Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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December, 2023 Edition — Issue 82

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

‘Swathes’ of countryside at risk ‘VAST swathes’ of countryside between Emersons Green and Pucklechurch will disappear under housing in a new blueprint for 20,000 new homes, say opposition councillors.

Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley told a South Gloucestershire Council meeting that the Green Belt east of the Avon Ring Road would be “lost pretty much entirely” and that the village of Shortwood could end up merging with Siston and Warmley to the south under a new blueprint.

The council’s new 15-year Local Plan will be put out to public consultation from December 4.

A draft document outlining the plan suggests 1,280 new homes could be built around Shortwood between 2025 and 2040, with a further 1,500 added after that, as well as industrial, distribution and other employment development.

North of Lyde Green another 750 homes could be built over 15 years, rising to 2,000 after that, along with other business development.

Turn to Page 3

Paying tribute to the fallen People in Mangotsfield marked Remembrance Sunday at a ceremony at the village war memorial.

PAGE 9

Ring road speed limit faces cut South Gloucestershire Council is considering cutting the speed limit on a stretch of the Avon Ring Road from 50 to 40mph.

PAGE 5

Call for change

Champion!

Emersons Green schoolgirl Heila Stearman has become a UK karate champion, at the age of nine. Full story: Page 11

A family wants a change to the rules on grave decorations in South Gloucestershire cemeteries.

PAGE 7

Christmas cheer

More than 500 people attended Lyde Green community centre Christmas fair.

PAGE 25

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A daily little 'self help' goes a long way With the festive period fast approaching, we've compiled a simple guide to give you the best chance of keeping happy and well over Christmas.

Our members here at Sutton Chiropractic Downend regularly say; their maintenance check ups keep them out of trouble and feeling great, so why not see if could thrive through Christmas and into the new year too?

Whilst there's no substitute for a good quality adjustment, hopefully this guide will be helpful along the way.

Morning movement (3 to 4 mins max)

Before you charge into the day or drag yourself out of bed, be kind to yourself and try some gentle bed stretches - we promise you'll feel better every

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• Pop on all fours, breath in and arch your back like a cat and lift the tail of your spine at the same time for 3 seconds, breath out and lift your spine up like a camel's hump and tuck your bottom underneath you for 3 seconds.

Repeat as much as you like.

• Gently sit on the edge of the bed, feet on the floor and spine upright with ease.

• Tip your left ear towards your left shoulder, right ear to right shoulder 10 times.

• Chin to chest, to ceiling 10 times.

• Turn left and right 10 times.

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Protocol as above.

Key Christmas Tip Matt Sutton

Do not present wrap on the floor!

It's awful for a lower back.

Use a ironing board either standing or sitting and adjust the height to your comfort.

As a token of our appreciation for your support throughout 2023 we are offering you and any of your loved ones a £20 consultation throughout December. Simply quote "Christmas 20" when you call our reception team.

Merry Christmas from us all here at Sutton Chiropractic Downend.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

NEWS From Page 1 Four potential Shortwood development sites would be near another two sites labelled Warmley North, with the potential capacity for 1,000 homes.

The draft document outlining the plan was approved at a council cabinet meeting on November 13.

Although it contained no maps, it included a list of possible development sites and the number of houses that could potentially be built there, including: Three sites at Shortwood with a total of 1,295 homes - one with 950 homes, employment facilities, a school and park & ride, one with 280 homes and one with 65 homes.

• North of Lyde Green - 750 homes plus employment, primary, local centre and park & ride.

• Cossham Street, Mangotsfield 195 homes • East of Abson Road, Pucklechurch - 60 homes • South of Shortwood Hill, Mangotsfield - 50 homes • North of A420 and south of Goose Green, Siston – 970 homes.

The Cossham Street site is likely to be a field owned by developer Taylor Wimpey between Cossham Street and Rodway Hill Road, near Mangotsfield School: an application for 180 new homes there was rejected in 2009.

The council says it has to find sites for 9,260 new homes between 2025 and 2040 to help meet a target of 20,490 homes in the district - they will be added to 8,080 which already have planning permission and 3,150 on sites for under 10 homes not included in the plan.

Building on Green Belt ‘unavoidable’, says council

Chris Wilmore The authority’s Lib Dem/ Labour administration defended allocating open fields for housing and insisted the impact on communities and land that currently had protected status was “unavoidable”.

Cabinet approved the document outlining where houses, jobs and infrastructure will go between 2025 and 2040, which will be sent out for public consultation next month.

Conservative Cllr Bromiley (Parkwall & Warmley) told the meeting: “The draft Local Plan proposes thousands of new homes on greenfield land – a lot of this looks like it will be situated in the Green Belt.”

He said it was “embarrassing” to have to tell people who were “losing sleep that houses could be built or may not be built around their homes” that no maps were available yet.

Lib Dem cabinet member for planning, Chris Willmore, said: “We have taken every single brownfield site that the previous administration had identified

and allocated them.

“But we’ve gone further and we’ve been hunting for more. We are reviewing all of the council’s property portfolio to see if there is any brownfield land in there.

“It’s easy to make a promise that you’re not going to touch the Green Belt until you do the sums and you discover they simply don’t add up.

“The difficulty is that the large proportion of South Gloucestershire is Green Belt, so wherever we put the housing development it’s going to have an impact on the greenbelt – that is unavoidable.”

Cllr Willmore said developing the Green Belt east of the A4174 would help tackle “shocking” east-west employment inequalities in South Gloucestershire.

She said that there were more jobs than working-age residents in the north of the district but in

the east there was an average 0.4 jobs per adult.

Cllr Willmore said: “That means over half the adult working population of the East Fringe has to leave the East Fringe every single day of their working lives to get to work.

“We have to tackle that economic inequality and that means bringing economic change to the East Fringe.”

Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said he had been determined to ensure politics had not come into the plan’s preparation.

He said: “There will be winners, there will be losers.

However, it is based purely on evidence.”

The draft Local Plan can be found online at tinyurl. com/429rm47c.

Meeting report by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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CONTACT DETAILS

NEWS

emersonsgreenvoice

Impatience costs man £1,200

ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk 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 11.

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

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Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Emersons Green Voice is independent.

We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor.

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

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Emersons Green Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

A member of the

A LYDE Green man who lost his patience in the queue for the tip and dumped his rubbish on a verge has been ordered to pay more than £1,200.

South Gloucestershire Council said Timothy Sullivan, aged 47, had driven from the centre to nearby Siston Hill and left black bags and other waste by the roadside.

The council’s street cleaning team found the rubbish there Rubbish dumped by Timothy in July and environmental Sullivan at Siston Hill enforcement officers searched the bags, finding paperwork relating to Sullivan’s address in Clematis Road.

A council spokesperson said Sullivan was called in to the council’s offices in Yate in August, where he was shown photographs of the dumped rubbish and documentation.

The spokesperson said: “He admitted that some of the waste was his, and claimed that he had been going to the Mangotsfield Sort It recycling centre but, after waiting 15 minutes in a queue, he had lost his patience and drove up to Siston Common, where he deposited the black bags.”

Sullivan was summonsed to Bristol Magistrates Court in November, when he pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and was ordered to pay a fine of £320, along with £819 in costs and a £128 victim surcharge, making a total of £1,267.

Cabinet councillor for environmental enforcement Leigh Ingham said: “We all have a responsibility to ensure our waste is disposed of in a responsible and lawful way, not just discarded with an expectation that others will deal with it.

“This waste could have easily been disposed of at one of our Sort It recycling centres, but due to impatience, it was just dumped on the roadside.

“South Gloucestershire Council will always pursue fly-tip related prosecutions through the courts and our award-winning environmental enforcement team has a 100% record of securing successful prosecutions for this type of offence.”

Anyone who sees fly-tipping is encouraged to report it by calling the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/ flytipping

Call for dashcam litter footage SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is calling for people to send dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage of motorists who throw litter out of cars.

Owners of vehicles involved will face a fine of up to £100 after the council’s street enforcement service was given new powers to prosecute.

The council can now use ‘littering from vehicles’ regulations to carry out enforcement action against the registered keepers of cars, vans and lorries from which litter is thrown. They will be sent penalty charge notices which carry a fine of £100, with a £50 discount if paid within the first 10 days.

The council says it will accept video evidence from the public, which can be sent via the website www.southglos.gov.uk/reportit.

It will also accept witness accounts from police or council officers but says it won’t accept reports from the public unless they are accompanied by dashcam, mobile or CCTV video, “due to the possibility of an incorrect vehicle index or a fictitious/malicious complaint”.

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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NEWS

Ringing the changes on the ring road NEW paths, crossings and a 40mph limit could be introduced on the Avon Ring Road near Downend.

South Gloucestershire Council has launched a consultation on plans to widen paths to help create two-way cycle lanes alongside the A4174, between the Wick Wick roundabout at Badminton Road and the Coldharbour Lane junction near UWE's Frenchay campus.

The proposals involve reducing the speed limit from 50 to 40mph on the westbound carriageway between the Bromley Heath and Abbey Wood roundabouts - the eastbound limit would remain at 50mph.

A new bus stop would be built near the Wick Wick roundabout, west of the roundabout and behind homes on Lingfield Park, at a spot currently used as a lay-by. The 2+ lane would be extended to the bus stop.

A segregated two-way cycle lane and separate footpath would be built south of the ring road between the Wick Wick roundabout and Coldharbour Lane, with the exception of a short stretch over the Bromley Heath viaduct, where the path would remain shared between pedestrians and cyclists.

New pedestrian crossings at the Wick Wick roundabout, to allow people to cross from one side of the A432 Badminton Road to the other to the north of the ring road, are also planned.

The council says it wants to "deliver a step-change in making it much easier for people to walk, use a wheelchair or pushchair and cycle around our area, and

n How the council says the shared path between the Bromley Heath Viaduct and Hambrook traffic lights will look improve public transport."

The consultations are the latest stage in the region's Joint Local Transport Plan, adopted in 2019 by all West of England local authorities, including South Gloucestershire Council.

The council asked for initial views on changes to the ring road and A432 early last year, and says the new proposals, out for consultation until December 17, address the "high number of comments" made by the public on the initial scheme.

Works will be paid for from £105 million in Government funding, allocated to the council for transport infrastructure investments through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement two years ago and administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

The council said: "The money available for these projects can only be used for new transport infrastructure and cannot be used for funding bus services, filling potholes or other council functions such as social services, education or libraries."

Some proposals from the initial plans, including a 'bus gate' junction at the Hambrook

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traffic lights, and a metrobus stop near Bromley Heath Park, are not in the current consultation.

Cabinet councillor for transport Chris Willmore said: “People are telling me that right now their priority is to have buses, more routes and more frequent services – this is a separate capital fund from government to help make it easier for people walking, cycling or using wheelchairs and to provide a long-term bus corridor in the A38.

"So our question is – how do we best use this money for the

purpose it was given to us?

"It’s about reducing barriers so people have more choice about how they get about, and getting our roads ready for better bus services.

"We really need your ideas about how to achieve that goal of improving cycling, walking wheeling and bus facilities on these routes – and support people who live along it.”

More details about the plans, along with a short survey, can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/ a4174-improvements.

Online consultation events are being held via Microsoft Teams on December 5 between noon and 1pm, and from 6pm to 7pm, and can be accessed via the consultation website.

A council drop-in consultation event in Bromley Heath has already been held: it was announced after November's Voice went to print.

Anyone who is not online can call the council's transport department on 01454 868004 for help.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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EDUCATION

Family calls for cemetery rules change THE family of a boxer who died aged 19 is calling for changes to council cemetery rules after being told to remove decorations from his grave.

Former Mangotsfield School pupil Jude Moore died suddenly in March, following a medical episode, and was buried at Kingswood Remembrance Park.

His family placed small decorations, including solar lights and edging, on the grave to help his mum Carla to face visiting it.

But South Gloucestershire Council has now sent a letter telling the family to remove the decorations.

Jude grew up in Hillfields and attended Christ Church infant and junior schools.

His aunt, Sarah Parsons, has started a petition calling for a change in the rules.

Sarah said: “The pain of Jude’s loss was unbearable for all of us, but especially for his mother, my sister.

“For months she couldn’t bear to visit Jude’s grave at Kingswood Remembrance Park; the sight of a mound of earth marking her son’s resting place was too much to bear.

“It wasn’t until my parents placed decorative stones, small solar lights and edging around the grave that she could finally find some peace in visiting him there.

“These simple yet meaningful additions transformed a stark reminder of loss into a comforting space, where we could remember Jude and celebrate his life.

“However, under current regulations at Kingswood

n Jude Moore's grave at Kingswood Remembrance Park Remembrance Park these personal touches are not allowed – an unnecessary restriction that adds to the grief already burdening bereaved families like ours.”

The council’s cemetery regulations state: “No borders, decorative stone or slate, solar lights, wind chimes, balloons, photographs or decorations of any kind are permitted on or around any grave or memorial tree within the boundary of the cemetery. Any such items will be removed.”

It says the rules are there to help it maintain the area around graves, prepare neighbouring graves and ensure other families have "clear access".

As the Voice went to print

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Jude's family was facing a deadline to take all items that don’t meet the regulations away, or face the council removing them.

Sarah said: “We believe it is essential for individuals to be able to personalise their loved ones’ gravesites in ways that help them cope with their loss and maintain connections with those who have passed on.

“It is not just about aesthetics; it is about mental health and emotional wellbeing during one of life’s most challenging times.”

The petition on the change. org website calls on the council to reform the regulations to allow families more freedom to choose how to commemorate their loved ones.

It had been signed by more than 1,800 people in its first three weeks.

The petition has been backed by the mother of Mikey Roynon, a Kingswood teenager who was stabbed to death in Bath in June and is buried at the same

cemetery, who has also been told to remove items from his grave.

A council spokesperson said: “We understand that burial places for loved ones can be a very sensitive subject and we are always very mindful of the grief that is felt.

“All cemeteries, whether privately owned, church owned or council owned, have clear regulations about what is allowed to be placed on a grave.

“We have received a number of complaints from other grave owners and site neighbours at Kingswood Remembrance Park about the amount of additional items being added to some of the graves, and we are obliged to ensure that we enforce the regulations with all Grave Deed owners.

“We recognise the depth of feeling at this difficult time from some members of the community and in light of this we will take the opportunity to review our approach.”

The petition can be found at tinyurl.com/3sc5n7pn.

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NEWS

Community honours the fallen

DOWNEND WI members created an eye-catching Remembrance display for the postbox outside Downend Post Office.

The crocheted khaki boots and wartime helmets were dotted with bright red poppies and a felt panel with the words "lest we forget".

The postbox topper base, boots and helmets were created by four WI members, Suzzie Belcher (pictured), Vanessa Martin, Carol Davies and Kathy Paramore, using a pattern designed by an anonymous crafter who calls herself Syston Knitting Banxy.

Other WI branch members joined in with making the poppies.

It is the second Remembrance topper the group has made - 2022's felt poppies were made into a wreath for Christchurch Junior School.

CHILDREN at Mangotsfield Primary School created works of art and “moving” poetry on the theme of remembrance which were displayed around the school.

The school held a Remembrance Day event on November 10, welcoming the Military Wives Choir and three school parents who are also members of the Armed Forces: Wing Commander Suzie Wall (RAF), Major Martin Algate (Army) and Lieutenant Commander Andrew Beck (Royal Navy). Year 4 teacher Becky Hart said: “Our visitors gave us an insight into why we acknowledge November 11th and the importance of remembering those who served and continue to serve in times of war, conflict and peace.

“Ten percent of our school community is made up of Armed Forces families so it is important for us to acknowledge their dedication to their service.”

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NEWS

n Veterans from the RBL Staple Hill & District branch march in Broad St

n 2nd Mangotsfield Brownies lay a wreath at the village war memorial

HUNDREDS of people took part in services and ceremonies across the Downend area to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

Veterans, members of uniformed organisations and civic leaders marched through Staple Hill to the area's biggest Remembrance Sunday commemoration in Page Park, where they were joined by relatives and residents.

in churches around the area.

Shortly after noon about 200 people gathered at the Alec Large Memorial Garden in Mangotsfield for a service around the war memorial, attended by current and ex-service personnel, cadets, scouting and guiding groups and residents.

Community Pastor Clive Heath, who led both Mangotsfield events, alongside the Rev James Cannan of St

The rain that had drenched the streets earlier in the morning let up for the parade and traditional Remembrance service, with the gathering of around 500 people falling silent for the Last Post and two minutes' silence at 11am.

A less formal indoor service was held at the Red Lion in Mangotsfield, attended by around 60 people, with acts of remembrance also taking place

James Church at the afternoon service, thanked local audio visual firm Bluestone Audio for providing sound equipment for the event, along with all those people who attended the services.

The Staple Hill parade was made possible by donations from the public which paid the £700 cost of the PA and other expenses and also provided £140 towards next year's event.

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n Army Cadets enter Page Park

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ADVERTISING FEATURE In 1999, turf was broken in a field alongside the M32 motorway and Frenchay’s first Christmas trees were introduced to the red Bristol soil. They took quite well, and now – twenty-four years later, the owners proudly claim that they could have one door on an advent calendar for every year that they have been in business.

“The first year, we just sold a few Christmas trees on the grass verge outside the gate. So if the progress of our business could be marked as if it were an advent calendar, then behind the first door would be a lorry, with me and my dad selling Christmas trees from the back of it!” says grower Simon Maughan.

“After that, we’d have a door for a shipping container, which was our first ‘office’, then a door for our iconic ‘Wild West’ windmill, and another for the compost toilet, which is a beautiful little selfcontained hut that suits its setting perfectly. We’d also have doors for all the wildlife that makes its home on the farm, as well as the pond and the creatures and plants that live in that.”

Behind the final door would have to be the beautiful peg-andtimber barn, which would make a wonderful crib scene. This is the

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Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm Celebrates 24 Years

The windmill at sunset

heart of the farm where everyone gathers: regular customers, new families with babes in arms (or carriers) that come for their first Christmas, and many many children

rummaging through the lucky dip. “Before you know what’s happening, the children are all grown up and coming back as customers with their own families.

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

Like the trees, they put down roots and just grow! We love seeing all the familiar faces year after year.”

And so every year a new generation arrives, and as the Christmas trees are cut, a new generation of trees is planted to replace those that are harvested through November and December.

Each tree as unique and varied as the families who come to buy them. “For most of our customers it’s a tradition. We see this more and more as people share their experiences with us and each other on social media. It brings the place alive, and it’s just amazing for us to see how people experience their visit to our farm.”

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm from Saturday 18th November. You can visit in person, or order your tree, stand and wreath online either for delivery or for click and collect.

News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

NEWS

Heila, 9, becomes UK karate champion AN Emersons Green girl is celebrating becoming a national sporting champion at the age of nine.

Heila Stearman won gold in the UK Go-Kan-Ryu Karate Finals in Sheffield, becoming the under-10 national champion.

The Mangotsfield Primary School pupil triumphed in the knockout national tournament after winning her way through qualifiers and regional finals.

Dad Darryl said Heila took up the sport about two and a half years ago at the age of seven, and has thrived on the concentration and self-discipline required.

He said the family were looking for activities as lockdown finished and when Heila tried karate at Emersons Green Village Hall she discovered she had a flair for the sport.

She now trains up to four times a week, travelling to Filton, Patchway and Lockleaze in addition to the sessions in Emersons Green.

Darryl said: "She enjoys the opportunity to show a level

of excellence and has already helped teach adults what to do.

"To see your nine-year-old with adults responding to what she teaches them is amazing.

"They respect each other based on what they can do, not how old they are."

At home Heila practises for several hours each week, trying moves repeatedly until they are perfect for the judges.

Darryl said the hardest thing to practise was the kumite or grappling aspect of the sport, as it requires an adversary.

Heila will face new challenges after she turns 10 in January, as she will move up into a new age group.

Darryl said: "She will have to bout with girls up to three years older than her, but her instructor in Filton has confidence she can win the UK championship in that age group."

There is also the possibility that Helia could take part in the sport's world championships in Sydney next year.

But for now she is still

n Heila Stearman with mum Jane and dad Darryl after winning her gold medal celebrating her national win.

Heila said: "I'm most proud that I'll have the UK

Championships win for the rest of my life."

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD Fraud and cybercrime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. As the threat continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing - most of it can be prevented.

By following just a few steps, you can make it harder for fraudsters to steal your money or personal information when online, on the phone or at your front door.

DOUBLE SIDED - CUT OUT AND KEEP Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

11

NEWS

Charity floats visit TWO charity Father Christmas floats are visiting the Downend and Emersons Green area as part of tours around the region.

Santa's Christmas Float 2023, which is raising money for Suicide Prevention UK, will visit Lyde Green and Emersons Green on the evening of Wednesday December 6, from Lyde Green Park & Ride to Lyde Green roundabout and along Emerson Way. Original Santa Float, which is raising money for the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children's Hospital and Time is Precious, a charity supporting children in hospital and their families, is visiting Lyde Green, Emersons Green and Bromley Heath on December 9 and Staple Hill, Downend and Mangotsfield on December 22.

More details can be found on each group's Facebook page.

New vicar for Pucklechurch A NEW vicar has been appointed for Pucklechurch and its surrounding villages.

Canon Elaine Jones has been appointed Priestin-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham, the Diocese of Bristol announced in November.

Rev Jones will take charge at St Thomas a Becket Church next February, more than two years after the retirement of Rev Stuart Young.

Elaine and her family originate from Bootle on Merseyside and before she was ordained she studied occupational psychology and worked as a social researcher carrying out consultation on behalf of local authorities.

Ordained in 2010 in Liverpool Cathedral, Elaine has been a minister in the city’s Toxteth and Wavertree parishes for the past seven years, as area dean.

She is also the Diocese of Liverpool “healing advisor”, with a focus on “churches becoming healing communities”.

Bishop of Bristol the Rt Rev Vivienne Faul said: “As a Liverpool ordinand myself and knowing that it is almost the best diocese in the Church of England, I’m delighted to welcome Elaine to the Diocese of Bristol with her wealth of knowledge from her work in Liverpool.

“Her ministry as healing advisor in Liverpool

Elaine Jones is Pucklechurch’s new vicar has focussed on building resilience and community healing.

“Coupled with her previous career as a local authority social researcher, Elaine will bring significant skills to the diocese to help us better support our communities.”

Elaine said: “The warm welcome I received from the parish representatives of Pucklechurch, Abson, Wick, Doynton and Dyrham has really helped as my husband Rob and I prepare for our move to the Diocese of Bristol.

“It was encouraging to hear and see the many connections the churches have in the parishes - not least through the schools, summer and autumn fetes, the village market and Dyrham House and Park.

“We value all the prayers that have brought us this far and pray it will be a season of blessings for the churches and parishes as we to join you.”

STOP. CHALLENGE. PROTECT.

WANT TO KNOW MORE

Go to www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk for more information on keeping yourself safe and to provide feedback.

YOUR MONEY

DON’T FEEL PRESSURED

Protect your money. Don’t feel rushed into handing over money or financial information, take time to think about it and talk to someone you trust.

Just because someone knows your basic details doesn’t mean they’re genuine.

SOCIAL

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over the phone, email or text, be aware of unexpected contact. If you are asked for personal information check that it’s genuine, call them directly using contact details on their official website or correspondence.

STAY SAFE

CREATE STRONG RANDOM PASSWORDS FOR YOUR DEVICES KEEP YOUR DEVICES UP TO DATE VERIFY WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO ONLINE, OVER THE PHONE OR EVEN AT YOUR DOOR

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If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or alternatively call 0300 123 2040.

If you receive a suspicious email report it to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you receive a suspicious text forward it to 7726 (free of charge)

DOUBLE SIDED - CUT OUT AND KEEP

12

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

NEWS

Fundraiser to help injured pony Bella A FUNDRAISER has been launched to help pay for vital treatment for a rare pony living on a charity-run farm near Frenchay.

Eriskay pony Bella is a much-loved resident of Elm Tree Farm, run by charity Brandon Trust to provide work and training for people with learning disabilities.

Farm coordinator n Bella being given medication by coLisa Allen said Bella was farmer Curtis Poole at Elm Tree Farm found to be unwell in September and X-rays revealed that one of the vertebrae in her neck had moved.

She was then taken to a specialist equine hospital in Hampshire, where it was found that the vertebra was also badly fractured.

Lisa said: "Bella was very lucky to have survived her original accident, thought by the surgeon to be a bad fall in the field.

"She now needs a further six months of medication and stable rest and then a further scan to assess healing."

Lisa said Eriskay ponies are one of the UK's rarest native breeds.

Bella and her sister Iona were donated to the farm when their previous owner died and his family learned of the work the farm had done with other rare breeds.

Lisa added: "Bella is one of only 120 mares of breeding age registered with the Eriskay Pony Society, so she has great genetic value for the future of her breed.

"We were hoping to breed from her this year. Obviously that will not happen now, but the surgeon has said that if she makes a good recovery she should be able to foal in future years.

"She is a very special pony and the people we support here have been very worried about her."

The ever-rising veterinary bill has prompted the Brandon Trust to launch an online appeal to raise £4,000 towards Bella's treatment.

The Elm Tree farm appeal can be found on Justgiving.com at tinyurl.com/3975tcph.

E-bikes on the way ELECTRIC scooter operator Tier insists it is planning to roll out e-bikes in Bristol “by the end of the year”, despite claims online that it had abandoned the plan.

Tier took over the West of England electric transport contract from Voi in the autumn.

Part of the deal includes electric bikes and cargo bikes, which have not yet been seen on the streets.

Posts on social media questioned whether the e-bikes were still coming, after a message from a Tier customer service agent, saying the company had made a “business decision” not to roll them out, was shared.

Tier has denied the claim and says it is investigating why its agent shared “incorrect” information.

A Tier spokesman said: "This is the first time that shared e-bikes will be available in Bristol at this scale, so there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes at the moment to ensure the launch goes smoothly."

A firm date for the launch has not yet been confirmed.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

13

NEWS A COUNCIL leader has accused the Government of acting like King Canute trying to hold back the tide on recycling, amid a fresh row over plans to reduce black bin collections in South Gloucestershire.

The authority is consulting residents about whether general waste collections should be cut from fortnightly to every three or even four weeks.

It says black bin rubbish is reducing as recycling rates rise, so it is not necessary to collect it as regularly - and this would also save money as it is forced to make cuts.

But in November the government announced it intends to order councils to collect non-recyclable waste at least every other week.

Opposition Conservative councillors criticised the Liberal Democrat/Labour administration for relying on reduced black bin collections when there was a danger they could be scuppered by the Government.

Rachael Hunt (Con, Emersons Green), who was in

New row over plans to change black bin collections charge of recycling under the previous Tory administration, told a cabinet meeting on November 13: “The new administration has chosen to put out proposals in recent months which financially rely heavily on cutting back bin collections to three- or four-weekly to succeed.

“The Government’s recent announcement about developing consistency with fortnightly black bin collections across the country has not been an unexpected development. This has been a risk noted at all stages in our process.

“The new administration has chosen to put out proposals in recent months which financially rely heavily on cutting back bin collections to three- or fourweekly to succeed.

“So what do these national proposals mean to us as a

Time running out to have your say A CONSULTATION on South Gloucestershire Council’s budget closes in December.

Measures the council is asking people to comment on include introducing charges for on- and off-street car parking, doubling the cost of green bin subscriptions to £60 and introducing a £10 charge for processing blue badge disabled parking applications.

Cuts to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for low-income families are also being proposed.

county?”

The council says no decision has yet been made and it will consider residents’ feedback from the current public consultation, which runs until January 7, as well as any changes to legal requirements from Whitehall.

Cabinet member for climate Louise Harris (Lib Dem, Dodington) said the plans had been under discussion for two years, adding: “Your previous administration actually submitted the original plans that talked about changing the bin collection from two-weekly to three-weekly or even four-weekly as quite a lot of authorities do, so I’m not really sure why that comes as a complete surprise to you.”

Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill &

Car park charges would raise £1.5m to £2m a year, while the green bin price hike would raise £1.3m.

Council-owned car parks include St James in Mangotsfield, Kingswood shopping centre and the Lyde Green Park and Ride.

Other shopping centre car parks, including Emersons Green Retail Park, are not council-owned.

Opposition Conservatives have launched a petition against car parking charges and are calling for them to be scrapped.

Group leader Sam Bromiley said they should be “scrapped at the earliest opportunity,” adding: “The administration should be doing all it possibly can to support residents instead of saddling them with additional costs, costs that will

Mangotsfield) said: “The one thing that is becoming very clear is the amount of waste that is recyclable is increasing and the amount of waste that is being recycled is also increasing, so it’s interesting hearing from the Government that they want to go against the current trend.

“It’s almost King Canuteesque that they want to go against the current trend where more and more waste is recyclable, so it will be interesting to see how the Government squares this with its own climate emergency endeavours.”

The consultation is open until January 7 at consultations. southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

inevitably be felt by local businesses right across the district.”

The new Lib Dem/Labour coalition says the former Tory administration previously commissioned a report which included “exploring the introduction of parking charges”.

The budget consultation can be found online at sgbudget2024.commonplace.is.

It closes on December 8.

Further consultations, on cuts to the council’s libraries and changes to the hours street lighting will be switched on, run until January 10.

The library cuts would include reducing staffed opening hours at Emersons Green library, which would close half an hour earlier on weekday opening days and over lunchtime.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Happy Christmas from Emersons Green Baptist Church!

Christmas Eve carol service

Rainbow Tots toddler group

Join us at 4pm this Christmas Eve in Emersons Green Village Hall for a short family friendly carol service followed by free coffee, tea, juice and mince pies. We have a live band, all your favourite carols and the Nativity story. It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas and celebrate!

Rainbow Tots is our fun filled Friday morning play session for pre-school children. We meet every Friday morning from 10am 11.30am in Emersons Green Village Hall. Bring your toddler along to play with loads of toys, ride-ons, puzzles, games, crafts, singing and fun! Free tea and coffee are provided. It’s a great opportunity for your little ones to have fun, socialise with other children and have a great morning out. There is a small charge of £4 per session and no need to book - just turn up one Friday and prepare for some fun!

Christmas hope Christmas can ignite a spark of hope inside us, especially if we pause for a moment and reflect on why we are celebrating. God loved the World so much that he chose to send his one and only Son to become human, live among us and, most importantly, give us a simple promise of love and hope. Jesus was born to give us life in all its fullness right here right now today and a promise of life after death in Heaven for all who accept and believe in him.

When you accept Jesus and invite

him into your life you can find a new level of peace, happiness and optimism that you never dreamed possible before. Jesus arrived that first Christmas so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never ending. God sent Jesus into this broken world to bring us hope. A hope more amazing than anything we can comprehend.

Now that’s a gift worth receiving this Christmas time!

Weekly services Emersons Green Baptist church are a friendly bunch of local residents who meet in Emersons Green Village Hall for a one hour service

Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

every Sunday at 10:30am. You are very welcome to join us! Our first service in the New Year is on Sunday January 7th.

Our famous monthly craft services We also run a regular family friendly craft service once a month.

Come along to Emersons Green Village Hall on 25th February for our next one and join around 30 children with mums, dads, grandparents and carers spending an hour making a range of fun crafts. There are free refreshments, singing, a brief story and loads of fun!

Catch us on Facebook See our website and Facebook pages for more details of all our activities and keep up with the latest news and events at our church … www.emersonsgreenchurch. org or www.facebook.com/egbc1a or telephone 0776 520 1435

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

15

ADVERTISING FEATURE

All the gear, a good idea.

Ssangyong is another Far East car manufacturer looking to carve out a niche in the British motoring market. Has it got what it takes?

Richard Drew found out.

“Test drive your doubts away”. That’s the sales pitch from SsangYong, the South Korean car maker as it looks to promote its new range. They know that the car buying public is perhaps a bit suspicious of the little known badge and question its quality.

SsangYong feels that once inside one of its cars, perceptions will change rapidly.

On that basis, I was invited to spend a few days at the wheel of the Korando e-Motion, the allelectric version of their SUV. It’s changed a bit since the Korando first emerged 40 years ago as an open top jeep.

It’s a big car, with a modern, aggressively styled front and a big boxy back end. But where you could argue it doesn’t stand out from the SUV crowd on the outside, it certainly does on the inside. The car is incredible value for money, with the interior crammed

full of features.

The driver and passengers can enjoy a host of creature comforts.

They include heated and cooled leather seats as well as a heated steering wheel. The dashboard is well set out with clear and stylish electronic displays as well as a plethora of controls on the steering wheel.

The information touch screen has a good sat nav, a reversing camera and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is an electronic handbrake and

keyless entry. The power tailgate reveals a big, flexible two-tier boot, with plenty of space for a big family.

Being an electric car, acceleration is rapid. The drive is smooth and comfortable, the handling is perfectly acceptable for a SUV. A lane departure warning system is included in this huge bundle of features.

Of course, being an electric car, there is a discussion about range, and more specifically ‘real world range’. The Korando promises

over 200 miles on a charge and it delivers. I picked up my model with 211 miles of charge, and it didn’t disappear around the first corner.

SsangYong may face a battle to get people to test drive its cars, but once inside it will win them over. This car is incredible value, with such good equipment levels and a price that its competitors do not match. I drove the top of the range Ultimate model, which comes in at under £40,000 new. In fact Ssangyong are offering it at the moment for around £31,000, a £9,000 saving. And they are so confident of the build quality, the electric version of the car comes with a 7 year warranty.

Korando is a contraction of ‘Korean Can Do’. On the face of this electric offering, they aren’t wrong.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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NEWS

Oliver's training helps a million workers MORE than a million health and care workers have now completed a training programme named in memory of an Emersons Green teenager.

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism was launched last year following a long campaign and a successful two-year trial.

Oliver, who was 18 and had a mild learning disability and highfunctioning autism, was taken to hospital after suffering a partial seizure in October 2016.

He was given antipsychotic medication, despite both Oliver and his parents telling staff he had previously had an adverse reaction.

The drug caused his brain to swell, causing irreparable damage, and his life support was turned off days later, after doctors told the family there was no hope of recovery.

After Oliver's death his parents, Paula and Thomas, campaigned to change the way NHS staff communicate with

people with learning disabilities.

The learning programme is the result of their work, and is designed to help health and care staff understand how to work with and meet the needs of people with a learning disability or autism.

The milestone millionth e-learning course was completed shortly before the seventh anniversary of Oliver’s death on November 11.

The e-learning is the first part of Oliver’s training and prepares staff for a second part that involves meeting and learning directly from people with a learning disability and autistic people.

From the beginning, expertise from people with a learning disability or autism, as well as their families and carers, have helped develop the training.

Last year's Health and Care Act introduced a requirement that registered health and care providers must ensure their staff receive appropriate training on learning disability and autism.

The programme has been developed by NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and Skills for Care.

Paula, who was made an OBE for her campaign, said: "I am pleased that over a million people have a much better understanding of people who have a learning disability and autistic people.

"It is a significant milestone to have so many people now completing part one of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, meaning that our learning disability and autism communities will have much better experiences living in society and accessing health and care.

“I know that if Oliver was here, he would be incredibly proud.”

NHS England national director for learning disability and autism Tom Cahill said: “This is an incredible achievement by all NHS staff and will make a significant contribution to improving the

Oliver McGowan care and support of autistic people and people with a learning disability across NHS services.”

Health minister Maria Caulfield said: "Thanks to the tireless work of our NHS staff and people like Paula we are moving towards a healthcare system with the right culture, knowledge and skills to support people with a learning disability and autistic people."

Waste Less, Recycle More… tell us what you think Recycling is environmentally and financially the best option for your household waste and for the planet.

South Gloucestershire Council is proposing some changes to waste and recycling services over the next few years to:  Help you recycle more;  Reduce the carbon footprint of waste in South Gloucestershire, and  Reduce our costs, so that our funding covers the cost of delivering the service.

First, we want to introduce weekly household collections of flexible plastics and improve recycling information so it’s easier to understand what you should be recycling from home.

food waste

12.5% 23%

recyclable items flexible plastics

Once everyone can recycle more from home, we then want to look at how often black bins are collected.

27.7%

non-recyclable waste

These changes together will cut carbon emissions from our waste by between 3,000 and 4,000 CO2e a year – that’s equivalent to taking 668 to 890 petrol driven cars off the road a year.

36%

Waste in the average black bin 2022 South Gloucestershire

Find out more and take part in our consultation at:

www.southglos.gov.uk/waste-less

Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

17

NEWS SHOPLIFTING crimes in the Avon and Somerset police area have doubled over the past two years, according to the latest data.

Almost 14,000 cases were reported in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and Somerset last month.

The force is now trialling new ways of making reporting crime easier for shop workers, amid rising rates across the country.

The force recorded 13,880 shoplifting crimes in October, compared with 6,720 in October 2021.

Chief constable Sarah Crew was grilled about what her force is doing to tackle the growing issue during a performance and accountability board on November 14.

Mark Shelford, the police and crime commissioner, said: “The public feel that shoplifting is not taken seriously by the police, as do some people in the retail trade. Even though some instances of shoplifting might be of low value, the cumulative effect is significant.”

Ms Crew said: “We’re currently trialling an innovative

18

Police switch focus from drugs to shoplifting and scooters QR code reporting system, that enables instant easier access for staff in retail premises to access our reporting systems much more efficiently. We’ve trialled that in Bristol and it’s been successful, and we’re rolling it out to Bath now and then across the area.”

The same meeting heard that as the police focus on issues such as shoplifting, burglary and electric scooters, arrests for drug crimes have plummeted.

The force was facing increasing demand through emergency calls, which meant fewer officers were available for proactive policing, such as disrupting organised crime groups and drug trafficking. The force is also moving more into “non-crime areas”.

Mr Shelford told Ms Crew: “There are two measures both going in the wrong direction: recorded crime and disruptions.

This suggests that the actions you’ve been taking to improve are either not working, or not working consistently.”

Since May last year, a specialist team at Avon & Somerset Police charged 39 offenders, who have received nearly 100 years in custody between them for drugs and firearms offences, while 24 offenders are still awaiting sentencing.

The force seized drugs with a total street value of over £2.5 million. Over the last 12 months officers also disrupted 50 county lines.

Ms Crew said: “For drug trafficking crimes, we do look out of kilter with the national picture.

“The time available for proactive policing has been eroded by an increase in reactive demands — whether that’s rising 999 calls, increases in the

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

Sarah Crew complexity of crime and demand, or policing moving into other areas of non-crime.

“Our Operation Remedy team has needed to expand to tackle a wider array of very understandable priorities, such as burglary and retail theft.

“At the moment we’re working on the anti-social and criminal use of electric scooters for instance. So the capability to be proactive on drugs has shrunk.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

NEWS

Fireworks raise £47,000 for good causes DOWNEND Round Table's firework display has raised a huge amount after selling out for a third year in a row.

The volunteer-run event made £47,000, which organisers will give to local good causes over the coming months.

The group is now inviting voluntary groups and community projects to apply for funds, to make sure all money raised benefits people in the area.

People running projects are invited to apply or ask for more information by emailing ask@ downendrt.co.uk.

A team from Downend Round Table sifts through applications, finds out more about each cause and awards funding to those it decides to support.

Applications from groups that aren't able to employ fundraisers or carry out their own events are encouraged, particularly those looking to help fund a project that will make an immediate impact locally.

Up to 30 requests have already been received.

Crowds watch the bonfire blazing at this year's Downend Round Table fireworks display Picture: Downend Round Table

The display itself has been hailed a success, with nearperfect weather conditions during a break between storms.

The last of the 12,000 tickets sold out at around 3pm on the day of the display, November 3.

The total raised is slightly lower than last year's record £50,000, as more money needed to be set aside to reinstate the ground at the site, which was wet because of heavy rain in the days leading up to the display.

Downend Round Table vicechair Paul Wells said: "Everyone had a whale of a time. Party Peeps did a fantastic job getting everyone involved in dancing and making 'mobile phone fireworks', where everyone was creating a display with their flashlights on their phones.

"There was also a foam party after the display, which helped stagger the crowds leaving the site.It's becoming more than just fireworks - it's becoming a bit of

a destination event.

"We've already had people wanting to buy tickets for next year!"

With the fireworks over, Downend Round Table is once again preparing to help Father Christmas visit children in the area in the run up to Christmas.

The group's sleigh has been dusted off and members are currently working up a schedule for touring the area during December, visiting streets and collecting donations.

Details will be published via the group's Facebook page.' with: Details will be published via the Downend Round Table Santa Sleigh Facebook page.

Downend Round Table is also on the lookout for new members to help make sure future events are a success, and to join in social events and activities from paddle boarding and go-karting to brewery tours.

The organisation is open to men aged between 18 and 45.

For more information email hello@downendrt.co.uk

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

19

LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE

Winter - time for nature to take a rest DECEMBER is here and that means one thing - winter.

Winter is a time for rest and recuperation for most of us, and that also applies to some of our plants.

Trees and some shrubs become dormant, which is the perfect time for you to start planting and pruning.

Apple and pear trees are able to be pruned, and planting some lovely colourful dogwood shrub will add some colour to your borders.

A good practice through winter is also replacing the bark at the bottom of your trees (if you have it).

We will be out in a few weeks maintaining our fruit trees in Lyde with some local manure and bark, to help them get some richlydeserved nutrients.

This will work well with the clay soil they are planted in and help break it down a little.

Remember the weather, too, when it comes to your plants.

Smaller trees and shrubs will need to be protected, so ensure you wrap them up if needed, and re-stake smaller trees to prevent uprooting in high winds.

Winter is a time to also think about our

National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme

wildlife, too.

Plenty of fresh water and seed in our feeders will help the passing starlings and our smaller garden birds through the season.

Starlings tend to come and go throughout the years but it’s always worth keeping an eye open near the large pond in Lyde Green, as there is perfect habitat there that could invite a large murmuration.

We spent a wonderful afternoon at the Emersons Green Autumn gathering last month with some delicious cakes and wonderful plants on offer; well done to all the team involved, including the Friends of Emersons Green Park.

We would like to remind you that we are a community group and we rely solely on volunteers and donations to keep us going.

We have slowed a little in this latter part of the year, as time and manpower have not been on our side.

We are hoping you lovely lot in our community can find some time for nature, not only to help us but to help your community, for now and the future.

We want to get the best out of our group, so we will be arranging a meeting in January

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where we can sit together and thrash out some ideas of what you would like to do and see happen.

There is fantastic scope in Lyde Green, and plenty of work to keep us going well into the future!

Come and join us and make Lyde an even better place to live.

Please do get in touch with us for any ideas, advice or to pop your name down on the volunteer list.

Message us on Facebook @ lydegreenopenspace or email lgopenspace@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Laurence Binks Chair, Lyde Green OpenSpace Group

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI

A secret no longer

OUR meeting in November was led by Charlotte, our new vicepresident, and a jolly good job she did, too!

We started with a fascinating talk from Nicky Harvey all about ‘the trials and tribulations of triathlons’.

Her journey to triathlons started in lockdown, when she became Elsa from Frozen and joined Spiderman ran running around the streets to cheer up the kids in the local community.

As she thought her fitness levels need a boost, she started a quest to do the ‘Couch to 5k Challenge’.

Then she progressed to doing 10k duathlons, half-marathons and eventually triathlons with openwater swimming.

Nicky showed us all the equipment needed for this hobby, including bringing her very expensive bike to the meeting for us to see.

She has taken a step back at the moment as she was extremely ill when she contracted Weil’s disease while open swimming.

Nicky is extremely proud to talk of her achievements and showed us all the medals she has won by taking part, saying that this has helped her mental health as well.

After a cuppa and the raffle, we discussed our Xmas party in

December. We will show one of the films that we proudly starred in and produced, along with party games and an American supper including non-alcoholic mulled punch (as we are in the chapel vestry).

For our first meeting in January 2024 we will be joined again by Philomena, who will run a session of armchair Zumba to help us lose the ‘little’ bit of weight gain over Xmas.

We are a friendly bunch and will give a warm welcome to new visitors, so just turn up for a complimentary visit to see what the WI has to offer.

If you think this may be of interest to you, we meet on the second Thursday evening of the month in the vestry of the chapel in Main Road, Shortwood, and our next meeting is on December 14 at 7.30pm.

For more information email us at millhousejoinery@aol.com with the heading Shortwood Village WI. Lynne Miller

ALTHOUGH Bristol u3a has been around for almost 40 years, it’s been one of the best kept secrets in East and North-East Bristol.

With around 270 members locally (and around 1,500 across Bristol), we announced ourselves last month with our week-long festival, Learn, Laugh, Live with Bristol u3a, in Staple Hill.

The festival showcased some of our 23 regular local interest groups and visitors were able to join in with Tai Chi Shibashi, a daytime disco or simply to drop in for a social.

New local interest groups are getting started all the time, and our two most recent local groups are a writing group and genealogy group with a difference, called Writing Family History.

There is an active E&NE social group that meets in local cafés, goes for walks, visits the cinema and more – anything goes, because everything is suggested by members, to no fixed schedule.

Non-members are welcome to come along to meetings in cafés to chat informally and to learn about u3a. Get in touch at the email below to find out what’s coming up.

Bristol u3a (You in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves.

There’s no lower age limit, but most of our members are retired or semiretired.

We come from all walks of life and have (at least) one thing in common: a zest for living and for trying and learning new things.

We do not offer a service – everything we do is by members, for members.

In addition to the local interest groups, there are a further 130 diverse interest groups running across Bristol that members are free to join.

Find out more by writing to me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk.

Lindsay Gough

COMMUNITY NEWS

MANGOTSFIELD LADIES (DOLLY MIXTURES) AT our October meeting Janet, a member’s friend, came along to talk to us about her experiences when she lost her sight.

She brought along her guide dog Celia, her third.

We were all very impressed by Celia and how she helps Janet with her day-to-day life. A most thought-provoking and interesting evening.

We invited Janet to stay for tea/coffee and cake afterwards, during which she asked if she could become a member; the Dollies were all delighted to welcome her and this now completes our membership number.

November began with our planned trip to see Pretty Woman at the Hippodrome, a matinee performance.

Most of us went in by bus and met up at Rice Coming in Denmark Street at noon, an authentic Chinese restaurant with a supermarket attached – very interesting.

We then made our way round to the Hippodrome for the 2.30pm performance, which was absolutely outstanding.

Our November meeting in the hall will be a presentation on the history of Mangotsfield.

In December outside caterers are providing a buffet, we have entertainer Frankie Johns and plan to hold a ‘Secret Santa.’

Members will buy a present up to a fiver, and it has been suggested that they purchase from their favourite charity shop and include a Christmas card, the idea being that each member will go home with a present and a card.

The Dollies will be at St James Church Hall Christmas Bazaar donating and serving tea, coffee, cake and mince pies, plus biscuits and squash for the children. All proceeds to go to the Church.

Mangotsfield Dolly Mixtures would like to wish all our readers a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Carol Coombs - Mangotsfield Ladies - carol@applause.co.uk Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

n Members of Page Park Ukulele Club

Try the ukulele with us PAGE Park Ukulele Club is a mixed ability music group in Staple Hill.

We have been meeting since January 2020, even meeting online during the lockdowns.

We are looking for new members - absolute beginners especially - to come and play on Friday afternoons from 1pm in the Bean Tree Cafe.

It's £4 per session, and the music sheets are either printed out or sent via email.

We are performing under the Page Park clock tower on Saturday December 16 at 11.30am for a Christmas sing-along as part of the Festive Artisan Market organised by the Friends of Page Park.

For more details call or text 07910 668258, and find 'Page Park Ukulele Club' on Facebook.

Ben Searle music leader

Send us your group’s report EMAIL US: news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

21

WHAT’S ON LOCALLY December 2 n CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHON, PARK ROAD, STAPLE HILL from 4.30pm; switch-on at 5pm.

Live music, Disney princess, variety of stalls including food, drink, crafts, scents, face-painting, charities and more. Fundraising in aid of St Peter’s Hospice. More details at facebook.com/BS165LG. December 3 n MANGOTSFIELD SCHOOL WINTER FESTIVAL & ARTS MARKET at Mangotsfield School, Rodway Hill, 11am-4pm. Entry £1 adults, children free. Art and craft stalls and activities, student music, dance and drama performances, primary school art exhibition, Lego displays, prize draw, refreshments.

December 6 n ROYAL BRITISH LEGION STAPLE HILL LADIES SECTION CHRISTMAS PARTY, 1-3pm at the Old School by the Page Hall car park, Page Road. American supper plus entertainment. Christmas lunch on December 13, monthly lunch on December 20. For more details call 0117 956 0805.

December 14 n DOWNEND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, 7.30pm. AGM followed by a talk, ‘Wildlife in the garden’. All welcome - come and help keep the society going.

December 15 n CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG ST AUGUSTINES CHURCH, DOWNEND, from 6.30pm. Salvation Army band and children’s choir. Refreshments, steel band and Santa’s grotto afterwards in church hall, with free food. All welcome - bring the whole family.

December 16 n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS MAKE AND DO EVENT, followed by Christingle celebration, 2.30-4pm. Crafts, activities and refreshments for all the family to enjoy.

December 17 n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH CAROL SERVICE, 10.30am. Celebrate the Christmas story in words and music.

December 17 n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN URC CAROL SERVICE, led by Wendy Magee, at Cossham Street, 10.30am. Everyone welcome.

Please stay for refreshments after.

Informal service at 4pm led by Rev Stephen Newell, also with refreshments after.

REGULAR EVENTS Monday n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00.

Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297 Tuesday n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB meets every Tuesday Evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. More info from Graham on 07968 050320. n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

Lyde Green Community Centre Thistle Close, Lyde Green, Emersons Green Bristol BS16 7GW

Wednesdays at 7:30pm Thursdays at 9:30am Contact Lesley 07503524459

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10.15p.m. All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 0784324014.

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. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805. n WEDNESDAY CAFE FOR SENIORS, at Badminton Road Methodist Church (BS16 6NU) every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon. All Welcome – just come along – make new friends over a cuppa and cake. Information: 0117 239 5984 n MANGO JAMS PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church. n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door.

Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk.

Thursday n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 11am, depending on numbers.

Normally meets at Emersons Green library, email jessica.callaway@ hotmail.co.uk. n COFFEE, CAKE AND COMMUNITY MORNING at Emersons Green Village Hall, 11am1pm. Free tea, coffee and cake - all welcome. Supported by Emersons Green Town Council. n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1pm to 2pm. Free and open to anyone who feels they will benefit from joining a group who walk at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Contact James on: 07588622372 Friday n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm.

All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258. n RAINBOW TOTS parent and toddler group meets at Emersons Green Village Hall on term-time Friday mornings, 10-11.30am. All welcome. For more details email church.egbc@outlook.com. n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings,

slimmingworld.co.uk 22 Emersons Green Voice December 2023 #YesYouCanWithSlimmingWorld

held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon at the church in Cossham Street. Coffee, cake and a chat. n LATER LIVE MUSIC, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every second Friday monthly, except August & December, 8-10pm, £2.50.

More details at facebook.com/ lateratresound. n MESSY VINTAGE Come and Share God-centred fun & fellowship for the Older Generation at Badminton Road Methodist Downend 2nd Friday monthly 9.30am to 12 noon. For Information 0117 2395984 Saturday n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am, all are welcome. For information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075. n STAPLE HILL METHODIST CHURCH, High Street BS16 5HQ Sunday services 10.30am + Sunday Club for ages 5-17. Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month – all invited. Taizé worship 6.00pm 3rd Sunday of the month.

Contact Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana 07482 550888, Philippa Church Liaison at staplehillmethodist@ hotmail.co.uk or www. staplehillmethodist.com n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.3011.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services. Contact Simon on 07765 201435, visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org or Facebook page for more details. n LYDE GREEN LITTER PICKERS meet at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month outside Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. Spend an hour litter picking to help make Lyde Green look more tidy and beautiful! See www. cleanupuk.org.uk/groups/lydegreen-litter-pickers for information.

News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARIES

LOCAL HISTORY with CHAP

Consultation on how to make spending cuts on library services SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is currently consulting on options to save money on the libraries service.

The proposals presented in the consultation will have an impact on the way libraries in South Gloucestershire operate.

We are asking everyone to suggest where changes to opening hours, for example, would have the least and most impact. Please spare 5 minutes to fill in this consultation form and tell us what your local library means to you and how you prefer to use the library services in your area, we would really appreciate hearing your opinions.

Find out more and have your say by 10 January 2024. Either online: www.southglos.gov.uk/ librarysavings-consultation or pick up a printed copy from your library.

Digital Champions – support to help you make the most of the internet or get online Do you, or someone you know need help to get online, want to know more about what you can do online or simply improve confidence using a computer, tablet or smartphone?

Our Digital Champions run free one-to-one support sessions at Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries to help anyone feel more confident using the internet and online services.

You can book a session and learn on one of our computers or bring along your own portable device. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 and leave a message. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/ getdigital Be Green: use your library (and save money too) Borrowing a great read for free from the library is a greener alternative to buying and reading a book just once or twice. Library books love to be re-read, shared and re-used to reach as many people as possible.

Whatever your interests - search for any topic or title online at www. librarieswest.org.uk. Reserve online and we'll bring items free of charge to your chosen library for pick up.

Not yet a library member? It's free to join, find out more at www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries

n Downend School pool being built Picture provided

by Elizabeth Briddon

Some very practical schoolwork HOW would secondary school students today like the chance to get out of their lessons and do something else more physical instead?

That’s what happened back in 1956/57, when pupils at what is Downend School today (then we think it was Stockwell Hill Secondary Modern) were told to put down their pens and go outside to build a swimming pool.

In October's issue of the Voice we shared a photograph of the pool when it had just been completed.

Reader Elizabeth Briddon has kindly shared another fantastic picture, which shows the pool being built.

Her father is the second boy from the back. Unfortunately he never got to swim in the pool, as he transferred to Rodway School when that opened.

Local voluntary history group CHAP aims to collect knowledge and memories about our area and share them more widely, creating a coherent identity built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past.

We are very grateful to readers responding to articles like this, and for sharing their fascinating recollections at events.

People have recounted some fascinating stories, including the time The Saint and James Bond actor Roger Moore dropped into Downend via helicopter, and when youngsters during World War Two

Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

tried to emulate the Coke-drinking American airmen in the area.

As it was impossible to buy the bottled drink here during the war – Britons were on strictly rationed food allowances, with no luxuries – they improvised by gathering coke dust from coal heaps, mixed it with water and drank that.

Unsurprisingly, it tasted awful!

CHAP are also very grateful for Emersons Green Town Council’s kind support through their local

nature calendar scheme.

If you have a photograph or a memory you would like to share, please contact CHAP by email at big.gin@talktalk.net or by letter to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS. You can find out more at our website at www.downendchap.org, where you can download a copy of our historical map of Downend and Emersons Green.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

23

NEWS ALMOST a third of families of children with special needs in South Gloucestershire who need respite care have been failed by the council, a damning report has found.

The Local Government Ombudsman has published a public interest report – indicating a high level of serious failings – after the local authority admitted 30 families were not receiving some or any of their entitlement to a break from looking after their child.

The watchdog launched a fresh inquiry after upholding a complaint in August, from the parents of a disabled girl, that the council had not provided respite care for 13 years.

In that case, the LGO ordered the authority to pay £6,000 compensation after concluding the failings had caused “significant physical and emotional consequences” for the child and her family, who have not been identified.

South Gloucestershire Council has apologised and said it is taking urgent action.

The ombudsman’s investigation found one

Council fails children with special needs, report says youngster assessed as needing a year-long residential placement was instead living at home with limited support.

Respite care allows families of children and young people with specific needs the chance to take a break from caring responsibilities.

The failure to provide the agreed support packages can cause huge difficulties and distress.

Ombudsman Paul Najsarek said: “For too long families in South Gloucestershire have been struggling without the vital respite support they need, and the indications we have from the council suggest for many there is no sign of this improving in the near future.

“While we recognise the difficulties the council is having finding appropriate support locally, it should not have taken a

complaint to us to spur them into more effective action.

“Statutory guidance is clear – if a council is satisfied it is necessary to provide support services then it must provide them and have the provision in place to do so.

“I am pleased the council is working towards improving its breadth of provision and hope the rigorous local oversight it has now agreed to implement will ensure this work is not allowed to drift.”

A council spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise for the shortcomings in the service we’ve been able to provide to these young people and their families.

We also fully accept the findings and recommendations of the ombudsman.

“Since the ombudsman carried out its investigation, we have been able to provide

support to more families, to either fully or partially deliver the respite care and positive experiences needed for their children.

“We are not yet able to fully deliver for all of our families, however, and we have an action plan in place that will be discussed at Cabinet level, to help to address the outstanding issues and enable us to meet our commitments.

“Like councils across the country, we are facing a major challenge in accessing the support packages to suit each family’s individual needs. This is often far less a matter of cost and more that the services simply do not currently exist on the scale required."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas at Lyde Green Community Centre

Filton concert Brass play at the Christmas Fayre ONCE again this year we were delighted to host a Christmas fayre at Lyde Green Community Centre.

We had over 500 people visit, and some amazing stalls.

The event featured the fabulous Filton Concert Brass, local craft and produce stalls, seasonal yummies on sale from Coffee at Lyde.

More than 50 children enjoyed a ‘storytime with Santa’ event, and were given a gift (if they were on the ‘good’ list!). Santa was helped

by Elf Ruby.

This was so much fun!

If you haven’t already bought your tickets for the pantomime at Lyde Green (this year it’s Treasure Island) then do visit our virtual box office at buytickets.at/lgca to reserve yours soon - we have priced the panto at just £8.50 per ticket, to ensure that it’s affordable for everyone!

Children needing to bounce off some pre-Christmas excitement?

We have a Christmas Chaos inflatable fun time on December 19 from 10am until noon. Tickets can be booked at the same web address.

To ensure your children’s safety at this event, we are suggesting it’s suitable for children eight years old and younger.

We are also super excited at Lyde Green Community Centre for our family friendly New Year’s Eve party!

We have live music, a fabulous DJ – what could be better than welcoming in 2024 surrounded by family and friends right on your doorstep?

Again, tickets are available from our virtual box office and will need to be bought in advance.

We look forward to seeing you.

One of the fayre stalls

Storytime with Santa Lyde Green Community Association is a charity: we rely on your support of our events to continue the work we do.

If you would like to volunteer for future events, then please get in touch with us.

You can reach us on Facebook

@lydegreencommunity association and @LydeGreenCC, email info@lydegreenca.org, or call our office on 0117 957 0410.

Party or event bookings enquiries can be made at Bookings@lydegreenca.org.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

25

MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC MARK SHELFORD

Watch out for festive online shopping scams AS we approach the festive season, I would like to warn local people to take extra care when shopping online.

During the Black Friday and holiday sale events last year, almost £10 million was lost to criminals.

One common tactic used to defraud victims is the use of fake websites that are purporting to be reputable companies.

These websites are created to look identical to the real website they are imitating and will advertise items but at a much cheaper price than retail price to entice victims.

In reality, these websites are fake and the victim will never receive the item they have paid for.

To protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime I advise that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign:

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge: Could it be fake?

It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud, online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

We recently marked Respect for Shopworkers Week.

The purpose of the week is to support retail workers and ensure the general public understands the key message that abuse is not part of the job.

I am keen to meet with shop owners and work together to help reduce retail crime in Avon and Somerset and support workers in the sector.

I have convened a new national group, the E-Scooter Safety Forum, to discuss issues around micro mobility. The first meeting was held earlier this month, and I look forward to updating you with my progress on this.

The third week of November was the annual Road Safety Week.

As road safety is one of the areas of focus in Priority One of my Police and Crime Plan, I’m very supportive of the work Avon and Somerset Police do in helping to reduce collisions and traffic accidents.

I am a member of my local Community Speedwatch group and regularly attend meetups. Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where proactive members of local communities join with the support and supervision of their local police to record details of

speeding vehicles using approved detection devices. Together we can help reduce speeding.

Unfortunately, so far in 2023 we have had 47 road deaths across Avon and Somerset. As a community we must commit to tackling the ‘Fatal Five’ actions – not wearing a seatbelt, using a phone, not paying attention, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and speeding.

Here to Help Emersons Green Are you finding the lack of a public bus difficult? Do you need help with transport?

Call Green Community Travel!

We travel in and around Emersons and Downend and then towards Yate, but we have a team of volunteers to help with hospital appointments!

26

Book in advance!

Shopping, GP/Hospital and Dental Appointments, Hairdressers and much more!

You can even book a regular slot with us! Then just call us if you need to cancel.

01454 228706 Friendly team, accessible travel and discount for bus pass holders.

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

admin@greencommunit ytravel.co.uk

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NEWS

Jan and guide dog Celia inspire beavers DOWNEND-based beaver scouts ran and baked their way to a big fundraising total for charity Guide Dogs UK. The young members of 78th Kingswood Beavers, based at Downend Methodist church, were inspired by a visit from Jan Peters, of Mangotsfield, who told them how dogs can help people who are blind or have a visual impairment.

Jan introduced them to Celia, a ten-year-old golden Labradorretriever cross who recently retired after six years as her guide dog.

Beavers leader Jenny Wheeler said: "We had been undertaking our disability awareness badge and were very lucky to have a visit from Jan, who has a visual impairment herself.

"She told us all about how the dogs get trained and what a lifeline the dogs are to people with visual impairment.

"We learned a lot from her, and we wanted to do something as a thank-you, and to support

Members of 78th Kingswood Beavers hand the money they raised to Jan Peters, of Mangotsfield, Monica Cave of South Gloucestershire Guide Dogs and retired guide dog Celia the work of Guide Dogs UK." The beavers staged a sponsored run, where all 12 of the youngsters, aged six to eight, ran as many circuits as they could of the Methodist church

building, despite pouring rain.

They then held a bake sale, inviting the group's cubs and scouts to buy their wares.

Together the two events raised £385, and the beavers

invited Jan and South Gloucestershire Guide Dogs volunteer Monica Cave to receive the money in November.

Jan said the beavers' fundraising total was "fabulous".

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

27

NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Support our independent shops this Christmas CHRISTMAS thoughts are undoubtedly turning to shopping: please buy local and support our fantastic independent shops this winter.

We have a huge bounty of small, independent shops, selling everything from toys to plants and records to hampers.

They’re the beating heart of the West’s communities, doing much to enrich our lives.

But they’ve faced huge challenges - soaring energy bills, record inflation, and the costof-living crisis. That’s created a perfect storm for many stores.

It’s why I’ve been offering £15,000 green grants for pubs, cafes and others, so they can install more energy efficient equipment.

I’m proud of this. Companies are cutting their bills and CO2 emissions by seven tonnes on average - great for their wallets and our precious planet.

28

One group I met recently, who’ve started their Christmas shopping, are care leavers benefiting from a new West of England-wide free bus travel scheme I’ve just introduced.

The youngsters joined me on board a WESTlink minibus and told me about how the scheme means they can better access work, get to appointments, enjoy more days out, and, yes, grab bits and bobs for loved ones at the shops, too.

I then went from a bright green WESTlink to a 41-tonne lorry!

HGVs are crucial in the Christmas shopping story, ensuring festive goods in our stores.

But we’ve all seen the impact of a regional and national shortage of drivers, in terms of empty supermarket shelves and prices being driven up, all adding to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

It’s why I created a scheme last year to recruit and train new HGV

drivers. While it was not easy, I’m pleased to say we have recruited over 230 in 12 months.

And, of course, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, sometimes travelling across the West to do so.

The good thing for those with December birthdays is they can do that by hopping on the buses – for FREE. So, if it’s your birthday coming up, please enjoy the festive season in style by getting your Birthday Bus pass - details at www. birthdaybus.co.uk.

We’ve recently had a little taster of chilly weather, but I know for many, reports of ice and snow don’t bring hope of snowman building!

It’s why I’m once again running a ‘Keep Warm this Winter’ drive, as it is vital to stay above 17°C, especially if you’re ill, an older person, or have young children.

Fuel costs are still frightening, so

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

please check out the top tips at www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/ keepwarm.

Finally, I know Christmas can also be a tough time for many people having to work over the holidays.

Thank you to those who keep everything running while the rest of us relax and celebrate, for all that you do.

For those spending the holiday without those they love - past and present - you are very much in my thoughts.

However you’re spending the festive season, I wish you and your family a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

See you in 2024.

News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

NEWS

Gardeners' club facing closure after 80 years A GARDENERS' club that has been running for 80 years is facing closure.

Downend Horticultural Society was founded in 1943 as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign to grow food during the Second World War. But a decline in attendances since the Covid lockdown means the club is in desperate need of new members, and volunteers to run its committee.

Originally known as Downend Food Production Club, members grew vegetables and managed poultry and game.

The club flourished after the war and by 1948 it was staging a flower and poultry show in Downend's old scout hall, on the site of the current Co-op car park.

The show then moved to Christchurch Parish Hall, where it was held twice-yearly, in spring and summer.

Horticultural society treasurer Roger Davis said the shows were "highlights of the Downend village year".

The society ran outings

n Members of Downend Horticultural Society with guest speaker George Alway at their November meeting and evening visits to gardens in and around the area, at one point booking all three vehicles operated by Don’s Coaches in Soundwell Road.

Its monthly talks on gardening, first held in Downend Baptist Church and more recently in the Assembly Hall opposite, on Salisbury Road, continue to this day.

During the 1960s it hosted an episode of the BBC’s longrunning ‘Gardeners Question

Time’ radio programme.

But the society's 80th annual general meeting, at the Assembly Hall on Thursday December 14 at 7.30pm, will be its last unless more people join.

The meeting will include a talk on wildlife in the garden and is open to all - anyone who wants to help revive the club should come along.

Roger, who is currently the society's only serving committee member, said: "It is very sad

that, because of dwindling numbers, we are likely to have to close the doors of the society for the last time at the end of this year.

"Some of the drop in attendance could likely be laid at the door of Covid, but it is a shame to see this once-thriving society having to close, as it is only one of two gardening clubs that are open in the evening, and therefore suited to full-time working people."

Andrea Cross, from Downend, joined because her grandparents were members, and wants to keep the tradition going.

She said: "Our next meeting could be the last. It would be so sad, but if the number of members continues to drop off and no-one else stands for the committee, there will be no one to keep it going."

For more information about the society call Roger on 0117 957 1703.

Last month another group, Lincombe Barn Gardening Club, announced its closure.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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NEWS

Sarah is our Learner of the Year A VOLUNTEER at Page Park in Staple Hill has won an adult learning award from South Gloucestershire Council.

Sarah Heath was named the Learner of the Year 2023 by the council's Community Learning and Skills Service, which offers face-to-face and online course for residents to improve their skills, personal development and creativity, and progress their careers.

Sarah took part in health and well-being courses run by the service and said she has thrived as a result.

She now works as a volunteer at Page Park's allotment area and says she has new-found selfconfidence and belief in herself.

Her experience has encouraged her son to take part

in a gardening course.

Sarah said: “I have improved my social skills and confidence in meeting other people I would not normally interact with. I am going to take up maths and English again, so I can take my exams.

“I would like to say to the people who are thinking of enrolling, just give it a go, even if you don’t think you can do it.

Stick at it!”

Sarah received her award at an annual event to celebrate adult learners from around the district at the Bristol and Bath Science Park.

Council co-leader and cabinet member for education Ian Boulton said: “Community Learning can provide a real lifeline for those who take part.

"I know from personal experience that accessing learning opportunities as an adult opens possibilities that would otherwise have been closed to me."

In the past year the Community Learning and Skills Service has supported more than 1,200 people with a range of courses aimed at developing confidence and personal skills,

n Community Learning award winners at the ceremony with councillors Ian Boulton and Mike Drew preparing for employment, maths, speaking English as a second language and a range of other topics.

It has also given careers information, advice and guidance to 850 people through its employability programmes.

The service received a 'good' rating from education regulator Ofsted in July.

Council chair Mike Drew, who presented the awards

and certificates, said: “Our Community Learning and Skills Service exists to help people overcome barriers, stretch minds, build resilience and skills for today and tomorrow.

"The benefits and positive impact, not only for them but also their wider family and communities, is a joy to see.”

For more information the service www.southglos.gov.uk/ communitylearning.

Parcel collection hours cut PEOPLE who miss a postal delivery have just two hours on most days to collect it from the area’s local delivery office.

Royal Mail says it has no plans to increase the opening hours of its Fishponds delivery office in New Station Way for the festive period.

The hours when people could collect parcels and signed-for deliveries have been cut to 8am to 10am on weekdays, with afternoon opening on Thursdays from 4-6pm.

The delivery office also opens on Saturdays from 8am to noon.

Until the summer the office was open for four hours on Mondays, eight hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and ten hours on Thursdays.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said an increase in doorstep services and automatic next working day redelivery meant more than 99% of parcels were successfully delivered on the first or second attempt, which was reducing the need for collections from delivery offices.

The spokesperson added: “If a customer is unable to collect an item that we could not deliver, we have a range of free-of-charge options for customers who want to arrange for an item to be redelivered to their address or a local Post Office.”

The spokesperson said all delivery offices were being kept open between 8am and noon every Saturday for people who are out at work during the week.

Correction: Hong Kong resettlement AN article in November’s Voice on help for people from Hong Kong to adapt and integrate into the community stated that 400 people had visited sessions at the Julian House community support and integration hub in Emersons Green Village Hall.

We have been asked to clarify that the figure of 400 relates to all of the charity’s hubs across South Gloucestershire, not to Emersons Green alone.

We are happy to set the record straight.

30

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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NEWS

Jake's ready to light up Christmas A DOWNEND teenager who has raised more than £15,500 for a cancer charity is preparing to light up his latest Christmas display.

Jake Skinner will flick the switch on thousands of lights on his home in Sutherland Avenue at 6pm on December 1.

The lights will be on every night from 5-8pm until December 29, and Jake will be collecting donations for Macmillan Cancer Support, both at this display and online.

Jake has been raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support over the past six years in memory of his sister Stacie, who died aged 17 of anaphylactic shock on Christmas Day 2015, and his nan, who was supported by the charity before she passed away in 2021.

Stacie used to decorate her work desk with Christmas lights, and when her colleagues returned them to the family, Jake decided to remember her by illuminating the family home.

Over the years the display has expanded and Jake has now lost count of how many LEDs are in

bring.

"Thank you Jake, from everyone at Macmillan."

Jake, who is 16 and an apprentice electrician, having finished his GCSEs at Mangotsfield School in the summer, said: "We've been working really hard getting the lights ready for everyone to enjoy and would love for as many people as possible to come along and support us on December 1.

"We’ve got some amazing prizes for the raffle, there will be hot chocolate being served and, most importantly, lots of money raised for Macmillan."

Donations can be made online at justgiving.com/page/ jakeschristmaslights.

Jake is looking for a sponsor to help pay for some more lights and snowmen to improve this year's display and replace some lights which have broken through wear and tear.

Anyone who would like to discuss sponsorship can contact Jake via his Facebook page at facebook.com/jake. skinner.98478.

n Jake Skinner at last year's switch-on it: last year it stretched from the eaves down to the garden gate at 26 Sutherland Avenue.

Last year's display raised £3,300 and Jake is looking to make this year's display even better - and offering hot chocolate to visitors on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Macmillan relationship fundraising manager Kaeti Morrison said: "To date Jake has raised over £15,500 to support

Community Christmas get-together A COMMUNITY cafe in Downend is inviting residents young and old to join them for a carol sing-along and party to get into the Christmas spirit.

The free event on December 15 at St Augustine of Canterbury Church in Boscombe Crescent is being organised by the team behind the community cafe that meets at the church hall every Friday.

It is being sponsored by Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council and St Augustine's church and tickets are not required people can just come along.

The event starts with the carol sing-along in the main church building at 6.30pm, led by the Staple Hill Salvation Army band and with a performance from a children's choir.

After that there will be refreshments in the hall, accompanied by the Bristol Pan Sonic community steel band playing calypso music.

Former parish councillor Martyn Poole, who is helping organise the event, said: "We're expecting a visit from Santa, as we have his grotto ready. Bring the whole family, young and old, to start your Christmas.Join us for a good sing with the carols we all know. It's open to anyone."

The community cafe at the church hall runs every Friday from 1.30-3.30pm. It opened in January and was set up by Martyn with St Augustine's churchgoers Petra Jordan and Myra Woods, supported by a team of volunteers.

The cafe is open to people of all ages for free tea, coffee, biscuits and cake, activities and company.

It is hosted by the church free of charge but is run independently, with financial support from the parish council and practical help from community group Downend Men in Sheds.

Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

people living with a cancer diagnosis.

"The impact that has had on our work is huge.

"For instance, it could have paid for three months of a Macmillan nurse’s time, paid for the Macmillan Support Line for three days, supporting around 840 people, or provided 52 people with a Macmillan grant to ease some of the financial pressures a cancer diagnosis can

Winter Festival &

Arts Market Sunday 3rd December 11am - 4pm £1 Entry (Adults) Join Mangotsfield School for a festive and fabulously creative day. We are hosting a range of fun and creative activities, as well as performances and refreshments.

Mangotsfield School’s Winter Festival includes: • Art & Craft Stalls • Free Arts & Craft Activities • Refreshments • Student Music, Dance and Drama Performances • Primary Art Exhibition

• Lego Displays • Lego Play Area • Raffle Prize Draw • Tombola and Fundraising Stalls

Mangotsfield Secondary, Rodway Hill, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9LH

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

31 37

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB

Photographing animals: mammals WE must all be tempted to photograph animals from time to time.

Look at the TV and there is wonderful animal filming; animal photographs appear in magazines and papers and on the internet, so we should all be able to do it, right? Well, maybe not.

I remember a speaker warning club photographers to stay away from wildlife photography in competition. There are specialists out there, with some very expensive equipment.

However, there are still plenty of opportunities for the ordinary photographer.

Consider three examples from club members.

If you have a dog, you’ll know they aren't always as co-operative as you would like.

Instead of lolling tongues and happy, laughing expressions, I get “what are you

n I'm Watching You by Jackie Warlock

pointing that thing at me for?” looks.

Some lateral thinking is needed to get an interesting picture.

A good example is Anita Fullerton’s 'How much longer do we have to wait?', which makes a virtue of those surly expressions.

Photographing exotic animals seems out of range for most of us, particularly the world’s fastest mammal, but Jackie Warlock found a pair of cheetahs at Bristol Zoo for 'I’m Watching you'.

A telephoto lens was essential: so, too, was the fencing, which Jackie has managed to make n Red Squirrel by Shaun Martin a part of the composition.

Red squirrels are beautiful animals, and you would need a heart of stone not to love the sight of them, but they are shy, rare (in England at least) and can move unpredictably, making even focussing difficult.

Full marks, then, to Shaun Martin, for his delightful picture, 'Red Squirrel'. He tells me that he has two other photographs which are even better. I look forward to seeing them.

If you want to see the very best of wildlife photography, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is showing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, of the best 100 entries from an international contest run by the Natural History Museum, until April 21 n How Much Longer Do We Have To Wait? by Anita Fullerton next year.

Are you interested in photography and want to find made welcome (£3 if you just want to try us out). out more?

If you would like to be part of a small but We have a full programme of activities: flourishing club, take a look at our website at competitions, presentations from guest speakers lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or contact us at and learning exercises for members. lincombebarn.cameraclub@gmail.com.

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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SPORT

Martial artists bring back medal haul A MARTIAL arts team from Lyde Green is celebrating after its members won 12 medals at a national tournament.

Students from Fishponds Taekwondo Academy, which moved to the area two years ago, took part in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) competition in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

The team returned with four gold, four silver and four bronze medals in the sport’s patterns and sparring junior and adult categories.

Instructor Gavin Reader, who is a 3rd degree Black Belt in the Korean-based martial art, said he was proud of the students’ achievements.

Gavin, who has worked as a paramedic and is a project manager for the NHS, said: “It takes courage to take part in a competition and I’m proud of the work they put in.

“It’s lovely to return with so many medals.

“But more importantly, they followed the Taekwondo

tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.”

Several students from the club also acted as umpires at the event, following training to ensure they were up to date with the rules, regulations and latest technical aspects of the art.

Instructor Simon Herrington, who has achieved the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt, has been an umpire for numerous competitions.

He said: “It’s a great event to get involved in - be it as a competitor, umpire, referee or spectator - and see people perform at such a high standard.

“Several of our members have acted as umpires, including one of our students who is just 16 years old. Taekwondo promotes discipline and focus from a young age.”

Gavin and Simon, who works as a senior project manager, took up the martial art, which emphasises fast kicking techniques and is said to promote physical and mental

n Competitors and umpires from Lyde Green-based Fishponds Taekwondo Academy. strength, 11 and eight years ago stamina, strength and posture, respectively. help develop confidence, selfThey were both encouraged to esteem and resilience. join when their young daughters The group trains at Lyde signed up.

Green Community Centre every Dad-of-three Gavin said: Wednesday and Friday.

“We pride ourselves on being a For more information, family-friendly club and have contact Gavin on 07500 764276, many siblings train together, visit www.fishpondstkd.co.uk as well as parents and their or the group’s Facebook or children.”

Instagram pages.

Taekwondo is reputed to improve balance, flexibility, Angela Belassie

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Emersons Green Voice December 2023

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SPORT

Mangos thrive in cup competitions MANGOTSFIELD United are firmly entrenched in mid-table in the Hellenic League Premier Division, but are on the trail of more glory in cup competitions.

Although they exited the FA Vase in disappointing fashion, with a 2-0 defeat away to Toolstation League side Nailsea and Tickenham, things improved as the Mangos continued their defence of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup with a 3-1 win at Warwickshire outfit Southam United.

Goals from Jaydn Crosbie (21), Alistair Boyer (25) and Luke Bence (35) gave Mangotsfield a commanding 3-0 half time lead. The Midland hosts rallied in the second half, pulling a goal back, but the visitors stood firm to clinch the win, despite having substitute Karem Karakus booked and then sent off in stoppage time.

Next up at Cossham Street were the highly-fancied Worcester Raiders in what proved to be a very entertaining 3-3 draw.

Again, a strong first-half performance from the Mangos saw them net three goals, through Will Ashton (25 and 45+2) and Jaydn Crosbie (29), with the visitors getting one back before the break.

Chances occurred at both ends in the second half but it was the visitors who netted twice more. The draw seemed a fair result, but the Mangos will rue letting a 3-1 half time lead slip away.

Action from Mangotsfield Utd's 1-1 draw with Westfields. Picture: Dave Smale A disappointing midweek 2-0 loss at nearby Roman Glass St George was followed by the postponement of the away trip to league leaders Worcester City, due to a waterlogged pitch.

That game will now be played on January 9, just three days after the reverse fixture at Cossham Street.

Despite poor weather the following week, the home league match v Westfields went ahead.

Jaydn Crosbie ran clear following a long through ball to slot home the opening goal of a tough game on 52 minutes.

While a second goal eluded the Mangos, the Hereford-based visitors always looked like getting one themselves and did on 90+4 minutes, after a defensive mix-up, to make it 1-1.

On November 15 the Mangos visited

Gloucestershire County League leaders Avonmouth in a GFA Trophy tie, escaping with a hard-earned 3-2 victory.

The hosts built the game up big-time, saying it was the biggest they had staged for a long time.

Free admission meant an impressive attendance of 315 saw a cracking fixture.

The Dockers led 1-0 at half time, thanks to a 39th minute penalty for handball, but Mangotsfield rallied after the break, thanks to goals from Jaydn Crosbie (55) and Kyrese Morrison (61). Crosbie made it 3-1 with a penalty on 89 minutes but Avonmouth made it 3-2 seconds later to set up a really frantic finish in which they hit the bar. The Mangos stood firm to inflict only Avonmouth's second competitive defeat in 18 months.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES November 28 Stonehouse Town (home) (Marsh Challenge Cup) December 2 Lydney Town (H) December 5 Roman Glass St George (H) (Floodlit Cup) December 8 Longlevens (A) December 16 Hereford Pegasus (H) December 23 `Hereford Lads Club (A) December 26 Corsham Town (A) December 30 Cinderford Town (H) Dave Smale

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SPORT

Cleve dig in for win over Bridgwater CLEVE fought off a strong comeback to earn a hard-fought win over Bridgwater Albion.

With an expansive, attacking attitude, Cleve dominated the start of the game and a clever chip kick over the oncoming Bridgwater backs, saw Liam Clode gather the ball and score under the posts. Dave Thomas converted to make it 7-0 Cleve after just three minutes.

Cleve forwards were beginning to work well, and Miles Avery was lifted in a lineout in Bridgwater's 22, setting up a catch and drive.

The ball went into a ruck but came out quickly to Liam Clode, who went through and scored close to the touch line to make it 12-0.

Cleve were on top and won a penalty as they drove towards the Bridgwater line again, which Liam Clode kicked to make it 15-0.

Bridgwater started to come back into their own, and their lively winger kicked through, won the chase and scored in what was becoming an end-toend game.

Cleve drove forward, with Mitch Avery showing some great footwork before the ball went into a ruck and a great pass

by Will Warman found Theo Garnett on the wing, who went over to make it 20-7 to Cleve.

A pattern of great service by

n Action from Cleve's 27-24 win over Bridgwater Albion Will Warman and good balls from the lineouts helped Cleve time and time again.

Bridgwater started a comeback and while some great defence kept them from scoring during a period of sustained pressure on Cleve’s line, a rare error in the backs saw one of the opposing centres score to make it 20-12.

In the last five minutes Cleve number 8 Miles Avery made a break into the Bridgwater’s

22 from a lineout close to their attacking try line, giving a great inside pass to Liam Clode, who went over again for a converted try to make it 27-12.

But Bridgwater came back strongly again, powering down towards Cleve’s line and scoring two tries in quick succession, one of which was converted.

Cleve now had to dig in and work hard for their win, and this is what they did to seal a great victory, 27-24.

Afterwards veteran Cleve player John Bradbeer said it had been the best game he had seen this season, a view echoed by many in the crowd.

Both sets of players had refreshments and got involved in games in the clubhouse - a good sign of rugby camaraderie.

Liam Clode was given man of the match by club member and player sponsor Mastic.

Steve Bateman

Minis & Juniors at Ashton Gate CLEVE’S Minis & Juniors section represented the club at Ashton Gate for Bristol Bears’ Gallagher Premiership fixture against Leicester Tigers.

As part of Cleve’s ‘Club Connexions’ relationship with Bristol Bears, a group of 30 or so members of the club’s youth section formed a guard of honour to welcome the players of both teams onto the pitch for October’s season opener.

It was a fantastic evening, where the children got to meet some of their heroes and step out onto the hallowed turf of Ashton Gate, in a match screened on TNT Sports.

Cleve have always had a very strong relationship with Bristol RFC and latterly Bristol Bears, with a host of well-known Bristol players starting their playing careers in the maroon, black and white as youngsters.

The Club Connexions relationship allows Cleve to support the Bristol Bears Community Foundation bringing rugby to those who might otherwise struggle to get involved, through their wideranging community programmes.

In return, Bristol Bears help Cleve develop coaches in the youth section, players appear at club events and children have the chance to take part in events and tournaments.

For more information on how to get involved in youth rugby at Cleve, visit our website cleverfc.rfu.club or social media channels.

Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

Cleve’s guard of honour for the Premiership sides

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

35 37

ON THE TREATMENT TABLE - WITH TIM BUTTON CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC MANGOTSFIELD

Plantar fasciitis vs policeman’s heel AS I have recently discovered after getting carried away with my running ... foot pain can be a real discomfort, especially when it affects our daily activities!

Two common conditions causing heel pain are plantar fasciitis and policeman's heel.

While these terms might sound confusing, understanding their differences and how to manage them can help alleviate discomfort and get you back on your feet.

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Policeman's heel, also known as calcaneal enthesopathy, involves damage or inflammation where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. To diagnose you properly, the team would take a thorough history, have a good look at the area and do the appropriate tests, which may include an Ultrasound Scan or X-Ray. The symptoms of both conditions are quite similar, typically manifesting as a sharp

pain in the heel or along the bottom of the foot, especially after rest or physical activity.

It might feel like a stabbing sensation, making walking uncomfortable. Lots of patients tell us that they feel their pain the most first thing in the morning when they put their foot down getting out of bed. Some will feel it more as the day goes on, this is where having an assessment with one of the team can help to determine which course of treatment would be best.

Both conditions can often be managed effectively with conservative treatments, such as the ones we offer in the clinic or can advise you to do at home.

Here's how: Resting the affected foot is crucial to allow the inflammation to subside. Applying ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain. This doesn’t mean that you should stop using the foot altogether though, just reduce the activities that might aggravate it.

Gentle stretching exercises

which target the calf muscles and the plantar fascia can help relieve tension and improve flexibility.

Try a simple one like standing on the edge of a step with the balls of your feet (the bottom one for safety!) and dropping your heel down off the edge.

Supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning can reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

Avoid walking barefoot or in unsupportive shoes, especially on hard surfaces.

The Cleve team can offer treatments like manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and those custom orthotics to address foot mechanics, reduce pain, and enhance healing. We are able to 3D scan your feet and create beautifully customised insoles in house if needed. Two of our specialised modalities are Class 4 Laser and Shockwave therapies which we see great results with.

Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, there is the option to have a diagnostic ultrasound with one of the team who may recommend

an injection such as a steroid to manage your pain. However, these should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Plantar fasciitis and policeman's heel might cause discomfort, but with proper care and management, most individuals can find relief and improve their condition. By incorporating rest, exercises, supportive footwear, and seeking guidance from a chiropractor or healthcare provider, you can take steps towards healing and getting back to your regular activities with less foot pain.

Everybody at Cleve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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SPORT

Flyers' FA Cup journey ended

by Sherborne LIKE many sports teams in the region, the recent wet weather has played havoc with fixture lists for Downend Flyers' women's and girls' teams alike.

There have been many postponed games over the last few weeks. The adult first team

has been most affected, as they have only managed to play five league games so far this season.

They did at least manage to play their FA Cup qualifying round tie, at home to Sherborne, in late October.

The custodians at our Pomphrey Hill ground helped us put on another great show, as young mascots from some of our girls' teams walked onto the pitch with their heroes.

Sadly, a giant killing was not on the cards that day, as Sherborne Town, who play higher up the footballing pyramid, ran out 4-1 0117 960 0296 winners - but it was a great run that will bring in much needed funds to the club.0797 0122137

As the focus returns to league action, our women will be looking forward to better weather to catch up on their backlog of games, with some tasty fixtures coming up on the horizon, including a tasty Christmas cracker against local neighbours Mangotsfield United on December 17!

Meanwhile, our girls section continues to go from strength to strength, with almost 400 girls now playing football with the club as we cement our place as by far the biggest girls' football club in the Bristol area.

Duncan Gardner

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As one of the most used areas in the home, fitted kitchens need to be a flexible space while being up to daily wear and tear. A new fitted kitchen can be customised to suit any blueflame_a6leaflet.indd 2 15/03/2022 16:34 layout and lifestyle.

Poor Reception Problems Solved

OAP Discount Digital Aerials Satellites Two Year Guarantee Additional TV Points

Humax Recorders TV Sales

Give your bathroom or wetroom the look it deserves with a beautiful range of traditional and modern styles.

We take great pride in our work and we respect clients homes and belongings. All works are fully insured.

To discuss your needs or to arrange a free, no obligation quotation, please do not hesitate to contact us

www.blueflameservice.co.uk

www.theaerialman.co.uk | info@theaerialman.co.uk

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Bathroom & Kitchen Specialists All work carried out by us

One call is all you need Book now for your makeover

OSBORNE & SONS All work guaranteed.

Call Tony 0777 6188595 tony1osborne@yahoo.co.uk Find us on Facebook osborneandsons

Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

0117 960 0296

0797 0122137

CARPENTRY

GARDEN SERVICES & FENCING

FENCING

PHILIP PERKINS

Carpentry General Carpenter/Kitchen Fitter

DAMAGED OR NEED REPLACING

(Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen)

For all your Property and Garden Maintenance Give Todd Marsden a call on

• Kitchens supplied & fitted or supply only • Full kitchen or fronts only • Worktops • Fitted Wardrobes • Door Hanging • Skirting • Stairs & Balustrades • Laminate & Wood Flooring • All aspects of general carpentry work

CALL FOR A QUOTE - NO JOB TOO SMALL

0117 9373941 OR 07788 115945

0797 6711 290 or 0117 935 2332 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

37

LOCAL SERVICES ELECTRICIANS

HOME SECURITY

MARK EVANS ELECTRICAL

Protect your property We’re here to give you peace of mind With over 20 years experience, our expertise covers all system types including

• FIRE ALARMS • INTRUDER ALARMS • CCTV • ACCESS CONTROL • AUTOMATED GATES & BARRIERS

Pro Secure FIRE & SECURITY

GIVE SHAUN A CALL NOW ON 07891 332 582

GARDEN SERVICES

HOUSE RE-WIRING SPECIALISTS

FIND OUR REVIEWS ON

• SMALL ELECTRICAL JOBS • LED LIGHTING THE WHICH TRUSTED TRADERS WEBSITE • GARDEN LIGHTING, OUTBUILDINGS & HOME OFFICES • TESTING & INSPECTION OF WIRING • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • BURGLAR ALARMS, REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE & INSTALLATION

TEL: 0117 956 0695 MOB 07770 233 475

EMAIL ENQUIRIES@MARKEVANSELECTRICAL.CO.UK WWW.MARKEVANSELECTRICAL.CO.UK

ELECTRICIANS

MAN WITH A VAN

D. ATTWELL LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES All Garden Works Undertaken All Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Patios Laid – Slabbing – Decking Block Paving – Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Clearance – Garden Walls Drives & Patios Jetwashed & Resealed • FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921

Works undertaken include, but are not limited to; Full re-wires Kitchen and bathroom refurbishments Electrical Installation Condition Reports EV points • Outbuilding supplies Landlord certificates • Extra sockets PAT testing • New builds & extensions

d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

FENCING

DOWNEND G FENCIN RVICE) (ERECTING SE

e - All types of 45 years experienc arance etc. fencing, repairs, cle L AL SM O NO JOB TO

TEL: 0797 3381663

ELECTRICIANS

OVEN CLEANING

GUTTER CLEANING

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol

HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On-average Average cheaper than a skip.

On cheaper than aa skip.

OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £119 1/4 Load Load £119£119

Call Nick on 0117 2872371 0117 303 9000

38

Half Half £169 Half Load Load Load £169£169 3/4 Load 3/4 £229 3/4 Load Load £229£229 Full Load Full £299 Full Load Load £299£299

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

Get your oven cleaned for Christmas

Single Ovens Cleaned from £60 All ovens Ranges Agas

Rayburns Hobs Extractors

Affordable - Professional Friendly - Call 07985696611 Email Info@outrightovenclean.co.uk

PAINTING & DECORATING

K C Decorating

Professional Decorating Services Interior and Exterior NVQ qualified and fully insured Free quotes Reliable and friendly www.kcdecorating.com kevjcolston@hotmail.com

07841707227 0117 3827580 News? Call Ken 0n 07715 770 377

LOCAL SERVICES PLUMBING & HEATING

PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

Blue Flame

Services Specialists in NEW and replacement boiler installations in and around0117 Bristol 960 and 0296 surrounding areas.

0797 0122137 Boiler Servicing/Repairs Specialists in NEW and replacement boiler installations in and around Bristol and surrounding areas.

Landlord Gas & PAT Testing Boiler Servicing / Repairs Gas of & PAT Testing Nobody likesLandlord the thought paying for a major new Nobody thelet thought of expensive paying forone. a major item in thelikes house, alone an Yet a new item in might the house, let alone an expensive one.

Yet a boiler save you a considerable amount in gas new boiler might saveyour youenergy a considerable amount consumption, lowering bills and also helps in gas consumption, lowering your energy bills and save on repair bills. also helps save on repair bills.

Save £’s£’sononfuelfuel billsbills withwith a new ‘A’ rated energyenergy saving Save a new ‘A’ rated saving boiler! boiler!

And receive up to a 13 year warranty!

And receive up to a 13 year warranty!

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

TEL: 07765 250816 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

HOME & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Plumbing • Wall & Floor Tiling • Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating • Guttering & Fascias • Plastering • Patios, Paving & Timber Decking • Fencing & Walls • Total Refurbishments NO JOB TOO SMALL - CONTACT US FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATE

APPROVEDINSTALLERS INSTALLERS FOR FOR APPROVED

www.blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk

0117 960 0296

blueflame_a6leaflet.indd 1

56746

tel: 07974 222656 email: williamtlc@hotmail.co.uk

0797 0122137

15/03/2022 16:34

PLUMBING & HEATING

TREE SERVICES

PLUMBING & HEATING

629179

www.csplumbingheating.co.uk 07936 591540 admin@csplumbingheating.co.uk @csplumbingheating For all your plumbing & heating needs

07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk

PLUMBING

WIGS

PLUMBING & HEATING

Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk

Boiler installation, servicing and repairs

Wigs B

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years.

Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre.

We stock many styles and makes.

10 Year Warranty’s available Sales? Call Gary on 07799 461 169

Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 0805 518308

www.wigsbristol.com

Emersons Green Voice December 2023

39

www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk

“You’re invited!”

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“I wouldGreen like tTown o meCouncil et as is committed to Emersons manan y re sidentsservice as providing excellent to local residents, powe sswant ible, to lishear ten tyour o thviews eir on our local area. and eedcome s, analong d tr y tand o hmake elp.” some new friends.

Ornjust Being a Town Councillor is highly rewarding, and there are other voluntary roles available too. You have a chance to make a huge difference in the quality of life for people in your local area, and to influence the way issues are dealt with locally.

Interested in helping?

Visit: https://emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk/vacancy/

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