Filtonvoice June 2023

Prime Minister's award for inspirational wrestler

Police close house after anti-social behaviour incidents

Page 6 European medals for young kick boxers

Page 9

Pages 4&5 Labour wins both Filton seats on South Glos Council

Meet your new councillors on Pages 2&3

Different type of runs as cricketers raise cash for hospice

Page 7

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

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Labour wins both council seats in Filton

Filton has elected two new South Glos councillors after the election on May 4, with Labour securing both seats, gaining one from the Conservatives. Filtonvoice asked the two winning candidates, Adam Monk and Alex Doyle, to tell local people about their background and plans for their term in office.

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.

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Can you tell us about your professional life and politics?

Adam Monk: I work for myself running a company that works in the IT Project Space. I have been a member of the Labour Party for many years and I have been an active member of Filton Town Council for around 20 years. I have represented Filton at a South Glos level for the last 12 years. I have been the Labour Lead Member for Corporate Resources (IT, Finance, HR & Property). In the new administration I will be the Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources.

Alex Doyle: I was an aerospace engineer for almost 10 year and have been managing engineering projects for the last four, I joined the Labour party in 2015, and have been a part of Filton Town Council for six years, serving as full council vice chair, finance chair and sitting on the staffing, capital project and environmental committees.

Why did you stand for election/ re-election?

Adam: I was originally stood

for election because I felt there weren’t enough facilities for children and I wanted to change that, for example the soft play in the leisure centre was my idea and improvements to Elm Park for which I secured funding via South Glos. The reason I stood for re-election is that I feel that individuals who require assistance are being overlooked and I like to assist people and hopefully make a difference.

Alex: As a Town Councillor I have seen SGC cut services that FTC have had to pick up or allow our local residents to lose them and have seen local residents struggle to have their voices and concerns heard and I would like to change this to see our residents' concerns addressed at a higher level and protect our services.

What are the key things affecting Filton?

Adam: There are many issues within Filton that require addressing, including the well documented HMO issue, which is being addressed by the introduction of the Article 4

directive. On the other side of that there is a need for rental homes to be of a good standard. The biggest issue facing Filton is the airfield development.

Alex: Residents often raise the issue of litter within Filton and have highlighted the need for the repair of our local roads and pavements.

Tell us your plans to solve them

Adam: Due to the change of the administration there is a opportunity to change working practices and we will be

introducing area forums again and these will be dealing with local issues, planning issues and wider issues important to local residents. This will be a easier format for people to have their say.

Alex: I will be working with Street Care and the SGC Transport Cabinet Member to ensure that the Filton roads are considered. FTC is looking to employ a dedicated litter picker to mitigate the issue. However, at an SGC level, kerbside collection could be considered as a potential method to reduce litter.

Any messages for Filton voters?

Adam: I would like to thank everyone for voted for Alex and me in the recent election and please feel free to contact us if we can hep you in any way.

Email is normally the most effective way adam.monk@southglos.gov. uk or alex.doyle@southglos.gov.uk

Alex and I will be holding weekly councillor surgeries in Filton Library every Saturday from 9.30 to 10.30 from Saturday 27th May (not August).

Votes in Filton

Adam Monk Labour 1114 Alex Doyle Labour 961

Dan Boardman Green Party 485

Esther Adjeivi Conservative 476

Frederic Contenot Cons 424

Jenny Vernon Green Party 299

Andy Robinson Independent 219

Martin Joinson Lib Dem 185

Richard Emmerson Lib Dem107

Meet the new Filton Town Council: Page 13

Coalition agreed after two weeks of talks

The Lib Dems and Labour agreed to form a coalition to run South Gloucestershire Council after two weeks of talks.

The alliance will replace the Conservatives who were in power since 2015 but lost their overall majority at the polls on Thursday, May 4, although they remain the largest single group with 23 councillors compared with 20 Lib Dems and 17 Labour.

Lib Dem group leader Cllr Claire Young will become council leader and her Labour counterpart Cllr Ian Boulton will be the authority’s co-leader. Both positions were to be confirmed on Wednesday, May 24.

The Tories have branded the deal “the worst of all worlds” and claim it will result in higher costs and poorer public services.

Labour and Lib Dems say their agreement includes a focus on the climate emergency and the cost-of-living crisis.

Adam Monk, left, and Alex Doyle

PM's award for inspirational wrestler Saeed

He said: “Wrestling has a huge traditional side to it. You can see it anthropologically throughout culture. But when it comes to competition everything becomes about winning. That is very left side of the brain, so you get guys winning but they are not even enjoying it. What happened to the enjoyment? I can have one leg, I can have no legs, but I can still participate and enjoy life, integrate, and contribute and work with my own strengths. In other words, I’m good enough without a win, I want to participate in wrestling because I enjoy it.”

by Shane Gibson

Saeed Esmaeli, son of the late great wrestler Amir Esmaeli, is a former international Olympic wrestler and coach who runs classes at St. Gregory The Great Church on Filton Road.

In 2019 Saeed founded Wrestle for Humanity a nonprofit initiative to transform and improve the lives of people facing various forms of adversity in Filton and the Bristol region through mind, body, and community.

Earlier this year, due to his efforts, Saeed was awarded the Prime Minister’s Daily Points Of Light Award which recognises outstanding individual volunteers for making a

difference in their community.

I sat down with Saeed after attending one of his classes, to discuss his background in wrestling and the importance of his work in Filton.

I asked him about his beginnings in wrestling.

He said: “My dad was a famous pahlevan wrestler in Iran, who came to Bristol in 1984 and started Universal Health Studio. My dad realised that in England there is not a system for someone to be able to make it to the Olympics. And so, in an effort to fast track me, he had me teach wrestling as I was learning. I was constantly teaching. My dad understood that mastery comes from teaching a craft and wiring

C D GARDENING SERVICES

your brain and body to respond instantly.”

I then asked Saeed about his inspiration for Wrestle for Humanity. He explained that it is rooted in the definition of what it means to be a pahlevan wrestler.

He said: “Growing up, I saw my dad helping people a lot, I saw the love as he helped people. He sat and listened to people whilst playing backgammon with them. He would then without judging them, would take action to their problem relating the solution to the persons social values and I saw love in that.

"The birth of Wrestle for Humanity I believe, comes from those seeds of value that was installed in me. I value helping people, I value kindness, I value compassion. That’s what Wrestling for Humanity means, to get people back on the track of life. We all deserve it. And, if something extremely bad has happened in your life, turn it into something positive and show other people how not to make those mistakes because they can learn from your mistakes.”

Almost four years after founding Wrestle for Humanity, the work Saeed began has gained recognition across the world. This recognition has not only led to successful fundraisers for local residents, but has associated the project with international athletes such as Anthony Robles and will feature in an upcoming Hollywood movie on the one legged wrestler’s life story.

“I had a five-year plan,” said Saeed

“I wanted to establish what we are, and do lots of events that are related to long term goals like working with Anthony Robles. At first nobody could understand why it was important for us to work with him. He was born with one hip and nobody wanted him in their class. But it was his perseverance that got him through, the key aspect for wrestling, perseverance.

"I also worked with David Wellington, a man with no legs and no fingers. He had had two strokes and was hospitalised for eleven months. Working with him has been a great honour and was fundamental in putting together our disability classes Wrestling for anyBODY.”

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From my own observations, Saeed approaches the teaching of wrestling as if it is the teaching of movement and rhythm. This is, as he explains, accomplished through play and the enjoyment of movement. This is something he feels that is lost through traditional teaching when preparing someone for athletic competition.

Saeed continued: “At a Wrestle For Humanity seminar I put David on the mat against Olympic gold medallist Kenny Monday.

"I wanted people to see that the beauty of David was not in the appearance of his body but in his strength. At first people did not believe that we could do this, they did not believe in David. But now the new classes are being formed and structuring is taking place in both financing and sustainability. I am not for

it getting too big, but I want it to empower everybody.”

Wrestling classes take place at St. Gregory the Great. Wrestling inside a church may seem to be a little irregular. I asked Saeed how he and the church became connected.

He said: “The short answer to that question is my partner Claire. She brought me and Father James together and we moved in after covid. Father James was fantastic and his last words to me before he left were ‘Saeed, you are changing lives here.’ I am grateful to him.”

And what of the local community, how involved is Saeed with his neighbours?

“We want to appeal to everyone locally. Currently people are coming for classes from all over the city, but we would love it if more local people came to join in. We are reaching out to local schools so we can put on workshops for the pupils. We would also like to connect with any employers in Filton who would like to expand their community outreach and social responsibilities," he said.

As our meeting came to a close, Saeed received an email from the Prime Minister’s Office. Unsure if the email was genuine, Saeed asked me to read it through and indeed the email was legitimate, informing him

that he was to receive the Prime Minister's Point of Light award.

After recomposing himself, Saeed had this to say: “I am absolutely shocked! I guess I do not think that much of my work, but it isn’t that the point? Living through kindness and having an impact on other people’s lives. To be recognised for that, is truly amazing!”

Read more: www. pointsoflight.gov.uk/wrestle-forhumanity/

Saeed at St Gregory the Great, above and above left. Below, Saeed with his father in the 1990s

A property just over the Bristol border from Filton, which has been the site of anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, assaults and public order offences, has been closed by a court order.

Bristol Magistrates Court has granted a three-month closure order of a property in Eliot Close, next to Cropthorne Road and

Closure order granted on address which was site of anti social behaviour

Eden Grove, in Horfield.

From July last year, officers saw an increase in the frequency of anti-social behaviour linked to drug dealing at the address, including theft, assault and handling of stolen goods.

A recent incident in which a woman was wounded – which is still under investigation – led

officers to work with the housing association, LiveWest, to request a closure order for the property.

The housing provider will now look to seek repossession of the address to ensure no further incidents of this nature continue.

Bristol North Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Richard Jones said: “Officers have been repeatedly engaging with the tenant of the property to provide support, but this was the final resort to ensure the safety of the community.

“The rapidly escalating drug dealing, violence and disorder was of serious concern and the local community were exposed to the impact on a regular basis.

A police spokesperson said: “Residents were living in fear and were subjected to ongoing crime and anti-social behaviour which had a significant impact on people’s quality of life.

“We welcome the court’s decision to grant this closure order and will continue to work closely with LiveWest on how to prevent any further anti-social behaviour in this neighbourhood.

“We would like to take this opportunity to praise the witnesses for having the bravery to come forward and provide statements about the extent of the criminality at the address.

“Drugs have a significant detrimental impact on communities and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure people do not have to suffer the harm and criminality we know is a consequence of them.”

Julie Hall, Regional Manager of Neighbourhoods for LiveWest, said: “We take all complaints of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously and have engaged extensively with and supported our vulnerable customer, who has been subjected to uninvited visitors.

“This action will help protect both the community and our customer.

"Everyone should have the right to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, and we are committed to working with our partners to take action whenever problems occur.”

PC Dan Nash outside 12 Eliot Close

Howzat: full cricket kit for Bohemians at Great Bristol Run

Members of Filton's Bohemians Cricket Club were among the 12,000 competitors who took part in the Great Bristol Run on May 14.

Dressed in full cricket kit to raise funds for their charity partner, St Peter’s Hospice, the Bohemians runners certainly stood out from the crowd.

Mike Joy and Alex White donned their batting pads and whites to run the 10k and Becky, their elite runner completed the half marathon.

Club member Lewis Rodgers went one step further by running the half marathon while trying to break the 1 hr 40 minute Guinness World Record for the

fastest half marathon dressed in full cricket kit. In the event Lewis achieved the distance in a pacey 2 hr 4 minutes and may try for the record again next year.

Bohemians CC have been long term supporters of hospice care after one of their founder youth coaches was cared for by St Peter’s Hospice.

Bohemians, established in 1882, is one of the oldest cricket clubs in Bristol, has two teams in the Bristol and District Cricket League and are based at The Mile Straight Sports and Social Club, New Road in Filton.

To find out more or to donate see: https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/Bohs

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Fully insured, DBS checked, Age UK trade register

Lewis Rodgers, above, and the team, right

Gold for young kick-boxers

A Horfield and Filton-based team of kick boxers, aged 8-15yrs, has struck gold at a prestigious European tournament. Team Bristol travelled to Athens with their coach Sharon Gill to compete against the best in the Continent.

There were more than 30 different countries represented with around 1,800 competitors.

There were teams from Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Croatia, Turkey and Team Bristol

came back with an amazing haul of medals and trophies, including 4 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze. Gold medals were achieved by Marco Casali (x3) and Joshua Roe- French, who are now the new Athens European Cup Champions.

Training is every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at the GB Fit Gym, at Unit 3B, Merton Road, Horfield, BS7 8TL. Newcomers are always welcome.

Lunar

Thank

Filton planning applications in May Applications

18 Glebelands Road

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

4 Charborough Road

Erection of 1 detached bungalow with parking and associated works.

48 Third Avenue

Erection of 1 dwelling and associated works.

678 Southmead Road

Installation of rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion.

7 Gloucester Road North

Erection of 2 front dormer windows, 1 rear dormer window with balcony and single storey rear extension with roof balcony to facilitate the formation of 2 new flats (Class C3) and partial change of use from Class E to C3 living accommodation with other associated works.

1 Sixth Avenue

Demolition of garage. Erection of 2 storey building to form shop and office (Class E) with associated works.

2 Branksome Drive

Variation of condition 3 (approved plans) attached to planning permission P21/06739/F - 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.

Decisions

75 Conygre Road

The erection of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.2m, for which the maximum height would be 2.98m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.98m.

Prior Approval Not Required

Building 07L Pegasus House

Aerospace Avenue

Prior notification of the intention to demolish building 07L.

Prior Approval Granted with Conditions

Airbus Uk Golf Course Lane

External alterations to existing store building.

Approve with Conditions

Carshop Bristol, Bolingbroke Way

Prior notification of the intention to install roof mounted solar panels.

Prior Approval Not Required

46 Northville Road

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

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

59 Mackie Road

Erection of single storey rear extension to facilitate change of use from (Class C3) dwellinghouse to (Class C4) small house in multiple occupation for up to 6 people.

Approve Certificate of Lawfulness

Land At Filton Avenue

Installation of 15.0m monopole and associated ancillary works.

Refusal Prior Approval

134 Gloucester Road North Erection of rear extension to facilitate loft conversion to form 1 flat with associated works.

Approve with Conditions

HM watch

798 Filton Avenue

Erection of two storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Erection of 1 attached dwelling with access and associated works (resubmission of P22/03665/F).

Approve with Conditions

86 Northville Road

Demolition of existing garage, erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension to facilitate a change of use from a small house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) to form a nine bed HMO (Sui Generis use).

Refusal

31 Mackie Grove

Erection of a two storey side extension to form garage and additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions

21 Mayville Avenue

Erection of a two storey side extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approve with Conditions

News in brief

Coronation: To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III Filton Town Council have issued a commemorative pack of seeds for each school child of Filton Hill, Charborough Road and Shield Road Primary schools. These were handed out in early May.

Recycling: South Gloucestershire’s impressive recycling rate continues to rise

The amount of waste recycled by South Gloucestershire residents continues its upward trend, reaching almost 60 per cent for the latest data period 2021/22. This figure puts South Gloucestershire Council in second place for unitary councils in England and tenth position for all England councils for recycling.

Service Director for Place operations Mark King said: “This is a tremendous achievement, a testament to the waste and recycling services provided by the council, and to the efforts of residents to recycle their waste at home and the Sort It recycling centres. "

The council continues to look for opportunities to improve the service,

manage costs and cut carbon. It is currently taking part in a trial to collect and recycle plastic bags and wrapping. The trial is taking place with 2,000 households currently and, if successful, the council hopes to expand into a second phase which will include 25 per cent of South Gloucestershire households.

Other plans include building a new site in Filton to include a recycling centre, collections depot and reuse shop.

Knife crime: PCSO Laura, right, from Filton NPT carried out a knife sweep in Millennium Green and Elm Park, Filton. This was part of a national operation to tackle knife crime.

School fete: Charborough Road Primary School is welcoming the local community to their traditional English summer fete which promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family.

The fete, on Saturday, 1st July, noon-3pm, will have a variety of fun including stalls, crafts, a raffle, hook the duck, a coconut shy and cream teas. The fete will also have food and refreshments on site to purchase.

Suggested donations welcomed on the door.

See poster Page 8

I S B A C K ! I S B A C K !

F i l t o n T o w n C o u n c i l a r e e x c i t e d t o b r i n g b a c k F i l t o n F e s t i v a l t h i s y e a r . T h e d a y i s a l r e a d y b e i n g p l a n n e d a n d i t s g o i n g t o b e a n a m a z i n g d a y f o r t h e w h o l e f a m i l y t o e n j o y .

I t w i l l b e h e l d S a t u r d a y 2 2 n d J u l y 2 0 2 3 s t a r t i n g a t

1 1 . 3 0 a m a n d e n d i n g a t 6 p m . I t w i l l b e s e t i n M i l l e n n i u m

G r e e n t h i s y e a r d u e t o t h e w o r k s g o i n g o n i n E l m P a r k , w h i c h i s a v e r y s h o r t w a l k f r o m t h e u s u a l p l a c e .

T h e r e w i l l b e b an d s , d a n c e g r o u p s p e r f o r m i n g , a r t s a n d c r a f t s t a l l s , r i d e s - i n c l u d i n g a c l i m b i n g w a l l , p l u s a g r a f f i t i a r t s z o n e a n d v a r i o u s o t h e r f u n a c t i v i t i e s t o t a k e p a r t i n a n d e n j o y .

I f y o u w o u l d l i k e t o h a v e a s t a l l o r t a b l e , g e t i n t o u c h u s i n g d e t a i l s b e l o w . M o r e d e t a i l s w i l l b e a d d e d h e r e a s w e g e t d e t a i l s c o n f i r m e d .

Filton Town Council

The election of councillors for Filton Town Council was 'uncontested' this year, meaning the following candidates will form the new council for the next four years.

Your new 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

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Many happy returns (and singles)

AS your Metro Mayor, there are three things that are constantly on my mind.

The first is the cost-of-living crisis, which is frightening to many of the one million people I proudly represent.

The second is the climate emergency, with the latest research suggesting things are far worse than feared.

The third is, how do we encourage people to voluntarily change their behaviour on an ongoing basis to meet the huge challenges of the modern world?

With these three things in mind, I’m delighted to tell you about a special birthday initiative I’m introducing as your regional mayor.

Starting soon, you’ll be able to ride the buses of the West of England completely free throughout the month of your birthday. This will help your pocket, the planet, and, I hope, see positive change in the way we all travel in future to reduce congestion, pollution and delays.

This innovative offer - which applies to the vast majority of buses running in the West of England, as well as the region’s WESTlink bookable minibuses - begins for lo-

cals with a July birthday and runs 12 months until every resident has had the chance to benefit from their free Birthday Month Bus Pass.

If you’re not a regular bus user, this birthday month of free bus travel is particularly aimed at you. Give it a go - you’ve literally got nothing to lose.

If you are a car user, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station during the month of your birthday? I hope, with a whole birthday month to try the bus for free, we come to like (even love) bus travel to continue to use it into the future.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change. Try a whole month - maybe you won’t look back!

This offer is also for you if you’re already a bus user. I hope this birthday bonanza is a boon to you too. A free month to help during the cost-of-living crisis. Plus, you can use it for extra days out too - perhaps to enjoy the amazing attractions and beauty of our fantastic region. You could be better off by one twelfth of the bus costs you shell

out annually. It’s super easy to claim your free Birthday Month Bus Pass – simply go to www.birthdaybus.co.uk. We’ll send you your pass in the post, and you’re away!

People tell me buses are important. That affordable transport is critical. That behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate emergency.

This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of your birthday is a UK first. It is innovative and new. It allows our brilliant region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

I wish you many happy returns - and singles!

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Filton MP Jack Lopresti

Working to secure better bus services for our area

This month I had a meeting with Doug Claringbold, Managing Director at First West of England and was joined by Bradley Stoke and South Gloucestershire Councillor Terri Cullen who isworking to improve bus services in Bradley Stoke in particular the No.73 bus. See picture right.

We discussed multiple issues relating to public transport in our area such as First's ongoing recruitment campaign which I have previously contributed to with a recruitment event in collaboration with the Job Centre. We also focused on significantly underserved areas such as Winterbourne where there is clearly an insufficient level of public transport provision, I proposed solutions to this issue and in order to continue to drive for solutions I shall be working with First's commercial team to try to

secure an additional sustainable and commercial route to help resolve this issue. I look forward to working further with First to push for improvements to our bus services and will continue to put pressure on the

At Field House care home in Horfield, the safety, care and well-being of our residents are at the centre of everything we do.

If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Horfield, Bristol.

West of England mayor who is responsible for local public transport across our area.

In Westminster, I was an honour to have met with some of The Chelsea Pensioners this month at the Royal Hospital

Chelsea, it was great to be joined by Conservative Party Chairman and MP for Chelsea and Fulham Greg Hands, in my capacity as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party with a special responsibility for veterans.

This month I met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Vadym Prystaiko at the Ukrainian Embassy to discuss the ongoing military support for the Ukrainians in the war against Russia. I am proud of the role of MOD Abbeywood (Defence Equipment and Support) for all they’re doing in facilitating the procurement and delivery of equipment to Ukraine.

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.

“The

Hilary, Sister of Resident at Field House (source: carehome.co.uk)

St Peter’s Church: Services

Sunday 4 June

10am Eucharist and 5pm Youth of God at the Rectory

Sunday 11 June

8.30am and 10am Eucharist. We are delighted to welcome the Bishop of Bristol to preside at this special service for Corpus Christi. All very welcome.

Sunday 18 June

8.30am and 10am Family Eucharist

Sunday 25 June

8.30am and 10am Eucharist

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, 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm. Crafts, games, short service, and a delicious tea. And it's all FREE!

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 -3.00 pm The HUB - Environment and Wellbeing.

For 18+ with social and learning disabilities as well as any other adult who is keen on gardening, art and nature. £2.

Contact kate@facecharity.org.uk for any queries, the programme of activities and booking in. Actively welcoming volunteers to help with the group.

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

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

Saturday 27 May

- Gardening - planting the 'Concorde beds'

Saturday 17 June

- Gardening

Saturday 24 June

- pre Fete tidy up!

Saturday 3 June

- Get Growing Trail an open day for the garden

Sunday 25 June

- Summer Fete from 12 noon to 4pm 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.

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

Ebenezer Church

Wednesdays

FOOTPRINTS 2PM – 3:30PM

Group for senior citizens in our local community, with meals, activities and special events - www.ebe.org.uk/

footprints

Thursdays

TASTE CAFÉ 10:30AM – 12:30PM

Drop-in community cafe with affordable homemade cakes, lunches, etc.

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.

Fridays COMMUNITY BREAKFAST 9AM –10:30AM

Simple breakfast of bacon butty, cereal, toast and hot drinks for £1.50. Toys available for pre-school children. AFTER SCHOOL HANGOUT 3:30PM

– 5PM

Different zones with crafts, games, books, homework space and a free meal. For families with primary school aged children. Sign up each week herewww.ebe.org.uk/afterschoolhangout

Regular updates and details of other local warm welcoming spaces - 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

-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 & slideshows on various aspects of gardens, plants etc., & daytrips to gardens of interest, please come along & join us. We meet at St. Andrews Church, Elm Park Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS

Keep Fit with Dance Moves

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

Filton Short Mat Bowls

We are a friendly group that meets Thursdays from 1:45pm to 4pm at the Filton Community centre, Elm Park Filton, BS34 7PS. New members are welcome, and the first visit is free, thereafter each session costs £3. Come along and give it a try. For information contact Alan Riley on 07957295287 or email alanriley73@gmail.com

Bristol Male Voice Choir

Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm9.15pm 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. Ffi : www.bristolmvc.org.uk; Facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk; or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220

Green light for Ardagh trust to take on sports facilities

Trustees and volunteers at the Ardagh Community Trust (ACT) have welcomed a decision by Bristol City Council (BCC) to extend the charity’s lease to cover all sports facilities at the Horfield site.

ACT Chair Peter Walker said: “We are delighted at this decision as it means we will now be able to go ahead with a major fundraising drive to improve the facilities further for community use.”

The council’s decision is the conclusion of a lengthy consultation and decisionmaking process by BCC Parks Department which resolved a number of the complex, licensing issues connected with areas of the site previously outside of ACT’ s lease.

Lack of clarity about the ongoing maintenance and management of those areas was preventing the charity from being able to progress with much-needed improvements to the site.

ACT has ambitious plans – informed by hundreds of local people over the last 5 years – which include a Changing Places facility, improved courts for multisport and events use, improved access and egress and ongoing improvements to the public gardens and play facilities.

Mr Walker added: “Trustees are proud

of the work that we have done to date, and the transformation of the Ardagh site that has taken place since ACT secured a lease for the site in 2019. We are now looking forwards to progressing with further, muchneeded and long awaited improvements to the wider site facilities for the benefit of the local and wider community.”

This also comes as welcome news for local Green Party councillors for Bishopston and Ashley Down, Emma Edwards and Lily Fitzgibbon, who have been supporting the Ardagh in their plans.

Councillor Edwards said of the decision: “The Ardagh is a much-loved and valued community space, and the trustees and volunteers work incredibly hard to keep it running – so I am so pleased that this community asset transfer is going ahead.

"It’s something that Cllr Lily Fitzgibbon, myself and previous local Green councillors have been helping the Ardagh work towards for many years. This measure will give the community trust more scope to develop and grow the space, while still allowing for the bowling club to carry on, a concern that some members have had. I am so pleased that a solution has been reached that works for everyone.”

Cllr Edwards (middle, left) attending a recent cycling event at the community space. Next to her (middle, right) is Sam Thompson, Chief Exec Officer of ACT (Ardagh Community Trust)

Stones Grass Cutting Service