Emersons Green Voice April 2019

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019 — ISSUE 31

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

Charity shop needs your help

These pupils from Mangotsfield C of E Primary pulled out all the stops with their storybook character costumes for World Book Day. Report: Page 22

Emersons Green’s only charity shop urgently needs more volunteers to help sort the 500 bags of donations it receives every week.

PAGE 16

School gets £40k from sugar tax

Can we cope with 400 more homes?

RESIDENTS and Emersons Green Town council have both spoken out against plans to build almost 400 new homes next to the M4.

Developer Edward Ware Homes has unveiled plans to build the houses on a piece of land at Lyde Green Farm between the motorway, Henfield Road and a section of the Mangotsfield to Yate cycle path.

The 398-home development would include 159 three-bed houses plus one-bed flats, two-bed flats and houses, and houses with four or five bedrooms.

The developers say the only people who would be affected are residents of Lyde Green Farm, which has already been converted for housing and is surrounded by the site of the proposed new homes.

They said: “The residents of Lyde Green Farm have been engaged through the process to ensure that their concerns and views are taken into consideration in the final design.”

But residents fear local services cannot cope with Turn to Page 11

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Blackhorse Primary School has won £40,000 grant from the Government’s sugar tax to help fund a sports pavilion.

PAGE 4

Girls set to play on hallowed turf A team of girls from Mangotsfield School will represent Bristol Rovers at Wembley after winning a regional football tournament.

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

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

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Journalist Keri Beckingham 0796 72777090

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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

DEADLINES

Emersons Green Voice is independent.

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

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

May edition deadline is April 17

COMPLAINTS

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.

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

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.

n NEWS

Nine years for violent attack AN attacker who stabbed a man and repeatedly punched a woman in Mangotsfield has been given a long prison sentence.

Bradley Rich attacked a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s during an incident of domestic violence in Springfield Road on December 11 last year.

Both of his victims were taken to hospital after the attack and the man needed treatment for his injuries. The woman suffered minor injuries.

Rich, who knew both of his victims, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm and destroying property.

The third charge relates to damage the 28-year-old, from

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Horfield, caused to the car of another woman in the incident.

After Rich was handed the sentence at Bristol Crown Court, Avon and Somerset police Detective Sergeant Geoff Smith said: “This was a violent attack and we are pleased that the length of the sentence reflects the seriousness of this offence.”

Did you see this mugging?

POLICE need information after a girl was mugged in Bromley Heath.

The 17-year-old was pulled to the ground by a man in a hoodie who tried to rob her of her rucksack in Bromley Heath Avenue. She had just got off a bus in Bromley Heath Road at 7.05pm on March 4.

The man tried to pull the teenager’s bag from her shoulders, she resisted and was pulled to the ground.

A passing motorist intervened by beeping her horn and the attacker ran off down the path near the Pilgrims Way junction which links Bromley Heath Avenue and Oakdale Road.

The offender was white, about 5ft 8in tall, of average build and aged in his 20s or early 30s.

He was wearing a black hooded top with baggy black jogging bottoms and white trainers.

Avon and Somerset police have called on anyone who recognises the description of the man or witnessed the incident to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 047 619.

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

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

April, 2019

Graham Southorn Bristol will writer

A member of the

Call Graham on 0117 440 1230 graham.southorn@maplebrookwills.co.uk

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n NEWS

Community rallies round for cancer fighter Lee AN eight-year-old boy with leukaemia is battling an infection in hospital – the latest challenge in his family’s fight to save his life.

The Voice has previously reported how Lee Belgium’s family are trying to raise £90,000 for a treatment trial and bone marrow transplant not available on the NHS. Lee, of Lyde Green, was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2016 when he was just six. He underwent intensive chemotherapy and spent six months in hospital and despite being clear for almost a year, his family were given the devastating news in August last year that cancer had returned in his bone marrow.

Lee goes to Bristol Children’s Hospital three times a week to have chemotherapy, steroids and a new trial drug. But the family is also trying to raise £90,000 for Lee to go abroad

for a treatment trial and a bone marrow transplant they hope will save his life.

Bristol Children’s Hospital has changed Lee’s chemotherapy to a higher dose of cyclophosphamide and cytarabine and, so far, he has responded well to the treatment and is currently cancer-free in his brain. But Lee’s mum

Clare says Lee then came down with a bacterial infection called klebsiella pneumoniae, which nearly killed him.

Writing on the Fight for Lee’s Life Facebook group, Clare said: “Still can’t believe that we nearly lost my beautiful boy. He truly is a super star. He is fighting so much and wants to be here.”

Lee has a bone marrow test in

a few weeks, and if the cancer is better the hospital have said that they would take the results to the board to see if they can do a bone marrow transplant. However, if this isn’t possible then a hospital in Turkey has said that they are able to treat him, and Clare will travel with Lee for treatment.

The family’s fundraising campaign is continuing and a charity football match at Ashton Gate Stadium is planned for Thursday May 9, and a team from Marston’s Pubs and Bars will cycle from Banks Brewery in Wolverhampton to Thornbury on Tuesday May 21, with a target of raising £10,000.

To find out more about Lee’s fight, visit the family’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/leebelgium. To support Lee’s family in their goal to raise £90,000, visit their Go Fund Me page: www.gofundme. com/beautiful-boy-with-acutelymphoblastic-leukaemia

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April, 2019

n NEWS

Schools receive 'sugar tax' grant fo PUPILS at Blackhorse Primary School are celebrating after receiving a £40,000 grant to build a sports pavilion on their old field.

It will form part of a £70,000 project, with the rest of the cash coming from the school and its PTA. The grant is part of the new ‘sugar tax’ fund, a government tax on sugary drinks, and has been distributed via South Gloucestershire Council.

The school has ambitious plans for the site and is looking at setting up a shooting range next to the pavilion for the new sport of laser run, a version of the modern pentathlon which aims to introduce children to the sport using pistol shooting and running.

It will also be open for members of the community to use outside school hours.

Unusually for a primary

Blackhorse is the first state primary school in England to introduce the new sport of laser run

school, Blackhorse owns a separate playing field on the site of its old school.

Headteacher Simon Botten said: “When the school was currently built on the new site, the site wasn’t big enough to comply with new regulations on the size of playing fields so the school retained the old field which is behind the football pitches used by Emersons Green FC. Up until now, we couldn’t really use the field as it was across a busy road and didn’t have toilet facilities. The new pavilion will bring this field back into use for us as a school.”

Following the construction of social housing on the land next to the old field, South Gloucestershire Council helped the school's business leader Debbie Beazer put together a bid to build a small pavilion with toilets and a kitchen.

The school’s PTA, along with

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April, 2019

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n NEWS

or sports facilities Woman fined over the school, have raised the rest of the money for the £70,000 project.

“It will give our physical education and outdoor education programmes a real boost,” Mr Botten said. “Our vision is to create something which not only benefits our school, but the whole community. We want to make the space provide our children with state-of-theart athletics facilities in the summer, while continuing to work alongside Emersons Green FC, along with other community sports groups. We are especially interested in hearing from sports clubs which could bring a new activity to the local area.”

The school has even more ambitious plans for the near future: “We want to give our children a fabulous sports offering, and have recently become the first state primary school in England to introduce

laser run. Being a school which trains some of the finest runners in the county, we know the children will really enjoy this new challenge.”

The school, which already teaches fencing, is currently working with local professional modern pentathlon coach Phil Hobbs, who approached the school having read about their running activities in the Voice.

As well as introducing the sport to the children, his goal is to set up a permanent shooting range next to the new pavilion so that children and the community can have access to the new sport.

Also benefiting from the sugar tax money is Christ Church Junior School, which will receive £24,000 for outdoor equipment.

It will spend the money on playground markings, security fencing, a daily mile running track, a playground dance stage and gardening resources.

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dumped rubbish

A MANGOTSFIELD woman whose rubbish was dumped on a country footpath has been fined.

Fly-tipped household waste including plastics, clothes, papers and paperwork was found next to a lay-by at Webb’s Heath, near Bridgeyate, last November.

South Gloucestershire envirocrime officers looked through the waste, and found documentation relating to Melanie Nurding’s home address in The Sidings.

When council officers interviewed Nurding, she claimed that she had paid £10 to a man to remove the waste, but was only able to provide a very general description of the person she said was responsible.

The 30-year-old was prosecuted by the council’s environmental protection team and admitted failing in her duty

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of care for the secure transfer of household waste.

She was ordered to pay a total of £155 – a fine of £40, along with costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30 at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

South Gloucestershire takes offenders to court rather than issuing fixed penalty notices.

The council also advises residents to ask anyone offering a waste disposal service where the waste is being taken, as legitimate firms will be happy to provide this information.You can check that services are registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506.

Residents who see illegal flytipping are encouraged to report it online at www.southglos. gov.uk/flytipping, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or calling 01454 868000.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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April, 2019

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Wembley here we come!

Going for goals: Hannah Long (12), Jennifer Smith (12), teacher Georgia Malpas, Lillian Briddon (12), Ella Hillier (13), Emily Lancaster (13), Jess Harvey (13), Freya Batten (13) and Lilli Sargent (13) IT’S every footballer’s dream to play on the hallowed turf of Wembley.

And for eight girls from Mangotsfield School, that dream was set to come true when they contested the EFL Girls Cup before the Checkatrade Trophy final between Portsmouth and Sunderland on March 31.

The players – Jennifer Smith, Jess Harvey, Hannah Long, Ella Hillier, Emily Lancaster, Lillian Briddon, Freya Batten and Lilli Sargent – came through 20 matches in three tournaments to make it to Wembley, starting with a local tournament

involving 13 schools, where they won the right to represent Rovers.

They then came through an area round, beating Bristol City in a semi-final penalty shootout, before winning the regional tournament and with it, the right to play at Wembley.

There they will face a team from Sunderland, the same club which denied Rovers’ first team the opportunity to join the girls at Wembley, when they knocked them out at the semi-final stage.

Mangotsfield School PE teacher Georgia Malpas said the girls’ team’s progress to

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Wembley had been “amazing”, having entered the under-13s tournament for the first time.

She said: “We entered it for a bit of enjoyment. I knew they all played outside school and this gave them an opportunity to play together.

“We never really set out thinking we would be the best in the south of the UK – the girls had never played together before the first tournament.

“I’ve been so impressed with them all. I’m really proud that they have dealt with so much pressure, come through and performed well in every game.”

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IT won’t just be the line at the side of the pitch that Jess Harvey crosses when she plays for Bristol Rovers at Wembley.

Jess, 13, and her dad Tom are from the other side of Bristol’s football divide – they are City fans.

The Rovers team from Mangotsfield School has already beaten City on the way to the final.

Jess says she and her dad have both come to terms with her playing in the blue and white of Rovers.

She said: “My dad’s a City fan but he’s excited as me.

He doesn’t care what team it is as long as I’m playing."

Jess, a central midfielder, has been playing for six years and also represents Downend Flyers and the Gloucestershire county side.

Her family, including mum Alivia and sister Izzy, 10, will watch her play.

Jess said: “I’ve never been to Wembley before.

I’m quite excited to go there because my dad keeps on saying it’s amazing. When I first started playing I wasn’t thinking it would be any time soon but now, it’s happening.

It’s just amazing.”

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April, 2019

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n NEWS

Arson causes 'heartbreaking' damage AN arson attack on a recycling business next to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path has caused “heartbreaking” damage.

The blaze at Toucan Environmental, on the Bridge Road Industrial Estate between Soundwell and Mangotsfield, sent a huge column of smoke into the sky and was tacked by firefighters from five different fire stations.

It wrecked hundreds of containers on the site, which specialises in reconditioning integrated bulk containers and plastic drums so they can be reused.

Toucan Environmental managing director Alex Duck said the yard was slowly returning to some sense of normality after more than three weeks of cleaning up following the fire on February 24.

He said: “It’s been an horrific process, dealing with twisted metal cages fused together by

heat as well as melted HDPE plastic that has set and coated the floor.

“One of my biggest upsets is that the plastic burnt in the fire can no longer be recycled and will instead go to landfill.

“Toucan Environmental has been laundering spent, empty industrial packaging for 13 years and is passionate about reducing plastic waste.

“The amount that will now go to landfill following the arson attack is heartbreaking.”

Alex said the business had lost “vast amounts” of stock, plant and machinery as well as the shelters staff work under.

He said: “The chaps I employ have endured the cold, wet and windy weather, working without cover to ensure we continue to meet our customer demands – which are heavy at present with Brexit stock-piling.

“Fortunately my business is strong and with the

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understanding of customers, plus huge assistance from family and friends, was able to bounce back rapidly.”

The company’s CCTV captured “every second” that the culprits were at the yard, including some vandalism of vehicles, and has been handed to the police.

Alex said: “I would like to offer my absolute gratitude to the fire services who, without doubt, saved my business. Also, thanks to the police who have been so very thorough.”

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said officers had eliminated two teenage boys from their enquiries, interviewed a third teenage boy and are due to speak with a fourth.

The force said enquiries continued and asked anyone with information which could help to call 101 or contact the force online, quoting crime reference number 5219 041 210.

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Toucan Environmental managing director Alex Duck in front of damage to the business

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April, 2019

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Preschool aims to help children ‘make memories’ A PRESCHOOL is asking the community to support its fundraising campaign for new outdoor equipment.

Crossways Preschool, which is run by a charity and accepts children from the age of two, is located at Resound on Blackhorse Road. The preschool’s motto is ‘making memories’ and, led by its parent forum, the children have been learning to fundraise by selling raffle tickets to friends and family using a sheet they designed themselves.

As well as the raffle, which raised over £500, the preschool hopes to continue fundraising to furnish their new home corner and carry out renovations on the outdoor space.

Lily Pawley, a member of the parent forum, said: “We created a sheet that prompted the children, explaining the tickets, why they were collecting and asked them to draw themselves playing in the sandpit we ultimately hope to buy.

“The children have really enjoyed learning about the transaction and collecting the money from their friends and family. It’s boosted their confidence and encouraged them to take on responsibility.

“We put out a request to anyone who had a local business to donate a prize, big or

small, and we were so overwhelmed with the kindness of the offers. Everything from coffee at our local coffee shop to a local decorator offering his services, to massages and MoTs. “We are so lucky to have such a thriving and engaged community.”

“With the unpredictable weather we now have, it’s really important that the children

have exciting spaces inside and out to ensure their quality of learning and we’re hoping that more people in the local area will donate their time and ideas to this.” Any residents with ideas or suggestion for Crossways Preschool’s fundraising can contact the Crossways Parent Forum via Lily by calling 0778 741 0604.

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Time for a change in

Emersons Green & Lyde Green South Gloucestershire schools are among the worst funded in the UK. Local headteachers describe the current situation as “devastating”. Our local Conservative MP didn’t even attend a recent debate on schools funding in Parliament and the Conservative Leader of the council claims those concerned are “Naïve”.

• The same Conservative leader of the council has said that funding for Special Educational Needs was “out of control”.

• Since 2010 our local police service has reduced the number of officers by over 600 and crime is rising. Our area is being targeted by ‘county lines’ drug dealers.

• Local community health services are being put out to tender to the private sector.

• All this and your council tax bills mean you are paying more for less every year.

Labour’s team for Emersons & Lyde Green: Matt Palmer, Nicola Bowden-Jones, Sadik Al-Hassan and Jonathan Maytham

Labour has the vision and a fully costed plan to restore our public services.

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Reversing Tory cuts in education and redressing historic underfunding Improve funding and teacher training for children with special educational needs Funding at least 300 new police officers in Avon & Somerset Taking the private market out of the NHS Reduce the dependence of councils on council tax to pay for local services.

Vote for local councillors committed to your local community and also committed to making changes which will make a real difference to the lives of people in the area.

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April, 2019

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n NEWS

Residents’ fears over 400-home estate From Page 1 further development on this scale. They have aired concerns about the new houses adding further strain on the local road network and the fact that local community facilities may not be able to meet added demand.

Writing on Facebook, one said: “The ring road will never cope.”

Another added: “My concern is the community facilities pressure – including schools, GP (interesting that they are referring to a proposed health centre 1000m from the centre of the site; but, we know the reality – there ain’t one).”

Despite promises that a village green and community orchard would be created between Henfield Road and the farm buildings, along with green corridors to protect the Dramway footpath and the cycle path, residents who have submitted public comments on the planning application are concerned that too much green

space will be taken away by the plans.

One said: “This application is unnecessary. It is on land which was reserved for future use when the land supply has been exhausted. South Gloucestershire at present has sufficient land supply.”

Emersons Green Town Council has also objected to the plans, stating: “Members strongly object to any part of the nearby Common Land being used for any purpose other

than that of common land as mentioned in the Transport Assessment Item 4.11.

“Members would also comment that significant additional improvements to both the existing infrastructure and facilities will need to be made to accommodate these additional properties.”

South Gloucestershire cabinet member for planning Colin Hunt, who is an Emersons Green ward councillor, said the application would be considered

in June.

He said his cabinet position meant he was unable to comment on the plans but added: “I am willing to listen to the residents’ concerns.”

Residents have until the determination deadline of June 3 to comment on the application.

To find out more about the plans, visit South Gloucestershire Council’s planning website and search for reference number P19/1275/F.

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April, 2019

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Council confirms £10m for new school HALF of the £20 million funding The new school would be needed to build a new school called SGS Parkfield after the for up to 870 children in Lyde former colliery in the area.

Green has been confirmed in the When the scheme was council’s latest spending plan. unveiled the trust said South Plans for an ‘all-through’ Gloucestershire Council had school to take children aged invited academy trusts to make four to 16 were announced an application for funding

by SGS Academy Trust, against money it had secured which is sponsored by South from developers as part of legal mrSTAPLEhill(0319)1PP 13/3/19 11:54agreements Page 1 Gloucestershire and Stroud allowing them to College, at the end of last year. build housing at Lyde Green.

The council announced its four-year capital spending programme for schools in the area on March 8 and confirmed that £10.6million had been allocated to the all-through school at Lyde Green.

The school would be created under the government’s free schools programme, set up to encourage and fund schools which are independent but state-

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funded and non-profit making.

The £10.6m funding was handed over by developers to pay for education infrastructure, based on the number of children projected to live at Lyde Green.

A decision on the free school bid is expected from the Department for Education in the next few months and if successful it could open in September 2021.

It would have two classes in each year for primary school children, with a maximum of 420 children aged four to 11.

There would be three forms in each of the five secondary years, accommodating up to 450 children aged 11 to 16.

The funding for Lyde Green is part of £78m to be spent building and refurbishing schools in South Gloucestershire over four years.

The money is set to come from a combination of sources: £42m from borrowing, £26m from planning deals with developers, £6.75m from school devolved formula grants and other central grants and £3m from the DfE Basic Need and Condition fund.

Council leader Toby Savage said: “My highest priority is that as a council we do everything that we can to improve our schools so that all of our young people can have the very best start in life, based on a quality education, in a quality learning environment.”

Community hero Clive honoured A COMMUNITY stalwart has been recognised for his work.

Clive Heath is the chair of the Mangotsfield Residents Association, has formed three Neighbourhood Watch groups, has organised numerous fundraising events to raise money to help homeless people and also offers pastoral care to the community.

He was nominated for a South Gloucestershire Community Award by Rodway ward councillor Michael Bell The latest action Clive has been involved in is a series of events to mark Easter and St George’s Day at the Red Lion.

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

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Dance teams celebrate contest success

A LOCAL dance school is celebrating after four of their groups achieved success at a recent dance competition.

VDance Academy, based in Mangotsfield, was set up by dance teacher Vicky Moody 14 years ago. A professionally trained dancer, Vicky started off by running one class at Mangotsfield Methodist Church, which quickly grew from a handful of children to 23 classes with 11 teachers for children aged from three years old to adults in their 20s.

VDanceAcademy specialises in street dance and hip hop, but also offers jazz, musical theatre and lyrical dance classes too.

Students mainly come from the Emersons Green, Lyde Green and Mangotsfield area, with some also travelling from Bradley Stoke, Thornbury, Fishponds and Yate.

In February, seven VDance Academy teams attended the United Dance Organisation (UDO) competition in Swindon, with the aim of getting into the top three for their category and going on to the World Championships in Blackpool in August.

The teams spend months training on a big routine for the competition, and on the day judges look at the dance formations that are included, as well as their overall performance, energy and professionalism.

In total four teams made it through to the World Championships: Street Petite (eight – 11 year olds), Dance Addix (12 – 14 years olds from

intermediate to advanced level), Zest (15 – 17 year olds) and Dynamites (16 – 22 year olds).

Vicky said: “Quite often we get anxious, shy children come to the school, and parents bring them to help their confidence.

I have seen children come in shaking, with their arms folded, to becoming the most amazing performers. You would not believe that it’s the same child, but it brings something out in them – I always cry when watching their performances!

“Every one that takes to the floor during the UDO competition is outstanding, so I was absolutely chuffed to bits that four of our teams got through. The next step will be for each group to go on a massive fundraising mission in order to take the teams to the World Championships, as it costs £500 per person for transport and accommodation for the four day event. Last year Dance Addix held a massive afternoon tea

which raised just under £3,000, and this year we also have plans for lots of bag packing sessions and cake sales.

“It is hard work, but the kids know in order for us to go that’s what’s required, and they enjoy it so much.”

Many of Vicky’s previous students have gone on to study dance at SGS dance college,

and Max Ilett was also offered a place at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London.

VDance Academy classes take place at Mangotsfield Secondary School and Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavilion from Monday to Saturday, and cost £5 pay as you go. To find out more, visit www. vdanceacademy.com

SMART PATIOS

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Local independent building company View our work on check a trade

Ring for a free estimate

0117 382 2149 0777 3744492 To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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14

If you’re the one who spends time with the grandchildren, be the one who helps in the quest to protect them from Alzheimer’s.

Interested in taking part in research that could help in the fight against Alzheimer’s?

The Generation Program consists of two clinical trials testing investigational study medications to see if they are effective in Alzheimer’s. Now we need your help.....

If you’re 60-75 and have not been diagnosed with any memory impairment, you could join the fight against Alzheimer’s. A fight we can take on together.

See how you can help by contacting your local study site:

Site Name:

The ReMemBr Group, Bristol Brain Centre

Address: GenPro Rec Poster 12 UK_V4.0 05Nov2018 © 2018 Novartis Pharma

Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB Number:

0117 424 8238

n NEWS

Extra-care housing gets the go-ahead A PLANNING application for a new extra care housing facility in Lyde Green has been approved

by South Gloucestershire Council.

As previously reported in the Voice, plans were submitted for a new three-storey, 50-apartment extra care housing scheme on Jenner Boulevard by Housing & Care 21, a not-for-profit, leading national provider of retirement housing and care services for older people of modest means.

The company manages more than 20,000 properties in the UK, providing over 42,000 hours of social care each week.

The plans include apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership, with access to on-site care and support from a 24-hour care team if needed.

It is also expected that the scheme will include a range of communal facilities, such as a restaurant, lounge, hair salon, garden area and activity room, which are also open to the public to enable the schemes to become real community hubs.

South Gloucestershire Council’s strategic sites delivery committee met on March 7 to discuss the plans, which were subsequently approved with

conditions regarding off-street parking facilities, bin storage provision and sound reduction.

A spokesman for Housing & Care 21 said: “We are pleased to see our planning application receive approval for a new extra care court in Lyde Green.

“The new development will see the launch of 50 apartments for rent and shared ownership for people over the age of 55.

It will also be an asset to the wider community, with access to communal facilities, and will see the creation of a number of job opportunities in the area.

“As an organisation we are committed to ensuring people have the opportunity to live independently for longer with access to care if they need it.

Our extra care living offer is a positive alternative to residential care and we are proud of the impact our developments are making to both our residents and communities across the country.

“We are aiming for a launch of spring 2021 and we look forward to getting the development started.”

To find out more about Housing & Care 21, visit their website: www. housingandcare21.co.uk

Rush for school places

URL:

research.volunteer@nbt.nhs.uk

Or visit Global.GenerationProgram.com today.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

April, 2019

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council received a total of 3,110 applications for children who are due to start secondary school in September – 144 more than last year.

More than eight out of every ten children – 2,547 in total – were offered a place at their first-choice school. Among the schools to have reported being oversubscribed was Downend School, where there were a total of 608 applications – first, second and third choice – for 240 places.

John Cabot Academy received 542 applications for its 175 places, with 127 of those awarded being decided by random selection, while Winterbourne Academy received 702 applications for 300 places.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

15

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Help spread word on knife crime RESIDENTIAL burglary, knife crime and the illegal supply of drugs have a devastating impact on our communities. I know local people continue to be very concerned about these crimes, as am I – especially with the ongoing national conversation about knife crime – and you want to be assured that the police are doing everything they can to tackle these issues.

With the council tax bill coming through our letterboxes recently, you will have noticed an increase for policing. By increasing policing by £2 a month for the average band D household, the Constabulary will be intensifying their fight against serious violence and continue to make our communities safe.

This investment means we can recruit an additional 100 new officers and launch a focused operation that will tackle burglary, knife crime and the supply of drugs as part of initiative called

Operation Remedy. I want local people to see and feel the difference in our Constabulary’s fight against crime, and we will be sending a loud and clear message to criminals that coming into our area to commit crime and exploit the vulnerable is not an option.

Work to tackle knife crime and serious violence was intensified in mid-March as officers took part in Operation Sceptre, a week of action that aims to reduce the number of knives on our streets.

The initiative incorporates several tactics including education of both young people and retailers, targeted patrols of hot spot areas, weapon sweeps and knife surrender bins.

We need to remember that knives do not keep you safe; by carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger and are more likely to become involved in a violent situation.

We must work alongside other agencies in health, local

government, the charitable sector and our communities to understand the reasons why young people are arming themselves. We need to make it clear it is never acceptable to carry a knife or a weapon. If you are worried that someone you know is carrying a knife but are nervous to talk to the police, you can contact Fearless (the Crimestoppers youth arm) anonymously and potentially help to save a life.

Finally, we also supported child exploitation (CE) awareness day.

Children and young people can be victims of sexual or criminal exploitation in return for money, drugs, the newest trainers or simply just affection.

These children who are being exploited don’t think of themselves as victims; we need to be their voice, speak out on their behalf and raise awareness of the warning signs. Our frontline officers are working with hospitality businesses and taxis

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens so employees can spot and speak out about this form of abuse.

The police, educators, healthcare professionals, charities and youth workers need to continue to work in partnership and be the ones who ask, ask again and keep asking so we can stop the exploitation of our children. If you suspect a child is being exploited, please let the police, local authority or a charity know and help us end the cycle of abuse.

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 10 MAY 2019 9.30AM - 11.30AM Daily bus service from Stoke Bishop, Westbury-on-Trym, Henleaze, Redland and Bishopston For further information visit www.colstons.org Email: admissions@colstons.org Telephone: 0117 9655 207

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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16

April, 2019

n NEWS

Sue Ryder shop looking for volunteers EMERSONS Green’s only charity shop is looking for volunteers to help sort through the huge amount of donations it receives.

The Sue Ryder shop on Emersons Way has a fulltime manager, two part-time members of staff and 12 volunteers but needs more help to get through the 400 to 500 bags of clothes, accessories, books and bric-a-brac items donated each week.

All donations are sorted in the shop’s back room, which involves volunteers checking whether the donation has been gift aided or not, emptying the contents on to a table to see if each item is saleable or not, and then pricing and tagging individual items for sale. Any items that have holes, or are damaged or soiled are collected once a week to be recycled.

The shop is looking for volunteers help out on a regular basis, even if it’s just for a couple of hours a week, and has a particular need for people to cover Saturdays and holidays.

Volunteers need to be at least 17, and taster sessions are offered to ensure that the opportunity is the right fit before committing.

Following this, a full induction and training will also be provided.

Manager Deborah Bressington says the team recently achieved an 18 per cent increase in sales compared to last year.

She said: “We’re the only charity shop in Emersons Green and Lyde Green and as a result we’re very busy. When I came here, the shop was not in a great

place, although it had always been well supported. We’ve got a great team here and we’ve all worked really hard to turn the merchandising around and make it the lovely shop that it is today – we just love our displays!

“We regularly have customers telling us how much they like the shop and we’re like a little family here, but we couldn’t do it without our wonderful volunteers like Dee, who is 80 years old and has been helping us for the last nine years. She comes in two mornings a week and is such an inspiration to us all.”

Deborah also stressed the importance of supporters bringing donations to the shop only during opening hours, as bags left outside run the risk of being fouled by dogs or rats, and are also a safety hazard for staff.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

She said: “We understand that people are regularly moving in and out of our area and leave items outside as they are in a hurry, but as well as potentially being a health and safety hazard we also lose out on the gift aid opportunity if donations are left in this way.”

The charity shop is currently in need of fashion accessories such as handbags, shoes, belts and jewellery, as well as menswear.

To find out more about

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

volunteering for Sue Ryder, pop into the shop during opening hours (Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm) or visit: https:// www.sueryder.org/support-us/ volunteer

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

n NEWS

17

You’ve got the skills to foster...

Men in Sheds help school PUCKLECHURCH Primary School brought in the experts to create a 'reflective garden'.

They enlisted Warmley-based Men in Sheds to transform part of the outdoor area with a large bug hotel, feeder table and bird box.

Mervyn Bishop, who runs the group, said: “We are so pleased to provide something for the local school which will help encourage wildlife in their garden, I couldn’t resist making a squirrel house for them as well!”

The garden facelift was funded by LiveWest, which is building 58 affordable homes in the village.

you just don’ t know it yet If you have a spare bedroom and the time to make a positive difference to a child’s life, call or email us to find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council.

FREE fitting on all our roof Boxes & Bars instore Hire service available

16 Badminton Road, Downend Tel 01179 575038 www.motapartsbristol.co.uk To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

 01454 866423  fostering@southglos.gov.uk

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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18

April, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Sunday April 7 n Emersons Green Baptist Church craft service/messy church session for parents and children. Lyde Green community hall, 3-4pm. All welcome. For more info contact Rev Kevin Donaghy on 0117 957 5418.

Saturday April 20 n Fundraising barbecue, music and raffle, Red Lion, Mangotsfield.

BBQ and penalty shoot-out in aid of Mangotsfield under-12s football club from 1pm. Dick from Wick performing from 2pm, followed by Easter egg raffle.

Twilight disco from 8pm.

Saturday April 20 n 10am – 1pm ‘Book Sale’ with coffee and cakes Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street Bristol, BS16 5LN Saturday April 20 n 8pm Candlelight Easter vigil at Christ Church Downend.

Sunday April 21 n 10.30am Easter Celebration All Age Service at Christ Church Downend.

Sunday April 21 n Charity barbecue in aid of St Peter’s Hospice and autism, Red Lion, Mangotsfield. Easter bunny raffle at 3pm for Downend and Fishponds Rotary club. Music from 6pm with the Inquisitors.

Wednesday April 24 n Mangotsfield Residents Association community coffee, tea and cake, Red Lion, Mangotsfield, from 10am-noon. Meet new people and get out of the house for a couple of hours – new monthly event. For assistance in attending or more information contact the Red Lion on 0117 329 8693 or email cliveeheath@ hotmail.co.uk Thursday April 25 n 7pm Avon Organic Group invites local gardeners and growers to “Principles of Organic Gardening” talk with Chris Collins, head of horticulture, Garden Organic. The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. £5, includes refreshments. All welcome.www. groworganicbristol.org Sunday May 5 & Monday May 6 n Pucklechurch Scarecrow Competition and Trail St Thomas a Becket Church, in Pucklechurch,s 11th annual scarecrow competition during the May Day bank holiday. The theme is “Your favourite storybook character.” Start your village trail at the church, pick up your map and entry form. Sandwiches, drinks, cream teas, local crafts and stalls available at the church all day. Tickets are available on the door. Adults £2.00, Children £1.00 or Family ticket £5.00. The dates are: Sun 5 May and Mon 6 May.

Sun: 11.30 am - 4.30 pm, Mon: 10.30 am - 4.30 pm.

Friday May 10 n Evening of light classical music with jazzy interludes by the Bromley Duo, with Bob Bennett on violin and saxophone and Nick Breeze on keyboard. Badminton Road Methodist Church, Downend, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50, including light refreshments, available at the door or from Sue Fenton on 0117 956 1106. All proceeds to Christian Aid. Saturday May 11 n Writing and Mindfulness Day Join us for an exploratory day using Mindfulness and images to stimulate and cultivate the writer in you.

Venue: Frenchay Village Hall Saturday May 11th from 10.00 - 16.00 £45 per person (including a light lunch and refreshments) Numbers limited so to book a place please contact Rebecca at writetowellbeing@outlook. com or call 07941 51174 Saturday May 17 & Sunday May 18 n Pucklechurch Players present Out of Order, a comedy by Ray Cooney, at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Call Elaine on

0117 937 3105 or 0794 020 7559 for information and tickets.

Saturday June 8 n Mangotsfield Festival at Cleve Rugby Club. Stall bookings are still open. If you want to book a stall please contact Madeleine Bills e mail dauphine@lineone.net telephone 0117 9560805

REGULAR EVENTS Please check these events are still running Spine Safe Pilates Course.

• 6 weeks • £42 • limited participants (prebooking required) • 30 minute classes www.gentlefitness.co.uk samantha@gentlefitness.co.uk Samantha 07736309272

Mondays n Am/pm Star Jumpers-Pre-school gym classes, village hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.30—11.30, Coffee Drop-In session—village hall, Free tea or coffee, contact Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.30am -12.30pm, Knit & Natter—Knitting Group, Village Hall. Tel 01454 862182 n 10.00—11.45, and 13.45-14.45, Diddi Dance—Preschool dance class, Village Hall contact Emily Norman 07850 983821 n 4.15pm – 6.30pm Ballet, tap and modern dance contact Kathy

News from Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green libraries Thursday March 7 World Book Day https://www.worldbookday.com/ On World Book Day Emersons Green Library and Staple Hill Library are staffed between 10am – 5.30pm - so why not borrow a book (or two) to celebrate the day? If you don’t have a library or Active Card we can join you up – it is free to join after all! Not only that but you will then have access to our free e-books service as well. For more details see www. librarieswest.org.uk.

March 8-17 British Science Week Saturday March 9 Staple Hill Library : Lego Club (children aged 4 – 11 yrs old) 10.30 – 11.30 Monday March 11 Messy Play ( for Pre – Schoolers) 10.30 – 11.00

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Wednesday March 13 Downend Library: 10.30-11am Join us for a Rhyme Time journey , from row the boat and wheels on the bus to songs about space (for pre-schoolers).

Saturday March 16 Downend Library: Lego Club 11am-12 noon Travel, Trains and Tunnels! Learn about the Channel tunnel and build your own transport Lego model Other Events Tuesday March 5 2pm – popular children’s book character Hugless Douglas will be appearing at Storytime at Emersons Green Library. If you are school at this time Hugless will be back again at 4pm on the same day.

Thursday March 14 2.30pm – the monthly Memory Café takes place at Emersons Green library.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Friday March 15 10.30am – Sporting Memories group at Downend Library – everyone welcome.

Access to Research High quality academic articles from a range of disciplines. Search for articles and read abstracts on Access to Research from any internet connection and email yourself links to articles of interest to follow up inside library buildings. Visit any library and login to a library computer with your library card to access the full text or bring your laptop or tablet and connect via our free Wifi.

Ancestry Research your family history online on library computers for free using Ancestry.com library edition. Includes UK census records 1841 – 1911 with images of original records; birth, marriage & death indexes; UK and Ireland parish and probate records from 1500s – 1800s & US and international sources.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019 Plaster, 0117 9655660 n 18.00—21.00, Wrestling Tuition - for children & adults, Village Hall contact David Sharp 07825 298823 n 19.30—21.00 The Daisy Foundation—Antenatal class Village Hall, Carrie Cherrington 07752 467535 n 20.00—21.00 Pilates Village Hall, contact Miriam Roberts 07889 243998 n 19.00 – 20.00 Flow Yoga, Village Hall, Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 7-8pm, Downend School n Phoenix Wind Band (20+ concert level players). Emersons Green Library, 7.30-9.30 p.m.

Varied, challenging, will appeal to Grade 6 players or above, e-mail phoenixwindband@hotmail.com. n Royal Naval Association, South Glos branch. Downend Cricket Cub, 7.30pm for 8pm 2nd Monday of every month. Call Bob Walker 0117 9567617. n Social badminton. Kingswood Leisure Centre, 2-4pm, intermediate level. n Drop in art group, Page Hall, Page Road, Staple Hill (please use side entrance), every Monday, 10am-12.30pm. No tuition. A friendly welcome guaranteed. Call Judith on 0117 957 0327. n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

Established and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 18:30-19:30 Pilates Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019 n 19:35 – 20:35 Flow Yoga Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019. n Keynsham Machine Knitting Club 2nd Monday Of Each Month 2.00pm-4.00pm Sterling Way Community Centre Park Road Keynsham BS31 1DF A friendly, supportive, enthusiastic group of people.New members welcome Contact Pat Hames 01454322553

Tuesdays n Morning Jo Jingles—music for babies & young children. Village Hall, Tracy Bees 077139 43666 n Am/pm Star Jumpers—Preschool gym classes, Village Hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.30--11.40, Sing & Sign-Baby signing class, Village Hall, contact Katherine Amor 07594 460448 n 12.00-13.00 Book club for carers, Stacey Vallis 0117 9652200 n 13.15-14.45 Health Visitor Drop in Clinic, Village Hall – contact Sirona Care & Health on 01225 831511 n Afternoon/Evening, Ballet, Tap & Modern Dance—for children & Adults, Village Hall, contact Kathy

Plaster 0117 9655660 n 19.15—21.00, Downend Art Club—for adults, Village Hall, contact Steve Wheeler 07928 799835 n 18.30-19.30, W.W. Village Hall, contact 0345 345 1500 n 19.30—20.30 Boogie Bounce— Fitness class for adults, Village Hall, contact Claire Boon 07805 360411 n 20.00—20.55, Emersons Green Community Choir—For adults, Village Hall, contact Rachael Hunt 07908 211174 n 1pm – 2pm – Seated Pilates for seniors Village Hall, Emily Doe 07737250042 n Downend Camera Club. 7.4510pm, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, BS16 5RA. All abilities and interests catered for but beginners particularly welcome. n Pucklechurch Handbell Ringers meet from 7-8pm, termtime only.

You don’t need to be able to read music. Call Marion on 01179373528. We welcome all ages but to join in our activities, we would prefer members to be over 16. n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 Tuesdays n Pucklechurch Folk Dance club. English Folk Dancing Club that meets alternate Tuesdays, 7.45pm to 10-15pm. Pucklechurch Community Centre. All ages and abilities are welcome .Contact details, Von 0117 937 2818 n Meditation group, Soundwell Road Spiritual church, Staple Hill.

Every Tuesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

All welcome, details 01454 320179 or soundwellroadchurch@yahoo. co.uk n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age.

19

We would love to publicise your event

n Ladies Shiatsu Massage Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session.

Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

n 13.45— 14.30, Diddi Dance, pre-school dance class, village hall, Emily Norman, 07850 983821 n 13.30— 15.30, Bingo—Win Prizes, Village Hall Tel 01454 862182 Fortnightly n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 17.30—19.30 T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do, Village Hall, Lee David Newman Tel. 07795 467262 n 18.00—2100 Pilates, Village Hall, contact Emma Cowling 07595386542 n 19.00—20.00, Flow Yoga Village Hall, contact Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n 20.00—21.00 Zumba—Dance Fitness Village Hall, Amy Millard 07971 901686

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Contact 0117 9653421. n 10:30 – 11:30 Pilates Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019 n 19:00-20:00 Pilates Pomphrey

Wednesdays n Flower Arranging – Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 7.30 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel 0117-9568504 n PIYO (Mixture of Pilates and Yoga) – Contact Caroline Aqui on 07946 201923 n Am/pm Music with Mummy pre-school music group, Village Hall, contact Debra Denny 0117 9574443 n 10.00—11.30 Rainbow Tots— Parent & Toddler Group, Village Hall, contact Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.00—11.25 Book Club, Village Hall, contact Diane Roberts 0117 9566963, Monthly n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

20

April, 2019

n WHAT’S ON Hill, Mangotsfield. Kerry 07919 051019 n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets alternate Wednesdays for English and American country dancing.7.45 - 10.45 at Frenchay Village Hall. All dances are explained and walked through before dancing to live music.

New dancers of all abilities always welcome. Call 0117 9868534. n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n ‘Mango Jams @ Lyde’ Parent / Carer Toddler Group run by St James Church, meets every Wednesday during term-time from 9.15-10.45am. at Lyde Green Community Centre, BS16 7AG www.stjameschurch.co.uk or Sally: 07733 25637 n 4pm-5pm – Diddi Dance for SEND children held monthly, Village Hall, Emily Norman 07850983821

Thursdays

n 09.30-10.30, W.W. Village Hall, Sarah Hills 07837 096297 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. Langley Arms, Guest Avenue.

1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements. n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk n Am, Mini Professors, science for pre-school children, Emily Hellewell, 07848 930513 n 11.15—12.15, Diddi Dance— Preschool dance class Village Hall, Emily Norman 07850 983821 n 11.30—15.00 Senior Citizens Social Club Village Hall, 01454 862182, Monthly n 12.45—13.45 Ballet & Modern

Dance for Children Village Hall, contact Kathy Plaster 0117 9655660 n 14.00—16.30 Whist Club—Card game group for all abilities. Village Hall, Contact Pat Weymouth 0117 3732017 n 16.00—17.30. 3D Street Dancing—for ages 8—13 yrs Village Hall, Louise Hopton 07754 039059 n 17.30—18.30, Emersons Green Rainbows Village Hall, Lindsey Naldrett 078755 47434 n 19.00-21,00, Spanish language sessions, village hall, Fabiola Doano, 07960 426326 n 19.30— 21.15, Beechmere Belles W.I. Evening Group, Village Hall, contact Katie Bateman 07800 981777. Monthly n 19.30—21.00 Real Fitness with Sarah—Fitness class Village Hall, Sarah Buscemi 07975 943589 n 20.00—21.15 Karate—for adults Village Hall, Allan Harris 01179 323249 n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7- 18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 6.45-7.45pm Christchurch Infant School n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n 6.45pm – 8pm Qi Gong, Village Hall, Donna Pinker 07968158918

n 6pm-7pm –Flame Fitness, Village Hall, Alex Lambert 07769329027

Fridays

n 10.00—11.30, Rainbow tots, parent and toddler group, village hall, Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n S13.15-14.45, Splatt Messy Play, baby and toddler group, Contact Lynsey Abbott on 07713 480102 n 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 13.30—16.00. Positive Steps— Adult Support Group Village Hall, Tim Dunton 01225 287431 n 14.00 –16.00 W.I Daytime Group Village Hall, Edith Anderson 0117 9573422 Monthly n 18.00—19.15 GKR Karate Village Hall, Mark Woods 07951 947280 n Zumba Fitness with Karen, 9.15-10.15am, Winterbourne Community Centre n Zumba Gold with Karen, 10.30-11.15am, Winterbourne Community Centre n 7-9.30pm Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, welcomes and supports all levels of experience including beginners. n Kingswood Probus Club, Warmley Community Centre, Deanery Road, Warmley, second, fourth and fifth Thursdays www. kingswoodprobus.co.uk n Spiritual healing at Soundwell Road church Staple Hill every Friday 7pm -8pm. Free entry.

Details 01454 320179 n ‘Mango Jams’ Parent / Carer Toddler Group run by St James Church, meets every Friday during term-time from 1.15-2.45pm. at St James Church Hall, Richmond Rd, BS16 9EZ, 07733 256372 n 12noon – 1.15pm – Over 60’s Seated Exercise, Village Hall, Caroline Aqui 07946201923 n 10am-11am – Spirals exercise class Village Hall – Carol Ramsey 07768732111

n 11am – Midday – Sosa dance class Village Hall - Carol Ramsey 07768732111 n 9.15am – 11.30am – Diddi Dance Village Hall, Emily Norman 07850983821 n 9.45am – 12.15pm – Spanish lessons Village Hall – Fabiola Doano 07960426323

Saturdays n From 12pm T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do, Village Hall, Lee David Newman 07795 467262 n 10-11 am Saturday Sports Club for 4-8 year olds at Mangotsfield Primary School, Church Farm Road, BS16 7EY. £5 per session.

Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@ sportingchance-pt.co.uk n 10.30am -12.30pm –Meditation, Monthly sessions, Village Hall, Eve Robshaw – 01179742633

Sundays n 10.30—11.45, Emersons Green Baptist Church Service, Village Hall, Kevin Donaghy. 0117 9575418 n 7.15pm Pucklechurch village badminton club meet in Pucklechurch village hall w members alway welcome. n Servicesat St Thomas a Becket, Pucklechurch - 1st Sunday in month 8.30am, Holy Communion said; 10am, Cafe Church; 2nd/3rd/4th Sunday 10am, Family Communion n Soundwell Road Spiritual church Staple Hill, Sunday service 6.30pm to 7.45pm. Doors open 6pm, all welcome. 01454 320179 n The Village Church,10.30am -11.45am, at Mangotsfield Primary School, Emersons Green. n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n St James Church, Mangotsfield.

8am weekly Holy Communion.

10.30am Ist Sunday: All-Age Worship; 2nd: Morning Worship; 3rd & 4th: Communion; 5th: Healing / Worship

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April, 2019

21

n NEWS

World Cup visits home of cricket HUNDREDS of people came to see the Cricket World Cup trophy visit one of the sport’s most historic grounds – the home of Downend Cricket Club.

The WG Grace Memorial Ground was chosen as one of the stops on the trophy’s tour of the country ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup, following a successful bid by the club.

And cricket fans will be seeing a lot more of the ground – named after the sport’s greatest player – and club members after the England and Wales Cricket Board chose the fun day at Downend to film a promotional video for the tournament, which starts at the end of May. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, spin bowler Phil Tufnell and England Women's Cricket World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent were filmed for the video enjoying themselves at the fun day, with club members, youth

players and youngsters from the All Stars team of five to eight year olds also appearing.

The video will be used to promote both the tournament and the ECB’s club celebration programme in early June.

Downend’s Thom Manning said: “From a club perspective it was a highly successful day.

Probably over the course of the day we had around 500 people at the club.

“All three celebrities joined

our members for photographs and autographs, and in the afternoon Downend CC youth players, some of our All Stars cricketers and the Club members who organised the day were all used as extras in scenes with Phil Tufnell.

“From a filming perspective it all went very smoothly.

“They were filming people playing cricket, drinking tea, eating cakes and making Phil Tufnell look an idiot!

“People will be able to see Downend as the backdrop for the video – we await the finished product.”

The tournament opens on May 30 with the first Bristol match taking place on June 1, when Afghanistan take on the might of Australia at the County Ground, which will also host Pakistan v Sri Lanka and Bangladesh v Sri Lanka.

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22

April, 2019

n NEWS

Pupils inspired by the world of books

WHEN youngsters from a primary school were asked to dress up as their favourite book characters they let their imaginations take over.

Characters from classic and modern children’s novels, comics and non-fiction books walked

the corridors and learned in the classrooms of Mangotsfield C of E Primary School during its World Book Day event.

With 19 classes and 570 pupils getting into the spirit of the event, there was a wide array of heroes and villains,

witches and wizards, Olympians, superheroes, giants, aliens and even a few crocodiles and rats.

The school made its book day part of a week of events including a book fair, book swaps in class and an evening bedtime story session where key stage one youngsters came back to school in their pyjamas to be read a story in class, along with a cup of hot chocolate and a biscuit.

Assistant head teacher Kirsty Croasdale – who dressed up as Winnie the Witch for the day – said: “As we have done it more and more each year, the more members of our school family have become involved.

“Even the reading assistants and support staff dress up – we had Miss Trunchbull in the front office – and it helps to make the

event that much more exciting for the children.

“It’s always great on days like this when you’re walking around school and the children are asking you which character you are. There was a real buzz on the front gate as the children were coming in wearing their costumes.”

The school held a competition to find the best costume, with plenty of work going in to some imaginative and inventive entries.

The winners – chosen with some help from the Voice – included Mr Impossible, Gangsta Granny, Peggy from Swallows and Amazons and a robot with a bird living in his heart, from The Robot and the Bluebird.

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

23

n NEWS

David Lloyd centre work progresses A LONG-AWAITED health and fitness club is set to open in Emersons Green in December.

David Lloyd’s new club is located on the Lyde Green side of The Rosary Roundabout. It represents an investment of over £11 million and will create more than 80 local jobs.

Construction company Pellikaan has already started work on the 2.3 hectare site, which will offer fitness, racquets and health facilities.

The centrepiece of the new club will be the a 100+ station gym. Gym instructors will be on hand at all times to provide guidance, while a team of qualified personal trainers will offer a tailored service for those looking to achieve specific, individual goals.

A full programme of group exercise classes will also cater for a range of tastes and abilities.

There will be four group exercise studios – a hi-tech indoor cycling studio, high impact and Mind & Body studios, plus a new boutique-style Blaze studio. Blaze is a cutting-edge style of training in a dedicated hi-tech studio, using Woodway treadmills, strength and combat equipment, giving an intense workout that burns up to 1,000 calories in a 55 minute class.

The club will also provide four tennis courts, three air bubble courts and a show court, and David Lloyd Clubs’ junior tennis coaching programme will be open to children aged 3-11 years, with a dedicated team of LTAqualified qualified coaches also

on hand to provide adult lessons.

Furthermore there will be a 20m indoor and a 25m outdoor heated swimming pool, as well as an indoor learner pool and an outdoor kids’ pool. Other facilities will include a wet indoor spa and an outdoor spa garden, and the Clubroom café bar will offer a family zone, an indoor soft play area, and an adults-only area and business hub.

David Lloyd Clubs chief executive Glenn Earlam said:

“We are thrilled that we are opening our 100th club at Emersons Green. Our other two clubs at Long Ashton and Westbury are thriving communities, and we look forward to welcoming local residents at Emerson Green when we open later this year.

“Our aim is to not only provide the very best health, fitness and spa facilities, but also to offer a warm and friendly community environment.”

n REFLEXOLOGY WITH RACHAEL MATHER The Wonders of Foot Reading (or ‘Solestry’) AS a Reflexologist, I naturally have an interest in feet. I find them fascinating … genuinely! But did you know that your feet tell me a lot more about you than just your physical health? They can tell me about the type of person you are too.

Foot Reading is not to be confused with palm reading – Foot Readers can’t tell the future, nor do we have psychic abilities (although I often wish I had). What we can do is look at the shape and size of your feet and toes, the colour and texture of the skin, whether you have flat feet or high arches, and so on – and all of these elements can help us put together a picture of your personality and emotions.

Reading the feet can also provide me with information about your skills and talents, such as if you are creative, academic, or a good listener.

Your feet can similarly indicate how you feel about your life generally, and the things that you might find difficult as you make your way through the world. But how does foot reading actually work?

Our feelings and emotions often manifest themselves physically. For example, when you’re feeling tense this can make your neck and shoulders feel very stiff and tight. As a reflexologist, I also see this tension appear on your feet, because the area of your feet that corresponds with the neck and shoulders will also feel stiff and tight. I would work the relevant reflex points on your feet to help relieve your stiff neck and shoulders.

Foot reading also tells me that persistently stiff toes mean you may have strongly held opinions that you tightly hold on to. I might also suggest, therefore, that you try to become more flexible in your thinking. Doing so will work on a deep level and, over time, your neck and shoulders will become looser – as will your toes!

Reflexology and foot reading together make a very powerful team.

Reflexology relaxes the body and mind, encourages better functioning of bodily systems, and allows the body to begin to heal itself from within.

Foot reading adds another dimension because it provides further, valuable information about your emotional wellbeing that can help identify additional areas for the reflexologist to work on.

If you are interested in finding out whether Reflexology and Foot Reading could help you, please get in touch at ‘hello@rachaelmather.co.uk’ or on 07557 107930.

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Reflexology

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24

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

n NEWS

Ring road proposal sparks concerns A £6.9 MILLION revamp of a roundabout on the Avon Ring road will see drivers needing to go left if they want to turn right.

Plans to remodel the roundabout at the Tower Lane/Wraxall Road junction, between Kingswood and Cadbury Heath, are out for public consultation until March 29.

But the public has only one option to comment on, as alternative schemes for the junction have already been ruled out.

The roundabout, used by thousands of vehicles every day, is one of only two junctions on the A4174 which does not currently have traffic lights. The other is the Dramway Roundabout junction with the B4465 at Shortwood.

Under the South Gloucestershire Council plans, backed by the West of England Combined Authority and aimed at reducing jams, through ring road traffic would no longer go around the roundabout but would drive through the middle in three lanes, controlled by two sets of traffic lights.

Drivers on the ring road who want to turn right at the roundabout will have to go into the left hand lane and pass through two sets of traffic lights.

The council envisages four phases of

lights will be needed for all traffic to use the new junction, which aims to tackle what council leader Toby Savage has described as a “significant bottleneck”.

But Labour’s Pippa Gibbs and Barry West have criticised the decision not to provide any other options for the junction, describing the consultation as a “rubber stamping exercise” or the council’s preferred scheme.

A council spokesman said three other

options for the junction – making it a trafficlight controlled crossroads or adding lights to some or all of the entrances to the existing roudabout – were rejected as they “were less effective in reducing congestion and delays at the junction or in meeting the wider objectives of an improvement scheme”.

To respond to the consultation, visit bit. ly/2HrW35e online.

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April, 2019

25

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Look out for the lonely WELL, we are now a year old – it’s time to reflect on what’s been happening and is in our minds for the immediate future. Our first AGM will take place on March 29 in the Scout Hall in Mangotsfield (opposite the Lamb Inn), commencing at 7.30pm. Anyone with an interest in making the village a better place to live is more than welcome to attend and get involved. Our monthly meetings are attended by a core of about 20 local people and we are beginning to see a few new faces. If you can’t make it you can still contact us on email at mangotsfieldourvillage@ gmail.com.

Our meetings cover a wide range of topics. At our last meeting we announced that another Neighbourhood Watch scheme was being formed. This will cover the area surrounding the church (Cossham Street, Elmleigh Road,

Oaklands Road). There is also potential to start another one in the Springfield Avenue area. While crime has a big impact on those who are victims, Mangotsfield is still a safe place to live and, with the community working together to look out for one another and report suspicious activity to the police, it will remain so.

We are looking into the formation of a ‘no cold calling zone’, which we’ll have to fund ourselves, as our local authority is no longer able to do so.

We continue to work with South Gloucestershire Council on renovating the Dame School site and installing planters around the village. The council has funding available to improve children’s play facilities and two of our members are working with them on this.

Our regular ‘hour a month’ event in February removed 15 bags

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of rubbish, a car crook lock and an old mattress from the ‘Hut Field’ next to Mangotsfield United FC. At our meetings we get a report from Michael Bell, one of our local ward councillors. The list of things he deals with and gets involved in seems endless, and I’m not sure enough people realise and appreciate just how much work Michael and other councillors do for their communities.

When we formed, we created a launch poster with the word “forgotten”. It was intended to remind people that Mangotsfield is in danger of being overlooked, and that one of the aims of the residents association was to stop that. Clive Heath, our chairman, also reminded us that it can refer to people in our own community.

They may be lonely, struggling with their mental or physical health, struggling financially, being

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victimised or are afraid to go out.

We must look out for people in our community and offer to help: a small, simple act of kindness can make all the difference.

Chris Amos

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26

April, 2019

n PETER'S VISION

I

’M sure you will all agree that sight is probably our most important of our five main senses. Yes I know many people, particularly our other (better?) halves often possess seemingly limitless extra senses, including of course hindsight, but of the main recognised five senses sight comes out top in delivering around 80 percent of our information.

It’s going to be an obvious next question really isn’t it? If sight is truly our most important sense shouldn’t we look after it, and perhaps more importantly do we actually look after it? An extended eye exam (so much more than just a sight test don’t you know!) is always going to be one of the top options in my view. But what else?

Good nutrition is often mentioned and rightly so. A healthy balanced diet (less cake & more delicious green leafy veg - we all know the basics here!), but also quitting or reducing smoking can significantly cut the risks of sight loss. Regular exercise and avoiding excessive drinking are also important considerations.

For many of us how we use our eyes is an important consideration. The many tech, devices and display screens lots of us use extensively for our work and leisure time need

to be seen clearly and comfortably as well as being used in moderation! Regular breaks on the 20:20 guide works well - every 20 minutes take a 20 second break. Either looking away from your screen or close your eyes briefly, (no power naps mind), let your eyes relax then get back to it!

Sun protection is also so very important, please make sure you have UV400 protection whatever sunglasses you wear. Any less is just putting your sight unnecessarily at risk. Time

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If your glasses are comfortable to wear, you look & feel great in them and you can see clearly then you’re definitely more likely to wear them. We can help here too!

Whether you prefer the everyday luxury of British made to order eyewear, designer frames by Ray-Ban or classic styles we’ve got the choice you’re looking for.

However you do (or don’t yet) protect your eyes & vision, you & your family are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care and glasses. To arrange an extended eye exam for yourself or those you love, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

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

The team at Turners

Fantastic chance to try out sports SPORTS volunteers in the area are giving members of the public the chance to try a new sport or club as part of a free open day later this month.

The Frenchay Sports Joint Open Day on April 14 will see a range of clubs come together so visitors will have the chance to try various sports and ask volunteers from the clubs questions. There will also be a fun run for people of all ages.

Taking part are: • Frenchay Cricket Club • Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club • Bristol Golf Centre • Dings Crusaders RFC • Just Jog, an independent women's running group • Gary Harris Cycles, an independent bike shop • Rockleaze Rangers FC Many of the sessions will take place at Frenchay Cricket Club's ground in Common Mead Lane, Hambrook with further action next door at

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Bristol Golf Club and at nearby Rockleaze Rangers' home ground at Hillside Gardens.

During the event Dings Crusaders RFC will throw open the doors of their new home in Shaftesbury Park so members of the public can look around their new facilities.

The event follows the success of the inaugural joint open day in 2017.

One of the organisers, Penny White, from Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club, said: “The aim is to showcase the sports clubs available in the area and to try to encourage local people to participate in sports on their doorstep.”

Refreshments are available at Frenchay Cricket Club, Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club and Bristol Golf Centre.

Frenchay Sports Joint Open Day runs from 10am4pm at Frenchay Cricket Club, Common Mead Lane, Hambrook, BS16 1QQ.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Time to get involved

IT’S been another busy month for the LGCA and things don’t look set to get any quieter in the coming months.

We’ve recently recruited to help us make sure Lyde Green Community Centre continues to deliver a range of activities and remains a fantastic space for the whole community to enjoy – we hope you’ll pop in and say hi very soon!

March saw the start of a brand new Monday night Salsa class at the LGCC – everyone seemed to have a great time and learnt a few new moves along the way. We’re also looking forward to welcoming a new beaver/ cubs group very soon, so watch this space. The Centre offers loads of activities and classes and we hope there is something for everyone – if you have any ideas/feedback then let us know – we aim to please!

Our volunteers have been really busy organising events for the whole community. The next event is a Springtime Social at 2pm on Sunday April 14, so come and join Many Hands and LGCA for an afternoon of chocolate indulgence at the community centre, where you can meet new people and share your ideas/visions for Lyde Green. Events over the Easter Holidays are also in the pipeline – please like our Facebook pages for the most up to date information.

As a small charity, we’re always looking for volunteers and will be seeking new trustees to join the team; if you’re interested in getting involved then we’d be happy to hear from you and are particularly looking for anyone with human resources or legal experience. Please get in touch by email at info@lydegreenca.org or via Facebook.

27

n NEWS

AVON Harmony is the latest group to perform at a series of informal cafe-style evenings held at Resound Church in Mangotsfield.

Called @Later, the events are designed to entertain the community and bring people together.

Talented women's singing group Avon Harmony under leader Mary Williams treated March's audience to a varied repertoire, mainly a capella, which saw them perform various classic tunes from Elvis and Abba to musical hits from the Lion King and Moulin Rouge. @Later takes place on the second Friday of most months. The programme incorporates a variety of musical genres.

This month's offering is 60s-style band The Falcons on April 12 from 8-10pm. Entry is £2.50 on the door with nibbles provided and hot drinks for sale in the cafe. You can also bring your own bottle.

See https://www.facebook.com/lateratresound/ for more details.

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FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you.

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time.

The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you.

Booking is essential, as there are a limited number of places.

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Locations and dates available: • Exeter Food and Drink Festival – 4th/5th May – Maths course • Malvern Spring Festival – 11th/12th May – Maths course • Roman Baths/American History Museum – 8th/9th June - English course • Blenheim Palace – 29th/30th June - English • All Aboard, Watersports Centre, Bristol – 13th/14th July - Maths • Stratford-upon-Avon – 20th/21st July - English For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

29

n NEWS

‘Wonder Widow’ tackles marathon A DOWNEND mum-of-two is running her first marathon to raise money for the hospice which cared for her husband.

Emma Wood, 42, has been raising money for St Peter's Hospice since husband Steve died just six months after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015.

So far she has collected more than £38,000 and hopes to boost this figure by a further £2,500 when she embarks on the London Marathon on April 28.

Although it will be Emma's first marathon she is no stranger to running, having completed the Great Bristol 10K in May 2016 in support of St Peter's.

Other fundraising achievements include a 35km bike ride, family head shave and football tournaments as well as recently dressing up as a 'Wonder Widow' to help publicise the charity's Midnight Walk, which takes place in July.

Emma said: “I'm really proud of how much has been raised. It's a testament to how much people thought of Steve and how much they want to continue to show their love. It also shows how much people want to support St Peter's.”

Steve, an estate agent, had originally been treated for arthritis after experiencing joint

pain but was finally diagnosed with cancer in April 2015.

The following month Emma and Steve were told the news they feared – the cancer was terminal.

St Peter's stepped in and offered support not just to Steve but to the rest of the family including the couple's sons, Freddie and Arthur, now aged 11 and eight.

St Peter's support enabled Steve to come home where Emma, along with friends and family, were able to care for him.

Steve had several short stays for pain management at the hospice, returning home

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each time until he was admitted two weeks before his death on November 10, 2015 at the age of 34.

Emma, an early years practitioner at a pre school, said St Peter’s had been there for her family during their darkest days.

“Steve’s death devastated us. It’s been a long process but the hospice has been with us all the way through. My boys have had counselling and I continue to go to their sole parents’ group to talk to other younger parents, like myself, who are going through the same thing.”

Emma said St Peter’s couldn’t do enough for her family when Steve was admitted to the hospice for the final two weeks of his life.

“It’s an amazing place. They made us feel really welcome whilst we were there. We set our Xbox up so Steve could play FIFA with the boys. I even took the dogs in to see him.

“The boys played football in the garden and we wheeled Steve out in his bed so that he could watch them. St Peter’s were extremely accommodating and did everything they could to help. Nothing was too much trouble.”

Following such a traumatic year, Emma started running in January 2016 as a form of therapy.

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30

April, 2019

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

AS the local MP, I have long been aware of local residents’ concerns about the Wraxall road roundabout on the Avon Ring Road, and along with local Councillors and campaigners, I have consistently raised these concerns and pushed for a solution to the issues of congestion and traffic jams residents have experienced for many years.

That is why I am delighted that following our campaigns, a £6.9 million scheme to improve the roundabout is now being considered, with the planned changes expected to reduce delays and improve traffic flows at peak times, easing congestion and queues which are currently affecting local residents, drivers, as well as public transport users.

As someone who has long pushed for such improvements, I am very pleased that work on this ambitious scheme is now underway as it will benefit local commuters and residents,

and is part of a package of improvements to our local transport infrastructure which will help reduce collision and improve traffic in our community.

South Gloucestershire Council has recently launched a consultation seeking views on the proposed changes, and I hope residents and local drivers have had the chance to have their say on this key improvement scheme for our area.

Recently I have also welcomed the news that the Council has committed £600,000 in funding to improving access to the Mangotsfield Sort-It Centre. This is another great success for our local area, and as the local MP I have regularly worked alongside local residents and Councillors to push for improvements, and presented a residents’ petition alongside Cllr Ian Adams, to highlight residents’ concerns about congestion and queues at the recycling centre.

I am now delighted to hear about this investment, which

will help address the traffic issues many in the area have experienced for years. This funding will help improve access to the recycling centre by creating a separate slip road to the site, reducing local traffic disruption.

This funding will be welcomed by many residents who have raised the issue with me over the past few months, who will find the recycling site easier to use.

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April, 2019

31

n NEWS

Owner’s warning after dog attack A DOG owner has warned Pucklechurch residents to beware after her family pet was savaged by another dog running loose.

Caroline Deans was walking near Maple Walk when an Alsatian ran up and attacked her her nine-year-old Jack Russell cross Honey.

Caroline managed to free her dog from the German Shepherd but Honey was badly injured and needed hours of surgery to save her life after the incident, which happened at around 1.30pm on March 12.

Caroline said: “We had literally walked for five minutes and suddenly, out of nowhere, an Alsatian charged us and viciously attacked my dog.

“I did everything I could to protect her and screamed for help but no one was around and there was no dog owner to be seen.I eventually managed to get my dog away from the Alsatian

but it then tried to attack again and jumped up at me, too. I ran home, put her straight in the car and rushed her to the vet. She was rushed into surgery and it was close – it took three hours to repair the wounds. She had an 8cm puncture wound in her abdomen, various other wounds and a punctured kidney.”

Honey survived the aftermath of surgery and has been allowed home but even now faces a long and painful recovery.

Caroline said: “The vet says she'll be on meds and the stitches and staples will be left in for at least two weeks.”

Caroline has spoken to both the police, who deal with attacks by dogs on people, and the dog wardens about the incident.

She said: “This is an obviously dangerous dog running loose.

Someone out there must know whose it is.”

A council spokesman said: “We are aware of this incident

Honey, the dog that was attacked, and inset, her injuries after treatment and have spoken to both Mrs Deans and another resident who witnessed it. We have not yet been able to identify the owner of the German Shepherd, but in liaison with the local policing team the dog warden will continue to monitor the area to try to identify them.

“Prior to this incident we had not received any reports of

the dog straying, although we are aware of comments made after the event on social media suggesting that the dog has been seen out on its own on several occasions. If residents do see the dog straying in the area, or have information helping to identify the owner, we would encourage them to report this to the council.”

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April, 2019

n NEWS

Candidates gear up to contest South Gloucestershire Council elections VOTERS in the Emersons Green area will be going to the polls next month for the first council elections since boundaries were re-drawn.

The Emersons Green ward has expanded in size to include Lyde Green, which was previously in neighbouring Boyd Valley ward, while also including the area around Vinny Green and Blackhorse Road, which was previously part of Rodway ward.

The area north west of Badminton Road, around Aintree Drive, is moving from Emersons Green to the new Frenchay & Downend ward.

Meanwhile Rodway ward is disappearing: the majority of the area it covered is becoming part of the new Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward, while the southern end of it will become part of the newly-created New Cheltenham ward.

Pucklechurch will remain part of the Boyd Valley ward.

The changes reduce the number of members of South Gloucestershire Council from 70 to 61.

The political parties are gearing up for the elections, with some having already selected candidates and others in the middle of the selection process, which will be finalised over the next couple of weeks. The elections are due to take place on Thursday May 2.

In Emersons Green, the Conservatives are set to field three candidates who are currently serving South Gloucestershire councillors.

Judy Adams has represented Rodway ward for

Tory candidates for Emersons Green with Home Secretary Sajid Javid

Labour’s candidates for Emersons Green the past four years but is an Emersons Green resident and town councillor.

Colin Hunt is South Gloucestershire’s cabinet member for planning and has been a councillor since 2003, having also served on the previous Kingswood Borough Councillor from 1987 until it was abolished in 1996.

Rachael Hunt is the current

chair of South Gloucestershire Council, having been elected in 2015.

Labour has selected Sadiq Al-Hasan, Jonathan Maytham and Matt Palmer to contest Emersons Green.

Sadiq is a serving Emersons Green town councillor. He is also a pharmacist, a member of the Avon Local Pharmaceutical Committee and a father-of-two.

In Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward, Labour has selected two current councillors and a new candidate to contest the election.

Ian Boulton has represented Staple Hill since 2011 and stood as the Labour candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke in the 2010 and 2015 general elections.

Current Rodway councillor Michael Bell has represented the ward since 2011, while campaigner Katie Cooper is standing for election for the first time this year.

The Conservative candidates for Staple Hill & Mangotsfield are youth worker and tutor Matt Pitts, former Emersons Green ward South Gloucestershire councillor James Hunt and Bradley Stoke town councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi, who works for the MoD at Abbey Wood.

Labour had yet to inform the Voice of its candidates for the Boyd Valley ward, where two council seats are up for election, before the paper went to press.

The Conservatives due to stand in the ward are Steve Reade, who has served on the council for eight years and is a lead member on its scrutiny committee, and Ben Stokes, the council’s cabinet member for adult care. He has served on the council for eight years and has been a member of Dyrham and Hinton parish council for ten.

South Gloucestershire’s Liberal Democrats were due to select their candidates for the wards covering the Emersons Green area after the Voice went to print.

Sixteen seats up for grabs on town council ELECTIONS are also due to take place for Emersons Green Town Council this year.

The council has four wards: Badminton, Blackhorse, Pomphrey and Emersons Green.

Badminton, Blackhorse and Pomphrey wards have three members each, while Emersons Green has seven. All of the seats on the town council are up for election this year and voters will go to the polls to elect

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

their town councillors on the same day as the South Gloucestershire elections: May 2.

However, if there are fewer nominations in a particular ward than there are seats to be filled, the candidates who have been nominated will automatically be elected and no vote would need to take place.

For example, if only three people were nominated to stand in Pomphrey ward, all of

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

them would automatically be elected.

The official publication of the notice of elections was due to take place by March 26, with nominations open until 4pm on April 3.

The names of those nominated will be published on April 4, with voters having until April 12 to ensure they are registered.

On election day, polls will be open from 7am until 10pm.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

33

n NEWS

Recycling bags are on the way out RECYCLING bags are set to disappear from the streets, as they will no longer be supplied to South Gloucestershire residents.

The council has decided that in future, it will only provide green boxes for storing and collecting recycling.

Some residents already only use boxes for their recycling.

The council says that people who have green and white bags can continue to use them until they wear out and it will use up its existing stocks of spares, but will not buy any more.

It says the move will save £100,000 a year, reduce plastic waste and cut the area’s carbon emissions. The bags are imported from China, are not recyclable and usually only last a year to 18 months before they need to be replaced. The boxes are recyclable, last longer and are made in the UK. The council says the boxes are also safer and easier for collection crews to use because they can be hooked onto the

side of collection vehicles to be emptied.

But more than a third of residents who replied to a 12week consultation which ended in January were opposed the abandoning bags. Many older or disabled people who responded said they did not think they would be able to take their recycling to the kerbside if their bags were replaced with boxes.

The council says it provides an assisted collection service for people who need help.

Paul Hughes, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Moving to more environmentally sound boxes for recycling makes sense for the places we live, for the crews who collect our waste and potentially saves the council significant funds.

“Our success in delivering on our Waste Strategy – driving down waste sent to landfill and driving up the amounts we can divert to recycling – has always been a joint venture between

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

the council and the community.

I am sure that this will be just the latest and not the last time that we work together to keep South Gloucestershire clean and green.”

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Anyone who needs a new recycling box or to apply for an assisted collection can do so via the council’s website, by calling 01454 868000 or visiting a one stop shop.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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34

April, 2019

n AROUND THE WIs You can visit or join at any point throughout the year and it’s been lovely to meet and get to know new people. Everybody has a reason to join a WI, be it to have a sociable evening out, or to get to know people in their community.

I joined due to a friend of mine who was a member of Beechmere Belles; she would tell me all about the different things she had done, evenings and days out and the craft evenings. It sounded like fun and I wanted to do something for myself. I’m really glad I did, as I have met and become friends with some great ladies.

Emerson’s Green Village Hall is the location of our evening meeting at 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of every month. Hope to see you there.

Beechmere Belles – Emersons Green & Lyde Green WI

BEECHMERE BELLES WI EASTER is nearly upon us – it is very late this year – and our March meeting was centred around food in every way. Heavenly Hedgerows came to tell us all about the preserves, and liqueurs that have been inspired by wild foraging.

Our raffle was also food-inspired: the theme was sweet or sour.

Obviously I had everything crossed for the chocolate items and I wasn’t disappointed.

As the year progresses, our committee are booking and planning visits to some great places, amongst them Confetti Fields and Jekka’s Herb Farm. We also have a table reserved for us at Bath Racecourse for afternoon tea: a great time was had by all last year and some of us did well on the betting front, while some of us didn’t – guess which side I was on?

We have sold all 30 Calendar Girls theatre tickets for July. We just need to decide on a location to meet up for a quick glass or two before the show.

This month, our meeting will be taken by one of our talented members, who will be teaching us how to “decopatch” items. I’ve never heard of it before, so I’m really looking forward to it, to see what it is and how to do it.

Beechmere Belles are still welcoming new members monthly.

As always, we had some ‘eggscellent’ submissions for the Manor Cup. Our next meeting is on April 15 when we will be welcoming Amy Wheeler from Dotty Herberts.

Amy will be demonstrating how to make a twig decoration using an empty can. A list of what to bring will be emailed to members.

We can’t wait to meet Amy, she will be judging the best decoration for the Manor Cup. Our meetings start at 7.30pm and we do not charge for our visitors for the first two visits. We have a broad range of ways to contact us, mangotsfieldwi@gmail. com to email the team directly.

Our website gives details about meetings and upcoming events for members www.mangotsfieldwi.org. uk or you can Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Mangotsfield/ Kate Tarr

SHORTWOOD VILLAGE WI

MANGOTSFIELD WI OUR thanks to Emma Britton from BBC Radio Bristol who came to talk to us in March. She did a talk on ‘My Somewhat Unusual Journey Into Broadcasting’. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to her stories and sharing her journey and would highly recommend her for our WI sisters.

Send us your report:

HI ladies, this is a catch up of our meetings in February and March, as sometimes the publishing deadlines don’t coincide with our meetings.

In February we had a visit from Martin Hall, who lives in our village and is passionate about all aspects of gardening. We are lucky in Shortwood village to have large gardens, and Martin showed us a slide of his garden, which was beautiful. He started his talk with a “now is the time to do it” diary of the year from January onwards, telling us what and when

we should be chopping, pruning, preparing and planting. He then spoke about his pathway into gardening, through volunteering at Bristol Zoo, and some amusing stories about his fellow workers. I think we all learnt a lot, especially about how to humanely control the snail population in our gardens.

We caught up on preparations and plans for our forthcoming events as the host WI this year.

We also have a trip “afoot” to the Hotter Shoes shop in Bath, as they are kindly allowing us an afterhours event to try on and possibly purchase some new shoes. This will hopefully be combined with an afternoon trip to the Bath Soft Cheese Factory for a tour – and the obligatory cream tea, of course.

Our talk for March was by a lady who came to talk about her collection of saris and let us have a go at putting them on. Our speaker for April is Ian Caskin, who will be talking about the ss Great Britain.

Our evenings always include a chat, cuppa and biscuit and raffle, as well as a “Happy Birthday” for the birthday girls.

If any of this appeals to you, then we welcome new members to our friendly group. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the room behind Shortwood Chapel, in the middle of the village, on Main Road.

For further information you can contact me by email at millhousejoinery@aol.com.

Please put the subject heading as Shortwood Village WI or hubby may innocently delete it!

Lynne Miller

Email news@emersonsgreen voice.co.uk Fraser Allen Estate Management Professional | Sincere | Reliable

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE A dirty oven is not only a fire risk but can affect the way your food tastes!

n CRAFT COLUMN

Easter bunny napkin holders With Liz Freke from Hattie’s Hooray’s These simple napkin holders are a lovely addition to your table at Easter and are so easy to make, the children can get involved too!

You will need: Paper Pen Paper scissors Fabric scissors Piece of felt large enough for your napkin holder Scraps of fabric Pinking shears (optional) Fabric glue Ruler Scrap of string PVA glue

1. Roll up your napkin and measure around it using a piece of string. Now measure this length of string – this will be the circumference of your napkin.

On a piece of paper, mark out the length (circumference) then decide how wide you would like your napkin holder to be. Draw a rectangle which is the width of your napkin holder and the length of the circumference. Now draw two bunny ear shapes at each end – they don’t have to be identical!

Cut out your template.

2. Draw around your template on your piece of felt and cut out.

35

3. Now take your scraps of fabric and cut two pointed rounded shapes for the insides of the ears – again these don’t have to be identical! You can either cut them out using pinking shears or fabric scissors. If using fabric scissors, run a small amount of PVA glue along the edges to seal the fabric and make sure it doesn’t fray. Leave to dry.

4. Using fabric glue, glue the underside of your bunny’s ‘inner ears’ to each ear shape. Leave to dry.

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5. Take your ruler and at one end of your napkin just underneath the bunny ear shape, measure 2cms in and cut a 2.5cm slit down the length of the napkin holder.

6. Now roll up your napkin, place your napkin holder around your napkin and thread one ‘ear’ through the slit you have just made so that it secures the napkin holder in place. You now have a pair of bunny ears! You could make a whole set of these in different colours to decorate your Easter table. Have fun!

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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36

n SPORT

Anyone for bowls?

ANYONE for bowls? A six-week course to train to basic level will be held at Page Park in April.

Under the tuition of qualified English Bowls Association coaches, players will be taught the skills required for the game.

The course, which may run for six or seven consecutive weeks, starts on Saturday April 27 from 10am to 12.

Equipment will be provided but flat soled shoes are essential, strictly no heels or ribbed soles.

There will be an initial registration fee of £5 and a charge of £2.50 per session to cover costs.

To register your interest, please contact Don Willcox on 0117 908 3249/07718 306623; Anne Conlon on 0117 909 4725 or Bob Wilcox on 0776 9711297.

It is not a condition that you must join Page Park Bowls Club but anyone wishing to must have satisfactorily completed the course.

Alternatively, other local clubs will be happy to accept new members who have successfully completed the course.

For further information visit www.pageparkbowling.org.uk

How did your team get on?

Send us your sports news Email us: news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Rovers player visits Barley Close YOUNGSTERS at Barley Close Primary School enjoyed a kick-about with a Bristol Rovers player who came to visit them.

Midfielder Sam Matthews came to the school to donate free tickets for the club’s Checkatrade Trophy semi-final against Sunderland.

After handing out 30 sets of tickets, Sam fielded questions from pupils on a variety of football-related topics before heading out for a kick about.

Although Rovers didn't make it through to the final in the end, the visit from Sam went down well at Barley Close.

Sam said: "The children seemed excited and looked like they enjoyed it.

"There were a few funny questions from the pupils, asking about the rivalry with our City neighbours!

“Hopefully they enjoyed the opportunity to come down and watch the game against Sunderland."

Will Writing & Estate Planning Dr Timothy Button MSc (Chiro) DC FRCC (Sports)

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emersonsgreenvoice

April, 2019

37

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Putting in the hard yards ...

IN March 2019 I finally got the keys to a new building that I could call my own for a new and improved chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic! The rumours are true - we are moving…about 50 yards away from Cleve Chiropractic and about 10 from Next Step!

The journey to this point started when I was just a student and my best friend Ross and I used to plan about opening our own clinics.

With confident naivety we thought that we could graduate and start our clinics straight away with no money and no experience, so we set about planning every detail over many years and many beers.

Sure enough in 2003 we were let loose on the world and I started Cleve Chiropractic in Bristol and Ross built a clinic in Manchester.

I didn’t exactly have any money so I lived at home with mum and dad and worked in the tiny physio room in Cleve rugby club.

I remember the first day I looked at the room meant for stitching up bloody rugby players, saw the mud up the breeze block walls at the end of a long muddy corridor and thought, this is perfect! I soon cleaned the room and gave it a lick of paint. I had a portable couch, a desk and unlimited enthusiasm.

My first ever patient was my dad’s squash playing friend with a knee injury. As I started with no patients I decided to take a part time chiropractic job in a village near Minehead. Commuting to and from there every Monday and Friday didn’t seem too bad at the time Ellie

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

0117 957 5388 drtimbutton@ clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro but after year I had enough work in Bristol to save the mileage on my beloved 1.4L Renault Megan.

I swapped Minehead for Fishponds, working at the Old School Surgery with the GPs who taught me the ins and outs of NHS practice.

Seven years later in 2010 I had saved up enough and had the support of all those patients who stuck with me through the rugby years at Cleve. So I took a deep breath and took a 10 year lease at 20 St James Place in Mangotsfield, where I have happily built a first class team of receptionists, sports therapists and of course chiropractors.

During all of the 16 years developing the clinic I also had

a dual life working in sport from Premier League rugby and football to the London Olympics.

This is where I met Keith and recognised him as one of the country's greatest physios. We worked together at Bath Rugby and the Olympics. I spent two years working on him before I convinced him to join me as a partner at my new Next Step and Exercise Physiotherapy Centre. Soon after we were working together in sport again as Keith became the head physio at Bristol Rovers.

Since the very beginning where Ross and I planned our lives out, I always wanted to own a building and in that building we would have a large multidisciplinary clinic full of the best and brightest

practioners that I could find. So all I have to do now is refurbish an 1850s old church school house, stop the leaks and persuade everybody that it’s worth the extra 30 second walk. I’m very proud of what we have achieved and grateful for all the support of the community and patients. The well wishes that we have received for the new venture have been overwhelming. I look forward to be able to welcome you all to the new Cleve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic in the summer. Thank you once again.

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Handyman & Property Services

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc…

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

No job too small - Inside and out - give us a shout

Call Tony - 0777 6188595

tony1osborne@yahoo.co.uk Find us on Facebook www.osborneandsons.net

957 5092

PLUMBING

BATHROOM SPECIALISTS TILING

JJ PLUMBING

NEED A TILER?

Contact Steve on 07557 997 150 sdb.bandm@gmail.com

BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS

for a free quotation

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

our 24 Hgency r Eme l Out Cal

Bathrooms/ Kitchens/Hallways/ Conservatories in fact anything you want tiled, walls and floors.

25+ years experience

For examples of my work please go to:

www.sdb-bandm.co.uk

We are a highly qualified and insured Local Tree Surgery company, offering all our aspects of garden&and tree work...

PLUMBING HEATING TREE SURGERY 24 Hgency

PLUMBING

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aspects of garden and Orders tree work...

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TEL: 07765 250816

PAINTING & DECORATING

South Gloss Decorating Painters & Decorators

Interior and Exterior

Affordable, Reliable, Professional Contact: Dave Beauchamp Tel: 0117 956 9932 Mob: 07739 382 524 E-Mail: davebeauchamp@msn.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/southgloss

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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Give Gary a call 0117 907 8585 or 07799 461169

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579