Emersons Green Voice July 2020

emersonsgreenvoice www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

July, 2020 — ISSUE 43

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Together in South Gloucestershire: getting back on our feet

A

S lockdown eases, South Gloucestershire Council is making changes to help revive its communities while keeping people safe. In this special edition of The Voice, we explain the plans, how you can help, and how to get help if you need it.

New measures will help make social distancing easier, revive the economy and support everyone to adapt to a ‘new normal’. The changes could bring extra longterm benefits too – for instance, new social distancing measures outside re-opened schools are already improving air quality. The council is also pedestrianising some high streets and widening pavements. This is not only supporting social distancing but creating more pleasant environments in which to shop and socialise. Read about how council services are changing and plans for high streets and other public spaces on the next page.

Supporting businesses South Gloucestershire Council is supporting and advising local businesses as they face the challenges posed by Covid-19. It has administered different grants including the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund and the Discretionary Grant. So far it has issued over £34 million in funding to businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and to small and micro businesses who have experienced a drop in income. To find out how to apply,

see the contact details on the back page.

Safety first: how you can help Safety remains the top priority for the council. We are still at a critical point in the Covid-19 pandemic because the virus will continue to be with us until there is a vaccine.

Everyone can help by continuing with social distancing, practising good hand hygiene, and selfisolation at home and getting tested if they have symptoms, to manage the spread of the virus.

How the council can help you The council offers a wide range of help and can also put you in touch with community support groups in your area. Full details of how to get help are on the back page.

Getting around The council wants to encourage people who have taken up cycling or walking more during lockdown to use this as their regular way of getting around. Less traffic means more space on streets, improving the experience for cyclists and pedestrians. It has introduced new measures such as temporary changes to the road layout under Bristol Parkway railway bridge.

The extra space on either side of the lane is designated for people walking or cycling under the bridge and helps them to keep a safe distance from each other.

View from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage WELCOME to this special edition of The Voice. It’s here especially for those South Gloucestershire residents who may not have easy access to the internet - just one of the steps we’ve taken to try to reach everyone. The Voice is a local business that we’re very proud to partner with.

Thank you so much for your support during this crisis. I saw for myself how hard our frontline workers are working when I went out with our waste collection teams last month.

We’re all having to get used to a new normal whether it’s wearing face coverings or remembering to always keep a social distance.

In this issue, we explain what to do if you need support, especially if you’re not online. We share the positive steps we’re taking as lockdown eases to revive the district and move forward.

We’re adapting our services and supporting local businesses as they emerge from lockdown, including our much-loved high street shops.

We also showcase volunteers (on the inside back page) – those fantastic individuals contributing enormously to our communities. If you’re already volunteering then a big thank you.

If you haven’t tried it, then why not give it a go?

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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION

Making publicplaces safer COUNCILS have been directed by government to introduce measures as quickly as possible to help make social distancing in public places easier. Last month, South Gloucestershire Council published ‘Making Public Places Safer’. This explains the measures it is putting in place in high streets, parks and open spaces, routes to work, at bus stops and outside schools. As well as helping to control and limit the spread of Covid-19, these measures should also help ‘lock in’ some of the positive changes such as an increase in cycling and fewer cars on the road. The funding for this work comes from central government through the West of England Combined Authority.

High Streets Our high streets will look and feel different as the lockdown is lifted.

Shops, restaurants and cafes may start to trade outside, immediately in front of their premises, and have space for customers to queue outside too. People will need extra space to get around safely and maintain social distancing, whether on foot or by bike. In some places, this will mean road space for cars will need to be reduced. Council car parks and disabled parking will be maintained however and continue to be free for all.

The council wants to make it as easy and safe as possible for people to access their local high street, kickstart the economy and support businesses so it is introducing measures to support more walking and cycling in and around town centres and local communities.

This will support local trade and business by enabling easy and safe access.

Changes to some local high streets are already helping with this. For example, in Thornbury, the High Street between The Close and Castle Court is now closed to all through traffic, effectively pedestrianising the town centre, allowing people to shop safely and with confidence. Some retailers can trade from directly outside their premises, adding a welcoming and vibrant feel to the area.

Parks and open spaces All skate parks, tennis courts and multi-use games areas that the council is responsible for are now open in parks and open spaces.

This is in line with government advice and follows risk assessments and safety inspections of all the sites.

The council has put in various measures including locking open some gates to reduce contact, ‘give way’ systems to people entering or exiting, and social distancing signs and markings on the ground.

Schools New social distancing measures at school entrances and on nearby roads include reminders of the requirements on signs and on pavements outside almost 30 primary and some secondary schools. These schools were prioritised because of their location in a busy area or because they have narrow access. To provide more room for parents to take their children back to school safely, the council has suspended parking bays outside some of these schools.

Adapting council services

Household waste collections in South Gloucestershire are back to normal. At the time of going to print, Mangotsfield, Thornbury and Yate Sort It recycling centres are opening between 6am and 4.30pm seven days a week until further notice. They accept the normal range of waste and recycling apart from clothing and textiles. Little Stoke Sort It recycling centre and the Re-use Shop at the Thornbury site remain temporarily closed.

The council hopes to open its libraries gradually from July. These libraries will offer a Click and Collect service for books and other items. IT services will be available through bookable slots. Gradual opening will mean the council can review how well the new way of doing things is working before opening more libraries.

Public toilets will open where possible, in line with government guidance, as will customer service One Stop Shops.

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July, 2020 — ISSUE 43

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Kindness reigns during crisis So many people have helped others during the Covid-19 crisis, including 11-year-old Ava, who baked cakes.

PAGE 13

GP surgeries told to get better

We're on our way back!

IT'S been a tough few months since coronavirus struck. We had little choice but to suspend publication and delivery of Emersons Green Voice for safety's sake, though we tried to keep readers up to date via our website and Facebook.

Now, at last, we are able to return and, like

Millie, this determined young runner from Blackhorse Primary, we intend to keep up the momentum. Thanks to all the advertisers whose support has enabled us to come back.

We look forward to continuing to share news and events from Emersons Green.

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emersonsgreenvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169 Follow us on Twitter @ emersonsgreenvoice

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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 August edition deadline is July 15.

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

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

July, 2020

n NEWS

Virus claims 11 lives in Emersons Green area CORONAVIRUS has claimed the lives of 11 people in the Emersons Green area, according to the latest official figures.

An in-depth breakdown from the Office for National Statistics, released in June, shows deaths from every area in the country which involved Covid-19 in March, April and May. The ONS has divided the country into small geographic areas, each with a population of around 7,500 people, and recorded how many people in each area died with coronavirus.

Emersons Green had a higher total than any of its neighbouring areas, although the area on the ONS map also includes parts of Mangotsfield near Blackhorse Lane and stretches into parts of Downend that lie west of Badminton Road, including the area around Aintree Drive.

Seven people died in the area the ONS calls Downend South, which includes homes near the main shopping area including those off North Street, Downend Road and Salisbury Road. Another four died in Downend North, which includes Bromley Heath and the area near Leap Valley. One confirmed COVID-19 death was recorded for Mangotsfield and one in Pucklechurch and Westerleigh.

Elsewhere in South Gloucestershire, 15 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in the ONS’s Kingswood North East area, while in Thornbury a total of 24 people lost their lives to the virus.

April was the deadliest month of the pandemic in most areas, with 26 of the deaths of Emersons Green, Downend and Staple Hill residents happening during that month.

ONS figures for South Gloucestershire revealed that, by June 12, 167 people had died with COVID-19. In Bristol the total was 238.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Emersons Green Voice is independent.

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

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

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

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

NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

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July, 2020

5

n NEWS

Fred from Blackhorse Primary

Esme from Blackhorse Primary

Maya from Bromley Heath Juniors

Team finds winning ways to keep our children active JOE Wicks might have grabbed the headlines, but the TV exercise guru is not the only fitness inspiration for children in Kingswood during the lockdown.

Hundreds of youngsters have been given exciting ideas to keep them active throughout the last three months by the hardworking and innovative team at CSET Primary Sports Partnership.

Children have taken part in a huge range of events, including cross country, athletics, gymnastics, dance and tennis mostly in their homes and back gardens.

Wendy O’Donnell and her team - Dean Garrett, Alex Carter and Julie Arbury - have set a range of daily and weekly challenges, which can be carried out in school or at home.

They have come up with many creative ideas to ensure that primary pupils can participate even if they have little access to outdoor space. Orienteering, for example, involves finding a list

of household objects and timing yourself retrieving them.

Many of the daily challenges are designed to encourage children to practise and reach their personal best. Catching and throwing sessions have included trying to get a teabag into a cup and using a pair of rolled-up socks as a ball.

“We really want all children to have a go,” said Wendy.

“Anyone who times themself on a challenge and sends in a score to us, receives a participation certificate. We also encourage children and parents to send us photos and videos we can share on Twitter@CSETSports1 “We have been sending out the challenges every week, even during school holidays, and teachers say it is something they value and the children love taking part in. As well as individual challenges, we have run home and school interschool competitions. It’s a lot of admin to work out all the scores

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

but it is worth it. We’ve had some lovely positive feedback from parents too.”

Some of the challenges are open to staff and parents too, with the cross-country becoming particularly competitive.

The team have even recreated

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some of the big summer events such as the MaD Olympiad and the CSET Games virtually for schools and children at home.

Among the schools involved are Barley Close, Blackhorse, Emersons Green, Mangotsfield and Lyde Green.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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6

n NEWS

GP surgeries told to improve ‘inadequate’ services A MEDICAL practice providing healthcare to more than 22,000 people has been ordered to make improvements to safety and care standards.

Reports by the Care Quality Commission into Emersons Green Medical Centre and Downend’s Leap Valley Surgery, said that both were inadequate in one of five key areas and needed to improve in all the others. The CQC ordered Green Valleys Health, which runs both practices as well as Abbotswood in Yate, to make improvements.

It also rated six specific services – for People with long term conditions, Families, children and young people, Older people, Working age people, People with poor mental health and vulnerable people – inadequate.

Leap Valley Surgery in Beaufort Road has 7,000 patients on its books, while Emersons Green Medical Centre has 12,000 and Abbotswood 3,000.

Last year the Voice reported that the practice had been the subject of complaints over problems in booking appointments, particularly by phone, and had acknowledged that it was "not acceptable" that people sometimes could not get through. The report by CQC Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Dr Rosie Benneyworth highlighted the problem, saying: “Patient satisfaction was below average for access to services particularly via the telephone.”

It said the practice had tried to make improvements but “there was limited evidence to demonstrate whether proposed changes had improved patient satisfaction”.

The report, published after inspectors visited the surgeries over two days in January, added: “The inadequate areas found during inspection impacted on all population groups within the responsive domain, we have therefore rated all population

groups as inadequate overall.”

Among the other criticisms outlined in the report, the CQC said: “Staff did not always treat patients with kindness, respect and compassion.

“Patients expressed concerns about the way some of the reception staff dealt with them whilst trying to access services or book appointments.

“Performance indicators from the national GP survey relating to care and treatment as well as the overall patient experience of the GP practice was below local and national averages.”

Concluding overall that the practice required improvement, inspectors acknowledged it had “restructured the leadership and management team so that leaders had time to focus on service development and patient needs”.

The CQC ordered that Green Valleys Health must make improvements to “ensure that care and treatment is provided in a safe way” and “establish

effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care”.

It also recommended the practice continue to monitor and improve the uptake of cervical screening for disease prevention.

The Voice approached Green Valleys Health and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in overall charge of providing GP services in the area, for a comment on the report.

Responding on behalf of both, a CCG spokesperson said: “We were concerned to read Green Valley Health’s CQC report, which demonstrates there needs to be considerable improvements made at the practice.

“We are aware of the issues, including notable challenges surrounding its telephone systems, and are working with the practice to address all the concerns raised and put into place a recovery plan.”

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July, 2020

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7

n NEWS

One of the chicanes, which could be replaced by a speed table

A safer crossing is proposed for the entrance to the shopping centre

Have your say on road schemes PEOPLE are being given another say on two road safety schemes proposed for Emersons Green.

One will see speed tables – extended versions of speed bumps – installed at the pedestrian and cycle crossing point at the entrance to Emersons Green Retail Centre, or the Village, next to the Emerson Way roundabout.

The other will see chicanes on Church Farm Road and Johnson Road, including two with oneway priority signs, removed and replaced by speed tables.

Both schemes were opened to an initial consultation earlier this year, with residents being encouraged to have their say on the final versions of each scheme

by July 6.

Emersons Green ward

councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams are calling on residents to have their say on the changes.

They say the schemes would encourage motorists to speed and protect pedestrians.

The councillors said: “The safety of local residents is a major priority for us and we are delighted to see South Gloucestershire Council has taken notice by considering proposals we have been campaigning for over the past year.

“We will continue to keep the pressure on by campaigning for improved road safety across Emersons Green and Lyde Green.

“With social distancing rules in place, now more than ever

Councillors Rachael Hunt, Judy Adams and Colin Hunt people need to be taking care when they are out walking or cycling and by lowering the speed on our roads, it will reduce the likelihood of accidents and will protect those in our community, helping to keep it a safe and enjoyable place to live.

“Now that we have these proposals on the table, it is important that as many people as

possible have their say to show a unified voice, whether they want this to go ahead or not.”

The Village consultation can be found on the consultations pages of the council’s website at bit.ly/3hVSBPp, while the Church Farm Road and Johnson Road scheme can be found at bit. ly/2Z1utlZ.

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n NEWS HUNDREDS of volunteers have been going shopping, collecting prescriptions and providing food to help vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis.

From spontaneously-formed Facebook and WhatsApp groups to existing community organisations, charities and councillors, a huge number of people have been giving up time to ensure those who have had to stay at home to shield from the virus are not forgotten.

One of the first groups to form on Facebook and help others organise community response was the Covid-19 South Glos and Bristol group.

Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer is one of the founders of the group, which has expanded its scope to provide a permanent web page, www.thecommunityhub-basg. co.uk, which provides a place to ask for help, offer help and access valuable information and connections to services.

A group aimed at organising support in Emersons Green and Lyde Green was also set up. The COVID-19 Help, Support and Volunteering – Emerson’s Green & Lyde Green Facebook group has 377 members and provides a place where people in the area can ask for help, offer help, publish updates in coronavirusrelated advice and publicise community events.

Matt said that, as well as offering practical and emotional support for people who have been affected by the virus and lockdown, Emersons and Lyde Green group volunteers had also made door-to-door foodbank collections, bringing almost a tonne of food for the Resound Foodbank in Mangotsfield, and

July, 2020

Surge of goodwill helps vulnerable through crisis organised two litter picks.

He said: “When we set up the Covid-19 South Glos and Bristol group, we never imagined how it would become such a focal point for the community across the area; support which is still very active to this day.

“As the numbers increased we knew that we wanted to have a long-term plan for the group and therefore set up our web page.

“We wanted something progressive and good to come out of a bad situation.

“What has been staggering has been the way communities have pulled together and how volunteers have supported this effort.”

Matt said volunteers were working in partnership with charities such as Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, community development workers, existing community groups and councils.

He said: “We want to develop something to continue the amazing community spirit, kindness, compassion and togetherness that has brought people through this awful pandemic.”

To ask the Emersons Green and Lyde Green COVID-19 support group for help, or to volunteer, you can call 07714 581 366 or email emersonsgreenca@ gmail.com.

The group can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/

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groups/EandLG/.

In Pucklechurch, support has been provided by the Pucklechurch and Shortwood Good Neighbours group, whose volunteers have been helping with shopping and transport.

They also set up a food bank, which distributed more than 70 aid packages to people in need.

To find out more, look them up on Facebook or email Email: goodneighbours@pucklechurch. org Also providing support in the area is the BS16 Covid-19 Community Care group, which helps coordinate offers of help and people in need across the BS16 postcode area.

Volunteer coordinator Sophia Gibbs-Foyle said: “The BS16 Covid-19 Community Care group was set up to connect members of the community who could help one another.”

The group matches its 258 volunteers with its bank of people shielding or self-isolating, providing support from food shopping and prescription collections to dog walking and providing phone buddies for a chat.

As well as online and email referrals at BS16covid19@gmail. com, the group has a phone helpline on 0808 168 5726 and also helps people referred by South Gloucestershire Council and charity Southern Brooks Community Partnerships.

In Mangotsfield, the residents association has worked with Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillors Katie Cooper, Michael Bell and Ian Boulton, the Staple Hill Hub and Salvation Army to organise a team of volunteers to help with shopping, prescriptions and odd jobs for people in isolation.

An emergency food bank was set up at the Red Lion pub, working with landlady Mary West and with further support from Mitch Hore at the Grapevine, to provide and deliver food parcels and ready-made meals for people in need.

Volunteers also made personal protective equipment and biker group the Band of Hope made deliveries to hospitals and care homes.

MRA chair Clive Heath said: “It has been a fantastic effort by all involved; to my knowledge nobody has gone without shopping or prescriptions and nobody in need has gone with out food or toiletries.”

Help is also available from CVS South Gloucestershire, Age Concern UK and Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, who are working with the council to connect individuals with the help they need. The helpline – 07773 209943 – is staffed from 8am to 8pm daily and the team is also available by email at communitysupport@ southernbrooks.org.uk.

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July, 2020

9

n NEWS

Army of volunteers making PPE for NHS SOME amazing work has been going on in South Gloucestershire homes – and a village hall – to produce vital personal protective equipment.

In homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, people have been making face shields, scrubs and other vital gear themselves and giving it to those who need it.

Volunteer group Hack the Pandemic was born out of a Facebook group for 3D printer users to help make up the shortfall in PPE for medical and care workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.

Another group, Scrub Hub Bristol was set up to make scrubs for NHS and care workers, keeping them supplied during April and May. Hack the Pandemic founders Ed Clyne and Paul Haines set up a network of fellow printer users to mass-produce around 3,000 pieces of plastic equipment per week, primarily face shields and clips to enable N95 surgical masks to be worn more comfortably and efficiently, as well as a plastic device to enable people to open doors without touching the handles.

Most members did not know each other beforehand, and came together out of a desire to do something to help.

The group has had requests from teams at hospitals in Bristol and Bath, including the BRI, Bristol Children’s Hospital and Southmead, ambulance workers in Yate, care homes and even a London hospital, which had a member of staff living in Bristol who collected the order.

All the PPE is provided free of charge and the materials are paid for with funds raised on the group’s JustGiving page, which has received more than £17,000 so far.

Around 60 volunteers print the parts at home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the gear is then collected and taken to an “emergency factory” operating in Emersons Green Village Hall twice a week.

There, the PPE is assembled in accordance with regulations by a small team, including three members of the same household, who are able to work at close quarters without breaching social distancing regulations. It is

A volunteer at work in the Hack the Pandemic pop-up factory

Face shield parts mass-produced

by Hack the Pandemic volunteers

A hospital worker wearing a Hack the Pandemic face shield

quality checked and stress tested, sterilised using ultraviolet light, washed and dipped in a 90% alcohol sanitiser before being packed for collection or delivery by volunteers.

The hall is also used for repairs to 3D printers and for the distribution of the finished PPE gear. Group member Josh Forwood, from Bedminster Down, usually uses his 3D printer to make spare parts for equipment he uses in his regular job as a freelance documentary cameraman.

He said: “We are not charging anything for the PPE we are supplying, and every member of the group is a volunteer. Our sole goal is to ensure that NHS staff and front-line workers have the tools they need to fight the Covid-19 virus.

“We’ve been blown away by the positive feedback from front line staff who have been receiving our PPE, and we’re keen to help as many people as possible.

“We are also touched by the outpouring of positivity from the general public.”

The group had to stop making and giving away the equipment during May after the government announced new requirements which insist all PPE producers have a CE certification that the products comply with European Economic Area health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

They were told to pay a £5,000 fee to national standards body the BSI, wait around three weeks for certification and not to distribute 2,000 pieces of equipment waiting to be delivered.

However, after a fortnight the government relented and said it

would work with them to create a new agreed face shield band design and waive the £5,000 certification fee. It was also allowed to distribute the shields it had already made to nonhealthcare professionals.

For more information on Hack the Pandemic visit www.

HackThePandemic.co.uk and to donate, visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ppe-bath-bristol online.

Scrub Hub Bristol was part of a national drive to provide scrubs for the medical workers treating Covid-19 patients every day.

Set up by Amanda George, who runs city gift shop We Make Bristol, volunteers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire created scrubs for two months until the group was wound up at the end of May as it was no longer needed, with surplus funds donated to NHS charities.

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July, 2020

11

n NEWS

Bake-off winners to help reopen cafe A CAFE in the heart of Emersons Green is planning its postlockdown reopening – with some help from some of the area’s talented bakers.

Costas Kkolos had to close the Avenue Cafe, at the corner of Emerson Way and St Luke’s Close, in March.

Despite being unable to trade, Costas and his team kept busy, especially on social media, sending out recipes, competitions, surveys and even holding live demonstrations on Facebook.

Their biggest success was a bake off competition, which saw nearly 150 people taking part.

Running over a fortnight in May, contestants baked a cake of their choice and shared pictures on social media, with prizes for the staff favourite, people’s favourite and overall winner.

The top prize went to Claire Moon, the people’s favourite winner was 10-year-old Evie Lawrence and the Avenue Cafe

Costas with wife Flora

favourite was Nichola Love.

All three are being invited along as VIPs to help Costas and his team reopen its doors on July 12.

Costas said: “Lockdown has had a huge impact on so many businesses, but what we have really noticed is how much of a community we have here in the cafe and the area itself.

“Independent businesses have been hit incredibly hard and we lack the resources of the big players but what we do have is a tonne of passion, creativity and incredibly loyal and frankly very wonderful customers.

“We wanted to make sure we didn’t lose that, even in lockdown, so we have been working hard to keep people

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“The culmination of this was the bake-off, which was huge fun for all of us and actually exceeded our expectations in terms of entries and also the talent that people have been hiding away all this time. We thought that the best way to celebrate reopening would be to have a little party and to get our winners back to help us cut the ribbon as our VIPs. “In fact, we want everyone who has been so kind in supporting us, engaging with us and just being part of this challenging journey to feel a part of the big day, so we will be making sure that everyone who entered the competition will receive a complimentary slice of cake when we reopen.”

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

12

July, 2020

n AROUND THE WIs MANGOTSFIELD WI IT is great to be back.

I hope you are all managing to stay safe and sane at home or work during this time.

It is times like these when the WI comes into its own.

I have been very lucky to see the amazing work that ladies across the country have contributed to the effort.

Brislington WI made over 6,000 scrub bags in April alone; they even had a Royal Mention.

It has been very humbling to see so many ladies pulling together to make a difference.

Around the country, there have been lots of virtual online events for members to join.

If you would like to know more about what is happening, drop me a line.

Exciting News! Denman College have announced their first online course – Cook Along With Kelly.

There are also a wide variety of online talks, events and groups hosted by Denman and National.

If you are looking for activities to join, we will also be hosting events to add to the plethora or choice.

Although we have been a little quiet with our meetings on hold at this time, we are gearing up now. So to make up for it, over the coming weeks we will be publishing a list of events that we will be hosting.

If you are not a member but would like to join us, please let me know.

I have been asked to help some ladies with IT assistance. I understand that some of you may not be au fait with using some apps and programmes – I would be more than happy to assist you remotely and safely.

You can contact us in a number of ways: mangotsfieldwi@ gmail.com if you want to email,

alternatively our website www. mangotsfieldwi.org.uk gives details about meetings and upcoming events for members, or you can ‘like’ The Mangotsfield WI Facebook page.

Stay Safe.

Kate Tarr

BROMLEY HEATH WI THURSDAY 11th June 2020 marked another milestone for the ladies of BHWI – tonight would be our first monthly meeting ever to be held live online using Zoom.

Certainly, a new experience for me personally, although most of our members are pretty savvy IT-wise.

Our last meeting back on March 12 has become a pleasant but distant memory, way back in a happier time when we could meet face to face and enjoy the company of our large group of WI friends. Just a few short days after this we were all in lockdown!

Since then, our members had kept in touch with the WI at both local and national level via Facebook and email, but it would be great to see the gang again, even if we were displayed on Scrabble board tiles! No, I don’t mean that some of us are of greater value, but serving on the committee definitely earns you extra Brownie points.

Tentatively I “Zoomed in” to our first session and was delighted to see so many friendly familiar faces already there, smiling and chatting happily. Perhaps this wasn’t going to be so different after all?

In the school hall we’d all be holding a cuppa and a slice of cake but this evening it was BYO – whatever you prefer to drink and only as far as your dining room table or your favourite chair. Glasses of vino were much in evidence. Liza, our president, was in full flow, greeting us as we appeared and naturally keen to have us all settled and ready for the appearance of our speaker for

the evening.

We were looking forward to hearing from Jane Duffus – a prominent local author, journalist, editor and public speaker. This evening Jane spoke to us about two of her well-known books – The Women who built Bristol: Volumes One and Two. Whilst a couple of the names she mentioned sounded familiar to our Bristolian members, most of the featured ladies seemed to be unsung heroines of their day, doing something quite remarkable but getting little credit or recognition for it at that time.

Sounds horribly familiar!

It is great that Jane’s personal passion and thorough research about these women means that they will not now pass into history without the notice they richly deserve. Music to the ears of all WI members, as you would expect. Jane rounded off with a stimulating Q&A session, before leaving us with our thanks and generous applause.

Liza then announced the start of BHWI’s selection process for our 2020 Members Bursary to Denman scheme, worth up to £300. This year, due to the coronavirus, all interested members should submit relevant details by email.

Just time for a brief open mike catch-up chat between our gallery of members and, sadly, our first Zoom slot was almost over. Time for a quick “thanks and goodbye”, then hit the leave button.

All things considered, a very enjoyable and successful meeting, but how we long for the time when we can safely return to the school hall, with social distancing a thing of the past. For the coming months we look forward to Liza and co Zooming into our homes on a regular basis.

Margaret Hanwell

DOWNEND WI

IT’S good to have Downend Voice back in paper form. It’s certainly

been a strange few months for all of us and as a WI, which is all about face to face meetings.

We have had to make changes.

Along with most of the world we have started to use Zoom for our main monthly meetings and our sub groups. We have had catch ups, quizzes and riddles but for our June meeting, we have our original planned speaker, who will be teaching us basic Spanish via Zoom, so that should be muy buena!

We have had our members supporting each other and the wider community by making masks, scrubs and laundry bags and much more; hopefully a good thing to come out of this is a support network that can continue into the future.

An update from a couple of our subgroups: in the Yarn Club, our ladies are learning to crochet together on Zoom, sharing their knowledge and making the most out of YouTube. Our Cinema Club now chooses a film on a TV platform, for people to watch independently at home and then share their reviews.

We were just about to launch our new website when lockdown started, but please have a look at www.downendwi.org for more information or visit our Downend WI Facebook page.

We are really looking forward to being able to meet as a group in Christ Church Hall when the government allows, but this is the new norm and we need to adapt and change, so perhaps using technology, we may be in the future be able to share our meetings on Zoom for members who can’t make it in person.

Certainly something for us to investigate!

Best wishes to our members and the wider community together we are strong.

Julie Walker, President

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION IT’S now 3 months since everyone’s lives were changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s good to see that things are beginning to return to some sort of “normal” but there is still a way to go.

If you look at social media you cannot fail to be impressed by how the community has come together. Long may it continue.

Pretty much every MRA plan or activity has been put on hold; it will be great when we can resurrect them, and hopefully that will be soon.

However, members have not been idle.

Clive Heath, our chair, has been coordinating the Mangotsfield area for the local Covid-19 community group, working with our councillors, the Salvation Army and the Staple Hill Hub. Our

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volunteers shopped and got prescriptions, as well as other odd jobs for many people. Help is still available, so anyone needing it or who knows someone who needs, can contact Clive via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or call the number at the bottom of this article.

A huge shout out to the Red Lion Emergency Food Bank, led by Mary West. They have fed many people, including in other areas (as far away as Filton. It has been supported by the Grapevin. This foodbank has now closed.

A couple of members have started to rebuild a retaining wall at the Dame School – social distanced, of course. Well, I say rebuilding – it would probably be more accurate to describe

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their efforts as “moving some stones around”, but it’s a start. It also looks like we can start “gardening” again in the not too distant future.

There is some less good news. In the early days of lockdown, the Dame School building was broken into, the chain on the entrance gate sawn through. Some minor damage was done, nothing structural, and a bit of a mess made.

We’ll have to spend a fair few hours cleaning it up again.

If you are interested in getting involved in the future or need any help, then please get in touch via mangotsfieldourvillage@gmail., the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or telephone 07507 168700 Chris Amos

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

13

n NEWS

Ava,11, bakes cakes to help old folk

Left: Ava Reynolds baking Above: Ava and her mum

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AVA Reynolds sprang into action after she overheard her mum Kerry, who works for charity Brunelcare, on a Zoom video call discussing how the coronavirus crisis had made it more difficult for tenants to connect with their loved ones.

Ava decided to help by baking treats for friends, family and neighbours and selling them to raise money to buy two tablet computers.

The 11-year-old has baked more than 30 batches of cupcakes, muffins, cookies and tiffin, raising £200 in the process.

Kerry was discussing the problems with Laura Oliver, the centre manager at Brunelcare’s Waverley Gardens extra care housing site in Bishopsworth, where residents need at least five hours of care per week. After coronavirus restrictions put an end to visits, carers were using their personal mobile phones to keep tenants connected with their friends and families.

Ava said: “I heard my mum on a Zoom call with her friends, they were discussing how they would love to do something to help Waverley Gardens, so I thought I could bake and raise money for an android tablet, I ended up baking so much that I managed to raise enough money for two!”

Kerry said: “I’m so proud of Ava. It’s such a lovely thing to do.

“She thought about the idea all on her own and we set off baking the same day! It took us two weeks of baking to raise the £200 but we did it in the end!

She’s my little hero.”

Laura said: “It’s so lovely of Ava to bake for such a good cause. It means now, our carers don’t have to use their personal phones to keep the families contacted, we can use the tablets. They’re so handy and a lot bigger, so it’s easier for our tenants to see their loved ones.

She’s a superstar and we can’t thank her enough.”

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

14

July, 2020

n SPORT

NHS fundraiser single recorded in Lyde Green

A FUNDRAISING single to help NHS staff has been recorded in Lyde Green.

The track, called NHS Heroes, has been released by Bristol-based solo artist Suchy and recorded in Lyde Green, where manager Aymie Katharina lives.

The pair built their own studio during lockdown to record the single after Suchy’s existing studio time was cancelled due to the lockdown.

Aymie, who previously worked at Lyde Green Community Centre, said they decided to help the charity, which buys personal protective equipment and supplies it free to NHS workers when official supplies are low.

Aymie said: “Suchy just felt very powerless in the pandemic and wanted to find something she could do to make a difference.

“A lot of people volunteered for the NHS, so she looked for something she could use her skills to help.”

Suchy has released an original and an acoustic version of NHS Heroes, both of which can be found by searching for Suchy NHS Heroes on YouTube.

The track is also on Spotify but the best way to support the cause is to visit the track’s web page, which can be found at bit.ly/2YZFHas and has a download and donation link.

Coronavirus sees more than 30,000 furloughed MORE than 30,000 workers in South Gloucestershire were furloughed and many of the area’s most vital industries left with an uncertain future by the coronavirus pandemic.

And the hit to the economy could also affect public spending in the area over the coming years, with building projects such as the new Frenchay Primary School among those that could be delayed.

Trade and commerce body Business West said figures from HM Revenue and Customs show a total of 32,800 employees in South Gloucestershire were furloughed under the government scheme to protect businesses unable to operate normally during the lockdown.

Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “Residents in South Gloucestershire have been particularly hard hit by coronavirus as a result of its strong private sector employment base.

“What is usually a marker of rude

economic health has left thousands of workers exposed in these unprecedented times. The aerospace sector supports thousands of jobs in South Gloucestershire – it is therefore vital to the area’s economic recovery to get it back on its feet, which is why we are lobbying government to rethink quarantine rules for travellers arriving into the UK. “Whilst the re-opening of non-essential retail and some leisure facilities is of course welcome news here – the outlook for another key pillar of the South Gloucestershire economy, education, looks uncertain without a clear roadmap from government in terms of exiting the lockdown.”

South Gloucestershire Council received £39m from the Government to spend on small business grants, and by early May had paid out more than three quarters of the money to almost 2,500 businesses. A further discretionary fund saw £2.6m made available for grants of up to £5,000 in June.

But the council itself is facing a shortfall in funding, and expects to have lost £33m by the end of this year as a result of extra costs and lost income because of the pandemic.

While the council expects to balance its books this year, it is warning it will have to spend “significantly less” to cushion the financial blow from the Covid crisis which is expected to hit next year, when lost council tax and business rates income will bite.

The ruling Conservative administration has signed off a series of changes to this year’s budget and is also intending to review its reserves and spending plans and put in place spending controls for the years ahead.

The council is expecting to spend between £20m and £126.2m less in 2020/21, with the “biggest impact being from schemes within children’s, adults and health”, according to cabinet papers.

Changes to the 2020/21 budget approved on June 8 include the injection of an extra £4m of government funding for care homes

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

15

n SPORT

The snakes that grew and grew

Emily and Poppy Weston with the Covid-19 snake they started in Johnsons Road, Emersons Green

Woody the Covid-19 snake in Buckingham Place, Downend with Addy and Jakub

SNAKES have been slithering along playgrounds and paths in the area as a creative way to stay entertained during the lockdown.

The Covid-19 snakes are a group effort, where people decorate a pebble and place them one after the other to create a colourful piece of street art for everyone to enjoy.

One of the biggest around is in the play area at Johnsons Road, Emersons Green.

It was started by Lizzie Weston and her daughters Emily,

Another snake, named Woody, has been growing in Buckingham Place, Downend after it was started by the Touzalin family for children Addy and Jakub.

Mum Emma said: “We started the snake to try to help the children stay connected to others as they were really missing the interaction and direct contact with friends and family; Addy especially was finding it hard not going to preschool, where she has some lovely friendships.

10, and eight-year-old Poppy, who attend Emersons Green Primary School.

They placed a painted snake’s head on the ground in May and invited neighbouring families to add brightly-coloured sections to it.

In just over a week the snake was 273 stones long and after a month, the total number of pebbles had risen to 477.

Lizzie said: “We are very proud of our girls and think it’s pretty cool.”

“Addy has always loved collecting rocks and she has many decorated ones she has brought or been given as gifts.

“We kept our fingers crossed that a few of our friends and neighbours would join in, but the response has been brilliant and a lovely talking point on the street when we see people by Woody.”

Woody has already passed 80 stones.

Pucklechurch also has a snake, which is on the footpath near the prison.

We are opening from the 4th July with some extended hours including the 4 Sundays of July

All work carried out will be following government guidelines regarding social distancing

0117 313 4862 - WWW.THEWINDOWHUB.CO.UK THE WINDOW HUB - THE OLD BAKEHOUSE, 2A TEEWELL HILL, BRISTOL BS165PA

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YOUR SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US Here is what we are doing to keep you and our staff safe • In addition to our usual hygiene standards our salons will receive a deep clean before we open to ensure the highest standards of hygiene before welcoming our clients back • On arrival we will take your temperature; if we are concerned it is high you will not be able to keep your appointment • Masks/face coverings must be worn by our staff and yourself • Sanitiser will be on the reception desk • Every other dress out will not be in use to allow for social distancing – unless the 2 meter rule changes • Please only make appointments via the telephone or social media • We ask you to only arrive at the time of your appointment if salon is busy we may ask you to wait outside • Whenever possible front door will be left open to allow ventilation • Due to the new safety regulations and the safety of our clients and staff we are unable to offer magazines or refreshments • We are also offering 25% discount to all frontline workers for a limited time Sorry at this time we will only be able to except credit card payments Many thanks for your continued support and nice messages; Hope to see you soon From All The Parks Team, Stay Safe Parks Hairdressing, 108 Emerson Way, Emersons Green. Tel 0117 957 1528

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

17

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dramaticchange at Oakley Green GardenCentre

A

GAINST all odds during lockdown, Oakley Green Garden Centre has reopened under new management. The site has been transformed into a wonderful outside area selling plants, landscaping material and specialist compost, with a great range of stoneware and fencing.

Inside the main building incorporates everything you may need in garden sundries including power tools and hardware for your outside gates, great range of out door furniture, recycled pots,

BBQ's and BBQ accessories.

Visit the Farm shops with a fantastic range of fruit and veg as well as preserves, dry goods and sauces. We also stock Taunton Cider available in kegs and bottles, local free range farm eggs and more items arriving daily.

To the side of our farm shop we have opened a fantastic pet store, stocking a wide range of refrigerated raw food as well as dried foods and a range of toys for dogs and cats, dog beds, crates, leads and harnesses and bird care supplies.

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Come and visit us with our friendly, helpful staff on hand, we are open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm The Fruitbox Company owner Ali Biggs is working alongside Wayne Braund, Oakley Garden centre owner and are offering a service of fresh fruit and veg premium quality boxes delivered to your door.

The Fruitbox Company are a family run local business, their passion is sourcing the most delicious and exciting produce available, and working with local growers and farmers to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the great taste of eating with the seasons.

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Ordering is simple just log onto their website and choose your products before 8pm for next day delivery. The internet maybe something you don't use, so feel free to give us a call and place your via the phone.

The Acorn Cafe is part of the new development at Oakley Green, offering its fantastic range of food, coffee, sweets and Sunday Lunches. At the moment it is takeaway only but hopefully it won't be long until you can use the cafe and it's sun drenched patio, and new covered seating area.

Jacqui and the team at The Acorn are open everyday between 10am and 4pm so pop in for some great food.

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Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

18

July, 2020

n NEWS

Autumn decision on Lyde Green secondary school PARENTS must wait until the autumn to find out if either of two rival bids to build a free school in Lyde Green can go ahead.

Both SGS Academy Trust, which is sponsored by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, and Castle Schools Educational Trust, which runs Mangotsfield School, Downend School and Lyde Green Primary School, have asked the Department for Education for funding to create a new 600-place secondary school.

The bids have been made under the government’s free schools programme.

A bid by SGS Academy Trust to open an 820-place free school for both primary and secondary pupils was rejected last year.

The government had been expected to announce a new wave of free schools during the spring, but a spokesperson for the DfE told the Voice that it was not now expecting to make an

announcement until the autumn.

CSET proposes to call the school Lyde Green School, while SGS Academy Trust wants to call the school SGS Parkfield School, after the Victorian colliery which operated nearby.

Neither SGS Academy trust nor CSET responded to a request by the Voice to provide more details of their bids so, it is not clear at this stage whether they differ in any other way.

Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore has written a joint letter with neighbouring MP Luke Hall to support the provision of a new school, which he says is “vitally important” to the area.

The letter to junior minister Baroness Berridge calls for a “further review of the two local bids for Wave 14, (from CSET and SGSAT), in advance of a workable and deliverable design which the local authority will be able to submit accordingly”.

South Gloucestershire

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Council has allocated funding paid as part of legal deals with local developers which it can allocate towards part of the costs of building the new school but says this funding on its own is “insufficient to provide a 600 place secondary school”, which means the project requires central government funding from the DfE’s Free School Programme.

The council has declined to say whether it favours one bid over the other.

A spokesperson said the authority would share its view with the DfE’s Regional School Commissioner, adding: “The RSC has a formal view on the ability and capacity of each Trust to provide a good standard of

education.

“We regularly discuss the performance, outcomes and relative capacity of individual trusts with the RSC and through groups like the Local School Standards Board.

“The capacity of a trust is evaluated by their record and trajectory of school performance, including academic outcomes and importantly, the outcomes of Ofsted inspections for schools within the trust.

“Our view about the most appropriate sponsor is informed by a number of local and performance related factors.

We share these with the RSC who go on to make a decision independently.”

Arrests made over drugs haul A MAN and a woman from Siston Hill were arrested after police seized class A drugs and a “large quantity of cash” during a raid on a house.

Officers from the Avon and Somerset force’s Operation Remedy team searched a property in May after receiving “intelligence”.

Expensive bikes and watches were also found and seized during the raid.

After the incident 32-year-old man was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy, possessing a weapon for the discharge of noxious liquid, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and two counts of possessing criminal property.

A 26-year-old woman was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy and possessing criminal property.

Police have called on anyone with suspicions over drug dealing taking place in their community to call 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

19

n NEWS

Support and kindness in a crisis The Resound foodbank in Mangotsfield saw demand for its service treble in lockdown, while many of its volunteers had to shield themselves.

Coordinators Claire Collins and Steve Riches describe how a small army of supporters and donors rose to the challenge.

WE would not be alone in saying the suddenness and seriousness of the recent pandemic and subsequent lockdown have presented many challenges. At the foodbank in Mangotsfield we were just finding our feet after a particularly busy Christmas period and many people were looking forward to a quieter period. Then in March, of course, everything changed.

Various phases greeted us. First, it was realising that around 40 – 50% of our regular volunteers, who are in the over 70 age group, were now unable to assist. Thankfully, we got lots of offers of help, some people we already knew and others we didn’t. We are now building our volunteer team (aptly named Horizon) for the next phase which runs until the end of 2020.

Then it was the rising panic of customers requesting foodbank vouchers, so we found our foodbank demand more than doubled during the first week of lockdown. There was of course the issue of general food shortages, which impacted us.

We rely almost exclusively on the donations of the general public, many older, so when the national message is ‘stay home and get your food delivered’ (impossible I know!) our food donations were likely to be hugely reduced.

Amazingly, whilst we did see a dip, it very soon it started to rise again.

We next needed to respond to becoming a delivery-only service, dropping food to customers, so we recruited some brilliant car drivers who have been cheerfully and reliably making the weekly deliveries. And, just so you know, recipients are very grateful. We talk to most customers before their delivery each week to let them know when we are bringing food and to see how they are doing. They are so grateful. A week does not go by without one or two calling us back later in the day to say thank you. They are

usually in tears at the generous, well chosen food they have received. It is such a privilege to help.

Things are a little quieter now. We are feeding probably only slightly more now than we would usually be doing for this time of year. However, we can’t be complacent, as we know the impact of the past few months will inevitably be far reaching.

Job security and mental health will be affected for a long while to come: both factors which often lead to the need of the services of a foodbank.

We would like to thank and celebrate some of those who have made running our foodbank for the past three months easier and often a joy.

In no particular order, but appreciated with all our hearts: Every person who risked coming to us with food donations and thought of others’ greater needs when they were doing their lockdown shop.

The community groups who club together and bring bags and bags of shopping – after carefully perusing our shopping list.

The couple who brought in a delicious and beautifullywrapped homemade malt loaf for the team. It was lush, and we felt so valued.

The local shop owners who brought us their stock when they had to close their doors: Jasons Trading Post, TK Maxx and Homesense (for the most random but exciting mix of food stuff we would have only ever bought in our maddest retail moments – but we know some people must have felt it was such a treat to get outsized marshmallows and crazy biscuits), various pubs (we have enjoyed the Nobby’s Nuts), the guy from Cardiff who dropped us boxes of fresh fruit and veg and for the people who brought packs of frozen sausages and burgers before we went over to home delivery. Our thoughts are with

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• Between March 20 and May 29, foodbank usage increased by 230%.

• Resound fed 526 people (275 adults and 251 children) - the equivalent of at least 4,734 meals – over the same time.

• In the same period a year earlier Resound fed 204 people.

• Resound received 5,460kg of donations, up from 1,658kg in the same period in 2019. you, and for better times for you and your businesses.

Warburtons, who have always been amazing and even more so recently, with your generosity and lovely bread.

Sainsburys, who put out extra drop bins for donations and managed it so well.

All the local churches who keep on giving to us – Yes, the doors might be shut but the church is definitely open!

A special thanks for the person who unfailingly drops off two cans of beer every single week. One very special volunteer always goes above and beyond the call of duty and has been blessed by this kindness!! (Even if there is no football to watch while he is drinking them – you can’t have everything in a pandemic.)

At least two people who made the most beautiful and amazing cotton face masks and dropped them in the Sainsburys foodbank bin. All our team now have face coverings.

Avon and Somerset Police Federation who brought us 164

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Green and Blacks Easter eggs, donated via Cadburys and Gems at Work.

The many people who sent us cheques and cash towards the foodbank. We promise every penny will be used to benefit people in the local area.

All our volunteers – most of them have come in every Friday for months to help out.

We are missing our quarantined volunteers and send them all our love. We hope to see them all very soon.

The amazing provision of our Father God. Foodbank is linked with Resound church and many of the volunteers have a deep Christian faith. We have seen so many times how God has provided for us from perfect timing of wonderful new volunteers, to everything we could possibly need on a weekly basis.

Thanks to everyone for your support, love and human kindness. Sending you all our heartfelt best wishes for the coming months.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

20

July, 2020

n WALKING

Discovering our area on foot

Brandy Bottom Colliery

Looking across to Siston Court THE past months has seen us all having to suffer some tragic events throughout our community, and it has been a struggle for all of us: we give all our sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

This lockdown has also seen an increase in the number of residents who are starting to discover the walks in our local area, to bring mental relief, and have gained the benefit of exercise, fresh air, and discovering or re-discovering our flora and fauna.

There are 750 miles of public rights of way within South Gloucestershire and many are close to the Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield locality.

The Public Rights of Way department of South Glos Council is one the lesser known functions, but basically it acts as the controlling body of public footpaths by registering them, deciding through its committee of full-time staff and councillors (of which I am a member) on new applications, or route changes, and maintains them by working alongside local landowners and voluntary groups such as the Kingswood Ramblers.

Most of us are aware of the Open Spaces of Rodway Common and Pomphrey Hill, and these are well used by both dog walkers and pedestrians and have great views towards Lansdown.

Not so well-used are the two walks I recommend below, which both start close to the Bridge Inn at Shortwood, which itself is only

a short walking distance from Mangotsfield.

If driving there, please refrain if possible from parking in front of the cul de sac cottages. Park on the bridge itself, or there are plenty of spaces in Pomphrey Hill Car Park (remembering that gates are currently closed at 5pm!)

WALK 1 In front of the Bridge Inn in Shortwood, walk down the culde-sac of houses and at the end turn left into a lane and follow for 150 yards, and there is then an entrance into a public right of way which is followed over a number of waymarked edges of fields, one at an incline. Walk over and through stiles, with the Mangotsfield Golf Course on your right, and then through trees to take you into Overscourt Woods Nature Reserve, one of the hidden gems of our area, which has a multitude of walk deviations.

To our left, and not too far away, is the historical Siston Court. There are options to return to the start point or, by walking downhill to Webbs Heath, continuing the route through signposted footpaths in the Warmley Forest Park, all the way through to Warmley Station Café, which hopefully will be re-opening soon. A return can be made on the Bristol to Bath cycle route.

WALK 2 Again starting at the Bridge Inn, initially cross the main road to access the cycle path, but then

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Stile climb the steps on to a high ridge of land overlooking the ring road.

There are great views from the top, extending as far as the Severn bridges and in to Wales. Continue along the ridge and then descend steps to pick up the tarmacked track, which follows the old Dramway line, which is also used by horse riders and cyclists.

This is very flat, and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of wild deer, but unfortunately this is less than previous, due to the Lyde Green housing development.

Continue the walk to the former Brandy Bottom Coal Mine (check out their website), which is on Historic England's Heritage At Risk register and has a number of explanatory notice boards.

A return walk should be completed in well under two hours, but it is also possible to continue on towards Westerleigh and enjoy refreshments at the Acorn Café

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when open, although this involves some road walking as well.

A number of other walks that I enjoy are accessible from the Downend Voice area.

1 Frenchay Village Hall – Frenchay Village Snuff Mills – Vassals – Eastville Park & return 2. Conham Parking Area Hanham – following the River Avon – Chequers Pub – & return 3. Cold Ashton Church – Cotswold Way – NT Dyrham House (Café when open and remember to sign the Visitors Log Book in Dyrham Woods) & return 4. Tormarton – Cotswold Way – Dodington Park - the Dog Inn at Old Sodbury (for refreshments when open) & return Enjoy yourselves – and bring home any litter!

Councillor Michael Bell

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

21

n NEWS

Data security breaches at council

ONE person has been sacked and two others have left after three serious breaches of data security by staff at South Gloucestershire Council.

All three breaches by children’s services staff involved sensitive personal details and were reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), according to an annual report.

The “human error” breaches were among nearly 200 data security incidents at the council last year, which also saw staff lose an adoption letter in violation of data protection law.

In one breach, a letter containing a foster child’s address was “accidentally” disclosed to the birth mother, a council spokesperson said.

In another, a council officer disclosed to a father the identity of a neighbour who had reported concerns about his ability to look after his children.

In the third breach, sensitive personal data about a person was included in a report and sent to the mother of a child who was thought to be at risk from that person.

No disciplinary action was taken after the foster child’s address was disclosed because a council investigation found it was a “genuine one-off mistake due to a misunderstanding”, the spokesperson said.

But the council revoked the employment contract of the officer who revealed to a father the identity of his complainant, and the two officers responsible for the third breach left after procedures to manage their performance were started.

The three breaches were among 198 data security incidents at the council last year, according to its latest annual report on information, data and security.

About 80 per cent of the incidents were in the council’s Department for Children, Adults and Health, which, among many other things, is responsible for children’s and adults social care.

Deputy council leader Jon Hunt, who is also the cabinet member for children and young people, said the “vast majority” of the incidents were down to “human error” by “very busy” staff.

“It’s very simple errors that happen, and a lot of it is just typing the wrong email address in,” he told a cabinet meeting on June 8. “But they’re not usually significant data breaches and they’re very easily rectified.

“Also it’s, in terms of sending out information, having the address wrong or misspelling something on it.”

One hundred and fifty of the incidents involved personal data and were reported by the council rather than a third-party provider.

Of these, 66 were “minor” incidents where personal data was limited and/or contained and 81 were personal data breaches that were not serious enough to report to the ICO. The three serious breaches reported to the ICO were “likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of those whose data has been breached”, the report said.

“In all [three] cases the

ICO found that human error accounted for the disclosures and were satisfied with our recovery actions, processes and training.”

The report also revealed that a complaint was laid with the ICO after the council was unable to find an adoption document called a “Later in Life” letter.

Such letters give an adopted child an explanation of the circumstances that led to their adoption.

“The ICO found that we had not acted in line with our data protection obligations and therefore infringed the legislation,” the report said.

“However, they noted that we have put measures in place to ensure instances of this nature do not occur again.”

All local authorities must comply with data security obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

The ICO did not take any further action in the case but warned it “may help form part of our intelligence about the council” should “we continue to receive complaints of a similar nature”, according to the report.

It said staff were being asked to: • check the right information was being sent to the right person • take as little paperwork outside the office as possible and return it safely • redact documents properly • remain “constantly aware of who you are talking to” and ensure “inappropriate information” is not disclosed.

Cllr Hunt said social workers

have also been reminded about the importance of recording the correct postal address so that documents are not sent to the wrong household.

They are now physically delivering assessments rather than posting or emailing them “to avoid them going to the wrong people”, he said.

The number of data security incidents at the council has risen by 57 per cent in the last three years, from 126 in 2017/18 to 198 last year, according to the report.

The council has blamed the year-on-year rise on growing work pressures and greater staff awareness of the importance of data security.

“Analysis reflects that the data protection training has increased awareness and improved staff and member confidence in reporting actual or suspected incidents,” a spokesperson said.

“The majority of the incidents can be attributed to relatively simple mistakes impacting only a small number of data subjects, which may reflect the increased pressure staff are under as demand for services increase in certain areas.

“All information security incidents are fully investigated and reported, even if they do not result in a personal data breach.”

The spokesperson said the local authority told people their personal data had been wrongly disclosed on a “case by case basis” owing to the need to prioritise “the rights and welfare of the data subject”.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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22

July, 2020

n PETER'S VISION

We’re looking to the future

T

HE fact that I’m writing a blog again after a three month break is another welcome step towards normality. I trust that you & yours are all well. If you’ve suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one then I’m very sorry, and having lost our Dad Phil Turner just before the Covid outbreak took hold, I have sympathy with your loss.

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Moving forward as we all have to, at Turners Opticians we’re well into our new ways of working.

Our patient focussed eye care has continued throughout the crisis.

We’ve been taken on a journey we’re blessed to have survived and hope never to have to repeat again! The recent shutdown has given many of us time to reflect on what truly matters and what we can do to make a positive change for our families and friends.

We’re delighted to be able to welcome patients back to our practices by appointment. From an optical perspective we’re seeing more and more of you each week as we all work towards resuming normal service. For everyone’s safety and comfort we’re strictly following the guidelines for cleaning and sanitisation. We’re asking you to wear a face covering and telephone ahead to arrange a time to visit, so we can all practice physical distancing.

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While our MAXX collection gives you affordable style for glasses or sunglasses, the everyday luxury of our Tom Davies glasses continues to be a hit. As an experienced wearer of these frames myself, they’re my go to option for style and comfort. You

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

can experience these too, just telephone to book a frame styling consultation and our friendly team will be pleased to assist you.

When you come and see us you can expect the usual high standards of personal service and professional expertise you’re used to, from you local independent opticians. You & your loved ones are most welcome to telephone and arrange a time to come and see us for your eye care and new glasses.

To book an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

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

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

23

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Rebuilding the local economy

T

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

HESE are unprecedented times, but we are gradually moving out of lockdownand as we get on with our lives, it’s vital to start rebuilding our local economy that has been affected by the pandemic.

We do not know yet the scale of what we are facing, but it is clear that businesses will need support. The government has provided a number of support schemes for business – with over 2,800 businesses in South Gloucestershire taking advantage of the grants scheme.

My office has been ringing local firms making them aware of what support is available - and I will be planning future job fairs to help local people find work, though I am investigating how these might be able to be held safely or virtually online.

For those individuals shielding

or who are vulnerable, Southern Brooks charity has done a fantastic job working with South Gloucestershire Council to deliver the necessary support needed.

This will need to continue for some time, but I’m pleased that already several thousand local people have benefited either directly or indirectly from this support.

The National Lottery has also awarded more than £85,000 to community projects in our area, and has recently provided funding for the Kingsmeadow@ MadeForever community centre to help provide additional future support for those affected by the coronavirus - which investment I welcome and look forward to seeing how it helps those in need.

Thanks to everyone who responded to the consultation on Kingswood High Street – I

hope that the local feedback will help strengthen the bid for the government’s Future High Streets fund, and I will certainly be raising this at Westminster- the potential for the regeneration of the high street and the Whitfield tabernacle is a fantastic opportunity which must be seized.

Finally, some more good news is that work on major improvements to the Wraxall Road roundabout on the ring road is about to begin.

This £6million scheme will install extra lanes and traffic lights on what has been one of Kingswood’s most congested accident black spots- and is something I have been campaigning on for years. Once complete I hope that this will help regulate traffic flow better too.

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24

July, 2020

n NEWS

Socially-distanced VE Day celebrations RESIDENTS of two streets in Emersons Green organised a socially-distanced street party to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. People living in Johnson Road and Shackel Hendy Mews started a WhatsApp group at the start of lockdown to help share requests and offers for help among neighbours.

Resident Helen Buick said: “It has been a great way not only to support each other with practical needs but also just to get to know those who live nearby.

“For the VE Day celebrations we decided to have a street party where everyone could join in.

“Some had parties in their back garden and shared photos in our WhatsApp chat.

“Many had little tea parties in their front driveways and others wandered up and down the street, greeting people and making a point of stopping to chat and get to know one another.

“We had the blessing of an impromptu concert as Isla Moody sang some popular songs for those who gathered at a ‘safe distance’.

“We are now looking forward to having a bigger street party when lockdown is over. Our lives have changed in so many ways, but growing a sense of community and family among us has been a good outcome from otherwise difficult times.”

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

n CRAFT COLUMN

25 5. Machine stitch around the edge leaving a gap for turning and stuffing. Turn right side out.

Mini Rainbow Cushion With Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s

Well what a change of circumstances since our last article. We hope you have all kept safe and well during these exceptional times. What better way to symbolise this time than with a rainbow make, which can be scaled up or down and personalised with whatever message you would like.

6. Use your wadding to fill the cushion up and close the gap in the side seam using either fabric glue and pins to keep in place whilst drying, or a running stitch.

You will need: 2 pieces of fabric measuring 14cms x 14cms Circles of Red, yellow, orange and blue felt (all circles the same size) Fabric glue Sewing machine Wadding Sewing needle Sewing thread Thread for decoration Pencil

1. Take your red felt piece and cut into the circle slightly, then cut around the circle keeping the same distance from the edge. Repeat with the yellow circle, cutting even further from the edge, then the orange circle and finally the blue circle, so each circle is smaller than the one before.

2. Using fabric glue, glue the yellow circle to the red, the green to the yellow and the blue to the green and leave to dry.

7. Finally using fabric glue, glue one rainbow to the centre of your mini cushion and add words of your choice - first write lightly in pencil, then sew over the pencil lines with thread of your choice using a running stitch or backstitch. You now have a wonderful memento of these extraordinary times! Happy creating and see you next month for a very summery make.

3. Once dry, cut the circle in half to create two rainbows - one to keep and one to give away or use on another creation!

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26

July, 2020

n NEWS

Speeding drivers 'make my life a misery' A RESIDENT living close to the Avon Ring Road is considering moving because of the “unbearable” noise from speeding traffic.

Tim Hockey has lived in Fontwell Drive, yards from the stretch of the A4174 between the Bromley Heath and Wick Wick roundabouts, since 1993.

The volume of traffic and accompanying noise has increased steadily over the years – but Tim says the increasing number of cars and motorbikes speeding at well over the 50mph limit is making things much worse. He said: “It is quite common for motorcyclists to travel on this section at well over 100mph, which also means they make a lot more noise.

“At times that noise can become unbearable, especially when sitting in the garden, to the point that my wife and I are looking at the option of moving house.

“Near the end of the ring

Tim Hockey at a stretch of the A4174 he says is increasingly plagued by speeding drivers road towards the Downend roundabout is a space allocated for a speed van, but it is very rare to see one there, and I am sure motorists and motorcyclists are aware of that.”

Tim says the noise of speeding is worse when roads are relatively empty and the suspension of routine police speed camera patrols at the start of the coronavirus lockdown had

brought the problem to a head.

He said the road was used as a “race track” late at night, by motorcyclists in particular, adding: “The 50mph speed limit is a joke, as nobody seems to adhere to it.”

Tim believes permanent speed cameras on both sides of the ring road, along with a new surface to reduce traffic noise, were two possible solutions to

the problem and he has written to MP Chris Skidmore, who passed his concerns on to South Gloucestershire Council.

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of issues with speeding at this location and are working with the safety camera partnership group to monitor speeds with mobile cameras and target offenders.”

During the lockdown Avon and Somerset police took part in a national campaign to target drivers who were exploiting the quieter roads to speed.

A police spokesperson said that while the national campaign had mainly targeted sites where community speed watch schemes had been suspended, a return to normal operations meant that mobile cameras would be out on the ring road again.

Do you think there should be speed cameras on the ring road? Email news@ emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk with your views.

Mental health support spreads A SUPPORT network for men’s mental health is expanding to cover Emersons Green.

Talk Club, a talking and listening club for men to improve their mental fitness, was formed because suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Co-founder Ben Akers lost his childhood best friend, Steve Yates, to suicide in 2014 and Talk Club grew out of his efforts to work through his grief. It aims to get men to talk more openly about their thoughts, feelings, worries and day-to-day problems in a relaxed, informal and non-judgemental environment.

Ben said: “We want to help men to be mentally fit so they don’t get mentally ill. If we can encourage and enable men to look at their mental fitness the way they look after their physical fitness, the world will be a better place.”

Starting in April last year at the Bristol Beer Factory in Southville, organisers say Talk Club is currently the fastestgrowing men’s mental fitness movement in the UK, with 38 local groups nationally and internationally, as well as a growing online network of over 1,300 men.

The group has seen membership grow 30% since the coronavirus lockdown, as meet-ups have moved online.

Talk Club’s Ian Browne said support was being extended to the Emersons Green area as a South Gloucestershire group is formed, with all men over 18 encouraged to join.

To find out more visit www.wetalkclub.com online or join the Talk Club South Glos group on Facebook.

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020

27

n SPORT

Mangos need your help to survive MANGOTSFIELD United needs help from the community to ensure its survival.

The club has launched a crowdfunding campaign after the premature end to the football season and closure of its social club left it with no income form the start of lockdown.

The Southern League programme for the 2019-20 season was officially ended in mid-April, with no conclusion, no promotion or relegation, which means the season effectively didn’t happen.

The Mangos last played in mid-March, with nine games still to play, and like many other non-League clubs the

loss of income has left them in trouble financially.

Chairman Mike Richardson has twice appealed to the fans for donations to keep the club ticking over.

Speaking as a fundraiser on website JustGiving was launched in April, he said: "We need help or the very survival of the club is at stake. Hopefully friends, supporters and the wider community will realise the situation we're in.

"The club has had no income since early March, with no games, and now the social club has been closed, with no date for re-opening.

“We're the biggest non League club in Bristol and

now it's time for everyone to embrace it or lose it."

Updating the fans in May, he said: “It is essential that people do realise that the situation will deteriorate in the coming weeks without help.

“In the end, people have to decide if they want the club to survive, and there is only so much that Pete (Crowley, director of football) and myself can do.

“Pete has been preparing the pitch from his own money and that will have saved us £1,000s of pounds.

“Once furlough changes, then decisions will have to be made. I cannot see any sponsorship coming this season

and don't know where we go from there.

“Hopefully people will respond. Thank you all – stay safe.”

The crowdfunder had raised just under £3,300 as the Voice went to press and the club had also been boosted by a pitch funding award from the Football Foundation.

But at present no-one at the club knows when the new season will start, as they wait for the Southern League, FA and the government to make a decision on the return of grassroots football.

You can donate to the club at justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/danny-west-2

Find us on online at www.emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558

Trusted Trader

CARPENTRY

ELECTRICIANS

PHILIP PERKINS

Carpentry

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

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89

(Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen)

CALL FOR A QUOTE - NO JOB TOO SMALL 0117 9373941 OR 07788 115945

DECORATING SERVICES

SJM DECORATING Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured

Free Quotations

Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411

www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE

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

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

Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On-average Average cheaper than a skip.

On cheaper than aa skip.

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

General Carpenter/Kitchen Fitter

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

Based in Downend, Bristol

Call Nick on 0117 2872371

Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179 Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

0117 303 9000 GARDEN SERVICES

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

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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

HYPNOTHERAPY

IAN HUNT

Dip.H. S.S.O.H. https://ian-hypnotherapy.ueniweb.com/

Fully qualified and insured Clinical Hypnotherapist Treatment for: Anxiety • Smoking Cessation • Panic attacks • Obsessions (OCD) • Sleeping • Pain Control • Drug and Alcohol Difficulties • Phobias • Depression • Dealing with Cancer etc.

Email - ian.hypnotherapy@gmail.com Tel - 0795 7155 304

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2020 LOCKSMITHS

29

PLASTERING

Locksmiths

PLUMBING & HEATING

D E Price Plastering Ltd

H H (24HR) (All areas) H H

PLASTERING, RENDERING AND DAMP PROOFING SERVICES

07596184136

www.depriceplastering.com 07 899 098 929

H H Halo Locksmiths Ltd H H 149 REVIEWS

RATED 9.9/10

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE 56746

South Gloss Decorating Interior and Exterior

Affordable, Reliable, Professional

E-Mail: davebeauchamp@msn.com

* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES 0117 We are a highly qualified and insured Local Tree Surgery company, offering all * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS our aspects of garden and tree work...

TREE SURGERY 24 Hgency r * LEAD PIPES e ur Emqualified We are a highly Out and insured Local2Tree 4 HoenSurgery cy Call g r Some of the services we offer: e aspects of garden and tree work...

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957 5092

Facebook: www.facebook.com/southgloss

PAINTING & DECORATING

K C Decorating

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

PLUMBING

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages ur 4 Hoency Tanks,2Overflows rg Eme l Out Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc…

Cal OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

Painters & Decorators

Tel: 0117 956 9932 Mob: 07739 382 524

MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk

PLUMBING

Contact: Dave Beauchamp

Finance available

BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

PAINTING & DECORATING

Which trusted trader 10-year warranty

JJ PLUMBING

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

TEL: 07765 250816

Boiler installation, servicing and repairs

PLUMBING

PLUMBING & HEATING

OVEN CLEANING

Tel: 0117967626

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•Felling Site Clearance • Coppicing • TPO Orders ••Site Clearance • Bird & Bat Surveys • Coppicing • TPO Orders • Pruning • Lawn Management •• Felling Garden Clearance • Pruning • Lawn Management Hedge Trimming • Felling & Bat Surveys Trimming & Bat Surveys Some of• Bird the• Bird services we offer:•••Hedge Tree Reports • Stump Grinding •• Pruning Tree Planting • Tree Reports • Stump Grinding• Pruning ••Garden Garden Clearance • Lawn Management • Lawn Management Contact us Today for aClearance FREE NOClearance OBLIGAT • Site • Coppicing • TPO Orders ••Tree Planting • Tree Reports • Stump Grinding Tree Planting • Tree Reports • Stump Grinding Contact us •Today for aTrimming FREE NO O Hedge • Felling • Bird & Bat Surveys Contact us Today for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE us Today for a• FREE NOManagement OBLIGATION QUOTE • Garden Clearanc •Contact Pruning Lawn bristoltre 382 5463QUOTE - 07985 285157 br Contact us Today for a FREE 0117 NO OBLIGATION • twitter Tree Planting b • Tree find us on facebook and • Stump Grinding bristoltreedoc@gmail.com find-Reports us on facebook and twitter 382 5463 07985 285157 bristoltreedoc@gmail.com 0117 382 5463 - 07985 2851570117 bristoltreedoc@gmail.com ...and see our feedback ...andandsee our feedback bristoltreedoc@gmail.com find us on twitter - facebook 07985 285157 on facebook and twitter 0117 382 5463 bristoltreeservices.co.uk ...and see our feedback find us on facebook find bristoltreeservices.co.uk andussee twitter ...and our feedback Contact find us on facebook and twitter us Today for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

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Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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bristoltreeservic

Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13 Discover our small friendly classes, family approach to education, wrap-around care and our enviable success rate in delivering entry into first choice senior schools.

OPEN FOR TOURS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER Worried about the education your child may have missed due to lockdown?

Find out how we can help and how we could be the perfect fit for your family.

Throughout the summer we will be offering tours of the School and Nursery plus 1-2-1 video tours and calls with our Headmaster.

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

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION

Hidden heroes MANY heroes have emerged during Covid-19. Here we feature just a few of you who are helping make South Gloucestershire such a caring place to live in: Christine is a member of the council’s libraries staff team but she’s switched to distributing emergency food parcels rather than books. The food parcels are for local people who need to stay at home because they’re at greatest risk from the virus.

The Pucklechurch & Shortwood Good Neighbours’ Scheme is a voluntary group that has been working hard to support local people by completing small tasks like shopping. They have started a food bank in the village.

Paige is the founder of Mamas Bristol CIC, a support

3

Community partnerships

Pucklechurch Good Neighbours’ Scheme in a photograph taken before Covid-19 Paige

network for parents across South Gloucestershire and Bristol. When the pandemic started, all of the group’s normal activities and events had to stop. But since the end of March, the small team at Mamas Bristol CIC have distributed

Julie Close, Southern Brooks’ Chief Executive, describes how they are responding to Covid-19: “We quickly refocused our resources to respond to Covid-19. Working directly with the community, the council and the Clinical Commissioning Group, we’re providing practical support to people identified as vulnerable or high risk. Every day, we provide information and emotional support, arrange food parcel deliveries, prescription collections and referrals to Mutual Aid Groups and other local services.

Projects include supporting those most severely isolated by lockdown measures, perhaps as a result of digital exclusion or shielding requirements. From the outset, the priority has been to support and keep people safe. For example, as the guidance around shielding different groups within of our community changes we have adapted our offering to meet this.

Inevitably, services will change as volunteers return to work and a daily routine as lockdown eases but the impact of Covid-19 will be felt for weeks and months to come, if not longer. Our existing services will continue for as long as required, but new programmes are in development to respond to longer term needs.

The best support people can give is to follow social distancing and personal hygiene rules and guidance.”

approximately 3,500 hot meals to vulnerable people, families in need and keyworkers needing a helping hand. The organisation has also made available any leftover food and ingredients to those who have struggled to shop during lockdown.

THE superb response from volunteers and voluntary groups across the district during the Covid-19 crisis is heartening and inspiring.

The council is working in partnership with these groups which is helping it to respond effectively to those who need the most support, and to those who help.

Southern Brooks is an example of the excellent partnership working taking place. A lead voluntary sector partner, it is playing a key role, liaising between the council and the Mutual Aid Groups and volunteers in the district. Southern Brooks keeps in weekly contact with the groups.

Because it knows and understands what they offer, it is able to refer people for support. The council’s community aid web pages lists the support available.

Spotlight on volunteering Charlotte Lester, 35, from Patchway, volunteers for two hours a week with a FareShare Project run by Southern Brooks from the Brooks Café at the Coniston Community Centre.

FareShare redistributes surplus food to charities to turn into meals. Charlotte puts together food parcels that are then delivered to vulnerable people in the district. She says: “I started volunteering with the project in April as I want to help people and be useful. I enjoy it – I used to work away from home and didn’t really know my area but, because of volunteering, I feel much more connected to my community. I’ve met loads of great people, always socially distancing of course! I’d encourage other people to give it a go.”

If you've been inspired by how communities have pulled together during this crisis and want to find out how to volunteer, or need help yourself, call Southern Brooks on 0333 5774666 or visit https://southernbrooks.org.uk/ or call CVS South Gloucestershire 01454 865205 or visit https://www.cvs-sg.org.uk/ volunteer-centres/.

How to get help and support If you’re not online, call the South Gloucestershire Council freephone helpline 0800 953 7778. We can also send printed weekly updates out to you.

Or if you’re online, email your questions to CustomerCare@southglos.gov.uk Coronavirus help and information hub www.southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest news & updates follow us on:

 Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloscouncil  Twitter @sgloscouncil To contact South Gloucestershire Council, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/contact or call 01454 868009 Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 See our website for: • updates on council services • sign up to our weekly email updates • financial support for residents and businesses • South Glos Community aid hub – where you can get help from local voluntary groups • a wide range of other support services and information such as: • free educational resources • mental health tips and advice and much more.

Supporting people who aren’t online Richard* received the recent letter from the council about support for people who are shielding from coronavirus. He phoned us to find out what it’s all about. He didn’t remember receiving an earlier letter from the NHS advising him to shield and apply for support. He wouldn’t have known how to apply online. The council offered to apply on his behalf and he was surprised and grateful for the help. He is now receiving his free food *Name changed and stock image used for confidentiality parcel from the government every week.

www.southglos.gov.uk