Filtonvoice December 2021

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filtonvoice December 2021 Issue 122

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Filton remembers Page 7

Wonderful Windows light up Filton. P8&9

Thanks, Dave: As he prepares to move to pastures new, we talk to the man who was the driving force behind our community garden Pages 2, 3 & 5

HM

watch

Two more new HMO applications, a further application approved and a final application refused. The latest Filton HMO planning applications and decisions. Pages 12 and 27

Filton MP Jack Lopresti has told Filtonvoice that MPs should be able to continue to do additional work oustide the Commons - but also urged 'transaprency' in how thoSe interests are declared.

Mr Lopresti voted to set up a new Standards Committee, a move which caused controversy as it meant then-MP Owen Paterson evaded any sanctions over breaches of lobbying rules. The decision was then reversed by the Government after an outcry.

Mr Loresti said: "I think it would be a shame and Parliament diminished if Members of Parliament were not able to do additional work outside the Commons. There are Members of Parliament who are in the Reserves and who have served in operations abroad whilst being Members of Parliament. There are others who have helped in the NHS. But all of these interests need to be declared and there needs to be transparency and I share people’s justifiable concerns about consulting and lobbying."

Mr Lopresti does not have a second job according to theyworkforyou.com MP column: Page 26

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Contacts Richard Coulter Editor and publisher

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Shane Gibson Editorial

shane@filtonvoice.co.uk COMPLAINTS 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.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website www.localvoicenetwork.co.uk, or can be obtained by contacting the publisher, above.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Filtonvoice 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 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.

News

As Dave seeks pastures new ... reflections on how Filton Community Garden blossomed over nine years SG: How did it all begin?

DM: I retired from working with Bristol City Council in September of 2012 and after six months of getting around to all the little jobs around the house that you never have time for when working, I accepted an invite to a meeting of the community garden committee.

Interestingly it was the same day as the 2012 MUGA presentation.

I said my bit at the MUGA presentation and then went along to the Garden Committee meeting. There were some

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people there that I knew and some that I did not, but it was a fantastic welcome, I was really overwhelmed.

The whole thing was quite up my street and as it the time, Sylvia was working at the hairdressers in Filton, I had days that needed filling. I could not sit home and do nothing; I am a worker. If I have not done something during the day, I have not achieved anything, I must do something.

By this time, the plans for the garden had already been set. It

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In 2012 Dave Mikkelson was part of a group of people who turned a misused piece of land into the award-winning Filton Community Garden.

After nine years as the chair of the community garden committee and a lifetime living in Filton, Dave and his wife Sylvia are saying goodbye and moving away from the area. Shane Gibson sat down with Dave as he shared his thoughts on those fantastic years in the garden. was around March (2013) and the first job was building the garden. It was a three-month job.

I with Ken Hoare and Bill Moore, who was the inspiration behind the Garden, we started building the garden. Digging every day, creating flower beds, building the podium, that kind of stuff. We opened the garden on July 13th, we had been up there everyday working, grafting it was quite hard manual work, although I am not really a manual worker.

Dave and Sylvia

SG: When did you become chair?

DM: Whilst there was at that time a chair whohad encouraged to run things, but was never quite happy due to her other commitments. People asked me if I would do it, and I took some time to consider it. I knew that I would have to be fully involved to take on the role, but in the end I said yes. And that is how it all started. We had a good core of people and although we were of a certain age, we got on with things, we would go to a meeting, say something, and go out and do it! I cannot pay tribute to them enough; we have created something fantastic.

SG: How do you feel about the garden today?

DM: We took a patch of land that was full of anti-social behaviour and was not part of Filton, people did not go there.

We changed it into something that is amazing. The garden has evolved. It was going to be just flowerbeds, but it has become so much more, with the pond and the fairy tree, and the kids love both. It has welcomed a diverse group of people which is what we wanted. It has become a big part of the community which many of us have enjoyed as have private companies and other organisations with the use of the garden for events and of course, there is the fete that has been a big money spinner for us.

Some people have told me that for them the garden was a life saver during the lockdowns with people using the garden for meeting and exercise. You know, it is much more than that.

Not more than six months ago a gentleman came to me and said that he was an old soldier left with post traumatic stress, being in the garden was the only thing that gave him peace from the things going on in his head.

SG: The garden really does benefit people in diverse ways.

Each November a remembrance service is held in the garden. How did that come about?

DM: My thing is, that anything is possible. Nothing is impossible it is people that make things not possible. So, when Bill Knight came to me and said he would love to do it and I said that there was no reason we could not do it. It is great, it is something that Filton did not have before and now it happens every year. There is a lot of community spirit that has gone into the service. At a committee meeting one year we asked ourselves if we could

do something, and the idea of knitted poppies was suggested.

We reached out to people and asked if they could knit poppies.

We received over two thousand poppies that year.

SG: You have an incredibly positive can-do attitude. Have there been occasions where yourself or the committee have come up against hurdles in what you have wanted for the garden?

DM: Yes, we understand that the garden does not belong to us, the land is owned by the Filton Town Council. Any big adjustments that we would like to make we take to the council. An example of that is the pond. A pond is a big issue, so we went to the council and proved to the council that it was safe for children with the grill over the top and the fence around it. When we created the orchard, which was a little out of our perimeter we

3

spoke with the council. We our respectful of the council and seek permission.

SG: Has permission always been granted, or have you had to fight?

DM: We stand our corner, you know that. We are not fools; we will fight for the integrity of the garden. That is what happened with the MUGA, it is because we are progressive. If people want to put up barriers, we will find away to overcome those barriers.

SG: That is refreshing to hear.

Many community groups end up derailed by authorities in opposition. Looks like that is not the case with the garden committee.

DM: No, we do not back down.

Take for example the land grab.

When South Gloucestershire Council wanted to take the land, we could have sat back, and a meeker, milder group would have sat back but we did not. If we had let them take the land it would have been the death of the community garden as well as the skate park, the cycle speedway, and the boules court. As soon as we heard about it, Helen Johnson and I set out a plan of action, organised a petition, lobbied South Gloucestershire Council, and had the petition raised as an item for the council and then, got people along to talk about the garden and its importance to the community of Filton. And you know, a group of over sixties who have never been in that situation, presenting to the council, in a room for what seems like an hour (although it was only 5 minutes), and it was us that won the day.

We did that on our own. In short, we are scrappers.

SG: The garden has just received its eighth annual award from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Why do you think the garden has been so successful in this area?

DM: When a verifier was first sent to see the garden, which was in its first year, he told me that he wanted to give us the highest award but could not as the garden had only just been built. Instead, they awarded us something like most improved use of land. But in the eight years since we have received the rank of ‘Outstanding’ every time. We have just received this year’s report and it is really good.

Commenting on how the garden Turn to Page 5

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News

From Page 3 reaches out to the community. It is quite lump in your throat stuff.

SG: Are there any other Filton community projects that you have been involved with?

DM: Not really. I have lived in Filton all my life, but really the focus has been on the community garden.

SG: Your wife Sylvia, has been collaborating with you on the garden for the past couple of years. How has that worked out?

DM: As much as I loved my job with Bristol City Council, I always knew that I would retire at 60. As I have said, I am not one to sit around watching the TV, so I needed the garden, and I love paperwork so being chair was great too. When Sylvia stopped working, she took over areas of responsibility in the garden, and to be fair to her she has worked hard these past couple of years. We are both gardeners, so it has worked out

all right.

SG: The garden has hosted many events. Are there any that have stuck with you?

DM: The event we held in memory of Bill Moore. He was such a brave man, and so many came out to pay tribute to him.

I remember I had to give a speech that I did not prepare for, because it was just so easy to talk about him. More recently we held a tea and cake event, it was the first event held in two years.

Everybody came out for this event, I found it quite emotional.

SG: After nine years of being chair, looking back how are you feeling?

DM: I am proud of what we have done. I feel I have given back to Filton. I have made some good friends. We have done a damn respectable job, but it is not about me, all I did was function as a focal point and a leader, which was my role as chair. Now, I am 69 and it is time to slow down. Actually… I do not think that I will slow down!

Ken Hoare with the late Bill Moore working in the garden.

Below, Dave and the team get down to some hard graft

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December, 2021

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Net Zero at Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm If COP26 has got you worried about what you can do about the climate crisis, an easy way to start is to visit Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm for your Christmas tree. Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, namely carbon dioxide and methane. Buying local means you can really reduce your carbon footprint.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is home to 40,000 Christmas trees spread over approximately 18 acres of green belt land next to the M32 motorway. All plants actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the Christmas trees - which are evergreen – do this all year round. With the heavy motorway traffic nearby, there certainly is no shortage of carbon dioxide for the trees to mop up.

“I think all of us are wondering what we can do on a personal level when it comes to climate change,” says Simon Maughan, managing director of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. “A good way to start

Kate and Simon Maughan, owners of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm invite you to buy your tree locally this year this Christmas is to make sure that we buy as much as we can for the festive season from local suppliers, whether it is food for the table, presents for the tree, or the tree itself.”

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feeder for example, but by far the most common thing to do with it is to recycle it as chipped mulch.”

“We accept hundreds of returned trees in January, and they all get put through the shredder.

The bits rot down naturally on the ground, keeping the carbon in the ground, and also making homes for insects and food for fungi.”

The Christmas tree site has in itself become a bit of a haven for wildlife. Birds nest in the trees, animals shelter under the trees, wild flowers such as orchids have begun to seed themselves in the grass around trees. 2021 saw the addition of a big pond, which is set to attract all sorts of other interesting residents, such as dragonflies.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm from Saturday 20th November. You can visit in person or order your tree online at www. frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk – either for delivery or click and collect.

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News

Filton remembers Filton remembered the fallen in war at various services on and around Armistace Day, November 11.

In the Community Garden, there were displays of poppies and wreaths laid as local veteran Bill Knight, pictured far right,

joined local people and children from our primary schools.

At St Peter's Church, a minute's silence was held after the Sunday morning service as uniformed organisations, joined by local dignitaries and guests, paraded to mark the occcasion.

Thanks to John Chapman for photograph of St Peter's Church

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December, 2021

News

Filton streets lit up by Wonderful Windows arts trail

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Nearly 40 homes across Filton made the winter evenings just that bit brighter for four days as the Wonderful Windows Arts Trail returned to the town.

Imaginative designers created a huge variety of displays which were enjoyed by many local people who used an interactive map to move from location to location.

At several homes over the four mild evenings there were refreshment stops where viewers could donate to charity.

Organsisers Debbie, Hattie, Helen, Jane, Nikki and Polly said they were grateful for support

in the form of a grant from local councillor Adam Monk which helped buy materials for some of the displays and with design workshops.

ASDA Filton kindly donated hot chocolate and snacks for the refreshments stops.

The organisers said the 2022 event is already in the early planning stage and the dates will be November 11-14.

Debbie said: " It really is joy to organise and brought us together as a new organising group this year, as well as people of Filton coming together to visit the trail.

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"We never really know how it will go until the trail starts, but then once again this year the residents of Filton came up trumps and provided some amazing creative works of art – both children and adults can get involved and it’s a lovely weekend for Filton."

Comment on Facebook: "Loving all of the displays, some are intricate, some are simple, some have just one theme, others have multiple...they are all so, so good! It's been lovely going around to see everyone's creativity and efforts and to chat to meet new people as you go around or at the refreshment stops."

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December, 2021

The best gift you could give someone this Christmas is your time.

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Advertising feature

New nursery opening soon in Charlton Hayes A brand new purpose-built nursery is coming soon to Charlton Hayes, providing a much-needed childcare setting for the local community.

Opening in Spring 2022, Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School, which already runs 15 other settings in Bristol, will serve families in Charlton Hayes, Patchway and surrounding areas with its new 96-place nursery for children aged three-months to five years.

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December, 2021

News

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What a load of rubbish we collected!

Councillors and residents joined forces to collect litter in Conygre ward. The Filton Town Council initiative targeted Filton Avenue, Conygre Road and various side streets.

Cllr Dan Boardman, who kindly supplied the photos, said: "It was

a successful pick in the bright but chilly sunshine. Nine Filtonians councillors, residents and students - were involved.

"We collected about a dozen bags of rubbish from Filton Ave, Conygre Road, and some of the side streets."

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December, 2021

News

Filton MoD base praised for diversity commitment Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) at Abbeywood in Filton, the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence, has been recognised by Bristol City Council for its commitment to championing diversity.

The Stepping Up Diversity Champion Excellence Award recognises DE&S' vital role in supporting the Council’s Diversity Leadership programme since it began in 2018.

Stepping Up aims to unlock potential and develop talent while ensuring a fair representation of Black, Asian, ethnic minority, disabled people, LGBTQ+ and women in positions of leadership.

Presented by Professor Christine Bamford, Stepping Up Programme Director and Kevin Millwood, Chair of the Stepping Up Stakeholder Board, the award was received by Krishna

Kevin Millwood, Chair of the Stepping Up Stakeholder Board; Buhe Ncube, DE&S and former Stepping Up participant; Professor Christine Bamford, Stepping Up Programme Director; and Patricia Uwanogho, DE&S and former Stepping Up participant Dhanak, Director Strategy and Corporate Operations and Race Champion, as part of DE&S’ first Race Conference, a hybrid event aimed at shining a spotlight on the remarkable, diverse talent across DE&S and our local

communities.

Councillor Asher Craig, Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education and Equalities, said: “I am delighted at being able to acknowledge the support DE&S has given to

Stepping Up, and establishing an eco-system of employers who are committed to diversity and inclusion.”

Krishna Dhanak, Director of Strategy and Corporate Operations and Race Champion at DE&S, said: “The Stepping Up programme has proved to be highly successful in investing in current and future talent.

It has provided invaluable support in helping people from underrepresented communities, from across the region, to reach their full potential.”

In the last four years, DE&S and its sister agency SDA have supported 12 employees to take part in the Stepping Up scheme.

DE&S has also provided mentors for Stepping Up participants, venues for Leadership modules, and offered short-term project placements for participants to work at the organisation.

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Filton Town Council Enjoy a cuppa at Elm Park Café

Come and enjoy our latest venture, Elm Park Café. The cafe is situated opposite the play area at Elm Park.

Open daily from 10am, we have indoor and outdoor seating as well as our bouncy castle for the rainy days!

Filton Town Council Sports & Leisure Centre A warm welcome to Filton Sports & Leisure Centre. We have swimming lessons available, public swimming, Aquafit, dinky dolphins, softplay and softplay parties. We also offer parties on our pool inflatable.

-------Since 1st November there have been be changes to the way the centre operates. Access to the pools and softplay are through our temporary reception area, located round the back of the Leisure centre.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

COMMUNITY LITTER PICK SUNDAY 7TH NOVEMBER Councillors and residents conducted a litter pick in Filton in November, in the Conygre ward.

More information on Page 13.

This was a fantastic opportunity for Filton residents to take ownership of their local area and to engage our young people to become involved in their community.

Filton Town Council meetings November 30th 7.00pm Full Council December 14th 7.00pm Full Council Council meetings are again 'in-person' meetings at the town council halls at Elm Park. Details at www. filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Council office change

The council offices have moved temporarily to the snooker hall while refurbishment takes place at the Elm Park site. The council is unable to have visitors at the moment but appointments can be made or enquiries made at the pool reception.

Please contact us at office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or by phone 01454866698 to arrange an appointment if necessary. If you have an enquiry or wish to report a problem email office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk.

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December, 2021

News

E-cigarettes could be sold at Southmead Hospital

by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice Vaping areas could be introduced at a large Bristol hospital in a bid to make the site “truly smokefree”.

Southmead Hospital in north Bristol is a designated ‘smokefree’ site, in line with NHS guidelines, but many people ignore the ban.

In 2017, North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, bowed to public pressure and introduced two smoking shelters outside the main entrance and maternity ward.

Now it has admitted its ‘smoke-free’ policy is not working, and has said it is re-thinking its approach, with the possible introduction of designated outdoor areas where people can smoke e-cigarettes and the sale or provision of vapes on site.

Kathryn Hamilton, a public health registrar at the trust,

said a multidisciplinary working group at the trust was reviewing its smoke-free policy in an effort to make the hospital grounds “more truly smoke-free”.

“Options that we’re considering will include designated outdoor vaping areas, selling e-cigarettes commercially,

looking at [behavioural] signs, nudges, and crucially, underpinning that with training for staff in very brief [quit] advice and conversations around smoking,” she told a meeting of Bristol health leaders.

She said the extent to which people ignored the current

smoke-free policy was revealed in a survey of more than 500 hospital staff, visitors and patients over summer.

Some 70 per cent of respondents said they saw people smoking at the hospital “most days or every day”, members of the Bristol health and wellbeing board heard.

“What we found is that overwhelmingly people know that we’re a smoke-free site,” she said. “That’s not the problem.

The problem is that we actually do have people smoking on site and most people most days see people not following the policy.

“In our consultation, we brought out hotspots where this is happening and this wasn’t a particular surprise to those people who work at the trust and knew about these.”

The consultation survey found around two-thirds of respondents backed the introduction of

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD DUE TO START SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER?

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Come along and enjoy a guided tour led by our Head Teacher and Reception Class Teacher. See our wonderful school and let us show off the amazing learning opportunities we provide.

We offer personalised tours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm – 5pm.

If you would rather come when the school is in action, we would love to invite you to our open morning on Tuesday 19th October at 9:30am.

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OfSTED November 2019 Please contact us by phone 01454866750 or email elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.uk to book a place for one of our open afternoons or to join us at our open morning.

If you are unable to make the days/times above, please contact us and we will find an alternative time to show you around.

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December, 2021

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

designated outdoor vaping areas, but the idea of the hospital selling or providing vapes was more contentious.

Some non-smokers were “vehemently” opposed to vaping on hospital grounds, seeing it as unhealthy, members heard.

But Dr Hamilton said: “We’ve got a lot of evolving evidence that e-cigarettes or vaping is a really powerful tool to help quit smoking, and we’ve got more and more evidence that it’s dramatically safer than smoking and also seems to really work for people trying to quit.”

The survey also found good support for other changes the trust is thinking of making to its smoke-free policy, such as better signage, she said.

Tim Keen, associate director of strategy at the trust, said smoking was a “very polarising” issue and some of the existing non-smoking signs at the hospital were “terrible” and “quite aggressive”.

He said one with the slogan “Put your fag out or we’ll

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19

put you out” had “really got people’s backs up”.

The trust is holding focus groups to work out “how we get those messages right”, Mr Keen said. “There’s lots of things we can learn and change our approach on,” he said. “This is about treating people who’ve got a dependency and helping reduce harms.”

Dr Hamilton added the trust was also planning training for staff in how to avoid conflict when having difficult conversations with patients or visitors about smoking.

The initiative is part of a longterm plan by the NHS to treat smoking addiction by identifying smokers in hospitals and helping them to quit.

It is estimated that a quarter of hospital inpatients are smokers, according to information presented to the meeting. In Bristol, an estimated 66,500 people smoke (roughly 18 per cent of residents) and almost 600 pregnant women smoke (10 per cent).

Stroke shakeup fears over risk of disability and death

Plans to shake up stroke services in the West of England have prompted fears increased travel times to a single centre of excellence will heighten the risk of disability and death.

Sufferers would be rushed to Southmead Hospital instead of their nearest hospital under proposals health chiefs say will save between 12 and 15 lives a year and prevent dozens from becoming disabled or needing long-term care.

While nine in ten people understood why stroke services need to change, a consultation revealed concerns about the impact on sufferers and their loved ones, with some questioning if the population’s needs would be met.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said it was listening and wanted to make the right decision.

Professor Debra De Silva told governing body members: “The majority who gave reasons for their views raised concerns, whether or not they supported it in principle.

“They felt having one [hyper-acute] unit wouldn’t be enough to serve the wider region.

“There were concerns about potential implications on outcomes – would people be able to get to the single centre in enough time without adversely impacting themselves in terms of death or disability?”

Stroke affects more than 1,500 people in the region each year. It is the fourth biggest killer in the UK and a leading cause of disability.

A decision-making business case will be presented to the governing body in February ahead of implementation in November.

"Would people be able to get to the single centre in enough time?"

- Professor Debra De Silva

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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December, 2021

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Advertising feature

A Victorian Christmas

Ukelele Filton

This December, visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain are invited to celebrate a very festive Victorian Christmas each weekend.

Step back in time and experience the historic dockyard transformed with seasonal greenery and even falling snow for the festive season. Meet characters from the Ragged Victorians living history group, pose for a photo with Mr Brunel and discover the delights of a Victorian Christmas.

There are plenty of surprises on board, too. As you wander, take in the smells of marzipan and Christmas pudding and admire the traditional handmade decorations which adorn the saloons and cabins. You might even spot a very special guest as you explore the ship. For the first time ever, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming Father Christmas to site. Why not stop him for a story about Victorian Christmas traditions, or perhaps you want to find out why he’s dressed in green!

Ukulele Filton will now meet every Monday evening, 7.30 to 9.00 pm, at Filton Community Centre. For further details, phone Sue on 0750 4561 831.

BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR

Bristol Male Voice Choir has returned to regular rehearsals and is looking for new members in its tenor, baritone and bass sections.

You don't need to be a reader of music, but if you can hold a tune, and enjoy singing , whatever the style of 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 DECEMBER music in our wide-ranging repertoire, then come along to our regular Thursday rehearsals held from 7 till 9 at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol Victorian Christmas Weekends BS34 7PS. 07941 040472 FESTIVE MEET 4-5 Dec, 11-12 Dec & 18-19 Dec SCENTS We are a sociable and we are looking forward to two VICTORIAN CHARACTERS AND concerts before the end of 2021. For more information IN THE BESPOKE This December, step back in time at Brunel’s SS Great Britain to celebrate a SNOWY HANDMADE go to our Facebook page, our website - www.

Victorian Christmas. Take in the smells of Christmas pudding and marzipan DOCKYARD DECORATIONS bristolmvc.org.uk - or contact 07941 040472. on board or meet the Ragged Victorians living history group in the

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21

Focus on caring in Filton

Filton carers group welcomes new members Do you look after someone? Or perhaps you know someone who does? Families, friends and neighbours often provide crucial care for someone who couldn’t manage without their help. You could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Local charity, Carers Support Centre, runs a monthly carers group here in Filton for carers to get a break and connect with others in similar situations.

For many local carers, this is a welcome opportunity to come to a friendly social get-together and get some support at the same time.

Local carer, Tony, who cares for his wife, says: "Going to carers support groups is brilliant.

You don’t have to explain your caring situation because people understand.

"We can laugh together. We can cry together. We can scream

together. And what is said in the room stays in the room. When you first become a carer, you don’t know what you don’t know. You

learn a lot at these groups."

Carers Support Officer Luke Knee, who runs carers across South Gloucestershire says: "Our groups

give carers a comfortable space to talk and learn from each other’s experiences.

Lots of useful information is shared at the groups and sometimes speakers are invited to bring their expertise.

"Whatever your caring situation – if you can – take some time out for yourself to spend with others who understand.

"All our groups are actively welcoming new members. We would love to hear from you, if you are thinking of coming along."

All adult carers looking after another adult are welcome at carers groups.

Carers Support Centre also offers an online group for all Bristol and South Gloucestershire carers – a great option for those who cannot leave the person they care for alone.

For more information visit www. carerssupportcentre.org.uk or call CarersLine: 0117 965 2200

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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December, 2021

What's On

Calling all clubs and community groups Is your sports club, children's activity or community group getting ready to return as we head out of lockdown restrictions?

You might be planning a musical activity or offering a hobby-based class in and around Filton and Horfield. Or it could be a regular event which will soon be open again.

If you are, WE WANT TO KNOW! Get in touch by emailing richard@filtonvoice.co.uk or call us on 0777 555 0607 and we'll make sure everyone in Filton knows about it.

Deadline for January issue is December 8th

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07590 527664

December, 2021

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23

News

Consultation works! £30m ring road plans postponed

by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice Overwhelming opposition to controversial £30 million plans for the A4174 Ring Road, which begins in Filton, has forced council chiefs to ditch them for at least 12 months.

South Gloucestershire Council has announced it is postponing a bid for government money for the improvements to five roundabouts on the Ring Road, including road-widening and three more “throughabouts”.

The decision to pull the plug for now, ahead of reviewing the situation in a year’s time following further work and assessment, was made after the results of a 12-week public consultation revealed a whopping 84 per cent of the 880 respondents disapproved.

And it comes just a week after the reopening of the Wraxall Road junction as a throughabout, or “hamburger roundabout”,

Cllr Steve Reade at the Wraxall Road throughabout

with lanes from the main carriageway ploughed through the middle of it for straightahead traffic.

Residents have already branded it “dangerous” and a “huge waste of money”.

The council had hoped it would serve as a template for further improvements on a fivemile stretch between Lyde Green and Kingsfield roundabouts

aimed at tackling congestion and stopping drivers using roads through nearby neighbourhoods as rat-runs.

But no dedicated bus lanes were proposed and the plans immediately came under fire from West of England Labour metro mayor Dan Norris and Green local politicians who said road-building generated more vehicles.

The local authority said on Tuesday, November 2, that it had listened to residents’ feedback on the £6.9million changes to Wraxall Road roundabout and would not be submitting its bid to Whitehall for the bigger project until at least late 2022.

South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Cllr Steve Reade said: “We would like to thank all those who took part in our consultation and for their detailed feedback on this project.

“You have spoken and we have listened. We will not be submitting a funding bid at this time.”

The roundabouts in the proposed project were Lyde Green, The Rosary (also known as Emersons Green), Siston Hill, Deanery Road and Kingsfield.

Funding was from the Department for Transport.

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n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Thanks to all who will be working over Christmas IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! My office has turned into a winter wonderland full of drawings of reindeer, holly and elves from talented local children entering my Christmas card competition.

There is a definite chill in the air. In our local shopping streets beautiful store window displays tempt us in, while carols bring much-needed cheer. And I keep thinking, as I do every single year, I really must get a move on with my Christmas shopping!

Christmas is a truly magical time for many.

As a child I remember being so excited to find out what Father Christmas had left for me and my brother and sisters. My best ever present was when I was nearly four and got a red ride-on Tri-ang Puff Puff train. I had seen it in a shop window and instantly fell in love. But I also knew it was too big an ask, as it was far too expensive, and I was told that it wouldn’t become mine. So when it was there under the tree on Christmas day it was the most exciting day of my life and it still is!

When I was a bit older it remained trains

for me! Christmas was a waiting game to see what extra bits I might get for my Hornby train set. I loved the Brunswick green Great Western Railway engines and their chocolate and cream coaches. Sometimes I’d get some track and points in my stocking or tiny model passengers for the station and trackside. As you can tell, I was super keen on great public transport systems even back then!

Nowadays it’s my working cocker spaniel Angel that makes my Christmas special. She loves long walks, her toy pheasant, and best of all, sausages! Boxing Day is obviously a big deal too – I often go to Ashton Gate with my fellow Bristol City fans, and winning hopefully means vital bragging rights over my Rovers mates!

For some, Christmas doesn’t mean time off and I’d like to thank our amazing NHS staff, our firefighters and police, those working in retail at their busiest time of the year, and our posties who sort and deliver all the mail. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who works over Christmas!

A special Christmas wish also goes to those

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Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

who are spending the holiday alone – perhaps because of fate or circumstance, or maybe because they have lost a cherished partner. If this is you, you will be particularly in my thoughts.

It’s also a time for New Year’s resolutions, but as I’ve got the best job ever, mine is simple.

In 2022 I want to really put the brilliant West of England even more firmly on the national and global map and ensure our region thrives.

So from Angel and me, we wish you and your family the happiest of Christmases, and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you in 2022.

Are you over 50?

Do you want to meet local people and do things in your community?

It's now more than ever we need to reestablish our local connections as we come out of lockdown.

Give me a call I would love to hear from you.

For more info contact Sato, Community Development Worker 07971 670880 satoblack@southernbrooks.org.uk

Tel: 0117 969 2701 Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

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December, 2021

Filton MP Jack Lopresti

We can feel optimistic despite the challenges of 2021

A

s we approach the final weeks of another very difficult year, both for our communities and our country, I’d like to reflect on some of the challenges we have faced together and highlight reasons to be optimistic for the future.

The exceptional vaccination rollout undertaken by local NHS providers throughout this year has been world-leading and second-to-none, as people now follow up their initial Covid-19 vaccinations with booster jabs.

The NHS staff and selfless volunteers who contributed to delivering a safe and efficient operation deserve huge praise and thanks – thank you for your service.

I urge everyone to remain vigilant, respectful and considerate towards each other, and continue to take reasonable measures to protect all of us.

With a return to some level of normality, the level of investment

in our local area fills me with fantastic optimism for the future.

I recently was able to see the progress of the YTL development at Filton airfield and can tell you it is coming along very nicely indeed.

• Trusted reputation • Huge choice of doors, worktops appliances, sinks & taps • Free planning & design service

It was great to see the new homes being built, new communities being planned and the fantastic improvements to local infrastructure with a new railway station planned and thousands of new jobs created.

Recently we have lost a person in Parliament I was proud to consider a friend and colleague, Sir David Amess.

Sir David’s brutal killing as he carried out the duties he loved as a devoted Member of Parliament has once again raised concerns about the safety of those in the public eye.

Whilst I think security needs to be stepped up for surgeries and MPs working around their communities, I think we need to strike the right balance as it would be a great shame if we were to conduct our duties with very strict security. The Speaker’s Office has undertaken a review to ensure Members can conduct their duties safely and still be as accessible as possible.

Lastly, in the final edition of the year, and with the festive season approaching us, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all readers of the Filton Voice a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I think this festive time of year is a chance for us all to pause, recharge and reflect, and really appreciate and enjoy spending time with those closest to us.

To get in touch, call 01454 617783 between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, or email me on jack.lopresti.mp@ parliament.uk.

"The level of investment in our local area fills me with fantastic optimism for the future."

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henleaze&westburyvoice 30 Filton planning applications in November

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

27 December, 2021

Visit: beta.southglos.gov.uk/search-planning-applications

Applications 35 Third Avenue Installation of rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion and erection of single storey rear extension.

25 Warren Road Erection of single storey rear and side extension to form additional living accommodation.

15 Braemar Crescent Change of use from residential dwelling (C3) to a eight-bedroom large house in multiple occupation (Sui Generis) for up to eight people (including erection of side/rear extension and loft conversion/dormer - for which approval has already been granted) with parking, bin and cycle storage.

9 Stanley Avenue Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation 65 Kenmore Crescent Demolition of existing rear extensions. Erection of single storey rear extension to provide additional living accommodation with single storey garden room. Rear dormer and alterations to roofline to form loft

conversion. Erection of two storey side extension to provide stairway to proposed loft conversion.

34 Hunters Way Demolition of existing garage.

Erection of 1 detached garage.

2 Branksome Drive Erection of single storey extension to detached garage to facilitate change of use of building and host dwelling from Class C4 to 7-person house in multiple occupation (sui generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Formation of 3 vehicular parking spaces.

668 Southmead Road Demolition of existing garage.

Erection of 1 dwelling, creation of new access and associated works 739 Filton Avenue Creation of vehicular access onto Filton Avenue classified highway (Class C) and creation of driveway (retrospective).

Decisions 14 Pilkington Close Erection of a single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions 676 Southmead Road 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 3m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.7m.

Prior Approval Not Required 33 Braemar Avenue Erection of a two storey side and single storey rear extensions to form additional living accommodation.

Erection of front porch.

Refusal 34 Rodney Crescent Installation of a rear and side dormer.

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness Whittle House, Gypsy Patch Lane Installation of a cooler unit and GRP equipment cabinet to the roof of Whittle House.

Approve with Conditions

46 Gloucester Road North Installation of a hip-to-gable roof extension, 1 rear dormer and erection of a single storey rear extension to facilitate the change of use from residential dwelling (Class C3) to a 8 bedroom large house in multiple occupation (HMO) for up to 8 people (sui generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

Approve with Conditions 15 Braemar Crescent Erection of a two storey side and single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions 65 Station Road Demolition of garage and erection of 3 bed outbuilding, to facilitate the change of use of the premises from a small HMO (C4) to a 7 bed HMO (Sui Generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

Refusal 72 Braemar Avenue Erection of two storey side extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions

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We’ll support as many projects as we can.

Visit www.bridginghistories.com and email activities@bridginghistories.com

WHAT is the tastiest recipe in all of Bristol and beyond? Who do you know with the wildest family legends? What are the songs you and your family grew up with?

Bridging Histories is inviting people across the Bristol region to join in activities and share what they make. They are asking families, schools and workplaces to get involved in exploring what makes Bristol tick.

Groups across Bristol have already been getting stuck in. Barton Hill History Group is creating new heritage trails. At Hoo Haw Children’s Art Festival, Scrapstore and Bristol Beacon created a Bristol skyline and got kids filling it with their own monuments. People have shared poems and their history.

Dr Joanna Burch-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Bristol is part of the team behind the Bridging Histories project. They are looking to get as many people as possible involved.

She said: “We especially love seeing activities that bring people together across the generations. It helps us be connected and gain a perspective we could never get on our own.”

“We are coming through the pandemic having grown and changed, and we are learning so much more about each other as a city.”

“Over the summer nearly 14,000 people shared their views on the future of the Colston statue and plinth.”

“This is a great moment for us to come together across the city and region, to connect over food, dip into our history, and get inspired to make positive change for the future.”

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 770448.

Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Got a story or any Or other07715 inquiry?

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December, 2021

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

A year of remarkable effort and sacrifice inspired to take on this role.

I will continue to work at a local, regional and national level to raise the profile of this lifedestroying crime, and get a grip of it to protect vulnerable people from harm.

Following a rigorous selection process, I’m also delighted to announce my preferred chief constable candidate – Sarah Crew. At the time of writing this column, I am waiting for the Police and Crime Panel hearing to take place on November 25, where I will seek confirmation of appointment of my preferred candidate.

At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative chief constable, who is able to inspire their workforce, and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are

AS we approach the end of another year, I want to reflect on the last seven months of being your PCC. It’s been a whirlwind and there are numerous achievements since being appointed that the team and I are proud of.

I’m lucky enough to have met with officers, staff, local people, community groups and organisations across Avon and Somerset, and have gained an understanding of their concerns and views around policing and crime in their area.

I will continue to meet with communities, MPs and councillors every Friday to ensure we are working in collaboration for our communities.

I’m also proud to be the PCC lead for economic and cyber crime, including fraud: one in ten people fall victim to fraud and it is because of such statistics I was

dedicated and hard-working, and I believe that Sarah can enhance their considerable efforts and skills.

Moving on, I want to take a moment to reflect on the start of the year, which was a difficult time for all of us as we entered another lockdown. During this time – and still to this day – I was blown away by the remarkable efforts of local people and the sacrifices you made.

Unfortunately, as we enter the winter, coronavirus cases continue to increase and it is a stark reminder that the virus is still out there. Although the vast majority of the population are vaccinated and many are receiving their booster jab, please continue to exercise caution over the coming months.

Finally, I want to thank the police, NHS and other emergency and volunteer services who

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford will be working over the festive season to ensure local people and communities are safe. It’s always a busy time of year for those who work in the emergency services, and their work does not go unrecognised.

I wish you all the best with your celebrations and may you have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT FIELD HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Field House in Horfield offers safe and nurturing care

We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented

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To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07590 527664

filtonvoice

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

December, 2021

The FIEND

29

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

PUZZLES for all 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.

2 4 3 4 7 9 1 6 8 5

For younger readers

5

1 8 6 2 4 9 9

Txtpert Theme: Christmas 3 4

5

6

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9

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Easier sudoku Solution

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Across 1 6279 (4) 4 7827 (4) 5 466 (3) 6 2223 (4) 7 63779 (5) 9 347 (3) 10 4659 (4)

Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Down 1 6244 (4) 2 73463337 (8) 3 8733 (4) 6 24784 (5) 8 489 (3)

3 1 4

Txtpert

M A R Y T E S T A R A I E G B A B E I N N D I M E R R Y I E T V H O L Y R

2

2

Christmas Jokes Cards These little Christmas joke cards are designed to be tucked into home-made Christmas crackers but you can use them in all sorts of ways. Pop them into a lunch box, perhaps? Make a treasure hunt and see who can collect the most. Punch a hole in one corner and use them as an original gift tag? Or just hand them out in the classroom for some reading practice with a giggle!

I

7 3

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Horfield news

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

Trade services AERIAL SERVICES

Horfield councillor praises 'empathetic' council tax recovery process - but debt letters set to be issued soon

by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice Residents who have fallen behind on their council tax because of the pandemic will soon receive letters to start paying again, says Bristol’s deputy mayor.

An unofficial amnesty on arrears during Covid-19 is about to end and reminders will be going out before households rack up too much debt to ever recover, Cllr Craig Cheney told a city council cabinet meeting.

But he insisted that the authority’s ethical debt enforcement policy meant a soft approach would be taken rather than sending in the bailiffs or giving people hardly any time to pay.

It came to light as members approved the council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) for another year, expected to cost £45.6million, up by £3.3million from April 2021.

Asked by fellow Labour Cllr Philippa Hulme, Horfield, pictured right how the organisation was chasing arrears in the wake of financial hardships from coronavirus and cuts to universal credit, Cllr Cheney said it was nearly time for the council to begin collecting the money again but that it would work with residents on payment plans.

“We rolled out an ethical debt enforcement policy some years ago which was to move away from the use of bailiffs ultimately and away from the very harsh process that existed before where if you failed to pay and didn’t respond to a reminder, you got a full year’s bill and two weeks to pay,” he said.

“So we are continuing that approach. We will issue reminder letters soonish because there is a risk people are building up debts they will never be able to pay back, so we are getting to that point where we need to start letting people know that we’re going to have to come up with a payment plan.

“That will be starting soon. We will essentially be issuing quite a soft letter that says ‘remember this?’ and asking people to contact the council tax team to talk about a repayment plan and then we will be referring them onto specialist debt advice and all the things we introduced as part of the soft collection that we do.”

Cllr Hulme said: “It’s really reassuring to hear about the empathetic approach the council is taking so it’s another thing we can be really proud of.”

The council tax reduction scheme has been running since 2013 and provides vital financial support to almost 36,000 lowincome households.

December, 2021

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Bristol is one of the few authorities that continue to provide a fully funded scheme, and the only one of the ‘core cities’.

Cllr Cheney told the meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, November 2, that 23,325 of the families it supported were of working-age.

He said the £3.3million rise in costs for 2022/23 was based on a 1.99 per cent increase in council tax for next year and 2.5 per cent more working-age households having to use the CTRS, but no extra pension-age caseloads.

“Reasons for maintaining the current system include protections for the most vulnerable and deprived households, reducing debt in those areas of the city where debt is already high and is against a backdrop of successive welfare cuts and reductions in some parts of universal credit and an increased cost of living,” Cllr Cheney said.

“Therefore our recommendation is to keep Bristol’s council tax reduction scheme as it is.”

He said 11,421 households on universal credit were receiving average weekly CTRS relief of £21.26, equal to £1,105 a year, at a total annual cost of £12.6million.

Cllr Cheney added: “As someone who grew up and received council tax benefit, the precursor to this, in our house, it was lifesaving in some ways, so we absolutely want to keep it going as long as we can.”

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