Filtonvoice August 2023

Community garden fete in pictures - Pages 13-15

Bins strike in Filton continues as union rejects 9% pay offer

The bins strike affecting Filton was still in place as Filtonvoice went to press - leaving households having to deal with their own recycling.

A 9% pay deal has been offered to workers but Filtonvoice understands the Unite union is holding out for 10%.

And the impact from the strikes by around 150 workers employed by Suez emptying bins on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council is set to worsen after a High Court ruling banning agency workers.

Unite regional officer Ken Fish said: “Suez has been put on notice – no more agency workers after 10 August. Our members’ resolve remains rock solid and they will strike everyday throughout the summer if necessary.

“The impact of the strikes, which are entirely the fault of the company’s greed, will worsen. Suez can afford to table an offer our members can accept and that is what needs to happen.”

A spokesperson for SUEZ

resident inviting local people to use her garden as their own 'allotment'

'Let's grow together'

Contacts

Richard Coulter

Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Shane Gibson

Editorial and Advertising sales

0770 674 1200 | shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

COMPLAINTS

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Please use my garden as 'community plots' and we

'grow together'

If you have a complaint about anything in the Filtonvoice, contact the Editor using the details below. We take complaints seriously and aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

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We cannot vouch for any services offered although we have used some of the services. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor.

Filtonvoice is distributed each month to all Filton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from Filton Library. Feedback is welcomed, call editor Richard Coulter on 0777 555 0607 or richard@filtonvoice.co.uk.

Gales Farm Meats

Quality Fresh Farm Meats Barbecue

•

• Beef, Pork & Lamb Joints

• Sausages & Sausagemeat

• Fresh Vegetables and Groceries

• Great selection of Pickles and Chutneys

Tel: 0117 969 1232 | www.galesfarmmeats.co.uk

4 Church View, Filton, BS34 7BT

Also Gales of Westbury Park, 31 North View, Westbury Park | Good old-fashioned service

by Shane Gibson

Lifelong Filton resident Ali Slater has offered up her garden for the people of Filton to use as community plots.

Ali grew up in The Wickets and after returning from university lived on Kenmore Crescent. This past September Ali collected the keys to her new home on Broncksea Road.

“The opportunity to buy this house came up and I was up for a bit of a project, people said that I was crazy, being a single mum and taking on such a big project, but it’s kind of what I enjoy,” explained Ali.

“It was a beautiful house,

from the 1930s and was obviously prime for HMO development, but it deserved more, and being local I imagined it as a family home again.”

Ali has focused on renovating the house on the inside and making sure that her children’s needs were met first. However, her funds were not able to stretch to the 200-footlong exterior at the rear of the house.

“It was the right thing to do, for me and the kids, but when I look outside the window, I feel that it is such a waste, I cannot do anything with it, I do not

have the time or the funds,” she said.

Ali thought about how it would be nice to offer somebody without a space the opportunity to enjoy it for a few years.

She said: “I wasn’t really sure if it would be of interest to anyone, but it’s turned out to be quite popular.

“There is a fox den at the bottom of the garden that I am not willing to get rid of, I am on his patch, and I do think that there is an old brick bunker down there as well. But there is so much space, I think realistically I can hand the garden over to other people for a good while.”

Ali’s comes at a time when people need not just a space to garden but also grow food during the nation's increased cost of living crisis. She has had quite a bit of interest since putting up a post on Filton News & Views.

“When I posted on News & Views, I did not know if there would be any interest. It seems to have become quite a popular topic.

"I think there will be more people, elderly people who are struggling to keep on top of their gardens, who would like someone to come around and use it, and would stop their gardens getting

Bin strike continues in Filton

recycling and recovery UK said:

"We originally offered our teams working on our South Gloucestershire Council contract an 8% pay increase for 2023 which, when combined with the similar pay increase agreed in 2022, delivers pay increases of 15 – 16.75% over 2 years. In recent pay negotiations our offer was revised to 9% for 2023, however, this was rejected by Unite. We are continuing discussions with the union over the coming weeks and hope to progress negotiations with the aim of coming to a positive solution.

"Industrial action is the very last outcome we wanted to see and our goal is to reach an agreement that would bring this to an end.

into a state like this one currently is,” she said.

The feedback to her post has been incredibly positive and has attracted the attention of a wide demographic.

She said: “I had a young girl come around to look at a plot and I know it is stereotypical, but I was not expecting it to appeal to a younger person. There was another lady, who wants to use the space to grow crops and then give the harvest back to the community.

"Even my kids' school dinner lady has reached out to me, wanting to use a plot. It seems

to have appealed to people at all stages of life. And I am hoping that I can learn from them as well.”

Ali believes that Filton has always been a nice community and appreciates living in a place where people still care for their neighbours and their community.

“I feel that Filton has always had this feeling of community, and I know that there have been problems with HMO’s and places of assisted living, but we do all deserve a place to call home and I think that we can all come together and work together, to grow together,” she said.

"With just over 40% of our people in South Gloucestershire continuing to work, we are able to provide a limited collection service that prioritises collecting black bin waste and opening the larger Sort It centres.

"We’re also developing arrangements for recycling to cover the union’s proposed strike over the summer, such as some Sort It centres opening earlier with dedicated space for food waste and extra recycling and temporary deposit points.

"We’d like to apologise to our residents in South Gloucestershire for the disruption from the strike action and thank them for their patience."

The company’s South Gloucestershire bin loaders earn £11.53 per hour.

A South Glos spokesperson said: "We are aware of residents’ concerns around recycling and food waste not currently being collected and have made special arrangements for deposit points at a number of locations across South Gloucestershire.

There are 6 temporary deposit points, which are open every weekday between 8am and 2pm including at Stoke Gifford Park and Ride (Parkway station) –Hunts Ground Road, BS34 8XX; and SGC North Way site, Filton, BS34 7QG.

Ali Slater in her Filton garden

Ofsted inspections in our primaries Inspector praises “warm and inclusive” school

by Becky Carter

A Filton primary school is delighted to have maintained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

Following its inspection in May, the education watchdog praised Charborough Road Primary School as being “warm, welcoming and inclusive” with a “well-designed and rich curriculum”.

Pupils were described as confident, gregarious, and most importantly, happy and safe.

The school’s commitment to inclusivity was commended, with children applauded for their caring nature and celebrating differences.

Speaking about the curriculum, Ofsted wrote in the report: “Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. They have spent considerable time researching principles around education to help them create a curriculum that suits the needs of pupils within their school.”

Charborough Road’s approach to reading was highly praised, and pupils are encouraged to “read widely”.

As soon as children join Reception, they start learning to read, and throughout the school, “pupils learn to read fluently and confidently”. A notable strength of the school is its dedication to broadening pupils’ personal development.

The report says: “Leaders carefully weave into the curriculum opportunities for pupils to take part in exciting trips and visits, such as to museums and theatres”.

Pupils are also enthusiastic about participating in sports clubs, such as netball and athletics, Ofsted says.

The school is part of the Olympus Academy Trust and a spokesperson said: We are delighted to announce that Charborough Road Primary School was inspected in May and after receiving the inspection we can confirm that we continue to be a ‘good’ school.

"All areas of the school received positive affirmation, with our work on early years and special educational needs seen as significant strengths."

"Well done to Headteacher, Matt Lankester all his staff, governors, learners and all families associated with the school for this positive outcome."

Since its initial ‘good’ Ofsted rating in November 2017, the school appointed Mr Lankester.

The school also has an on-site nursery, catering for children from three-years-old.

For more information about Charborough Road Primary, visit: www. charboroughroadprimary.org. uk

We’re still 'outstanding', says local primary

A “kind and welcoming” school in Horfield has retained its coveted ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, in Luckington Road - which also serves Filtonwas delighted to learn of its unchanged judgement, following a recent visit from the education watchdog.

Children are reported as feeling safe in school, and the school was commended for its “ambitious” curriculum, with teachers delivering “high quality” lessons.

Both staff and pupils enjoy “positive and warm relationships and a strong family ethos”.

Adaptations to the curriculum are made to meet the unique needs of individual pupils, enabling all children to excel academically.

Subject leaders have a “strong subject knowledge” and are passionate about children achieving the “best outcomes” in their subjects.

Pupils were also praised as having “positive attitudes to learning”, and get off to a “strong start” when joining the school in Reception, quickly learning mathematical fluency.

One pupil, echoing the views of many other children, expressed their enthusiasm for learning. They told inspectors: “When I make a mistake, I am always eager to find out what I did wrong.”

In addition, pupils relish taking on positions of responsibility outside of their lessons, through joining the

school council and chaplaincy team.

St Teresa’s, which is part of the Cardinal Newman Educational Trust, is a mixed Catholic primary school, catering to 210 pupils, with 30 pupils per year, and is led by headteacher Samantha Land.

She said: " The report reflects clearly what we do at St. Teresa’s and what we have been doing over time for all our children.

"We have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have teaching of the highest standard. We continue our vision of ‘Inspiring each other to excellence, in the Light of Christ’."

The school was last inspected in July 2016, when it was rated ‘outstanding’ by inspectors.

For more information about St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, visit: www.st-teresas. bristol.sch.uk

l

(ask for quote)

(£60-£80) Other

just call Cain

News Pub could be knocked down and replaced with 99 student rooms

The Concorde Brewers Fayre pub in Filton could be demolished and replaced by a five-storey student accommodation block - with 99 rooms and some commercial space.

Under plans submitted to South Glos by Eagle One Retail Ltd, the development would see the 27 car parking spaces on the current site reduced to just two. This follows plans for 71 student bedrooms on the nearby former Filton Central Garage which has attracted concerns locally. Comments by local people on the planning application for the 99-room proposal were all favourable as Filtonvoice went to print.

The application for the Concorde pub sites says: "The proposals currently show 99 bedspaces arranged in predominantly 5-bed cluster flats.

"However, the final numbers and mix may vary within the approved building envelope as the internal configuration is revisited through the detailed design stage and in response to market indicators."

Residents worried about overspill parking from the Central Garage site may be further concerned by the lack of parking at this new development.

The application stated:

Advertising feature

Kids Go Free this summer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain

This year marks 180 years since the SS Great Britain was launched into Bristol harbour – changing global travel forever.

To celebrate, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming children 16 years and under for free this summer when you book tickets online.

Highlights include an exciting new food trail – ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ – where families can follow a series of clues hidden throughout the ship. The trail will teach children about the food that passengers would have eaten on board.

"The (development) is intended to be car-free and this will be reinforced by existing parking restrictions within the Shield Centre that limits parking to three hours."

The developer added that the new block would ease pressure on the need for HMOs in Filton.

The application added: "There are two universities in Bristol, and a pressing need for additional PBSA to accommodate students studying at the nearby University of West of

England (UWE) alone. Bristol struggles to meet the rental market demand in general, and the particular difficulties experienced in accommodating first year students alone have been widely published in the media, with some having to be accommodated in Newport in South Wales due to the shortage of bedspaces in Bristol."

Visit www.developments. southglos.gov.uk, ref P23/01832/O to find out more

Comments

"As a neighbour and local business owner running a local Guesthouse, we would strongly recommend this development. Students bring income, and of course family visitors to the area which would benefit us and Filton in general. A new development and commercial premises on that site would be a vast improvement on the current building."

"I would strongly support this development (rather than the proposed student housing on Filton Garage which is overuse of a small site). This one at the Shield centre is much better no traffic issues close to the main road next to a bus stop it and away from residents, it also has plenty of room has everything going for it."

"I would strongly support this proposal. I live opposite this site and have no concerns that it would be managed efficiently. As long as the parking issues are addressed. There are too many HMOs in Filton, and allowing this proposal would give credence to objecting en-bloc to any further HMO development in Filton, this more than covers the capacity for students in the local area."

Iona Keen, Head of Interpretation at Brunel’s SS Great Britain said: “The new ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ family trail is a fun way of showcasing the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian voyage. A

Visitors can also step back in time by peering through a pair of augmented reality binoculars that will transport them to 1843. Created by Zubr, a leading augmented reality studio based in the South West, the experience will allow visitors to see the ship and the floating harbour as they were 180 years ago.

Book a visit between 19 July and 3 September to redeem the ‘Kids Go Free This Summer’ offer. Terms & conditions apply.

ssgreatbritain.org/summer

Advert: Page 26

Recruitment problems to blame as Filton/ Horfield dentist unable to serve NHS patients

by Shane Gibson

A Filton resident has reached out to her MP after being told by her dentist that NHS appointments were no longer going to be available.

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, received a letter from {MY} Dentist in Filton Road last month saying NHS check-ups were no longer available.

The practice has told Filtonvoice that there is an 'acute' shortage of dentists and they are trying their best to recruit.

The resident wrote to Filton MP Jack Lopresti, asking why dental surgeries are able to put peoples’ teeth and especially children’s teeth at risk of being affected in adverse ways that would last a lifetime by removing access to NHS dental care. She

said she was personally OK because she could afford to go private. However, she said it was 'a shocking state of affairs to be happening in this day and age' and said that she had told Jack Lopresti that it should be tackled urgently.

Mr Lopresti responded by letter, stating that “The Government has made clear that improving access to NHS dentistry will be one of the key priorities for the health service over the coming months.”

He blamed “control measures that were required to keep services going during the pandemic.”

He added: “I also recognise that many patients face additional challenges in accessing NHS dentists.”

“Over several months, the

government has been working with the dental profession to further reduce barriers to patients accessing NHS dentists.

"This includes improving communications with patients and making it easier to recruit overseas dentists.”

What {MY} Dentist told patients

The letter read: "Due to severely restricted capacity, the practice is unable to offer routine NHS check-up appointments at this time. We are in the process of postponing these appointments, unless otherwise specified by the dentist.

"If you wish to wait until an NHS dentist becomes available, please contact us in a few months to see if the availability has improved at the practice. You will not lose your NHS place with us, and you will not be removed from our patient list.

"Alternatively, if you are able to do so, you may choose to have a check-up and/or any necessary treatment with one of our private dentists, until an NHS dentist

becomes available. We will transfer you back onto the NHS list once this happens.

"Should you experience a dental emergency during this time, please contact NHS 111. They have been informed of our situation, and will endeavour to locate a NHS dentist who can assist you.

"There is also the option to transfer to one of our private dentists permanently - if this is something that you would like more information on, please contact the practice, and a member of our reception team will discuss the options with you.

"Please accept our deepest apologies for the inconvenience that this may cause."

A {MY} Dentist spokesperson said: “There is an acute shortage of NHS dentists across the UK, and in common with many practices, this is having a significant impact at our practice on Filton Road in Bristol.

"We are doing everything we can to recruit new clinicians to join our team, but in the meantime, the practice is currently operating with a reduced number of NHS dentists, with emergency care

and open courses of treatment prioritised over routine NHS check-ups. We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"However, to ensure more people can get access to the care they need, we are able to offer affordable private dental appointments as well as an affordable monthly plan to help spread the cost over a longer period of time and provide peace of mind for patients.”

Filton planning applications in July Applications

3 Fairlawn Avenue, Patchway Discharge of Condition 28 (CEMP) attached to planning permission

P21/02390/RVC.

75 Conygre Road

Continued use as small House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) (Class C4).

40 Conygre Grove

Discharge of condition 2 (Landscaping) attached to permission

P22/06863/F. Demolition of existing side extension. Erection of attached dwelling and associated works.

Plot C4 Horizon 38 Bolingbroke Way Patchway

Discharge of condition 7 (Materials) attached to permission P22/01201/F. Erection of 1 self storage building (Class B8), with car parking and associated works.

Land At Filton College North Side Erection of 1 portacabin to form office.

Building And Land At The Shield

Retail Centre

Demolition of existing pub/

restaurant. Erection of five storey building for mixed use purposes, including retail (Class E) and residential accommodation for up to 99 student bedspaces (Sui Generis) with associated internal and external amenity space, cycle parking and associated works (Outline) with access, appearance, layout, and scale to be determined. Landscaping reserved.

724 Southmead Road

A hip-to-gable roof extension, 1 rear dormer and roof windows.

57 Cropthorne Road

Continued use as a 4 bed HMO (C4) for up to 6 persons.

50 Mackie Road

Continued use as 4 bed HMO for up to 6 persons (Class C4).

36 Elm Park

Continued use as small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for 4 persons (Class C4).

69 Wades Road

Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

4 Canberra Grove

The erection of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6m, for which the maximum height would be 3.8m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.4m.

104 Station Road

Change of use from a single household dwelling house (C3) to a large dwelling house in multiple occupation for up to 7 people (sui generis)

27 Third Avenue

Change of use of Residential Dwelling (C3) to small 3 bedroom for up to 6 persons House of Multiple Occupation (C4).

Decisions

54 Mackie Grove

Change of use from dwellinghouse (Class C3) to small house in multiple occupation (Class C4) and the erection of a single-storey rear extension with fenestration alterations. Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

66 Mortimer Road

Erection of 1 outbuilding to form workshop.

Approve with Conditions

Carshop Bristol, Bolingbroke Way Display of 6 flag poles. Advert Approve with Conditions

18 Glebelands Road

Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions

4 Charborough Road

Erection of 1 detached bungalow with parking and associated works. Refusal

To view all planning applications and decisions, visit https://developments. southglos.gov.uk/ online-applications

Fears over parking pressure as Filton house extension ‘HMO through back door’

Residents of Filton have voiced their fears over increased parking pressure from a planned extension to a house. Some said the proposed annex, combined with a new house built next door, would form an “HMO through the back door”.

The number of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in Filton is booming, adding extra demand for parking spaces in the area. And property owners now have planning permission to build a large extension onto a house on the corner of Filton Avenue and Charles Road.

Planning permission was granted during a meeting of the development management committee at South Gloucestershire Council for the one-bedroom annex, extending a two-bed house. A separate

three-bed house is being built next door.

Architects said the annex will provide a home for a “dependent relative”, with living space but no kitchen.

But only four parking spaces will be provided for the two adjoining properties, leading to fears that existing residents

might find it even harder to park their cars.

Councillor Alex Doyle, representing Filton, said: “There’s a lot of development going on there at the moment which has concerned local residents. Parking is already a challenge in that area.

"People have raised concerns

that this is effectively a single site being redeveloped with two properties. Are we getting an HMO through the back door?”

Residents living nearby also told the council about their concerns that the buildings could be used as a large shared house.

Writing to the council, one resident said: “I am unhappy about the building’s proximity to my property and the potential for the proposed use not to be its intended purpose. I am of the impression this could be used as an additional bedroom for a HMO. I am disappointed that I was not notified of this development and found this by chance.”

Councillors on the development management committee voted unanimously to grant permission.

South Gloucestershire news in brief

Vouchers restored to help with food

The value of vouchers provided to Filton families during school holidays who receive benefitsrelated free school meals during term time will be restored to £15 per week per pupil, following a 33 per cent cut imposed before Easter.

The decision was taken by the South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Public Health, Cllr Alison Evans.

She said that the new portfolio, created after May’s local elections, was a reflection of the way the council wanted to focus on local people’s priorities.

These include residents who face difficulties providing additional food for their children during school holidays because of significant price rises, when they can normally rely on free lunches during term time.

The move will cost an additional £292,000, bringing the total allocated to this support to £1 million, with funding coming from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), which has allocated £2.82 million to the council for this year.

The funding is also being used to support households struggling with the rising costs of energy, for example by providing advice on reducing costs by changing routines to cut energy use and to make homes more energy efficient. There is also a focus on helping carers and care leavers. This summer, vouchers will also continue to be provided to fund meals for Year 11 school leavers who have previously received free school meals.

A wide range of help is available to local people dealing with the cost of living crisis. For more information, please visit the council website: www. southglos.gov.uk/costofliving.

Families with children aged 5-16 on benefits-related free school meals can also book free places at South Gloucestershire holiday activities and food clubs (also referred to as HAF) in the summer and main school holidays, funded by the Department for Education. Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/HAF

Reading challenge for children

South Gloucestershire Council Library service is inviting all primary school aged children to visit Filton and other libraries this summer to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2023.

Libraries and The Reading Agency have partnered with The Youth Sport Trust for ‘Ready, Set, Read!’, a sports, games and play themed challenge to highlight the positive impact that reading, keeping active, and having fun have on a child’s development.

The free challenge launched on July 8 and 'supports children to become more independent readers, improving reading confidence over the summer break from school'. It also supports 'positive mental wellbeing and boosts selfesteem'.

Children aged between four and 11 can signup at their local library during staffed opening hours and collect a free goodie bag to get them started. They then read books of their choice over the summer holidays and collect stickers to complete a collectors’ card; receiving a medal and certificate once it’s completed.

Children from Barley Close Community Primary School in Mangotsfield took part in an educational workshop run by the University of the West of England’s School of Engineering at Downend Library, to launch the Summer Reading Challenge 2023. They were joined by Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Councillor Mike Drew and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, Councillor Leigh Ingham, to mark the occasion, pictured below.

To keep children busy and create a positive attitude towards reading, libraries are providing free activities including ZooLab animal workshops, Ready, Set, Read! themed crafts and Lego™ clubs through the summer.

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge at www.southglos.gov.uk/ summerreadingchallenge or like us on Facebook www.facebook. com/sgloslibraries for the latest updates.

Find your local library at https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/ leisure-and-culture/libraries/ find-a-library/

£40 million savings need to be made

New council leaders have kicked off the annual budgeting cycle at South Gloucestershire Council with a warning about the “depressing” need to deliver more than £40 million in savings and a pledge to engage with local people honestly and openly about difficult choices ahead.

Speaking at the Cabinet meeting in July, council leaders discussed the annual budget assumptions report, which sets out the factors affecting the council’s budget. This includes factors included in previous budgets, alongside projections for inflation and demand on services that will affect council finances.

Introducing the report, council leader Claire Young said: “The February budget approved by the previous council required £40 million in cuts over the next four years to balance the books.

“The new cabinet has concerns about the lack of detail in some of the proposals to provide the £40 million and the need for more savings. Even after making those, we still have a hole of at least £5 million in later years. The council has already cut services to the bone, meaning there is little remaining wriggle room to work with."

Last week, the Local Government Association (LGA) published new analysis saying that councils face a funding gap of almost £3 billion, just to keep services standing still.

Cllr Leigh Ingham, Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place, added: “In terms of the potholes and road network, we’re only spending about one third of what we should be spending to stand still."

Speaking about the need to work in closer partnership with communities, Cllr Chris Wilmore, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure, said: “We're going to need help from the wider community to work out how to get the mess sorted.”

Fantastic Summer Fete marks 10 years of the Community Garden

by Helen Johnson, Community Garden Chair

Ten years since the Community Garden was officially opened on 14th July, 2013, the garden is still blooming and being enjoyed by many people. It was originally presented as a garden for the elderly and those with disabilities but it is now much more than that as it has something for every corner of the community to enjoy side by side.

Nearly every year we put on a Summer Fete towards the end of June. Initially it coincided with the Filton Festival but soon moved to a separate event. The fete has always been our main fundraiser but it is also a time where we can ‘give back to the community’ with a fun packed afternoon for locals to enjoy. This year again we had our

wonderful cake and plant stalls and the regular Punch and Judy shows, Pete giving steam tractor rides on ‘Rosie’, bug hunts and games at no or little cost.

Local charities and relevant organisations are also welcomed such as the Blood Bikes, FACE charity, Filton Twinning and our GKR Karate Filton club who have provided refreshments for the past few years - all adding flavour to the day.

We would also like to thank the generous local businesses who contributed prizes to our raffle: Barranco Lounge, Brewers FayreConcorde restaurant, Cala’s Flowers, Coffee & Pitta House, Farmfoods, Gales Butcher and Innocent Soap. The volunteers through the Turn to next page

Filton Community Garden Fete - picture special

Local children get creative for anniversary

From Page 13

years have all felt very proud to provide a beautiful space that draws the community together. It is extremely heartwarming when random people come up to you whilst you are gardening and show their gratitude.

New volunteers are welcome to our fortnightly ‘Gardening Get together’ sessions, see poster for dates.

2013-2023 Exhibition

An exhibition covering the past 10 years of the garden was on show at the fete and has since been stationed in Filton Library for a month so you can still go and have a look.

It covers the first stages of the garden creation and early volunteers, a year-by-year timeline showing the development of the garden, all the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood awards collected and there are newspaper cuttings

recording events such as the ‘Elm Park Land Grab’ and WW1 knitted poppies commemoration. We are now collecting stories and drawings to make a wall of flowers and you can add your own to this in the library when you drop by.

Decorations made by local children

Children from the three primary schools, Charborough Road, Filton Hill and Shield Road and from the Girl Guiding Concord Division were asked if they would like to make something for the garden to celebrate our 10th anniversary. What they have produced can only be described as works of art. Joyous bees, bugs and butterflies adorn the flower beds and on the A4174 fence are over 200 wooden plaques with pictures and touching messages caring for nature and our planet.

Please do, if nothing else this summer, come and have a look.

Filton Community Garden

GARDENING GET-TOGETHERS

Alternate weekends 11am - 1pm

We need more volunteers to help keep the garden looking great for all to enjoy Through the summer we will be busy, weeding, watering and dead-heading

JULY Sunday 23rd

AUGUST Saturday 5th

Saturday 19th

SEPTEMBER Saturday 2nd

Saturday 16th

Saturday 30th

Just turn up on the day, bring your gloves and enthusiasm, no experience necessary Tools and guidance provided Email: communitygarden@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Filton Town Council

Council in bid to encourage walking to our primary schools

With traffic around our primaries such a concern, Filton Town Council is offering each school £1,000 to develop more effective 'walking to school' schemes.

The money will come from the council's grants budget for the 2023/24 school year.

The proposal was by Cllr Adam Monk.

He said: "There are real dangers for children with the volume of traffic at our schools during drop-off and pick-up times. In addition there is the environmental impact of too many cars on our roads.

"We hope this scheme will encourage the school communities to think of innovative ways to encourage families to walk part of all the way to school."

The schools benefiting from the proposal are Charborough Road, Shield Road and Filton Hill.

CONTACT FILTON TOWN COUNCIL

Office Opening Hours

The council offices are open to the public Monday to Friday 9.00 am-1.00pm and appointment only 1.00pm – 5.00pm The Council Offices are located at Elm Park, Filton, South Gloucestershire, BS34 7PS.

Call The Town Council Office 01454 803918

Email the Town Council Office Council Enquiries – office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Charborough Road Primary

Filton Hill Primary

Shield Road Primary

Your Filton Town Council

Conygre ward

Charborough ward

Northville ward

Esther Adjevi Conservative

John Baverstock Labour

Tom Mewies Labour Adam Monk Labour

Dan Boardman Green Party

Dan Harris Labour

Anne Kenyon Conservative Brian Mead Labour

Alan Bird Labour

Darryl Collins Labour

Alex Doyle Labour

Julie Molloy Labour

Andy Robinson Independent

Filton railway station ticket office facing closure

by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice

Every railway ticket office in the Bristol region, including those at Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Parkway, will shut under controversial plans which have sparked outrage from political leaders and disability campaigners.

A consultation has launched into the industry-wide proposals, which would see up to 1,000 ticket booths in England closed over the next few years.

Great Western Railway (GWR) says staff would move onto platforms and concourses where they would be better placed to help customers and provide travel advice, as well as continuing to sell tickets.

All of the operator’s stations that have ticket kiosks fall under the consultation process.

Labour metro mayor Dan Norris, the elected head of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) which is responsible for strategic

transport, has met with Rail Minister Huw Merriman to raise his opposition to the plans.

He told the Conservative MP that residents were “up in arms” and urged him to be “flexible and pragmatic”.

The affected stations include Bristol Parkway, Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Yate, Oldfield Park and Keynsham, which sold a combined 600,000 paper tickets last year.

Mr Norris said the office closures would make life hard for everyone, especially disabled people and those who struggle to use the internet and book tickets online.

He said: “It’s not always simple knowing what’s best value, or the difference between peak and off-peak times, or why an advance single or a super-offpeak may be the way to go for a particular journey – tickets are tricky.”

Public transport and

disabilities campaigner David Redgewell told South Gloucestershire Council cabinet: “At Bristol Parkway there may be a desk like you see in a bank but with the levels of service greatly reduced.

“We don’t think this is in the interests of passengers, especially passengers with reduced mobility and in need of assistance.”

Mr Redgewell said tickets such as half-price fares for wheelchair users were not available at ticket machines, which sold only a limited range.

Cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure Cllr Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North) told the meeting: “This proposal will mean there is no human being selling tickets for trains anywhere in South Gloucestershire.

“You will have to travel to Bristol Temple Meads or Bath in order to get a human being who can sell you a ticket. That’s a complete failure to

understand small stations or the needs of elderly and vulnerable passengers.

“While the plan is to keep stations like Filton Abbey Wood staffed for the same number of hours, this proposal will mean that the people working at the station will not be allowed to sell tickets – they will merely be able to assist you in using the machine. This completely misunderstands how often the machines at stations like Abbey Wood simply don’t work”

A GWR spokesperson said transactions at its ticket offices had fallen below 15 per cent.

They said the plans would see ticket office staff working on platforms and concourses where they could be closer to customers and help them with a wider range of issues, while the kiosks could be phased out over a number of years.

More information on how to take part in the consultation is at www.gwr.com/haveyoursay

Green light for next phase of airfield town

YTL Developments has been granted planning permission for the next phase of new homes at Brabazon, the new neighbourhood for Bristol taking shape on the site of the historic former Filton Airfield.

The designs for the second phase retain many of the features of Hangar District – the first phase at Brabazon.

A spokesman said: "Each house features picture windows that flood the homes with natural light, as well as clever layouts and a range of sustainable features that are all included as standard. YTL Developments’ emphasis on sustainability means that this second phase of new homes exclude gas-based heating entirely. Instead, heating will be provided through air source heat pumps, reducing reliance on natural resources."

YTL say the plans for the new phase – created by local architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios – aim to foster a strong sense of community.

The new homes are designed on a network of "living streets", with residents able to enjoy expanded access to outdoor spaces that bring people together, including shared gardens, public

squares and play areas for children.

Construction on this next phase of new homes – located adjacent to the Aerospace Bristol Museum – is scheduled to begin later this Summer, with the first homes scheduled for completion in late 2024.

Sebastian Loyn, Planning and Development Director at YTL Developments, said: "This is the next chapter in creating a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol. We continue to innovate, creating new styles of living spaces, streets and public realm.

"These new homes at Brabazon are unique within Bristol. We believe that places are as much about people as they are about buildings, which is why the design for the latest phase focuses on fostering a new community at Brabazon.

"Brabazon is being transformed into the most dynamic new city district in the South West. With the supersonic YTL Arena, Brabazon Park, Hangar 16U, a new rail station, and a MetroBus all scheduled for completion in the coming years, these homes are set to be among the most desirable addresses in the city."

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier! Find

For younger readers Easier

Summer Holiday Word Search

News

Future of flight being developed at Filton

Airbus is investing further in its UK innovation capabilities, with the opening of a new Wing Technology Development Centre (WTDC) at its Filton site in early July.

The facility, which will be used to build and test demonstrators for a range of programmes and research projects, was opened by Nusrat Ghani, UK Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade.

The new facility will help Airbus accelerate the design, build and testing of wings for next generation aircraft, by using the latest technology and worldleading demonstrators to further improve the performance of its wings.

Airbus head of Filton site and Wing of Tomorrow pogramme

Sue Partridge said: “The new Wing Technology Development Centre will help us to ground our research

in practicality. A key element of how we deliver technology for next generation aircraft wings is through Wing of Tomorrow (WoT), our largest research and technology programme led by the team in the UK."

The WTDC adds to Airbus' existing research and technology footprint in the UK, including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Broughton and both the ZEROe Development Centre and Aerospace Integrated Research & Test Centre (AIRTeC) at its Filton site.

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In Filton, this will include the popular Filton News and Views Facebook page, with more than 4,000 members locally.

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Charborough Road School Fayre

Primary's 'village fete' theme a huge success

The Pear Tree Fayre, hosted by Charborough Road School on July 1, was a wonderful success and welcomed families and friends from throughout the local community.

The Fayre, which this year had a “Village Fete” theme, was a fun-filled occasion with highlights including traditional games, delicious refreshments from the “Village Bakery” and and array of stalls from plants to books.

With the support of the whole community, and their generosity leading up to and during the Fayre itself, the school has raised substantial funds which will be used to revamp the library, further develop the school’s green spaces and to purchase new play equipment.

The Fayre would not have possible without the enthusiasm and unwavering support of all the willing volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.

Contributions received from the sponsors - Ocean, Associated Windows and The Filton Barbermade the day possible. Thank you for your invaluable support.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Free bus travel offer is up and running

HAVE you applied for your free month of birthday travel?

If yes - fantastic - and thank you! If notplease head to www.birthdaybus.co.uk.

There’s nothing to lose and lots to gain.

So, what is Birthday Buses? In simple terms, I’m proud to offer all West of England residents the chance to ride the buses of our region for free throughout the whole of their birthday month. There’s no limit on the number of journeys you can make, or the time of day. So, what are you waiting for?

Importantly, Birthday Buses helps your pocket during this frightening cost-of-living crisis. But it is also a serious plan to get our region moving and tackle the climate emergency.

I’m very keen to see new people become bus passengers.

The latest figures show that the vast majority of people who used to travel on buses before Covid are doing so again.

But - and here’s the catch - they are making fewer journeys.

If you think about it, it makes sense. People are working from home more; doing more online shopping and there are more virtual appointments for things like speaking to a GP.

So, passenger journey numbers are down and that means less fare income coming in. That’s not sustainable.

Birthday Buses is designed to encourage new people to hop on the bus and try it out - for a regular commute, to go to the shops, or to spend their weekends enjoying the amazing attractions of our region. Because I think if you try buses, you might like them.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is different. A day isn’t enough to make or break a habit. But a month? Hopefully.

We have thought about this carefully. The month of your birthday seemed a great time to give you a free travel gift, but I’ve also worked closely with bus companies.

The phased nature of Birthday Buses means you won’t face overcrowded buses. We also need to make sure it’s definitely you applying, so please have a passport-style digital photo ready to apply at www.birthdaybus.co.uk.

A staggering 44% of our carbon emissions come from transport, and fewer than one in ten regional commutes are made on public transport.

Worse, there are a shocking 300 preventable

premature deaths due to air pollution annually. Getting people to use the car less and use the bus more is key to reaching our ambitious 2030 net-zero target here in the West, and it will reduce traffic and delays that cost our local economy £300 million a year.

Finally, I want to put our region on the map. Birthday Buses is doing just that.

We’re the envy of England, with Bus Users UK calling it “brilliant”.

So please sign up now at www.birthdaybus. co.uk and tell your friends, family and workmates.

And may I wish everyone many happy returns - and singles!

Local branch needs volunteers for Poppy appeal

The Stoke Gifford Branch of the Royal British Legion is planning another great Poppy Appeal.

The branch is very grateful to the very generous members of the public, local venues and other organisations who support the Poppy Appeal, and of course the local media who help raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal, and the work of the Royal British Legion.

All money raised by the Poppy Appeal goes to the RBL Welfare Fund, which provides help, support and guidance for current and ex members of the armed forces and their dependents.

A spokesman for the RBL said: "If you or someone you know needs help from the Royal British Legion, please contact the national helpline - 0808 802 8080."

The Stoke Gifford Branch, which covers Filton, Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford, is now preparing for the new Poppy Appeal year starting in October.

The poppy fortnight will be the two weeks up to Remembrance Sunday.

The Stoke Gifford branch urgently needs volunteers to help with the Poppy Appeal, including

people to help with collecting at various venues in the Branch area.

If you are interested in volunteering or joining our branch, please contact the local

organisers at - rblstokegifford@ gmail.com or ring Tony Peters on 01179 470 775

You can also find out more on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ StokeGiffordRBL

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

FREE EVENTS AT FILTON LIBRARY IN AUGUST

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Advertising feature

Performers wanted for local Gilbert and Sullivan group

Local performing group, Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society, is looking for people to join their ranks.

The current membership includes people of all ages –from age 8 to 80 – who get together regularly to sing and act.

Chair Hannah Long, is passionate about the society: “It’s a really friendly group who aren’t just great performers, we are also great friends.” Along with a professional orchestra, BGSOS is looking forward to its next production of The Pirates of Penzance at The Redgrave Theatre in Clifton in March.

BGSOS rehearses at Saint Teresa’s on Gloucester Road in Filton on Tuesdays from September, and the evenings combine hard work with a cup of tea and a friendly chat! BGSOS also offers The Wetherell Bursary to members, which is a contribution to the cost of singing or acting lessons for applicants.

BGSOS is looking for performing members, scenery builders, costume developers and technical volunteers. You can also support us as a society friend, if volunteering is not for you. For details about all our roles, please email secretary@bgsos.co.uk

More information on our society can be found on our website, www.bristolgsos.co.uk, or via our facebook page, @BristolGSOS.

Bristol Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society

Looking

of

21st – 23rd March 2024

Filton MP Jack Lopresti

Three key issues in our area - health, jobs and defence

This month I have focused on three issues in our area, our national defence and defence industries, jobs and access to health services.

I was recently part of a roundtable discussion at the National Composites Centre with multiple employers including MBDA, Leonardo, GKN, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Babcock. We discussed multiple issues relating to the work the NCC do to support the defence industry in our area and enhance the technology base in our area. The NCC is part of the catapult network, designed to massively progress regional technology investment, encourage cooperation between companies and promote highvalue manufacturing in the UK economy to help give British manufacturing a competitive advantage.

In parliament I also got to meet with apprentices from

major Filton employers Airbus and Rolls-Royce to hear about their progress and their future career plans.

Access to health services is one of the most important issues for our area. I had the opportunity to have a very informative meeting with Maria Kane, CEO of North Bristol NHS Trust at Southmead Hospital. We discussed the improvements made to cancer care by the trust, as well as domiciliary care and their impressive apprenticeship

program with several hundred apprentices currently at the trust.

At the SGS College Employer Conference this month, it was good to see so many local employers. Very interesting to hear presentations from Principal Sara-Jane and Matt and Chloe from Business West discussing business engagement, and skills development in our area as well as how the college can further develop their relationship with business and provide the skills required by

employers in our area. I also visited the Engineering Centre at Abbeywood School to discuss the new University Technical College sleeve concept being introduced with representatives of Olympus Trust, UT Colleges, The Baker Dearing Educational Trust and several employers in our area. The UTC sleeve concept involves an advanced engineering facility located within a wider school framework. This should provide not only Abbeywood students, but students from across the Olympus Academy Trust with the ability to gain practical experience of engineering and technical education in a firstclass environment. As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at: jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery.

FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Changing the culture of policing

LAST month, Chief Constable Sarah Crew made an announcement regarding institutional racism in Avon and Somerset Police.

This is about vital work to change the culture of policing, following the results of many reviews and reports, including those conducted by Macpherson and Casey, which also looks at wider issues of misogyny, homophobia and general police conduct and standards.

Culture change is not something that happens overnight: it takes a minimum of five to ten years and involves looking at many areas within the service.

This includes improving our vetting and selection processes, retention, and progression of staff, how police complaints are handled and, crucially, the training given to the workforce within the wider police family.

I have let the chief constable know I support her and have full confidence in her leadership.

This is a challenging issue to face. However, through initiating

and continuing these uncomfortable and difficult conversations, the chief constable is demonstrating openness, courage and willingness to be held accountable by the communities that she and our police officers and staff serve.

It’s important to note that institutional racism is not just about policing alone.

Policing is one element of the criminal justice process and, as the chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board, this is about our joint work with the wider criminal justice system (CJS) agencies like the Crown Prosecution Service, courts, prisons and probation to tackle racial disproportionality within our respective organisations.

Such work is already underway, with the recommendations in the Identifying Disproportionality in the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice System report.

I will continue to update you on this area of work and, as your PCC, support the scrutiny and accountability of the chief constable on these issues, as Avon and Somerset

Police continues towards its vision to deliver outstanding policing for all of our communities.

Moving on, Avon and Somerset Police has joined all five police forces and PCCs in the South West and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) as part of the region’s ongoing work to target and disrupt organised crime groups harming our communities through drug supply.

Avon and Somerset Police is the top out of all forces for the number of operations focused on drug supply disruptions; all five police services in our region are in the top 10, and have been for the past two years.

In Avon and Somerset, officers have seized over £3 million worth of cannabis and arrested 20 people in relation to crimes linked to the illegal cultivation of the plant.

This operation continues to go from strength to strength. We collectively continue to make our communities safer by targeting the criminals bringing drugs and violence to our region, as well as protecting the vulnerable they seek to exploit, as

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

workers or as users of the drugs they supply.

Taking a regional approach really does make a difference, so much so that the number of county lines in our region is decreasing, as criminals are having to change the way they operate.

The message is clear: the South West is no place for drugs or drug dealers.

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

St Peter’s Church: Services

Sunday 6 August

10am Eucharist and 5pm Youth of God at the Rectory Celebrating the Transfiguration of our Lord

Sunday 13 August

8.30am and 10am Eucharist. 6pm Taizé * in the Lady Chapel

Sunday 20 August

8.30am and 10am Family Eucharist

Sunday 27 August

8.30am and 10am Eucharist

Taizé service

Based on the calm, contemplative practice of prayer from the Taizé community in France, this is a beautiful, quiet service of reflection on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 6pm. It is a great way to carve out an hour for yourself in the busyness of the week, spending time together in quiet, candlelit prayer.

Midweek Said Eucharists are on Wednesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 11am.

Social and Church Groups

Our Ladies' Group meets at 2pm every other Monday in the church hall. Full programme and contact details available on our website.

Our Mothers' Union meet on Thursdays at 2pm in the Coffee Shop. Again, full details on the website.

Brabazon Belles (a social group for women) meet on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the church hall.

Our Open House group meets every Tuesday in the church hall from 9.3011am for tea, toast, and companionship. Our friendly choir meets for rehearsals every Friday at 7pm in the church.

Our Zumba group meet on Mondays at 10am and 11.15, and Fridays at 9.30am. Contact Jools for more information jooljdh@gmail.com or julie737@zumba. com

Community Coffee Shop

Our friendly, welcoming coffee shop is open from Monday to Friday, 10am1pm for hot and cold drinks, homemade cake and hot snacks and soup.

Suggested donation £1.50 per item.

We have a wonderful hairdresser in the coffee shop who is happy to cut people's hair in return for a donation to the church. She is usually in the coffee shop on Wednesday mornings if you would like a quick trim. We also offer free soup and a roll to anyone in need of a hot meal. Thursdays from 10am.

You can find more information about all of this, and read our weekly news sheet, by going to www.stpeterschurchfilton. com and if you have any queries, please contact the Rector, or the administrator, who will be only too happy to help. rector@stpeterschurchfilton.com and faith.stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com

St Andrew's Methodist Church

Regular Services

Sundays Morning Service 10.30 am. Little Lights (for children whose parents are attending worship).

Tuesdays Wesley Guild, alternate Tuesdays, 2.15 pm.

Friday (Term-time) St Andrews Baby and Toddler Group, 10.00 am – 11.45 am, £2 per family, includes refreshments. Play, crafts, chat and singing time.

Saturday

Messy Church, 2nd Saturday of the month, starts back 9th September, 3.30pm - 5.15pm.

Outside groups also regularly hire our newly refurbished multi-use church. For bookings, Tel 07773636042. For all other enquiries, please Tel 0117 9872143.

FACE

Mondays: 12.30-1.30pm Tai Chi, £3 entry

7-9pm The Hangout youth club for young people aged 13-25, with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Tuesdays: 10am-12pm Coffee Club (tea & coffee morning for older folk), donations welcomed

5.30-6.30pm Rise youth club for School Years 3 & 4, £2 entry

7-8.30pm Shine youth club for School Years 5 & 6, £2 entry

Wednesdays:

7-9pm Outbreak youth club for School Years 7-13, £2 entry

Thursdays: Silver Surfers (over 50s IT support drop-in) 10am-12pm, £3 including refreshments.

1.30-2.30pm Low Impact Fitness session, £3 entry

7-9pm Illuminators social club for adults aged 20+ with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Fridays: 10am-12pm “Coffee & Chat” coffee morning for anyone who would like to come for refreshments, conversations and join in crafts and games together. Donations welcomed.

Saturdays: 1.00–3.00pm: Environment/ wellbeing group for (young) adults with additional needs. 1-3 pm. Please get in touch with leader if you would like to join. kate@ facecharity.org.uk

Contact: FACE, Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. 0117 9691938 / info@facecharity.org.uk

Girl Guiding

Rainbows – age 4 - 7 years - Tuesday

16:45-17:45 & Thursday 17:30 – 18:30

Brownies - age 7 - 10 years - Tuesday 17:45-19:15

Guides - age 10 - 14 years - Tuesday

19:30 – 21:00

Rangers - age 14 - 18 years - Tuesday

19:30 – 21:00

To register your daughter, go to Girlguiding UK website and follow the link 'Register my daughter'

1st Filton Scouts

Beavers age 6-8, Tuesday 5:30 – 6:30 & Wednesday 5:45 – 6:45

Cubs age 8-10, Monday and Thursday 6:30 – 8pm

Scouts age 10 -14, Tues 7 – 8:45pm

The group is based in Scout HQ, Nutfield Grove, Filton, BS34 7LJ. All sections are open to boys and girls.

Email:joining@1stfiltonscouts.co.uk

Website:1stfiltonscouts.co.uk

Men In Sheds Filton

The DIY group, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among men aged over 50, operates from the Scout hut in Nutfield Grove, providing a space to socialise, build, share skills and drink tea. Men in Sheds Filton is part of a national movement, initiated by Age Concern Cheshire in 2009 and sustained by the UK Men’s Sheds Association. The group runs every Wednesday, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Call John Cahill 07986053005

SHE7

Tuesday: Bingo 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Wednesday: Over 50s lunch, Cooked lunch, pudding and tea/coffee for just £3.50. Please ring 0117 969 5130 to book and arrive by 12.15pm.

Wednesday: Bristol Taiko - Japanese Drumming 7.00pm - 8:30pm, £5 per session

International Plastic Modellers Society Avon

Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday in the month from 7:30pm for 8.00pm at:

BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, 589 Southmead Rd, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG.

Ukulele Filton

We are an enthusiastic group of ukulele players, who meet to strum along and sing on Monday evenings, at 7.30 pm, at Filton Community Centre. No previous experience needed. We have spare ukes for you to try, and plenty of help in getting you started. For further details, phone Sue on: 0750 4561 831.

Bristol Scrabble Club

Bristol Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday evening from 7pm until 10pm at the Filton Community Centre. Elm Park Filton BS347PS. New members are welcome and first visit is free so come along and give us a try. For more information ring Sheila Hinett 01179570792 or 07435316458. Alternatively email shinett@blueyonder. co.uk.

Bristol Sugarcraft Guild

We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to learn to make sugar flowers and models we hold demonstrations and also workshops with instruction. Beginners are very welcome.

Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178 or Carole Hyams on 0117 956 8037 for more information.

Horfield Townswomen’s Guild

We will be meeting at St Andrew's Church Hall on the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of each month (except August) at 2pm to 4pm. We welcome new members. For more information, please contact Edna on 9495413.

Community Garden

Sunday 25 June

Gardening Get-togethers on alternate Weekends 11am to 1pm:

Sunday July 23rd

Saturday August 5th and 19th

Saturday September 2nd, 16th and 30th

All welcome from beginners to experts. Wear suitable clothing, bring your own gloves. Tools and guidance provided For updates and more info visit: facebook.com/filtoncommunitygarden or email: communitygarden@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Filtones Choir

Come and exercise your lungs and meet new friends every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45-3.45 at St Teresa’s Community Rooms (behind the Church) 71 Gloucester Road North, BS34 7PL. We sing four-part harmony, so all voice ranges are welcome and there are no auditions. Contact Dot on 0117 9690654 or 07870 984760 or Janet on 0117 9241534 or email dorothy.bryant@ btinternet.com We’ll be delighted to talk to you.

Ebenezer Church

Thursdays Foodbank outlet 1PM – 3PM

If you are at a crisis point and struggling with food, then please contact the foodbank about getting support - call 0117 472 5172.

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

ONE OFF EVENTS

Big Summer Breakfast 9AM –

10:30AM 8th Aug

Includes bacon, sausage, egg, beans, hashbrown, cereal, toast and a hot drink for £2.50

Women’s World Cup on the Big Screen England vs Haiti Saturday 22nd July

10:30AM

England vs Denmark Friday 28th July

9:30AM

China vs England Tuesday 1st August

12:00PM

Keep an eye on the website for future games www.ebe..org.uk/worldcup

Messy Church Picnic Afternoon Time TBC

Sunday 6th August

Regular updates - www.ebe.org.uk/ welcomingspace or contact Ebenezer Church Office on 0117 9791399

Concord Wind Band

We are a friendly, mixed ability band, playing music for fun. We rehearse at the Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3T every Friday 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with a tea break. We welcome new members. Contact Jayne on 07880724948

Filton Bookworms

Are you interested in joining a reading group? Come along to the Bookworms monthly reading group at Filton Library!

1st Monday of each month 5:45pm

various aspects of gardens, plants etc., and day trips to gardens of interest, please come along & join us. We meet at St. Andrew's Church, BS34 7PS

Bristol Male Voice Choir

-6:45pm

If you are interested in Joining, please as inside the library. Phone: 01454 868006 or Email: Filton.library@ southglos.gov.uk

North Avon Speakers Club

We are a public speaking group associated with Toastmasters International. We usually meet every first and third Thursday of the month, at BAWA Filton, between 7:15pm and 9:30pm. Currently we have both types of meetings, 'In Person Only' meetings and 'Hybrid' which allows people to join in online via Zoom. Email: northavontm@ gmail.com for more details.

Filton Garden Club

We meet at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month, (except January). We are a very friendly club & welcome new members. If you enjoy interesting talks and slideshows on

Calling All Daredevils! Join The Brightwell’s thrilling charity abseil down the city skyline!

Are you ready to take your bravery to new heights? Gear up and join The Brightwell for an exhilarating charity abseil down one of Filton’s most prominent buildings!

This is your chance to make a daring descent while raising funds for a local worthy cause that transforms lives.

The Brightwell, a dedicated support centre for local people affected by neurological conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, are organising their first ever abseil, 65 feet down the side of Village Hotel, Bristol.

Organiser Libby Jordan said: “This is your opportunity to do something amazing. Every penny raised will go towards providing life-changing therapy, enabling our members to minimise symptoms of their chronic conditions and to live a fulfilled, independent life for as long as possible.

“The individual sign-up fee is £45 with a target to raise £250 in sponsorship, but if you don’t fancy going it alone why not grab your colleagues, family or friends and form a team?

"The event takes place on Wednesday 13 September at Village Hotel, with slots available between 9am and 5pm. Limited spaces are available so early booking is advised."

For any questions or to enquire about Corporate team-building packages, please contact libby.jordan@thebrightwell.org.uk

Dance Moves Keep Fit

Tuesday, 2-3pm at St Peter's Church Filton. Have fun whilst improving your general wellbeing. Suitable for all ages. For further information, contact Eileen Scott, Tel. 07969929733/ email scottyartois@hotmail.com

Short Mat Bowls

We are a friendly group that meets Thursdays 1:45pm to 4pm at the Filton Community centre, Elm Park Filton, BS34 7PS. New members are welcome, and the first visit is free, then each session £3. Contact Alan Riley on 07957295287 or email alanriley73@gmail.com

Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues.

From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. www.bristolmvc.org.uk; Facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk; or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220

Parking warning as new operator takes over e-scooters

by BBC LDRS team for Filtonvoice

A new operator will run the Bristol region’s e-scooter trial – and will be fined if parking problems continue.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) has announced that it has awarded a contract to a German company called Tier, replacing Voi which has operated the scheme since it began in 2020.

The 4,000 two-wheelers will be green, instead of the current “coral”, and branded “WESTscoot”, and the fleet will include 1,500 new pedal-only e-bicycles and 20 e-cargo bikes for local businesses.

But metro mayor Dan Norris, who previously threatened to strip Swedish firm Voi’s right to run the pilot project if it did not sever links to Moscow among its shareholders, has admitted that Tier also has ties to Vladimir Putin’s regime.

Mr Norris said the contract with Tier would bring in an estimated £9.7million to the Weca region – Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset – over four years, with the money ring-fenced for public transport.

He said clauses in the contract would address parking concerns and that 100 new e-scooter parking racks would be provided.

The Labour mayor said: “WESTscoot must build on the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in Europe. But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.

“Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030 target, it is vital that these bright green electric WESTscoot, WESTbike and WESTcargo e-vehicles become a common and welcome sight across our region.”

He said stipulations written into the contract included “parking performance monitored on a monthly basis, with penalties on the operator if high standards aren’t met”.

They also include stricter requirements to keep vehicles parked tidily within designated bays and agreed numbers.

But he said he was concerned that Tier had “significant funding” from venture firm RTP Global which was founded by entrepreneur Leonid Boguslavsky, who “appears to be a former supervisory board member of a Russian majority state-owned banking and financial services company headquartered in Moscow, was listed in the 2018 US Treasury so-called ‘Putin list’ and indeed has been photographed with Mr Putin”.

Mr Norris said: “I appreciate that in a global world, international companies have investment from far and wide.

“But I find it troubling that officials tell

me we have to shrug this off and legally cannot delve into such ethical challenges.

“That’s why I wrote to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to say that given the current illegal and bloody Russian war in Ukraine, could the Government again look into contracts regulation.”

A spokesperson for RTP Global said in response: “RTP Global does not invest in Russia, nor does it have offices in Russia.

“The vast majority of the founder’s net worth was created from tech investments in US, Europe and Asia and RTP Global has never received an investment from a Russian institution.”

It has been reported that USSR-born Canadian Mr Boguslavsky has denounced the war in Ukraine.

Voi UK, Irealnd and France general manager Jack Samler said: “We have worked tremendously hard over the last three years to make the West of England

e-scooter trial the most successful in the country – and one of the largest in Europe.

“We are very proud of what we’ve achieved in Bristol and Bath and the legacy we’ve built. It is disappointing to be leaving these cities.

“At Voi, we believe schemes must be financially sustainable for operators to allow for continued investment in rider experience, safety and integration with other road users and pedestrians.

“We are not prepared to run any shared e-scooter trial at a loss.”

Tier’s Northern Europe vice-president Fred Jones said: “I believe with WESTscoot, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is setting out an important example of how shared electric personal vehicles and existing public transport options can work together to reduce carbon emissions and congestion in our urban centres.

Tier will take over from Voi this autumn.

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