Emersons Green Voice January 2022

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2022Edition—Issue 60

www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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

Glory for Giuseppe!

Children’s effort to help the homeless Abigail and George McCann, from Emersons Green, organised a collection at their school of crisp packets to be made into blankets for homeless people.

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Photo: Channel 4

Science park engineer wins Bake Off crown

£50k needed for pavilion dream

Giuseppe Dell’Anno, who worked in Emersons Green, impressed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith to win the TV baking contest. He watched the final at the Gloucester Old Spot pub in Bristol with Briony May Williams, right, a local who competed in a previous series, and pub owner Amy Devenish THE Bristol area's first winner of the Great British Bake Off shared the moment his win was revealed with customers of a city pub.

Giuseppe Dell'Anno worked at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green before heading to the Bake Off tent. He rose to the role of chief engineer at the National Composites Centre after joining in 2013.

And he joined another Bake Off favourite from Bristol, Briony May Williams, and members of the show's production team to watch the final live on Channel 4 on a big screen at the Gloucester Old Spot in Horfield,.

Giuseppe left his role at the National Composites Centre before joining the group of 12 Turn to Page 5

Blackhorse Primary School has launched a campaign to raise the final £50,000 it needs to build a new sports pavilion.

PAGE 7

BMX rider Sahbina aims for the top Sahbina Ashman, 12, from Emersons Green, is having huge success in BMX and is aiming for the world championships.

PAGE 11

HAIR DESIGNERS Why not give yourself a boost and feel uplifted during these times by trying out a new style, cut or even a vibrant colour? All of our stylists aim to offer a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience to help you feel and look amazing.

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emersonsgreenvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

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

DEADLINES Our February edition deadline is January 13.

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

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

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

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

January, 2022

n NEWS

Wi-Fi outage forces store to shut for a day SAINSBURY’S Emersons Green superstore had to shut for a day and other shops on the retail park were affected by a Wi-Fi outage which took card readers offline.

The signal loss on Sunday December 5 also affected some homes in the surrounding area which use the Openreach broadband network.

It was part of work to replace “critical equipment” in the network – which Openreach says was notified to internet providers weeks in advance.

Many shoppers only learned of the problem when they arrived at the retail park to find Sainsbury’s had closed and other stores had limited payment options, with queues forming outside other supermarkets.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “Our Emersons Green store was affected by connection issues in the area and we apologised to customers for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

A spokesperson for Lidl, which stayed open but could not take contactless payments, said: “As with the rest of the surrounding area, unfortunately WiFi was unavailable in our Emerson Green store.

“Whilst our store remained open, we were temporarily unable to accept contactless card

payments from customers until the issue was resolved.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this period.”

The work was carried out by Openreach, which provides the broadband network for more than 600 service providers including Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and BT. An Openreach spokesperson said: “The outage on Sunday December 5 was planned and the work done was to replace critical equipment and improve the reliability of the broadband network in the area. Work commenced at 6am and was complete by 5.21pm.

“Openreach raised a Planned Engineering Work notice five weeks in advance of the work taking place; this is where we notify all service providers. It is the providers’ responsibility to advise their customers.

“This work has been now been completed as planned, on time, and we thank people living nearby for their patience and understanding.

“We encourage anyone experiencing any disruption with their phone or broadband service to report it to their service provider who will then inform us”.

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

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

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January, 2022

n NEWS A SISTER and brother from Emersons Green have found a way to reduce plastic waste and help people who are sleeping rough at the same time.

Abigail McCann, aged nine, and her six-year-old brother George enlisted the help of their classmates at Emersons Green Primary School to collect 1,200 crisp packets, which are going to be turned into insulating sleeping bag covers.

A non-profit organisation called the Crisp Packet Project collects the empty, flattened packets and creates the covers by ironing them together with a plastic sheet. It takes around 150 packets to make a sleeping bag cover, so the packets the McCanns have collected should make eight of them to be given to people who are sleeping on the streets.

Abigail and George first heard about the idea last year, when their Army family was posted in Scotland and their welfare support group was collecting them.

This year they decided to organise a collection themselves

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Crisp packet collection will help homeless people

Abigail and George McCann with some of the crisp packets they have collected at school. Word was spread in a newsletter, and staff and pupils started saving packets. Abi and George also collected them at the school gates.

Mum Jo then helped wash the packets and flatten them before counting and boxing them to send to the Crisp Packet Project.

Jo said: “I am so proud of

them for doing this, not only because it’s helping people but also it’s reducing plastic waste.

“They have shown real dedication to the cause. My little boy likes litter picking and this is something relatively easy they can do that’s got quite a big impact.

“I have had to clean up a lot of crisp crumbs from the carpet!”

Emersons Green Primary School head teacher Karl Hemmings said: “We have been really pleased to support Abigail and George in their drive to collect as many crisp packets as possible for such a worthy cause.

“Children and adults across the whole school have been saving their crisp packets and we are really proud of what Abigail and George have achieved.”

For more information on the project visit crisppacketproject. com.

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January, 2022

n NEWS

Concern on hate crime Parcel theft warning POLICE are concerned about the level of hate crime in South Gloucestershire, which remains high after a huge spike in reported incidents just over a year ago.

Some 390 hate crimes were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in the 12 months to November, according to the latest figures for South Gloucestershire – more than one per day.

District area commander Dan Forster said after reports jumped by 24 per cent just over a year ago, levels had remained persistently high, reflecting a national rise.

He told members of South Gloucestershire’s multiagency community safety partnership: "At the time we did some analysis around that to understand why that was the case, and there’s no doubt whatsoever that international factors were coming into play.

"Things like the Trump

administration, locally the BLM [Black Lives Matter] protests, Brexit, all of that played into this increase in hate crime."

The meeting on December 3 heard that the latest figures represented a 0.5% reduction on 2020 but Chief Insp Forster said the “general increase” was of concern to police.

He said: “Half of those offences have been racehate type offences. Violence against the person and public disorder take the lion’s share of those types of offences. This is obviously something we’re concerned about.”

Chief Insp Forster said police believed hate crime was under-reported in South Gloucestershire.

Overall, one per cent less crime was reported in South Gloucestershire over the past year than in the previous 12 months.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

POLICE have warned of an increasing trend in thefts of parcels and mail from people's doorsteps over the past year.

The rise in crimes by so-called “doorstep pirates” comes as many people are ordering gifts from delivery companies such as Amazon ahead of Christmas.

Chief Inspector Dan Forster, Avon and Somerset Police’s area commander for South Gloucestershire, said the number of reported incidents of theft of parcels and mail from people’s doorsteps in the district had nearly tripled in the past year compared with the previous 12 months.

A total of 58 incidents were reported in the year to November, compared with 20 in the previous 12 months, he told members of South Gloucestershire’s multi-agency community safety partnership.

Chief Insp Forster said that although the reported numbers “aren’t huge”, many incidents are likely to be going unreported.

He said: “If you imagine that you order something from Amazon and it doesn’t arrive because it’s been stolen from your doorstep, do you necessarily report that?

"Do you know it was stolen, or do you just phone up Amazon and they send you another one?”

Incidents of robbery and burglary were down by 15%, criminal damage by 14%, antisocial behaviour by 8% and assault with injury by 6%, the partnership heard.

The figures are largely due to lockdowns and other Covid restrictions, and are part of an overall general downward trend in reported crime in the district, Chief Insp Forster said.

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January, 2022

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n NEWS

Magnifico (and gert lush), Giuseppe!

From Page 1 Bake Off contestants in the summer.

He now has an engineering job in Milan in his native Italy, where he took time to catch up with his parents after his win.

But the 45-year-old baker's family still live in the Bristol area - and since his win was revealed, he has been a frequent guest on TV shows and parties.

After his win Giuseppe acknowledged the support he received from the Bristol area.

He said: "Being the first Britalian winner is amazing, as I have had so much support from Bristol and Italy - I have had lots of local people getting in touch and thanking me for putting Bristol on the map.

"But equally Italians all over the UK, saying it’s great to be representing our culture in such a high-profile show, has been really heart warming. The Italian community in the UK is pretty massive, there are quite a few of us."

Giuseppe's former colleagues at the National Composites Centre hailed his win, posing on social media: "With absolutely no apologies we'd like to scream a giant 'yeeeees' watching our very own Giuseppe Dell'Anno win Great British Bake Off. "Giuseppe has been our friend and colleague for years and it's safe to say there was not a dry eye in the house.

Congratulations to our amazing friend. You were always our Star Baker."

Giuseppe won the final over Crystelle Pereira and Chigs Parmar after the early favourite, Jurgen Krauss, was eliminated in the semi-final.

Giuseppe said: "I think we all saved the best till last and we all put our heart and soul into it.

In the semi final it was a shock departure when Jurgen left and I think that made us all raise our game."

After making a signature carrot cake, and producing Belgian buns in the contest's technical round - despite overbaking them - Guiseppe came out on top after a showstopper challenge to create a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party showing four different baking disciplines.

Giuseppe with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith Giuseppe with fellow Bake Off finalists Crystelle Pereira and Chigs Parmar, judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, presenters Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas Photo: Channel 4 The final drew in 9.3 million viewers to Channel 4, with another 1.5m on the broadcaster's catch-up service.

Judge Paul Hollywood said he had earmarked Giuseppe as a potential winner from the very first bake of Episode One, saying: "I saw his mini rolls, I thought that looks like our winner - you could see the heart and soul going into his baking."

Fellow judge Prue Leith said: "He is such a classic beautiful baker and he represents a long tradition of classic Italian baking he has done it brilliantly all the way through. I am going home to make much more Italian cakes because they really are good."

After his win was revealed Giuseppe said it had left him "speechless for once", adding: "All I can think of is the reaction from my mum and dad. The fact is that everything I have done to deserve this comes from his heritage, it’s the best thank-you note I can possibly send him.

"I feel it’s been a great year for Italy. I truly can’t believe it or take it in, this has made me so incredibly happy to be a Britalian.

"Dell’Anno is my surname which translates in English to of the year – and I feel this has certainly has been my year."

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n NEWS FAMILY, friends and strangers are coming together to help a Staple Hill dad fund treatment for a devastating brain tumour.

David Gibbs, who is 37, was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive cancer of the brain and spinal cord, in September. He underwent an 11-hour operation at Southmead Hospital to remove 95% of the tumour in October.

Dave, who is married with a three-year-old daughter, is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy but has been told they will not stop the tumour from growing back again without further treatment – and the average survival time from diagnosis is 12 to 18 months.

His family have discovered a new treatment called a personalised cancer vaccine, which sequences genetic information from the patient and tumour to help the immune system target and attack the cancer cells. But the treatment is not available on the NHS and Dave would need to go to Germany or America to have it privately, over a period of a year

January, 2022

Dad faces brain tumour battle

David Gibbs, who has a brain tumour, with his three-year-old daughter Molly in Page Park or more, at an estimated cost of £85,000.

His sister Sarah Burford has set up an appeal on crowdfunding site JustGiving. com.

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Dave’s family and friends have been spreading the word about his situation on social media, with support from celebrities including Matt Lucas and Chris O’Dowd.

Within three days of the appeal’s launch the total raised had passed £37,000, from more than 760 donors.

Dave said: “It has been amazing.

“People have been so kind and generous – it’s not just friends and family, we have been getting people we don’t know donating.”

Dave, who works as a technical sales engineer, grew up in Downend and met his wife, Gemma, a buyer for Airbus, while they were both at Downend School. They have been together for 20 years.

Dave said Gemma is “heartbroken” by his diagnosis, while his daughter Molly is too young to understand.

He sought treatment during a family holiday in Herefordshire, after headaches he had been

suffering became unbearable. He was transferred to Birmingham for a biopsy and, after returning home to Bristol, a second biopsy confirmed the cancer.

Dave said the diagnosis was a “huge” shock but Bristol surgeon Richard Edwards had done an “amazing” job in the delicate operation.

He said: “We knew surgery was fairly risky but it gave me the best chance.”

Sarah said: “Dave is a much loved Daddy, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, and we need to keep him around.

“They are a loving, happy family and have always worked hard but are unable to fund alternative treatments by themselves.

“Please donate and help give Dave the chance to beat this tumour. We love him so much and want him in our lives for as long as possible.

“Dave is not one to ask for help, instead always offering to help others and putting others before himself. But now, we need your help, every donation big or small can make a huge difference and is greatly appreciated.”

Dave’s friend Bob O’Brien said: “They have the biggest hearts of anyone I know and they wouldn’t think twice before helping other people out. Now it’s our turn to help them. We all want to do everything we can to help Dave keep being the brilliant friend, husband and dad he is for as long as possible.”

Sarah’s fundraising page for Dave can be found online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ davesbrainfund.

Any unused funds will be donated to brain tumour charities to help support other families and fund much needed research.

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January, 2022

7

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Helping you get the most out of life SUTTON Chiropractic in Downend helps you and your family get back to doing the things you love. As such, we love New Year’s resolutions.

It’s a time when new hobbies emerge or you commit further to something you love. This could be walking those extra few steps a day, training for a race later in the year or taking up that dance class you have always been tempted by.

Whatever it is, we want you to excel at what you do, and enjoy it. So we thought we’d put together a few tips that can help you get the most out of your newfound hobby or achieve that long-standing goal.

1. Address the whole picture The different aspects of your health support and strengthen

each other when given equal attention. If one area is neglected whilst another is vigorously pursued, the whole picture can unravel. Simplicity and balance are the key. Here are the five cornerstones of optimal health, address these and you’ll be able to make changes that last: • Healthy spine and nerves • Regular exercise and movement • Joints and muscles in good alignment • A varied diet of fresh natural foods • Relaxation/mindfulness 2. Start with a good foundation In an effort to get healthier our exercise levels increase throughout January/February, however many people develop

Matt Sutton injuries from this as they have missed one of the fundamental components listed above. The most common issue is when the spine, neck or pelvis are out of alignment at the start of the get fit phase and injuries start to develop. It’s not uncommon for these to spread to the knees, elbows and shoulders too.

This is why the body must be assessed and helped back to proper alignment. Ensuring that you can carry your fitness regime further into the year. A sound body can produce wonderful results in your overall health, especially when linked with the other parts of the optimal health approach.

3. Consistency is key We are creatures of habit and the quality of our habits

determines the results.

Essentially this means what you do today, sets you up for tomorrow. This could be preparing food for the week ahead, getting to bed earlier or planning an exercise slot into your schedule. Keep consistent in the pursuit of your health goals and the changes will come.

Getting support can really help keep you on track, and this could be in the form of a gym partner, running/walking groups or a local slimming world.

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you get back to doing the things you love, or setting the best foundation for activities you’re taking up, we’d love to help. We want you at your best and would love to see how we can help for 2022. Remember, keep it simple, start with a good foundation and be consistent.

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January, 2022

n NEWS

Sarah is new police chief AVON and Somerset Constabulary has its first female chief constable.

Sarah Crew has risen to the top job on the force, 27 years after she joined as a new recruit.

She was confirmed in post at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel in late November, after being named as the Police and Crime Commissioner’s preferred candidate following a "rigorous selection process".

During her policing career, Sarah has taken on roles including head of intelligence, lead officer for Bristol CID and commander of the South Gloucestershire policing area, before taking on the role of Deputy Chief Constable in 2017.

She had been appointed temporary chief constable in July, when previous chief constable Andy Marsh stepped down.

Sarah said: "It will be the greatest honour of my life to serve the wonderfully diverse communities of Avon and Somerset as Chief

Avon and Somerset police Chief Constable Sarah Crew Constable.

"I don’t underestimate the privilege and responsibility this role carries with it and I’m wholly committed to delivering the outstanding policing our communities want and deserve.

"Policing is at a watershed moment: there’s nothing more precious than the founding principle of policing by consent, and we must work tirelessly to earn and keep the public’s trust.

"At its heart, the philosophy of policing is a bond of trust between citizens in policing and citizens in communities. Protecting

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and strengthening this bond of trust is my overriding priority and I believe greater openness and accountability, and a renewed focus on culture and ethics, will be pivotal in achieving this."

Sarah is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for rape and sexual assault, and has overseen the introduction to in Avon and Somerset police of Project Bluestone, aimed at transforming the way police respond and investigate rape and serious sexual offences by improving police response to victims and "shifting the focus onto offenders".

PCC Mark Shelford said: "In a world where crime is changing rapidly, police need to adapt to keep up and I know Sarah enthusiastically supports innovation and improving technology to ensure Avon and Somerset is an efficient and effective police service.

"Sarah has a proven track record of strong and successful leadership and, through her NPCC role, she is undertaking important work with criminal justice and partner agencies to improve conviction rates for these types of offences and give victims the support they deserve.

"It’s been a tough two years for policing due to the pandemic, a changing landscape and new demands, but I am confident that Sarah will successfully deliver for our communities at such a pivotal time for policing."

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January, 2022

n NEWS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

School seeks champions to back pavilion hope

The pavilion A PRIMARY school is looking for 100 'community champions' to pledge their support to help build a community sports pavilion on its old field.

Blackhorse Primary School has plans, permission and more than half of the funding to create the new pavilion.

But the school is £50,000 short of its fundraising target and to raise the remaining money, it plans to hold a sponsorship lottery which will give one donor the chance to have the new pavilion named after them.

Head teacher Simon Botten said: "At Blackhorse, we are well known for the extensive opportunities which we offer to children, including in sport.

"Over the past 10 years we have won 108 trophies across 42 sports, with 10 children going on to compete at athletics or crosscountry at a national level – two going on to training with Team GB and one, Tom Wilstead, going on to earn a first team place with Bristol Bears."

In 2019 £60,000 was allocated from the Sugar Tax scheme to build a pavilion on the field across the road from the school in Blackhorse Lane, behind the Emersons Green FC field.

Mr Botten said: "Currently the field can’t be used by the school, as it has no toilets and other facilities.

"However, our new pavilion would bring this field back into use, both for the school and for other local sports groups,

9

including Emersons Green FC." The sponsorship lottery is similar to one Bristol Rovers organise to choose a kit sponsor each year, with a draw held from among donors.

Mr Botten said: "We are seeking to secure £500 pledges from 100 local businesses or individuals, with the lucky winner getting to name the pavilion after their business for the next ten years."

The sponsorship includes a sign and advertising board on the pavilion building itself and a sign on Blackhorse Lane.

All donors will have their details published on the school website, in its newsletter and on a special fund-raising banner outside the school.

Once the list of 100 is complete an evening event will be held to draw the winner, and afterwards all donors will have their contribution celebrated with a permanent banner on the side of the pavilion.

School business leader Debbie Beazer said: “We are hoping to hold the lottery in March 2022, with the pavilion opening to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the London 2012 Olympics."

Anyone who would like to become one of the 100 community champions should email Mr Botten at simon. botten@blackhorsepri.org.uk or call 01454 866570.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Staple Hill’s first plastic free shop has opened its doors Staple Hill’s very own refill shop, Nom Wholefoods, launched in November giving the local community the opportunity to shop without single use plastic. With the recent COP26 highlighting the need for the world to improve all aspects of the environment, it’s an important time to help people change and understand how they can make a difference.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers, bottles and bags to fill with a wide range of wholefoods, kitchen, and bathroom products. Nom encourages customers to go back to basics with natural cleaning products such as vinegar, citric acid, and bicarbonate of soda.

There is also a selection of bathroom essentials including Faith in Nature refills. Staff offer advice on reducing plastic in the home from bamboo toothbrushes to compostable cleaning cloths.

Nikki and Matt Watten founded Nom Wholefoods 2 years ago from their home in Fishponds as an online only plastic free delivery service. Nikki now takes the business to its next step by opening the high street shop.

Nikki said: “More and more of our customers told us that they would love to have a shop to go to. We were also running out of room in our home so needed to find a bigger space! We thought a shop in Staple Hill would fit really well, joining the other interesting and varied independent shops already serving the community.”

If customers can’t make it to the shop, Nom will continue to offer their delivery service through East Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Customers order online and can choose paper bags, or borrow Nom’s jars for a truly zero waste service.

Nom Wholefoods also focuses on sourcing ethically. Nikki said “It’s a top priority of ours to know that the food we sell is sourced in an ethical way.

Where the land and people are treated fairly. We have a range of organic and non-organic food, as well as low chemical based household products all from suppliers that source ethically.”

YOUR LOCAL REFILL SHOP IS NOW OPEN! HELPING YOU TO SHOP WITHOUT SINGLE USE PLASTIC. BRING YOUR OWN CONTAINERS OR BUY A PAPER BAG OR JAR. REFILL WHOLEFOODS REFILL BATHROOM NATURAL CLEANING REFILL KITCHEN PLASTIC FREE SNACKING!

37 Broad Street, Staple Hill Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Instore, Delivery, Click & Collect nomwholefoods.co.uk

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January, 2022

n PETER'S VISION

Back to the Future?

NEW YEAR NEW LOOK!

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FIRSTLY Happy New Year! I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas break despite the ongoing pandemic, which has no doubt had an impact on us all in one way or another. As things continue to be unsettled, I think I’m going cautiously with my New Year's resolutions. This year for me, it's going to be about focusing on family time, keeping everyone safe at home and work and making sure that when we (one day…) exit the pandemic we’re in great shape to continue providing the best eye care that we can.

On a cinema trip, a few weeks ago now, there was a trailer from an 80's classic film Ghostbusters. You’ve probably seen that it’s been re-released for the next generation (our kids!). Now I’ll admit to not being the biggest film buff out there, but there are some films that love 'em or loathe' em they do stick in your mind! It brought back memories of many good and definitely not so good films that we grew up watching. A popular one, a familiar trilogy involving time travel in a Delorean, gave me food for thought.

The film; Back To The Future. Which of course is quite a clever title in itself. I remember reading about the meaning in this title, whilst looking for something else, and then being so absorbed in it that I forgot what I was trying to find in the first place! I read that back to the future can be taken to mean don’t dwell on the past and focus on what you can control and move forward.

I thought that this was quite a good thinking point, and perhaps relevant to so many aspects of our lives at present. Certainly for us at Turners Opticians, as we continue to care for our patients in ever advancing ways, I’m not dwelling on the past and definitely moving forward! One example is a new range of glasses lenses we’re releasing this January. The latest tech means that we can all not only benefit from sharper vision, our new lens adds another level of visual comfort too!

When it comes to your eyes, we’d love to see you and for you to experience the world class eye care we firmly believe you deserve. A visit to Turners Opticians gives you so much more than just a sight test. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses with a New Look for the New Year, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too!

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

We look forward to seeing you soon!

eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.

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Peter

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

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January, 2022

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n NEWS

Sahbina wants to take on the world A DOWNEND School pupil is tearing up the region's BMX tracks – and aiming to qualify for the sport's world championships.

Sahbina Ashman, who lives in Emersons Green, competed in and won the 2021 BMX South West Regional competition in the girls' 11-12 age group.

Next year she is looking to take the step up to the sport's national series.

Sahbina, who is 12 and a Year 8 pupil at Downend took up the sport in 2018.

Her brother Gilmour Green, who is eight years old and a Year 4 pupil at Emersons Green Primary School, had already started racing at the age of four at their home track, Bristol BMX Club in Patchway.

Sahbina's parents are also involved in the sport – dad Kurt Green races in the masters category, while mum Chui is a race marshal and trained first aider.

Competitions have taken them from Lynfi in Wales to Truro in Cornwall, with other tracks hosting competitions in Devon, Somerset and Bristol.

A race day involves three 'motos' followed by either an A, B or C final, with players picking up points for their performances.

Sahbina earned the number 1 spot with a series of wins and a couple of runner-up

places.

She trains at local pump tracks and BMX tracks to improve her skills and goes mountain biking in the Forest of Dean to help with her endurance.

Sahbina also competes in Bristol BMX Club's summer and winter series, and is currently taking part in the Birmingham winter series, which will keep her fit throughout the winter.

Sahbina said: "I was so happy to win the regional championships because I set this as my goal at the beginning of the year, and put all my efforts into the training so I would do my best in the races.

"My ambition in 2022 is to take part in the National Championship with the aim of qualifying for the World Championships in Glasgow in 2023 – it will be amazing just to take part in this."

Chui said: "I am so proud of my daughter for her achievements this year.

"Last year she was unranked, so to have won the regionals this year was a massive achievement. "I’ve seen first hand how much focus and commitment she puts into her training and, most importantly, how much she enjoys it."

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Sahbina Ashman on a BMX

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January, 2022

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

New Year heralds a greener future THERE is still much uncertainty about the worrying Omicron covid variant spreading among our communities.

It remains hugely important to take up booster jabs when offered them, and to continue to wear masks in shops and on public transport.

Here in the West of England I am proud we have led the country in this sensible approach since last summer and I believe it has saved countless lives locally.

In the best traditions of our wonderful region and nation, let’s continue to look out for each other in 2022.

January is a time to make plans and New Year’s resolutions but, importantly, also a time for us to think about our own well-being.

This month is ‘National Walk Your Dog month.’ If your dog is anything like my working cocker spaniel, Angel, they will implore you for long walks on at least a daily basis!

It’s a great way of getting exercise, fresh air and doing something that’s really good for our

mental health.

Across the West of England there are some fantastic forests, woodland and open spaces to go for walks – my personal favourites being around the beautiful rail viaducts in both Winterbourne and Pensford.

On the subject of green spaces, I was delighted that the flagship £50 million Green Recovery Fund that I pledged in my manifesto was finally voted through in December – and without any strings attached. This was my green promise to you in last May’s election and it is key to our region meeting our ambitious target of net-zero by 2030.

It’s going to deliver key projects like retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient, installing more charging points for electric cars and creating biodiversity schemes to help bees and other pollinators.

So my New Year’s resolution to you is to continue to be the strong champion our region needs and deserves – from backing our worldclass food and drink producers, to our creative

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

industries and our thriving tech and aerospace sectors.

I want to deliver a public transport network that our region can be really proud of, and to that end I was delighted to launch half-hourly rail services between Severn Beach and Temple Meads, and am proud to promise there are more transport improvements across our region further down the track this year.

So whether you’re doing dry January, ‘Veganuary’ or taking up a new hobby, I wish you and your loved ones a very safe January and 2022.

Agape Faith Fellowship Welcomes you to our Sunday services every Sunday from 3-4pm Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close, Lyde Green, Bristol BS16 7GW Families, groups and individuals are welcome

At AFF everybody is somebody We aim to share the love of God and develop a community of belonging, peace, love and togetherness, working with and for the community of Lyde Green For further details please contact ministry Leaders Neville and Esther Levy T: 0759 635 1260 e: agapefellowshiplg@gmail.com

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January, 2022

n NEWS CHILDREN at Pucklechurch Primary School know Christmas is about giving as well as receiving.

Pupils at the school collected hundreds of donations for food parcels to help people in crisis.

The school made a special collection for the North Bristol Foodbank’s reverse advent calendar, which encouraged people to donate 24 different items for Christmas parcels over the 24 days leading up to the beginning of December.

The collection was done during November to make sure parcels could be made up and given to people who needed them in good time.

Items on the list ranged from soap, tinned potatoes and longlife milk to Christmas puddings, napkins and chocolates.

Pupils brought in around 30 large bags of donations with up to 400 donations from the 200-pupil school.

Year 4 teacher Gemma Jones, who organised the collection, said: “Each term our learning is centred around one of our school Christian values, and this term was ‘generosity’.

“What better way for the children to learn about being generous than to experience it first hand?

“We always have a box in our foyer for the North Bristol Foodbank throughout the year,

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13

Lessons on generosity benefit foodbank Pucklechurch Primary School’s equities crew hand over the Christmas donations to North Bristol Foodbank representative Steve Riches

so knew that our Pucklechurch families were already generous, but we did not anticipate the overwhelming response to the advent calendar idea.

“We even had to move the bags of

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donations out of the office to another room, as they had started to take over!

“We have an equities crew at school who were keen to get involved, to ensure that everyone got the Christmas they deserved.”

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15

n NEWS

Jake meets Prince William after Radio 1 award

A DOWNEND teenager who has raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity says meeting Prince William was a "once in a lifetime experience".

Jake Skinner, aged 14, was invited to Kensington Palace along with other recipients of Radio 1 DJ Greg James’s Teen Heroes award.

Jake, who attends Mangotsfield School, has been raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support over the past four years in memory of his sister Stacie, who died aged 17 of anaphylactic shock on Christmas Day 2015.

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 their house in Crossfield Road, Staple Hill, over the festive period.

Jake has now moved to Sutherland Avenue in Downend and has continued the tradition there.

He is aiming to take the overall total he has raised for Macmillan past £10,000 this Christmas.

His 2021 donations had already passed £3,600 by mid-December – ahead of last year's £2,500.

Jake's mum Claire nominated him for the

Jake Skinner (back row, second left) with Prince William, DJ Greg James and other teen Hero award winners Teen Hero award, which saw him co-host the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with James on December 3.

Four days later he was back in London with the other award winners for his royal appointment.

Jake said: "It was such a great experience going to Kensington Palace and meeting Prince William.

"He was so kind and really interested in everything that we had achieved.

"A real once-in-a-lifetime experience, and something that will drive me to continue to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan and all the people they support."

Jake designs and fits the display himself.

He chose to support Macmillan after his nan was diagnosed with cancer.

Jake’s dad Jeff said: "He started with literally a few lights from Stacie and what we had at home now it’s come to this.

"We are all incredibly proud of Jake and all of the effort and dedication he puts into the light display each year.

"At times it really does scare me how well he has done. It doesn’t change him one bit.”

Macmillan Fundraising Manager Kaeti Morrison said: "Jake is an amazing young man and we can’t thank him and his family enough for continuing to raise money for Macmillan. Since the pandemic hit our income has been severely impacted so having the loyal support of people like Jake and his family is just wonderful and appreciated by us all."

Jake’s display will run until the New Year.

Donations can be made online at justgiving.com/JakesChristmasLights

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January, 2022

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Look forward with optimism

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

LEAVING 2021 behind, we can look forward to 2022 with great optimism.

As the local MP, I am looking forward to the opportunities presented to our area over the coming year.

As we continue to manage the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and gradually exit the pandemic, it is important that we continue to put in place the foundations for our economic, social and environmental recovery, so we can build back better and greener from the pandemic.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Linking the Greens project will continue to deliver travel and community benefits for the area.

New paths, highway resurfacing, landscaping and planting, as well as skate park enhancements, are just some of the improvements to our area that 2022 will see.

Our environment will be further

boosted through the exciting new Common Connections initiative led by South Gloucestershire Council. This is a £1 million four-year landscape and habitat restoration project to improve links between registered common land, woodlands and other natural habitats to create a Wildbelt - an area of land where building is not allowed, so that nature can be protected and restored - stretching from Lyde Green southwards to Willsbridge.

Construction works will also start on important pieces of new infrastructure, such as the new allthrough Lyde Green School, which will provide extra school places and more choice for families to support our growing area. Work is also expected to start on Emersons Green library’s anticipated new extension which will house an “innovation space” for working and meeting, as well as more space for

the children’s library.

These education and skills investments will help Emersons and Lyde Green’s population – young and old – to grab the exciting local opportunities we know are coming – not least in the hi-tech businesses in our local economy.

I was reminded of these when visiting the National Composites Centre (NCC) at the Science Park, which is the world-leading authority on composites, bringing together and developing the best minds and the best technologies, to solve the world’s most complex engineering challenges.

The NCC is next door to the new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems currently under construction, which will open later this year, providing yet more opportunities for local people to help solve global challenges.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.

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17

n NEWS

Pride as reception children stage first Nativity RECEPTION children at Mangotsfield C of E Primary School made their first ever appearance on stage to present their Nativity to delighted parents.

The school was able to invite parents in to present the Early Years Foundation Stage’s play.

Assistant Headteacher and EYFS Lead Jo Sihag said: “For our Reception children this was the first time that they had been in the hall, had rehearsed and

presented a performance to an audience.

“Our traditional nativity told the tale of Jesus’s birth and included a cast of Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabrielle, three wise men, shepherds, inn keepers, donkeys and camels.

“We were so proud of all our Reception children for learning songs and singing so beautifully.

“Some of our children even had speaking parts too – well done, Reception!”

School trips return MANGOTSFIELD School's art department organised a cultural visit to London as the lifting of restrictions allowed school trips to restart.

Staff and 170 Year 9 students had a tour of the National Gallery to bring their studies about portraits throughout history to life, with a talk from gallery experts helping them to learn about artists, their intentions and subjects.

Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: "The trip was a fantastic opportunity for Mangotsfield School students to extend their visual awareness of the world.

"For some of the Year 9s, this was their first opportunity to see artwork in a gallery setting, "As well as the visit to the National Gallery they took a cultural walk through London, viewing various landmarks. Lunch on Trafalgar Square, with its awesome surroundings, was certainly an experience.

"Staff and students then walked and sketched around Westminster and even saw a few celebrities along the way. They gave a wave to Buckingham Palace and were surprised to see pelicans in St James Park.

"The trip was a great experience and all students were a credit to the school. Students identified a range of elements as highlights from seeing the artworks, being in the magnificent gallery, enjoying the trips with friends, eating lunch at the base of Nelson's Column, and seeing Big Ben. "Mangotsfield School is looking forward to many more trips in the future, as experiential learning is so valuable, as well as building positive memories for our students."

Pupils learn 6Rs SCHOOLS have traditionally taught the three Rs but Mangotsfield School's design and technology department has six.

The '6 Rs of sustainability'recycle, reduce, reuse, rethink, refuse (to use products which are bad for the environment), and repair – have been adopted throughout the department's curriculum.

To mark the new start a competition was held to design a Christmas bauble on the sustainability theme to be displayed on a recycled tree which was donated and repaired by students, who made a new base.

The DT department will be collecting plastic milk bottle tops to melt and reuse in lessons and for Lily Freeman designed the winning bauble in Mangotsfield an after-school club and is asking residents who would like to collect School's competition and donate them to bring them to the school reception.

Also needed are donations of George Foreman-style grills to melt the plastic.

People are being invited to follow the DT department by searching for mango.dt on Instagram.

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n LIBRARY NEWS

n WHAT’S ON

News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries

February 3 n SPEAKER MORNING AT LINCOMBE BARN. Coffee available at 10.15am, talk 10.45am until 11.45am. Subject: Downend in Bloom, with Jackie Baker.

Entrance to hear talk, £2.50.

Refreshments extra. Please do come along - you will be made to feel very welcome.

January 17 n DOWNEND SENIOR FILM CLUB Monday 17th January at 2pm - Shall We Dance. Starring Richard Gere & Jennifer Lopez.

Tickets: £4.00 including tea & cake.

Carers welcome, easy access. For more information and to book, please call 0117 435 0064.

Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG

New Year Opening Hours Friday 31st December: Downend & Emersons Green libraries: staffed 10am-5.30pm (Open Access 8am10am & 5.45pm-7.30pm), Staple Hill Library: Open Access 8am7.30pm Saturday 1st January: Monday 3rd January: all libraries Open Access only 8am-7.30pm Tuesday 4th January: usual hours resume, so Staple Hill & Emersons Green libraries staffed 10am5.30pm (Open Access 8am-10am & 5.45pm-7.30pm), Downend Library: Open Access only 8am-7.30pm Wednesday 5th January: Downend Library resumes usual staffed hours 10am-5.30pm Digital Champions FREE computer and WIFi use is available in all of our libraries as is use of the scanner at Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries. You can also print from the PCs for a small charge. It is not necessary to book any of these services and they are available 8am-7.30pm seven days a week (Open Access users).

Staff can also provide some assistance with IT queries but also our friendly Digital Champions are available FREE (by appointment) in all of our libraries if you require some more detailed assistance.

Ask staff for details or phone 01454 865022 or email libraries@ southglos.gov.uk At Downend Library a longer IT Course is also available for FREE and is provided by SGS College.

Next course begins February 2022.

It covers a wide range of topics including setting up emails, on line shopping and security and how to make video calls to your family & friends. To book this phone 0117 9092296 or email cindy.corbett@ sgscol.ac.uk At Staple Hill Library a basic IT Skills course is also available through Community Learning. For details of the next course please contact 01454 864613.

Books to help your well being All of our libraries have all of the titles recommended by experts on the Reading Well booklists – see www.reading-well.org.uk. These books cover a range of mental health topics, including for teens and children, plus longstanding health conditions, such as diabetes & strokes, and dementia. The same website also contains Mood Boosting titles that many libraries also stock.

REGULAR EVENTS Every Week day n MATHS TUITION IN EMERSONS GREEN. AM/ PM week days. Years 1-11 (primary/secondary), GCSE, 11plus, problem solving.

1-1 and group sessions.

Email numerikstutoring@ gmail.com, facebook.com/ NumeriksTutoring. Enhanced DBS. Safeguarding trained. FREE assessment.

Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. Come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20 Sept for the Personcentred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@ btinternet.com. n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.00-11.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875 Wednesday n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s

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January, 2022

with tea. We have also planned fund raising events and are looking for any one willing to give us ladies a hand. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805. n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page.

Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR has returned to regular rehearsals and is looking for new members in its tenor, baritone and bass sections.

You don’t need to be a reader of music, but if you can hold a tune, and enjoy singing , whatever the style of music in our wide-ranging repertoire, then come along to our regular Thursday rehearsals held from 7 till 9 at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS. We are a sociable and friendly choir. We will rehearse observing whatever Covid requirements are in force and we look forward to seeing new singers as well as experienced returning singers. For more information go to our Facebook page, our website - www. bristolmvc.org.uk - or contact our secretary on 07941 040472.

Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S.

Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers.

We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844) n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am.

Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend.

Saturday n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton.

Beginners very welcome. Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178 for more information. n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm.

All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258.

Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH is now up and running again, after Covid, at the Emersons Green Village Hall every Sunday at 10.30am. Do come along. It would be great to see you. We look forward to having our regulars back as well as many new people. n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome.

We are still taking a cautious approach and ask people to wear a mask if they can. For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

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New Year, New You! Call 07976851748 email: info@naturallyhealingbristol.co.uk www.naturallyhealingbristol.co.uk

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January, 2022

19

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

A positive end to the year AS I wrote this I was pondering how, using 200m of 2,000 lights and a big snowflake, we managed to leave too big a gap at the bottom of the tree in the village – and how we best use another 300 lights to fill it!

The response from the public to our third attempt at decorating said tree has been overwhelmingly positive but the gap is annoying the committee, so by the time you read this it should have been fixed.

Our Nativity scene has better lighting this year and, again, the response has been very positive. It was the perfect setting for the outdoor carol service on December 17.

So, thanks to everyone who helped make the tree and Nativity happen. I would especially like to thank Carol Lucas and Jan Peters, two local residents I’m sure many of you know well, who donated the topping on the tree (and one of the benches mentioned last month). It certainly adds a wow factor to it, and it even survived a few very breezy evenings in early December.

We held a very enjoyable social in St James Church on November 26. A good turnout included some people who hadn’t been able to join us for some time. We’ll hold more of them in the new year.

A year ago I wrote: “I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a horrible year for so many

people. Let’s hope 2021 is better and we can get back to a more normal life."

Well, 2021 was a bit better – we restarted some of our planned work, some of it is finished, some of it isn’t, and there's more to do in 2022.

We have, assuming nothing changes in the time between writing this and Christmas itself, been able to get together with friends and family, which is what Christmas is really all about.

As always, we’d love more people to get involved so if you’d like to or you need any help then please get in touch via MangotsfieldRA@ gmail.com, via the ever popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or telephone our chair Clive Heath on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881 See you in 2022.

Chris Amos (secretary) AS we go into 2022, another uncertain year, we must never lose hope: our strength as a community is being able to see light at the end of the tunnel, despite all the darkness. Together, looking out for one another as we have been, with hope, is the way to see the light. So let's all remain strong and positive and also be the light for others around us.

Clive Heath (chair and community pastor). Dame School Nativity scene

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emersonsgreenvoice

20

January, 2022

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

How much more should we pay for policing?

AS your PCC, I am responsible for setting the amount of money that residents – you – contribute to local policing through the council tax, known as the precept.

It’s that time of year again where PCCs up and down the country will need to make a decision whether or not to increase the precept, and the impact this will have on local people.

Before making this decision, I want to hear from communities and find out your views about this potential increase. So, I have launched a survey asking if you would be willing to pay an increase in the policing part of the council tax.

Why is an increase needed?

Local policing is funded by a combination of Home Office and other grants, as well as council tax contributions. In 2022/23, the Home Office grant funding is increasing to fund additional

officers as part of Operation Uplift but this is not enough to manage inflationary pressures, like pay rises for police officers.

The Government has told PCCs that they can raise the precept next year by £10 for an average band D household. A £10 increase, approximately 83p per month, would mean any savings that still need to be made would be less likely to impact frontline services.

If the policing part of the council tax is not increased, the force would have to make significant savings, resulting in a reduction of services that would impact our communities.

As your PCC, I have to balance the challenges facing policing with local people’s views in order to best resource an efficient and effective police service that can keep people safe.

However, I know that any increase in household bills is

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felt by local people. This is why I want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to tell me their thoughts and opinions before I make any decision regarding an increase.

The survey can be completed via the PCC website at www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-tax-survey/ If you need a paper version please contact the team on 01278 646188.

I’m sure many of you will be shopping online over January to make the most of the New Year sales. I want to take a moment to remind you to take extra care when shopping on the internet and ensure you do not fall victim to online shopping fraud.

We need to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of our online shopping habits and, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

There are numerous ways

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford online shoppers can protect themselves online including: using a payment method that offers protection such as a credit card, using a strong separate password for your email account and watching out for phishing emails and texts.

More advice on how to stay safe online can be found on Action Fraud’s website.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2022

21

n NEWS

30 years of 'love and camaraderie' A PARENT and toddler group has celebrated 30 years of serving the community.

Founder Ruth Iles Spencer joined some of the youngsters on a bouncy castle at a party at the home of Edds & Tales in Christ Church Hall, Downend.

The group was started by Ruth and her late husband Edd in 1990, in a church hall in Fishponds.

Edd had just retired and Ruth, who was working as a midwife, went part-time to help set up the group, after a survey of local families showed there was interest.

When the church hall in Abingdon Road closed at the end of 1996 the group needed a new home and teamed up with parents from Christ Church, moving to the hall in North Street 25 years ago.

From nine families back in January 1997, the group now usually attracts about 20 parents, grandparents and carers each week, meeting on Monday mornings from 10am-11.30am during school term time.

Children from newborn babies up to school age are welcome, with older siblings often attending on inset days.

Founder Ruth Iles Spencer and leader Debbie Westbury with children from Edds & Tales Edds & Tales is run by four volunteers – Ruth, group leader Debbie Westbury and helpers Sallyann McKeown and Gill Staples.

Sadly Edd died just before the group moved to Downend but Ruth has continued to go every week, first as a leader and now as a helper, and says the group also supported her when her second husband died last year.

Although Edds & Tales reached its 30th anniversary in 2020, Covid restrictions meant that not only was it impossible to properly mark the milestone but the majority of the sessions could not be held, so the celebration

was held in 2021 instead.

As well as the bouncy castle there was a celebration cake and people's £3 subs went to Children in Need, raising £60 for the BBC charity appeal.

Ruth, who lives in Downend, said: "I was a bit emotional when I saw so many people here for the party.

"I'm 86 now but I still come every week, to lead the singing of

the Hokey Cokey!

"There's a lot of love here, and camaraderie. Loving one another is a basic church principle, bringing love and light to the community."

"It gives me great joy to come every week. It's one of the highlights of my week.

"I feel blessed, and spread the blessing."

Debbie said started coming to the group as a parent with her son, who is now eight, when he was 18 months old, and started volunteering about four years ago.

She said: "It's amazing.

Without Ruth I don't think we could do it – she's the heart and soul of the whole group.

"She's always so positive, happy and open to meeting new people, loving the children and doing the Hokey Cokey.

"One week I did it because Ruth wasn't here and there was uproar!"

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22

n NEWS

January, 2022

Action urged to protect bus services SOUTH Gloucestershire's three MPs have called for a meeting with the government over funding for bus services.

Chris Skidmore, Luke Hall and Jack Lopresti have all signed a letter to Baroness Vere to raise concerns over the prospect of a reduction in service levels after the transition between two forms of government support for bus operators – the current Bus Recovery Grant and the incoming Bus Transformation Fund – which is due to happen in April 2022.

The MPs have told the minister: "We would like to request an urgent meeting with you to discuss how the Department for Transport can help protect our local bus services and manage the current mismatch between operators’ costs and actual revenue."

The MPs say they are concerned that, while the

£3 billion Bus Transformation Fund announced by the Chancellor in October would improve infrastructure, fares and services, it "may not be used to support existing bus services that cease to be viable when the Bus Recovery Grant ends".

The MPs said they were urging the West of England Combined Authority, which has strategic responsibility for services in the region, "to prioritise the provision of bus services for local people over bureaucracy".

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who is in charge of the authority, raised concerns in November that, after collapsing during the pandemic, bus passenger numbers had only reached 70 per cent of the equivalent period in 2019 and were unlikely to pass 80 per cent of pre-Covid levels by the time the new funding arrangements are introduced.

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Mr Norris warned that the Bus Transformation Fund "will not be able to be used to subsidise services that are not commercially viable" and said operators were planning "extensive reductions in service levels and withdrawals" if they did not receive new government support.

He wrote to the government to ask for an extension of the Bus Recovery Grant or for alternative funding to be put in place to cover the shortfall between operators’ costs and actual revenue.

Mr Norris said: "I do not have the resources locally to save the buses we need to save.

Unless the Government act there will be huge disruption to passengers and there is a risk of irreparable damage to our local bus network."

The Labour mayor had asked all local MPs to agree a joint

letter. While the Conservative MPs had written their own, the Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs in Bristol and Bath had signed a letter to Baroness Vere and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

The letter from Mr Norris and the Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs said: "We urge you to extend the Bus Recovery Grant or to put alternative funding in place to cover the shortfall between operators’ costs and actual revenue, until such time as passenger numbers recover to a sufficient level that will sustain a viable commercial operation."

A DfT spokesperson said Baroness Vere would reply to the MPs shortly their request for a meeting.

He said the department was "in close contact" with transport bodies but the Government "wishes to see the sector return to financial viability".

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A NEW Metrobus stop is planned for Lyde Green, with improvements also planned for an existing stop on the Avon Ring Road.

Details of the plans appear in a consultation by the West of England Combined Authority, which is funding the improvements, published on South Gloucestershire Council’s website.

The new Metrobus stop will be created by upgrading an existing stop on Willowherb Road, outside Lyde Green Primary School so that Metrobus services can stop there.

WECA said: “This will mean that the stops will be capable [of being served by two buses at once and will have an increased bus shelter, along with iPoint ticket facility including Real Time Information (RTI) screen, CCTV coverage along with bin and Sheffield (bike) stand provision.”

According to the consultation map, the work would also include reversing the current entrance and exits of the car park outside the school, so that cars would enter at the south exit and exit at the north exit only.

Metrobus services would then be rerouted to travel along Newlands Lane rather than Acorn Drive, so that they pass the stop.

WECA is also planning to extend the length of the Emerald Park layby on the ring road so that it will be easier for buses to leave the stop, “due to the speed of vehicles on the A4174”.

The shared pedestrian and cycle path behind the stop would be increased to improve safety by deterring cyclists from riding through the bus stop “platform”.

If the schemes are approved work should begin in the summer and be finished by March 2023.

The consultation is open until January 7 and details can be found in the consultations section of South Gloucestershire Council’s website at bit.ly/3F3eJTl. Anyone who is not online can call 01454 863699.

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

A job that matters

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Looking for a career change?

Looking for part-time work?

Looking for a job that can fit around family life?

Join our teams of amazing local care workers Whether you are looking for a fresh challenge or a job to fit around other commitments, a role in care could be for you. A range of local jobs are available:

Support workers

Katherine, Bristol

Domiciliary care workers

Casey, Bristol

Katherine is a support worker helping adults with learning disabilities. She fits her job around being a mum.

Casey visits people’s homes as a domiciliary care worker. She’s also studying for her NVQs in health and social care.

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Glenn, South Gloucestershire

Glenn works in a residential home.

After 10 years of office work, he loves the difference he’s making to people’s lives.

To find out more, get in touch with our Proud to Care Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire teams. We work closely with care providers across the area and can help you explore your options, explain the opportunities available and introduce you to employers.

Everyone is welcome, with or without experience, as we’ll offer all the relevant training and support.

www.beproudtocare.co.uk

emersonsgreenvoice

24

January, 2022

n NEWS

Metro Mayor views ‘cutting edge’ 5G BRISTOL’S National Composites Centre has opened its doors to organisations and companies that want to test out new ways to use 5G in the manufacturing sector.

The broadband wireless service is being hailed as a technology that could revolutionise the UK manufacturing sector, helping to reduce costs, increase sustainability and make production processes more accurate.

Speaking at a launch event attended by 60 industry leaders at the end of November, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the new industrial 5G network was “cutting edge technology which puts our region

Dan Norris with NCC chief executive Richard Oldfield

firmly on the map as a digital powerhouse”.

Attendees heard how 5G can be used in a wide range

of industrial applications, from locating items in a large warehouse to using linking manufacturing robots and

operating them from anywhere in the world, with the operator controlling them in real-time using 5G’s superfast connectivity.

Current 4G networks only operate with a time lag.

Mr Norris said: “This is a real vote of confidence in our region’s brilliance; it’s cutting edge technology which puts the West of England firmly on the map as a digital powerhouse.

“This West of England project is testing innovations which could revolutionise the UK manufacturing sector, making it more efficient and sustainable.

“It will create high-skilled jobs right here in our region and bring in investment. It’s good news for the West of England and GB PLC.”

Charity will give children extra support A CHARITY will be able to provide psychological therapy to children at two primary schools thanks to funding from ward councillors.

Ignite Life will provide pupils at Barley Close and Staple Hill schools with access to child or family therapy, to help them overcome adversity.

Funding for the project has come from Staple Hill and Mangotsfield councillors Katie Cooper, Ian Boulton and Michael Bell under South Gloucestershire Council's Member Awarded Funding scheme.

Each councillor has a budget of £3,000 a year to spend on projects that benefit

children to access psychological therapy through the NHS can be months and sometimes years.

"Together the three of us are providing £2,000 to fund ten blocks of therapy. With this money we are able to provide the help quickly and locally.”

Ignite Life is based in Kingswood and has recently established new premises in Staple Hill. Its vision says: “Every young person should have access to help and support where and when they need it most."

For more information on the project contact katie.cooper@southglos.gov.uk or bethanie@ignite-life.co.uk.

Councillors Katie Cooper and Michael Bell with Ignite Life representatives residents in their ward and can choose how the money is spent.

Cllr Cooper said: "Waiting times for

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Step into work with the help of National Star Disabled adult jobseekers in Kingswood, Emerson Green, Fishponds, Yate and Sodbury and Keynsham can tap into support from specialist job mentors to help them find their next role.

Working in partnership with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, experienced job coaches from disability charity National Star are lined up to help adults over 19 years old living in the South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset and Bristol areas to find work.

One-to-one support in Maths and English will be provided as well as support with CV writing, interview preparation and job search techniques.

Adults with any self-declared disability, including those with social anxiety or depression, dyslexia, dyspraxia, hearing loss, mobility issues and visual impairments who sign up to the programme can also study towards a vocational qualification to help them increase their chances of finding employment.

‘Job support is often directed at young adults but there is no upper age limit on the support that we can provide through this adult education programme,’ said Amanda Mann, the

Recruitment and Assessment Co-ordinator who is recruiting adults to join the programme.

‘It’s hard to keep motivated and maintain your self-confidence to search for work, especially if you do not know how to improve your chances after multiple rejections. Our experienced Job Coach will be with you every step of the way, providing personalised support to help you to achieve your work goals,’ added Amanda.

As part of the programme the jobseekers are supported to find a work placement in a business or organisation that interests them so that they can build up their skills and experience.

‘The New Year is traditionally associated with fresh starts and resolutions to do things differently. We genuinely hope that adults with disabilities of all ages will sign up to our programme and change their lives for the better in 2022,’ said Amanda.

National Star is a well-established charity that runs specialist colleges for day and residential learners with disabilities in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Wales. Rated ‘outstanding’

by Ofsted, National Star runs a series of workrelated courses for people with disabilities

to build their confidence and develop their employability skills. With strong links with local businesses job mentors can help students to secure interesting work placements.

Former National Star students with a range of disabilities have gone on to run their own businesses, work in retail, hospitality, administration and more.

Anyone interested in finding out more about joining the four-day a week programme, is asked to contact Amanda at amann@ nationalstar.org or telephone 07837 555329.

emersonsgreenvoice

26

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Resolutions - or maybe even a change of career?

IT’S a new year! Hands up all those who always make the same resolutions, but fail to follow through on their personal promises for more than a couple of weeks in January.

Yes, 2021 was a crazy year but now is the time to put those topsyturvy 12 months behind us and look forward positively. There are so many things in life that we can’t control, so let’s focus on the things we’re able to keep a handle on.

Every year, I reflect on my strengths and weaknesses. It’s a chance to remind myself of good life choices so, first and foremost, that means looking at the basics.

The work/life balance… the exercise I’m doing… my sleep pattern… the food I eat and my alcohol consumption.

Like most people, especially around this time of year, I could

certainly make improvements in all these very important areas.

Since the start of the pandemic, I have definitely reviewed my work/ life balance and I now have more dedicated family and hobby time.

I took up golf last year and, in November, began having guitar lessons. My family would probably tell a painful tale of how they listened to me learning how to play Silent Night and the first four bars of Wonderwall by Oasis. But I thank my teacher Franciso for his patience with me – I promise to keep it up!

I’ve been having a battle with sleep patterns since stressing over exams at university. Now I’m probably at my best when I go to bed half-an-hour early, at the same time each night, to read a book. I think the worst things for sleep are late evening Zoom meetings and

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drinking alcohol.

I do enjoy a glass of French red wine while having dinner or watching a film at weekends but I always take the New Year as an opportunity to go alcohol free for a month or two and give my liver a rest!

So what about exercise?

During the last few months, I’ve got my fix by going to the gym.

To see real results, it’s important to make this a regular habit and I’ve also increased the amount of chiropractic treatment I’m having.

I find chiropractic and massage vital to keep aches and pains at bay, as well as aiding recovery and performance.

So if you’re thinking of marking the New Year with a bit of a fresh start, maybe consider these core lifestyle areas. Of course, don’t forget to look after yourself with some regular chiropractic care or treatment for any mechanical niggles before they blow up into something more serious. If you have pain that irritates you, come and see us. Every day patients say the same thing… “I didn’t know you could help with that…”

On a different subject, what about a change of career to chiropractic in 2022? Luke, our sports therapist, has just started his Chiropractic Master conversion which takes only two years. He is doing really well and enjoying every moment. As a little bonus, he comes home every weekend and does sports massage and therapy for us on Saturdays.

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

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro Anyone over 18 can study for a regular chiropractic qualification, which takes four or five years to complete, at universities in South Wales, Bournemouth and London – there’s also a new course in Teesside. The good news for anyone starting out is that there’s currently a huge shortage of chiropractors so you’re almost certain to get a job soon after graduation. Successful students have the chance to spend an incredibly rewarding life helping people out of pain.

If you’re interested in a career in chiropractic, have a look at the British Chiropractic Association website at https://chiropractic-uk. co.uk and/or email me, or have a chat with one of the team when you come in for a treatment.

We’ll be more than happy to help you out.

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

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

Contact

0117 957 5388

w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715770377

January, 2022

emersonsgreenvoice

27

n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE COLUMN Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022!

School Square planters

WE hope you have had a fantastic Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year.

We want to take this opportunity to look back at 2021, with some highlights of some of the work we have achieved.

It’s been a busy year for us at OpenSpace, mainly because we had to get the group moving again due to it being dormant in 2020.

Lyde Green OpenSpace is a volunteer community group and that means we rely solely on donations, fundraising and resident participation to make all the things happen.

We have had some fantastic support this year from the community and some great things have been achieved.

So what have we achieved this year?

We are in a unique position where we can advertise on the planters and we look to make the most of this every year. We seek donations from local businesses to help with the planting regime at the square and in return for this we can install a small plaque on the front of the planter. This year’s flowers, with thanks to our sponsors MVS Autos, Bottegino’s and Happy Days nursery, looked fantastic.

This winter we decided to change it slightly and plant some spring bulbs as a change from bedding plants. Thanks to Charlotte, Paul, and all the young planters we cant wait to see them Bloom!

Lyde Green litter picks We have had fantastic turnouts this year for the big cleans and apart from the usual recycling day blow-arounds, Lyde Green is a tidy place to live.

Sunflower power brings us cheer We had some amazing success with this project and thanks to LiveWest, for the funding, we were able to donate sunflowers to the community to grow and return to plant.

There were some lovely bright colourful sights around Lyde in the summer, and the birds are still enjoying it now, thanks to the seeds being harvested and filling up my feeder.

Some future projects for next year include the community garden at the centre: this is gathering pace behind the

scenes, so we hope it can be completed late spring.

We are in talks with South Glos regarding more planters opposite School Square. Plans are well under way, and we hope to have the school involvement in this to provide some road safety messages to display on the front!

We plan to install a small fruit orchard near the South entrance gate of the school.

Over the years this will provide fruit for the school children and the residents to enjoy every season.

We at OpenSpace are so grateful for everyone’s efforts and really proud of Lyde Green.

If you can find time to help us next year, behind the scenes or out in the community, please feel free to drop us a line with your intentions or ideas – we appreciate all your help!

Find us on Facebook or email lgopenspace@gmail.com.

Julie, Zoe, Ann and I wish you a very happy New Year.

Laurence Binks Chair Lyde Green OpenSpace

n GAMING

Beating stress with a game Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie looks at how video games can improve our lives. This month: Alleviating stress through gaming A NEW year can bring many stresses. Whether you’re trying to uphold impossible resolutions or just getting back into the swing of work and family life, juggling everything can become extremely tiring and leave us feeling wrung out.

So, what can you do? Therapy, spa, a strong cup of coffee? While all have their place, the right video game can also work wonders.

In stark contrast to the games which dominate the market today, such as Call of

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Duty and Halo, there is a variety of games created with the intention of giving a calming experience and helping to alleviate any stress of day-to-day life.

First on the list is Flower for the PlayStation 4, 5 and on the Apple App Store. The main purpose of the player is to control the wind, blowing a flower petal through the air by using the movement controls. Flying close to other flowers results in the player collecting more petals, bringing colour to the game world or starting up wind turbines.

While the game has no dialogue or complex story, there is an underlying environmental theme if the player wishes to engage in it. However, the beauty is that there is no need to: you gain just as much joy by simply being in the moment and shutting out all outside pressures. All while this is going on, your journey through the world is accompanied by a soothing orchestral playlist, which swells in time with collecting more petals, and helps to craft a narrative curve

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through emotional and visual representations.

Another game in the same vein is Sky: Children of the Light. This charming game is widely available on a variety of systems, such as the Nintendo Switch and the Apple App Store, as well as PlayStation and Xbox.

The beauty of this video game is that it’s free!

How can you say no to that? Well, you could if it wasn’t very good, but thankfully it excels at offering a fun and safe environment to unwind in. The focus of the game is to learn of spirits’ stories as you explore a visually stunning peaceful world. Unlike Flower, this game also features the ability to play with other players. The completion of tasks doesn’t depend on this and there is no requirement to interact, but crossing paths with others does create a comforting vibe, knowing that you aren’t alone in seeking some peace.

Wishing all Emersons Green Voice readers a great start to the New Year!

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

28

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2022

n SPORT

Tennis club celebrates junior coaching success Maria Budin has a full tennis scholarship at Rice University in the US after starting her career at Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club DOWNEND & Frenchay Tennis Club is throwing the spotlight on some of the successful products of its junior coaching programme.

The young players all started their tennis careers at DFTC, learning to play in various age groups and competing in competitions suited to their ability.

Many more players have simply enjoyed learning skills which they can use for life.

The club's success stories include: • Maria Budin – currently on a full scholarship at Rice University in Texas with their Division 1 Team.

• Kiera Gunning – currently on a partial scholarship at Averett University in Virginia, with their Division 3 team.

• George King – currently on the competition circuit with the aim of gaining a tennis scholarship at a US university.

The club is also celebrating the selection of five players for the Avon County Performance Squad, playing both at both National and Regional Level Competitions: Dominic Foley, Arthur King, Tom Bewley, Kadie Robinson and Poppy Rickwood.

Kadie was recently selected for the qualifying draw at the Tennis Europe singles tournament and qualified for the main draw in the doubles tournament.

Three other players – Jamie Salmon, Maya Glanvill and Sofia Anderson – have been picked for the county performance squad and are also playing regional level competitions, while Florence Butel and Isabella Butel have also been selected for the

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county performance squad.

Avon Tennis Performance introduced a new Under-8 category in 2021, which saw James Dick and Thomas Glanvill selected for the county performance squad.

Poppy Rickwood started playing tennis at DFTC when she was six years old. Her potential was spotted by Pete Caseley at an after-school club and she was invited to the club where, under the performance coaching of head coach Andy Hutton, Poppy’s tennis has gone from strength to strength over ten years, and she has regularly competed in junior league, regional and national tournaments.

Poppy's mum Samantha said: "Enjoyment has always been our number one focus – but she still loves to win! It’s fantastic to see her play and we’re so proud of what she has achieved."

Dominic Foley started playing at the age of six and is currently in the U14 Boys Avon County Performance Training Squad. He won the U11 Boys Singles Avon County Championships in 2020 was also chosen to represent Avon in the 2020 County Cup. Tom Bewley joined DFTC in the spring of 2015 with his brother Jack and both still attend the club, with Tom captaining the Avon team and playing in regional and national finals.

Dad Nigel said: "I'm sure both my sons will continue to play tennis as adults and get the social and health benefits which you get from a good club."

For more information about the club visit www. downendandfrenchay.co.uk.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Penny White

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2022

n SPORT

A MONTH of varied results for Mangotsfield United – two wins, two defeats and two draws, still left the club second from bottom in the Southern League Division 1 South.

The sequence began with successive home wins over Bideford (3-1) and Evesham United (3-2) in the space of three days, to bring six much-needed points.

The win over Bideford was a comfortable one, with Kye Simpson (38, 69) and Daniel McBeam giving the Mangos a superb 3-0 lead against a battling Bideford side, who could only net a consolation goal in added time through Lewis Wilson.

The Evesham game was a real thriller. The visitors scored after just two minutes through Michael Symons, but the hero of the night was to be Kye Simpson again, scoring in the 60th and 63rd minutes to turn the game Cleve 14-8 Winscombe CLEVE came through a tight game played in dreadful conditions to beat Winscombe with a last-gasp try.

Both sides were evenly balanced in inclement weather at the Hayfields.

Winscombe started well and were on top at the start but this was weather for the forwards and Cleve were up to the task with some strong carrying by their prop forwards.

Cleve had Harry Owens firing well, driving the forwards to the corners of the pitch.

The game was end-to-end and on 30 minutes, the Winscombe forwards drove over to take a 5-0 lead.

Cleve then went on the offensive but missed out by dropping the ball near the line.

The ball was like the proverbial

29

Mixed results for Mangos on its head.

A Daniel McBeam own goal levelled things up with 13 minutes left. However, the Cossham Street supporters were the ones to go home happy as Simpson netted the winner and completed his hat-trick on 90 minutes, to clinch the win.

The subsequent two away games were against the top two sides, Sholing and Frome Town, and the results went the way the league tables would have predicted.

Sholing ran out comfortable 4-1 winners, with Owen Humphries scoring for the Mangos on 83 minutes.

The defeat to Frome was just as emphatic, the hosts winning comfortably, 3-0.

Next up was a 2-2 home draw

against bottom club Barnstaple Town – a very disappointing result, as it gave the North Devon visitors their first point of the entire campaign.

Three goals in the first 21 minutes set the scene, with Kye Simpson and a Daniel McBeam penalty coming either side of a goal for Barnstaple, whose results had improved in recent weeks, despite still losing matches. They levelled again on 63 minutes and this time held on to the final whistle.

On December 11 the Mangos earned a battling point away at promotion-chasing Cirencester Town, who took the lead after 12 minutes and went 2-0 up with 20 minutes left. However, Kye Simpson bagged yet another goal on 80 minutes to give

the Mangos some hope and, incredibly, Daniel McBeam then converted a penalty in stoppage time to earn a superb point for the visitors.

Two recent transfers have seen former keeper Marko Radovanovic return to Cossham Street from Taunton Town, whilst midfielder Owen Humphries has joined Larkhall Athletic.

Dave Smale

Fixtures:

December 27: Bristol Manor Farm (H) January 1: Slimbridge (A) January 8: Highworth Town (H) January 15: Larkhall Athletic (A) January 22: Willand Rovers (H) January 29: AFC Totton (A)

McCann takes game by scruff of the neck some penetrating drives that resulted in Chris McCann going over near the posts.

Owens converted to make it 7-5 to Cleve.

But again Winscombe replied with effort and commitment, which led to a penalty and put them 8-7 ahead.

Cleve fought hard to go back on top. and in the last minute a penalty came their way.

Owens kicked to Cleve beat Winscombe on December 11 the corner, Cleve won the lineout and drove bar of soap as Cleve accumulated to the line. There was a great penalties and knock-ons. deal of pressure and only slight The start of the second half movement as the packs locked saw Cleve up the gears, with

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McCann, as usual, took the game by the scruff of the neck and drove over for his second try.

Owens converted and there was no time left for Winscombe to come back, so Cleve won 14-8.

Steve Bateman n On November 27 Cleve enjoyed a special game day with a reunion for old players.

The club house was flooded with old faces there to see old friends and watch the matches taking place at the club.

Cleve's veterans side took on Kingswood in a spirited game that saw both sides try to run the ball. The result was close but did not affect the good humour the game was played in.

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