Emersons Green Voice January 2019

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019 — ISSUE 28

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

Desperate bid to send dying Lee, 8, to US for treatment THE family of an eight-yearold boy with leukaemia have launched a desperate plea for help to fund experimental treatment they hope can save his life.

Lee Belgium, who lives in Lyde Green, was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2016, when he was aged six. His mum, Clare Boxall, noticed he had developed a lot of bruising on his body, was feeling very tired and wouldn’t eat or drink. After calling the ambulance service, she was advised to perform a cup test on his skin and, after the bruises didn’t disappear, he was rushed to Bristol Children’s Hospital for a blood test.

The results came back later that night. Clare and Lee’s dad, Simon Belgium, were told that he had leukaemia and had only 24 hours to live if nothing was done quickly. Lee was put into a coma for nearly three weeks, during which time he had a stroke and two bleeds to the brain.

Turn to Page 3

Trolley dash is the best present Kind-hearted Billy Neale didn’t want gifts for his 19th birthday - instead he went on a £100 supermarket sweep for the Resound foodbank.

PAGE 11

Primary schools’ success in tests Mangotfield CofE Primary is top of the local Key Stage 2 SATs table, with 96 per cent of children reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

PAGE 5

MP Chris gets Ministerial role

‘Such a happy little boy’: Lee Belgium is being treated for leukaemia

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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS

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

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579 Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Find us on Facebook emersons green voice

Journalist Keri Beckingham 0796 72777090

ADVERTISING sales@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Tel: 0117 907 8585 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Emersons Green Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

DEADLINES February edition deadline is January 16 LOCAL INFORMATION South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999

01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Emersons Green Voice is independent.

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

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.

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website 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

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A member of the

New Metrobus route announced METROBUS operator First has announced a new route direct to Bristol city centre to shorten journeys for commuters.

The announcement of the m3x rush hour-only service, which will travel along the M32 from Hambrook, comes after months of complaints about overcrowding and late-running.

The Metrobus m3 service launched in May, promising quicker, more reliable journeys into the city centre. But within months passengers living in Bromley Heath were calling for the return of the service it replaced – the X48 – complaining that the Metrobus was slower and more overcrowded.

Many complaints centred on routing the m3 through the University of the West of England Frenchay campus, which adds around nine minutes to the journey under normal traffic conditions - more when there are large numbers of passengers at UWE. From January 7, the new m3x will leave Emersons Green at 6.45am, 7.15am, 7.45am and 8.15am, with m3 services

running on the hour and half hour. Evening m3x services will leave the Centre at half-hourly intervals between 3.20pm and 6.20pm.

Outside those times there will be no m3x and the m3 will run every 20 minutes.

It means a net gain of one extra bus per hour serving Emersons Green and Hambrook during peak times.

First says its new m1 service, which launches on January 6 and is due to run every 10 minutes between Cribbs Causeway and Hengrove, will serve UWE, Broomhill and Stapleton passengers.

First said in a statement: “Because some of the peak m3 buses are in such high demand during peak times, and therefore can be full by the time they reach the Hambrook traffic lights, some buses on this route will now be diverted to operate straight into Bristol via the M32, as opposed to going into UWE.” M3 services will stop at around 9pm in each direction, with the m1 running until 11.30pm and a u3 shuttle running to UWE until 4am.

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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS From Page 1 When he woke up, he was unable to speak or walk, and it took nearly four months for him to be able to talk again.

Since then Lee, who attends the Park Primary School in Kingswood, has undergone intensive chemotherapy and also spent six months in hospital, during which time Clare, Simon and Lee’s nine-year-old sister stayed with him. Clare works two days a week at a local coffee shop but says Simon has given up everything to look after Lee. Despite being in remission for almost a year, Lee relapsed twice in January and May this year, when he ended up dying for eight minutes and spent two months recovering in intensive care. His family were again given the devastating news in August that his cancer had returned, in his bone marrow this time.

Lee now goes to Bristol Children’s Hospital three times a week to have chemotherapy, steroids and a new trial drug. But his doctors have told the family that there isn’t anything else that they can do for him.

As a result, the family have decided to do everything they can to raise £90,000 for Lee to go to the USA for a treatment

3

Can you help raise £90,000 that could save Lee’s life?

Lee and his sister trial and a bone marrow transplant, which they hope will save his life.

Clare said: “Every night I try to do research online to find ways to save him. The situation has been horrible for everyone, and my daughter cries herself to sleep every night because she doesn’t want her brother to die.

“Lee is such a happy little boy, who loves Star Wars and

playing Minecraft games on his PS4. Before he became ill, he also liked playing football and watching wrestling matches too.

“He knows all about how poorly he is as we’ve been really open about it. Despite his

illness, we’ve tried to make life as normal for him as possible, and he regularly has friends from school come and see him, which is lovely.

“It’s been such an emotional time for us, and our family have been really supportive and have helped with things like taking my daughter to school.

“It would literally mean the world to me and my family if local people and local businesses would support us and help us reach our target. Lee is so strong, and we’re going to keep fighting to keep him here with us – we’re not going to give up.”

As part of their fundraising, the family held a cake sale at Kingswood Leisure Centre in December. To support Clare and Simon in their goal to raise £90,000, visit their Go Fund Me page at bit.ly/2A01S4F.

Hunt for hit-run driver POLICE are trying to trace a hit-and run driver who left a motorcyclist injured in the road.

The incident happened on November 22 at about 4.20pm in Willowherb Road, Lyde Green. Avon and Somerset police say that the motorcyclist suffered a broken nose, a badly sprained right foot and cuts and bruises as well as damage to his bike in the collision.

Officers are now appealing for help in finding the vehicle which failed to stop: a gold or yellow Citroen Berlingo Multispace.

It is reported to have travelled in the direction of the Rosary roundabout on the Avon Ring Road after the incident.

A police spokesman said: “We would like the owner of the vehicle – or anyone recognising it – to contact us.”

Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5218 263 395. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The incident happened as calls were being made to reduce the speed of traffic on Willowherb Road. Although it has a 20mph limit and traffic calming measures including raised tables, a check next to School Square found the average speed of vehicles to be 34mph.

South Gloucestershire councillor Rachael Hunt, who represents the Emersons Green ward, and residents have also spoken to the companies based in the industrial units on nearby Vertex Park, to reduce issues with traffic using the road to access businesses.

As Willowherb Road has not yet been adopted by the council, it is understood that the responsibility for any upgrades lies with the Gardiner-Theobold Consortium of Lyde Green developers.

An online petition for more traffic calming measures has 270 signatures. To view and sign the petition, visit bit.ly/2Q47BQ7

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January, 2019

n NEWS DOWNEND and Mangotsfield were among the schools recognised for educational achievements at an awards ceremony.

The evening event, hosted by South Gloucestershire Council, was to celebrate the outstanding educational achievements and successes over the past year of more than 100 secondary school pupils and staff.

The winners and guests, including parents and carers, were invited to Aerospace Bristol for the South Gloucestershire Secondary Education Awards 2018, which acknowledged the hard work of youngsters across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. The authority also recognised the dedication of teachers and staff who helped make this possible.

Teachers and school staff award winners included Downend School’s Caroline Baxter, who was nominated to receive the award on behalf of their Student Support Centre, which was set up in January and has been hugely successful in providing a central point of contact for students and staff for

Brilliant! Schools win praise for exceptional successes

a wide range of pastoral issues.

The school said: "The support provided has enabled many of our most vulnerable students to achieve significant success in school."

There were a total of 118 award winners, covering 18 different schools across South

Gloucestershire.

Those receiving awards were nominated directly by their peers and heads in each of the schools. The categories covered were outstanding progress, outstanding contribution to a school and the wider community, and also staff who have made an exceptional contribution to improving outcomes.

Certificates and £50 Mall gift vouchers were presented to each winner by guest speaker, Commonwealth Games gold medallist gymnast and Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist, Claudia Fragapane.

Claudia, from Longwell

Green, said: "It was fantastic to be part of this celebratory event and so inspiring to hear more about all the academic successes of those attending. The students and teachers have clearly worked really hard and deserve this recognition."

Council leader Toby Savage said: "Education standards are one of the administration’s highest priorities. I am delighted to see this wonderful event return after a four year hiatus to recognise some truly outstanding young people, teachers and staff from across South Gloucestershire as the positive role models they are.A massive well done to all our winners this evening, you are a testament to the fact that, whatever level of study you are in, having the right attitude and working hard always pays off."

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January, 2019

5

n NEWS

Mangotsfield Primary tops the table THE number of children achieving the Government's expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the age of 11 is increasing, according to the latest league tables.

Mangotsfield C of E Primary School had the highest proportion of children reaching the expected standard for

reading, writing and maths, with 96% achieving the benchmark in the 2018 Key Stage 2 SATs tests.

Several other schools in the area had more than 80% of children achieving the expected standard.

Five schools – Barley Close, St Augustine of Canterbury, Stanbridge, Staple Hill and the

Key Stage 2 SATs results 2018 Figures for the proportion of pupils that reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined Barley Close Primary School

44

Mangotsfield Primary School 96

Blackhorse Primary School

72

Pucklechurch Primary School 79

Bromley Heath Junior School 78

St Augustine of Canterbury

61

Christ Church Junior School

79

Stanbridge Primary School

40

Emersons Green Primary

67

Staple Hill Primary School

47

Frenchay Primary School

81

The Tynings Primary School

55

Hambrook Primary School

93

England average

64

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Tynings – had fewer children who met the standard than the national average of 64% or the South Gloucestershire average of 63%.

The performance measure shown in our table is for those who reached or exceeded the standard in all three subjects.

Figures in individual subjects are generally higher, and progress measures and past results are also important when considering how well a school has done.

Mangotsfield Primary pupils made the most progress in reading in the Downend area, while Blackhorse Primary pupils made most progress in writing.

In maths, Frenchay Primary pupils made the most progress between the ages of seven and 11, and the school also had the best overall progress scores for the Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green area.

Pupils are expected to achieve scores of at least 100 in their Key Stage 2 exams. At Hambrook

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School, 34% of pupils achieved the higher standard of 110 or more in their reading and maths tests: well above the local and national average of 10%.

Parents need to remember that the size of a cohort can affect the figures – in a small school, one child could represent 11 per cent of the total, while children moving in and out of the school during their junior school years can also have an impact.

It can also be useful to look at the progress and achievement of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Across South Gloucestershire, average scores of 105 in reading, 106 in grammar, punctuation and spelling and 104 in mathematics meant the local authority ranked 89th of England’s 152 authorities. This was a drop from 68th in 2017.

To find all the figures for every South Gloucestershire primary school, visit bit.ly/2A1SD3M.

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emersonsgreenvoice

6

January, 2019

n NEWS

Cuts in education 'having big impact' PARENTS and staff fighting for fair funding for South Gloucestershire schools have stepped up their campaign.

Around 60 people attended a meeting in Hanham on December 12 where they heard from a panel about how cuts to the education budget were having 'devastating' consequences on children's education, with South Gloucestershire schools predicted to be the worst funded in England by 2020.

Guests were told how schools are having their budgets slashed but at the same time class sizes are growing and there are fewer teachers, teaching assistants and resources to support children's learning.

It was organised by Leilah Boyce, who chaired the meeting at Aek Boco football club in front of parents and educationalists.

Realities

"As a parent and teacher in South Glos, I am cross about the impact of decades of poorly resourced schools."

She said the introduction of the new-style GCSE and A-levels exams has exasperated problems for secondary schools.

"They needed extra funding which didn't come. Schools need new text books but can't afford to buy them. I bought my children text books to use at home but not every parent can do that."

She said the television programme School has helped highlight the realities of the funding cuts.

"Lots of people have become aware of the funding problems because of the programme on TV. I have had conversations

The panel at the meeting led by parent and teacher Leilah Boyce (left). She was joined by student Izzy Hempsted, Hanham Woods Academy principal Steve Kneller and parent Tara Northern with parents and they are now saying there's a problem - the programme has really sparked the debate for people."

Attendees were given leaflets showing how the income of schools in the area has changed since 2015, with many, including Hanham Woods, Sir Bernard Lovell, Mangotsfield, John Cabot and King's Oak secondary schools, down by hundreds of thousands of pounds. The picture was also bleak for primaries with many seeing budgets tens of thousands of pounds lower.

The audience also heard from 15-year-old Izzy Hempstead, a student at Hanham Woods Academy. She told the meeting: "When I was in Year 7 there was a team of support staff but these posts have been cut with the duties falling onto the heads of house and teaching staff.

"It makes it harder to see someone when I am feeling down because the head of house has to deal with over 200 students. This frustrates me because mental health is at an all-time high and

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pastoral support is at an all-time low."

Izzy said admin posts had been cut but because the work still needed to be done, teaching staff had to take on extra duties.

She also said maintenance is suffering and broken facilities are taking longer to get fixed.

"As a student I feel teachers work extremely hard and are pushed above and beyond what is expected of them. We are the future generation - aren't we worth investing in?"

The meeting heard from Steve Kneller, principal of Hanham Woods Academy, who described the situation as a "deepening crisis".

"The Government says there is more money coming in and there might be - but it doesn't meet the increased costs of pension contributions, national insurance contributions, examination costs, text book costs, staff wages. Year on year headteachers are having to make really difficult decisions about what we cut but there’s not a lot

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more to cut."

Tara Northern, the mother of a SEND (special educational needs and disability) child affected by cuts and Tim Ruck, the headteacher of St Stephen's Infant School also spoke.

Mr Ruck said headteachers risk losing new pupils if they speak out that cuts are impacting their school.

"I was worried about sticking my head above the parapet and highlighting funding issues at my school that ultimately may stop people applying for places and then the funding issue gets even worse but I decided it was time to speak out.

"As a teacher your core purpose is to inspire, educate and enable children to succeed.

Over the past eight years this has become increasingly difficult because of the impact of the cuts in school funding."

Parents at the meeting were encourage to lobby their MPs as well as South Gloucestershire councillors urging them to support fair funding.

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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS TWO weeks after pressures on special educational needs (SEN) funding were highlighted in a BBC documentary featuring schools in South Gloucestershire, the Government has come up with more money.

Education Secretary Damien Hinds announced on December 16, just as the Voice was going to print, that he would stump up another £250m to help mainstream schools in England fund SEN provision, as well as £100m for more special schools.

The news was welcomed on social media by Will Roberts, chief executive of CSET, which runs the secondary schools that were in the six-part TV show: Mangotsfield, Marlwood and Castle.

It was also hailed by headteacher unions and lobbying groups who said that although the additional funding was not enough, it was a step in the right direction.

The money should be a help to South Gloucestershire Council, which has been consulting on how to save £3 million on its overstretched SEN budget.

7

Funding boost could help schools in TV spotlight

The difficulties schools can have meeting the needs of children with special needs at a time of financial constraint was a strong element of the programmes from Marlwood and Mangotsfield schools.

The series has prompted a

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huge response locally and around the country, fuelling a revival of the Fair Funding for All Schools South Glos group.

Mr Roberts, a former head of Downend School - which is also part of CSET - said the intention had always been to raise

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awareness and provoke debate.

Writing in the Times Educational Supplement, he said: "We have to make education a higher national priority, and that needs to be embraced by the public at large, not just the education profession or the government of the day.

We can be very proud of what we achieve in our schools on a daily basis, but we will only sustain this in the future by being open about the challenges that we face."

The programme sparked a political row at South Gloucestershire Council. Toby Savage, the council leader, was criticised by opposition members after he said viewers would be naive to take School at face value.

Labour's Ian Boulton said many parents, staff and students, felt it was a fair reflection of their experience of their local school.

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emersonsgreenvoice

8

January, 2019

n NEWS

MP Chris promoted to Police warn over Universities Minister bogus salesman KINGSWOOD MP Chris Skidmore has been appointed a government minister.

He has replaced Sam Gyimah as universities and science minister after Mr Gyimah quit his role in protest at Theresa May’s Brexit deal and called for a second referendum.

Mr Skidmore, who previously served as a junior minister in the Cabinet Office before being moved out in a reshuffle in January, was a remain supporter during the 2016 referendum campaign but has since publicly backed Mrs May. Mr Skidmore will now be charged with coordinating the government’s response to a wide-ranging review of post18 education in England and ensuring the higher education sector is protected during Brexit.

Writing in his monthly column for the Voice, the MP

Chris Skidmore, MP for Kingswood said: “Having been a minister before, I am delighted to have been appointed to a role of which I have some experience in, having taught history previously at Bristol University before becoming an MP. “Being Universities and Science Minster is a hugely important task, helping to prepare our country for future challenges and opportunities.”

Column: Page 32

POLICE are warning South Gloucestershire residents to be on their guard against a bogus salesman who tried to con his way into a house.

The man claimed to be from a security company and said he needed to check any cash or valuables the householder had to ensure they was secure, after burglaries in the area.

The householder the conman targeted in Frampton Cotterell wasn’t fooled and asked to see the man’s identification.

At that the caller walked off, claiming the ID was in his car, and did not come back.

But police are warning all residents in the area to look out for the criminal, who is white, about 5ft 9in tall and of

large build.

He was wearing a blue suit, with no buttons on the jacket, and a hat.

Anyone with information about the man or the incident, which happened in November, should calling the police on 101, quoting crime reference number 5218 256 098, or report it online on the Avon and Somerset police website.

Police are advising residents to use a door chain, especially if a caller is unexpected, and to always ask to see photo identification, especially during darker evenings.

Genuine callers will always be prepared to come back in daylight.

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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

9

n NEWS

Cocaine worth £160k seized Business success in Emersons Green home

POLICE found cocaine with a street value of £160,000 when they raided an Emersons Green man’s home.

The seizure was part of an investigation which led to the seizure of drugs worth a total of £305,000 and £200,000 in cash.

The Emersons Green man, David McPherson, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, but has since died. Another eight people have been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.

An investigation led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit began in 2017 and centred on Knowle West man Jimmy Hicks, 32. Along with 31-year-old Matthew Penny, from Hartcliffe, he plotted with men from London and the West Midlands to “deal drugs on a commercial scale” in the Bristol area.

After cocaine and heroin worth £75,000 were seized in South Bristol and two of the gang arrested, Hicks involved McPherson and two more West Midlands men in a plot to bring in more Class A drugs.

Police watched a courier delivering drugs to McPherson’s home in Bampton Close in October 2017. They arrested and searched the courier, seizing the £32,000 that he was carrying in a drawstring bag, and arrested McPherson.

While searching his home they found two compressed blocks of cocaine, with a street value of £160,000, as well as a hydraulic press for preparing the drugs and a safe in his garden shed.

Hicks was arrested the same evening and days later another man was arrested in Oldbury,

West Midlands, where £86,000 in cash, £7,000 worth of cocaine, several bags of cannabis and a number of mobile phones used in the conspiracy were seized.

The surviving members of the gang were convicted of conspiracy to supply drugs including heroin, cocaine and cannabis.

Ann Hampshire, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, said: “The volume of drugs, and the amount of drug money, taken off the streets by this operation are significant steps in the fight against the supply of drugs and in the disruption of criminal gangs in the South West”.

The eight surviving gang members were convicted on November 21 and were due to be sentenced shortly before Christmas at Bristol Crown Court.

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council were winners at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) ‘Local Authority’ Small Business Awards covering Gloucestershire and West of England.

The FSB ceremony on November 30 acknowledged the authority's work to support small businesses - the council won the Best Small Business Friendly Support Programme award, and were also highly commended in the Best All Round Small Business Friendliness category.

It came before we also successfully hosted our eighth Annual Business Breakfast Forum at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, which this year focused on providing advice and support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) Out of the 10,000 businesses located in South Gloucestershire, 99 per cent are SMEs

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10

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Kendleshire is the perfect venue for weddings and parties

I

F you’re looking for a venue for a wedding or party in 2019, then look no further than The Kendleshire!

When you book your wedding or evening party at the golf club, not only will you be able to make the most of the venue’s beautiful location, but you're guaranteed to receive the best possible service from the wedding and events team. Plus, you don't need to be a member either!

Set amongst 250 acres of the stunning Frome Valley, The Kendleshire has been helping happy couples celebrate their big day for two decades.

Whether you’re looking for a small, intimate gathering for just close family and friends or the full works with a civil ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception, the team prides itself on the level of detail and attention that they give.

If you've recently got engaged or know someone who has, you're invited to come along to The Kendleshire’s Wedding Open Day on Saturday 19th January from 11am - 3pm, where you’ll have the chance to view the facilities and find out why it’s the perfect place to tie the knot.

To find out more and book your place, email the wedding team at weddings@kendleshire.co.

In addition, The Kendleshire is also pleased to have launched a brand new party package brochure for 2019. Whether you're looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding abroad or just fancy getting your family and friends together for a bit of a knees up, they’ve got a great deal for you! On Friday and Saturday nights, they’re offering you the chance

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to hire the Badminton Suite for up to 200 guests for just £500 (subject to availability) including room hire and disco, with the option of adding food and drink for an extra cost. With sweeping views over the 18th hole, it really is the perfect place for a celebration.

To find out more about the range of wedding and party packages that The Kendleshire offer, visit their website: https://kendleshire.com, or to speak to a member of the team, email: catering@ kendleshire.com or call: 0117 956 7007.

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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

11

n NEWS

Billy’s birthday gift to people in need WHEN Billy Neale’s mum asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he decided he didn’t really want anything.

So the teenager from Emersons Green asked his mum if he could spend the money she had put aside to help other people instead.

Billy’s mum Helen gave him £100 and he went on a supermarket sweep to buy donations for his local foodbank.

This is despite supermarkets being a challenging environment for Billy – he has nine conditions, including autism and Tourette’s syndrome.

The 19-year-old went with his carer, Justine Guatieri, to Asda in Longwell Green, where they piled a shopping trolley high with essentials for people using the Resound Foodbank in Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield.

In total they bought 57kg of supplies, including enough food for 63 meals, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel and nappies.

Billy said: “I had a hundred pounds for my birthday and didn’t want anything. I just thought it would be good to try and help out other people – it’s a great feeling when you help someone out.

“We might be in the same situation that these people are in one day.”

Resound volunteers are hoping Billy’s example will inspire other people to donate.

He said: “There’s a lot you can do with not even half that money.”

Former Blackhorse Primary School pupil Billy is currently at

Lead for p9 DV with pic showing (l-r) carer Justine Guatieri, Billy Neale and Claire Collins of Resound foodbank.

Should also use in EGV as donor is from Emersons Green.

I have more pics available if we're short for one on the front college in Weston-super-Mare, learning life skills and studying for a maths GCSE. Helen said: “The myth about autism is that people don’t have empathy but Billy is very kind – he always thinks of other people.

“It was quite a challenge to go and do it because supermarkets can be overwhelming for autistic people. Asda were really good.”

Foodbank volunteers invited Billy, Helen and Justine round for coffee and cake to say thank you for his donation.

Joint coordinator Claire Collins said: “We rely entirely on donations. The volume of donations we get is just about the same as we give out.”

The foodbank helps around six or seven families – about 15 people in total – during a typical week. But referrals increase around Christmas, with up to 18 families needing help each week.

Families can be referred to the foodbank up to three times

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every six months.

But joint coordinator Steve Riches said: “Eighty or ninety per cent of people come in once and we never see them again.

We are getting them through a temporary blip.”

Donations can be made at the foodbank between 9.30am and 12.30pm every Friday (except

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December 29) and there is a permanent collection point at Sainsburys in Emersons Green.

The Resound foodbank is a branch of the Yate and Chipping Sodbury Foodbank.

For more information call 0117 305 0969 or email info@ resoundbristol.co.uk.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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12

January, 2019

n NEWS

One in ten waits three weeks to see GP ONE in every ten patients in the region is waiting at least three weeks to see their GP, figures reveal.

As the NHS faces its busiest time of the year, 56,250 people in the area covered by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group had to wait at least 21 days to see a doctor after booking an appointment.

And 24,700 people waited more than a month for an appointment booked in October, the latest NHS Digital data shows. The waiting times are similar to those in November 2017, when the figures first started to be collected.

Two in five patients in the local CCG’s area were able to see a GP the same day the appointment was made.

Figures from the annual NHS England patient survey show

that, in the Downend area, many patients wait more than a week for an appointment.

Among patients of the Willow Surgery who answered the survey, 24 per cent received a same-day appointment, 10 per cent booked one for the following day while 52 per cent had to wait more than a week.

At Christchurch Family Medical Centre, 46 per cent of patients said they were able to book a same-day appointment, seven per cent had one on the following day and 16 per cent had to wait more than a week.

At Leap Valley Medical Centre, 16 per cent were able to book a same-day appointment, six per cent had one the next day and 55 per cent had to wait more than a week.

At Emersons Green Medical Centre, 21 per cent of patients received a same-day appointment, 9 per cent had

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one the next day and 55 per cent waited more than a week.

Other patients answering the survey either waited between two days and a week or could not remember how long they waited.

The figures include patients who need regular appointments and are likely to be booking ahead.

Patients Association chief executive Rachel Power said: “It can be incredibly stressful to face a long wait before getting to see a doctor. All of this is a symptom of an NHS running at boiling point all year round.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said: “GPs are working hard to provide high-quality care to their patients, with over a million appointments booked every weekday in October and 40 per cent of patients being seen on the same day. We are also rolling out extended access hours across

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the country.”

Dr Martin Jones, of the CCG, said: “Local GPs are working hard to provide the best quality care to their patients, with more than 500,000 appointments in October and around 40% of people seen by practice staff on the same day.

“However, we understand that some people struggle to get appointments quickly and we are working with local GPs to improve access to appointments.

“Every practice in the area now offers appointments at the evenings or weekends, making it easier for people to see a doctor, nurse or other health professional at a time convenient to them.”

“NHS Pharmacists are also available to offer advice on treating common winter ailments like coughs and colds and they can usually see you on the same day.”

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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January, 2019

n NEWS

POLICE have been on duty at Downend School after a boy posed outside the gates with a knife.

Video of the incident, which involved a boy with no connection to the school, was sent to the BBC and was widely shared online, even featuring on the front page of a national newspaper.

But the school has moved to reassure parents that swift action was taken and the safety of young people at the school is “paramount”.

Police have interviewed a 12-year-old boy in connection with the incident. They say their enquiries are ongoing.

The incident on November 30 was filmed on mobile phones and shared on social media before a parent saw it and sent it to the BBC. Reports that the boy with the long-bladed knife was disarmed

by Downend School pupils have not been officially confirmed.

In a letter to parents, head teacher Lisa Howell said staff on duty had “acted swiftly” to deal with the incident.

She said: “A knife was secured by duty staff, the police were called and the knife and details of the incident have been passed

13

School reassures families after knife incident

to investigating officers who assure us that appropriate and robust action is being taken.

“The young person has no connection with the school and we expect no further issues.

“A small number of students were involved or witnessed the incident. We have spoken with all of these young people and their parents.”

Mrs Howell said staff had been briefed and had checked to see if any pupils had concerns over the incident.

Top of the parent pops DOWNEND School has been rated one of the best in the country. It was one of three from South Gloucestershire to make the top 500 in the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools guide 2019.

The guide rates schools according to their exam results, comparing how pupils have performed in GCSEs and A-levels.

It rated Downend School 433rd of the country’s 4,168 secondary schools. Head teacher Lisa Howell said: “We are delighted that the hard work, commitment and dedication of our staff and students are recognised.”

She added: “We have further increased the number of staff on duty at the beginning and end of the day and have asked police to assist with this in order to provide a reassuring presence."

Teachers had spoken to pupils about the importance of telling someone about concerns over people carrying knives, and police beat officers and PCSOs who already have informal dropin sessions at the school will be holding an extended clinic as a

result of the incident, said Mrs Howell.

“The topic of knife crime is already part of our planned PSHCE curriculum and we will bring these lessons forward.”

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: “A 12-year-old boy attended Patchway Police Centre on December 6, where he was interviewed in relation to an offence of possessing a bladed article. Enquiries with witnesses are ongoing and the investigating officers are liaising with the Youth Offending Team in order that an appropriate and proportionate outcome is reached.”

Parents with concerns about the incident are being advised to email Mrs Howell via sarah. ware@cset.co.uk.

Information about knife crime can be passed on anonymously using the website fearless.org/en, which also provides advice.

Javid ‘punched’ at school HOME Secretary Sajid Javid has said that he was a victim of racist bullying during his school years in Downend.

In a Radio 4 interview, the MP said he had been upset by video footage of a teenage Syrian refugee being attacked at school, because it reminded him of an incident in his own childhood in which said he had been "punched to the ground" because he was Asian. At the time Downend’s main secondary school was Stockwell Hill Comprehensive

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bristol-based company determined to make energy fairer A BRISTOL-based firm is on a mission to make saving money on energy bills quick and simple by continuously ‘flipping’ its customers on to the best possible tariffs.

Flipper, the UK’s first energy auto-switching service, prides itself on being different from price comparison websites as it doesn’t take commission payments from energy providers, meaning it can truly find customers the best deal from the whole energy market.

Auto-switching services are a new concept which take data from a customer’s energy

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bill and then regularly scan the market, automatically switching them on to a cheaper tariff when one becomes available. Flipper’s managing director Mark Gutteridge says this doesn’t just save people money, but also a lot of time and hassle – which are the key reasons people don’t switch suppliers.

“Consumers are urged to check the energy market and are told switching suppliers will save them money, but no-one has the time to do this every month and it can be confusing trying to find the best deal on a comparison site” said

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Mark.

“Our service takes the hassle out of finding the best deal and switching suppliers and also gives people confidence that they will stay on the cheapest possible deal throughout the year.

We carry out monthly market checks looking at the whole market, meaning the tariffs we flip our customers to are genuinely the cheapest available.

“Bristol is a city known for innovation and we’re proud to be leading the charge for fairer energy.”

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January, 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE A NEW procedure that could revolutionise the treatment of prostate cancer is being pioneered at a Bristol Hospital.

A special hydro gel injected into the patient can mean they are exposed to a much lower dose of radiation during their treatment which, in turn, can result in far fewer side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

The gel, SpaceOAR, is a minimally invasive, water-based hydrogel which lasts for the duration of radiation treatment - up to three months - before being naturally absorbed into the body before passing through the patient’s urine within six months.

The gel is injected between the prostate and the rectum increasing the space between the two by an average of 1cm. This space moves the rectum out of the zone of radiation and spares the bowel from irradiation.

Professor Amit Bahl, Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Director at Spire Oncology Centre South West in Almondsbury, explained: “The potential side-effects from

radiation exposure are a major concern for men who are given the option of radiotherapy.

“SpaceOAR hydrogel is important as it will help give men the confidence that, not only are we doing our best to treat the cancer, we are protecting their long-term quality of life from bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction.”

He was supported by Prof Raj

Persad, a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital, who said: “A number of recent improvements, such as intensitymodulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and the more recent addition of image guidance, have allowed us to be more accurate in the delivery of the radiation to the prostate.

“Its immediate proximity to the prostate makes the rectum the primary organ at risk (OAR)

during radiation therapy. Too much radiation exposure can result in long-term side-effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, incontinence, bleeding, and mucus discharge.

“Oncologists and Urologists are always working together to provide patients with better treatment plans and reduced long-term complications. The introduction of the SpaceOAR gel, which is clinically proven to lower radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues, is a real step in the right direction.

“The clinical studies have shown that not only does the gel spare the bowel, it also has positive benefits in reducing urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction (for men who were sexually potent prior to treatment), giving men their life back following treatment.”

Professor Bahl added: “In the near future, hydrogel spacing will enable us to push our radiotherapy planning and delivery systems harder, eventually reducing the number of radiotherapy sessions from 20 to 5.”

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

15

n NEWS

Extra care housing Jethro backs minibus fund plan for Lyde Green

MORE than 50 homes for older people will be provided in Lyde Green a new building project is given the go-ahead.

A planning application for the new extra care housing scheme has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council by Housing & Care 21.

The company is a not-forprofit, national provider of retirement housing and care services for older people of modest means. It manages more than 20,000 properties in the UK, providing over 42,000 hours of social care each week.

People are being given until February to comment on the plans for the three-storey, 50 apartment development on Jenner Boulevard.

A spokesman for Housing & Care 21 said: “Should this go ahead, it will see the launch of a new housing offer for people over the age of 55, supporting

independent living and creating a number of employment opportunities for local people in the area. Our plans are to offer 50 apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership, with access to on-site care and support from a 24 hour care team if needed.

“Our Extra Care schemes also typically offer a range of communal facilities, including 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. We are aiming for a launch of early 2021 and, should everything go to plan, more information will be made available to the community in the coming months.”

The planning application is open for comment until February 15. To view it, visit bit.ly/2RIwaQq and search for application PK18/4996/RM.

LEGENDARY Cornish comedian Jethro is to host two comedy nights to help buy a minibus for underprivileged children.

Jan St George, Julie Houselander and Tracy and Dave Hook, from Downend, are working with the charity Variety to raise money for the vehicle. Jethro's The Count of Cornwall shows will take place on Thursday and Friday May 16-17 at the Bawa Club in Filton at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and 12.30 finish. Tickets are £22 and can be purchased by calling 0117 967 8065/987 3244 or visiting www.ents24.com. VIP and after party tickets are £40 and are available by calling the organisers on 0788 4054630.

Free activities and courses for all adults who live or work in South Gloucestershire The Wellbeing College offers a range of health and wellbeing activities, courses, drop-in sessions, and holistic therapies which are free of charge for people over the age of 18 who live or work in South Gloucestershire.

Activities and courses to date have included Yoga & Relaxation for Beginners in Filton, Creative Writing in Kingswood, the Patchway Wellbeing Drop-in, Your Healing Space in Thornbury, the Football Group - Recovery Through Sport in Winterbourne, and Coping with Anxiety in Kingswood.

Please visit our website to see the current range of activities and courses we offer.

Alternatively, you can email or phone us to discuss how we can support you.

Website: www.sgwellbeingcollege.org Email: info@sgwellbeingcollege.org Telephone: 01454 821856

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

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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.

Locations and dates available: • Bletchley Park – 2nd/3rd February – Maths course • Tate Britain Gallery

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will – 23rd/24th March – English course allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time. For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327 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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emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

17

n NEWS

Sue wins award A CARE worker who helps people to cope in their own homes has won an award for her service.

Sue Gilmour, who works for Staple Hill-based Elite Home Care, won the Care Worker of the Year prize at the Care & Support West 2018 awards.

Sue was nominated by the service users she cares for in Downend, Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham and Frenchay. Elite was also nominated in the Team of the Year category at the awards, which are organised by the region’s representative body for organisations and individuals involved in the social care, support and health sectors.

The evening was attended by over 400 people, with celebrity host Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman in EastEnders.

An Elite spokesman said: “We feel so proud, especially as it’s the third time Elite has won a Care Worker of the Year award.All our care workers work so hard making sure our service users are well cared for and are safe, enabling them to remain in their own homes.”

For more information about Elite’s work call Lucy on 0117 956 2374.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

From left to right: Oliver, Benji, Jacob and Kyal now have their Chief Scout gold award after embarking on a two-day hike

Scouts triumphant BOYS from the 74th Kingswood Scout group emerged tired but victorious after a two-day hiking expedition.

The four lads walked from Bradford on Avon back to Bristol, camping overnight near Bath on the way. They started off by catching a train to Bradford on Avon from Temple Meads independently and then used their map-work skills to find their way back home to Staple Hill.

The expedition was the last challenge they needed to

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complete in order to achieve their Chief Scout gold award.

The group, which also has Beaver and Cub sections, meets at the Methodist Church in Staple Hill on Friday evenings and urgently needs adult volunteers to join the leaders in running the sessions.

Group Scout leader Katie Cox said: "Being part of our group is fun, very rewarding and helps our young people gain skills for life."

To find out more, please email katiecox@blueyonder.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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18

n NEWS

Cakes bring smiles to care homes

Sarah takes along Grace and Harry who love talking to old people

A MUM was so alarmed when she discovered that as many as 1.9 million older people in the UK feel ignored or invisible she decided to do something about it.

Sarah Byfield loved baking so hatched a plan to use her skills in the kitchen to combat loneliness.

Sarah, 36, who lives in Staple Hill, explained: “I work in insurance for the over 50s and often see research about loneliness and how it affects old people. Some of the statistics are really sad - apparently 3.5 million adults in the UK would cite the television as their main source of company. I wondered what I could do to make an impact.

“I’m a member of a cake baking group on Facebook and saw that there is an initiative in America where people bake for terminally ill children for their birthday, which I thought was a really lovely idea but wasn’t sure how it would work over here. It got me thinking I could

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do something similar for older people on their birthdays. I think everyone has the right to feel special on their birthday.”

Enthused by her brainwave and its capacity to do good, Sarah got in touch with Alive Activities, a charity that works towards ending loneliness in older people.

“I got in touch to say that if there were residents without family I would really like to bake for them. The idea was that I could eventually get other volunteer bakers involved, matching them up with care homes across the city.”

Calling the free service the Bake a Smile project, Sarah set up a Facebook page back in October and says the response has been “unbelievable”. “At the moment I’ve got about 100 people signed up who have pledged their time to bake and visit. We’ve already made about 15 cakes for people and I have a list of about 30 to do after

Christmas. I’ll also be going out to more care homes to find other elderly people who might benefit.”

The idea is that the baker makes a cake and goes to a care home on or around a person’s birthday. They present them with the cake - sometimes it might be a surprise, other times they will be expecting the visit - and spend some time talking with them.

So far volunteers have been to care homes in Frenchay, Winterbourne, Westbury-onTrym, Redland, Hengrove and Bath but next year Sarah would like to expand the service even further. As her volunteers come from a wide area - including Downend, Emersons Green, Mangotsfield, Warmley, Brislington, Bedminster, Bradley Stoke, Nailsea and Portishead Sarah is keen to hear from care homes in those areas.

Sarah, like many of her bakers, takes her children, Harry, 10, and two-year-old Grace,

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January, 2019

19

Some of the photos on Sarah's Facebook page show the heartfelt reactions from residents to her Bake a Smile initiative with her as she has discovered older people love to see young children.

“The first lady I baked for was 91 and she held hands with my daughter while she blew the candles out. We then sat and chatted for a while before sharing the cake out between the residents.

“I always take a bunch of flowers and a card with me as well so they’ve got a little present. The feedback from residents has been amazing. One woman burst into tears when her care home told her someone was

Everyone has the right to feel special on their birthday - baking project founder Sarah Byfield coming in with a birthday cake for her.”

Sarah, an avid baker, who made both her brother and sister’s wedding cakes, held a Big Christmas Bake with teams of volunteers going into care homes across Bristol with mince pies and Christmas cake.

Volunteers who want to join the scheme pay for the

ingredients themselves and agree to give up their time to make a visit.

Sarah admits to feeling very emotional about her project: “You can see the older people’s faces light up and they’re just so happy that someone has come in and made a fuss of them on their birthday.

“A gentlemen I baked for

passed away a couple of weeks after I went to see him. The care home contacted me to say thank you for making his last birthday so special. “If I can make someone smile on their birthday, then that makes me very happy.”

Sarah is looking for more bakers but also wants to hear from people if they know someone who would benefit from a visit - and a cake - on their birthday.

You can get in touch will Sarah via her Facebook page, The Bake a Smile project, or call her on 0784 7408420.

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January, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Thursday January 3 n Downend Local History Society Downend Folk House, Overndale Road, Downend. Speaker John Thompson will give A Potted History of the Locality - a short history of Downend and its surrounds using illustrations from the archive collection. Visitors very welcome at £3 including refreshments.

Friday January 11 n Jigsaw Toddlers starts back this week! We have a free toddler group in Downend where children meet the lovely Monty Mouse for a story time. Join our facebook group “Jigsaw Toddler Group” or see updates on the Christ Church Downend facebook page. From 9.45-11.15am at Christ Church.

This is a very friendly & free toddler group with toys, crafts, a story time with Monty Mouse, drinks & snacks and singing at the end. We meet every Friday in term time. www. christchurchdownend.com Friday January 4 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1426.

Friday February 1 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door.

Enquiries 075 2780 8206 Tuesday February 5 n Speaker morning plus coffee.

Alan Freke “The Bells of Frenchay” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at the door £2.50.

Coffee extra. Also cake stall.

Thursday February 14 n Gardening Club talk, Coral Gardiner “For the LOVE of Flowers” at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 7.30pm. Pay at the door £3. n Spine Safe Pilates Course 6 weeks - £42 - limited participants (pre-booking required) - 30 minute classes Next course starts early January www.gentlefitness.co.uk samantha@gentlefitness.co.uk Samantha 07736309272

REGULAR EVENTS Please check these events are still running

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 10.00—12.00, 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 13.30 -14.20 Debutots, children’s story group, contact Geri McKenna, 0117 3257801 n 16.15 -17.15 Ballet, tap and modern dance contact Kathy 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.

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 10.00—11.00, Pilates, Village Hall, contact Emma Hunter 07787 563775 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, Weight Watchers Village Hall, contact 0345 345 1500 n 19.30—20.30 Boogie Bounce—

News from Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green libraries Free e-books and e-audio books Have you had a new tablet or smartphone for Christmas? Then why not try our FREE e-book lending service? E-resources with free access 24/7 anywhere in the UK with an internet connection, using your borrower card number.

Digital magazines We also offer popular digital magazines you can read on your mobile device or PC with several new titles from January 2019 including Stuff UK, Radio Times, Woman, Now, Heat, Auto Car, Prima UK, Cycling Weekly, House Beautiful UK, T3. All you need is your Active/Library card number to create your free account and start downloading your favourites every month to read at your leisure.

Prepare for holidays abroad or time without an internet connection and download to your device in advance to access offline. This service can also be accessed on the computers in Downend Library.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Find out more about all of these digital services by visiting http://www.southglos. gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/library-eresources/.

FREE IT classes start again at Downend & Emersons Green Libraries in early 2019.

Subjects covered include using the Internet safely, for on line shopping & using email.

For more details contact Ann Hawkins 0117 9092296, ann.hawkins@sgscol.ac.uk or ask at either library.

DOWNEND LIBRARY Staffed Opening Hours Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10am – 5.30pm & Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm Lego Club Saturday 19th January – 11am – 12pm Lego Club : its free for all primary school aged children! Again no booking required.

EMERSONS GREEN

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Staffed Opening Hours Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am – 5.30pm & Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm Friday 4th January - “Winter Wonderland” (FREE children’s craft activity 2pm – 4pm) STAPLE HILL LIBRARY Staffed Opening Hours Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am – 5.30pm & Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm Staple Hill Library’s team of Housebund volunteers still have capacity to visit people who are unable to visit the library in their own homes, and deliver books, audio books, DVDs and music CDs. If you know someone who would benefit from this service please contact us by email staplehill.library@southglos.gov. uk or phone 01454 868006.

All three libraries are can be used in Open Access mode 8am – 7.30pm seven days a week. For more information about this visit www.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/ libraries/openaccess or book an induction

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019 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 Hatha Flow Yoga *NEW*MONDAY Hatha Flow Yoga, Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 7.30 - 8.30 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com TUESDAY Hatha Flow Yoga.

Downend. Quakers Road Church Hall. 9.15 - 10.15 am (Entrance available from 9 am).

All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com Hatha Flow Yoga. Downend.

Quakers Road Church Hall.

10.30 - 11.30 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com WEDNESDAY Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com THURSDAY 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 yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com THURSDAY Hatha Flow Yoga, Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon.

7.00 - 8.00 pm. All levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at yogawithyolanda.me@gmail. com 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.

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

21

n 20.00—21.00 Zumba—Dance Fitness Village Hall, Amy Millard 07971 901686 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 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 meet weekly for gentle exercise 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

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

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 www.stjameschurch.co.uk or Sally: 07733 25637

Thursdays

n 09.30-10.30, Weight Watchers Village Hall, Sarah Hills 07837 096297 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. We meet at the Langley Arms on Guest Avenue and welcome visitors on the following Thursdays:

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. 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 16.00—19.00, Affordable Theatre Company -Children’s Theatre Group Village Hall, Sarah Haworth 07496 550534 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 Hunter 07787 563775 n 19.00—20.00, Flow Yoga Village Hall, contact Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

22

January, 2019

n WHAT’S ON 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 10.00-11.00, Tai Chi, Village Hall, Donna Bull, 07749 375100 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—18.30. 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 18.30—19.30, Legs, bums and tums fitness class, Caroline Aqui, 07946 201923 n 19.00-21,00, Spanish language

sessions, village hall, Fabiola Doano, 07960 426326 n From 7pm Emersons Green Town Council Monthly Meetings. Village Hall, Contact Clerk 01454 862180.

Monthly 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

SINGLES

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Visit Solo’s at Downend Cricket Club 8 til late every Wednesday Full Diary of Social Events Available £4 Admission

01454 775508 or 0786 659 7104

“Shimmer” Package £500 on Fridays & Saturdays in January/February/March.

First Night Free with this Advert

Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me

Fridays

n 9.35 -10.25 Debutots, children’s story group, contact Geri McKenna, 0117 3257801 n 10.00—11.30, Rainbow tots, parent and toddler group, village hall, Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.45—12.00 Pilates , village hall, Karen Mayor, 07946 201923 n morning, Hartbeeps, music and sensory for under 5s, Liz Smale, 07985 935662, Village Hall, n S13.15-14.45, Splatt Messy Play, baby and toddler group, Contact Lynsey Abbott on 07713 480102 n PIYO (Mixture of Pilates and Yoga) – Contact Caroline Aqui on 07946 201923 n African Dance – Contact Florence Allen on 07474 896271 n 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 13.30—14.30, Over 50s KeepFit—gentle exercise. Village Hall, Louise Hopton 07754 039059 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

PARTY PACKAGE SPRING OFFERS

inc. room hire, table cloths and resident disco.

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

term-time from 1.15-2.45pm. at St James Church Hall, Richmond Rd, BS16 9EZ www.stjameschurch. co.uk or Sally: 07733 256372

Saturdays n Theatre Group – Contact Sarah Howarth on 07496 550534 n 11.00—14.30. Worldwide Church of God Service, Village Hall, Barry Davies 0117 9676054 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, Emersons Green, BS16 7EY. Introducing children to sport through a range of activities/ sports. £5 per session. Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@ sportingchance-pt.co.uk

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 or soundwellroadchurch@yahoo. co.uk n The Village Church meets every Sunday morning, 10.30am -11.45am, at Mangotsfield Primary School, Emersons Green. Informal.

Lots of families. All welcome! 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

“Glitter” Package

£1250 on Fridays & Saturdays in January/February/March. inc. room hire of Badminton Suite, Finger Buffet for 50 and resident disco.

WELCOMING EVERYONE, EVERY DAY

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

23

n NEWS

Recycling information

Need a prescription?

WASTE and recycling collections in South Gloucestershire will not be taking place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Changes to collection days are detailed here.

If your collection day would normally be…

It will take place on…

Tuesday December 25 (Christmas Day)

Thursday December 27

Wednesday December 26 (Boxing Day)

Friday December 28

Thursday December 27

Saturday December 29

Friday December 28

Monday December 31

Tuesday January 1 (New Year’s Day)

Thursday January 3

Wednesday January 2

Friday January 4

Thursday January 3

Saturday January 5

Friday January 4

Monday January 7

Monday January 7

Tuesday January 8

Tuesday January 8

Wednesday January 9

Wednesday January 9

Thursday January 10

Thursday January 10

Friday January 11

Friday January 11

Saturday January 12

Collections return to normal from Monday January 14, 2019. To check the collection dates for your area visit www.southglos.gov.uk/collectionday The council's Sort It recycling centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. For more information about waste, Sort It centres and recycling, including recycling your Christmas tree, visit www.southglos.gov.uk

HEALTH leaders across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are reminding local people that pharmacies are open during the festive period.

Emergency pharmacies will be open between Christmas and New Year, at a time when many GP surgeries will be closed or have reduced opening hours.

You can find the full list on the Clinical Commissioning Group website: https:// bnssgccg.nhs.uk/healthservices/pharmacies/ The free Service Finder app is available on smartphones and offers on-the-go advice of local NHS services. You can also download the HANDi app that provides expert advice and guidance on common childhood illnesses.

n REFLEXOLOGY WITH RACHAEL MATHER

Finding your sole purpose in 2019 EVERY year as January approaches, we turn our minds to what we want to achieve in the coming year. But how many of us make resolutions that we don’t achieve? I fit firmly into this category. And I’m in the majority – it’s a fact that 80% of New Years Resolutions are broken by February (and then ‘recycled’ year after year).

So, for 2019, I’m trying a new approach. Instead of focusing upon the same old goals, I am simply planning to spend more time doing the things that I enjoy and make me feel good. No more setting myself goals that I am unlikely to achieve which then makes me feel bad. This year I am going to focus on one thing – looking after myself.

I plan to take time out, whatever I can spare, whenever I can. Whether its listening to my favourite music, going for a walk or meeting a friend and having a good laugh. Anything that gives me those feel good vibes!

It might just help me feel happier, more positive and calmer. This in turn might create a feeling of well-being that gives me the strength and energy to actually make those changes that have been on my mind year after year.

Or perhaps those changes may happen naturally, without me trying to force them upon myself. Either way, a year of being kind to myself can only be a good thing. And kindness is catching – if we are kind to ourselves then we are more likely to be kind to others.

As I say to my reflexology clients after they have had a lovely relaxing treatment – listen to your body and be kind to yourself – your body can then begin the process of healing.

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2019!

Rachael Rachael is a qualified reflexologist, a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists and works from the Willow Surgery in Downend.

Contact Rachael on 07557 107930 or visit www.bristolreflex.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Reflexology Qualified Reflexologist providing an Holistic Treatment to encourage physical and emotional well-being through applying pressure and massage to the feet.

Appointments at The Willow Surgery in Downend £35 per session (45 minutes) Book 5 sessions and get the 6th free

Contact Rachael on 07557107930 or rachael@bristolreflex.co.uk www.bristolreflex.co.uk

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

24

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

n NEWS

The Military Wives Choir made a guest appearance in Emersons Green in the lead up to Christmas when they sang carols at the local Sainsbury’s store.

Tracy Cannard, from the store, said: “Everyone at the store would like to take the opportunity of thanking the ladies for coming to see us. It was lovely.”

£7m to patch up our roads MORE than £7 million of funding has been given to South Gloucestershire Council for highways maintenance and pothole repairs.

The council will receive just over £4m through the Highways Maintenance formula, £851,000 in incentive funding and £256,000 specifically for tackling potholes across South Gloucestershire.

The remaining £2.25m is provided through the additional capital funding in the budget, which will be spent on a programme of road maintenance projects. It is more than neighbouring authorities have received.

Every month, the council repairs approximately 1,000 to 1,250 potholes in the area. It has received more than £1.1m from central Government in the past two years.

South Gloucestershire cabinet member for planning, transport and strategic environment Colin Hunt said: “Maintaining and improving our streets is one of the administration’s key priorities and so we are delighted to have received this additional funding in the Budget. We will be working hard to ensure it is put to good use.

“The effects of the extreme weather we have endured over the past winter and summer have taken their toll and we have been very active in recent months to ensure our roads are fit for use.

South Gloucestershire Council is one of the best authorities in the region for maintaining its roads and tackling potholes.”

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

January, 2019

emersonsgreenvoice

25

n NEWS

South Glos schools annual carol service HUNDREDS of South Gloucestershire schoolchildren came together for the area's annual primary school carol service.

Around 950 youngsters, teachers and even a donkey helped recreate a special nativity scene during the service at Clifton Cathedral.

Schools taking part included Lyde Green primary, the Park and Kings Forest primaries in Kingswood and Marshfield primary.

Music, a varied programme of traditional carols and modern songs, was provided by a brass ensemble and the cathedral organ.

Cllr Brian Allinson, vice chair of South Gloucestershire Council, said: "The annual carol service is always a highlight of the year as it brings together so many children from South Gloucestershire’s primary schools. It is a special event for everyone involved and it’s wonderful to see the children bring the nativity scene to life with such enthusiasm."

In December 2012, children from primary schools in South Gloucestershire set a new Guinness World record at Clifton Cathedral for the most living figures in a nativity scene at 845 people. n MORE than 600 children travelled towards Bethlehem in an interactive Advent trail around St James Church in Mangotsfield.

During the first week of December, the pupils and their teachers, from Mangotsfield CofE, Barley Close, Stanbridge and Emersons Green primary schools, took part

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

in the Christian presentation of the account of events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

The journey started with an introduction to the reason why Jesus came to earth and why Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable.

Children then heard from volunteers from St James Church and Emersons Green Baptist Church as they portrayed the

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

journeys of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and wise men.

Sally Sibley, school-community link worker, said: "Each character was dressed in authentic costume and gave the children a chance to interact with an activity that enabled them to gain a deeper understanding."

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

emersonsgreenvoice

26

January, 2019

n VETS’open ADVICE We’re 7 days week!

NewaYear resolutions for your pets!

ind us PetsNewatYearHome EVERYinside year we set ourselves resolutions, how about this year we look at our pet’s health and well being?

Your Vet and Practice Owner: Carla Puime Costoya hypothyroidism).

• Your pet is a probably a healthy weight if: MRCVS • You can easily feel its ribs • It has a tucked abdomen and no sagging stomach • You can see its waist from above

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

Try these simple at-home tests to see if your pet should visit the vet or vet nurse for weight Inside Pets at Home, management. mersons Green Retail Park, Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE If you are unsure what your pet’s optimum weight should be, perform this simple test at all us: home: Place both thumbs near or vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green the visit: backbone and spread both hands across the rib cage: pen 7 days week: - 7pm Mon your - Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat, 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun • If youaare able to 8.30am feel your pet’s ribs easily, pet is probably at a normal weight.

• If you can feel some fat between the skin and • Your pet might be overweight if: the ribs or if the ribs are difficult to detect, your • You have difficulty feeling its ribs pet is probably considered overweight.

• It has a broad, flat back and visible waist • I f you can’t feel the ribs at all, your pet may likely be obese.

It’s important to have this judgement confirmed by your vet or veterinary nurse; he or she can rule out other diseases that can sometimes look like obesity but instead are heart, arthritis or endocrine disease (like diabetes or

ets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

For further information on obesity, please visit: www.vets4pets.com/thevetreport2016/ or If you think your pet is overweight, don’t hesitate to contact the practice and book a free weight check appointment with one of our vet nurses on 0117 9109352.

0117 910 9352

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green Inside Pets at Home, Emersons Green Retail Park, Emersons Way, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7AE

Call us 0117 910 9352

or visit vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green

Your local vet surgery Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

We’re open 7 days a week!

Find us inside Pets at Home

Your Vet and Practice Owner: Carla Puime Costoya MRCVS

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green Inside Pets at Home,

Emersons Green Retail Park, Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE

Call us: 0117 910 9352 or visit: vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green Open 7 days a week: 8.30am - 7pm Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat, 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

January, 2019

27

n NEWS

Fire crews save Sasha the cat, 14

Families hail the Urbie bus!

A PROJECT to give young people in Emersons Green a place to meet each other has received a positive response.

Emersons Green Town Council decided in March to investigate the provision available for young people within its boundaries.

As part of the investigation, youth work providers within South Gloucestershire were contacted, and the council learned that most services have been cut for financial reasons.

The town council appointed Youth in Sodbury to identify what local services the young people of Emersons Green and Lyde Green would be interested in using. Two youth workers, Emily Crane and Christian Stefanczyk, started working in the area at the end of July.

Since then, the Youth Works project has engaged 38 young people and has helped bring the community together by providing a space for young people to meet

Youth worker Emily Crane and make friends, while taking part in positive activities.

The project has laid on a wide variety of activities, ending the year with a Christmas crafts session and party. It has used the Urbie bus, a mobile base for South Gloucestershire youth services bought by Yate Town Council.

Emily said: “This quarter young people have enjoyed a circus skills workshop, football games, pumpkin carving, walking, henna tattoos, board games, a cinema night, making

mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) and s’mores (chocolate and marshmallow snacks).

“We will continue to use local venues and the Urbie bus over the winter months and we will be regularly consulting with young people on what kind of activities they would like to do.”

The project has also received positive feedback from the community.

One parent said: “The kids really enjoy coming along and joining in each week.

“My daughter has loved making friends with a girl she wouldn't have met otherwise.

“I think it's a really good idea as there isn't anything else for them to do around here, and hopefully more kids will get involved and make friends on the estate.”

To find out more about Youth Works and the projects that they run, please visit the Youth in Lyde and Emersons Facebook page.

FIREFIGHTERS gave oxygen to a cat to revive it after rescuing the pet from a burning house in Mangotsfield.

The blaze was discovered at 3.20am on December 13 in the living room of the house in Charnhill Ridge after the 14-year-old cat’s electric heated blanket caught fire.

Two crews from Kingswood fire station were able to put out the blaze and gave the cat oxygen before it was taken to Zetland Veterinary Hospital by her owners.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service is now warning of the dangers of buying what it calls “cheap electrical products”.

The cat’s owners were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms and called 999.

A fire service spokesman said the spread of the fire and accompanying smoke had been limited because the family closed internal doors as part of their night-time routine.

Maintenance & Ad Hoc Support Cyber Security Systems & Network Infrastructure Automated Backups Disaster Recovery Managed Services & Private Cloud Wi Fi, Cabling & IP Cameras

Your Local Business IT Specialists Orchard Computer Services

Melford House 6 Oaklands Business Park Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NA

Tel: 0800 091 32 52

www.orchard-computers.com To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

28

n AROUND THE WIs BEECHMERE BELLES WI Well, here we are 2019: Happy New Year. I hope everybody had a happy and peaceful Christmas.

It’s the time of year when we all take stock of our lives and many of us decide that this year is the one where we get fit, drop a few pounds, learn a new skill, and make new friends. Well, I can’t promise that joining Beechmere Belles will help you drop a few pounds - far too much cake for that to happen in a hurry - but as for everything else, there’s a good chance you will achieve a few of them.

I joined a year ago and didn’t really know what to expect: I went with an open mind and a friend, safety in numbers, I thought, and at least I would have someone to talk to. As it turned out, my friend and I found ourselves talking away to lots of different people and felt welcome and comfortable straight away. Before we left, we had both agreed to be on the cake rota and signed up for a couple of events that had been planned for the future, afternoon tea at Bath Races being one of them – well, it would have been rude not to.

Over the year I have made new friends and found something just for myself, that little bit of me-time that we are supposed to feel guilty about, because it doesn’t involve children or our other half. We have plenty planned already for 2019 and there will be more ideas for events as the months go on, thanks to our committee, who continue to come up with fresh ideas.

This months meeting we are delighted to have a colour analysis lady coming in to help us all make the best choices when we are out shopping for clothes. Hopefully

January, 2019

n NEWS there will be no more lonely carrier bags at the back of our wardrobes containing the latest mistake...or is that just me? Towards the end of the month we are off to the Bristol Hippodrome to see Motown the Musical. I’m already ploughing through my collection so I’m wordperfect for the night, and later in the year we have booked to see Gary Barlow’s Calendar Girls.

We meet the fourth Thursday of every month at Emersons Green village hall at 7.30pm. Please feel free to just turn up: you will be very welcome.

MANGOTSFIELD WI A HUGE thank you to Naomi for an absolutely cracking evening for our party. Our Christmas party always brings out our dancing shoes.

Thank you to our sisters in neighbouring WIs for celebrating with us. We really do love a good social evening and it was a great finish to 2018.

In 2018 our programme planners gave us diverse and varied meeting each month.

We have been educated, fed, inspired and entertained – sometimes all in one meeting!

Mangotsfield WI wish you a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kate and the team Kate Tarr

Email your WI report to news@ emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

St Thomas a Becket church in Pucklechurch held its first Christmas Tree festival in early December. Village organisations and businesses contributed decorated trees and the event drew many visitors throughout the week.

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

January, 2019

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29

n NEWS

Community transport gets cash lifeline COMMUNITY transport in South Gloucestershire will benefit from a record grant of £800,000.

The cash injection will help transform services provided by Kingswood Community Transport, Green Community Travel in Yate and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport in Thornbury.

The money, the largest single investment for South Gloucestershire’s community travel, was awarded to South Gloucestershire Council at a meeting of the West of England Joint Committee in Kingswood.

Old vehicles will be replaced by the new Euro 6 engined vehicles which will provide a range of benefits, from reducing harmful emissions, fuel consumption and ongoing maintenance costs to offering an enhanced experience for service users and helping to make essential services and facilities accessible to all groups in society.

Kingswood Community Transport chair, Downend councillor Janet Biggin, said: "We

Councillors Janet Biggin and Colin Hunt with Kingswood Community Transport general manager Mike Vernon are delighted to receive this vital support to upgrade our service and our fleets and are pleased to see this council and the West of England understand our vision for bringing public transport to the community.

"This funding will give us the chance to replace some of our oldest vehicles, re energising the service for generations to come."

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: "I am proud to see this funding go towards new vehicles across South Gloucestershire.

"This is the largest single ever investment in our community transport fleet and is a testament to the vale the administration attaches to community transport and the role it provides across the district."

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30

January, 2019

n PETER'S VISION NOW I may have said this before, but I do believe that every day’s a school day. Well at least in my sphere of operation anyhow.

I guess it’s a mind set, perhaps you could say even a way of life. I just love meeting people you see, chatting and learning. Every day.

Without fail.

We’ve recently had four optometry students with us, two in Henleaze & two in Fishponds, to experience life in an optometry practice. They’re studying at the new UWE Optometry School. It’s a super course, with a key element of the learning being the practical aspects of actually caring for patients. As it’s a Bristol based course I’m biased of course, but I know a few of the clinical and academic team and they really are very good at what they do.

It reflects in the quality of their students - you’ll see for yourselves in the years to come!

Perhaps it’s not only what we learn but also what we do with it that really counts. For example I attended a dry & watery eye training course to gain my dry eye certificate in 2013. My own

You learn something new every day experience of sore then watery eyes when using a VDU prompted me to undergo the additional training (and even an exam!). I followed this with additional learning from research papers on the finer details of how to diagnose and then effectively treat the symptoms our patients came to see us with.

The process of learning to diagnose and then treat eye and vision conditions is a continuous one. We were one of the first in the area to offer in-depth eye imaging scans which has taught us (and our patients!) a great deal about their eye health and vision. It’s really a shared learning process. Come see us and we’ll show you more detail than you’ve probably ever seen before!

We can’t let the new year pass without wishing you all a very Happy New Year! I have a plea as well, unless you’ve recently done

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January, 2019

n NEWS

Help to ease winter pressures on care MORE than £2.5 million has been allocated to help meet extra demands on social care services and the NHS. The money is South Gloucestershire’s share of £650m funding announced for councils in the Budget, of which £410m will be to support social care and £240m is to help alleviate winter pressures on health services.

The funding to South Gloucestershire totals £2.53m, £1.6m for adult and children social care and a further winter pressures grant of £935,000.

The council’s cabinet member for children and young people, Jon Hunt, said: “We are

pleased the demand pressures are being acknowledged in children’s services and wish to thank the Government for listening to us and the Chancellor for offering this vital funding.”

He said the winter pressure funding would enable the council and NHS locally to work closer together.

Cabinet member for adult care Ben Stokes added: “We welcome the Government’s announcement in response to our representations made at the highest levels, highlighting the need for more money to meet rising demand for adult social care in South Gloucestershire.”

News? Email us at news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

GREENFINGERED members of Mangotsfield Residents Association have planted 200 bulbs in the Dame School grounds in St James Street. The planting is part of a programme of work to improve the appearance of the area. Cllr Michael Bell, pictured second from left, said: "We're looking forward to next Spring when we will see them in bloom."

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January, 2019

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

THE year ahead promises to bring great news and improvements for our community, starting with the welcome announcement that Cossham Birth Centre is set to be reopened at the end of February.

Recently, I really appreciated speaking first hand to NHS professionals at Cossham, and with the Trust’s Chief Executive Andrea Young, who assured me that Cossham Birth Centre has only temporarily closed and that extra resource and investment is going into recruiting midwives.

When it comes to the safety of new born babies’ lives, it is absolutely crucial that we ensure appropriate staffing levels are in place and don’t play party politics with decisions that are needed and necessary. I am very pleased the trust is focusing on ensuring the safety of local women and babies in their care, and was delighted to hear they are making good progress on recruiting more midwives and staff.

I am very proud of Cossham

Hospital, a local treasure, and I will always stand up to ensure that it is open to the community, after it was threatened with closure before 2010. I hope that I can continue to help make the case also for additional facilities at Cossham, which has been a beacon of support and healthcare for our local community. Many of my family were born here, the hospital inspired my mother to become an NHS nurse, and I recently used the maternity facilities in the aftercare of my son Henry. I want to now make the case for upgrading the MRI scanning facilities at Cossham and have written in support of this to Health Secretary Matt Hancock .

We can now also look forward to new funding and investment coming to our local area, with Kingswood High Street set to benefit from around £3 million investment, after being confirmed in the West of England Combined Authority “Love Our High Streets” initiative established by Mayor Tim Bowles. This initiative for

community-led high street regeneration will help support our town, and help make Kingswood High Street fit for the future.

This is fantastic news for Kingswood and I am thankful to Mayor Tim Bowles for his support.

Having taken him on a tour of Kingswood High Street, as the local MP I was able to show him clearly where regeneration is needed.

It is particularly exciting to see proposals that look to the future and seek to increase access to digital training for the community, investment to kick-start a scheme to bring the derelict Whitfield Tabernacle back into use, as well as long-term planning with the community to breathe even more new life into the High Street. This will be a real game-changer for our town centre and it builds on the real sense of momentum that we have established in recent months to improve the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and bring derelict sites back into use. I will continue to champion them all

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January, 2019

33

n NEWS across the constituency and push for investment in our community.

More recently, I was delighted and honoured to have been appointed Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. Having been a minister before, I am delighted to have been appointed to a role of which I have some experience in, having taught history previously at Bristol University before becoming an MP. Locally, I have always supported the massive investment in the Bristol and Bath Science Park and the National Composite Centre in Emersons Green, and campaigned for a new automotive centre run by the University of Bath, which is soon to start construction. Being Universities and Science Minster is a hugely important task, helping to prepare our country for future challenges and opportunities.

Yet, as your local MP, I will always continue to represent our constituency and work for our community, and hope the new year will bring you all joy and happiness.

People from Lyde Green were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament by Chris Skidmore MP

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January, 2019

n TAKE A BREAK

Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles

M A

TXT PERT

I

3

S

HOW MANY ALIENS?

Alphorn, Alto sax, Anvil, Bass recorder, Bell, Bin, Bones, Buccina, Bugle, Chang, Chimes, Cornet, Crwth, Cymbal, Deagan, Drum, Fife, Flageolet, Gong, Guitar, Harp, Lute, Lyre, Marimba, Moog, Oboe, Organ, Piano, Pipe, Quail, Rattle, Rebec, Regal, Santir, Shawm, Tabor, Traps, Treble recorder, Tromba, Trumpet, Tuba, Ukulele, Vina, Viol, Zither.

WORDSEARCH

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6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

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2 is A, B or C 3 Whiffle is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I Zither 5 is J, K, or L

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Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

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7

E H S J X B A S S R E C O R D E R

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Vamphorn

F T G R B U C C I N A N J L Y R E

This month: Capitals

Traps The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad 1 2 Treble recorder Down Across

1Tromba 3642 (4) 4Trumpet 5462 (4) 5 22476 (5) Tuba 7 7882 (4) 8Ukulele 2656626 (7)

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HOW MANY ALIENS?

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Musical instruments

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WORDSEARCH

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January, 2019

35

n CRAFT COLUMN

Hanging home organiser With Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s Firstly a very Happy New Year to you all! We hope you have a wonderful and prosperous 2019!

With New Year bringing a fresh start, why not create this organiser to help keep things tidy! It can even be adapted with more or less pockets and be created bigger or smaller - enjoy!

You will need: Piece of fabric measuring 19.5cms x 54cms Backing fabric measuring 19.5cms x 27cms Contrasting colour cotton 120cms Bias binding Cotton to match bias binding Sewing pins Sewing needle Fabric scissors Ruler Pencil Sewing machine Iron

1. Taking your large piece of fabric, cut one piece 19.5cms x 27cms and another piece 19.5cms x 9cms.

The final piece should measure 19.5cms x 18cms

3. Taking the larger of the two pieces, pin this to the remaining piece of fabric (measuring 19.5cms x 27cms) lining up both bottom edges and pin where the edges of the two pieces of fabric meet. Mark with pins 10cms below the bias binding edge and sew this line in place.

7. Take your remaining bit of bias binding which should measure approximately 25cms and sew the two open edges together, then neaten off the loose threads.

9. You now have a handy hanging organiser - perfect for tidying those bits and bobs lying about the house. Have fun and experiment with different sizes and fabrics!

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4. Now take your smallest piece of fabric and line up the bottom of each piece, as in step 3. Measure 9.75cms from one of the sides of this small pocket with pins and sew this line down the bottom pocket (you will just have created two separate pockets!) neaten off any loose threads.

5. Turn this over and, taking your backing fabric, pin this to the reverse of the main front pocket lining up all edges and pin in place. Neaten up all edges with your fabric scissors so that they are all flush.

8. Turn your organiser over onto the back and pin the ‘handle’ you have just created 2cms in from each side. Fold the open edges of each side of the handle underneath so it looks neater. Sew in place and neaten all threads.

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2. Now take your length of bias binding. Iron in half so that there is a fold in the middle. Taking your two smaller pieces of fabric.

Pin the folded edge of the bias binding to the top of one of the fabric pieces (measuring 19.5cms) and machine sew in place. Cut off your bias binding. Now repeat for the other piece of smaller fabric.

6. Taking your time, carefully pin your folded bias binding all around the edge of the piece - you can either choose to fold over the bias binding at the corners or see in a round shape to curve the corners. Sew in place, removing pins as you go and neaten off where the bias binding starts and ends (you may want to use a couple of hand stitches to do this).

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36

January, 2019

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

It’s Christmaaaaaaas!!!!

M

ERRY Christmas and a Happy New Year everybody!!! What an amazing year this year turned about to be. Brexit has just left us all in a head spin with no idea where we will end up.

Although order has been restored in ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ as Harry Rednapp wins, touting his need for a chiropractor! Go Harry! We can help! Little Molly Button skipped off to school for the first time and even little Harry Button mastered the elusive forward roll.

It’s a time to contemplate for many as we have lost loved ones, people that cannot be replaced but left an indelible imprint in us that lives on as we live our lives to the fullest.

The team at Next Step grew a little too as Sian and Chris our world famous physios have welcomed another beautiful baby.

They are all doing well and we are looking forward to welcoming Sian

back when she is ready after her maternity leave.

For Christmas this year we are having a family skiing holiday in France. My brother and his family, Mum and Dad, my Auntie and Uncle and of course us little Bristol Buttons make up the team. I’m sure our little Molly Button (now 4 and half ) and Harry Button (who just had his 3rd birthday) will love their first time in the snow. They are proud owners of the cutest little ski outfits, which makes the other half very happy indeed. Expect many photos.

Without wishing to tempt fate before our ski trip, classic ski injuries include knee injuries from twisting accidents, wrist injuries from falling outstretched and lovely whiplash style neck injuries. Over the years I’ve had a good knee injury and neck injury in a couple spectacular wipe outs.

One time I went off a small cliff sideways, cartwheeled as I landed,

flew and then landed again. I can’t remember which way up I landed but there was a lot of white everywhere which is how I knew I was alive. The good news is that I won the wipe out award for the week for that one. I’m sure my mum still hasn’t forgiven me for scaring the life out of her as she watched me make some decent air.

As she didn’t see my knee injury, let’s just say that I was skiing nice and gently and I was taken out this time by the rare and elusive Marmot that lives exclusively in the Alps. Now while it may be a rare event that led to my inevitable downfall the injury was much more common, a medial collateral ligament sprain. The ligament on the inside of the knee that many footballers also hurt. It was the end of the trip for me but as soon as I returned home, I started my rehab.

I had soft tissue treatment on the ligament to avoid scar tissue forming incorrectly and kept my low back in check with chiropractic work. It was a bad sprain and it took me a couple of months until I felt normal again. I have to say that I have had patients with the same problem who still had the pain a long time later. With these patients you have to work hard to normalise the tissue and joints and then rehabilitate the muscles from the back to the knee and the knee to the foot. Get that right and voila, get back on the slopes!

If you want to reduce the risk of injury skiing you must firstly wear all of the correct safety equipment from helmets to well-fitting boots with insoles. From there you really should try to get fit and develop

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

some strength in your legs before you go. Not only will you reduce your risk of injury being strong and fit, but you will enjoy your skiing more and increase your performance. Don’t do what I normally do and get fit by the end of the week and then go home promising to be fit next year!

There are many things to look forward to and tell you all about.

We have lots of surprises up our sleeves, that I look forward to telling you about but for now may I wish, a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year for 2019. Lots of love from me and the whole team at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step Physiotherapy.

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January, 2019

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37

n NEWS

Post-referendum influx from the EU THE number of EU citizens living in South Gloucestershire has increased by 60 per cent since the Brexit referendum, officials believe.

The latest estimates published by the Office for National Statistics show that, in the two years since June 2016, the number of EU migrants living in the area rose by 5,000, from 8,000 in 2016 to 13,000 in June.

The percentage increase is much greater than for the UK as a whole, where the number of Europeans rose by 9 per cent to

3.7 million. And it is in contrast to Bristol, where the number of EU citizens has remained steady at around 27,000.

The greatest rise in South Glos was among EU migrants from Western European countries and from Romania and Bulgaria, with an estimated 100% increase in two years.

But the 4.7% of South Gloucestershire's total population made up of European citizens is below the UK average of 5.7% and Bristol’s figure of 5.9%.

The number of migrants from non-EU countries living in South Gloucestershire also rose, from 5,000 in 2016 to 7,000 in June. In Bristol, migrants from non-EU countries numbered 21,000, up from 18,000 in 2016.

The estimates are based on the ONS’s Annual Population Survey. They count EU citizens living at private addresses and students in halls of residence whose parents live in the UK.

Green for go as runners brave the elements

Super support for Young Carers MEMBERS of Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club had a surprise when they visited Young Carers Bristol & South Gloucestershire at the Vassall Centre - the staff were dressed as super heroes for a fun day for young carers and their families.

The event was partly funded by Rotary, who handed over £2,500.

Fishponds and Downend Rotary member Judy Powell said: "Carers lead a difficult and often lonely life. It's great to be able to play a small part in something that allows them to have fun and forget their everyday cares for a short while. Whilst the staff wore great costumes Ellie it's the young carers themselves who are the real heroes."

RUNNERS dressed to impress as they ran in celebration of a milestone for their group.

The Pomphrey Hill Parkrun is a free event held every Saturday at 9am in Mangotsfield.

Runners tackle a 5km course for fun before meeting up for a coffee afterwards in the Pomphrey Hill Sport Pavilion.

To celebrate the 250th run the organising team held a themed event, with runners all encouraged to turn up wearing something green.

And despite the truly appalling weather on December 15, some even wore full costumes, including superhero the Green Lantern, Brussels

sprouts and a Christmas elf.

The event also helped out people in need, with runners encouraged to bring donations for the Resound foodbank in Blackhorse Road. A pile of donations was collected, from tinned food and cereal to boxes of chocolates.

More than 250 runners and volunteers took part in the event and organisers were planning to follow it with a Christmas fancy dress run on December 22, as well as a run on Christmas Day .

For more information about the run visit parkrun. org.uk/pomphreyhill/ or look for Pomphrey Hill Parkrun on Facebook.

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ELECTRICIANS

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07771 868884

inoutgavin@gmail.com

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Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol

ADVERTISE HERE

LOCAL SERVICES ss

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

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January, 2019 HOUSE CLEARANCE

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IF YOU ARE LOCKED OUT, EMERGENCY/ GAIN ENTRY - GIVE US A CALL

Affordable, Reliable, Professional

All types of locks supplied & fitted.

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T: 07596 184 136

Facebook: www.facebook.com/southgloss

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BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

0117 382 5463 - 07985 285157

bristoltreedoc@gmail.co

Got News? Call Linda On 0777bristoltreeservice 0700579

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