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March, 2022 Edition — Issue 62
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022 -2023 budget. At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life. It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network. This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year - 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.
Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: • Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance • Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million • A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library • Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year– the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year • Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays - a
lifeline for some families • Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.
Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see page 2). In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.
Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike. The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.
Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives
View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage
Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate WELCOME - We’re very pleased to partner again with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund. We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too - spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies. I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.
such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district. In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for
nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits. Continued on next page
2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
BUDGET CONTINUED
A new jubilee park A brand-new park in Cadbury Heath will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and provide a green space for everyone to enjoy. The council is spending £500,000 on this unique project to enhance an existing open space in the community. As well as new landscaping, paths and planting, the new park will focus on wildlife and biodiversity to enable residents to reconnect with nature.
Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.
Looking after our environment Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.
self-sufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy. Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com
Join in the spring clean
Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid. Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid singleuse plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment. More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become
Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April. If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team. They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit southglos.gov.uk/springclean
Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog
Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone. The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly. Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.” The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years. If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF
Financial help for you Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open. Find out more and apply online at www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on 01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.
emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022 Edition — Issue 62
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Bater’s back at Mangotsfield Utd Former Bristol Rovers player Phil Bater has returned to manage relegation-threatened Mangotsfield United. PAGE 33
Busy Bees Day Nursery
Micro pub plan for Lyde Green
Councillors Colin Hunt and Matt Palmer with Lyde Green parent Georgina Binks and children Lorissa, Stanley and Bruno outside the new school site in Honeysuckle Road
Plans have been unveiled for a micro pub, restaurant and three shops in Lyde Green near to the community centre and Sainsbury’s PAGE 7
PARENTS have spoken of their heartbreak and disappointment over the delay to the opening of a new secondary school for Lyde Green – after almost 200 families had applied for places to start in September. The new school in Honeysuckle Road, with a primary school next door, was given the green light a year ago and was originally due to open this September. But the timescale has steadily slipped back, with
Council tax on the rise
Dismay over school delay a temporary site for pupils to spend their first year announced last summer. Then, in late January, South Gloucestershire Council announced that the school would not open at all in September – and gave the parents of 197 children who had applied for places, including 60 who had made it first choice, just a few days to change their applications.
Average council tax bills in Emersons Green will top £2,000 this year - although people will get a £150 government rebate. PAGE 13
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March, 2022
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Is there another solution to easing your back pain other than taking harmful painkillers? going to the gym and expect to lose a
More and more people are accepting their back pain as a normal part of life, but Willow Chiropractic holds the key to you living a healthier, pain-free life. Pain can be frustrating, exhausting and upsetting. You might be missing out on the moments that matter; spending quality time with loved ones, a hobby you love, or playing with your children in the park. Some activities may seem almost impossible now, but you’ve accepted this as your normal and can’t imagine ever being back to feeling yourself. But this isn’t something that you have to accept. It’s just about taking that first step; deciding that you want to take back control over your life and not let your pain hold a power over you. Chiropractic has been proven to help with so many different types of pain. Using over 100 years’ of experience and an award-winning proven process, they have helped thousands of people like you get out of pain and live life to the fullest. It’s not just about getting you out of pain. That’s only the first step. It’s about enhancing and optimising your health and wellbeing, protecting your body now and for the future. Living the life, you deserve. When you’re in pain, that’s your bodies way of telling you it’s
struggling to cope. It can be a balancing act, but Willow can guide you on your journey. “We’re a little different here at Willow,” says Juliana Chattey (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Willow Chiropractic. “Yes, we can help with you back, knee, neck, and shoulder pain, but our goal is to help you achieve your goals and live a healthier life. I’m confident we can help you run a marathon or keep up with your grandchildren.” Age shouldn’t be used as an excuse either; “I’m getting old” doesn’t normalise your pain. “Society tells us that as we age, we must take a step back from what we love because we’re too ‘fragile’. It’s not true. Your quality of life can be the same, or you might even feel better than you did 10, 20, 30 years ago. You can still do what you love and enjoy. Don’t let anyone tell you differently,” says Dr Juliana. So yes, Willow Chiropractic can help you, but it takes dedication. 20 years of pain will not disappear after one or two treatments. “We want to be honest with you, chiropractic isn’t a quick fix. Healing takes time. You wouldn’t start
stone after the first session or be able to lift as much as someone who has been training for years. It takes commitment and patience like everything else in life,” says Dr Juliana. Mark, a patient at Willow commented, “for 12 years I have suffered with awful acid reflux, and, more recently, sciatica in my right arm and leg. It was affecting my day-to-day life massively. Now, after chiropractic care, the sciatica has disappeared completely, I am sleeping properly again, and I no longer need to rely on medication to cope with my acid reflux. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined such a significant difference in my health. It hasn’t been a quick fix, but is there ever one? The healing process needs time. I’m grateful I trusted my chiropractor and body.” In conjunction with the Emersons Voice, Willow Chiropractic is offering a discounted consultation where they will carry out a full examination and tell you exactly what they find. There is no obligation, all for £10. So, whether you have been suffering with your pain for a while, or it has started recently, call on 01275 380 048 today to start on your journey to a happier and healthier life.
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March, 2022
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Families’ dismay over new school delay From Page 3 The delay means children who started in reception at Lyde Green Primary School when it opened in 2015 will no longer get the chance to attend the secondary school, as it will not accept children in Year 8 or above when it finally opens. Parent Georgina Binks, whose daughter Lorissa is in Year 6 at Lyde Green Primary School, said: “It’s really disappointing – heartbreaking, really. “This decision has caused a lot of anxiety and stress, not only for us but my child. She was one of the first in when they built the primary and has never even experienced older children at school.” Georgina said the delay meant that when her sons reached secondary age they would either have to attend a different school to their sister or go out of the area. South Gloucestershire Emersons Green ward councillor Colin Hunt has been campaigning for a secondary school in the area for 20 years. He said: “I can wait another year, but it’s very frustrating for parents who applied and the school is needed now. We had it in place and suddenly, it’s dropped.” Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer has written an open letter to Education Secretary Nadim Zahawi and Lyde Green’s two MPs asking for answers over the delay. It has been signed by more than 400 people. He said: “These latest developments in the Lyde
Green Secondary School saga are damning. For the children and parents who had chosen Lyde Green Secondary this is devastating and life-changing news. “It has once again highlighted how Lyde Green is continuing to suffer through poor decisions at Government level. After six years and over 2,500 properties being built, the area is still without adequate secondary school provision. It is quite frankly disgusting.” The school is being built after being awarded £26m funding through the Government’s Free Schools Programme last year. The funding could only be awarded after a successful bid to the government from an education trust – and Lyde Green missed out when an earlier bid, which would have enabled the school to be open last year, was turned down in 2019. The council is not allowed to simply plan and build a school itself. Since the new secondary school was finally given approval it has suffered further setbacks, with both the original academy sponsor – SGS Academy Trust – and builder replaced last year. After Olympus Academy Trust, which runs Winterbourne Academy, took over, a plan to open the new school in temporary accommodation at Winterbourne was announced, with the children moving into the finished school in September 2023. But the council told parents “market conditions in the
construction industry” meant that the building would not be ready in time and the Regional Schools Commissioner had advised the opening should be deferred. Olympus Academy Trust chief executive Dave Baker said there were “anomalies” about the Lyde Green site that had made planning the new school more complicated, including the ‘Passivhaus’ low energy technology standards the council wanted it built to. Mr Baker told the Voice that in negotiations between the trust, council and Department for Education it became clear “relatively quickly” that the school would not be ready by 2023 and that the trust was now working towards opening the building in 2024, with 120 children starting in Year 7 at a segregated site in Winterbourne in 2023. In the meantime an extra 60 places for Year 7 pupils are being provided at Winterbourne this September, with another 60 extra funded at Downend. He said it would not have been possible to accommodate two full Lyde Green year groups at Winterbourne. The trust has already appointed a head teacher, Vic Boynton, who is working on plans for Lyde Green Secondary School, including visiting other new schools, feeder primaries and community groups. The primary school planned for the same site is also being delayed: Castle School Education Trust, which runs the existing primary and will run the
new one, faces adding more temporary classroom space to accommodate extra children next year. A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said a new opening date for the primary had yet to be confirmed. The spokesperson said: “We are committed to delivering the two new schools to help meet anticipated demand for school places in the area and are continuing to work hard with the office of the Regional Schools Commissioner, the DfE and both Olympus and CSET Academy Trusts to ensure this happens as soon as possible.” Asked about the short notice given to parents to resubmit their choices, the council said: “We are legally required to process applications for secondary school places and notify families of their allocations on March 1. “As soon as it became clear that agreement was not going to be possible to deliver on our hoped-for time-frame, we made the decision to contact parents and reopen the applications process for them. “We recognise the frustration and potential anxiety this has caused.” MPs Luke Hall and Chris Skidmore said they had met the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi “to secure assurances that the development of Lyde Green Secondary School will continue to receive support”. Mr Zahawi said: “There is no obstacle that we cannot overcome and we will continue to support this vital project for the Lyde Green community.”
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March, 2022
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Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169
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Journalist Ken McCormick 07715 770377 ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Tel: 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINES Our April edition deadline is March 16. LOCAL INFORMATION South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582
Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Emersons Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Emersons Green Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk.
COMPLAINTS
A MAN who stood trial accused of killing a South Gloucestershire man during a citizen’s arrest has been cleared of a manslaughter charge. Nathan Smith, aged 37, was found not guilty of the manslaughter of 43-year-old Craig Wiltshire by a jury, following a trial at Bristol Crown Court at the end of January. Avon and Somerset police said the charge related to an incident in which Mr Smith performed a citizen’s arrest in the early hours of November 20, 2019. The court heard he suspected Mr Wiltshire of being responsible for a number of vehicle crimes in the area where the incident happened, which cannot be identified for legal reasons. Police said Mr Wiltshire was forcibly detained until officers arrived at the scene and lost consciousness, suffering a cardio-respiratory arrest. He received emergency medical attention at the scene from police and an off-duty paramedic but never regained consciousness and died in the early hours of December 4 that year, in hospital. A police investigation led to the Crown Prosecution Service bringing the case to court, where the jury heard the citizen’s arrest and detention of Mr Wiltshire was lawful. They needed to decide if the
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Emersons Green Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
Craig Wiltshire force used by Mr Smith was “reasonable and proportionate” and police said the verdict indicted the jury believed the force was lawful. Detective Superintendent James Riccio said: “This has been an extremely complex and sensitive investigation. “Members of the jury have listened to all the evidence and concluded Mr Smith is not guilty of manslaughter. We respect and accept the jury’s verdict. “Mr Wiltshire’s family have been supported throughout by a specially trained liaison officer. “We recognise these legal proceedings will greatly impact the affected community and we would urge anyone with worries or concerns to speak to their Neighbourhood Policing Team.” Two other men, 51-year-old Michael Crooks and 27-year-old Ben Crooks, have both admitted a charge of common assault on Mr Wiltshire in connection with the same incident. They will be sentenced but the date had yet to be confirmed as the Voice went to print.
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Micro pub and shops plan for Lyde PLANS for a ‘micro pub’, restaurant and three new shops for Lyde Green have been unveiled. The development would be built on a site at the junction of Willowherb Road and Thistle Close, close to the community centre and Sainsbury’s store. The site already has planning permission for retail development but the latest application details what the new businesses would look like The application is being made on behalf of Lyde Green Retail Ltd, run by local businessman Darren Hawkins, by agents R & J Consultants Ltd. The agents said: “The houses surrounding the site are largely already built with a number of residents living nearby and pupils attending the primary school to the south east of the site. At present the residents are having to travel to undertake their local shopping requirements, owing to the lack
of shopping provision within the approved local centre, as originally envisaged in the outline permission. “The proposal will provide an important convenience facility, sustainably located to the benefit of existing and future residents within the wider urban extension. “The new restaurant building and the three retail units take their architectural design steer from the adjacent Sainsbury’s Local building style. “However, the new public house is designed with a more
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traditional ‘rustic’ appearance.” As the Voice went to print, 25 comments from the public had been received, with some supporting but others raising concerns. One resident said: “This is a fantastic idea and would make a great addition to the local community. Lyde Green lacks anywhere for local families to take their children for food and drink, certainly during the summer months. “The area has one shop on the entire site, so several retail units would not go a miss. This adds to
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the attractiveness of the area and as a local resident of Lyde Green I am looking forward to seeing this progress.” However others raised concerns about parking and traffic on Thistle Close, while objections were also raised over the loss of an oak tree and hedgerow on the site. One resident said: “I feel there will be issues with public urinating along Howsmoor and possible safety concerns for members of the public, due to the inadequate lighting in the area on darker nights and winter evenings. “I am concerned that people coming out of the pub into a dark lane could cause more concern for neighbours and add to any issues with anti social behaviour.” The plans can be viewed on the planning section of South Gloucestershire Council’s website by searching for application P21/08207/RM.
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n NEWS PUPILS from a Mangotsfield school learned how to spot dangers and what to do in an emergency in a variety of real-life situations on a school trip with a difference. Year 6 children from Barley Close Primary School visited Lifeskills, the safety charity based at the Create Centre in Smeaton Road, for a 90-minute guided tour of film set-style recreations with realistic props and special effects. The interactive sets give children the opportunity to find out about common hazards in a safe environment and handle risky day-to-day situations. Scenarios include crossing roads, visiting a beach, making emergency 999 calls, carrying out first aid and learning about the dangers of railway lines. Barley Close was one of the first schools to visit the attraction, which opened 22 years ago, and has been making regular returns ever since. The children joined in the celebrations for volunteer Judy Lee, from Westbury-onTrym, who was recognised
March, 2022
Children learn vital life skills
Barley Close Primary School pupils with volunteer Judy Lee outside the 'Lifeskills Co-op' at the Create Centre for completing over 1,000 volunteering sessions, having taught over 4,000 children. She said: "Although every group is different, the level of excitement and willingness to
take part is always the same. It's such a rewarding way to spend my time." The centre needs more volunteers to reduce its waiting list, and runs regular
hour-long ‘taster sessions’ for anyone interested in exploring volunteering with children. Centre manager Gemma Graville said: "Teaching children at this age and in such a practical way alerts them to the risks and consequences of everyday life. It’s a valuable element to their education which means that school visits are always in high demand. “We know what we do makes a difference and saves lives; one child helped his family escape a house fire, another prevented a gas explosion, and a boy knew how to make a 999 call to help his mother. None of this would be possible without volunteers like Judy.” Open during term-time, Lifeskills offers flexible volunteering, pays expenses, and provides full training and support. To find out more, call Dan Radford on 0117 922 4511 or email dan@lifeskills-bristol-org. uk.
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n ADVERTISING FEATURE
The chiropractic connection Headaches are not normal! However they are very common, but aren’t if your spine is in good health. We at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend specialise in the effective and safe treatment of headaches, from migraines to tension headaches. Over 10 million people in the UK suffer from headaches on a regular basis and for many people this is a daily occurrence. Often we are quick to take painkillers to reduce the headache when it happens and soldier on as best as possible, but never address the cause of the headache is in the first place. Thankfully Chiropractic has the answer! We’ve been helping patients with neck tension, headaches and migraines live pain-free for years. Research has discovered that most headaches are caused by damaged structures around the neck; joints, ligaments, muscles, and cervical discs, all of which
have lots of nerve endings. As chiropractors we are trained to find, examine, and correct these problems in the neck that cause these headaches. The most common forms of headaches are tension headaches, migraines, along with headaches from the side effects of medication.
Tension Headaches (Cervicogenic headaches) Tension headaches involve pain and discomfort of the neck, head, or scalp. It’s normally accompanied by muscle tension in these areas as well, which can lead to feeling like your head is in a vice.
Migraines Migraines are usually a severe headache at the front or side of the head. This is often felt as a throbbing pain. Other symptoms can be nausea, vomiting and
Matt Sutton increased sensitivity to light. Migraines are a very common condition affecting as many as 8.5 million people in the UK, with 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men being affected.
days off school and can happily play with his friends without pain! The angle we hold our heads at is a major trigger for these issues, such as when texting on our mobile phones, or reading propped up in bed. Another frequent cause is working at a computer with poor ergonomics, such as the screen being in the wrong position and long stints of screen time at work etc… Whatever the reason you’re experiencing these headaches, you should see a trained chiropractor to get to the cause. We are skilled in the detection headaches and their root causes, along with any serious problems masquerading as a headache. Headaches are not a normal part of life. Find the cause, fix the problem, enjoy life!
The Chiropractic Connection Headaches are often the result of muscle contraction or joint misalignment in the head and neck. These muscle contractions are commonly triggered by stress, anxiety, and poor posture. Which is why we see teenagers with these types of headaches. In fact our youngest patient with headaches to date is 9 years old! Thankfully he’s having far less
Talks run by Sutton Chiropractic CALL TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Headaches – how to live a pain free life Natural Immunity talk with local Kinesiologist Donna Holgate
Posture – It’s not age, see to it now and live a life full of bounce Women’s health Menstrual issues, pre & post pregnancy pelvis, year 1 of motherhood
Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk
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emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
n NEWS
11
Have your say on transport hubs idea PEOPLE are being asked for their views on travelling in and around Emersons Green, as part of plans to create "mobility hubs" bringing together different types of transport. The West of England Combined Authority, working with South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council, wants to create the hubs, which will "bring together different types of transport such as buses, e-scooters and e-bikes, and provide useful facilities and local information as well as providing a focal point for local communities". WECA is planning hubs at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, the Lyde Green Park & Ride and
St James Place, Mangotsfield. It wants people who use these locations already to give their views about how they travel and what kind of facilities and information they would like to see there, including seating, remote working spaces, exercise equipment, parcel lockers or even public art displays. An online survey was announced in late February and is running until March 6. It can be found at www. westofengland-ca.gov.uk/ mobility-hubs. The mobility hub trial is part of the Future Transport Zone scheme to "enable seamless carfree journeys" using technology with improved infrastructure.
Rogue scrap dealer fined AN illegal scrap merchant found with metal in the back of his van in Mangotsfield has been ordered to pay £1,500. Police stopped Gabriel Baloi's Ford Transit van during October last year. He told officers he had collected the scrap metal in the vehicle to take to a dealer in Birmingham. Police seized the van, which was not insured, and called in South Gloucestershire Council's Envirocrime team, who prosecuted him over the scrap metal. Baloi, aged 52, who lives in the Soho area of Birmingham, was charged with transporting the waste metal without a scrap metal dealer's licence or registered waste carrier's licence. He failed to show up at Bristol Magistrates Court, where he was found guilty of illegally transporting the scrap. He was sentenced in his absence and ordered to pay a fine of £1,000, plus £500 in costs. Police have crushed the van Baloi was using without insurance. Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be disposed of with no charge at the council’s Sort It centres in Mangotsfield, Yate, Little Stoke and Thornbury. Residents who see illegal fly tipping are being urged to report it by calling the council's StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or by visiting www. southglos.gov.uk/flytipping
Setting the record straight LAST month’s Emersons Green Voice carried a story on the planned new play area at Eagle Crescent in Pucklechurch, in which we reported that £99,597 was being given to Pucklechurch Parish Council to pay for upgrades. The parish council had already set a £60,000 budget for the project and since the article was published we have been informed that the higher figure, supplied to us on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet, was incorrect. We are happy to set the record straight.
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emersonsgreenvoice
12
March, 2022 March, 2022
n PETER'S VISION
Advanced eye care
EXQUISITE DESIGN SUPERB QUALITY 57 Henleaze Road
768 Fishponds Road
Bristol BS9 4JT
Bristol BS16 3UA
0117 962 2474
0117 965 4434
eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.
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I WAS reflecting this month that we’ve had our second practice for over 5 years. Has it always been a smooth road? Well honestly, no. But I’ve learnt a lot, enjoyed meeting many new patients and been humbled by the significant number of patients who have chosen to return to see us too! So as an Optician, what do we offer? Our primary offering is advanced eye care. How does this look? Well it starts with our ethos. We aim to make you, our patient, feel relaxed, informed and reassured following a visit to us for your eye care. How do we do this? We start by allowing enough time to listen to any vision concerns you may have and we carry out a good number of checks of your eyes and visual system. The latest addition to our clinical practice is a new, super sophisticated, instrument (it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the latest tech!) which lets us look into both the front and back of your eyes with more detail and clarity than ever before! Why are we so focussed on eye care? Simply it’s our passion, and the reason why we invest so much in our Optometry practices - for the benefits of our patients. Almost all of us rely on our eyes and vision for so, so many of the day to day aspects of our lives, it’s easy to take our sight for granted. We also firmly believe in preventative steps wherever needed, and regularly advise our patients on the best way to care for their eye health and vision to keep them seeing clearly far into the future too! There’s another reason to come and see us at Turner's Opticians this month. We’ve an amazing new range of frames to show you! I’ll say from the outset that this is probably the fastest I’ve ever stocked a new range of frames, such is my excitement at having viewed them. I will also say that I’m the proud owner of a set of Walter & Herbert frames myself! As you can see from the picture, I’ve changed from my chunky Ray-Bans to a new look for this year. Walter & Herbert have been designing and making glasses in the UK since the 1940’s. They bring an innovative and creative outlook, through which the family have honed and perfected not only the frame style & design, but also the exquisite quality of the finished frames. I’m super chuffed with the look and feel of mine too. I appreciate that how glasses feel may be an interesting thing for an Optometrist to say, but yes, the details matter, well to me anyway! When it comes to your eyes, we’d love to see you and for you to experience the advanced eye care we firmly believe you deserve. A visit to Turners Opticians gives you so much more than just a sight test. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses that both look and feel great too, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
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emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
13
n NEWS
Council tax up - but rebate softens blow AVERAGE council tax bills will top £2,000 this year. The total bill faced by a Band D tax payer, including charges for police, fire and other services, will pass the landmark figure in 2022-23 for areas covered by Emersons Green Town Council. But householders in council tax bands A-D – around 80% of taxpayers, will receive a one-off £150 rebate from the government this year as part of a package to mitigate the cost of living crisis. South Gloucestershire Council has raised its share of the bill by 2.99%, one per cent of which is reserved to pay for adult social care. The local authority’s element of the bill to a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45 on the current year, or 93p extra a week. Added to all bills are charges for policing and fire services, which are set independently by the region's police and crime panel and fire authority respectively.
Band D council tax bills 2022/23 Parish area Downend & Bromley Heath:
Parish budget
Parish special precept expenses
total council tax
£304,500
£65.98
£18.91
£2,061.70
Emersons Green:
£269,073
£39.99
£19.60
£2,036.40
Pucklechurch:
£87,026
£90.28
£22.98
£2,090.07
Unparished (Staple Hill & Mangotsfield):
n/a
n/a
£31.08
£2,007.89
Figures from South Gloucestershire Council This year the policing bill for a Band D taxpayer will rise by £10 – 4.1% per cent – to a total of £251.20. It is the maximum increase the government told police and crime commissioners they could ask for. The fire authority's charge of £77.95 is £1.52 more than last year, an increase of 1.99 per cent. The total paid by taxpayers
varies depending on the tax band their home is in and whether they live in a neighbourhood which is part of a parish or town council area. Emersons Green Town Council has increased its budget by 5% from £256,232 to £269,073 – its band D precept is up 40p to £39.99 and special expenses rise £1.86, to £19.60.
In Pucklechurch the parish council’s £87,026 tax revenue is up by 3.01% on last year’s total of £84,476. But the £90.28 precept charge to Band D tax payers is only £1.47, or 1.65%, higher than last year’s charge of £88.81, due to new homes being added to the tax base. The Band D special expenses charge is up by 36p, or 1.6%, to £22.98. In Downend the cheapest bill is £1,374.47 in Band A, rising to £4,123.40 for the most expensive Band H homes. The total Band D charge of £2,061.70 includes a £65.98 charge for Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council and £18.91 to cover ‘special expenses’ for local services provided by South Gloucestershire such as open spaces, halls and cemeteries not funded by the parish council. The Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Band D bill of £2,007.89 – up £39.43 from last year – includes special expenses of £31.08 but no parish council charge, as the area is not currently covered by one.
DRIVER (Part Time) Job Title: Driver Reports To: PROPS Centre Manager Internal Contacts: PROPS employees, PROPS Trainees, Trustees External Contacts: Parents/Carers Hours: 7.30am- 9.30am and/or 3pm-5pm Monday – Friday or any combination of days am or pm Hourly Rate: £9.50per/hour Date: Feb 2022 Key Purpose of Role: To work as part of the PROPS Team and be a driver for the PROPS Centre transport provision. Under the direction of the Centre Manager the Driver’s principal duties include: ● Operating one of the PROPS pick up and drop off routes, collecting service users from given locations and dropping them off at The Centre (mornings); collecting them from The Centre and dropping them back at the given points (afternoon). All journeys are unchaperoned. ● Ensuring that vehicle is kept clean and in good condition, including, but not restricted to: Keeping the vehicles clean and tidy inside and out. Regular visual inspection/checking of tyres, lights, oil, water, refuelling when needed. ● Ensuring that the Vehicle Defects sheets are completed, if required. ● Report any concerns to the Centre Manager. ● Adhere to all PROPS policies including Health & Safety guidelines for drivers ● Adhere to all guidelines and rules relating to PROPS risk assessment Transport. ● To liaise directly with parents/carers when necessary. Contact: Nicholas Trivett (Centre Manager) Tel: 0117 374 7813 email: nick@propsbristol.co.uk The post holder may be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safe guarding the welfare of our service users for who s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with PROPS Safeguarding Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of our service users while on transport or at the PROPS Centre s/he must report any concerns to the Safeguarding Officer or to the Centre Manager
To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169
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emersonsgreenvoice
14
March, 2022
n NEWS
New wardens aim to keep streets clean
A NEW team of wardens is helping to keep the streets of South Gloucestershire clean. Two street enforcement officers (SEOs) have been employed by the council as part of a £130,000 pilot scheme to target litterbugs and people who leave their dogs' mess on the pavement, encouraging people to either use bins or take their rubbish home. The SEOs are covering the whole district, and South Gloucestershire Council says it has introduced the role following overwhelming support in a public survey, which found 94 per cent of people backed a "proactive approach" to preventing littering and dog fouling. The pilot scheme was funded from the council’s 2020-21 budget and the authority says it is building on the success of the council’s Envirocrime team, which works to protect the environment by preventing and deterring littering.
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member Rachael Hunt with street enforcement officers Jim Bell and Michelle Britton in Kingswood High Street The council’s 2022-23 budget includes an extra £639,000 in the street cleaning teams who work to ensure communities are clean and attractive places to live and work. The SEOs have powers under the Environmental Protection Act to issue warning notices, and fines as a last resort. But a council spokesperson said: "Their emphasis is more on reminding people to be responsible rather than issuing
fines. "They will work closely with local police and council’s Streetcare teams as part of their role, preventing and reporting fly-posting and any abandoned vehicles they see while on patrol." Council cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said: “Our Street Enforcement Officers are already out and about in our towns and in rural areas, with patrols
covering parks, open spaces and some residential streets. "Their role is very much about education and encouraging a change into positive habits. "This is already having an impact, with High Street traders telling us town centres are already looking better, with less litter and cigarette ends being dropped. "Some traders have also been putting out bins and taking litter from customers who are now more conscious about littering since the introduction of the Street Enforcement Officers, so we’re already seeing local communities benefiting from their introduction." The SEOs wear black and green uniforms and have badges and cards to identify them – they also wear video cameras like those used by police officers. They first went on patrol in December and the council says it will evaluate their effectiveness over time.
Microsuction and irrigation (syringing) Ear Wax Removal Service
Ear Clear Bristol THE SOLUTION IS HEAR Call Sarah Hayward (Ear Wax Removal Specialist) on
07798608859 or visit
www.earclearbristol.co.uk 92 Westbourne Rd, Downend, BS16 6RF
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We offer you flexible hours of care for 2-4 year olds
Abacus Pre School are recruiting We are looking for Super awesome team members including a Deputy Manager and Assistants who have a level 3 or above qualification in Early Years. Please note a qualification is essential to apply. The position is term time only Monday to Friday 8.30am til 3.30pm allowing for a perfect work/home life balance. We have ofsted registered settings, based in Bradley Stoke, Mangotsfield and Stoke Gifford, all rated good or outstanding. We offer a competitive salary and a fun supportive team environment with opportunities for progression.
Applicants are encouraged to be: • fun loving, • happy go lucky, • ready to release your inner super hero • able to dance your way into the day rain or shine • enjoy four conversations and be your best self still • celebrate all achievements like you won gold at the Olympics • enjoy supporting regular hygiene skills • be an awesome team player. If this applies to you, and you would love to join our awesome team to deliver the curriculum in a fun, caring environment, we need you! We would love to hear from you. Please forward your cv to
enquiries@abacuspreschool.co.uk or give us a call on 01454 867285. Informal visits can be arranged.
Hours: 37 per week – options are available for flexible working and some remote working Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme Annual leave (in addition to statutory Bank Holidays): 24 plus one additional statutory day The application pack is available on the Town Council website (scan QR code): For further information please contact clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 27TH March 2022
Emersons Green Town Council Strategy – have your say! EGTC is currently in the process of preparing a long-term strategy to inform our future priorities and decision making. A key part of this process is to consult with a wide range of service users and stakeholders to establish thoughts and opinions. We are asking residents for your view on the services we provide, the standards to which they are provided, suggestions for improvements, and your aspirations for the future of our local area.
Emersons Green Town Council Strategy – have your say!
Please scan the QR code to complete the survey, or alternatively visit our website or Facebook page. The deadline for completion of the survey is midnight on Sunday 13th March.
EGTC is currently in the process of preparing a long-term strategy to inform our future priorities and decision making. A key part of this process is to consult with a wide range of service users and stakeholders to establish thoughts and opinions. We are asking residents for your view on the services we provide, the standards to which they are provided, suggestions for improvements, and your aspirations for the future of our local area. Please scan the QR code to complete the survey, or alternatively visit our website or Facebook page. The deadline for completion of the survey is midnight on Sunday 13th March.
AllTown TownCouncillors Councillorsare are availableforfor All available contact by contact by the public. Contact members of members the public.of Contact details can be found ourbe website, or by detailsoncan found on ourscanning website,the or QR by code toscanning the left. the QR code to the left.
All Town Council meetings are to members of the All Town Council meetings are open toopen members of the public public areTown heldCouncil at the Town offices Road. on and are heldand at the officesCouncil on Westerleigh Westerleigh Road. our website for meeting Please see our website forPlease meetingsee agendas. agendas.
Open Spaces Committee 7.00pm 1 March Open Spaces Committee 7.00pm 1 March Committee 10.30am 14 &14 28&March clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Planning Planning Committee 10.30am 28 March clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk / Full Full Council 7.00pm 10 March Tel: 0117 3026989 Council 7.00pm 10 March www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Finance Committee 7.00pm 24 March Finance Committee 7.00pm 24 March
Tel: 0117 3026989
JOIN OUR TEAM!
JOB VACANCY: TREASURER We currently have an opportunity to join the team at Emersons Green Village Hall. We are recruiting for a part-time Treasurer to provide accounting support to the Village Hall Trust. Working alongside the Board of Trustees, the role is part-time, requiring approximately 10 hours per month (variable). Part-time hours and salary to be agreed. The role is home- based but will also require attendance at evening Trustee/Management Committee meetings at the Village Hall. Duties will include: • Providing accurate, timely financial information.
• Administering accurate data entry and reporting. • Month end accounting. • Maintaining robust financial controls and managing risk. • Ensuring audit requirements are met. • Budgeting. • Attending Management Committee meetings. • Plus dealing with ad hoc management queries. For a full job description and application details please email secretary@egvh.org.uk The closing date for applications is Friday 4th March 2022
emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
17
n NEWS
Improving our wildlife habitats A NEW £1.26 million project to improve wildlife habitats and plant more than 6,000 new trees has been approved. South Gloucestershire Council’s four-year Common Connections scheme will involve a total of 88 sites from Lyde Green in the north to Willsbridge in the south, from Wick in the east to Kingswood and Staple Hill in the west. The council says it will involve “enhancements” to links between registered common land, unimproved grasslands, woodlands and nearby habitats. There will be extensive tree planting, wildflower sowing, pond creation and restoration, along with the reintroduction of animal grazing on parts of Siston Common. The project will also aim to raise awareness of conservation and biodiversity, and encourage people to visit the sites for their “health and well-being benefits”. Council leader Toby Savage said: “South Gloucestershire’s green spaces are some of our most beloved places in local communities and I’m delighted to see this excellent project given the go ahead. “We hope that by restoring natural habitats and better connecting the commons with other green spaces nearby, nature will be helped to thrive.
Council leader Toby Savage with Friends of Siston Common chair James Hackett “This enhanced infrastructure of betterconnected green spaces, managed in ways that support nature’s diversity of plants, insects and animals will also increase the area’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. “Visiting green spaces and contact with nature provides a huge boost to our health and well-being. To help people enjoy our green spaces, we will be improving some popular footpaths and site entrances, as well as providing more benches so that visitors
can rest and enjoy their experiences. “In some areas, residents will also be able to apply for free tree saplings, wildflower seeds and nesting boxes, to bring more nature into their gardens and help to ensure nearby green spaces are better connected.” Ten schools have signed up to participate in the project and learn about the importance of nature and biodiversity, create more spaces for nature in their grounds and contribute to nature conservation. Volunteer groups will also be taking part. Chair of the Friends of Siston Commons, James Hackett, said: “We are delighted with the news of the award and look forward to working with South Gloucestershire Council to deliver a project that helps to address biodiversity decline. “There’s plenty of work to do, so anyone wishing to join the group is sure of a warm welcome.” To take get inv9olved in the project, call 01454 868000 or email nature@southglos. gov.uk. The project is being funded by just under £1 million from the West of England Combined Authority, £125,000 from the council’s climate action plan budget and £135,000 in grants.
“We love to play and learn. Our teachers are really kind and nice.” Discover more at our next Scan to meet Theo & Elena To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169
Working Open Morning Friday 29th April 2022 Register at colstons.org Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk
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emersonsgreenvoice
18
March, 2022
n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Landmark village tree had to go IN our last article we commented on our Christmas tree, with its new lights and star. We certainly didn’t anticipate that a few days after taking the lights and star down, the tree would come down as well! It caused some adverse comment on local social media, which was disappointing and unfair. As renovation work started on Roy Preddy’s undertakers it was discovered that the tree was undermining the foundations of the building, so there was no option – it had to go. Preddy’s were as disappointed as anyone. However, all is not lost, there will be a tree in 2022: we already have a few ideas. We held our first “hour a month” or HAM on Saturday February 5. Eleven hardly souls armed with litter pickers attacked the hedges and undergrowth from Cossham Street to the Pomphrey Hill entrance. They filled at least 10 bags – a fantastic effort. We are happy to organise more litter picks, so if you know of an area in need of tidying up, please let us know. We have mentioned our desire to make more and better use of the Dame School on a number of occasions. Last month we met with South Glos Council to discuss having mains electricity
installed. It will make our Christmas Nativity so much easier to light and also allow us to run some small-scale events. Our next HAM on March 5 will focus on planters – it’s about time they were made and deployed. Help to make them would be very much appreciated: please let us know if you can. The next South Glos Council community engagement forum is on Tuesday March 22, at 7pm. It’s a great chance to have your say on local
AL M R O N S A OPEN National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme
issues and it would be great to see more of you there. More info can be found by searching for CEFs at the southglos.gov.uk website or direct at bit.ly/3GUeppY. Finally a few thoughts from Clive Heath, our Chair: "Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is around us. "It is a time of encouragement and hope, a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be. "This spring we can now have hope that things will continue to change and return to normal for us all. "But, not forgetting that there will always be those among us that may lack hope, we must encourage and support them. "Hope is being able to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. So let hope shine within you, let others see it, be a beacon for those who need it. Be encouraged, stay encouraged and encourage others." If you’d like to get involved or need any help, please get in touch at MangotsfieldRA@gmail. com, via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or call Clive on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Chris Amos
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Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk
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emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
19
n NEWS
Jubilee appeal for memories of Downend PEOPLE who remember the Downend area in the 1950s are being asked to share their memories. As plans are made to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee around the country, the Community History and Arts Project, or CHAP, is collecting memories and pictures from the 1950s, which will be shared with the community. The voluntary group has already set up a page dedicated to the 1950s on its website, at www.downendchap.org/Downend-1950s, and will add more pictures and words as they are collected. Helen Rana, from CHAP, said: "The idea is to reflect on what Downend and Emersons Green was like back then, and to get people thinking about and discussing changes for the better – or worse – since that decade." CHAP has put details of some key local and national events from the decade on the site, from the Queen's succession to the throne on February 6, 1952 to the Britannia air crash in Downend on November 6, 1957. Facts and figures form the decade are also being shared, such as the average price of a UK new-build house in 1950 - (£1,891 or around £65,224 in today’s money) - and the average salary (£10 a week, the equivalent of
The Crescent, Downend, in the 1950s. Picture from Bristol Archives
Mangotsfield Station. Picture courtesy of Bob and Anne Powell
£339 today). Anyone who would like to share memories of the 1950s for the project can contact CHAP by email at downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS. The group has asked anyone posting pictures and documents not to send originals but to use good-quality scans or photos instead, as items sent in cannot be returned. Anyone sending in pictures should include a description of who or what is in the pictures, the approximate date they were
taken and the name of the person who took the photograph. The group is also keen to receive written reminiscences without pictures, to gain insights into how local residents or visitors experienced life in the 1950s. CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation which aims to bring local history to life and help build an identity and sense of belonging for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past.
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emersonsgreenvoice
20
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
March, 2022
Budget will benefit communities
Chris Skidmore writes for
Emersons Green Voice
As the local MP, I welcome the approval of South Gloucestershire Council’s budget for the forthcoming financial year and believe it will be of significant benefit to the communities, residents and businesses across Kingswood. The council says it pursues robust financial management of taxpayers’ money and this is immediately apparent through its four-year balanced budget, increased investment in frontline services and below-inflation rise in council tax. Our local environment and communities will benefit from extra funding going into street cleansing and highway maintenance, including road resurfacing and filling potholes. There’s extra resource to accelerate work locally to address our changing climate, including helping biodiversity and nature recovery across various of our local green spaces.
Vulnerable children will be supported with £15m of extra funding, on top of over £12m extra investment into our schools. This is money for day-to-day support for children, but investment in new school buildings is also important. That’s why I recently organised a meeting with the Education Secretary along with my neighbouring MP colleague Luke Hall so we could stress the importance of the timely delivery of the new Lyde Green school and I will continue to campaign for this to be achieved for our community. The council is also extending its Youth Employment Hub to support local youngsters into employment and training and there is new investment into boosting child literacy through local libraries, including through our soon-to-beextended Emersons Green library. Support for our local economy and jobs comes through the unlocking of over £100million of new transport investment into
buses, cycling and walking. I am delighted that the council has begun a formal review into the future of car parking charges at the Kings Chase Shopping Centre following my campaign. And finally the country’s prestigious cycling event – the Tour of Britain – will come to South Gloucestershire this summer and will be an opportunity for us to showcase our area. For those residents struggling with the rising cost of living, it should come as reassuring news that the council has extended its Community Resilience Fund which makes grants available to households in need. You can apply online through the council’s website or call 01454 868009. Both I and my office team will continue to support residents needing any help and advice. Please email me at chris.skidmore. mp@parliament.uk or call 0117 908 1524.
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emersonsgreenvoice
22
March, 2022
n WHAT’S ON March 6 n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH pancake tea for local families, Emersons Green Village Hall, 4pm. Free event. The church meets on Sundays at the village hall at 10.30am. There is a children’s group and coffee is served after each service. March 16 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE OVER 50S FORUM event at Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close, from 2-4pm. Speaker: Toby Savage, leader of South Glos Council. Stalls from organisations including the police, public health and community transport providers. Open to anyone over the age of 50. For more Information contact Janice on 07426 862121. March & April events n SODBURY & DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY - The Club AGM will take place on 8th March. On 22nd March we will be joined by Sally Taylor who will demonstrate “Stepping into Spring”(visitors £5.00). If you are interested in learning to arrange flowers join us at our next Practice Class on 12th April when we will be arranging an asymmetrical design. We are a
friendly Club and are open to all abilities and ages, so come along and see us and find out more. Meetings take place every second and fourth Tuesday at The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, at 7.30pm. For further details contact Rosemary Cummins Tel: 0117 9373836
REGULAR EVENTS Every Week day n MATHS TUITION IN EMERSONS GREEN. AM/ PM week days. Years 1-11 (primary/secondary), GCSE, 11plus, problem solving. 1-1 and group sessions. Email numerikstutoring@ gmail.com, facebook.com/ NumeriksTutoring. Enhanced DBS. Safeguarding trained. FREE assessment. Monday n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY The pandemic has made us more mindful of our lives, what we miss and how we connect with others and nature. Come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20 Sept for the Person-
Film Characters Sunday 1st May 11.30 Monday 2nd May 10.30
Glassware Books
Preserves Jams
Jewellery
And More!
Cakes
Contact: info@pucklechurchscarecrow.gmail.com Gill on 01179 373262 facebook.com/PucklechurchScarecrowTrail facebook.com/StThomasaBecketPucklechurch Please keep your children safe throughout the trail. The Church cannot supervise at this event
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centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@ btinternet.com. n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.00-11.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875 n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. For more information ring Kath 07517 1297 Wednesday n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. We have also planned fund raising events and are looking for any one willing to give us ladies a hand. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805. n MANGO JAMS PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church. n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page. n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For more information call Joyce on 0117 956 8978. n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. You would receive a warm welcome by this happy choir who have at least three concerts a year whose repertoire includes items from Shows, Abba, Beattles and
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general popular songs. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881. n FRENCHAY PROBUS CLUB We meet at Frenchay Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. For further details contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk. Friday n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844) n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend. n RAINBOW TOTS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP meets at Emersons Green Village Hall every Friday morning in term time, from 10-11.30am. All welcome - for more info e-mail church.egbc@outlook.com Saturday n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Beginners very welcome. Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178. n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258. Sunday n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH is now up and running again, after Covid, at the Emersons Green Village Hall every Sunday at 10.30am. Do come along. It would be great to see you. We look forward to having our regulars back as well as many new people. n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www.badmintonroadmethodist. org.uk
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emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
n NEWS
23
Well-being Tuesday A PRIMARY school organised a ‘well-being Tuesday’ to teach children how to cope with anxiety, stress and worries, as well as how to relax and be healthy. Pucklechurch CE VC Primary School laid on sessions including physical activities, crafts and outdoor learning to support children’s mental and physical health and well-being. Head teacher Alex Capel said: “Each week the children have been excited to experience a new activity which allows them to develop their well-being and also have fun! “We know how important it is for children to develop skills to deal with stress, anxiety and difficult situations and have ensured that through a range of restorative practice, health and physical sessions and mindfulness that they are equipped to do this. “We want them to think about how to look after our bodies and our minds. “These are skills that help them throughout their lives.”
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emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
25
n LIBRARY NEWS
BTEA joins the Olympus Academy Trust BRISTOL Technology and Engineering Academy (BTEA) joined the Olympus Academy Trust in September 2021. We plan to merge BTEA with Abbeywood Community School and retain the specialist Engineering/STEM curriculum pathway for Years 10-13. Our purpose is to develop young people with the skills, qualities and qualifications necessary to progress successfully within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field in the local, regional and national employment market. Our Key stage 4 and Post 16 curriculum enables students to study specialist Engineering courses alongside GCSEs and A-levels. BTEA works closely with a range of local employers to develop Employer-Led Projects (ELPs) that enable our students to work alongside industry professionals and develop soughtafter employability skills and sector-specific work experience.
News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries Emersons Green Library’s Digital Champion is back and available to help to get you online, or improve your confidence using a computer, tablet or smartphone. For more details or to book a FREE appointment please ask staff or email emersonsgreen.library@ southglos.gov.uk. Downend Library will be re-opening on Monday 14th March. This follows the installation of an accessible public toilet which necessitated having to close for a few weeks. We will return to our usual staffed days – Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 10am – 5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm. Pre-School Rhyme Times also resume on Wednesdays at 9.30am.
== Staple Hill Library will be hosting another free Improving Your Wellbeing session on Thursday 24th March from 10.30am. So if would you like to improve your health and wellbeing, but not sure where to start or you want to be more active, eat better or manage your weight. Why not come to meet your local Wellbeing Coach for a friendly chat, get information, advice, 1 - 1 support and make a basic plan to help you start to make those change? More details and free booking – see https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ improving-your-wellbeing-staplehill-registration. Or phone 01454 868583. This session is run by Southern Brooks Community Partnerships on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council. Also all of our libraries have new photocopiers offering colour as well as black and white printing, A3 as well as A4 copying (only available during staffed hours).
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March, 2022
emersonsgreenvoice
27
n NEWS St Augustine's head teacher Mark Hilliam and members of the school council with the time capsule plaque
School's time capsule A PRIMARY school has buried a time capsule to teach the children of the future about school life now. A plaque at St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in Downend marks the spot where the capsule, which contains items including a globe, a school tie and a face mask, was buried as part of the school's 50th anniversary celebrations, with the intention of digging it up in 50 years’ time. Head teacher Mark Hilliam said: "Every class considered their object really carefully. "It will be a wonderful taste of what school life was like in 2021, looking back to St Augustine’s during the covid pandemic. "With this marvellous new plaque they will know where to dig!”
Singers wanted to join in 800th birthday celebration SINGERS are wanted for a choir that will perform in a celebration of the 800th anniversary of St James Church in Mangotsfield. The choir is set to perform at the closing concert for this year's Ham Farm Festival on July 31. Festival organiser Emily Correa is linking with the church for the performance of Misa Criolla, a 20-minute mass by Argentinian composer Ariel Ramirez, with a professional soloist, conductor and ensemble. Emily is looking for between 40 and 60 singers who can commit to ten rehearsals, either in Mangotsfield or central Bristol, between May and the festival performance. No previous choir experience is necessary but members will contribute towards the cost of the coach teaching them the music. Last year saw the first ever staging of the Ham Farm Festival, in a half-acre private garden off Emersons Green Lane. It is the creation of Emily and husband Francisco, who are both professional musicians. The choir's concert will take place at St James Church on July 31 from 5-6pm. Emily, a flautist and mezzo soprano singer who teaches the flute at Downend School, said: "It just seemed like the perfect opportunity to team up with our local church and involve even more of the local community in our festival." To take part in the choir email hamfarmfestival@gmail.com. For more information on the festival visit www. hamfarmfestival.com.
0117 956 2834
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emersonsgreenvoice
28
March, 2022
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Cost of living crisis needs urgent action
T
HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the number
of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so cut their bills.
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What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.
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emersonsgreenvoice
March, 2022
29
n GAMING
Games that teach history lessons Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie looks at the educational value of video games AS technology has advanced, so too has our ability to digitally capture moments in history. Often there is a misconception that video games are only good for downtime and playing within fictional boundaries. However, when creating my dissertation for my university degree, I found that there was a clear correlation between history and video games which had been ignored all this time. The potential was there, and examples of this succeeding existed already. One of the best examples is Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tour, which prides itself on being like an interactive museum tour, allowing the player to tackle the period however they like. You can stay with the digital tour group and take the information on that way, or you can divert and go explore the pyramids of Egypt or the Colosseum of Rome by yourself, rewarding inquisitive minds! The tour was a revolutionary leap, allowing the player to have a narrated tour around the
game’s materials and elements as well as the history it is based on. While one can’t deny that this franchise has its moments with stretching the truth and exaggerating plot points, especially in its base games, the Origins Discovery Tour was the first to excel in its educational value by giving players the choice of learning through simply playing through the game or taking it one step further. This is a digital museum in its rawest form, and has even been used in schools where teachers have taken on the game and allowed students to use it as a more interactive experience, leading to better student engagement. Another game which aimed to capture a specific period of history is Ghost of Tsushima, a PlayStation exclusive where the player takes up the mantle of a samurai warrior protecting the island of Tsushima from the first Mongolian invasion of Japan. The game aims to capture the history of 1274, when China and Korea had just been conquered, and Kublai Khan was set on conquering Japan. It gives an idea of what 13th century Japan was like, as well as the ways in which popular
culture history differs from traditional history. It’s goal wasn’t just to recreate 13th century Tsushima: it pays homage to the film style of the great Japanese director Akira Kurosawa and so develops another layer with the history of film, as well as elements of feudal Japan, striking a good balance between the two. Ghost of Tsushima appeals to gamers and historians alike, balancing historical accuracy and player experience, and shows video games’ value as an educational reimagining of history. Without a big presence of past events, historical fiction becomes regular fiction, and even the most engaging stories stand out poorly against dead backdrops. Have fun, digital historians! The final tip to take onboard would be to replace some video game sessions with different hobbies, ones which you deem more useful to your life, such as learning an instrument or even coding your own game. Through doing this, you’ll develop more skills than you would by only playing games. Who knows, you may even find your next passion!
Rediscover St Nick’s Market St Nicholas Markets, also known as “St Nick’s” is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old City. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, the historic indoor and outdoor markets house over 60 stalls, selling a range of unique gifts, quality crafts, clothing and fashion, accessories, books, records and food. Eat in or take away, it is a food lover’s paradise, with food and flavours from across the world. From shoe repairs to key cutting and knife sharpening, you’re sure to find a trader to fix anything that’s broken. Open Monday to Saturday, enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Old City.
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emersonsgreenvoice
30
March, 2022
n AROUND THE WIs
BEECHMERE BELLES WI IT was really lovely to meet up with everyone in January for our meeting. We had an interesting talk about muscular and skeletal health changes through a woman’s life and how we could help keep them in top shape with just a few simple changes. Our February meeting was a visit from East Bristol Auctions, who helped us to identify the best things to take to auction. The meeting on March 24 will be asking us to “take a moment of pause” - an introduction to mindfulness.
We meet every fourth Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, at Emersons Green Village Hall. As you can see, we have speakers, craft nights and demonstrations, along with a raffle - and all with a cuppa and obviously cake. You are very welcome to come along to our next meeting, to see if it’s for you. Beechmere Belles Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI
we had. On February 3, we met up with Chipping Sodbury Morning Ladies WI for our first league skittles match since before lockdown. I have to say a big thank-you to Coalpit Heath Cricket Club for opening their skittles alley and bar especially for us. To say we were all a bit rusty was a bit of an understatement - I think the balls were too small and the pins were too far apart! The result, after a recount, was a draw and after a play-off we won, which is the first time we have got through the first round since the beginning of time. Chipping Sodbury Ladies were lovely and we are hoping to meet up for a social morning with a game of skittles and lunch. At our February meeting, we welcomed a few new visitors from the village, who we hope will decide to join us as members. We were treated to a fascinating and hilarious talk from Dorothy
SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI A CATCH-up about our meetings so far in 2022. In January, we had a seated Zumba class with Philomena, which has become our annual event following overindulgence at Christmas and New Year. Even though it is seated, it is still a great workout and makes muscles burn that we didn’t know
Cook all about her true midwifery experiences over the last 40 years, both in the UK and abroad. I think we have to be thankful, as you cannot believe how different our maternity services are compared to some other countries in the world. This was followed with a cuppa and yummy cake, raffle and then News and Views. Our next meeting is on Thursday March 10 at 7.30 pm. We will be joined by Heavenly Hedgerows telling us all about foraging, which we can maybe put into practice later in the year. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the chapel or vestry in Shortwood and you are more than welcome to join us, so just pop along. If you would like more info or a chat please email me at millhousejoinery@aol.com, with the heading Shortwood Village WI. Lynne Miller
Volunteers needed
Foodbank helps 400 families
A BEAVER scouts group is looking for extra volunteers. Lyde Green Beavers have recently re-launched and the colony, which is for children aged from six to eight, is currently full. Now the group is looking for additional volunteer leaders, and parents or local residents, to help out. Anyone who thinks they could help should contact Simon Budd of Kingswood District Scouts by email at simondbudd@gmail.com or call 0776 520 1435.
THE Resound Foodbank helped around 400 families – more than 1,100 people in total – and gave out around 18 tonnes of food last year. The foodbank on Blackhorse Road, which is open on Fridays between 10am and noon and also has donation points at local shops, has published its latest 'shopping list' for the donations it needs in March. They include chicken in white sauce, tomato soup, tinned tomatoes, tinned mushrooms, macaroni cheese, meat or fish paste, 1 litre cartons of apple or orange juice, long life/UHT milk, female deodorant, shampoo and disposable razors. The foodbank does not need any pasta, bottles of fizzy drinks or water. For more information email resound@northbristol.foodbank. org.uk or call 0117 305 0969.
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March, 2022
emersonsgreenvoice
31
n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
We’re putting the fun into fundraising WE were delighted to host a quiz night at the community centre in February. We were more than happy to support the fundraising event for Dave’s Brain Fund. As you may have already read in the Voice, a local family are on a mission to raise funds of £150,000 to help Dave access vital medical treatment for brain cancer. There will be more events coming soon to keep fundraising and working towards the goal. The next event is Legends of Las Vegas, a “superb vocal tribute to the legends of the strip”, followed by a disco. Tickets can be purchased through Ticket Tailor or Lyde Green Community Centre and Association Facebook Page. All proceeds will go to Dave’s Brain Fund and donations to the Dave’s Brain Fund Just giving page are always highly appreciated: a massive thanks to everyone that has already
donated or bought tickets to the recent fun events. With all the upcoming events, we are always on the lookout for volunteers to help in and around the centre. If you would like to help out with any events or projects that we have coming up then please pop into the centre, give us a call us or visit us online to find out what we have going on. We have a huge variety of hirers using the community centre each day, from martial arts to tai chi, yoga to Pilates, football and netball, and a range of children’s activities made up of fun, educational and speech improvement. We are delighted to see Little and Bigger Pickles Market at the community centre - keep an eye out for the Sunday dates that they will be at the centre throughout the year. We continue to be on the lookout for a treasurer and secretary to join our board of trustees.
Kingswood Heritage Museum set to reopen
new season on April 2. The Lucas and Tizer factories in Kingswood will each have their own exhibition, as will the Ambassador cinema, which later became the Odeon cinema and Kingswood Bowling Centre. KINGSWOOD Heritage Museum Further exhibitions will spotlight will feature revamped permanent the areas of Cadbury Heath, displays and three new temporary Barrs Court, Longwell Green and exhibitions when it reopens for the Willsbridge. The first of this year’s programme of monthly talks will be held at the museum on April 13, starting at 7.30pm and is one of two telling the story of the Roman invasion, occupation and settlement of the area. The first talk will be provided by Stephen Bird MBE, the recently retired A display of Dalton Young products at head of heritage services for Bath & North East Somerset the Kingswood Heritage Museum.
Council, and will cover the early Roman military and invasion period, the laying out of roads and the establishment of civilian settlements. Admission costs £4, including
tea or coffee, and seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664. For more details about the museum visit www. kingswoodmuseum.org.uk.
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If you would like to join the team, then we would love to hear from you. Why not have a chat with one of our trustees to see what’s involved? Email Laura on laura@lydegreenca.org to arrange a time to talk. You can get in touch with us via Facebook, by email info@lydegreenca.org or by calling 0117 957 0410.
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32
n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE COLUMN MARCH is the time to think about sowing seeds, planting some veg and getting ready for the main explosion of spring. There are many jobs to get on with around the garden this month that will benefit all the wildlife and plants starting to emerge. If you have any pots or containers growing, you can think about dressing them with some compost and if you are brave enough to mow the lawn, remember the dried clippings would be good in a corner of the garden for slow worms to make a home - you may even get a queen bee arrive and make it their own. March is also noted as an important month to sow some wildflowers. We can announce that with the help of Sovereign Housing Association, we will be looking at purchasing and handing out packs of wildflower seeds to the residents of Lyde Green, alongside a factsheet of useful tips on how to sow and manage the wildflowers. We want everyone to get involved and sow some seeds this year, even if it is just in a window box or a couple of containers in the garden: this really can make a difference, so don’t forget to share your results with us online! There will be a drop-in event at the community centre on Saturday March 19 from 10am. We will be discussing all things Lyde,
Go wild in March the work we do and what we have in store for the future. This will also help Sovereign understand what they can do to help the community for future events, so if you have any ideas on how we can help make Lyde Green the best, pop along and say hello, bring your pots to take some soil away. March is also important, as some hibernating creatures may be waking up and, as we mention many times, our hedgehog friends may start to appear. Did you know there is a really big decline in hedgehogs? This is a real worry, for many reasons. We can announce that once again this year we will be holding a hedgehog information day at the Lyde Green Community Centre, from 10am-3pm on Saturday April 9. Our friends at Hedgehog Rescue will come along and tell you all you need to know about
our spiky neighbours. There will be all sorts of information and advice with some craft activities to keep yourselves and the younger ones busy: we hope to see you there! Thank you for all the ongoing support. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community; we will be getting in touch with volunteers soon to help with our summer projects, so keep your eyes peeled for more information. We are always on the lookout for volunteers so if you can help in any way, please send us a message on our Facebook page or email lgopenspace@gmail.com. Laurence Binks , Chair Lyde Green OpenSpace
Generation Care – Is it time for a change? Careers in care are diverse and rewarding With the recent challenges in the care sector behind us, now is the time to start building the next generation of care workers – our Generation Care. Working at St Monica Trust is about so much more than care. It’s having the opportunity to build your career and develop your skills, whilst delivering the best experience of aging to our wonderful residents. We’ll provide award-winning training and all the mentoring you’ll need to build a fulfilling and successful career.
For more information about the fantastic opportunities in care please email recruitment@stmonicatrust.org.uk or call 0117 949 4091. www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/jobs
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With dignity at the heart of all we do, you’ll be improving the lives of our residents by helping with day-to-day practical things like bathing, dressing, meal times and activities. In fact, you’ll be such an important part of their lives you’ll get to know them, their families and friends. And who knows what direction this could take you, nursing, management or towards head office support functions? Become Generation Care and start your amazing journey
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March, 2022
33
n SPORT PRESEASON plans are coming along well for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club. The adults have switched to Yate for indoor training on a Sunday afternoon. This was a difficult decision, as the club appreciated that club members had other sporting interests during the off season. Yate were able to offer a larger hall and an additional lane. The decision has paid off, with the numbers attending surpassing what has been achieved over previous winters. Indoor sessions will last until the end of March – hopefully the club will be able to then start using their outdoor nets. During a recent survey there was overwhelming support from the members to have a club coach and once the outdoor sessions commence, they will be coached by Damian Forder, from DFCA. Damian is an established coach and in high demand,
Coach appointed as cricket club gets set for new season having run his own business for nearly 20 years. It is hoped that his experience and coaching abilities will help the club to continue to move forward. The club are very grateful for his commitment over the course of the season. Damian will also be running his cricket academy at Pomphrey Hill on a Saturday morning during May, June and July. If you are interested in playing adult cricket for Carsons and Mangotsfield CC please contact iancoles7@sky.com or sambrayley69@gmail.com. The youth section continues to go from strength to strength.
With the resurrection of our mixed under-9s, and our girls teams continuing to build on their brilliant work of last summer, we can now cater for mixed/boys cricket from U9 to U19 and girls teams U9 to U13. Carsons and Mangotsfield are especially keen for more girls to come and join us, be they new to cricket or experienced players. As with all our youth teams they will find a supportive and fun environment where our focus is on development for all, from novice players to girls with aspirations of Gloucestershire representation. The club will again be delivering an ECB All Stars
programme this summer at Pomphrey Hill. Aimed at girls and boys who are 5 to 8 years old, it provides a fun format for children to experience cricket outside of school for the first time. More experienced or confident players may wish to join one of our teams direct; indoor training is underway and we will move outdoors in April. If your child is interested in joining us please email either carsonsandmangotsfieldgirls@ gmail.com or timravspurs@ outlook.com. Ian Coles
Phil Bater returns to manage Mangos THE biggest story of the last month from Cossham Street was the departure of manager Ray Johnston following the 3-0 defeat at Cinderford, which left Mangotsfield United in deep relegation trouble. He was quickly replaced by former boss Phil Bater, the ex-Bristol Rovers player, and his assistant, Neil Arndale. Both have previous Mangotsfield connections: Phil previously managed at Cossham Street from 2009-2012, during which time the club reached the FA Cup 4th qualifying round and the Southern League play-offs. Neil, also a former Bristol Rovers player, spent six years as a player at Mangotsfield, including the 2009-2010 FA Cup run, having been a previous captain of the club. Both men were in charge at Larkhall Athletic for several seasons, until last year. Mangotsfield, like many other clubs, have had matches affected by the weather in recent weeks. However, improved form by bottom club Barnstaple Town, with other relegationthreatened sides like Cinderford Town, Bideford and Slimbridge all picking up points, put the Mangos are back in the bottom two of the Pitching In Southern League Division One South
Phil Bater again, with the business end of the season soon to come. The Mangos had no game on January 15, as scheduled opponents Larkhall Athletic were on FA Trophy duty. The following week they drew 2-2 at home to mid-table Willand Rovers. Kye Simpson gave the Mangos an early lead, but the Devon side rallied and were ahead by half time. The Mangos recovered in the second half, with Joe Beardwell hitting the post with one fierce drive, but they deservedly levelled in stoppage time when Daniel McBeam fired home to secure a valuable point. A week later, however, the Mangos went down 3-0 away to promotion-chasing AFC Totton, watched by a near-600 home crowd. Spirits at Cossham Street were boosted by the welcome
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distraction of a Gloucestershire FA Trophy semi-final tie against neighbours Yate Town, and the Mangos battled well against their higher-level opponents from the Southern League Premier Division, holding the Bluebells to a goalless draw, but were beaten 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out. The following Saturday, however, brought things to a head, with a generally poor performance at relegation rivals Cinderford Town, which included an own goal by Josiah Dunstan and a red card for Luke Smith, following a dangerous challenge. The club announced Ray Johnson's departure several days later but with no game on February 12 and the home game v Highworth Town called off due to a waterlogged pitch on the 15th, the new managerial duo had to wait to start their bid to keep the club up. David Smale
Fixtures March 5 Barnstaple Town (Away) March 19 Frome Town (Home) March 26 Winchester City (Away)
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Glory for Gas Girls BRISTOL Rovers women’s team, the Gas Girls, have ended the season as champions. The team formed in 2019, had already progressed out of the Gloucestershire league. On February 13, a 4-0 victory saw them win the South West Regional Women’s Football League Division One, meaning that they will be promoted to the Region’s Premier Division. From there they will be aiming to progress to the National League South, the Championship and finally to the top flight. The original Bristol Rovers women’s team became Bristol Academy in 2005, then eventually became Bristol City Women.
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34
March, 2022
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Our local link with skeleton medals success in Beijing with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
The World Championship race with Jackie in the middle (gold) and Kim on the left (silver), Rahneva Mirela (Canada Bronze)
I
T’S a very long way from Mangotsfield to Beijing – but somehow the amazing Winter Olympic Games made it all seem a lot closer. I’d like to say right now that I’ve never before followed a blog with another one on the same subject, but events in faraway China meant this was too big a chance to miss! Please bear with me as I tell a dramatic story of sporting glory that features two of our Cleve Chiropractic patients. I left off the last blog with Australian Jackie Narracott and Kimberly Bos, from The Netherlands, approaching the final World Cup race of the season in St Moritz – the home of skeleton. Kimberly was holding first place in the table with Jackie in a respectable 17th. By the end of their two slides, Jackie had actually soared up the table to win gold – her first ever medal – and Kimberly weighed in with the silver, making it perfect preparation for the Beijing Games. Understandably, the Olympics
presents skeleton competitors with the toughest test of all. They face four slides in two days, a huge challenge of their mental toughness, courage and skill. I was so excited by the prospect that I woke up early to see the result of the first session that took place in the middle of the night UK time. I found that Jackie had kept her winning form going and was in first place with Kim well placed in 6th after a tricky first slide. There was not such good news for the GB team, who have become synonymous with skeleton in recent years. They ‘blew up’ and finished way down the order, citing problems with slow sleds. The irony here is that super-fast Jackie and Kim are on British-manufactured sleds made by former GB skeleton athlete Kristan Bromley, who is married to Olympic silver medallist Shelly Rudman. Kristan is Kim’s coach and is probably the best sled technician in the world – he adapts the sled to track conditions, sometimes before each slide.
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In the second race, Jackie went first and enjoyed a good run but was quickly overtaken by a supreme effort from young German star Hannah Neise. However, Kim had a good run to get up to fourth place, with Jackie second. We were left with the nervetingling final slide and an exciting end to a four-year dream of Olympic glory. One mistake and it would be all over – the pressure was immense. With the athletes competing in reverse order – the highest placed going last – Kim pulled out a really fast run to snatch top spot with three of her rivals still to go. Then a big mistake from German Tina Hermann left Kim still first with just the last two women remaining, which meant a guaranteed bronze. I was jumping up and down with excitement, much to the amusement of the kids. Jackie was next with me imploring her to make it down cleanly… the tension was unbearable as Dom Parsons, her
husband and coach, my friend and GB Olympic skeleton bronze medallist, shouted her off from the top. She took a couple of knocks on the way down… the commentator thought she had blown it... but no... she finished well to take first place – a guaranteed Olympic silver! By this time, I was jumping around and crying at the same time, with the kids wondering what the heck is going on. I had to explain that these were ‘happy tears’. To cap an emotion-charged day, the wonderful Hannah Neise shocked the world with an astonishing gold medal winning finale. But all I could think about was that Jackie and Kim, who are also best friends and our patients, would be on an Olympic podium together. It was such a shame that, because of Covid regulations in China, Cleve Chiropractic couldn't go to Beijing as part of the athletes’ support team. But I was in contact with Jackie, Kim, Dom and Kristan throughout and they know how much we love them. On a different subject entirely, I managed to get through ‘dry January’ and enjoyed my first beer again watching Bristol Bears thump Newcastle – a good day. And I promise the next blog won’t be about skeleton.
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March, 2022
emersonsgreenvoice
35
n SPORT
Tributes to a stalwart of Bristol boxing
DOWNEND Boxing Club is sad to report the passing of West Country boxing stalwart Jim ‘Jimmer’ Hill. Jim died in December after a long and brave fight with cancer. He was 74. He started boxing with the Bristol and District club in the 1960s, joined the Royal Navy team, then competed in Bristol after his service, becoming a favourite in tournaments throughout the West and Wales. Jim started the Bedminster Down club, had a 40-year association with Broad Plain boxing club and served as Western Counties mobile coach, building the early foundations of St George ABC and then Downend Boxing Club. The thousands of young people Jim supported include Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, who said: "Jim was a huge part of my life. "I wandered into the gym as a 13-year-old – a bit lost, wanting someone to push and guide me. I found that in Jim. "He was always giving. "I was privileged to be able to spend some time with him as he fought during those final days. "A special man." Jim was diagnosed seven years ago and even
‘Jimmer’ Hill though extremely unwell from his treatment, could be found supporting Parkinson’s sufferers at Broad Plain as part of the England Boxing and Parkinson’s UK programme, and was dedicated to his role as President of Western Counties ABA. Broad Plain Boys club director Dennis Stichcombe said: "I am proud and privileged to have had Jim as a friend by my side for such a long, long time and his family can be forever
proud of him for the thousands of young men that he has helped change their lives and make something of themselves." Former WBC world super middleweight champion Glenn Catley said Jim was a "truly great man, who guided, inspired, mentored, and delivered an education to so many". He said: "If I can make even half the impression on other people’s lives (for the better) as Jim has done in his time here on Earth, then I will leave this world a happy man." We were all Jimmer’s ‘Babbies’, as he called us, in a voice that couldn’t be more Bristolian, and has lifted and warmed my heart for the past 39 years. His bravery in the later stages of his illness was astounding. In the last four weeks of his life Jim drove himself to the Harry Crook Centre, the week after he was given a lift, the week after he was in a wheelchair, but he was determined to be there if it meant crawling on his hands and knees! A hard man with an amazing capacity to love, who taught us that to play the game is good, to win the game is better, to love the game is best. Craig Turner
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3
Improving our places
South Gloucestershire communities will see yet more exciting improvements and a boost to our local economy thanks to the new budget’s spending plans.
Regenerating Kingswood In a major step towards the regeneration of Kingswood’s town centre, the council completed a £10million acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park last year. Alongside the funding in place to pedestrianise Regent Street, and the restoration of the Whitfield Tabernacle, the acquisition will transform the town. Options for redevelopment of the Kings Chase centre include leisure, housing and community services to complement shopping. As part of these plans, the council is also looking at reviewing the parking charges. The acquisition, and other regeneration plans, are funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Following extensive public consultation last year, the council will be bringing a final masterplan for Kingswood before its Cabinet in March. Feedback from local people included the potential for new leisure centre facilities in the town centre. Others commented that the council should prioritise connecting the green and open spaces across the area.
Yate on the move Yate’s new £4.5million park and ride is now open. Located on Badminton Road, the facility is already helping to reduce traffic by providing attractive alternative travel options such as public transport, Cllr Steve Reade at the new park and ride cycling or car sharing. The park and ride is open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) and includes 198 parking spaces, cycle parking for 46 bicycles, and improved bus stops. The car park will also be available for rail users at Yate Station. Looking ahead, a new masterplan, which sets out the aspirations for developing Yate, could see around £600million invested in the town over the next 15 to 20 years. Produced with partners including the town council, local business and residents’ groups, the Town Improvement Masterplan for Yate’s vision sets out how organisations can work together to help the town change. During public consultation last summer on the draft vision, local people fed back that they wanted to see more investment in Yate and a modernised town. Their responses shaped the final masterplan which you can view on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/yatemasterplan
Helping Thornbury Thrive The council has secured a further £4.577million to progress its plans for Thornbury’s historic high street to create a welcoming destination. The scheme is also set to boost the town’s economy. The investment will create dedicated blue-badge parking, loading and drop off bays, stopping through-traffic, widened footways, increased cycle parking and new seating, planting and wayfinding along the much-loved high street. The next steps are for the council to complete a detailed design, taking on board views expressed so far by the community, and prepare the full business case. It will then engage again with local people and stakeholder groups. In further good news for the town, the council has bought the former Thornbury Hospital site with a focus on developing a much needed new health centre and at least 70 extra care homes. Demolition of the hospital buildings will start later this year. The council is working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to progress plans for the replacement health centre.
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be fully open by September this year, with metrobus services then commencing on the CPME route in spring 2023. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus
New bridge in place at Gipsy Patch Lane
Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.
4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee. The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.
Digital Champions here to help get online The council’s digital champions can help if you, or someone you know, needs help to get online or would like to learn more. The digital champions run free one-to-one support sessions to help you feel more confident using the internet and online services. Based in seven South Gloucestershire libraries Downend, Emersons Green, Hanham, Staple Hill, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate - digital champions can help you complete specific tasks such as applying for a blue badge, setting up an email account or learning how to make video calls. You can book a session and bring your own device along (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone), or use one of the library computers on the day. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12pm). With 12 libraries, a mobile library and many community libraries open throughout the week, the council is here to help. Find your nearest library at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries
Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services. To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter
Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on 01454 868009
Follow our social media channels at southglos.gov.uk/twitter southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call 01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk
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