People in Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield have been mourning the late Queen Elizabeth II by taking part in public events and sharing private memories.
PAGE 6
NEW measures are set to be introduced to make the main road through Lyde Green safer.
Although Willowherb Road has a 20mph limit, it is still felt by many to be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
Now South Gloucestershire Council is proposing to introduce two new crossings, a pedestrian refuge and a lengthened speed bump.
The plans are part of the Linking the Greens
project to encourage more people in Lyde Green and Emersons Green to walk or use bikes.
The new measures are intended to make the area safer for users of the day nursery, the primary school, the park and ride and the community centre.
People are being invited to give their views on the proposals to the council.
Report: Page 4
Shortwood will be left isolated and services to Pucklechurch will be greatly reduced when new bus routes start this month.
PAGES 2 & 3
Mangotsfield School has started the academic year on a high after students achieved strong GCSE results in the summer despite Covid restrictions.
PAGE 66
A pre-school based in Emersons Green is celebrating after education watchdog Ofsted said it was outstanding in al areas. Full story: Page 5Publisher Gary Brindle
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A member of the
BUS operator First has confirmed cuts that will leave one village with no Sunday services and another with no buses at all.
Among the eight services being withdrawn on October 9 is the Y5, which links Pucklechurch and Shortwood to Mangotsfield, Staple Hill, and Bristol in one direction, and Yate and Chipping Sodbury in the other.
First is introducing a “partial replacement” service, called the 47, which will link Pucklechurch to Bristol via Downend and Emersons Green, and to Yate via Westerleigh.
But the new service will not run on Sundays or bank holidays - and has left Shortwood with no buses.
Pucklechurch Parish Council chair Gail Boyle said: “It is good news that the residents of Pucklechurch will actually have a timetabled bus service to Bristol, and the connection to Emersons Green is something that people have been asking for, for a long time.
“Nevertheless the situation is still far from ideal, as those that live in Shortwood will have no service at all, and I know that this is causing some distress.
“The parish council has promoted options for travel using community transport and lift sharing via social media and on its website, but these services do not provide an alternative option for timetabled transport.
“The total lack of a Sunday or bank holiday service is a retrograde step that ignores the fact that many of our residents still have to work on those days, or want to leave the village to visit family or friends, and is very disappointing.”
Shortwood resident Sue Hillier took a petition door to door around her village calling for its bus link to be saved.
The petition has been sent to MP Luke Hall and copied to Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who as the head of the West of England Combined Authority has responsibility for regional transport planning.
Sue said: “We only had one bus and there are people who work in hospitals, who have children that go to school on it in Pucklechurch or Mangotsfield or who use it to go shopping in Staple Hill.
“One person uses it for chemotherapy appointments and
BUS fares for single and return journeys are being cut - but day rider tickets are set to rise by more than 13%.
Operator First West of England has introduced the changes, effective from September 25, as a result of government funding secured by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.
Adult single fares in the firm’s Bristol Zone, which includes Emersons Green and Lyde Green, will be reduced to £2, a 9% reduction on the current £2.20 fare.
Return or ‘2-Trip’ tickets will reduce by just over 18%, from £4.30 to £3.50 in the Bristol zone, while
West of England Zone single fares will be capped at £3.70 - down from a maximum of £6.50 for longer journeys. Return tickets in the regional zone will also be reduced, to a maximum of £5.
But the Bristol Zone adult day ticket - also known as the day riderwill increase from £5.30 to £6.
First says more than half of passengers who buy the day ticket only use it once or twice, so could save by switching to singles or returns.
Day tickets for travel outside Bristol will be reduced from £7.50 to £7, and there will be a flat £1 fare for all child single journeys.
First is axing its £3.50 night and £1.30 3-Stop Hop tickets.
The changes come in advance of a national £2 single fare cap the government is funding from January.
First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said: “The £2 single fare in Bristol offers outstanding value and, rather than waiting for the Government’s temporary £2 single fare cap to start in January, we are taking action now to help our existing customers and to encourage new customers to use our Bristol services.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the changes would “offer a small helping hand to people facing a crippling cost-of-living crisis”.
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another cannot drive because they are waiting for an eye operation.
“People can’t get to the post office or the doctor’s without itwe’re absolutely stuck.”
Sue took the petition door to door and says every household in the village where someone was at home had signed it.
She said: “What we have suggested is that the new route goes from Emersons Green down Johnsons Road and Pomphrey Hill to Shortwood. It’s a slight detour but we have the bus stops in place.”
First says the 47 will “provide a partial replacement for the majority of customers” who use the Y5 and three other services being axed: the 5, Y3 and Y4.
Running from the city centre through Eastville and Oldbury Court, the 47 will join the 48 route through Downend and Emersons Green before heading to Pucklechurch, Westerleigh and Yate.
The new timetable advertises hourly services from Pucklechurch to Bristol from 6.50am to 7.50pm, to Yate from 6.10am to 7.10pm - more frequent than the two-hourly Y5, though not providing any late evening service from Bristol, But the journey from Pucklechurch to Bristol city centre is timetabled to take around an hour - 20 minutes longer than the Y5 takes.
As well as Shortwood, the 47 will also not travel through Mangotsfield or Staple Hill.
First has also said there will be “minor timetable changes to improve punctuality and reliability”, as well as changes to stops, for services including the 48 and 49, which link Emersons Green and Lyde Green to Bristol.
Details of these changes had not been confirmed as the Voice went to print, although earlier in the summer there were warnings that the frequency of all services could be sacrificed to improve reliability, as a driver shortage led to widespread cancellations.
First says the changes are “designed to balance customer demand with available resource to deliver reliable services” and says they result from both a 25% fall in passenger numbers since the start of the pandemic and “acute driver shortages”.
First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said: “The very last thing any transport operator wants to do is reduce or cut any services.
“We recognise the impact these changes will have on some of our communities and we are truly sorry for those who will be affected.
“Our data shows that passengers do not use these services in sufficient numbers and are unlikely to return in the future. Along with the significant
The new 47 links Pucklechurch and Emersons Green - but avoids Shortwood (circled in red)
driver shortages, this means we simply have no choice but to withdraw or reduce those services and ensure we focus on running buses where there are enough customers travelling.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who held a consultation on shaping future bus services over the summer, said he was pleased some of the 5 and Y5 route would still have a service with the new
47, but said other areas were “paying the price” for the driver shortage.
He said: “The major issue driving these cuts is not money, but the severe driver shortage. That’s why I am working with companies like First on driver recruitment and training, though I’m sure residents will appreciate this is not a short-term fix.”
ZEBRA crossings and traffic calming measures are set to be introduced on Lyde Green’s busiest road.
South Gloucestershire Council has announced plans for four “formal and informal crossing points” for pedestrians and cyclists on Willowherb Road:
• A parallel crossing - a combined zebra and cycle crossing which has priority over road traffic - next to the junction with Newlands Lane, opposite Lyde Green Community Centre
• A ‘speed table’ - a lengthened speed hump - opposite Happy Days nursery, between Lyde Green Primary School and Hawthorn Way.
• A pedestrian refuge near the junction of Hawthorn Way, with ‘keep left’ signs on the road and give way markings at the nearby cycle path exit.
• A zebra crossing between the Pennycress Close junction and park & ride entrance.
A consultation on the plans runs until October 11.
The measures have been developed with input from local councillors as part of the Linking the Greens scheme to promote sustainable travel and links with Emersons Green.
They also aim to tackle speeding on the
road, which has a 20mph limit, and improve safety for children walking to the primary school and nursery.
The council said: “Public concern about vehicle speeds has increased with the occupation of the development, whilst increasing numbers of pupils have been added to the school roll, since Lyde Green Primary School first opened in September 2015.
“Willowherb Road is perceived as a potential barrier to pedestrians walking or cycling in safety, despite being within a 20mph zone.”
There have been several campaigns to tackle speeding in the area.
South Gloucestershire Council Emersons Green ward councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams, and Emersons Green town councillor Alka Graham, who have worked with officers on the plans, are now calling on members of the public to have their say.
They said: “As Lyde Green continues to grow, and more people are on the road, it is important we are doing all we can to ensure motorists are sticking to the speed limits and not putting school children and other pedestrians at risk.
“For this to succeed, it is important that we have as strong a local voice as possible calling for these improvements and we encourage as many residents as possible to have their voices heard.”
The proposals are also being backed by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, who said: “It is now up to local people to show a unified voice to back these plans.”
To view the plans and take part in the public consultation, visit consultations. southglos.gov.uk/Willowherb/ consultationHome.
People who are not online can call 01454 868004 for more information.
South Gloucestershire councillors Rachael Hunt, Colin Hunt and Judy Adams with Emersons Green town councillor Alka Graham on Willowherb Road
ONE of the Bristol area’s oldest pre-schools is celebrating after Ofsted said it was outstanding in all areas.
An inspector from the education regulator visited Mangotsfield Pre-School in July and her report praised its expert staff, “incredibly ambitious and well-planned” curriculum and exceptionally well-behaved children.
The pre-school, which has 48 children aged from two to five on its roll, was founded 56 years ago and until 2019 was based at St James Church Hall in Mangotsfield.
Since then it has had its own building and outdoor area in the grounds of Emersons Green Primary School.
Inspector Sian Bath said in her report: “All children positively thrive in this warm and stimulating pre-school.
“Staff are extremely caring and knowledgeable, and they meet all children’s needs exceptionally well.”
She said all children, especially those with special educational needs or disabilities, made “excellent” progress, adding that staff “expertly differentiate for each child according to their stage of development”.
The inspector said: “Children feel extremely safe and secure. They behave exceptionally well and independently follow the well-planned routine.
“Staff are very consistent, so children know what to expect and when.
“Children are very confident and have a can-do attitude. They stay focused at activities for long periods of time, as staff expertly offer challenge and help children to succeed.”
needs support was also praised, and the inspector said manager Tracey Ashford was “incredibly reflective and ambitious for all children”, adding: “She goes above and beyond what is expected to ensure all children thrive and are ready for the next stage in life.
“She inspires her team to be the best it can be. She constantly finds ways to improve the pre-school to meet each child’s needs.”
“It’s not that we have changed the way we work but that Ofsted have picked up on it.
“Our basic ethos is always the same, which is to make every child relaxed and confident enough to go to school - the rest of it follows on from there.
“The feedback the inspector got from parents was fantastic.
The report praised children’s “excellent communication and language skills”, developed through an understanding of rhyme and love of books, and “deep level of understanding of mathematics”, including the learning of sums by older children.
The inspector also highlighted the pre-school’s use of the nature surrounding the site to help children learn about the world, including watching foxes and newts living nearby.
The report highlighted the pre-school’s links with the neighbouring school and outside agencies, “extremely effective” partnerships with parents and “strong bonds” with the children themselves, who feel “valued and respected”.
The inspector said: “Parents feel their children are highly valued and supported.
“Staff expertly share children’s learning and next steps regularly with parents.”
Safeguarding and special
Tracey said: “We were very pleased with the rating; we have been striving for it for years.”
She was particularly pleased that Ofsted had picked up on the pre-school’s work on maths and the “great pains” staff go to to ensure parents are involved with pre-school life.
Tracey said: “We didn’t do anything we haven’t done in the past.
“We get to know them all intimately and they can talk to us about what’s going on at home, so we know the children inside and out.”
Tracey said when the preschool’s current home, with its open space, is ideal for its emphasis on outdoor play, learning about the environment and how to live with nature.
Tracey singled out her deputy Karen Sheppard for special praise, saying she had been “one of the main reasons why we got our outstanding rating”.
Deputy manager Karen Sheppard with two of the pre-school childrenLOWERED flags, floral tributes and books of condolence were the outward signs of mourning in the Emersons Green area following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Churches held memorial services and people gathered to mark a minute’s silence in a “National Moment of Reflection” on the night before the Queen’s state funeral took place.
Civic leaders led tributes to the Queen after her death was announced on September 8.
South Gloucestershire Council chair Sanjay Shambhu said: “Her Majesty The Queen was a much loved and respected leader, who will be remembered with great fondness. Her dedication to the nation and to the Commonwealth was both unstinting and inspirational.
“We were fortunate to receive Her Majesty into the district on several occasions, including her visits to Badminton Horse Trials, which she enjoyed for the first time in 1952 and on official engagements, such as when she opened the Severn Bridge in September 1966, and on visits to the aerospace works at Filton, home to the assembly line of the British-built Concorde.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the Queen had been “an exemplar who always put service first, adding: “It is almost unimaginable such a reliable fixture in our lives is no longer with us.”
Flags at council offices were flown at half mast as a mark of respect, and were also lowered at churches, pubs and other buildings in the area - even the Downend in Bloom Platinum Jubilee displays were adjusted.
Books of condolence were opened at churches, including Christ Church in Downend
and St James in Mangotsfield, as well as at the offices of Emersons Green Town Council in Westerleigh Road.
The town council flew its flag at half mast, held a two minute silence and cancelled all scheduled events before the Queen’s funeral.
Residents were also invited to lay flowers outside town council’s offices and town mayor Simon Budd announced plans to plant a tree in memory of the Queen, with the remains of the floral tributes set to be used in its compost.
Flowers were left in a number of other places across the district, including at the Dame School in Mangotsfield and in Kingswood Park, where tributes from other parks and public spaces were being gathered together.
South Gloucestershire Council opened both a physical and an online book of condolence, enabling residents to post messages online.
Among those who posted messages were Downend residents Anthony and Elaine Rudrum, who said: “As pensioners old enough to remember Her Majesty’s wedding day, we feel desolated at her passing.
“She exemplified everything that is good and worth preserving in this country.”
Schools also held events for pupils to reflect on the Queen’s reign.
Across the country on September 18 a minute’s
silence was held as part of the National Moment of Reflection.
Gatherings for people to mark the silence together were held in several places, including Kingswood Park.
On the day of the state funeral schools and most shops and
offices were closed, and council services suspended.
The proclamation of the new monarch was made at Kingswood Civic Centre by South Gloucestershire Council chairman Councillor Sanjay Shambhu .
Floral tributes left at the Dame School in Mangotsfield The Union Flag at half mast at the Langley Arms in Emersons Green South Gloucestershire Council chair Sanjay Shambhu lays a wreath at an official ceremony in Kingswood Park. Picture: Rich McDIF you’ve ever spent a few hours or more on your computer or phone screen, you probably know the pain that is “Tech Neck.”
That stiffness, soreness, and often injury is caused by holding our head forward for too long whilst using technology, typically a mobile phone. Thankfully, we at Sutton Chiropractic in Downend, specialise in the treatment of this issue and the postural problems it causes.
This really is a global phenomenon, straining our bodies and altering our posture, which affects children to the most senior members of our community.
Tech neck causes more than simply the stiffness we feel. It alters our posture often resulting in headaches, neck pain, upper shoulder pain, and sometimes even tingling or numbness in the hands! This increased pressure on our spinal nerves is the key issue which we must correct to maintain a healthy balance in the body.
So, with this in mind we’ve created a guide to help you navigate the negative effects of technology on your body.
Chin tucks
Standing up straight, draw your head straight back to make a double chin.
Do not to tilt your head back, keep your chin tucked in, head still parallel to the floor.
Hold for five seconds, release. Then repeat.
Ear tuck
Place your right hand flat against the right side of your head.
Try to tilt your head to your right shoulder while pushing against your hand.
Hold for five seconds, release slowly, and repeat on the other side.
Back tuck
Place both hands on the back of your head, with your head upright chin parallel to the floor.
Now push your head backwards into your hands. Hold for five seconds, and repeat.
This will work those underused muscles that keep our head upright normally.
Check your spine alignment
Hold your phone at eye level, not your head at phone level!
It’s great workout for your arms and lifesaver for neck posture. If it gets too tiring, lye on your back holding your phone up in front of your face to save your arms.
Brilliant for posture, promotes gentle movements throughout the day, keeps our legs strong and even helps lower blood pressure!
Take regular breaks
Five minutes break each hour, make a coffee, change position markedly or have a pace around. Best to set an alarm to prompt you.
Limit screen time
If work involves plenty of screen time, be sure to limit phone usage after work and prioritize outdoor movement & activity wherever possible.
What Matt has to say “I’m often asked what’s the best posture? It’s a simple one to answer: the one you’re not constantly in! The key to a healthy spine and posture is movement. We are not
Matt Sutton
designed to sit or stand in the perfect static position –movement is key! You see we are designed to move, and our modern lives contradict this basic biological principle.
It’s no wonder sitting has been described as the new smoking.
This is why standing desks; Chiropractic care and regular yoga have rightly become so popular. At Sutton Chiropractic we’ve taken this a step further and designed a posture alteration program in clinic to help people reverse the negative effects of technology usage.”
With this in mind be sure to book your posture screening by calling our reception team. It’s never too early for prevention, nor too late to improve.
What can I do to help myself?
0117 962 2474
0117 965 4434
www.turnersopticians.co.uk
IT’S definitely one of those times where we can really feel as if we’re watching history being written. So much has been covered about the process of transition from Queen to King, it was nice to have a little time out recently to process our emotions as we mourned & celebrated the life of probably the greatest Monarch to ever live.
There is no doubt still much to be learnt from such a wise & experienced person as our Queen Elizabeth was, who as Queen was renowned for keeping her thoughts to herself.
I, on the other hand, am clearly not encumbered by any high office or elevated position! Through writing this blog I am regularly able to share my thoughts on a couple of topics close to my heart. One is vision stress, particularly when it impacts the learning potential of children & young people.
For our eyes to work properly, we need them to work in harmony with our brains. Throughout childhood, we learn how to see. As newborns, our eyes work, but we haven’t yet developed most of the visual skills we need throughout our lives.
As babies, primitive reflexes kick in to help us develop the movement, posture, control and perception skills we use and rely on. Sometimes these don’t fully integrate, and when that happens, the person may display all the hallmarks of a vision issue.
It could be difficulty reading or writing, words moving or jumping on a page, visual perception issues or concentration problems. We often see these issues at Turners Opticians, especially now that the children have returned to school, with parents worried about their child not achieving their learning potential.
That’s why we offer Vision Therapy to our patients - of all ages!
Vision Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free programme of specific vision training exercises that have been shown to be effective.
The goal is to help patients achieve clear, comfortable vision, help the development of fundamental visual skills key to our reading and learning processes and improve how visual information is processed.
In short, Vision Therapy is like physio for the visual system, including the eyes and the parts of the brain that control vision.
So what does Vision Therapy look like in practice?
• STEP ONE is an initial vision assessment where your specialist optometrist will thoroughly assess your eye health, ensure you have optimal vision from any glasses you wear and will be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for vision therapy or tinted lenses.
• STEP TWO is a detailed functional vision assessment with a Specialist (Behavioural) Optometrist. They will look into the finer aspects of your vision system, how it functions and assess your visual skill level.
• STEP THREE is to attend Vision Therapy sessions regularly and consistently where you or your child will be guided through a vision therapy programme. On average this can take between three and nine months.
If you have any questions that have not been covered here, please email: eyegym@ turnersopticians.co.uk
To book an appointment, please call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, with a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance.
SCHOOL leaders have praised the determination and dedication of GCSE students who "exceeded expectations" after two years of studies affected by the pandemic.
The 16 year olds picking up their results at the end of August were the first to sit the exams in their conventional form since 2019, with results in the last two years decided using assessments instead.
At Mangotsfield School, head teacher Hetty Blackmore said the 2022 results had been an improvement on 2019, with the number of students achieving a grade 5 or higher - known as a 'strong pass' - in both English and maths up by 15.3% on three years ago.
Mrs Blackmore said: "There are so many individual successes to be proud of, and the school is delighted by the personal achievements of the entire cohort.
"While it is hard to select students to praise individually, several have exceeded expectations at a national level."
The school highlighted the achievements of six pupils:
• Cora Stone, who achieved five grade 9s, two grade 8s and two grade 7s
• Jay Evans: three 9s, three 8s, three 7s
• Richard Robinson: three 9s, three 8s, one 7
• Sam Hollister: two 9s, four grade 8s, three 7s
• Sienna White: two 9s, three 8s, four 7s
• Thomas Hardwell: two 9s, three 8s, one 7
Mrs Blackmore said: "This year group has overcome significant challenges and
uncertainty during their GCSE years.
"The effort and dedication shown during their final year has been inspiring and I am delighted with their progress and results. We wish you all the best for your bright and brilliant futures."
At Downend School, head teacher Lisa Howell said teachers were "absolutely delighted" with the "excellent" performance of GCSE candidates.
She said: "We have always known that this year was a ‘transition year’ between 2021 and 2019.
"This means that overall grades will be about halfway between the two nationally, and makes any comparison to previous years impossible.
"We are, however, delighted to see excellent results across the
board, with a number of students achieving top grades."
The school highlighted the performances of Lucy Beresford and Corin Yelland, who each achieved eight Grade 9s and one Grade 8, while Poppy Beresford secured seven Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and one Grade 7.
Mrs Howell said: "The disruption of the last few years has varied for individual communities, families and students and as a result it is difficult to single out any particular performances.
"We are, of course, so proud of all those who have achieved a whole set of top grades, but we are equally proud of those who have achieved their own personal bests and of those who have overcome huge challenges over the last few years to achieve the grades they need for their
next steps in education and in employment.
"These young people have shown extraordinary determination, despite an extremely difficult set of circumstances in the latter part of their secondary education, and we could not be prouder of their achievements.
"We congratulate them all and thank their parents, teachers and other school staff for all the ways they have helped our students.
"What the last two and a half years have taught us is that our young people are more than a grade. The resilience they have shown under such conditions is remarkable.
"They are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of them."
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Mangotsfield School GCSE students with head teacher Hetty Blackmore on GCSE results day
LYDE Green Scout Group is looking for people to step up and be leaders so that more children can enjoy the experience of scouting.
The group, which meets at
Lyde Green Community Centre on Tuesdays from 6-7pm, currently runs one beaver lodge for children aged from six to eight, and has recently relaunched a cub pack, with places available for eight to ten-year-old boys and girls.
But the group needs new leaders to run both - and with more help could also set up a new lodge for the children who are currently on a waiting list to
join the beavers.
Simon Budd, of Kingswood District Scouts, said: “It gives the children lots of opportunities to make new friends and try new things.
“The big issue is trying to get enough people to take on leadership roles.
“If enough parents come forward we could set up a second beaver lodge to clear the waiting list overnight.”
As the children who have joined the group get older the intention is to eventually set up a Scout troop.
But the group will also need committee members, such as a treasurer to apply for grants, so that it can buy new equipment and materials and develop.
Anyone who would like to get involved should contact Simon via email at simondbudd@ gmail.com or call 0776 520 1435.
MORE than 4,700 residents of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are waiting more than a year for hospital treatment, new figures reveal.
Ofsted 2021
A report to the region's integrated care board (ICB) meeting in September said the number increased at both North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Southmead Hospital, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust, which runs the BRI, Bristol Children’s Hospital and Weston General.
The total waiting list for nonemergency hospital treatment rose by more than 3,900, from 76,803 in May to 80,712 in June, it said.
The report to the meeting on September 1 said only 57 per cent of emergency patients at the area’s A&E departments were admitted or discharged within the four-hour maximum target –a drop from 62 per cent in May –and that this was the same as the national average.
Less than half of urgent cancer referrals were completed within the expected fortnight limit, which was also worse than the previous month.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
“Pupils say they are happy here and love learning, because adults ‘make it fun’.”
WHEN a Downend primary school decided to update its uniform to include a new PE kit, it did not want to leave parents too much out of pocket.
So St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School bought enough of the new bright yellow T-shirts to ensure there was a free one for every child.
School leaders decided to update the PE kit from the previous plain white T-shirt, and also introduced a branded hooded sweatshirt, in response to demand from parents.
Head teacher Mark Hilliam said: "The old uniform wasn’t exciting.
"We wanted to celebrate our PE curriculum with these vibrant new T-shirts and comfortable hoodies.
"Parents have been asking for a hooded sweatshirt, so it was a pleasure to provide one, along with a free T-shirt for every child.
"We think they all look great!”
Year 5 pupils from St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School with their new kit
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council and local charities are offering financial and practical support to people feeling the impact of the rising cost of living.
Council support includes:
•The Household Support Fund, for people who are struggling to buy food, pay energy and water bills or cover essential living costs.
• The Community Resilience Fund, providing emergency and longterm financial support for people whose income or outgoings have been impacted by redundancy, cuts in working hours or income.
• School uniform reimbursements - up to £50 for primary school and £80 for secondary school pupils available for eligible families.
People can find out if they are eligible and apply for the grants at the council’s One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway or Yate, call 01454 868009 for advice or visit the council website at beta. southglos.gov.uk/financial-support-for-residents.
RESOUND foodbank in Blackhorse Road offers food and household items to people in need in Mangotsfield, Emersons Green, Staple Hill, Downend and the surrounding area.
People need to be referred by a frontline health and social care agency to access emergency food support.
CHARITY Ignite Life is running a new drop-in foodbank in Staple Hill High Street, near the junction with Overnhill Road, on Mondays between midday and 1pm, and Tuesdays 10am until 2pm
While many foodbanks are only open to people who have been referred, the Ignite Life foodbank operates on a trust basis.
People who would like to volunteer or make a donation to the foodbank can email hello@ignite-life.co.uk, or visit the charity’s Facebook page or website at ignite-life.co.uk.
SOME Avon Fire & Rescue Service staff are having to use food banks to get by, the chief fire officer has said.
Simon Shilton spoke out as firefighters and control staff prepare for a ballot for strike action, after receiving an annual pay offer of 2%, which has not been increased despite inflation reaching around 10% and the coming hike in energy bills.
The CFO said he was “seriously worried” about the welfare of staff and the measures they are resorting to as they face “significant hardships” due to the increased cost of living.
He spoke as University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Trust warned staff at city centre hospitals could strike over below-inflation pay offers, with the Royal College of Nursing union currently holding a ballot.
Mr Shilton said: “All our staff deserve a properly-funded pay rise, in line with the increasing cost of living and in line with those offered to other public sector services.
“Unfortunately, the pay afforded to fire and rescue service staff has not reflected the roles within the service for some time.
“The number of applications we receive for roles within the Fire Service is declining. Many applicants for firefighter roles are applying in the knowledge they will need to take a drop in salary from their current employment.
“This has led to difficulties in us recruiting and retaining staff and, more recently, has despairingly led to some staff having to access food banks to get by – this cannot be right.
“Following on from the recent period of hot weather and going into the winter, the imminent threat of industrial action with unresolved pay negotiations would stretch our organisation beyond its capabilities.
“I know for many, taking part in industrial action it is not a decision they will be taking lightly.
“When I speak to staff, they will tell me that they do it for the love of the job, because they care about the future of their local communities and ultimately, they want to keep people safe from harm.
“But as we’re already seeing, this doesn’t pay the bills or put food on the table and staff should be able to do this job, support their families and their communities.”
Chief fire officer Simon ShiltonPREPARATIONS are under way for this year's Downend Round Table fireworks display.
The Bristol area's biggest annual display will take place on Friday November 4 at King George V playing fields.
Last year's display marked the event's 50th anniversaryand it is heading into its second half-century with some new innovations.
Organisers are making entry to the event cashless, with tickets on sale online beforehand and entry on the gate via contactless card readers.
Most of the stalls will also be card-only, although sparklers and light-up toys are likely to still be sold for cash.
And for the first time the stalls will include a gin bar, joining the Hop Union (formerly Great Western Brewery) bar, food and funfair stalls and rides.
But while there have been some changes, the event will include the traditional attractions such as the quieter children's display before the main show, and a bonfireweather permitting.
being made to causes including homelessness charities Caring in Bristol and the Julian Trust.
The 2021 display sold out in advance for the first time ever, as crowds reached the 12,000 limit introduced to ensure some distancing could take place on the site as the country emerged from pandemic restrictions.
And to help people trying to cope with the rising cost of living, ticket prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.
Downend Round Table Fireworks chairman Paul Wells said: "We have seen our costs rise slightly but we think we can absorb these costs to try and help as many people as possible to join us, so tickets have been held at 2021 prices.
"As always, all profits from
Last year's display.
Picture: Sean Youngthe event go towards local charities and causes; if you think there is a charity or group that supports people in Downend or the surrounding area that we could support, please put them in touch with us.
"We haven't had as many requests this year and we are inviting them to apply for support for local projects."
Last year's event raised a record £45,000, with donations
Tickets will go on sale soon from the downendrt.co.uk website, with updates on both the Downend Round Table and the event's dedicated Facebook page.
Downend Round Table is a non-profit club that is part of the world's largest voluntary organisation for young men, aged 18 to 45.
To get involved with Round Table, or request funding for a local good cause, email hello@ downendrt.co.uk.
Event taking place on Thursday the 20th of October 2022 at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.
Join us at the exhibition of photos celebrating the natural beauty of the neighbourhood and prize giving ceremony for the winners of the photography competition. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to hear from local groups who are caring for nature in our area. 2023 Calendars featuring the winning photos will be available later in the autumn.
A MANGOTSFIELD man who collected rubbish for cash then dumped it behind his own street has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines and costs.
Jason Edgecombe, aged 41, was prosecuted by South Gloucestershire Council after waste he had collected from other people was found in a communal area behind Northcote Road.
An investigation found that, during or before the first covid lockdown, Edgecombe had advertised a waste collection service on social media under the names Westcoast Removals and Westcoast Waste Removal.
A council spokesperson said: "Edgecombe subsequently collected controlled waste for payment from many locations, without the correct licence or paperwork.
"Some of this collected waste was then found deposited in a communal area at the rear of Northcote Road, Mangotsfield.
"During interview Edgecombe denied fly-tipping, claiming he was assisting a friend
who must have fly-tipped the waste.
"However the magistrate said he had no doubt it was Edgecombe who communicated with customers and received payment from them, and was collecting waste without the appropriate licence and paperwork."
Following a trial at Bristol Magistrates Court on August 15, he was found guilty of fly-tipping waste, not having a registered waste carrier licence or waste transfer notes.
Edgecombe was fined £484, ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £1,479 in costs: a total of £2,011.
Afterwards council cabinet member for environmental enforcement Rachael Hunt said: “This case saw waste collected without the correct legal paperwork from across South Gloucestershire and then fly-tipped without any consideration of the impact it
would have on residents or the environment.
“Our zero-tolerance approach means that anyone who fly-tips in South Gloucestershire is five times more likely to be prosecuted than anywhere else in the country.
"Our award-winning environmental enforcement team has a 100 per cent record of securing successful prosecutions for this type of offence and if you fail in your duty of care and allow rubbish to be fly-tipped here, you can expect to be caught and brought before the courts.
“We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste in a responsible and lawful manner.
"If you hire a company to dispose of your waste, always ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken.
"Failing to carry out these simple checks could mean you are found liable and face a considerable fine if the waste is illegally deposited.”
People who see illegal fly-tipping are being urged to report it by calling the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping.
Residents are being reminded that unwanted goods and household or garden waste can be disposed of at the Sort It recycling centre in Carsons Road, Mangotsfield, which is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm every day.
Rubbish was dumped behind homes in Northcote RoadIT is with great sadness that I write this month’s column, in the days after the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For over 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II was our longest serving monarch. She lived a remarkable life of service and duty, and her dedication to the nation and to the Commonwealth was both unstinting and inspirational. My condolences are first and foremost with His Majesty King Charles III and all of his family.
Her late Majesty was not just a much-loved and respected leader. She was also a constant certainty in all of our lives and for a great many people, both in the UK nationally and in our own local area, she was the only monarch they have ever known.
Whilst in her seven decades on the throne the Queen presided over extraordinary change in the landscape of our nation, her steadfast presence was an unswaying reminder of our national identity. This is a historic moment for our country and we are all joined in mourning her loss.
As a former cabinet minister and Privy Councillor, I was honoured to attend the Accession Council that proclaimed King Charles III. The last accession council met in 1952, 70 years ago, for the proclamation of Queen Elizabeth.
Over these past 70 years, our late Majesty has been a beacon of support to so many people and communities. I know we will all miss her presence in our lives, though I
am confident King Charles III will prove an excellent head of state.
Indeed, he is familiar with our local area, having lived nearby in Gloucestershire. Over 35 years ago, as child, I remember how he visited St Mary’s Church in Bitton out of the blue - just to look in person at the church.
As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee week celebrations earlier this year, local people came together in a public consultation to choose the location for a new biodiversity-focused park to be created by South Gloucestershire Council.
The former Warmley Pitch and Putt golf course was recently chosen for this site, and work will is now beginning to develop the plans.
This decision, made to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee and her historic 70-year reign, now feels especially timely, as we come together to celebrate her life.
A wildflower meadow and new trees form part of the proposals, the aim of which is to boost biodiversity and nature recovery in our community.
This new park, which will be a space for local people to engage with and enjoy nature whilst also protecting it, will be a fitting tribute to the Queen’s historic reign and also to her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was passionate about nature and protecting the natural environment.
FRIENDS who teamed up to cycle a non-stop relay the length of Britain completed their challenge in under three days - and raised more than £9,000 to help a Staple Hill dad battling cancer.
Nick Anstruther, Darren Weston, Andy Hunter and Ben Ridgway took on the journey from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Dave's Brain Fund, the campaign by family and friends of David Gibbs to raise £150,000 to pay for cancer treatment not available on the NHS.
Dave was diagnosed in September last year with glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the brain and spinal cord.
An operation at Southmead Hospital the following month removed 95% of the tumour and he has also undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
But Dave, who is married with a young daughter, has been told this will not stop the tumour from growing back again.
The fund is paying for him to receive a personalised cancer vaccine, individually prepared using sequenced genetic information, at a clinic in Germany.
Nick, Darren, Andy and Ben, who live in Downend, Staple Hill and Warmley, decided to take on the Land’s End to John O’Groats route, which usually takes around 10 days for
an individual cyclist to complete, in a nonstop relay.
Cycling in two-and-a-half hour shifts, covering around 30 miles at a time before swapping for a fresh rider, they completed the 882-mile route in just 62 hours.
Nick said: "The wheels didn’t stop from
Each rider would change and rehydrate between legs, catching rest wherever possible in the back of a motorhome.
Starting their first day at 6am, they passed a party of supporters at the Willy Wicket in Downend that evening, cycling through Wales overnight and into Lancashire the following morning.
Reaching Scotland on the second afternoon, they made it to John O'Groats just before sunset on the third evening.
Nick said that as well as coping with 44,748 ft of climbing, the team lost Ben's bike after hitting a metal bar in the middle of the first night - he borrowed teammate Andy's bike for the rest of the challenge - and had a puncture in their support van.
The trip was the culmination of fundraising by Nick and Darren which included several other events, including a 24hour cycle ride on static bikes in May.
Nick said: "Thank you to everyone who has kindly and so generously sponsored the challenges."
To donate, visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/cycling-davesbrainfund.
Video from the trip and updates on fundraising events can be found on the Dave’s Brain Fund Facebook page.
OUR great nation was shaken to its very core following the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
I recognise that, of course, there are varying views on the monarchy but no one can deny the Queen’s positive contribution through her support to a vast number of charities, shining a light on the hard work of numerous organisations who make a difference to people’s lives.
Her Majesty the Queen has lived by her oath to spend every day of her life in service to her people. As an inspirational leader, she has been a great example to us all and nobody could have done more to serve this country and the Commonwealth.
I know many of our communities felt a huge personal
loss when the sad news of her death was announced on September 8.
For most, she is all we have ever known and, after speaking to colleagues, officers and residents, I think most people were surprised at the intensity of their grief.
The week between the announcement of the Queen’s passing and her funeral was a very sombre and solemn time and, over those ten days, I was determined to visit as many police stations as possible. So many of our police officers’ working life is born out of duty to the Crown and I know that they felt this loss acutely.
I have sworn allegiance to the Queen twice: firstly when I was Scout at the age of 11 and then,
as a young soldier of 19, I swore allegiance to the Queen and her family, to protect this country. Similarly, our police officers also swear an oath to the Queen and her death has had a huge impact on them.
I want to take a moment to thank and recognise the police officers, police staff and PCSOs across Avon and Somerset and the country for their work to help facilitate the numerous memorial events, proclamation ceremonies and the funeral of the Queen itself; their work and support has kept the public safe while they paid their respects.
I deeply share the sorrow that our united nation continues to feel at the passing of our Commander in Chief.
In many of our lifetimes, we
will never see a monarch reign for the length Queen Elizabeth II did, and to do so with grace, generosity and selflessness is astonishing.
Things will never be the same again but, having known King Charles III for over 30 years, I know he too will be a respected and dedicated monarch.
Nick Anstruther, Darren Weston, Andy Hunter and Ben Ridgway at John O'Groats With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark ShelfordOctober 2
n WESTERLY WINDS and the Bristol School of Performing Arts present Encore: The Best of Broadway. Spectacular show tunes performed by Staple Hill-based band, including hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, The Lion King and We Will Rock You, at the Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, at 2pm & 7.30pm. To book tickets visit redgravetheatre. com or call 0117 315 7800.
October 8
n CHARITY BAG PACK by 74th Kingswood Scout Group, Downend Co-op, 10am-2pm. Beavers, cubs and scouts will be on hand to help with bag packing at the manned tills and collecting donations at the shop entrance. First group public fundraising event since the pandemic, raising money for group activities including weekend camps, forest skills and climbing.
October 11
SOCIETY practice class, arranging an all-foliage triangle, the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Also on October 25, Jackie Page will demonstrate “Flights of Fancy” (visitors £5), same venue and time. Meetings take place every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. More information from Mrs R Cummins, 0117 937 3836.
October 30
n ‘MESSY CHURCH’ 4pm at The Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad street, Bristol BS16 5LN. Tel 0117 9569733 for more information –creative worship for the whole family.
November 12
n CHRISTMAS MARKET, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, BS16 2RW, 11am-3pm Downend Flower Arranging Club will be selling beautiful Christmas arrangements for your home or to give as gifts to your friends and family at reasonable prices.
December 7
n A CHRISTMAS DEMONSTRATION by Marie Munday at Downend Flower Arranging Club, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, BS16 2RW, 7.30pm. Come early for free coffee and mince pies. Visitors £8 pay at door. Everyone welcome.
Monday
n MEDITATION SESSIONS IN FRENCHAY Come along to the
sessions that run from 3rd Monday each month at 7pm Frenchay Unitarian Chapel BS16 1ND from 20 Sept for the Person-centred Group Meditation and 1st Wednesday at 7pm from 6th Oct for the Kundalini movement meditation. Blessings to you. For more information contact Andrea on 07791119658 homewards.ma@btinternet.com.
n MESSY SPACE AT BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, 10.00-11.30am. This is a term-time group for babies and toddlers with their carers: play, crafts, story, refreshments. More information: www.badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk or 0117 239 3875
n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet every Monday, Wednesday evening 7.30 - 10.00 and Sunday 2.30 - 5.00. Refreshments inc. All levels really Welcome. Ring Kath 07517 1297
n LONGWELL LIGHTNING NETBALL CLUB is looking for members with experience of netball, aged 16 or over for seniors and over 10 for juniors. Training Monday nights at Wellsway Way School, in Keynsham. For more information call Maisie Nash on 07920 443820 for juniors, Sandra Nash on 07479 015048 for seniors.
Wednesday
n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805.
n WEDNESDAY CAFE FOR SENIORS, at Badminton Road Methodist Church (BS16 6NU) every Wednesday 10am to 12 noon. All Welcome – just come along – make new friends over a cuppa and cake. Information: 0117 239 5984
n MANGO JAMS PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Wednesday at Lyde Green community centre, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church.
n DOWNEND TANG SOO DO meets at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm. Suitable for beginners and ages 10+. First class free. More details from Ian on 07817 744689 or at the Downend Tang Soo Do Facebook page.
n DOWNEND FLOWER
ARRANGING CLUB: Would you like to arrange flowers? Friendly club meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays, from September to June, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. For information call Joyce 0117 956 8978.
n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881.
n FRENCHAY PROBUS CLUB We meet at Frenchay Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. For further details contact: frenchayprobus@outlook.com
n WARMLEY JAZZ CLUB, every Wednesday £5 on the door. Cadbury Heath Social Club. Doors open 7.30pm. More details at warmleyjazz.co.uk.
n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk.
n NEXT DOOR BOOKS welcomes new members. Book club meets on the last Thursday of the month at either 10am or 2pm, depending on numbers. Normally meets at Lyde Green Community Centre. email jessica.callaway@hotmail.co.uk.
n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON’S. Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844)
n MANGO JAMS PARENT/ CARER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Friday at St James Church Hall, Richmond Road, Mangotsfield, 9.15am to 11.15am. Warm and friendly group run by volunteers from St James Church: everyone welcome to attend.
n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258.
n RAINBOW TOTS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP meets at Emersons Green Village Hall every Friday morning in term time, from 10-11.30am. All welcome - for more info e-mail church.egbc@ outlook.com
Saturday
n BRISTOL SUGARCRAFT GUILD We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Beginners very welcome. Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178.
n PAGE PARK UKULELE CLUB, Bean Tree café, Fridays at 1pm. All abilities welcomed. Places £4 each. For further details call or text ‘Ukulele’ to Ben on 07910 668258.
n EMERSONS GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH is now up and running again, after Covid, at the Emersons Green Village Hall every Sunday at 10.30am. Do come along. It would be great to see you. We look forward to having our regulars back as well as many new people.
n BADMINTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am and all are welcome. For more information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www.badmintonroadmethodist. org.uk
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.
of your events and activities in the following format: WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS
at:
WITH all the goings-on in the UK and the world, it is impossible to ignore the fact we are all facing our biggest challenge in decades.
Change is never easy, and something many of us don’t like, but if the examples of the weather and the cost of living crisis are anything to go by then we are all in this for the long haul.
We want to mention sustainability, the ‘avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance’.
We want you all to think about the way you live, the impact of your carbon footprint on the world and how you may be able to do your bit for future generations.
We at LG OpenSpace have this in the forefront with everything we do - our projects, our planning and our presentations.
Can we inspire residents to think about growing? Can we keep it in the minds of residents that the wildlife we have around us can live with us not against us? Yes, we can!
With your help, over the last few years, we have planted trees and wildflowers, we have helped each other clear up litter in Lyde and
Are you a caring person? Are you a carer for a family member?
Do you want a flexible job, working from home?
Could you support someone to achieve their goals?
Do something amazing, become a Shared Lives carer.
we have helped each other share images and stories of the fantastic wildlife in Lyde Green.
We should all be proud of what we have here, and continue to make Lyde the best place to live in the South West.
With more time and more awareness, we can all work towards helping our planet, our wildlife, and more importantly, ourselves.
Seeing the great egret alongside the herons and little egrets at the lake is a fantastic sight. Great egrets were once very rare to spot, but with the help of everyone we are seeing more and more activity.
We want you all to think about sustainability, not only for now but for the future: can you create a growing plot in your garden? Can you offer shelter for the wildlife, or nectar-rich pollinators for the bees and the butterflies?
It was only a few decades ago that nearly everyone had a growing plot of some sort. Fresh fruit and veg for a Sunday dinner coming straight from the garden has no better taste when its home grown, although the gravy may have been a little weak at times!
Can we take some Astroturf away and
replace it with some growing plots? Can we take up some slabs and use the ground to grow some flora? Let’s all do it together.
Sharing our passion and knowledge to inspire each other to do more, and to think more, is a fantastic feeling.
Please keep supporting us and helping our local environment to live in a sustainable world, which will benefit all.
Thank you to everyone who supports us - it really keeps us going.
For more information on what we do and how to get involved, please get in touch on Facebook @lydegreenopenspace or by email at lgopenspace@gmail.com.
Laurence Binks , Chair Lyde Green OpenSpace
It’s a bit like foster care – but for an adult. As a Shared Lives carer, you will be paid to support adults who need a little extra help from your own home.You’ll help them to achieve their goals and support them to live independently, helping them live their life, their way. They could spend the day with you, stay overnight or even move in, it’s flexible to you.
What does it mean to be a Shared Lives carer?
“I’m proud to be a Shared Lives carer because I believe that everyone deserves to be happy and be themselves, regardless of who they are and that’s exactly what Shared Lives does -placing people in homes with families where they are cared for, loved and respected.”Kwame, Shared Lives carer
Do you need support to live your life?
Find out if Shared Lives could support you: www.ategi.org.uk
Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer on our website: www.ategi.org.uk or email us on carerapplication@ategi.co.uk
MORE than 120 new pupils took part in a series of challenges to help them with the transition from junior to senior school.
The Mangotsfield School Challenge Tri was described as an "action-packed three days", with the new Year 7s taking part in activities including climbing an assault wall, building a trebuchet siege engine and completing survival training.
The event took place at the end of the summer holidays, as the school's departing Year 11s arrived to pick up their GCSE results, with some teachers giving up part of their break to lay on a series of sessions including building clocks and a bake off.
Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: "The students were able to make new friends, familiarise themselves with their new secondary school and start to build relationships with staff who will support them over the next five years.
"Investing in this additional transition is a win-win for us.
"It’s a good opportunity to get to know the cohort in a more informal way to start their time with us, and it’s great for us to be able to share our values with them so early on.
"They are a fantastic year group and we see a bright future ahead for them.”
Some of Mangotsfield School's new Year 7s toasting marshmallows during the three-day challenge event
MANY local people worked at the Wathen Gardiners factory, which is now coming to a sad end (Voice, September), a lot of them being female sewing machinists.
Most of the workers that I knew will now be mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers.
I started in December 1951, and worked there until September 2000, when I retired.
To those who worked there during this time, your efforts were not wasted or lost, as all your hard work lives on in the brand name Bristol Uniforms.
As I remember, it began with Mr Pat Hill working on aluminium silver suits and fleet suits for fire station and airport firefighters and oil tanker workers, with head, hand, and feet protection coverings.
Following the Kings Cross Underground fire, where the firefighters’ leggings melted in the intense heat, changes were introduced to improve the level of fire protection clothing, with flame, heat and water protection.
The first and largest order of thousands of suits came from the London Fire Service. They were made by Wathen Gardiners, with the help of others, under our inspections.
The outer material was a flame resistant, waterproof, and breathable cloth, a waterproof liner, and a quilt inner. These closed with zips and Velcro fastenings, reflective strips on the body, sleeves, and trousers.
These fire uniforms were ordered from other European countries and other parts of the world.
Wathen Gardiners also produced bullet-proof vests for lightweight body armour. These were made with Kevlar panels, special threads, and various strong stitching patterns.
To keep up with the demand and quantity of garments that needed to be produced, we had to seek out modern computerised machines.
For the design process, we turned to a German computer and for the cutting process, we found a French computer. We also added a hanging rail system in the factory.
Mr Hill, and the people who worked for him, searched out the tools and supplied the best testing
to supply uniforms in boxes that were specially made.
This is how Wathen Gardiners’ Bristol Uniforms was created.
So, when you see a local firefighter, be reminded that what they are wearing, from top to bottom, came from the workers at Wathen Gardiners, who made it happen.
To my former colleagues: though the factory is gone, you are not forgotten. What you achieved is all around the world and you are still helping to save lives.
On behalf of Mr Hill, who is unfortunately no longer with us, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and loyalty.
Duncan Gill PucklechurchTHE UK Wide Cycle Ride challenge runs throughout October – and it is the perfect opportunity for people to take their fitness up a gear, while raising money for Diabetes UK along the way.
Challengers can pick from one of three virtual distances, or they can select their own target. They can then connect their Strava to easily track their distance and will have the entire month of October to reach the chosen target.
Cycling is a fantastic way to help you get fit and healthy, to have fun and set yourself a goal. This challenge is perfect for experienced cyclists, or anyone looking to saddle up and give it cycling a try.
You can cycle the miles however you wish, over the 31 days of October, by embracing the
outdoors or staying at home and using an exercise bike. Or you can do a bit of both.
So please sign up to the UK Wide Cycle Ride at cycle.diabetes. org.uk and get pedalling to make every mile count. Your support can change lives.
Phaedra Perry Diabetes UKPICTURED here is one of the six benches in the Alec Large Park in Mangotsfield that have recently had a renewed life, and are now looking spick and span, thanks to the volunteers from the Mangotsfield Residents Association.
Since its formation a few years ago, the MRA and its volunteers have made many improvements to the appearance around the village centre, and there are plans to continue with this work well into the future.
Michael Bell South Gloucestershire councillor Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward
The Bristol Uniforms factory, formerly Wathen Gardiners, in Staple Hill
FOR the last 10 years I have been managing the Heritage Schools Programme for Historic England in the south west of England.
The programme’s aim is to support schools in engaging with their local heritage and exploring how it relates to the national and global story.
In this article I want to show how we use Historic England and other resources to do this, and how you can use them to explore the Downend and Emersons Green area’s rich heritage.
I always start with historic maps from the Historic England archive in Swindon.
They provide a fascinating record of how a place has changed over time, but also, if you look closely, at what has remained.
The next stage is to go out for a walk, to see what you can find using the Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP)’s Historical Map as a guide. Copies were given away with the Voice last year and it can also be found online at www.downendchap.org/ historical-map.
Another wonderful website for exploring historic maps in South Gloucestershire is Know Your Place, at kypwest.org.uk.
Downend is particularly well covered on Historic England’s new Aerial Photo Explorer website, at bit.ly/3RUD1VR, with some excellent post-war images of the area
showing how it grew as a suburb in the second half of the 20th century.
There are also some pictures of what is now becoming part of Lyde
Green.
It is fascinating picking out familiar places from a bird’s-eye view and equally intriguing seeing
what the landscape looked like 80 years ago.
The next stage is to discover the stories of some of the people who lived in the area in the past.
I like to do this using historical street directories, which have been digitised by the University of Leicester and can be accessed for free.
Kelly’s 1897 directory tells us that James Bussell was the landlord of the Green Dragon in Downend, and Blagdon Russell was a local carpenter, for instance.
Further detail on the residents of Downend’s streets can be found by searching the census returns, which can be done free from libraries and the Bristol archives.
The Downend area has a rich and varied history, and using some of these resources is a great way to begin to explore its story.
Downend CHAP is a not-forprofit voluntary organisation that aims to produce a community history resource for the Downend and Emersons Green area and encourage the local community to take part in all its activities.
For more information visit CHAP’s website at www. downendchap.org, email downendchap@gmail.com or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council will forge ahead with its own blueprints for tens of thousands of homes and jobs over the next two decades, following the collapse of the regional masterplan.
The council has decided to join neighbouring Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset to press on with individual local plans after Metro Mayor Dan Norris told the government in May that agreement on a West of England spatial development strategy, spanning the three areas, was not possible.
The failure of the SDS came amid a political row. Labour’s Mr Norris – who heads the West of England Combined Authority – accused South Gloucestershire Council's Conservative leader Toby Savage of “gambling with the greenbelt”, having “walked out” of talks.
Cllr Savage claimed the Metro Mayor
had failed to include him in the first place by working in secrecy while trying to impose 37,000 homes on the district.
Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, Steve Reade, said: "I am delighted that we are taking strides with our new Local Plan, which will be a comprehensive holistic approach towards supporting our new and existing communities in the years ahead, so that South Gloucestershire remains a place that people are proud to live and work."
The council updated its Local Plan webpage in September to say: “Following the decision of the Weca mayor to stop all work on the West of England Combined Authority Spatial Development Strategy, the Local Plans for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire will now provide the strategic planning framework for the
West of England Combined Authority area.
“The issue of housing need will now be addressed through individual Local Plans for each of the local councils.
“The councils will continue their longstanding history of joint working and cooperate with each other and with other key bodies on strategic, cross-boundary matters as they prepare their Local Plans.
“The evidence base prepared so far to inform the Spatial Development Strategy will be published on the Weca website and will be reviewed and used as appropriate to inform the councils’ Local Plans.”
More information on the local plan can be found online at beta.southglos.gov.uk/newlocal-plan.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service Michael Gorely Historic England An aerial photo taken by the RAF in 1955 shows Shortwood brick works, clay pit and quarries, the already-closed Brandy Bottom colliery and the Midland Railway line - now part of the Bristol and Bath Railway/Dramway path. The area above and left of the line is now part of Lyde Green. Picture: Historic England.MENTION the word ‘gaming’ and most people typically think of consoles like the PS5 and Xbox, or even a PC.
But these are far from the only options if you want to enjoy a game.
Heck, even some cars now have ‘infotainment’ (information entertainment) systems, which can play fully-fledged games, such as Teslas, with their ability to play roleplaying farming simulation Stardew Valley.
Don’t worry, this isn’t a disguised advert for Tesla, and I’m not trying to convince you to buy one just for the sake of games it offers!
One of the most often ignored places to play games is actually the smartphone in your pocket.
It’s a great ‘pick up & play’ console, which offers some awesome experiences.
To give you a taste, here are three great games which are available for you to play on your phone:
1. Cooking Mama Cuisine, only available on Apple, is a fun and engaging game where you choose ingredients, tools and find recipes to make.
Combine this with super-easy controls and a great ‘pick up & play’ format, and this is a sure
Smartphone games let you play while the kettle boils
win for anyone looking to fill the five-minute void waiting for the kettle to boil!
One thing to note, however, is that in order to play this game you will need a paid subscription to the Apple Arcade service, but due its large library of fun apps, it is more than worth it.
2. Genshin Impact, which is available on both Apple and Android, is a massive open-world role-playing game which rewards exploration.
It shares many similarities with Zelda
By Emersons Green-based gamer Conor McGeachieBreath of the Wild, on the Nintendo Switch.
Packing in beautiful graphics and an addictive play style, this free app is a consolelike experience in the palm of your hand. Did I mention that it’s free?!
3. EFootball 2023, also available on both iPhone and Android, is the third must-play game on your phone. Out of all the games listed here, this one is the best for ‘drop in and play’ sessions, where you don’t have much time, but has equally engaging enough mechanics to keep you hooked.
To break it down simply: it’s free, boasts similar gameplay to FIFA Football, allows for online matches and features officially-licensed clubs, bringing you closer to the action.
The main takeaway from this is that games are no longer locked to consoles only: some of the most powerful gaming systems you can buy are already in your pocket.
OUR September meeting was on the day we heard of the sad passing of our patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, so we started with a moment of remembrance and reflection on the many years of service she has given our country.
This was followed with a visit from villager Martyn Hall, who is a volunteer gardener at Bristol Zoo, even though it has sadly closed its doors to the public. Martyn gave us a very interesting talk with photos, about the history of the zoo, its animals and gardens.
Some of us can remember when, as children, we could ride on Rosie the elephant, on a special seat which took a few people on each side.
After a cuppa, raffle and news and views, we made final arrangements for our visit to Berkeley Castle in early October.
Finally, we had a discussion about how, as a village, we are
going to be very badly affected by the complete removal of the Service Y5, which is our only bus service to Yate in one direction and Bristol city centre in the other direction. How are we supposed to access services such as doctors, dentists or opticians, let alone the shops?
“Use public transport” they saybut how can we after October?
We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the chapel or vestry in Main Road, Shortwood and our next meeting is on October 14. This will be our AGM, probably followed by one of Caroline’s famous quizzes.
We give a warm welcome to new members, so just turn up for a complimentary visit, to see what the WI has to offer.
For more info or just a chat, email me at millhousejoinery@aol. com, with the heading Shortwood Village WI.
WOW, what a fantastic summer we have had!
Our grass may not be as healthy as it should be, but the effects of the good weather can be well and truly seen on our faces. We all look a bit healthier, with a gentle glow, and being able to get out and about in the fresh air does wonders for our well-being.
The lovely weather enabled us to have one of our meetings outside. Two of our committee members sent us off on a walking scavenger hunt. It was a beautiful evening, not too hot, which was just as well due to the competitiveness of the teams literally running out of Emersons Green Village Hall.
After finding the answer to each clue, off we went in what we hoped would be the right direction - some of us even involved passers-by or people going in or out of their
homes.
One of the clues took us into the quiet area of the park, where there are stones painted with different words. We were asked to take a picture of the stone with the word that made us think of the meaning of our WI. Everybody chose the same one: “friendship”.
A quick selfie in the park with the flower commonly linked to the WI, the sunflower, and then a race back to the village hall for refreshments and cake.
Everyone had smiles on their faces; we had talked, walked and laughed for the whole evening.
Our committee are excited about the range of speakers and events we have for our members to enjoy in our 2023 programme.
If you would like to visit and see what we do, pop in on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7.30pm, in the Willow Room at Emersons Green Village Hall.
Lynne Miller
HERE at Lyde Green Community centre we are delighted to be planning our exciting activities for the half term break!
The September ‘return to school’ seems a long time ago already, so check out our Facebook pages for some spooky fun, including a Halloween disco and inflatable fun session.
Tickets go on sale soon for our family-friendly New Year’s Eve party –make sure you have booked your ticket, as spaces are limited. There will be a DJ, cash bar and fun guaranteed! Bring in the New Year with family and friends.
We are currently running British Sign Language courses at Lyde Green Community Centre. BSL is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expressions and body language. It’s mainly used by people who are deaf or have hearing impairments.
For class information and costs, call Katie on 07895 199409.
Our staff team have all enrolled to ensure that we are able to communicate with BSL users. If you are a BSL user, then please consider spending some time talking to the community centre staff team - we need to practise!
If you can help, call Helen on 0117 957 0410 or email helen@ lydegreenca.org. We can offer a great cup of coffee in return.
Would you like to volunteer to help at future events or to join the team of trustees that make up Lyde Green Community Association?
We are currently looking to recruit another trustee and a treasurer.
It’s a great way to get to meet people while supporting the community. Please email laura@lydegreenca.org for more information.
You can get in touch with us via Facebook @ lydegreencommunityassociation and @LydeGreenCC, by email at info@ lydegreenca.org or by calling 0117 957 0410.
MEMBERS of the area's biggest dedicated girls' football club, Downend Flyers, have new kit and training equipment, thanks to their volunteer coach's employer.
The club received a £300 donation from Wales & West Utilities after under 11 coach Matthew Fowler, who works for the gas emergency and pipeline service, made a request for support.
Matthew, who has worked for Wales & West Utilities as a network technician for over 11 years, said: "We are seeing increased numbers of girls coming forward wanting to play football, but the pandemic has sadly had an impact on sponsorship support, which means that our money is being stretched a lot further.
"It’s great that Wales & West Utilities has been able to get behind the club and the sponsorship will make a huge difference to our girls."
The company's people and engagement director Sarah Hopkins said: "Volunteer coaches like Matthew give up so much of their time to support the development of others, so when he came to us for support we gladly agreed."
Downend Flyers in their new kit
That’s 100 months… or 8 years and 4 months… or roughly 75,000 words. Now that’s a milestone!
I WOULD like to take a moment to thank you all for reading this, whether this is the only blog you have read, or if you have been with me since the beginning, when my little angel and first-born Molly arrived, through to Harry and now little Oscar. There have been so many highlights, from working at the IAAF World Athletics in London 2017 and witnessing Bristol Rovers achieve back-to-back promotions, to building the new clinic, welcoming a host of new staff and working at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – and lots more in between.
OK, so the 20th season has only just started, but it’s here and I’m pleased I made it! It all started with the amazing Junior Agogo. After a day working at Bristol Rugby, with whom they were sharing a ground at The Mem at the time, I got a call from Bristol Rovers asking me to: “Please help Junior with his neck injury. He’s our best player, but he can’t move his head and we need him tomorrow”.
So typical Junior (as it turns out) arrived 30 minutes late for his 45-minute appointment and walked in as though it was no big deal, sat down and asked me to fix him. Thankfully, despite the high pain levels and heavily restricted neck movement, he responded well to some classic chiropractic treatments. He played the next day and scored the winning goal. Sadly, Junior passed away in August 2019 at just 40.
Kyle is one of the best rugby props in the world, a Bristol Bears favourite and regular England and Lions player. And now the secret’s out – he was referred to Cleve Chiropractic for help with the acute back pain that saw his season cut short earlier this year. He kindly mentioned the clinic in a double-page spread in The Times as one of the big reasons he has recovered from a potentially career changing injury.
When Kyle arrived at the clinic he was in a pickle. He couldn’t sit and had to lie down in the car to travel anywhere. He was adamant that he didn’t want the back surgery that had been proposed, so he was recommended to me, which is always humbling. He was ready to do anything, so we got to work. Kyle quickly became one of the most committed players I have ever seen, showing a brilliant attitude that undoubtedly aided his recovery. Clearly, it’s a quality
which has seen him rise to the top of his game. Kyle’s journey was full of highs and milestones, along with some of the lows that come with major injury recovery. His ultimate milestone though is this…
He started the first game of the new season for Bristol Bears, with no surgery, months earlier than expected. I am so proud of, pleased for and impressed by him. Life has thrown Kyle many hurdles to climb but I don’t believe he jumped over any of them – I think he just dropped his shoulder and smashed through them!
Marcus and his wife Louise are dear friends. I got to know him really well when he returned to work as a coach with Bristol Rovers. He was amazingly successful – as he had been as a player with Rovers – and helped the team bag back-to-back promotions. Ever since then I have treated him in clinic and we regularly catch up socially. He is kind, generous with his time and quick to smile and laugh with you.
As I’m sure many of you know, Marcus was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Despite this, Marcus and Louise are still going strong and enjoying life. They have been planning a series of events to raise money for the Darby Rimmer MND foundation.
The foundation, which has
given Marcus and Louise lots of support, information and guidance, was founded by former Liverpool footballer Stephen Darby and his close friend and army veteran Chris Rimmer, who both have MND. The charity supports people and their families who have been diagnosed, as well as the search for ground-breaking treatments.
Medical science can be truly wonderful and a cure for MND will be found. So, the final milestone of this month’s blog lies in the future – to help speed up the search for a cure for MND. Marcus and Louise hope to raise £100,000 for the foundation. To support them, please search for ‘Team Stewart’ on Just Giving, or find the link on our social media accounts.
THE final weekend of the season was nail-biting for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club's first team, as they tried to secure promotion from Division 6 of the Bristol and District Cricket Association league.
With only a couple of points between them and Bristol Lions, who were in second place, Carsons & Mangotsfield went into their final match against Bristol Pakistanis aiming to
secure more points than Lions, who were playing the alreadypromoted Aces.
The firsts managed to secure maximum points, bowling out their opponents for 118, with George Sutton taking 4-26, and losing just one wicket on their way to their target, James Cathro scoring 53 and Tom King 38.
They were optimistic, but unfortunately Lions also managed to secure maximum
points to guarantee second place, with Carsons and Mangotsfield missing out on promotion by 3 points.
Both the second and third teams managed to secure their respective championships. The seconds won their championship, having secured a convincing win over Nailsea, who finished second, in their penultimate game.
Over the course of the
season the young players led the way, with U15 player Matthew Clatworthy finishing the season with 1,585 runs, including two centuries. U17 players Tom King, with 951 runs, and Max Buckingham (859 runs) also both secured centuries for the club.
The leading wicket taker in the club was U17 player Jack Woodland with 54, beating his dad Craig into second place.
Button,TWO successive away wins have brought Mangotsfield United's season to life.
After a tough start to life in the Hellenic League Premier Division, picking up just one point in their first three league games and being knocked out of the FA Cup by neighbours Cadbury Heath, the wins at Bradford Town and Thornbury Town have seen the Mangos climb the table.
Before the victories, however, the club had suffered late heartbreak with a 2-1 away defeat at the hands of league leaders and local rivals Cribbs FC.
The Mangos went behind after just 15 minutes and their North Bristol hosts had the better of the first half, with Mangos keeper Ashley Clark needing to make several good saves to keep Cribbs at bay.
However, a better second-half showing saw Mangotsfield level on 65 minutes through Isaac Flynn. Although both sides went for a late winner, it was Cribbs who got it in stoppage time, breaking Mangos’ hearts at the same time.
August Bank Holiday Monday afternoon saw the team pick up their first win of the season, a very creditable 1-0 away result at high-flying Bradford Town.
While the Mangos withstood any pressure that came from the hosts, the Field’s Jack Dancey had the best chance of all early on, hitting the post on 16 minutes.
The only goal of the game finally came on 80 minutes, through Harry Haughton, and the Mangos stood firm for the rest of the game to pick up three very hard-earned points.
The following game turned out to be even better, as Mangotsfield romped to a 5-1 away win at basement club Thornbury Town.
It was the hosts who scored first, on 8 minutes, but the Mangos levelled ten minutes later, thanks to a header from Scott Gregory.
Haughton put Mangotsfield ahead on 40
minutes with a shot from 35 yards and Will Hailston then made it 3-1 right on half time, with a header following a cross from Jordan Metters.
Thornbury tried to get back into the game after the break, but a Metters free kick on 68 minutes made it 4-1 to the Mangos, and substitute Ollie Williams completed a neat move with 2 minutes left to make it 5-1, a win that hoisted the club into mid-table.
The scheduled home game against Cribbs on September 10 was postponed, along with all other football matches at all levels, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The game has now been rescheduled for Tuesday October 12, at 7.45pm. Dave Smale
September 27: Chipping Sodbury Town (away)
October 1: Corsham Town (away)
October 4: Shrivenham (home)
October 12: Cribbs FC (home)
October 15: Longlevens (away)
October 22: Lydney Town (home)
October 29: Malvern Town (away)
CLEVE RFC started their league season with two home games, a defeat to Cinderford II followed by a win over Old Bristolians.
The club had warmed up with a preseason game versus welsh side Tondu, welcoming two returning players, Brad Horman and Steve Bush, who were asked back by coach Nathan Huntley
The team started well against Tondu and went into a 7-nil lead after five minutes.
Drives by Ashley Wildgoose and a break by Aaron Grant kept Cleve on the front foot.
This was a game of lineouts, with catch and drives. Tondu did this to put them back into the game.
Cleve then responded and did this twice to set up a 17-7 lead.
Tondu showed their determination to succeed and spent the last 10 minutes in Cleve’s 22, but Cleve stood fast, with some superb defence, to hold out for a 17-7 win.
In their first league match Cleve were up against a National league outfit, who are well coached in a big club.
Cleve started the game with real intent and effort. Cinderford however countered well, moving
the ball wide. They gained a lineout in the corner and with a catch and drive went over for 5-0.
Cleve responded well and drove frequently to the line but without success.
There was a feeling that Cinderford were being let off the hook, and after slotting over a penalty, they were 8-0 up at half time.
The second half saw Cleve start well, having one try
disallowed before Harry Owens who broke through and scored, after 15 minutes of pressure.
Owens converted his own try to make it 8-7 and at the 25-minute stage, Cleve were looking good, with good ball movement and Owens controlling the game.
But towards the end Cinderford pressurised the line and the forwards drove over to make the final score 13-7 to Cinderford.
Cleve's second league game was against Old Bristolians. The sides had shared two close games last season, so this game was going to be a measure of how well the team was progressing.
After a poor start, Cleve started to attack the Bristolians' line, moving the ball with great continuity.
Harry Owens led the back line and the ball went wide to Ross Collins, who went over to score, with Owens converting for 7-nil to Cleve.
Bristolians had a good young running team and went back to Cleve’s try line and eventually levelled.
Cleve then put in a wholehearted effort in tackling and hold Bristolians out, before the second half saw Cleve's forwards beginning to dominate.
Ashley Wildgoose and Louis Bartlett both scored as the game opened up, finishing 31-24 to Cleve.
This was a really pleasing performance, from a Cleve team growing with confidence.
Steve Bateman Cleve's 2022/23 squad
