Mayor Dan Norris told the government in May that agreement on a West of England spatial development strategy, spanning the three areas, was not possible.

The failure of the SDS came amid a huge political row over who was to blame and whether it was even possible to abandon it.

Labour’s Mr Norris – who heads the West of England Combined Authority – accused South Gloucestershire Council's Conservative leader Toby Savage of “gambling with the greenbelt”, having “walked out” of talks.

Cllr Savage claimed the Metro Mayor had failed to include him in the first place and had taken a “mushroom farming approach” to the housing strategy by working in secrecy

while trying to impose 37,000 homes on the district. He said this was almost 10,000 more than government calculations suggested.

Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, Steve Reade, said: "I am delighted that we are taking strides with our new Local Plan, which will be a comprehensive holistic approach towards supporting our new and existing communities in the years ahead, so that South Glos remains a place that people are proud to live and work.

"While it is disappointing that we are not progressing with a regional approach towards the delivery of a new plan, it is reassuring to be able to have control over the process once again after being kept in the dark by the Labour Weca mayor who sought to flood South Gloucestershire with unsustainable levels of new housing, threatening our communities and our environment."

The council updated its Local Plan webpage in September to say: “Following the decision of the Weca mayor to stop all work

on the West of England Combined Authority Spatial Development Strategy, the Local Plans for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire will now provide the strategic planning framework for the West of England Combined Authority area.

“The issue of housing need will now be addressed through individual Local Plans for each of the local councils. The councils will continue their long-standing history of joint working and cooperate with each other and with other key bodies on strategic, crossboundary matters as they prepare their Local Plans.The evidence base prepared so far to inform the Spatial Development Strategy will be published on the Weca website and will be reviewed and used as appropriate to inform the councils’ Local Plans.”

More information on the local plan can be found online at beta.southglos.gov.uk/newlocal-plan.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Matthew, Claire, Maria and Malcolm outside AS Golding

The original shop, above, and as it was in the 1960s, below

Albert and Eileen Holding with their son Malcolm

Early years play area is well worth the wait

CHILDREN at Longwell Green primary school are making use of a new outdoor learning area.

The youngest pupils are benefitting from a sand pit, rockery and wooden play equipment.

Deputy head Sarah Darling said: “We had planned to rebuild the Early Years Foundation Stage space last summer, but Covid, increasing costs and the need to raise further funds meant we needed to wait a while.

“We wanted to design a bespoke, creative environment where our

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Reception children can be inspired to take their learning outdoors.

“Our favourite part is a water rill, fed by a water butt and an electric pump, for the children to experiment with water play.”

The school worked with Matt Williams at Hanhambased firm The Garden Saint to design and build the new area.

Ms Darling said: “We are so pleased with the results. Seeing the looks on the faces of the children, and adults, who have seen it so far, we know it is already a huge hit.”

Have you heard about Shared Lives yet?

It’s a bit like foster care – but for an adult. As a Shared Lives carer, you will be paid to support adults who need a little extra help from your own home.You’ll help them to achieve their goals and support them to live independently, helping them live their life, their way. They could spend the day with you, stay overnight or even move in, it’s flexible to you.

What does it mean to be a Shared Lives carer?

Do something amazing, become a Shared Lives carer.

Do you need support to live your life?

Find out if Shared Lives could support you: www.ategi.org.uk

“I’m proud to be a Shared Lives carer because I believe that everyone deserves to be happy and be themselves, regardless of who they are and that’s exactly what Shared Lives does -placing people in homes with families where they are cared for, loved and respected.”Kwame, Shared Lives carer

Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer on our website: www.ategi.org.uk or email us on carerapplication@ategi.co.uk

news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

New Majestics HQ is taking shape

BUILDING work is under way on the new home for Majestic Gymnastics.

The club is moving from its current premises because of redevelopment but will be rehomed on the site of the former Grange school in Warmley as part of a £10 million regeneration.

South Gloucestershire council is refurbishing the existing sports hall on the school site, with work due to be completed next year.

Upgrades include a new roof and cladding, heating, insulation and improvements to the existing fabric of the building.

As well as housing Majestics, the sports hall will also include a cafe, multifunctional areas, a viewing area and additional sports hall space.

Meanwhile four gymnasts and a coach from Majestics represented Great Britain at the European TeamGym championships in Luxembourg, with three of them bringing home medals.

Katie Iles and coach Stacey Godden won first place in the senior mixed category and were named European champions.

Paige Phillips placed third in the junior mixed category, again with coach Stacey.

Livvy Britton achieved fourth place for junior women, and Larissa Royal got sixth place in senior women.

Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore said: “I have been pleased to meet with the leaders of Majestic Gymnastics and have been supportive of their efforts to find a permanent new home so the club can thrive into the future.”

Chris Skidmore discusses plans for the new base with Majestics owners Michelle George and Candice Fry

for Hanham & Longwell Green Voice

Queen was a constant certainty in our lives

IT is with great sadness that I write this month’s column, in the days after the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

For over 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II was our longest serving monarch. She lived a remarkable life of service and duty, and her dedication to the nation and to the Commonwealth was both unstinting and inspirational. My condolences are first and foremost with His Majesty King Charles III and all of his family.

Her late Majesty was not just a much-loved and respected leader. She was also a constant certainty in all of our lives and for a great many people, both in the UK nationally and in our own local area, she was the only monarch they have ever known.

Whilst in her seven decades on the throne the Queen presided over extraordinary change in the landscape of our nation, her steadfast presence was an unswaying reminder of our national identity. This is a historic moment for our country and we are all joined in mourning her loss.

As a former cabinet minister and Privy Councillor, I was honoured to attend the Accession Council that proclaimed King Charles III. The last accession council met in 1952, 70 years ago, for the proclamation of Queen Elizabeth.

Over these past 70 years, our late Majesty has been a beacon of support to so many people and communities. I know we will all miss her presence in

our lives, though I am confident King Charles III will prove an excellent head of state.

Indeed, he is familiar with our local area, having lived nearby in Gloucestershire. Over 35 years ago, as child, I remember how he visited St Mary’s Church in Bitton out of the blue - just to look in person at the church.

As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee week celebrations earlier this year, local people came together in a public consultation to choose the location for a new biodiversity-focused park to be created by South Gloucestershire Council.

The former Warmley Pitch and Putt golf course was recently chosen for this site, and work will is now beginning to develop the plans.

This decision, made to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee and her historic 70-year reign, now feels especially timely, as we come together to celebrate her life.

A wildflower meadow and new trees form part of the proposals, the aim of which is to boost biodiversity and nature recovery in our community.

This new park, which will be a space for local people to engage with and enjoy nature whilst also protecting it, will be a fitting tribute to the Queen’s historic reign and also to her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was passionate about nature and protecting the natural environment.

Enjoy the very best in later living at a St Monica Trust retirement village. To learn more about village life book your place on a guided tour now by calling 0117 919 4272 or visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for more information and details of available properties.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

Chris Skidmore

n ANTIQUES

From Darkest Peru ...

GIVEN recent events, I was struggling to find a topic for my column this month. As I sat here pondering what to type, a familiar character appeared on my television - Paddington Bear.

The history of Paddington Bear is one I have always found fascinating. He’s quintessentially British, and oozes charm. Author Michael Bond first published the book A Bear Called Paddington in October of 1958 and was the first time the British public were introduced to the character - with his old hat, battered suitcase, duffel coat and love of marmalade. He has since become one of the most recognisable characters in children's literature. Bond further authored more than twenty books featuring the bear, as well as writing over fifty episodes of the stop-motion children’s series Paddington from 1976. The bear has since featured in two big-budget films, and an animated series was produced in 2019. There was even (for a very short period) a Paddington Bear branded chocolate bar made by Cadbury.

However, my favourite part of Paddington’s history is the creation of the famous soft toy. First thought up by Shirley & Eddie Clarkson under their family business of Gabrielle Designs in 1972, the first two prototype Paddington Bears were made as a present for their children Joanna and Jeremy. Yes, that’s right - Jeremy Clarkson - the love-him-or-loathe-him ex-Top Gear presenter and famous motoring journalist, was the first person to ever get given a Paddington Bear toy. Remember that fact – it’s a handy piece of pub-quiz trivia! Once released the bears sold in their thousands to children all over the country.

Eventually the rights were sold by the Clarksons to Britain's thenleading toy shop Hamleys, and Paddington has been reproduced and sold in many forms ever since. Steiff have released special or limited editions in recent years, and not just Paddington - but his Aunt Lucy has also been released in various guises. Interestingly, Aunt Lucy is actually the rarer and often more sought-after bear of the two.

If one thing is certain however; it’s that the love for that little bear has far from waned, infact, he seems to be more loved and cherished than ever before.

East Bristol Auctions

n WHAT'S ON

n HANHAM TENNIS CLUB reopens after court repainting and the addition of new lighting. 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 BRISTOL U3A: Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Go to www.bristolu3a.org.uk for details.

REGULAR EVENTS

TUESDAY

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

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). Meetings are friendly with interesting speakers and social activities, if you'd like to come along - we'd love to see you. Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341 for further information

WEDNESDAY

n BARRS COURT PROBUS. Meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 1012pm at Longwell Green Community Centre

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

THURSDAY

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 9324053 for further details.

n ‘STAND UP REACH OUT’ A social group meet every Thursday 2-4pm at Longwell Green Community Centre for different activities.

FRIDAY

n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Please email longwellwi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782 if you would like to visit us.

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

Andy Stowe

Get your double dose: Covid booster and flu jab

Book your live-saving autumn Covid vaccine booster jab today, along with your annual winter flu jab.

Our community clinic at the Longwell Green Centre has enabled us to provide care with lots of empathy and kindness, adapting our approach to cater for the most vulnerable, those scared of needles and a broad age group starting from five to 102 years!

Who will get an autumn Covid booster?

Covid vaccine doses will be offered to:

• adults aged 50 and over

• people aged five to 49 with health conditions which put them at higher risk - including pregnant women

• care home staff

• frontline health and social care workers

• carers aged 16 to 49

• household contacts of people with weakened immune systems

People will also be offered new vaccine types that tackle both the original Covid virus and the recent Omicron variant. This will ensure that our immune systems can better cope with new variants that we know will keep emerging. The vaccination programme has helped to provide us protection and restore cherished freedoms that, especially as we go into the winter months, we must safeguard.

With over 126 million Covid-19 vaccines administered in the UK since the rollout, our work

providing over 60,000 locally supports the strong evidence of safety which stacks up high alongside efficacy.

Our five-minute vaccination appointment now also includes an offer of the NHS flu vaccine alongside the Covid booster for those eligible.

Like the Covid jab, the NHS flu vaccine is offered free to people

• aged 65 years and over

• aged 50 -64 years(Starting from 15th Oct)

• with long-term health conditions the immunocompromised and their household contacts pregnant

• in long-stay residential care, including hospice

• Carers ( including unpaid) for the elderly or disabled person

With ambulance delays and

the NHS backlog providing the worrying backdrop for the winter cost of living pressures, Ellacombe Pharmacy is more determined to protect everyone in our Community this winter.

Book your Covid jab online or call NHS 119. We will also offer a Walk-in Flu Clinic in the pharmacy if you don’t want it alongside or qualify for a Covid jab.

The Queen kept her promise to serve

THE passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has given all of us something of a shock.

For, as much as her death was not unexpected at the age of 96, having reigned over the United Kingdom for 70 years, she was the only monarch that most of us have ever known; a constant and reassuring presence for so many during a period of remarkable change throughout the world.

We mourn her passing and offer our condolences to her family as, in addition to being our Queen, she was a mother, grand mother and great-grandmother, with a family who loved her.

She meant different things to each of us and, while she was instantly recognisable across the world, many people locally will have their own personal memo ries of her.

There have been some won derful recollections and stories

told in the aftermath of her passing. For someone who lived such a public life, some of these stories are still new to us, and we have found out more about our Queen in the past days.

Many people in South Gloucestershire may remem ber her visits to the area over the course of her time as our sovereign.

Her love of horses was well known, and she very much enjoyed her attendances at the Badminton Horse Trials over the years. She first visited in 1952 and then in 1953, her first year as Queen.

She opened the Severn Bridge in 1966 and she visited the fac tories in Filton where Concorde was built.

As chair of the council, I have attended a number of ceremonial events to mark the Queen’s life, and spoken with local people

with their own personal stories.

I was, for example, fascinated to learn that in 1981, the Queen took refuge in the Cross Hands Hotel in Old Sodbury to shelter from a blizzard. The weather led many people to seek a room for the night but, fortunately, room was found at the inn and Her Majesty was able to take shelter before leaving when the snow eased later that night.

Perhaps you have your own memories of her reign?

As with the passing of anyone, it is comforting to think about the time spent with them and how their lives affected us; it can help their memory live on.

The council is sharing images from Her Majesty’s visits to the area over the years, which you can see on our website at www. southglos.gov.uk/photos.

On her 21st birthday, as Princess Elizabeth, she pledged

that her whole life would be devoted to our service. Today we all know that the Queen kept to her promise.

We look forward to the reign of His Majesty King Charles III and trust that he will offer the same constancy and strength as did his mother.

With Sanjay Shambhu

Chair of South Gloucestershire Council

n

NEWS

HANHAM METHODIST CHURCH

HANHAM Methodist Church is situated on the A431 as it approaches the environs of Bristol and the B4046 which links to Kingswood. The present site is quite extensive and has the added advantage of a large car park.

A worship building has been on this site since 1851, when members excluded from the Methodist Conference of the day, because of their differing views, pooled together their faith, energy and enthusiasm and built a small stone church, often by the light of miners’ candles or “dips”. That building was known as Ebenezer meaning “Stone of Help and Remembrance”.

Over the years enlargements of the church became necessary until in 1901 the front was removed and extended to its present position.

The village pound stood opposite the church; it was purchased as a piece of land on which to build a Sunday School. This was opened in 1888 and was known as “Pound Chapel”.

In 1949 two cottages adjacent to the church were purchased,demolished and became the car park.

Saturday 31st March,1962 saw the opening of the new Sunday School rooms (the Pound Chapel having been demolished for road widening). In 1965 the two Methodist Churches on the High Street amalgamated, thus forming Hanham Methodist Church on the present site. The buildings were completed in 1969, with the new extensions to the school rooms. When the two congregations agreed to come together a new “Worship” area was always envisaged so 17th June ,1978 saw the Rededication and reopening of Hanham Methodist Church.

During the last 44 years the Church has adapted to community needs and styles. The once thriving Sunday School has morphed into “Altogether Worship” celebrated every third Sunday of the month. There is a strong Boys Brigade Company, ably led by Captain Mike, and Guide and Rainbow Groups.

The effect of Covid and lockdown have left their mark on the church community but new life is emerging. A community cafe has opened under the auspices of the church with exciting ideas for outreach in the area.

The pre school which moved to the premises in the late seventies continues to grow and thrive whilst the dance school is also flourishing, A photography group meet on Wednesday evenings and is happy to welcome new members. The Y’s Men’s Club of Hanham, a monthly supper club, part of Y’s Men International, meets on a Friday, when it mixes enjoyment with raising money for charity. There is a table tennis club on a Monday evening.

A warm welcome awaits you at HMC on Sunday morning at 10.45 am for worship followed by refreshments.

Pam Liddiard

As a South Gloucestershire Local Authority and Clif ton Diocesan sc hool, we offer a Catholic education whic h warmly welcomes families from Christian, other world religions or no faith bac kgrounds at all.

LONGWELL GREEN PROBUS CLUB

WARMLEY based Longwell Green Probus Club enjoyed an Italian themed lunch recently with Italian food and wine plus a display of Italian books, brochures, recipes and artifacts and a programme of Italian related entertainment. This included clips from the ‘Italian job’, one member’s recollections of Italian holidays, Italian related videos and an Italian themed quiz. A very active and progressive club, we are always looking for new members to join in and possibly help with our various activities or perhaps introduce new ones so, if any guys out there are approaching retirement and not content with a pipe and slippers retirement, give our recruitment officer, Mike, a bell on 07817094147 for more details.

Parents choose Our Lady of Lourdes because they identify with something distinctive that they want for their child. It may be good behaviour…high expectations…a small, family feel…traditional values…ethos or Mission Statement. Whatever the attraction, our families are united in their commitment to our school community, and our endeavour to enable… ever y…single…child to flourish. “This school makes me happy ” YEAR 5 PUPIL

To see what our welcoming and nurturing school has to offer please come along to one of our Open Days/Evening on:

Monday 3rd October 2022 at 9.15am

Monday 10th October 2022 at 1.30pm Monday 17th October 2022 at 5.30pm We also have some spaces available in other year groups across the school (please call the school office on 01454 867160 for more information)

To

contact Emma

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen

Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15

All the fun of the fete

CROWDS flocked to St Mary's Church Fete in Bitton, which featured a pageant, a new Morris group Tatters & Tails, Punch & Judy, archery, a fun dog show and a range of stalls.

Attractions on the field included a coconut shy, bottle stall, tombola and an egg-throwing contest. Cream teas were served in the nearby garden of Church Farm, serenaded by the Jazzbeanz. In the church tea and cakes were served and there was a needlework display and exhibition of entries in this year’s photography competition.

The fete provided a last chance to view the Ellacombe 200 exhibition, telling the story of Bitton’s famous 19th century vicar. Money raised goes towards supporting the Grade I listed church.

Funding for football clubs from housing developers

FOOTBALL clubs in Longwell Green have been awarded more than £90,000 funding to improve facilities.

The money was paid by developers Sovereign Housing Association as a condition of planning permission granted for the Mount Pleasant Farm development off Bath Road back in 2012. Work on the development of 70 flats and houses finished in 2018.

However, it has taken until now for agreed funds to be allocated to local projects by South Gloucestershire council.

Longwell Green Sports football club will be given £49,752.14 to fund upgrades of boiler and shower facilities at The Centre in Shellards Road, formerly known as Longwell Green community centre.

AEK Boco football club will receive £41,915.38 to pay for cycle shelter parking racks and drainage improvements at Greenbank Road playing field.

Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore said: “Keeping fit doesn’t just stop once you leave the football pitch and it is great to see the council funding cycle storage facilities that not only will give people a more active way to get to and from AEK Boco, but encourage them to leave the car at home which should help with parking problems on match days.

“I am also pleased to see funding for The Centre in Longwell Green that will help improve the quality of changing facilities there.”

Sold for £2,600

n NOSTALGIA

Pomeroy’s and Longwell Green shops

A number of our readers have contacted Kingswood Heritage Museum in response to the feature and photo in August’s edition remembering Pomeroy’s store in Longwell Green. Readers also shared their memories of other old shops on the Bath Road in Longwell Green, including Wanklins the drapers, Gibbs fruit shop, and Painters the butchers.

More memories of Longwell Green can be found at Kingswood Heritage Museum in this year’s new display featuring the area, as well as Cadbury Heath, Barrs Court, and Willsbridge.

Kingswood Heritage Museum is open every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 5pm. Refreshments are available in the museum café, and free parking is available on site.

The photo of Pomeroy’s store is courtesy of the Hanham, Longwell Green, Oldland and Bitton memories Facebook group.

Museum at Night

Kingswood Heritage Museum will open after hours on Sunday October 30th for a spooky evening featuring two special events.

The first, for families and children, will run from 6pm-7pm and will include a children’s quiz and face-painting, together with a free glowstick for all children. The second event will be a unique after-dark experience for adults only, including a free glass of wine. Visitors will be able to meet characters from the past brought to life by museum volunteers in costume, and an expert curator will be on hand to answer any questions.

The museum cafe will be open for light refreshments during the evening. Tickets can be pre-booked via Eventbrite and will be £5 for adults and £3.50 for children. For more information please contact the museum on 0117 9605664 or events@kingswoodmuseum.org.uk

Knitting Natter group

The popular "Knitting Natter” group at Kingswood Heritage Museum is on every Wednesday afternoon, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Bring your Knitting, Crochet and Embroidery for an enjoyable and sociable afternoon.

The entry fee is £3, and all proceeds go to the Museum. For more information please telephone Linda Payne at the Museum on 0117 9605664, or email kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com

Volunteer opportunities

Kingswood Heritage Museum always welcomes new volunteers. If you are interested in helping the Museum in any capacity, please contact us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com, or call us on 0117 960 5664

The Friends of William Champion’s Garden also welcome new volunteers, ideas and suggestions. For more information email kay@mclross.co.uk or call Kingswood Heritage Museum on 0117 960 5664

The Park Centre, High Street, Kingswood BS15 4AR Monday: 9.30am Tel: Hayley. B 07813561505

Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road Longwell Green BS30 9DU Monday: 6.00pm & 7.30pm Tuesday: 9.30am Tel: Karen 07889408969

North Common Village Hall, 16 Millers Dr, North Common BS30 8XX Tuesday: 6pm & 7.30pm Tel: Emma 07773689229

AEK Boco FC, Greenbank Road, Hanham BS15 3RZ

Thursday: 9.15am, 11.00am 3.45, 5.15 & 7.00pm Friday: 9.00am Tel: Kate 07979494964

The Batch, 8a Park Road, Warmley BS30 8EB Saturday: 9.30am Tel: Erica 07766425725

slimmingworld.co.uk slimmingworld.co.uk

A musical night to remember

PUPILS and staff from ten schools got the academic year off to a spectacular start by performing their own Oratorio at Bath Forum.

The musical piece was composed for the Futura Learning Partnership, which includes schools in Keynsham, Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire, by Phil Dixon.

He began last year by visiting Year 10 music classes at Bedminster Down, Sir Bernard Lovell and Wellsway schools, to come up with initial compositional ideas. He then went away and arranged the melodies and chord progressions into the Futura Oratorio. The piece, entitled Avona, was based on the myth of how the river Avon got its name.

The performance, conducted by Phil Dixon, involved more than 400 children aged seven to 18, who formed two primary choirs, a senior choir and an orchestra. They were supported by 40 staff members.

Among the schools involved were IKB, SBL, Wellsway, The Meadows, St John's, Saltford, and Chandag Juniors.

The event was organised by

n AROUND THE WIs

LONGWELL GREEN WI

ALTHOUGH we don't have a meeting in August all of our groups have continued to meet - skittles, book clubs, knitting group and the walking groups have made the most of the glorious sunshine we have had this summer. In the middle of August, members got together to have a cream tea, organised by the committee, with homemade scones, tea and coffee and time to have a catch up with friends. This was enjoyed by all.

At the beginning of our September meeting a minutes silence was held in memory of Her Majesty the Queen and members then sang Jerusalem.

Our speaker in September was John Boyne-Aitkin – The Bowler Hatted Turner. He confused us at first as he didn't wear his bowler hat! He is a member of the Register of Professional Turners and acts as a judge for this

Futura Learning Partnership’s director of music Ingrid McLean. She said: “It was a fabulous occasion. We nearly filled the venue and received a standing ovation at the end.

“For many of the students it was the first time they had sung with an orchestra, so it was a wonderful experience in a special setting. It is important to us to make sure our students have the opportunity for quality music making; working collaboratively enables us to achieve this.

Already staff and students have been suggesting doing more activities like this ... watch this space!

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “After more than two years of restrictions, it was fantastic for children and staff from our schools to be able to come together and perform this unique and brilliant Oratorio. I was so proud of them all. It was a night that will live long in the memory.”

Warning signs were there

RE your article (September Voice) about the concerns regarding the old Kleeneze site, as a Hanham resident for more than 70 years I remember when Hanham was a small village and we had Kleeneze for more than sixty years with delivery lorries coming in and out of Kleeneze plus the employees who parked there.

There were no problems and you never heard of anyone complaining, but when Tesco’s bought the site there was uproar about delivery lorries and cars. When there was a meeting which I attended which was held in the local community centre and besides myself and one other person we were in favour of the supermarket and their plans whereas the rest of the people in the room were against it.I pointed out that it would bring jobs into Hanham and would be good for the high street and told them at the time that if was to be no supermarket then they would build houses which would bring in more vehicles and there’s no infrastructure for doctors, schools etc.

Mr T R McGrath Hanbury Road Hanham

organization. His talk was about women wood turners and he had prepared a slide show of their work. He talked about several women who are renowned wood turners. Their work was amazing, some of the pieces weren’t recognizable as wood and were absolutely beautiful. A couple of the ladies made a lot of pierced work, which was completely stunning. John also brought along a few items that he had made himself and they were lovely, one piece was built around a sea urchin! An enjoyable talk and I think we were all stunned by the ladies’ work – not at all what you expect when you think of wood turners!

Our speaker in October is "Style Opportunity" with Gail Painter

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 us please get in touch by email at longwellwi@ gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening.

beloved Monarch. We were truly saddened to receive this news. HM the Queen was a member of the WI for over 80years, and many members have fond memories of her and will treasure these for years to come.

After our harvest lunch we were entertained by the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew who sang some familiar songs and some not so. This group of men have only recently formed and sing in order to raise money for various charities, currently for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

HANHAM AFTERNOON WI

September is the month our ladies celebrate Harvest time with a lovely lunch. As is usual we had a good number of members turn out. However, our meeting had rather a sombre atmosphere as we were still reeling from the shocking news of the death of our

At our 10th October meeting we shall be welcoming a lady with floristry skills. We will be hoping to learn something new and easy that we may be able to copy.

If you are interested in joining our ladies, please contact the Secretary on Tel. 01179325027 for more details.

Linda Muller and Sandra Hill

Ann Baulch

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Queen Elizabeth II - a life well lived

THE passing of anyone in their 90s, even in this new golden age of medicine, can hardly be considered a surprise.

But it was nevertheless shocking to hear those words out loud. The Queen is dead; long live the King.

She was a month older than Marilyn Monroe, three years older than Martin Luther King and 14 years older than John Lennon. She was older than Lego, air conditioning and the creation of the greatest pop group the world has ever known.

It felt like the Queen was always there; a fixture in the nation, as certain as the sun rising and setting each day.

Even as the world changed around her, as those figures from an unreachable past I’ve just mentioned succumbed to that one certainty in life, she remained.

But she changed with the times too. Even the most diehard republicans would have to admire her for her almost Beatle and Bowie-like ability to adapt and reinvent - to move, and excel, in a changing world.

While her longevity was impressive, her sense of duty was extraordinary - a life of im peccable service and conduct, carried out with

dignity and decorum.

Like during the first covid lockdown, when she gave a stirring tutorial in leadership for all politicians. Sporting her usual pearls and gazing steadily at the camera, she gave hope and calm where there was neither when she said those immortal words, echoing Battle of Britain and World War Two spirit: “We will meet again.”

The Queen’s sense of duty was perhaps illus trated best by her conduct during the securing of the Northern Ireland peace process.

This most terrible of conflicts had cost many thousands of lives on both sides - including a member of the Queen’s own family.

To see her shake hands with the head of the IRA, as peace was finally secured, was a momen tous event - showing why peace is so hard to obtain, and the character and personal sacrifices needed to make it happen.

So the grief for so many West of Englanders - for so many of you reading this column - is real and palpable, deep and heartfelt.

Many are in mourning, not just for a genu inely remarkable monarch but for a constant in all our lives - a reassuring and calming presence for so many, at home and across the globe.

The country the Queen came to symbolise

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

by the lottery of birth is bigger than any one individual or institution. As one era ends, so another begins.

We face so many challenges, both as a na tion, and in our brilliant West of England.

Let us all then remember and live by the values which the Queen cherished, and which made her reign so special: duty, fidelity, and service to others.

If we not only remember these values, but also do our best to live by them, the Queen’s influence will live on well beyond her passing, to make us an even better nation and region.

Queen’s passing is a huge personal loss to many

OUR great nation was shaken to its very core following the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

I recognise that, of course, there are varying views on the monarchy but no one can deny the Queen’s positive contribution through her support to a vast number of charities, shining a light on the hard work of numerous organisations who make a difference to people’s lives.

Her Majesty the Queen has lived by her oath to spend every day of her life in service to her people. As an inspirational leader, she has been a great example to us all and nobody could have done more to serve this country and the Commonwealth.

I know many of our communities felt a huge personal

loss when the sad news of her death was announced on September 8.

For most, she is all we have ever known and, after speaking to colleagues, officers and residents, I think most people were surprised at the intensity of their grief.

The week between the announcement of the Queen’s passing and her funeral was a very sombre and solemn time and, over those ten days, I was determined to visit as many police stations as possible. So many of our police officers’ working life is born out of duty to the Crown and I know that they felt this loss acutely.

I have sworn allegiance to the Queen twice: firstly when I was Scout at the age of 11 and then,

as a young soldier of 19, I swore allegiance to the Queen and her family, to protect this country. Similarly, our police officers also swear an oath to the Queen and her death has had a huge impact on them.

I want to take a moment to thank and recognise the police officers, police staff and PCSOs across Avon and Somerset and the country for their work to help facilitate the numerous memorial events, proclamation ceremonies and the funeral of the Queen itself; their work and support has kept the public safe while they paid their respects.

I deeply share the sorrow that our united nation continues to feel at the passing of our Commander in Chief.

In many of our lifetimes, we

will never see a monarch reign for the length Queen Elizabeth II did, and to do so with grace, generosity and selflessness is astonishing.

Things will never be the same again but, having known King Charles III for over 30 years, I know he too will be a respected and dedicated monarch.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

MEMBERS’ woods have now been cleaned, polished and packed away until April 2023 – excluding, of course, those members who play indoors during the winter months. It is time to look back on the playing successes achieved on the green. In the Thursday night Bristol and District League, our men’s A team topped Division 2, notching up 114 points, four ahead of Long Ashton in second place.

In Division 4 our B team also finished top on 93 points, nine ahead of its nearest rival Severnvale B.

Both teams will therefore be promoted to a higher division next season. Also playing in Division 4 was our C team, who finished in a respectable fifth place.

There was not the same success in the Saturday Somerset League, where our A and B teams playing in the East 1 Division finished in fifth and 11th positions.

Our C team competed in East 2, finishing in ninth place. The Fridays Triples League saw our team recover from a poor start to the season, finishing fifth.

Our ladies play in two leagues – the North Somerset and Mendip - but unfortunately there was a reduction in some of the games played due to a combination of hot weather and other clubs being unable to raise a full side.

Whilst we are well served with the number of lady players that we have, other clubs are not so fortunate. Our season concluded with the Captain’s Day, when

captain Pam Rose treated the ladies to a cream tea and presented her committee with bouquets.

During the second weekend in September, our finals days took place when 14 men’s, ladies’ and mixed competitions finals were played covering a range of different formats.

Our ladies’ champion for 2022 was Sally Dafazio, who received

her trophy from our vice president, Margaret Church, whilst our president, John Nix, presented the trophy to the men’s champion, Paul Harsant.

Our season concluded with a mass roll-up followed by a fish and chip supper, the event being attended by over 50 members.

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Mike Barrow

Ladies’ champion Sally Dafazio with vice president Margaret Church Men’s champion Paul Harsant is congratulated by club president John Nix