Emersons Green Voice April 2021

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021 Edition—Issue 51

www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

FREE EVERY MONTH IN EMERSONS GREEN, LYDE GREEN, SHORTWOOD & PUCKLECHURCH

Andy Yam, pictured here with Alicia Teagle, set up Tech Buddies to support families in Emersons Green with their home learning.

The group of IT professionals also collected and refurbished donated computers which have now been given to local schools.

Report: Page 3

Happy tales of return to school Pucklechurch Primary delayed its World Book Day activities so that they could be enjoyed once all children had returned to school after lockdown.

PAGE 5

Retired doctors aid vaccine rollout

Police target pest drivers SPEEDING and noisy drivers who have been making life a misery for residents are being put on notice that police are coming for them.

An operation targeting anti-social motorists is being launched, focusing on both residential streets and the Avon Ring Road.

Staple Hill Neighbourhood Police Team has

been given access to specialist equipment to measure the noise made by modified exhausts and detect derestricted motorbikes.

It will be used in days of action on anti-social driving across the area, alongside officers' regular speed, alcohol and drug testing kit.

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Retired doctors Janet and David Spence have returned to the frontline to help give Covid-19 jabs to patients from Emersons Green.

PAGE 15

Fire-raisers hit Pencils sculpture Arsonists have damaged the “Pencils” sculpture on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path.The artist who made it nearly 30 years ago hopes it will be repaired.

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emersonsgreenvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

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Journalist Ken McCormick 07715 770377 ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Tel: 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

DEADLINES May edition deadline is April 17.

LOCAL INFORMATION South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc

streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

April, 2021

n NEWS

Girl harassed in street A TEENAGE girl was left “shaken” after being accosted in the street and harassed by a man in Emersons Green.

Police have appealed for help in identifying the man, who took the 16-year-old girl’s hand and told her to go with him in Wadham Grove at about 4.50pm on March 5.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said the girl refused to go with the man, who walked off in the direction of Cossham Street in Mangotsfield.

He was described as white, in his 30s and of average build, with a long blond goatee beard and a Bristol accent.

He wore a green jacket with the hood up and jogging bottoms, possibly grey.

PC Richard Gay said: “While the victim wasn’t physically harmed in this incident, it has understandably left her shaken.

“We’re taking this seriously and, as well as keeping the victim updated with our inquiry, we continue to ensure she has access to the support she needs.

“House-to-house enquiries have been carried out and neighbourhood officers have been made aware of the man’s description.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man or who lives in the area who may have a doorbell camera or CCTV which captured him."

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 047 987.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Emersons Green 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.

Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk.

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Emersons Green 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.

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April, 2021

3

n NEWS

Tech superheroes rescue home schooling A GROUP of IT professionals living in the Emersons Green area helped children and schools to keep learning through the recent lockdown.

Tech Buddies started when Andy Yam decided to offer free tech support to parents, when the majority of children were told they would have to learn from home again in January.

He said: “When the government announced that we were going into lockdown for a third time, and that the earliest point the kids would be returning to school would be after the February half term, I wanted to somehow support others in this tough time.”

Remembering that friends had asked him for tech support in previous lockdowns, Andy posted a message on his Facebook page offering to help parents get their children online, and shared the offer through the group Lyde Green Local.

He said: “I was inundated with messages from friends, their friends, and also parents from the Lyde Green group.

“People were messaging me needing help, wanting to help and also wanting to donate devices.”

As the demand and offers grew, Andy created a Facebook group called Tech Buddies.

More than 10 technicians volunteered to help, and over time a core group of seven worked on a voluntary basis to repurpose laptops and PCs.

The Tech Buddies logo

Some of the donated devices for Emersons Green children Companies and individuals donated more than 100 devices, from laptops and tablets to 40 PCs, which were taken to schools to refresh their IT suites.

Andy and his fellow Tech Buddies, including Adam Harrison, Adam Walter, Ian Marshall, and Jon Adams, decided to donate the devices directly to schools, so they could distribute them to the families who most needed them.

The team supported Lyde Green Primary School and Mangotsfield School in the local area, as well as Hambrook Primary School, Manor Primary School and Little Explorers Nursery in Coalpit Heath, Redcliffe Nursery School and the play team at Bristol Children’s

Hospital.

The group had help from Kate Liverton of the Facebook group Covid-19 Help, Support and Volunteering - Emersons Green

& Lyde Green, town councillor Matt Palmer, who helped fund some of the repairs, Ash Phillips of business support firm Dffrnt, who designed the logo, and Alicia Teagle, of recruitment firm SR2, who helped source devices from other companies.

When the project wound up as children returned to school, Andy sold leftover parts and non-working devices, donating the £350 proceeds to Cancer Research UK.

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April, 2021

n NEWS

Drivers targeted From Page 1 Patrol cars and police motorbikes will be looking for suspect vehicles, which will then be taken to a specially-arranged testing site.

The days of action, under an initiative known as Operation Torque, are expected to start within weeks and will continue into the summer, when complaints of anti-social driving and riding increase.

Dozens of readers contacted the Voice after we reported on the "unbearable" noise experienced by residents living near the A4174 from drivers using it as a race track during the first lockdown last year.

Many residents also complained to the police and politicians about the problem.

Staple Hill Neighbourhood Constable PC Neal Scarborough said: "We've had lots of

complaints about vehicles being used anti-socially, and quite often people refer to the loudness of the vehicle.We now have the tools to set up our own initiative, tackling anti-social vehicles and the behaviour of drivers."

Drivers who are suspected of having modified their exhausts to make their vehicle louder will be pulled over and taken to a test site, where a decibel meter will be used on them. Any which are found to be louder than the manufacturer's limit will land their owner in trouble.

That could range from being given advice and required to change back the exhaust to court action where appropriate.

Officers are also targeting young motorbike and scooter riders, particularly those aged under 17 who have illegally derestricted their bikes to drive at over 30mph.

Those who are stopped will have their vehicles checked on a 'rolling road' device that can uncover illegally modified engines.

PC Scarborough said that in the case of young riders safety

concerns were uppermost.

He said: "Young people are most at risk of a fatal or serious road collision."

"We're also going to be looking at other road users that cause anti-social behaviour, from motorbikes with a big racing exhaust screaming up and down the ring road to modified cars.

"Some of the ring road drivers don't even live in South Gloucestershire but they are keeping the community up all night. You can hear motorbikes or cars that are just massively excessive and it's those people we are targeting.

"However it's not just the ring road, it's the back streets we are looking at as well, as some of these people are living within our communities – the cars could be parked in neighbours' driveways."

PC Scarborough told a recent meeting of the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Community Engagement Forum that one driver had been caught speeding at up to 60mph on Staple Hill High Street and Station Road – he was given a £2,000 fine after taking his case to court.

Some actions will involve specialist road policing teams while others may involve inspectors from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, who can comb cars for defects and take unsafe ones off the road.

The resident who raised concerns with the Voice last year, Tim Hockey, welcomed the action. Tim, who lives yards from the ring road between the Bromley Heath and Wick Wick roundabouts, has contacted the police, South Gloucestershire Council and local MP Chris

PC Neal Scarborough Skidmore over the past year to call for action.

He said: "I am pleased that the police have finally acknowledged that there is an issue with speed and noise along the ring road. Hopefully this monitoring will result in actions which will make local residents’ lives more bearable."

Mr Skidmore has launched a petition to take measures to improve fencing next to the A4174 to cut noise from vehicles.

Another voice reader, Mangotsfield resident Sian Spring, is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to standardise the speed limit on the A4174 to 50mph along its entire length.

Sian believes the changes between the 50mph limit on some stretches and the 70mph limit on others mean some drivers either don't see or ignore the lower limit.

She said: "It is absolutely crazy the speed at which drivers drive at. I have witnessed several times drivers racing one another.

"Some of these sections of the ring road are less than a mile long – it is absolutely ridiculous to have cars travelling at such high speeds on such short roads."

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April, 2021

5

n NEWS

Children happy to be back in class

SCHOOLS have been welcoming back children who had been home learning for two months during the latest lockdown.

Secondary schools have had to put in place testing regimes, with pupils having three Covid-19 tests before returning to Downend and Mangotsfield schools, and being sent home with kits to carry out two more every week.

Teachers at all schools, which had remained open to key worker and vulnerable children throughout January and February, faced the challenge of settling those who had been learning remotely back into the classroom routine from March 8.

At Pucklechurch C of E Primary School, World Book Day events were postponed by a few days so that they could take place after all pupils had returned to classes.

The school’s ‘recovery curriculum’ focuses on belonging, and the day, rearranged for March 9, was a perfect opportunity to unite the school.

Head teacher Alex Capel said: “It was important for the school community to have this annual event together, and we were so pleased we did.

“On the day, our children came alive as their favourite book characters and it was magical!”

Pupils dressed up as favourite book characters and took part in activities inside and out, including ‘dino spotting’ in the forest area, creating scenes from natural materials and sketching plants that could feature in their own books.

A selection of World Book Day activities at Pucklechurch school

They were given a World Book Day voucher and with staff they explored different books that they could exchange theirs for.

They were also read a story via video by a former pupil who is hoping to become a published author.

The return to school has seen children and parents at Barley Close Community Primary School in Mangotsfield able to take part in a project to encourage active travel – walking, cycling or scooting to school.

Children are able to log

their journey to school on a Travel Tracker app and receive monthly badges for successfully completing an active journey.

The school has set up a ‘park and stride’ scheme with Living Streets and South Gloucestershire Council Staff at Bromley Heath Infant School also delayed World Book Day so they could hold a book week after all children had returned to school, giving pupils who had been home learning the chance to visit the newlyimproved library.

At St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, head

teacher Mark Hilliam said children had “settled back brilliantly”.

He said: “We are exceptionally proud of how they have come back, with smiling faces and an eagerness to get back to their learning.

“Teachers are working hard to help the children get back into the swing of school life and have been careful to make the transition back as smooth and positive as possible.

“We are still in our class bubbles and are now very used to working in this way.”

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April, 2021

n NEWS

Police swoop on cannabis factory TWO men have been charged after a large cannabis factory was found in a warehouse in Westerleigh.

About 600 plants were seized, along with growing equipment, during a raid on the building in Westerleigh Road on March 3 by neighbourhood police officers working with Operation Viscount, Avon and Somerset police’s specialist team dedicated to tackling cannabis production.

Western Power also attended and made the electricity supply safe.

The two men arrested, aged 21 and 46, were charged with production of a controlled drug and abstracting electricity.

They were being held in custody ahead of an appearance at Bristol Crown Court on April 7.

It is the latest in a series of drug-related actions by local police neighbourhood teams.

The following day police searched a property in Gloucester Road, Staple Hill, and seized items including a firearm and suspected cannabis, a small

The cannabis farm. Picture: Avon and Somerset police bag of white powder suspected to be cocaine, knives and two knuckle dusters.

A 36-year-old man from Staple Hill was arrested the same day on suspicion of possessing

a firearm without a certificate and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He was later released under investigation as police enquiries continue.

Youth Works returns to the streets!

Emersons Green Town Council funds Youth Works, a streetbased youth project in Emersons and Lyde Green. Sessions are run by the Youth Workers Emily and Sam, on Monday evenings from 7pm, for young people aged between 11-16.

After another Covid-19 enforced break, Emily and Sam are really excited to be back out meeting young people again. They are looking forward to lots of outdoor fun over the coming months. New members are always welcome!

Emily Crane, Youth Worker

Sam Tilley, Youth Worker

Subject to the smooth progression of the timetable for Covid-19 lockdown exit, a programme of activities will return on-line. Please follow the Youth Works Facebook page for more information and updates on the weekly sessions.

INTRODUCING…. Councillor James Hunt: “I joined Mangotsfield Rural Parish Council in 2004, as I was interested in helping the new community of Emersons Green strengthen. I grew up in the Leap Valley area and live with my wife, who is also a Town Councillor, and young daughter in the Badminton Ward of Emersons Green. I established the Emersons Green Village Hall Trust and sat as its first Chair. I was also heavily involved the process of transforming the former Mangotsfield Rural Parish Council to Emersons Green Town Council, as it is known today.

I am proud to represent the Badminton Ward and sit on the Finance and Events Committees, helping to ensure that our residents receive the best possible service.”

SEASONED WALKERS – WE NEED YOUR HELP… With the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the changing of the seasons, many of us are itching to get outdoors and be active. Those who are relatively new to the area, however, may not have the same knowledge of the beautiful walking routes in our area.

The Town Council Events Committee is looking to compile a leaflet of routes within the local area to share with residents. We are looking for ideas for a range of routes, suitable for everybody - from long, to short, to buggy or wheelchair accessible.

If you have any favourite walking routes within the area, please do get in touch and share them with us. The top submissions will be featured in the leaflet.

Please email your suggestions us on: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk

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All Town Council meetings are open to members of the public and are currently held remotely by Zoom.

Please see our website for meeting agendas, including joining instructions, or contact us on: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Planning Committee meetings 10.30am 12 & 26 April Full Council meeting 7.00pm 8 April Finance Committee 7.00pm 29 April

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April, 2021

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New bid for homes meets opposition PLANS for nine new homes on a field next to the Mangotsfield to Yate cycle track have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

The homes would be built near Lyde Green, next to the section of path that runs past the Brandy Bottom Colliery site, between the Avon Ring Road and Westerleigh, close to the David Lloyd fitness centre.

Applicant Top to Bottom Ltd is making a second application to develop the site, which would back on to a 120-home development by Barratt Homes, after launching an appeal against South Gloucestershire Council's failure to make a decision on a first application made in May last year.

Agents Stokes Morgan said the site was currently used as a paddock for horse grazing and would need new road access via Cattybrook Road.

The site is close to the Shortwood landfill site. South Gloucestershire Council's Environmental Protection Contaminated Land Officer has raised no objections in principle but recommended a risk assessment is carried out, saying there was "a potential for migrating landfill gas to

7

pose an unacceptable risk to the proposed development".

An ecology assessment says the development "will necessitate the removal of internal grassland and several trees".

Emersons Green Town Council and Pucklechurch Parish Council have objected to the application on the grounds that it is not part of the area's current development plan.

In their response the Emersons Green councillors said: "The ongoing problems of the nearby Landfill Site have not yet been resolved and could have a detrimental effect on the proposed new residents."

Pucklechurch councillors also said the development site was inside the Rosary Site of Nature Conservation Interest and building on it could contravene biodiversity policies.

There have been four public objections to the scheme, including from neighbouring business Ibstock Brick, which says the applicants "will not be able to deliver the scheme as they do not have the rights of access over the private access road for the development".

A date for considering the plans has not yet been fixed.

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What do the Metro Mayor manifestos offer for residents in Emersons Green, Lyde Green, Shortwood & Pucklechurch?

View from Dan Norris, Labour Metro Mayor Candidate

The coronavirus crisis has been devastating for lives and livelihoods. But it has also shown us what matters most. People have come together through mutual aid groups, our key workers have been heroic, and we have rediscovered the value of local services and local green spaces.

Jobs first. After the economic devastation of the pandemic Dan Norris has pledged to be a 'Jobs First' Metro Mayor. His manifesto includes plans for 23,000 new Green Jobs.

Invest in our local shops. Dan Norris has criticised the current Mayor for leaving millions to support our High Streets unspent.

As Metro Mayor he plans to allocate the much-needed cash as soon as possible.

Valuing what matters. Dan Norris promises a focus on quality of life, so our area is the best place to grow up in and and grow old in.

Labour Leader meets West of England Ambulance Workers

Local paramedics received a visit from Labour leader Keir Starmer and Dan Norris to say thank you.

Ambulance workers told the Labour duo about To Write your Ceremony and Officiate on Your Special Day their tireless work Labour Leader Keir Starmer throughout the and Metro Mayor candidate pandemic.

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April, 2021

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n NEWS

Chaos as school computers hacked SECONDARY and primary schools serving pupils from Emersons Green were among 24 in South Gloucestershire which had their computer networks disabled by hackers.

Described as a “targeted ransomware attack”, where malicious software is installed on a system to block access until a ransom is paid, the attack took out IT systems at schools across the Castle School Education Trust and 17 other South Gloucestershire primary schools which use the same system.

All CSET schools were affected, including Downend and Mangotsfield secondaries and Lyde Green Primary School.

The South Gloucestershire primaries affected included Blackhorse, Emersons Green and Mangotsfield CE Primary, as well as nearby Bromley Heath Infants, Bromley Heath Juniors,

Hambrook Primary, Staple Hill Primary, Christchurch Infant School, Hambrook, Frampton Cotterell and St Michael’s in Winterbourne.

The cyber attack started on March 16 and school systems were offline for several days and still not back to normal a week later.

A joint statement from Castle School Education Trust and South Gloucestershire Council said: “This was a highly sophisticated attack which breached multiple layers of protection of the IT system shared by schools in Castle School Education Trust and partner primary schools in South Gloucestershire.

“CSET and South Gloucestershire Council are working together with external partners and agencies to investigate this attack and

Paddock objections MORE than 200 people have objected to plans to turn a paddock between Winterbourne and Downend into pitches for travellers.

Plans have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council to provide pitches for two mobile homes and two touring caravans, along with two dayrooms in permanent structures, at the site at Bury Hill Lane, near Hambrook. The land currently has permission for use in agriculture and the keeping of horses.

Spaces to park four vehicles on new hardstanding are also included in the plans, submitted by a firm of Surrey-based architects on behalf of applicant Dean Smith.

But 216 people have written to the council to object. They say the proposed site would make the lanes "busier and more dangerous", would "bring discontent to the existing established residents of Moorend" and be a "blot on the landscape".

restore IT systems to the schools.

“A cautious and methodical approach is being taken to ensure that systems are restored safely and securely.

“Although some systems have already been restored, others remain offline, and there will be continued disruption over the coming days.

“This highly sophisticated ransomware attack has caused significant disruption to our schools, and we are grateful to our staff and pupils for their patience and understanding as we work together to restore IT systems.

“We would like to reassure the community that all of our schools remain safe and no pupils are at risk as a result of the ransomware attack, and we are working to ensure that their education continues with minimal disruption.”

Children were advised not to log on to the schools’ WiFi connections and staff were unable to access classroom resources and other data stored on the system, while parents were advised to phone schools with urgent enquiries and not to rely on email.

A week after the attack the system had still not been fully restored, with schools still unable to use Windows computers.

The attack has been reported to the police and the National Cyber Security Centre.

An NCSC spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and are working to fully understand its impact.

“The NCSC works closely with the education sector and we have published practical resources to help schools and colleges improve their cyber security and response to cyber incidents.”

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n NEWS SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is set to spend almost £45,000 upgrading a play area.

The play area by the corner of Beaufort Road and Walker Close, near Leap Valley surgery, was last revamped more than 12 years ago and over the past three years some of the equipment, including a climbing frame, has had to be removed: for two years a traffic cone has been covering the spot where one piece was removed.

The new spending was announced as part of a £360,000 investment in sports facilities and biodiversity projects using contributions made by developers in return for planning permission across South Gloucestershire.

A total of £44,827.74 has been allocated for the upgrade.

Councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams, whose Emersons Green ward includes the play area, said: “We are pleased to see this funding being reallocated to make improvements at Beaufort Road Play Area.

“It is important that we as

April, 2021

Play area and allotments are set to be upgraded

Beaufort Road play area now (above) and three years ago before it lost some of its equipment a Council continue to improve our local public open spaces and we look forward to seeing what positive impact this investment will have.”

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Parish Council will receive £4,551.40 to fund improvements to its allotments.

Boyd Valley ward councillors Ben Stokes and Steve Reade said: “We are grateful that the council has been able to secure this funding for the allotments.

“The Parish Council does some fantastic work to manage the allotments and we pleased that this additional support is being provided to continue those efforts.”

The biggest projects announced are at Cribbs Causeway, where rugby clubs Bristol Saracens and Clifton RFC will each see just over £88,000 spent to improve their facilities, and Redmaids High School will be given £84,000 to fund upgrades to its netball and tennis multisports courts, which will be available to the public out of school hours and during school holidays.

Surprise for local choirs MEMBERS of two choirs based in Mangotsfield were joined by a professional for their latest online singalong.

The East Bristol Great Day Choir and Bella Mamas, who usually rehearse Great Day Choir Sound of Music singalong at Mangotsfield's United Reformed Church, have now spent a year meeting via video with fellow Great Day Choir network members.

For their latest get together, a Sound of Music-themed choir night in March, they dressed as nuns and had a surprise guest, Bristol raised actor, musical director and presenter Ben Stock.

Ben, who has appeared in musicals, pantomimes and solo shows across the country, led a rousing finale of Do Re Mi with the singers.

Ben is an ambassador for charity Acting for Others, and choir founder Beth Morgan said the evening raised £208 for the charity.

The Great Day Choir is a network of daytime pop and soul choirs for women based in Bristol and Bath, singing upbeat songs. There are no auditions and no previous experience is needed.

For more information visit www.thegreatdaychoir.co.uk or email info@thegreatdaychoir.co.uk.

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April, 2021

n NEWS

11

Nightingale Hospital shuts doors BRISTOL’S Nightingale Hospital, built to cope with a surge in coronavirus cases, is to close – without ever treating a Covid-19 patient.

The hospital was created in the Exhibition and Conference Centre at the University of the West of England’s Frenchay campus in just 24 days in April last year, at a cost of around £14.2 million.

It was intended as an emergency back-up to provide, up to 300 intensive care beds for coronavirus patients – six times the intensive care capacity of most acute hospitals in the region – in case existing hospitals became overwhelmed.

But even at its opening ceremony, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was hoped the hospital’s beds would “not have to be used” and NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said it represented a plan to “hope for the best but nevertheless to prepare for the worst”.

At the end of June it was moved into “standby mode”, with staff who had been seconded to the site from other parts of the NHS returning to their regular roles, as the first lockdown cut case numbers and meant fewer covid patients were being admitted to hospital.

“stand down” the hospital from April 1, with all outpatient and day case treatments currently carried out there moved back to the Eye Hospital.

A spokesperson for NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol said: “The NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol has played an invaluable role to support non-Covid routine care in the region, hosting outpatient and day case services for NHS trusts.

“The NHS has been building resilience across permanent services throughout the The opening ceremony for the NHS Nightingale pandemic and the time is now right to stand the Nightingale hospital down.”

Hospital Bristol on April 27 last year A UWE Bristol spokesperson said discussions were currently underway over the return of the building to the university.

Later in the year it was put to use by Asked whether it would be converted back University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS to its previous state and whether this work Trust to provide extra capacity for Bristol Eye would be carried out by UWE or the NHS, Hospital, which had to significantly reduce its the spokesperson said this was also under space because of social distancing rules and discussion, adding: “UWE Bristol is reviewing devote beds to Covid-19 cases. its options regarding usage of the building Critics had said that Nightingale Hospitals once it is returned to the University by the had not been put to use, even as other NHS.” hospitals dedicated increasing numbers of The total cost of the UK Nightingale wards to coronavirus patients, because the hospitals programme, including set-up, NHS did not have sufficient staff to open running and decommissioning, is estimated them in addition to its other hospitals. at around £532m.

Now the NHS has confirmed that it will

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12

April, 2021

n NEWS

We’re on the map - but it could be a long journey

The city council’s map includes a mass transit system heading to Emersons Green and Lyde Green

EMERSONS Green and Lyde Green have made a tantalising appearance on a map showing a future mass transit system.

But residents hoping for a new way to reach the centre of Bristol could face a long wait before they can hop on a service, as no route, terminals or even form of transport has been decided for the system yet.

A formal consultation on the future mass transit system is due to take place this summer.

Mass transit systems are defined as high-capacity public transport networks providing fast, frequent and reliable services, often segregated from other traffic.They can include several types of transport, with links to existing services.

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Bristol City Council, which published the map and an accompanying video as part of its ‘vision’ for a transport network, says its “goal is to bring in a mix of over and underground mass transit lines running separately to other traffic”.

The council says it aims to deliver the first line by 2030 and the others by 2035. It is working with the West of England Combined Authority, South Gloucestershire and B&NES on the project. Weca has spent £1.5 million to look into options for mass transit and investigate and develop possible routes.

But Weca said it had not published any proposed routes for mass transit and the map, with Emersons Green and Lyde Green next to a large arrow indicating a line from the city centre through St George and Kingswood, was the city council’s “wider vision for a public transport system that it would like to see operating in the city”.

Weca held focus groups

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in February and March but said they were “not designed to choose particular modes of transport or specific routes or stations, as these will identified and put out to consultation later in 2021 following a robust assessment of evidence from a variety of sources across the region”.

A Weca spokesman said: “We are working with our council partners to gather an evidence-base of all the current and existing plans for the area to inform our mass transit project.

We are assessing route options and the types of technology that might work best for our region.

“We have recently held webinars and focus groups with local communities, businesses and stakeholders to understand their priorities and any barriers to future use of our mass transit system.

“We will use feedback to develop options which will go to formal consultation in summer 2021.”

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021

13

n NEWS

Fancy-dress astronaut runs to the moon A DAD is running the distance to the moon and back dressed as an astronaut to raise money for charities whose work helped save his and his son’s life.

Merv Lawrence, 38, has assembled a team of nearly 100 Moontrekker participants to help him achieve the mileage between now and August by running, walking or cycling.

Many of the other fundraisers are dressing up to run too – including as Woody, Rex and Mr Potato Head from Toy Story – to bring a smile to youngsters on the streets of Kingswood and beyond as they clock up their miles.

Merv, a builder, who lives in Kingswood, said: “The idea was inspired by my wife, Beccy.

When she puts the kids to bed she always says, ‘I love you to the moon and back.’”

While home schooling his older sons, Charlie, nine, and Lenny, seven, while Beacon Rise primary school was closed in the most recent lockdown, he got them to work out exactly how far that would be.

He said: “The real distance to the moon and back is 477,710 miles which is a bit more than I can sensibly manage. But I thought if I make one mile on Earth the equivalent of 50 miles in space, then it’s still a big, but doable, challenge.”

Despite not running regularly before, he plans to run at least 2,000 of the 9,554 miles himself, all while wearing his spacesuit.

He is even building himself a ‘rocket bike’ to keep the theme going when he is out cycling.

Merv hopes to raise in excess

Merv Lawrence is leading a team of Moontrekkers of £10,000, to split between four charities close to his heart.

He has chosen the British Heart Foundation because youngest son Teddy, two, was born at Southmead Hospital with a life-threatening heart condition called ventricular septal defect.

Holes between the lower chambers of Teddy’s heart were preventing the normal flow of blood to his lungs and making it difficult for him to breathe.

Teddy has endured open heart surgery, has to be fed by tube and suffers breathing and sleeping difficulties. He is due more surgery at Bristol Children’s Hospital this year and will continue needing surgery until he is six.

Now he’s old enough to talk, his condition has become more heartbreaking for his parents because Teddy can verbalise that he doesn’t want treatments or his feeding tube changed.

Merv said: “It’s very tough to see what Teddy has to face every day. But he’s very active and loves playing with his brothers.”

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust has also been important in Merv’s life, after he developed the rare life-threatening autoimmune disease 15 years ago.

He was diagnosed while serving in the Army after suffering dizziness, bruising and bleeding gums. Aplastic anaemia meant his bone marrow was no longer producing sufficient red blood cells. Blood transfusions to kickstart his immune system were unsuccessful and Merv was told he had just nine months to live if a bone marrow donor match wasn’t found.

He said: “I thought I was invincible, like Rambo. My world just fell in. Even if they found a match, there was no guarantee that the transplant would work.”

Luckily a bone marrow donor

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was found within six months and the transplant was successful.

Merv said: “After the operation I was lucky enough to be able to write to my donor.

“I told him that he should be proud for the rest of his life of the selfless act he had done. And I promised him that I would spend the rest of my life working hard and putting my life to good use.”

Merv was medically discharged from the army, married Beccy, who is now 37, and started a family.

Another quarter of the funds raised will go to Clevedon-based youth engagement charity the Jack Hazeldine Foundation.

Merv wanted to choose one local charity and, as a dad to three sons, wanted other young boys to benefit from working with mentors if they don’t have strong role models in their home lives.

The final charity that will benefit is the neonatal and stillbirth charity Sands, because of the time that Teddy spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when he was born. Merv also has bereaved friends who have been supported by the charity.

Merv, who has lived in Kingswood for the past seven years, said: “My family and I have had so much good fortune, so this is my way of giving back."

Friends from across the UK and as far away as Australia have joined in the Moontrekkers challenge, pledging to run, walk, cycle or swim their own miles to fundraise.

To donate to Merv’s fundraising efforts or to join in the challenge visit loveyoutothemoonandback.org

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14

April, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

Sunnies delight

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ANOTHER month of lockdown goes by, and with the vaccine rollout gathering pace I can sense a feeling of hope in the air. Of course I think the usual signs of spring help us too! Whether it’s the new shoots from the bulbs, the warmth in the air or the lighter days I think taking time to appreciate the little things can make such a difference to us all.

One thing that we’ve been aware of for many years, and is perhaps gaining traction as more treatment options are becoming available, is myopia. Now for those of you who haven’t swallowed an Optometry encyclopedia, myopia is short sight in everyday language. Those of us who are short sighted need glasses or contacts to see in the distance, which for example can be watching TV or driving. I really should add a note for parents here; just because your child can see an aeroplane in the sky or an animal in a field doesn’t mean that they don’t have a degree of myopia!

Now I’ve not changed prescription since my mid teens, which as a 70s child does mean I have a superb collection of 1980s glasses - think big brown plastic (thanks Dad for that!) that I can still wear.

Great for the retro look, or even the odd fancy dress party, but nothing I can wear to work under any circumstances!

Seriously though, increasing myopia does matter. The risk of eye health problems increases if your myopia developes past a certain point. The exact dioptric value of the myopia is not as much of a concern as the growth and thinning of the key part of the eye, the retina. In the past there was not thought to be much that can be done about myopia development. The good news is that we now have more options to offer you than ever before.

I’ve talked before about Ortho-K, the overnight vision correction, as well as daily disposable contact lenses that can help slow down myopia. The exciting news, drum roll please… is that we now have a glasses lens option too. This really is quite exciting news for our younger patients who decided against contact lens wear, and previously had no clear option to help slow their myopia progression.

If you’d like to know more about this for yourself or those you love just visit our website and click the Myopia tab. We’ve a dedicated email address on the website you’re welcome to use to contact us if you have any concerns or questions about myopia.

Don’t forget, whether you’re myopic or not, we’re still here when you need us six days per week. For eye care, advice, glasses and contact lenses just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you.

Times are tough for many of us, and as a thank you for choosing us for your eye care we’re continuing to offer to help you in return with a glasses voucher with your extended eye exam. Just ask about our ‘look in to help out’ offer.

To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021

15

n NEWS

Retired doctors return to work for vaccine rollout RETIRED doctors Janet and David Spence have gone back to work as volunteers to help give people in the Emersons Green area their Covid-19 jabs.

The married couple are part of the team of more than 500 volunteers, aged 16 to 75, who have joined in the effort to vaccinate more than 300,000 people in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset over the past three months.

The volunteers include students, farmers, air crew, bar staff, artists and drivers, who have worked alongside retired doctors, nurses and dentists on the UK’s biggest ever vaccination programme.

Dr Spence and Dr Spence are part of the volunteer team at Network 4 Primary Care Network, which includes the Downend Health Group, Leap Valley Medical Centre and Emersons Green Medical Centre, and has been vaccinating people at Christchurch Family Medical Centre in North Street.

Janet said: “David and I were keen to get involved as soon as we could, so we started off marshalling outside the practice and then completed our online training so we could vaccinate and act as clinical shift leads.

“Supporting our colleagues with vaccinating their patients has been a brilliant

David and Janet Spence. Picture: Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group

experience. It’s so uplifting to work as part of a GP surgery team again and to be back in a patient-facing role helping with the Covid-19 response.”

People were being reassured that every

adult in the region will still get the vaccine

by July despite supply problems which mean that plans to vaccinate people under 50 will be “paused” until May, to prioritise giving second doses to those who have had their first.

Bristol director of public health Christina Gray told the city’s health and well-being board on March 18 that there was “sufficient vaccine” to give all over-50s their second jab by the end of April.

• The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Emersons Green during the week ending March 18 was 7, according to the Office for National Statistics. This was up from 4 during the same week in February. In Mangotsfield, confirmed cases fell from 16 in the week to February 18 to “fewer than 3” a month later – the ONS does not release precise figures when the number of cases is between zero and two.

In Pucklechurch & Westerleigh the total of 7 new confirmed cases in the week to March 18 was down from 17 a month earlier.

Over the year so far, 137 South Gloucestershire residents have died with Covid-19: 50 in care homes, 80 in hospital and seven at home.

There were 27 deaths in the four weeks to March 12.

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emersonsgreenvoice

16

April, 2021

n P OLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER ELECTIONS Voters will have the chance in May to choose the next Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner.

The PCC is responsible for the effective policing of the region, drawing up a budget – including the annual precept charged to council tax payers – setting priorities for the force through a police and crime plan and holding the chief constable and officers to account for delivering it.

Since its creation in 2012 the post has been held by independent Sue Mountstevens, who is standing down.

Among those vying to replace her is John Smith, who is also standing as an independent and was Ms Mountstevens’s chief executive before she made him her

Kerry Barker

Cleo Lake

deputy last year.

Labour has nominated barrister Kerry Barker, runner-up in 2016, as its candidate. The Conservatives, third in 2016, have nominated Mark Shelford, a retired Army officer, B&NES councillor and member of the Police and Crime Panel which scrutinises the PCC.

What are your top three priorities for policing in Avon and Somerset?

building safer communities would be my way to achieve these three things.

Kerry Barker: Successful policing depends upon the gathering of local intelligence by local police officers. My priorities are: to strengthen community policing with more officers who live and work in the areas for which they are responsible; stop the closure of police stations; bring back and strengthen specialist detective teams, such as burglary teams and sexual assault teams. Each will have the aim of improving the welfare and safety of women.

Mark Shelford: Reassure residents the police are there for them: increase visible policing and work with communities to increase their resistant to crime; Refocus the police on fighting crimes people care about by freeing officers up from non-policing tasks; Rebuild morale on the frontline: overhaul training and cut paperwork to allow Police more time on our streets. Boost Special Constable numbers, review the use of police buildings, and investigate the efficiency of the current PCC office.

Cleo Lake: Trust – the police need to reflect the communities they work for. This requires active recruitment among under-represented groups, and supporting recruits through challenges. Prevention – reform of drug laws, which create needless criminals and victims - is required.

Focus should be on cybercrime, which denies many their savings, and road safety, including pavement parking. Despite budget pressures, the public deserve valuefor-money policing and for their priorities to be met.

Heather Shearer: Catch and prosecute burglars and scammers – currently only 8% of burglars are detected; Invest in responsive neighbourhood police teams so they can truly be part of their communities; Work more effectively with partner organisations across the county to target drugs and knife crime.

Focusing on crime prevention and

John Smith: As the only independent candidate, I will answer only to local residents, not to party politicians in Westminster.

If elected, I will make keeping everyone safe and secure my main priority, and my first focus will be on: Supporting the police to enforce Covid-19 regulations appropriately so we can get back to living normally as soon as possible; Protecting the most vulnerable in society, including children and victims of domestic violence; Tackling burglary, knife and drug crime including County Lines.

What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job?

Cleo Lake: I have wide experience in public life. Current Bristol councillor, Avon Fire Authority since 2017. Chair – Diversity Inclusion Cohesion Equalities,

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Mark Shelford

Heather Shearer

Police and Crime Panel vice-chair Heather Shearer is the Lib Dem choice.

The Greens have nominated Bristol councillor and ex Lord Mayor Cleo Lake.

As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer questions to find out more about who they are, their priorities and plans.

and People & Culture committees.

Former Chair of St Paul’s Carnival and Independent Advisory Group.

Bristol Lord Mayor, 2018/19.

Heather Shearer: I scrutinise the PCC as vice chair of the Police and Crime Panel and protect communities as a Safer Somerset Partnership member. I am not a career politician. I worked in many jobs so see the world from many viewpoints.

Mark Shelford: I was a soldier for 30 years, working with police around the world to fight crime and establish peace in diverse communities. As a councillor and member of the region’s Police and Crime Panel I’m clear what local police need.

John Smith: I have almost 12 years’ experience as a leader in Avon and Somerset police governance. I led the PCC’s team for eight years; in 2020 I was appointed Deputy PCC to help meet the challenges of policing during the pandemic.

Kerry Barker: As a criminal barrister working in Avon and Somerset, with 50 years’ experience, I know how budget cuts and local strategic decisions impact the ability of police officers to do their work; to detect crimes and to keep people safe.

How will your approach to the role differ from the current PCC’s?

Mark Shelford: I know how to lead and motivate a uniformed service,

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John Smith

and how to properly consult and engage with voters. Our police do a difficult job with courage and skill: they need leadership that understands their and the community’s needs.

John Smith: As well as continuing current priorities such as road safety and anti-social behaviour, I will prioritise more areas that local people have told me need additional resources such as cyber crime and fraud, rural crime and business crime.

Kerry Barker: I will change strategies to make local policing the priority; stop closures of police stations; emphasise the welfare and safety of women and move back to specialist teams of detectives.

The soaring levels of violent and sexual offences are unacceptable.

Cleo Lake: I would be highly visible. I would like to work more closely with unions and Independent Advisory Groups to inform from a community perspective. I would support setting up both a youth and African Heritage IAG. Heather Shearer: I would ask difficult questions of the Constabulary and partners but also build effective working relationships.

My decisions would be evidencebased but you have to take people with you, especially when the decisions are not what everyone wants to hear .

• The election takes place on May 6, 2021

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021

17

n METRO MAYOR ELECTIONS In May voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES get to choose their next Metro Mayor.

The boss of the West of England Combined Authority, or WECA, is in charge of coordinating the region’s transport, housing jobs and skills policy and will oversee the spending of more than £1.1 billion over the next 30 years.

The first Metro Mayor, Conservative Tim Bowles, is standing down and, while nominations were still open as the Voice went to print, the main political parties had already announced their contenders for the post.

Samuel Williams

Dan Norris

Aiming to keep it for the Tories is Samuel Williams, the founding director of Hodos Consultancy.

Labour, runners-up in 2017, have selected former Wansdyke MP Dan Norris.

Stephen Williams

Former Bristol West MP Stephen Williams is the Liberal Democrats’ choice.

The Green Party has picked Jerome Thomas, deputy group leader on Bristol City Council.

1) What are the three biggest issues facing the region?

safe cycling. Third, a plan to build socially balanced new communities with climate-friendly homes.

how we could work together to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.

Dan Norris: Jobs, climate change and housing. The pandemic has exacerbated the need for effective leadership. It’s not good enough to have money to support our High Streets languishing in the Metro Mayor’s bank account. We can’t wait any longer to take action on climate change and we need more affordable homes. I have a vision for a green recovery, building a society where we value what’s truly important.

Jerome Thomas: Obviously our recovery after Covid – we need to support communities and businesses to rebuild and adapt, ensuring that we are creating jobs that have a future. To protect the climate, we need to build homes in places with good local services and transport links which allow people to get around quickly without needing to use their cars.

And for our well-being as well as the environment, we must protect and improve our green spaces and wildlife areas.

Dan Norris: I’ll be a jobs-first mayor, holding a jobs summit in my first 100 days in office and launching my Green Recovery Plan. I’ll set out plans to double investment in affordable housing, shifting resources to support councils and housing associations.

Samuel Williams: Jobs, Jobs and Jobs! Our region is full of opportunity; as we recover from the impacts of Covid, following the tremendous vaccine roll-out, I will connect all communities across the West of England with the opportunity to secure our future progress. I will invest over £100 million over the next four years to secure the recovery of our skills, training and business. In addition, I will invest in our transport network with new services and build homes for the future.

Stephen Williams: First, a recovery from the twin economic shocks of Covid and Brexit. I will lead a recovery that is green and socially just, setting up a Centre for Green Technology Excellence and using the skills budget to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Second, putting more oomph and vigour behind plans to revolutionise our bus and train networks and to enable

2) If you win the election, what would your first action be?

Samuel Williams: It is vital that the mayor works with Government not against it. Once in post, I’ll pick up the phone to the Prime Minister and Chancellor to secure their support for the region – and it’s a call they’ll take.

Stephen Williams: I have a detailed manifesto for transformative change in the West of England, on my website at www. stephenwilliams.org.uk. I would run through my top priorities with all the staff of the regional authority, setting out milestones for action.

Jerome Thomas: I would meet with local town and parish councils to hear what their priorities are and

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

3) What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job?

Stephen Williams: To be successful, this major role needs a mayor with deep knowledge of both business and government.

I was a small business consultant before becoming a Bristol MP and then Minister for housing and local government.

Jerome Thomas: I’ve had a long career in business and been a city councillor for six years. I’ve lived in this region most of my life. Above all, I know how to create a realistic plan bringing people together, whatever their politics.

Dan Norris: I’ve lived and worked locally all my life as an NSPCC trained child protection officer, an MP and Environment Minister, and I’ve run my own businesses. I’ve got a record of securing jobs and investment. I’m a children’s charity trustee.

Samuel Williams: As an

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Jerome Thomas

As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer four interview questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans. international business and charity leader, this is the chance to recover with a mayor who embodies the future, who connects opportunities and is committed to business minded and community hearted leadership, not the time for old solutions.

4) How would you raise the profile of the Metro Mayor and WECA? Jerome Thomas: First, I want to do a good job for the region and deliver a solid plan with communities at its heart. Second, I will stand up for the West of England and secure more funds and local control of services.

Dan Norris: I’ll be a visible, active mayor holding regular Town Hall meetings. I’ll win more funding and push for more powers for our region. With strong leadership, I’ll ensure the West of England is a key part of the national conversation.

Samuel Williams: Having led an organisation that works with some of the world’s biggest brands, I know how to grow our profile. With Conservatives at the top levels of Government I am well connected, with a region full of talent.

Stephen Williams: I’d stage a Meet the Mayor roadshow around all the region’s towns and villages and in the distinct communities of Bath and Bristol. I would use my experience to deliver my ambitious plans and win great deals from Westminster.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

18

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

April, 2021

Promised school is much needed

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

I AM delighted that last month we had the fantastic news that our bid for a new £26 million secondary school in Lyde Green had been approved, after a hardfought local campaign involving local residents and MPs working together to ensure more choice for local pupils and their families in this growing neighbourhood.

This much-needed Government support will help fund a new 900-place secondary school in Lyde Green which will help take the pressure off of our surrounding school systems and will ensure local people can access education near their homes.

As the local MP I have helped take this issue to the heart of Government by meeting with the Secretary of State Gavin Williamson and securing a debate in the House of Commons with Education Minister Nick Gibb,

with both reacting positively to the campaign. I am delighted our efforts have led to this fantastic outcome for local residents and I am glad local pupils currently in primary school will be able to move to a suitable secondary setting within their own community in September 2022, the target opening date.

In the meantime, I am very pleased schools and colleges have now re-opened, enabling local children and young people to return to face-to-face education.

The successful return to education settings is also being supported by a range of new measures to help minimise the spread of Covid-19 and I am grateful to all local early years and school staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe reopening.

The reopening of schools was one of the first steps of the Government’s recently-

announced roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. Thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of everyone these past few months, and the incredible success of our vaccination programme, we can now look forward to a gradual return to normality this coming spring.

It is fantastic news that nationally, as of mid-March, more than 24 million people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. Locally in Kingswood, 32,763 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose as well.

This is a testament to the hard work of our NHS staff, care workers, key workers, researchers and all members of the public involved with this. The vaccination programme is a significant milestone, and I urge anybody contacted to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021

19

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Connecting and volunteering in Lyde Green OVER the last year we know how much connecting means to everyone and at the Lyde Green Community Association we try and do just that.

A new group has been created by volunteers called DOWNTIME. This is to provide some downtime, a space away from the everyday routines.

Our aim is to bring the community together, by building friendships in a chilled atmosphere.

We want people to not feel alone and are looking forward to connecting with others living in the same area.

This could be meeting up for a walk, a talk or a coffee.

We will also hold sessions at the Community Centre, once we can, and further down the line, introduce activities if this is requested.

From this we hope to create some great friendships.

We are looking to see how and when our next summer sizzler will take place, whilst keeping to

DOWN TIME DIVERSE OPEN MINDED WELCOMING NEIGHBOURHOOD

A SOCIAL COMMUNITY GROUP

guidelines and keeping everyone safe.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

Keep your ears and eye peeled for any updates using the #lydesummersizzler hashtag.

TALK IMAGINE MAKE ENJOY

RUN BY LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

As we continue to remain open for exempt activities which comply with government guidance, we also look forward to when our regular hirers and new hirers will be able to use the community centre again for their classes.

A WORLD OF

Quality

Following the Government’s roadmap, we will see more classes returning over the next month, such as support groups, which can offer support to the local community and beyond.

We are on the lookout for a treasurer! Would you like to join the team on a volunteer basis?

If you would like to know more about our treasurer’s role then please get in contact with us.

Here at Lyde Green Community Association we are always looking for volunteers to help with different activities and projects in the area.

It is also a great way to connect and meet new people, whilst helping the community.

If you would like to volunteer, then please get in contact with one of the team, where we can let you know how you can help.

Email info@lydegreenca.org, call the office on 0117 957 0410, visit our website at www.lydegreenca. org or find us on Facebook @ lydegreencommunityassociation.

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There are a number of opportunities throughout our organisation to work either directly within one of our academies, provisions or as part of our central support team.

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021

n EDUCATION ADVERTISING FEATURE

Creative education gets a post-pandemic boost BRISTOL educator boomsatsuma is expanding, teaming up with George Ferguson to drive for change, with new studios in the Tobacco Factory to host four creative BA (Hons) degrees.

Work is underway installing the purposebuilt education facility, which will welcome students in September 2021. It will comprise two new film studios, a screening lecture space, computer suite, games lab, darkroom and specially designed creative space, where students can develop and discuss ideas in an inspiring environment.

Mark Curtis, boomsatsuma director, states: “We’re very excited to be located at the Tobacco Factory - what a great place to live, learn and tap into the opportunities afforded by the Bristol Creative industries. Tobacco factory’s success perfectly illustrates what can be achieved by and for the people of our city. “ The new degrees have been accredited by Bath Spa University, whose Head of School of Creative Industries and board member of Bristol Creative Industries, Dr Susan McMillan states: “I am a huge supporter of boomsatsuma: they are reaching parts that Universities and other colleges cannot reach, as well as developing future creative talent in new and exciting ways.

“The creative industries deliver significant economic, social and reputational value to Bristol, the region, and the UK's economy.”

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Pictured Left to Right: George Ferguson, Mark Curtis and Freya Billington Freya Billington is the course director of boomsatsuma’s two new BA (Hons) Filmmaking degrees specialising in production and post-production. She says: “In keeping with boomsatsuma’s ethos, this degree has been designed alongside our industry partners to specifically address where the skill shortages are and help develop graduates that are completely prepared and ready for employment. The two pathways, Production and Post-Production, allow for students to engage with and develop an understanding of the whole filmmaking process but also specialise up to a professional level in their chosen field. Whilst the studios will

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be equipped with current Industry-standard equipment and software, capping the intake also enables a focus on each student’s individual career and personal development.”

Alongside the Film degree, the Tobacco Factory will house boomsatsuma’s Games Art VFX BA (Hons) and Documentary Photography BA (Hons) degrees, in addition to the Bristol School of Acting’s new partnership, located in Tobacco Factory Theatres, with its Acting for Screen BA (Hons) and accelerated Acting for Stage & Screen BA (Hons).

Building on 13 years of successfully delivering post-16 level 3 diplomas in digital and creative qualifications, the new location strengthens boomsatsuma’s partnerships, adding to course locations with Bristol creative companies at The Royal Photographic Society, The Bottle Yard Studios, Films @ 59, Ashton Gate Stadium and the Engine Shed.

George Ferguson CBE, the city’s first independent Mayor, and creator of the Tobacco Factory mixed use project, states: “We are delighted to be part of what we see as a sustainable recovery from this culturally and economically bruising pandemic. We could not have a better start than giving our young people the chance to grow and meet their full potential.”

Applications are open for courses at https:// www.boomsatsuma.education

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April, 2021

21

n NEWS

Band needs new members to bounce back

A COMMUNITY wind band based in Staple Hill is planning its return from lockdown and is calling for new members to swell its ranks.

Westerly Winds usually rehearses at the You Foundation in Page Road but, like other bands, has had to put its regular gettogethers on hold during the lockdowns of the past year.

Now the amateur musicians, who normally perform in venues across Bristol, including the SouthBank Centre in Southville, Kings Weston House and The Folk House in the city centre, are planning a return once restrictions are lifted under the government’s roadmap.

The group is aiming to resume full rehearsals from June 23 – and is on the lookout for new recruits to join.

Secretary Jo Lawrence said: “We're open to anyone over 18 who can play any wind instrument to grade four or five standard and are a friendly, sociable band.”

The band last held socially distanced rehearsals in October and November, but members have kept themselves busy while waiting to play together again.

Several of them decided to use the time to increase their musical knowledge, meeting online to complete the Grade 5 Theory

Members of Westerly Winds at one of the group’s last concerts before the lockdown

syllabus together, with some due to take the exam in May. Jo said: “It’s been a really enjoyable experience and a nice way to keep in touch with everyone over the last few weeks.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the band when they are able to resume rehearsals should email westerlywindssh@gmail.com.

For more information, visit www. westerlywindsstaplehill.com.

“on THURSDAY 6th MAY VOTE CONSERVATIVE TO DELIVER OUR POSITIVE PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND” Mark Shelford More Police ON THE STREETS TO Cut Crime

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Protect green spaces & our environment

Only a vote for Samuel Williams as West of England Mayor and Mark Shelford as Police and Crime Commissioner will ensure our region is safer and more successful WE’RE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS, Don’t risk our recovery with Labour or the lib dems To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

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Promoted by Max Hopfl on behalf of Samuel Williams and Mark Shelford, all at West of England Conservatives, 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT.

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22

n NEWS

THE artist who created a giant sculpture on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path that was attacked by arsonists hopes to see the landmark repaired and back in its rightful place.

Professor Jim Paulsen created the 25ft tall Sentinel I gateway, known to many people as the 'Pencils', and supervised its installation as part of a series of artworks commissioned by travel charity Sustrans.

South Gloucestershire Council removed the artwork, which stood over the path between the old Mangotsfield Station and the ring road, on safety grounds in early March, after vandals set fire to one of its legs, damaging the wood.

It is now being stored by the council while the damage is assessed.

Prof Paulsen, who lives in the US state of Maryland, created the sculpture and a smaller Sentinel piece on the cycle path after being introduced to then Sustrans boss John Grimshaw while teaching at the University of the West of England on an academic exchange programme.

It was one of two he created on a voluntary basis between 1992 and 1993, as the path was being set up.

Prof Paulsen told the Voice the sculpture was inspired by Native American tipi design and the use of colour, having grown up in Blackhawk country in Illinois.

He used timber from Bendrey Brothers

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2021

Arsonists damage 'Pencils' landmark on cycle track

Council workers at the Sentinel sculpture, also known as the Pencils sawmill in Warmley, painting it with assistance from friends and several of his students at UWE's Bower Ashton campus before supervising its installation by crane before he returned to America.

He has since returned several times to visit the sculpture with his wife, whom he met

in Bristol.

After the Voice informed him of the damage, Prof Paulsen said: "It's a darn shame but that's the life we live today. The sad reality is that the Sentinel couldn't protect itself.

"I would be very happy to talk to anyone who would have an interest in repairing it and I could instruct them how to do the chainsaw work.

"If it's just one leg that's damaged it could easily be repaired."

Prof Paulsen has been a sculptor for 50 years and has created more than 30 similar Sentinel sculptures, but the Bristol one and another which Sustrans later commissioned on a cycle path near Glasgow are the biggest in the series.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Unfortunately the Pencils sculpture has been damaged by fire and we’ve had to take it down due to concerns about the stability of the structure.

"The sculpture will be kept in storage as we assess the damage and decide on the most appropriate course of action.”

E-scooter trials

One of the e-scooters

A TRIAL of rentable electric scooters is expanding to cover Emersons Green and the surrounding area.

The one-year West of England e-scooter trial, originally launched in central Bristol and Bath last October, is the only way to ride the vehicles legally.

Electric scooter firm Voi Technologies now has more than 500 vehicles available for hire across the region and has announced that from now, Emersons Green, Downend, Mangotsfield and Staple Hill will be added to the trial, along with Kingswood, Hanham and more areas of Bristol, including Southmead Hospital.

Since the launch of the trial there have been more than 225,000 rides taken and almost 615,000 miles travelled, averaging about two and three-quarter miles per journey.

Metro Mayor Tim Bowles said: “The West of England has really embraced our e-scooter trial and I’m pleased that many more people will now have a chance to benefit from this low-carbon alternative to the car for short journeys to access essential work and services.”

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April, 2021

23

n NEWS

St Peter’s Hospice celebrates 40 years of its charity shops ST Peter’s Hospice, Bristol’s only adult hospice, is celebrating a milestone this year as it’s been 40 years since its first charity shop opened in 1981.

The 40th anniversary, which will coincide with the retail restrictions being lifted post lockdown, is an exciting time for St Peter’s Hospice as it once again reopens its doors to the community. Charity bosses are encouraging the people of Bristol and beyond to celebrate with them, and explore what their unique shops have to offer.

There are now 47 shops, including shops in Downend, Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham and Yate, a coffee shop on Gloucester Road and some furniture and home stores.

Not only do the shops raise vital income for the hospice, but they offer volunteering and job opportunities, as well as being a sustainable way to shop.

Each shop is run by a dedicated team of staff, drivers and volunteers who contribute hours of their time sorting donations, merchandising and delivering stock.

John Broomhead, head of retail for St Peter’s Hospice, said: “Our staff and volunteers have been amazing, working really hard and showing fantastic commitment towards raising money for the hospice.

“However the stores would

not be a success without the fantastic support of each local community that has shopped and donated for the last 40 years. We look forward to being around for another 40 years!”

Over £2 million of the hospice’s funding comes through the shops. Although the charity re-opened some of the shops over the last year, income is significantly down.

St Peter’s Hospice is a Bristol charity caring for adults with life-limiting illnesses. They aim to improve the quality of their living and dying while extending care and support to their families and loved ones. All of the care is provided free of charge, but costs around £22,000 a day to deliver.

Without the community shopping, donating and volunteering, St Peter’s Hospice would not be able to carry on offering free care and support to patients and their loved ones when it matters most.

All of St Peter’s Hospice’s shops are scheduled to re-open on April 12.

BS16 Wildlife Group: Join us FOR the past couple of years, budding groups of conservationists have been busying themselves with protecting and enhancing the conditions for wildlife in their local green spaces.

Most of them volunteers, they are driven by the passion to coexist alongside wildlife in a more balanced way and to provide it with a better chance of survival in our dramaticallyaltered world. This has seen groups carrying out a wide array of tasks over the years, from creating nature trails to reintroducing native wildflowers to the green spaces, with many things in between.

One of the current projects currently being undertaken is the creation of wildlife groups for each postcode within Bristol. These aim to map out and survey all the green spaces in and around the city, from cemeteries to local nature reserves, to determine the extent to which nature is thriving. This information will then be presented in a report and updated regularly, in order to monitor the distribution of wildlife over time and highlight any issues, such as species loss.

My Wild Bedminster and the Avon Wildlife Trust were the catalyst of this extensive project, which has now attracted the help of Groundwork’s Young Ranger groups and students from the UWE All share the passion to improve the environment and understand the importance of an abundant variety of different species in our habitats, in order to keep ecosystems strong and resilient.

We hope you would agree that our green spaces are important for the health and well-being of not just us but of all the species we share this space with, and that every one of us has a part to play in the journey towards strengthening the biodiversity of our beautiful city. Therefore, we’d love to invite all to join the BS16 Wildlife Group on Facebook, to receive local updates on this project, and to share any wildlife news, photography, ideas and events with fellow nature lovers.

Alternatively, we’d love to hear what you have to share through email at bs16.wildlifegroup@gmail.com.

A great place to start is to think about things you can do in your own green space. Adding a birdhouse or limiting the use of harmful pesticides in your garden will help to increase the variety of species that will come to enjoy your garden, providing them with the food and shelter they need to let their numbers thrive. Whatever you spot or decide to do in your garden and beyond, we’d love to hear about it.

Maya Loaiza, BS16 Wildlife Group

HAIR DESIGNERS

We are delighted to announce that we will be

Reopening our doors on Mon 12th April To book an appointment please give the salon a call Look forward to seeing you all soon Craig & Team

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1 Willow Centre Downend Road Downend To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

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www.craiganthonys.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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24

April, 2021

n CRAFT COLUMN

n LETTERS

Egg cosy

Thanks to local litter collectors

With Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s WHAT better way to celebrate the Easter holidays with your very own boiled egg cosy? We have made a bunny but you could create anything Easter-themed or otherwise – superheroes, anyone? Have fun and wishing you all a very happy Easter!

You will need: Fabric scissors Sewing machine Thread Sewing pins Pen Oddments of felt Fabric glue Egg (as a template) 1. Place your egg on top of your main colour of felt and mark the felt at each side where it meets at the middle of the egg – draw a line between the two – this will be the base of your cosy. Now draw around the shape of your egg, 1 cm away from the egg. Cut out and repeat – you now have two egg cosy pieces. Cut two bunny ear shapes

Councillors Judy Adams, Rachael Hunt and Colin Hunt

Tell us your views

2. Now place the ears at the top of one of the egg cosy ‘heads’ keeping 0.5cms of each ear overlapping the egg cosy, pin in place.

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3. Place the second egg cosy on top of the first and pin all around with the ears sandwiched in between. Machine stitch around the edge, removing the pins as you go and enclosing the ears.

Famous namesake: is there a link?

IN Mangotsfield Cemetery there is a faded inscription on a headstone (pictured) in memory of Harriet Beecher Stowe Wren and her husband Frank. Harriet died in 1948, at the age of 94.

Harriet shares her name with the influential American Harriet Elisabeth Beecher Stowe, author of the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which depicted slavery in the USA and was published in 1852.

Does anyone know the background to Harriet, and why she was so named?

Councillor Michael Bell Mobile: 0787 563 1817

n AROUND THE WIs

4. Fasten off the threads at each end by knotting together and cutting off. You are now ready to decorate your egg cosy! We have created a rabbit face from oddments of felt and fabric glue but use your imagination with embellishments and have fun!

MANGOTSFIELD WI

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THE three Conservative councillors representing Emerson Green/Lyde Green ward would like to say a big thank you to Mr Nigel Richardson and his son Tom, and others for litter picking during lockdown.

We are very happy to acknowledge the effort and contribution that they have made to keep the ward looking nice.

IN February we finally managed to hold our annual meeting – by Zoom, of course.

Not all of our members are able to use this technology but we managed to get sufficient numbers, one member joining by telephone.

All went well, with no computer hitches and, after the meeting finished, we ran a game of bingo with Peter Coombs as the caller. All a bit of fun.

On March 8 our craft club section held a Zoom session making paper flowers from magazine pages, scissors and glue.

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Depending on the colour of the magazine, various effects could be achieved, creating multicolour or individual coloured flowers.

I have a pair of serrated edge scissors, which also enhanced the final effect by creating a feathered edge to the petals. I also sprayed my flowers with clear lacquer to give a polished finish.

Our March meeting on the 22nd was ‘armchair exercises’, for everybody looking to be a bit more active but currently restricted by the lockdown. This was a first in our own homes, as usually these evenings are in our hall.

All of us at Mangotsfield WI would like to wish all of you readers a very Happy Easter.

If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know by emailing carol@applause. co.uk.

Carol Coombs

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April, 2021

25

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS

Great response to litter-picking sessions IN the last month our local South Gloucestershire councillors have organised two litter-picking sessions in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield.

It was great to see so many turn up, both young and not so young.

What wasn’t so great was just how much litter they managed to pick up in an hour.

Some say that overspill from recycling collection causes a lot of it, especially if it’s windy, but based on what and where stuff was collected, that’s not true. As a society, we need to do better!

The latest Staple Hill, Mangotsfield and New Cheltenham Community Engagement Forum took place on February 25.

The full minutes can be found on the council website at bit. ly/3tB9owk but we said we’d report back, so here are some key points: • Public health – generally a good news story re Covid-19, and all

the advice and guidance was re-stated. Public Health would do more to ensure those with learning disabilities could access vaccination.

• Avon Fire and Rescue – incidents down over the last year, almost certainly due to Covid-19. They will still carry out domestic fire safety visits if requested.

• Avon and Somerset police – Overall violent crime is down 11.5%. Electric scooters remain a problem, they are illegal to use in a public place without a valid driving licence and insurance.

Everyone urged to report crime, incidents, anti-social behaviour.

• Climate and Nature Emergency Action – A very interesting and thought provoking presentation, well worth a read. If you want to know more or get involved then the information is also on the council website, at bit.ly/3twrHTl. • Our local councillors reported

back on all the work they are doing.

The next meeting will be in July.

Some help, please. Our nativity scene figures need a new home.

Their current home is soon to be demolished, so we need somewhere else to store them.

There are six figures about 4ft 6in high and, no surprise, a smaller one!

If anyone can help, please get

in touch.

We’d love more people to get involved in the community, so if you’d like to or you need any help then please get in touch via email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail. com, through the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or by calling 07507 168700.

In the meantime, please stay safe, and look out for one another.

Chris Amos

DISCOVER WHAT COLSTON’S CAN OFFER YOUR CHILD

Join our

Whole School Virtual Open Morning Friday 30th April from 9.30am To register, visit www.colstons.org/visiting-colstons

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vet

emersonsgreenvoice

26

April, 2021

n VETS’ ADVICE

A

S we all age things aren’t as easy as they used to be, whether that’s walking long distances, climbing a flight of stairs, or bending over to pick something up. The same is true for your pet!

Is my pet old?

s Green

Due to breed variations there is no true fixed age that a pet is ‘old’.

Your pet is considered to be entering ‘old age’ if they are over 7 years old for dogs and 10 years old for cats.

As animals age, their joints wear and can become sore and inflamed. ‘Arthritis’ is a latin word formed of ‘Arthro-’ which translates ‘joint’ and ‘-itis’ which translates Your as Vet and to ‘inflammation’. Furthermore, Practice Owner: ‘Arthritis’ means ‘inflamed joints’, painful condition.

There can CarlaaPuime Costoya be many causes of arthritis, such MRCVS as; injuries, infections or joint abnormalities present from birth, or it can be simply be due to old age.

It can be difficult to notice e Pets atsigns Home, of age-related arthritis in our furry companions as it is a slow Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE progressive condition. Due to the gradual nature it is not always com/bristol-emersons-green something we recognise, so here are 10.30am some things-to look out Sun for!

5pm Sat, 4.30pm Some signs of arthritis are more

Is your pet slowing down? Old age and how to give them their bounce back obvious: • Difficulty going up or down stairs or jumping onto beds (or surfaces for cats) • Slowing down on walks and reluctance to do longer walks • An obvious limp or abnormal gait • Vocalisation/whining when getting up or moving • Weight gain (due to inactivity) Some more subtle signs of arthritis include: • Sleeping more or spending more time in a sedentary state • Behavioural changes, such as being more irritable or grumpy and less sociable/more withdrawn • Muscle loss, particularly in the back legs

• L ong nails where they are not worn down (particularly in cats these can become ingrown) •D ifficulty going to the toilet • L icking or chewing over areas of arthritic pain • L ying on cold floors, pacing, restlessness and unable to settle into a comfortable position What can be done?

Don’t worry, with advances in Veterinary medicines and technology there are lots of ways to ease your pets arthritic pain and manage the condition.

Such as; •M edications (anti-inflammatories and pain relief ) • J oint supplements

• Weight loss (keeping your pet slim puts less stress on their joints) • Regular routine exercise (20-30 minutes maximum a day, try not to have rest days) • Massage, hydrotherapy or laser therapy If you think your pet may be suffering from arthritis then please don’t hesitate to contact the practice and book an appointment with one of our vets who can discuss the most suitable management and treatment strategies for you and your pet so that they can have the best quality of life in their later years.

Vets4Pets, Emersons green.

Tel: 0117 9109352.

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green Inside Pets at Home, Emersons Green Retail Park, Emersons Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AE

Call us 0117 910 9352

or visit vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

Your Vet and Practice Owner: Carla Puime Costoya MRCVS

Inside Pets at Home

We’re open 7 days a week!

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

Inside Pets at Home, Emersons Green Retail Park, Bristol, BS16 7AE

Call us: 0117 910 9352 or visit: vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green Open 7 days a week: 8.30am - 7pm Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat, 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun

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April, 2021

27

n LOCAL HISTORY Descended from Norman knights who settled in Yorkshire after 1066, over the centuries members of the Cave family gradually moved south until they settled in Mangotsfield and Downend, where their name is still well known. Mangotsfield Residents Association member and historian David Blackmore tells their story.

THE family name Cave has a long association with Mangotsfield and Downend but its roots are in two Yorkshire manors of that name granted by William the Conqueror to a follower, Lord Wyamarus, after the Battle of Hastings.

Wyamarus left his estates to his brother, who became known as Lord Jordayne de Cave, and the surname continued for several centuries until the French preposition 'de' was dropped.

By the 15th century the family had moved to Stanford on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, and then to Worcestershire.

It was during the Civil War that the family name was first mentioned in relation to Bristol, when Sir Richard Cave took part in the storming of the city by Royalist forces in 1643.

Member of Parliament for Lichfield from 1640 until he was barred in 1642, because of his support for the King, Sir Richard was Governor of Hereford Castle from that year until April 1643, when he surrendered to Parliamentarian forces under General Waller. Cave was courtmartialled for this act but acquitted after explaining how reluctant the citizens had been to defend their town. He was killed at the decisive Battle of Naseby on June 14, 1645 while serving King Charles I. It was a century later that John Cave, who had been born in Herefordshire, settled in Bristol, living in Arnos Vale and becoming the first member of the family to take up banking in 1786, when he became a partner in the private bank of Ames, Cave, Harford, Daubeny and Bright at 16 Corn Street.

Also known as the Bristol

Cave family history: From Normans and Cavaliers to slavers

John Cave settled in Bristol and became a banker

Slave trader Sir Stephen Cave bought Cleve Hill House in Downend for the family

New Bank, it later joined up with other Bristol banks to become the Old Bank, then Prescott’s Bank, with branches all over the south of England. At the beginning of the 20th century, Prescott’s amalgamated with the National Provincial Bank, which eventually became part of the National Westminster Bank.

It was John’s son Sir Stephen Cave who would buy the family’s seat, Cleve Hill House, from the slave trader John Gordon in 1804.

The house, which stood on the north side of Cleve Hill Road, on the site of the present-day Cleve Lawns, had been noted as a “lodge well within the King's Forest” during the 1600s, and had been bought from the Blount family by early coal industrialist William Player. After his death in 1739 it passed to his nephew Charles Bragge. who lost a fortune in the collapse of the Warmley Brass Company in 1768 and whose son, of the same name, sold up to Gordon.

Sir Stephen, born in 1763 in Arnos Vale, would also make a fortune through the African slave trade and Caribbean sugar plantations.

He received £13,795.4s.10d – equivalent to more than £1.8 million today – in compensation under the 1834 Abolition of Slavery Act for the 675 enslaved Africans he had owned in Jamaica.

His brother John, of Brentry House, owned slaves in Antigua and received £19,337.15s.10d, while his brother-in-law Thomas

Daniel was also a major claimant.

Sir Stephen’s fourth son, Charles Cave, had married Sarah Cumberbatch, daughter of another prominent slave owner,

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after meeting her at her family’s plantation in Barbados while visiting his own relatives in 1816.

A Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Justice of the Peace and Quartermaster in the 103rd Loyal Bristol Regiment of Foot, which was typically formed from the propertied classes, Sir Stephen was a director of The Old Bank and the Flint & Crown glass manufacturers of Redcliff Back, who made Bristol Blue Glass.

Sir Stephen died on 18th February 1838 at Cleve Wood and was buried at St Paul's, in Portland Square. The elderly men of the parish, who had been former pupils at Cave's school near the Green Dragon Inn, lined the route of the funeral procession in Downend.

Next month: The Cave family from the 19th to 21st centuries.

Bristol’s independent pet shop Widest choice of natural treats & chews Largest Raw frozen dog food store & frozen raw bone selection in Bristol Visit our Warmley store on Tower Lane, behind Kingswood Heritage Museum.

Open to the public 7 days a week.

Monday to Saturday 11 - 4pm Sunday 12 - 3pm www.naturaltreatsbristol.co.uk Same Day Local Delivery Service with orders placed by 2pm

Find us at Unit 5 WBP (behind Kingswood Heritage Museum) Tower Lane, Warmley BS30 8XT naturaltreatsbristolwarmley

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April, 2021

nMEMORIES Decimalisation This year marks the 50th anniversary of the decimalisation of the currency of both the United Kingdom and Ireland.With decimalisation, the British pound kept its old value and name, and the only changes made were to its’ subunits.

Before decimalisation the British pound was made up of 20 shillings, each of which was made up of 12 pence (“d”), a total of 240 pence. Some coins enjoyed colourful nicknames, such as “Tanners” (6d); “Bobs” (12d), and “Half-Crowns” (30d). From 15 February 1971, “decimalisation day”, the shilling was abolished, and the pound was subdivided into 100 "new pence" (abbreviated “p”).

Decimalisation had been debated for centuries, and was eventually implemented as a ‘practical business decision’. However, the change affected the day-to-day lives of every British citizen, and there were frequent publicity campaigns to overcome confusion during the changeover. Numerous leaflets and posters were distributed and a series of television broadcasts helped to explain the new system.

The photo of “decimal day” in a shop in Downend is provided courtesy of the South Gloucestershire Gazette.

n KINGSWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM

John Horwood display ONE of this year’s four new displays at Kingswood Heritage Museum features the story of John Horwood, the first person to be hanged at Bristol New Gaol.

John Horwood was born in Hanham, and worked in local pits as a child. He later worked with his father at a local spelter, most likely the Hanham Spelter Works John was accused of throwing a stone which hit the head of a local girl, Eliza Balsom, leading to her death. He stood trial and was found guilty of murder, and was hanged at Bristol New Gaol,

the gates of which still stand alongside “The Cut” near Prince Street Bridge.

John was executed on 13th April 1821, just three days after his 18th birthday. His body was then dissected, and his skin was used to bind a book, held in the collections of Bristol Archives, that consists of the case notes and account of his trial.

John’s remains were buried with his father at Christchurch, Hanham, at 1.30 pm on 13 April 2011, exactly 190 years to the hour after he was hanged.

Museum volunteers needed The museum always welcomes new volunteers, and would especially like to hear from anyone willing to help with publicity and marketing, administration and clerical support.

If you are interested in helping the museum in any capacity please contact us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com, or call us on 0117 960 5664.

Kingswood Heritage Museum is open every year from April to November. It is located in the former Champion Brass Works, at Tower Lane, Warmley, BS30 8XT, just off Avon Ring Road (Cadbury Heath exit). Buses 19, 19a, 42 and 43 stop nearby.

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April, 2021

29

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Gardening and getting ready for sport

I

SN’T it fantastic to see the sun peeping through now and again, the days becoming just a little longer and the birdsong sounding that much more tuneful?

I’m sure you’ll remember that we finally had an unusually warm weekend last month. Then, as sure as night follows day, the Cleve Chiropractic phone rang off the hook with patients who had hurt themselves in the garden, taking advantage of that lovely weather.

Who could blame them? The end of those, dark winter days is a cause for celebration every spring but, because of the pandemic, everyone seemed a bit keener to get outside.

Patients are always frustrated by long winters and look longingly into their gardens waiting for the time they can upgrade, fix or simply tidy their garden.

Whether its digging, weeding or trying to accomplish what a team of builders would take three weeks to do, we all tend to be a little too eager to help nature produce that annual transformation. For sure, gardening after a long winter’s rest will always keep us busy as

the cold weather abates.

Landscape your entire garden within a weekend? No problem!

But perhaps we need to be more cautious and aware of the damage we can do to our bodies by taking on too much, too soon.

Here are my top tips for making sure you adopt a safety first approach to avoid unnecessary injury when you venture out to tend your pride and joy: n Bend your knees when lifting to look after that back n Take regular breaks n Invest in a kneeling mat or sitting stool n Use the correct tools – for example, a garden hoe with a long handle n Use protective clothing where necessary n Do your potting on a work bench or garden table n Keep warm – not all these spring days will be quite so benign as that weekend last month n Make sure you get help from someone else with tasks like moving heavy pots Meanwhile, it’s great to see the route out of lockdown taking shape, with hopefully more outside sports and leisure starting

up very soon.

As with gardening, it’s so important to just gently ease your way back into things. Whenever you’ve had a long break, you must make sure you prepare well and build up gradually before returning to your favourite sport, or going back to the gym.

You need to take some time to get fit and supple again after such a long lay-off. Hopefully, you’ve been able to get in some stretching and exercise at home during lockdown – but don’t think you can start back in the gym just where you left off.

It won’t take you that long to get stronger again so please don't rush. Be happy to make steady progress by starting much more gently than you think you should.

Your first few sessions back should be easy ones – you’ll have plenty of time to catch up in a measured and sensible manner.

Whatever your chosen outdoor activity in the coming weeks, whether that’s in the garden or your favourite sporting environment, I wish you all the best. Let’s make sure we really

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

enjoy all that spring has to offer.

And remember, when you do need some help to get back on the straight and narrow, the dedicated team at Cleve Chiropractic are here for you.

A Team approach to healthcare.

Let us knowyour views

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Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica Sports Massage Headaches & Migraines Trapped Nerves Repetitive Strain Injuries Occupational Injuries Sports Injury Specialist Competitively priced

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN

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April, 2021 GARDEN SERVICES

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Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13 Limited spaces for Reception 2021 and 2022.

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We are offering private tours of the School and Nursery out of school hours to minimise contact or 1-2-1 video tours and calls with our Headmaster.

Please contact us to arrange your video call or tour: 01454 613229 asymonds@tockingtonmanorschool.com www.tockingtonmanorschool.com