Emersons Green Voice November 2024

emersonsgreenvoice

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

A global sporting success story

Bridge closure brings jams

DRIVERS who faced jams when the M4 was shut for a weekend last month have been warned that two similar closures will have to take place before work to complete the bridge over the motorway is completed.

Traffic from the M4 was diverted on to the Avon Ring Road through Emersons Green and the A420 through Warmley and Wick from October 18-21, causing queues on the route and surrounding roads.

Further closures will be needed for the A432 Badminton Road bridge to be demolished and for the steel supports for the new bridge to be installed before work finishes in 2026.

Full story: Page 7

Drive ban for 150mph biker

A teenager who rode a motorbike at up to 150mph was handed a suspended jail term, driving ban and order to do 120 hours of unpaid work.

PAGE 5

Bid for homes on Green Belt site

Developers Taylor Wimpey have unveiled plans for 150 homes on a Green Belt site in the centre of Mangotsfield.

PAGE 3

Locals urged to back green power

A community energy company has been formed to help people in the Emersons Green area take up green power options.

PAGE 12

Emersons Green company Pitchmark has been presented with royal recognition of its success in helping to mark out the world’s sports pitches. Full story: Page 9

emersonsgreenvoice

ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk

Tel 07799 461169

EDITORIAL news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk

Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

DEADLINES

Our December edition deadline is November 13.

LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire

www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999 NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Arrest after death on M32

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after his car crashed on the M32, killing a passenger.

Avon & Somerset police said a man in his 30s died at the scene of the accident, at the northbound exit slip road for junction 1 of the motorway at Hambrook.

He was a passenger in a grey Citroen C4 car which crashed at around 10.15am on October 6. No other vehicles were involved.

A police spokesperson said the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. No details have been released about the man who died.

The driver, also in his 30s, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. Police say he was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by drink-driving. He was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital and later released under investigation, while further enquiries take place.

Police investigating the incident have appealed to any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage who have not yet been in touch to call 101, quoting the incident reference number 5224 263 220.

After the deluge ...

EXTREME rainfall in September and October has left roads and pathways across South Gloucestershire swamped.

Council staff say that in the six weeks from the start of September to October 15, a total of 397.3mm – more than 15 and a half inches – of rainfall was recorded at one of its monitoring stations.

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Emersons Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Emersons Green Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk.

COMPLAINTS

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

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

A member of the

A single storm lasting a few hours on October 9 brought 35mm – almost 1 1/2" - inches of rainfall, leading to 23 call outs to tackle flooding over the following night.

The Met Office said Bristol's 167.7mm of rainfall recorded in September was 173% more than the long-term average for the month, while Gloucestershire's 212.2mm was 240% more than average.

Rain at the end of September led to flood warnings on the River Frome, and swamped the walkway at Lincombe Barn Woods in Downend. A further deluge in October washed away a section of the path at the woods.

A council emergency team delivered more than 300 sandbags on the night of October 9 to residents whose properties were affected in areas including Frampton Cotterell, Siston, Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath. They also waded through water to shut roads and help monitor the conditions around the network, with roads in Winterbourne, Henfield and Siston among the worst affected.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Our StreetCare team has dealt with around 50 reports of flooding over the past weeks with over 40 roads affected and 10 properties.

"September was one of the wettest on record with heavy and sustained periods of rainfall across the region causing rivers to overflow and surface water to run-off from fields directly onto local roads, causing significant disruption. Our StreetCare team has been out in all weathers and working around the clock when necessary to manage the impacts and support residents."

ALEXANDRA CORK HOME DESIGNS

Architectural plans drawn for your

07867 592195 • info@alexandracork.co.uk www.alexandracork.co.uk

Developer unveils plans for 150 homes

A HOUSEBUILDER has unveiled plans to build 150 homes on a Green Belt site in Mangotsfield.

Taylor Wimpey owns a field which lies between Cossham Street and Rodway Hill Road, bordering the grounds of Mangotsfield United Football Club, Cleve Rugby Club and Mangotsfield School.

The company held a drop-in consultation event in October to show how it wants to redevelop the land with a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes.

It is the company's second attempt to build on the land: an application for 180 new homes made in 2009 was rejected by South Gloucestershire Council the following year, after a huge campaign by residents.

This time the application is timed to coincide with a potential change to the legal status of the land, which could lose its Green Belt label under the new South Gloucestershire Local Plan.

Taylor Wimpey says 35% of the homes planned would be "affordable housing" - available for social rent or shared ownership schemes.

It also says there will be an an "overall biodiversity net gain" with extra tree planting and work to enhance natural habitats.

But residents attending the drop-in event at Pomphrey Hill pavilion in October raised concerns over road access to the site, along with parking and the effect on local infrastructure.

The main concern was that access by road will be by a single junction on to Cossham Street, between the football and rugby grounds.

People who posted on the company's comment boards said

the road was too narrow for the extra traffic and was crossed by many school children. They called for a second access point on to Rodway Hill Road.

Taylor Wimpey's previous plans were opposed by a residents' group called Save Mangotsfield Open Green Spaces Group (SMOG), whose chair Mike Reeves said the "circumstances haven't changed" since the last application 15 years ago.

However the field has been proposed as a possible development side in the South Gloucestershire Local Plan, which is currently being prepared for a final public consultation next January before it is submitted in the summer for examination by a planning inspector. The examination is likely to be in October 2025, with a view to adoption by April 2026.

Taylor Wimpey has confirmed that it intends its formal outline planning application to be considered by the council once the Local Plan has either been adopted or passed the examination stage.

Taylor Wimpey strategic projects director Chris Dolling said: "The strong turnout of 133 people at our consultation event highlights the importance of aligning our plans with Mangotsfield residents' interests.

"Attendees learned about our proposals and provided valuable feedback on issues like transport, site access, drainage, and next steps. We'll refine our plans based on this input."

Asked about the prospect of adding a second vehicle access, Mr Dolling said: "Taylor Wimpey is proposing one main vehicular

access road on Cossham Street, rather than a second vehicle access point on Rodway Hill Road, as it is the most appropriate location to minimise trips going through the centre of Mangotsfield. There will be a secondary emergency access, located on Rodway Hill Road, and it will be incorporated at one of several walking and cycling access points to the site.

"A single main vehicular access and emergency access is considered sufficient to serve a development of 150 dwellings

and is standard practice."

He said the proposed priority T-junction at the site is expected to be "appropriate to accommodate the anticipated level of trip generation", adding that Taylor Wimpey would be required to pay towards projects to mitigate the impact of development on the area if the application is approved, and this could include improvement to roads and transport services.

The company's consultation website remains open at tinyurl. com/bdcs2mrm.

BLACKHORSE ROAD

Above: What the field looks like now

Left: An aerial view of the site

New pitch on track for first fixture

MANGOTSFIELD United's new artificial pitch is on track to be ready for the club's first home league fixture of the season in November.

It is just over a year since the club announced plans to replace the sloping turf pitch with an all-weather 3G surface as part of a revamp costing around £1.2 million.

The project has also included replacing the existing floodlights with more energy-efficient LED lighting, which will reduce light pollution in neighbouring areas, upgrading the clubhouse and building new covered standing areas on the terrace opposite the main Ralph Miller Stand at Cossham Street.

Work started after the end of last season, and the Hellenic Football League allowed the club to play all of this season's Premier Division fixtures away until contractors Tiger Turf and McCardle had the pitch ready to use.

The surface is now in place and the club posted pictures

online in October to show what it looks like.

It means the club is due to play its first home league fixture of the season, against Slimbridge, on Saturday November 3 at 3pm.

By then the club will have played all their away fixtures, except possibly for a postponed match at Malmesbury Victoria

which had still to be rearranged as the Voice went to print.

Before the match takes place the club is set to open its doors to the community for an open event to show supporters and residents the changes and upgraded facilities.

The open evening will take place on November 7 from

6.30-8.30pm, under the new floodlights.

Club chairman Steve Brown said: "Everyone is welcome.

"It will be a chance to talk to committee, see what will be available to hire for events like birthday parties, as well as finding about some of the opportunities that'll be on offer, such as walking football and summer leagues."

Perimeter works are underway on the side of the ground next to the neighbouring Hut Field, so that temporary fencing can be removed and the club's junior pitch marked out.

The work has been funded with help from a £775,499 joint grant from the Premier League, the FA and government’s Football Foundation, plus a further Premier League award of £150,000.

It included levelling the 2.2m (7ft 2in) drop between the highest and lowest corners of the pitch.

Sport: Page 34

Side Dish: Bombay Aloo, Sag Aloo, Mushroom Bhaji, Cauliflower Bhaji, Vegetable Curry

Rice or Naan: Pilau Rice, Boiled Rice, Plain Naan, Garlic Naan, Peshwari Naan

Side Dish: Bombay Aloo, Sag Aloo, Mushroom Bhaji, Cauliflower Bhaji, Vegetable Curry

Rice or Naan: Choose Pilau Rice, Boiled Rice, Plain Naan or Garlic Naan (TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY)

Starter: Onion Bhaji, Chicken Kebab or any Samosa or Chicken Tikka Starter

Main Course: Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, Lamb Korma, Chicken Bhuna, Lamb Bhuna, Chicken Patiya, Lamb Pitiya, Chicken Dopiaza, Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi, Lamb Jalfrezi, Chicken Dansak, Lamb Dansak, Chicken Rogan Josh, Lamb Rogan Josh

Starter: Onion Bhaji, Chicken Kebab or any

Samosa, Chicken Tikka Starter

Main Course: Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, Lamb Korma, Chicken Bhuna, Lamb Bhuna, Chicken Patiya, Lamb Pitiya, Chicken Dopiaza, Lamb Dupiaza, Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi, Lamb Jalfrezi, Chicken Dansak, Lamb Dansak, Chicken Rogan Josh, Lamb Rogan Josh

The new artificial 3G pitch and new covered terracing opposite the main stand. Picture: Mangotsfield United FC

A TEENAGER from Emersons Green rode a motorbike at speeds of up to 150mph on the M5 and M4.

Police say Harvey Thomas repeatedly rode past speed cameras on a bike which had its number plate removed to avoid detection.

He then reached “extremely dangerous speeds” during a police pursuit after he was spotted by an officer in an unmarked car.

Thomas, aged 19, was given a 10-month suspended prison sentence, banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work at Bristol Crown Court.

He was convicted of one charge of dangerous driving, six counts of exceeding a 40mph limit and two of exceeding a 50mph speed limit.

The court heard Thomas committed offences over a threemonth period earlier this year, mainly in Filton and Patchway.

A police investigation identified Thomas and the bike he was using, linking him to the offences.

On April 28, roads policing officer PC Mark Lambert, who was in an unmarked car, spotted

‘Dangerous and reckless’ teen biker banned

a bike being ridden without plates near junction 17 of the M5.

Thomas made off at speed on the northbound carriageway, and officers pursued him.

Police said the bike reached speeds of up to 150mph during the pursuit, which went onto the M4, M48 and across the Severn Bridge, before heading back in the opposite direction.

Officers used a rolling roadblock to slow down other traffic so they could safely stop and detain him on the

Police arrested Harvey Thomas after setting up a rolling roadblock on the M4

M4 eastbound, just before the Almondsbury interchange.

As well as the suspended sentence, ban and community order, Thomas was ordered to pay £150 costs, a £187 victim surcharge, undergo rehabilitation activities and take an extended test following the end of his driving ban when he appeared for sentencing in September.

Afterwards, Inspector Matt Boiles said: “Harvey Thomas put the lives of others, as well as his

own life, at risk by the dangerous and reckless driving he engaged in.There was clear evidence he regularly rode at speeds of up to 123mph past fixed camera sites and he clearly thought himself to be above the law.

“Our investigation was complex, due to the bike being ridden without a vehicle registration mark and the fact Thomas was dressed in dark, unidentifiable clothing.

“Officers and staff from our Roads Policing Unit, intelligence team and our stolen vehicle examiner worked together to carry out enquiries and they were able to identify both the rider and the bike, which has ultimately led to this conviction.

“During the pursuit, Thomas rode at extremely dangerous speeds and it was only due to the skills and tactics of the responding officers that this incident was brought to a safe conclusion.”

TURNER'S VISION

From Hollywood to Henleaze: The Tom Davies eyewear revolution

As Seen On Screen: From Clark Kent to Cruella de Vil, Tom Davies' iconic frames have been worn by some of cinema’s most memo

EVER wondered what Batman's Clark Kent, Cruella de Vil, and your favourite local optician all have in common? The answer might surprise you: Tom Davies eyewear.

Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434 www.turnersopticians.co.uk

Tom Davies is a revolution in handmade eyewear that's been turning heads since the 1990s. If you haven't heard of him, you've almost certainly seen his work. From Heston Blumenthal's signature look to Ed Sheeran's distinctive style, Tom Davies' frames have graced the faces of countless celebrities.

His designs have even been all over the big screen – making all the eyewear in The Matrix Resurrections, including for central characters Neo, Trinity and Morpheus.

And when it was discovered that Henry Cavill had a higher-than-usual bridge during filming of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, who did the producers turn to? You guessed it – Tom Davies. The designer made a special pair for one of the most iconic cinematic glasses wearers of all time, the one and only, Clark Kent.

Cruella's transformation: A spectacle to behold Glasses in films are more than just accessories though. They can be used to mark a character’s journey, as is the case in 2021’s Cruella, the origin story for the central villain – who likes to turn puppies into fur coats.

Initially brought on board to create glasses for Emma Thompson, Davies' involvement expanded dramatically when he realised the importance of eyewear in 1970s London.

In that pre-contact lens era, glasses were everywhere. Seizing this opportunity, Davies crafted frames for nearly every cast member, creating over 120 unique pieces that would become integral to the storytelling process. Davies provided multiple pairs for Stone, each one marking a step in her character's metamorphosis. From aspiring fashion designer to notorious villain, Cruella's journey is subtly tracked through her evolving glasses.

Want to look like your favourite film character?

At Turners Opticians, we’ve been dispensing Tom Davies eyewear for years. These super comfy frames have always been popular with patients who are after a stylish look and perhaps want to give a nod to their favourite celebrity or film. While Cruella showcased Tom Davies' talent for period eyewear, his work continues to grace the silver screen in exciting new ways. The latest blockbuster to feature his unique designs is none other than "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," the highly anticipated sequel to the 1988 comedy horror classic.

For this supernatural spectacle, Davies has once again proven his ability to capture character essence through eyewear. He's created distinctive sunglasses for two key characters: Delia Deetz, the Deetz family matriarch played by Catherine O'Hara, and Lydia Deetz, portrayed by Winona Ryder. Fans of the original will remember Lydia as the goth-teen, now all grown up and hosting her own show, "Ghost House with Lydia Deetz."

Make an appointment today

At Turners Opticians, we're excited to offer our patients the chance to own their own piece of cinematic history (sort of!). Whether you're drawn to the vintage allure of Cruella's frames or intrigued by the otherworldly charm of the Beetlejuice sequel's eyewear, we can help you find your perfect Tom Davies piece – all handmade and crafted from premium acetate in Davies' British factory. Ready to add some cinematic flair to your look? At Turners, we offer a wide range of sunglasses and expert advice to help you find your perfect pair. Give our Henleaze team a ring on 0117 962 2474, or reach out to our Fishponds team at 0117 965 4434. Prefer to book online? No problem – just see our website.

See you soon!

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

Traffic jams as M4 shuts for bridge work

THOUSANDS of motorists were diverted through Hambrook, Downend, Emersons Green, Warmley and Wick as the M4 was shut for a weekend.

The motorway was closed in both directions between the Bristol and Bath junctions, at Hambrook and Tormarton, from 7pm on October 18 until 6am on October 21, as part of the project to replace the A432 Badminton Road bridge.

National Highways said the motorway usually carries up to 4,000 vehicles an hour at weekends, and had warned drivers in advance to avoid the area if possible during the closure.

Throughout the weekend there were queues not only on the diversion route – along the M32, A4174, A420 and A46 – but on other roads in the area.

Although National Highways appealed to drivers to stick to the signposted diversions and not follow alternatives suggested by smartphones or satnavs, there were long queues on Westerleigh Road between Emersons Green and Dodington, with traffic approaching the A46 backed up for two miles beyond Codrington at some points.

People also reported queues on Siston Hill, Goose Green and through Pucklechurch during the weekend.

The bridge next to the Wick Wick roundabout, which carried the main road between Bristol and Yate, has been closed to motor traffic since last summer after inspectors found "structural failures" during a routine inspection.

The concrete and steel bridge was built in 1966 and was designed to last for 120 years.

National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge, has drawn up plans to remove it in March or April next year, with a replacement due to open in early 2026.

But before the bridge can be removed the utility supplies which currently run through it –water and gas mains, electricity and fibre optic cables – have to be re-routed under the motorway.

People living near the works were warned to expect noise as workers used a 55-ton chainsaw to cut through the road surface, before digging out trenches to bury ducts for the utilities, then resurfacing the motorway.

Up to 70 people worked in shifts on the project over the course of the weekend.

Utility companies will then have several months to move the pipes and cables into the new ducts.

National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said: "There's no good time to do something like this.

"We carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience, but sometimes it's not possible to carry out the work that's needed without a closure."

Signs warning of the closure were put up as far away as London, Cardiff and Manchester.

South Gloucestershire Council adjusted the timing of the lights at junction 1 of the M32 and at Deanery roundabout in Warmley to prioritise

traffic using the diversion, and monitored traffic flows to adjust sequencing at other locations as required.

There will be a second weekend closure for the bridge to be demolished and a third to install the 55 metre steel supports for the new bridge.

Mr Walsh said that since the bridge was closed a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes to design its replacement, liaise with utility companies and councils.

He said: "Work hasn't stopped at all. It's not all about digging a hole – that's the easy bit."

Mr Walsh said he understood people's frustrations at the length of time the bridge was out

of use.

The agency had listened to suggestions about installing a temporary bridge but, having considered the options, decided demolishing and replacing the bridge with a new permanent structure was judged to be the quickest and most economical approach.

He said: "We will do everything we can to expedite it.

"What people see when they use a bridge is a flat surface but what they don't see is that every bridge is different and you need to understand the conditions.

"You can't just go to Bridges R Us, and most of the work you have to do for this bridge would have to be done for a temporary bridge."

Traffic queuing on the Avon Ring Road near Bromley Heath during the motorway closure

Trenches are cut across the M4 during the closure

A digger scoops earth out of a trench ready for a duct to go in

National Highways Route Manager Sean Walsh at the bridge

Royal accolade as family firm makes its mark

A SMALL company based in Emersons Green has seen its big impression on the sports world recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise.

The Pitchmark Group has been recognised for its excellence in the awards’ International Trade category.

Since it was founded in 2010 by former groundsman Mark Rodman and his wife Sue, the group has become a market leader in marking sports pitches around the world.

Its clients range from grassroots local clubs to Premier League teams and international arenas, including Wembley Stadium.

The company’s products

marked out pitches at football tournaments including the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and Qatar in 2022, and the Euro 2016 in France.

Employing 29 people, it remains a family business, with Mark and Sue’s sons Tim and Darren the managing director and sales & marketing director respectively.

Originally based in Coalpit Heath, the company moved to the Emerald Park East industrial estate to expand.

The Pitchmark Group was one of 252 organisations nationally to be recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise this year.

The award was presented in a ceremony at its Longmead

Road base in October by Roger Deeks, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, representing the King, accompanied by South Gloucestershire Council chair Franklin Owusu Antwi and Deputy Lieutenant Susan Hewson-Lowe.

Pitchmark won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019. The awards were renamed last year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country.

Awards are valid for five years, and recipients are entitled to use an emblem on their packaging and other materials, as well as flying a flag at their

premises.

To be eligible for the international trade award, a business must have made a minimum of £100,000 in overseas sales in the first year of its entry, prove it has achieved outstanding growth in overseas earnings relative to the business size and sector, and show consistent growth over a number of years.

Tim said: “We are incredibly proud to have received the King’s Award for International Trade, having previously received the Queen’s Award 5 years ago.

“The award is testament to the team and proves that the business continues to grow and prosper.”

Pitchmark managing director Tim Rodman with Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Roger Deeks, South Gloucestershire Council chair Franklin Owusu Antwi and Deputy Lieutenant Susan Hewson-Lowe

Line marking equipment in use in Qatar

Tip shuts for a month

MANGOTSFIELD'S Sort It recycling centre has closed for five weeks for "essential repairs and maintenance".

The centre in Carsons Road shut on October 21 and will not reopen until November 25.

Damage to part of the building was visible to visitors dropping off waste before the closure, with one of the loading bays cordoned off.

South Gloucestershire Council is advising residents to "delay unnecessary trips" to recycling centres during the closure.

Its three other recycling centres at Little Stoke, Yate and Thornbury will be open from 8.30am to 4.30pm daily as usual.

But the council said in a statement: "They will be much busier, with queues likely at any time of the day.

"If you need to use a recycling centre, please sort your waste, remove any recycling from bags of mixed waste and make sure your vehicle is registered before you visit."

Residents are being advised that the Little Stoke has a 1.8m height barrier and trailers are not allowed on the site.

It also cannot take some materials which can be brought to other centres, including asbestos, tyres, plasterboard, hardcore or rubble, paper, cans, glass and plastics.

None of the Sort It recycling centres can accept business waste.

The closure is the longest since the authority shut all of its recycling centres for seven weeks during the first covid lockdown in 2020. They reopened with restrictions which then lasted for several months.

A fire which damaged the Mangotsfield centre in May 2022, and is believed to have been caused by a lithium ion battery thrown away with household waste, only resulted in it being closed for two and a half days afterwards.

For more details on Sort It centres visit tinyurl.com/vx8yajf7.

Library staffed hours reduced

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has confirmed new opening times for libraries including Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green, as staffed hours are cut back.

Reductions in the hours where libraries will be open to all, and have librarians on duty, were agreed by councillors to save £273,000 from this year's council budget.

The libraries will still open on the same days as before, and their open access times, where residents who have signed up for an entry card can use the library while no staff are on duty, will remain the same at 8am to 7.30pm every day.

From November 4, Downend library will be staffed from 10am to 5pm on Monday and Wednesday, and 10am to 3pm on Fridays. Previous staffed hours were 10am to 5.30pm on each day.

The library will be staffed from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays; it was previously staffed from 9.30am.

Staple Hill library will be staffed from 10am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: until now it has opened from 10am to 5.30pm on those days. It will open 30 minutes later on Saturdays, at 10am instead of 9.30am.

Emersons Green library will see staffed hours reduced to 10am5pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, when it was previously open until 5.30pm. Staffed hours on Saturday will also start later, at 10am instead of 9.30am.

The council said Staple Hill & Mangotsfield parish and Emersons Green town councils had agreed to pay for an extra children’s activity and two staffed opening hours each week at their local libraries.

Council cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes said: "We understand the importance of having staffed hours and we have tried to minimise the impact of the reduction on our communities. ."

Opening hours for the council’s One Stop Shop in Kingswood have also been cut to 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

DOWNEND dog groomer Ava Mannings has reached the final of TV talent contest The Voice UK.

Ava, whose performance in the blind auditions of the hit ITV Saturday night show saw all four celebrity coaches bid to put her on their team, had to get through two more stages to reach the final.

She was one of ten acts on the team of McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones who were whittled down to three on the show's Callbacks episode, screened in October.

Tom and Danny were joined by Little Mix star Perrie Edwards as they put the acts through their paces.

Ava and two fellow team members were given the task of making Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit their own.

Perrie described Ava's soulful version of the song as "captivating", saying: "I felt like my body was hovering over itself watching that performance."

Ava was chosen by Tom, Danny and Perrie to go through to the semi-finals, alongside Kyra Smith and Olivia Rogers.

Ava sings her way into final

Tom and Danny then had to choose one of those three to send to the final to compete against the other coaches' picks.

Ava, who grew up in Fishponds, Downend and Frenchay, chose to sing God Only Knows by the Beach Boys –and once again left the coaches reaching for superlatives.

LeAnn Rimes said Ava had "moved" her, adding: "You're really a special artist."

Sir Tom Jones said: "You made the song your own – you did it the way you felt it, and I loved that."

Danny told Ava he and Tom had "teared up" listening to her, adding: "We're speechless, because you're very special."

Ava, who is 21, shook with emotion as Danny and Tom announced that they were spending her to the final, before running off stage to embrace

mum April Dickie.

Ava said: "It's just been incredible being able to sing such a powerful song, and I'm so grateful the you can understand where I'm coming from."

Last month Ava told the Downend Voice she had loved singing for as long as she can remember.

She first performed on stage for Staple Hill-based St Mary's Players and also sang with Bristol Amateur Operatic Society Youth, in the choir at Hambrook Primary School and in productions at Winterbourne Academy.

But after leaving school she cut short plans to study music, and sang to the dogs to help her through the day during two years working at Top Groom, in Downend Road.

The series was recorded earlier this year but the result is a closely-guarded secret.

Viewers were set to find the winner on October 26, when the final was due to be screened on ITV1 from 8.10pm.

2.

3.

Ava Mannings on The Voice UK Callbacks episode. Picture: ITV Plc/ Lifted Entertainment

Community energy company is launched

PEOPLE living in Emersons Green, Lyde Green and Pucklechurch have the chance to get involved with a new project aiming to make clean, affordable energy available to everyone.

Emersons and Lyde Community Energy CIC (ELCoE) is being launched to help local communities develop their own green power supplies and take on the threat of climate change.

It is starting with a challenge to get more people to fit solar panels and an event where people who have fitted renewable or energy-saving systems show other residents how they work in real life.

The chair of ELCoE is Chris Sunderland, a member of the Friends of Emersons Green Park and lead organiser of the area’s Earthfest festival.

Chris said: “There is so much that can be done.

“This autumn we hope to launch our ‘Every Roof Challenge’, where we encourage everyone with an appropriate roof in our area to install solar panels.

“Imagine every house and every public building covered in solar panels: energy bills would be cut at a stroke, and we would all gain a huge sense of pride in being an area that was actually taking action on climate change.

“It seems that the price of solar PV is now so low that savings on our energy bills can often outstrip repayments from borrowing to make the installation.”

The company also wants to explore the possibilities of large-scale projects, such as one investigated by South Gloucestershire Council to use warm water in mine workings below homes in the area as a

source of warm water, as well as big wind or solar installations.

ELCoE has a partnership with Bristol Energy Network, which installed a wind turbine in Lawrence Weston which is now providing an income to support that community.

ELCoE members have been talking to people about their views on renewable energy at public events, and looking at ideas that can be tried locally.

Their first public event will be the Green Homes Open Day on November 16, when some residents will open their homes for visitors to see what is actually involved in domestic renewable energy projects.

Chris said: “There will be a home with a heat pump, another with a heat pump alternative called a Zero Emissions Boiler.

“There will be solar panels, batteries and all sorts to talk

about. Everyone is welcome to view these homes.

“The Green Homes Open Day is part of a strategy to help us talk about renewable energy, insulation, and the cost of it all.”

ELCoE community engagement worker Grace Courtney will host meetings in the New Year to “ask the hard questions” about energy projects.

She said: “People can find the idea of retrofitting their homes quite daunting at first. We believe that talking to others who have done things successfully is a great way to dispel our fears!

“We are also delighted to be partnering with Retrofit West who have all sorts of experts on hand to help us.”

The project will also be open to residents of Westerleigh, Mangotsfield and Staple Hill.

For more information visit www.elcoe.co.uk.

Survivors’ charity wins national award

AN Emersons Green-based charity for survivors of domestic abuse has won a national award.

OPOKA was founded 12 years ago as a pilot scheme to support Polish women and their children escaping from abusive relationships.

It became a registered charity three years ago and provides free and confidential advice and support to victims of physical or sexual violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, stalking or misogynistic behaviour within relationships.

OPOKA was announced as the winner in the Community Organisation: Gender category at this year’s National Diversity Awards at a ceremony in Liverpool in October.

Founder and chief executive Aneta Mackell said: “We are absolutely thrilled that OPOKA has won a National Diversity Award.

“OPOKA was chosen from a field of eight incredible organisations working to improve gender equality – we’re so proud to be among them.”

The charity offers bilingual helplines, practical support, outreach, mental health and well-being programmes, group support, counselling and therapy.

The charity has nine places in two ‘safe houses’ to offer sanctuary to Polish mothers

and children seeking refuge from violence.

It has six staff and 16 volunteers, including five trustees, and is based in Brook Office Park.

Aneta said: “In 2023 alone, OPOKA handled 11,019 Helpline calls and supported 254 women, achieving health improvements, safety and financial stability.

“This award is a testament to the amazing efforts of our entire team, who work tirelessly to keep people safe from abuse and violence.”

Aneta dedicated the award to the people OPOKA supports and its staff, volunteers, champions, trustees and donors, along with

parent organisation Chrysalis Supported Association.

She said: “Without all of them, we wouldn’t be able to do our vital, often lifesaving work.

“We really hope this award helps to shine a light on domestic abuse within the Polish community in the UK and encourages people to support charities like ours, so that we can continue to be there for anyone subjected to abuse.”

Each year OPOKA needs to raise £100,000 through donations to help support its work.

National Diversity Awards founder Paul Sesay said OPOKA was “hugely deserving” of the award, and offered “a beacon of hope” to those in need of its support.

He said: “Polish families are one of the largest minority groups in the country, contributing significantly to the British economy and cultural and diversity of our society.

“OPOKA understands the importance of welcoming and embracing this diversity to create a more inclusive and harmonious community.

“We wish them continued success in their work and hope winning a National Diversity Award will accelerate their impact and change even more lives for the better.”

Anna Barnett and Joanna Szuryn of OPOKA (centre) with singer and actress Kelle Bryan, actor Bradley Riches and their National Diversity Award. Picture: Kristy Garland

Claire steps down

THORNBURY & Yate MP Claire Young has stepped down from her role as a South Gloucestershire councillor to concentrate on her work in Westminster.

Her resignation will trigger a by-election in the council’s Frampton Cotterell ward, which will be held on November 28.

Liberal Democrat Ms Young overturned a 12,369-vote majority to oust Conservative Luke Hall in the Thornbury & Yate constituency, which includes Pucklechurch, at July’s general election.

She quit as council leader shortly afterwards, and said at the time she would also stand down entirely from the council in due course.

Ms Young has been a councillor for more than 17 years, first for Westerleigh ward then for Frampton Cotterell after boundary changes in 2019.

She said: “It’s been a real honour to represent local people on South Gloucestershire Council – and I look forward to keep fighting for our area in Parliament.”

Nominations for the vacant council seat opened on October 25 and close on November 1.

Traveller site plans opposed

PLANS to establish a new travellers’ site just outside Pucklechurch have been submitted.

Applicant Jason McDonagh has applied for permission to create pitches for two mobile homes and two touring caravans, with a stable block and ‘day room’ on land he owns opposite the entrance to the established Meadow View travellers’ site on Shortwood Road.

Mr McDonagh, who lives at Meadow View, says the site was last used as hardstanding by South Gloucestershire Council’s highways department during recent roadworks to create a new dual use path between Pucklechurch and Shortwood.

The plans include parking spaces for two cars and two light goods vehicles.

As the Voice went to print, 13 objections had been lodged to the plans, including from Pucklechurch Parish Council, which has raised seven arguments against the plans, and neighbouring Siston Parish Council, which has raised 11.

They say the site is in the Green Belt and in the Siston Conservation Area, is outside the boundary of existing settlements, has not been identified as a “safe-guarded Gypsy & Traveller site” and is on a side of the road that “has a distinctly rural character”.

Siston Parish Council said the proposed access to the site crosses the cycle and

footpath the council finished earlier this year, which was specifically built on the south side of Shortwood Road to avoid crossing the entrance to the Meadow View site.

The parish council said: “There are concerns from residents that accidents may occur when using the newly-laid cycle path, and money spent on this pathway will be wasted, if it is no longer a safe pathway.”

It called for the hardstanding on the site, which has been covered with waste including “large electrical household items”, to be returned to its “former natural state”

South Gloucestershire Boyd Valley ward councillor Marilyn Palmer said tipping had been carried out on the site and trenches had already been dug to install services, which had spoiled the surface of the new path.

She said: “This is a totally inappropriate site for any form of development and it must be refused and enforcement action taken.”

An objection has been lodged by South Gloucestershire Council’s landscape officer. The plans can be viewed on the planning section of the council’s website by searching for application P24/02055/F, or at tinyurl. com/yywsdzsf.

Choir tour funds new classroom

A TOUR by a choir from South Africa which visited Mangotsfield C of E Primary School has helped build a new classroom.

The Project Zulu Choir, from Jobstown and Mntimande primary schools in KwaZulu Natal province, performed traditional Zulu song and dance for Mangotsfield pupils and parents, and took part in some lessons during their visit last year.

The fundraising tour of the South West, part of a UWE Bristol initiative which has been working in partnership with South African township schools since 2012, raised £32,000, which was split between the two schools.

Members of the UWE team visited Jobstown for the opening of a new multipurpose classroom funded by the tour.

Project Zulu coordinator Kate Willis said: “The principal at Jobstown Primary School, Mrs Ntshingila, was deeply inspired from her visits to local schools in Bristol last year. She returned to South Africa eager to integrate technology and learning resources into the classroom to aid quality education.”

Learning gets off to flying start

NEW pupils at Mangotsfield C of E Primary School have been finding out just how many ways there are to learn in a Reception class.

From learning about how the human body works to making fruit salad after being inspired by a story they read, their first term has been full of wonder.

The young pupils have also found out how to use patterns in maths, learned about the Bible’s story of creation and the school song, ‘Be You Bravely’.

Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1 lead Jo Sihag said: “We are so proud of how our new EYFS children have settled into Team Mango.

“Our new little learners are kind and caring, listening to adults and are demonstrating our Be Ready expectations for learning.

“What an amazing term 1 we have had!”

School tours: Tuesday 1st October at 9:30am, Wednesday 23rd October at 9:30am and 6pm, Tuesday 26th November at 9:30am and Friday 10th January at 9:30am

Please call: 0 01454 867400 or email: a admin@mangoschool.org to book your place.

“Ifeelproud of our learning, our values, our staff and our friends. ”

Learner comment, 2024

“Ifeel blessed to have the opportunity to send my child to Mango every day ”

Parent comment, 2024

www.mangotsfieldprimary.org

The new classroom in South Africa

Council told to improve children's secure unit

A SECURE children’s home run by South Gloucestershire Council has been ordered to improve.

Regulator Ofsted visited Vinney Green in July and its report, published in October, said the unit 'requires improvement' in two areas: the help and protection of young people, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

A team of five education, social care, health and justice inspectors spent three days at the unit between Mangotsfield and Emersons Green.

Ofsted has visited Vinney Green eight times since an inspection in April 2022 found it to be 'inadequate', highlighting complaints of “unlawful, painful” physical restraint and unjustified solitary confinement.

An inspection in April last year found the home, which can accommodate up to 24 children aged between 10 and 18 for the Youth Custody Service, to be 'good' in all areas.

The latest report raised concerns about

safeguarding the 17 children living there in July.

The inspectors said a complaint from a child that "raised serious safeguarding concerns about staff conduct and behaviour" was not responded to effectively.

This included a letter sent to the child which "infers blame" because of a rule infringement that had "no relevance to the safeguarding concerns raised".

In a separate incident, managers decided a referral to Vinney Green's local authority designated officer (LADO) was required after four children complained about a member of staff.

The inspectors said: "No referral was made, despite children being told that it had. The children have not received a final response or outcome to their complaint."

The report said children's health, education and learning was 'good' and highlighted the home's "broad curriculum that largely meets children’s needs".

Children are able to work towards GCSEs, A-levels and vocational training qualifications.

They have "well qualified and experienced" teachers, trained to teach children with "complex and wide-ranging needs".

Health provision was also found to be good, with comprehensive and "highly individualised" assessments and plans for children's mental, physical and sexual health and neurodiversity needs. The inspectors

HAIR DESIGNERS

said: "Children said that they enjoy living in the home, feel safe and have no concerns about the care and support they receive from staff."

They concluded: "The secure children's home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people.

"However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted."

They set out five requirements and a further six recommendations for improving the unit.

A council spokesperson said: "The recent report from Ofsted highlighted areas for improvement at Vinney Green, particularly in relation to how we complete records and how those records allow staff to further improve their practice.

"While we are naturally disappointed with the ‘Requires Improvement’ rating, we fully acknowledge the report’s findings and are committed to addressing these issues.

"We are pleased that the report highlighted many examples of good practice and sustained improvement, particularly in relation to the quality of our staff and the positive experiences of the children in our care.

"We are reassured that actions are already being implemented to make the changes identified by Ofsted, and we look forward to being able to update inspectors on our progress in the future."

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.

Flagpole approved

A FLAGPOLE will be erected at Mangotsfield's war memorial to enable the Union flag to fly at future Remembrance services.

Mangotsfield Residents Association applied to South Gloucestershire Council for permission to site the 5m (16ft) fibreglass pole at the memorial in July. The application was approved by council officers, using delegated powers, in September.

It will be installed 3.6m (about 12ft) from the Grade II-listed memorial by the council's StreetCare team.

The flagpole will not be in place in time for this year's Remembrance service but it is expected to be installed early next year, with the MRA having secured funding for the project.

Remembrance parade details confirmed

DETAILS have been confirmed for this year's Remembrance Day parades and services in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield.

The annual events to honour those who gave their lives in conflict will take place on Sunday November 10.

This year the main Staple Hill event is being coordinated by Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Parish Council, which has taken on the organisation and funding of the event for the first time.

Previously crowdfunding appeals had to be set up to meet the cost of setting up the event, including the sound system for the service in Page Park.

The parish council, which was set up last year, has worked with the Royal British Legion, Salvation Army and other key figures to make the arrangements.

The parade will form up on Page Road from 10am and veterans, military personnel, uniformed organisations and dignitaries will join members of the community in a march from 10.20am along the High Street and Broad Street to Page Park.

The parade will be led by the Staple Hill Salvation Army band, which will also accompany the hymns at the traditional Remembrance service around the park's war memorial.

Anyone who wants to take part in the wreath-

TURNERS HEARING CARE BLOG

Ear wax factoid

Ear wax prevents your ears from drying out.

What is tinnitus?

Commonly a ringing, humming or buzzing sound in one of both ears that is not from an outside noise.

How do I know if I have tinnitus?

Experts would say that if you think you have tinnitus, you have tinnitus as it’s a sound only you hear.

Can removing ear wax build up help?

If your tinnitus is related to a buildup of hardened ear wax it can cause a sensation of a full ear, reduced hearing and tinnitus. In this case removing the ear wax buildup usually relieves the tinnitus.

If your ears do have surplus wax that is causing you the problem, I can use our sophisticated micro-suction equipment to gently and effectively remove it for you. At the same appointment you can also have your hearing checked too.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Last year's Remembrance parade passes along Broad Street

laying ceremony can pre-order a wreath online at www.staplehillandmangotsfield-pc.gov.uk or call council chairman Ian Campbell on 0795 010 4450.

After the service, the Page Community Association will open its doors to the public for refreshments.

Cllr Campbell said: "Remembrance Day is a time for us all to come together, to honour the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women.

"We invite everyone in the community to join us in paying their respects and commemorating those who have given their lives for our freedom."

Afterwards there will be an act of remembrance at Mangotsfield war memorial in Alec Large park at 12.30pm.

The event is organised by the Mangotsfield Residents Association and includes a service led by MRA chair and community pastor Clive Heath, who will also lead an informal service at the Red Lion pub at 11am.

Wreaths for the service can also be ordered by calling 0795 010 4450.

in Fishponds having worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.

Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians

A CALL for improved sports facilities in Pucklechurch has been kicked into touch – for now.

Resident Margaret Fortune is campaigning for a multi-use games area (MUGA), which she says would benefit people of all ages.

She presented her initial research, which suggested putting a MUGA on the village recreation field or the St Aldams play area, to the parish council for discussion at its October meeting.

Councillors said they would welcome such a facility in the village but regretfully did not think the Rec or any of the other play areas owned by the parish council would be suitable.

Chair Gail Boyle suggested that the campaigners approach South Gloucestershire Council or other landowners to see if they had a site that could be made available.

Vice-chair Rick Dunning said: “It would be excellent to have a range of facilities within the parish but sadly we have not got available or suitable land – and resources are tight.”

A report to the council outlined potential pros and cons, in particular proximity to homes and impact on the conservation area.

Margaret put together her

THE future of Pucklechurch Scout Hut is in doubt following the closure of the village Scout group.

The 50-year-old building, which is on land owned by the parish council, is still used by Guides, Brownies and Rainbows every week as well as being available for hire.

But efforts to find new volunteers to run Scouts,

Whistle blown on call for village multisports area

detailed proposals following surveys that showed many villagers felt there were not enough facilities for young people in Pucklechurch. She said the village, with a population of more than 3,000, was poorly served compared with smaller places such as Iron Acton.

MUGAs can be used by people of all ages and abilities for multiple sports including netball, tennis and pickleball.

Speaking at the parish council meeting, Margaret said she believed the benefits of a MUGA would outweigh the obstacles and urged members to agree to

exploring the feasibility of raising funds for one.

Pucklechurch Parish Council is responsible for the play areas on the Rec, at St Aldams Drive, Eagle Crescent, Parkfield and Shortwood.

It recently upgraded the Eagle Crescent equipment, has installed a new roundabout on the Rec and will be improving the swings, as well as improving drainage on the sports fields.

Most of the wooden play equipment at St Aldams has reached the end of its life, so the council is looking at possible replacements.

It intends to organise an engagement session at the community centre soon to show some possible options.

The council also agreed to establish a youth advisory group to ensure that it took account of the views of young people.

Margaret told the Voice that if any residents would like to join her campaign or view her proposal, they can contact her at margaret_elson@msn.com.

Scout hut future in doubt

Cubs and Beavers have proved unsuccessful and the units have closed.

The parish council meeting in October was told that the lease had elapsed and the Scouts’ district organisation did not have the resources to run a

community building that was not being used for Scout activities, but that a final decision would need to be made by the Scouts’ county leaders.

Guide leader Ros Abbott said the Guides were in limbo and wanted to know if they could

continue to use the hut and, if not, where they could go. for their meetings.

“Eighty children and leaders use it weekly.

“Our units are thriving and we have got sufficient leaders,” she said.

The multi-use games area in Iron Acton

Pucklechurch Scout Hut

November 7

n MANGOTSFIELD UNITED community day, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield, 6.30-8.30pm. See the new pitch, talk to the committee and find out more about new activities. All welcome.

November 8

n DOWNEND ROUND TABLE

FIREWORKS, King George V Playing Fields, 5.30pm onwards. Children’s display 6.30pm, bonfire 7.15pm, main display 8pm, followed by afterparty. Music, entertainment, food, drink and stalls. Tickets available only from www.downendrt.co.uk

November 12

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

SOCIETY practice class, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Christmas-themed arrangement with candles. Also on November 26, 7.30pm at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, open Christmas demonstration by Arnaud Metairie. Tickets £12. Email katebryant186@ gmail.com for more information.

November 20

n CARERS RIGHTS DAY 2024 event for unpaid carers and professionals at BAWA Health and Leisure, Southmead Road, Bristol, 9.30am3.30 pm. Contact Carers Support Centre on 0117 958 9902 or book online at bit.ly/47dzOJF.

November 22

n DOWNEND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON, outside the Horseshoe, Downend Road. Music from 5.30pm, switch-on at 6pm. November 25 onwards

n COSSHAM HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS will be holding their Christmas sale, Monday to Friday from 10am to 2.30pm in the

hospital café, from November 25 until December 20. All proceeds go towards equipment for the hospital.

November 30

n ST JAMES CHURCH

MANGOTSFIELD CHRISTMAS FAIR, 10.30am-2pm in the Church Hall, Richmond Road.

November 30

n CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL at St Thomas a Becket church, Pucklechurch, 10am-4pn, including stalls. Continues until December 6, from 2-4pm. Theme: ‘What Christmas means to us’. All visitors welcome.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT

BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Wednesday 3.15pm-6pm, Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. Ring John 0117 9372873

Tuesday

n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB

meets every Tuesday Evening from 8-10pm at Downend Sports Centre for informal badminton doubles/ singles matches between adults of all ages. First visit free. More info from Graham on 07968 050320.

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB Pucklechurch Community Hall.Abson Road every other Tuesday from 7.30 to 10.15p.m. All welcome either with a partner or solo. Enjoy an evening with us. Call Sue on 07742114566 or Linda on 0784324014.

n MESSY SPACE at Badminton Road Methodist Church, Downend, 10-11.45am. Term-time group for toddlers and carers. Toys, books, crafts, singing and refreshments. First visit free. More information at

ADVERTISEMENT

Bristol Care Homes launches Singing for the Brain in collaboration with Alzheimer's Society

BRISTOL Care Homes is excited to introduce Singing for the Brain, a monthly event in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society. This initiative harnesses the power of music to support people living with dementia, helping them reconnect with memories, boost well-being, and foster social connections.

Music has been proven to aid memory recall, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being, particularly for those with dementia. Singing for the Brain offers a warm, supportive environment where participants can enjoy familiar songs, share stories, and build connections.

The events will be held monthly at two locations: Quarry House Care Home and Glebe House Care Home. Open to residents, families, and the community, no RSVP is required. Join us for an uplifting experience and enjoy tea, coffee, and cakes on the house. For details, visit www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk.

badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk or 0117 956 1106.

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 by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. If you are interested telephone Madeleine Bills. 0117 9560805.

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

n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk.

n FRENCHAY FOLK DANCE CLUB meets alternate Wednesdays, English and American folk dancing to live music, 7.45-10.15pm, Frenchay Village Hall. New dancers always welcome. More details at www.frenchayfdc.co.uk or email FFDCSecretary@gmail.com.

n CLEEVE SINGERS 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.

Thursday

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

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

n WALKING WITH FRIENDS, free group walks at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1-2pm. For more details email kingsmeadowmade4ever.org. uk or call 07588 622 372 n SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, at Shortwood Village Chapel, Main Road, Shortwood. More details from millhousejoinery@aol.com.

Friday

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

n RAINBOW TOTS parent and toddler group meets at Emersons Green Village Hall on term-time Friday mornings, 10-11.30am. All

welcome. For more details email church.egbc@outlook.com.

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon at the church in Cossham Street.

n LATER LIVE MUSIC, Resound church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Every second Friday monthly, except August & December, 8-10pm, £2.50. More details at facebook.com/lateratresound.

Saturday

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

Sunday

n 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 BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH Sunday worship followed by sharing refreshments, 10.30am Service of Holy Communion usually fourth Sunday of the month, led by Rev Leigh Maydew. More information from www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk.

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

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

n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH services are held every Sunday morning from 10.3011.30am at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emersons Way. We also hold regular craft services. Contact Simon on 07765 201435, visit www.emersonsgreenchurch.org or Facebook page for more details.

n LYDE GREEN LITTER PICKERS meet at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month outside Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. See www.cleanupuk.org.uk/groups/lydegreen-litter-pickers for information. n SERVICES AT ST JAMES CHURCH, MANGOTSFIELD: 8am, holy communion. 10.30am, services rotate between all-age service (1st Sunday), morning worship (2nd & 4th Sunday), holy communion (3rd Sunday) and healing service (5th Sunday).

LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Panto classic comes to Lyde Green

IT’S pantomime time! Oh no, it isn’t! Oh yes, it is!

Why not get ready for the holiday season by booking a family-friendly pantomime right on your doorstep?

On Saturday December 7 at 3.30pm, Beauty and The Beast will be coming to Lyde Green Community Centre.

This is a super-fun event, which allows your little ones a taste of traditional theatre without the worries or the expense.

Book tickets for all our events by using our virtual box office at buytickets.at/lgc.

Before that, don’t forget to pop Saturday November 23 into your diary.

This is the date for our annual Christmas Fayre, which takes place from 2-6pm.

There will be Lots of stalls with great gift ideas, some wonderful refreshments, seasonal music from the fabulous Filton Concert Brass and storytime with Santa.

Tickets are also on sale now for our family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party.

We are delighted that again this year we have a kids’ disco, licensed bar, free glitter station and fabulous, local rock and pop act One-Two Duo. Come and join us for an evening of fun!

If you would like to volunteer for future events, please get in touch with us. We are always looking for members of the community to get involved: this can range from serving on our board of trustees to volunteering at the Christmas Fayre.

If you’d like to find out more about the work done by Lyde Green Community Association, then why not come along to our AGM, on November 11 at Lyde Green Community Centre from 7pm? You could win a tree!

You can contact us on Facebook @lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, by email at info@lydegreenca.org or by calling the office on 0117 957 0410.

For party or event bookings, email Bookings@lydegreenca.org.

Helen Crew

BRISTOL u3a

THIS month we feature two local interest groups run by Bristol u3a East & North-East Bristol members.

The Local Social History group meets monthly in Page Community Centre in Staple Hill, to study the social history of our local area.

It’s only been active for a couple of months but there are already 14 participants, with room for a couple more.

Contact Stella Russell at negroups@bristolu3a.org.uk if you would like further information.

Have you ever thought that you might like to solve the mysteries of the Orient? Mah Jong may be just the starting point!

Whether you have played before, or are at a loss to know which way up the tiles are, then this could be for you. It’s a fascinating game, which can become quite addictive.

The group meets twice a month in Longwell Green. Contact Fiona Godfrey at 3dbitz@googlemail.com if you’d like to give it a try.

An interest group is formed when a small group of u3a members decide they’d like to pursue a hobby or interest in the company of others. There are now over 170 groups across Bristol and over 30 in our area.

Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves. There’s no lower age limit but most of our members are retired or semi-retired.

Everything we do is by members for members. We have no staff, so everyone chips in with ideas for social activities or new groups.

If you are curious about u3a, come along to an informal social to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with some current members. You’ll find us on November 18 from 2.30pm at the Market Café and Lounge, above Kingswood Indoor Market in Regent Street, (up stairs, no lift) and at the Crafty Egg in Fishponds (level access) on November 20 from 2.30pm.

Email learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk for more details.

Lindsay Gough

Will Writing

Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.

Family & Property Trusts

Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Probate Services

Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.

Award for memory cafe volunteers

A GROUP supporting people with dementia and their family members and carers has received an award.

The Memory Café at Doynton, which meets monthly and draws volunteers and visitors from Pucklechurch, Emersons Green, Downend, Wick, Hanham, Yate, Patchway, Marshfield and Colerne, was honoured by the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance.

Representatives attended the BDAA annual awards ceremony to receive their bronze award from actor and radio presenter Joe Sims.

Memory Café chair Sarah Salmon said: “We were absolutely delighted to receive the award from the BDAA.

“It acknowledges all the hard work that our volunteers put into making the cafe so successful and enjoyable for our visitors and their carers.

“In the future our plans include working more with our community to increase awareness of living with dementia.”

BDAA was formed in 2013 by Tony Hall and his wife Barbara to raise awareness of dementia across the city.

The Memory Café at Doynton was established in June 2022 and has more than 20 volunteers.

It is funded by grants and donations from local councils, organisations and individuals,

as well as fundraising activities.

The café takes place on the first Thursday of the month from 2-4pm at Doynton

Village Hall. Visitors are offered tea, coffee and home-made cake – thanks to local WI Groups.

Each café has a theme, entertainment or a group activity and craft, word search, puzzles, games, a themed display, singing, a library

of advice leaflets and books for those newly diagnosed and books to stimulate memories.

The October café had a harvest theme and visitors were entertained by the Emersons Angels, a choir from Emersons Green Primary School.

For more information about the Memory Café at Doynton, email mcdoynton@gmail. com.

Volunteer memory cafe committee members with Joe Sims and Tony Hall, chairman of BDAA.

Picture: Bristol Dementia Action Alliance

Fireworks get ready to launch

ORGANISERS of the Bristol area’s biggest fireworks display have issued advice for people coming along.

The Downend Round Table display takes place at King George V playing fields on Friday November 8.

This year’s display is again being choreographed by 2023 British Firework Championshipwinning pyrotechnicians SkyBurst, with a soundtrack led by entertainers Party Peeps on the theme of 'A Night At The Movies'.

Ahead of the event, Downend Round Table is giving ticket, travel and safety guidance for the 12,000 people expected to attend.

The event has sold out in advance over the last few years, and tickets are only available online at www.downendrt.co.uk.

As the Voice went to print Early Bird tickets had sold out but family, adult, child, seated and VIP tickets were available.

That there are changes to the site entrances this year.

n Last year's bonfire at the Downend Round Table fireworks

With the Sutherland Avenue car park closed for the pavilion replacement works, the entrance from that road has been moved to the nearby footpath, closer to the middle of Downend.

Volunteers from HD Dance and Impact Dance will be among the performers.

The Round Table volunteers staffing the event will be supported by teams from guide, scout and cadet groups. All profits will go to local good causes. Downend Round Table chairman Paul Wells said: "We absolutely love bringing the community together for this

fantastic spectacle and we are so grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees, as their contributions allow us to make a positive impact on our community."

For more information visit www.downendrt.co.uk or the group's social media pages.

MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Things are finally happening

IN OCTOBER we were part of a great and wellattended evening to witness and celebrate the Rev James Cannan being licensed to formally become the vicar of St James church.

Our chair, Clive Heath, presented James with a gift to welcome him: framed maps of the current St James Parish Boundaries on modern and circa 1850 Ordnance Survey maps.

As community pastor Clive, also took part in the formal welcoming ceremony.

We wish James all the very best.

Over the last few years we have often reported on things we want to do and are planning. It often seems that it’s all “jam tomorrow” - and we all know that tomorrow never comes.

Well, it’s nice to be able to say that some things are finally happening:

*We have planning permission, a landowner licence and funding for a flagpole in the Alec Large Memorial Park. It won’t be there for this year’s Remembrance service (on November 10 at 12.30pm) but should be in place early in the New Year.

*We recently met with a sign-maker regarding the Dame School art installation. You might remember that Mangotsfield Secondary School Art Club created a local history design? Well, that’s now with the sign-maker for them to come up with the best way of making it happen,

and it’s looking like it will take the form of a low pyramid.

*War memorial improvements, having a stone base installed, are now back on the agenda.

We are grateful to South Glos Council for the support they have given and are giving us on all of this.

It’s worth mentioning that, although it may not seem like it, local groups like us do have a voice. We were recently asked our opinion on an initiative from the West of England Combined Authority to provide a mobility hub in St James Place.

Some bits of the proposal were good but others were fundamentally flawed (a waiting area for buses when there are no buses nearby and loss of parking spaces, for example).

Glad to say WECA listened to us and our local councillors. The proposal is now much more appropriate, and something we have supported.

Our next monthly Red Lion coffee morning will be on November 6 at 10am, and all are welcome. We are now getting a really good turnout, so why not come along?

Other diary dates include the Dame School Nativity and Xmas lights installation on December 7 and carol service on December 12 at 6.30pm.

We're taking part in the St James Church

n The parish map

Christmas Tree Festival from December 12-15 –see details elsewhere in this paper. You can get in touch via MangotsfieldRA@ gmail.com, the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page, or call Clive Heath on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.

Chris Amos

School bus service restored

A SCHOOL bus service for Winterbourne Academy has been restored – and now serves Emersons Green and Lyde Green.

The 458 was axed as a commercial service in 2023 and, after running it on its own for a year, the school said in June that it could no longer afford to support it for the current academic year.

Parents from Downend and Fishponds who relied on the service lobbied the school, council and the West of England Combined Authority to reintroduce it.

A ballot at the start of term for spare seats on two other services – the 459 from Lyde

Green and Emersons Green and the 427 from Frenchay – left 29 children still without places.

Parents staged a walk to show the hazards of the ‘approved’ route to their school from Downend, which prompted the council to reassess it.

Winterbourne Academy principal Jenny Cartwright said the school contacted parents to find out who still needed transport before organising an amended 458 route, which now also makes three stops in Emerson Way as well as calling

at the Science Park Bus Stop in Lyde Green.

South Gloucestershire Council is funding passes for some pupils using the 458, after appeals over eligibility for free transport were successful.

This funding, plus a £209-per-term commitment from parents, has enabled the school to contract Bristol firm Turners Coachways to provide the service, which resumed in late September.

The school is currently asking parents whose children had already secured places on the 459 and the 427 but live closer to the 458 route whether they want to swap.

Mrs Cartwright said the future viability of the service depends on families continuing to use it.

She said: “Everyone who has asked for a place, committed to and paid for it now has one.

“I hope that this can be secured for future years.

“Were very happy – it’s an enormous amount of strain and worry for people, which we’ve been aware of. We’ve all been trying our best to find a solution.”

Parent Libby Rogers, who campaigned to reinstate the 458, said: “As a group of parents we are delighted that the school and council have recognised the need for this bus and have reinstated it.

“We are continuing to apply pressure on the council and WECA to try and ensure that these services are secure for future years and that we do not have to endure the months of stress that we had this year, not knowing how the children would get to school.”

A council spokesperson said the arrangement with the school to fund some seats on the 458 for pupils eligible for free transport “is for one year only” and will be reviewed during the year.

The spokesperson added: “Working with the school once more, we aim to be able to provide clarity to families about transport options before the next academic year.

“The walking route between Downend and Winterbourne has been assessed as hazardous in some parts.

“However, the decision to operate the 458 was taken by the school before the outcome of the council assessment of the route had been confirmed.”

Pupils study black history through art

A MANGOTSFIELD school

had a visit from a poet and author for some special activities to celebrate the start of Black History Month.

Year 5 pupils at Barley Close Primary School worked with Akulah Agbami to write letters and poems, create artwork and explore issues including racism, equality and communities during the visit in October.

They also imagined what life was like in Nigeria 5,000 years ago for a piece of creative writing, and used pastels to draw pictures of historic Nok sculptures, which were first made thousands of years ago.

Head teacher Jo Williams said: "We learnt about Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa – and how she used her talents to promote the cause of equality

and help eradicate apartheid.

"The children wrote very moving letters from Miriam to her mother, who became ill while Miriam was 'exiled' in Italy.

"Then in groups of four or six, we worked on some really colourful group portraits, which emphasized the

togetherness and cooperation of African communities.

"The children were amazing and really enjoyed exploring the topic together. Akulah described the artwork as tremendous.

"A huge thank you to the council, who enabled us to have this experience."

Christmas tree festival

ST JAMES Church in Mangotsfield is organising its first Christmas Tree Festival this December.

Organisers are aiming for it to be a community event, bringing people and local organisations together.

The festival will be open from December 12 to 15 for visitors to come along to the church, see the variety of trees on display and get into the festive spirit.

Event organiser Ruth Oakley said: “We’re inviting local organisations and businesses to decorate a tree to go in the church.

“As well as the display of decorated trees, there will be some additional events on the Saturday, such as breakfast with Santa, children’s story time, Christmas crafts and musical events.

“We are looking for a choir and musicians to sing or play on the day.”

Seasonal refreshments will be served during the opening times.

Anyone who would like to take part should contact 0782 631 2630 for more information.

Barley Close pupils working on an African-inspired painting

Time to unlock our region’s potential

THIS month, I joined the Prime Minister and other regional leaders in the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions up in Edinburgh.

While the name may sound a little grand, in reality it’s an important step towards a more equal relationship between national government, the devolved parliaments, and regional mayors.

By working together, we can unlock much more of the great potential we have in the West of England. That’s why, as mayors, we have committed to producing Local Growth Plans, which will identify what we need from central government to help us tackle challenges around transport, housing, and skills.

This plan will show the way to greater economic growth. Alongside that, a new era of genuine partnership working with Westminster will see regional mayors given further powers to further deliver for our communities.

Central to delivering the Local Growth Plan is bringing investment into the region. I was proud to show off the West of England to investors from around the world at the Prime Minister’s International Investment Summit, showcasing our existing strengths and the

enormous potential we have here.

In the West of England, we already have a strong record of delivering investment to create better infrastructure and public services.

Just in the last few weeks, the second new railway station in 100 years has opened at Ashley Down.

Since being elected Mayor, I have been working to deliver our very own “reverseBeeching”, opening new stations for the first time since those disastrous rail cuts back in the 1960s.

Two new stations have opened in the last year and there are more planned, including at Henbury and North Filton and, I hope, at Saltford.

Now, in Ashley Down, thousands of residents are closer to a train station than at any time since before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. With it, there are now more sustainable travel options to get into the centre of Bristol.

I have always believed that if you give people affordable and reliable public transport options, they will take them up. Good transport infrastructure is also crucial to delivering business investment, and these new stations will support our ambitions in this area.

family run business for over 85 years, supplying and fitting quality flooring in the Bristol and

But we also know that, even as we invest in securing growth, we also must transition to a greener and more sustainable economy. That is why my mayoral combined authority is setting up a new fund to drive £100 million of green investment in our region.

With £10m of public money to kick-start it, this fund will vitally lever in private investment in renewable energy, retrofit projects, and nature recovery projects.

It is because of this track record of delivery that I can say to businesses at events like the Investment Summit: the West of England is open for business, so come and invest here.

The West of England is going from strength to strength, and a new partnership with national government will help us deliver even more in the future.

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

THE clocks have gone back and the days are definitely shorter.

I know it’s not for everyone, but autumn is my favourite time of year: I love the colours of this beautiful season, and snuggling up to watch a good film with something warming to drink.

Our October meeting was our AGM. Beechmere Belles’ inaugural meeting was in October 2014, so we celebrated our 10th birthday with a little business and a lot of party.

We had cake, some fizz (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), nibbles and a quiz.

Our current members loved seeing photos showing what we’ve been doing through the years; is it time to revisit some of those events again, I wonder?

I think I can safely say a good time was had by all those who attended.

Our last meeting for 2024 will be our Christmas craft evening in November.

One of our talented committee members is going to show us all how to make a macramé Santa – I can’t wait to see how they all turn out.

We do love our craft evenings. There is usually lots of chat, laughter, sticky fingers and chocolates.

In December we will be getting together to enjoy some music and good food at a local venue – lots of our members will be attending and we’re all looking forward to getting into the Christmas spirit.

We welcome guests to any of our meetings; your first one is free, unless it’s a craft evening, when we charge £5 to cover materials used, and we promise you a warm welcome – as well as tea or coffee and cake!

We meet at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of each month, except December.

Our programme for 2025 is looking exciting, with an activity to start the year.

If you would like to know more, please contact us via email at beechmerebelles@gmail.com or follow our Facebook page, Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI Beechmere Belles.

SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI

OUR annual general meeting in October marked our 17th birthday. It was time to have a reminder about our activities over the past year and re-elect Caroline as our president for the next year.

A vote of thanks was given for the work she has done this last year in helping to make our group a lovely and happy place to catch up with friends.

The business part of the evening was followed by birthday cake, a raffle and a bring-and-buy table for those ‘Santa slip-ups’, among other things.

This was followed with a quiz, with random factual questions and a choice of two answers.

Who knew that a snail has 14,000 teeth? No wonder they rapidly demolish our vegetables in the garden!

We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Shortwood Chapel, so please come along and join us for a complimentary visit.

In November, we have a visit from Amy of Dotty Herberts, who will give us a demonstration of Christmas decorations.

We are a friendly bunch, and give a warm welcome, so if you think this may be of interest to you, just pop in for a visit on November 14 at 7.30pm.

For more information or just a chat, please email us at millhousejoinery@aol.com, with the heading Shortwood Village WI.

Lynne Miller

RODWAY RUBIES WI

IN September almost 50 members, family and friends enjoyed a coach trip to Portsmouth to spend the day viewing the sights.

We also had a talk from gemologist Helen Plumb. Helen is a jewellery designer with a shop in Gloucestershire and more than 20 years’ experience in the gem trade. She provided an interesting angle on the jewellery trade, from raw materials to the finished article.

In October we had a walk and talk around Arnos Vale Cemetery with a look at the history of this Bristol landmark.

Later in the month came

our AGM, with the election of committee members, officers and a new president.

Our outgoing president, Mollie Bishop, was instrumental in setting up Rodway Rubies almost five years ago and has given her time unceasingly throughout, including managing the Covid lockdown, which came only 3 months after we started in January 2020.

She will be a hard act to follow, and we are very grateful for her huge contribution to the success of Rodway Rubies.

The committee of Rodway Rubies decided to nominate Mollie for the Avon Federation of WIs annual Chairman’s Rose Bowl

Award, which is for a WI member who has gone ‘above and beyond’ over time. I am delighted to say that Mollie won this award, and it was presented to her at our October meeting. It was very well deserved.

In November we are being entertained by the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew and in December will have an American supper for our Xmas meeting, accompanied by a local musician.

We meet every third Monday of the month at 7.30pm at St James Church Hall on Richmond Road, Mangotsfield.

Jane Eldon

MANGOTSFIELD DOLLY MIXTURES

OUR October meeting in St James Church Hall was informal, with our forthcoming programme and social events discussed.

There were seven event sign-up sheets for the Dollies to consider, which did take most of the evening.

Our wreath-making for November involves types of foliage: we had volunteers for foraging, so holly and ivy will be in abundance.

The ‘Hot Banana’ band event on November 2 from 2-4pm in the church hall will now be supporting the Jeremy Huggett Foundation.

Some of you may have seen the celebration of Jeremy’s life on Points West, where 50 musicians played and marched behind him at the South Bristol Crematorium, together with some of our Dollies and 250 who knew him through the jazz world.

The foundation is being set up in Jeremy’s memory, to support young musicians up to the age of 25.

The St James’ Christmas Fair is being held on November 30 from 11am-3pm in the church hall, and Dollies will be there serving tea, coffee and mince pies.

St James are also holding a Christmas Tree festival in the church from December 12 to 15, and plans are afoot for the decoration of our tree entry.

We’ve sorted out the bus times for our number 19 bus trip to Bath. In theory we should all be on the same one. An early start will give us time in the Bath Christmas market, before lunch in the Coeur de Lyon.

Our Christmas party evening in the church hall will feature Frankie Johns to entertain us and Virgo Caterers to provide the buffet.

Carol Coombs

Home found for Library of Things

A NEW type of library which allows people to borrow tools and equipment instead of books has revealed its new location for North Bristol and the surrounding area.

The first Library of Things was opened in Kingswood three years ago by charity Share Bristol.

The idea behind the concept is that there are items

like garden and DIY tools, camping equipment and party decorations, which people need once in a while but don't actually need to own.

Last month the Voice reported that the charity was fundraising and looking for a site for a branch in Frenchay. It has now been confirmed that the new site will be located next to the main bus stops at

UWE Bristol's Frenchay campus. Short-term parking will be available for people picking up or returning bulky items.

More than £12,400 has been raised towards setting up the new North Bristol Library of Things, including a donation of £3,000 from the Downendbased Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation.

Kerry Donne, of the Mortgage Advice Bureau, said: "We felt really encouraged with this project and thought it was a good opportunity for us to contribute to the local community. "e have made a large donation to help Share Bristol open the third Library of things helping those in North Bristol borrow things closer to home."

A crowdfunding donation page can be found at tinyurl. com/4snxtah6. People who donate are being offered vouchers towards membership of the new Library of Things.

Unmarked speed vans roll out

AVON & Somerset police have introduced unmarked "road safety enforcement" vans across the force area.

Officers say the vans are being launched "to address persistent speeding issues in targeted locations" and encourage consistent safe driving behaviour.

Head of roads policing and road safety Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman said: "The use of unmarked speed detection vans is not about catching people out; it’s about protecting lives."

Police say drivers often slow down when they see marked enforcement vehicles, only to resume speeding once they are out of sight.

The force says the practice is completely legal, as there is no requirement for speed enforcement vehicles to be marked or for advance warnings to be provided.

Last year, 63 people died in road collisions across the region.

Students impress employers

YEAR 13 students from Downend School found out about the opportunities available to young people tasking up apprenticeships.

The sixth formers attended the National Apprenticeship Show at Ashton Gate, giving them an opportunity to meet and network with local and national employers, finding out more about the world of work and the qualities companies are looking

Learning on the beach

Downend School pupils on Porthkerry beach

for in their future apprentices. They received advice on making a strong application and how to stand out in a competitive job market.

Head of Sixth Form Kate Long said: "Employers were quick to praise the students for their confidence, professionalism, and the high calibre of their questions.

"Their enthusiasm and curiosity clearly made a positive impression, highlighting their readiness to take the next steps towards their future careers.

"This experience has not only broadened the students’ understanding of the apprenticeship landscape but also boosted their confidence as they prepare to transition from education to employment."

GEOGRAPHY students from Downend School had the chance to do some real-world learning on a field trip to Wales.

The 128 pupils from Year 11 visited Porthkerry Country Park and beach in late September for some GCSE fieldwork.

They collected information along the beach, carrying out sediment sampling, beach profiling and field sketches to work out the physical processes that shape the coastal landscape.

Geography teacher Steve Morgan said: "First-hand experience of these techniques and practical application of theory we learn in school is a vital part of the geography curriculum, and it was fantastic

to see the students get stuck in and give it a go.

"Everyone collected plenty of data to be analysed back at school, in preparation for the third geography GCSE exam on fieldwork to be sat next June.

"The students were a credit to the school throughout the day, showing excellent behaviour and determination to engage in the activities positively."

ANNA-MARIE

TEL 07854 177308

Group - St Augustines Church Hall, Boscombe Crescent, Bristol, BS16 6QR

Group times - Tuesday 9:30 am and 11;00am

ANNA-MARIE

TEL 07854 177308

Group - The Salvation Army 21, Broad Street, Staple Hill Bristol. BS16 5LN

Group Times- Friday 7:30am, 9:00 am and 10:30 am

LESLEY

TEL 07503 524459

Group - Lyde Green Community Centre. Thistle Close, Lyde Green, Bristol. BS16 7GW

and super-supportive group today!

Group Times- Wednesday 6.30pm. And Thursday 9:30am CLAIRE

TEL 07886 443709

Group - ST Augustines Church Hall, Boscombe Crescent, Bristol, BS16 6QR

Group Times - Tuesday 5:30pm and 7:00pm

Sixth-formers at the apprenticeship show.

A chance to champion our area

I HOPE you’re all keeping well as the seasons change.

I’ve been actively championing our community in Westminster, and meeting key charities and businesses, locally and nationally, to help get the best for local people.

Last month, my team and I directly worked on 781 new cases to support residents with issues they’re facing, and began regular advice surgeries too.

At Westminster, the new government has reached its first 100 days and has already

introduced 17 bills. Here’s just some of what we’ve been working on this month:

• Voting for the Renters Reform Bill

• Voting for legislation to bring our railways under public ownership

• Introducing the Employment Rights Bill

• Introducing the Water Bill to clean up our waterways and hold companies to account.

• Securing £63bn and nearly 38,000 UK jobs through our International Investment Summit

I gave my maiden speech in the House of Commons, which was a real honour.

I am determined to put our whole constituency on the map, so it was an opportunity to champion some of what is special about our area, along with the change that local people voted for.

I was glad to be able to talk about the many ways that local people give so much to others, through our public services, businesses, as volunteers and more.

I met with Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, to discuss how plans to give local leaders control of local bus services will help tackle the issues we experience. I also met with Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, to discuss the important impact our aerospace companies have locally, nationally and internationally.

In the community, many important and enjoyable community events have taken place in the past month.

I was glad to be at the Make a Difference Awards to see the brilliant Mamas Bristol win the Community Award.

Winterbourne Medieval Barn’s Orchard Harvest Day was as vibrant as ever – thank you to everyone involved.

It was good to bring Health Minister, Baroness Merron, here to visit NHS Blood and Transplant. Together we met some of the team and saw how the innovation right here in our community is helping save and change lives across the country.

I was glad to meet with UWE’s ViceChancellor, Professor Sir Steve West, and the Students’ Union team, to discuss the opportunities and challenges that our university and students face.

I was delighted to attend the RBL Staple Hill and District’s Poppy Ball and Poppy Appeal Launch. I spoke with local veterans, volunteers and discussed the government’s plans to further support our service members and veterans, who give and have given so much.

If you need any support, or for other enquiries, please email me at: claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.

Claire Hazelgrove at UWE

LOCAL HISTORY with CHAP

IN the 1920s a massive change happened, as electricity started coming into our homes for the first time.

It is almost impossible to imagine what life was like before then, and how much hard work was needed to run a household –the lion’s share of it being done by women.

A hundred years ago, a new organisation was formed – the Electrical Association for Women (EAW).

This aimed to effect change in several ways: to educate women about how to use electricity, to provide new career opportunities for females, and to inform engineers about the realities of domestic work, influencing design and production.

As the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) states: "Essentially, it brought engineers and housewives together, acting as a liaison between engineers who did not understand what women wanted and housewives who could not follow the technical language."

The EAW’s slogan was ‘Emancipation from Drudgery’, because using the kinds of

Giving women the power

electrical devices we take for granted today, from lights to ovens, vacuums and washing machines, took a lot less time and effort than previously.

The first local branch was set up in Glasgow in 1925 and by the 1930s there were over 80, including international branches in Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

There was also a branch in Downend.

As the IET website notes: "The

Bristol branch successfully built an 'All-Electric House' for less than £1,000.

"The project aimed to encourage women to ask that electric equipment should be included in the price of a house and to stimulate a greater interest in general design, construction and wiring.

"A number of pamphlets and plays described the workings of electrical apparatus and phenomenon of electricity."

Engineer Mabel Mathews founded the organisation in 1924 to encourage women to "work light", by understanding and using this amazing new technology.

The EAW’s advocacy work included campaigning for more practical solutions and layouts, including putting more electrical sockets into homes, and the local ‘All-Electric House’ was a useful advocacy tool in this.

Were you a member of the Electrical Association for Women?

The organisation closed in 1986. The Downend branch continued until 2020 as a social club, the Willow Ladies Club.

The centenary celebration, Electric Dreams Festival 2024: Celebrating women in energy, is taking place across the UK, including the Electricity: Emancipating Women exhibition at the Stradling Collection, 48 Park Row, Bristol, which focuses on the ‘All-Electric House’.

You can contact CHAP at big. gin@talktalk.net or 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 5DS. Helen Rana

n Cover photo from EAW journal The Electrical Age, 1974.

Neighbourhood policing is your priority – and mine

AVON and Somerset Police recently took part in a week of action to target criminals who exploit roads across Avon and Somerset by transporting illegal drugs and money through our region and the wider South West area.

The success of Avon and Somerset Police in tackling drugrelated crime often depends on information provided by the public. I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with vital information for this operation, or has done so in the past: please be assured that your contributions are essential in helping officers catch and charge those involved.

You can report suspicious activity in your area to your local police online, on 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also contact your local

neighbourhood policing team – find out who they are through the Avon and Somerset police website at tinyurl.com/yfwnz6dx.

I understand the importance of people feeling connected to their local policing teams.

I recently held my sixth and final public forum on October 9 in Yeovil, Somerset.

At each of the forums, I’ve asked people to share their priorities for policing, to help me develop a Police and Crime Plan to address the evolving challenges in policing and to deliver lasting solutions. I’m very grateful to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts – I’ve heard lots of ideas and suggestions.

One of the most recurring subjects I’ve heard from the public, through these forums and from those who have filled out my current consultation survey, is that people

want to feel safer where they live and work.

People are telling me they would like more investment in police officers based in communities.

The first priority in my draft plan seeks to provide action in this area, focusing on strengthening neighbourhood policing to provide a visible police presence, engage with communities, and tackle anti-social behaviour.

I know that policing is not the only answer to feeling safe in your community.

One of the practical ways I am supporting communities to deliver their own solutions is through my Crime Prevention Fund, which is currently open for applications.

I’m offering grants between £1,000 and £10,000 for projects that aim to reduce crime, serious violence, and antisocial behaviour.

Whether you are a community group, charity, or organisation working to make a difference, this fund provides an excellent opportunity to secure financial support for your work in Avon and Somerset.

The deadline for applications is November 8. To find out more and apply visit tinyurl.com/2s3vb29j.

For more information on my draft Police and Crime Plan, or to take part in the consultation, please visit my website at tinyurl.com/5dvaks2e.

Bristol window company up for national excellence award

Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, has been nominated for a prestigious industry award, and is the only one to represent the whole of the South West.

“The G-Awards celebrate the very best in the double glazing industry in the UK, and we are super excited to have been shortlisted in the Installer of the Year category,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said. “We may only have been in business for four and a half years, but the judges have selected us alongside six other fantastic retail companies as representing the cream of the crop.”

Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny Robb, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

From humble beginnings, The

Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”

And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it.

90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism,

friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

As well as being open and honest, The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.

“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.

“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”

The winners of G-Awards will be announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel in London on November 29.

For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk

Painting the spirit of football

A NEW mural has been created to inspire young players at Emersons Green Junior Football Club.

Bristol-based artist Charis Ayla Cocke created the design, incorporating the club's badge and two young footballers, in the clubhouse at Walkers playing field, off Blackhorse Lane, over two days at the end of September.

Charis said: "I wanted to make something fun and inclusive. I enjoy art practices that shy away from elitism, focusing on collectivism and creating a sense of community instead of isolating the audience."

Club chairman Stu Russ said: "The mural Charis not only designed but painted highlights the unifying spirit of football, showcasing the energy, teamwork, and dedication that the sport embodies at Emersons. It is a fantastic piece of art and a great addition to our club and we can’t thank Charis enough for her time and contribution, to not only our club but this community."

We have been installing Gas Central Heating in Bristol for over 50 years and offer the following services by our fully trained staff at competitive prices and to a very high standard

• Boiler change and full heating installations

• New and replacement radiators

• System Power Flushing

• Gas Cooker and Hob installations

• Worcester accredited company and can offer a 7-10 year guarantee on all Worcester boilers

• Gas fire and boiler servicing and repairs

• Installation of wooden and marble fireplaces gas and electric fires and electric suites and all necessary building and electrical works to allow these fireplaces to be installed

Artist Charis Ayla Cocke with the mural

High-flying Cleve are feeling good

CLEVE are flying high. They have started the season well and there is a feel-good attitude at the club.

In late September the first team hosted Taunton, a semiprofessional club. They looked impressive at the beginning of the game, with sizeable forwards who were well organised and athletic in the lineout. It wasn’t surprising to see them go ahead after a penalty in the first few minutes.

Then Cleve began to get to grips with the game and, after a penalty that led to a lineout in Taunton’s 22, the forwards, led by Harry Casson, controlled the ball and rumbled over the line. Matt Jarvis converted, and Cleve were in the lead 7-3.

Cleve have improved their defence this season and that makes them very competitive. Taunton were under pressure and again coughed up a penalty. The ball went into their 22 and another catch and drive resulted in Freddie Flook burrowing over. Matt Jarvis again added the extras.

Cleve were firing on all cylinders, with half backs Archie Staples and Matt Jarvis in control, sending the ball fast across the backs.

Some crowd-pleasing attacking rugby in the second half saw Matt Jarvis make a great break, feeding Josh Davies who went over to score and make it 21-3.

Taunton responded with two tries, to get within four points with 15 minutes to go.

Cleve adopted the best tactics by keeping Taunton in their half, keeping them too far away from Cleve’s line to score.

5 DOORS FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR ONLY

Their defence, commitment and organisation were outstanding to see out the 21-17 win and put Cleve top of the table.

In October Cleve fielded three teams on one Saturday for the first time in ten years.

Unfortunately, the 1st team's games against Cinderford did not take place due as their opponents could not field a front row.

The flourishing second team took to the field against Whitehall with several experienced players plus enthusiastic and talented excolts, and came away with a crushing victory.

Cleve scored after five minutes, pleasing the crowd who had turned up to watch the first team.

The seconds have a very strong pack that began to dominate proceedings, and after another 10 minutes Cleve went over again.

A misfield by Whitehall on the halfway line saw Cleve winger Dave Thomas race through and score under the posts, repeating

the feat twice more to complete a hat trick after just 35 minutes.

At half-time the score was 520, with records tumbling.

Cameos included an appearance by Andy O’Donnell, who has already played over 500 games for the club.

The pick of the scores was a try by Charlie Bowen who, from his own 22, beat five players to go over as Cleve went on to win 98-7.

The thirds were not able to

respond to a very strong start by their opponents Frampton Cotterell, who led 17-0 at the half, and finished up winning by the same score.

Overall the day was a great success for the club, with 59 Cleve players, 36 of them homegrown, in the three teams.

Anyone who would like to get involved should call 0117 957 5775 or get in touch via the club's Facebook page, with links to contacts for various teams.

Cleve's 1st, 2nd and 3rd XVs pictured in October

Update on the great Cleve Chiro Bake-Off

AS president of the British Chiropractic Association, it was an honour to be part of the national annual conference, Chiro Live 2024, held at St George’s Park last month. The home of England football is not only a place for sporting legends but also a fitting venue for us chiropractors as we gathered to celebrate and push the boundaries of our profession.

Planning an event of this scale takes nearly nine months. However, 21 years of working as a chiropractor, serving my patients and leading the brilliant team at Cleve Chiropractic, has helped prepare me for these complex and stressful moments.

Of course, having Catherine Quinn planning it with me helped! The theme of this year’s conference, "Moving Beyond Pain," could not have been more fitting, as it encapsulates what we strive for in chiropractic care – helping patients live fuller lives, free from pain, while improving function and preventing disability.

At the conference, we were fortunate to have some of the world’s leading chiropractors

sharing cutting-edge theories and techniques. Their insights continue to inspire us to be at the forefront of patient care.

One of the most moving parts of the day featured Marcus Stewart, the former Bristol Rovers and Premier League idol, who graciously joined us to share his experience of living with motor neurone disease (MND). Marcus’s interview was powerful and emotional, a true highlight of the day. I’m incredibly proud that we raised thousands of pounds for the Darby Rimmer Foundation in support of this vital cause.

The day wouldn’t have been as successful without the support of our incredible chiropractic team.

Catherine was a superstar, acting as conference chair all day, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Her dedication was exceptional and she even treated us to her talents as the lead singer of the band Audible Release, who kept everyone on the dance floor until the early hours. Our Luke’s nomination for Young Chiropractor of the Year, out of hundreds of candidates, was a huge accolade and I have no doubt we’ll

be seeing him receive more awards in the future.

Being able to share this experience with my colleagues, including Jack, Dele, Luke and Catherine, was so special. However, it wasn’t just the chiros who made it to the home of English football. Kate, Mary and Sharon, our beyond fabulous reception team, travelled all the way up to participate in some front-of-house training.

I’m a huge believer that everyone at Cleve Chiropractic can take time to reflect and improve. Our team returned to work more educated, inspired and definitely a bit tired after all the fun. Chiro Live 2024 has left us not only more prepared to help patients "move beyond pain" but also filled with enthusiasm for what’s to come.

I look forward to carrying the momentum of this conference into the next chapter and I’m immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success. Here’s to continuing to push the boundaries of chiropractic care and making a real difference in people’s lives.

On a more important note (!),

we have once again been taking part in Cleve Chiro’s famous and extremely competitive bake-off season. When you call in to the clinic, expect to experience the smell and hopefully delightful expressions of our staff as we battle it out to be the top baker.

Each week we follow the TV baking competition and copy their theme as one of our staff members takes up the challenge to become the “best baker in Mangotsfield”. I got the early bake-a-biscuit week, easily surpassing Catherine’s weak efforts (it’s my blog, I get to say that).

Then we had a stirling bread week effort from Mary (caramelised onion) and another tasty number from Angie in caramel week. Obviously, I’ll keep you updated with how it goes – watch this space!

Strong start for Bristol & West

BRISTOL & West Hockey Club have started the new season with impressive results across the board, helped largely by a massive boost in player recruitment.

The Men’s 1s have had a solid start to their Premiership League campaign with two draws (2-2) against Taunton Vale and Truro, as well as an impressive win against former National League side Cheltenham (2-3).

The Men’s 2s started with three wins, against Swansea A, Cardiff University A and Keynsham, and sit top of the table, where they intend to be until the end of the season.

Men’s 3s have also won all of their first three games and are joint top of their table.

The Ladies 1st team sit in second place, with two wins and a draw from their opening games as they look to bounce back from last year’s relegation. Ladies 2s are holding their own after last year’s promotion, in mid-table with a win, draw and a narrow loss. The 3rd team are also in a solid mid-table position after their promotion last season, with two out of three wins.

Congratulations to 3 members of the club that have travelled away on international duty to represent their countries at the Masters World Cup in Cape Town.

Mike Wingent is representing England Over-65s, and is already off the mark with a goal in their two wins out of two.

Adrian Dann is in goal for the Wales O60s, while Murray Bishop has also travelled with Team Wales for the O45s.

Good luck and congratulations to all.

If you are interested in getting involved or finding some more information about the Club, which is based at Mangotsfield School, please search for us on social media or visit www.bandwhc.org. uk.

Harry Bryant

Mangos’ incredible away form continues

MANGOTSFIELD United’s league form has continued to be astonishing, as they play all their games away while their new pitch is made ready.

Between mid-September and early October the club won four and drew one of their Hellenic League fixtures, the only blot on the landscape being an early exit from the FA Vase.

A hard-earned 2-0 win at Longlevens on September 14 came courtesy of a goal in each half from Joe Porton (27 minutes) and George Neill (60).

Then came another trip up Gloucester way, to struggling Brimscombe & Thrupp. Yet again, the Mangos returned down the M5 with all 3 points. Very early goals from George Neill (2) and Jack Ball (9) put them into a commanding position. Although the hosts pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second half and did their best to get an equaliser, the Mangos’ defence stood firm to clinch the win.

The Mangos were drawn at home to Stonehouse Town in the FA Vase, and the decision was made to play the tie in Bristol, with AEK Boco kindly staging it at their Greenbank Road ground.

In a lively encounter, Mircea Llea put the Mangos ahead on 14 minutes, only for Richard Thwaite to equalise.

Tom Warren put Mangotsfield back in front on 90 minutes, only for Thwaite to equalise almost immediately. With no extra time, the match went straight to penalties & Stonehouse won the shoot-out by 4-3 to inflict the Mangos first defeat in 10 games.

A week later, following a midweek postponement at Malmesbury Victoria, the Mangos put the Stonehouse defeat behind them with a superb 4-1 win at Pershore Town.

Joe Cattermole rocked the hosts with a goal in the first minute, before James Baldwin levelled on 32 minutes. However, a strong second half saw the Mangos race clear, thanks to goals from George Neill (50), James White (70) and Jack Ball (90+5).

The next away game in this crazy season saw yet another win, this time 1-0 at Hereford Pegasus in a very rare Friday night match.

Again, it was another hard-fought win, with Michael Barry netting on 56 minutes

to clinch the 3 points.

The winning away run came to an end with a 1-1 draw at Sporting Club Inkberrow, who are east of Worcester. Stuart Tovey put the Mangos ahead on 57 minutes, but the hosts rallied late on, equalising in stoppage time.

With some more tough away matches still to come, everyone at Mangotsfield United now awaits the club’s first proper home game of the season on November 23, when Slimbridge will visit the new-look Cossham Street ground.

Upcoming fixtures:

October 26: Westfields (away)

November 9: Tuffley Rovers (A)

November 16: Lydney Town (A)

November 19: Hartpury University (A)

November 23: Slimbridge (home)

November 26: Thornbury Town (H)

Dave Smale

Johnson Road, Emersons Green BS16

for sale with Ocean Bradley Stoke