Emersons Green Voice May 2023

Garden’s new beginning

600 turn out for Frenchay 10k

More than 600 runners took part in the 41st Frenchay 10k, including a big contingent from Emersons Green Running Club.

PAGE 56

Cast your vote at local elections

Children face long walk to school

MANY families in Lyde Green are facing a long walk to and from school with their four-year-olds from September.

The children have been offered places at Barley Close Primary School in Mangotsfield because Lyde Green Primary School is very over-subscribed for reception class places and there has been a delay in building a second primary school for the area.

Lyde Green Primary School received 142 applications for its 60 places. It offered 29 places to siblings of current pupils and 31 to children living within a quarter of a mile of the school. Now parents are organising a petition calling for a bus link to Barley Close, which has kept open a second class for the children. Full story: Page 3

Voters are going to the polls on May 4 to elect members of South Gloucestershire Council. Read our election round-up.

PAGES 7-11

Bungle over burger van

A burger van owner has lost her licence to operate at the science park in Emersons Green because of a council bungle.

PAGE 20

Active ageing

SUTTON

Chiropractic in

Downend specializes in keeping the whole family healthy, active and doing what they love. As such, active ageing is at the very core of our practice. We love to see people getting the most out of life, helping them to pursue their hobbies with passion at any age.

The key to active ageing is having your physical health in check, which is often overlooked until it’s too late. We love to help people get the most out of life at any age and helping you pursue hobbies and activities with passion.

So we’ve put together a guide for you to get the most out of life and not miss out on those precious moments with your friends, children or grandchildren.

Start with a good foundation

In an effort to get healthier our exercise levels increase, however many people develop injuries from this. The most common issue is when the spine, neck or pelvis are out of alignment and injuries start to develop. It’s not uncommon for these to spread to the knees, elbows and shoulders too. This is why the body must be assessed and helped back to proper alignment to ensure you keep healthy and active as time goes by. Matt often tells patients this is how we make people grandchild proof!

Choose activities you enjoy

This ensures keeping you healthy will be fun, making it

easier to stick at and get the benefits preserving your quality of life. If you’re a comfortable swimmer then make the pool part of your regular routine. Equally if you’re a keen walker or gardener prioritise these activities. It’s certainly horses for courses, so choose what gets you fired up.

Strong heart, joints and bones

Consider the level of impact the activity has on the body. We recommend low impact activities with two key caveats – make sure it gets you slightly out of breath and stresses your joints and bones moderately. Challenging your breathing will help preserve the heart and lung function and the physical stress on your frame will keep the joints strong reducing the chances of Osteoporosis. Activities like walking, swimming, Tai Chi are fantastic at achieving this, but see what works for you

with these caveats in mind. Remember, challenge the breathing and stress the joints and bones.

Maximise your time in nature

Science has shown that spending time in nature is fantastic for the body and mind. This can be a gentle lap of the park, walking in the Mendips or along the flat Strawberry line. A wonderful alternative if you’re not as good on your feet is to simply spend time in a garden tending to the pots and plants. Good for the soul and great for the body.

Time with others

Even the most introverted of us are still social animals at heart and loneliness most even more important especially in later life. Why not enhance and preserve your health with others at the same time?

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you get the most out of your years, we’d love to help. We want to provide you with a strong foundation for enjoying your hobbies and time with your loved ones for many years to come. Remember, its not just about aging, it’s about moving and having fun.

Matt Sutton

School keeps extra class for Lyde Green children

A PRIMARY school which had been due to close one of its reception classes this year has reversed the decision, to help accommodate children who have missed out on places in Lyde Green.

Barley Close Primary School in Mangotsfield has agreed to pause its decision to cut its annual admission number from 60 to 30 in September.

South Gloucestershire Council needs to accommodate 59 children across the district who have not been found a place at any of their families’ three choices of school this year.

Many of those children are from Lyde Green, which has a heavily-oversubscribed primary school.

A new primary school was originally scheduled to open in Honeysuckle Road last September, running in tandem with the existing school in Willowherb Road.

But work has yet to start on

the new site, also earmarked for a secondary school, so the growing population does not have enough places to serve it.

On primary school offer day in April, Lyde Green Primary School issued a statement saying it had received 142 applications for its 60 places.

The school said it had offered 29 places to siblings of current pupils and 31 to children whose families lived within a quarter of a mile of the school.

A total of 33 “refusals” had been made, to families who had not taken up an offer from a higher-preference school or withdrawn their application.

Many parents from Lyde Green were offered places at Barley Close last September.

But earlier that year the school had decided to reduce admissions from 60 to 30 from this year onwards, to cut its overall capacity in the long term from 420 to 210. At the time the decision was taken there were

Art installation wrecked

AN Art installation at the former Mangotsfield station has been destroyed in an arson attack.

The wooden framework was the centrepiece of the Mangotsfield Folly project, funded by Arts Council England and Emersons Green Town Council, working with transport charity Sustrans, which oversees the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

A mural was painted on the inside of the folly by artists Lucas Antics in June last year, to mark the launch of the project - but by that stage it had already been vandalised once.

Events have been held at the folly in the months since, most recently a dance performance called Blackened Diamond, inspired by Mangotsfield’s coal mining past, in late March.

The structure was wrecked overnight between April 21 and 22 when a moped was burnt out inside it, leaving it in a dangerous condition.

A resident of the nearby Siston Hill estate, who took pictures of the damage, said: “It’s a shame but not surprising to the many that regularly visit the station that this has happened. It’s baffling to understand the logic as to why the culprits have destroyed a shelter probably frequented by themselves to smoke weed and have a drink!”

Project manager Suzanne Heath said no further exhibitions or performances had been planned at the site.

She said: “We had discussed the possibility of doing a final goodbye event but I feel the fire has put the kibosh on that.”

Anyone with information about the fire should call police on 101.

289 pupils on the roll, an average of 41 in each year.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “Barley Close Primary School Governing Body had taken the decision to reduce its admission number to 30.

“However, they agreed to pause implementation of the change and offered up to 60 reception places for the academic year 2023-24 to ensure that there are sufficient primary school places available in the area.”

One parent has set up apetition calling for a school bus service to be set up for Lyde Green parents whose children have places at Barley Close.

In her petition on the change. org website, Kayley Cox said: “Barley Close primary is a 32-minute walk there and same to get back home, leading to a total of over two hours’ walk every day for the mums and dads who have to walk to Barley to drop their children to and from

school.

“This can be very difficult for a lot of parents, especially those with disabilities or children in different schools and don’t drive.”

She said a school bus would “greatly impact the lives” of parents getting their children to and from Barley Close.

The petition can be found at bit.ly/3NgqigV.

Overall, the council says more children have been offered places at their first-choice schools this year than last, despite more families applying. A total of 3,254 applications were made for places - 26 more than last year.

First preference offers were made to 2,991 or 92% of themup from 90% last year.

A further 159 children were offered a place at their family’s second-choice school while 31 were offered their third choice, the same as last year. 59 of pupils did not receive one of their three preferences.

Damage to the installation at Mangotsfield station

emersonsgreenvoice

Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

Bank quits Emersons Green

HALIFAX is set to close its branch in Emersons Green, after it says transactions at the bank fell by more than 80%.

The closure, on July 19, will complete the exit of major banking chains from the area, after HSBC left Downend in April.

A Halifax spokesperson said: “Visits to our Emersons Green branch have fallen over recent years, as many customers now choose to bank digitally.

“When the branch closes in July, customers can continue to bank in person with us at our Kingswood branch, or the local Post Office on Northcote Road.”

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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Ken McCormick 07715 770377

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LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

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general enquiries: 101

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General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999

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Safer Stronger team

sscg@southglos.gov.uk

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Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc

streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

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COMPLAINTS

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

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A member of the

The branch is one of 32 Halifax has announced plans to close this year. The company is part of the Lloyds banking group.

Halifax would not confirm how many accounts are based at the branch but says 88% of personal customers already use other ways of banking, such as over the phone or internet banking, as well as other branches.

The company said: “Branch transactions at the Emersons Green branch fell more than 83% between 2017 and 2022. The Post Office, which is less than two miles away at Northcote Road, Mangotsfield, offers personal and business customers everyday banking services, access to cash, paying in of cheques, and more.

“Customers can use any Halifax brand branch for their banking, alongside other options such as the Post Office, online, mobile and telephone banking. We’re contacting customers to let them know about the alternate local banking services available.”

The company did not confirm how many people worked at the branch but said: “All colleagues who work at this branch will move to a role at another branch or in another part of our business, there are no job losses as a result of these changes.”

When HSBC announced the closure of its Downend branch the bank said there had been a 65% drop in use of its branch network over the past five years, with the “vast majority” of branches closing seeing footfall drop by more than half. But the bank also released figures which showed that more than a third of its Downend customers rely on the branch for all of their banking.

Barclays closed its branch in Emersons Green in 2009, while Lloyds shut its branches in Staple Hill and Downend in 2019 and 2021, while NatWest quit Downend in 2015. Kingswood is also losing banks, with the Nationwide closing in April and Barclays due to shut in July.

Tournament tribute to boxer Jude

MORE than 250 people came to Mangotsfield School for a tournament held in memory of former pupil Jude Moore.

The Voice reported last month that Jude, 19 had died suddenly in Hertfordshire, where he was training with a view to turning professional, in March.

The teenager had been tipped to be a future world champion, and news of his passing, which police say followed a “medical episode”, left his family and friends devastated.

Jude, who grew up in Hillfields, Fishponds, had been a prefect at Mangotsfield School, and head teacher Hetty Blackmore said he “inspired others wherever he went”.

In April the school was the venue for a memorial tournament staged in his honour by Downend Boxing Club, where Jude had started his career.

Complete silence descended on the school’s sports hall as the sport’s Western Counties regional secretary, Mike Hemming, rang the traditional ten-bells salute, which has been rung at tournaments all across the country in Jude’s memory.

It was followed by a massive round of applause and emotional scenes, as those who attended sang along to The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’.

There was a great reception at the event for Jude’s brother Ethan, himself a former double National champion and junior European silver medallist, before 14 bouts and four skills contests were staged between Downend Boxing Club members and contenders from other clubs around the West of England and Wales.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and former WBC World super middleweight champion Glenn Catley, who boxed each other twice many years ago, were on hand to present the prizes and watched their sons, Caleb Rees and Riley Catley, both take wins.

Downend Boxing Club coach Craig Turner said: “Mangotsfield school were quite simply outstanding in supporting us to put the event together, and we are hugely grateful.

“We are just amazed by the support and generosity from the clubs of the Western Counties, Hoddesdon and County Wexford.”

Jude was a National Champion at Schools level in 2017, aged 14, while a pupil at Mangotsfield School, and Juniors in 2019.

He had represented England in European championships, boxed internationally, won a GB Three Nations championship and

was Western Counties champion five times representing Downend Boxing Club, based at the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds.

Jude’s funeral on April 12 at Bristol Cathedral was packed with those who knew and loved

him - friends, family and figures from the sport.

As a tribute to the title he never lived to contest, Craig ended a eulogy to Jude by announcing him as a world champion, with the congregation bursting into applause.

Jude’s brothers Ethan and Beau also took part, with Ethan telling moving and funny stories from their years growing up together and Beau reading a poem, The Boxer’s Prayer.

The tournament held in Jude’s honour at Mangotsfield School

Downend Boxing Club members outside Bristol Cathedral

Jude Moore after winning a national championship during his time at Mangotsfield School

Young boxers Archie Cross and Tommy Pring

n TURNERS VISION

Why do people complain about their varifocals?

Finding glasses that better your vision at all distances is challenging. Most settle for the headache of switching between glasses for different needs. This is expensive and a hassle - having multiple frames gives you one more thing to worry about losing/breaking.

Varifocal lenses, also known as multifocal lenses, are a great solution.

These top-of-the-range lenses are suitable for near, intermediate and distance vision, meaning you have one pair to see in different environments by having different lens zones. For example, the top 3rd of the lens will be designed to see objects further away, the middle for intermediate viewings, with a seamless transition to the bottom 3rd for near vision. You can see any distance by moving your eyes between these points on the lens.

Why do people complain about varifocals?

- Adapting your eyes to these lenses can be challenging. Some struggle with distorted vision when looking through the wrong section of the lens for their needs at that moment in time.

- It can take several weeks to adjust.

- Varifocal lenses can be more expensive.

- They can cause headaches and dizziness initially.

- When reading with varifocals, you must maintain an unnatural position, keeping your head straight and looking down through the near vision part of the lens.

While that might sound bleak, there are many benefits, which is why they are so popular with glasses wearers.

The benefits of varifocals

- Money-saving - you only need one pair of all-purpose glasses.

- They can help with eye conditions such as presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

- They’re customised to your eyesight, whether you choose Everyday Varifocal lenses for multi-distance viewing or Occupational Varifocal Lenses that are better tuned to your vision and the consistent environment you spend the most time in.

- There are no visible reading areas due to the graduated lenses

How to make varifocals work for you

There are a few tips I recommend to patients to help smooth the transition to varifocals:

- Keep changing your environment, this will get you used to looking through the different parts of the lenses. The more you do it, the quicker you’ll adapt.

- Talk to others who use varifocals, they can give you some tips on how they adjusted.

- Practice makes perfect - they may feel uncomfortable at first, but you will adjust. Carry a spare pair of your previous glasses in case of headaches and/or dizziness.

What

are my thoughts on Varifocals?

Whether you are short, medium or long-sighted, varifocals prioritise your vision across all distances. Personally, I like them a lot. They can take some adjusting, but their convenience is unmatched. We offer personalised lenses to fit your exact prescription. To book an appointment, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.

Peter Turner is an Independent Prescribing Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, with a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance, who also works as a Senior Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Control of council up for grabs

SOUTH Gloucestershire voters will decide the future political direction of the council when they go to the polls on Thursday, May 4.

The council's ruling Conservatives are defending 33 seats - an overall majority of five - after holding on to power when the party lost control of many nearby councils at the last elections in 2019.

The Liberal Democrats, the biggest opposition group going into the elections with 17 seats, are the only other party contesting all 61 seats up for election on the unitary authority, which has responsibility for public services including waste and recycling, school provision, road maintenance, housing and planning.

The Tories have run the council since 2007 and held an overall majority since 2015, while the Lib Dems last had one in 2003, with other parties holding the balance of power at times when no one party is in overall control.

The third largest party going into the elections is Labour, which is standing 43 candidates and defending 11 seats, while the Greens, who currently have no councillors, are standing 16 candidates.

There are six independent candidates, two from Reform UK, and one from the National Housing Party.

Whoever wins this time there will be a new council leader, after Toby Savage, who has led the ruling Tory cabinet since 2018, announced shortly before nominations closed that he was stepping down as a councillor, having recently become a father for the second time.

Labour leader Pat Rooney is also stepping down, announcing her retirement after 30 years on South Gloucestershire Council and predecessor Kingswood borough.

The Voice asked the four biggest parties in the election to sum up their manifesto pledges for readers.

Their responses are printed in order of their strength in the council chamber going into the election.

Conservative

THE Conservatives have a proven track record of delivering.

From record levels of investment in schools, multi-million pound road surfacing schemes, record breaking recycling rates and ensuring car parking remains free across South Glos, we have a proven record.

If re-elected, we will continue to prioritise the things that matter. We will ensure that new homes are built in the right places and that our precious environment is protected. We will continue to invest in our local road network to keep it in tip top condition and ensure attainment levels in schools remain high.

Labour

OUR community is brimming with potential, but years of Conservative control on South Gloucestershire Council are holding our people and places back.

Listening to residents, we will build a better South Gloucestershire together:

Housing: Enforcing planning laws so a third of all new housing developments are affordable. Working with landlords to make rental properties warmer and cheaper for tenants.

Transport: Increasing the Council’s financial contribution to bus services. Working with our Labour Metro Mayor to train more bus drivers.

NHS and social care: Campaigning for the promised Minor Injuries Unit at Cossham and community beds at Frenchay. Working with NHS partners on early mental health interventions.

We will continue to support our high streets and businesses by ensuring it remains free to park and will push the West of England Combined Authority for better public transport links.

We will also expand the soft plastic recycling scheme to further improve a recycling rate which is already one of the best in the country.

Liberal Democrats

WE face two huge challenges - the threat from Climate Change and the cost-of-living crisis.

Our priorities are : Tackling the Climate and Ecological emergency. Helping people insulate their homes, Cutting their carbon footprint and bills. Supporting innovation to build a greener economy.

Getting our area moving. We will work with communities and transport operators to deliver a joined-up transport system. Helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis. We will offer support and advice to people and businesses, to help them cut their bills and grow the local economy. Bringing back local decision making. Making sure your voices are heard and the issues that matter to you are tackled.

We will run South Gloucestershire Council in a completely different way - listening to and working with local people, residents, voluntary groups, Town and Parish Councils and other public authorities.

We can create a South Gloucestershire that works with everyone, for everyone.

Environment: Introducing a dedicated lead for Climate Change Action. Setting the highest standards for waste recovery and recycling. Ensuring major green spaces are accessible.

Childcare: Working with a future Labour government to build a modern childcare system that works for families and children.

Green

On 4th May, help South Gloucestershire follow our neighbours in Bristol by electing Green Party Councillors to our Council.

Our key priorities are:

Housing – balancing the needs of all residents in our local communities; supporting fair and affordable housing; and addressing the challenges of houses with multiple occupants.

Transport - reversing cuts to bus services; pushing for a bus franchise model; and continuing to oppose the development of further mega-roundabouts on the ring road. Local services - supporting local healthcare, schools, libraries and social care, and enhancing support to vulnerable communities.

Meaningful climate action - providing additional support for insulation for community buildings; enforcing the South Gloucestershire Council nature plan so that all developments protect biodiversity; and ensuring that the Council’s climate commitments are embedded throughout Council decision making.

Rivers – challenging water companies and Government to stop the dumping of raw sewage in our waterways.

Current Tory council leader Toby Savage is stepping down.

Ward profile: Emersons Green

THE Emersons Green ward includes far more than the area it is named after.

All of Emersons Green falls within its boundaries, but the ward also includes all of Lyde Green, plus parts of Downend and Mangotsfield.

Reaching to the M4 near the Wick Wick roundabout in the north and Badminton Road in the east, the ward includes roads either side of Blackhorse Lane, Westbourne Road and the Westerleigh Road end of Boscombe Crescent in Downend.

South of Westerleigh Road it includes streets leading off Blackhorse Road and the top of Windsor Place and Richmond Road in Mangotsfield, as well as Pomphrey Hill, Rodway Hill and roads leading off Rodway Hill Road, but the majority of residents live in either Emersons Green or Lyde Green.

In 2019 the ward returned three Conservative councillors, with Labour's leading candidate placed fourth, 268 votes behind the thirdplaced Tory.

The highest-placed Liberal Democrat was in seventh place, 264 voted behind the lowestranked Labour candidate.

The turnout was just 28%.

This year there are ten people standing for election to the three seats, as a Green Party candidate joins the three Tory, three Labour and three Lib Dem contenders.

The Voice invited all of the candidates in the election to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Katrina Al-Hassan (Lab)

Katrina as a mother of two boys who go to a local school has always had a strong interest in Lyde and Emersons Green. Katrina volunteers at an animal rescue in the area and is active on local social media

groups offering advice. To learn more about Katrina visit www. sadikalhassan.co.uk.

Sadik Al-Hassan (Lab)

An award winning pharmacist, Sadik served as Deputy Mayor for Emersons Green Town Council. He has been a local councillor for over five years, supporting work to help prevent antisocial behaviour, funding Police electric bikes, promoting youth services and support for residents who need financial help. Learn more at www.sadikalhassan. co.uk

Ron Hardie (Lab)

Ron Hardie joins the husband and wife team of Katrina and Sadik with a wealth of experience as a candidate. Ron was an aerospace engineer and has served as a parish councillor for four terms, and as a trustee of local groups. To learn more about the campaign visit www.sadikalhassan.co.uk

Siân Harris (Green)

I’ve lived in Emersons Green with my family since 1999. I do communications at University of Bristol and have been a volunteer youth worker for over 25 years. I was part of the campaign that challenged the ring road mega-roundabouts and want to work for a fairer, greener South Gloucestershire.

Colin Hunt (Con)

Colin is a former managing director and bus driver, and has been a district councillor since 1987. He has championed Emersons Green throughout and campaigned for community facilities and road improvements. He started the

campaign for a new secondary school over 20 years ago and it's now closer than ever.

Rachael Hunt (Con)

Mum-of-one Rachael has been a district councillor since 2015. She successfully campaigned to make the entrance to Lyde Green Sainsbury’s more accessible and delivered road safety measures around Lyde Green Community Centre. She has also led the drive to make South Gloucestershire’s recycling rates among the best in the country.

Alka Mehta-Graham (Con)

Alka sits on Emersons Green Town Council and has been a committed volunteer in the area for 23 years. She has been involved in organising events such as Picnic in the Park and helped people from Hong Kong settle in the area. She is a human resources consultant and mum-of-two.

Gabriela Miron (LD)

The Liberal Democrats have not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Laurence Walker (LD)

The Liberal Democrats have not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Susan Walker (LD)

The Liberal Democrats have not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

Grn: Green Party

Lab: Labour Party

LD: Liberal Democrats

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Ward profile: New Cheltenham

Matt works within health services, supporting the delivery of urgent medication. He has also been a Town Councillor for Emersons Green, where he initiated food bank collection points, ran a support group during the pandemic, and has been leading the campaign for new schools in Lyde Green, highlighting funding failures.

The Liberal Democrats have not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Gagan is an aircraft maintenance engineer and college lecturer in aeronautical engineering. Successful in campaigning for road repairs and new zebra crossing outside St Stephen’s Primary School, and is a father-of-two. Worked with Ian to secure the new Mangotsfield Sort-It Centre access road to help improve traffic around the centre.

NEW Cheltenham is one of South Gloucestershire’s smaller wards by area.

It includes all of the Siston Hill estate, which is on the eastern edge of the ward: Elizabeth Way is the furthest point east.

It also includes parts of Siston Common, roads off Station Road, Anchor Road and Bridge Road, and stretches west along Chiphouse Road and Sweets Road to a small section of Soundwell Road, near Kingswood Leisure Centre.

In 2019 Labour won both New Cheltenham seats in a close race with the Conservatives: the second-placed Labour candidate was only 16 votes ahead of the leading Tory in third, while the fifth-placed Liberal Democrat was 454 votes behind the fourth-placed Conservative, who had three times as many votes.

The turnout four years ago was just 27%, among the lowest in the district.

The Voice invited all of the candidates, via their parties, to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Ian Adams (Con)

on Siston Parish Council. Helped organise the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which raised around £5,000 for charities. Has successfully campaigned for a new access road to the Mangotsfield Sort It Centre.

Ruth Davis (LD)

The Liberal Democrats have not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Sandie Davis (Lab)

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate Lab: Labour Party

LD: Liberal Democrats

Ian is a project manager who was a Siston District councillor between 2011 and 2019, when he also sat

for New Cheltenham

Sandie

a foster carer and lead for education, with a special interest in SEND. She’s also on the Scrutiny Committee, holding the Conservatives to account. A governor at Soundwell Academy, which opened in 2021 and is going from strength to strength.

HEAD

is a current councillor

and is

Matt Palmer (Lab)

Richard Parkinson (LD)

Gagan Singh (Con)

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Ward profile: Boyd Valley

BOYD Valley is one of the biggest by area in South Gloucestershire. Stretching from the Avon Ring Road near Shortwood all the way to the Wiltshire border, it contains more than a dozen villages in all or part of ten parishes.

The biggest is Pucklechurch, but Boyd Valley also contains Shortwood, Siston, Westerleigh, Wick, Doynton and Dyrham, Tormarton and Marshfield, among others.

In 2019 the Conservatives won both seats, with the second-placed Tory candidate 318 votes ahead of the leading Liberal Democrat.

Labour stood a candidate four years ago who was a distant fifth, more than 500 votes behind the fourth-placed Lib Dem.

This time there is no Labour candidate but Reform UK, which was founded as the Brexit Party in 2018 and renamed in 2021, is standing a candidate.

The Voice invited all of the candidates, via their parties, to submit a short statement and

picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Andy Banwell Reform UK Reform UK have not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Editor of Pucklechurch News. She was Steve Webb’s constituency secretary for 16 years and is dedicated to public service and getting things done.

Valley Councillor, alongside Steve Reade, for the past 12 years. A former army officer, he runs his own business and lives with his family in Hinton. He believes in empowering the initiative of local residents and organisations to create a thriving South Gloucestershire.

Marilyn has lived in Pucklechurch for over 40 years during which time she has held various roles –including long stints as a Parish Councillor, District Councillor and

uPVC Windows, Doors, Conservatories

Steve Reade, married with two grown up daughters and two grandchildren. He has served the ward of Boyd Valley with Ben Stokes for 12+ years. Passionate about greenbelt, environment and heritage. Pastimes include community events, visiting heritage, collecting local history books and supporting my extended family.

Ben Stokes (Con)

Neil, a District Nurse, wants to see better access to health services and public transport across Boyd Valley. He seeks to restore pride in the area by addressing issues like potholes, run-down bus stops and fly tipping. Neil supports affordable housing balanced with the need to preserve the countryside.

Ben Stokes has been the Boyd

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

LD: Liberal Democrat

Ref: Reform UK

Marilyn Palmer (LD)

Steve Reade (Con)

Neil Willmott (LD)

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Elections already over for parish councillors

AS candidates in the South Gloucestershire Council elections prepare for polling day, most of those standing for the area’s parish councils have been elected already.

No elections will take place in 69 wards across the district - in some cases covering entire parishes - because not enough candidates came forward to make a vote necessary.

Those elected unopposed in the area include all candidates standing for Emersons Green Town Council and Siston Parish Council.

In fact, elections will only take place in 22 parish or town council wards - about one in four of the total across the district.

They include Pucklechurch Parish Council, where there are ten candidates running for the nine seats that represent the whole parish.

None of the candidates is running under a party label - they have all either not submitted a description or declared themselves as independents (Ind).

They are: Nathan Anscombe (Ind), Jonathan Bailey, Gail Boyle (Ind), Rick Dunning, Lynne English, Dean Freestone (Ind), Jayne Hawkins, Andy Hemmings, Mike Pibworth and Tina Symonds (Ind).

Only eight people have been nominated for the 16 seats on Emersons Green Town Council: all of them have been elected unopposed.

Three people - Simon Budd, who stood without a party label, Conservative Rachael Hunt, who is also a South Gloucestershire cabinet member, and independent Bobbie Sunderland - were elected in the seven-seat Emersons Green ward.

Two candidates - Conservative Colin Hunt and James Hunt, who stood without a party label, have been elected unopposed in Badminton ward, which had three seats.

Conservative Alka Mehta-Graham and Pat Morgan, running under the label ‘Retired NHS Worker’, were elected to two of the three Blackhorse ward seats.

Independent Dave Somers was the only person to stand in Pomphrey ward, which has three seats.

Siston Parish Council, which covers the Siston Hill estate, has filled six of its nine seats.

James Hackett, standing under the label

‘Friend of Siston Commons’, has been elected unopposed to the single Rural ward seat; Ros Mahoney, standing as a ‘Member of Friends of Siston Commons’, was the only person to be nominated for the three places in its Common ward.

Four of the five seats in the council’s Warmley ward have been filled, by Alan Bryant, Nathan Reed, Aled Rees (Ind) and Andrew Stacey.

Nominations are reopened for unfilled vacancies within 35 days of polling day on May 4.

Those already elected unopposed do not have to run again but there could be elections if more nominations are submitted in a ward than there are vacancies.

If seats still remain unfilled after nominations close again, parish councils have the power to appoint or ‘co-opt’ new members.

Polling takes place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 4, with counting getting underway immediately afterwards.

For the first time, all voters will need to bring formal photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport with them to the polling station or face being turned away.

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Families raise £15k for garden revamp

PARENTS teachers and pupils came together to raise more than £15,000 to regenerate a memorial garden at a Mangotsfield school.

Aimee’s Garden was created in 2009 as a memorial to a young pupil of Mangotsfield Primary School who passed away aged just five.

After more than a decade of use the garden needed attention and the school’s Parent Teacher Association took on the task of raising money to fund a project to transform it into a sensory garden for use as a calm area.

PTA secretary Nina Sharp said: “As a committee we regularly donate to the school throughout the year, for new book bags, breakfast during SATs week and leavers gifts.

“However we really wanted to fund a significant project that would benefit all children throughout the school, for years to come.

“We decided that this project was a perfect fit for our PTA and something that we felt passionate about creating.”

The PTA staged events including a summer fair, discos, film nights and quiz nights to raise the funds, and worked with a design company to create the new garden, with Elmwood Nursery and Iron Acton Garden Centre donating plants.

Nina said: “This space can be used by all

children as a safe and calm area.

“We wanted this project to have a link to the importance of young people’s well-being and mental health.

“We really feel that this space has given the children of Mangotsfield Primary School an environment to feel calm and reflective.

“We have incorporated a number of sensory aspects in this garden to help ground young people when they may feel overwhelmed. These include a multi textured footpath, a variety of different herbs, a tall bamboo corner and musical chimes.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of the school community and our friends and families.”

The school held an opening ceremony for the new garden in April.

School deputy head Sam Peplow said: “Aimee’s Garden is a space in our school that holds huge significance for our school community.

“We are grateful to our PTA for their fundraising in order to transform the garden into a space we are proud of and that reflects its importance to us.

“It has been wonderful seeing our learners engage with the area since its opening in April and we look forward to future learners sharing in our memory of Aimee.”

Refugee festival returns

A FESTIVAL to celebrate the cultures of people who have come to Bristol and South Gloucestershire as refugees - and bring them together with other residents - is returning to Page Park next month.

The free event on June 24 is part of the closing weekend of this year's Bristol Refugee Festival. It will feature music, dancing, activities and world food, including sweets from people who have moved to the area after having to leave their old lives in Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

Dancers from Columbia, who were a hit at the initial event last year, are expected to return and a cultural performance by refugees from Ukraine is being planned, via the Homes for Ukraine initiative.

The event will run from 11am to 5pm and is part of a weekend of celebrations, with another in Queen Square centre the next day.

Bean Tree Café owner Melody Beard is organising the Page Park event in coordination with South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network and dance and culture charity Movema.

Melody said: "It was a huge success last year and almost 1,000 people attended through the day. We've had a lot more requests to take part this year. We're working across every type of refugee population, to showcase the best from all of these cultures and make Staple Hill a place where people feel welcome."

The festival will include performances from people who have lived experience of being refugees, and aims to include people currently living in hotels while they wait to find somewhere permanent to live.

As well as free samples of sweets there will be food stalls and Chinese games, with more entertainments set to be announced nearer the event.

Aimee’s Garden at Mangotsfield Primary School

Conservatives vow to champion South Glos

The Conservatives will ensure that South Gloucestershire continues to see record-breaking successes in the years to come, if re-elected in May.

Keeping car parking free in all council-owned car parks, boosting record attainment levels in schools, ensuring South Glos remains among the top performing councils in the country for recycling and investing in the local road network are just some of the key priorities the Conservatives will seek to maintain over the next four years.

Since 2019, the Conservatives have worked in partnership to drive up education standards, meaning 90% of pupils in South Glos are now being taught in Good or Outstanding schools. They have invested tens of millions of pounds in education provision, including building new schools and refurbishing existing ones, alongside creating extra provision for children with additional learning needs.

The Conservatives have also supported households in achieving record recycling rates, putting South Glos among the best performing councils in the country. They have introduced an innovate new soft plastic recycling scheme from the kerbside, which they will seek to expand to the whole district.

They have delivered new public transport infrastructure, including new park and ride provision and MetroBus extensions, and invested in local high streets to boost the economy. They have also been at the forefront of campaigns to oppose the Labour WECA Mayor’s bus cuts and unsustainable housing targets that

would concrete over our Green Belt countryside.

And thanks to the Administration’s sound management of the Council’s finances year after year, 2023 will again see free parking remain in place in all Council-owned car parks across South Glos.

Cllr Toby Savage, Conservative

Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Our achievements over the past four years speak for themselves, and we are determined to work with residents, businesses and community groups to ensure these successes continue and to champion our area as a great place to live, work and visit.

Promoted by Stephen Bower, on behalf of South Gloucestershire Conservatives, of 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT.

Guides help children in hospital

MEMBERS of the 1st Pucklechurch Guides rallied round to help children who had to spend Easter in hospital.

The group collected a total of 46 Easter eggs after a request from Andrew Davies, who runs bloodbikes charity Freewheelers, for donations his team could distribute to children on the wards.

Group leader Ros Abbott said the guides had “responded magnificently” to the request.

The following week the girls were set a

National Award winners

different kind of challenge when a team from the Royal Navy set them the task of building two-metre tall towers as part of an evening exploring careers in the service.

The group then enjoyed a day trip to Cardiff with 1st Westerleigh Guides during the holidays, swimming and ice skating.

Ros said: “The journey involved three trains there, and another three for the return.

“Some had never travelled by train before so they certainly had a great experience.

“Our morning was spent in Cardiff splash pool with loads of curving water slides and fountains to enjoy. With energy to spare we walked across to the ice rink for the afternoon. Some found skating easy and were soon whizzing around, whilst others proceeded with caution keeping close to the barrier.”

For more information about Guides contact Ros on 07709 639846.

Building a tower

1: 1st Pucklechurch Guides with the eggs they donated

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Martin Lewis TV show on death and dementia

The financial expert Martin Lewis recently focussed his TV programme on the difficult issues of death and dementia that so many families avoid discussing.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM HIS PROGRAMME WERE:

1: All adults need an up to date Will (for when they die) to provide for those they love, and to save money spent on family disputes.

2: Having Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) is now even more important than having a Will.

3: The age for adults to set up LPAs is NOW!

LPAs need to be set up whilst you have mental capacity, and you don’t know what life will bring – LPAs

make sure your wishes are followed if you became seriously ill or injured and lost mental capacity. The alternative to LPAs was described as horrendously expensive, slow, and may still not give you the results you’d want.

4: The gold standard to aim for is a Will and LPAs prepared by a firm of solicitors. They may cost a little more, but you should take professional advice and they will make sure they are legally valid.

5: Also, a firm of solicitors will (as part of their service) help you avoid

other problems as they will check related documents such as property titles.

The programme is Episode 14 and is still available on ITVX – but everyone should take professional advice on their own individual circumstances.

A FREE (no obligation) Will and LPA review is offered to readers of the Voice by your local experts, Simpson Solicitors.

To book your free review pop into their Chipping Sodbury Office (opposite Coventry Building Society on the main high street) or call 01454 322 722.

Coronation parties in parks

EMERSONS Green Park is preparing to welcome hundreds of people for a Coronation celebration.

The town council has organised a Picnic in the Park event for the day of King Charles III’s Coronation, Saturday May 6, in partnership with Emersons Green Village Hall.

Starting at 11am, the picnic will last until 4pm, with activities and entertainment in the park, and food stalls by the village hall.

In the village hall itself there will be a big screen, with a crownmaking craft activity in the library next door.

The picnic area itself will be in the park, where there will be a marquee for musicians the Correa Andrews Ensemble and Bristol Pops Orchestra, the Sai Nandini Girish Boggaram Dancers and other performers.

Elsewhere in the park there will be bouncy castles, face painting, balloon modelling and ice cream.

The event is free - more details are available on the town council’s Facebook page and website.

The town council is advising people to arrive on foot if possible, as there is no parking at the site itself and nearby car parks are likely to be busy.

The following day, Page Park in Staple Hill will host a Coronation Big Lunch.

Bandstand performances start on the hour from 11am with Decanter, a new rock band from Yate who have recently released their first song ‘Slowcoach’ on Spotify.

There will then be a performances in a variety of musical styles, including Country from Chris Stanley and sea shanties from Storm Force 10, the Rock Choir - who will lead singing of the National Anthem and Land of Hope and Glory - One Too Many and BUSK, who take the final slot at the bandstand from 4-5pm.

There will be a variety of food stalls, and people who attend are also being invited to bring their own food and have a picnic.

But organisers have stressed that barbecues are not allowed in the park.

With a big crowd expected, they have also appealed to people to walk to the park if possible, and for anyone who has to drive to park well away from the roads around the park.

The free event is being funded by the Friends of Page Park, who have asked people who come along to give generously to the bucket collections which will be made on the day.

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Police told to improve by inspectors

INSPECTORS say Avon and Somerset police force “requires improvement” in investigating crimes including rape and serious sexual offences.

Half of all investigations carried out by the short-staffed force end up with no further action being taken, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said.

The force also needs to improve responding to the public and recording crime data.

The constabulary was graded as “adequate” in protecting vulnerable people and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, and “good” at treating the public with respect.

A 12-month review of Avon & Somerset Police was carried out by the inspectorate between 2021 and last year.

Inspectors said: “The constabulary’s capacity to conduct timely investigations into rape and other serious sexual offences is exceeded by the number of these offences.

"As a result, such crimes are often left without being allocated to an investigator for a period of time during which evidential opportunities could be lost — as could the confidence of the victim.

"The constabulary told us that, between April and June 2022, the number of such unallocated crimes varied between 125 and 48. Although these crimes are kept under review by supervisors and senior officers, they aren’t actually being actively investigated.”

Avon and Somerset Police has a dire shortage of detectives and investigators, the inspectors said. This means that half of all investigations considered for prosecution result in no further action being taken.

Another area needing improvement is recording data about crime. During the year covered by the inspection, the police force didn’t record an estimated 13,100 crimes, including 420 sexual offences. Particular crimes picked out by inspectors included rapes, crimes involving vulnerable victims, and anti-social behaviour.

They said: “The constabulary should improve its recording practices to make sure that rape crimes and reported incidents of rape are recorded correctly. Some unrecorded crimes were of a serious nature, such as controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assaults and other assaults.

“When the crime was not recorded there was often limited evidence of investigation or safeguarding the victim. Failure to record these crimes can result in offenders not being identified or brought to justice.”

Police bosses said they had plans in place to address the problems in the inspection, like recruiting new staff, and added that extra demand from people suffering from mental health issues are increasing pressure on the police force.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Responding to the public more quickly, improving our investigations and better management of offenders are areas of intense focus for us, and we have plans in place to address the shortfalls outlined.

"The report recognises the sheer volume of non-emergency demand coming in the police service, much of which we know is spillover demand from other public services.

“In the last 12 months, we’ve taken more than 385,000 calls for service, with under a third of these relating to crime or anti-social behaviour. The rest are issues which go beyond the policing sphere, including incidents involving people in mental health crises.

Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “I am delighted that Avon and Somerset Police has been graded outstanding for their work in ‘engaging with and treating the public with fairness and respect.’

"However, I’m concerned — as I’m sure local people will be — about the areas highlighted that still require improvement including investigating crime, recording data about crime, responding to the public and managing offenders.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A BURGER van owner has lost a street-trading licence after bungling council departments forgot to ask themselves if they were happy to give permission.

South Gloucestershire councillors granted a permit to Karen Sealey for her Cheeks Eats mobile fast-food trailer last April.

But seven months later the authority’s property team realised the council actually owned the land - and didn’t want her to set up a stall.

Licensing sub-committee members revoked her licence for Feynman Way, by the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, at a meeting in March.

Ms Sealey already runs a van a quarter of a mile away in Folly Brook Road under a different, previous consent, and wanted to set up a second one next to the busy science park.

Councillors approved her application in April last year, overruling two objections on grounds of public nuisance and public safety.

Papers showed property services were one of seven South Gloucestershire Council

Council flips decision on burger van after blunder

departments contacted during the consultation period, but gave no response at the time.

Ms Sealey told the hearing she had not yet used the Feynman Way licence but wanted to expand there, and had put in a lot of work and expense preparing for it.

The panel was told that in November the authority’s property investment services manager wrote to the licensing team to say the road had not been adopted and so was not a public highway, and that the council, as the landowner, did not give permission for street trading there.

Asked how the “error” was made and why it took so long for the objection to be made, licensing officer Keith Jones said: “I don’t know, but as a landowner we have to respect the

fact that they don’t wish Cheeks Eats to operate on their land.

“Why property services chose from April up to November to make that decision, I don’t know.

“Perhaps more scrutiny should have taken place within the licensing regime at the time to ensure permission was granted, and that wasn’t done.”

Ms Sealey told the panel that she had done nothing wrong.

She said: “If they had done their investigations correctly at the very start, they’d have realised this was still privately owned council land, I would have been refused at that point and my licence fee would have been refunded.

“This now really stops me expanding my business. I don’t want to give up this patch.”

“It’s really close to home, easy for me to get to and I think

I would have done really well there.

“This just stops me in my tracks.”

Mr Jones said: “This licensing authority accepts that the original application should not have been granted and was incomplete due to the landowner’s permission not being granted.

“However, because of this, the licensing sub-committee is invited to revoke the licence with immediate effect.”

The sub-committee agreed and withdrew the licence for Feynman Way, but said the council should override its existing policy on application fees and pay Ms Sealey back.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Fundraisers' pedal power

FUNDRAISERS in Mangotsfield have handed over £12,000 to two very good causes - and are already pushing on towards their next big donation.

Mangotsfield Community Association handed cheques for £7,226 to St Peter's Hospice and for £4,775 to Special Friends Club at the Red Lion at the end of March.

St Peter's is the Bristol area's only adult hospice, while special friends provide support for families of children with special needs and disabilities by organising a range of inclusive activities.

The money was raised by the MCA during its programme of fundraising last year.

And this year's campaign got off to a great start when the MCA returned to the Red Lion for a a 913-mile equivalent Spin Bike Challenge over Easter.

Volunteers took turns to get on three exercise bikes in a relay that clocked up the equivalent of pedalling from Mangotsfield to Melrose in Scotland, Leeds, Ipswich and back to Mangotsfield.

The route was chosen to celebrate the achievements of three sporting legends - the

late Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Marcus Stewart - who have all been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

It raised £4,200, which will be added to funds raised at other events through the year and donated to St Peter's and the MND Association.

MCA volunteers Mike Heath, Karen Fox and Matt and Sarah Proud organised the event, with support from throughout the local community who came to cheer them on and enjoy a barbecue and music.

You can donate online to this year's MCA fundraising at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/mango-mca-1.

Volunteers pedalling their way to raising £4,200 at the Red Lion over Easter

The cheque for St Peter's Hospice

MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Learning about the Dramway

I EXPECT many of you have used part of the Dramway path at some time. Have you ever wondered about when it was built, why it’s there, what it was used for?

Well, wonder no more: on Thursday May 18 we have organised a talk on said Dramway at St James Church, Mangotsfield, starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Our next Hour A Month will be on Saturday April 29 (hopefully your copy of the Voice will arrive in time), when we want to have a general spruce-up prior to the Coronation the following weekend.

We’ll be putting some bunting up and tidying up the centre of the village where needed.

It might be nice if people could decorate their immediate surroundings if they wish to; we appreciate not everyone is interested in the Coronation.

It would also be good if everyone could have a quick look around their immediate area and if it needs tidying up a bit, then why not have a go at doing it? It only takes a few minutes to make a difference.

There are a number of local Coronation events happening - you’ll no doubt have seen them advertised in various places. These take a lot of organising, usually by a small group of volunteers, so please support them if you can.

Our next Red Lion coffee morning will be on Wednesday May 3, at 10am. All are welcome - the more the merrier - and if you are wondering whether to come along, then perhaps the fact that the cakes are awesome might persuade you?

If you want to get involved then please get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the ever-popular Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881. Chris Amos

n DOWNEND CHAP

Capturing the Coronation

WE don’t know what life was like in Downend and Emersons Green when King Charles I was crowned in 1626, or King Charles II in 1662.

But we can capture some memories of King Charles III’s coronation, on Saturday May 6.

Local history group CHAP, the Community History and Arts Project, is asking readers to share their experiences of the occasion.

They will be published on the ‘Living History’ section of our website, www.downendchap.org/livinghistory.

As history is not just about the past – everything that happens today will be history tomorrow – this is a great opportunity to gather memories of a significant event for current and future generations to look back on.

Please send photos of celebrations you’re involved with, souvenirs you buy, and other coronation activities.

Or, if you are choosing to ignore the whole thing, this is your chance to explain why. What does the monarchy mean to local people in the 21st century? How close do you feel to the royals? And what do you hope King Charles will achieve during his reign?

Contact CHAP to tell your version of events – email chair Janet Biggin at big.gin@talktalk.net or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.

CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation that aims to produce a community history resource and encourage the local community to take part in all its activities.

The group aims to create a coherent identity for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past, building a sense of belonging and commitment to our area and understanding of its character, residents, businesses and visitors.

Helen Rana

Students rise to the challenge

MANGOTSFIELD School pupils put their textbooks aside for a day of challenges in and out of the classroom.

The school's second Challenge Day at the end of March saw them take on projects to broaden their understanding of a number of different subjects.

Year 7 students had a 'Love Bristol' theme for their day and visited historical and cultural sites including the M Shed museum, Christmas Steps, city walls and Queen Square, where they were chased by seagulls for their lunch.

Pupils in Year 8 focused on modern foreign languages and split into different groups to discuss and experience aspects

of French and German culture, cooking, art and music to sports.

Student Chukwudubem Asime said: “Challenge Day was fun. First I made German rap music, then painted German art, decorated German cake, completed some German sports activities and German quizzes.”

Year 9 students visited

Day of reflection

LESSONS about loss and compassion were shared at a special event at Mangotsfield School.

Marie Curie National Day of Reflection in March aimed to encourage children parents and members of the wider community to come together to show love and support for others by building a ‘Wall of Reflection’ and observing a minute's silence.

Learning mentor Adeline Okpiyalele, who organised the event, said: "The commemorated and celebrated the people close to us who have died in the last two years or more.

"This unique day supported people who are grieving. We connected with each other and shared our compassion, love and active support so that no one had to grieve alone."

More than a dozen students read out prayers and thoughts, and written contributions and pictures were attached to the Wall of Reflection.

The event was attended by local councillors Ian Boulton, Colin Hunt and retiring councillor Judy Adams, who said the experience was "very inspiring".

St Fagans National Museum in Cardiff as part of a day of historical activities, learning about life in Wales by viewing a row of houses through time.

Pupils in Year 10 worked with mental health and well-being organisation Humanutopia, to talk about and reflect on their past experiences of bullying and mean comments, and how they affect them today.

Student Alice White said: "I find it cool that Humanutopia creates a safe environment to be able to talk about these experiences.

"Later on in the day, we talked about trying to fix broken relationships and fixing them by standing up and being brave and

MANGOTSFIELD LADIES

apologising. Finally, we talked about our dreams and goals in the future and how we want to improve our lives right now."

Keira Lane added: “We looked at how our actions affect others and how we should adjust our attitudes so that everyone is able to thrive cohesively together in a community.

"It was an enjoyable day, filled with lots of energy, which left us thinking about ways we should be more compassionate and inclusive.”

Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: “Now, more than ever, building resilience in our students must be part of our curriculum and our challenge days give our students the chance to do this in different and creative ways."

OUR March meeting was held at the Lamb, as St James Church Hall was closed due to the ongoing refurbishment.

We took this opportunity to sit and discuss our plans for our Charles III Coronation celebration.

We have booked AHM catering to provide us with a BBQ for the evening. We also discussed purchasing a King Charles III Coronation Rose, which we plan to plant at the Dame School in Mangotsfield.

Our social gathering at the Cinnamon Tree was supported by almost all of the membership, with just two apologies. It was a lively evening, with lots of chatter and laughter and because we were such a large party, lots of extras were offered by the chef.

In May our usual pub lunch at the Lamb will be breakfast instead!

The St James Church Hall refurbishment is now complete. We are all excited to be back there for our April meeting and see what has been done to the hall. We will all, of course, be wearing red, white and blue for our celebration.

Tickets are selling well for our Sounds of the 60’s evening on June 3 from 7.30-10pm.

Our boat trip event, in conjunction with Bristol Jazz Society, in July is now sold out.

We're looking forward to July 11, when we are doing a car share trip to Jekka’s Herb Farm for a tour and light lunch.

Carol Coombs - Mangotsfield Ladies - carol@applause.co.uk

Mangotsfield School pupils, staff and guests at the Day of Reflection

Mangotsfield School Year 7 pupils Ruby Barnes, Isis Scholl, Isabel Powell, Rose Parrott, Lilly Blacklock, Keira Little, Emily Farrel, Amelia Burton, Keija Selassie, Freya Curnock at M Shed

Artwork produced by a student

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has rejected claims it would take 742 years to repair all of its crumbling roads and potholes.

The figure was put to council leader Toby Savage at a cabinet meeting in March by Yate town councillor Chris Willmore, who said it was based on raw government data used to compile a league table of backlogs.

She told Mr Savage: "You have more A-road length than Bristol but only managed to repair a third as much. At the current rate of repairs, Bristol could repair all its A roads in 56 years – you would take 170 years.

“If we go to the other roads, South Glos repairs half as much each year even though it has more roads. Bristol at its current rate would take 391 years to repair all those roads – South Glos would take 742 years.”

Mr Savage admitted they had more work to do said but the administration had committed an extra £1 million in the budget, set in February, to improve the state of highways and pavements.

The numbers were based on Department for Transport

'742-year pothole backlog' claim rejected by council

However afterwards the council said the estimates were based on the "inaccurate" assumption that all of the network needed to be repaired, whereas only 3% of A-roads and 7% of other roads needed urgent maintenance, with the network as a whole in "a very reasonable condition".

Potholes have worsened on many roads in the district in recent months.

A council spokesperson said maintenance crews, who are out five days a week and sometimes on weekends, had "filled around 17% more potholes since the start of January compared to last year".

It has four to eight crews repairing roads each day.

the winter months takes its toll on our road surfaces.

"We repair around 11,000 potholes a year, although it is difficult to provide an exact number, as repairs may include multiple potholes under one job."

The council launched a new online system for residents to report potholes and other issues on roads, footpaths and cycleways last summer, including the ability to upload pictures of damage, which can be send straight to maintenance teams along with the location.

To report a pothole or road defect visit www.southglos.gov. uk/reportit.

figures which said the council reconstructed or re-laid 0.7 miles of its 119.2 miles of A-roads and 1.9 miles of its 1,409.8 minor roads in 2021-22.

New advice sessions

CITIZENS Advice sessions are being offered in Emersons Green after the charity won new financial backing from the town council.

Free face-to-face advice will be offered at Emersons Green Village Hall on Thursdays from 10am to noon.

The spokesperson said: “This time of year is traditionally busy in terms of repairing potholes, as the cold and wet weather over

Anyone with a problem can come for free, one-to-one support.

It comes as Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire has seen a 14% increase in people coming for help with cost-of-livingrelated problems, as more people are facing hardship.

The charity helped 4,778 people last year with 22,493 issues, saving them a combined total of £4.4 million through its financial advice - the equivalent of £920 for each person helped.

People who cannot make it to the dropin sessions can find free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire by calling 0808 278 7947 or visiting the website at www.southgloscab.org.uk, where there are more details about times and locations of other sessions.

The charity is looking for donations to support its work - they can be made online at bit.ly/3kG7HyB.

Last year a 35% cut in funding for advice services in South Gloucestershire led to some citizens Advice offices closing. But town councils have helped plug the gap, with Thornbury Town Council also funding sessions for the next three years.

Meeting report by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

This large pothole is one of several on Peache Road, Downend

New school partnership widens opportunities

THE leader of a new partnership between two primary schools says it is already having a positive impact both on and off the curriculum.

The ‘Primary Excellence Partnership’ between Blackhorse Primary School and Emersons Green Primary School was formed last September, with former Blackhorse head teacher Simon Botten taking over as executive head teacher of both schools.

The partnership saw the schools working together to improve reading, maths and the wider curriculum through joint training and other link-ups.

But it has also widened the opportunities available to children at both schools by sharing access to specialisms for children.

Mr Botten said the effects started with Blackhorse helping Emersons Green get a place at the difficult to enter Collegiate Cross-country competition, an inter-county athletics event for schools over a 1.5 mile course.

While the Blackhorse Year 3 and 4 boys won individual gold and silver medals and a team silver medal, and their Year 5 and 6 boys won their team event, runners from Emersons Green were inspired to start their own cross-country club, and now train with the Blackhorse squad throughout the summer.

The schools then shared performances of music and arts, with the Emersons Green choir performing a mini-concert to all 420 Blackhorse pupils.

In return, all 210 children

from Emersons Green were invited to a special performance of Matilda the Musical performed by Blackhorse’s Musical Theatre group, which had won a prize at the Thornbury Eisteddfod the previous week, with soloist Lola John, who played Matilda, winning an award for the highest-scoring performance in any category.

Mr Botten said: “Having been wowed by the ‘professional’ Matilda set (bought by Blackhorse from Bristol Met secondary school), Emersons now plan to put on their own production of the musical using the set in July and have invited Blackhorse to a ‘return leg’ of the show!

“Originally we expected that the main collaborations would be between the staff and, although this has certainly been the case, we are delighted at how enthusiastically the children have taken to the new partnership.

“It is great to see the children from both schools forging new friendships and spurring each other on to excel in a whole host of areas.”

Future link-ups planned include an inter-school chess contest and a joint school trip to the Natural History Museum. Next academic year the schools will become founding members of a new 13-primary school Multi-Academy Trust called the Leaf Trust, which will also include nearby Stanbridge, Tynings, Kings Forest, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield primary schools.

Emersons Green Primary School choir

Blackhorse Primary School pupils performing Matilda the Musical

The Blackhorse and Emersons Green cross-country team

Advertising feature

New exhibition

at

Aerospace Bristol is out of this world!

Aerospace Bristol, on the site of the former Filton Airfield, will host Luke Jerram’s Mars as part of a new Journey to Mars exhibition. The artwork will be stunningly displayed from 4th May to 5th June alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.

The temporary exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars Express, Europe’s first mission to Mars. It will include models of Beagle 2 and the Mars Express Orbiter on display alongside Luke Jerram’s Mars sculpture.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Mars features

detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.

Visitors will have the chance to view Mars from the air, as though they are a satellite, mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain laid bare to inspect. The Journey to Mars exhibition is included with museum entry.

Visit https://aerospacebristol.org/ for more information and for tickets.

n LYDE GREEN OPEN SPACE

We need you to keep us going

AS we step into May we are starting to see the verges and meadows in our area burst into life.

The wonderful hawthorn and blackthorn hedges are really putting on a show for us along Howsmoor Lane.

Don’t forget ‘No Mow May’ - leaving your grass to grow will give the pollinators a fantastic start and provide some much-needed breakfast for our awakening hibernators.

On the theme of pollinators, why not also try sowing some wildflowers or creating a lavender border in your garden? The bees will love it!

We spent a day at Lyde Green Primary School in April and helped the children and the council’s Common Connections project team plant lots of wildflower plugs to help them create a lasting wildflower meadow in the field.

This will make a massive improvement for biodiversity in our area and we hope, as we are a local group, that the children will recognise the work we do and may be inspired to think about the importance of biodiversity and climate change.

Massive thanks to Mrs Nichols at the school, and Jenny from the council, for

allowing us to help!

Don’t forget our hedgehogs, too - if you are out in the garden having a spring clean, now is the time to make a CD-sized hole in the bottom of the fence, to allow them in to explore.

You can leave out some cat biscuits and water to help them through the night.

April has been a fantastic time for us with a couple of events at the centre, the guided walk and the growing event, proving popular.

Thanks to Ed Drewitt for the walk, and Chris Sunderland and Kelly Allen for the help in the community garden.

We urgently need your help to keep the group running.

If you have the time, we can utilise members out in the field while we keep things ticking over behind the scenes.

If we have a couple of residents leading projects on our books, that will take some of the pressure away from us and we can keep moving forward.

Unfortunately, at present, member numbers are down and we need to have a few members on board to keep the group going in its current form - if this fails then we will have

to look at other options, and ultimately could disband the group in its current form.

This would be a real shame, as we have so much going on - it would be a sad loss for Lyde Green.

Get in touch with us if you can offer any of your time, and we can see how you can fit into our plans to keep our wonderful group going.

You can reach us on Facebook @ lydegreenopenspace or email us at lgopenspace@gmail.com.

Laurence Binks Chair, Lyde Green OpenSpace Group

A life saved and £5,500 raised

Two years ago baby Elliot Smith was born at Bath Royal United Hospital to Downend parents Tricia and Liam. He was 10 weeks early and spent 9 weeks in the Neonatal Unit at Bath Royal United before being allowed home with a series of ongoing ailments.

A scan of Elliot's head confirmed that he was suffering from a condition called Saggital Craniosynostosis, a condition where the bones of the skull grow together prematurely creating a malformed skull. This in turn leads to the impairment of brain development, increased intracranial pressure, and a great deal of discomfort. With this also comes the possibility of seizures, stroke, and ultimately the loss of a short life.

Elliot was referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital one of five centres of excellence in the UK where he was scheduled for urgent surgery to remove the whole top section of his skull, break it apart and reinsert the remodelled section. He spent a week in hospital under the expert care of the team there before being discharged home.

Because Covid restrictions were in place at the time (only one visitor), Elliot's parents were

forced to take shifts throughout the week, day and night to be by his bedside. Accommodation at a nearby hotel was arranged by the Hospital Charity. Follow up appointments have been carried out at both Birmingham and Bristol Children's Hospitals. Elliot is progressing well and as expected.

In order to show their gratitude to the team at Birmingham, Elliot's parents set about raising funds to assist the Craniofacial unit there with their ongoing work.

Many fundraising events were held, all of which were sponsored by Bristol Carpets. Elliot's parents say that without their fantastic support and sponsorship we would not have reached our target of £5,500. Dave Gibbs of Bristol Carpets together with his team have been with us all the way and we cannot thank them enough.

Elliot's life has been saved. Thank you Bristol Carpets.

Tony Joiner

Elliot's Great Granddad.

U-turns warning

DRIVERS are being reminded to follow road markings at the new entrance to the Mangotsfield recycling centre after reports that some were attempting U-turns at traffic lights.

Right turns on to the Carsons Road site by traffic coming from Mangotsfield have been banned since a new entrance, off the Carsons Road Link from the A4174 Siston Hill roundabout, opened in March.

But there have been reports of some drivers trying to U-turn through oncoming traffic, rather than taking the signposted route around the roundabout.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said enforcement was a matter for the police, adding: “We have been monitoring traffic movements since the slip road opened and we’ve observed a decrease in U-turns as residents are becoming more familiar with the new layout."

Gaming to make a difference

GAMING is a brilliant way to enjoy oneself, whether through playing games with friends and family, or taking time out to play solo.

However, it may surprise you to know that by gaming, you could actually end up making a positive impact on others’ lives around the globe.

This is possible by playing for charity, raising funds through gaming events such as GDQ (Games Done Quick).

Games Done Quick is a semi-annual video game speedrun charity marathon held in the United States.

Speedrunning involves trying to play a game, or part of one, as fast as possible to post a quick time.

Since 2015 the events have raised money for several charities and shown the power gaming has to do some good.

Even in the UK, you can do your part. For example, the JustGiving charity-supporting website allows you to sign up and host your own

By Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachie

livestream fundraiser: you can play games and any donations received from viewers watching will go straight to the charity of your choice.

JustGiving will provide you with the tools and tips necessary to do this.

However, if you’re not one for the camera, you can simply support these types of events by watching and donating online.

Instead of using an established site like JustGiving, if you want you can take this on by yourself and pay a charity directly with any donations received.

However, it’s not all about money. Even sharing a charity’s story and message on video can do wonders in spreading the message across the world.

So whatever it is you can do, remember that you can make a real difference while also sharing the enjoyment of video games.

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Who we are and what we do

WE know that Lyde Green has been growing rapidly and we have lots of new community members who may not be familiar with who we are and what we do, so we thought we would bring you all up to speed!

Lyde Green Community Association is a neighbourhood-based charity with a trustee group made up of local residents.

The group formed in 2015 and became a charity in 2017. Its main purpose is to manage the community centre for the benefit of the wider community, and to support community development in Lyde Green.

We work with you to help make Lyde Green a great place to live and work. We try to do this by connecting people to each other and local services.

We have become a voice for our community by bringing forward questions, issues and feedback at quarterly partnership meetings. The partnership group includes housing associations with properties in our area, council team members, councillors, management companies, the builders’ consortium and the local police team.

Lyde Green Community Centre is the perfect hub for the work we do, allowing us to regularly engage with residents and visitors to the area.

Our community events include affordable school holiday fun days, family-friendly Christmas, New Year, Easter and summer events, as well as special events, such as our upcoming Coronation fun afternoon on Saturday May 6.

We are on the lookout for a treasurer and secretary to join our board of trustees: if you would like to join the team, we would love to hear from you.

Why not have a chat with one of our trustees to see what’s involved? Email Laura at laura@lydegreenca.org to arrange a time to talk.

You can keep in touch with us via Facebook, email (info@ lydegreenca.org), our website at lydegreenca.org or by calling 0117 957 0410. Helen Crew

Scarecrows are back

PUCKLECHURCH’S Scarecrow Trail is returning for the May Day bank holiday weekend.

Scarecrows are being hidden in gardens across the village in the long-running annual event aimed at families.

People can collect trail maps, tickets and entry forms from St Thomas a Becket church from 11.30am on Sunday April 30 or from 10.30 am on Monday May 1.

Tickets cost £5 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children), £2 per adult and £1 per child or student. A spokesperson said: “Walk around our village, guessing the names and jobs of the scarecrows and discovering its ancient houses and more modern side. Enjoy the fresh air and help us raise funds for our village church.

“The church offers sandwiches, cakes and cream teas during the event. The village also has two pubs, a village store and post office, two cafes, a social club and a bakery so there are plenty of opportunities to relax and eat in-between discovering and guessing scarecrow names.

“There are great stop-off points for children with three play areas within the village.”

Cards accepted for tickets but visitors are being advised to bring cash for any purchases from stalls, as the village has no cash machines.

Entry forms should be returned by 4pm each day to enter the competition.

There will be a presentation of the answers on Monday 1st at 4pm in the church and they will also be added to the scarecrow Facebook page during the week after the event.

Prizes are available for the best scarecrow voted by visitors and for the most correctly-guessed scarecrow names.

More details are available on the trail’s Facebook page, emailing pucklechurchscarecrow@gmail.com or calling 0117 937 3262.

Memory cafe birthday

DOYNTON’S Memory Café celebrates its first anniversary next month, and looks forward to another lively year of monthly get-togethers.

The cafe meets on the first Thursday of the month from 2-4pm at Doynton Village Hall.

Each café get-together has welcomed up to 10 guests who are living with dementia or memory loss and their family members or carer.

Guests come from a variety of surrounding villages and towns and all are very welcome.

In addition to plenty of conversation, activities from craft to country dancing and bread-making to Meccano are organised, and guests choose which they may like to do, or may prefer to sit and relax.

Themed singing is a regular feature and a team of trained volunteers – many with their own personal experience of dementia in a friend or loved one – are on hand to help with

activities or just to chat.

Tea and coffee are always available with cakes generously provided by local WI members at Wick, Dyrham and Doynton.

The Memory café is volunteer-run and selfsupporting, and has received grants from a number of local parish councils as well as South Gloucestershire Council.

Donations from individuals and from local WI groups and the Doynton Village Market and several fundraising quizzes.

This community support means that the café can look forward to the next year planning many more activities and entertainments – including plans for a Sea Shanty group, Ballroom Dancing display, planting a hanging basket and seasonal activities.

Information about the café and future meetings can be found on The Memory Café at Doynton Facebook page or by calling 07817 311001.

n WHAT’S ON

April 30 and May 1

n PUCKLECHURCH SCARECROW COMPETITION AND TRAIL starts at St Thomas a Becket church, 11.30am-4.30pm Sunday and 10am-4pm Monday. Theme: jobs. Closing date for entries April 15. £1 children, £2 adults, £5 family. Cash prizes. Refreshments.

May 9 and 23

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY practice classes on Disney film theme (May 9) and linear diagonal design (May 23), at the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. For further information contact Mrs R Cummins on 0117 937 3836.

May 13

n MOTOWN TRIBUTE BAND EVOLUTION at Emersons Green Village Hall, 7-9pm. Soft drink refreshments available on the day, or bring your own. Tickets cost £15 and can be bought online via website www.egvh.org.uk/eventstickets. Parking is limited.

May 27

n LINE DANCING at Emersons Green Village Hall, 1pm-2.30pm. Refreshments available to buy on the day. Tickets £2.50, can be bought through website www. egvh.org.uk/events-tickets.

All levels, including beginners, are welcome. Parking is limited.

May 30

n CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOP AND SHOW, Emersons Green Village Hall, 10-11am. 30-minute show with 30-minute workshop, suitable for 4 to 8 year olds. Tickets £7 for children, £1 for adults, can be bought through website www.egvh.org.uk/events-tickets. Refreshments available. Limited parking.

May 31

n WACKY WEDNESDAY with bouncy castles, diddi cars and unique under-3 soft play area.

Timed slots at 9.30-10.30am, 11amnoon, 1-2pm. Tickets £4 for 3 year olds, £6 for 4 to 12 year olds, adults £1, under-1 free, can be bought through website www.egvh.org. uk/events-tickets. Refreshments available. Limited parking.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY Come along to the sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20 Sept for the Person-centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@btinternet.com.

n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT

MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297

n LONGWELL LIGHTNING

NETBALL CLUB is looking for members with experience of netball, aged 16 or over for seniors and over 10 for juniors. Training Monday nights at Wellsway Way School, in Keynsham. For more information call Maisie Nash on 07920 443820 for juniors, Sandra Nash on 07479 015048 for seniors.

n PILATES CLASS 18:45 – 19:45 at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, BS16 5SG. Contact Kerry 07919 051019 or email kerry@ yogaandpilatesforlife.com

n YOGA CLASS 19:55 – 20:55 at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, BS16 5SG. Contact Kerry 07919 051019 or email kerry@ yogaandpilatesforlife.com

Tuesday

n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB meets every Tuesday Evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre

Craig Anthonys

HAIR DESIGNERS

for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. More info from Graham on 07968 050320.

n TAI CHI CLASS, The Folk House, Downend - Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm. All welcome, £7 per class or £35 for 6 classes. Contact Georgina Green07845 748568, georginagreen@ mindfultaichi.org.uk

n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH, 10.0011.30am. 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 956 1106

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB Established over 40 years we meet at Pucklechurch Community Hall Absom Road every alternative Tuesday 7.30pm until 10.15p.m. All welcolme with a partner or solo to enjoy good music, dancing and refreshments. Call Alan Mobile: 07812508396 or Linda 07843240414

n BODY TONE 9:30 – 10:30 at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, BS16 5SG. Contact Kerry 07919 051019 or email kerry@ yogaandpilatesforlife.com

n LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA

CLUB meets every second, fourth and fifth Tuesday of the month at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. New members always welcome. For information see website at www. lincombebarncameraclub.co.uk or email lincombe.barn@gmail.com.

Wednesday

n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old

school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805.

n WEDNESDAY CAFE FOR SENIORS, at Badminton Road Methodist Church (BS16 6NU) every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon. All Welcome – just come along – make new friends over a cuppa and cake. Information: 0117 239 5984

n MANGO JAMS PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church.

n 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 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. 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.

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome-

Here at Craig Anthonys we pride ourselves not only on the styles but also the advice that we can provide. Our award winning team with years of experience in colouring and cutting can provide a style unique to suite you. To arrange a no obligation consultation pop in or give us a call.

first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk.

n PILATES 10:15 – 11:15 at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, BS16 5SG. Contact Kerry 07919 051019 or email kerry@ yogaandpilatesforlife.com

n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For details call Genise on 0777 245 1217.

n FRIENDLY VOICES is a dementia friendly singing group. There is no cost and the sessions are led by a qualified music therapist, Sharon, who brings a lot of experience and plenty of instruments to have fun with. The sessions are open to all and if you think that you ,or someone you love, would benefit by them come along or contact June Watts on 0117 9566625

Thursday

n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 11am, depending on numbers. Normally meets at Emersons Green library, email jessica.callaway@ hotmail.co.uk.

n LONGWELL GREEN

ORCHESTRA meet each Thursday evening at Longwell Green Community Centre from 7:30 until 9:40. We have players of all abilities. Contact@longwellgreenorchestra. org.uk or 07972 844073. Please get in touch before to tell us what instrument and what level.

n PILATES 19:00 - 20:00 at The Sports Pavilion, Pomphrey Hill, Emersons Green, BS16 9NF. Contact Kerry 07919 051019 or email kerry@yogaandpilatesforlife.com

n YOGA 10:15 – 11:15 at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street, BS16 5SG. Contact Kerry

07919 051019 or email kerry@ yogaandpilatesforlife.com

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

CHOIR are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire, no audition. No need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc.org.uk email secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk Telephone 07764447699.

n COFFEE, CAKE AND COMMUNITY MORNING at Emersons Green Village Hall, 11am1pm. Free tea, coffee and cake - all welcome. Supported by Emersons Green Town Council.

n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, noon to 1pm. Free and open to anyone who feels they will benefit from joining a group who walk at a gentle pace around Siston Commons.

Friday

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW.

Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844)

n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258.

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

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED

CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon at the church in Cossham Street. Coffee, cake and a chat.

n MESSY VINTAGE Come and Share God-centred fun & fellowship for the Older Generation at Badminton Road

Methodist Downend 2nd Friday monthly 9.30am to 12 noon. For Information 0117 2395984

Saturday

n 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 STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH Coffee mornings in our beautiful building every Saturday 10.00-12.00 in aid of church funds or charities. Enjoy Fairtrade coffee, tea and cake, and stalls.

Sunday

n BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH In-person

Sunday worship continues weekly

at 10.30am, all are welcome. For information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED

CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

CHURCH, High Street BS16 5HQ Sunday services 10.30am + Sunday Club for ages 5-17. Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month – all invited. Taizé worship 6.00pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana 07482 550888, Philippa Church Liaison at staplehillmethodist@ hotmail.co.uk or www. staplehillmethodist.com

n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.30am11.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services - please check our Facebook page for dates Contact Rev Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418, e-mail church. egbc@outlook.com or visit www. emersonsgreenchurch.org

News from Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill libraries

Coronation Events

Thursday 4th May : Royal Tea Party (tea, refreshments and stories with our resident reading group – all welcome! 3pm – 4pm at Staple Hill Library

Friday 5th May : Coronation Coffee Morning from 10am – come along and enjoy coffee, cake and a coronation related quiz at Downend Library.

Saturday 6th May : Emersons Green Library will be staffed 9.30am –4pm as part of the Coronation Day celebrations in Emersons Green park in Village Hall. As well as offering all of our usual services there will be FREE Coronation craft activities for the children to do too.

Saturday 6th May : Coronation crafts (for primary school children)

10.30am – 12pm at Downend Library

See also www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries

Lego Clubs

Staple Hill Library : Saturday 13th May starts at 10.30am (FREE but please book via staff or email : staplehill.library@southglos.gov.uk)

Downend Library : Saturday 20th May starts at 10.30am (FREE, no booking required)

Other regular activities

Mondays 10am – 12pm ; Knitter Knatter, our weekly social knitting group at Downend Library, everyone welcome!

Fridays : 10am – 11.30am : weekly Coffee Morning at Downend Library

Bank Holidays

All South Gloucestershire libraries will be open in Open Access (unstaffed) mode only on Mondays 1, 8 & 29 May from 8am – 7.30pm.

n SPORT

600 runners for 10k

THE 41st Frenchay 10k, the oldest event of its kind in the UK, was a great success, with over 600 entries received demonstrating the event’s continuing popularity with runners from across the local area and wider Bristol community.

Adam Stokes, representing Bristol and West AC, was first over the line, in a fantastic winning time of 33 minutes 9 seconds.

Our first woman was Katrina Entwistle, also from Bristol and West, in a superb time of 38m 16s.

This year's winning team was Emerson’s Green running club, who were very well represented.

Our two nominated local charities this year, Children’s Hospice South West and the Freewheelers (bloodbikes), supported the race organisers by providing marshals to help with the smooth organisation of the event.

In turn, the race committee will make significant financial donations to both, continuing a pledge that was made when the race was first completed, back in 1979.

Costas Kkolos, owner of the Avenue Cafe in Emersons Green, raised £600 for running the 10k, which is a truly fantastic effort!

We look forward to the 42nd Frenchay 10k, with entries open in December.

Dave Guyatt Race Director

Championships for hockey men and women

BRISTOL & West men's and women's hockey sides have both finished their seasons as unbeaten champions.

B&W Men’s 1s took on joint leaders Bristol University in an epic clash of the league titans, dispatching the students with a thumping 4-0 victory.

Only two games remained, but a draw in their penultimate match meant the boys were only a point above Bristol Uni ahead of the last game against Swansea.

However before the final fixture captain Jonathan Wilson received word that the Swans couldn't muster the courage to face our fearsome frontline.

He kept the news from the team and the lads arrived kitted, pumped up and ready to go before the captain announced the news as the squad huddled round in the changing room, ready for one last fight.

Half-stifled celebrations followed, as some feared a cruel April fool's joke, but once the realisation had finally kicked in, rapturous celebrations began, with champagne showers!

An automatic 5-0 walkover wasn’t quite the ending the team had pictured or wanted – one last home game in front of a big crowd at Mangotsfield School would’ve been a sweeter note to end on, but the three points guaranteed the Men's Division 1 North trophy and promotion to the Premiership, the highest the Men’s 1st Team have ever been in the club’s history.

The Ladies Jaspers 1st Team, who had already secured promotion to Division 1 next season, wrapped up their league campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Westberries on the final day to ensure that they also finished top of the pile.

Elsewhere, the men's 2s secured an away win in Wales to secure a respectable 4th place finish in Division 2, with striker Dan Lusmore ending an incredible goal scoring season with 43 goals in 23 games.

The Ladies’ 2s & 3s both finished in 3rd place in their leagues, while the men's 3s were unable to escape relegation despite a draw in their final match.

Harry Bryant

Runners cross the finish line at UWE's Blackberry Hill campus

Bristol & West’s Men’s 1s. Picture: Shannon O’Halloran

Bristol & West Jaspers celebrate their title. Picture: Simon Goodwin/ Platinum Photography

Cleve top group to make cup final

CLEVE RFC made the final of the Bristol Combination Cup after a victory over Thornbury, who play their rugby in a higher league, put them top of their pool.

The match would decide who topped the pool in the Butcombe-sponsored competition.

The game started at a frantic pace. Thornbury were initially on the attack and then Cleve countered. Will Warman got hold of the ball, dummied to his left and cut back to score.

Within ten minutes Cleve were on the attack again. After some really good handling along the backs, Andy Priddle let loose a great pass to the wing, where he found Dave Thomas who went over to put Cleve 10-0 up after 10 minutes.

Thornbury were punch drunk, but responded, applying pressure until their centre broke through to score between the posts, with the conversion going over.

Thornbury applied their experience and went ahead after a catch and drive near Cleve’s line went over. This was closely followed by their No 8 driving through to score.

But Cleve have learnt to absorb pressure, dig in and respond. Steve Bush went on a few penetrating runs which resulted in a try, and Cleve led 20-17 at half time.

See-saw game sums up Flyers' season

THE topsy-turvy season for the Downend Flyers first team continued into April with a see-saw game at the Pomphrey Hill HQ.

Despite taking the lead through Bethany Pitman on 20 minutes, visitors SGS Olveston soon replied with a strike of their own.

Undeterred, the Flyers gained the advantage once more on 32 minutes following a Jade White volley, only to be pegged back just before the break after conceding a penalty.

Sadly the only goal in the second half was for the away side on the hour, with the match finishing 3-2.

Injuries and availability have hampered the Flyers' progress this season as well as, of course, all the postponements due to wet weather and frozen pitches.

Club captain Alice Baker reflected on these points when she said: "It has been a long season, full of injuries and stop start fixtures.

"We have enjoyed many great spells and we have a strong team, full of great players, so we are looking forward to re-grouping in the summer and improving on our league position in the autumn."

Meanwhile the youth section of the club continues to go from strength to strength, with over 20 girls' teams set to feature in the Bristol Girls league next season across the age groups.

This season we have had some notable successes in league cup finals, and two teams had already secured promotion by mid-April – the Robins in the U14s and the Dragons in the U13s.

All teams are looking forward to finishing their seasons on a high and the pitches at Johnson Road are looking fabulous after their first cut of the spring.

Duncan Gardener

You could not turn away from this game without missing something, as the upper hand went from one team to the the other.

After half time Thorns scored in the corner to go 24-20 up, but were not done and created pressure again, with an interception in the centre leading to a converted score.

The play went end to end, with Will Warman then taking the ball out of a maul, and cleverly going blind to score.

Cleve then turned to their more experienced players, with coach Nathan Huntley and Greg Welling coming on.

Their impact was felt straight away as their composure and attacking ability put Cleve on the offensive.

The ball was moved along the line, with some fantastic handling, and a loop pass to Cam Bell saw him score on the wing to put Cleve ahead 32-31.

In the last 10 minutes both the teams worked hard to deny the other territory and advantage, with tough tackling and good defensive lines.

Steve Bush picked up the ball and drove towards the line, resulting in a penalty which Huntley slotted over to make it 35-31.

Cleve held out to reach the final of this competition at Clifton’s rugby ground, which was taking place at the end of April after the Voice went to print.

Steve Bateman

Cleve father and son duo Steve and Jack Bush played together in Jack's senior debut against Thornbury, with Steve scoring a try.

Lynn Bevan Tina Bennett

Mighty Mangos win the League Cup

MANGOTSFIELD United finished the season with some silverware after beating Pershore Town to lift the Hellenic League Cup.

After the first leg ended 0-0 at Cossham Street in a tight affair, Pershore, flying high at the top of the Hellenic League First Division, were aiming to win the trophy in front of their own supporters.

But it was the Mangos who would lift the cup, for the first time ever, thanks to two goals from Jaydn Crosbie, who fired them ahead on 36 minutes.

There were chances at both ends after that, but Pershore could not break down our defence, and it was curtains for the hosts late in the second half when Crosbie beat the offside trap and the advancing keeper to make it 2-0.

There are only so many trophies to go around at all levels of football each season, so to win some silverware was a great moment for the club, following a number of lean years both on and off the pitch, and gave everyone some hope that better times lie ahead.

In the league the Mangos won three of their last six games to finish 11th in the Hellenic Premier division.

A 2-0 away win at Wantage Town, three days before the cup triumph, saw Oli Jenkins and Jaydn Crosbie net second-half goals.

& Insulation

Days after the cup win Corsham Town visited Cossham Street, and maybe it was just one game too many as Mangotsfield never really got going, losing 3-0 in front of a good crowd of 279 on what was dubbed NonLeague Day, due to the international break.

The next game ended 1-1 away to Roman Glass St George. Oli Jenkins scored after 6 minutes and, after the hosts levelled on 34 minutes, the Mangos put in a battling performance and thoroughly deserved the away point.

Next up was the Mangos' first-ever visit to Shrivenham, a very decent game. The Mangos led 2-1 at half time, courtesy of early goals by Louis Short (12) & Oli Jenkins (22). Jaydn Crosbie made it 3-1 with 13 minutes to go before the hosts got another goal back on 85 minutes.

The season ended with two home games, the first a 2-1 defeat at home to Malvern Town, who were chasing a play-off spot after being top of the division for a long spell earlier in the season. A thundering header from Oli Jenkins had levelled the game on 49 minutes but the visitors scored a winner with 5 minutes remaining.

The season ended with a 2-0 home win over Lydney Town, with Luke Bence breaking the deadlock after 64 minutes and Jaydn Crosbie sealing the three points with an individual effort in the second minute of added time.

Dave Smale

Celebrations in the dressing room after Mangotsfield's Hellenic League Cup triumph, in a picture taken by player Stuart Tovey

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Feel better… move more… live a healthier life. How does that sound to you?

IF you’re suffering in silence from back and neck pain, seeking some expert advice and treatment from a qualified chiropractor might not just be a positive move for you - it could also reduce the burden on a creaking NHS system.

During the recent Chiropractic Awareness Week, the British Chiropractic Association unveiled a UK-wide survey of 5,000 people to understand the impact NHS waiting lists are having on musculoskeletal (MSK) health.

The research found more than half of people are put off seeing their GP because of waiting lists. According to the NHS, more than 20 million people in the UK have an MSK condition like arthritis or back pain, accounting for up to

30% of GP consultations.

At Cleve Chiropractic we see these patients in our clinic each day, with great outcomes, and are proud to support those facing long NHS waiting lists.

We want to give people more choice, quicker appointments and treatment options to help manage pain and discomfort, providing face-to-face care in a way that is convenient.

The research also found 48% of British people are using overthe-counter medication to treat MSK issues. Whilst painkillers have a place, they are best used in the short term, can have side effects and do little to address issues which have led to the condition.

Chiropractors can provide an alternative solution: a wideranging package of patientcentred care, supported by solid evidence, with some great reported outcomes.

More people are turning to chiropractors to manage poor mobility, pain and wider health concerns arising from MSK issues, before they worsen into chronic conditions and further impact our health services in the future.

There are many misconceptions and myths about chiropractic treatment - let’s talk about some of the most common:

Myth: Chiropractors are massage therapists with a different name.

Truth: Chiropractors are extensively trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects this can have on the nervous system and general health. Qualified individuals are fully regulated healthcare professionals with at least four years’ degree-level training.

Myth: Painkillers will speed up your recovery.

Truth: Most MSK pain is mechanical in nature so, even though painkillers can help to reduce pain in the short term, hands-on treatment, movement, or exercise is more likely to successfully manage the problem for longer. We recommend more conservative therapies, such as using a heat pack, manual therapy (massage, spinal manipulation, or acupuncture), gentle stretching

and short walks to help you to relax and reduce pain, allowing you to return to higher levels of exercise.

Myth: Chiropractic is just about cracking backs.

Truth: The crack or popping sound produced from a spinal manipulation comes from a change of pressure occurring within joints. We give patients a wide range of treatment and care options, spinal adjustment being just one. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach and every patient’s needs are treated individually – many will never hear a single popping sound!

If you think you could feel better, move more, and live a healthier life by seeing one of the team then give us a call – let’s start the conversation.

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

Protecting our Green Spaces

Our area is not just land for developers

The parks and green spaces in our area are not just land for developers to turn into housing. Green spaces help our air quality and mental health, as Labour councillors Katrina and Sadik will protect them. New developments in the area need to bring solutions to problems we have not worsen them and make our communities better places to live.

Local candidates who care

Katrina and Sadik want a better Emersons Green for all

Both Sadik and Katrina have lived in Emersons Green for over eight years with children who go to school in the area They are joined by flon who brings four terms of parish council experience We believe after 13 years of Conservative councillors that it is time for change to make the area better for everyone.

Healthcare and services

Improve access to good healthcare and services

As Labour councillors we will protect our local NHS services from cuts and privatisation We will also fight for the promised minor ailments in Cossham to reduce pressure on Southmead and give better health provision in our area We need a better plan for health provision in our area and we need to solve gaps in provision not make them worse.

Fund Education

Invest in our children's future

As councillors we will push for better school funding for all our children so they can all get the help they need for a bright future. Emersons Green Tories have apparently campaigned for 20 years on the secondary school in Lyde Green with not a single brick laid to show for it. We want no more empty promises at the expense of our children

Promoted by Kelvin Blake on behalf of Katrina Al-Hassan, Sadik Al-Hassan and Ron Hardie