emersonsgreenvoice
December, 2021 Edition—Issue 59
www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk
EMERSONS GREEN TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
‘Design a Christmas Streetlight’ competition THANK you to everybody who entered the Emersons Green Town Council ‘Design a Christmas Streetlight’ competition. The standard of entries was outstanding and made judging really difficult! We are pleased to announce the winners as Frankie Summers, age 8, and Olivia Li, age 5. We are sure you will agree that their designs are brilliant! Unfortunately, due to unforeseeable global supply chain issues affecting many sectors at the moment, the streetlight manufacturers were unable to fulfil orders for bespoke lights this year, which we are really disappointed about. We are still hoping to get the wonderful designs manufactured for display with our other Christmas streetlights in 2022. Both the winners have received family tickets to the Avon Valley Railway Santa Special event and we hope that they have a wonderful time!
All councillors and staff at the Town Council wish you all a very Merry Christmas clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Tel: 0117 3026989
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December, 2021 Edition—Issue 59
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Poppies galore From the youngest Rainbow guides and Beaver scouts to the oldest veterans, people turned out in force to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday 2021, having been unable to do so last year because of Covid. This scene at the Mangotsfield war memorial was one of several across the area. More pictures: Page 12
Diwali brings light to Lyde Diwali was celebrated for the first time at Lyde Green Community Centre, bringing together people from Indian, Polish and British communities. PAGE 25
Teen thugs target village hall
Park and path plans revealed PLANS to transform the area around Emersons Green skatepark have been unveiled. The scheme, part of South Gloucestershire Council’s Linking the Greens project announced at the start of this year, aims to improve access between Lyde Green and Emersons Green for pedestrians and cyclists. The plans submitted by the council for planning permission will include:
• A new ‘linear park’ next to the skate park. • A 4m (13ft) tall bronze sculpture. • Lighting for the skatepark to enable it to be used until 10pm every night. • A new multi-user path linking Newlands bridge and Emersons Green Retail Park. • Upgrades to the path and steps from Acorn Drive in Lyde Green to the Newlands footbridge. Turn to Page 8
Security has been stepped up at Emersons Green Village Hall following incidents where teenage thugs in balaclavas went on the rampage. PAGE 5
MP backs school bus campaign MP Luke Hall has backed families in Pucklechurch who are campaigning for a bus to take children to Brimsham Green School in Yate. PAGE 15
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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 Our January edition deadline is December 13. 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.
December, 2021
n NEWS
Giuseppe reaches TV Bake Off final EMERSONS Green engineer Giuseppe Dell’Anno made the final of the Great British Bake Off after coming through a controversial semifinal. Giuseppe, who has spent eight years working at the National Composites Centre in Emersons Green, made it into the last three as early favourite Jurgen Krauss, who had Giuseppe with his edible Leaning Tower of Pisa won the star baker accolade three times, lost out. After securing his place, Giuseppe said: “I’m scared sockless but I’m really, really - happy is not the right word - I’m over the moon. “I just want to make the best out of it and have a really good time (in the final).” Like fellow finalists Chigs and Crystelle, Giuseppe received another handshake from judge Paul Hollywood for his layered slice tiramisu-themed signature dish, and came second to Jurgen in the technical challenge for his sable Breton tart. For his showstopper themed banquet entremets dessert Giuseppe again drew on his Italian heritage to create an edible puffed rice Leaning Tower of Pisa centrepiece. The decision by the judges to let Jurgen go before the final shocked his fellow contestants and sparked howls of protest from some of the shows fans on social media but the German baker said he “saw it coming” and afterwards said being on the show had been “such a fantastic ride”. All episodes of the Great British Bake Off, which is showing on Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4, have been pre-filmed. The final was due to be screened on Tuesday, November 23. Father-of-three Giuseppe rose to the role of chief engineer at the National Composites Centre in Emersons Green over eight years after joining in 2013 as a research engineer. He was also an industrial fellow at Bristol University between 2019 and July this year.
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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December, 2021
5
n NEWS
Security brought in after teens target hall TEENAGERS wearing balaclavas have been harassing and threatening staff and users of a community hall. The charity which runs Emersons Green Village Hall has had to pay hundreds of pounds for security guards in the evenings after a series of incidents. Police say they have identified a group of eight or nine children, aged between 12 and 15, who have also been intimidating staff and customers at the library, shops and other local businesses. In one incident some youths held automatic doors open while others ran into the village hall and tried to cause damage. During another, objects were thrown at a staff member’s car as she left the car park. The hall in Emerson Way has now had to change its entry policy, keeping doors locked between activities. Hall manager Viv Roberts said the incidents had taken
place on three days during early November, two of them in the evening and one on the afternoon of an inset day for local schools. She said: “We don’t know if it’s the same ones every time, because on the second and third times they actually wore balaclavas. “They have got no respect. They like to come in and disrupt and intimidate – because we have lone female workers we’ve had no other choice but to get security guards in during the
evenings. “Because we’re a registered charity and self-funded, it’s going to knock us for six.” Police neighbourhood officers are increasing patrols in the area in response to the reports of youths being abusive, shoplifting, riding bikes and scooters antisocially, and starting bin fires. PCSO Supervisor Georgia Bush said: “We do take this seriously. Some of this behaviour – such as climbing scaffolding –
puts the children at risk of harm themselves, while irresponsibly riding a bike through a pedestrian area could lead to injury to vulnerable pedestrians. “We’ve written warning letters to parents and carers of some children, and others have been taken home by officers who have witnessed some of these issues.” Officers are working with South Gloucestershire Council’s antisocial behaviour team to take action, including children signing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts with conditions such as agreeing not to go to trouble spots. PCSO Bush urged residents to report all incidents of antisocial behaviour as they happen, by calling 101 – or 999 if a crime is underway or someone is at risk of immediate harm. She added: “I would ask parents and carers to make sure you know where your children are, who they’re hanging out with and what they’re getting up to.”
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December, 2021
n NEWS
E-scooter trial extended A TRIAL allowing the legal hire and use of e-scooters in the Downend area is being extended until next year. The scheme, run by the West of England Combined Authority, councils and e-scooter operator Voi, was first launched in the area a year ago. The red and black scooters have become a familiar sight in streets around Emersons Green, Lyde Green and Mangotsfield. Voi says they have been ridden almost 2.5 million times in the first year of the scheme, making the region “one of Europe’s largest and most successful areas of e-scooter operations”. Weca has now approved an extension to the trial until next March 2022 in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire. Voi says the e-scooters are helping reduce pollution and tackle congestion, with around three quarters of riders reporting they use them to commute, shop or visit friends and family, and others using them to reach public transport stops. The company estimates e-scooter journeys have saved the emission of 480 tonnes of CO2 in the area over the past year. South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member Steve Reade said: “It can take time to adapt to innovative technologies and new initiatives and we are keen to work with Weca and Voi to ensure the trial is a success and e-scooters, which are contributing positively to our climate change ambitions, are given that chance to become a credible alternative to car travel in the region.” The extension to the scheme comes as Bristol City Council confirms that owners of older vehicles will be charged to drive into the city from next summer. The Clean Air Zone will see cars with petrol engines made before 2006 and diesel engines made before the end of 2016 pay £9 a day to enter an area including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, the Centre, Temple Quay and Spike Island.
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Emersons Green ward councillors Rachael Hunt, Judy Adams and Colin Hunt outside the ibrary
Extra library cash AN extra £56,000 is set to be spent on a revamp of Emersons Green Library. South Gloucestershire Council is currently asking people for their views on plans to build an extension to house an “innovation space” with meeting and working areas, and changes to the current internal layout to increase the area of the children’s library. A spokesperson for the council’s cabinet said the extra money had come from builders as part of legal deals to build developments including The Gateway site at Lyde Green. Added to the £266,000 investment in the scheme agreed by the council last year, it brings the total available for the revamp to £322,000. Council cabinet member for communities and Emersons Green ward councillor Rachael Hunt said: “Emersons Green Library is a well-used and much-loved community asset
and because of an increase in the local population due to housing development in the area, we are proposing to expand the building to ensure we are able to continue to deliver high quality services for people within the local community.” Fellow ward councillors Judy Adams and Colin Hunt said: “We are pleased to see this further funding is set to be put towards the expansion of Emersons Green Library, which will create a brand new Children’s Library and Innovation space, providing an even more engaging environment for young and creative people in our area.” A consultation on the scheme runs until December 13, and more information can be found at the library itself, by calling 01454 866 895 or online at the consultations section of the council’s website, consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ EmersonsGreenLibrary.
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December, 2021
7
n NEWS
Watch out for Santa's spies! A LONG car journey with his kids gave an Emersons Green business owner the idea for a story which has now been turned into a book. Chris Wheeler says he was so exasperated with his bored children Reuben and Meg that he warned them Father Christmas could see through the sunroof and would know they were being naughty. The idea fired his imagination and Chris, who is a software developer and runs a tech company called Foldr at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, came up with a story during the rest of the drive. He teamed up with his friend Steve Gunning to create Santa’s Secret Agents, a children's picture book about a Bondstyle spying operation to check children's behaviour, which has now been published. Chris said: "I spent most of the rest of that fateful car journey ignoring the children entirely as my head began to fill with ideas and rhymes and puns. "When I first brought the concept to Steve it was just a simple idea and a few verses. "Together, with the support of our patient and loving families, through the twists and turns of life, at least one narrative reboot and a global pandemic we were able to turn it into a fleshed-out story and then, with Steve's wonderful illustrations, a
Chris Wheeler (right) with co-author and illustrator Steve Gunning complete book." Chris, who was born in Bristol, has lived in Downend for seven years and played many gigs at the Horseshoe and Beaufort Hunt, now the Duck & Willow, in a band called Figment, going on to perform all over the UK and Europe. Although he has been writing from a young age, having won a poetry competition aged six, he "was forced to get a 'proper' job" and it was there he met Steve, of Clevedon, who has been writing and drawing from a young age, and has illustrated the book.
Chris has dedicated the book to his wife Jenny and their children, who both attend Blackhorse Primary School.
Santa’s Secret Agents, which is aimed at children aged five to ten, has been published by Carraway and is being sold online by Waterstones and in bookshops. Steve said: "We are really proud that it will be on sale in bookshops, it’s still a bit difficult to believe!” Carraway Publishing founder Jane Shergold said: “The early feedback from children, parents and booksellers has been really positive. They adore the humorous tongue-in-cheek verse and of course the in-jokes for all Bond fans, young and old, that are vividly brought to life through the detailed and inventive illustrations."
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n NEWS
December, 2021
Sculpture and skate park lights planned From Page 3 A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “The Linking the Greens project will enhance and promote sustainable travel in Emersons Green and Lyde Green. “It is hoped the scheme will also promote cultural links between the two communities on either side of the A4714 Ring Road. “We have submitted a planning application to improve and enhance the skatepark in Emersons Green. This includes adding floodlighting in response to requests by users of the park, which will be installed in the second half of 2022. “We also propose to clear the area, create two new pathways to improve access and landscape the site. “We will additionally be introducing a series of community-inspired artwork, including a steel pergola and a 4m bronze sculpture of a clover
that is commonly found in the Emersons Green area.” A report on the artwork says the clover was chosen after a community consultation as “it’s a regenerative plant important for soils, a wild flower and recognisable to the community, with beautiful leaves”. Other artwork in the scheme will incorporate designs produced by residents during a ‘press and print’ community project held earlier this year. The Lyde Green side of the scheme will involve resurfacing and widening of the bridleway which links Acorn Drive to the Newlands footbridge over the Avon Ring Road, replacing the steps to the bridge, providing seating and an “entrance gateway and way-marking feature with integrated artwork”. On the Emersons Green side a new “linear park” would be created next to the skate park. The council spokesperson confirmed that creating the new
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How the new clover statue could look The council is inviting comments on its plans until December 3. They can be found by searching for application P21/06899/R3F on the council’s online planning site, developments.southglos.gov.uk/ online-applications/ The Linking the Greens project started in January with work to strengthen the Newlands footbridge, which involved lane closures on the ring road. The council spokesperson said the bridge strengthening work “to secure its long-term future” had now finished. Next spring the parapets will be replaced, waterproofing work will be carried out and non-slip surfacing installed. The spokesperson added: “We are also in the process of finalising designs to refurbish the pathway part of the bridge to improve pedestrian and cycling access – we plan to re-surface and widen the shared path.” For more information on the Linking the Greens scheme, visit the website beta.southglos.gov. uk/linking-the-greens.
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park would involve levelling mounds which were originally created as a BMX track next to the skate park but have since become overgrown. The park would include a “multi user path” for pedestrians and cyclists, from the Newlands bridge directly to the retail park. The open space will be planted with wild and meadow flowers, with hedges and trees around the edges. There are also plans to plant “community orchard trees”, which will be trained along a steel trellis, with a steel pergola feature also due to be built and planted with wisteria. Lighting for the paths would also be installed, in addition to the separate floodlighting for the skate park. The skatepark lighting would be timed to switch off at 10pm every evening. In its application the council says the path lighting scheme “will carefully balance the need for public access and safety with the needs of wildlife, especially bats, by maintaining the low light levels along the existing native hedgerow”. After the work is finished South Glos Council would remain responsible for the new pathways but management of the park could be handed over to Emersons Green Town Council. The South Glos spokesperson said negotiations between the two councils were continuing. The plans would leave a cleared and levelled piece of land, around 35m by 17m in area, between the new path and the ring road next to the skate park, vacant for future development.
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December, 2021
9
n NEWS
Round Table fireworks raise record sum DOWNEND'S fireworks display raised a record £45,000 as the event celebrated its 50th anniversary. But thieves have put a dent in the amount which will be available for good causes by stealing a generator which was hired to light the display site on King George V playing fields. Organisers Downend Round Table said around 12,000 people attended the event on King George V playing fields on November 5 - more than in any of the previous five years. Numbers were limited to ensure some distancing could take place on the site - and for the first time ever the event sold out in advance, with no tickets available on the gate. Downend Round Table Fireworks chairman Paul Wells said the event had gone well overall. He said: "We've had some very positive comments - the display was really well-received."
Display technicians added extra fireworks to mark the 50th anniversary and thank the crowd for their support. Paul said: "It was almost like a third display at the end, and went down really well." Fundraising efforts were hit by the theft of a generator, one of several hired to power the lights. The white Stephill 6Kva diesel generator, which was about the size of a washing machine and had wheels and handles like a wheelbarrow, is believed to have been stolen sometime between 9pm and 10.30pm from the narrow area between the two main fields, near to Mangotsfield Cemetery and Farm Court. Paul said it would have taken two people to take the generator and lift it onto a vehicle. The Round Table has yet to be billed by the owner but replacing it could cost the volunteers up to £4,000. Police are appealing for anyone with information about
Crowds enjoy the Downend display Photo: Sean Young the theft to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 262 518. Organisers stopped some people trying to get onto the site without tickets and there were
also reports of scammers trying to sell fake tickets online after the event sold out. A team of 11 volunteers organised, set up and cleared the display, spending two and a half days on the site, with planning having started in January. On the night they were supported by stewards from the Downend 41 Club and Fishponds & Downend Rotary, by Fishponds Baptist 55th Guides, who sold glow-in-the-dark toys, and the 78th Kingswood Scouts, who helped pick up litter after the event, as well as Mama Bears nursery who provided a lost children service and sponsors Great Western Brewery. Local charities, groups and causes who would like to apply for a grant from the money raised should contact the Round Table via Facebook or email ask@downendrt.co.uk. To get involved with round Table email hello@downendrt. co.uk.
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December, 2021
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Avoid seasonal stresses and strains
C
HRISTMAS is a time of year to be with our loved ones and indulge in the festivities of the season. However it can also be quite stressful and full of pitfalls, so hopefully I’ll be able to help you avoid some of them. The stress and strain of Christmas prep often manifest in our bodies and we see a large amount of neck and lower back tension at this time of year. We tailor patient care to ensure everyone is healthy happy and feeling comfortable on the lead up to Christmas. Ready to handle what comes their way over the festive period. Here’s some tips to keep
you in the best shape over Christmas:
feeling drags on. It certainly helps blow the cobwebs out the next day.
Christmas shopping
Stay active
Load the bags evenly; carry one in each hand so you’re not unbalanced and causing undue strain on the neck and back. Better yet order presents online and get them delivered.
Have a Christmas or Boxingday walk. Make sure your don’t become too sedentary. By all means put your feet up but balance it off with some activity each day. Get those teenagers outside and off the computer too!
Keep it simple Opt for a relaxed atmosphere this year, don’t strive for the ‘picture perfect’ Christmas. Enjoy each other’s company and make sure everyone
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mucks in with the jobs to keep the stress low and your body better rested.
Have an amazing Christmas period and if in doubt or you’re suffering don’t hesitate to contact us.
Everything in moderation Enjoy your food and drink but make sure you have some water in there between the stronger stuff. I tend to have a lighter day of eating and drinking on Boxing Day so my body recovers nicely, otherwise I find the ropey Christmas
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December, 2021
11
n NEWS
Roundabouts revamp goes on hold PLANS to spend £30 million on changes to five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road have been put on ice for at least a year. South Gloucestershire Council says it is postponing a bid for government money for the scheme on the A4174, which includes road-widening, extra lanes and turning three more junctions into 'throughabouts', where onward ring road traffic can pass straight through. The decision to put the scheme on hold was made in early November after 84 per cent of the 880 respondents to a 12-week public consultation disapproved of the idea. It was made just a week after the reopening of Wraxall Road junction as a traffic lightcontrolled throughabout, where through traffic uses three lanes in each direction to drive through the middle of the junction, while vehicles making turns use a roundabout. Residents have already branded the Wraxall Road junction, revamped at a cost of £6.9 million, “dangerous” and a “huge waste of money”. An accident involving three vehicles, which saw two people taken to hospital, blocked the new junction two weeks after it opened, although it is not clear whether the design played any role in the crash. The council had hoped the new junction would serve as a template for others on a five-mile stretch between the Lyde Green and Kingsfield roundabouts, to help tackle congestion and stop drivers using nearby neighbourhood roads as rat-runs. Three roundabouts were earmarked to become 'throughabouts': Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green. Another two – Lyde Green roundabout, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added. More traffic lights and entry lanes would have been installed and land at the edges of the ring road developed to provide the extra space. But no dedicated bus lanes were proposed and the plans immediately came under fire from Labour Metro Mayor
An aerial view of the new Wraxall Road roundabout near Kingswood,which is now open Dan Norris and Green local politicians who said it could end up generating more traffic. The council said on November 2 that it had listened to residents’ feedback and would not be submitting its bid to Whitehall for the bigger project until at least late 2022. It said people wanted more time to become familiar with the new junction, which would now be evaluated, and there were also concerns about the impact and disruption caused by three years of roadworks. Cabinet member Steve Reade said: “We would like to thank all those who took part in our consultation and for their detailed feedback on this project. “You have spoken and we have listened. We will not be submitting a funding bid at this time, but we will feed the comments received back into the proposals. “Whilst pleased with the first few days’ operation of the new Wraxall Road throughabout scheme, we recognise it’s quite a big change for the area and people need time to become familiar with it. We will continue to monitor it to inform the wider project. There remains a strong case both economically and environmentally for junction improvements along the A4174. “It is anticipated that, with no intervention, the congestion along the ring road and on adjacent roads will worsen in the years to come due to planned
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local growth." Cllr Reade insisted that the paused scheme would "play a part in delivering" the council's climate emergency goals of
reducing carbon emissions and encouraging more people to use sustainable transport options. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Agape Faith Fellowship Welcomes you to our Sunday services every Sunday from 3-4pm Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close, Lyde Green, Bristol BS16 7GW Families, groups and individuals are welcome
At AFF everybody is somebody We aim to share the love of God and develop a community of belonging, peace, love and togetherness, working with and for the community of Lyde Green For further details please contact ministry Leaders Neville and Esther Levy T: 0759 635 1260 e: agapefellowshiplg@gmail.com
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emersonsgreenvoice
12
December, 2021
n NEWS
A big turnout of veterans, uniformed organisations and the public for the Remembrance Sunday parade and service in Staple Hill
Together again for Remembrance HUNDREDS of people came to the area's war memorials as traditional Remembrance Sunday parades and services returned in Staple Hill, Downend and Mangotsfield. Events on November 14 began with a parade through Staple Hill High Street and Broad Street, led by the Salvation Army band and including Armed Forces veterans, Army Cadets and members of Scout and Guiding groups from rainbows and beavers up to explorers. A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 people gathered by the memorial in Page Park for an open air service, including the Last Post, two minutes' silence and wreath-laying ceremony. The uniformed
organisations then marched to Downend's Scout Memorial on the corner of Westerleigh Road and Badminton Road for a short remembrance ceremony. Shortly afterwards a ceremony took place at the memorial in Alec Large park in Mangotsfield, attended by up to 500 people. The traditional parades and ceremonies in tribute to those who died serving their country in conflicts returned this year after Covid restrictions last year meant they had to be recorded and broadcast online instead. Staple Hill & District Branch Royal British Legion chairman Ian Campbell said people's enthusiasm to return to traditional commemorations had been "amazing".
He said: "People have been desperate to get back to normal." A less formal remembrance service at the Red Lion in Mangotsfield, led by community pastor Clive Heath, was attended by about 50 people, including veterans. RBL branch president Ian Boulton said:"It was humbling to be able to bring back our live Remembrance Day parade and service after last year's virtual event. Our team of volunteers who organise the day never let us down to ensure we pay our proper respects to our fallen. Thank you to everyone for playing a part on this important community commemoration, however large or small." Pupils pay tribute to the fallen: Page 17
A service at the Red Lion in Mangotsfield, above, and the ceremony at the memorial in Mangotsfield, right
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emersonsgreenvoice
December, 2021
13
n NEWS
Robbie Hedges, Jay Wren and Viv Hodge rehearsing for Sleeping Beauty
Panto is coming PUCKLECHURCH Players are putting the finishing touches to their pantomime - their first performance for two years. The Sleeping Beauty will be staged at the village community centre in Abson Road from December 2 to 4, with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2pm. The pandemic has put paid to three shows since the start of 2020, with Michael Cooney’s Cash on Delivery cancelled at the start of the first lockdown, last year’s panto shelved and a performance of two one-act plays in June this year cancelled due to changes in Covid restrictions. But this year’s panto is almost ready to hit the stage, and tickets are available by calling Elaine Stone on 0117 937 3105 or texting 0794 020 7559. They cost £9 each, £8 for concessions or £30 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.
All Argos workers offered jobs SAINSBURY’S says it has offered all workers at the recently-closed Argos store in Emersons Green alternative jobs. The supermarket giant bought the catalogue retailer five years ago and announced last year that it would close 420 stand-alone Argos stores, moving operations into nearby Sainsbury’s stores instead. At Emersons Green Retail Park the Argos store closed for the final time on November 16, with the in-store Sainsbury’s branch opening the following day. The move was part of a £600 million restructuring programme, which will also see the supermarket close its meat, fish and deli counters, with a total loss of 3,500 jobs. Sainsbury’s declined to reveal how many people had worked at the old Argos store and how many had gone on to the new branch within Sainsbury’s A company spokesperson said: “We understand this will be an unsettling time for those affected and colleagues will be offered the opportunity to redeploy to other roles within Sainsbury’s.” Sainsbury’s has a lease on the unit occupied by the former Argos store until 2027. A spokesperson for Colliers, the agents of retail park owners Columbia Threadneedle Investments, said there was no word on any new tenant taking over the lease. Columbia Threadneedle bought Emersons Green Retail Park for more than £25 million in July from previous owners M&G.
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emersonsgreenvoice
14
December, 2021
n NEWS
Places could be cut at Barley Close A MANGOTSFIELD primary school could reduce its intake to a single class of children per year. South Gloucestershire Council is asking people to comment on plans to reduce the admission number for Barley Close Primary School to a maximum of 30 pupils from 2023. At present the school has 289 children on its roll, which represents an average of 41 children in each year. Its capacity is 420. If the proposed change is agreed the maximum number of pupils at the school will reduce to 210 after seven years at the new capacity. The council says it is proposing to reduce the admission number in consultation with the school's governing body. A consultation page added to the council website says: "The proposal will bring the admission number more closely in line with recent and anticipated admissions to the school and will apply to new applications received for first admission to the Reception class in September 2023. "No other alterations to the admission arrangements at the school are proposed and children currently attending the school will
remain on roll." A spokesperson for the school and council said: “The proposal currently being consulted on, if implemented, will enable the school to have a more consistent form of entry and intake. "It will also support the school in having greater control over resources which will help maintain long-term financial sustainability. “If the proposal is taken forward, the implementation will be very carefully managed to ensure minimal impact on staff, who will be consulted on an ongoing basis.
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“Barley Close is a community minded school and we encourage local people to have their say on the consultation." The number of pupils at the school has risen and fallen over the past 16 years, from 205 in 2005 and just 162 in 2008 to 386 in 2017. At the beginning of last year the school stopped running nursery classes for two to four-year-old children, with independent provider Play Station Nursery taking over provision for pre-school children at the site. When the decision was taken the nursery had 34 children on its roll, with a capacity of 60. People are being encouraged to comment on the proposals by emailing charlotte. johnston@southglos.gov.uk or writing to Charlotte Johnston, Admissions and Transport Manager, Education, Learning and Skills, Department for Children, Adults and Health PO Box 1955, Bristol BS37 0DE. Responses need to be received by December 17. More information can be found online at consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ Changestoschools/consultationHome.
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December, 2021
n NEWS
emersonsgreenvoice
15
Village’s school bus fight wins backing CAMPAIGNERS calling for a bus route to be extended to their village have received support from their MP. Parents of 16 children from Pucklechurch who attend Brimsham Green School in Yate are calling for Stagecoach’s service 967 to go the extra two-and-a-half miles to the village. The Voice reported in October that the nearest stop to Pucklechurch is in Westerleigh, and pupils are either being given a lift there or driven the whole six miles to school by their parents. The bus service was set up to take children who are not entitled to free transport to and from Brimsham Green and Chipping Sodbury School, but is also open to the public. Parents have been calling on the West of England Combined Authority, which has powers over transport, to extend the route. But they have been told Weca does not have the funds to subsidise the extension and doing it on a commercial basis would result in a return ticket costing £3.75 - more than three times the £1.10 it costs from Westerleigh. Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, whose constituency includes Pucklechurch, has thrown his support behind the parents’
Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall with parents and children from Pucklechurch campaign. He is calling on Metro Mayor Dan Norris to review and reconsider the parents’ campaign, for future funding to be targeted towards extending the 967 route and for “further clarity” on the projected £3.75 fare cost. Mr Hall said: “Ensuring that children have access to a close bus route to school is absolutely vital in order to enable them to continue going to Brimsham Green School safely. “Extending the bus route from Westerleigh to Pucklechurch will also vastly improve transport links between
Pucklechurch and Yate, as well as creating green options for commuting in South Gloucestershire.” Justine Cox, who has a daughter at Brimsham Green, said: “As parents, we believe that it is absolutely vital that our children have the same opportunity as other children from the village, who are able to access buses to local schools such as Chipping Sodbury, Mangotsfield and Sir Bernard Lovell. “We are simply asking for a viable, affordable and greener alternative to having to drive them to school or to the next village to catch the bus.” Mr Norris previously told the Voice extra government funding would be needed to extend the route on to Pucklechurch without extra cost to parents. He said: “I have been lobbying government Ministers hard for extra money to head west from London to support our local bus services. I continue to do so. “Local MPs of all three parties represented in our area have just supported my call to the government to rethink its sudden two-thirds reduction in funding for West of England services.”
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emersonsgreenvoice
16
December, 2021
n PETER'S VISION
Christmas is coming!
An Early Christmas Present
Here’s the obligatory small print: T&C’s apply, offers subject to availability
1/2 Price Designer Glasses in December 57 Henleaze Road
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0117 962 2474
0117 965 4434
WELL the title says it all really! My inner child is definitely getting excited this year, perhaps more than usual, which from speaking to friends & family sounds to be a reflection on the times we’ve all been through. I appreciate life isn’t back to normal and there could be rocky paths ahead, but for a short period, conveniently called Advent, I’d like to focus a little more inwards than usual and plan to thoroughly enjoy myself. Advent is an interesting word, meaning coming. Probably not a word we use most of the year, and although we could do we tend not to, perhaps subconsciously reserving advent for this most magical time of year. Whether you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus or as a family winter celebration I’m sure we all have our own ways of relaxing and enjoying ourselves with those we love. It’s probably no great surprise to know that I have Christmas glasses, reserved for one day of the year, and one day only. They come with antlers, tinsel, holly… you may see why I only wear them on Christmas day! They are definitely a good way to bring cheer to those who see me wearing them, not least my dear wife Jo who ‘treated’ me to a pair, and insists I wear them, much to her amusement! Keeping on theme a little longer, my top eye survival tips for Christmas include; remembering to blink while watching all your favourite Christmas TV shows, wear glasses while decorating your Christmas tree to avoid needle spikes, wear (prescription) glasses when driving in the seasonally low sun and continue to drink a good amount of water to keep your tears topped up! If you’re in the Henleaze area on the 1st December, you're most welcome to pop in and see us for drinks. We’ll be offering our usual service, free of charge of course, to keep you warm & fuelled for looking around the street stalls, watching the entertainment & sampling the local cuisine. When it comes to your eyes, we’re here to look after you through the festive season. Whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses (we don’t do glasses with antlers I’m afraid) we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! 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 wish each of you a very Merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you soon!
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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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emersonsgreenvoice
December, 2021
17
n NEWS
Pupils pay tribute to the fallen CHILDREN and staff at Emersons Green Primary School marked Remembrance Day with art, poetry and an online assembly presented by Year 6 pupils. The school’s Violet class spent a week exploring the poem In Flanders Fields, writing their own poems in response and creating artwork inspired by war poet John McCrae’s famous work. In the assembly the children commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and reminded everyone how important the act of remembrance is. Several children wrote poems to family members who had fought in the First World War and also shared their personal stories. The school entrance hall and the corridor outside the Year 6 classroom showcased their work
My Great Grandad By Matthew Raison, age 11
Dear Great Grandad 10 By Edwyn Piggott age
Poppy artwork created by Emersons Green Primary School children
and invited the whole school community to remember and reflect. Deputy head teacher Soraya Young said: “The school feels this is an important event to acknowledge and participate in. “We are really proud of the way the children have approached the subject of remembrance, have reflected on its meaning and created a celebration for the whole school community to be involved in.”
I hope you are well In France you lay Miracles and tragedies But you still fell There was time for good But no time for hate high And I will hold the torch et forg er I will nev Those who served in the trenches And also the mines of Now you live on in shades grey chest A poppy will remain on my ga I cannot imagine receivin e telegram saying you’re gon alive But your medals remain And your legacy too true 1915, the worst year to be
School’s poppy display
Military Wives prepare for big concert THE Bristol Military Wives Choir is gearing up for its Christmas concert after performing at a Festival of Remembrance. The choir, which has many members living in Emersons Green and rehearses in Mangotsfield, will stage its Christmas concert on December 9 at Christ Church in Downend, with special guests the Downend School Senior Choir. The concert will start at 7.30pm and tickets are on sale online only at buytickets.at/ bristolmilitarywiveschoir/ 599861, costing £10 for adults and £4 for children. The choir draws members from across three armed services, including those currently serving, veterans, mothers, sisters and daughters, as well as MOD support workers from Abbey Wood and the surrounding military communities. Members performed at a Festival of Remembrance with Filton Concert Brass at the St Michael’s Centre in Stoke Gifford on November 13.
CHILDREN from across Mangotsfield Primary School came together to create en eye-catching display of poppies as part of Remembrance commemorations. Pupils created their own individual poppies which were combined in a display described as a “cascading river of red”. Assistant head teacher Dave Rumsey said: “This activity has supported us as a community to commemorate Remembrance Day, with the opportunity to reflect on the past and how important it is for our present, as well as building on our knowledge. “As a community with many families linked to the Armed Forces, it is particularly important for us to ensure that we learn about Remembrance Day, what it is about and how it helps us to remind ourselves of the sacrifice of so many from the wartime generations. “Not only did we create our poppies, there were other opportunities to learn and reflect through worships, reading special stories and poems or giving to the Poppy Appeal and wearing our poppies with pride.”
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I look through the blue And through the clouds I see you I don’t know where you are But I know you’re not far. I wish you were here But there’s nothing I can do Because the Spanish flu Had to get to you. I took the touch you passed to me Has reached inferno hea t And of course I could not say no I miss you so I wish I’d got to know you . I assumed you were great in the war And what you did To help seal the lid On chaos And a horrible future.
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emersonsgreenvoice
18
December, 2021
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Remarkable effort and sacrifice by those who keep us safe AS we approach the end of another year, I want to reflect on the last seven months of being your PCC. It’s been a whirlwind and there are numerous achievements since being appointed that the team and I are proud of. I’m lucky enough to have met with officers, staff, local people, community groups and organisations across Avon and Somerset, and have gained an understanding of their concerns and views around policing and crime in their area. I will continue to meet with communities, MPs and councillors every Friday to ensure we are working in collaboration for our communities. I’m also proud to be the PCC lead for economic and cyber crime, including fraud: one in ten people fall victim to fraud and it is because of such statistics I was
inspired to take on this role. I will continue to work at a local, regional and national level to raise the profile of this lifedestroying crime, and get a grip of it to protect vulnerable people from harm. Following a rigorous selection process, I’m also delighted to announce my preferred chief constable candidate – Sarah Crew. At the time of writing this column, I am waiting for the Police and Crime Panel hearing to take place on November 25, where I will seek confirmation of appointment of my preferred candidate. At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative chief constable, who is able to inspire their workforce, and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are
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dedicated and hard-working, and I believe that Sarah can enhance their considerable efforts and skills. Moving on, I want to take a moment to reflect on the start of the year, which was a difficult time for all of us as we entered another lockdown. During this time – and still to this day – I was blown away by the remarkable efforts of local people and the sacrifices you made. Unfortunately, as we enter the winter, coronavirus cases continue to increase and it is a stark reminder that the virus is still out there. Although the vast majority of the population are vaccinated and many are receiving their booster jab, please continue to exercise caution over the coming months. Finally, I want to thank the police, NHS and other emergency and volunteer services who
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With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford will be working over the festive season to ensure local people and communities are safe. It’s always a busy time of year for those who work in the emergency services, and their work does not go unrecognised. I wish you all the best with your celebrations and may you have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
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December, 2021
emersonsgreenvoice
19
n NEWS
'Cheaper and simpler' bus service vow A MAJOR revamp of bus services across the region will see daily and weekly fares capped and improved daytime and evening services. Contactless London-style tap-on, tapoff payments will allow passengers to hop across different operators, under-11s will ride for free and under-18s will get half-price discounts. Five months of talks have begun between transport authorities and bus companies to move towards seamless travel, which will eventually include trains, with new local lowfare zones. One common transport brand will be created for the West of England, inspired by Transport for London, with the same livery on all single and double-deckers. Most buses already accept contactless cards but tickets are only valid on services run by the same firm, while ‘tap and cap’ is available only on First buses for daily and weekly tickets in flat-fare zones. The improvements are outlined in the region's Bus Service Improvement Plan, submitted to the government by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council at the end of October. It envisages an “enhanced partnership”
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with operators, primarily First because of its dominance in the region. Negotiations with companies are due to be completed by March 31 before the plan undergoes public consultation, with a view to coming into force 70 days later, on June 10. First Bus has welcomed the plan’s “level of ambition” and says it is committed to rolling out tap-on, tap-off capping and more flexible tickets. Up to 1,000 contactless card readers, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, will be installed on vehicles, allowing
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customers to tap on entry and exit, with the correct, cheapest fare calculated and boarding times reduced. West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the plan would make bus travel "simpler and cheaper", with "one set daily price" for passengers. He said: "I want to make it as easy as possible for people to do the right thing so they can greatly reduce car journeys and use public transport, walk, cycle and wheel, so we can reach our very ambitious net zero 2030 target and deal with congestion, pollution, and obesity." Frenchay & Downend ward councillors Liz Brennan, Ben Burton and James Griffiths criticised the plan as a "missed opportunity" for not including the restoration of services to Bromley Heath on the number 5 route or including any plans for a Metrobus stop in the area. A spokesperson for Mr Norris said the improvement plan was not intended to give detail on individual routes but was about changes being implemented across the public transport network. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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emersonsgreenvoice
December, 2021
21
n NEWS
Badgers' digging closes the cycle path A SECTION of the busy Bristol and Bath Railway Path will be closed for up to eight weeks to repair damage caused by badgers. South Gloucestershire Council's Streetcare department said a section of the path almost a mile long – from the Charnhill Drive entrance between Staple Hill and Mangotsfield to the entrance near the former Staple Hill station, between Acacia Road and Thicket Avenue – would be closed to cyclists and pedestrians from mid-November onwards. The initial legal notice said the path would close for up to 21 days from November 15, but signs erected at the closure sites and later Facebook posts said the closure would be for eight weeks. The affected section includes the Staple Hill tunnel. The council said: "On this stretch we have a badgers’ sett, and badgers digging the soil over the retaining wall has caused the
A sign near the old Staple Hill station platform notifies people of the closure main drainage ditch to become blocked. "We will therefore install a pipe in the ditch to stop the soil from the badgers affecting the drainage in the future, as well as carry out ditch clearance and widening works to help hold extra rainfall in prolonged spells of very wet weather."
The council has published a map advising cyclists to take a mile-and-a-half long diversion using Signal Road, Gloucester Road, Morley Road, Soundwell Road, Portland Street, Acacia Road, Marshfield Road and Thicket Avenue. The council says the recommended route "avoids unlit or darker wooded areas so people
feel as safe as possible now the clocks have changed". However some path users are likely to favour a more direct route via Teewell Hill, Broad Street ad Thicket Road. The council will carry out the work with government funding via the Sustrans Paths for Everyone programme. A section of the path between Staple Hill and Siston, including the old Mangotsfield station, has recently been resurfaced using a new recycled material. The trial project used shredded car tyres, with all metal parts removed, to create a rubber-based surfacing material. The council said: "This process means we were able to recycle approximately 370 endof-life redundant car tyres. "Forty million waste tyres are generated each year, and this greener surfacing method means less tyres are exported (around one in four go to Asia), ending up in landfill."
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emersonsgreenvoice
22
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
December, 2021
We will help world achieve climate goals
Chris Skidmore writes for
Emersons Green Voice
IT was an enormous honour to be able to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, better known as COP 26, in Glasgow over recent weeks – it turned out to be a hugely successful and momentous event for our country. Not only did the summit succeed in keeping alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but it also united the world in calling time on coal – the burning of which is the single biggest cause of carbon emissions. This is something that no UN climate conference has ever done before and – whilst a fantastic achievement on its own – isn’t the only COP triumph to report back. The companies that build a quarter of the world’s cars have agreed to stop building carbon emission vehicles by 2035 – and it is our very own Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion
We’ve slashed our use of coal so much that in 2024 our last two coal-fired power stations will go offline forever. We’ve more than doubled our climate finance, providing vital support for developing countries around the world. We’ve made a legally binding commitment to reach net zero, the first of the major economies to do so – and something I was proud to sign into law as a former Government minister. And we’ve set a date by which hydrocarbon internal combustion engines will be banned, whilst continuing the roll-out of electric vehicle charging stations across the local area. Finally we’ve shown the world that it’s possible to grow your economy while cutting carbon – creating markets for clean technology and delivering new green jobs that reduce emissions and increase prosperity.
Systems currently under construction at the Emersons Green Science Park that will provide the global expertise to make this ambitious goal a reality. And 130 countries came together to protect up to 90 per cent of the world’s forests that do so much to absorb carbon and allow wildlife to flourish. Again, locally, we see our own efforts to complement this global action, whether that’s doubling tree canopy cover across South Gloucestershire or pioneering a “WildBelt” network of green spaces, commons, nature reserves stretching from Lyde Green to Willsbridge that will help halt urban sprawl. As the UK’s local and national examples show, the task of our negotiators was made easier by the fact that the UK wasn’t asking anyone to do anything we’re not doing ourselves.
DO YOU HAVE A CHILD DUE TO START SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER?
If so, please let us show you around our wonderful school! Open afternoons every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Contact the school office on 01454 866 750 or email elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.uk to book an appointment
Reception Open Events Is your child due to start school next September? We would love to welcome you to Elm Park Primary School. Come along and enjoy a guided tour led by our Head Teacher and Reception Class Teacher. See our wonderful school and let us show off the amazing learning opportunities we provide. We offer personalised tours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm – 5pm. ‘Elm Park is a happy and friendly school. Pupils love learning because teachers make it fun. The Early Years is a welcoming and interesting place for children to learn. Staff care deeply about their pupils and are sensitive to their needs. Leaders and teachers share a passion for igniting pupils’ enthusiasm and nurturing talents.’ OfSTED November 2019 Please contact us by phone 01454866750 or email elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.uk to book a place for one of our open afternoons or to join us at our open morning. If you are unable to make the days/times above, please contact us and we will find an alternative time to show you around.
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emersonsgreenvoice
December, 2021
23
n NEWS
MP takes a lookAbacus at future of motoring Pre-School Open Da KINGSWOOD MP Chris Skidmore took a look at the new research building designed to help power the vehicles of the future. The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, based at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, aims to develop cleaner forms of power for vehicles as manufacturers move away from fossil fuels, and to train engineers to help design and build them. IAAPS academic director Professor Chris Brace and engineering director Professor Rob Oliver gave the MP an hour-long tour of the £70 million building, funded by Bath University, Research England and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, which is now nearing completion. Mr Skidmore said: “I’ve always believed the future of the economy in the West of England needs to be driven by innovation and research. IAAPS will provide another great opportunity for the region to demonstrate world-leading expertise in advanced propulsion systems, which will be needed for the future of the automotive industry, the aviation industry and other heavy-industry sectors that need to decarbonise.” Professor Brace said: “There has never been a more pertinent time to work on
Saturday 2nd October 202
Come meet the team for coffee and cake morning at Abacus preand see the fantastic opportunities we have for children to learn t play.
Spaces available for children aged 2 - 4 years.
MP Chris Skidmore
Prof Chris Brace Special appearance from Peppa Pig, facewith painting and ba and Prof Rob Oliver of the Institute
for Advanced You will be able to see the pre-school set up with activities which w Automotive on a daily basis and ask the team any questions youSystems. may have a Propulsion childcare at Abacus pre-school.
cleaner energy and reduced CO2 emissions is world-leading, which is often an overused across transport, and our new facility will be term. But as Chris Skidmore has been able to a hugely important contribution to creating Time: see for himself,- our state-of-the-art test and 10am 12pm sustainable mobility of the future. Our research facilities and collaboration space United Church, Cossham ambitionAddress: is to be a centreMangotsfield, of excellence that truly liveReform up to this goal.”
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St
24
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
emersonsgreenvoice
December, 2021
Net Zeroat FrenchayChristmasTreeFarm If COP26 has got you worried about what you can do about the climate crisis, an easy way to start is to visit Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm for your Christmas tree. Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, namely carbon dioxide and methane. Buying local means you can really reduce your carbon footprint. Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is home to 40,000 Christmas trees spread over approximately 18 acres of green belt land next to the M32 motorway. All plants actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the Christmas trees - which are evergreen – do this all year round. With the heavy motorway traffic nearby, there certainly is no shortage of carbon dioxide for the trees to mop up. “I think all of us are wondering what we can do on a personal level when it comes to climate change,” says Simon Maughan, managing director of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. “A good way to start
Kate and Simon Maughan, owners of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm invite you to buy your tree locally this year this Christmas is to make sure that we buy as much as we can for the festive season from local suppliers, whether it is food for the table, presents for the tree, or the tree itself.” “As for the Christmas tree, it’s
also important to consider what to do with it in the New Year. Burning it probably is the worst thing to do as it releases all that stored carbon directly back into the atmosphere. Many of our customers find a second use for their tree, as a bird
For your tree this year - visit the only place in Bristol that grows its own
FRENCHAY CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
feeder for example, but by far the most common thing to do with it is to recycle it as chipped mulch.” “We accept hundreds of returned trees in January, and they all get put through the shredder. The bits rot down naturally on the ground, keeping the carbon in the ground, and also making homes for insects and food for fungi.” The Christmas tree site has in itself become a bit of a haven for wildlife. Birds nest in the trees, animals shelter under the trees, wild flowers such as orchids have begun to seed themselves in the grass around trees. 2021 saw the addition of a big pond, which is set to attract all sorts of other interesting residents, such as dragonflies. Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm from Saturday 20th November. You can visit in person or order your tree online at www. frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk – either for delivery or click and collect.
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OLD GLOUCESTER ROAD, FRENCHAY, BS16 1QW TEL: 07717220086
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CHRISTMAS WREATHS AND TREE STANDS FOR SALE
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December, 2021
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n LYDE GREEN INDIAN ASSOCIATION
Celebrating Diwali in Lyde Green DIWALI is India’s most important festival of the year. A time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Widely observed among more than a billion people from a variety of faiths across India and its diaspora, the few days of Diwali are marked by prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings and charitable giving. For those who don’t know why we celebrate Diwali there are few stories of its origin, but mainly Diwali is celebrated because of Lord Rama’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the heroic rescue of his wife Devi Sita and defeating and killing Evil King Ravana in battle. So people light up the diya, or lamp, to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This was the first year of the Diwali celebration held at Lyde Green Community Centre, on October 23. The event was planned by members of the Indian community who have been recently moved to the area with their families. The main motive was to get the Indian and other communities together, share values, perform some cultural activities and enjoy the festival.
The event was ticketed, nonprofit-making event, and all costs and tasks were shared between the community members, including venue hire, DJ hire with Bollywood music, professional fireworks and a delicious four-course menu. We had 54 guests, 22 of them children, for the event, including people from Polish and British backgrounds who equally enjoyed it.
The event started with a welcome speech followed by a prayer, then a talent show with kids performing dance numbers to Bollywood songs. Then all the beautiful ladies from the event had a fashion show wearing traditional Indian outfits. Luckily, we had permission from community centre to light up fireworks in the front car park, with the Lyde Green community
informed to keep animals indoors. After the fireworks the food buffet was opened and people enjoyed delicious Indian food. Then the dance floor was opened for all and everyone had the best time, which continued until the last song was played. Overall, we all captured some magical moments, created some happy memories and were all surrounded with positivity, laughter and friendship, while celebrating this special occasion. We had fun, laughed and, with lots of love and care, we thank all community members for their help and support - and promise to come back next year with a bang! Happy Diwali! Sachien Baadekar
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Handmade in Bristol Get your winter wardrobe ready, put on your hats, gloves and scarves and start planning your Festive Trail Route. We have many outdoor venues and some indoor ones too. Applications for exhibitors are now closed and we have an exciting and extensive list of over 120 artists, makers and designers for you to visit over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of December - between the hours of 10am and 4pm. There will be many festive gift ideas for you to choose from and plenty of decorations and homewares to give your home a bit of a luxury boost. Or, you may want to treat yourself to something special that has been locally handmade with great skill and creativity. Follow our instagram
us create our bespoke products. Maps are available online and on paper from mid-November from various community venues and shops, tell your neighbours, friends and family and help make this another successful BSpoke16
Arts Trail. Don’t forget our pop-up shops continue through December. Many thanks to Snuffy Jacks Alehouse, Fishponds and The Wooden Walls Micropub, Staple Hill for their continued support.
and Facebook pages or visit our website www.bspoke16.co.uk for profiles of all our artists and makers so you can visit them and support local businesses. Come by foot, bike, bus, scooters, roller skates, skateboard we don’t care! We will welcome you at every venue and explain the methods we use, and the influences we have, that help make
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December, 2021
n WHAT’S ON November 27 n ST JAMES CHRISTMAS FAIR, 11am to 3pm in the Church Hall, Richmond Rd, Mangotsfield. Crafts, games, raffles and home-made cakes. Visit Santa in his grotto for £3.50, with a gift. Entrance is Free. November 28 n ST JAMES CHURCH MANGOTSFIELD TOY SERVICE, 10.30am in church. Please bring along a wrapped gift, labelled with the age and sex the gift is suitable for. We would like new toys suitable for preschool children but no soft toys, please. All toys will be given to social services to be distributed to local families. December 4-10 n PUCKLECHURCH CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Visit St Thomas a Becket church to see a beautiful display of Christmas trees decorated by clubs and organisations in Pucklechurch, with the theme, The Christmas Story. Starting on Saturday December 4 and running daily until Friday December 10, we hope many of you will drop in to enjoy this Advent preparation time, stock up on Christmas items, partake of refreshments and see the traditional nativity crib. Sat:10am - 4pm, Sun - Fri: 2-4pm. 4-5 Dec, 11-12 Dec & 18-19 Dec n VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS: This December, step back in time at Brunel’s SS Great Britain to celebrate a Victorian Christmas. Take in the smells of Christmas pudding and marzipan on board or meet the Ragged Victorians living history group in the dockyard. You might even spot Old Father Christmas, dressed in traditional green robes! December 5 n BETHESDA I.M CHURCH, SOUNDWELL ROAD STAPLE HILL Christmas fair 10.00 11.30. December 5 n 5pm - STAPLE HILL SALVATION ARMY, Broad Street BS16 5LN - ‘Light up a Life’ with St Peters Hospice staff, friends and Staple Hill Band and Songsters. Places must be booked on www.staplehillsa.uk or Tel: 0117 9569733 December 9 n BRISTOL MILITARY WIVES CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 7.30pm, Christ Church, Downend Road, with special guests Downend School senior choir. Adults £10, children £4 - available online only at buytickets.at/ bristolmilitarywiveschoir/599861. December 11 n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS FAYRE at Lyde Green Community centre, 2pm-6pm. Stalls, Father Christmas grotto, story time, brass band and craft sessions. December 2-5 n TREEFEST 2nd - 5th December 2021 open daily 10-5 Sunday opening 1- 5pm. St Mary Redcliffe Church Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6RA A display of up to 100 decorated Christmas Trees. Raising money for Changes Bristol , a community led charity that supports people who need mental health support. All Changes Bristol support services are free, available to anyone over 18, open-access. Also supporting St Mary Redcliffe Community Development team’s work, which has helped the community face the impact and fallout of the pandemic, with the introduction of a food bank and a Community Hub opening on Redcliffe parade providing support to the community. There will be a full free Music
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Programme throughout, including local choirs and musicians. December 10 n LUNCHTIME CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 12.30-2pm; performance from 1-2pm. Monthly concerts on the second Friday of the month return after an 18-month break, with a performance from Bristol Veterans Band. Entry is free – retiring collection towards expenses. December 19 n 10am – Family Carol Service – STAPLE HILL SALVATION ARMY, Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN with Staple Hill Junior Band, Choir and Children. Tel 0117 9569733 December 19 n 5pm – Community Carol Service – STAPLE HILL SALVATION ARMY with Band, Songsters and Children. Places must be booked on www. staplehillsa.uk or Tel: 0117 9569733 December 24 n 5pm – Carols in the Square – Fountain Square, Staple Hill with STAPLE HILL SALVATION ARMY BAND.
REGULAR EVENTS Every Week day n MATHS TUITION IN EMERSONS GREEN. AM/PM week days. Years 1-11 (primary/secondary), GCSE, 11plus, problem solving. 1-1 and group sessions. Email numerikstutoring@gmail.com, facebook. com/NumeriksTutoring. Enhanced DBS. Safeguarding trained. FREE assessment. Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. 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 Wednesday 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. We have also planned fund raising events and are looking for any one willing to give us ladies a hand. 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: everyone welcome to attend.
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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 is free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR has returned to regular rehearsals and is looking for new members in its tenor, baritone and bass sections. You don’t need to be a reader of music, but if you can hold a tune, and enjoy singing , whatever the style of music in our wide-ranging repertoire, then come along to our regular Thursday rehearsals held from 7 till 9 at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS. We are a sociable and friendly choir. We will rehearse observing whatever Covid requirements are in force and we look forward to seeing new singers as well as experienced returning singers. For more information go to our Facebook page, our website - www. bristolmvc.org.uk - or contact our secretary on 07941 040472. Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. 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 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. The church is now getting ready for their Christmas programme this will include the following:Sunday 28th November 10.30am-11.30am in the Village Hall is the Children’s Christmas Craft Service. There will be crafts to make and songs to sing with a short Christian message. Do come along if you are able. It is FREE but all children must be accompanied by an adult. We look forward to having our regulars back as well as many new people. Emersons Green Christmas Eve Family Carol Service 4pm at Emersons Green Village Hall. The service lasts for 45 minutes and there is an opportunity to sing all your favourite Carols. (Limited Spaces). Everyone is welcome at both of the above. n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. We are still taking a cautious approach and ask people to wear a mask if they can. For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk
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December, 2021
27
n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
New benches at an old seat of learning
TAKE a seat and relax. Well, you can now at the Dame School, where four new benches have been installed. One was paid for by two local residents, the others from something called Section 106 money that South Glos Council received from various property developments. We think they look great and are sure they will be well used – perhaps when the weather is a bit better. By the time you read this we will have held our Remembrance service at the War Memorial. A further sign that things are returning to “more normal”, although it might be worth reminding ourselves of the government advice, which says: "COVID-19 is not going to go away completely. We need to learn to live with it, but keep safe while living our lives. Everyone should do what they can to stop it spreading and everything you do will help the NHS during the winter.” A reminder that our Dame
The new benches at the Dame School, off St James Street School Nativity Carol Concert is on December 17 at 6.30pm. All are welcome to come along. Our next meeting is on Friday November 26, and we want to make it more of a social event – there is rumour of early mulled wine and mince pies – let’s hope it’s true. Our local South Glos Council Community Engagement Forum took place on November 2. The level of engagement from the wider community remains disappointing, so we will be working with the council and
our excellent local councillors to see what we can do to make it something people want to be a part of. One problem may be that it is still an online meeting – we aren’t back face-to-face yet, unfortunately. There are probably many other reasons: please let us know. You are no doubt now all aware of the South Glos consultation regarding changes to town and parish councils in the area, including the possible creation of a new parish/town council in Staple Hill & Mangotsfield.
A series of drop-in sessions have been arranged, where people can find out what it may mean and ask questions. None were in Mangotsfield, so we expressed our disappointment and changed that. A session at the scout hall was due to take place on Tuesday November 23, from 2pm until 6pm. We would urge all local residents to have their say: it’s important that your voice is heard. As always, we’d love more people to get involved, so if you’d like to or you need any help then please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com or via the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page. You can also telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Have a great and safe Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you in 2022, when hopefully our existing plans will come to fruition and we can make new and bolder ones. Chris Amos
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December, 2021
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Thanks to all who will be working in festive season IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! My office has turned into a winter wonderland full of drawings of reindeer, holly and elves from talented local children entering my Christmas card competition. There is a definite chill in the air. In our local shopping streets beautiful store window displays tempt us in, while carols bring muchneeded cheer. And I keep thinking, as I do every single year, I really must get a move on with my Christmas shopping! Christmas is a truly magical time for many. As a child I remember being so excited to find out what Father Christmas had left for me and my brother and sisters. My best ever present was when I was nearly four and got a red ride-on Tri-ang Puff Puff train. I had seen it in a shop window and instantly fell in love. But I also knew it was too big an ask, as it was far too expensive, and I was told that it wouldn’t become mine. So when it was there under the tree on Christmas day it was the most exciting day of my life and it still is! When I was a bit older it remained trains
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for me! Christmas was a waiting game to see what extra bits I might get for my Hornby train set. I loved the Brunswick green Great Western Railway engines and their chocolate and cream coaches. Sometimes I’d get some track and points in my stocking or tiny model passengers for the station and trackside. As you can tell, I was super keen on great public transport systems even back then! Nowadays it’s my working cocker spaniel Angel that makes my Christmas special. She loves long walks, her toy pheasant, and best of all, sausages! Boxing Day is obviously a big deal too – I often go to Ashton Gate with my fellow Bristol City fans, and winning hopefully means vital bragging rights over my Rovers mates! For some, Christmas doesn’t mean time off and I’d like to thank our amazing NHS staff, our firefighters and police, those working in retail at their busiest time of the year, and our posties who sort and deliver all the mail. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who works over Christmas! A special Christmas wish also goes to those
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Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice who are spending the holiday alone – perhaps because of fate or circumstance, or maybe because they have lost a cherished partner. If this is you, you will be particularly in my thoughts. It’s also a time for New Year’s resolutions, but as I’ve got the best job ever, mine is simple. In 2022 I want to really put the brilliant West of England even more firmly on the national and global map and ensure our region thrives. So from Angel and me, we wish you and your family the happiest of Christmases, and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you in 2022.
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December, 2021
29
n LOCAL HISTORY
The miners of Mangotsfield
Historian and Mangotsfield Residents Association member David Blackmore looks at the lives of the coal miners who worked in the area's pits IN December 1828, Mangotsfield miner Obadiah Powell was descending a shaft at the Pucklechurch Old Coal Works when a stone fell from the side, hitting him on the head and killing him instantly. He had been lowered, as was usual, by two workmates, on a rope tied around his waist. They, in turn, were let down by a boy who had then left until morning. The rope wasn't long enough to reach the bottom and Obadiah was left suspended all night, as the other two men had no means of raising the alarm or drawing themselves back up. At the time it was not unusual for colliers to work 18 hours per day. Between 1809 and 1844 men had to sign a yearly 'bond' with a colliery, submitting to various conditions, under pain of arrest, trial and imprisonment, while the colliery owner gave no undertaking to furnish any work at all. Signing brought a 'bounty' of 2s 6d, with extra for the first few to sign up – usually enough to cause a stampede among the povertystricken workforce. Mines were cramped, poorly ventilated and highly dangerous, with little attention paid to health and safety, and child workers injured by roof falls and run over by carts. The Victorians saw child labour as a normal part of working life. Most children started work underground when they were around eight, some as young as five. The youngest were 'trappers', sitting in total darkness for up to 12 hours, opening and closing wooden trapdoors to let a coal 'tub' through. Older boys would be 'hurriers' or 'thrusters', moving tubs of coal weighing over 600kg along tunnels which were often only 4ft high. Hurriers would use a guss and crook harness – a rope passed around the waist and between the
A hurrier and thruster push a load of coal legs, fixed to a metal hook – to tow a coal sledge, known locally as a putt. Thrusters would push the putts from behind, with their hands and heads. Although the guss was tailormade to fit each collier's back, it continually bruised the skin, causing wheals and sores, and often drew blood. Despite this it remained in use at the workerowned Marsh Lane colliery, at Farrington Gurney, until its closure in 1949. 'Getters', the oldest and strongest miners, cut coal from the seam with a pickaxe. Whole families often worked and ate together underground, living mainly on bread and potatoes. However, images of topless women and girls working down mines caused a furore when reports appeared in the press. The Mines & Collieries Act of 1842 banned women, girls and boys under 10 from working underground. At a meeting in 1858 at the Primitive Methodist Church, Mangotsfield, mine owner Handel Cossham said 650 men and boys worked for him, with at least 220 more probably dependent upon the pits for work. The adult weekly wage varied from 18 to 20 shillings, while boys under 13 were paid up to 6s and teenagers earned up to 12s – but many younger boys were paid only 3d or 4d per day. Colliers didn't meekly accept their lot. In the 18th century they were involved in numerous protests, especially against turnpike toll roads. In 1795 colliers detained several droves of pigs on their way to Bristol market and unloaded every cart and wagon of coal. The East Devon Militia were ordered out, with 100 soldiers quartered in
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Mangotsfield. The names of five ringleaders were published and a reward of 50 guineas offered for their arrest and conviction. Two years later a new turnpike was erected on the Sodbury Road, near the Horseshoe Inn in Downend. In the 19th century, miners organised to fight for better wages. In May 1873 up to 3,000 people, including miners from several collieries, set off from Rodway Hill, headed by a brass band and with union banners flying, for the Colston Hall, where they were addressed by Amalgamated Association of Miners president Thomas Halliday. During 1875, Mangotsfield miners went on strike against owners' plans to withdraw the custom of giving them bags of coal for their own use, which had been in operation for well over 100 years. An arbitrator resolved the dispute. In September 1889 a large gathering of miners at the Primitive Methodist Chapel voted unanimously to form a union. The following year, the 3,000 members were urged to pay 3d a quarter to help send the first Labour MPs to Parliament. In December 1907 the Nevarra Coal and Iron Mines company found itself in dispute with miners at Shortwood over pay and 'bag' coal allowances. Some 30 men were suspended and the company threatened workers with dismissal, with the apparent intention of ridding themselves of the union officials involved in the dispute. But the miners all walked out, taking their tools, in solidarity with their workmates. The striking miners, reliant on the union's 10s per week unemployment pay, published a notice explaining their "just and right" struggle, saying: "We consider that our wages are just
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A miner with a guss and crook, used to tow a coal sledge or putt enough to live from hand to mouth and, seeing the danger we are exposed to and the risk of life and limb, we are entitled to a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work." The dispute was not resolved until the following July, when wages were put on an equal footing with nearby Parkfield colliery at Pucklechurch. Even as pay and conditions improved, mining remained dangerous. Almost 100 years after the death of Obadiah Powell, Mangotsfield miner Gilbert Mealing suffered terrible injuries when a truck became uncoupled and jumped the lines at Parkfield Colliery, where he was a coal filler, in January 1921. Suffering shock and a compound fracture of the left leg, Gilbert, of Cossham Street, was taken by St John's Ambulance to Cossham Hospital. A fortnight later a pain in his side was diagnosed as pneumonia. He died days later from heart failure, and was buried in St James churchyard. He was 36.
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December, 2021
n LIBRARY NEWS n AROUND THE WIs News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries Opening Hours Downend and Emersons Green libraries last staffed day before Christmas is Friday 24th December, closing at 1pm. Staple Hill library’s last staffed day will be Thursday 23rd December 10am – 5.30pm. There will be no staffed hours between 25th – 29th December but for details of how to renew or reseover the Seasonal period see www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries Thursday 30th December : Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries staffed 10am – 5.30pm Friday 31st December : Downend & Emersons Green libraries staffed 10am – 5pm No staffed hours 1st – 3rd January then usual staffed opening hours resume. Seasonal Children’s Activities Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries have FREE Christmas activity packs for children to collect and do at home. Just pop along to any of the libraries on a staffed day between 4th – 23rd Dec to collect yours! Book Start Storytimes & Rhyme Times at Staple Hill Library Staple Hill Library is taking part in a national pilot project to support children’s reading. We have in stock multiple copies of some new picture books for parents and toddlers to borrow and enjoy and then vote on their favourite on our sticker wallchart. Children can also have their photo taken on our promotional stand any time they visit the library, pick up more stickers if they attend Storytime or Rhyme Time (where we are reading the books & rhymes until 11th December) and collect some other freebies as well. Please ask staff for more details or email staplehill. library@southglos.gov.uk. Green Waste Bags Recycling your real Christmas tree? If you purchase a single use green waste bag (£2.30) from any of our libraries you can have the tree collected on your usual recycling day. For more details visit https:// www.southglos.gov.uk/one-offgarden-waste-collection. Our Click & Collect and General Library enquiries phone line will be staffed until 1pm on Christmas Eve, then 30th & 31st December before resuming usual days and times from 4th January : 01454 865022 (Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm & Sat 9.30 -12) or libraries@southglos. gov.uk.
would like to join us, please let me know by emailing president@ mangotsfieldwi.org.uk. Carol Coombs
MANGOTSFIELD WI OCTOBER was our annual meeting, where the official tasks all went off well. We also had a bring-and-buy sale, which was well supported: likely members had acquired all sorts of things over the past 18 months, when we have not been meeting in person. A lovely afternoon trip was organised to the Kingswood Heritage Museum, with 16 of our members taking part in a private tour and finding the whole experience fascinating. Our guide Steve was a founder member of the museum and has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the exhibits. He has suggested we return in the late spring or early summer next year and book an evening guided walk. Eight members went to the Bristol Hippodrome to see ‘White Christmas’, meeting up early to have a pre-theatre meal. The performance was wonderful and got us all in the mood for Christmas. We had intended to organise a trip to the National Arboretum on December 9, but transport arrangements proved difficult. Instead, a few of us are headed for the farmers' market at Stow-onthe-Wold. For our November meeting we are having a ‘Murder Mystery Scenes of Crime’ event, with delicious handmade cakes, tea and coffee. In December last year we had to cancel our entertainment but have been in touch and he is going to revisit us this year. We are now currently planning some exciting events for 2022 – watch this space! Mangotsfield WI would like to wish all our readers a merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year. For more information, take a look at our Facebook page or our website at www.mangotsfieldwi. org.uk. If you are not a member but
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BEECHMERE BELLES SEPTEMBER saw us having a brilliant talk from Jenny Bowen: she has lived and worked in Africa for years, supporting wildlife and conservation. Her stories were amazing and funny, although she did stress it was only funny being chased by a rhino once they were safe back inside the car. From a snake living under her house, which she was very grateful for in the end due to the rats, to the beautiful birds she was surrounded by, it was easy to understand that she had totally fallen in love with Africa. The pandemic had obviously stopped her from travelling back to Africa, but she was starting to make plans for her return. Our October meeting was the AGM, and we welcomed Karen as our new secretary. After the official bits were finished, we tested all our brains at a quiz. I personally found it quite taxing but others were extremely brainy. Our November meeting is the last of the year and is always a Christmas Craft night. Mince pies and chocolates at hand whilst we try to make our craft look like the demo. I think it’s better if I don’t tell you how mine turns out every year but I do get points for trying. We will again have a stall at the Emersons Green Village Hall Christmas Fayre on December 4, from 10.30am until 2pm, so come along and try your luck at our tombola. The year is drawing to an end, and soon we will be enjoying our festive evening out, which is brilliant after missing out last Christmas. As usual we have decided to stay local, and have booked one of the lovely eateries in Downend village. I think after the
last goodness knows how many months, it is even more important to support small businesses. We meet every fourth Thursday of the month, except December, at 7.30pm in the Willow Room in Emersons Green Village Hall. We have spaces, so if you want to visit, please feel free to come along. Beechmere Belles WI wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year.
SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI SO here we are again, with the run-up to Xmas 2021 upon us and another year nearly over! It has been a year of ups and downs for our group, but we have managed to meet up for the last few months and have enjoyed catching up with everyone for a cuppa and chat!! October was our AGM, where we elected our committee to take us forward into next year, and this was followed with quizzes set by Caroline, which we do in groups, so collective knowledge always helps. We all enjoy using our brains and I have to admit that we are a little bit more competitive than we realise, especially with the prize of a chocolate or two. It is surprising what you find in the back of your mind! In November, we had a fascinating talk about the Chernobyl children and were amazed to hear all the great things that the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity are doing. This was followed by our usual WI news catch-up and the mandatory cuppa, biscuit and chatter time. Christmas party arrangements are under way for our December meeting, which is usually traditional games like pass-theparcel, and an American supper. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the chapel or vestry in Shortwood and you are more than welcome to join us. For more info please email me at millhousejoinery@aol.com with the heading Shortwood Village WI. Thank you. Lynne Miller
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December, 2021
n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE COLUMN
Tis the season to be jolly... WE hope all you wonderful readers are enjoying the festivities during the run up to Christmas. Did you know that winter in the Northern Hemisphere starts on December 21st? Normally, winter in our house is when the heating gets switched on for the first time (which is a lot sooner!). We hope your gardens are winter-ready and the wildlife is making the most of it this year. Some things to consider are: keep the feeders topped up – this is important in the winter months as food becomes less available for the birdlife, especially if, dare I say it, snow falls; fresh rainwater (if you have it) in the bird baths will also help; any tender shrubs and trees would always benefit from a little wrapping to keep the cold and frost at bay. We have been chipping away behind the scenes working on future projects for all to get involved in. One of them is working towards an outdoor shared space in the community centre at Lyde Green. We are looking to create a community garden for all to enjoy and some ideas noted are having a kids messy play area, herb planters to help yourselves, and the possibility of a veg patch with seasonal offerings (once we get the soil conditions right). We will need all the help we can with this, so keep your eyes peeled for updates on our socials. We will also actively seek funding via grants, and pleased to say Sovereign Housing Association have committed in principle, with the LGCA also keen
to see this project happen. Some projects and workshops we are planning for 2022 are: • A hedgehog awareness event in April • A herbs event explaining how we can grow our own herbs and the best management practice • Info boards for the common area explaining the habitat and history of the common • Lyde Green in Bloom – more on that in our January column. We must take a moment to raise some awareness regarding habitat destruction across our area. With the continued building this year, and more to start next year, we are seeing more and
more careless destruction of hedgerows and habitat from the building companies. Some would argue this destruction is within the plans, but we feel a lot of it can be avoided, so we will be working hard with the developers to engage positively in seeking alternative measures when they enter site, chopping and churning up our lovely green spaces. One thing we are aware of is that the existing wildlife will more than likely move away due to the noise, pollution and habitat loss. That’s not to say they will not come back! Our plan is to hold the developers to account to ensure they are doing all they can to encourage the wildlife back, with
adequate habitat building and encouragement once the sites are complete. We are confident the wildlife will return and flourish in Lyde, and it’s up to all of us to make sure this can happen, for all generations to enjoy. In our next column we will be taking time to talk about all the wonderful things we have done this year, and to thank you all for all your support and appreciation. Thank you all for taking the time to read our column and, as always, we remind you that the more residents get involved in helping, us the more we can do to enhance our wonderful community! If you have any ideas or would like to lend a hand, please feel free to get in touch. Check out our Facebook page or send an email to lgopenspace@gmail.com. Merry Christmas from all the team at Lyde Green OpenSpace Laurence Binks Chair Lyde Green OpenSpace
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n NEWS
It's green for go on new plan for nature FIVE new nature reserves will be created and tree cover doubled across South Gloucestershire as part of a major new council plan. The green infrastructure strategy, approved by the local authority’s cabinet on November 8, sets out ambitious goals to protect and enhance the natural environment, including establishing a community orchard within a 15-minute walk of every urban neighbourhood. Restoring hedgerows, improving habitats for pollinators and changing the way South Gloucestershire Council manages road verges and grassland areas to support nature are also set out in the 208-page document. It says potential new sites for local nature reserves will be investigated, including designated status at Woodwell Meadows, Magpie Bottom, Cock Road Ridge, Filnore Woods and Thornbury Farm Woodland. Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: “As we rise to the challenges of responding to the climate and nature emergency, this strategy sets out how well-planned, designed and managed green infrastructure can contribute and is central to our plans.
“Across our area we also need to plan for new homes and infrastructure. “This strategy and action plan explains the important work under way to inform our local plan so that green infrastructure is at the start and centre of our work to get the best outcomes for people and nature as we plan and design new places.” Responding to concerns that it lacked measurable targets and was too broad, he
said cabinet members had the power to amend the plan to “keep it live”. Cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt told the meeting at Kingswood Civic Centre that work in partnership with communities, town and parish councils and other organisations was essential to achieving the strategy’s goals, which would be reviewed every year. She said: “Important foundations have been put in place and there remains significant work to do. “Working together is at the centre of our plans and how we will achieve the vision that this strategy sets out.” Council leader Toby Savage said: “It’s very much now up to us to see that identified actions are properly implemented.” The plan also includes a new green investment scheme for businesses and an online green spaces map with information about facilities, accessibility and 'friends' groups. South Gloucestershire currently has nine local nature reserves, while 11 per cent of its total area is covered by trees. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Who doesn’t like an awards ceremony? Ask Ant and Dec! It’s been a strange month for my Cleve Chiropractic colleague Catherine Quinn and I. We hosted the equivalent of the chiro Oscars, doing our best to impersonate the popular Geordie duo. And I think there was just as much pressure on us. We were in charge of delivering and helping to host the national British Chiropractic Association (BCA) conference. During the past nine months, we’ve been heading up the repositioning and rebranding of the chiropractic profession through the BCA and have now launched this huge piece of work to the membership. The project is much too involved to go into details here. Suffice to say, the take home message is that we want to support all chiropractors to put their patients first and practise with the very highest levels of ethics and standards of care. There’s a lot more
to digest on this subject so, if you’re interested, please follow the BCA on social media channels. During the conference I was asked to represent chiropractic during an excellent debate with Jack Chew, one of the country’s leading physiotherapists, and Ollie Coburn, who is the registrar for the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT). We considered the benefits of working alone as a practitioner in our chosen field. The thinking is that you get to learn more techniques to help treat many different conditions. That’s against working as part of a team of professionals but always with the same goal – doing your very best for the patient. I’m fortunate to have worked both on a solo basis and within a team. During my first seven years as a chiropractor, I had my own business but also worked for Bath Rugby in the Premiership – so I enjoyed the best of both worlds.
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During these early formative years, I spent some time dreaming of the ‘gold standard’ way of working in private practice – and always trying to answer the same question: what is the best environment in which to treat patients? I kept coming up with the same answer. The ‘professional sport way’ seemed like the best solution. At Bath, every player would come and see me, followed by a visit to the physio and the sport therapist, then go to the gym with the sports rehabilitator, or out training on the practice pitches. They had access to the team doctor, pilates, yoga and a nutritional therapist. We had the first laser machine I had ever seen, with access to X-rays, MRI and ultrasound scans. So back in the days of no kids or grey hair, I formulated a plan of interdisciplinary working with a big enough clinic that could house everyone and enough equipment to match an elite sports environment. During the next 19 years or so, I formed a ‘collection’ of experts who I knew I could work with. The friends I made at Bath Rugby, then with Bristol Rovers, would become my future colleagues. These people are leaders in their fields and have hugely varied skill sets. They already respect each other and know how to work together effectively to give the patient the best possible treatment. I saved hard to buy and build in stages. This enabled me to furnish my clinic and buy a full range of medical equipment. It’s not just about chiropractic gear – we now
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 have an X-ray machine, 3 diagnostic ultrasound machines, 3 shockwave machines, 2 laser therapy machines, 10 chiropractic and physio beds, an anti-gravity treadmill and we refer out for MRI scans…I haven’t quite afforded one of those yet! I believe we’ve made great strides but we’re still improving. Keith Graham, our lead physiotherapist, has completed his prescribing qualifications and can now perform ultrasound guided injections. We’ve taken on acupuncturist Jennie Abraham and we are about to partner with a very experienced nutritional therapist. So you can tell that the conference debate sparked a huge amount of feeling for me as I proudly supported the idea of interdisciplinary working. I love what we’ve created with nearly two decades of hard work and determination. It means each patient at our clinic can be treated like a Premier League elite sports person, whatever their age, sex or physical ability.
The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN
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35
n GAMING
Engaging the family through video games In a new column, Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie looks at how video games can improve our lives and work. This month: bringing the family together at Christmas. WITH Christmas comes the opportunity to come together. After spending much of the past year locked down, many of us will get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the festive period. But it’s more important than ever to cherish moments together with family and friends, and what better way to do that than by playing games together! Regardless of whether you’re five or fortyfive, the beauty of video games is that they’re accessible to all, and so being able to connect with loved ones has never been easier, as they offer a variety of ways to play. For example, you can hook up multiple controllers and play in the same room, or log on to the internet and have fun online
together from your own homes. But what video games offer the most entertainment and will be perfect for playing at Christmas? Here are two recommendations which cater for all audiences – and won’t break the bank, costing just under £40 each. A recent release which will be perfect for the whole family is Mario Party Superstars for the Nintendo Switch. Whether you have a spare five minutes or half an hour, Mario Party can be played however you like. From becoming immersed in a 60-minute board to playing specific ‘mini games’, how you have fun is entirely up to you! Think of the game as a collection of five interactive board games, much like a cross between Monopoly and Jumanji. An odd combination, for sure, but one which works surprisingly well. The mini games break things up and create a competitive yet fun atmosphere. However, if this isn’t to your liking, why not strap in and put your foot on the accelerator as you speed into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, also on the Switch? This game focuses only on racing but adds its own twist, with wacky tracks and items to use against your opponents. The only
downside to this is that the gameplay can get a little repetitive, so in terms of longevity Mario Party Superstars may be the better option. Regardless of what games you choose to play this Christmas, the most important thing is to have fun with those around you (and to win every game of course)!
n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Christmas at the community centre IT was great to see so many of the community come together for the Halloween disco: with this being a great success we are looking forward to the upcoming Christmas events. We have the Christmas Fayre on Saturday December 11, where we have a variety of tables attending that will be selling a range of goodies and gifts, from wax melts to cookies and knitted toys to handmade soaps. A brass band will play music to create a lovely atmosphere. There will be plenty to see, with the chance for your little ones to come and see Father Christmas in his Grotto, accompanied with a story time and small gift given by Father Christmas. There will also be the opportunity to take part in our craft session throughout the afternoon. Tickets can be purchased via the website and Facebook page. We have Bristolian Productions’ Christmas pantomime coming to the centre on
December 18, so don’t forget to book your tickets. With all the upcoming events, we are always on the look out for volunteers. If you would like to help out with the craft sessions, tables, or any other aspect of the fayre, then please pop into the centre, call us or visit us online to find out what we have going on. We are hiring! We are on the look out for a new community connector to join our team at Lyde Green Community Association. You will be at the heart of connecting people within the community to both each other and local support services. If you want to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please contact us via email at hr@lydegreenca.org. A job specification and application form can be found on our website www. lydegreenca.org. We continue to be on the look out for a treasurer and secretary to join our board of trustees. If you would like to join the team,
then we would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with us via Facebook @lydegreencommunityassociation and @ LydeGreenCC, by email at info@lydegreenca. org or by calling 0117 957 0410. For party or event bookings email Bookings@lydegreenca.org. Sending best wishes to you all from everyone at Lyde Green Community Association during the seasonal holidays.
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n SPORT
December, 2021
Cleve's tough challenge
Club's thanks to chair Andy
Cleve 24 Cheltenham 43
CARSONS and Mangotsfield Cricket Club chair Andy King has stood down after two years in the role. Despite the difficulty of having to deal with covid during that time, the club had come a long way on the playing front with promotion for both the 1st and 2nd teams, a thriving junior section with both boys and girls’ teams, and a lively social side. In a report read to the club's AGM at Pomphrey Hill in October, Andy thanked all those who had supported him in moving the club forward. Sadly he was not able to attend as he was having to isolate, so members weren’t able to thank him and show their appreciation for all his hard work. Ian Rosling replaces Andy as chair. Ian is a club stalwart, having served as 1st team captain and been part of the group who set up the junior section. All four Saturday captains were reappointed – Sam Brayley, Mike Wallage, John Douglass and Colin Angell – as well as Jack O’Hara on a Sunday. The club were pleased to be able to confirm Chloe Micklethwaite as the girls' coach and representative on the main committee, to give girls a full voice at meetings. A successful trial of a mid-week team as a trial this year meant that a decision was taken to enter the team into a league. Mike Wallage and some of the 2nd team
CLEVE RFC's developing team faced a stiff challenge from second-placed Cheltenham in their continuing effort to adjust to the Tribute Western Counties North league. The game was very competitive in the first half, with Cleve often camped on Cheltenham's line as they responded to the highlyplaced visitors. The first half ended 17-5 to Cheltenham but in fact Cleve were looking the better side, with the forwards, including stalwarts Steven Bush and Chris McCann, contesting the tight exchanges well. In the second half Cheltenham dominated possession and eventually ended with six tries. Cleve were persistent to the end and scored three of their own. The effort is there and the Cleve fans feel that eventually the team will get their just rewards. Stephen Bateman
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37
n SPORT
Simpson returns to lift Mangos NEW signing Kye Simpson has had an immediate effect for Mangotsfield United, scoring four goals in his first two matches. Simpson had a previous spell at Cossham Street and later played for Evesham United but more recently had been playing for Chipping Sodbury Town. In his first game, at home to Paulton, Simpson scored for the hosts on 12 & 84 minutes, but unfortunately Paulton striker Leighton Thomas did even better, bagging all four goals for the visitors, on 13, 43, 66 and 69 minutes, the latter two being penalties. Nonetheless, it was a much improved performance by the Mangos, and having a proven Southern League striker in Kye Simpson up front made an immediate difference to the whole team. The team's visit to Bristol Manor Farm may have been
'only' a Gloucestershire FA Trophy tie, but that didn’t matter, as the Mangos tore into the hosts and came away with an amazing 4-0 away win, proving that they were never too far away from putting a team to the sword. Farm were hampered by the sending off of Kyle Tooze on 30 minutes with a straight red card. Kye Simpson had already put the Mangos ahead on 22 minutes, and made it 2-0 before Wayne Nderemani added a third in first half stoppage time. The hosts had more of the play after the break, but Mangotsfield were able to cope with Farm’s 10 men and Daniel McBeam added a fourth goal with 10 minutes to go to wrap up a memorable win, which saw another new signing, Sam Larkins, playing in central defence. The Paulton fixture followed a 2-0 home league defeat to Melksham Town, despite a
DOWNEND Boxing Club's Vinnie Bush continued a proud family tradition in winning the Western Counties title of the National Schools Championship. Vinnie’s great-grandfather Les was a stalwart of amateur boxing and his grandfather Sean was a national champion. After a unanimous win over the stylish Tadhg Moloney of Wottonunder-Edge, 14-year-old Vinnie contested the Western counties final against the talented Tommie Goodwin, of Bournemouth.
spirited performance, and a 3-0 loss in their first meeting with Lymington Town, who were the stronger side in the first half and scored all their goals before the break. Writing in the club programme before the Paulton Rovers match, manager Ray Johnston summed up the first 3 months of the season, saying: "Looking back at our performances, there have only been two or three games in which we have been thoroughly outplayed, and in quite a few games, we have been the better team for long periods of the games, but a lot of the goals we have conceded this season have been self-destructive; so if we can eradicate these mistakes and strengthen the team in the attacking areas as we overcome injuries and unavailability, then we should, hopefully, start converting performances into points."
Ray Johnston He said the situation was not "all doom and gloom" but the club needs to start picking up points to stay in contention with the teams just above us in the league. Dave Smale Forthcoming fixtures: Nov 20: Sholing (away) Nov 27: Frome Town (away) Dec 4: Barnstaple (home) Dec 11: Cirencester Town (away) Dec 18: Winchester City (home)
Vinnie keeps up family tradition In a wonderful contest deserving of the occasion, the Bournemouth boxer used his height and reach advantage to try and keep the relentless Bristolian away, but Vinnie’s pressure and fast attacks paid off, and he took the first title of his career. In a supporting bout on the card, 21-year-old Usamah Zaman won the first of two fights in quick succession, against Ben Pasco.
Usamah then headed to RAF Cranwell with team mates Liam Whelan and Bailey Phillips to face members of the RAF boxing team. Facing Senior Aircraftsman Deller of RAF Honington, he again used his reach and movement well against an opponent who forced the action to the final bell, and his cleaner punching saw the win come back to Bristol. Craig Turner Vinnie Bush
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OVEN CLEANING
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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
Meet the winners
Olivia Li pictured at the Town Council offices with her creation alongside Town Mayor, Simon Budd. Olivia goes to Blackhorse School.
Frankie Summers pictured at the Town Council offices with her creation next to Town Mayor, Simon Budd. Frankie goes to Lyde Green School
Councillor VACANCY on the Town Council Emersons Green Town Council has a vacancy for a Town Councillor. If you have an interest in representing your community, live or work in the Town Council boundary and are over 18 years old, you may be interested in joining us? As a councillor, you will help keep it a great place to live and work. Most councillors say that the role occupies around an hour a week, but there are opportunities to get more involved for those who are keen! As a minimum, you would be required to attend the monthly Full Council meeting which takes place at 7.00pm on the last Thursday of the month. The deadline for application is Wednesday 5 January 2022. Please see your Facebook page or website for full details, or scan the QR code to the right: All Town Council meetings are open to members of the public and are held at the Town Council offices on All Town Councillors are available for contact by Westerleigh Road. Please see our website for meeting members of the public. Contact details can be agendas. found on our website, or by scanning the QR code to the left.
clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Tel: 0117 3026989
Planning Committee 10.30am 6 & 20 December Full Council 7.00pm 9 December Finance Committee 7.00pm 16 December