Emersons Green Voice August 2022 by Emersons Green Voice

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August, 2022 Edition — Issue 67

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Former Emersons Green library worker Georgina Tankard has graduated with a masters degree from Bristol University after being treated for cancer three times during her course. Report: Page 3

‘Name skate park after Jamie’ call Friends gathered to remember air crash victim Jamie Clapp and there are calls for the Emersons Green skate park to be renamed in his honour. PAGE 13

Inspectors rate surgeries as good

New schools delayed again LYDE Green's new secondary and primary schools are being delayed for another year. The two schools, planned to be built side by side on Honeysuckle Road, will not now open their doors until September 2024 – two years after the opening date originally given when £26 million funding for the schools was announced last year.

A joint statement from South Gloucestershire Council, the government and the education trusts due to run the two schools said talks on funding had not yet finished – and building work is not expected to start until next year. Turn to Page 2

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Emersons Green Medical Centre and Leap Valley Medical Centre have been upgraded to good by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission PAGE 4

Warning of huge cuts to bus routes Passengers are being warned of huge bus cuts in the autumn with the Y5 through Pucklechurch among routes at risk. PAGE 5

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August, 2022

n NEWS

and anger emersonsgreenvoice Dismay as new schools face Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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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 Our September edition deadline is August 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 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. Emersons Green 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@emersonsgreenvoice. 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, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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further delays From Page 1 The news has been described as frustrating and "very disappointing" by the leaders of the two school trusts, and "appalling" by an Emersons Green town councillor, who said families on the fast-growing estate were being failed. A statement was released on July 18 on behalf of the council, Olympus Academy Trust, which will run the secondary school, Castle School Education Trust (CSET), which is due to run the primary school in tandem with its existing school in Willowherb Road, and the regional schools commissioner’s office. It said: "To provide surety to families who will be looking to apply for school places in the autumn for the following academic year, we must with regret defer the anticipated opening date for the new secondary school for Lyde Green until September 2024. "This also means that the construction of the new primary school, delivered as part of a single project with the secondary school, will also be delayed." The council says it will work with existing nearby schools to ensure there are enough places to meet demand for primary and secondary places, including "providing transport assistance when the nearest suitable school is not within walking distance of home". This year secondary extra places were funded at Downend School and Winterbourne Academy, while many parents who missed out on places at Lyde Green Primary were offered places at Barley Close in Mangotsfield. The joint statement blamed "challenging market conditions in the construction industry", which were affecting costs, and said the council and Department for Education had to "focus on securing best value within a reasonable timescale". The schools' sports facilities

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are expected to be finished later this year. Council cabinet member for schools Erica Williams, said: “We recognise and share the frustration that families will feel at the ongoing delay to this project. The challenges being faced by developers of all major projects, in terms of rising costs and availability of supplies, are being felt as we look to finalise our plans for these new schools for Lyde Green." Olympus Academy Trust chief executive Dave Baker said: “We share the school community’s frustration, but we want to be clear and open with families. We are committed to delivering the new school and to providing the best possible learning environment." CSET chief executive William Roberts said: “It is very disappointing that the opening of the second primary school for Lyde Green has been further delayed. Over recent years CSET has worked with South Gloucestershire Council to provide the additional primary and secondary places needed for Lyde Green children, and we will continue to do everything we can to accommodate as many local children as possible in existing schools whilst we wait for the new provision to open.” BAM Construction is responsible for designing and building the school. Construction manager Rob Shipp said: "With the industrywide cost and supply challenges it is important that the scheme provides best value for money." Town councillor Matt Palmer said the community was being "failed". He said: "There is a desperate need for school places across the local area. Time and time again assurances and promises have been broken. "As a community I believe we should challenge this delay and write to the Education Secretary and MPs. Enough is enough!"

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August, 2022

n NEWS AN Emersons Green mum has graduated from university, after being treated for cancer three times during her studies. Former teacher Georgina Tankard worked in Emersons Green Library before deciding to return to study, aged 48. She hoped the masters degree course in the psychology of education would build on her understanding of children’s learning and mental health, so she could better help young people. But two days before she was due to start as a mature student at Bristol University, in September 2017, Georgina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She needed surgery and five weeks of radiotherapy, and had to miss a semester (half-year) of her studies. During the treatment the mother-of-two also found a cancerous melanoma on her leg, which had to be surgically removed. When Georgina returned for the next academic year, she received news that a lump had been found in her other breast, and she was diagnosed with a different form of cancer. She said: “I just felt a bit sick. It was quite a lot more serious than the first breast cancer. “But I knew what to expect this time. “I was just like ‘ok, I’m back in the groove again.’ But this time I was a lot more informed, a

Georgina defies cancer three times to graduate

Emersons Green mum Georgina Tankard at her graduation ceremony. Picture: Matt Willis lot more prepared.” Georgina carried on studying with a reduced timetable, as she once again underwent more surgery and radiotherapy. This was followed by hormone therapy, which left her with “fatigue, horrible anxiety and headaches which lasted for days”. During this time she had help from a “brilliant” counsellor at the university’s student

Treatment begins A DAD has started the cancer treatment supporters have raised more than £130,000 to pay for. David Gibbs, of Staple Hill, was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive cancer of the brain and spinal cord, last year. After surgery to remove most of the tumour he has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy but has been told they will not permanently stop it from growing back. Since the end of last year his family and friends have been fundraising to pay the £150,000 cost of a new treatment called a personalised cancer vaccine, which is not available on the NHS. Dave, 37, who is married with a young daughter, had his first dose of the vaccine in Germany in June and returned to the CeGaT genetic laboratory in Tübingen, near Stuttgart, in July for more treatment, which he is receiving alongside his regular chemotherapy treatment cycles in the UK. He said: "I've now had five doses of the vaccine administered by the amazing team in Germany.We've got our fingers crossed that my body will start creating T-cells and they will start to destroy the tumour. We will have to wait until later this year to find out how my body is responding to the vaccine. I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has and continues to support me." Details of fundraising events can be found on the Help Dave Battle Brain Cancer Facebook page.

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counselling service, and also had support from the NHS and a Bristol charity. Georgina said: “Cancer takes up a lot of time – I think I had over 100 appointments – but also a lot of headspace. “I get really emotional when I talk about it, as my friends were just amazing. “I’m a really independent person but I realised I needed help, and they made sure they were there. “I had 40 radiotherapy sessions and I only did one alone. I called them my Team George.” Soon Georgina was back to her studies full-time. She wrote her dissertation – which she now hopes to publish – on pupils’ experiences transitioning from primary to secondary school. Georgina said: “I was determined from the beginning that I wasn’t going to stop studying.” She finished her studies last summer and achieved a distinction with the help of her “amazing” friends and family and the support of the university. Last month Georgina graduated, in front of her

husband and younger daughter, at the university’s Wills Memorial Building. She was last in the building’s Great Hall more than 30 years ago, when she graduated with her first degree. She said: “It’s amazing to graduate here, with my husband and daughter, who have seen all the hard work I put in at the kitchen table over the four years. “Plus the last time I was here was when I graduated, in 1989!” Georgina hopes her story will encourage others to “never give up, pause to rest if you have to, but pursue your dream”. She now plans to become a children’s counsellor. Georgina said: “I feel that because I’m still here, I want to be useful. “There’s a real need to improve children’s mental health at the moment, and it’s very important to me to help people.” Bristol University pro vicechancellor for student experience Professor Sarah Purdy said: “Georgina’s will to learn under incredibly difficult circumstances is truly inspirational. “We are so pleased that she is here today despite everything that has been thrown at her.”

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n NEWS TWO surgeries that were told they needed to improve by healthcare inspectors last year have now been rated 'good' overall. The Care Quality Commission visited Leap Valley Medical Centre in Beaufort Road, Downend, and Emersons Green Medical Centre in St Luke's Close – both of which are run by Green Valleys Health Group - in May. The inspector reported identical ratings for both centres: good overall, with good ratings for safety, effectiveness, care and leadership. But both still required improvement in the area of responsiveness to people's needs – including accessing help by phone. Green Valleys Health said the new ratings, following inspections a year previously which found both practices required improvement, showed that they had been on a "journey of improvement". The CQC report on Leap Valley said: "The practice had acted upon the areas we highlighted as in need of

August, 2022

Surgeries improve ratings to 'good' in latest inspection improvement at our previous inspection. "The practice provided care in a way that kept patients safe and protected them from avoidable harm. "Patients received effective care and treatment that met their needs. "Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect, and involved them in decisions about their care. "The way the practice was led and managed promoted the delivery of high-quality, personcentred care." Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Dr Rosie Benneyworth, who wrote the report, said the rating for care at the practice had been carried over from last year's inspection, when it was

the only area that did not require improvement. However she issued four recommendations for both practices, including improving phone access, staff training and monitoring of risk. Writing in the report on Emersons Green Health Centre, she said: "The practice responded to patient feedback about access by implementing new systems to monitor call volume and offer additional electronic consultations. However, concerns continued to be raised by patients regarding access to the service by telephone. "The provider should continue to monitor access to the practice by telephone and continue to develop and embed measures taken to improve

patient access." Responding to the report, Green Valleys Health said in a statement: "The CQC awarded both Leap Valley Medical Centre and Emerson Green Medical Centre an overall rating of ‘good’, but with some improvement needed in one area. "In response to this we are in the process of recruitment to increase our staffing levels, which will improve our response rate and help to alleviate the sustained demands on the operation of both centres. "We would like to highlight the fact that a previous CQC inspection had issued a ‘requires improvement’ overall, so to achieve a ‘good’ overall demonstrates the journey of improvement which the practice is on."

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August, 2022

n NEWS

‘Expect massive cuts to bus routes’ BUS passengers are being warned that services face a second round of cuts in the autumn, when the withdrawal of government funding pushes them over a "cliff edge". And the region's Metro Mayor says that the service linking Pucklechurch to Bristol, the Y5, is among those which operator First is proposing to cut. Dan Norris issued a statement on July 18 in which he said the Y5, which also links Pucklechurch to Yate, faced being cut along with three other services. First has said the withdrawal was "speculation" - but Mr Norris's office said the company had proposed to withdraw the Y5 service completely. Mr Norris said severe bus driver shortages and the withdrawal of government funding to support services during the pandemic, which is due to come into effect in October, was a "cliff-edge" that would affect commercial and subsidised services as passenger numbers have yet to recover from pre-Covid levels and costs to run buses are up. He said: "I am sorry that people in South Gloucestershire will feel these cuts in October, when private bus companies withdraw their services on the less profitable routes. "My heart goes out to people who will lose buses which I know are so important for getting to work, seeing family and caring for others. "When it comes to funding, I will always step in to save vital buses where I can, but there isn’t

One aspect of using buses that’s become easier is paying the fare. First West of England MD Doug Claringbold and Metro Mayor Dan Norris have launched the Tap On, Tap Off system, which allows people to pay for their bus travel using a contactless card or smartphone, without having to buy a ticket. A similar system is in use in London. an unlimited pot of cash and even if there was, I can’t magic up drivers." A First West of England spokesperson said: “As a condition of transitional funding arrangements, bus operators must undertake full network reviews to assess the viability of all routes once funding ends in the autumn. “This is currently taking place in West of England but we must stress no decisions have been made and it would be inappropriate to comment on speculation at this stage. “Like all other bus operators in the UK, we must adapt our networks to match the postpandemic demand for services." On July 6 First managing director Doug Claringbold told a South Gloucestershire Council scrutiny commission meeting: "The level of service that First has been delivering has not been acceptable because of the level of cancellations, largely driven by a shortage of trained bus drivers. "In October we need to have a timetable which is robust,

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so there will have to be some planned changes to bring us back into line where our resources meet the services we operate. “We are not prepared to run a non-reliable service." There has also been a row over provision of school buses in the area, after Stagecoach told South Gloucestershire Council it would be withdrawing the 427, 458, 459 and 460 commercial services for pupils

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from areas including Lyde Green and Emersons Green to Winterbourne Academy. Announcing a deal for the council to fund them from September, Conservative cabinet member Steve Reade said he was "extremely concerned that the Weca Mayor felt ensuring local children have a sustainable method of getting to school was not worth support and was happy to shirk his responsibilities once again, leaving the council to pick up the pieces". In reply, Mr Norris said the council had a "statutory duty" to provide transport for some of the children using the services, adding that the council "don’t put their money where their mouth is when it comes to transport funding" and spent less per head than many other areas. • What do you think of the area's bus services? Write to us at news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk.

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August, 2022

n NEWS

Nursery turns its fortunes around A NURSERY in Emersons Green that was rated 'inadequate' by inspectors has made “significant improvements”. Ofsted made an unannounced inspection of Busy Bees Day Nursery in St Lukes Close, last November after it "received concerns" the nursery was not meeting some legal requirements. Its report, published in January, found children were at “significant risk of harm”, and the regulator served a notice requiring the nursery to improve in nine areas, covering safeguarding, child protection, staff qualifications and training, improving the delivery of the curriculum and sharing of information with parents. Following a reinspection in May, Ofsted now says the nursery, which has 68 children aged between one and four on its roll, is 'good' overall. Inspector Victoria Nicolson, who was not part of the previous Ofsted team, said: "Since the

Children at Busy Bees Day Nursery last inspection, there have been significant improvements to the nursery and what is provided for children. The manager, staff and leadership team have worked tirelessly to make the necessary changes that have had a massive impact on the provision. “As a result, children are happy, settled and are making good progress with their learning. Staff have developed a curriculum which focuses on children’s needs and interests. “Staff have made changes to the learning environments,

so that they are interesting, stimulating and inclusive. “The new manager and leaders have high ambitions for what they want children to achieve. They provide staff with the necessary support to raise the quality of the education provided.” The report, published at the end of June, said nursery workers had a clear understanding of their curriculum, although those in the toddler room still needed some support with assessments and

planning. Busy Bees was rated inadequate in three of four categories – quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management, in the previous report but all areas were now rated 'good'. Busy Bees Bristol Emersons Green centre director Kimberley Miller said: "Receiving this acknowledgement for the quality of care and education we provide makes me feel incredibly proud of the whole team. Our team has worked tirelessly over the last six months to ensure that every area of care and education is to the highest standard. "We now have a team of 20 in place who have all undergone enhanced training. "They are hugely committed and dedicated to providing a wonderful and nurturing learning environment so that our children have the best start in life. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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August, 2022

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Headaches and how to handle them

EADACHES aren’t normal, but they are common if your spine isn’t in good health. We at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend specialise in effective safe treatment of headaches, from migraines to tension headaches. Over 10 million people in the UK suffer from headaches on a regular basis and for many people this is a daily occurrence. Here’s our guide to staving them off and handle them if they come. Often, we are quick to take painkillers to reduce the headache when it happens and

soldier on as best as possible, but don’t address the cause of the headache in the first place. Thankfully Chiropractic has the answer! Headaches are often the result of muscle contraction or joint misalignment in the head and neck. These muscle contractions are commonly triggered by stress, anxiety, and poor posture. Which is why we see teenagers with these types of headaches. Here we have wonderful testimonial about Amelia’s headaches from her and her mother:

“Amelia was born with Cerebral Palsy, presenting with weakness on one side, muscle spasms and tension/pain. When she turned 11 years old, she started having debilitating migraines, meaning missing considerable school time and losing confidence. Through word of mouth, we found Sutton Chiropractic when we were at our lowest. Matt took the time to thoroughly assess Amelia and treatment started promptly. As a parent I noticed her migraines disappear, her confidence grow and her posture improve. Amelia is now 15 looks forward to her sessions and remains 99% migraine free. We are so happy, and you have truly given Amelia her life back – thank you so much.” In Amelia’s words: “Matt is kind and explains why my migraines happen, I noticed my migraines improved the first 2 weeks. After a session I notice my shoulders feel more relaxed and comfortable, and I no longer miss things because of bad migraines.” The angle we hold our heads at is a major trigger for these issues, such as when

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texting on our mobile phones, or reading propped up in bed. Another frequent cause is working at a computer with poor ergonomics, such as the screen being in the wrong position and long stints of screen time at work etc… Whatever the reason you’re experiencing these headaches, you should see a trained chiropractor to get to the cause. We are skilled in the detection of headaches and their root causes, along with any serious problems masquerading as a headache. Headaches are not a normal part of life. Find the cause, fix the problem, enjoy life!

Headache tips: 1. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth, to the base of the skull where it meets the neck – 5-10 minutes 2. Take on more water 3. Rest in a dark room if you can 4. Get checked over by a chiropractor as soon as possible

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n TURNERS VISION

Dry eye doesn’t need to mean the end for contact lenses ANYONE with dry eye knows the symptoms can be anything from a minor nuisance to a major, life-altering issue. At Turners Opticians, we’ve helped hundreds of patients gain relief from their dry eye since we launched our specialist dry eye clinic in 2013. The problem has always been contact lenses for people living with dry eye. For most, they’ve been an absolute no-no. When ultra moist soft lenses came on the market, many of our patients happily returned to contact lens wear. For some, though, even that wasn’t enough to keep them comfortable. That’s why we’ve been offering an alternative lens for a number of years now – the scleral lens. A scleral lens sits gently over the whole cornea, resting on the white of your eye and keeping a liquid reservoir under the lens to keep your eye moist all day. They are available as both single vision distance and multi-focal contact lenses and are an absolute revelation for some patients. As the name suggests, dry eye disease is a condition whereby your tears cannot keep your eyes moist. A lack of tear production or poor tear quality most often comes down to age. However, diet, medications, and certain medical and inflammatory conditions can also cause it. The tears produced by a dry eye sufferer literally evaporate too quickly, causing the eyes to become irritated and red. Allergies, wind, and smoke all make it worse, and sufferers typically are sensitive to light, have blurred vision, tired eyes, or the sensation that there’s something in one or both eyes. All of which leads to difficulties with contact lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses provide great vision for the wearer, but someone with dry eyes may struggle with them. Soft lenses are a good, comfortable choice for dry eye sufferers with extended wear or daily disposable options. While daily disposable contact lenses can be effective for dry eyes, they aren’t always the best choice. Scleral lenses go further as they don’t directly touch the surface of the cornea, which makes them a comfortable option for anyone with dry eye. The gap between the lens and cornea creates a pocket of fluid that provides all-day moisture for the eye’s surface. Everyone’s dry eye situation is unique, making some contact lens options more effective than others. Someone may struggle with daily disposable lenses but find another option that works better for their needs. When you see a contact lens specialist Optometrist at Turners Opticians, they are well placed to assess your eyes and , after completing a thorough eye health exam, recommend the best contact lenses for you. Do take care of your eyes, and come to see us for your glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. Our expert team is ready and waiting to give you the time you deserve to look after your eye health and vision. Please call to book a time to come in. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Ginny Ginny Allwood is an Associate Specialist Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol

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August, 2022

n NEWS

School camp is a week to remember

YEAR 6 pupils from Mangotsfield C of E Primary School had a week to remember when they set off for their first school camp. A group of 80 children from the school in Emersons Green tried a variety of activities from gorge scrambling and cycling to archery

and rope walking at Adventure Okehampton in Devon, finishing with a disco DJed by teacher Ed Crawford. Assistant head teacher Sam Peplow said: "Our learners showed incredible bravery throughout the week: they pushed themselves

to their limits with the adventurous activities on offer and showed their independence spending a week away from home. "It was a brilliant way to end the year, and a huge thanks must go to the staff team who gave up time to accompany the children."

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August, 2022

n NEWS

What a send-off!

Festival raises £4,700

A SUMMER festival at Blackhorse Primary School raised £4,700 to enrich children's time at school. Organised by the school's parent teacher association, the event on July 1 included musical performances from pupils, the Great Day Choir, pictured, and Clube do Choro Bristol, prize stalls and visits from the police and fire service – and a chance to soak the teachers by throwing a wet sponge. So far this year, the PTA has helped fund new computer equipment, a sunken ship playground area, sound and stage equipment and subsidies for school trips. The school is currently looking for 100 sponsors for its new pavilion. For more details email office@blackhorsepri.org.uk or call 01454 866570.

EMERSONS Green Primary School head teacher Karl Hemmings showed he was a good sport when he agreed to take a soaking at the school's summer fair. Mr Hemmings, who is leaving to take charge of a special school in Thornbury from September, had sponges thrown at him to raise money during the fundraising event, staged by the school's parents, teachers and friends association. A school spokesperson said: "It was wonderful to welcome our families back onto the school site for our Summer Fayre. "We were also joined by extended family and past pupils. We are so grateful to our PTFA for all their hard work, which resulted in a joyous event." The school has also been enjoying a return to "normal" summer terms after the pandemic, with days out for pupils to Westonbirt Arboretum, Clevedon Pier, the SS Great Britain, Wild Place and the Roman fortress of Isca in Wales.

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August, 2022

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n NEWS

Partnership brings schools together TWO popular primary schools are joining together in an official partnership. Blackhorse Primary and Emersons Green Primary will have a single executive head teacher and work together in areas like planning and developing the curriculum and training. The two schools will be led by the current Blackhorse head teacher Simon Botten. The current deputies – Neil Fry at Blackhorse and Soraya Young at Emersons Green – will become heads of school. Emersons Green Primary School head teacher Karl Hemmings is leaving at the end of the summer term. He is taking over at New Siblands School in Thornbury, a school for children with learning difficulties, after six and a half years in charge at Emersons Green. Mr Botten said the new arrangement would be known as a Primary Excellence Partnership. He said: “We start from a strong starting point: both the schools are already successful and popular with the community. However, we know that there are things which we can do better by working together. As Executive Headteacher, my role is different to that of a traditional headteacher who takes assemblies, speaks at parent events, gives out stickers for good behaviour (and deals with playground squabbles). The Executive Headteacher’s role is more around developing excellent leaders, developing excellent systems and developing excellent teaching and learning. “Over time we envisage sharing expertise and leadership more widely across the partnership, with staff having more opportunities to lead projects across the two schools. “What the partnership won’t do is try to make two cloned schools. Parents chose Blackhorse or Emersons Green because of each’s unique values, ethos and culture. The governors and leaders at both schools are committed to maintaining these unique differences as they are what makes each school distinct.” Mr Botten said the first example of working together will be when Blackhorse computing lead Maisie Stack takes over computing across both schools in September. The schools will also support each other in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, as both schools have Resource Bases to provide specialist support. Mr Botten will lead information workshops in both schools in the autumn. A spokesperson for Emersons Green Primary School said: “We believe this partnership will provide an opportunity to maintain the school’s unique identity and strengths whilst allowing both schools to mutually benefit from the sharing of knowledge and experience held within each setting.” Mr Botten said the partnership was part of South Gloucestershire’s schools strategy, promoting formal alliances between schools, which had been seen to be “very effective” in the Forest Hill Federation between Staple Hill and Kings Forest primaries, which had both “improved significantly”.

Mobile homes plan approved PLANS to create a site for mobile homes on land at Pomphrey Hill have been approved, more than two years after being submitted. Applicant Jason McDonagh asked South Gloucestershire Council in March 2020 for permission to demolish buildings at Orchard Farm Cottage, next to the Pomphrey Hill car park, and replace them with hardstandingfor up to nine mobile homes. 77 objections were received against the plans for the site, which is next to one where permission for four mobile homes had already been granted. The number of homes planned for the site was then reduced to three, and on July 15 the council's planning department granted permission for the revised scheme, with a series of conditions.

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August, 2022

n NEWS THE father and friends of a Mangotsfield teenager killed in a plane crash have marked the 15th anniversary of his death at the skateboard park built in his honour. Jamie Clapp was just 13 when he died in July 2007. Mangotsfield School pupil Jamie loved skateboarding and BMX riding, and in his memory his father Gordon and his friends campaigned to secure £100,000 to pay for the skate park, next to Emersons Green Retail Park, from local councillors, South Gloucestershire Council and the Big Lottery Fund's People's Millions partnership. Gordon often visits the park and has met Jamie's friends there every year on July 3, the anniversary of Jamie's death. But he says this year will be his last, after he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and given months to live. Gordon said: "I'm proud that after all these years Jamie's friends still remember him and still think of him – they all still obviously miss him. "But I won't be able to do it next year. I'm going to be joining

Jamie's name lives on after 15 years

Gordon Clapp with Jamie's friends at the skate park on the 15th anniversary of his death

him soon – I hope he's there waiting for me. I'm still very proud of what we've done – I know his name will live on." The park opened in 2011 and includes a memorial plaque to Jamie, benches and an imprint of a pair of his trainers. It is being given floodlighting so it can be used after dark as part of the council's Linking the Greens project. But although the park is

Jamie Clapp Picture courtesy of Ollie Nemeth widely known as a memorial to Jamie, this is not recognised in its official registered name, which is Emersons Green Skate Park. A council spokesperson has confirmed that the name could be changed, although this "would need to involve a period of consultation with residents and users of the skatepark to ask for their views". Ollie Nemeth, who chaired the fundraising committee for

the skate park, said: "Jamie was my childhood best friend, so to have the park officially renamed would be fantastic. We had assumed it was already and were surprised to learn it's not. It's a living memorial to Jamie and a lot of people who knew him still go there – it's a special place." Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer has also backed the idea of officially renaming the park after Jamie.

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Introducing...…

Cllr Alka Mehta-Graham “I would like to meet as many residents as possible, listen to their needs, and tr y to help.”

Originally, Alka is an Essex girl and has two teenage sons. One is studying at Oxford University, reading Law, and the other is on track to study Medicine. Naturally, Alka’s family is also proud of their British Asian and West Indian heritage and embraces all cultures in the area. Personally, Alka moved to Emersons Green from the Asia Pacific region in 2000, when her husband was offered a role in an engineering company in South Glos. Since then, Alka has been involved in a variety of multicultural community projects in the local area, with a focus on bringing people together. Professionally, Alka has over 20 years of experience, worldwide, in Human Resources, relationship management, workforce planning, talent acquisition, and Senior Account Management. Alka’s focus on diversity and inclusion has consistently resulted in growth for her business clients. Naturally, Alka has a great network, both locally and globally! For fun, Alka enjoys walking, nature, and a good dance!

Being a Town Councillor, like Alka, is highly rewarding, and there are other voluntary roles available too. All of these roles give you a chance to make a huge difference in the quality of life for people in your local area, and to influence the way issues are dealt with locally. Interested in helping? Get in touch now: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Why not stand for election? Local elections are managed by South Glos Council and will take place in May 2023. More info: www.southglos.gov.uk

emersonsgreenvoice

August, 2022

n NEWS

Unlocked cars targeted POLICE say more than 25 car owners have fallen victim to thieves who have been trying door handles to find unlocked vehicles at night. They are calling on people in Pucklechurch, Emersons Green and Lyde Green to be on the alert, report anything suspicious and check doorbell and CCTV footage Officers say that as well as thefts of sunglasses and coins left in unlocked cars, there have also been thefts from sheds and garages in the area. Residents in Kestrel Drive, Oaktree Avenue and The Moorings in Pucklechurch, Barn Close and Emet Lane in Emersons Green and Rowan Drive in Lyde Green have been sent letters by police warning them the areas are being targeted. Neighbourhood Sergeant Andrew Macmillan said: "We know that opportunist thieves will target lower crime areas like ours thinking that residents may be less security-conscious. "Enquiries are in hand to identify the individuals involved and we're using the reports to target our patrols. "In the meantime I'd ask people to carry on looking out for each other. If you hear a car alarm sounding and feel safe to do so, please look out of the window. If you see someone behaving suspiciously call 999 straight away and give a description of the individual." Anyone with information about the thieves should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 161 320. Police are also trying to trace a vandal who poured paint over a car and punctured its tyres during an incident overnight on July 9 to 10 in Mangotsfield. The front door of the house it was parked at, in Burley Grove, was also damaged with paint and sealed shut with silicone sealant. Anyone with information should quote the crime reference number 5222 163 575.

Rainbows’ cheque for Shelter LYDE Green Rainbows held a bake sale to raise money for a charity that helps homeless people. Some members of the group, for girls aged four to seven, baked their own cakes for the sale. The event raised £57.50 for Shelter, which provides housing and homelessness support for more than a million people a year and was chosen by the Rainbows themselves. Shelter regional fundraiser Julie Kemp visited the group to thank the girls for the money and explain how it would help the charity. Leader Ruth Kavanagh said: "We are really proud of their efforts." The group currently has a waiting list at girlguiding.org.uk/ information-for-parents/register-your-daughter and is looking for new leaders to help – anyone who is interested can visit girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer.

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n NEWS FROM OUR MP

August, 2022

Rally shows we’re at cutting edge of climate mission

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

AS the local MP, I was delighted to see Emersons Green feature on the national stage as we progress with our net zero carbon reduction goals. The Science Park featured as a key stop on the route of the recent Great British Electric Vehicle Rally. Staged over five days, taking in more than 1,400 miles, the GBEVR will demonstrate what is possible when it comes to electrifying vehicles in this country. Rally participants were able to make use of the council’s flagship charging hub, which has been built at the Science Park, and which is a stone’s throw from the new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, that will carry out world-leading research on the technologies of the future. It’s fantastic that our community is at the cutting edge of this global mission to combat climate change. But regardless of whether vehicles are propelled by the latest batteries or by the traditional combustion engine, they should always travel around at safe speeds. I know that vehicle speeds along Willowherb Road continue to be of concern locally. That’s why I recently met on site with local Emersons Green Conservative councillors to discuss progress on introducing new

measures to slow traffic down. The council continues to make progress with the developers, who remain responsible for the highways in Lyde Green. We can expect a consultation on proposed road safety measures shortly. This is part of the wider Linking the Greens project, to help people move around the local area more easily, whether that’s through walking, cycling and sustainable modes. Connections between Emersons Green and Lyde Green will be further strengthened through the delivery of important new community infrastructure. Along with my neighbouring MP colleague Luke Hall, we continue to work with all parties to stress the importance of the timely delivery of the new Lyde Green school and I will continue to campaign for this to be achieved for our community. This new school has been the subject of campaigning by Cllr Colin Hunt for 20 years, but we now must finally deliver it for our area to benefit our new generation. As the local MP, I have enjoyed working with Emersons Green ward Conservative councillors Judy Adams, Colin Hunt and Rachael Hunt who have consistently campaigned for investment in our local services and facilities.

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May, 2021 August, 2022

n nNEWS NEWS

BAKING the perfect baguette was one of the challenges posed to Mangotsfield School pupils as part of their end of term activities. Jeffrey Wright, director of Wild Yeast Bakery in Staple Hill, taught students how to craft baguettes and told them about his career before hosting a tasting session, with some added Brie cheese. The school's Challenge Days take a different approach to learning, with staff dressing up and using new ways of teaching. There was an 'egg drop' challenge in science and engineering, Black Forest gateau making, escape rooms and treasure hunts in foreign languages, orienteering and team-building challenges in PE and drama in the English and

177

Baguette baking challenge at Mangotsfield creative arts departments. The school's Year 9 football team had a visit to Ashton Gate stadium. Deputy head teacher Gemma Lennon, who organised the Challenge Days, said: "There was a great buzz around the school. "Stepping up to new challenges is a great life skill. Our students are impressing us with every new challenge they face."

Pictured right: Jeffrey Wright from Wild Yeast Bakery in Staple Hill with Mangotsfield School students and baguettes

n Exciting ADVERTISING FEATURE times ahead at Abacus Preschool

Abacus Pre-School: a great environment for your children At Abacus Preschool we are extremely proud of the reputation we have built within the community, continually dedicated to provide highinquality childcare to local Abacus Pre-School Mangotsfield is term time Our ethos has8:30am-3:30pm. always been only,families. open Monday-Friday “learning play”, encouraging We provide anthrough enhancing environment for the children to grow independently children to play, learnand and learn develop within. Our throughof choosing a wide fun, the site consists one large roomrange basedof within stimulating activities. It isroom now used with sadness church hall, an adjacent small for that we say ‘farewell’ ourthe existing small group activities. We to have use of two Manager Kate, who has caredproviding for the an outside areas within the grounds children to in offer Mangotsfield for 7 years. She opportunity various outside activities. be greatly missed children, parents Our will curriculum is based onby children learning and the and we all wish her well, through playteam, with practitioners extending onbut is now time for to spend more time fromittheir interest andKate development. Learning withplay her own family anddeveloped to have a change through is continuously through of career.of children’s individual interests observations We are veryneeds excited to be able to and development in support of building Charlie ourthe team as Manager theirwelcome confidence to goto into world as an in Mangotsfield, independent learner. who will further enhance the development of all our Abacus Pre-School and love progress celebrating all year children, ready to transition intoasschool. round with different festivals, as well armed Charlie has 11 yearswith experience forces day! We work closely parents and

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working in the early years and in 2017 decided to begin her BA Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies, giving her a deeper knowledge of how important early childhood is for building solid foundations which children will continue to develop throughout their future years. “My passion as Manager will be to create outstanding learning experiences where outdoor schooling encourages children of all ages to take risks and flourish developmentally in a natural environment. I am a great believer that children learn best when enjoying their time through play and this is an aspect of practise I love to open promote. am very excited to work run days Ithroughout the year whereinnew partnership with Abacus as together we and existing parents can come join in with believe it is important for the outdoors the activities their children have available to to reflect experiences, andhave to them duringlearning their pre-school day. We have accesssupport to Abacus Forest in had amazing from all ofSchool our families a neighbouring community is an extra this year with any of our themed activities. bonus. excitement children have when This year The we have had a themed day to show connecting natural materials our support towith Ukraine where childrenand all the

‘real world’ around them supports body confidence, communication dressed in yellow and Chinese food tasting in and social of Chinese New Year where our celebration interaction. families donated different foods to try. All of the In my dressed spare in green for St Patricks day and children time around my day. We would love to take Red for Red Nose further studies, to say a really big thank you this opportunity Ito love go on all to of our families this year for the ongoing nature walks with support and community feel we have at Abacus. my and my our outdoor space with new Wefamily have enhanced new ‘baby’ who equipment and set areas such as mud kitchens isand an dinosaur adorablelands for children to explore Labrador puppy called Bentley! nature around them. The manager of the Please allow me has to introduce myself pre-school, Charlie, a BA Honours degree in when I will be in as Abacus inperson Early Childhood Studies well as@over 13 Mangotsfield on Saturday May 15th. Or I am years experience developing and supporting very happydevelopment. to meet you We andare your children children’s currently after 3.30 any by appointment. registering ourday spaces for September 2022. If you are allinenjoying lovely youHope are interested paying usthe a visit, please sunshine! “ contact Charlie on 07803124099 or e-mail on Charlie abacusfh1@gmail.com

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August, 2022

n WHAT’S ON August 4 n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH invite you to their monthly COFFEE MORNING from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon at Cossham Street, Come along for a warm welcome and a cup of coffee (plus cakes and biscuits) For further information please telephone June Watts on 0117 9566625 August 4-7 BEYOND HEDONISM’ THE GREEN GATHERING 2022, award winning, family friendly, off grid festival, 4th - 7th August, Piercefield Park near Chepstow. This is the annual fundraiser for the Green Gathering Charity, which promotes ecology and sustainability through education and the arts. Tickets and info at: http://www.greengathering. org.uk.

REGULAR EVENTS Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY Come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay

Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20 Sept for the Person-centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@btinternet.com. n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.00-11.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875 n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297 n LONGWELL LIGHTNING NETBALL CLUB is looking for members with experience of netball, aged 16 or over for seniors and over 10 for juniors. Training Monday nights at Wellsway Way School, in Keynsham. For more information call Maisie Nash on 07920 443820 for juniors, Sandra Nash on 07479 015048 for seniors. Wednesday

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n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805. n MANGO JAMS PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church. n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For information call Joyce 0117 956 8978. n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881. n FRENCHAY PROBUS CLUB We meet at Frenchay Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. For further details contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk. n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk. Thursday n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at either 10am or 2pm, depending on numbers. Normally meets at Lyde Green Community Centre. email jessica.callaway@hotmail.co.uk. Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S.

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Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844) n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258. n RAINBOW TOTS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP meets at Emersons Green Village Hall every Friday morning in term time, from 10-11.30am. All welcome - for more info e-mail church.egbc@ outlook.com Saturday n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Beginners very welcome. Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178. n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258. Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH is now up and running again, after Covid, at the Emersons Green Village Hall every Sunday at 10.30am. Do come along. It would be great to see you. We look forward to having our regulars back as well as many new people. n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www.badmintonroadmethodist. org.uk n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.

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emersonsgreenvoice

August, 2022

n NEWS

School wins gold for sports provision DEDICATION to sport by pupils and staff has won a Mangotsfield school an award. Barley Close Community Primary School has achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award, which recognises sporting provision and participation, for the current academic year. Along with reopening its swimming pool, following a long fundraising campaign, the school has also run monthly charity football matches, opened a community Judo club, entered local competitions and trained children in Years 4 and 5 to be play leaders, organising games on the playground at lunchtimes. Head teacher Jo Williams said: "We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of physical activity and school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our events possible. "We are committed to using the School Games to try and engage those young people who haven’t previously been active or represented our school and to try and ensure that all our students have a positive experience and want to try out new activities beyond school too in our community. "We believe in the power of physical

Barley Close Community Primary School pupils at the recent MaD Olympiad sports event activity and school sport as a school and give opportunities to those young people that need it most, either as a participant, leader, official or volunteer. We are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year. We look forward to applying once again in 2023!" The School Games awards are organised by the Youth Sport Trust and measure a

school’s engagement against a national benchmark. Mrs Williams thanked the Castle School Education Trust, particularly School Games organiser Wendy O’Donnell, Progressive Sports, Priority Sports, Bristol Sports Foundation and teaching assistant Sonia Burton, who has taken charge of the charity football matches.

n LOCAL HISTORY

Learning about the history all around us THE Community History and Arts Project, CHAP, has taken around 250 Year 7 students from Downend School on walks around the local area to highlight points of interest and encourage them to look at the places around us from a new perspective. The walks were led by Nick Smith, a higher level teaching assistant at Downend School, and Michael Gorely, the local heritage education manager at English Heritage, with support from Downend teachers and teaching assistants, as well as CHAP volunteers. Walking along the streets revealed how Downend has grown from a small village into the large suburban area it is now. Students were shown the history all around them, including where the Cleeve Hill House country estate used to be, and where punishment would have been meted out from the assizes (court sittings) held inside the Green Dragon. They were helped to spot houses from different eras,

Nick Smith tells Downend School pupils about the 1957 aeroplane crash at Britannia Wood revealing which areas were built when, to recognise names of historically influential families like Cave and Player on street signs, and to notice where iron railings had been cut down and melted down to make munitions and vehicles during the Second World War. They looked at photographs

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of shops that used to be here, and learnt that in the late 1800s and early 1900s there were two blacksmiths’ workshops by the Horseshoe Inn, which would have maintained the carriages and carts stopping overnight there on their way to or from Bristol. They also heard about the local people named on the Scout

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memorial, who died in action during the First World War, and about a spy who worked for the Nazis during the Second World War. The sixteen walks were put on over four days as part of the school’s activities week. A further 250 Year 8 students also gained skills in researching, by using CHAP’s historical map. The voluntary group intends to run a similar walk for adults in the next few months, possibly ending up at Mezze (the Green Dragon). CHAP’s goal is to build a sense of belonging and commitment to our area through an understanding of its character and history, enthusing people of all ages about our past, present and future. CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation for Downend and Emersons Green, without any premises or overheads. To find out more visit the website www.downendchap.org, email downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS. Helen Rana CHAP

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August, 2022

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Brunel’s SS Great Britain presents: Your Ticket to Taste the World READY to embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol? Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells experienced by visitors every day, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer with a brand new activity, ‘Dishes of Discovery’. They’re inviting visitors to taste the world, offering them the chance to sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship in the 18th Century. From 23 July to 4 September, visitors who step aboard the SS Great Britain will taste historic recipes from Mumbai, Cape Town and Crimea discovering how the world’s first great ocean liner connected people and places around the world. The dishes have been created by Bristol-based social enterprise, Travelling Kitchen, whose team worked with the ship’s archivists to explore historic recipes from around the globe. The dishes created include a zingy Melon and Ginger Jam from Cape Town, traditional Borsch from Crimea and a tropical green coriander and coconut chutney from Mumbai - and are typical of those that passengers would have encountered as they disembarked in the faraway destinations. Your usual favourites at Brunel’s SS Great Britain are open all summer long, too. Don’t forget to visit the two hands-on museums, historic dockyard, dramatic dry dock and the ship herself. And remember - you can enjoy coming back time and time again with your ticket. It’s valid for a year!

Use your tastebuds to explore the world this summer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain as you discover flavours from the ship’s lesser-known destinations. Plan your adventure at ssgreatbritain.org/summer2022

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August, 2022

n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE COLUMN

Be cool to be kind SUMMER is here – and what lovely sunshine we are enjoying. We need to think about ourselves and our wildlife in a heatwave, and one small thing we can do is leave some water out for our visiting guests and keep our ponds topped up, if we have them. If we are using tap water to refill our ponds, leave the water in a can/bucket for around 48 hours before pouring, as this will rid it of the chlorine and make it safer for any visiting wildlife. If your ponds are ‘greening up’, try putting in a couple of bags of watercress. Not only is it fantastic for cleansing our blood, it also acts as a great cleanser for our small ponds. Watercress will eliminate the particles and nutrients that cause the green, so after a couple of weeks you should see some results. If we are watering plants, maybe spare a thought about the time of day we water. Mornings or evenings will be beneficial and, if it is still warm, try watering the soil rather than the leaves, as you may see some

scorching occur. We can also be mindful in our gardens too. Given the state of the soil in our area, it is noticed that a lot of residents are opting for Astroturf rather than natural. This is a cosmetically low-maintenance option, but not very good for the wildlife. The grass can get very warm in the sun, so small pets and children must take care. Maybe it’s worth giving something back to the wildlife in your gardens: as we mention many times, a small log pile in a shady corner, or some wildflower boxes, would add a welcome treat for the pollinators. Some good hardy summer plants to add can be either erysimum, known as wallflower, or some aubrieta (lovely pink and purple flowers) - they both grow well in the summer. The last note regarding our gardens is that we must thank Henry from Sovereign for his ‘love your garden’ initiative. We worked on a garden in Lyde Green in July

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and with the help of some residents and the ‘Downtime’ group volunteers, we had a lost garden brought back to life, with some fantastic results. We want to see your lovely gardens this summer, so please send in your pics to us so we can share with the whole of Lyde Green and beyond. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline and need as many of you on board as we can, so please do get in touch with your ideas and feedback, and of course your details, if you can help – we still need a treasurer to help us a few hours a month! You can contact us on Facebook or email lgopenspace@gmail.com. Thank you for your support.

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Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer on our website: www.ategi.org.uk or email us on carerapplication@ategi.co.uk

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August, 2022

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens for the very last time this summer MANY of you will remember visiting Bristol Zoo Gardens as a child, and may have brought your children… or even grandchildren. From 21 July, Bristol Zoo Gardens is marking its last chapter, before closing on Saturday 3 September, with its BIG Summer Send-Off celebration event. The centrepiece of the final summer programme is ‘Wilder’, a specially-commissioned wooden clad gorilla sculpture, which is taller than the largest giraffe ever recorded, and as wide as three king size beds. Sitting tall on the main lawn, ‘Wilder’ delights visitors with surprise movements throughout the day as she ‘eats’ lettuce, sprays unsuspecting families with water and reveals her baby ‘Monty-Alan’ – a name inspired by the national park in Equatorial Guinea where Bristol Zoological Society works to protect western lowland gorillas in the wild. The Zoo is also running ‘Into The Wild' theatre shows where

children get to wear animal-eared headphones and dance around to fun conservation-inspired music, stories and games. BIG Summer Send-Off also features a ‘Past, Present, Future’ timeline exhibition on the Zoo's historic top terrace. It will include poems, pictures, and stories on ribbons, shared by visitors. For a chance to feature on the timeline, Bristol Zoo Gardens is asking people to share their favourite memories using the hashtag #TheZooAndYou, and tag Bristol Zoo Gardens on Facebook @ BristolZooGardens and Instagram @bristolzoo. As well as all of these exciting events, Bristol Zoo Gardens is home to incredible animal species, including the famous gorilla troop, red pandas, penguins and sloths. Enjoy a final special day out to Bristol Zoo Gardens this summer! For information and tickets for Bristol Zoo Gardens and its BIG Summer Send-Off, go to bristolzoo. org.uk.

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August, 2022

n NEWS

Children launch summer reading challenge PUPILS from Emersons Green Primary School have helped launch this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Children aged between 4 and 11 are being encouraged to signup at their local library, read six books over the summer holiday and receive stickers to complete a collector’s poster. Medals and certificates are presented to children who complete the Challenge, which is free to take part in and ends on September 10. Incentives including free swimming vouchers are on offer as part of the challenge. This year’s challenge is called Gadgeteers, and has a science and innovation theme aiming to spark children’s curiosity about the world. Children at the school, who regularly visit Emersons Green Library to borrow books and enjoy stories with the librarian, met author Emma Perry to mark the start of the challenge.

Children from Emersons Green Primary School and author Emma Perry launch the summer reading challenge Council cabinet member for libraries and Emersons Green ward member Rachael Hunt said: “Discovering the joy and fun of reading at an early age can help with a child’s development, and the Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to support literacy over the

holidays, when it can sometimes dip. “Reading is a fantastic activity to enjoy during the summer break and it can be combined with the other free and exciting activities taking place at our libraries.” The council has also

announced that all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 at South Gloucestershire primary schools are being given their own library cards this year, to encourage youngsters across the district to read more for pleasure. A four-year programme will see between 7,000 and 10,000 children per year given cards, until all primary school pupils have one. The cards can also be used to access other library facilities and leisure centres. Emersons Green Primary School head teacher Karl Hemmings said: “As a school we know how important reading for pleasure is for our children. This link between the school and the library service will have a major benefit to every child in this school.” To find out more about activities visit the library or southglos.gov.uk/leisure-andculture/libraries.

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n NEWS

August, 2022

History comes alive at St James Church

MANGOTSFIELD'S St James church took 700 primary school children on a journey through history as part of its 800th anniversary celebrations. Pupils from junior classes at three primary schools – Mangotsfield CofE, Barley Close and Emersons Green – visited the church to find out more about the eight centuries it has been a constant presence. They were greeted at the porch door by a robed Monk who told them how the building – the oldest in the village – has evolved since it was built on the edge of a vast forest. The children then heard from other characters in costume about life for poorer members of society, working for the lord of the manor without modern comforts. They then learned about life in Tudor times, and how William Tyndale had translated the Bible into English before moving into the Victorian era when many local residents working in nearby mines and Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge. A spokesperson for the church said: "The delivery of this History Trail captured the children’s imagination as it was presented by characters dressed in typical costumes

A volunteer at one of the exhibits at St James Church of the era that they represented and from the perspective of an ordinary person of their time. The stories that were told helped the children relate to both their learning in school as well as make comparisons to their own lives today. "To complete their journey, the children were brought back into the current times and they learnt how the recently-refurbished church building is now a more accessible place for worship and for the whole

n AROUND THE WIs SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI

AT last the sun is shining. Although it may be a little too hot for some, we must enjoy it while it lasts – hopefully long enough for our trip to Rodmartin House and Gardens near Tetbury, which is coming up. For our July meeting Ron Morton kindly offered to give us a talk named ‘Family History Through Family Photos’, which was absolutely fascinating and gave us an insight into how to trace your family tree. He was inspired when sorting through family photos and he realised that his family history was very interesting. The oldest family photo that Ron showed was from 1870. We had asked our members to bring some very old family photos and these were discussed, with the history being revealed. One of our members told us the fascinating story of when she found a scarf, which was carefully wrapped in aged brown paper, whilst sorting through the possessions of a relative. This prompted her to look at her family history, including an inquest which was relevant to the scarf, going back as far as the 1500s. Needless to say, the scarf is now a treasured possession. We followed this with a cuppa, biscuits and raffle, then we caught up on the Federation news and had a natter about our upcoming trips, including to Yeo Valley Farm in August and Berkeley Castle in early October. Our next meeting, on August 11, is a ‘summer evening and American supper’, hosted by Diane in her lovely garden in Shortwood. Earlier in the year we were each given a seed potato to plant and hopefully develop into a crop. The results will be weighed at our summer evening meeting and the most green-fingered member will receive a prize. If you would like to join us at this meeting, for a complimentary taster visit, please email us at the address below. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the chapel or vestry in Main Road, Shortwood, and as we are a friendly bunch, we will give a warm welcome to new members – so just turn up and see what the WI has to offer. For more info or just a chat, please email me at millhousejoinery@aol. com with the heading Shortwood Village WI. Lynne Miller

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community to share in." The trail was held in late June and children from Emersons Green Primary School also came to sing at the church's summer fair in the grounds, when the building was open for the public to view the history trail. For more information on the St James 800 celebrations visit years, visit stjameschurch.co.uk online or the St James Church Mangotsfield Facebook page.

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION WITH the summer holidays approaching, we are planning some exciting events to be held in the community centre. We will see our popular soft play sessions return, as well as some storytime sessions; cheerleading sessions are also coming back, however we do not want to give too much away, so please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and community noticeboards inside the centre, to see what’s on and when. A new timetable is available on the noticeboard for everyone to see. This will give you the details of what classes are held here in the community centre, alongside flyers to access their contact information. Please come along and check out the variety of classes that we have going on. Our community garden has had a makeover and we cannot wait to show you all: once the tools have been tidied up, we will be sure to have a launch party. If anyone would like to volunteer for future events then please get in touch with us, via Facebook, @lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, email info@lydegreenca.org or call 0117 957 0410. For bookings email Bookings@lydegreenca.org.

Show off your dog DOG owners are being encouraged to enter their pets in a show. The St James Celebrate 800 Dog Show and Craft Fair will be held in the grounds of the St James church hall in Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, on September 3 from 11am. It will cost owners £1 for each class and dogs can be registered in advance or on the day. Entry for spectators is free and there will be a food stall for refreshments. Anyone who would like to register in advance or book a stall should email elgalannah@gmail.com or call 0777 9015509.

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emersonsgreenvoice

August, 2022

n GAMING

My list of video games you simply have to play

WITH the summer holidays getting underway, many families will be looking for a way of keeping children occupied for six long weeks. It’s great to have a variety of things to do, and getting lost in a good video game is an option to stimulate minds, relax and have fun – not just on a rainy day. But which games can you always rely on to deliver? It’s a subjective topic – not everyone enjoys the same genres and styles. However, there are a few notable ones which I believe transcend tastes. They offer fun and variety for all ages and are definitely worth checking out. The first - and my personal favourite video game - is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Released more than five years ago for the Nintendo Switch & Wii U, it is an open world action-adventure game which allows the player to traverse the land of Hyrule however they please. The great thing about it, even after all

this time, is it requires you to have no prior knowledge of the series, but also offers extra for those who do. For me, the most impactful thing this game offers is freedom: a safe space for the player to explore another world and take it at whatever pace they like. It’s great for all ages and offers a breadth of gameplay. The next game which is worth checking out is Mario Party Superstars for the Nintendo Switch. This is a party video game which is essentially a digital board game for the family to play, whether that be in the same room or over the internet. Released just under a year ago, it still holds up as a great party game for those times you need to bust out something fun for the family. Offering a variety of ‘minigames’, and an exciting competitive atmosphere, this game makes a great way to fill some free time together. The final game worth checking out is Bugsnax for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (if

By Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie

you can get your hands on one) and Xbox. Now just under two years old, Bugsnax is an adventure game in which you are tasked with exploring a mystical island and attempting to find and capture half-bug, half-snack creatures. Essentially, it’s like a cross between Pokemon and Minecraft, combining the capturing and crafting present in each. With all three titles having been out for a while, you should be able to find them second hand if you shop around to save money. Hopefully one of these recommendations will give you something fun to help while away the summer days and nights.

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n SPORT Friendly charity match returns A FRIENDLY football match that puts Mangotsfield residents on rival teams is back after nearly three years away. The Mango Reds v Blues match, organised by Mangotsfield Community Association and played at Mangotsfield United’s Cossham Street ground, was played in 2018 and 2019, raising more than £7,000 over the two years for St Peters Hospice and Special Friends Autistic Club before being halted by the pandemic. Now it is back, with all-day entertainment, food, a bar and quality raffle on September 25, starting at 10.30am. Entry is free for spectators. Previously played between fans of Rovers and City, this time the two opposing squads will be drawn from a hat, to keep the atmosphere light-hearted. Registration forms are at the Red Lion pub in St James Street for players, who can sign up in return for a £5 donation.

August, 2022

Martial artist Mitch wins world golds AN Emersons Green martial artist has won world championship gold medals. Mitch Hopes, of Downend Tang Soo Do, travelled to the World Tang Soo Do World championships in North Carolina at the end of June with fellow club member Becky Sheppard, from Kingswood. Mitch, 31, won two gold medals for forms and sparring in the Male 1st Dan Black Belt category of the Korean sport. Becky, 24, returned with two gold medals in weapons and sparring and one silver medal in forms, in the Female 2nd Dan Black Belt category. Mitch and Becky have been training in the traditional Korean karate-based martial art for 14 and 15 years respectively, and Becky has reached the rank of E Dan, 2nd degree black belt, while Mitch has achieved his Cho Dan, 1st degree black belt. They travelled to America with over 100 members from Team GB, which brought back the overall male and female Grand Champion trophies. The pair train at Downend Tang Soo Do, which meets every Wednesday evening at Christ Church Parish Hall on North Street.

Mitch Hopes in action at the championships For more information contact Ian Crook on 0781 774 4689 or visit the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. Alice Sheppard

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August, 2022

n SPORT

Mangos rebuild NEW Mangotsfield United manager John Allen’s preparations for life in the Hellenic League are well under way, with a whole host of new faces, including some triallists, appearing in the club’s seven pre-season friendlies. A number of players from Allen’s old club Keynsham Town have followed him to Cossham Street, whilst most of last season’s relegated team appear to have now left the club. The Mangos start the league season away to Royal Wotton Bassett Town on August 2 at 7.45pm, with the first home fixture a week later, on August 9, against Thornbury Town, also at 7.45pm. In between comes a trip to neighbours Cadbury Heath in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on August 6, with the winners travelling to Didcot Town on August 20 in the Preliminary Round.

Mangotsfield’s other August league fixtures are: Roman Glass St George (home) on August 13 at 3pm; Chipping Sodbury Town (away), August 16, 7.45pm; Wantage Town (home), August 23, 7.45pm; Bradford Town (away), August 29, 3pm. Having never played in the Hellenic League before, to an extent the club is entering the unknown, but it is clear their 22year stay in the Southern League puts a target on their backs. They will take some heart from the fact that former Southern League rivals Bishops Cleeve, relegated into the Hellenic League a couple of years ago, won promotion in April. The club has recently announced the formation of a reserve side playing in the Bristol and Suburban League Premier Division and an A team playing in the Bristol and Suburban League Division 1, to expand the opportunities for younger players working through the juniors, and the wider local community, to represent the club. Dave Smale

Josh Stevenson scored a record 227 not out for Pucklechurch CC

Unbeaten double century for Josh JOSH Stevenson cracked a record-breaking unbeaten 227 for Pucklechurch as they beat Abbots Leigh by 182 runs in Division Five of the Martin Berrill Sports Bristol & District League. The opener faced 140 balls, and hit 38 fours and three sixes, en route to the highest individual score in the league this season, as well as a Pucklechurch record, overtaking club legend Steve Toghill’s previous mark of 203 not out. Stevenson shared a partnership of 220 with captain Ryan Watts (69) in a total of 370-3 from 40 overs, after losing the toss at home. Dave Bartlett then finished with 4-25 as Abbots Leigh’s reply wilted to 188.

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August, 2022

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Look out for me on the TV!

O finally I can tell everyone about E4 coming to Cleve Chiropractic last year to film us working in the

clinic! I have been treating the Dark Angels, the amazing hip-hop dance sensational group, for around eight years – they’re the current British and World champion group from South Bristol. The group is run by my patient and friend Charlie Bedford and his wife Steph. I met Charlie when he was still dancing but was struggling with huge back issues that he thought would end his dancing career. Needless to say we got him back on his feet to compete at the annual World hip-hop championships one more time before he retired to concentrate on coaching his team. Charlie asked me to go to Florida to help treat the whole squad that year and, never one to turn down a trip to go to the sunshine state, I jumped at the chance. It was great fun and, although the team didn't win that year, they did really well. Ever since then, I have helped to look after all the dancers at the Dark Angel Academy. In 2020, they made it to the finals of the BBC's Greatest Dancer with Oti Mabuse as their captain.

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

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drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro Subsequently, E4 contacted the group to follow their journey post-Covid to the British hip-hop finals. The show started with a surprisingly gritty first episode following individual members of the group and how their personal lives interact with dancing. Viewers also see how much support they get from the community in Knowle West. Cleve Chiro was featured in Episode 2. Inevitably one of the dancers, Ruby, hurts her knee and decides it’s time to see me for some rehab. The film crew follow Ruby’s journey as she worries that she will be unable to make the competition that is only a few weeks.

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Ruby, who is one of the main dancers, presents at the clinic with the full TV crew in tow – on a boiling hot day when we’re still wearing full PPE. I remember my glasses kept steaming up so I took them off and spent most of the time slightly squinting. Ruby had two problems, with pain behind the kneecap and a pinched meniscus. The TV show doesn't show it well as it reduces the drama, but we pretty much fix it there and then with a couple of top sports injury manipulations that work fast for these things. I saw her a couple more times to make sure but she makes it through to the finals simply enough – which was as much a relief for me as it was

for her! The whole series is a wonderful example of how great Bristol is and what a superb culture we have here, as well as highlighting the Dark Angels as the UK's top hip-hop dance academy. I thoroughly recommend catching up with it if you haven’t already. Just use the All 4 app and search ‘Dark Angels’. A fabulous experience. Catherine, Lucy and I from the clinic will be working at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this month. I will tell you all about it next time!

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August, 2022

n SPORT

Hannah's work behind scenes recognised NOT all of the hard work at a successful cricket club takes place on the pitch. Hannah Clatworthy has held a demanding role with Carsons and Mangotsfield CC as its child welfare officer since 2017, as membership has expanded. She has supported, along with husband Phil, her three boys, who all play for the club, often being the scorer as well as being the first to arrive at games and the last to leave. During June she was instrumental in collating the information to maintain the club’s Clubmark status. Hannah's work behind the scenes was recognised when she was named Gloucestershire Cricket’s volunteer of the month for June. On the pitch results also continue to be positive. The first team are sitting 4th in a tight race for promotion. Under-17 player Tom King scored his maiden 1st team century in a 6-run win over league leaders Bristol Aces. The 2nd and 3rd teams also top their respective divisions. The second team are in a race to finish in the top spot with Nailsea, who they beat in a rain-affected match. The third team are being challenged by Hanham and Hambrook for promotion. Against Hambrook in the top-of-the-table clash, Carsons and Mangotsfield were bowled out for 92. But the bowlers took revenge, with James Ward bowling 7 overs and taking 4 for 7 in the process, to bowl Hambrook out for 78. Success has also been achieved by the club’s U9

Gareth Dawson of Gloucestershire Cricket Federation presents Hannah Clatworthy with her voucher team, who have won the Frenchay Cricket Festival. This is a great recognition for all the hard work put in by Tim Ravenscroft, and the other coaches. Ian Coles

Emersons Green Voice

Hockey club in hunt for recruits A HOCKEY club which has relocated to Mangotsfield is on the lookout for new players. Bristol & West Hockey Club, which has 350 members, has moved to Mangotsfield School to play on the school's 2G artificial pitch. The club moved from Winterbourne Academy, where it was based for 19 years, after that school switched to a 3G pitch, which is unsuitable for hockey. The club is recruiting players of all ages and abilities, from experienced veterans to newcomers. It runs six men's teams, four women's teams, under-16 boys' and girls' teams, as well as a junior section starting from seven year olds. The club promises a "social and friendly environment with competitive competition on the pitch". For more information visit www.bandwhc.org.uk or email CommunicationsBAWHC@ outlook.com.

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