oldland&bittonvoice
New era for community
CADBURY Heath’s community centre has officially reopened as the Coronation Centre.
Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, chair of the community interest company running the centre, which was formerly known as The Batch, said: “Our vision for the Coronation Centre is to create a thriving community hub where residents can come together, take part in activities, and access valuable services.
‘We look forward to welcoming everyone and building something truly special for Cadbury Heath.” Report and pictures: Page 9
The Coronation Centre
Celebrations in Cadbury Heath as centre opens
oldland&bittonvoice
GET IN TOUCH
PUBLISHER
Gary Brindle
07799461169
EDITOR
Linda Tanner 07770700579
Community farm faces cash crisis
HOW can we keep Grimsbury Farm as a treasured asset in our community?
That’s the question that cashstrapped South Gloucestershire Council is asking local people this spring.
Find us on Facebook
Oldland & Bitton Voice
ADVERTISING
oldlandandbittonvoicesales@ gmail.com
Tel 07799 461169
EDITORIAL
oldlandandbittonvoicenews@ gmail.com
Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.
DEADLINES
Our April edition deadline is March 26.
LOCAL INFORMATION
South Gloucestershire Council
www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
Police
www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk
general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire
www.avonfire.gov.uk
General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999
NHS 111
Safer Stronger team
sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
Anti social behaviour team
asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582
Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk
Environment/trading standards 01454 868001
Well Aware
Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Oldland Common & Bitton Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Oldland Common & Bitton Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 07799461169 or oldlandandbittonvoicenews@gmail.com
COMPLAINTS
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Oldland Common & Bitton Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.
Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
A member of the
It says it has no plans to close the attraction but admits that unless a way can be found to make it break even the large animals, including cows, pigs and goats, will be sent elsewhere, although the green space will remain open to the public.
Councillor Sam Bromiley, leader of the Conservative group on the council, is keen to save the farm and says a petition in support of it has gathered more than 1,000 names.
The Lib-Dem/Labour administration says the farm is costing the council £200,000 a year for vet bills, skilled staff, feed and welfare – money it can no longer afford.
It is planning to launch a “community conversation” to “make the farm better for residents” and invite expressions of interest from groups who could run it instead.
The cabinet considered a report on the farm’s future on February 3 and rejected an option to mothball it after being told the security costs of fencing and surveillance for such an extensive site would be huge.
At the council meeting on February 19, Cllr Bromiley proposed an amendment to the council’s budget to maintain funding for the coming year, but this was unsuccessful.
Helen Isaacs, who has lived next to Grimsbury Farm for 27 years, told the cabinet meeting: “It’s a beautiful, much-loved, busy place used by visitors and the local Kingswood and Warmley community. After the gates have closed and the people have gone, the farm comes to life again. Flocks of birds land to feed on the field, the foxes appear and forage for food. There is a badger sett on the farm and bats start to appear in the spring.
“It’s a calm, safe place that people and nature share. I’m asking South Gloucestershire Council to think before any decisions are made and ask what is irreplaceable, what can’t be
Slimming World
NORTH COMMON
Longwell Green Community Centre Shellards Road Longwell Gren BS30 9DU Mondays 6pm & *7.30pm Tuesdays 9.30am
With Karen 0788940896
* (Quieter sessions)
North Common Village Hall Millers Drive North Common BS30 8XX Tuesdays 6pm & *7.30pm
With Emma 07773689229
Councillor Sam Bromiley launched a petition in support of Grimsbury Farm
Photo: South Glos Conservatives
recreated once destroyed?”
Cabinet member for communities and local place Cllr
Sean Rhodes (Lab, Kingswood) replied: “I share all of the things that you said and I totally agree and recognise the value of all the things you mentioned, and that’s why there is no plan to close Grimsbury Farm.
“We are going to be engaging in community conversations with members of the public to get a better idea of what we need to do to keep Grimsbury Farm going as a little jewel within Kingswood.”
Ward Cllr Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock) said: “I’m sorry you came thinking that the farm might be closed and that would all be lost but that is something that is definitely not on our radar. We want to keep the farm open for use and to actually expand it for all those biodiversity and wellbeing things you mentioned.”
Opposition group leader Cllr
Bromiley (Parkwall & Warmley) said he was encouraged by the intention to secure the site’s future. He said support for the petition launched by the Tories showed its importance to the community.
However, he was concerned about the timescale that could mean large animals being removed in June.
“As this is such a valuable local asset, just four months to save the farm as it is is not long enough,” he said.
Councillor Rhodes said: “The simple fact is that as the farm is operating at the moment it is haemorrhaging money and it would be irresponsible for us as a cabinet to continue to allow that money to be lost.
“It is crucial that we find a way of creating a new farm, making it better than it currently is, that delivers more for residents and visitors.
“There is a commitment
and animal welfare.
Two years later the friends group, supported by the Brandon Trust, converted a stone barn into a community cafe which gives adults with learning difficulties work experience.
The report said: “During 2022/23, the further education provider gave notice that it would discontinue its educational courses from the 2023/24 academic year, resulting in an annual income loss. A replacement agriculturebased educational skills partner has not been found. In 2023/24, the average cost for each of the large animals was approximately £3,200.
“With no income from further education courses to offset these costs, the farm has been unable to achieve revenue neutrality or find alternative income streams or a new operating partner.
to keeping Grimsbury Farm operating. It’s a well-loved community asset and we all understand the value it brings to South Gloucestershire.”
The cabinet report said the council partnered with a further education provider in 2008 to train young people in farming
“Consequently, the public subsidy of the farm has increased, which is unsustainable.”
Meeting report by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Bristol Reptile Emporium
We carry a wide range of equipment, relating to all area’s of care for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. We aim to offer quality advice whether you are buying a reptile, equipment or just looking for a little guidance.
Nursery’s expansion granted retrospective planning consent
LITTLE Puddleducks day nursery at Siston Court has been given formal permission to expand – some years after it began breaching its planning conditions by taking in 40 per cent more children than allowed.
The nursery had its retrospective application approved by South Gloucestershire councillors despite objections from nearly all its neighbours and the authority’s conservation officer.
The site, a Grade II*-listed building next to an avenue of trees in the grounds of Grade I-listed Siston Court, was given consent by planning officers to become a nursery for 33 youngsters in 2017 but has taken 46 for several years, South Glos development management committee was told.
The council launched enforcement action against the planning breach, so the nursery applied for permission to allow it
to continue to have 46 children and increase the number of parking spaces, despite damage to tree roots.
Resident Dominic TrotmanDickenson told the committee on February 20, that the application would cause the “destruction of the historic environment”.
He said: “The parents all arrive between 8.30am and 9am through a single access gate. It is chaos.”
Little Puddleducks managing director Sacha Hallard said:
“Our drop-off service is efficient – parents spend on average three minutes dropping off and collecting their children.
“Children arrive at staggered times from 8am to 9.30am, and evening pick-up is from 4- 6pm.
“There are 5,000 new homes proposed within a three-mile radius of our setting. The additional spaces are required for our setting to be sustainable. If permission is not granted,
Little Puddleducks nursery at Siston Court in Siston
this setting will not be viable to continue to provide an earlyyears service to the community.
“This will leave 102 local families without childcare and 22 members of staff without financial security and stable employment.
“The disruption this would cause and the loss of childcare spaces would have a catastrophic impact on our wider community.”
Cllr June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said: “I’m horrified that a previous committee even passed this. The local authority has a duty to protect our heritage assets. The officer’s report says such assets are an irreplaceable resource and should be conserved. They’ve gone up to 46 children in breach of planning conditions – what is to stop them
from going up to 60? I’m totally disgusted.”
Cllr Paul Hughes (Con, Bitton & Oldland Common) said: “I can’t see any mitigation to stop the mess that this car park has already exerted itself on the locale. Whatever you put there is going to be an absolute mess.”
A report to the committee said the council’s early years and childcare team supported the application because the Boyd Valley ward had a shortage of 53 childcare places for youngsters under two years old and the authority had a legal duty to ensure that there were enough free nursery places.
Councillors voted 7-2 along with officers’ recommendations to grant consent.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Salute to some of our community heroes
THREE people from east Bristol were among the local heroes honoured by the chair of South Gloucestershire Council for their voluntary work.
Roger Chilcott, Susan Weaver and Pete Goodwin joined others from across the district at a celebration event at SGS College’s WISE campus where they received community awards from Councillor Franklin OwusuAntwi.
Roger Chilcott has been volunteering since 2003. He advocates for good quality social housing in South Gloucestershire and most particularly in Kingswood. Throughout his volunteering life Roger has worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma attached to living in social housing by empowering tenants to engage with their landlord and improve the quality of the services they receive. He also leads on the King’s Forest Community Action Group, holding various social
housing providers to account and scrutinising their services.
Susan Weaver has been providing unpaid service for 15 years at Paul’s Place in Coalpit Heath, a charity that supports adults aged 18-65 years of age who have physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment.
Susan, from Oldland, has served as a day facility volunteer, short break volunteer and evening programme volunteer.
It was great to host my ‘Meet Helen’ events across the West of England including in Bath & Keynsham. It was lovely to meet residents from right across our region and hear your views on how we make the West of England a better place to live.
MY
The Community Award winners
Susan has been praised for helping attendees achieve their potential, picking them up when they need moral support and being a trusted friend. She genuinely cares and has a passion to support others.
Pete Goodwin joined the Warmley Signal Box and Community Garden Group in 2016. He was a parish councillor for Siston and had a keen interest in the local area,
including industrial heritage and history. Pete has been a positive role model to the group and was key (along with the Vice Chair) in ensuring security for the Signal Box was improved through security camera, lighting and alarm systems. Through dedication, good management and leadership, he has ensured that the Warmley Signal Box is accessible to the public, every weekend, all year round.
PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND
Create an integrated transport network of buses and trains that local people can rely on to get around Build new homes with the right infrastructure to help young people get onto the housing ladder Bring investment into our region to make the West of England the home of new green jobs
BUILDING nearly 23,000 houses in South Gloucestershire over the next 15 years will be painful, councillors have been told.
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.
Councillor Chris Willmore, the cabinet member responsible for developing a Local Plan for the district, admitted that she had frequently been in tears over some of the measures, such as taking some sites in east Bristol out of the Green Belt, that would be needed.
But she warned a cabinet meeting on February 3 that unless the draft plan was published by March 12, the government would force the authority to increase the housebuilding target for 2041, currently set at 22,679, by a further 5,000 properties, which would cause even more pain.
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”.
or shared ownership – but also other priorities such as employment and environmental concerns.
Gloucestershire as we possibly can,” she said.
Gloucestershire and Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society urged the cabinet to rethink plans for thousands of houses in east Bristol, on sites including Shortwood, Webbs Heath, Warmley, Oldland Common and Hanham.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
Oldland Common resident Eileen Tilley was one of many who spoke up, expressing her concerns about the lack of transport and infrastructure to support the housingf.
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
“I can’t see people of my generation getting ion an escooter and trying to go down to the shops,” she said.
Councillor Willmore said she was confident that evidence showed the plan was the best way to deliver what the area needed, including not only housing – 40 per cent of which would be for social rent
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
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.
She praised council officers for their work on the plan, which she said contained 48 important policies. In particular, she said the consultation undertaken early last year was the widest she had known in 40 years.
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
“I have spent my life supporting campaigns to protect the Green Belt. We will do our best to protect as much of South
Councillor Willmore rejected residents’ claims that no notice had been taken of feedback from the 2024 consultation. She said “field by field” conversations had resulted in some sites being removed from the plan and others being adjusted to reduce the likely impact on neighbouring communities.
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.
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.
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
Earlier, campaigners including members of Save Our Green Spaces South
The campaigners were also out in force for the full council meeting on February 12, at which the Local Plan was formally adopted. A six-week consultation was due to start on February 28. The plan will go to an examination in public later in the year, at which all comments submitted by members of the public will be taken into consideration by a planning inspector.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
Details of the places where new housing developments could be built across South Gloucestershire are set out in the council's Local Plan. The proposals, which are out for consultation this month, include removing part of the Green Belt to allow thousands of homes on Bristol’s eastern fring.
North Warmley
FOUR sites north of the A420 are being put forward for 1,060 homes to form what the council is calling the North Warmley New Neighbourhood.
The development between London Road and Webbs Heath will require an area bounded by Siston Brook, Goose Green, Webbs Heath Road and Webbs Heath common to be removed from the Green Belt.
The scheme includes a play park, a shop, a nursery, work spaces and a play park. Rather than creating a local centre, developers’ cash will fund improvements to Warmley’s high street and community centre.
Shortwood
THREE sites near Shortwood are proposed to form part of what has been named the Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhoods.
East of the A4174 opposite Mangotsfield and Siston Hill, 1,600 homes are proposed for land including the former Shortwood Lodge Golf Club, which closed in 2019, stretching to the southern edge of Shortwood.
A further 330 homes would be built north of Shortwood, at Rockhouse Farm.
The council says 30% of homes would be classed as affordable, for social rent or nonmarket ownership schemes, and there would be an employment zone, hotel, convenience store, GP surgery, nursery, affordable workspaces, a primary school, community centre and play area.
Around 660 of the homes would be built after the end of the Local Plan period in 2041.
Oldland & Bitton
AS reported in February’s Voice, more than 800 homes are earmarked for sites in Oldland and Bitton. The largest is 304 on a site to the rear of Park Farm, Barry Road, Oldland Common. Jarret’s Yard in
Plan sets out sites for thousands of homes
Oldland Common is now listed for 140 properies and Jarretts
Garden Centre on Bath Road for 95. Other sites are: The Park, Willsbridge, 15; Willsbridge Nursery, off Keynsham Road, 62; Land adjacent to Bitton Sports and Social Club, 33; Land adjoining Bath Road, Bridgeyate, 59; Land on the east side of Bath Road, North Common, 64; Land on the east side of Bath Road, North Common, 41; Wick
FIVE sites in Wick are identified for a total of 115 homes and Pucklechurch is set for 60.
Hanham
A SITE known as The Batch in Hanham, turned down last year by the council for development because it is in the Green Belt, is included in the plan. The proposal is for 125 homes at Castle Farm Road and 60 at
Castle Inn Farm.
A scheme for 85 homes south of Abbots Road that was included in an earlier version of the plan has been withdrawn.
North Lyde Ecotech Village
ABOUT 2,050 homes and 18 hectares of employment land, extending the Bristol & Bath Science Park, have been proposed north of Lyde Green. The area to be developed is bounded by the M4, Westerleigh Road and the railway line serving the Westerleigh fuel depot.
Around 1,350 homes would be built before 2041 and 700 afterwards.
The development would include shops and cafes, a community centre, nursery, primary school, library, GP surgery and a central play park.
Mangotsfield
DEVELOPER Taylor Wimpey submitted plans last year to build 150 new homes on a field it owns between Cossham Street and Rodway Hill Road, next to Mangotsfield United FC, Cleve Rugby Club and Mangotsfield School.
The site, currently Green Belt, appears in the Local Plan as a potential site for 150 homes. Taylor Wimpey has asked for permission to develop it before the new plan is adopted.
Part of Cleve Rugby Club's Hayfields ground, which stands next to the Taylor Wimpey field, has now been put forward by the club as a potential site for 65 homes.
A further 72 homes have been proposed on two other sites off Pomphrey Hill - seven on a field between the rugby club and the pavilion car park, and a further 65 on a field by the ring road.
Staple Hill
THE former Bristol Uniforms factory in Wathen Street, Staple Hill has been removed from the final draft of the Local Plan.
Developer Woodstock Homes announced plans to build 66 one and two-bedroom flats in three and four-storey blocks on the site behind Fountain Square in 2023, a few months after the safety clothing company moved out after more than 120 years.
The plans are still awaiting a decision by the council's planning department, but the site has been removed from the plan, with the council saying it will "remain as safeguarded employment land".
Elsewhere in Staple Hill, the building occupied by Snap Fitness in Broad Street has been suggested as a site for 14 homes.
The final draft of the Local Plan is due to open for public comments on February 28.
Full details will be found on the plan website: sgcouncilplan.commonplace.is Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
The former Bristol Uniforms factory
Cancer research coffee morning
A FUNDRAISING campaign started two years ago by a doctor who has bowel cancer is close to reaching £60,000.
Daniel Money, 26, from Keynsham, and his family and friends have organised and taken part in a number of activites, including cycling, running and swimming events as well as quizzes and coffee mornings, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Their next event is a coffee morning at Keynsham Cricket Club on March 7 from 10am to noon.
Daniel said: “I appreciate how important up-to-date research is, as a patient and doctor, in helping increase treatment options for people like me who are currently undergoing chemotherapy.”
To contribute to Daniel’s fundraising , go to: https:// fundraise.cancerresearchuk. org/unite/danielsfundraising
LETTERS
Questions over radio date
FIRSTLY, congratulations on the launch of the Oldland and Bitton edition.
I was particularly interested in the article (Museum Page, Oldland & Bitton Voice February edition) regarding the edition of BBC Any Questions in 1988.
I can find no record of Any Questions coming to Kingswood in 1988, but I do know the panel of Douglas Hurd, Brenda Dean, Tony Benn and Paddy Ashdown did an edition of the programme broadcast from the Octagon Theatre of Kingsfield School on April 7th 1989. I was Chair of Governors at the time, and therefore wasn’t completely surprised when I was chosen to pose the first question.
After the recording, I remember serving canapes to the panel. It seems very unlikely that the BBC would have come to Kingswood twice in 12 months with the same panel.
I was even more surprised more recently while driving through Oldland. I turned the radio on and the first voice I heard was me asking Tony Benn a question. I
think it was an archive programme that the BBC were doing to mark 75 years of Any Questions.
Kim Scudamore, Oldland • Kingswood Heritage Museum has admitted this was an honest mistake. The team would love to hear from anyone else who has similar "I was there" memories to share.
This month’s museum news: Pages 14 & 15
Please support parent carers
SOUTH Glos Parent Carers are celebrating our 15th year of supporting parent carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From our humble beginnings in 2009, when our parent carer forum was set up by me and two other mums, we’ve grown into a robust team of 22, supporting a vibrant parent carer community of more
than 3,400 members.
The last 15 years have seen a lot of changes in our organisation but its heart and purpose have remained the same: to grow a wellinformed, empowered, supportive community of SEND families, and to represent the collective voice of our community, working with service providers to achieve positive change.
We set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £15,000 to help us achieve our dream of reaching all South Glos families who have a child or young person with an additional need or disability.
Anything you give will help us greatly – every penny helps us to run our support groups, workshops and open our Community Base.
If you are interested in getting involved, you can email SGPC15@ sglospc.org.uk, donate at tinyurl. com/y39prkpk or find out more at www.sgpc.org.uk
Rachel
Trueman Chief executive SGPC
Pictured right, are (l-r) Coronation Centre CIC trustees Jason and Kim Ball, Councillor Sean Rhodes, Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Roger Deeks DL, trustees of Coronation Centre CIC Edna and Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, and High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Mark Hurrell DL
Community hails Coronation Centre
THE Coronation Centre in Cadbury Heath has officially opened its doors.
In the presence of the High Sheriff Mark Hurrell and Councillor Sean Rhodes from South Gloucestershire Council, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Roger Deeks cut the ribbon.
Guests from Oldland Parish Council, Milestones Trust and Creative Youth Network enjoyed a tour of the revamped facilities and had the opportunity to meet the directors of the community interest company and learn more about their hopes for the future.
Parish councillor Edna Stinchcombe said at the opening ceremony: “Today marks a new
Vice-Lord Lieutenant Roger
chapter for Cadbury Heath as we proudly open the doors to the Coronation Community Centre. This space is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a beacon of hope, unity, and opportunity for our community. Together, we will create memories, foster growth, and build a brighter future for all.”
Formerly known as the Batch, the Centre was built by South Gloucestershire Council and opened in 2015. It was managed by Banjo Island Community and Sports Association (BICSA) until 2022. The following year the Coronation Centre CIC (Community Interest Company) was appointed the new long-term operator, with support from Oldland Parish Council.
The CIC appointed directors: Jason and Kim Ball, Nick Phelps, Dennis and Edna Stinchcombe MBE, all long-term residents of Cadbury Heath who understand the area’s needs.
Youth services will continue two nights a week, delivered by Creative Youth Network. The CIC hopes to welcome back Milestones Trust, which provides support to adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, supporting its return to the building.
To find out more, contact the CIC at: enquiries@coronationcentre.co.uk
Dennis Stinchcombe and Councillor Sean Rhodes in the refurbished Coronation Centre
Deeks cuts the ribbon
YEAR 11 music students at Digital Studio School in Warmley are raising funds to help bring their Digifest dream to life in early April.
To kickstart their efforts, they hosted a successful ‘band T-shirt’ day, where students and staff donned T-shirts and hoodies in honour of their favorite bands and artists.
Voluntary donations were collected on the day, with all proceeds contributing towards purchasing merchandise and refreshments for the festival. In total, £50 was raised by staff and students.
The festival promises to be an exciting celebration of live music and creativity,
BROW
and all profits raised from the event will be donated to Childline, a charity chosen by the students.
The Digifest team is still on the lookout for additional support to make the event a success. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please contact digifest@ dssb.clf.uk. Here’s how you can help:
• Bands/artists – If you are a musician, solo artist, or part of a band and can donate
Banding together Giving students focus
By The Brow
30 minutes of your time to perform at this charity event, the school would love to hear from you.
• Sponsorship – Corporate or business sponsors willing to contribute to festival funds in exchange for promotional opportunities across social media channels and event materials, are being sought.
Sam Eason, teacher of music and deputy special needs coordinator at the school, said: “We encourage everyone to support this fantastic cause and help us make Digifest a memorable event for both our school and the wider community.”
PHOTOGRAPHY students from Digitech visited the Fox Talbot Museum in Lacock, the birthplace of photography.
The Fox Talbot Museum, housed in a 16th-century barn originally used as stables, provided students with a unique glimpse into the birth of photography.
The museum showcases the groundbreaking work of William Henry Fox Talbot, who played a pivotal role in the invention of photography.
Students were able to explore early photographic equipment,
including Talbot’s small ‘mousetrap’ camera, and learn about the chemistry behind his pioneering processes.
They also discovered the historic race between two inventors vying for the title of the true creator of photography.
During their visit, the Year 11 students wandered the picturesque Lacock Abbey grounds and village, using the setting to document primary research and gather preliminary ideas that would feed into their chosen themes for their externally set assignment.
We’re all digging in
SOUTH Gloucestershire’s Common Connections team were helped by school and community groups who joined in with planting fruit bushes, trees and hundreds of plants - despite some very wet weather.
Among the volunteers were students from Warmley Park School as well as the Friends of Siston Common and Kingswood Climate Action Group. They planted marginal wetland plants and fruit trees, alongside the stream in Felicity Park next to Siston Common.
Children from Wick Primary School also braved the weather, digging in to put fruit bushes in their allotment area.
Top three award for The Dolphin
THE Dolphin pub in Oldland Common is celebrating after being named one of the top 3 sports pubs in the country.
Louise Hackett, owner of the Dolphin pub since July 2023 was so pleased to be recognised for their effort and to come into the top 3 out of 4,000 pubs was just amazing.
The awards ceremony by Stongate & Partners was held at one of their premier establishments at The Salsa Temple in Westminster London.
Since Louise has taken over at the Dolphin there was a big emphasis to improve the experience for locals, and as well as several large screens inside, during the Euro’s it opened it’s beer garden up with extra seating and massive screen to watch the football.
It was really well supported also generating a great atmosphere for everyone.
The Dolphin also regularly has live music every weekend as well as their much loved Karaoke evenings and a monthly quiz.
Food has now been introduced during the day on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday.
Louise and staff offer a warm welcome to all Food Served Thursday, Friday & Saturday All day breakfast and light lunches
Live Entertainment Every Weekend
SATURDAY MARCH 1ST
FRIDAY MARCH 7th
SATURDAY MARCH 8th
MARCH 15th
SATURDAY MARCH 22nd
SATURDAY MARCH 29th
Louise at the awards ceremony
LONGWELL GREEN WI
AT the end of January, two of our hardy WI members joined local volunteers as well as students from Warmley Park School, braving the cold and a very wet day for a planting event at Felicity Park, in Kingswood. Regular local volunteers had previously cleared the area for planting and the pond had been de-silted. The event was organised to plant marginal plants alongside the pond plus of trees around the site and was funded by South Gloucestershire Council. The event was highlighted on BBC Points West in the evening that day.
In February, the WI Tuesday ‘Happy Feet’ walking group starting from Bitton, walked for just over two hours, which in places was very wet and muddy. The route included seeing a cottage where the notorious Benjamin Caines (member of the Cock Road Gang) was locked up and later hanged, St Mary’s Church dating back to Norman times and The Grange which has links to Jane Seymour the third wife of King Henry VIII, a
spot marking a tree planted in 1987 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign; the original tree has now been replanted to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Bitton Council School dating back to 1909 (now the Meadows Primary School). It was definitely an educational walk coming across sites that can only really be appreciated on foot.
The WI group has now reached 80 members, the largest membership to-date.
We have lots of groups that our members can participate in. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group, skittles and social suppers. On the first Thursday of the month, we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat.
Longwell Green WI’s meetings are held on the third Friday of the month at 7.30 pm at the Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting, please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening.
Kamann Huang
BITTON WI
Our cheery group met again on a particularly cold Monday in February where all were welcomed and thanked for attending. Despite the gloomy weather our thoughts turned to our summer outing in August and forthcoming events and visits organised by the WI. We are still seeking ideas for our outing, though a visit to underneath the Suspension Bridge or a boat trip on the river have already been suggested. I understand a hard hat might be order of the day for the suspension bridge which sounds intriguing! Sadly, another of our longstanding members has passed away. Janet Ivans had been a familiar face for many years at Bitton WI and will be very much missed by those who knew her.
Our speaker this meeting was Ann Hobdey. Ann’s talk on Lady Ann of a 1000 days promised to not be what we thought it was! Ann quickly dispelled any thoughts that her talk would be any of the things we were thinking and told us this was her story of how she moved with her new husband to the
Philippines when they were first married to undertake a position in the Embassy, how she got the nickname, Lady Ann and how she overcome the challenges of taking on the role of a diplomats wife to enjoy a thousand days of fun and making happy memories. A fascinating account and so much crammed into what sounded like a fabulous 3 years!
Our next meeting will be held on Monday March 10, 2pm, St Mary’s Church Hall, Bitton where we will be endeavouring to keep fit with Chair Zumba – come prepared for some gentle exercise! Guest welcome for £4 on the day, or come along for a free WI taster before you join us. For more info –email: bittonwi@gmail.com.
Karen Davidson, president
After 314 years, this stunning grade two listed country pub finds itself centre stage in a dynamic period of rebirth.
Whether you're with us for a relaxed lunch, a jovial meal catching up with friends and family, an extra special Sunday roast, or a group celebration. Our warm and inviting atmosphere will welcome you like a big hug.
IMPERIAL WINTERGUARD
WINTERGUARD is a competitive sport that combines various dance styles, flags and props into a show. Imperial Winterguard is local to Kingswood, Hanham and Keynsham area.
This year the team is performing PINK, which so far has achieved them a third and first place, with two more competitions to attend before they reach finals on April 5.
If your daughter or son, age 7-13, is interested in dance, or fancies something a bit different, Imperial will be looking for new members to join from April 22, with the try out (first session) for free.
Check out our Facebook or Instagram page for further information.
SOUTH GLOS WINE CIRCLE
SOUTH Glos Wine Circle formed in 1966 at the Half Moon in Coalpit Heath and over the years have been in several venues. Currently, and for the last 15 years, in St Barnabas Church Hall in Warmley on the first Wednesday of the month. We are starting our 2025/26 programme and would like to invite people to come and join us for a glass of wine, talk about our future events and perhaps join our circle. The plan is to hold this on Wednesday May 7, doors open at 7.30 for 8pm (over 18s only I am afraid]. Of course you can come and see us any time and be sure of a warm welcome. http://www.sgwc.org.uk
Carol Coombs
OLDLAND PLAYERS
OLDLAND Players are taking part in two one-act play festivals this month. Their entry is a play called Daisy Markham, by Janice Sampson and features a 102-year-old woman and a caring lady.
The players are at the Bristol One Act Play Festival at the Olympus Theatre at SGS College’s Wise Campus on Saturday March 1.
The following weekend they perform on Friday March 7 at the Avon Short Play Festival at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.
WHITFIELD TABERNACLE
TRUSTEES of the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust were pleased to hear that an issue regarding the ownership of land around the 1741 Grade I listed Tabernacle in Kingswood had finally been resolved, allowing the Trust to go ahead with inviting contractors to quote for the extensive works required to turn the saved building into a useful building.
If all goes well, we should have a converted building ready open its doors in March 2026. But there’s a lot of work to be done to make sure everything’s in place for a successful opening, and the Trust is in good shape to manage the Tabernacle and deliver on its mission to educate people from Kingswood and beyond on the history of the building, its founders and the role it’s played in Kingswood over those 280 years’.
The Trust expects to set up a separate trading company to manage the building and plan the events and activities that will be on offer. That will require new Trustees with skills and experience in financial management, fundraising and events management to serve on the Board of the Trust, and to serve as Directors of the anticipated trading company.
Anyone who feels they might be the right person to take on one of these roles should contact the Trust via our website (thetabernaclekingswood.org) or contact the secretary directly (Kim. Scudamore@whitfieldtabernacle.org).
by Lucy
Kim Scudamore
Wendy Zhang playing at the partially restored Tabernacle
Oldland Common station restoration
Oldland Common Station has seen significant recent restoration efforts, spearheaded by young volunteers, who were all under 18 at the start of the project.
Opened in 1935 and closed in 1966, the station was of simple construction, being two wooden platforms, able to accommodate four coaches each.
Access to both platforms was via ramps down from North Street Bridge (where one remains today as access to the Railway Path). Alongside these were matching, dark-coloured, corrugated iron shelters on each platform.
The first extension of the Avon Valley Railway saw track extended northwards from Bitton, to the site of Oldland Common station in March 1991, with a loop allowing locomotives to run-around their trains.
This was then followed by the construction of a platform on the Down side, resurrecting the original station, albeit, opening in December 1997. However, since then, for over 25 years, the station remained largely featureless.
In 2022, a group of volunteers launched a project to restore the station’s historical identity, aiming to reflect its 1960s British Rail Western Region appearance. Crowdfunding efforts raised £2,500, allowing for key developments.
One of the first tasks was repainting the station’s lampposts in an authentic chocolate and cream scheme, reflecting the style of the era.
New signage was also a major focus with Western Region totem signs. Additionally, a replica of the 1965 railway closure notice was installed, serving as a thoughtprovoking reminder of the station’s past.
the station would
Currently the station’s ‘runningin board’ is being re-created, modelled after the Down platform
Next meeting of the History Group
Gloucestershire and the birth of the modern prison
Prison crises are not new. In the eighteenth century, prison conditions were appalling. Gaol fever and insanitary conditions made prisons not only unpleasant but dangerous. While many acknowledged the poor conditions, few were
sign from the 1950s. Once completed, this nearly 4-metrewide sign will provide a striking
willing to do anything practical to address them.
One who was, was the High Sherriff of Gloucestershire, Sir George Onesiphorus Paul. By force of personality and argument he pushed forward plans for the building of a new county gaol in Gloucester in 1792, and reformed and rebuilt other places of detention in the county.
Jim Heavens, who was briefly the deputy governor of Gloucester Prison, will explain how the prison was established under Paul’s direction and how the changes he made proved influential in the design and management of prisons in the nineteenth century and beyond.
March 18th 7 for 7.30pm Venue: URC Chapel High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9QN. Everyone welcome. No charge for entry.
historical feature.
Future plans could include the addition of historically accurate benches, replicating the ex-GWR benches seen at Bitton and Warmley in the 1960s, among other pieces for Oldland Common station.
These will further enhance the station’s period authenticity to create an immersive historical experience for visitors, bridging the past and present.
If you have any stories, you feel are worth sharing of the station, have any photographs, or have any items linked to the station or line, please let Joseph Dean know at trustdesign@avonvalleyrailway.org.
© Unknown - Looking north from North Street bridge, this image shows the condition
have been in when first opened.
Totem signs and lamps; Closure poster on notice board: © J Dean
n KINGSWOOD MEMORIES & HERITAGE MUSEUM
KLEENEZE
This month’s “Memory” focusses on the well-known homeware company Kleeneze, which until 2004 was based in Martins Road in Hanham.
Kleeneze was founded in 1923 by Harry Crook, who had returned to Bristol after emigrating to the United States and gaining experience as a sales representative with the Fuller Brush company. He started his business in Hanham making brushes, which were sold door-to-door by salesmen.
Kleeneze remained at its original Hanham site for 80 years. In 1995, the company was bought by
Museum reopening
The Museum will reopen for the new season on Tuesday 1st April from 2.00 to 5.00. The Museum will be open until the end of November from 2 – 5pm every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holidays.
European Home Retail and in May 2004 Kleeneze relocated its headquarters and distribution centre to Warmley.
The company was bought by Findel Plc in 2007 after the collapse of European Home Retail and moved its operations to Hyndburn in Lancashire. It is now owned by Manchester-based brands house Ultimate Products, as part of their wider portfolio of homeware brands.
The site of the Hanham factory has been empty for some time, and is to be developed for housing in the coming years. However, before its move to Lancashire
This year’s major new exhibition is “ Spotlight on Kingswood”, which showcases the social, industrial and religious history of the area.
This year the Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary since opening in 1995, and one of this year’s other new exhibitions will feature a photographic display illustrating the changes that have taken place at the Museum over its first thirty years.
the company was a major employer in the local area.
The photographs were taken during the company’s heyday, and show a visit to the site in 1979 by the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Mrs Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister that year, and the current year marks the 50th anniversary of her election as leader of the Conservative Party.
If you worked for Kleeneze, or were present when Mrs Thatcher visited the Hanham site, please share your memories with Kingswood Heritage Museum by email at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com, or by phone on 0117 9605664
Museum Talk: Witchcraft and Magic
The first talk of the year takes place at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday 12th March, when Ronald Hutton will explore the fantastical world of Witchcraft and Magic.
Admission costs £4.50, including tea or coffee; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; Seats must be booked in advance via 0117 9605664. or email:kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com
Volunteer with us
Kingswood Heritage Museum is run entirely by volunteers. Would you like to help us to conserve and display the history of our area, and to pass our knowledge on to future generations?
Whatever skills you can offer, Kingswood Heritage Museum would like to hear from you. If you would like to join our enthusiastic and friendly group of volunteers do get in touch by emailing us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail. com, or simply call us on 0117 9605664. We would love to hear from you!
Full steam ahead for Portishead line
THE start of 2025 has been a busy time for the West of England, seeing more great news.
My mayoral combined authority has continued to go from strength to strength, securing a record £380 million budget to invest in better buses, training for workers and jobseekers, and much more over the coming year.
In February, I was proud to announce another project that this record funding will help deliver: reopening the long-awaited Bristol & Portishead Line, which was axed back in 1964 under the Beeching cuts.
After years of delays, thanks to £27m of further investment from my combined authority we have struck a deal to get on with it, after I went to London to strike a deal with Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy.
This project will cut journey times in half, reducing congestion and pollution. It will also unlock an extra £43m each year for our regional economy, and represents a major step towards delivering a train station at Ashton Gate – with other stations coming down the line for Lockleaze, St Anne’s, and a long held ambition of mine, Saltford.
This is a train line that was dreamed up by Isambard Kingdom Brunel almost 200 years ago, before opening in 1867.
It was a victim of the historic rail cuts in the 1960s, meaning that the last time passengers were on it, The Beatles were top of the charts the first time round.
All change here, though! After many false starts, we’ll be back on track this summer, when work starts.
This is a red letter day for the West of England, that generations have waited eagerly to see.
Once opened, in the next few years,
TAKE THE DRAMA OUT OF MAKING A WILL.
Will Writing
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family & Property Trusts
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Probate Services
Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
journey times between Bristol and Portishead will be cut in half.
Rush hour at the moment takes motorists almost an hour, but the new trains will do the distance in around 20 minutes.
It’s not just full steam ahead for this line, though - far from it.
Since I’ve been mayor I’ve been proud to open two brand new stations for local passengers at Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down.
The Bristol & Portishead Line will be the latest giant leap forward, part of a wider programme to give 100,000 more people access to train services in our region.
Full steam ahead!
Wills and Probate without the mystery
How do I choose the right executor of my will? I’m worried about putting a burden on someone or making the wrong choice that will have a negative effect on my children.
Your Executor is the person who is going to handle all your affairs after you pass away.
Typically, your Executor should possess two essential qualities: they know you very well, and they are good at managing paperwork. In addition, they should also be someone who is willing and able to give up some of their time to actually administer your estate and distribute your assets as indicated.
Going through probate or the administration of an estate can be complex. Knowing this, it’s best to pick someone who has the capacity to take on such a responsibility and is good in these types of situations.
Many people pick a trustworthy family member or a close friend to be their Executor, but that isn’t the only option. I recommend that you choose someone who will get to know you well, earn your trust and whom is also a professional.
A professional Executor can also be an excellent choice for those who are worried about putting the burden on a family member or friend during a time of grief. They are an excellent option whose only stake in the situation is to do their job.
Jim Emsley
Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristol-based ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
Dan Norris at the Avon Valley Railway in Bitton
WHAT’S ON
Saturday March 1
n ST DAVID’S DAY
CELEBRATION: Welsh twmpath dancing (ceilidh), Bristol Welsh Choir, hog roast and veggie options. Full licensed bar. All are welcome! Saltford Hall, Saltford 7pm onwards
Tickets from £15, to include entertainment and food http://www.bit.ly/saintdavid
Saturday March 8
n UNITY CHURCH COFFEE
MORNING 10:00-11:30 Bacon butties, homemade cakes. You are assured of a warm welcome. Please visit us.
Monday March 10
n BITTON WI Our next meeting will be held on Monday 10 March 2025 in St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Bitton at 2 pm. (We meet every second Monday of the month). Our speaker will be Ann Hobday talking to us about Lady Ann of a 1000 days. For more details email: bittonwi@gmail.com
Tuesday March 18
n BITTON LOCAL HISTORY
SOCIETY Our next meeting is March 18, 7:00 for 7:30 pm Venue:
T.B.A. ‘Jails and Lock-Ups’- a talk by Jim Heavens Everyone welcome; no charge for entry.
Saturday March 22
n MAKERS MARKET at Hanham Community Centre, 10am-2pm Palm Sunday: Sunday April 13
n DONKEY RIDES in St Anne’s churchyard at 10am followed by 10.30am an All Age cafe style church service Easter Day: Sunday April 20
n BUBBLE CHURCH 9.30am in the Orchard Rooms. (Right next to St Anne’s Church REGULAR EVENTS
Monday
n YOGA CLASS 6:00-7:00 info at www.magicretreat.co.uk Unity
Oldland Church
Tuesday n WRIGGLE GIGGLE HOP 10:30-
12:00 Free Toddler Group with refreshments. Unity Methodist Church West Street and 2:00-4:00 Longwell Green Social Club. All are welcome.
Wednesday n THE JOLLY MELODIES MUSIC COMPANY 9:00-12:00 more info on Facebook Page Unity Methodist Church West Street
n CRAFTING FRIENDS SOCIAL GROUP. 2:00-4:00Come and join us! Unity Methodist Church Hall West Street
n NITA NATA 2-4pm . Come and join us! Knit and chat! Unity Methodist Church Hall West Street
Thursday
n RAINBOW CARE GROUP BATH DAY CLUB 10am-4pm info on Facebook Page Unity Methodist Church West Street
n UNITY COMMUNITY
CHOIR7:30-9:00 New members welcome Unity Methodist Church
Friday
n THE JOLLY MELODIES MUSIC COMPANY 9am-noon more info on Facebook Page Unity Methodist Church West Street
n CROFT END SILVER BAND practise at Hanham United Reformed Church, Tabernacle Road, 7.15pm - 8.45pm. We welcome new players on all sections, all ages, and training is provided within a Happy Band atmosphere - Contact for further info, Chairman Rob 07788473404.
n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30 pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Email: longwellwi@gmail.com or Tel: 01179 864782.
n CROFT END SILVER BAND practise at Hanham United Reformed Church, Tabernacle Road, 7.15pm - 8.45pm. - Contact for further info, chairman Rob 07788 473404.
Unity Oldland Methodist Church
We invite you to join us for any of the following
Sun 2nd March 10:30 Worship Local Arrangement
Sun 9th March 10:30 Worship Rev P.J. Jackson
Sun 16th March 10:30 Worship Brenda Andrews
Sun 23rd March 10:30 Worship/Holy Communion Rev Hilary Cooke
Sun 30th March 10:30 Worship Adam Biddlestone
1st and 3rd Sunday 4:00 Bible Study led by Rev PJ Jackson.
Charity Coffee Morning Saturday 9th March 10:00 – 11:30
Enjoy fresh bacon butties and homemade cakes while you chat!
Friday Film Night 14th March at 7:15 ‘Living’12A
Thursday Film Afternoon 27th March 2:00 ‘Lion’ Having a party? For enquiriesemail gingerweaver@hotmail.com • www.uomc.org.uk
Oldland Village Club
NEWLY REFURBISHED HALL FOR HIRE:
Use code Refurb25 (valid until March 31st 2025). Capacity 125, fully licensed bar (very reasonable prices), includes use of kitchen, buffet room, disabled access & facilities, LED lighting around dance floor area.
To book pop in on Monday, Tuesday & Friday evenings 7:3010pm & speak to our Reception team. Alternatively call on: 0117 907 7432 leaving your name, number & date your interested in - we will call you back.
MOTHER’S DAY GLASS PAINTING
3-7pm, tickets £20-24 each, includes Welcome Drink, half time scone, cream & jam served with tea & coffee! Tickets available from Reception Desk Mon, Tue & Fri 7:30-10pm.
We are open Mon to Sun evenings from 7pm onwards. Saturday & Sunday Lunchtimes 12-3pm. Pop in for a drink, see what we are about! Easy to join and become a member!
Wriggle Giggle and Hop is a free toddler group at Unity Methodist Church West Street every Tuesday 10.30-noon
25% OFF during Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Month
Due to high demand LPA month has been extended to 31 March 2025. So contact local experts Simpson Solicitors' friendly Kingswood Team on 0117 960 8594 and quote LPA25 and our readers get a fantastic 25% off their full cost.
A Will covers your wishes when you die. An LPA is how you make sure your wishes are followed when you are alive. It is how you appoint those you trust with your finances and decisions about your health and treatment.
• Peace of mind: With Simpsons there are no long forms for you to complete. Their Complete Service covers so much more than paperwork. It includes Certifying your mental capacity and
registering them with the court (OPG) and providing solicitorcertified copies.
• Aftercare: No one want to be a burden, so their service also includes support to your Attorneys in activating and using them when the time comes.
Powers of Attorney are so important. Arguably even more important than Wills. Go quickly. I don't care how old you are. I got mine at 35. It's always best to go through solicitors
Money Expert MARTIN LEWIS on ITV’s THIS MORNING
SOLICITOR CERTIFED COPIES: John at Simpsons says, “We just
We make it easy to get up-to-date
make it easy for you and those you appoint. For example your Attorney is likely to need a copy of your LPA certified by a solicitor. Being a firm of solicitors this is not extra hassle for them - we can just provide it when needed.”
LPAs are essential protection in case you need help paying bills, managing money or deciding on treatment options. It is not just about dementia but - perhaps due to severe stroke, illness, injury, an operation going wrong or just old age.
So contact Simpson Solicitors today. They are opposite Costa Coffee in the Kings Chase shopping centre. Quote LPA25 for 25% off the full cost!
Free Will Review
Book your FREE MEETING at home or at our Kingswood Office.
Care home opens bar
A BAR area at Little Heath Care Home in Cadbury Heath has been officially opened by North East Somerset & Hanham MP Dan Norris.
The “Little Heath Arms” was dreamed up by staff members Jess Ward and Jess Segesdy, who wanted to repurpose a lounge space in the home into a ‘pub’ area.
The pub’s bar was built by Little Heath Care Home’s handyperson Gary Dady from recycled pallets and fencing, and is fully stocked with a range of zero percent non-alcoholic beers and wines. The care home has also received a number of donations from the local community to help kit out the pub, including a flatscreen TV which residents can use to enjoy watching sports games and big events.
Krishna Mullekatu, registered manager at Little Heath, said: “This is our residents home first and foremost, and my team are always looking for new ways to provide the most stimulating and social environment. They took it upon themselves to create our new pub for the residents, and it was a pleasure to have our MP here to see the work that has gone into it and officially open The Little Heath Arms!”
BRISTOL U3A
INTEREST groups formed by members of Bristol u3a's East & North-East Bristol group cover a wide range of subjects.
Take for example, two groups running in Warmley Community Centre: a French conversation group and a Scrabble group.
The French conversation group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and has been running since 2014.
Members converse in French throughout the meeting, discussing different topics each
Pharmacy celebrates double success
NORTH East Somerset and Hanham MP Dan Norris visited an award-winning pharmacy to experience their services and learn more about the important work they do in the community.
His visit to saw him meet with owner Simon Harris, winner of the Independent Pharmacist of the year award, to discuss the role of pharmacies in delivering healthcare locally.
The MP’s visit follows the results of the national Chemist+Druggist (C+D) awards in which Cadbury Heath Pharmacy & Health Clinic won the Independent Pharmacy of the Year. Judges said it was a “great team delivering everything that a pharmacy should be doing today and tomorrow. A great example to other independents to follow, and a deserved winner.”
The family-run pharmacy serves thousands of people across the area reaching people
across neighbouring Bristol and as far away as Chippenham who travel for the exceptional service they receive.
Mr Norris said: “Pharmacies such as this one are at the frontline of keeping the nation healthy, they offer so much more than dispensing prescriptions – with vaccination clinics, and diagnosing and supporting with minor ailments. Their role must not be underestimated.
“Simon Harris and his team continue to go above and beyond and this award is testament to their efforts. With national recognition and strong local support, it’s clear Cadbury Heath Pharmacy is at the heart of community care.”
Simon Harris added: “It was great to share our successes with our local MP Dan and to highlight the importance of pharmacy to their local communities.”
time, chosen in advance to allow for preparation. The group's many activities have included hosting a group of French people in Bristol and later visiting them in France.
The Scrabble group meets on the first Monday of the month (other than bank holidays) and welcomes players of all abilities.
There are currently 17 members, but there’s plenty of space for more to join in. The group has been active for three and a half years, and everyone agrees it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Both groups are hosted by u3a
member, Celia Reed. If you’d like to find out more about either group, drop me an email to the address below and I’ll forward it to Celia.
Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves. There’s no lower age limit but most of our members are retired or semiretired.
Everything we do is by members for members.
We have no staff, so everyone chips in with ideas for one-off social activities or interest groups like the French and Scrabble
groups: we have around 35 locally and 185 across Bristol.
If you are curious to find out more about u3a, come along to an informal social to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with some members.
You’ll find us on March 3 at the White Lion in Frenchay (flat access), the Market Café and Lounge in Kingswood (stairs) on March 17 and the Crafty Egg in Fishponds (ramp) on March 19, all from 2.30pm.
Contact learnlaughlive@ bristolu3a.org.uk for more details.
Lindsay Gough
MP Dan Norris with the prize-winning pharmacy team
Dan Norris cuts the ribbon at the Little Heath Arms and, above, residents and staff raise a glass to its success
Successful kick-off
LONGWELL Green JFC hosted the first grassroots level Her Game Too (HGT) weekend aimed at encouraging girls and women into football.
Saturday began with training sessions from preschool group to U9 age group. In the afternoon, Longwell Green Men's 1st team faced Sturminster Newton, winning 3-2 with an 88th minute winner. The home team showed their support for the campaign by wearing dedicated HGT T-shirts during the warm up.
Sunday saw a range of matches taking place, with junior Longwell Green JFC teams including U8-U12s hitting the pitch. In the afternoon, Longwell Green Ladies played against Bristol North Wanderers, resulting in 1-2. During the warm-up, the home team sported the HGT T-shirts, whilst the away
team, who are also partnered with HGT, displayed their giant HGT flag during the match.
Ken Major, from Longwell Green JFC, said:
“Overall, we felt the weekend was a massive success and achieved what we set out to do. It was positive to see new kids turning up to the training session
Girl power! Pupils meet Red Roses
GIRLS from King's Oak Academy in Kingswood and other primaries in the Cabot Learning Federation were invited to take part in a T1 Rugby Festival.
T1 rugby is a non-contact sport that embodies the core elements of traditional rugby, including line-outs, scrums, kicking, and the breakdown, while maintaining a simple and accessible format. With a focus on fun, fitness, inclusion, and efficiency, T1 rugby can be played by anyone.
The Rugby Football Union event for girls –aimed at promoting inclusivity and engagement in the sport - was hosted by Kingswood Rugby Club.
What made this event particularly special was the opportunity for the girls to be coached by four
England Red Roses players – Hannah Botterman, Natasha Hunt, Alex Matthews, and Holly Aitchison. The players put the girls through their paces using the latest coaching techniques, offering insights and encouragement throughout the session.
The festival concluded with a Q&A session, allowing the young players to interact with the England stars, followed by a photo opportunity.
A spokesperson for CLF said: “The festival not only showcased the inclusivity of T1 rugby but also inspired our young athletes by connecting them with role models from the England Red Roses.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the RFU and Kingswood RFC.”
wanting to try football for the first time. We also had queries following the weekend about how girls can play."
For 2o26, the plan is to ensure that the club’s disability and women's walking teams take part in the event, reinforcing the message that football really is a game for all.
If you wish to find out more about Longwell Green JFC visit http://www. longwellgreensportsjfc.co.uk/. For more details about Her Game Too, visit https://www. hergametoo.co.uk/football
n Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) has teamed up with Bristol Bears to launch a partnership aimed at growing rugby in the region and raising aspirations of students.
The trust hopes the link with the Bears – a team that includes former John Cabot Academy student and England international Ellis Genge –will benefit students, some of whom might follow in his footsteps.
It will include matchday visits, player visits to CLF schools, and the chance for students to participate in open days and inter-school tournaments.
For younger readers
Easier sudoku
Solutions
KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB
WITH members of Keynsham Bowling Club ticking off the days until the green opens and the bowling starts, activity is still focused on life in the clubhouse.
We welcomed back local magician Paul Preager to provide an evening of entertainment, with a ploughman’s supper during the interval. On his previous visit Paul levitated our barman Dave Lewis, and this time Dave agreed to put his head in a wooden box into which Paul pushed metal swords. As one would expect, Dave emerged unscathed from the ordeal.
Our ladies’ and gents’ captains, Lynne Pearce and Paul Matthews, have chosen Cancer Research UK as the charity the club will support in 2025. To start the money
rolling in, Paul’s wife Julie will be running the Weymouth Half Marathon on March 16, inviting club members to sponsor her.
Mike Barrow
PAGE PARK BOWLS CLUB
PAGE Park Bowls Club is holding its popular course to teach the basics of the sport. The course is open to anyone aged 12 and above, and will be held at the club's Page Park green for seven consecutive Saturdays from April 26, 10am to noon each day. Tuition is provided by five Bowls England coaches and all equipment is provided,. There will be a registration fee of £5 then a charge of £5 per session to cover costs. To register your interest, please call 07718 306623 or email donwillcox@hotmail.co.uk
Striking the right chord
WHEN it comes to chiropractic care, musicians are no different to anyone else – they also need someone to look after their aches and pains.
Our clinic has carved out a unique niche as a specialist injury centre for professional musicians, with individuals travelling from across the UK to take advantage of our expertise.
I also treat locally-based musicians, like Emersons Green classical guitarist Francisco Correa, hopefully making sure that he remains fit to fulfil his many performance commitments, here and internationally.
Musicians, like professional athletes, push their bodies to the limit, demanding precision, endurance and repetitive movements over long periods.
The parallels between these two groups are striking, and understanding these similarities is crucial to providing tailored care.
Both groups require optimal physical function to perform at their best, but the demands on
their bodies can lead to overuse injuries, imbalances and strain.
While athletes may deal with injuries from high-impact activities, musicians often contend with issues stemming from prolonged static postures and repetitive micro-movements.
Musicians see their instruments as an extension of their bodies. Whether it’s a violin or a trumpet, the physical act of playing requires precision and endurance, often at the expense of posture and musculoskeletal health.
Their injuries vary depending on the type of instrument they play.
String instruments: Violin, viola, cello and double bass players often experience neck, shoulder and upper back pain due to the asymmetrical posture required to hold and play their instruments.
They may also develop repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) in the wrists and fingers from constant intricate movements, mirroring those seen in racquet sports.
Wind instruments: Flute, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet players frequently have to deal with jaw pain, neck tension, shoulder pain and breathing-related issues, plus core and lower back strain. These are similar to issues
experienced by endurance athletes, such as swimmers or long-distance runners.
Percussion instruments: Drummers often suffer from wrist, elbow and shoulder problems, due to repetitive striking motions and the physical force required.
Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are common among this group, as they are with golfers, who also perform repetitive, highimpact arm movements.
Keyboard instruments: Pianists frequently experience wrist and hand issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, RSIs and tendonitis. Prolonged sitting can also contribute to lower back and hip discomfort. Climbers and gymnasts, where intricate hand and finger coordination and stable core posture is crucial, have similar issues.
Chiropractic care for musicians draws heavily on techniques used for athletes, including: postural assessments to identify and correct imbalances; laser and shockwave therapy; soft tissue therapy to address tension and overuse injuries; restoring joint mobility in the spine and extremities. Exercise and rehabilitation is used to strengthen weak muscles and
improve flexibility to prevent re-injury, often involving exercises that mimic the movements of playing an instrument.
Individual ergonomic advice helps to adjust instrument setup and seating, to reduce strain.
Despite the prevalence of these injuries, few clinics specialise in treating musicians.
Musicians pour their hearts and souls into their art, often at the expense of physical well-being.
As chiropractors, we can help them strike the right balance between performance and health, ensuring their bodies remain as finely tuned as their instruments.
Whether it’s relieving pain, restoring function, or preventing future injuries, our work allows these talented individuals to continue sharing their gift with the world.
