Clifton Voice August 2025 by voicepressltd

A right royal party

IT'S taken a while and cost an estimated £655,ooobut the pedestrianisation of Princess Victoria Street in Clifton has finally been made permanent.

Traffic is now barred from 11am to 7pm daily and gates have been installed, replacing the bollards which up to now have had to be placed and

Lord

removed daily by council employees.

To celebrate the project, a street party was held on July 5 and Bristol's Lord Mayor cut a symbolic ribbon, although the city council admitted that some finishing touches were still needed. More pictures: Page 7

New chapter for librarian Dawn

Dawn Dyer is set to retire from Bristol's Central Library after 49 years - but says she will be back frequently to continue her historical research.

PAGE 3

Girl, 10, scales Three Peaks

Thea Brigham, a ten-year-old Clifton High School pupil, has completed the Three Peaks Challenge for the Grand Appeal.

PAGE 9

Trial could mean more solar panels

A trial in Clifton will allow homeowners in historic buildings to install solar panels more easily.

PAGE 13

Mayor Henry Michallat cuts the ribbon

cliftonvoice

Clifton Voice contacts

Emma Cooper

Publisher 0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448 emma@cliftonvoice.co.uk

Advertising Sales

0117 908 2121

emma@cliftonvoice.co.uk

Maurice Fells

Editorial

0117 921 3612 / 07771 697835

news@cliftonvoice.co.uk

September deadline

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ Cliftonvoice

Our September deadline is August 13. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Your views

Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Clifton Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

Useful numbers

Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000

Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire

www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999

NHS Health Call 111

Complaints

West of England Mayor

Mayor Helen Godwin mayor@ westofengland-ca.gov.uk - 0117

428 6210 70 - Redcliff Street, Bristol BS1 6AL

Well Aware (health and social care information)

www.wellaware.org.uk

Freephone: 0808 808 5252

We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am-2pm

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Clifton Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

A member of the

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Clifton Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Clifton Voice is distributed each month to Clifton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@Cliftonvoice.co.uk. This month 6,500 copies copies will be distributed around Clifton.

Man who dumped remains in suitcases guilty of murders

A MAN who took suitcases containing the body parts of two men from west London to Bristol has been found guilty of murder.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, aged 35, of Shepherd's Bush Green, was convicted by a jury at Woolwich Crown Court following the deaths of Paul Longworth, 71, and Albert Alfonso, 62.

Although he admitted killing Albert, Mosquera had denied murder, admitting only the lesser offence of manslaughter. He also denied murdering Paul, claiming his long-term partner, Albert, had killed him instead.

Mosquera will be sentenced at the same court in October.

Following the trial, Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Stride, from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command who led the investigation, said: “This has been one of the most harrowing murders my team have ever investigated, a case that will stay with many of us for a long time.

“Paul and Albert had known one another for decades. They were in a loving, committed relationship and welcomed Mosquera into their home. They did not deserve to have their lives taken away from them in the most traumatising of circumstances.”

Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of Avon and Somerset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Mosquera had no connection to Bristol and during the trial we've heard he chose to travel here in an attempt to dispose of Albert and Paul's remains and hide his despicable crimes.

"A large number of police officers and members of staff were involved in our investigation and they deserve massive credit, along with colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, in helping ensure he could be brought to justice."

The court heard that Mosquera had got to know both men, who were in a civil partnership, over a number of years, and had been staying with

them at their flat for the month before their murders.

Mosquera was involved in a consensual sexual relationship with Albert, one which Paul was aware of and lovingly accepted. The court heard Albert simply had no reason to kill his partner, Paul, despite Mosquera’s defence that the two of them were in a coercive relationship.

It was while Albert was at work that Mosquera killed Paul. The post-mortem revealed Paul had died from multiple severe blunt force traumas to the head with a hammer, with injuries on his hands suggesting he’d try to defend himself. Mosquera hid the body under the bed.

Albert arrived home early evening. The killing was captured on cameras which had been set up in Albert's bedroom to record a sex session between him and Mosquera. The footage showed Mosquera performing sex acts on Albert in his bedroom, before repeatedly stabbing him and cutting his throat.

Mosquera booked a van with a driver, and two days after the murders, he travelled with two suitcases containing body parts to the Mall Pub near the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

He caught a taxi the rest of the way to the bridge and caught the attention of local residents, asking him if he needed help with what would be confirmed as enormously heavy cases, with a red substance leaking out, which Mosquera claimed was oil. One witness filmed Mosquera acting suspiciously before Mosquera attempted to knock the phone out of his hand and ran away.

The police were alerted to his suspicious behaviour and a murder investigation was launched after officers discovered the body parts inside the cases.

An address label led police back to Shepherds Bush Green where Met officers found crucial evidence in a search of the property, including the decapitated heads of both men in a chest freezer. The murder weapons were found close by.

Time for Dawn to turn the page

ONE of the longest serving librarians in Bristol will start a new chapter in her life at the end of the month.

Dawn Dyer will be retiring after 49 years but she plans to return regularly to the Central Library at College Green to continue her research into women’s history – a subject close to her heart.

Dawn, who is Bristol born and bred, started her career by taking a City and Guilds qualification. She said: “One of the assignments was to research, write, illustrate and bookbind a literary subject of our choosing. We had a library binder then and we did a short course on bookbinding.

“I had studied World War One poets for A-level exams so I chose Graves, a war poet, for the library qualification.

“The Reference Library had lots of material on the subject, some contemporary with the period. I still have the book somewhere, bound in what was called blue library buckram, made by my own hand.”

A colleague of Dawn’s said: “From the very beginning Dawn has had a deep passion for history and a strong commitment to promoting the library’s local studies and reference collections.

“Over the years, Dawn has played a key role in numerous research projects and exhibitions. Among those she holds dearest are Bristol 1807, Writing Britain and Votes for Women. She fondly recalls her very first exhibition – Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet."

Dawn Dyer is a library user as well as a staff member

n NEWS

AS the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on VJ Day, the Voice met a South Gloucestershire veteran of the campaign in Burma, where fighting continued after the guns fell silent in Europe.

COMMUNITIES around the country held events earlier this year to commemorate 80 years since VE Day.

The date - May 8 1945 - is seared into the national memory as the day when a nation marked the final victory over Germany's Nazi regime.

But the Second World War didn't end then. Furious fighting continued for more than three months in Burma, China and across the Far East and Pacific until the dropping of American atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced the retreating Japanese empire to surrender.

Celebrated joyously then - but perhaps less well remembered now - August 15 was declared Victory over Japan or VJ Day, marking the final end of the Second World War.

Harry Francis fought in Burma - and does not have fond memories.

Not only was fighting in the jungle "hell", the last of his many encounters with Japanese forces left him close to death, after being stabbed in the stomach with a bayonet.

Harry, who has just turned 100, now lives in Soundwell, near Kingswood, with his wife Gwen.

Before the war he lived in the village of Barford St Martin, near Salisbury.

Frustrated at seeing colleagues at the bus depot where he worked being given deferments when they received call-up papers, Harry lied about his age to volunteer in 1942, joining the Royal Navy when he was still 16.

He joked: "I've been a fool all my life!"

After training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall, he joined the crew of destroyer HMS

VJ Day - a veteran remembers

Brecon, based in Liverpool.

HMS Brecon hunted U-boats and escorted convoys in the Atlantic, before being deployed to Malta in the Mediterranean.

At this point Harry volunteered for the Royal Marines, as he wanted a more 'hands on' role in the war. He went through an unforgiving training programme at the renowned Achnacarry Commando Training Depot in the Scottish Highlands.

One of the first recruits in 1943 to what would become known as the Special Boat Service (SBS), Harry fought in Sicily and Italy during the Allied invasion and took part in raids on Lebanon, which was run by the Vichy France government.

He was also sent on a mission to German-occupied Yugoslavia as a bodyguard for commando officer and MP Fitzroy Maclean, who had been sent as an envoy by Winston Churchill to meet partisan leader Tito.

During the visit Tito - later Yugoslavia's presidentpresented Harry with a medal, from a bunch that he kept in his pocket to present to soldiers.

Harry no longer has the medal but it is believed to have been the Yugoslavian equivalent of the Military Medal.

Soon afterwards Harry and his comrades were given new orders to go to the Far East.

He said: "A few miles from Rome we got pulled back.

"We were told 'you made such a good job of this one, you'll make an even better one over there'."

Harry and his comrades in No. 2 SBS sailed to Ceylon - now Sri Lanka - and from there were sent to the Andaman Islands, between India and Burma, for their first experience of fighting the Japanese.

Harry's unit then went to Burma, operating as part of South-East Asia Command's Small Operations Group, and he admits being "frightened to death".

Fighting in the jungle, often at close quarters, and shooting snipers down from the trees, Harry says the enemy soldiers were "crafty" and refused to

Francis at his 100th birthday party in July

surrender.

He said: "It was either you or them.

"We had a bloody hard time out there.

"It was bad enough fighting the enemy but when you've got to fight the jungle as well, it's hellit was a bloody horrible place."

Harry and his comrades would swim up on paddle boards to carry out reconnaissance on Japanese units.

Operating around the Irrawaddy river, they carried out lightning raids, going in and "getting out quick".

Harry said: "I was a mad sod, who went in all guns blazing. We'd do whatever we had to and get out."

Harry completed six missions, often returning and having a day to "get cleaned up and be off out again".

On his seventh reconnaissance mission Harry's group was ambushed. Two of his comrades were "shot to pieces" and, as Harry ran to help, he had "the biggest bayonet I’d ever seen" thrust into his stomach.

His best friend Slim Fenton killed the Japanese soldier who stabbed him. After their attackers were wiped out he was carried back to an outpost, "bleeding like a stuck pig".

Harry said: "I remember laughing, and them saying 'you should be crying'. I said, 'I'm laughing cos I shan't be back

Harry in his Royal Navy uniform after volunteering in 1942. No pictures survive from his time in the SBS.

here again!'"

He lost consciousness and the next thing he remembers is "waking up in a nice bed with white sheets" in Ceylon.

Transferred to the UK, Harry was treated at Haslar hospital in Gosport for peritonitis, a potentially-fatal infection caused by the wound, then sent to recuperate at Netley camp in Hampshire.

He was in the UK on VJ Day, when the war finally ended on August 15, 1945.

Once he was back on his feet Harry helped to train others until he was demobbed about a year after the war.

He worked as a labourer then a painter and decorator until he retired. He moved to Bristol around 40 years ago.

Harry stayed in touch with some of his comrades, sometimes meeting up for a drink, but almost all of them have now passed away.

Even at the end of the war, Harry says "no-one wanted to know" about the conflict in the Far East, and few people have any idea about it now.

He said: "They don't know what we went through. They say 'we will remember them' but noone ever bloody does!

"People should remember. But don't say that I'm a hero, because I'm not - I'm just one of the boys."

Harry

COUNCILLORS, residents, visitors and many businesses celebrated as Princess Victoria Street in Clifton was made permanent.

The ‘Grand Opening’ event on July 5, organised by Clifton BID and ward councillor Paula O’Rourke, featured a ribboncutting by the Lord Mayor Henry Michallat. Visitors were then treated to performances from artists and performers, including stilt walkers, a choir, live bands and a Mr Brunel character.

Cllr O’Rourke and fellow ward councillor Jerome Thomas were joined by the chair of Bristol's Transport and Connectivity Committee, Cllr Ed Plowden, who said: “There is no doubt that these works will have a huge impact on the area. By creating a traffic-free zone in the day, it means people can walk, wheel, cycle and spread out across the whole road, which is looking very smart and greener than ever with the new planting."

Work to make permanent the temporary pedestrianisation that’s been in place since August 2021 began in January.

Some traders say they are counting the cost of six months of closure while work on the £655,000 scheme took place.

One said: "We were told it would take 18 weeks. That didn’t’ happen and here we are at the beginning of July and it’s still not ready. I reckon most traders will have lost 20 per cent of their trade over this period."

But Cllr O’Rourke said: “I am delighted that the street now looks so inviting. Now that people can shop online, we need to offer something quite special to entice

Princess Victoria Street now features a raised level surface with natural stone paving and new planters. Mr Brunel approves

Councillors Jerome Thomas, Ed Plowden and Paula O'Rourke and Lord Mayor Henry Michallat are joined by children and other residents for the grand opening event, complete with stilt-walkers

Wills, Trusts and Probate

Mental Capacity including Powers of Attorney

Older and Vulnerable Clients

Estate planning

Family, Cohabitation and Divorce

Residential Conveyancing Disputes

Accident and Injury

Employment Law Advice

Commercial Property Company and Commercial Services

Notary Public

Driving and Road Traffic Offences

Criminal Defence

'A school where children thrive'

ST John’s Church of England Primary School in Clifton has been recognised for its exceptional strengths in its latest Ofsted inspection, receiving Outstanding judgements in four out of five categories.

The inspection in May of the 471-pupil school was the first under the updated framework, which no longer gives schools a single overall one-word judgement.

Instead, schools are now graded separately across key areas, providing a more detailed and balanced view of performance.

St John’s was awarded Outstanding for Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision.

Although the judgement for Quality of Education has moved from Outstanding to Good, the report acknowledges the school’s strong progress and clear commitment to ongoing improvement.

It celebrates St John’s as “a place where children flourish both academically and personally,” highlighting the school’s “magical experience of reading” and “uncompromising drive to give pupils a high-

Also among the many positive comments in the report were:

"Pupils are highly motivated and have positive attitudes to learning."Pupils thrive and feel safe in this warm and inclusive school community.

"Leaders, together with dedicated governors and the staff team, share a clear and ambitious vision.

"Pupils are exceptionally respectful of each other across the school.

that run through the school.

Headteacher Justin Hoye said, “We are thrilled that our focus on children’s personal development, attitudes and happiness comes through so strongly in the report. We wholeheartedly believe that this is at the heart of primary education and setting children up for the future.”

“Recognising that St John’s is a place where 'pupils thrive' is extremely important to us.

"The outstanding feedback from our families, with 100% of parents and carers saying they would recommend St John’s is a testament to the trust and confidence they place in our school every day.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s proactive approach, noting that staff had already identified and begun work on areas for development before the visit.

The school extended its thanks to all staff, governors, families, and pupils for their ongoing commitment and support.

The full Ofsted report is available on the school website.

For more information, please contact:

MBST: REGENERATIVE MEDICINE FROM ELITE SPORTS TO CHRONIC PAIN

Supporting Wrexham’s Recovery Journey

Wrexham AFC has been using MBST behind the scenes since 2023, following a conversation between Head of Medical Performance Kevin Mulholland and MBST UK. After early success treating a small number of players, MBST was integrated more fully into the club’s performance and medical programme during the 2024/25 season, which saw Wrexham earn a third consecutive promotion and continue their remarkable rise. Now an Official Sports Regeneration Partner, MBST UK is part of Wrexham’s forward-thinking approach to player care, injury prevention, and sustainable performance.

“MBST provides us with a powerful additional resource in our long-term approach to keeping players active, resilient, and available,” said Mulholland.

#mbst #MBSTUK #welcometowrexham #wrexhamafc #mbsttherapy

CASE STUDY

I’m also delighted to announce that my clinical team alongside MBST UK will be the sports regeneration partner with Bath Rugby for the 25/26 season: I look forward to sharing some of the results we see in the return to play study that we’re doing with their medical team.

Mary came to me in April this year with severe pain pain, stiffness and immobility following compression fractures in her L1 & L2 in 2002 after carrying heavy compost. Things got dramatically worse after a cruise in 2004 when her neck collapsed forward and since then it’s been impossible to keep her head up for any period of time, relying on an orthopaedic support to hold her neck up. She chose to try MBST to attempt to drop inflammation and improve function at cell level, permeating through to better quality tissue and function. The results have been remarkable. She’s now able to do all her exercises, keep her head up for long periods without any support and is generally a different person to the one I met almost 3 months ago. There is still some way to go but this is a remarkable example of how treating at call level with MBST can initiate a healing process and change the lives of patients.

Age isn’t a factor with MBST. Vitality however does play a part. A lot of my older patients are still living life to the full, getting the most they can from it, yet certain parts of their bodies wear down and become a challenge. This is where MBST can be life-changing, adding energy of stimulation healing and regeneration.

n NEWS

Thea, 10, completes Three Peaks challenge

TENACIOUS ten-year-old Thea Brigham has completed the Three Peaks Challenge on the hottest weekend of the year, raising more than £2000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital's Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal.

The challenge involved hiking 26 miles up Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon - a total ascent of 3064m - within 24 hours. Records show she is among the youngest to have taken on the challenge.

Thea, a pupil at Clifton High School, said: "I started climbing mountains when I was five and really enjoy it, it’s challenging and so rewarding. I’ve always loved getting outdoors and into the hills. It was incredibly hot and the mountains were long but I just kept going and I’m so pleased I did it."

n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP

I'll keep pushing for a wealth tax

LAST month we finally saw a climbdown over the cruel and unnecessary cuts to welfare for disabled people, after I and other Green MPs fought the plans, tabling an amendment opposing the cuts. But Labour’s measly concessions don’t go far enough and will still remove vital support from people who need it.

I will keep fighting to stop the government from balancing the books on the backs of disabled people. Recently, I met with constituents calling for an increase in the basic rate of Universal Credit to make it cover the cost of essentials – something that should not be controversial. Cutting support from those who need it instead of making our tax system fairer is a political choice, and I will keep pushing the government to place a wealth tax on multi-millionaires and billionaires, raising £24bn a year.

Last month I continued to fight for greater action to protect nature and the climate. The health of our ocean has long been important

to me, and I co-sponsored a Bill to ban bottom trawling - a horribly wasteful and destructive form of fishing. I've also written to the Energy Minister asking him to guarantee that, following the new ‘scope 3’ emissions guidance, the government will reject any application to drill Rosebank or Jackdaw – new oil fields that are incompatible with our climate commitments. I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate asking the government to put a ban on fossil fuel advertising, after 615 of my constituents signed a petition about this - and over 110,000 nationally. I feel very strongly about this and urged the government to take a stand against fossil fuel giants to protect our health and our environment.

Watching Louis Theroux’s documentary ‘The Settlers’ in Parliament was a reminder that we must keep speaking out against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and violence against Palestinians. I’ve called on the government to create a family reunification scheme for

Palestinians in Gaza and to end arms sales to Israel. I asked the Secretary of State for Defence about our complicity in the Israeli government's genocide in Gaza and asked if he'll put a stop to the UK training Israeli soldiers – I haven’t yet had a response.

The Home Office has torn lives, families and communities apart by treating migration as a crime. So I launched the ‘No Way Home?’ report making the case for the Home Office to be overhauled, and the Deputy Prime Minister has committed to reading my report.

I also attended the Windrush Day Voices event at the Bristol Beacon, celebrating the legacy and impact of the Windrush generation. I will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of migrants in Bristol and across the UK.

Finally, it was wonderful to spend time with members of the Greek Cypriot community at the Annual Patronal Festival of the Greek Orthodox Community of Bristol – a lovely opportunity to spend time with members of the community.

• If you live in Bristol Central and have a local issue you need support with, you can email me at bristolcentraloffice@parliament.uk or write to Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA For enquiries about national issues email me using carla.denyer.mp@ parliament.uk

Thea ascended and descended Ben Nevis, left, and Scafell before scaling Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), above

n PHARMACY COLUMN

Prediabetes diagnosis? Don't panic –you can reduce risks

HAVE you been told you have prediabetes? This is a warning sign that you are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Prediabetes is also sometimes called borderline diabetes. An estimated 6.3 million people are at an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the UK but Kellaway Pharmacy can help reduce this risk.

Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. It also means that you are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. You are unlikely to be experiencing any symptoms of prediabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens because insulin can’t work

properly or the insulin your body makes doesn’t work properly, so your blood sugar levels keep rising. This means more insulin is released. For some people with Type 2 Diabetes, this can eventually tire the pancreas out, meaning their body makes less and less insulin. This can lead to even higher blood sugar levels.

Prediabetes doesn’t have any symptoms. A lot of people, however, also don’t get any symptoms when it comes to Type 2 diabetes, or don’t notice them.

These symptoms include: • Going to the toilet more often, especially at night

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Losing weight without trying, and loss of muscle bulk

• Genital itching or frequent episodes of thrush

• Cuts and wounds are taking longer to heal

• Blurred vision

• Feeling extremely thirsty.

Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of diabetes.

Did you know that being at risk doesn’t mean you will definitely develop Type 2 Diabetes? The good news is you don’t have it yet, and with the right support, up to 50% of cases of Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

How? Research has consistently shown that combined lifestyle interventions—encompassing diet, physical activity, and sustained weight loss, alongside

n NEWS

giving up smoking and reducing alcohol intake —can be effective in reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by half!

Today is a great time to start making healthy changes to your diet, increasing your physical activity levels, and losing weight to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Making these lifestyle changes can seem daunting, while achieving and maintaining sustainable weight loss can be a challenging task. However, the good news is that we now see daily at Kellaway Pharmacy that this possible , and our team is here to help you too.

Come in or contact Kellaway Pharmacy on 0117 9246579, we will offer you support.

School celebrates

COTHAM Gardens Primary School ended the school year on a high - with significantly improved academic outcomes and the appointment of a new permanent leadership team.

In national assessments (SATS), pupils performed in line with or above the national average in key areas. This included improvements of more than ten percentage points from 2023/24 in reading, writing and maths while results for younger children in phonics and early years development goals were also strong.

Emmeline Smith has been appointed permanent Head of School after serving a year in the role on an interim basis, while Chris Seaton, the school’s trust CEO, will continue in post until September 2026.

Ms Smith said: “There are so many positive things happening at Cotham Gardens and I want to pay tribute to the entire school community—staff, parents, carers, pupils and wider community supporters—for

working with us to bring about this improvement.”

“This September, we will welcome two Reception classes and have waiting lists in two other year groups—affirming the school’s reputation and appeal. Excitingly, Elmtree Preschool will also relocate to our Elmgrove site from September 2025.”

Mr Seaton added: “Whilst we continue to seek a strong multi academy trust partner, we recognise that the climate is challenging for schools and trusts both locally and nationally. Meanwhile, our focus remains on building a thriving and resilient school.

“Thank-you to our staff and to our governing body. Thanks also to our families and community for their trust and support – your faith in us has been vindicated. This summer, we celebrate the gains we’ve made and look forward to more academic progress and greater certainty for the school’s direction in the year ahead.”

Autumn Open Events

Whole School Open Morning (for ages 3 – 18)

Saturday 27th September

Sixth Form Open Evening

Friday 10th October

Pre-Reception & Reception ‘Stay and Play’

Friday 10th October

Scan to book your place

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS

News from Green Party Clifton Down councillors George Calascione and Serena Ralston

Hello from Serena and George, your Green Party councillors for Clifton Down. We hope you are managing to keep cool during what has been a roasting summer so far.

Whiteladies Rd flood prevention works start

As we write this, we’re very pleased to report that construction work on preventing flooding and improving walking and cycling routes at the lower end of Whiteladies Road is due to start. The work, between the junctions with Tyndalls Park Road/St Pauls Road and Queens Road, is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

The lower part of Whiteladies Road has been prone to localised flooding for years. The pavement along the eastern side of the road is also narrow and uneven because of the trees and their roots. However, these wonderful mature trees will stay in place, continuing to give much needed shade and shelter.

The work includes:

• adding a separated cycleway, with a black tarmac surface, on both sides of the road at the same height as the pavements

• adding ‘beany block kerbs’ that combine the roadside kerbs with a built-in drainage system •resurfacing the road

• raising the driveways of six private properties using like-for-like materials

Redland Library garden

In the teeth of several heatwaves, it’s lovely to see that the little garden outside Redland Library on Whiteladies Road is flourishing thanks to the hard work of volunteers. Here's one of them - Pat.

n NEWS

• repaving the pavements and increasing their height, to reduce the impact of the tree roots

• adding rubber crumb around the trees.

So the work can take place, Whiteladies Road is closed one way travelling northbound from Victoria Methodist Church to the junction with Tyndalls Park Road and St Pauls Road. It will remain closed throughout the project.

The diversion is via Queens Road, St Pauls Road and left onto Whiteladies Road. Access to properties will be maintained throughout. The diversion to access properties on the western side of Whiteladies Road is via Queens Road, Pembroke Road, Oakfield Road, and right onto

A MAJOR problem has been highlighted with a new plan that would allow Bristol drivers to charge electric vehicles outside their homes.

A trial next year will see gullies dug into the pavement so that cables can run from houses flush with the pavement on to parking spots on the road.

Bristol City Council is hoping the trial will encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles, as one obstacle at the moment is the lack of ability to charge cars at homes without driveways. Charging at home tends to be cheaper than public charging points, and more convenient.

However, even if drivers pay for gullies to

Whiteladies Road.

Access for pedestrians will be maintained throughout.

There will need to be an overnight road closure towards the end of the project for resurfacing works.

The council updated its plans for the Whiteladies Road project following a public consultation in 2022 as many people did not support the proposal to remove the painted cycle lanes on both sides of the road. This was originally suggested to allow space to widen the pavements and add drainage channels and grass verges to them.

Having gone back to the drawing board, the council has negotiated with the owners of six properties on the eastern side of the road, who have agreed that work can take place to increase the height of their driveways. This will make them more level with the pavement, so excess water flows into the new drainage system.

Costing around £800,000, the project will be funded through the highways maintenance block allocation from the UK government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement secured by West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Fly tipping

Don’t forget it's quick and easy to report flytipping to the council on the Fixmystreet app. https://fixmystreet.bristol.gov.uk/do Residents recently spotted dumped black bin bags and other litter in the Cotham Hill area. We have reported this, and we were pleased that residents did so too.

Ward surgery takes a break

We usually hold monthly surgeries on the first Friday of the month from midday to 1:30 at Redland Library on Whiteladies Road. But we are taking a break in August. The next surgery will be on September 5. In the meantime, do email us if you have any issues at Cllr.george. calascione@bristol.gov.uk Cllr.serena.ralston@ bristol.gov.uk .

Contact us: George Calascoine: Cllr.george.calascione@ bristol.gov.uk Serena Ralston: Cllr.serena.ralston@bristol. gov.uk

EV drivers 'don't own road'

be dug, there is no guarantee that the parking spot outside their house will be available.

The plans were approved by councillors on the transport policy committee on July 10, who flagged the potential problem.

The channels would be owned, installed and maintained by the council, and paid for by individual drivers. It’s unclear how much this would cost. A report to the committee admitted that gulley charging could “cause disagreement” with neighbours in areas

where “competition for parking is high”. Shaun Taylor, head of highways, added: “We can’t have trailing cables going 20 yards up roads, for electrical safety as well as trip hazards. They will need to charge just outside their property. The reality of that is for places with highly dense parking, people might not think it’s attractive. The highway is there for everyone’s use and you cannot designate parking outside your house.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS n NEWS

News from Green Party

Clifton councillors Paula O’Rourke and Jerome Thomas

Princess Victoria Street

After an early flurry of rain, Princess Victoria Street was looking at its new summer best on Saturday, July 5. The Lord Mayor, Henry Michallat, cut the ribbon to open the newly pedestrianised street!

With young trees, planters, attractive seating and dedicated cycle parking, it has significantly enhanced a sociable and attractive street at the heart of the Clifton community. It’s been a long haul with the proposed pedestrianisation appearing in Jerome and Paula’s councillor manifesto back in 2016. Thank you to the traders, the council transport team, ETM for the build and the West of England Combined Authority for providing the significant part of funding to allow this to happen. Like any building project, it hasn’t been without its minor challenges. But now it’s completed we believe it provides a great example of what a successful flourishing high street can look like for many communities!

Clifton Down encampments

Since our July newsletter there has been increasing local and national awareness of the situation on the Downs. However, the number of vehicle dwellers has been significantly reduced as a result of Council action. The Possession Order, granted in June, will last for one year and covers the whole of the grassed area of the Downs, making it much easier to issue eviction notices, which can immediately put into effect.

As stated in July, an update of Council policy on vehicle dwellers citywide is to take place in the autumn, but your councillors remain concerned at the lack of a systematic Council action plan to address these issues and are working to ensure that there is more substantial and lasting resolution of the challenges associated with vehicle dwelling and encampments, both on the Downs and across the city.

Hotwells Primary School

We are pleased to say that in response to community and councillor pressure the deadline for response to the proposal for Hotwells to lose Key Stage 2 pupils has been extended to September 19. Jerome is seeking

a meeting with the Head of the Cathedral School Trust (along with Hotwells School Governors and parent representatives) to better understand the current proposals and to ask that the Trust considers appropriate alternative proposals being developed in consultation with the primary school parents. The consultation can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/5x7dc22.

Solar panels

Clifton residents can now add solar panels to their roofs without having to apply for planning permission to do so

We are pleased that Clifton residents (subject to certain conditions) can now install solar panels on their heritage rooves without applying for planning permission. (see story, right)

Paula, who sits on the Development Control Committee (Planning), argued that a set of regulations, setting out clear parameters of what is acceptable and what is not, could lead to a streamlining of retrofitting heritage properties. While solar panels should always be compared with other energy efficiency investments, the tumbling price of solar panels and batteries means that the payback period for the investment has become much shorter. Her proposal has now been approved and puts the Council in the forefront nationally of removing regulations that prevent homeowners investing in solutions to reduce the carbon impact of their homes.

Neighbourhood Forum date

The next Neighbourhood Forum for Clifton, Clifton Down and Hotwells and Harbourside ward will take place on September 30 at 6.45 at Clifton High School. Your local councillors will be there, hopefully along with representatives from Bristol Waste, the police and other community representatives. It’s an opportunity for you to contribute to discussion of local issues and share your views on how local community funds are spent.

Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome. thomas@bristol.gov.uk

Paula O'Rourke: cllr.paula. orourke@bristol.gov.uk

Trial scheme in Clifton to allow more solar panels

A NEW trial will allow homeowners in historic buildings in Clifton to install solar panels more easily.

Solar panels can now be put on some Grade-II listed houses and flats within the Clifton conservation area, as long as they can’t easily be seen from the streets below.

Bristol City Council has passed a new rule called a “local listed building consent order”. This means many homeowners in Clifton, an area with lots of old buildings, can put in solar panels without having to apply for planning permission, an expensive and lengthy drawnout process.

The plans were approved by councillors on the development control A committee on July 2. If successful, it could be rolled out across Bristol to reduce barriers to installing solar panels and increasing renewable energy use.

Conservative Cllr Richard Eddy said: “This seems to be a no-brainer and it has my full support. I’m sure it will prove successful and then we’ll be able to roll it out city-wide.”

Homeowners sometimes have to apply for planning permission to install solar panels on their rooves. A consent order such as this one removes the need to get planning permission, cutting both costs and hurdles.

With planning, councils must follow strict rules o, including protecting the views of old buildings and their “architectural heritage”. But there are growing questions about whether this is still the right priority, given how the climate is warming due to the use of fossil fuels, which is making heatwaves, floods and storms more common.

Many of the homes on an online map within the conservation area are marked as orange for “maybe”, meaning that homeowners might be allowed to install solar panels

on their rooves, but only if there isn’t a “harmful visual impact”. Other homes are marked as green, meaning they definitely can, while some are red, meaning that they can’t as the panels would be too visible.

Labour Cllr Zoё Peat said: “Supposedly by 2050 parts of Bristol will be underwater due to climate change. And yet we’re worried about being able to see solar panels from the street. The appearance of Clifton and its heritage sites will be far worse if it’s submerged under water.

“I appreciate there’s nothing that we as a council can do without the support of the government, but I want to note how ridiculous this is. There are buildings out there that are eligible for solar panels and could go a long way to mitigating the effects of climate change — but they can’t because we can see them.”

Green Cllr Rob Bryher, chair of the committee, added: “It’s very hard to balance the aesthetics, which we might think is a peripheral issue, with what is a very demanding and challenging time to get all this stuff done in the time we have available. But this is the best we could hope for at this point.”

The order was worded so the council could get the approval of Historic England. The organisation agreed to the new rules, as long as the solar panels weren’t too visible from the street, to protect the “uniform appearance” of buildings.

Writing to the council, Historic England said: “If uncontrolled, there is a danger that randomly installed solar panels could detract from this uniformity. We are therefore glad that the provisions outlined above have been designed to prevent installation of panels which could damage the visual appearance of the area and its buildings.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n WHAT'S ON

Various dates

n LA SCALA DELI HENLEAZE

Join us for our Italian wine tasting evenings. Limited availability. Led by our in-house sommelier.

August 1st - Mountainside Vineyards

August 7th & 22nd - Friuli Venezia Giulia

August 21st - The "big 5" of northern Italy

September 5th & 18th - Lombardia

September 6th & 19th - The "Big 5" of central Italy

October 3rd & 23rd - Veneto

October 4th & 24th - The "Big 5" of southern Italy

SPECIAL EVENTS - Wine & Dine

Tasting Menu - 5 courses - 6 wines

August 9th - Puglia

September 20th - Sicily

October 25th - Sicily

Private Events also available

Bookings: www.lascaladeli.com

Various dates

n BRISTOL HOME LIBRARY SERVICE. A free home delivery service for Bristolians provided by local volunteers. For anyone affected by age, disability or caring responsibilities. 07714898558

n BL AISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Plants always available. Events: Café on 9th August 10-2, and Art Exhibition with Cafe on 13th September 10-3pm

Regular events

Various days

n YOGA IN REDLAND

Tuesdays 6.30pm & 7.45

Wednesdays 7.30pm

Suitable for beginners & improvers Yoga in Clifton Saturdays 10.30am

Suitable for improvers Text Charlotte on 07533732035. www.yogabristol.com

n WEST OF ENGLAND BRIDGE CLUB based at RAFA Club, 38 Eastfield, Henleaze. Five sessions every week, catering for different standards. Thursday afternoon is Improvers. Monday and Friday afternoon is for more capable players; this is an EBU recognised session. You may come alone to any afternoon session; a partner will be found. The evening sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays, and are open to pairs. www.woebridgeclub.co.uk or contact Secretary, Chris Frew, on 0117 962 5281.

Monday

n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579

n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social

events. New members welcome. See www. dickens-society.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for details.

n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA

DISCUSSION GROUP meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday 9.45am to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to help to solve some of today's challenging issues with good company, tea and biscuitscontact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.

n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2-4 pm. Interesting speakers, crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. Our lively, friendly and inclusive group welcomes visitors. Call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917

Tuesday

n WESTBURY PARK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Girl Guide Hut on Westmorland Road from 7.009.30pm. We are an active and friendly group with a varied programme plus extra sessions for craft, coffee, book clubs, walks etc. Visitors are always welcome and for more information do call Sue on 07813795936 or email westburyparkwi@gmail. com

n MEE T UP TO MEDITATE

Free Class Every Tuesday 7.30 pm-8.30 pm

Starting 14th Jan 2025 At 80 Queens Rd Bristol Email: info@meetuptomeditate.co.uk

n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL is recruiting new members We are a 'threshold choir' actively looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn soothing and uplifting songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/ loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join or support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@ companionvoices.org. Visit www.facebook. com/CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org

n BRISTOL BRANCH OF THE KNITTING AND CROCHET GUILD meet on the third Tuesday of the month, 10am-12pm, usually in the function room at the Boston Tea Party on Whiteladies Road. Free to attend, all welcome (members and non-members). We cater for beginners through to experienced makers. Email BristolKCG@gmail. com for more info.

Wednesday n HENLEAZE CHORAL SOCIETY

We are a thriving, non- audition choir performing mainly classical repertoire. Rehearsals take place at Henleaze Bowling Club, Grange Court Road on Wednesdays 7.30-9.00pm New members welcome. Go to www.henleazechoralsociety.org. uk.

n CLIFTON CRAFTERS

We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved – dig them out and come and share with us a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend. Clifton Library every Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm

n BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, open Wednesday and Saturday

10-2. Originally a walled kitchen garden. Free to enter. We’re looking for volunteers. Our Café (+ homemade cakes) open 10-2, 18 March and 8 April.

n WELCOME WEDNESDAY Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your area. Call 0117 435 0063.

n CLIFTON CRAFTERS We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved – dig them out and come and share a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend! Every Wednesday in October at Clifton Library 10 30-12 30pm.

n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@ gmail.com.

n CLIFTON WOMENS INSTITUTE

We are a friendly bunch who meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2HG, from7.30pm. Anyone interested in coming to a meeting as a visitor is most welcome (£5). Visit our blog cliftonwi. blogspot.com for forthcoming events. For info about us contact thecliftonwi@gmail.com

n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org

n SPIRITUAL HEALING Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www.westburyparksc.org

Thursday

Bristol and West of England WNO Friends Branch Closure Notice

With much sadness, we announce the closure of the Branch.

Our 25/26 Programme which included David Bednall, Jonathan Dimbleby, Nigel Simeone. Gwyn Hughes Jones , a Gala Concert at All Saints Church and a coach trip to Cardiff for "The Flying Dutchman" has had to be cancelled.

We are all hugely disappointed but apparently financial constraints imposed on the Company by the Arts Councils mean communications between us and our members are no longer possible despite our receiving an undertaking earlier in the year that they would be. Data protection and the necessity of translation into Welsh are further complications.

To all our Friends and guests who have supported us for nearly fifty years and helped to contribute close to £100,000 to the Company we send our great regrets, many thanks and much appreciation.

Andrew Borkowski and the Committee borkmail@gmail.com 01275 848526

BOOK REVIEW

On Chapel Sands

IN 1929, a three year old girl is kidnapped while playing on a beach on the Lincolnshire coast. Five days later, the child is discovered safe and well and dressed in new clothes in a nearby village.

The child is Betty Elston. She remembers nothing of these events and her parents, George and Veda never ever speak of them again. From that day onward, Betty is not allowed to play with the other children in her village and the only times she is allowed out of her home is to accompany Veda to church or to go to the beach with George.

Betty’s daughter is the author and art critic Laura Cumming. In 1982 her mother presents Laura with a memoir of her early life. Laura learns that George and Veda were Betty’s adopted parents who adopted her shortly before the kidnapping. Betty discovers she is adopted when aged 13 she is approached on a bus by a woman claiming to be her grandmother when the only grandmother she has known is dead.

n WHAT'S ON

n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See website www.henburysingers.org contact secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org.

n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@bristolbach.org.uk

n FRIENDS TOGETHER DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CAFÉ A Dementia accessible café for all on the first Thursday of every month, 10am12pm; The Randall Room at All Saints Church, Pembroke Rd, Clifton. Support, guidance, information and friendship with complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake. No need to book – just come along and be a part of our community! For more information contact All Saints Parish Office: 0117 974 1355

n HENLEA ZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278.

by Laura Cumming

Laura decides to delve into the mystery concerning her mother’s kidnapping. Using a collection of family photographs and letters she uncovers family secrets that had laid buried for over fifty years.

This is a beautifully written and well researched detective story and family history illustrated by the photographs which are methodically and movingly analysed by Laura as she seeks the truth behind her mothers disappearance. We are skillfully taken through a series of revelations by the author who finds herself reappraising her own views on the motivation and identity of the individuals involved in the kidnapping of her mother. For this book and many more please come and visit your local library. You will be greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome.

Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library

n HEALING FOR WELLBEING - NEW TIME 5.00 PM TO 6.15 PM Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Drop in sessions (no need to book) with trained practitioners. Venue: Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. All welcome - donation basis. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/BristolHealingGroup or https://www.thehealingtrust.org.uk/healing/ healing-centre or phone Selina 0117 9466434.

Friday

n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for details.

n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www. spanishcirclebristol.com/.

n FOLK NIGHT every third Wednesday of the month at the Victoria inn, Chock lane, Westbury on Trym. 7.30-10.30pm. All musicians and singers welcome or just pop in. Call 0117 959 0834

Saturday n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am-12pm, every second Sat (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers.. FFI see Facebook @seamillsrepaircafe or email: repaircafe.seamills@gmail.com

Clifton Library opening hours

Monday 10am-2pm

Tuesday 1pm-5pm

Wednesday closed

Thursday 1pm-5pm

Friday 10am-2pm

Saturday 1pm-5pm

Sunday closed

n BOOK REVIEW

Fifteen Wild Decembers by Karen Powell MANY readers will already have an image of the Brontë sisters built, fairly or not, from reading their novels, from the landscape of the Yorkshire moors and from Kate Bush and her strident cadences. It is well known that Emily, Charlotte and Anne kept their writing secret from their brother Branwell, publishing under the pseudonyms Ellis, Currer and Acton Bell and that the siblings together had always been creative, inventing new worlds and characters and writing stories to share with one another.

Fifteen Wild Decembers is told by Emily from when she is sent away to school aged six to her death at 30. While the material may not be new, Karen Powell has created her Emily with ingenuity and portrayed the social mores at the time with care. The family too are subtly drawn – Branwell could have becomd a caricature of a villain but through Emily’s eyes, Powell creates empathy alongside frustration and despair. The nature writing adds a feeling of awe and unease even though we know how events will unfold.

As Emily matures, seeking solace in long walks, managing the household after their aunt dies, becoming closer with her sister Anne and developing as an author, the writing soars. I cared deeply for her – not to mention for her dog, Keeper – and understood the complex sibling relationships, moulded by love, by longing for each other’s success, by competitiveness and by duty, need and religion. Powell’s representation of Emily’s intentions for Wuthering Heights and of her responses to the poor reviews of the book are stunning. I felt thoroughly windswept.

Elizabeth Moss, Heron Books

n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence

Why aphids are your friend as well as foe

IT is a relief to see that insects are doing better in these recent heatwaves than they did in last year’s gloomier weather. However, even our local insect decline won’t be rectified by a couple of months of blazing sunshine (indeed climate heating has adverse effects on many species) let alone the global collapse. They all need our help, therefore it is my mission today to introduce you to the aphids and to raise them in your estimation. Many insects are beloved of gardeners, many are persecuted: few are as unpopular as aphids. Let’s see what we can do about that.

Did you know that if you root around the dandelions in the gutter (yes, entomologists do this kind of thing) you could find more than twenty species of aphid, let alone other small invertebrates such as springtails, slugs and pseudoscorpions? In fact there are over 600 species of aphid in Britain! You may know them as green- or blackfly but they also

come in brown, white, yellow and pink with stripes, spots and even patterned wings. They range from the giant willow aphid which can be over half a centimetre long down to the woolly apple aphid which is around 1mm long. They are Hemiptera, or True Bugs and as such they use their piercing mouthparts like a straw to penetrate the plant and drink the sap. They consume so much sugar in this way that they have to excrete it, as honeydew, beloved of the sweet-toothed ant! The anthill-building yellow ants live almost entirely below ground and rely on root aphids whilst

A wonderful close-up by Max Westby of a red ant tending blackfly

the ferocious red ants (those of the nasty bite) farm blackfly, tending to their aphid flocks and moving them to fresh pastures as necessary.

It seems unlikely but many plants have their own unique species of aphid. Plants as tough as gorse, as poisonous as ragwort and as inhospitable as stinging nettle support a unique aphid that will eat nothing else. Some aphids are even fussier, such as the one that eats only apple in winter and only plantain in summer.

So, what have aphids ever done for us? Whilst not acting

as pollinators themselves their presence attracts pollinators, such as hoverflies, whose larvae eat aphids; without aphids we would be very short of pollinators! They are vital for many nestlings, including those of blue and great tits, being a concentrated source of calories. They don’t just attack your roses but help to control several weed species including the tenacious herb bennet and the rapidly spreading willowherbs. Personally, I love an anthill so I am grateful to the root aphids which see our yellow ants through the winter. Aphids are essential jigsaw puzzle pieces that contribute to local food webs; we mess with them at our peril. Natural controls really do work: evidence shows that gardens that attract more blue tits have fewer aphids. So, spare the insecticides, encourage hoverflies, lacewings and ladybirds, and see how many species of aphid you can find in your garden.

Will Writing

Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.

Family & Property Trusts

Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Probate Services

Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.

n SCHOOL NEWS

Culture cafe is a huge success

ST JOHN'S School, in Clifton and Redland, has raised an outstanding £1,137 following another successful culture cafe event.

Families at the school came together to prepare and share amazing food and drink from their own culture and country in celebration of the school's diversity.

There were around 34 different stalls, each one serving something unique and special.

The event was so successful, it will now become an annual event, the school says.

The money raised will go to a special charity chosen by the school's anti-bullying ambassadors.

n MESSAGE FROM POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Strengthening neighbourhood policing

YOU’VE told me you want safer streets and more visible policing, and I’m doing it.

I’ve listened to your concerns about antisocial behaviour, retail crime, and criminality in town and city centres, and I am working with the Chief Constable to put more officers where they are needed, tackling crime in high streets and areas you care

about, because you should feel safe in your high street.

I have launched ‘Your Streets, My Priority’ this month – a coordinated programme of action to enhance neighbourhood policing and create safer, more vibrant town centres and high streets across the region.

There are several centres targeted across the Avon and Somerset area.

The focus is on making our town and city centres safer, more vibrant spaces where residents, businesses, and visitors feel secure and welcomed.

Supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has added more officers to your local teams, and the additional dedicated patrols in targeted areas, the plans will be delivering more proactive, visible and engaging policing in your cities and towns.

From increased foot patrols to street surgeries and crime prevention advice for businesses, the local plans include ways for the police to work closer with businesses to share information, respond to incidents and target prolific offenders, as well as proactive use of powers to address antisocial behaviour.

We will see additional partnership work with licensing colleagues, to address issues relating to licensed premises, as well as diversionary activities for young people, like the outreach and engagement programmes provided by the South Gloucestershire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).

My team will also be working with partners to raise awareness of opportunities for young people.

Throughout the summer, I will be visiting different areas throughout South Gloucestershire and Bristol to meet residents, businesses, community groups, and the local neighbourhood police team to see how things are progressing.

I will be monitoring progress to make sure the campaign delivers results for you.

To keep up to date with what’s happening as part of the Your Streets, My Priority campaign, visit my website at www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk and my social media pages.

Clifton, Bristol | Guide Price £1,150,000

A rare opportunity to acquire a Georgian terraced house in one of Clifton’s most prestigious garden squares. Offering charming period detail, elegant proportions and versatile accommodation arranged over four floors with a private south-facing courtyard and balcony.

In all circa 2471.0 sq. ft (229.6 sq. m) @rupertoliverproperty

n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

n ADVERTORIAL

£1,650,000

stone

Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.

The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.

With a

A beautiful property that is rare to the market. Viewing highly advised to avoid disappointment.

The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

scheduled to open this month.

From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone

possible,” he said. “Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

THE world of cricket is mourning Gloucestershire’s president

David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, who died at the age of 61 after battling Motor Neurone Disease.

Fast bowler Syd, who made his debut for the club at the age of 17 and earned numerous county and international honours in a 16-year career, was awarded an MBE this summer.

After his death on June 22, his family said in a statement: “‘Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed.

“A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.

“As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it.”

Syd and his wife Gaynor and son Buster raised funds

cliftonvoice

Syd: Glos Cricket's hero

for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). Efforts culminated in Pink 4 Syd, a special evening where the club honoured Syd with a pink kit.

Born in Gloucester on 28 January 1964, David Valentine Lawrence delivered countless memorable performances, forming a formidable new-ball

partnership with West Indies great Courtney Walsh.

He played 170 first-class matches for Gloucestershire, taking 477 wickets at 31.27, including a best of 7 for 47 against Warwickshire.

In one-day cricket, he claimed 148 wickets in 110 appearances, with a standout 6 for 20 against a Combined Universities XI in 1991 - the third best return in Gloucestershire’s 50-over history.

In 1990, Lawrence took a memorable hat-trick against Nottinghamshire in a fiery spell that saw him finish with 5 for 51.

His county success earned him England honours. In 1988, he became the first British-born black man to play Test cricket for England, making his debut at Lord’s against Sri Lanka. He played five Tests between 1988 and 1992, taking 18 wickets, including a famous five-wickethaul against the West Indies at The Oval in 1991 - in the same innings he dismissed the great

Viv Richards.

He also made one ODI appearance, recording remarkable figures of 4 for 67, which remain the best bowling figures by a player who only played one One Day International.

A knee injury in 1992 ended his international career prematurely, but Syd’s life off the field was just as remarkable. He went on to become a nightclub owner, a competitive bodybuilder, and a leading advocate for inclusion and diversity in cricket.

But his connection to Gloucestershire never faded.

In 2022, he was appointed as the first black President in the history of Gloucestershire Cricket - a title he held until the day of his death.

In collaboration with cricket writer Dean Wilson, Syd published his autobiography, 'In Syd’s Voice', using assistive technology to dictate his story.

Clifton gearing up for new season

THE excitement and pride in Clifton securing promotion barely subsided when the fixture list for the 2025-26 season was received. Planning was already under way for the coming season and preseason training began at the end of June.

While most of the successful 1st XV squad have re-signed some recruitment is under way with speculation over who might be joining the new campaign. Warm welcomes are being extended to players of all abilities ranging from those aspiring to challenge for places in the National One side to those seeking a more social and amateur Saturday on the pitch.

Before the real business gets under way with a home fixture on Saturday September 6 - when the famous Blackheath club will be at Cribbs Causeway - there will be preseason games on August 9 and 30 when our visitors will be Caerphilly and Ebbw Vale

Over the summer more Clifton Village businesses have joined the list of sponsors and advertisers in the club’s quest to secure the income required to meet the

additional costs of overnight stays and travel in League One stretching from Plymouth in the South West to well known clubs in the North such as Rotherham and Sale.

Long standing supporters include Simon Quarrie from

the Clifton Sausage and Steve Bullimore from InStep Shoes Simon said: “It was fabulous to see Clifton RFC doing so well last season and getting promotion. We’ve been supporting the club through our Man of the Match award for well over ten years now

and our involvement with Clifton has never been stronger. This season we are also sponsoring the team’s warm up kit and a sign board at the ground. The club’s welcoming, sporting and inclusive outlook and the number of friends we have made there make it a pleasure to support.”

Steve said: ” I have been supporting CRFC for 15 years and for the 2025/26 season am sponsoring young player Harry Delaney as I feel the sport’s future remains with those who are in their initial stages. The club excels in the development of young players.

The club has an extremely competent committee and an inspirational coaching team. Emerging players and experienced semi professionals thrive together to provide exciting and exhilarating wonderful match day occasions “ Commercial manager Alison Harvey alisonharvey@cliftonrugby. co.uk is always open for a chat with potential supporters, sponsors or players.

Roger Opie

Shay Sainsbury receives a Man of the Match award from Simon Quarrie of the Clifton Sausage

n NEWS

MORE than 100 hot air balloons are set to take to the air for the popular Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court from August 8-10.

Among the familiar special shapes at the free event will be the UP balloon with Cameron Balloons, Astro the Alien with Spirit Balloons, Rupert the Bear with Bristol Balloon Collectors and Slick the Dragon with MJ Ballooning.

A new arrival this year is the 143-foot tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon, being brought to Bristol by Indy Hot Air.

The fiesta site will host attractions old and new. Meet the Pilots is returning with

Eyes on the skies!

extended sessions, and this year, visitors can have a hands-on tour of how a balloon is prepared for flight, jump into a real basket, try out a burner blast, and take the ulti-mate ballooning selfie with a balloon team.

In the Clouds is a new feature. Visitors can step inside a cold-inflated balloon for an immersive audio-visual experience, recreating the sensation of being in flight with a pilot's-eye soundscape and video.

On the Saturday afternoon, Cameron Balloons will demonstrate the different

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

shapes and styles of hot air balloons they manufacture in Bristol.

When the weather allows, the spectacular mass ascents are scheduled each morn-ing at approximately 6am and again at 6pm. As night falls on Friday and Saturday, the fiesta’s legendary Nightglows take centre stage, with dozens of tethered hot air balloons lighting up the arena with choreographed bursts of flame in sequence to a music soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.

While the event is free to attend, tickets must be purchased in advance to use the onsite car parks. For programme details and updates, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk