Henleaze & Westbury Voice July 2024

CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to keep fighting for a new pharmacy in Southmead Road.

Local pharmacist Tanzil Ahmed wants to open at the site vacated by Boots six months ago but his proposal has been turned down despite strong support from people living nearby.

Now Mr Ahmed, who runs pharmacies in Shirehampton and at the Greenway practice, is appealing against the decision by the NHS South West Collaborative Commissioning Hub committee.

The committee said it “noted the comments submitted by patients and recognised some of them are elderly, however there is no real evidence provided to demonstrate that accessing pharmaceutical services from the other pharmacies in the area is challenging”.

The decision report, which ran to eight pages, said there were a significant number of pharmacy providers within 0.9 miles of the proposed location, with the nearest being 0.7 miles away.

Turn to Page 8

D-Day commemoration

Many people in Henleaze and Westbury took part in events to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Among them were residents of Care UK's Trymview Hall in Southmead Road, including staff member Ellie Mae and resident Claire. A lamp of peace was lit by 99-year-old Albert Stiles, who served in the Royal Air Force. Report: Page 3

for

A £20 a year tax on people living near the Downs is under consideration as the costs of maintaining the open space outstrip the income it can generate.

PAGE 4

Ukrainian school opens in Westbury

The Ukrainian community has opened a school at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church to help preserve its culture.

PAGE 15

River clean-up group wins praise

Westbury's Trout in the Trym group has been highlighted by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust for running one of the biggest rivercleaning exercises in the area.

PAGE 21

henleaze&westburyvoice

www.henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk

Henleaze & Westbury Voice contacts

Emma Cooper

Publisher 0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448

sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk

Editor news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk

Erica Benson

Advertising Sales 0117 908 2121

sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk

August deadline

Follow us on Twitter @henandwestvoice

Find us on Facebook www.facebook. com/henleaze and westburyvoice

Useful numbers

Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000

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

Emergency: 999

Complaints

Our August edition deadline is July 17. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. 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, Henleaze & Westbury Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

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 Henleaze & Westbury 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.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Henleaze & Westbury 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. Henleaze & Westbury 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@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk This month 8,500 copies will be distributed around Henleaze, Westbury Park and Westbury-on-Trym.

> Replacement kitchen doors

> Cost effective made to measure solution

> Worktops and appliances

> Installation in as little as 2-3 days by local professionals

9.8/10

11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AL

Call us now for a free estimate: 0117 944 3223

Remembering June 6, 1944

A LOCAL care home hosted a commemorative ceremony to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Care UK’s Trymview Hall, on Southmead Road, welcomed local people to honour the anniversary with a lamp-lighting ceremony on June 6. Care UK partnered with royal pageant master Bruno Peek, coordinator of the D-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace. Along with charities which support the three forces, including the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 homes took part in this nationwide tribute.

At Trymview Hall, the event featured live music from The D-Day Dollies, who entertained visitors with a range of classic 1940s tunes. The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of World War Two, was lit by resident, 99-year-old Albert Stiles, who served in the Royal Air Force.

Nicole Anderson, home manager, said: “We were delighted to join this nationwide initiative and mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, and those living with dementia, to connect with those around them and help maintain a sense of identity. The residents have all shared their own stories and memories – it’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s experiences and learn from one another. It really was a heartfelt day for everyone involved.”

'Heroes'

to get balloon flights

BRISTOL International Balloon Fiesta organisers is seeking ‘local superstars’ to be offered free flights.

It is inviting communities to nominate unsung heroes and suggest take-off points for a series of hot air balloon flights planned for the run-up to next month’s event.

The community flights will take off between August 5 and 8, with the fiesta at Ashton Court taking place from August 9-11 – including Night Glows on the Friday and Saturday.

Organisers have a five-year plan to future-proof the fiesta, which is heading towards its 50th anniversary in 2028.

The deadline for applications is Friday July 5. For more information and to make a nomi-nation visit www.

bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/getinvolved/community-launches

104-year-old resident Joyce with staff member Ellie Mae and visitor Matt Barrett

Evictions 'an extraordinary waste of money'

The lord mayor of Bristol has questioned whether a large group of people staying in caravans on the Downs last month should have been evicted. They later left for two other parks in Bristol, before leaving the city altogether.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Varney, the new lord mayor, said the eviction at the Downs, which took place on June 5, was an “extraordinary waste of money”. There are now calls for a review into how the handling of the encampments could have been improved.

The group of Travellers first set up on the Downs at the start of the month. After being evicted, they moved to Horfield Common and Eastville Park, before being evicted from

Alex Seabrook reports from the Bristol Downs committee

there too. However, Cllr Varney questioned the evictions at the Downs committee meeting.

He said: “They weren’t planning on staying around for long anyway, so it does seem like an extraordinary waste of money. It seems as though there’s no point pushing the problem from one place to another place. We do need a city-wide policy going forward.”

At the time of the encampments, Bristol City Council said that “high levels of antisocial behaviour and criminality” led to police taking action to move the group on. Residents reportedly said rocks had been thrown at

£20 a year tax

A NEW tax has been proposed for people living near the Downs to help pay for maintenance costs.

The idea was discussed at a meeting of the Downs committee on June 12. Members were told an area of an undetermined size would be drawn around the Downs, and a levy would be charged on anybody living within that zone. The charge could be £20 a year, and early discussions among Bristol City Council staff are taking place about its introduction.

Liberal Democrat Caroline Gooch, representing Westburyon-Trym and Henleaze, said £20 a year would bring in a “big amount of money”.

She said: “The people who benefit most from the Downs are the people who live nearby. Why don’t we just put a small precept on the houses that are within a certain distance of the Downs? Even if it’s only £20 a year, that would be a big amount of money from all of those houses. I don’t see why we shouldn’t do it, if it’s done in other cities.”

Other plans to bring in extra income include replacing the

toddlers on Horfield Common, while there were also reports of vandalism.

One reason the eviction took place so quickly on the Downs was due to a “possession order”, which was granted last year. According to Green Cllr Paula O’Rourke, this runs out at the end of summer, so any future encampments from this autumn onwards could be harder to evict.

She said: “The encampments happened last year in a sequence, where there was always somebody that was on the Downs. That allowed long enough for there to be a possession order granted. That possession order lasts until the end of August this year, which means an eviction was able to happen quite quickly.

to live near Downs?

toilet block near the Sea Walls with a cafe, building a mini golf course by the water tower, and installing cricket nets and padel courts. Personal trainers who put on classes at the Downs could also soon be charged a levy to do so.

The Downs receives income from hosting events such as Forwards Festival and Funderworld. But hosting these activities also creates extra

maintenance work, due to issues such as damage to the grass.

The committee was told that the Downs operates at a financial loss, and last year £570,000 was spent on things like staff, maintenance and cleaning. But only £376,000 was made in income, meaning a deficit of £194,000 was covered by council tax payers across Bristol.

A mini golf course and cricket nets are planned for the Downs

SECURITY patrols could be introduced on the Downs to prevent the parkland from becoming “overwhelmed by lawlessness”. A private company would be hired to issue fines to anybody caught breaking rules such as parking on the grass or having a barbecue.

The Clifton Down and Durdham Down are subject to byelaws, which in theory ban people from a range of activities. However, these are rarely enforced, with some residents complaining about damage to the grass from fires or vehicles.

The Downs committee was urged to take action and clamp down on people flouting the byelaws, The

to get more people involved in sport. The new facilities would also help raise extra cash to pay for maintaining the open space and public toilets.

Luke Mackenzie, the Downs business development manager, told the committee: “We’ve had an approach from an operator looking to do mini golf, that he would like to do around the back of the water tower. That would involve taking on the second toilet block in that area. He would need to operate and open the toilets for public usage.

“But that would take on the burden of repairing the building and its upkeep. This would be proposed on a lease for a yetto-be-agreed period, that would bring in an additional annual income to the Downs committee, and also cut costs that are currently borne by the council.”

As well as mini golf, cricket and padel are also planned. Multi-use games areas could also be installed, and personal trainers would be encouraged to use these areas instead of holding classes on the grass. The Downs committee could charge them a small fee for each class.

committee is made up of councillors from Bristol City Council and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, a business group.

Robert Westlake, chair of the Downs Advisory Panel, said: “Many byelaws are ignored daily.”

He called for out-of-hours security patrols, to enforce these rules. He also said there should be a “onemonth blitz” to “stop the Downs being overwhelmed by lawlessness”.

But the problem is the council’s parks department has had its budget repeatedly cut over recent years, meaning there aren’t enough staff to enforce the byelaws, at the Downs or elsewhere.

The Downs – beautiful, but costly to maintain

WEBBER & SPENCER

CURTAINS • BLINDS • SHUTTERS • CARPETS • FLOORING

CURTAINS

We specialise in stunning made to measure curtains that will add a touch of class to your home.

Choose from a range of fabulous fabrics, tracks and poles that will enhance your interior design.

We offer a free measuring service and can advise on the best window dressings to match your budget.

To arrange an appointment please contact us.

BAY WINDOW TRACK SPECIALIST

BLINDS

We supply and fit a wide range of top-quality blinds from leading manufacturers including Louvolite, Eclipse, Decora, Arena. Available options include Roller, Venetian, Roman, Perfect Fit, Pleated, Blackout, Cellular and Vertical Blinds.

To arrange a free measuring appointment, please contact us.

YOUR NEW LOCAL LUXAFLEX DEALER EXCLUSIVE STYLES FOR EVERY WINDOW AND DÉCOR

SHUTTERS

Shutters are the epitome of elegance.

Webber and Spencer design, supply and fit beautiful shutters in Bristol that will add the wow factor to your home. Our plantation shutters are perfect for both contemporary and modern homes and are available in a range of colours and finishes.

To book a free appointment for a designer to measure up and provide an estimate, please contact us today.

YOUR LOCAL DEALER

n NEWS

Community rallies to help The Ardagh

A DIFFICULT and upsetting few days last month for those who use and enjoy Horfield Common, including the staff of the Ardagh Community Trust (ACT) and its Cafe on the Common, ended on a positive note thanks to the support of the local community who turned out to donate time and money to get everything up and running again.

At the beginning of June, about 70 caravans parked up on the Common, leading to what a council spokesperson described as “high levels of anti-social behaviour and criminality associated with the site”.

Residents in the area, enjoying the peace of the Common and the facilities of the ACT, were left crying and shaking according to the ACT’s CEO, Sam Thomson. She told of people visibly upset after being shouted or sworn at and staff left feeling intimidated by a number of distressing incidents in the cafe.

The decision was made to close the cafe and all facilities for everyone’s safety. After the behaviour escalated into rocks thrown at toddlers, fences chopped with chainsaws, parkrun equipment stolen and fire extinguishers set off, the caravans were evicted from the site within two days.

However, a huge clear-up operation was then required to ensure that the site and cafe could reopen and get back to normal as quickly as possible. And this is where the true spirit of the local community proved the old adage about adversity

bringing out the best in us.

Sam and her team at ACT were able to reopen the cafe and wider site just two days after the encampment were moved on and thanked everyone who came out to help clear up and restore the common to its normal state. Security also remained on site for another 24 hours, offering much appreciated support and reassurance to staff.

Sam posted on social media at the time: “thank you to every single one of the 138 local people who have made donations to the Trust over the last couple of days; it means an enormous amount to the team to see and feel the support from the community after what has

been a difficult - and at times very frightening - few days. All donations will be used to replace smashed signage, repair broken

items and reinstate areas that have been vandalised. Your support is hugely valuable to us and means everything”.

Pharmacy battle

From Page 1

It also said: “The area has good public transport links, enabling access for those who do not walk or have access to a car.”

However, local people say they would have to walk to the former pharmacy site, at the junction of Wellington Hill West, just to get a bus to an alternative provider.

Frances Robertson, one of the leading campaigners, said decision makers “seem oblivious to the concept that when people need prescription medication from a pharmacy, it is because they are unwell.”

More than 900 people signed an online petition started by Frances urging Boots not to close the pharmacy, which serves parts of Horfield, Henleaze, Southmead and Westbury on Trym. Several councillors also took up the cause.

Residents are being urged to email letters of support to Mr Ahmed at lakepharmacybristol@ gmail.com to back up his appeal. They are advised to focus on irregularity of bus links, lack of medication meaning repeat visits are needed, and extensive queues at the alternative providers.

Frances and her fellow supporters are frustrated that other pharmacies in the area have objected to the proposals, even though “to the best of our knowledge, none of the patients who used the old Boots pharmacy would even consider travelling to other pharmacies, even if there were bus services to them, which there are not.”

'Pub on the hill' for sale

A COUPLE who’ve run the same pub in Westbury on-Trym for more than 20 years hope soon to call last orders for the final time.

The Mouse, which was formerly known as the Royal Oak, has rarely changed hands in its history of more than 100 years but now Elaine and Billy Monaghan want to retire and have put it on the market.

The Mouse, known by many as "the pub on the hill" stands at the top of Waters Lane next to Holy Trinity Church and has views over Westbury village.

It is a popular traditional local, with regular quiz nights, live music and lots of live sport on TV as well as an award-winning beer garden that has views across Blaise Castle and Henbury Golf Course.

Property agents Sprosen Ltd, who describe The Mouse as “situated in a sought after location”, say the buyer will pay £63k and take on a renewable lease with eight years left to run with Red Oak Taverns.

By-election after candidate is barred

VOTERS in Horfield will be taking part in a local by-election as well as the general election on July 4.

It comes after Labour’s Deborah Vittori, who was elected in May, was disqualified just 17 days later.

This was because she is a teacher employed in a Bristol City Council school. T Teachers are permitted to become councillors but not at local authorities in which they hold paid positions in a council-run school.

Ms Vittori said in a statement after the decision to bar her that she did not know about this rule.

She said: “I am shocked, and absolutely gutted, to discover that, because of my job as a teacher in a local authority maintained primary school, the law will prevent me from serving the people of Horfield who put

their trust in me.

“Throughout my election campaign I spoke proudly of my role as a local primary school teacher.

“I was unaware that my teaching would end up disqualifying me from serving the public in another role, as elected councillor, and it is a great shame that this did not come to light earlier in the process.“

I have met so many amazing people in Horfield; it is a matter of deep regret that I won’t be able to represent them as a councillor.”

The council said it was the responsibility of party political groups and candidates’ agents to ensure they are eligible to stand.

Five candidates will contest the seat this time. Carole Johnson, who is standing for Labour, was a councillor for

Ashley ward from 2016 to 2021. She stood in St George West at the May elections but lost out to the Greens.

Anna Meares, the Green Party candidate, who also fought the seat in May, has lived in the

ward for five years and works on climate change projects for Somerset Council.

Sharon Scott, for the Conservatives, was a councillor for Westbury & Henleaze until May. She is married with two daughters and has worked in education for over 10 years. Before that she worked in the finance sector for 20 years.

Roxanne Lock is standing for the Lib Dems and Joan Molins for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Party. Both also stood for the seat in May.

The Greens are the largest party on the city council, with 34 seats, but need two more for an overall majority.

Bristol’s Labour group leader Tom Renhard holds the other Horfield seat.

Horfield ward is in Bristol North West Parliamentary constituency.

Turn to Pages 10 and 11 for our general election preview

Deborah Vittori

n ELECTION BRISTOL CENTRAL

Nicholas Coombes is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Bristol Central. He is campaigning for a fair deal; to restore the broken social contract between our state and its citizens.

Liberal Democrats will invest in carers, recognising and rewarding the work that they do looking after loved ones, and supporting the NHS.

Having fought to remain in the European Union, we want to put Britain on a path to re-joining the single market; to improve relations with our neighbours, boost trade and cut tariffs.

We are fighting to clean up our environment and stop water companies dumping sewage. We would continue to decarbonise energy supply, started when the Liberal Democrats were in government but trashed since by the Conservatives.

Liberal Democrats would also introduce a proportional voting system, to end the frustration of tactical voting and deliver representative government.

Professionally, Nicholas is a chartered Town Planner, specialising in energy and transport infrastructure. He is currently working on the development of an offshore windfarm. He wants to use his expertise to fight climate change, and get Bristol moving.

Nicholas has recently won a seat on Bristol City Council. This is his second period as a Councillor, having previously served 8 years in the role. He has been appointed to the Transport Committee and is Vice Chair of Audit.

He lives in Clifton with his partner, and outside of work and politics he enjoys hiking and cycling in the countryside. He also sings with his local choir and plays classical piano.

henleaze&westburyvoice

Carla Denyer is a renewable energy engineer who got into politics because she could see our country’s problems and wanted to roll up her sleeves and help fix them.

In 2021, she became Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, having led Bristol to make the first climate emergency declaration in Europe. She’s used her platform to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, more action on the climate emergency and protection of our NHS.

In 2019, Carla made a significant impact as the Green Party’s MP candidate in Bristol West. She not only came second but nearly doubled the Greens’ previous vote share, receiving the highest number of votes that the Green Party has ever received in a General Election outside of Brighton Pavilion.

As a councillor and campaigner, social justice is at the heart of Carla’s work. Whether on renters’ rights or access to public transport and key services, Carla consistently stood up for the people who need it the most.

Kellie-Jay Keen (Party of Women)

n All candidates were invited by the Voice to submit statements for our election preview.

Thangam Debbonaire (Labour)

I am proud to have represented you in Parliament for the last 9 years.

My politics have been shaped by my life experiences. My dad left his home in India and came to this country to take up a place at the Royal Academy of Music. He made this country his home. Growing up in a creative household, I became a professional musician before moving to Bristol over 30 years ago to work for domestic abuse charities.

As the local MP since 2015 I have taken over 40,000 issues on behalf of our community - working to ensure Bristol remains a welcoming place for refugees, fighting for residents affected by the cladding scandal, campaigning for more dentists for our community including successfully in St Paul’s and protecting local bus routes.

In Parliament, I have always stood up for Bristol’s values. I’ve fought for bold action to tackle the climate emergency, voted against the Tory party’s cruel Rwanda scheme and fought for closer ties with the EU. I also tabled and voted for a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

You can read more about my successes as your MP on my website - www.debbonaire.co.uk.

If you re-elect me I promise to:

1. Take radical action to tackle the climate emergency.

2. Give our children the best start in life with free breakfast clubs and mental health support.

3. Support families in Bristol by tackling the Tory cost of living crisis

4. Tackle knife crime with a targeted programme to identify the young people at risk.

Bristol finally has the chance to make real change with me as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. You deserve to be represented at the heart of government by someone who can help transform Bristol and beyond for the better.

I'm Samuel Williams, and I'm running to be your next Member of Parliament for Bristol Central. My grandmother came to the UK from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation and worked in the NHS to help rebuild our nation following the Second World War. Growing up as a mixed-race, dyslexic boy from a single-parent home, I know the challenges many of us face. An experienced businessman and charity leader, I stood to be the Mayor of the West of England in 2021; and I'm here to be a voice for the unheard and underrepresented—a voice for a hopeful future and a thriving Bristol Central.

Bristol Central is full of potential, vibrant communities, and rich history. But under Labour's prolonged city, regional, and parliamentary leadership in Bristol Central, we've seen excessive spending and mismanagement. Projects like the failed Bristol Energy Company have wasted resources that could have been better used. I believe Labour has neglected our city's transport, education, and affordable housing needs.

As your representative, I will prioritise:

• Safeguarding our climate and green spaces: I am committed to environmental sustainability, preserving our green areas, and delivering an inclusive green economic transition.

• Improving local health care: Enhancing healthcare services and access for all residents, including innovations like Pharmacy First.

• Advocating for new housing: Ensuring the development of affordable and quality housing, and supporting first-time buyers.

• Empowering education: Investing in education for better opportunities for our youth, including supporting Special Education Needs provision.

• Backing our high street and boosting our economy: Supporting local businesses, investing in our high streets, and stimulating growth

This election, let’s choose a brighter future for Bristol Central. Vote for change. Vote for me, Samuel Williams. Together, we can make Bristol Central thrive.

Carla Denyer (Green)

Samuel Williams (Conservative)

Nicholas Coombes (Lib Dem) ALSO

Rob Clarke (Reform)

henleaze&westburyvoice

n ELECTION BRISTOL NORTH WEST

Caroline lives in Westbury Park, she trained as a PhD biomedical scientist and has over 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industry. She comes originally from Sheffield and has lived in Bristol for 8 years after moving here for work.

Caroline recently won a council seat in Westbury and Henleaze, taking the most votes in the ward, and now serving as Vice Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee. She was previously Lib Dem candidate for Mayor of Bristol, and a co-founder of "It's Our City Bristol" - the cross-party group that campaigned to abolish the role of Mayor.

Caroline is passionate about the NHS, improving access to services, as well as joining up health andx0 social care.

Caroline is using this election to champion Proportional Representation. It is profoundly unfair that under our First Past the Post election system, most of the votes cast do not count Britain is one of only two countries in Europe not to use some form of Proportional Representation, the other one is Belarus.

Caroline also recognises that the hard Brexit negotiated by the government has called considerable harm to our country, with skills shortages, and the rising cost of food, as well as medicines shortages and increased red tape for our businesses and agriculture. The Liberal Democrats have a 4-step plan to work towards re-entry into the Single Market, which starts with repairing our relationship with our European neighbours and having mutual recognition of qualifications.

We’ve been on a political journey together these past seven years. You elected me as your Member of Parliament (MP), to wide surprise, in 2017. In 2019, the pollsters told us my time as your MP was to end, but you re-elected me. And now, in 2024, it’s time to go to the ballot boxes again.

From fighting Brexit and calling for more action on climate change to holding Prime Ministers and Chief Executives to account, being your Voice in Parliament has been a huge privilege.

As your Champion in Bristol, I’ve enjoyed our coffee mornings, pub politics, town halls and online discussions enormously. Our campaigns – on issues from bus lanes to Stoke Lodge – have brought the community together.

These past seven years have, though, been in opposition. I’ve been able to call for change but not affect it. At this election, I hope to not just be re-elected as your MP, but to be part of a new Labour government.

If that happens, I will be a member of the Cabinet, leading on public spending as deputy to the Chancellor. It will be the toughest job I’ve ever had, but with your help and support, I know we can bring the change this country so desperately needs together.

The only thing that won't change is my dedication to you and our constituency. You'll still have me fighting for local issues, visiting schools to deliver my public speaking masterclass and spending time with you in my coffee mornings and pub politics.

www.darren-jones.co.uk

I’m lucky to call Bristol North West home. In 2022, I led the successful It’s Our City Bristol campaign to remove the role of mayor, to help transform local democracy. We now have Green-led, cross-party collaboration in the council.

I’ve campaigned with Surfers against Sewage to stop sewage in our seas and rivers, and kayaked in the Bristol harbour to remove rubbish. We must make it easier to prevent pollution and reduce plastic waste..

“I’ve been chair of a Stoke Bishop Residents’ Association, helped litter pick in many of our communities, played hockey for Westberries and was part of a pub pool team.

I have a wide range of professional experience, including Business Development at the world-leading National Composites Centre, Marketing at Jobs 22, Political Research at South Gloucestershire Council, Journalism with BBC radio, and other independent media. More recently I was a Community Project Worker at Shirehampton Jobs, Training and Enterprise Hub."

“In May’s Bristol council election, more people voted Green than for any other party. You and your neighbours have shown you’re tired of the two old parties and are ready for real change. After losing half their councillors, the Conservatives can't win in Bristol North West. Labour are only offering more of the same, whereas the Green Party offers Real Hope and Real Change.

I am committed to:

- Clean up our seas and rivers

- Protect our NHS from privatisation

- Deliver free social care

- Stand up for renters’ rights

- Defend our Children's Future

- End the conflict in Gaza

My name is Laura Saunders and I am standing as the Conservative Party Candidate for Bristol North West at this year’s General Election.

I was born in Southmead Hospital and still live in Bristol with my husband. I first became interested in politics while at school and joined the Young Conservatives while at university where I studied Russian and other Slavonic languages. I have worked on all aspects of a political campaign and delighted to now be standing for elected office.

I have been lucky to have a varied and interesting career, including working at the British Library to fund myself while studying at university. At present I work in international relations and international development. My experiences during my many years in politics have shown me just what it takes to be a great MP, the skills needed, and the importance of a life in public service.

When not on the campaign trail I love reading, cooking, travelling, and learning languages. I currently have a Duolingo streak of 1,505.

My campaign in Bristol North West focuses on six key areas; improving local health care, campaigning for better public transport links throughout our city (both rail and bus), backing our local high streets (like Britain’s biggest and best high street – Gloucester Road) and keeping free car parking, making our communities safer, protecting our beautiful green spaces, and promoting more home building prioritising brownfield sites. I am also passionate about youth engagement and women’s political leadership.

Bristol is a fantastic city which I am proud to call my home and would love to have the opportunity to represent our area in the House of Commons and be a strong voice for Bristolians in Westminster.

Mary Page (Green)

Darren Jones (Labour)

Laura Saunders (Conservative)

Caroline Gooch (Lib Dem)

It takes two to tutu ...

CELEBRITIES are backing an anti-loneliness campaign from Flamingo Chicks, the dance organisation for sick and disabled children.

They are joining in It Takes Two to Tutu, in which they design tutus that are made up, one to fit the adult and one the child.

Among those taking part are Lorraine Kelly, Evie Pickerill and Andy Day from Cbeebies, Gladiator Fury (aka Jodie Ounsley), Angela Rippon, Amy Dowden, Briony May Williams, Michael Gunning, Lost Voice Guy, Carrie & David Grant, Jayne Middlemiss, Gail Porter, Olive Grey and Marcus Ramtohul.

The charity has launched the campaign after a survey to mark its tenth birthday revealed that many of Britain’s 1.8 million disabled children are lonely.

The poll, to mark the organisation’s 10th anniversary, indicates that 45% of disabled children feel lonely regularly and of those children, 15% feel lonely every single day. That means 270,000 disabled young people in the UK feel alone 365 days a year.

The tutus are the most beautiful creations, bursting with colour and contrast! Briony’s tutu for example features an array of cooking utensils offset with neon animal print. Amy Dowden’s tutu is made of shimmery pink sequins and features Welsh Dragons, daffodils and is edged with Breast Cancer ribbons. Fury’s

tutu features her signature blue braids, cochlear implants and is emblazoned with bright Gladiator hues of red and blue.

The tutus are now on sale at flamingochicks.org/tutus

Flamingo Chicks founder Katie Sparkes said: We’re hugely grateful to all our celebrities for taking part and helping us highlight this important issue.”

Flamingo Chicks, which campaigns to break down barriers to inclusion, wants more awareness of the loneliness felt by disabled children and their families.

The charity is also working to expand its dance class provision. Last year 11,589 disabled children and friends went through Flamingo Chicks’ classes across the UK.

Now taking bookings in your area!

• For people unable to drive but wish to remain independent

• Supported trips to the doctor, hospital, shops, hairdresser…

• Social outings, holidays, help at home & much, much more

• DBS checked, First-Aid trained & Dementia friendly

• Wheelchair Accessible & Fully Licensed Vehicle

To book your Daisy: 07951 079 558 / 0333 014 6211 northbristol@drivingmissdaisy.co.uk / www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk

Briony May with her pink tutu and swimmer Michael Gunning with his creation

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS Stephen Williams, Caroline Gooch and Nicholas Coombes

ANOTHER month, another election! Only a few weeks after we – Nicholas Coombes, Caroline Gooch and Stephen Williams – were sworn in as councillors for Westbury & Henleaze, the Prime Minister called a General Election. As political activists, we are back out campaigning, but as your new local councillors, we also have a job to do. This column reports on our work locally and at the City Hall on your behalf.

All three members of our team were elected to leading roles at the Council’s Annual General Meeting last month. This means that as your representatives we will have significant influence over how the council is run.

Cllr Stephen Williams is the Chair of the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee, which oversees public health, community safety, libraries, trading standards, sports and parks. Stephen is well prepared for this broad portfolio, having been on the equivalent committee when he last served on the council in the 1990s and covered many of the issues as an MP and minister. As a regular library user, he is particularly concerned about the frequent closures of Henleaze and Westbury libraries and is seeking an urgent action plan from the Head of Libraries. His committee has agreed to develop a new strategy for a sustainable future for the city’s libraries. This is a major piece of work to take place over the next year and will feature in future editions of Voice. Stephen has also been appointed to the Licensing Committee.

Cllr Caroline Gooch is Vice-Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, which is chaired by the Leader of the Council. This is a key committee which coordinates work and budgets across the council. Caroline has also been appointed to the health scrutiny committee

where she has been perusing the draft annual reports from our local health providers, and she now sits on Development Control Committee B, meaning that she will be determining controversial planning applications.

Cllr Nicholas Coombes is ViceChair of the Audit Committee, which monitors and reports on council performance. In recent years this has been a key channel for scrutinising council decisions; now with a more transparent governance system it should be able to focus on day-to-day service delivery. Nicholas has also been appointed to the Transport and Connectivity Committee, utilising his experience as an infrastructure planner.

Locally in Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze, we have been working on issues including vans on the Downs, refuse collection, Canford Park pond, street lights, delayed planning applications, road works and the bane of all our lives potholes. Thank you to the many residents who have brought issues to our attention, you can contact us via:

· Cllr.nicholas.coombes@bristol.gov. uk - 07386698750

· Cllr.caroline.gooch@bristol.gov.uk07386698669

• Cllr.stephen.williams@bristol.gov. uk - 07386698772

Issues of note include:

Bins and recycling: Bristol Waste have reorganised their routes recently, which was supposed to solve the missed collections issue. Unfortunately, it seems to have simply relocated the regularly missed

streets. If your collection is missed, you have a 24-hour window to report it, from 5pm on the missed day, until 5pm the following day. Please do let us know if they don’t come back, or this is a recurring problem. Caroline has chased up on several missed collections, as well as having her own missed! The council will soon begin the process of deciding whether to renew Bristol waste’s contract. There is also a process underway to hire a new managing director who will be tasked with improving things.

Many residents have mentioned to us their concerns about the growing numbers of people living in caravans and vans parked on the roads around the Downs. Caroline and Stephen have met with representatives of the Friends of the Downs to discuss the many issues arising. We are determined to find a solution that not only makes the Downs an attractive place for all Bristolians to enjoy but also provides help for van dwellers to find permanent homes and sustainable and safe “meanwhile” sites.

Several users of Canford Park contacted us about the plant infestation of thick vegetation on the

surface of the pond, obscuring the water beneath. Stephen contacted the head of parks for urgent action and the pond was fenced off the next day. At the time of writing an ecological assessment has taken place of both the infestation and the wildlife living in the pond and the council is waiting expert advice about safe eradication of the infestation.

Notices: The deadline for Spring Covid-19 top-up vaccinations, for people aged 75 or over or severely immunosuppressed, is approaching. Walk-in clinics are still available for Covid-19 top-up vaccinations until 30 June. Details and times of clinics across Bristol can be found at www. grabajab.net

The council have some grant funding to help high street businesses reduce their carbon emissions. Grants of £500 - £5000 are available through the Greener High Streets Grant. Apply at https://www. bristol.gov.uk/business/businesssupport-and-advice/high-streets/ city-centre-and-high-streetsrecovery/greener-high-streetsgrant-scheme or go onto the Bristol City Council website and search for Greener High Streets Grant.

Ukrainian school helps preserve culture

AMID the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Ukrainians in Bristol have taken a step to preserve their cultural heritage by establishing a school.

The initiative aims to ensure that future generations pass down and cherish Ukrainian traditions and language.

The Bristol Ukrainian School opened its doors on May 25 at the Ukrainian Hub at Westburyon-Trym Methodist Church on Westbury Hill. Very much regarded as an ‘inclusive church’, the Methodist Church has held a Ukrainian Hub every Wednesday since hostilities began for refugees to learn English and integrate into the community. So it was fitting that the church would also provide the premises for the school and its young members.

Antonina Grebeniuk, the school’s founder, said: “This initiative marks an exciting moment for our Ukrainian community. Our aim is to create an enriching environment where children can immerse themselves in the beauty of Ukrainian heritage. Through lessons and playful activities, they will learn about traditions, history, and language, all while connecting with peers who share their native tongue.

The Ukrainian School Bristol has formed a partnership with the Ukraine Aid and Welfare Charity, also founded by Antonina and trustees William Maude-Roxby, Tetiana Bezsmertna, and Oleksandra Vereshchagina.

William Maude-Roxby said: “We are thrilled to witness the

pride and joy that children experience when communicating in their own language. Our school serves as a vital hub for students to connect with their peers and maintain a strong bond with their cultural heritage.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the positive impact on their sense

of identity and community. But the Ukrainian School is not our only project that needs funding. There are other urgent and heartbreaking causes, such as the plight of premature babies in Ukraine who desperately need our support.”

The school is staffed by

volunteers, many of whom are recent immigrants and refugees from Ukraine. These volunteers bring with them a deep understanding of Ukrainian culture and a passion for educating the younger generation. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and interactive, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, folk music, and traditional crafts.

Established as part of the educational aims of Ukraine Aid and Welfare, the school is keen to attract further volunteers, and would also welcome support from local businesses interested in ensuring its continued success. For further information, please see https://www.uaw.org.uk/

Chantry Court is a vibrant retirement community where laughter and support go

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Hilary hands over the WoTSoc reins

WESTBURY ON TRYM SOCIETY

AT the Westbury Society’s recent AGM, Hilary Long retired as current Chairman and handed over to Andy Renshaw. Hilary has been a founder member of the Society since its inception in 1972 and has been Chairman twice during the last 20 years.

During her time as Chairman, she ensured the wonderful flower displays in the village continued despite all the various problems that have occurred. She has been involved in many campaigns to help to retain local amenities and to stop harmful developments. By her own reckoning her greatest achievement was leading a campaign to prevent the boundary commission subsuming Westbury’s historic village into Henleaze as part of that ward. Instead, it became the first named in a two-ward partnership.

‘A longstanding partnership’ is the manner in which she would like her work to be regarded –“None of it would have been possible without the hard work of a small team of active members in their various roles and the support of the membership for the bigger projects”, she said today “ above all I thank my life partner, husband Bill for all his back-up, participation and patience for these many years!”

She has been at the forefront of work to tidy the centre of the village, working monthly along with colleagues from SUSWOT, to maintain the Packhorse Garden in Chock Lane and was hugely involved in development of the new entrance to Canford Park where the five trees were donated by other organisations and individuals to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Canford has benefited from bulb planting and work in the sunken garden from work with the Society’s gardening team. With Keith Sheather, 15 years ago, she masterminded the production of a film celebrating the history of the village (now available on YouTube).

As a representative member of the Society, Hilary is now a Trustee of the Village Hall, where in the past she produced many entertainments with historical themes and inspiration to help in raising funds for its restoration. Just two years ago, she organised a lunch and Gilbert and Sullivan Society concert to celebrate the Society’s 50th anniversary, which was a great success. She created many different forms of decoration of the hall for these events and has continued with these each Christmas time.

Although now retired from leadership,

Hilary will continue to organise activities for the Society including a new programme of evening talks at the library and gardening (plus weeding!) around the village. An oak tree for King Charles III in Canford Park will complete her contributions this autumn and hopefully a long planned Civic Society history plaque will celebrate the famous William Canynge’s life at the College in the 15th century later this year.

New chairman Andy Renshaw noted that there have only been four chairpersons during the Society’s history and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was set up. Andy is delighted that since the AGM two additional members have been co-opted onto the committee to help manage the Society’s work.

The Society will face challenges in a number of areas over the next few years:

• Maintaining the much loved flower displays in the village which so many visitors enjoy;

• Helping to make Westbury a more attractive place to visit for shopping doing business and leisure –using our history to greater advantage, campaigning for public toilets and liaising with the businesses and other groups, such as SusWoT.

• Continuing to engage with the council over planning matters, traffic issues, park maintenance and trees;

• Working to mitigate the impact of additional traffic that the housing developments in South Gloucestershire, off Cribbs Causeway, will bring; and

• Restoring membership numbers, which reduced following Covid times and encouraging more participation in Society activities from members of the community.

On that note Andy would be delighted to welcome new members.

You can find out more and obtain a membership form on the Society’s website: westburyontrymsociety.org.uk

Calling all gardeners, artists, bakers ...

HENBURY FLOWER SHOW

THE organisers of the Henbury Flower Show would like to welcome you to the beautiful, historic Henbury Village Hall and gardens where the 2024 show will be held on Saturday 20th July. Henbury Village Hall is a Grade II-listed community building, originally constructed in 1624, located in the picturesque conservation area of Henbury, adjacent to the Blaise Castle House and parkland.

The Henbury Flower Show is organised by a group of local volunteers and has been running for over three decades, albeit in a reduced format for 2015 – 2017. After this brief reduction, the new committee were very excited to successfully relaunch the show in 2018 with 60 show classes available

for entrants to participate in and a host of awards for the worthy winners. The 2018 –2023 shows were a huge success and the committee look forward to growing further on this success for this year.

The 2024 show will now have 70 show classes for all the gardeners, bakers, artists, flower arrangers and photographers from our community. It is a lot of fun exhibiting

and getting to meet other enthusiasts, so the organisers hope that plenty of people, of all ages, will come and “have a go”.

This year will also host a plant sale and White Elephant stall during the show and teas, coffees and light refreshments will be available. There will also be cards, jewellery, artwork and craft stalls. Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket and visit the garden for a stall hosted by The Westbury Country Market. Profits from the show are in aid of the Village Hall.

For those wishing to exhibit in the 2024 Show, please visit www.henburyflowershow. co.uk to take a look at the list of classes, find entry Information and forms, and the full show regulations. The deadline for entry forms to be submitted is Wednesday 17th July.

Hilary and Bill Long

n HISTORY with JULIAN LEA-JONES

WHEN we look at human affairs with hindsight, it usually makes us all very clever, and it is sometimes possible to identify a key ‘what if’ moment. The following events relate to a momentous one, and one wonders what a different sort of place the world would be today if the events I am about to recount had panned out differently.

The Dinwiddies were a Glasgow merchant family whose son Robert went to university. Robert became a colonial administrator and in 1724 was appointed Royal Collector of Customs for Bermuda. Meanwhile in New Providence (now the Bahamas), their Governor was Bristol’s famous Woodes Rogers, (his commemorative blue plaque can still be seen on the west side of Queen Square). Illness forced his return to England, providing an opportunity for Robert Dinwiddie, who had a reputation for probity, shrewdness and understanding of the colonists’ problems, including their desperate need for coinage. Horace Walpole offered him a new post: Surveyor-General of

Customs for the whole of the Southern District of the American Colonies and the Bahamas. This meant that after sixteen years in Bermuda, he took over from Woodes Rogers in 1742 before becoming Virginia’s LieutenantGovernor. Although he had a generally harmonious relationship with the colonists and the governing council, upholding of the Royal prerogative caused problems. Each time he certified a land patent a quit rent imposed on the land grant. His insistence on the payment of this tax to the amount of a Spanish Pistole, (a coin worth about £1), indicated a serious lack of judgment. This action was an event that added to the colonists many grievances that precipitated the war for independence.

At that time many were expressing anxieties about the strong possibility of an impending ‘bloody war’ with the French. One problem was that he could see that these tracts lay across the French’s own line of expansion which ran from Canada to their Louisiana settlements. An

advocate of British expansion into the west, he employed a young lieutenant to survey the state of the Ohio River forts and enemy’s strengths. So impressed by the courage, acumen and comprehensiveness of his report that he promoted him to lieutenant colonel, whose name was George Washington. The rest as they say, ‘is history’. The pressures of office and the war badly taxed Dinwiddie's health and at his own request he was relieved of office in 1758, and together with his wife and two daughters returned to Bath for his health before dying July 27th 1770 in Bristol. His memorial plaque was in St Andrews Parish church in Clifton, until destroyed by second world war bombing. My thanks to the late Marguerite Fedden for her copy of his memorial.

Thus representing a true ‘hinge moment’ in human history. Suppose Robert Dinwiddie hadn’t given that young lieutenant that promotion and opportunity for leadership, would the world be a different place?

© Julian Lea-Jones

COPY OF INSCRIPTION ON ROBERT DINWIDDIE'S MONUMENT

In this Church are deposited the Remains of ROBERT DINWIDDIE, Esq. formerly Governor of Virginia.

Who Deceased July 27th 1770 in the 78th years of his Age.

The Annals of that Country will testify

With what Judgement, Activity, and Zeal he exerted himself In the Public Cause

When the whole North American Continent was involved in a French & Indian War

His Rectitude of Conduct in his Government

And integrity in other Public Employments

Add a lustre to his Character which was revered while he lived

And will be held in estimation whilst his Name survives

His more private Virtues and the amiable social qualities he possessed

Were the happiness of his numerous Friends and Relations,

Many of whom shared his Bounty

All lament his Loss

As his happy Dispositions for domestic Life

Were best known to his affectionate Wife & Daughters

They have, Erected this Monument

To the Memory of his Conjugal and Paternal Love

Which They will ever cherish and revere

With that Piety and Tenderness He so greatly merited.

Farwell Blest Shade, no more will Grief oppress Propitious Angels guide Thee to thy Rest.

No need for an expensive care

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

No need for an expensive care home

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

home

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Care in your own home

need for an expensive care home

people want to stay in their own home as they get older

home your own live in carer home as they get older

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

independent at home with your own live in carer want to stay in their own home as they get older

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

No need for an expensive care home

Care in your own home

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

No need for an expensive care home

No need for an expensive care home

No need for an expensive care home

No need for an expensive care home

No need for an expensive care home

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

in carers since 1986

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

at an affordable cost

Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 only the very best care at an affordable cost

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

0800 111 4885 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Call for a brochure today 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Share buybacks for private limited companies

For private limited companies, share buybacks are commonly used where:

• a shareholder wants to exit a company on retirement;

• it has been agreed for a shareholder to move on from a company but the remaining shareholders are unable to fund a share purchase; or

• where a company is sitting on surplus cash and the reserves can be used to reduce a shareholding.

What is a share buyback?

A share buyback is where a company uses some of its distributable reserves to purchase some of its issued shares from a shareholder. After the shares are bought back they are usually cancelled, meaning the remaining shareholders are left with a larger share of the Company. Share buybacks are therefore commonly utilised as a form of exit strategy for an outgoing shareholder.

What are the main benefits?

Where a private limited company buys back shares, rather than declaring a dividend, the cash in the hands of the selling shareholder can, subject to certain conditions being met, be treated as capital so liable to capital gains tax rather than income.

By utilising a company’s available distributable reserves, remaining shareholders may not have to secure external or personal funding in order to take control of a company and buy out retiring shareholders.

Risks of a share buyback being void

When implementing a share buyback, certain rules must be followed or the transaction will be void. If a buyback is void, the selling Shareholders would still legally own the shares and in theory would be entitled to any dividends declared since the

date of the void share Buyback. This could be particularly damaging to the remaining shareholders who try to sell a business at a later date only to find they have a void buyback agreement to deal with first.

Ensuring a buyback is not void. Review of articles of association – if the articles do not allow a buyback of own shares, the articles must be amended first. If the articles contain any preemption rights on share transfer, these must be adhered to or amended before the buyback can take place.

A buyback contract and shareholder approval – the shareholders will need to see a copy of the buyback contract and must approve the buyback in a general meeting or by written resolution. If the buyback is out of capital, an additional resolutions and transaction documents will be needed.

Funding the buyback – the company must have sufficient distributable reserves, or use its available capital to purchase the shares and they must be paid for at time of purchase. It is possible to structure a buyback over multiple tranches but careful drafting and tax advice is needed to achieve this.

Post-completion administration – following completion, the shares bought back must be cancelled or held in treasury, stamp duty may be payable, company registers must be updated and key documents must be filed with Companies House.

For advice on share buybacks or any other corporate requirements, please contact Grant McCall on 0117 973 3989, by email to info@amdsolicitors.com, or by attending one of our 4 Bristol offices.

The power of kindness

PUPILS in Years 3 and 4 at Redmaids’ High Junior School took part in a week of activities dedicated to kindness and compassion.

During lessons such as art, music, drama and dance, the girls were creative and reflective in thinking about how acts of kindness can have a big impact. Paying attention to their own actions and those of others, they recorded their kind deeds each day and then wrote them in a kindness diary.

In art, the girls looked at the image of The Khamsa and the Five Pillars of Islam. They looked at Islamic patterns, geometry and symbols and learned that the third pillar of Islam is Zakat; charity and giving to those in need. The girls created their own Khamsa paintings with symbols and decorative patterns.

The girls enjoyed learning about how music is used in

worship to show kindness in different world religions. They learned hymns linked to The Good Samaritan, a Jewish prayer song and composed their own kindness chants inspired by Buddhism.

The girls took part in a dance workshop led by Avtar’s Indian Culture & Dance, who taught the girls about the importance of community and serving others in Hinduism and Sikhism through traditional dance.

Finally, they were visited by a therapy dog called Roydon from the national charity Pets As Therapy (PAT). The girls met him in small groups and enjoyed his calming presence while they read him stories.

n NEWS FROM S us WoT

Great work! River clean-up team praised

IN June Trout in the Trym celebrated finishing cleaning the Trym and Hazel Brook river system. Simon Hunter, the Chief Executive Officer for Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, came to the event and congratulated the group on their work. He said it was one of the largest river cleaning exercises in the area and spoke about issues affecting rivers in the country, the biggest being sewage.

Some facts about cleaning the Trym and Hazel Brook:

• Work started in summer 2018

• 15 motorbikes have been pulled from the river and too many supermarket trollies to count

• The Trym and Hazel Brook river system has been all been cleaned at least once

• Estimated total rubbish removed

300 tonnes

• More than 100 volunteers have taken part over the six years

• There have been two activities most weeks since Covid, Friday 10-12 and Sunday 11-1pm

• The green spaces around the

n NEWS

river: Sea Mills Open Space, Southmead Trym Valley Open Space and Crow Lane Open Space, have been almost completely cleared of rubbish

• Cleaners work closely with Bristol Parks and Bristol Waste who take away the rubbish

• A follow up project 'Keep it Clean' to keep the green spaces clean has started

• The river will be cleaned again starting in the autumn as new rubbish is exposed.

• At least 90% of the rubbish is historic, both in the green spaces and the river

• River cleaners have been trained through Bristol Parks

• Cleaning kit, via grants, has come from BART and Bristol Avon

School of Sanctuary

MONTPELIER High School has received a School of Sanctuary Award.Pupils attended an event with the Lord Mayor, Councillor Andrew Varney, to celebrate with other schools that have the status.

The award recognises “good practice in fostering a culture of welcome, belonging and solidarity for those seeking safety”.

Montpelier High School operates a peer tutoring programme run by the charity Jacari in which sixth-formers volunteer to give language support to younger children who have recently arrived in the country.

At the award ceremony, some MHS students performed speeches and a song, both in English and in their home languages, sharing details of their own journeys - physical, emotional, and linguistic.

Catchment Partnership

• Working with Wessex Water to improve water quality by dealing with sewage overflows

• Himalayan Balsam has nearly all been removed

• During this time we have had four Prime Ministers, two monarchs and left the EU

Unfortunately having a clean river and surrounding space does not stop litter and rubbish being thrown in the river or dropped in the surrounding green spaces. To deal with this a new project Keep it Clean has been started. The aim of the project is to recruit and equip about 25 people, who will each look after a small part of the green space. Ideally the people

will live on a road that leads up to the Trym and can keep that road clean too.

It would be too dangerous to allow people working alone to keep the river clean so there will be an ongoing programme of river cleaning activities. We have found that each winter, when there is a stronger flow of water in the river, more silt and mud is washed downstream exposing more historic rubbish that can then be removed.

Many thanks to the Mouse pub for providing an excellent celebration buffet lunch.

If you are interested in helping with any SusWoT activities, please email suswot2050@gmail.com.

Alex Dunn

River cleaners gather by the Trym to celebrate their efforts to improve the Trym and Hazel Brook

Simon Hunter, from BART

n LIFESTYLE

How you can live well for longer

Words by Age UK Bristol and Dr Jitka Vseteckova, Ageing Well

Expert at The Open University.

Over the last 30 years, ageing well research has exploded. So, how can we age well and give ourselves the best chance of a longer, healthier, happier life?

Attitude matters: Research has found that our attitude to our age has an impact on our health and wellbeing – people who have a positive view of their ageing, recognising its potential for personal growth, are more likely to enjoy much better health into their 70s and beyond than others who associate ageing with decline.

Our age beliefs can also have a direct effect on our bodies: older people who have been exposed to negative age stereotypes tend to have higher blood pressure in response to challenges, while others who have seen positive stereotypes have a lesser reaction. This makes sense: if you believe that you are frail and vulnerable, small difficulties can start to feel more threatening. Our culture is full of ageist messages that reinforce damaging age beliefs and negatively impact older adults. Greetings cards, phrases and headlines often depict negative views of ageing. This is not good for anyone and we need to challenge these stereotypes as aside from anything else they are quite simply not true.

Lifestyle: A striking fact is that much of our ageing rate is within our gift: until we hit 80 years, well over two thirds (70-80%) of our ageing rate is determined by environmental factors. Here are some of the key factors:

Hydration is so important: As we get older our sensation of thirst diminishes and chronic dehydration (even if mild) is common. This impacts memory, affects the kidneys and can cause muscle damage, so keep drinking (6-8 cups of water every day).

Physical activity: We all know exercise is good for us, but it

isn’t always easy. The good news is that even small amounts of regular movement goes a long way. Walking, climbing stairs, lifting shopping – everything counts.

As we age we lose muscle naturally and so strengthening exercises help stay strong and stable, reducing the chances of falls particularly in later years.

Nutrition: Obesity increases our risk of many diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Scientists are also increasingly studying our gut microbiome as research is showing this has an effect on our health and wellbeing. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, low in ultra-processed foods is

definitely good for the body and mind.

Think – an old dog CAN learn new tricks! Our brains are amazing, and we can keep our brain flexible by continuing our learning – music, languages, books – these are all feeding the brain.

Connect and engage: Laughter is great for the body and mind. The dose of dopamine essentially gives the brain a workout by firing lots of synapses; it also reduces stress and boosts mood. The average four-year-old laughs 300 times a day, whereas the average 40-year-old laughs four. People laugh more with those they are close to, so challenge yourself

to get together with friends and laugh like a child.

Attitude: We can try to rethink our perceptions of our ageing. By learning to reject negative beliefs and appreciate some of the positive changes that come with age, we can have a more positive ageing process both in body and mind.

We recognise that changing routines aren’t always easy and don’t guarantee longevity. However we recommend trying out some of the tips below to kickstart your journey to feeling healthier.

Age UK Bristol’s tips to age well:

• Practise balancing by standing on one leg whilst brushing your teeth

• Set an alarm to drink regular glasses of water throughout the day

• Choose a new vegetable you wouldn’t normally buy from the supermarket and look up a recipe that uses it

• Join an Age UK Bristol Tai Chi session: www.ageuk.org. uk/bristol/our-services/ linkage/tai-chi-shibashi/

• Mix your nuts – have a helping of mixed nuts and seeds that you eat over the day

• Spend 5 minutes doing something creative: draw a picture, play an instrument, do an origami online tutorial

• Offer to walk someone’s dog – spending time with animals is calming and walking in nature is good for the body and brain

• Learn something new! Check out the Open University’s Open Learn for a range of courses for everyone or look into the Bristol U3A.

• Join Age UK Bristol’s Friends Ageing Better to meet new people near you: https://www. ageuk.org.uk/bristol/ourservices/fab/

n NATURE WATCH with

Dawn Lawrence

Ten years of urban wildlife observations

IT is ten years since I began writing about our urban wildlife on these pages and to celebrate (and because I almost missed this month’s deadline…) I am recycling a column from my first year.

In a well-balanced ecosystem every pest has its predator and some of our favourite garden visitors think of those pests as lunch! Blue tits and great tits prefer to feed their young on caterpillars at first, then later they will move on to aphids. We once found a thrush’s anvil in our garden; a large angular stone against which the song thrush had been busy breaking the shells of snails plucked from our flower beds. In return for those snails, he sings us his tuneful and inventive song. Slugs are much less palatable to birds, though once, in a dry spell, we watched a blackbird wiping a big slug against a brick to remove the slime before gulping it down with a look of distaste in his beady yellow eye. However, the violet ground beetle loves the taste of wet slug on a cold morning. These beautiful beetles have black wing cases tinged with violet with a shining edge when they catch the light.

Certain species acquire an undeserved notoriety amongst gardeners. Some dislike the

rose chafer beetle because of its reputation for eating rose petals and, in the words of one disapproving gardener, “because they do buzz so!” For me their buzzing is a pleasant musical accompaniment to warm summer days, but it is true, they will nibble roses as part of their diet. However, they also are brilliant at making compost – this is junior beetle’s job. Find a big fat grub in your compost heap? Think, “oh yuk!”

or maybe even, “hmm... perhaps sauté with garlic and ginger?” Stop! This ugly grub is no idle squatter, it is busily turning your garden waste into valuable compost. And then it will turn itself into a sparkling metallic green beetle and go and fly into a garden wall and land upside down on the pavement, where it will catch your eye as it lies there wriggling its golden-rose underbelly (they’re not great fliers!). So please, don’t crush it: pick it up and place it on a flower. It’s done sterling work making compost for most of its life, surely we can spare it a few bites of rose petal in return during its few weeks of adult life.

Now, I can’t claim that installing a couple of tit boxes in your garden will sort out your aphid problems and nor will the ground beetles ever eradicate all the slugs but it is worth choosing a specific molluscide to apply to your slugs, and an aphidicide for your roses rather than a wide spectrum pesticide which will kill off your ground beetles and ladybirds as well as your slugs and aphids. And it is worth installing a bird box for the tits, if only for the sheer pleasure of watching them!

© Dawn Lawrence

A rose chafer on hogweed. Photograph by Rupert Higgins Photo: Rupert Higgins

n NEWS

New committee era begins at city council

THE committee system at Bristol City Council is up and running following the elections in May. Councillors met to elect members to key roles at the authority and vote for this year’s Lord Mayor.

Councillors voted to establish eight new Policy Committees and agree which members would hold the roles of Chairs and Vice Chairs for each committee.

The eight Policy Committee Chairs are:

• Cllr Lorraine Francis, Chair of the Adult Social Care Committee

• Cllr Christine Townsend, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee

• Cllr Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee

• Cllr Martin Fodor, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee

• Cllr Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee

• Cllr Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee

• Cllr Tony Dyer (Leader of the Council) and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee

• Cllr Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee

Each cross-party Policy Committee is responsible for project and policy decisions,

June, 2024

n WHAT'S ON

and gentle exercises from 11am. No charge. www.keynshamdaa. co.uk, ksdaa22@gmail.com or 07392442966.

while the Policy Chairs role is to lead the work of each Committee and represent the committee at a local and regional level. Alongside the eight Policy Committees, councillors also appointed chairs to the SubCommittees, Regulatory Committees, and Other Committees:

• Cllr Abdul Malik, Chair of the Finance SubCommittee

• Cllr Tim Wye, Chair of the Heath Scrutiny Sub-Committee

• Cllr Rob Bryher, Chair of the Development Control Committee A

• Cllr Don Alexander, Chair of the Development Control Committee B

• Cllr Sarah Classick, Chair of the Public Safety and Protection Committee

• Cllr John Goulandris, Chair of the Public Rights of Way and Greens Committee

• Cllr Timothy Rippington, Chair of the Audit Committee

• Cllr Kye Dudd, Chair of the Human Resources Committee

• Cllr Fabian Breckels, Chair of the Licensing Committee

Cllr Tony Dyer was sworn in as the Leader of Bristol City Council. While addressing councillors in the chamber during his maiden speech, Tony said: “Each of you, as

decision makers within this council, now have the power to affect the lives of tens of thousands of Bristol residents, often, and I hope positively, but, given the financial, environmental and social pressures facing our city, there will be times when you will have to make tough decisions.

“All of us, as a collective body of powerful decision makers need to accept the great responsibility of ensuring those decisions are made in both a timely and informed manner and to the best of our ability. Our citizens deserve nothing less.”

Full Council also appointed Cllr Heather Mack as Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Andrew Varney to the position of Lord Mayor with Cllr Paul Goggin taking up the role of Deputy Lord Mayor.

Following the result of a referendum in May 2022, the council has now adopted a new system of governance. The new Committee System has replaced the Mayoral and Cabinet model, and is led by 70 councillors, representing Bristol’s 34 wards. New decisions will be made by either Full Council, a committee, or council officers depending on the money needed to be spent/ saved and the number of wards effected. You can find out more on the council website.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Previously known as We Care & Repair we have over 30 years of experience

n Longwell Green Orchestra

meet each Thursday at Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.40pm. We have players of all abilities. Email Contact@ longwellgreenorchestra.org.uk or 07972 844073 beforehand to tell us what instrument and what level.

n Mat Pilates Classes

more unusual items. Every second Saturday (same as Keynsham Farmers Market), 10am–12pm. Website keynshamrepaircafe. wixsite.com/home.

Sundays

Come and learn with us!

Taught by Physiotherapist Kate

Thurs 7-7.55pm (intermediate) Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners)

St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham. 6 week block of classes £54. You are welcome to do a trial class first £10.

We specialise in:

Accessible bathroom & kitchen installations

Home

1:1 sessions also available at my studio in Saltford.

Book online or by contacting Kate - 07454 047536, www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

Our aim

Fridays

Appointed provider for:

to improve

n NEW Pilates Class

Fridays 10.30am

Mixed ability level, beginners welcome.

6 week block of classes £54.

Trial class £10.

St Francis Church Hall, Warwick Rd, Keynsham.

n Keynsham Kings Flag American Football. Do you fancy trying out a new sport? Do you love the NFL? Flag American football is taking the UK by storm as a fastpaced, non-contact version of American football. Training: Sundays 10.30am-1pm, Manor Road Playing Fields. Mixed sport - anyone 16 yearsplus welcome. No previous experience needed. Contact us for more info on the Keynsham Kings Facebook or Instagram pages.

Choirs join up for concert

KEYNSHAM Music Festival will include a choir concert at St John’s Church on Friday July 5. It will feature

SOUTH Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS) offers a wide range of university-level courses at Levels 4 and 5, including Certificates of Higher Education, Foundation Degrees and Higher National Certificates/Diplomas.

These courses are recognised by industry and are equivalent to the first year or first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Key facts about these qualifications:

l They are flexible and can be studied full or part-time

l They are highly vocational, equipping you with the real skills that industries need

l The one to two-year duration means you finish your studies more quickly

l If you’re already working, your studies can fit around your existing commitments and help you develop skills or boost your confidence

l Group sizes are kept small, allowing for tailored teaching and learning environments

l Student finance can be applied for, depending on eligibility

l Tutors are highly qualified and industry-experienced

l Subjects are varied and include: Education & Learning, Business, Leadership & Management, Specialist Make-up Design, Sports Media, Media Production, Fine Art, Computer Games Design, Game Art, Zoological Management and Conservation

l You can use them as a stepping stone directly into industry or further study

For more details, visit http://uni. sgscol.ac.uk or speak to our friendly admissions team at headmissions@ sgscol.ac.uk

Call to stop sale of 'really sh*t food' in our city

A NEW action plan to halt rising obesity levels in Bristol could take a “system-wide approach” and oppose companies “selling really s*** food”. Public health experts believe systemic changes are needed in the wider Bristol region to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Changes could be coming to school dinners and meals served in hospitals, after concerns about the quality and healthiness of this food. One council boss said companies were “perpetuating really poor diets”, and called for similar measures to antismoking policies.

Action will be coordinated across councils and NHS organisations that form the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System. The plan was discussed during a meeting of the health and wellbeing board on May 23 at Bristol City Council.

Emily Moseley, a public

health registrar, said: “One in five children are living with overweight or obesity when they start school, and this increases to one in three by the time they leave school. This has a big impact on the NHS, as obesity is linked to a range of noncommunicable diseases.

“It’s possible that obesity could overtake tobacco and smoking as the biggest cause of preventable death. This impact isn’t felt equally across society, with lower income households facing multiple challenges in managing finances, making it harder to access nutritious food and opportunities to be physically active.”

She added there was a clear link between poverty and obesity. According to the council’s quality of life survey, the area with the highest level of people who are overweight and obese is Stockwood, followed by Brislington East, Henbury and Brentry.

Sold for £3,400

She said: “There are a wide range of factors influencing an individual’s weight. Obesity isn’t based on willpower or personal responsibility. Our healthrelated behaviour and habits are influenced by our income, childhood and where we grow up."

One concern is that the cost of living crisis is making it harder for people in poorer parts of Bristol to access nutritious and healthy food. The solution could form something similar to how public health measures have reduced smoking rates, according to one council boss.

Hugh Evans, executive director of adults and communities, said: “This calls for quite a radical lobby, a strong voice, like an anti-smoking level strong voice, because this is one of the most unfair and healthwise damaging issues. The cynical exploitation of people via the selling of really s*** food, and that perpetuation of really

poor diets through commercial food production and sales, is something that we need to be getting quite strongly opposed to.”

One major issue is how thousands of schoolchildren are fed in Bristol.

Ped Asgarian, director at the Feeding Bristol charity, said: “There are a lot of innovative ways happening around the country that we can look at to provide better food to schools. A lot of caterers are not hitting basic food school standards. There’s no accountability and no auditing for that on a national level at the moment, which is a huge issue.

The charity runs an annual Food Justice Fortnight every summer. This year, from June 23 until July 5, there will be a range of workshops, farm tours and film screenings about food inequality in Bristol.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

for £4,500

Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21

Edwardian diamond bracelet

Andrew Beer, (1862-1954) - Oil on canvas –'Easter Old Bird Fly' Sold

Saturday June 29

n CAR BOOT SALE at Redland Green School, 1-4pm. Community event with live music and refreshments. Organised by the PTA. For further information, contact RGSPTA@redlandgreen.bristol.sch.uk

Sunday June 30

n CITY VOICES BRISTOL, a local community choir, returns to All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd., BS8 3ED at 7pm for their summer concert - a showcase of singing to celebrate the seacon. Tickets cost £10 and will be available on the door or available in advance via Eventbrite

Friday July 5

n WESTBURY SINGERS concert, ‘The Deep Rolling Sea’, songs and ballads celebrating the Ocean (and Love) 7.30pm in Westbury Village Hall, BS9 4AG. Tickets £10, For info visit wotsingers@gmail. com.

Monday July 22

HENLEAZE SENIOR FILM CLUB

The Darjeeling Limited (15). A year after their father’s funeral, three brothers set off on a train voyage across India in an attempt to find themselves and bond with each other. Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman. Carers welcome, easy access Refreshments £4. St. Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze BS9 4LD

REGULAR EVENTS

Various days

n WESTBURY WILDLIFE PARK

The park’s peaceful setting, with children’s play area and cafe, is open for you to enjoy with your friends and family from Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Refer to the website wwpf.uk for events, activities and volunteering opportunities.

n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2, plant table always available. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Café open 10-2 on 15 June and 13 July n WEST OF ENGLAND BRIDGE CLUB meet at the RAFA Club, 38 Eastfield, Henleaze. Thursday afternoon is for improvers, and Monday and Friday afternoons, are for more capable players. These are EBU recognised sessions. You may come alone to any afternoon session or Wednesday evening when a partner will be found. The two evening sessions are Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information go to our website at www.woebridgeclub.co.uk or contact our Secretary Alan on 0117 4526947.

n WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY? North West Bristol Camera Club is a friendly local club with a membership ranging from beginners to those with considerable experience. You will be welcome whether you use a mobile phone or the latest mirrorless camera. Google NWBCC for more details.

n TEATIME CHURCH - Children and families are welcome to join us once a month at the back of Holy Trinity Church in Westbury-onTrym for crafts, games, stories and songs, followed by supper for all the children. There is also a baby/ toddler area and a monthly Lego challenge. This is a very informal service, where children/adults can learn a little about God and the church in a fun and friendly environment. All are very welcome! Please visit our website for further information and monthly dates https://www.westbury-parishchurch.org.uk/teatime-church/ n CANFORD BOWLING CLUB season has started again, and new members of any age or experience would be very welcome. Free coaching is available. Our open day is 25th May. Why wait? If interested please email canfordbowlingclub@ gmail.com or ring 07504254499. Come and give it a go.

n BRISTOL HOME LIBRARY SERVICE - We are a free service for any adult who lives in Bristol and who can’t get to their library but still wants books or audio books. Volunteers call monthly. Contact us if you would like to volunteer or know someone who needs us.

BHLSVisits@royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk or 07714 898558

n BRISTOL STITCHERS - a friendly, independent creative members group which meets three times a month at Helliwell Room (Horfield Parish Church Hall, Horfield) offering Talks, Meet and Stitch sessions, Meet and Stitch Plus and Workshops. More information here: https://bristolstitchers.wordpress. com/about/ Contact Joanne our Chair here: bristolstitcherschair@ gmail.com

Monday

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

n WESTBURY SINGERS: Westbury Singers - If you enjoy singing, we invite you to join our friendly, non-auditioned, 4-part choir in term-time on Monday evenings 7:30pm - 9:30pm at Reedley Road Baptist Church (far left entrance off the car park). Ability to read music useful but not essential. See our website www.westburysingers.org for more information, email us on wotsingers@gmail.com, or simply come along one evening!

Mondays & Fridays

n FLEDGLINGS AT TRYMWOOD STUDIOS Mondays and Fridays, 9.30am - 10.30am. Joyful, nature-based workshops for 0-4s and their carers. Storytelling, poetry, songs, early-years science and maths and art-making - all in our 18th century studio, gardens, and meadowlands. For more information and to book a free taster session: www.trymwoodstudios.co.uk info@trymwoodstudios.co.uk

n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome. See www.dickens-society. org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further details.

n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday 9.45am to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to help to solve some of today's challenging issues with good company, tea and biscuits - contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.

n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. We have interesting speakers, and extra activities of crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. Our lively, friendly and inclusive group welcomes visitors at any meeting. For more information call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917

Mondays & Tuesdays Pilates classes at the Northcote Scout Hall: Mondays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Mixed ability); Tuesdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Beginners). £8.50 per class booked as a course, or £12 single sessions. Small classes, that must be booked in advance. Full details at www.mindbodypilates. org. Contact: Leanne 07817189474 / leanne@mindbodypilates.org

Tuesday

n WESTBURY PARK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Girl Guide Hut on Westmorland Road from 7.00 - 9.30pm. We are an active and friendly group with a varied programme plus extra sessions for craft, coffee, book clubs, walks etc. Visitors are always welcome and for more information do call Sue on 07813795936 or email westburyparkwi@gmail.com

n PILATES WITH JULIE WATERS, Westbury-on-Trym Academy School, Channells Hill, Bristol BS9 3HZ. Tuesday 6.30 pm & 7.30pm term time only. Small friendly groups. Call Julie on 07817 809734 or email jules_waters@hotmail.com for more information.

n WESTBURY FOLK/COUNTRY DANCING - come along to have some fun folk dancing on Tuesdays 1.30 – -3.30pm at Westbury College in College Road. All dances are called and refreshments are available. FFI contact Christine on 07775 628524 or codonnell100@ btinternet.com.

n SCOTTISH DANCING TO GET FIT AND HAVE FUN with Bristol Westbury Scottish Country Dance Club. Classes for beginners (Email: maggiekirkup@gmail.com) and more advanced dancers (Tel: Cheryl 0117 4012416) at St.Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze, Tuesdays 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Details at www. westburyscottish.org.uk

n A GENTLE WAY TO KEEP FIT & HAVE FUN! Chair Aerobics, Tithe Barn, Shirehampton, Tuesdays, 1011am, £7. Maintain and progress your strength, stability and balance at our seated and gentle standing exercise class. Songs from every era to enjoy and complement a workout for mind and body wellness. Call Louisa: 07725 091429. Email Louisa: chairaerobicslouisa@ gmail.com

n KEEP FIT WITH DANCE MOVES – at Horfield Methodist Church BS7 8SN, Tuesday mornings, from 10.15- – 11.15am, and at St Peter’s Church, Filton, BS34 7BQ, Tuesday afternoons, 2- – 3pm. Improve your mobility, strength, co-ordination and general wellbeing whilst while having fun and making new friends. Suitable for all ages. Try first session free. For further information contact Eileen Scott on: 07969 929733, or email: scottyartois@ hotmail.com

n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL is recruiting new members . We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn soothing and uplifting songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join or support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices.org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org.

n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST

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

n WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP meet on Tuesday mornings at Westburyon-Trym Methodist Church, 10.30am-noon. An interesting programme of speakers; come along to make friends. For more details, ring Kate 07905 064720.

Tuesday and Saturday

n BRISTOL HF RAMBLING CLUB

We are a friendly sociable club with a variety of walks. We have 2 Tuesday walks of either 8-9 miles or 5-6 miles. On Saturdays we have varying length walks including a hill walk eg Brecon Beacons once a

month. If you would like more information please visit our website.

Wednesday

n HENLEAZE CHORAL SOCIETYmeets at Henleaze Bowling Club, Grange Court Road, Wednesdays 7.30 to 9pm. A small, unauditioned choir singing varied music. New members welcome. For info, contact Kathy, 0117 949362 http:// www.henleazechoralsociety.org.uk/ n A CLASS FOR EVERYBODY!

Keep Fit, St Peter’s Church, Henleaze, Wednesdays, 10-11am, £7. Improve your health and wellbeing with this low-impact exercise class. With music from the 60s to today’s pop to enjoy a supple strength workout. Call Louisa: 07725 091429. Email Louisa: chairaerobicslouisa@ gmail.com

n A GENTLE WAY TO KEEP FIT & HAVE FUN! Chair Aerobics, St Peter’s Church, Henleaze, Wednesdays, 11.15am-12.15pm, £7. Maintain and progress your strength, stability and balance at our seated and gentle standing exercise class. Songs from every era to enjoy and complement a workout for mind and body wellness. Call Louisa: 07725 091429. Email Louisa: chairaerobicslouisa@gmail.com

n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, open Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Originally a walled kitchen garden. Free to enter. We’re looking for new volunteers. Special Event: 18 November (10-3) Winter Market with Café (Homemade cakes etc) n KNITNATTERSTITCH meet on Wednesdays (term time only) 10-12 @ Henleaze United Reform Church’s coffee bar. For more information contact Paula at knitnatterstitch @ gmail.com

n WELCOME WEDNESDAY

Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB

meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@ yahoo.co.uk

n COME AND ENJOY free tea and cake in a friendly atmosphere

at Holy Trinity Church, Church Rd, Westbury-on-Trym every Wednesday 10.30-12. Call 0117 9508644 (mornings) for more information

n HEALING Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www.westburyparksc.org

n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE

For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www.westburyparksc.org

n SWIFTS INCLUSIVE SPORTS swimming sessions are for adults 18+ with any type of disability (hoist available) 7-8pm. £5 per session at Henbury Leisure Centre. Contact Karen Lloyd at 07734 335 878.

Wednesday & Saturday

n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Each week we’re open Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Events: 6th April Café open 10-2, 4th May Spring Market and Café open 10-3.

Thursday

n HENBURY SINGERS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet each Thursday 7:30 – 9:15 at Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park, BS9 1BW. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. www. henburysingers.org. Contact secretary@henbury singers.org. n TODDLERS TOGETHER is a parent and toddler group for the community. It takes place every Thursday during term time from 10-11.15am at Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church Hall, BS9 3AA. There are toddler toys, a baby area, a weekly craft activity, singing, drinks and biscuits and a final prayer to end the session. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation per family on the door. You can just turn up - no need to pre-book. To find out more about this group, please visit https:// www.westbury-parish-church.org. uk/toddler-group/ n FRIENDLY CLUB meets every Thursday from 2 - 4pm in the Methodist Church Hall, W-O-T. We are a lively group of older people who meet to chat, play Scrabble or cards. Trips out and entertainments are arranged, plus we have tea and biscuits for only £1! Do come and make some new friends.

n ARCHITECTURE & BUILDINGS

GROUP U3A meets at Henleaze United Reformed Church Meeting Room, Waterford Road, 2-4pm on the fourth Thursday of the month except July, August & December. We are a small shared interest group. No previous knowledge required. Contact Rod for further information. Email: rodathey@gmail.com or call 07792 200949.

n SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING – Looking for a new hobby? Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! Thursdays: New/Inexperienced dancers 7–8.30pm (£4). Intermediate/Advanced dancers 7.30–10pm (£6). St Monica Trust, Oatley House Main Hall, BS9 3TN. www.rscdsbristol.info. Contact Ruth 0117 968 3057.

n LADIES KEEP FIT - – Thursdays 10-11am, St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze, £7. This friendly, popular session is suitable for all ages, levels and abilities; it is an all-over workout for cardiovascular fitness as well as toning, and has a dance element. Full information on the website: www.exercisewithlailibrooks.com; Email: laili@tiscali.co.uk to book.

n WEST BRISTOL ORCHESTRA is a small, friendly amateur group that enjoys music-making without public performances. It meets on Thursday nights in term time at St. Peter’s Church, Henleaze at 7.15-9.15pm. We would especially welcome more string players. Please visit our website for further details at maths. bris.ac.uk

n HEALING FOR WELLBEINGFeeling stressed? Healing/Reiki is a gentle, relaxing complementary therapy that helps restore balance and vitality. Drop in sessions with trained volunteers on Thursdays 3.30 - 4.45pm at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. Donation basis. For information and dates, visit www.facebook.com/BristolHealingGroup or contact Selina on 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@ yahoo.co.uk.

n HENLEAZE FLOWER CLUB welcomes new members. Annual membership £52. Demonstration meetings on 2nd Thursday of the month, 2pm, Bradbury Hall Waterford Rd. Henleaze. Plus optional Practice Classes on 4th Thursday. We meet every month except December and August. Please contact Jenny York, Club Chair yorkjenny2@yahoo or phone/text 07880 700270

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28n SINGING TO REMEMBER We meet

n WHAT'S ON

on 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday from 2 - 3.45 pm in The Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze. It is a friendly, supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. Anyone interested can phone me 0117 9426095 to book a place or discuss.

n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@bristolbach.org.uk

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

n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR

Come and join us at St Peter’s Church Hall. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45.

There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278.

n FOLK NIGHT every third Wednesday of the month at the Victoria inn Chock lane, Westbury on Trym. 7.30-10.30pm. All musicians and singers welcome or just pop in and listen. Call 0117 959 0834

Friday

n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for further details.

n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE - Come and meet a group of friendly people and enjoy talks in Spanish, musical events and social evenings. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https:// www.spanishcirclebristol.com/.

good to talk...

“ ”

n HIGHBURY BADMINTON CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www. pete4458.wixsite.com/highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, W-on-T Village Hall n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us at St Peter’s Church Hall. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278.

n FOLK NIGHT every third Wednesday of the month at the Victoria inn Chock lane, Westbury on Trym. 7.3010.30pm. All musicians and singers welcome or just pop in and listen. Call 0117 959 0834

Saturday

n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am12pm, every second Saturday of the month (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers. Donations welcome. FFI see our Facebook page @seamillsrepaircafe or email: repaircafe.seamills@ gmail.com

Kicking

off new event

ST Peter’s Hospice is launching a new event — the Bristol Women's five-a-side fundraiser.

The charity has teamed up with Bristol Rovers Women's FC and Bristol Rovers Community Trust for the competition at Lockleaze Sports Centre on July 17.

Officials at the tournament will include staff from the Rovers Women's squad and development college, with a few Gas Girls players also in attendance!

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

Entry costs £160 for a team of five players and three rolling subs, refreshments included. Proceeds will be split equally between the hospice and the Rovers Community Trust. Get involved: https:// ow.ly/1SbZ50ShKvh

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.

Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.

Maria, Bristol

Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories

Maria, Bristol

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Get set for reading challenge! Harbour swims are back

ONCE again, Bristol City Council libraries are holding their annual Summer Reading Challenge to encourage children across the city to read a range of books throughout the holidays, along with a whole host of other creative activities to enjoy.

Claire, Children’s Librarian, said: “We're so excited to reveal that the theme for this year’s #SummerReadingChallenge is Marvellous Makers! Developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need it most, this year’s Challenge aims to fire up children’s imaginations and unleash storytelling and creativity through the power of reading.”

The annual Challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries, and it’s free to take part. From July to September, children taking part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ can discover new stories and explore their creativity – from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting.

How to take part in the challenge: Children can join at any local library from Saturday 6th July. Simply pick up a free folder, collect stickers and then read at least six library books. At the end, the reward is a brilliant Summer Reading Challenge medal! Children and families can also take part online. To do so, go to summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

where children create their own profile with the assistance of an adult. Children are encouraged to read library books, digital eBooks and listen to eAudio books, with fun digital activities, digital badges and a downloadable certificate when they finish. Find us on Twitter @Bristollibrary, Instagram Bristollibraries and Facebook Bristol Libraries.

OPEN water swimming has returned to Bristol’s Floating Harbour.

The swim sessions, which follow a successful trial last year, are overseen on behalf of the city council by All Aboard Watersports and take place every Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 10am.

The cost is £7.50 per person, which covers the planning and running of the sessions including the provision of water safety measures.

The designated course starts at Baltic Wharf just off Cumberland Road, near All Aboard’s Centre. The water quality is tested weekly to make sure it meets bathing water standards.

Further details are available on All Aboard Watersports' website.

Outside these times and route, swimming in the harbour remains prohibited.

Is this Australia? No, it's Westbury Park

WESTBURY PARK TENNIS CLUB

The Westbury Park Tennis Club (WPTC) is back in action, with new and revitalised facilities. After months of anticipation, and a substantial period of closure, the freshly resurfaced courts are now open once more for play. The vibrant Australian Open colours— reminiscent of the iconic blue courts Down Under—add a touch of antipodean excitement to the local tennis scene.

WPTC is committed to nurturing the next generation of tennis stars. Both courts have been thoughtfully marked up for orange ball play specifically for younger players. With modified equipment and court dimensions, kids can develop their skills while having a blast. The future of tennis is in good hands.

In addition to the colourful makeover, the club has taken safety seriously. A new defibrillator is now prominently located in the clubhouse. While it is hoped it never needs to be used, having this life-saving device on-site provides

peace of mind for players and spectators alike.

The club prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, there’s a spot for you there. Its fantastic coach, Dan (Avon Developmental Coach of the year 2023), is passionate about helping players at all levels, so anyone is welcome to join in for a friendly match or a coaching session!

So, if you haven’t picked up a racket in a while, or if you’ve always wanted to try tennis, now is the perfect time to do so - especially as new members get the first month free.

The club would be delighted for you to come along, meet fellow enthusiasts and celebrate the reopening of its courts. Matt Evans, WPTC Chair, said, ""Re-laying the courts is a huge investment, and we're so pleased that it's gone well. It will benefit the local tennis community for decades".

FINANCE

With Richard Higgs BA (hons) CFP FPFS

Harold Stephens

50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ

T: 0117 3636212

Pension death benefits pre-75 should be completely tax free!

However – a word of caution.

Although pension tax treatment for a pre-75 death can be extremely generous, financial planning is critical. Why?

Because pension death benefits pre-75 are only completely tax free if benefits are moved into a pension plan that allows flexiaccess beneficiary drawdown To protect your family from paying tax on any inherited pension benefits, you will need to do what you can to ensure that you do not die holding any manner of legacy pension schemes you may have taken out over the years.

Some older pension plans may have associated guaranteed benefits, and it may not be possible or suitable to move them, but many plans will be able to be changed to a flexi-access option. Therefore, if you currently have old pension plans, or any significant pension plan for that matter, take advantage of a complimentary pension review with us so we can help ensure your dependents benefit from tax free pension benefits should you die before age 75.

The advice requirements do not end there. The beneficiary nomination for drawdown

will not be valid unless you actually nominate the receiving dependant or individual. This is usually done via ‘Expression of Wish’ forms which include a ‘Cascade of Wishes’ (this allows you to nominate for example your spouse, then children to receive benefits for maximum protection of wealth) which should also tie in with your other estate planning and Will advice. We can organise all of this for you here at Harold Stephens. You have done an excellent job saving and investing for your retirement. Now let’s ensure that your pension remains tax free

for your beneficiaries even after you’ve gone.

Book a complimentary pension review with us here at Harold Stephens and let us do the rest. Call 0117 3636 212 or email office@haroldstephens.co.uk. We offer appointments MondayFriday at our comfortable office in Westbury on Trym.

50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ

www.haroldstephens.co.uk

Search ‘Harold Stephens IFA’ on YouTube for financial planning videos.

Trymview Hall care home, Westbury-on-Trym

Thursday 25th July 2024 From 11am

Come along to Trymview Hall care home to celebrate The Big Care UK Sports Day, where we’re welcoming the local community to join us for fun and games at our Olympicsthemed open day, or simply relax and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere.

Trusted to care.

n BOOKS

Mornings in Jenin

WE start in 1941, in the village of Ein Hod in Palestine, at the beginning of the olive harvest. We meet Yehya & Basima Abulheja and their two sons Hasan & Darweesh. Hasan has a best friend Ari a German Jewish refugee. They teach each other words in Arabic, German and English and learn to respect each other’s culture and traditions. Hasan meets Dalia, the daughter of a Bedouin, attracted by her beauty and her fierce independent spirit. They marry and have three children, Yousef, Ismael & Amal. When Yousef is 4, he accidentally drops six month old Ismael, whose face is left with a permanent scar, by a nail on the crib. The family’s peaceful life is shattered in 1948, by the declaration of the state of Israel. Israeli soldiers attack Ein Hod, killing Dalia’s father, paralysing Darweesh and capturing Ismael. The Israeli soldier who steals Ismael from his mother is called Moshe. He

n REVIEWS

steals Ismael for his wife, Jolanta, a German Jew, who is desperate for a child, after being made barren, as a result of being repeatedly raped by the SS. Her mother, father, brothers and sisters were all killed in the death camps. Ismael is renamed as David after Jolanta’s father. Amal and her mother are moved to a refugee camp in Jenin. Hasan goes missing and Yousef is imprisoned and tortured by the Israelis. Upon his release, Yousef leaves his family to join the Palestine Liberation Organisation. In 1973, Amal travels to Philadelphia to start a new life as a student at Temple University, where she is known as Amy. Yousef meanwhile is teaching children in the Sabra & Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon. Amal journeys to Beirut where she meets and falls in love with a doctor called Majid. They marry but their domestic bliss is shattered by the Israeli invasion of Lebanon with tragic consequences for their family.

The Paris Trilogy by Colombe Schneck and Scaffolding by Lauren Elkin

“COLOMBE thought for a long time that love was primary and friendship secondary. There was a hierarchy to our emotions. For Colombe, friendship is easy, natural, effortless, durable, whereas love fails every time… Colombe still hasn’t found lasting love, but she is surrounded by lasting friendship, Héloïse being the oldest, one of the great witnesses to her life.”

In her memoir comprising three movements, almost novellas, Colombe Schneck frames the story of a faithful, lifelong friendship with that of a love affair in her teens and one in her fifties. The early affair leads to the devastating discovery that all she has been taught of liberation is untrue: she thought she was equal to men; she thought her body belonged to her; she thought she could choose what she wanted for it. At seventeen, that belief is shattered by becoming pregnant. The relationship she describes in her fifties feels like the one she had always longed for: a deeply romantic, tangible love where before she had only imagined the experience of love. She is lost when it ends. Until she isn’t. Until she finds a version of the freedom she thought she had all those years before.

The Paris Trilogy is both subtle and frank. Schneck’s naivety is offered alongside great insight into the bonds of friendship, into feminism and taking up space – in conversation or in a swimming pool, into homes and the lives lived and unlived in one place.

These ideas are addressed too in Lauren Elkin’s debut novel. In Scaffolding a woman who has recently suffered a miscarriage befriends her new neighbour, Clémentine, who spends her nights painting feminist messages around Paris. The two form a close bond, their conversation by turns academic and enjoyably trivial. In the same apartment, fifty years earlier, the reader meets another pair who loved and betrayed one another and worried at the same subjects, from psychoanalysis to kitchen tiles.

It is a rich and fascinating experience to read these books together, knowing that Elkin has been writing this novel (between other, excellent non-fiction books) since 2007 and knows Schneck’s work intimately as one of her translator’s. The layers of unspoken conversation between characters and authors reverberate, as do the Parisian streets outside.

Elizabeth Moss, owner of Heron Books, Clifton Arcade

by Susan Abulhawa

This is a haunting and heart wrenching novel, telling the story of one families struggle to survive, over a period of 60 years covering 5 countries and 4 generations. It is a story of faith, forgiveness and love and loss but above all it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Palestinian people, and their determination to have a state of their own. Y ou can find this novel, along with many others at Bishopston Library. Please come and visit us at 100 Gloucester Road, and obtain a library card, giving you free internet access and the opportunity to borrow from a catalogue of over two million books. You will be assured of a warm welcome.

Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library

Sunday (closed)

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Our 2022 fizz wins a bronze medal

IT’S been quite chilly recently which isn’t really ideal but isn’t a huge problem either. The vines look a bit pale and sad when the temperature drops below 15oC but they soon perk up as soon as the temperature rises. Looking at them now, they are covered with big flowers that have the potential to become a lot of grapes. The flowers are on standby, all prepped and ready to open as soon as we get a warm day. Once they take the plunge and open, it’s crucial we get several days of good weather to ensure every little flower becomes a little grape. A nice warm, dry week with little to no wind would be ideal!

After an initial quiet period while the hedgerow birds were busy caring for their young, we’ve had a flurry of noise and sound again this week. The new fledglings have been emerging from their nests and taking their first tentative flights amongst the relative safety of the vineyard trellis. Really lovely to see and hear.

On the wine front, we have news of a competition win! We entered our 2022

sparkling white into the Independent English Wine Awards and it has won a bronze medal. A great achievement for a wine that’s relatively young. We released three new fizz recently which are all from the 2022 vintage. Over time, all these wines will subtly change in their flavour profile the longer they are in the bottle.

hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (X/Twitter) dunleavy vineyards (Facebook & Instagram)

n TURNER'S VISION

Five things to help protect your eyes this summer

Who doesn’t love summer? Longer days, an abundance of sunshine and endless opportunities to get outdoors make it a favourite season for most. Although the extra time outside is appreciated by many of us, it also means more exposure to harmful UV rays which can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and other serious eye conditions.

Here are our top five tips to help keep your eyes safe this summer:

Shield your eyes with 100% UV sunglasses

Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434

www.turnersopticians.co.uk

As well as burning your skin, UV rays can burn your eyes, so sunglasses are essential when spending time outdoors. When choosing your next pair, make sure they offer 100% UV protection. We have a wide range of sunglasses available such as Zeal, Ray-Ban and Oakley that will keep your eyes safe – and keep you looking stylish when spending time out in the sun.

Use eye drops

Eye drops are a great solution for those who suffer from dry eyes in warmer weather. At Turners Opticians, we have a range of eye drops specially formulated to maintain your tear film and provide essential hydration for your eyes. Keep a bottle with you to instantly soothe and moisturise your eyes so you can go out and enjoy your day without worrying about dry eye.

Stay hydrated

It can be easy to overlook staying hydrated when enjoying long days at the beach or summer barbecues with family and friends but drinking plenty of water can help to keep your eyes soothed and moisturised. Remember to drink water throughout the day to help reduce eye strain so you’ll be less likely to experience discomfort and eye fatigue.

Protect your eyes from allergies

Wraparound sunglasses are a great solution for those who suffer from allergies. In the summer there is an increased amount of dust and pollen which can cause discomfort and irritation to your eyes. Our protection eye drops can also provide soothing relief from allergy symptoms, ensuring your eyes stay comfortable and irritation-free.

Book your next advanced eye examination

Regular eye exams are the key to keeping your eyes healthy and are a great opportunity to pick up on any underlying eye health conditions – it’s better to be proactive than reactive after all!

Our friendly team is here to give you an advanced eye examination and make sure your eyes are in great shape. Your eyes deserve the best care, so make eye health a priority – especially during the summer.

At Turners Opticians, we want to help you protect and care for your eyes, no matter what the weather’s doing. To book an appointment or view our range of sunglasses, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434

Peter Turner is an Independent Prescribing Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, who also works as a Senior Medical Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital. Peter has a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance.

•