Emersons Green Voice July 2019

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019 — ISSUE 34

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

Help our ‘little miracle’ to have hope

Parents plead:

Drama as bus takes wrong turn

A double-decker bus collided with the roof of the Downend Car Wash in Westerleigh Road, near the Huntsman pub.

PAGE 6

Oliver, who is three this month A FAMILY from Lyde Green are asking residents to support a fundraising campaign to help their son after he was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition.

Toni-Louise Worthington and Stephen Hardwell live in Lyde Green with their “little miracle” Oliver, who turns three this month.

Their immediate aim is to buy him a walking aid known as The Innowalk.

The couple have been astounded at the response to their online appeal for funds, which brought in £14,000 in less than a fortnight. But more money will be needed to support Oliver, who has a life-limiting

condition, as he grows.

Toni-Louise only discovered the Innowalk in April and was amazed at the difference it made to their son, who is continuing to surprise his family and his doctors with his progress.

“We know Oliver is going to excel because we have hope – we Turn to Page 7

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 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 August edition deadline is July 17.

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

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

The planters in School Square, Lyde Green, have been refreshed for the summer. Lyde Green Community Association has bought watering cans for the Eco Team at Lyde Green Primary School, who are helping with the watering. The association thanks resident Paul Flower for his efforts, and Kitto Construction, builders of the new nursery, who have paid for the flowers. Community Association report: Page 21

Bank branch to close

LLOYDS Bank in Staple Hill will close on September 17, it has been confirmed.

The banking giant says the announcement follows a review which revealed more than two thirds of Staple Hill customers do their banking at another branch, online or by phone.

This has led to the number of counter transactions at the branch falling last year by more than 10 per cent, Lloyds said.

Staple Hill councillor Ian Boulton said the closure was “deeply disappointing”.

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

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FIREFIGHTERS spent almost three hours helping to rescue this cow, which fell into a slurry pit at a farm near Mangotsfield.

Crews from Kingswood and Bedminster fire station were called to the farm on Cattybrook Road shortly before 10pm on June 4.

They attached rescue harnesses known as strops to the cow and pulled it clear with help from the farmer’s tractor.

The cow was taken to safety and is believed to have been unharmed by the experience.

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

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

Cow rescued from slurry pit

Graham Southorn Bristol will writer

A member of the

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

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

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n NEWS

Golf club closes after site is sold SHORTWOOD Lodge Golf Club is closing down after being sold for possible development.

The club, off Carsons Road in Mangotsfield, was due to shut for the final time on June 27.

Current owner the Golf Group said Shortwood Lodge had been unable to survive in a highly competitive market without the money it could have made had part of the site been sold for housing for £4.5 million, five years ago. That scheme ran into opposition from local politicians, including Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore.

Managing director Duncan Knipe said: “Ultimately the difficulty in building anything here and moving forward is what has forced us into the sale.

Basically the business hasn’t been making money, because golf is the way that it is now.

There’s so much choice and so much competition.”

Mr Knipe said he could not confirm the final sale price or the identity of the new owners but said they were investors. He said it was “telling” that they did not want to continue to run the club in the short term.

Mr Knipe said there was sadness that the club was closing, adding: “I know the members personally and they understand the position we’ve been in. We tried our best for the place – if we hadn’t bought it 15 years ago, it would have closed sooner. It’s had a good run.”

The four or five members of staff at Shortwood will transfer to one of the Golf Group’s other sites, Woodlands Golf & Country

meet the housing needs of the area over the next 20 years, as part of the process for preparing the West of England Join Spatial Plan and the council’s new local plan.

“The council, however, does not support strategic growth east of Bristol and continues to recognise instead the important functions performed by Green Belt in this general location.

“Bristol has historically predominantly grown north and eastwards. Strategic growth in this locality would therefore significantly add to the impression of sprawl, undermining the objectives of the Green Belt.”

The spatial plan is the region’s planning blueprint, which lays out where housing, facilities and infrastructure are needed over the next decade. A public examination is due to be held at Bath’s Guildhall, starting on July 2.

Shortwood Lodge Golf Club off Carsons Road in Mangotsfield Club in Almondsbury.

Mr Knipe said Shortwood Lodge had been very busy since the closure was announced, as players came back to play a final round.

Last year the club’s owner, Mr Knipe’s father Ian, made a formal response to the South Gloucestershire local plan calling for the area’s Green Belt boundary to be moved so that it could be used for housing, calling the site “suitable, available and deliverable”.

He proposed that the fifth of the 61.6 hectare site closest to the Avon Ring Road could be used to provide 250 new homes.

Most of the club lies in the Boyd Valley ward of South Gloucestershire.

Ward councillor Steve Reade, who is also the Conservative

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July, 2019

n NEWS

Further talks on ‘village’ plans PROPOSALS for 398 new homes in Lyde Green are still awaiting a decision.

Further discussions are taking place on Edward Ware Homes’ plans to build the houses next to the M4, Henfield Road and a section of the Mangotsfield to Yate cycle path.

The development would include 159 three-bedroom houses, one-bedroom flats, two-bedroom flats and houses, and houses with four or five bedrooms. Within the plans, the developers say the only neighbours who would be affected are people with homes at Lyde Green Farm, which has already been converted for housing, stating: “The residents of Lyde Green Farm have been engaged through the process to ensure that their concerns and views are taken into consideration in the final design.”

Some residents have expressed concerns about the houses adding further strain on the road network, the fact that community facilities may not be able to meet added demand and that too much green space will be taken away by the plans.

The determination deadline for the

application (reference P19/1275/F) was June 3. However, the developer has told The Voice that there is still work to be done before the proposal goes before South Gloucestershire Council planners for a decision.

Simon Jenkins, land director for Edward Ware Homes said: “It is very rare that a decision is issued by the statutory determination date, especially in respect of larger applications.

“What normally happens, and is happening in this case, is the applicant and the council informally extend the period in order to deal with matters arising from the consultation responses, in some cases this requires further technical input from consultants, redrawing aspects of the scheme. and these modifications are then considered further by the council and other statutory consultees.

“We are presently in this period of ‘adjustment and refinement’ and when both parties are satisfied with the modifications these will be added to the planning portal.”

He also added: “With regard to the local

representations from existing residents in Lyde Green, these were largely making points about the failure of the consortium to meet their ‘obligations’ in respect of the continuation of the noise barrier, provision of services (such as a Doctors Surgery), which clearly we are not in a position to address.

“The Pucklechurch Parish Council, whose Parish our part of Lyde Green falls under, made a number of comments with regard to our application which replicated some of the individual responses.

“As a result we held a presentation with them in May, which was open to the public to attend.”

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council also confirmed that the application will take longer to decide than the statutory determination deadline, due to the scale of the application, and that it may also need to go to committee before a decision is made.

To find out more about the plans, visit South Gloucestershire Council’s planning website: https://developments.southglos. gov.uk/online-applications/

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July, 2019

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n NEWS

Blow as bid for new school fails PLANS for an all-age school in Lyde Green to serve the growing population have been dealt a blow.

The Department for Education has turned down a proposal from SGS Academy Trust for a school to open in 2021.

The trust, which is sponsored

by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, says it will put in a fresh application in September.

But the wait for Government approval could delay the opening of the school, meaning continued pressure on the estate’s primary school, other primaries in Emersons Green and Downend, and local secondary schools.

South Gloucestershire Council has allocated £10.6 million of funding, which has been handed over by Lyde Green developers to pay for education infrastructure, to the all-through free school.

SGS College principal Sara-

Jane Watkins said the schools that were approved in the latest round of applications were in areas of higher deprivation than South Gloucestershire.

She said this mean that securing approval this time around “was always going to be challenging”.

New schools can now only be opened by making a free school bid. Factors including the need for school places, levels of disadvantage, and educational philosophy are taken into consideration in each ‘wave’ of applications.

Ms Watkins said: “We will be re-submitting under (the next wave) in September, which does not have the same constraints.”

She added that it was not clear whether this would delay the proposed opening date of September 2021 for the new 820-pupil school, as the Department for Education would set its opening date.

The trust plans to call the school, which would take children from the ages of four to 16, SGS Parkfield, after the Victorian colliery nearby.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “While we are disappointed that the Wave 13 bid for SGS Parkfield School was unsuccessful, this does not change the Council’s plan to commission a new school in Lyde Green, where we are still committed to adding primary and secondary education capacity, having already secured significant funding towards this as a result of the new housing growth.

“Following this announcement, we will explore the options for bidding for future funding rounds from central government.

“We will need to take some time and have discussions with our partners about the next steps

we can take to increase school places available in the area in future.

“We are confident that there are adequate places available in the short term, but our aim remains to add a new all-through school as part of the Lyde Green development when the funding is available.”

A bid from Cabot Learning Federation for a new primary school in Warmley on the site of the Grange school was approved in the latest wave.

The new primary has a working title of Tower Road Primary and will be the third new primary provision the CLF will have opened in South Gloucestershire, following the successful design and build projects at Wallscourt Farm and King’s Oak Academies.

The intention is for Tower Road Primary to open to a new reception class cohort in September 2021.

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July, 2019

n NEWS

THIS is the damage caused when a double-decker bus took a wrong turn and collided with a building in Downend.

The number 48 service collided with the roof of the Downend Car Wash in Westerleigh Road, near the Hutnsman pub, on the morning of May 30.

One passenger was on board at the time of the incident but both she and the driver were unhurt in the accident. But as the pictures show, the accident could have caused a serious injury or worse to anyone sitting at the front of the top deck.

Operator First West of England has declined to reveal why the bus was on the forecourt, which is next to a bus stop but is on a driveway set back from Westerleigh Road itself.

Managing director James Freeman visited the scene of the crash shortly after it happened and told the Voice the company was investigating.

A First West of England spokesman said: “Our investigation into this incident has concluded and we have taken follow-up action where necessary, in line with our

Bus takes spectacular wrong turn

policies and procedures.

“We accepted liability at the time of the incident.”

The company declined to give more details of the nature of the action taken against the driver.

Downend Car Wash manager

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Yanni Jay said the car wash had been out of action for two days after the accident. As well as damaging the canopy, the collision also caused damage to the main car wash building.

Mr Jay said staff working at

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the site had been shocked by the incident but he added: “No-one was injured - that’s the good news.”

Repairs are being handled by the companies’ insurers.

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July, 2019

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n NEWS

‘We’ll do all we can to give

Oliver the best life possible’ From Page 1 are doing all we can to give him the best life possible,” she said.

Oliver had a difficult birth and subsequently had problems with feeding.

Although doctors initially thought he would be fine, at the age of one his parents were concerned that he was not developing properly. A scan picked up that Oliver had a loss on one side of the cerebellum part of his brain, and last December he was diagnosed with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 6 (PCH6), a neurodegenerative disorder that results in a limited life expectancy.

Since his diagnosis, Oliver has spent time in and out of hospital having tests, and has also suffered from several seizures. ToniLouise took a career break in January to look after him full time, and he is now under the care of the top neurologist at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Toni-Louise told the Voice his doctors have never seen a variant like Oliver’s before.

She said: “Variants can be positive or negative, and only a handful of children in the world have PCH6. Since his diagnosis I joined Facebook groups for families with children who have the condition, and there are only two other families in the UK whose children are very very poorly, but with Oliver this is not the case. Although he struggles with mobility, his heart, liver and breathing is fine when normally he should have issues.

He is literally a little miracle, and although he continues to make progress, his life is very different from other children his age.”

She told how she discovered the walking device. “At Easter I took Oliver to the Gympanzees pop up centre in Kings Weston, and I put Oliver forward to try The Innowalk.

He absolutely loved it, and walked 500m in one session which is unheard of. I asked the organisers where we can get access to one locally, and I was told that families therefore

Stephen and ToniLouise with their son, who they call their little miracle.

Right, Oliver in The Innowalk choose to crowd fund for them as there is nothing available on the NHS and they cost £16,000 for the size children his age need.

“By allowing him to move his legs, The Innowalk will mould his hips and prevent from having hip surgery in the future. The health benefits are huge, in terms of head control and building muscle memory, as well as actually helping him to try and walk himself. In June he had an assessment from the company who sell it, and he smiled so much!”

The family set up a Just Giving page and have received donations mainly from family and friends, as well as local businesses.

In support of their fundraising, they have also organised a family fun day at Brislington Junior Football Club on Sunday July 14 .

Toni-Louise said: “I can’t believe how much we’ve been able to raise in just two weeks – four lots of £1000 have come from family which was completely unexpected, friends have done cake sales and donated £100, and friends I’ve not seen for a while have also donated £250 too. We just feel so humbled by everyone’s kindness.

“If we are able to raise additional money for Oliver, while The Innowalk will help him,

he does need intense therapy on his core muscles, and we would like to be able to get private physiotherapy for this as there is a long waiting list for NHS appointments. Any money we receive after that will be donated back to the charities that have supported us – Springboard in Clevedon, Gympanzees, Portage and Conductive Education, as we would love to give something back and support other families too.”

The equipment should last until Oliver is eight, and if he needs to move up to the next size then this will cost £26,000, with the adult size costing £36,000.

To find out more about Oliver and support the family’s fundraising, visit their Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/myneurohero. To find out more about their family fun day, search for “My Neuro Hero Fun Day” on Facebook.

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n NEWS

July, 2019

Football matches help to tackle anti-social behaviour

Children meet film star CHILDREN at a primary school got to meet a film star when they learned about robotics.

The Year 6 pupils at Barley Close Primary School in Mangotsfield had a visit from educational company ACE Robotics, who brought in a remote control version of Pixar movie character WALL-E for them to control, along with a range of smaller robotic kits.

They designed and built their own robots and took them through a range of speed and weight challenges, before ending the day with a Robot Wars-style battle.

A SPORTS-THEMED community engagement event in Emersons Green has been well received.

On Wednesday May 29, Sainsbury’s hosted a range of local community organisations in order to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The event took place in the supermarket’s Emersons Green store between 4pm and 7pm, and culminated with a football match by the skate park on the other side of the car park.

Speaking about the event, Tracy Cannard, Sainsbury’s PR Ambassador said: “A group from the local community had a fantastic day with The Local Community Police Team, Snow Camp Impact Mentoring and Bristol City Community Trust.

“We organised teams for football matches and cycling events as well as a few snacks and drinks to help along the way! It was well received by the other retailers in the retail park as a positive move towards working together and we are looking to possibly keep the event going through the summer.”

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July, 2019

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n NEWS PROPOSALS to benefit the environment and tackle climate change in the Emersons Green area have been launched.

Emersons Green town councillor Sadik Al-Hassan worked with Nicola BowdenJones, who represents the Frome Vale ward on Bristol City Council and the prospective Parliamentary candidate for Kingswood, to develop a low cost plan for a 1km bee corridor across the ward’s green spaces.

As part of the plans, the pair are asking Emersons Green Town Council for £2000 towards the cost of flower seeds, clay mix, seed bombs and garden stakes.

Ms Bowden-Jones told the Voice: “We know that in less than 100 years in the UK, we have lost almost 7.5 million acres of flower meadowlands and pastures and this has had a massive impact on our country’s bee population.

We have already lost 13 species of bee and another 35 are under treat, yet these are responsible for every third mouthful we eat and our ecosystem is essential for maintaining the health of our

Bid to create a buzz about helping to save our planet Nicola BowdenJones and Sadik Al-Hassan, who have developed a plan for bee corridors economy too.

“With a small level of investment from the town council we can help save bees in our area, and encourage members of our community to get involved. This is just the beginning and there is much to be done, but we are keen to see this rolled out in other town councils because by

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working together, we can each make a small difference to our community and environment.”

Mr Al-Hassan added: “We are on the edge as a species of doing irreversible harm to our planet. We need to act to help protect our local environment for the future of our residents and our children. Every level of government should act now

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to avert disaster, even town councils.

“The new bee corridors will help support bee numbers and have a beneficial effect on our area too. This is part of a larger aim to look at ways the town council can help tackle the massive issue of climate change at a local level as well as look at what else we can do as a council to benefit residents.

“I am really looking forward to working with my fellow councillors to solve some of the problems in our area and keep it a great place for residents to live.

I am also hoping if the plan is successful that it could be copied in other town councils too.”

The decision on the funding is due to be made on July 2 at Emersons Green Town Council’s open spaces and allotment committee.

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

n NEWS TOWN councillors have expressed their concerns over the continued unexplained smell reported by residents in Lyde Green and Emersons Green.

The smell is most commonly experienced early in the morning and during the evening. It sometimes only lingers for a short time and is described as having an egg or sulphur odour.

The Environment Agency, who regulate three operators in the area (the Tulip abattoir in Westerleigh, the Shortwood Landfill site which is operated by Enovert, and Vertase FLI Ltd, which is excavating a historic landfill site as part of the Lyde Green housing development) told the Voice earlier this year that they are investigating potential sources of the odour and that the operators have cooperated with them to change their working practices and cut the risk of further odours developing.

However, despite these investigations, two Emersons Green town councillors have contacted the Voice to express their concerns over the level of action that is being taken by South Gloucestershire Council.

They are also concerned that South Gloucestershire Council might have known of the potential smell risks of the Lyde Green site before construction work started, as in a recent email update from the Environment Agency to a local resident, it was stated that: “When consulted on new developments by local planning authorities, we do try to make them aware that some regulated sites inevitably give rise to amenity issues such as noise, dust and odour, and that we cannot necessarily eliminate these through our regulation. It is unfortunate that they often

11

Councillors demand answers on Lyde Green smell mystery give permission for new housing development to go ahead in close proximity to these sites.”

Matt Palmer, town councillor for Emersons Green ward, said: “The town council will continue to push investigation on this issue, and residents are urged to continue to report the issue to the Environment Agency and South Glos council. Work was carried out at Shortwood Landfill to combat the smell and that came off the back of residents complaining. Investigations still continue into old coal mines which may be potentially producing the smell.

“I haven’t yet seen support of this issue at a South Glos level but look forward to working with them on the issue. The Environment Agency are suggesting they issued warnings on the site before construction started, I will be greatly disappointed if this is true.”

Sadik Al-Hassan, town councillor for Blackhorse ward, also added: “For my part, I am concerned that after so long the many possible sources of the smell haven’t been narrowed.

There does seem to have been some buck passing between the Environment Agency and South Glos council, which has been frustrating myself and residents.

“The great work of residents reporting has brought forward the plans at Shortwood to install gas extractors via the Environment Agency. I believe the ultimate responsibility for a nuisance smell rests with South

Crisps are good for you - official!

EMERSONS Green Village Hall has received £100 in a few months from recycling crisp packets.

EGVH joined the scheme, in partnership with Terracycle in January and has already helped the community save thousands of packets from going to landfill.

Viv Roberts, from the hall, said: “As a self-funded registered charity this is a way for us to earn a little funding, which will be used for future events such as bingo sessions for the seniors, seniors monthly lunch club, free films, craft mornings for children and our annual Christmas Fayre.”

You can drop off your empty packets, including the outer multi pack packets, at reception at Emersons Green Village Hall.

Glos but I am worries they knew of this situation before building started.”

In response, Councillor Rachael Hunt, South Gloucestershire cabinet member for communities and an Emersons Green ward member, said: “The issue of the apparent smell in Lyde Green is something that residents have raised with us on a number of occasions and we will continue to work with the Environment Agency to establish the cause and find a solution.

“I, and my fellow Emersons Green ward members, are in the process of organising a public meeting with both the council and the Environment Agency.

We will be publicising the date and venue once these are confirmed would encourage all residents and interested parties to attend.”

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council also told the Voice: “Decisions on planning applications are decided by the cross-party planning committees, aided by expert advice from officers and external bodies such as the Environment Agency, who serve as a statutory consultee on all planning applications.

“If the Environment Agency offer no objections and the committee refuse an application on the suggested grounds, this could result in the developers appealing the decision, which would potentially incur a considerable cost to the council and thus the taxpayer.”

Residents who have concerns about a smell in our area should report it to The Environment Agency by calling 0800 807 060

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12

July, 2019

n NEWS

MP unveils commemorative plaque SCIENCE and Universities Minister Chris Skidmore had a Ministerial engagement on his home patch when he unveiled a plaque at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green.

The ceremony was the latest milestone in the development of the University of Bath’s new £70m Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS).

It was attended by about 100 supporters, partners and collaborators of the university’s automotive research.

IAAPS will be a global centre of excellence, delivering research and innovation and supporting the automotive industries in meeting future air quality standards. It will lead the development of future mrSTAPLEhill(0319)1PP 11:54 Pageand 1 attract sector-related generations of ultra-low13/3/19 emission vehicles businesses to the region, generating economic growth.

The plaque will be incorporated into the finished IAAPS building.

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Commuters praise metrobus ABOUT one in every five passengers on metrobus services have stopped commuting by car to use them, a survey has found.

The survey was carried out for metrobus a year after the first services were launched, running from Emersons Green to the city centre via the ring road and M32.

Metrobus says more than 80 percent of the 720 passengers who responded said they would recommend the services to a friend.

The 134 passengers who said they were leaving their cars at home represented 18.6% of those surveyed.

Metrobus is a partnership between Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Glos Council with bus operators First West of England and Bristol Community Transport.

Most people surveyed were travelling between five and seven times a week across the three metrobus services, with almost two thirds using it for work.

Three quarters of passengers bought their tickets online, rather than at the stop or in shops: tickets cannot be bought on board.

More than 76% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the punctuality and reliability of the services and there was also praise for comfort, on-board wi-fi and USB charging on board.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

13

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

I’m so proud we’ve set a clean energy record

A

Chris Skidmore writes for

Emersons Green Voice

S the local MP, I was recently honoured to have been appointed interim Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, a position I am delighted to hold in addition to my role as Science and Universities Minister, and in the coming weeks I will draw from both to highlight the vitally important work that science, research and our universities are doing in tackling climate change and delivering clean growth.

As part of this crucial work I was therefore proud to be part of a historic announcement last month, on the introduction of a legally binding net zero emissions target to end our country’s contribution to global warming by 2050. As Energy Minister, I am delighted this ambitious new Government plan

will help us take decisive action to mitigate the effects of climate change, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, transforming our economy, creating new economic opportunities and green jobs, and delivering innovative technology to improve our quality of life.

Our strategy to decarbonise our economy already saw a great achievement in May, when the national grid was run for more than a fortnight without coal, for a record-breaking 18 days.

This new net zero target sets an incredible challenge for our country, but one I am sure we can overcome by collaborating with businesses and industry and international partners.

This announcement is now more important than ever as we leave the EU, so we can send a strong signal to other countries

of our commitment to address international problems, leading globally on climate change as part of our vision for the UK’s future, following our exit from the EU. Locally, it was also a pleasure to officially unveil the foundation plaque to celebrate the latest milestone in the development of the new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at Bristol and Bath Science Park.

The Institute’s work will help contribute to our move towards a greener economy, and crucially will bring great benefits to local residents, strengthening South Gloucestershire’s role at the forefront of advanced engineering and attracting investment, talent and businesses to our local area.

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

n NEWS

Church begins £500k transformation THE congregation of Mangotsfield’s St James Church has moved out while the building undergoes a £500,000 transformation.

The church on the corner of St James Street and Cossham Street is set to get new flooring, chairs, disabled access, toilets and a host of other improvements to make it a “comfortable and welcoming” environment ahead of its 800th anniversary celebrations, which start next year.

The work is expected to last six months and in the meantime, worship is taking place at the church hall in Richmond Road.

A campaign is under way to raise the 30% of the building costs that still need to be found. A series of fundraising events are planned and there is a donations page at bit. ly/2WHi9Ji. The church was originally a chapel to the manor house that stood next door and its earliest recorded origins can be traced back to 1221, soon after the signing of the Magna Carta. Much of that 13th century building remains, and it is by far the oldest building in the village.

Plans to improve it were first thought about back in the 1950s, when the lack of toilet facilities was recognised as a problem by the parochial church council of the day.

Several plans have been designed since then but only now is the right design and fundraising plan in place.

Vicar Teresa Taylor said: “The congregation of St James want to leave a legacy which lays the foundation for the next 800 years.

“Over the last few years, St. James’s PCC and leadership team have developed ambitious plans to renovate the church building, creating a flexible space available to for use by the local community and as a modern Christian church serving Mangotsfield, Emersons Green and the rapidly-growing Lyde Green.”

The vision for the church building is for it to be fully open to its communities, as accessible as possible, sustainable and energy-efficient, comfortable and welcoming, flexible and prepared for the future.

After a “significant amount of time” planning the renovations and securing permissions by the congregation, a final service in the church’s current layout, which dates back to 1850s, was held on Sunday June 9 and attended by some 140 people.

The builders moved in the next day and if the project is completed on time, the church will be ready in time for Christmas.

Photo courtesy of Chris Taylor

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July, 2019

n NEWS A FORMER restaurant manager living in Emersons Green has launched her own business to fit in with her husband's military career.

Cheri Ghaibi found she was unable to continue her career because her family is constantly moving.

Husband Adam, who serves in the Royal Logistics Corps, has been posted to various locations which means the couple and their two children, Theodore, five, and Darcy, three, are never in the same place for too long.

“It's very difficult to get a job because as soon as an employer asks for your work history, they can see you've moved every two years,” said Cheri, aged 38.

“Who's going to employ someone when they know they aren't going to be there for very long? You can't just go and get a job as a restaurant manager when you're a military wife; the army has to always come first.

That's the way it is.

“Adam's on 10 days' notice to leave, the same as any military personnel are. They could just phone him up and say you're going to Afghanistan or Iran in ten days, pack your bags. There's nothing you can do about that because it's his job.”

Cheri first got the idea of hiring out inflatables when the family was posted to America.

She was impressed after visiting a giant warehouse full of inflatables.

“You show up, pay your money and lose your kids for a few hours while you sit in a cafe and have coffee! I thought it was great.”

Cheri realised it wasn't quite the practical solution she had been looking for: “I can't just get a warehouse and fill it with bouncy castles because if Adam has to go on a two-week training

15

Military wife Cheri takes leap into the unknown ...

Cheri bought nine bouncy castles and will launch her business officially on July 1.

Cheri has also purchased a van, sorted a unit, set up a website and Facebook page and is ready for business, covering the north and east of Bristol.

Cheri said: “I'm really pumped up about it. I'm 38 and feel like I don't want to work for anyone else now. I'm a company director of my own business and I think that's brilliant.

It's something I can say to my children – if you want something badly enough you can achieve it.”

To find out more about Cheri's business visit www. bounce-about.com exercise, how am I going to run the business? Who would look after the children? It's ok if you know your partner can maybe do a pick up or drop off to help out but when they get called out of the country, what do you do then?”

Cheri decided the best way forward would be a career where she could set her own hours and take her business anywhere with her. Staying with the idea of inflatables, she decided to set up her own business hiring bouncy castles for parties and events.

“It means I can follow my husband around the country and set the business up wherever we move to. If I know he's going to be away on a training exercise for the weekend, I don't have to take a bookings for then.

“It will enable me to bring in an income whilst maintaining

flexible working hours that suit our family's lives.”

Releasing equity on some of the houses the couple rent out,

Cheri and Adam with their children Theodore and Darcy

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n NEWS

July, 2019

Mum’s breastfeeding victory Alvis West with her sons Rory and Leo

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A MUM who was told to stop breastfeeding at her local pool has emerged victorious after challenging the decision.

Alvis West, from Bromley Heath, was with her then seven-month-old baby Rory at Kingswood's Active Lifestyle Centre in April.

When Rory started to nuzzle because he was hungry, Alvis sat on the step of the children's pool and started to breastfeed.

But she was shocked when a female lifeguard approached her and told her to stop.

Alvis, 35, said: “I was sat on the step of the pool and wasn't fully immersed in the water so I didn't think twice about feeding him. A young lifeguard came up to me and was so abrupt and rude. She said I couldn't breastfeed because it was against company policy and told me I needed to get out.”

Embarrassed, Alvis left the pool but was surprised not to see any signs advising of the policy.

She asked to speak to the person in charge but as manager Martyn Hinam wasn't there his colleague confirmed to Alvis that it was indeed company policy.

Alvis, who lives with partner Daniel Gould and their other son Leo, aged eight, asked if the manager could call her.

She said: “He called me the next day and said he didn't know why the policy was in place but he would look into it and get back to me.”

True to his word, Martyn spoke to his managers and discovered the issue had never come up before. He went on to speak to Bristol Breastfeeding

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Mummies, a 5,700 member Facebook group, as well as Barnardo's and a breastfeeding support charity.

Martyn came back to Alvis and told her that, based on his research, he saw no reason why she couldn't breastfeed at the pool and therefore they were going to change the policy in all of their centres in South Gloucestershire - Longwell Green, Yate, Kingswood, Thornbury and Bradley Stoke.

Alvis said: “He really did listen and used his powers to influence management to make changes as quickly as possible.

He definitely went above and beyond.”

Martyn said: “We are delighted we have been able to work with Alvis and draw on her experience to give us a better insight into an important, and potentially sensitive, area of customer service.As well as speaking with Alvis, we talked to a number of other mums. We also consulted with the charity Barnardo's who work with South Gloucestershire Council to run breastfeeding support groups. As a result, mums can now breastfeed anywhere in our centres where they feel most comfortable, including the swimming pools. Kingswood has invested in a nice comfortable sofa, as opposed to the plastic chairs; and parents are welcome to use the Clifford Suite when it’s available.

“Breastfeeding posters have also been updated across all Active Centres and each centre now has its own dedicated private breastfeeding area.”

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

17

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Celebrating the people who keep our communities safe THIS month, we celebrated the men, women and teams who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe at this year’s Be Proud Awards. The awards evening is my favourite night of the year and it is a privilege to be in the same room with so many inspirational, selfless and dedicated individuals.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to send in nominations as the awards give us the opportunity to celebrate our policing heroes for their efforts. To our finalists, winners and everyone who was nominated I would like to wish you a massive well done and thank you for all that you do.

We also showed our support for World Elder Abuse awareness day and asked local communities to recognise the value older people bring to our communities.

The awareness day focuses on the problem of physical, emotional and financial abuse of older people as sadly there are a growing number of criminals who seek to take advantage of our senior community.

Older people can be more vulnerable to cons, frauds, doorstep crime and distraction burglary and there are individuals out there who exploit the fragility that comes with older age. So I was delighted to see a new Avon and Somerset Police initiative that hopes to tackle isolation within the older the community, the ‘Chat Bench.’

The ‘Chat Bench’ is a very simple concept where a sign is placed on a bench, typically in a park or town centre that encourages those using the bench to have a chat with each other. I hope it encourages

people of all ages to start more conversations as we need to remember that a simple ”hello” could make a big difference to someone’s day.

I will also be supporting the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Honour Based Violence on 14 July. The awareness day was set up by the charity Karma Nirvana following the tragic death of Shafilea Ahmend in 2003 and remembers the men and women affected by so-called ‘honour’ killings and honour-based abuse.

Forced marriage and honourbase violence are particularly difficult crimes to tackle as much tends to go on behind closed doors and victims are scared to come forward. The victims are sadly at risk from those closest to them – their families and relatives. There is no honour in

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens crimes that cause suffering and in Avon and Somerset we will continue to work closely with affected communities and our partners across health, education, social care and the voluntary sector. I hope on awareness days like this we encourage victims and survivors to come forward and report these crimes to us.

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July, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday June 29 n 12-4pm, Fun at the Fair, old-fashioned fair attractions including coconut shy, hooka-duck, and tug-o-war. St Augustine’s School, Boscombe Crescent, Downend. Entry is 50p entry per person (under 3s are free).

Sunday June 30 n Stanbridge Primary School, Downend, Summer Fayre from 12pm, with Happy’s Circus starting at 2pm. £8 per circus ticket or 4 for £25. Under-1s are free to the circus but still require a ticket. Entry to Fayre only is 50p per adult. Tickets available online at: www.pta-events. co.uk/stanbridgepta. The Fayre will include traditional stalls and games, inflatables, BBQ and refreshments.

Monday July 1 n The Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group will be meeting at 1.45pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Westbury on Trym.. For info ring 07710 743613.

Wednesday July 3 n Mothers’ Union meeting for June is in Christ Church Parish Hall on North Street at 2.15pm.

“One25 project – step away from the streets.”

Saturday July 6 n Brunel Brass Concert 7pm at Christ Church Downend, supporting the Building4Life project. Tickets £5, under 13s

free, available from Christ Church Parish Office.

Saturday July 6 n The Cleeve Singers of Downend with guests The Bristol Ukulele Jam are performing on Saturday, 6th July 2019 at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are available from Melanie’s Kitchen, Downend, the Barn and on the door at £3.50.

Come along and enjoy some entertaining songs and music.

Saturday July 6 n Heathfest, 1pm-6pm, Bromley Heath playing fields, just off Queensholm Crescent, Downend.

Live music, performances, food stalls, bar, children’s entertainment, fun fair attractions and much more.

Saturday July 6 n Yate Relay for Life – Supporting Cancer Research Yate Outdoor Sports Complex Bristol Military Wives Choir will be singing at 2.15pm Monday July 8 n Bristol Budgerigar Society.

Monday July 8 commencing at 7.30pm. Young Bird Competition with two nest feather classes.

Venue; Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Bristol BS34 6HR. Further details from the Secretary Colin Parsons. Tel 01454 775878. colinpauline@ hotmail.com or Chairman Alan Fretten. 07922 538894 E-mail alan_fretten13@hotmail.com Monday July 8

n Senior Film Club – All Welcome 2pm. The Children Act (12A) Starring Emma Thompson, Fionn Whitehead and Stanley Tucci.

Christ Church Hall, 57 North Street, Downend BS16 5SG. Refreshments: £3.00. Easy access, carers welcome. For more information please ring Home Instead Senior Care on 0117 989 8210.

Tuesday July 9 n Christ Church Fellowship “Freewheelers EVS” – the unseen emergency service – Parish Hall on North Street at 7.30pm. New members welcome.

Friday July 12 Marvin Muoneke - described as “The young man with the old soul” and seen on Britain’s Got Talent 2018, The Voice UK 2016 will be providing live musical entertainment at “Later” at Resound.

Marvin is a gifted jazz singersongwriter and all-around entertainer from Weston-SuperMare. As well as Jazz, you will be treated to Swing, Soul and Classic Pop. 12th July, 8-10pm, £2.50, hot drinks for sale or BYO bottle, Everyone welcome https://www.resoundbristol.co.uk/ later Saturday July 13 n 1.30pm, Frenchay Flower Show and Fete. Attractions include animal corner with alpacas, brass band, morris dancers,

Punch and Judy, junior cheer leaders, face painting, cream teas and free vintage buses connecting the vintage vehicle exhibition at Frenchay Museum.

Frenchay Common, entry £2.50, children free. See www. frenchayflowershow.com for more details.

Sunday July 14 Page Park Praise, 3.30pm – with Staple Hill Salvation Army Band, choir and junior musicians. Craft pop up tent for the children.

Admission Free Saturday July 20 n Clevedon Pier – “Summer Serenade” (we will be part of Clevedon Pier’s 150-year Birthday Celebrations) Bristol Military Wives Choir will be singing at 2pm

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 10.30am -12.30pm, Knit & Natter—Knitting Group, Village Hall. Tel 01454 862182 n 10.00—11.45, and 13.45-14.45, Diddi Dance—Preschool dance class, Village Hall contact Emily Norman 07850 983821 n 4.15pm – 6.30pm Ballet, tap and modern dance contact Kathy Plaster, 0117 9655660

News from Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green libraries complete their mission. It’s FREE to take part!

Please encourage your children to visit the library and sign up and see the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to their reading.

Get ready for an out-of–this-world adventure at a Downend, Emersons Green & Staple Hill Libraries this summer – it’s Space Chase, the Summer Reading Challenge 2019!

Our super space family the Rockets need your help to track down books that have been nabbed by Aliens! As you read 6 library books over the summer, collect special stickers (including some stinky ones!) to complete your mission folder and get your medal and certificate.

Space Chase blasts off on Saturday 13 July and children have until Saturday 14 September to

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

“My son really enjoyed the challenge and it kept him motivated to keep reading over the school holidays which will really help when he goes back to school” (Parent)Zoom off to the library for FREE awesome activities over the holidays including Fizz Pop Science workshops, Lego Mindstorm Mars Rover Challenge with Aerospace Bristol and Space Chase craft activities. Find out more at www.southglos. gov.uk/childrenslibrary.

Home Library Service Do you know someone who likes to read but cant easily get to the library? Perhaps you are in that position yourself? Most South Gloucestershire libraries have volunteers who can visit to deliver books/Talking Books/CDs/

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

DVDs to people who cant get into a library. At present Staple Hill Library has spare capacity so please contact us if you are interested in this free service at staplehill.library@ southglos.gov.uk or on 01454 868006 for more information.

Virtual Reality comes to Emersons Green Would you like to try out a Virtual Reality headset? Emersons Green Library have been part of the BBC Virtual Reality Library Tour this summer. Many people have “virtually” been to the Congo (in May) or been part of a Dr Who adventure (in June) already. The final dates on this current tour at Emersons Green Library will be 12th, 13th & 16th July- content still to be confirmed at the time of going to press but like us on Facebook www.facebook. com/sgloslibraries and follow us on Twitter @southgloslibs for updates. Alternatively contact emersonsgreen.library@southglos. gov.uk 01454 868006. Please note to use these VR headsets users must be 13 or over.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019 n 19.00—21.00 The Daisy Foundation—Antenatal class Village Hall, Carrie Cherrington 07752 467535 n 20.00—21.00 Pilates Village Hall, contact Miriam Roberts 07889 243998 n 19.00 – 20.00 Flow Yoga, Village Hall, Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 7-8pm, Downend School n Phoenix Wind Band (20+ concert level players). Emersons Green Library, 7.30-9.30 p.m.

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

Established and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 18:30-19:30 Pilates Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019 n 19:35 – 20:35 Flow Yoga Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019. n Keynsham Machine Knitting Club 2nd Monday Of Each Month 2.00pm-4.00pm Sterling Way Community Centre Park Road Keynsham BS31 1DF A friendly, supportive, enthusiastic group of people.New members welcome Contact Pat Hames 01454322553 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 Zumba session”– with Sam & Karen. 7pm -8pm 07799628308 n Bootcamp HIIT style 6pm – 7pm – Paul Green 07890742566 n Book club for carers – 11.45am -12.45 3rd Monday of each month – Stacey Vallis 01179652200

Tuesdays n Morning Jo Jingles—music for babies & young children. Village Hall, Tracy Bees 077139 43666 n Am/pm Star Jumpers—Preschool gym classes, Village Hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.30--11.40, Sing & Sign-Baby

signing class, Village Hall, contact Katherine Amor 07594 460448 n Afternoon/Evening, Ballet, Tap & Modern Dance—for children & Adults, Village Hall, contact Kathy Plaster 0117 9655660 n 19.15—21.00, Downend Art Club—for adults, Village Hall, contact Steve Wheeler 07928 799835 n 18.30-19.30, W.W. Village Hall, contact 0345 345 1500 n 19.30—20.30 Boogie Bounce— Fitness class for adults, Village Hall, contact Claire Boon 07805 360411 n 20.00—20.55, Emersons Green Community Choir—For adults, Village Hall, contact Rachael Hunt 07908 211174 n 1pm – 2pm – Seated Pilates for seniors Village Hall, Emily Doe 07737250042 n 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. 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 Downend Camera Club. 7.4510pm, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, BS16 5RA. All abilities and interests catered for but beginners particularly welcome.

19

We would love to publicise your event

n 20.00—21.00 Zumba—Dance Fitness Village Hall, Amy Millard 07971 901686 n Cleeve Singers, Lincombe Barn 7.30-9.30pm. Singers required in all voice parts.

No auditions and free trial rehearsals. Looking to increase our membership in the tenor & bass sections.

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

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 13.45— 14.30, Diddi Dance, pre-school dance class, village hall, Emily Norman, 07850 983821 n 13.30— 15.30, Bingo—Win Prizes, Village Hall Tel 01454 862182 Fortnightly n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 17.30—19.30 T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do, Village Hall, Lee David Newman Tel. 07795 467262 n 10:30 – 11:30 Pilates Christ Church Hall, Downend. Kerry 07919 051019 n 19:00-20:00 Pilates Pomphrey Hill, Mangotsfield. Kerry 07919

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 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.

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 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 18.00—2100 Pilates, Village Hall, contact Rose Skinner 07901914969 n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk 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

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20

July, 2019

n WHAT’S ON n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n ‘Mango Jams @ Lyde’ Parent / Carer Toddler Group run by St James Church, meets every Wednesday during term-time from 9.15-10.45am. at Lyde Green Community Centre, BS16 7AG www.stjameschurch.co.uk or Sally: 07733 25637 n Support your Self-Care with Monthly Maintenance Shiatsu Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm.

Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle for just £35 per month.

Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@wholehearted-health. co.uk for more information and to book your 1-1 treatment session.

Thursdays

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

1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements. n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk n Am, Mini Professors, science for pre-school children, Emily Hellewell, 07848 930513 n 11.30—15.00 Senior Citizens Social Club Village Hall, 01454 862182, Monthly n 12.45—13.45 Ballet & Modern Dance for Children Village Hall, contact Kathy Plaster 0117 9655660 n 14.00—16.30 Whist Club—Card game group for all abilities. Village Hall, Contact Pat Weymouth 0117 3732017

n 16.00—17.30. 3D Street Dancing—for ages 8—13 yrs Village Hall, Louise Hopton 07754 039059 n 17.30—18.30, Emersons Green Rainbows Village Hall, Lindsey Naldrett 078755 47434 n 19.00-21,00, Spanish language sessions, village hall, Fabiola Doano, 07960 426326 n 19.30— 21.15, Beechmere Belles W.I. Evening Group, Village Hall, contact Katie Bateman 07800 981777. Monthly n 19.30—21.00 Real Fitness with Sarah—Fitness class Village Hall, Sarah Buscemi 07975 943589 n 20.00—21.15 Karate—for adults Village Hall, Allan Harris 01179 323249 n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7- 18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 6.45-7.45pm Christchurch Infant School n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me n 6.45pm – 8pm Qi Gong, Village Hall, Donna Pinker 07968158918 n 6pm-7pm –Flame Fitness, Village Hall, Alex Lambert 07769329027 n Yoga 7pm -8pm with Siobhan 07535971874 n Emersons Green Quilters, Christ Church Centre, Quakers

Road, 7.30pm-9.30pm on second Thursday of every month. Contact Ann Price 07505267931 Email: emersonsgreenquilters@gmail.com

Fridays

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

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

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

Saturdays

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

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

Sundays

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

8am weekly Holy Communion.

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

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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July, 2019

21

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Bringing you a touch of magic ...

WHILE the weather might suggest otherwise, summer is here and that can mean only one thing … it’s nearly time for the annual Lyde Green Summer Sizzler!

Come on down to the common (in front of the Science Park) from 11am on Saturday July 13 for stalls, a fun dog show organised

by Emersons Green Vets, bands, performances from local groups and more.

Of course the Sizzler isn’t the only event we put on - the community centre received a very magical visit during half term when we welcomed over 70 children and their adults to join us for brunch with Cinderella herself. With plenty

of colouring and cake, as well as themed food provided by our in-house cafe, Coffee at Lyde, the children enjoyed individual chats with the Princess, a chance to have their photo taken and a sing along.

Cinderella even gave each guest a special bracelet to take home. The event was enjoyed by everyone and we really thank Dazzling Damsels for creating such a special morning. We hope to put on more of these special sessions so do keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements.

Cinderella has also worked her magic and sent us help to spruce up the planting on School Square!

She may have had a little help from resident Paul Flower who has done an excellent job refreshing the planters. The flowers were kindly funded by Kitto Construction Ltd, the contractors building the new nursery in Lyde Green, and the LGCA purchased some watering cans for the Eco Team at Lyde Green Primary School who are going to help us all

look after them. Alongside the work we’ve been doing, the Lyde Green Open Spaces Group are hoping to complete more gardening projects around Lyde Green so please do get in touch with them if you have green fingers.

As always, we couldn’t put on all of these brilliant events without help from our staff, trustees and volunteers. If you’d like to help make Lyde Green a great place to live and visit then now’s your chance!

We’re currently looking for a new treasurer (voluntary) but are also recruiting paid weekend staff at the Community Centre. if you’re interested in getting involved then we’d love to hear from you. There’s no requirement to live in Lyde Green. Please get in touch at partnership@lydegreenca.org (or via Facebook) and we can arrange to meet for a coffee and a chat and send you further information. Go on – you know you want to!

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22

July, 2019

n OUT & ABOUT FEATURE

Climate action at We The Curious IT’S all about action to limit climate change at Bristol’s science centre this summer, with a packed programme of workshops, storytelling, poetry and art activities exploring how we can protect our precious home.

Families can be transported to some of our planet's most breath-taking but at-risk habitats in augmented reality experience REWILD Our Planet, create fantastical machines to harness renewable energy in the Tinkering Space and take their taste buds on a journey to discover the stories

behind some of our favourite foods in the Kitchen.

Artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent continue their quest to build a Martian house in The Box gallery, prompting conversations about how we can live more sustainably in the here and now, and various dates in August, poetry trailblazers Apples and Snakes will be inspiring visitors of all ages with some adventures in spoken word.

The full summer programme begins 24 July. Visit wethecurious. org for more information, details of Planetarium shows and to book tickets. Open daily from 10am to 6pm during Bristol school holidays.

Set sail for the Summer Spectacular at Brunel's SS Great Britain!

Set sail with Brunel’s SS Great Britain this summer to catch breath-taking performances from The Invisible Circus, every day from Saturday 20th July to Sunday 1st September.

Witness exhilarating stunts and aerial displays as performers

fling themselves from the rigging and passengers juggle luggage, telling the story of life-changing voyages on board the world’s first great ocean liner. For the entire holiday, The Invisible Circus will commandeer Brunel's SS Great Britain, taking over the historic dockyard. With five shows a day (11am - 3pm), the Summer Spectacular will bring the ship to life like never before.

Spanning a breath-taking spectrum of performers, spectacles, stagecraft, storytelling and dreamscapes, The Invisible Circus have produced shows everywhere from regency theatres,

festivals and circus big tops to old fire stations and industrial facilities.

During summer, while exploring one of the most important ships in the world, families can meet Mr. Brunel, get up close to objects from the archive and for those who are brave enough, climb the rigging 15 metres above the deck with Go Aloft!

Tickets to Brunel’s SS Great Britain cost £17 per adult, £10 per child (5-16 years old) and under 4s go free - buy online for a 5% discount. Tickets are valid for unlimited return visits for 12 months.

we the curious Climate action

What if we could rewild our planet?

Experiment, play, get involved.

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

wethecurious.org Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

July, 2019

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23

n OUT & ABOUT FEATURE A Stone Age Summer at Cheddar Gorge & Caves EXPERIENCE the Stone Age for yourself from 20th July to 1st September in the prehistoric landscape of Cheddar Gorge & Caves.

Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and learn about Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest, most complete skeleton was discovered in Gough’s Cave.

Watch the story of early man unfold with the caves walls as a canvas for the multimedia experience Dreamhunters at Cox’s Cave.

Get into the cave man spirit with Stone Age dress-up, make your own thumb clay pot and brass rubbings of prehistoric creatures such as the woolly mammoth.

Visit the Museum of Prehistory to view artefacts discovered in the Cheddar area, meet a huntergatherer in the Museum's Garden and see demonstrations and much more. All of this is included with your Day Ticket. Book online and save up to 15%.

A Stone Age Summer 20th July to 1st September Experience the Stone Age for yourself and meet a hunter-gatherer to learn how your ancestors lived thousands of years ago with live demonstrations. Get into the spirit of things with prehistoric dress-up and create thumb clay pots.

Included with your Day Ticket Book online and save up to 15% To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September Catch Bristol’s greatest show as The Invisible Circus take over Brunel’s famous ship, with amazing acrobatics and jaw-dropping feats.

Plan your day and save on tickets at ssgreatbritain.org/summer Supported by:

emersonsgreenvoice

26

July, 2019

n PETER'S VISION

UV: friend or foe?

I WRITE this hoping we have returned to the warm, sunny weather we all look forward to at this time of year! Whether you enjoy a BBQ, playing sports or just being outside, UV light is something we all need to consider protecting ourselves from in one way or another.

Is it all bad though? Well as someone who loves his sunglasses, I’m always happy when I can pop a pair on and jump on my bike for a ride or play in the park with our three amazing children. I suppose like so many things, in moderation it can be a good thing. Did you know that UV helps some animals see the detail they need? Flowers can have line markings that are seen in UV light that help bees find the nectar - how amazing is that! UV light also helps some skin

conditions and in moderation is needed by our bodies to produce vitamin D as well as helping improve our mood.

Too much UV can also be a bad thing. Skin cancer’s the big one to avoid, but too much UV can cause blurred vision and burning of the eyes commonly called ‘snow blindness’ but also known as ‘bake eyes’ and ‘sand man’s eyes’.

Hopefully you’ll all protect your eye to avoid this painful condition!

Our human eyes (now I’m assuming here that all of us reading this are human) block a lot of the UV that enters our eyes in the lens at the front of our eyes. Please don’t read this as a reason not to need UV protection sunglasses. When our human lens blocks UV and protects the back of our eyes it slowly, but surely causes lens changes called cataracts. This

is just one of the reasons why all us eye professionals make no apologies for beating on (and on and on…) about the need to wear UV protection sunglasses. It’s all about you & protecting your eyes!

New for 2019 you can now choose from the amazing Love Island Sunglasses, which we have in stock and are Polaroid for clear comfortable vision as well as full UV protection for your eyes.

As for me, well this year I’m still loving wearing my Ray-Ban’s - a “linear metal, Caravan inspired, contemporary classic for true connoisseurs of style”. I kid you not, this is genuinely how they’re described on the official Ray-Ban website. I should just add that the inspiration is the Ray-Ban Caravan frame, not an actual caravan! Anyhow having enjoyed these sunnies since the end of last

summer, I've only recently read the official description in full, which I now may just quote to all who’ll listen!

You & your family are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care, glasses & UV protecting sunglasses. To arrange an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434.

Appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol who also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital and may even be a “true connoisseur of style”!

News: contact us at: news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

The team at Turners

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

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July, 2019

27

n NEWS

Park out of action for summer holidays CHILDREN are facing a summer without the use of a play park which was set on fire.

South Gloucestershire Council says it has yet to find funding to repair the slide and safety matting at Springfield Park in Mangotsfield, damaged in the incident on April 30.

A spokesman confirmed the initial estimate of £30,000 to repair the damage, caused when a flammable liquid was poured on to the safety matting and set on fire by a teenage boy.

The spokesman said: “We’re still exploring options in terms of how we will fund the repairs and replacement. Work can’t start until the money has been found.

Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to say this will be in time for the summer holidays.”

The Voice understands a meeting to update residents and explore funding options will be held later in July. Councillors, including Rachael Hunt and

Michael Bell, are working with residents and park users to reform a committee to manage the park. Among their priorities will be any measures that could reduce the chances of another arson attack happening.

A 14-year-old boy has admitted starting the fire.

Police have confirmed that the boy, from Emersons Green, has been referred to a youth panel for a decision on how he will be dealt with. Three other children interviewed – a 14-yearold boy and girls aged 13 and 14 – will face no further action.

Sergeant Stuart Cumine said: “This irresponsible behaviour has destroyed play equipment used by local children. The incident also put unnecessary extra pressure on the emergency services.“However this young man has done the right thing by taking responsibility for his actions. He has shown remorse and is keen to make amends.”

n PUPILS at Barley Close Primary School organised a cake sale to raise money towards restoring the play area.

Their home-made cakes were snapped up by the school community and they raised £50 towards the cause.

Head teacher Jo Williams said: “The children of Barley Close were really sad to hear the news that their beloved park, Springfield, had been destroyed by fire.”

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

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28

n VETS’open ADVICE We’re 7 days a week!

Summer hazards for your pets

HERE inside are some summer-friendly tips to keep ind us Pets at Home your pets healthy and safe during the summer:

Your Vet and Practice Owner: Carla Puime Costoya MRCVS

• HEAT STROKE: Avoid walking your dogs in the heat of the day, especially if it is a very hot day! Although it might seem nice to be out and about heat stroke can be fatal in dogs so Inside Pets at Home, please beware! Take extra care if your dog is fluffyRetail or a shorter dog (like a Bulldog, mersonsvery Green Park,nosed Emerson Way, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE Frenchie or Pug for example) as these dogs find of all us: it harder to keep cool in the heat. orSymptoms visit: vets4pets.com/bristol-emersons-green heat stroke include: Collapse, fainting, very dark urine, extreme panting and unresponsiveness. pen 7 days a week: 8.30am - 7pm Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat, 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun • ADDER BITES: Adders are the only venomous snakes in the UK. They live in grassy areas and woodlands commonly. When bitten animals can develop severe swelling and pain to the area Adder bite (commonly the legs), which can lead to tissue death! If you suspect or see an adder bite please let us know ASAP as there is an antidote but it must be given quickly! with lots of algae. Area with lots of algae are • BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Most commonly usually signposted as well so please look out! encountered in stagnant water sources (ponds, • SLUG BAIT & RAT POISON: These can cause lakes etc) this algae is very toxic to dogs a variety of signs including bleeding, bruising, and cats; sighs include vomiting/diarrhoea, vomiting/diarrhoea, tremors, seizures and coma. salivation, anaemia, jaundice, seizures, and If you suspect or see your pet eat these let us coma! Please avoid letting your dogs swim or know immediately! lick open water sources that look very green

ets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

July, 2019

• LILLIES: These flowers are very toxic to cats and can cause irreversible kidney failure – do not keep lilies ever if you have a cat!

If you suspect your pet has eaten anything poisonous please call Bristol Emersons Green practice immediately on 0117 910 9352 .

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

CHARITY DOG SHOW

Saturday 13th July 11am-4pm

Part of Lyde Green’s Summer Sizzler 2019

Most Handsome Dog 12 noon Prettiest Bitch 12.15pm Waggiest Tail

12.30pm

Best Rescue

12.45pm

Best Puppy

1pm

Best Fancy Dress 1.15pm Junior Handler

1.30pm

Best Senior Dog 1.45pm Best in Show

2pm

£1 per entry, or 3 for £2. Pay on the day.

Raising money for Bristol Rabbit Rescue & Friends.

Everyone welcome!

Vets4Pets Bristol Emersons Green

Inside Pets at Home, Emersons Green Retail Park, 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 Green Press ad 120x180 MAY 2019.indd 1 ToEmersons advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

12:09 Got News? Call Jayne On 15/05/2019 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

29

n MANGOTSFIELD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Thanks for supporting the Mangotsfield Festival THE Mangotsfield Festival Committee would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who came along to support the festival on Saturday June 8. We were lucky with the weather – well, apart from a stiff breeze which caused a couple of tents to take off, including the scouts, which is a bit embarrassing! The feedback we had at the gate on the way out was generally positive and it felt more like a family event – which is what the committee are striving to return it to being.

We welcomed back much-loved regulars such as Del Boy, Circus Skills, the dog show, the procession, the scout burger emporium, wood carvers and, of course, our local primary schools.

We welcomed some new faces, particularly new dance groups who impressed all that watched them.

The day finished with four excellent bands, the Decade Dolls, Insurgent – a band from Mangotsfield School who managed to overcome their nerves – and 52nd State, all topped off with the return of Nuttyness, a Madness tribute who managed to get many, many people up on their feet.

So, while overall the day went well, we know it was quieter than previous years and we know

we didn’t please everyone: comments around admission price, entry policy and “samey” will be taken to heart by the committee, as there is always room for improvement. We will also be talking to other groups and organisations about how we involve or re-involve more local groups to make it better for everyone. We’d love to hear what you think, both good and bad, so please get in touch by email to yourviews@ mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.

The festival is grateful for the support it receives from South Gloucestershire Council,

Emersons Green Town Council and a number of local businesses who sponsor us or donate their services. Without them the Festival could not happen.

Did you know that, subject to available funds, the festival awards grants to local voluntary organisations to support their work in the community? In 2018, we helped fund a number of local groups – photos are on our website – and we have already supported local and charity groups in 2019. Anyone is welcome to apply, please see the community award section of the mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk website for more information.

And finally! Putting the festival on in its current format is a pretty big job. It is organised and run by a small, dedicated team of volunteers. We need more help, either to get involved in the organisation and planning throughout the year or on the day itself. The more people involved, the more we can do, the better it will be. If you are interested, then please get in touch by emailing committee@ mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.

Chris Amos

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Nominate staff who make a difference

N

OMINATIONS are open for Sirona Care & Health's annual Awards for Excellence – and your help is needed.

Sirona is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing high-quality NHS and local authority-funded community health and care services across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset. It was founded on October 1, 2011, and holds an annual ceremony to recognise the achievements of staff close to its birthday each year.

Sirona chairman Simon Knighton, pictured, said: "We have always said our staff are the most important part of Sirona and recognising their achievements is really close to my heart.

“From the thousands of compliments and letters which we receive each year from people in the communities we serve, we know our staff deliver high quality services, day in, day out.

“They all give care as they would want for their own loved one, which is part of our Taking it Personally ethos.

"While the majority of award categories are for internal nominations, we have one called ‘I think they deserve it’ and we are looking for the public's help to find a winner or winners.

“We want to hear about the person who brightened up your day because of their welcoming smile or who made a difference to your care in the way they tailored the service to suit you or something else.

“Last year, we had so many nominations we gave two awards, with the Hanham district nursing team scooping one and the staff at our extra care facility at St John's Court in Bath the other. People told us about the hard work and dedication of both teams, with the nurses described by one individual as her ‘safety net’, while the team at St John's were praised for making a difference to a tenant's life by encouraging her independence.”

If you want to nominate someone, please send details to communications@sirona-cic. org.uk by August 1. Please include as much information about the person you are nominating as possible and include your details too.

Registered office: Sirona care & health CIC, 2nd Floor, Kingswood Civic Centre, High Street Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9TR. Company Number 07585003

Join our team We look after adults and children at home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care.

We are NHS and Local Authority funded with hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and non-clinical.

Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team.

We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles.

Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here www.sironacic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you

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July, 2019

31

n NEWS

SCARECROW hunters sought out favourite characters from children’s TV across Emersons Green.

This year’s scarecrow trail was the fourth organised by Emersons Green Village Hall and was described as “another roaring success”.

A total of 29 scarecrows were entered on the theme of children’s TV characters and trail hunters voted for their favourites, with prizes sponsored by local businesses.

In first place was a scarecrow version of

Thomas the Tank Engine, followed by the Simpsons, with Scooby Doo and Bugs Bunny in joint third place.

A spokesperson for the village hall said: “The standard of scarecrows rises each year and feedback was very positive about the scarecrows displayed and the amount of effort that went into making one.”

A total of 163 families participated by following and completing the trail sheet map, despite a downpour on on of the days.

A fifth trail is planned next year.

Vandals strike VILLAGERS are rallying round after another wave of vandal attacks on the allotments in Pucklechurch.

Sheds were set alight and plots wrecked in the latest attack on the site alongside the M4.

Allotment holders estimate the damage at £5,000. An fundraising page has been set up on Facebook and local people have offered to help clear up.

Party Packages from £449* We also cater for weddings, wakes, christenings and conferences.

*Based on a 6 piece buffet for 100 people Easily accessible, stunning location with a large free car park 2 Miles from Westerleigh along the Codrington road Competitive drink prices, Thatchers Gold £3.50 More info on our website www.theplayersgolfclub.com Contact our events co-ordinator Hayley on 01454 313029 Opt 4 or email Hayley@theplayersgolfclub.com

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32

n NEWS

emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019

Education Secretary visits Blackhorse Damian Hinds with headteacher Simon Botten at Blackhorse Primary.

Above, children demonstrated their skills in fencing and playing musical instruments

EDUCATION Secretary Damian Hinds was in for a treat when he made his 100th school visit since taking on the role.

Blackhorse Primary in Emersons Green welcomed Mr Hinds with a demonstration of activities at its lunchtime clubs.

These ranged from performances of numbers from their recent successful production of Mary Poppins Junior to a fencing display and a recital from the newly-formed orchestra. Children and staff told him about the school’s link with a school in Uganda and provided him with a treat from the healthy tuck shop.

The Education Secretary also found time to pop into the dining hall and wish a happy 60th birthday to the school’s cook of 20 years Bev Hawkins, as well as talking to the headteacher Simon Botten and school business leader Debbie Beazer.

Pupils who met Mr Hinds told him how sports and other extracurricular activities had helped them build confidence, learn skills and make friends.

After the visit, Mr Hinds

said: “I was delighted to visit Blackhorse Primary in South Gloucestershire – my 100th visit since taking the role of Education Secretary.In particular, it was great to see how the school is building the character and resilience of its pupils by offering a range of extra-curricular activities including choir, orchestra, fencing, and the running club. Activities of this kind stretch and challenge young people and help them to enhance their self-esteem and confidence.

“I've had the privilege of visiting multiple schools and colleges across the country, and have been repeatedly struck by the hard work, care, and imagination shown by teachers.”

Campaigners from Fair Funding for All Schools South Gloucestershire and South Glos SEND Crisis staged a peaceful demonstration outside the school before the visit and Mr Hinds offered to meet them afterwards.

Members outlined to him the budget squeeze facing schools in the district, which is the lowest funded local authority in the country.

Mon - Wed 9-5.30 | Thursday 9-8 Friday 9-6 | Saturday 9-4 earlier appointments on request

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n NEWS

Three cheers for us! Sports team shines on world stage A LOCAL team are celebrating international success at the World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Predator Athletics Cheer has over 150 athletes of all ages and abilities, many of whom live in Emersons Green, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and the surrounding areas. As well as cheer for fun classes, the team attracts competitive athletes from all over Bristol and the South West.

Anacondas, the squad’s senior level 5 team, took to the world stage in the International Open Small Co-ed Level 5 Division to represent their country and compete against 47 teams from all over the world.

Their outstanding performance secured them a well-deserved place in the final at Disney’s ESPN World of Sports Complex challenging the likes of Top Gun Athletics (USA) and other world-leading cheer programmes for the top spot.

The standard was incredibly high, and their hard work paid off, as they held their own and made their mark on the world stage ending an impressive 13th place in finals.

In addition, their Junior level 2 team, Pumas, won the coveted first place trophy at the COA Ultimate Championships in the International Division, fending off the competition with two flawless performances and receiving outstanding praise from the judges. The athletes,

aged between 10 and 16, trained hard to perfect their routine, including the opportunity to practise at the world-renowned Top Gun Athletics gym.

Becky Hopton, head coach, said: “We are so proud of our athletes’ achievement. The work and dedication needed to reach this level of cheerleading is phenomenal and to be given an opportunity to compete at this prestigious event is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career.

“Anacondas represented the programme outstandingly at worlds 2019 and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this team!”

On their return to the UK, the athletes showed their commitment by heading straight back into the gym in the Greenway Centre in Southmead to practise for their next national competition in July, together with their recent qualifying bid in Nottingham, which will see them return to compete at next year’s World Championship.

Becky added: “Cheerleading is a sport with growing popularity, with nearly 4.5 million registered athletes worldwide in over 79 countries. Gone are the days when it was synonymous with pompoms and US teen shows; it is now considered to be a serious sport, recently receiving provisional recognition as an Olympic sport.”

If any residents would like to get involved with Predator Athletics, please contact

Predator Athletics Cheer Anacondas

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July, 2019

n AROUND THE WIs DOWNEND WI

AT our May meeting we were joined by Jane from Christians Against Poverty, who talked about the work they do with their foodbank and how they support people to get out of debt. It was a very thought-provoking session, when you realise it only takes a couple of months with no pay to cause a serious problem to many people. Our members were very generous and gave donations of food, toiletries and sanitary products, as per the photo, so a big thank you to them.

Our next meeting is on June 25, which will be a relaxing evening of yoga run by one of our members, Clair McGill. This session will be suitable for all ages and abilities. If you would like to join us and have your own exercise mat, we would be grateful if you could bring it with you.

July’s meeting looks to be a fascinating one. Who would have believed it is over 4 years since Frenchay Hospital closed its doors?

We are being joined by Alan Freke, from Frenchay Museum who will talk to us about Frenchay Hospital’s Hidden History.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday June 25 at 7.30pm in Christ Church Hall, North Road, Downend. If you want to come along and see what we are about, please feel free to join us. You can have tea, coffee and cake together with the chance to win a lovely prize in our raffle.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact me by email at downendwi@yahoo. co.uk Julie, Secretary

would we be?) Thank you for all your hard work.

Once our members were seated with hot drinks and cake, Cheryl “kicked off”. (My oblique reference to the England Ladies World Cup Squad whose endeavours really could result in “Football Coming Home” this time? C’mon the Girls!)

Cheryl dealt with the formalities with aplomb, helped by her usual long list of things to mention.

BHWI’s Tombola Trio, Liza, Ruth and Anne, are planning our tombola stall for Heathfest on Saturday July 6, and members were asked to donate a suitable prize for our stall. On the big day, please come over and buy some tombola tickets and help us raise funds for Headway Bristol – the brain injuries charity – and maybe win a prize?

Kim Morgan, (our first Denman Bursary recipient) happily confided that in September she was off to Denman to enjoy her chosen Italian cookery course. I think she may have spotted an opening now that Jamie’s has gone bust??

Our June speaker was Roger Angerson, a local historian connected with Frenchay Museum, who took us back to the 1700’s, when Bristol Merchant Richard Chamberlain and a Quaker clergyman and pharmacist called William Cookworthy worked to establish the Bristol Porcelain Company. Roger followed up with a slide show, showed us how to identify Bristol Porcelain hallmarks and confirmed that Frenchay Museum has a good collection of these on display. From now on I’m sure that we’ll all be checking the hallmarks on any delicate china gifted by elderly relatives long before we consider parting company with it?

The meeting closed with thanks to both Roger and all members who had generously donated to the food bank and Resound’s Holiday Hunger scheme this month.

On Thursday July 11 it’s our Fizz Bang Quiz. Frankly, after a glass of Prosecco, the only question I can answer correctly is “What’s your name?” Bring it on!

Margaret Hanwell

BROMLEY HEATH WI

MANGOTSFIELD WI

I ARRIVED early to our last meeting to find our committee ladies there setting up tables, laying out chairs, refreshment facilities and all the usual paraphernalia. (Like seeing The Wombles in action – undertaking vital work that would largely go unnoticed until they stopped doing it, and then where

When it's party time we are very keen Just look at Norma Deane – all the cake she can get on one plate You can bet your life she wasn’t late We really had a super June birthday meeting Laughing, joking, signing and eating We always have a jolly good knees

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up The highlight was the Manor Cup So raise your glasses for many more to come With Carol at the helm it's never ending fun JULY brings us Pippa who will be introducing us to the concept of mindfulness practice. The benefits to regular mindfulness practice and making time for yourself bring huge benefits to everyday life.

Mindfulness can assist us cope with everyday stress and anxiety.

The evening will include simple practice and breathing awareness. Meditation and body scan exercises will be carried out and all activities are chair based.

Never underestimate the power or mindfulness, it can be as simple as doing your crochet or reading a book. We must invest more in our mental health and nourish our chi.

Our meetings start at 7.30pm and we do not charge for our visitors for the first two visits.

We have a broad range of ways to contact us, mangotsfieldwi@ gmail.com to email the team directly.

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

BEECHMERE BELLES: EMERSONS & LYDE WI THIS year just seems to be flying by: our members are starting to take their holidays and it’s been great to catch up with their adventures over a cuppa on their return. There are now so many places we all want to holiday in.

That is one of the nice things about being a member of a WI, meeting new people from different walks of life and getting to know them and their stories.

Beechmere Belles had a lovely evening planned for our May meeting but unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances our speaker was unable to attend.

Now don’t let it be said that our wonderful committee went into a panic, oh no, they rose to the occasion and with very short notice were able to secure us another brilliant craft evening, this time card making.

Kate from Kate’s Kards came

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with all her wonderful paper, pens, printing and embossing paraphernalia. Some of us coped with the ink printing better than others – I’ll leave you to guess on which side I fell.

We were able to make three greetings cards each, one embossed, one printed with popup pandas and one which involved beautifully-coloured papers cut and positioned to create a sunburst effect. I got so carried away I nearly forgot to eat my cake which, as usual, was lovely.

In our June meeting we have a speaker coming to talk to us about a local charity Paul’s Place, it is based in Coalpit Heath, and it helps to enhance the lives of disabled adults. Paul’s Place is the charity being supported by this year’s Heathfest in Bromley Heath, which is always a great day out for kids and grown-ups alike, so if you pop along, you can be sure that all money raised is going to a very deserving cause.

Over the coming weeks we have plenty to look forward to, including a trip to the Confetti Fields, which one of our committee visited last year and thoroughly enjoyed, a visit to the theatre and an evening of eating and drinking at a local establishment, which has been highly recommended.

Feed the Homeless Bristol will be visiting us in July to tell us of the very important work that they do to support the homeless in our city. I am sure it will be an eye opener for us all.

At the Beechmere Belles we have a cinema club for anybody that would like to see the latest release. Over the last couple of months we have seen Red Joan and Aladdin and there are plans for Rocketman.

We are very lucky to have a hard-working committee that strives to offer a variety of events, speakers and trips, and it won’t be long before the planning for next year’s meetings begin. Although I myself would like to track down a very handsome Canadian singer, guesses on the back of a postcard, for next year’s Christmas meeting, I know they will have something brilliant planned that we can all enjoy: they always do.

Beechmere Belles WI meets every fourth Thursday of the month at Emerson’s Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. Please come along grab a seat, grab a cup and join in – it would be lovely to see you.

Debs Saunders

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July, 2019

35

n CRAFT COLUMN

Wine Glass Marker With Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s With Summer (hopefully!) well and truly here and garden parties in full swing, why not create this fun wine marker so that your guests don’t lose track of their wine glass – you could create a set of them in different fruits. Have fun and enjoy those Summer parties!

You will need: One circle of felt measuring 1.5cms around, larger than the base of your wine glass One circle of felt measuring 1cm larger around than the previous circle Sewing machine Needle Fabric scissors Chalk Fabric Glue Dressmakers pins Other oddments of felt for decoration

CLEEVE SINGERS OF DOWNEND

2. Now, using a similar method, place your first circle onto your second circle (which will be your base colour) and draw around the first circle. Now using this line as a marker, draw a second line around this 1.5cms away. Cut around this line. You now have two circles, the second being slightly larger than the first.

3. Take the smaller circle and fold it in half, marking the half way line with pins. Now draw a line in chalk along this half way line.

6. Machine stitch in place and using a sewing needle tidy up your loose thread ends.

7. You are almost there! Now you can add embellishments or even the name or initial of the person who’s wine glass it will be. The marker also doubles up as a coaster so there’s no need to worry about any scratches to your lovely garden furniture!

THE Cleeve Singers are a club of Downend Folk House and meet every Wednesday at 7.30pm, at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend for getting on to 40 times a year.

We are quite a close-knit four-part choir, which has been running for over 30 years.

For a little social relief, we have an American supper, try different gourmet restaurants and occasionally the theatre.

Then there are the concerts, one in the summer and the ones at Christmas for a different charity each year.

We are constantly looking for new members to replace those who unfortunately find they are not able to continue for various reasons. If you should feel like joining this choir you can find us on the Cleeve Singers of Downend Facebook page or email the secretary on cleevesingers@gmail.co.uk Something different this Summer at Lincombe Barn at 7.30pm, July 6: The Cleeve Singers & Guests – Bristol Ukulele Jam

4. Now, leaving a 1cm border at each end so you are not completely cutting the circle in half, cut along this line.

1. Take the base of your wine glass and draw around it on your ‘inner’ circle of felt. Now that you have this circle as your guide, draw another circle around it which measures 1.5cms around from the distance of your first line. This will create a circle 1.5cms around larger than the base of your wine glass. Cut around the line you have just created.

5. Take your smaller circle and pin it to the larger circle of felt, ensuring there is an even ‘border’ of larger circle.

Got a story? Email news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

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n SPORT

Second season of success for Lyde Green veterans A LOCAL football team are celebrating after they were crowned winners of the Bristol Casuals League Division.

The Lyde Green Veterans football team was created by Lyde Green resident Craig Pellowe, who has played football for most of his life. When he moved to the area in November 2015, he recognised the potential to form a team and decided to set up one himself.

The Lyde Green Veterans team is part of the local veterans league and is aimed at men aged 35 and over, who have played football in the past and are now looking to balance playing and training alongside their other commitments. The team train and play matches at the Lyde Green Sports Ground, which officially opened in August 2018.

The team got their second season as a club under way in September 2018, following a successful first year together which saw them secure promotion from Division 5 to Division 3 of the Bristol Casuals League. The team got off to a strong start by winning their first cup match 5 -1 against Golden Hill, and also went on to beat Frenchay Legends 2-1 before losing narrowly 2-1 to North Bristol Colts. Their cup run continued shortly after with a 3-1 win

away to Classic XI before they were knocked out by eventual cup winners Wick.

Victories over Fishponds Legends (2-1) and Rangeworthy (10-1) saw the team celebrating at the end of 2018, and following a very hard fought 1-1 draw with LA Codgers at the start of 2019, several of the team’s matches were postponed due to poor weather and resulted in them not playing again until April when they beat Almondsbury 4-3. More wins over Real Madras (3-0) and Dynamos (8-1) followed, before the team headed to

Torquay for their end of season tour, where they believed they had finished second in the league overall. However, after Real Madras beat North Bristol in their final match, Lyde Green Veterans was subsequently crowned Division 3 Champions.

Speaking of the success of the team to date, gaffer Craig says: “It’s been another amazing season for this team and we now await to learn whether we’ll be competing in Division 2 or whether the league may push us up even higher to the top league. Either way, the side are looking to be stronger and well prepared to go again in the new season.

“Our team criteria is for Lyde Green residents aged 35+. I welcome any residents of any ability to join the Lyde Green Veterans FC Facebook Group to keep up to date with all team activities. We are on the lookout for new talented players but please note the club is not all about match days, with the social elements and friendships becoming much more important to us.”

If you’d like to find out more about joining the team, you can either contact Craig directly by emailing pellowe1982@hotmail. com or get in touch with him via the Lyde Green Veterans Facebook page.

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

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July, 2019

emersonsgreenvoice

37

n SPORT

Cleve Colts on the lookout for players CLEVE Rugby Club are looking for new players to join their Colts side.

The club, based at the Hayfields in Mangotsfield, is looking for players of all abilities aged 16, 17 or 18 to join the side next season.

Cleve has three senior sides, a thriving minis and junior section, which includes age groups from under 6 to under 18s, and is also working to establish a women's side.

The club is always looking for new players from young beginners to first team seniors to take advantage of the facilities and coaching on offer at the Hayfields.

Director of rugby David Partington said: "Success is measured in many different ways for junior rugby players and we are equally proud of every product of our club.

“In recent years we have had Ryan Davis, Chris Brooker, Redford Pennycook, Chevvy Pennycook, James Phillips, Jack Tovey, Harry Casson, Will Davis and Ryan Roach all go on to sign for professional clubs.

“Our senior squad is heavily populated by players who have started

their rugby careers as juniors at the club, and countless other players have gone on to enjoy rugby as members of other teams.

“We are looking to recruit Colts this season and want to be able to fulfil the ambitions of all players.

"We can offer the opportunity to progress to senior rugby, or simply enjoying being part of a team in the here and now.

“Rugby can be a superb sport in the development of young men, through discipline and teamwork, but most importantly we can offer enjoyment within a fantastic facility for 16 and 17 year olds and beyond.

“Cleve are an inclusive and friendly club, and we are always looking for new players and members to join us. Any new player, regardless of background, experience and ability are all very welcome from age 5 and upwards.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the colts should contact Gary Powell on 07487 544440 or Jason Beese on 07881 886059.

Walking tennis has arrived!

A NEW version of tennis is being launched in the Bristol area to help more people play the game.

Walking tennis is being developed by tennis coach Pete Coniglio and Helen Abbott, the Bristol Open Court lead for the Lawn Tennis Association.

Other walking sports have taken off nationally, and Pete and Helen are working to promote and develop the game, training coaches and leaders to deliver sessions.

Walking tennis is a slowed down version of the sport, with the same rules except for allowing a double bounce before a ball is returned and using slower balls, which makes it easier to play than the traditional game.

Among the clubs where the game is played is Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club in Common Mead Lane, Hambrook.

Ellie can be found online at walkingtennis.org.

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emersonsgreenvoice

July, 2019 GUTTER CLEANING

PLUMBING

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558

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

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

Based in Downend, Bristol

HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE

957 5092

PLUMBING

Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On-average Average cheaper than a skip.

On cheaper than aa skip.

OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003

JJ PLUMBING BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS

39 PAINTING & DECORATING

South Gloss Decorating Painters & Decorators

Interior and Exterior

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

TILING

NEED A TILER?

Contact Steve on 07557 997 150 sdb.bandm@gmail.com for a free quotation

1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89

MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474

Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179

www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk

Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

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

25+ years experience

For examples of my work please go to:

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

www.sdb-bandm.co.uk

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

PLUMBING TREE SURGERY 24 Hgency

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aspects of garden and Orders tree work...

•Felling Site Clearance • Coppicing • TPO ••Site Clearance • Bird & Bat Surveys • Coppicing • TPO Orders • Pruning • Lawn Management •• Felling Garden Clearance • Pruning • Lawn Management Hedge Trimming • Felling & Bat Surveys Trimming & Bat Surveys Some of• Bird the• Bird services we offer:•••Hedge Tree Reports • Stump Grinding •• Pruning Tree Planting • Tree Reports • Stump Grinding• Pruning ••Garden Garden Clearance • Lawn Management • Lawn Management Contact us Today for aClearance FREE NOClearance OBLIGAT • Site • Coppicing • TPO Orders ••Tree Planting • Tree Reports • Stump Grinding Tree Planting • Tree Reports • Stump Grinding Contact us •Today for aTrimming FREE NO OB Hedge • Felling • Bird & Bat Surveys Contact us Today for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE us Today for a• FREE NOManagement OBLIGATION QUOTE • Garden Clearanc •Contact Pruning Lawn bristoltree 382 5463QUOTE - 07985 285157 bri Contact us Today for a FREE 0117 NO OBLIGATION • twitter Tree Planting br • Tree find us on facebook and • Stump Grinding bristoltreedoc@gmail.com find-Reports us on facebook and twitter 382 5463 07985 285157 bristoltreedoc@gmail.com 0117 382 5463 - 07985 2851570117 bristoltreedoc@gmail.com ...and see our feedback ...andandsee our feedback bristoltreedoc@gmail.com find us on twitter - facebook 07985 285157 on facebook and twitter 0117 382 5463 bristoltreeservices.co.uk ...and see our feedback find us on facebook find bristoltreeservices.co.uk andussee twitter ...and our feedback Contact find us on facebook and twitter us Today for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

PLUMBING & HEATING

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

Contact us Today for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE * TAPS, WASHERS 0117 382 5463 - 07985 285157 * BALL 0117 382 5463VALVES - 07985 285157 bristolt * LEAKS, WASTES bristoltreeservices.co.uk ...and see our feedback bristoltreeservices.co.uk ...and see our feedback * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS 0117 382 5463 - 07985 285157 bristoltreedoc@gmail.co WI-FI find us on facebook and twitter bristoltreeservice ...and see our feedback * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES

Poor WiFi Signals Solved Fixed Price Solutions Full Home Coverage OAP Discounts

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

TEL: 07765 250816

0117 967 9028 www.thewifiman.co.uk

56746

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579