450 people packed into St Alban's Church in Westbury Park for the meeting with councillors Barry Parsons and Richard Eddy while another 150 were outside
Vans on the Downs: It's time for action, say locals
HUNDREDS of people turned out for a meeting about the caravans on the Downs.
St Alban’s Church in Westbury Park had to limit the numbers inside to 450 and it was estimated another 150 were outside.
The turnout at the meeting on March 24, organised by Sneyd Park Residents Association, shows the strength of feeling about the community of people living in vans in the area.
Some van dwellers attended the meeting with local residents
to hear Cllr Barry Parsons, the Green chair of the city council’s homes and housing delivery committee and his Conservative deputy Cllr Richard Eddy outline their ideas for dealing with the growing number of van dwellers.
Full story: Page 3
Bears bring joy to hospice patients
Bristol Bears rugby players George Taylor tries his hand at cake decorating on a visit to St Peter's Hospice in Brentry.
PAGE 9
Hoppy days
St Monica's Trust residents are growing hops so they can brew a beer to mark the organisation's centenary.
PAGE 4
Election preview
Find out more about the election canddates bidding to become the next Mayor of the West of England.
PAGES 14 & 15
Village hall plea
Westbury on Trym Village Hall has a fascinating history - but needs volunteers if it is to have a successful future.
PAGES 16 & 17
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'We will listen to your feedback'
COUNCILLOR Barry Parsons, chair of the Bristol council committee responsible for housing, has thanked residents of Westbury Park, Sneyd Park, Stoke Bishop, Henleaze and Westbury for their involvement in debate about van dwellers on the Downs.
Following a meeting at St Alban's Church on March 24, attended by 450 people, with another 150 outside, Cllr Parsons gave a statement to the Voice.
He said: “The meeting was really valuable, and I want to offer my thanks to the organisers for allowing us to be able to listen to the views and concerns of the residents and vehicle dwellers who attended. We want to have a real, direct and relevant conversation about vehicle dwellers in the city.
“We understand that the current situation is not sustainable, and this meeting provided an opportunity to listen to what residents have to say and reassure them that we are taking a proactive stance on addressing issues.
“The number of vehicle dwellers in Bristol has grown significantly in recent years and we recognise the challenge this brings. We acknowledge that this is a complex situation, and we want our new policy to balance offering support to vehicle dwellers, alongside considering the needs of local communities."
The meeting was organised by Sneyd Park Residents Association because of concerns over the growing numbers of people living in vans on the
Downs and the impact this has on both local residents and the vehicle dwellers.
It was an opportunity for Cllr Parsons, the Green chair of the city council’s homes and housing delivery committee, and his Conservative deputy Cllr Richard Eddy to outline what the council had been doing since it came to office last May and what it intended to do.
People at the meeting, who included van dwellers as well as people with houses in the area, had the chance to ask questions and to voice their opinions.
Many residents said they wanted to see action now.
Former Conservative councillor for Westbury & Henleaze Sharon Scott told the meeting that she used to receive complaints weekly about the van dwellers and that she and colleagues had made some suggestions of possible solutions to the previous administration.
These included a law banning parking and the identification of potential sites with facilities that could be used for van dwellers.
"The Downs was left to the people of Bristol to enjoy. It was never supposed to be used in this way," she said.
One of the current Lib Dem councillors for Westbury & Henleaze, Caroline Gooch, who helped organise the meeting, told the Voice that she and fellow ward councillors had also been working on the issue since before they were elected.
In his statement, Cllr Parsons said the policy being developed would take time.
“It will look to refresh the way vehicle dweller encampments are managed, providing a clearer process and explanation for when action will be taken. The emphasis will be on support and not enforcement.
“We understand that there are a variety of different opinions
and issues across the city, and we want to make sure we produce a policy that reflects this range of views. As part of the engagement process we will need to speak to a range of different people, including some potentially vulnerable vehicle dwellers. Any engagement is something that we will carefully consider and not rush into. This not only ensures the safety of vehicle dwellers but also means we have the time and space to consider local residents’ feedback. We will be holding a number of engagement events as we draw up the policy, to make sure that as many people as possible are able to inform our work and help us come up with a balanced and sustainable solution.
“We know that we need to reduce the need for so many people to live in vehicles, and remain committed to increasing the number of well-built, affordable homes in Bristol so that people have a safe and secure place they can call home."
The council estimates that there are 640-680 vehicles in the city in which people are living, About 100 of these are thought to be on the Downs.
The figure, which has rocketed since the pandemic, includes 65 on five so-called 'meanwhile' sites, with access to water, lavatories and waste disposal. The council hopes to create more of these sites.
People live in vans for a variety of reasons including the cost of living, specific vulnerabilities, seasonal work and lifestyle choice.
Dozens of people could not get into the meeting Photo: @MPowerBristol
Health and hoppiness
RESIDENTS at a Bristol-based charity are brewing their own beer to celebrate 100 years of caring.
The Hoppiness Project will see residents from the St Monica Trust brew a centenary beer from hops grown at their retirement villages and care homes. Residents of all abilities, especially those who are living with dementia, will take part in a series of sessions where they will grow, tend and harvest the hops. As well as touring local breweries and marketing the finished product, residents will celebrate the end of the project with a
traditional wassailing.
The Hoppiness Project is a collaboration between the St Monica Trust, Alive Activities and local brewers. The trust’s innovation design manager, Sean Davey, said: “100 years of St Monica Trust seemed like something worth raising a glass to, and what better way
to do that with than our own centenary beer, co-produced from beginning to end with our residents.
Alive Activities project manager, Guy Manchester, said: “Hoppiness was inspired by a care home resident who said he’d like to “grow beer” as part of a gardening group we were
running. We soon realised that it had the potential to be a perfect tool to provide meaningful, engaging activities for care home residents.”
The St Monica Trust first opened its doors to residents in 1925 on Cote Lane. Today, the trust operates five retirement villages and four care homes.
Hoppiness is a beer called ... Staff, residents and volunteers raise a glass to 100 years of caring
WEST OF ENGLAND MAYORAL ELECTION
THURSDAY 1ST MAY
A common sense plan for our region
Let’s get our region moving (at last!) with a Mayor who will:
End the war on the motorist
Sort out our bus services
Expand railway services
Champion the Green Belt
Grow our regions’ economy and jobs
HOW TO USE YOUR VOTE FOR:
A Mayor who will oppose the Council’s constant new congestion creating plans , like the Passage Road bus lane.
STEVE SMITH Vote
'Put community at the heart of plans'
CAMPAIGNERS are calling for the future buyer of the former St. Christopher's School site to put the local community at the heart of any new plans.
The former school for children with SEND (special educational needs), set in five acres in Westbury Park, is being formally marketed, with a guide price of around £10 million.
The site closed as a school in 2020 and has since been lived in by property guardians. Plans to build 116 luxury retirement apartments were thrown out by city councillors in August 2023.
That planning applicatiodrew more than 1500 objections and was dubbed a ‘Costa Geriatrica’ for rich people.
Following the refusal, the site owner (St. Christopher’s Propco Ltd) went into administration in October 2024.
Now the community action group, SCAN (St Christopher's Action Network), is calling for any new owner to come up with a sensitive and appropriate
development while Westbury Park Community Association, which also led the fight against the previous plans, wants to ensure the principles it and SCAN agreed in 2021 are followed again.
These would mean ensuring that potential buyers and the city council are made aware before purchase of what development would and would not be acceptable to the community.
A SCAN spokesperson said: “We care deeply about what
Volunteering in the community
RSVP West is a region of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, part of the national volunteering charity, Volunteering Matters. Our area covers Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset. For 30 years we have encouraged people over 50 to volunteer in the community, providing volunteers with appropriate training and regular support. We have around 400 active volunteers involved in our current projects which are: Volunteering in Schools, GP Surgery Schemes befriending older
patients; Volunteer Driver Groups helping older people attend appointments;Volunteer Lay Assessors assisting Bristol City Council’s Quality Assurance service with visits to Care Homes and to people receiving the Home Care service; Guiding visitors around the historic replica ship The Matthew in Bristol Harbour and our Knitting group producing knitted and crocheted items for premature babies and needy families in Ukraine. For more information on how to volunteer see our website https:// rsvp-west.org.uk
happens on this special site. We want it developed and brought back to life, but it must be the right kind of development that does not threaten the environment, cause traffic chaos and overwhelm this conservation area with oversized buildings. The last owner made some disastrous mistakes with their plans and we don’t want a repeat of that! A low rise, low density and low impact scheme is what is needed. So, we are looking to cooperate with interested bidders
who genuinely want to work with and for, local people. Please put our community at the heart of any bid!”
A year ago the site was recognised by Bristol City Council as an ACV (Asset of Community Value) for its contribution to the community and SEND families.
This led to a moratorium on the sale of the land, Community groups have until 28 May 2025 to submit their bids. The site cannot be sold before then.
RSVP VOLUNTEER CARE HOME LAY ASSESSORS NEEDED
Are you over 50 with time to spare and would like to improve the quality of life of older people living in care homes in Bristol? We are looking to recruit volunteers with a personal or professional experience of care homes to join our existing team. We work closely with Bristol City Council Quality Assurance Staff to provide an independent view of how care homes look after their residents.
Volunteers are given full training, ongoing support plus insurance cover. The role would require between 10-12 hours a month, but you can negotiate your time and availability and claim out of pocket expenses.
For further information please contact carehomes@rsvp-west.org.uk
A site visit to St Christopher's reveals a state of disrepair to buildings, including Grade II listed Grace House
Ofsted praises school
BLAISE Primary and Nursery
School has been rated as Good in every category in its first Ofsted inspection for 12 years.
The 441-pupil school in Henbury was described as being “at the heart of the community it serves”.
“Pupils describe it [the school] as a welcoming place where everyone works hard to make friends,” the inspection report said.
The Ofsted team of three judged Blaise school to be Good for quality of education, leadership and management, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and their personal development and early years provision. Safeguarding was said to be effective
The many positive comments included:
• The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve.
• Pupils build warm and respectful relationships with staff.
• The school has a clear vision for what pupils can achieve. An ambitious curriculum is
Garden House
designed and sequenced well.
• The school provides pupils with wide-ranging opportunities to develop personally.
• The school is ambitious for an increasing number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Children in Nursery play well together.
• Governors know what the
Blaise school has been given a disused doubledecker from First Bus in the West of England for use as a classroom, play and meeting space.
Local MP and Cabinet Minister Darren Jones was given a tour of the bus.
Headteacher Massimo Bonaddio said: “I’m not sure who is more excited about having this converted bus space on site, myself and staff team, or the pupils!"
Doug Claringbold, the bus firm's managing director, said he was proud to see the bus in use for the community. Photo: Jon Craig
school does well and where it needs to improve.
To improve further, the inspectors said the school should ensure that learning is suitably adapted so that all groups of pupils progress well. and should continue the
Bears bring joy to hospice patients
PLAYERS from the Bristol Bears rugby team took time out to visit patients and staff at St Peter’s Hospice.
Gethin O’Callaghan and George Taylor met patients, staff and volunteers during the visit, which also saw them helping out kitchen staff in the coffee shop by deco-rating cakes for patients and families.
The players learned more about the work of Bristol’s only adult hospice and met patients in the in-patient unit as well as day services patients. The Bears also spoke to psychology clinical lead Tom Aplin about grief and how the hospice helps to support patients and their families during the most difficult times.
One patient excited to meet the duo was Diane, who was celebrating her 79th birthday and is a huge rugby fan.
George Taylor, whose
grandmother was cared for at the hospice in 2019, said: “It was a privilege to visit St Peter’s Hospice to meet the incredible staff and patients and volunteers there and see first-hand the amazing work they do."
The visit came ahead of the Rugby March fundraising event, which saw participants take on a 5k or 10k walking challenge before ending up at Ashton Gate to watch Bristol Bears v Exeter Chiefs on March 22.
Funds raised go towards supporting the work of St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
All care at St Peter’s Hospice is provided free of charge but the charity relies on gifts in wills, donations, fundraising and money raised through its retail shops to deliver its services to people in the Bristol area.
Above: George and Gethin with hospice nurses and below, the players with patient and rugby fan Diane, who was celebrating her birthday
n NEWS
Tributes to swim club stalwart
TRIBUTES have been paid to and from Henleaze Swimming Club to former trustee and honorary life member, Mark Thompson, who recently died aged 69 after a fall during a trip to Sri Lanka.
A key figure at the club, based at Henleaze Lake, since 1988 and a committee member from 1990, Mark took on the challenge of improving the lake’s water quality and biodiversity, having come on board during a particularly difficult time for a club suffering from a greatly depleted membership, frequent vandalism and environmental concerns.
Over the next few years, it was Mark’s drive and enthusiasm which saw the opening of the lakeside sauna in 2013, the creation of a successful winter swimming programme to bring the enjoyment of cold water swimming all year round, and increased community access from 2018, so that more people could enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.
His committee membership and subsequent trusteeship were key to great improvements in the club’s fortunes – now enjoying a healthy membership of over 4000 members.
Born in Suffolk, Mark joined the merchant
navy at 17, eventually completing a degree in Liverpool in marine engineering, before changing direction to work first in London, then in Bristol, as an IT consultant until retirement in 2005.
Long-time friend and club member, Susie Parr, remembers a further aspect of Mark’s legacy to the club: “Aside from his wider commitment to the lake’s environment, he gathered together all the elements of the club’s archive materials, which were scattered across various parts of Bristol and often in poor condition. Together, we digitised the collection and delivered the materials to the Bristol Archives.
“Using that material, Mark initiated the production of a club centenary book, The Lake (2019), and helped to organise the centenary celebrations, which included mass synchronised swimming and a 1920s tea party.”
Retiring in 2024 from the committee and board of trustees, he was awarded an honorary life membership, which he enjoyed for all too short a time. A gentle, reflective man, he is remembered as “a natural communicator whose unassuming manner belied his strength of character”.
Amy Kinnear, CEO of the Southmead Development Trust, reflects: “At Southmead Development Trust, we run twice weekly social prescribing cold water swimming groups and a new community access model allows many more people to swim. This haven of Henleaze Lake has changed dramatically over the years and one person who was instrumental in these changes was Mark Thompson. He was someone who quietly, carefully over many years plugged away, championing wildlife and community and made a real difference.”
M usic to welcome the spring
AN evening of springtime music takes place at Henbury Village Hall on Friday April 11 at 7.00pm (doors open at 6.30pm).
Featuring the stunning harmonies of a choir from Wales - Ptasie Radio Cymru, a vibrant Polish choir that brings traditional and contemporary music to life through its dynamic performances - alongside the smooth sounds of local jazz band, The Carnegies, specialising in well-known jazz standards of the 40s, 50s and 60s, this is a perfect way to welcome in the season.
Tickets are £15 (including light refreshments) and can be booked via Henbury Village Hall’s Facebook page, at https://shorturl. at/8QfLq or by calling Kay on 07905 936492. Limited parking is available, so the advice is to please consider walking if at all possible.
Mark Thomson
Opportunity follows
Whole School Open Morning (for ages 3 – 18)
Friday 2 May
badmintonschool.co.uk
Inspired
Unstoppable tomorrow
n
Winners, naturally
FAIRFIELD High School swept the board at a Bristol-wide school art competition.
All three winners in the Year 7 category – Olive, Luca and Herbie - were from the school.
The competition, organised by the Victoria Methodist Church on Park Street, set the theme as Colours of Nature: embracing diversity, Students could respond to this in any media, with work being any size.
Fairfield saw a great range
of artworks submitted across all year groups. In addition to the Year 7 success, two Year 10 pupils, Ismay and Martha, were recognised with ‘highly commended’ awards.
Tessa Mortimer, director of Art, DT & Engineering at Fairfield High School, said: “I am thrilled that the talent and creativity of our students has been acknowledged, with this competition giving a fantastic opportunity for the public to appreciate the incredible work of all the prize winners. This year’s competition theme resonates deeply with us at Fairfield, as celebrating diversity is at the core of our values, and we take great pride in our rich multicultural community.”
All the artwork was displayed to the public in the Victoria Methodist Church, next to the RWA Gallery. There was also a prize giving ceremony in which the Lord Mayor presented prizes.
Story time
AN emoji book title quiz was just one of the activities for World Book Day at Redmaids’ High Junior School.
It was followed by a performance of The Secret Garden by visiting theatre company M & M Theatrical Productions. The show, sponsored by the Friends of Redmaids’ High Junior School, brought to life the story and characters in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel.
The Friends also ran a pre-loved book sale throughout the week, with proceeds going to the Children’s Book Project, a charity taking books directly to children who may not otherwise own a book.
Another World Book Day activity was the half-termly parent book club, which meets to discuss suitable titles for eight to 12-year-olds.
Junior School
Visiting Morning
Thursday 15 May
n METRO MAYOR ELECTION PREVIEW
On May 1 voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES will choose the region's next Metro Mayor.
The leader of the West of England Combined Authority has the task of coordinating the region’s transport, housing, infrastructure, jobs, skills and business support strategies.
The mayor works with the leaders of the three councils to deliver policies.
Current Metro Mayor Dan Norris is standing down after being elected as Labour MP for North East Somerset and Hanham last year.
Aiming to succeed him for Labour is Helen Godwin, a former Bristol City Council cabinet member. The Conservatives, who held the post from 2017 to 2021, have also picked a former Bristol city councillor, Steve Smith, to try and win it back. The Greens, third in 2021, have selected Mary Page, a community activist who was their candidate for the Bristol North West seat at the last general election. Bath & North East Somerset councillor Oli Henman is the Liberal Democrats’ choice. South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Scott is standing as an independent. As the Voice went to print, Reform UK had not announced a candidate. We invited the party to contribute to this article.
Nominations opened on March 26 and will close on April 2.
What would you do?
The Voice asked each Metro Mayor candidate to answer three questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans.
What are the three biggest issues for the region?
Helen Godwin: The lack of a smart, integrated transport network that effectively connects communities and meets local needs.
The critical shortage of affordable homes in communities with essential services.
The need for sustainable economic growth that delivers quality jobs and training opportunities across our entire region.
As your Labour Mayor working alongside a Labour government, I'll bring together stakeholders and private companies to tackle these challenges with my proven track record of delivery.
Oli Henman: The top issue is the need to improve public transport. This includes rapidly expanding reliable buses, alongside an integrated approach to trains and mass transit as well as improved cycle routes.
Secondly, we have an opportunity to build the jobs of the future, we need pathways through training and into employment in key areas such as renewables, net zero construction, engineering and
technology innovation.
I would also highlight the need for genuinely affordable housing in locations with good transport connections.
Mary Page: We need a New Green Deal for the West of England.
Public transport is unreliable or non-existent. We are experiencing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, conflict between development versus nature yet also a lack of affordable housing.
I will prioritise making public transport accessible and available 24 hours a day. Improve our environment and sustainability policies, support communities with local plans and upskill our people. Work with social housing developers and use the Green Infrastructure Fund to unlock private investment.
Ian Scott: Government Funding – Give us our money back. The West of England is a net contributor to the economy, so why is it not in the first tranche of the Integrated Settlement, like West Yorkshire? West of England or West Yorkshire? West of England voters will want to get fair funding and gets its money back to fund local services.
Mass transit system – We are the biggest city in Europe without a mass transit system Cheap bus fares.
Steve Smith: Ending local councils' war on the
motorist who are hitting people with new parking charges and wasting limited regional funding on closing off roads.
Transforming public transport by opening at least five new local train stations (three in South Glos), increasing service frequency. And prioritising bus services to improve coverage for communities affected by cuts like Chipping Sodbury. Championing our Green Belt by promoting a “brownfield first” approach to housing and promoting higher density development in the centre of Bristol.
If you win, what would your first action be?
SS: To stop frittering away regional transport funding on schemes that close and curtail road access. The first to go will be the Labour Mayor’s planned congestion-creating and deeply unpopular A4 Bus Lane on the Keynsham Bypass between Bath and Bristol.
IS: Call in the bus operators to plan better bus
routes to increase bus usage and keep bus fares as low as possible, whilst demanding a fair funding system from the government for the West of England.
MP: Meet all staff to outline my plans and hear theirs. Instruct an audit of policy documents and ways of working to ensure a sustainability first approach.
Start investigation into Franchising and set up outline brief for a Freedom travel card.
OH: This is a key moment to rebuild trust in the role of the Mayor to drive new opportunities for our region. I would start by bringing together all the key stakeholders to listen and design a shared strategy on transport, housing and jobs.
HG: If elected, my first action will be assembling a top-tier team at the West of England Authorityprofessionals demonstrating clear regional value while delivering immediate results. No wasted time, just tangible outcomes for our communities from day one.
What qualifies you for the job?
MP: Worked in community development support at Shirehampton Jobs, Training and Enterprise, Jobs 22 Marketing Manager, DWP Work Coach, National Composites Centre Business Development, South Gloucestershire Council political advisor, National Union of Journalists SW Exec, Trustee and Residents’ Association Chair.
SS: I’ve worked in business, the NHS and local government. Crucially I have a proven track record of campaigning on local issues. This includes taking the fight to Lib/Lab South Gloucestershire Council against their Green Belt destroying, congestion creating Local Plan.
HG: As a deeply-rooted local with generations of family across the West Country, I've proven my ability to deliver real change as both a business leader and Bristol cabinet member. My reputation for getting things done by bringing together key stakeholders will secure the investment our region deserves.
OH: I have local roots and an international outlook. I have experience as a local councillor in the leadership at Bath & NE Somerset and deep expertise in sustainable development. I can deliver locally, raise the profile of the region and draw international investment.
IS: I have been a councillor 25 years - Filton 15 years and South Glos 10 years. I worked as a local government policy adviser for South Glos Council two years, Bristol 10 years, and South West councils Local Governance Assessor.
Visiting Morning Senior School Thursday 8 May
Helen Godwin Oli Henman Mary Page Ian Scott Steve Smith
n APPEAL
Can you help our hall?
DO you know what that building is at the top of Waters Lane? Are you still one of the many who apologise for never having been inside it yet? Do you care about the social life of your own community - since ‘lockdown’ separated us all from each other? So read on ...
Additional to its amazing history dating from the 8th century, Westbury on Trym village must be unique in the UK for its residents being the proud collective owners of a beautiful Village Hall. With an interior that mirrors a Medieval hall with high, soaring beams and lancet windows, it was designed in Victorian Gothic style by a Bristol architect for local benefactor Mr Henry St Vincent Ames of Cote House in the 19th century.
It was opened in 1869 as a ‘concert hall’, to great applause both locally and in the Bristol press of that time; Mr Ames wished it to become a cultural centre for concerts, exhibitions and the education of what was then a rural population in this small but historic
Gloucestershire village. Indeed, he himself gave recitals on the centre stage organ (which was later sold to St Peter’s Church in Henleaze in the 20th century).
Surrounded by large estates and grand houses for those escaping the commerce and smells of Bristol, Westbury’s inhabitants at that time were farming folk and mainly the gardeners, laundresses, cooks and housemaids for their wealthier neighbours – together with a sprinkling of enterprising business families, led by the Mogfords and the Mealings. Mr Ames eventually left the hall to the people of Westbury in perpetuity – a unique bequest, loved and honoured by thousands of supporters since then, but where are they now?
The wartime generations had no money or time to lavish upon it, but nevertheless they kept it going for the forces stationed nearby and then later for children’s school dinners and gym classes– until, shabby and in despair by 1970,
it was handed to new masters because its Ecclesiastical Trustees could not afford the upkeep anymore.
Saved from potential destruction and replacement with a block of flats, by the newly formed, embryonic Westbury on Trym Society, its first transformation began. A management committee was elected and volunteers pitched in - scraping, varnishing, nailing and painting (on high ladders that would never be allowed now!)
They gave chairs, cookers, flooring, kitchen implements and their green-shield stamps to buy china, casseroles and cutlery. The floor, which had sprung holes at every event, was replaced using wooden blocks subscribed by individuals and families in return for their names being recorded thereon!
There followed an era of spectacular local fundraising from mainly young parents and their families, which included themed suppers and historically costumed balls, plays and pageants, while
talks and exhibitions were organized by the Westbury Society. The first badminton club was formed and the Annual Flower Show started up in 1978. The Fielder club, Westbury’s branch of the TWG, a playgroup and regular ballet classes, all joined in with their own events and financial support. With the Fielder meetings’ room, plus a small first floor kitchenette, fitted out in the 80s, it became a thriving social centre once more - in fact just as Henry St
Vincent Ames had envisaged! By 2010 however, new management had arrived and a more commercial approach was adopted. By then the Hall’s reputation had spread far and wide, but its youthful parents and their children had moved on. It was fast becoming a popular venue for weddings and special parties, because, now graced with a large extension to the kitchen, it was able to provide professional catering facilities and adjacent
rooms for bigger celebrations.
In time for the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2019, the toilets were modernised, including a new one for the disabled, a new bar was installed for more professional service at public hirings, while contemporary stained glass windows were designed to replace the plain glass lancets.
But now the hall is even older and its ‘limbs’ require further attention! A renovation process
began last year with better floors in the committee room and onstage, much needed roof repairs to stop up leaks, new gutters and downpipes and replica window frames upstairs, plus a radical re-structuring of the kitchen extension. The Hall is a Grade II listed historic building, with permission required for all works done to it, so nothing is either cheap or speedy ! When more funding has been raised, its damp problems and heating system are on the cards, as well as repointing of its exterior stonework.
The Hall, to an extent, has become the victim of its own success, because what it lacks now is support and involvement from its present local community. The numbers of regular users and public hirers from way beyond Westbury must now be counted in 1000s, but the successive teams of volunteers who achieved all this would barely reach two hundred. While weddings and party hirings bring in much needed maintenance income, the cultural and entertainment side, once so prevalent among local people, is now almost entirely absent.
SPORTS OPEN EVENING
• For boys currently in Year 4 and 5
• Coaching in two sports of your choice
• Experience QEH’s state-of-the-art facilities Friday 16 May
So how can you and its future Friends help it to continue life as an important part of Westbury’s history? How can we raise more funds to preserve its fabric – but just as importantly, restore some of the local community status and friendship that it once had, to run alongside its present greater use by people from way beyond Westbury? The Trustees are in urgent need of a treasurer, who can also give professional advice on loans, grants and investments and make an annual business plan. The Chairman of Trustees also manages the bar - he needs more volunteers for the bar service team - even if you can give just one Saturday evening a month, this would be a great help. There are other ways in which you can lend a hand and if you and friends have time to run a dance, concert, themed supper, or even a dramatic evening – the Trustees will be overjoyed. Don’t stand by: use it - or lose it!
You can contact us via the Hall website or post your letter into the Hall itself (at side door).
Hilary Long, Trustee, on behalf of the Management Committee
Thursday 8th May 2025
2pm - 4pm Join
Trusted
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Southmead: Kaz Self and Kye Dudd (Labour)
Council budget passed
On 25th February the budget was passed, council tax will rise by 4.99% in 2025/26. Due to pressure by Labour councillors and generous funding by central government, cuts to lollipop people were dropped and very damaging cuts to our libraries and museums postponed for a year.
Several amendments to the Green led budget were put forward by the Labour Group, including funding for organisations that support survivors of domestic abuse, reopening public toilets, more books for libraries and more council housing, all fully costed with a balanced budget. Unfortunately, the Green Party did not support our constructive and sensible amendments. We did manage to get a concession on the proposed cost increase to mealson-wheels, which will now only go up by 4.5% rather than 15%. We also got support for tackling fly tipping, for example by more enforcement cameras.
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Waste collection
At Full Council on 11th March a Labour petition against 4 weekly bin collections was debated. At the same meeting we brought a motion on black bin collection frequency and cracking down on fly tipping.
The Tories put forward an amendment to our motion to rule out both 3 and 4 weekly black bin collections, we voted for this (taking the view that we need to sort out the current poor
Great business opportunity arises as Terry calls it a day!
Rapid Mounts are makers and providers of mounts to suit all photo and picture mount styles. With our in house lab fitted with the latest Valiani computeroperated machinery, we can supply designs to suit all requirements all with a high standard of workmanship.
Rapid Mounts & Picture framing has had pleasure in supplying frames & mounts for people since 2000.
The majority of our work comes from the internet with several large contracts including over 7,000 followers on ebay we have been pleased to fill.
Time has come for us to hang up our last frame and call it a day. So as well as a BIG Thank You to all our existing customers- there is a fabulous business opportunity for someone to invest in! All training would be given and help along the way for you to succeed in this profitable business.
If you’re interested in taking the business on call Terry on 07970056976
collection service as a priority). This was voted down by Green/ Lib-Dem councillors. The Green Party then put forward a watereddown version of our motion which included the words ‘we will rule out moving to 4 weekly bin collections at this time’. The Green/ Lib-Dem councillors then voted this through; we will continue to oppose 4 weekly collections if and when the Green Party bring the idea forward again.
Public transport
Our bus service has been failing due to the Tories privatisation model, the Labour Government is introducing a ‘Better Buses Bill’ which will allow local authorities to take public control of bus routes, fares and timetables. We put a fully costed amendment to budget council to a) have more buses running in the evening / night-time and b) launch a feasibility study to consider how we can best take control of our buses. The Greens, Lib-Dems and Tories all voted
against this.
This was disappointing, because Councillor Kaz Self brought and successfully passed a motion to council in November 2024 calling for ‘Safe Travel Home for night economy workers’. It specifically called for ‘improvements to late night and off-peak transport service provision’, so it was regrettable that the Green led administration did not want to put words into action.
We will continue to push for better buses, including improved reliability, night-time buses as well as fully integrated ticketing across different public transport operators.
Kye & Kaz
cllr.kye.dudd@bristol.gov.uk 07795 509 531
cllr.kaz.self@bristol.gov.uk 07386 698 716
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Stephen Williams, Caroline Gooch
and
Nicholas Coombes (Lib Dem) W-o-T & Henleaze:
Council Budget for 2025/26
At a meeting of the full council the budget for the next year was passed by Liberal Democrat and Green Party councillors, with Labour and Conservatives against. Council tax bills will have arrived in the last few weeks, showing an increase of 4.99%, the maximum permitted by the government. This will not raise enough money to cover the spiralling costs of adult care and specialist children’s services so there have still been substantial cuts to some budgets and rises in service charges. As covered in our column in March, cuts to the libraries budget have been avoided. Cllr Stephen Williams will be chairing a review of the libraries service, starting in May.
The budget meeting also passed two budget amendments tabled by the Liberal Democrats. One was for a study to capture the potential benefits to Bristol of a visitor levy on overnight stays. A charge of just a £1 a night could raise millions for the city to reinvest in our visitor economy. Councils in Wales and Scotland are already able to introduce such a levy, we need the Westminster government to give Bristol and other English councils the same opportunity to raise more of our own income.
The second amendment, proposed by Stephen, is to introduce a Bristol Community Fund, an easy route for people to donate to Bristol charities, especially those working to make a difference in deprived areas. The fund would be one of the options on the council’s payments webpage.
Support for low income households
Caroline has been working in the Strategy and Resources Task and Finish Group on Support for Low Income Households. She has proposed a new Financial Resilience team that would change the way the council works with people on low incomes, by providing a wrap around service that brings in external support. This service has proved useful in other areas of the South West and has enabled councils to actually collect more council tax by solving problems that were overwhelming residents.
Action around the ward
Every month Caroline, Nicholas and Stephen take up dozens of issues raised with us by local residents. The poor recycling service from Bristol Waste is a weekly occurrence and
Sign up for Tour de Bristol
we do our best to cajole the company into learning from frequent mistakes in the same roads. Stephen brought this up directly with the new Managing Director of the company at a meeting in March. Among other things we’ve been able to move along in in recent weeks have been getting the highways department to repaint the very faded white markings on the zebra crossings around the war memorial in Westbury village centre and the ones on Henleaze Road, requested by Stephen and Nicholas. There is a lot more to do to improve our street scene in Westbury and Henleaze and we will keep on pushing work through.
Residents on West Broadway and Kellaway Crescent in Golden Hill met with Caroline and Stephen to raise concerns about inconsiderate parking on corners during matches at the nearby Memorial Stadium. Caroline provided details of resident’s requests for double yellow lines to improve safety at junctions. Council officers have now included those suggestions in plans for new road markings which are being funded as part of the Memorial Stadium upgrade works.
Other issues we’ve taken up include getting an abandoned trailer by the scout hut on Great Brockeridge earmarked for removal and the filling of numerous potholes, with one large one on Stoke Lane being a particular horror.
BRISTOL’S biggest bike ride, Tour de Bristol, is back and one local family is encouraging others to secure their place for the 11th annual event, which raises money for St Peter’s Hospice.
Hundreds of riders will attend the event on Saturday 5 April, with three different routes to choose from - 40, 65 or 100km – all starting from the UWE Centre for Sport and heading into the South Gloucestershire countryside.
Participants take on the cycle in memory of a loved one, as a personal challenge or just for fun,
Recognition for Young Carers
Across Bristol there are hundreds of young people of school age who have home caring responsibilities. They will be juggling their learning with looking after a parent or helping a parent care for a sibling. The Liberal Democrat council group have persuaded the council to give young carers special recognition, working with schools to make sure their learning remains on track.
Traffic on North View and Westbury Road
Highways officers are considering what measures might be effective to ease congestion at White Tree roundabout. They are particularly concerned about the delays to bus services trying to exit North View onto Westbury Road. Stephen, Caroline and Nicholas met with the project manager to discuss potential solutions. We are keen to make sure that any restrictions take into account the needs of local residents of North View and the Westbury Park streets nearby and also the cafes, shops and other businesses on North View. The problem is most acute at the morning peak, so we’ve suggested that a discrete problem needs a bespoke solution, not blanket measures. We are not at all keen on any plan for a 24-hour bus gate or any other measure to ban private cars from North View. Peak time parking restrictions may help, a scheme like that has operated on Gloucester Road for many years. Alternatively part-time traffic lights at both ends of North View could be helpful. Data shows that a lot of the morning traffic using North View is through traffic from the wider city, so for a small road, North View is doing a lot of heavy lifting. These are not journeys that would stop if North View were closed to private vehicles. Traffic would simply divert to nearby streets. We would very much like to receive views from residents.
Nicholas, Caroline & Stephen
cllr.nicholas.coombes@bristol.gov.uk 07386 698 750
cllr.caroline.gooch@bristol.gov.uk 07386 698 669
cllr.stephen.williams@bristol.gov.uk 07386 698 772
raising money for Bristol’s only adult hospice along the way.
St Peter's Hospice provides care and support to adults living with life-limiting illnesses in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area. Established for over 40 years, the majority of support is provided in people's own homes. There’s also the option of a virtual challenge for those unable to make the event date. For more information visit https://www.stpetershospice. org/support-us/join-our-events/tour-de-bristol/
Katie Andrews, Trainee Solicitor at AMD Solicitors considers the recent changes to reporting provisions in family cases
Traditionally, family hearings have been held in private in the interests of protecting the parties and any children involved. This means the public were unable to attend hearings unless permitted to do so by the Judge. Furthermore, Orders within the family court include confidentiality clauses and must not be shown to anyone who is not a party without direction from the court.
Journalists have been allowed to attend private family hearings since 2009, however previously had no right to report on cases. In 2023, a pilot scheme known as the “Transparency Pilot” was launched in Carlisle, Cardiff and Leeds, permitting accredited journalists to report on cases within the family court. In 2024, this scheme was further rolled out to an additional 13 courts across England and Wales. As of 27 January 2025, the new provisions regarding reporting on family cases apply to all family courts in England and Wales.
Journalists are able to report on family cases, provided the details of the families involved remain anonymous. There is a presumption that there is a transparency Order in cases unless there is a legitimate reason otherwise.
Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, expressed his understanding of resistance to the new approach, however noted that “improving public understanding and confidence in the family court is of fundamental importance” and explained that the pilot scheme has been significant in including coverage of “issues affecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society”.
Under the rules, journalists are able to talk to the families about their case if the family choose. However, they must follow the rules of the scheme and ensure that the details of each party remain entirely confidential. Judges still have discretion to decide some cases can't be reported on.
Whilst some are concerned this will make families more reluctant
to share confidential information within the family court, there were no known breaches of anonymity in reporting during the pilot scheme and it is noted that keeping the parties confidential is a key element to the scheme’s success. Lucy Reed KC, chair of the Transparency Project, was positive about the rollout of the scheme and noted that “transparency is core to the work of the family court”.
The further transparency in the law could lead to clarity in areas of reform, and public attention in the interests of improving the family courts, provided the confidentiality of the parties and the children concerned remains protected.
It is considered that an increase in transparency within the Family Courts will allow individuals to make a more informed decision when deciding whether to pursue their matter through the Family Court. This aligns with the recent push from the family courts to encourage individuals
to pursue Non-Court Dispute Resolution ahead of bringing a matter to Court. Non-Court Dispute Resolution is encouraged to save time and costs compared to those when a matter goes to Court. If you would like assistance from AMD’s Family Department, please book an initial consultation by calling us on 0117 962 1205, by email to info@amdsolicitors.com or via our website.
n FROM BRISTOL NORTH WEST'S MP
Bristol's TV and film boom in focus
BRISTOL’S TV & film boom in focus As I write this column, the 97th Academy Awards has just been held in Los Angeles. There was no Oscar for the latest Wallace and Gromit film from the Bristol-based studio Aardman Animations, but it did win two gongs at this year's Baftas.
Panning across from Hollywood to our neck of the woods, TV and filmmaking is a burgeoning industry in Bristol, with many productions made in the city – and right here in Bristol North West.
Recent examples include the whodunnit A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, with some scenes shot on the streets of Westbury-on-Trym; the comedy-drama Rain Dogs, which used Hermitage Close in Shire to film scenes of a London estate; King Arthur's Avalon was recreated at Blaise Castle for The Winter King; and the comedydrama Outlaws was filmed at Sea Mills Community Centre for its first two seasons.
Coming soon, filming in Avonmouth has just wrapped on a six-part BBC One dystopian drama, called The Dream Lands. The drama is set 14 years in the future and explores the impact of climate change and society inequality, so definitely one to keep an eye out for.
And, while he didn’t film any Hollywood blockbusters in Bristol, Cary Grant was born in Horfield and later lived in Bishopston, just outside the constituency boundary. A blue plaque commemorating the actor was unveiled on his former Bishopston residence last November – so add that to your local TV and film tour!
It's more than just a novelty to see your home area on TV and on the big screen: the Bristol Film Office recently reported that film and TV productions shot on location in Bristol or at The Bottle Yard Studios in the city generated an estimated £30 million towards Bristol’s economy in the 2023/24 financial year.This government
recognises the importance of our creative sector. That's why we're rolling out a 40% reduction in business rates bills for studios, to help create more award-winning productions in the UK – and here in Bristol!
We need everyone in our society to be represented on the screen and behind the camera, so I'm pleased to hear of two local initiatives to help address the lack of racial diversity in Bristol's TV and film workforce: Culture West, led by the West of England Combined Authority and Arts Council England, and All Set West from the Bristol Film Office, which has recently secured £245,000 of funding from the BFI National Lottery Places Fund.
Finally, before we roll the credits on another column, it would be remiss if I didn't mention my own filmmaking efforts, with the Village Matters collection of short films about Bristol North West that I released last year – with two special cinema screenings held
Darren Jones writes for the Voice
for constituents in Westbury Park! You can view the films online at darren-jones.co.uk/village-matters.
As always, if you need my help or have a question, you can get in touch on email at darren.jones. mp@parliament.uk, by calling my office on 0117 959 6545 or by writing to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
n NATURE WATCH
with Dawn Lawrence
If oak is out before the ash ... who knows?
IN our area the commonest native trees are first the ash and then the pedunculate oak. They often grow together but the rangylimbed ash dominates on drier, limier soils whilst the ruggedbarked oak becomes commoner in damper, more acidic conditions. In Bristol you will find old, stubby pollarded oaks in surviving hedgerows with taller, airy ash growing, for example, along the old stream boundary near Cranbrook Road. However, where they are left untouched the mature form of both can vary greatly.
They are easy to tell apart, even in winter when the meandering branching of oak and the more upright shape of ash are evident in the silhouette (variability notwithstanding). Ash has divided leaves like rose leaves but longer than your hand, whilst oak leaves have rounded lobes divided by rounded scallops and are about as long as an index
Oak leaves pressed by JW White in 1892 with press cutting.
Thanks to Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives for this image.
Thanks to Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives for this image. Oak leaves pressed by JW White in 1892 with press cutting.
finger. The ash, with less acidic bark than oak, supports a diverse range of mosses and lichens. But it is the oak that is most noted for its wildlife value. Oaks can live for hundreds of years in a state of slow senescence, becoming stag-headed with antler-like dead branches remaining attached to the trunk for many years. Bearing all growth stages from fresh buds to rotting limbs helps to explain the oak’s ability to support hundreds of invertebrate species.
Britain has an outstanding
heritage of ancient oaks, more by far than any other western European nation. Both trees are much-storied, though oak has the edge in fame what with its penchant for hiding kings and living to a venerable age. You may know “if the oak is out before the ash then the earth will get a splash, if the ash is out before the oak then the earth will get a soak”. Growing up in Bedfordshire I found that little weight was placed on this saying, perhaps because we so rarely had a summer that could conceivably be described as “soaking”.
The photograph shows a specimen of oak leaves collated by an enthusiastic 19th century botanist, JW White. The press cutting with them is a letter from a diligent observer of nature from Hereford magnificently signing himself J Forth Humby who, in the mid century, recorded in 31 separate years that each leafing out was followed by the
appropriate summer as foretold by the rhyme.
Inevitably, this letter provoked a grumpy response (from a Yorkshireman as it happens) who stated that the oak “invariably” leafed out before the ash at his location, always followed by wet summers, rendering the proverb nothing more than “a popular fallacy”.
As an ecologist, it doesn’t seem unlikely to me that observations from one side of the country could have led to a helpful saying which, when taken elsewhere, failed to hold true reducing it to mere doggerel, its usefulness lost in translocation. In the milder, damper and more variable climate of the western half of the country (as compared to colder Yorkshire and drier Bedfordshire) this old phrase may be a useful predictor. From now on I will have to keep my own records in order to find out.
© Dawn Lawrence
Behind you is the sea
by Susan Muaddi Darraj
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
SUSAN Muaddi Daraj is a Palestinian American who lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Her novel follows the lives of three generations of three PalestinanAmerican families as they tackle issues of poverty, racism, religion and class in their adopted land, living between two cultures, in pursuit of the American dream.
but he doesn’t. They row and the relationship finishes when she accidentally fires his gun wounding him in his left arm.
drama production because of its stereotyping of Arabia as a land where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
We meet Walid, who owns several strip malls and real estate in every corner of Baltimore. He hires the Sheraton ballroom for the wedding of his son Raed and is disgusted at the absence of any Arab music. He gets into a violent argument with Marcus and leaves his own son’s wedding.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
We meet Reema, pregnant at 16, with a dying father and a ghost of a mother. We hear of her first date at Burger King with her boyfriend Torrey and how her father washed dishes for six dollars a hour to save money so she could go to college. We also meet Marcus, a cop who has lost his mother and is estranged from his father. He pays his sister Amal’s tuition fees and pays 400 dollars for her abortion. His longtime girlfriend Michelle wants to get married,
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
We also follow the life of Maysoon, the younger sister of Reema. She is a cleaner for Dalia who is married to Demetri, the youngest son of Walid. Maysoon has sex with Demetri and terminates her cleaning job when she is falsely accused of stealing items from the house. We meet Layla who is the granddaughter of Walid. She objects to the choice of Aladdin as a school
Meanwhile Hiba, who is the daughter of Demetri, is body shamed at school for her big ass and flat chest by her skinny classmates who all diet and often faint due to lack of food. This is a nuanced portrayal of the experience of Palestinian Americans, with engaging, charming and complicated characters and a revelatory
OPENING HOURS: WoT
Monday (2pm-7pm)
Tuesday (11am-4pm)
Wednesday (11am-4pm)
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
Thursday (11am-4pm)
Friday (11am-4pm)
Saturday (11am-4pm)
Sunday (closed)
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
ending. For this book and more, visit your local library. You will be greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
OPENING HOURS: HENLEAZE
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
Monday (11am-5pm)
Tuesday (11am-5pm)
Wednesday (1pm-7pm)
Thursday (11am-5pm)
Friday (1pm-7pm)
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
Saturday (10am-5pm)
Sunday (closed)
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
for a FREE no obligation quote from the ONLY company in the South West & South Wales in the final of the industries Prestigious G24 Awards!
Book your spring Covid booster jab – or just walk in to our pharmacy
FROM Tuesday April 1, you can book Covid-19 Spring Booster jabs on the NHS website ( use post code BS6 7XR) or just walk in at Kellaway Pharmacy. As with previous programmes, we are geared to deliver another excellent, well-run programme. Those eligible for the booster include anyone aged 75 years, including those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025, residents in a care home, and some eligible immunocompromised patients. We are also running a walk-in afternoon clinic on Saturday April 5.
It is over a year since Kellaway Pharmacy has been able to prescribe antibiotics to treat impetigo, infected sore throats, urinary tract infections, infected insect bites, sinusitis and ear infections for children and adults. We are pleased that a recent audit of our prescribing use has found that our antimicrobial stewardship aligns with best-use practices. Remember, for all these conditions, including shingles, you can just come in for a free diagnostic consultation with our pharmacist
and then receive appropriate NHS-funded treatments.
Kellaway Pharmacy Weight-loss support Clinics continue to be very popular. Our holistic approach means we are not just focusing on how to lose weight but also on why you may struggle to eat healthily and, most importantly, how to maintain healthy weight loss. A top tip we share is: Are you drinking enough water? When dehydrated, many people will snack. We do not drink enough water with our meals or during the day, and we even break the golden rule: Hydrate Well after Exercise. The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water or fluids daily. This includes lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, like tea and coffee. While we can guide and provide effective weight-loss therapies, including the novel injectable therapies Wegovy and Mounjaro, we are determined to help inform better lifestyle choices. Do contact us; we can help. This is a time of significant change across the NHS structures. Community Pharmacy
0117 9246579
and our GP Surgery colleagues form part of the NHS Primary Care footprint, working with and supported by NHS England colleagues. Undoubtedly, things need to improve, but significant changes like this bring uncertainty into the lives of those directly impacted. The NHS has always been the embodiment of public service, rightly so, and we are grateful to the many individuals, not just clinicians, who help deliver its care and functions.
The Kellaway Pharmacy Team will continue to do our best to deliver NHS care for our community. Call on 01179246579 or do just come in. We never take for granted the privilege and responsibility of being the most accessible part of the NHS.
Monday 28th April
n HENLEAZE SENIOR FILM CLUB - WE BOUGHT A ZOO (PG) 2pm. Benjamin Mee and his children struggle to move forward in life after the death of their dear wife and mother. Seeking a fresh start for him and his children, Benjamin buys and endeavours to save the life of a failing zoo, and in turn the life of his family. Based on a true story and starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Carers welcome, easy access Refreshments £4. St. Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze BS9 4LD. For more information, please call 0117 435 0063
Wednesday 30th April
n BRISTOL FRIENDS OF WNO, Our Brilliant Orchestra: The extremely versatile WNO Orchestra has appeared on many wonderful recordings in a wide range of reportoire. Ian Cartwright introduces a selection of these recordings with examples from Verdi, Wagner Tchaikovsky ..... and some surprises. All are welcome. 6.45 for 7.15 at The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral. Worcester Road Entrance. £8/£10 easy parking, Bar, Details:01934 842014 or melaniejdavid@btinternet.com
Fri 30th – Sat 31st May
n BRISTOL STITCHERS
EXHIBITION Lots of embroidery, textile art and mixed media work to see and buy. Sales, demos, raffle, book stall and tasty refreshments. Stoke Lodge Adult Education Centre, Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN. Entrance £4 Children free. Disabled access.
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 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 PILATES CLASSES, Northcote Scout Hall, BS9 3TY. Mondays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Mixed Ability inc. Beginners); Tuesdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Gentle); Thursdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.45am (Mixed Ability - inc Beginners). Small, friendly classes. Please register interest before attending. Full details at www. mindbodypilates.org. Contact; Leanne 07817189474 or leanne@ mindbodypilates.org
n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Plants always available. Events: Café on 12th April 10-2.
Monday
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 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 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!
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 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
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) 2-4pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www.goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@ grenvillemusic.co.uk
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 COMMUNITY SIGHT LOSS HUB, First Tuesday of each month, 11am1pm at Trinity Church, Henleaze. Join our coffee morning for blind and partially sighted people to socialise with others and receive advice and guidance from our experienced advisors. Tailored support also available by appointment by calling Sight Support West on 0117 322 4885.
n CARERS’ SUPPORT GROUP run by Bristol Dementia Action Alliance, held on the first Tuesday of each month, St Peters’ Church, Henleaze, BS9 4LD, 2pm-4pm. A chance for carers to share stories and gain support from each other. For further information, contact Tony Hall, office@bdaa.org.uk
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 BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON
CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) on Monday afternoons 2.004.00pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www.goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@ grenvillemusic.co.uk
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 SCOTTISH DANCING TO GET FIT AND HAVE FUN 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, 7.30 to 9.30 pm. www. westburyscottish.org.uk
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.
n BRISTOL A CAPPELLA: Tuesdays 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church. Bristol A Cappella is an awardwinning mixed barbershop chorus of around 30 members who love to sing close harmony a cappella. Our songs are mainly from pop music, with a bit of rock and some musicals. www.bristolacappella.co.uk/ Contact: membership@bristolacappella.co.uk
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.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday n FRIENDLY BRIDGE SW is a Bridge Club operating on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10am to 1pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. We also offer online bridge and face to face tuition. New faces are always welcome. Please email friendlybridgesw@gmail.com or call Gareth on 07921-788605 for further information.
Wednesday n AFTERNOON CAFE CHESS
BS9 - From 2.45pm - 4.30pm on 2nd & 4th Weds of each month in Coffee #1 on Henleaze Rd - Feel free to drop in for informal chess over a cuppa - All ages and abilities welcome (Mark 07934 473 994). Upcoming on 9th April, 23rd April, 14th May & 28th May.
n A CLASS FOR EVERYBODY! KEEP FIT, St Peter’s Church, Henleaze, Wednesdays, 10-11am, £8. 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 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 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 A GENTLE WAY TO KEEP FIT & HAVE FUN! CHAIR AEROBICS, St Peter’s Church, Henleaze, Wednesdays, 11.15am12.15pm, £8. 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.comwellness. Call Louisa: 07725 091429. Email Louisa: chairaerobicslouisa@gmail.com
n "REST REFUGE: YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE" with Sarah Bradley (Occupational Therapist & Yoga Teacher). Wednesdays 10-11am . In Studio and livestreamed on Zoom. Bristol Yoga Space, Princes' Place, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NP. Contact: Seasonalflow@gmail.com or 07716 625418. Book your place: www.SarahBtheOT.com
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Road, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively, afternoon WI in BS6. We have a varied programme to offer members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB
Wednesday morning whist drives, 10.00 for 10.30, all welcome. £2.00 including tea and coffee. Located in Grange Court Road next to Newman Hall. Please see our website for information and all social
events. https://henleazebowlingclub.org.uk/social-events/
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 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 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.
Thursday
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, visit https://www.westbury-parishchurch.org.uk/toddler-group/
n EMMANUEL WESTBURY TODDLER GROUP. A play group for children aged 0-4, their Parents & Grandparents. Every Thursday in term time, 10:15-11:45. Northcote Scout Hall, Great Brockeridge, BS9 3TY. £3 per family, payable on door. Includes homemade cakes, hot & cold drinks and all activities. Come
along or look us up at https:// emmanuelbristol.org.uk/events/ emmanuel-westbury-toddlers/ or enquire by email to avbradley@ outlook.com
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 FRIENDS TOGETHER DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CAFÉ
A Dementia accessible café for all on the first Thursday of every month, 10am-12pm; The Randall Room at All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd, Clifton. Support, guidance, information and friendship with complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake. No need to book – just come along and be a part of our community! For more information contact All Saints Parish Office: 0117 974 1355
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.
Continued on Page 28
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 HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB
Thursday afternoon short mat bowls, 13.30, all welcome £3.00, tea and coffee provided. Located in Grange Court Road next to Newman Hall. Please see our website for information and all social events. https://henleazebowlingclub.org. uk/social-events/
n SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! RSCDS Bristol. 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 7.159.15pm. We would especially welcome more string players. Please visit our website for further details
at maths.bris.ac.uk
n HENBURY SINGERS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS at Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park BS9 1BW, 7.30 – 9.15, a warm welcome awaits you at Henbury Singers. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. www. henburysingers.org Contact the secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org
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
n HIGHBURY BADMINTON CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westburyon-Trym Village Hall
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 SINGING TO REMEMBER We meet 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 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
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.
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 Septem-
ber to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For info, see https:// www.spanishcirclebristol.com/.
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 10am-12pm, every second Sat (except August). Voluntary service run by experienced repairers. Donations welcome. FFI see Facebook @
seamillsrepaircafe or email: repaircafe.seamills@gmail.com
Sunday
n WORSHIP FOR ALL MUSIC SERVICE is a brand new music-based service at Holy Trinity Church in Westbury-on-Trym. Please join us on the last Sunday of each month from 4pm-4.45pm to sing along with contemporary and traditional worship songs with live music and experienced singing leaders. All are very welcome and the service is suitable for children. Refreshments are served at the end of each service. For more information, please visit https:// www.westbury-parish-church.org. uk/services/
We would love to publicise your event
Send details of your events and activities tous at: news@ henleazeandwestburyvoice. co.uk
Charity's new chief
EDDIE Farwell, who founded Children's Hospice South West with his late wife Jill in 1991, has handed over the reins to the charity’s new CEO.
Taking on the role, Phil Morris said: Joining this incredible charity, with its remarkable mission and impact, is an honour beyond words.
“Succeeding Eddie Farwell MBE, whose vision, dedication and lived experience has shaped CHSW over the past 34 years, is both humbling and inspiring. I am deeply committed to building on this strong foundation as we embark on the next chapter of CHSW’s journey.
"The CHSW team are an inspiration, not only to me, but to every person who has been touched by their care and support. It is a great pleasure to now be part of a team that has made, and continues to make, such a significant difference to families across the South West.”
Reflecting on his retirement, Eddie said: “2025 is the 30th birthday of the opening of our
first hospice, Little Bridge House, so it is a poignant time to step backCHSW has been Jill’s and my life’s work, and it has been a privilege to be involved in such an endeavour. Not many people are given the opportunity to do as we have done. I have handed over the reins to Phil and I know, along with the wider team, the charity will endure as it has done before.”
Jessica Patel, deputy CEO said: “There really are no words to express how much we have all been inspired by Eddie’s work and personally, it has been a complete honour to have worked alongside Eddie for just shy of 20 years.
"Now, as we acknowledge the 30th birthday of opening Little Bridge House, it is a wonderful opportunity to add to this significant year by welcoming Phil to the team. I, along with the team at CHSW, am excited to work with Phil and look forward to the next 30 years of providing children’s hospice care across the South West.”
n COMMUNITY NEWS
HORFIELD ORGANIC COMMUNITY ORCHARD (HOCO) has its roots in the ground and its eyes on the future. Since 1998 orchard members have planted 100 fruiting trees. We’ve connected with the wider community through our celebration eventsWassail and Apple Day. HOCO hosts of place-based orchard learning and training activities including fruit tree pruning courses and workshops.
As buds break into blossom this April, we begin a bold, new venture: Fruitful Futures – a climate resilience action project. We’ve already seen the impact of a decade of chaotic and changing weather patterns on our fruit trees. Social and economic patterns aren’t fixed either – and the Covid years shook up everything. When it feels like things are falling apart, I recall this quote: “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant new apple trees today.”
We welcome new Harvest-share members to join us now, and to be part of this innovative community action and learning project. Participants will design and lay the groundwork to plant and grow new fruit trees for future generations. Previous fruit-growing experience is helpful – a problem-solving approach is essential.
HOCO is also on a mission to double the number of Friends of the Orchard. It only costs £30 a year. Friends benefit from member-only social and learning opportunities, plus discounts for Orchard Learning courses, and from the Apple Tree Lady. Our aim is to create and sustain a part-time, paid co-ordinator role, which is vital for the future of the orchard.
More information at https://community-orchard.org.uk/ Shannon Smith aka The Apple Tree Lady
Photo: Jamie Carstairs
FINANCE
With Richard Higgs BA (hons) CFP FPFS
Harold Stephens
50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ
T: 0117 3636212 E: office@haroldstephens.co.uk
Using surplus income for Inheritance Tax planning
HMRC’s consultation on including pensions within inheritance tax (IHT) from April 2027 has now closed. While the final decision remains uncertain, those affected may need to reconsider their financial planning strategies.
For wealthier individuals, pensions have traditionally been the last asset accessed due to their IHT efficiency. If these changes go ahead, this approach may need adjusting. The impact will vary - those using pensions mainly for retirement income may need minor tweaks, while those intending to pass on wealth may require more significant changes and a new approach.
Consider Gifts from Surplus Income: One of the most
underused IHT exemptions is gifting from surplus income. Unlike other gifts, which may be subject to the seven-year rule, gifts from excess income can be immediately outside the donor’s estateprovided certain conditions are met.
To qualify, gifts must:
• Come from surplus income (not capital, such as savings and investments) after tax. Examples include pension income, interest from savings, dividends, income payment received from a trust, rental income or income from ISAs.
• Be part of a regular pattern of giving.
• Not affect the donor’s standard of living.
Record-keeping is crucial. It’s
important to document income and expenses carefully to prove there is excess income available for gifting. A history of similar gifts over three to four years is typically needed, though even a single gift may qualify if it was intended to be the first of a pattern.
Other Gifting Options: Beyond surplus income, it’s possible to take advantage of IHT gift exemptions, including:
• A £3,000 annual gifting allowance (£6,000 if unused from the previous year).
• Small gifts of £250 to multiple individuals.
• One-off gifts for weddings or civil partnerships.
Additionally, a surviving spouse who inherits a pension from a
partner who died before age 75 may consider withdrawing larger amounts tax-free and gifting them, hoping to survive seven years so they fall outside their estate.
Next Steps: With potential changes still years away, HMRC may yet reconsider. Some may prefer to wait for clarity before making major decisions, but those with specific circumstances might benefit from starting their planning sooner.
To book a complimentary inheritance tax review with one of our independent financial advisers to see how the proposed changes may impact your plans, give us a call on 0117 3636 212 or email office@haroldstephens.co.uk
Responded
Angela
Treated for chronic neck pain due to arthritis developing many years after a neck trauma. Just a remarkable response where all other treatments failed.
Indian Kitchen scoops national curry award
THE Voice promised to report back on how the ‘fare’ of Indian Kitchen in Westbury-on-Trym ‘fared’ in the third national Curry Awards – and we are delighted to be able to reveal their success in winning the title of Curry Kitchen of the Year, beating competition from nine other finalists from across the country.
Suresh Sharma, head chef and owner of the family-run curry house in the heart of Westbury village, has trained and worked in five-star hotels and restaurants both in Delhi and in various towns across England. He said that he was unable to attend the award ceremony in Manchester in February and was “a little scared at the thought of it all, but also shocked and delighted to win”.
He described how, when adjudicators came to sample his menu, they asked many questions including about the spices he used. “I was able to tell them that I use whole spices; everything is freshly
prepared. However I did not know at the time who they were, only that customers later told me they were voting for me.”
Diners at the restaurant, which offers takeaway and delivery options, as well as in-house dining, were impressed by the “sharpness of the flavours” and the “beautiful presentation of the dishes”. Customer satisfaction is important to Mr Sharma, who says he “can’t make everyone happy but I try my best to do so”. The kitchen is a family affair, with his wife and children helping out where and when they can.
“This is amazing for me," Mr Sharma added. “My whole family rely on me. I haven’t had a holiday in 35 years.” When it was suggested that he might have earned one now as a reward, he replied: “winning this is reward enough” and wanted to thank all his customers and regulars for their support and messages.
By Rosie Watson
Suresh Sharma and his family at Curry Kitchen
n TURNER'S VISION
Expert contact lens care: Tips for comfortable and healthy wear
As specialist contact lens optometrists, we know that contact lenses can transform the way you see and experience life. Whether you wear them for daily convenience, sports, or cosmetic reasons, the right lenses and proper professional eye care are key to ensuring long-term comfort and eye health. Here are some essential do’s, don’ts, and handy hints to help you get the best from your contact lenses.
Do’s: Essential Contact Lens Care Tips
Follow Your Optometrist’s Advice – Your eyes are unique, and so are your contact lenses. Always follow the wear and replacement schedule recommended by your Optometrist to maintain healthy eyes.
Wash and Dry Your Hands – Before handling your lenses, wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to your eyes or lenses.
Clean and Store Lenses Properly – If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and store them in fresh contact lens solution. Please never reuse or top up contact lens solutions.
Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly – Your lens case can harbour bacteria, so replace it every month and clean it regularly with fresh solution.
Take Breaks if Needed – If your eyes feel dry or irritated, give them a break by occasionally switching to glasses. Hydrating eye drops recommended by your Optometrist can also help.
Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid with Contact Lenses
Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses – Unless you have been prescribed specific overnight-wear lenses, sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections.
Don’t Use Water or Saliva – Never rinse your lenses with tap water, bottled water, or saliva. These can introduce harmful bacteria and lead to serious eye infections.
Don’t Wear Lenses Longer Than Recommended – Overwearing lenses beyond their intended use can reduce oxygen supply to your eyes, leading to discomfort and potential complications.
Don’t Ignore Discomfort – If your lenses feel uncomfortable, remove them and check for debris or damage. Persistent discomfort or redness may indicate an eye problem—contact us immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Handy Hints for Successful Contact Lens Wear
Find the Right Lenses for Your Lifestyle – From daily disposables to specialist lenses for complex prescriptions, there’s a contact lens solution for everyone. We can help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps maintain tear film stability, keeping your eyes comfortable while wearing lenses.
Use High-Quality Lens Solutions – Always use the recommended cleaning solution to extend the life of your lenses and keep your eyes healthy.
Book Regular Aftercares – Regular check-ups ensure your lenses are still suitable for your eyes and that your prescription remains up to date.
Need Expert Advice? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re considering contact lenses for the first time, need advice on specialist lenses, or just want to check if your current lenses are the best option for you, our experienced team is here to help. We offer expert contact lens fittings, aftercare, and personalised advice to ensure you achieve the best vision and comfort.
Book an appointment today and let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably!
To book an appointment, give us a call at our Henleaze branch on 0117 962 2474, our Fishponds branch on 0117 965 4434 or you can also book online at www.turnersopticians.co.uk and let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably! Gilly
Ginny Allwood MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret, is an Associate Optometrist with a Specialist interest in Contact Lenses & Myopia Control, who is also a Qualified Dispensing Optician, at Turners Opticians in Bristol.
n NEWS FROM S us WoT
Growing things is a big part of many SusWoT activities. In Westbury we are lucky, we have two events that together make up growing and harvesting. There is the May Fair on Saturday 10 May, at Holy Trinity Church and the nearby Doctors’ Car Park. In September there is the Village Show at the Village Hall, the theme is ‘Space’. SusWoT will be at both. In May SusWoT will be selling mainly tomato plants but also other vegetable too. If you would like to help nurture tomato plants for selling in May, and have space in a greenhouse or something similar, please be in touch.
Westbury Village Hall is a tremendous asset with large hall which has catering facilities and a bar, there are various smaller meeting rooms and a garden. It can be hired for wedding receptions, parties, talks, and sports activities. SusWoT holds its monthly meetings there. The Village Hall committee work hard to run the hall, but they can always use more help. If you could help
email enquiries@wotvillagehall. org. To book or learn more go to www.wotvillagehall.org.
Retrofit West and SusWoT have been working together to help people reduce their energy consumption. There was a fair at the village hall last November, about 250 people attended with ten exhibitors. Another fair is planned for November 2025. SusWoT have been making a film, with Bristol based Eyes Up Films about their work with Retrofit West. Judging by the number of people making energy saving
H
H Professional and guaranteed work
H Brick & Blocklaying 25%
improvements to their homes locally the project has been a success.
Himalayan Balsam: In spring it is not just good things that grow. In the Trym valley Himalayan balsam is an incredibly invasive annual plant that can grow ten feet tall. It can spread downstream fast and inland slowly but steadily. It grows very fast and is so big it wipes out native plants. It often grows beside streams and rivers and can catapult its seeds more than 20 feet. In the winter when
the balsam is dead, and the native plants are gone the riverbanks are vulnerable to being washed away. More than 90% of the balsam has been removed from the Trym in the last four years. Initially it was easy, there were huge stands to deal with. Now it is finding all the remaining small stands and eliminating the balsam there that is challenging. Help welcome.
Litterpicking: SusWoT has about 60 people who regularly litterpick in the area. However, some litterpickers are retiring or have moved away. If you would like to take on a street or two, please get in touch. All equipment is provided, and specialist training is provided by Bristol University Faculty of Litter Picking at the University Sports Ground. If you can help with any of SusWoT’s activities or want to learn more email suswot2050@ gmail.com.
Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm in Bishopston, just 10 minutes from Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym.
Our friendly legal experts provide practical, common sense advice for you, your family and your business.
If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, get in touch.
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Alex Dunn
The Community Garden near Stoke Lane springing back to life
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PLANTING SCHEMES
HEDGE TRIMMING
WOOD STAINING GRASS CUTTING PLANTING SCHEMES
HEDGE TRIMMING
If you have any particular requirement not listed above please don’t hesitate to contact Katherine on the numbers below. I work through all four seasons and will work to your specification whether it’s long term, short term or just for the
If you have any particular requirement not listed above please don’t hesitate to contact Katherine on the numbers below. I work
If you have any particular requirement not listed above please don’t hesitate to contact Katherine on the numbers below. I work through all four seasons and will work to your specification whether it’s
If you have any particular not listed above please to contact Katherine on below. I work through all and will work to your specification whether it’s long term, just for the day. Thank
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