Emersons Green Voice September 2024

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Sprint sensation

Delays

‘are failing our children’

PARENTS have condemned South Gloucestershire Council for "failing" children in Lyde Green.

A four-year delay in building the estate's new secondary school means that once again, families on the estate are preparing to apply for secondary school places this month, with no idea where their children will actually be offered a place next year.

Parents say they have been met with a “wall

of silence” from the council, and have called for places to be allocated at specific secondary schools for Lyde Green children.

The council admits the delays have been "absolutely shameful" - but says it cannot reserve places for children from the estate because of a legal duty to be "fair and equitable".

Turn to Page 3

Little Jade is a born survivor

Jade Giltrow, pictured with brother Connor, who was born weighing 14oz, is now a year old and her grateful mum Gemma is set to make a skydive to thank the hospital that saved her.

PAGE 7

Outcry over new housing target

Government targets that would mean 30 per cent more housebuilding than currently planned would be disastrous for South Gloucestershire’s green spaces, critics say.

PAGE 4

Call

this a service charge?

Residents of flats in Lyde Green are calling for their money back after paying for shared services that they say are not being delivered.

PAGE 15

Emersons Green teenager Isabelle Walkey has become the England national under-17 women’s 100m champion. Full story: Page 26

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DEADLINES

Our October edition deadline is September 11.

LOCAL INFORMATION

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

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111

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

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

Arrest after van crash

A DRIVER was arrested after a van crashed into the side of Lyde Green's Sainsbury's Local store.

Emergency services were called to Willowherb Road shortly after 1.30pm on August 16. Witnesses said two people from the van were injured, with one being helped from the van by passers-by and another being taken away on a stretcher by paramedics.

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

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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

COMPLAINTS

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

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

A member of the

An air ambulance landed in a nearby field so specialists could treat the casualties. A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said a double-crewed land ambulance and an operations officer was also sent to the scene.

The spokesperson said: "We conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Southmead Hospital."

A shopper in the Sainsbury’s Local store reported hearing a “horrific” bang as the van collied with the building.

Willowherb Road was closed between the Thistle Close and Newlands Lane junctions as police investigated. A police spokesperson said a man in his 30s had been arrested and reported for summons to court for failing to provide a breath specimen to officers.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said, “Our Lyde Green temporarily closed for a few hours on Friday while emergency services attended an incident. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

Bridge demolition delayed

NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 will be demolished.

The government agency says the 1966-built bridge next to the Wick Wick roundabout, which was condemned last year after engineers found "structural failures" during a routine inspection, will not now be removed until next March.

It says this is because the amount of time needed for construction of the new bridge has been reduced, which means the old one can stay open to pedestrians and cyclists for longer.

The bridge was originally due to be removed during the summer or autumn of this year.

National Highways said: "We’re continuing to work with utility providers and other authorities to ensure services can be moved prior to demolition of the bridge. This work is due to start in October.

"We’ve reduced the amount of time needed for construction, meaning we’re able to continue to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use the bridge until we start preparing for demolition."

The bridge was being used by about 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July last year, severing the A432 between Yate and the Avon Ring Road.

Workers have been clearing vegetation next to the bridge and building a temporary compound. The M4 will be closed overnight on September 12 between Hambrook and Tormarton as part of the work.

The replacement bridge is scheduled to open in early 2026.

The road was sealed off after the collision Picture: Katrina Al-Hassan

‘Our children are

important.

They’re not

just

numbers on a spreadsheet, they are kids with hopes and dreams’

From Page 1

The 900-place Lyde Green Secondary School in Honeysuckle Road was given the go-ahead in 2021, along with a second 420-pupil primary school, after years of waiting for government approval and funding.

It was originally intended to be ready in time to welcome its first pupils in 2022 but the date has been repeatedly pushed back, and it is now not due to open until September 2026.

Families of primary school children now going into Year 6 told a council meeting in July they are in limbo because they don't know which schools to visit and apply for.

Ross Harkins, who has a 10-year-old son, said: “I’m here to highlight the failings for a cohort of children whose needs haven’t been met and in fact might never be met.

"We can make choices of Downend, Mangotsfield, Chipping Sodbury, but the cold, harsh reality might actually be that they are just a myth, that we will get what we are given and will have to be happy with it, and that is not really fair."

Mr Harkins said his family and others had visited Chipping Sodbury School, but there was no point in applying together and thinking about transport arrangements because "there is no guarantee that we could all get into that school".

He told councillors: "Any plans that parents make to tryto

Council co-leader Ian Boulton: ‘Families are facing agonising choices due to the lack of school places ... I am genuinely sorry about that”

get our children to school are not worth the paper they’re written on because we do not know where we’re going to get, we do not know what schools are available and we cannot make any plans without any clear messaging and communication from yourselves. And at the moment – I hate to say it – there is a wall of silence."

Mr Harkins asked if places could be allocated at specific schools for Lyde Green children.

He said: “These children have been failed, and we need to look at decisions and ideas outside the box.

“The children are important.

“They’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they are kids with hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties, and it’s your

responsibility to do something about it.”

Another parent, Amy Johnson, said parents were in an "impossible situation" of not being able to rely on receiving even one of their three choices of school.

She said: "It looks unlikely that we might get any choices and that means we don’t necessarily know which schools to look at."

She said siblings faced the prospect of ending up at different schools.

Ms Johnson said children from the estate going into Years 6 and 7 "have essentially been forgotten", adding: "It’s the overall well-being of our children that’s important, it’s not just will they get a decent education, it’s will they be comfortable, will they be anxious, will they turn up at senior school with no friends whatsoever because they’ve been allocated a random place.”

Council co-leader and cabinet member for schools Ian Boulton said the delays were “absolutely shameful”, and blamed the previous Conservative administration.

He said: “Many families face agonising choices due to the lack of school places in the Lyde Green, Emersons Green and Downend area.

“The situation is primarily caused by the failure to build the schools required in Lyde Green in a timely way to meet the needs of this emerging community.

“Since we formed the council

administration last year, virtually from a standing start the project to build the two overdue schools for Lyde Green is now well under way.

“Our efforts will undoubtedly address the current problems for families in the future, however I accept our work cannot possibly provide much comfort for the situation families continue to face here and now and I am genuinely sorry about that.”

A council spokesperson said the authority would "do everything in our power" to ensure the new schools would open in September 2026, with the secondary school offering 180 places for pupils who are now going into Year 5.

The spokesperson said that in the meantime, efforts to secure an extra 180 places at other local schools meant 94% of parents were able to secure a place for their child at one of their three preferred schools.

But he said: “A specific number of places cannot be allocated for residents of the Lyde Green community as the admissions process must be conducted in a way which is legally compliant with the statutory admission code so that allocation of places is fair and equitable to all parents.

"We recognise that the delays to the project have and continue to cause some concerns for local families."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Housing targets set for 30% rise

NEW planning targets that will force a 30% rise in housebuilding in South Gloucestershire are a "fairytale" and an “attack on green spaces”, critics say.

The new Labour government has announced what it calls “radical” changes to how many new homes it thinks each local authority should be required to find land for.

In South Gloucestershire it means an increase from 1,317 at present to 1,717 new homes every year over the next 15 years – a total of 6,000 more than currently planned.

Other authorities have also been told to allocate more land for housing, but Bristol’s target, like many urban areas, will fall by 10%, from 3,378 to 3,057 a year.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which underpins the planning system, in the House of Commons on July 30.

The reforms, subject to eight weeks of consultation, change the method used to calculate how many homes should be built in each area, with targets increased depending on how much higher property prices are than earnings.

Some existing greenbelt land deemed to be low quality, such as disused petrol stations and car parks, will be redesignated “grey belt”, with less protection from development.

In South Gloucestershire, opposition Conservative councillors say the changes come on top of proposed increases in housing on greenbelt sites in the

current Local Plan, which is in its latest stage of consultation, including "large swathes" of land near Shortwood and north of Lyde Green.

Tory group leader Sam Bromiley said: "These new rules are yet another attack on South Gloucestershire’s precious green spaces and we will continue to fight them every step of the way.

“Reclassifying greenbelt land as ‘grey belt’ in order to force developments through while ordering South Gloucestershire to take ever increasing amounts of housing, all while completely dismissing the views of local people, is, quite simply, an appalling way for a government to behave."

Former council leader Claire Young, who is now Thornbury & Yate's MP and remains a Liberal Democrat ward councillor in Frampton Cotterell, branded the proposals a “fairytale”.

She said: “I know how important it is that we see houses built – especially smaller, more affordable homes that young people and new families can afford to buy or rent.

“But seeking to simply jack

up the top-down targets without addressing concerns about supporting infrastructure or protecting our green spaces is not the way to make this happen.

“Here in South Gloucestershire, we’re already struggling to meet current targets – never mind having to also locate space for 6,000 extra properties. It’s frankly a fairytale.

“That’s why I’m urging the Government to rethink these proposals and instead ensure developers build the infrastructure and quality social homes we need.”

In July campaigners held a demonstration outside a council cabinet meeting, as Lib Dem/ Labour coalition members approved the next stage of a 15year blueprint for the district’s future.

It added a further 17 sites, nine in the greenbelt, to those already identified, potentially allowing the development of 22,241 homes from 2025 to 2040.

That would represent almost 1,500 new homes a year, which is more than in previous blueprints but still short of the new

government target if 1,717, which could require the council to go back and find even more sites for housing.

Asked to comment on Ms Rayner’s announcement, a council spokesperson said the authority would "evaluate the impacts" of the proposed NPPF reforms as part of the current Local Plan consultation, as they "have implications across our Local Plan".

The council said some "immediate good points" of the NPPF reforms were changes to allow councils to set "ambitious climate targets" and ensure as many new homes as possible are social housing.

The spokesperson added: “Other elements, particularly in relation to housing numbers, are more complex to interpret and have some unexpected implications that require working through before the council can comment on the impact."

The council is inviting comments until September 13 on the latest stage of its Local Plan online at southglos.gov.uk/ newlocalplan.

People who are not online can call the council on 01454 868009.

Campaign group Save Our Green Spaces-SG is planning another demonstration in September: a march from Warmley to Bridgeyate on September 7, leaving at 11am.

It is encouraging people to dress up and carry posters and banners.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Day Centre Activity Club

A protest against the latest Local Plan was held in July

Thief drove wrong way on M4 to flee police

A SISTON Hill man drove a van loaded with stolen goods the wrong way on the M4 as he tried to evade police.

Scott Lippiatt, of Stanier Road, has been jailed after admitting a crime spree which was only stopped when police officers forced the van, which was also stolen, to crash into the motorway’s central reservation.

Swindon Crown Court heard that on January 15 police from Wiltshire police’s Serious Youth Gang Violence and Burglary team identified a Citroen Berlingo van which had been involved in a number of thefts from vehicles, where tools, motocross bikes, equipment and clothing had been taken.

The van, which was being driven with stolen registration plates, was spotted being driven out of the town on the A3102 at Blagrove, towards junction 16 of

the M4.

The burglary team worked with road policing, firearms and specialist operations officers to try and stop the van while it was waiting at traffic lights.

But 23-year-old Lippiatt broke out of the “containment” by police vehicles and drove through a red light, mounting a grass verge before driving in the wrong direction on the wrong side of the motorway.

A Wiltshire police spokesperson said he was only stopped when officers from three firearms units caught up with and made contact with the vehicle, causing it to crash at low speed into the central reservation.

Lippiatt and two other men were arrested and taken to hospital as a precaution, before being taken into custody.

In August Lippiatt was jailed

for a total of a year and five months, after pleading guilty to charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, multiple counts of theft from a vehicle, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, going equipped for theft, driving without a licence and insurance.

Afterwards PC Warren Johnston said: “Lippiatt showed no respect for other motorists by driving in such a mindless and dangerous manner, with the potential of causing multiple serious collisions.

“This was all done with a stolen vehicle, full of stolen goods he had taken from vehicles in Swindon prior to making his way onto the motorway.

“The teamwork displayed by multiple teams within Wiltshire and quick decisive actions of officers brought the matter to a swift and safe conclusion, and

allowed the return of a number of high value stolen items to their owners.”

The two other men – John Matthews, 39, of Lawrence Weston, 26-year-old Chaz Bevan, of Knowle West – were both given community orders.

Scott Lippiatt

TURNER'S VISION

5 mistakes to avoid with dry eyes

Dry eyes can be a real nuisance, and anyone who suffers from them knows the symptoms can be anything from a minor inconvenience to a major, lifealtering issue.

Peter Turner of Turners Opticians 0117 962 2474 0117 965 4434

www.turnersopticians.co.uk

The constant irritation, disrupted vision and persistent discomfort can wear you down and affect your daily life and well-being.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality. This can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, a burning or itching feeling or a sensation of having something in your eye.

While eye drops can provide temporary relief, it can be all too easy to avoid the problem. Here are five common mistakes people with dry eyes make:

1. Using the wrong kind of eye drops: Consider using preservative-free artificial tears (eye drops), as recommended by your optometrist, to lubricate your eyes when they feel dry or irritated.

2. Ignoring the 20-20-20 rule: Extended periods of screen time can strain your eyes and aggravate dryness. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to focus on an object 20 feet away to keep your eyes from becoming too dry.

3. Rubbing your eyes: As tempting as it can be to rub your eyes, doing so can exacerbate dryness. Instead, try using a warm compress to gently soothe them.

4. Not staying hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps your eyes (and body) properly hydrated, so be sure to drink enough water.

5. Ignoring the symptoms: If you are suffering from dry eyes, it is important to treat the condition. The best thing you can do is to schedule your next eye examination and get your eyes thoroughly checked. Without treatment, your pain and discomfort will not disappear and your quality of life will not improve.

How can I stop my eyes from being dry?

At Turners Opticians, your eye health and comfort are our top priority, which is why we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) as a treatment for dry eyes.

The treatment can relieve your symptoms and help with healthy tear production in just one session. It isn’t painful or invasive and you can go home the same day.

The IPL treatment emits polychromatic light to melt solidified oil blockages in your meibomian glands and is paired with the LLLT treatment which gently warms and unclogs stubborn glands. When used together these treatments help promote healthy tear production and provide relief from dry eyes.

At Turners Opticians, a leading dry eye specialist in Bristol we are happy to offer advice and help find the right treatment for you. To book your advanced eye examination, or dry eye consultation, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.

See you soon!

JADE Giltrow is due to start at Little Puddleducks nursery in Siston this month, just as her big brother Connor starts school and her mum goes back to work.

This is a common experience for many families each September, but it’s one that a year ago Gemma and Joey Giltrow, from Pucklechurch, could not dare to imagine.

Their daughter had been born in Southmead Hospital last August at 25 weeks, weighing just 14 ounces – 419 grams –and she was in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with only a 50% chance of survival.

After three weeks, Jade needed surgery, which took place in Cardiff as there were no beds available in Bristol. Baby and mum then returned to St Michael’s Hospital for many more weeks of care in the NICU there.

Jade turned out to be a little fighter, and was allowed home in January, aged five months, having had three operations.

She now weighs 13lb 7 oz and is doing well. She is still under the care of medical professionals but so far few problems have been found.

Gemma said: “She has come off oxygen now and is doing well with her physio.

“She is a happy little baby. She is babbling away and she adores her brother.”

In late September Gemma and a friend are undertaking a sponsored skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon in aid of Cots for Tots, the charity for St Michael’s NICU and part of the Grand Appeal for Bristol

Mum will skydive to thank hospital for saving baby’s life

Children’s Hospital.

Gemma, who works with adults with mental health difficulties, said she wanted to undertake the daredevil 15,000ft drop to give back to the NICU team who had supported her and her family so well.

She said: “If it wasn’t for the care from the staff and the equipment provided, Jade would not be here today and for that, I am eternally grateful. I want to do something to raise money for equipment to support other families.

“The staff in NICU were heroes, absolutely out-of-thisworld people.

“When you’re in the unit, you’re in this little bubble, protected from the world outside. The staff there, and the other NICU families, all start to feel like your family and your support

Sign vandalised

AN information sign at the old Mangotsfield railway station has been repaired and returned after being vandalised.

Graffiti was daubed on the sign, which provides information about the Bristol & Bath railway Path and the history of Mangotsfield, in August.

A panel from the sign was also knocked out of its mounting –South Gloucestershire Council says it is not aware of claims the initial damage was done by a council vehicle.

After an appeal by South Gloucestershire councillor Michael Bell for help in fixing the sign, Emersons Green Town Council staff stepped up to complete the job.

Council environmental services manager Paul Kearsley said: “The sign has been reinstalled and cleaned as thoroughly as possible.

“Unfortunately, once something has been vandalised, it’s difficult to restore it to its original condition.”

network.

“They laugh with you through the highs and support you through the lows – and always help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Gemma, who has lived in Pucklechurch all her life, also paid tribute to her family for the support they give her, helping to look after Connor,

Gemma and Joey Giltrow leave hospital with Jade after 149 days

now four, and accompanying her to appointments, and to the community, especially Little Puddleducks and the village football club.

You can read more of Jade’s story at tinyurl.com/ye255b7h

To sponsor Gemma, visit tinyurl.com/4w4a39ah

Jade Giltrow at Pucklechurch Rec

School hails 'outstanding achievements' of A-level students

Lewis Jefferies, of Emersons Green, will study history at Bristol University after gaining B grades in geography, history and religious studies.

Lewis said: "I'm slightly surprised as it's less than I needed but I got in, and that's what matters.

"It was quite a thing to build up to but I'm pleased, and relieved to be moving on.

"I'm looking forward to studying at Bristol."

LEADERS at Downend School have praised their hard working students and supportive families after recording "exceptional" A-level results.

This year's students were the first to sit GCSEs after the pandemic, and their A-levels took place under the same system of grading that was in place in 2019.

Across England, the government said top grades had risen from 26.5% at A* or A last year to 27.6% this year – also above the 25.2% recorded in 2019.

At Downend Sixth Form Centre, which is based at Downend School but also serves post-16 students from Mangotsfield School, head of sixth form Kate Long said the proportion of entries receiving A* to B grades was 47% - up from 46% last year.

In total, 99% of the school's A-level entries resulted in a pass at A* to E – up from 98% last year.

Mrs Long said: "We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in this year's A-level examinations.

"Our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and academic excellence.

"These exceptional results are a testament to the hard work of our students, the unwavering

Max Williamson, from Mangotsfield, is planning to take a gap year, go travelling and hiking after gaining C grades in art and photography, and a D in geography.

Max said: "I'm going to do a gap year because I'm not sure I want to do university. I'm looking to do something in the RAF afterwards.

"I'm happy with what I've got."

support of their families, and the commitment and expertise of our dedicated teaching staff."

Many students are now heading off to university, with destinations including Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol.

Others are beginning apprenticeships with companies and organisations including global accountancy and consultancy firm Ernst & Young, BAM Construction and the NHS.

Mrs Long added: "Some of our students have also chosen to enter the workforce directly, leveraging the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their time with us.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students and wish them continued success in their future endeavours. Whether they are moving on to higher education, starting an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce, we are confident that the skills and knowledge they have acquired will serve them well."

Downend School head teacher Linda Ferris said: "We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements.

"Their success reflects not only their hard work but also the collaborative effort of our entire school community.

"Our teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure that every student had the support

Lucy Beresford, of Downend, will study biochemistry at Manchester University after achieving A grades in biology and chemistry and an A* in geography.

Lucy said: "The waiting for the results was the most nervewracking part but it's over now.

"I'm happy that I got a place at university – that's the main thing.

"I'm hoping to go into research."

and resources they needed to excel."

*GCSE results were

Laci Hawkins, of Mangotsfield, will study medicine at Manchester University after gaining A grades in biology, chemistry and psychology, and hopes to become a doctor.

Laci said: "The exams were quite overwhelming – trying to do your best in all of them so close together.

"I've got what I want.

"It's crazy to be leaving now after being here since Year 7."

announced after the Voice was published, and will appear in October's edition.

Mangots eld School Open Evening

SGS celebrates 'impressive' results

STUDENTS at SGS Sixth form have achieved an "impressive set" of A-level, T-level and BTEC results, say tutors.

The college in Filton says 75% of learners attained grades A*-C in their A-levels, with 70.6% achieving an A* or A in maths, 77.5% achieving A*-B in psychology and 89.5% gaining an A*-C grade in biology.

The college described overall pass rates as "strong", with 97.3% of candidates achieving a grade in all of their qualifications.

The first T-level students, who studied the new qualification combining classroom learning and workplace experience, achieved a 100% pass rate.

Performances on BTEC courses were described as "excellent", with all students achieving pass grades and

60% of learners being awarded distinction or distinction* profiles.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud college has six main campuses from Bristol to Gloucestershire, with around 3,800 learners aged 16 to 18, the same number of adult learners and 900 apprentices.

Among those celebrating was T-level learner Kayla Date, of Patchway, who was awarded a distinction in early years and childcare and is heading to Bath Spa University to study primary education. She hopes to become a primary school teacher.

Kayla said: "I am really happy with my results. I had such supportive teachers which helped me throughout my course and I am now I am really looking forward to going to university.”

Isaac Lee received an A* in A-level maths, and As in further maths and economics. He will study economics at Bristol University.

Isaac said: “I am very happy with my grades. I would really like to become a financial advisor and this is the first step in my journey.”

Ahmed Elhjaje will study sociology at the University of the

West of England after achieving Bs in sociology and law, and an A in philosophy.

He said: “I have been stressing out so much but I am so happy. The teachers have been amazing and I don’t think I could have done it without them."

Other students are set to start degree apprenticeships with major accountancy and building firms.

Head of SGS Sixth (academic) Becky Riddell said: "I am delighted with the achievements of each and every one of our learners.

"The grades they have

Ahmed Elhjaje celebrates his A-level results with his mum

achieved and the distance each learner has travelled is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to their studies at SGS.

"It is important to acknowledge our fantastic curriculum teachers and wider support teams, including our heads of year and well-being team, who have contributed to the academic success through their 121s, consistent and unwavering support and their extensive and exceptional subject expertise and pastoral care.

"Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

EDUCATION

College hails 'tremendous success' in A-levels

SIXTH form college St Brendan's says its students' A-level and BTEC results are a "tremendous success".

The college in Brislington, which draws sixth form students from across the region, had more than 900 people collecting results on August 15.

Leaders said the overall A-level pass rate was above 95%, including 629 "high grade" passes.

The college has also seen another increase in BTEC grades, with 287 Level 3 BTEC and Applied General courses either distinction or distinction*.

A spokesperson for the college said the students had performed well despite the disruption they had experienced in their education during the pandemic and subsequent years, and a toughening of grade boundaries.

Among those celebrating was Joseph Westwood, from Downend, who is heading to Manchester University to study

physics after achieving A* grades in physics and maths, and As in chemistry and further maths. more than 500 St Brendan's students had applied to university through UCAS this year and the majority are set to go to their first choice University. They include Ben Todd, from Emersons Green, who achieved two A* grades and two As, and

will now study law at Oxford University.

Ben said: "Don’t just follow your friends or be somewhere out of convenience. I could have stayed at my school, which was right on my doorstep, but I chose to travel further for more options and opportunities."

The college said a record number of students had secured

apprenticeships in fields including accounting, law, computing and engineering, with employers across the region including Airbus, Burges Salmon, BT and the NHS.

Principal Marian Curran said: "I am immensely proud of each and every one of our students for their outstanding achievements.

"Their hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit have resulted in excellent results.

"Not only have they excelled academically here at St Brendan’s, they have also become well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in shaping the future of our students.

"The success of our students is a true reflection of the collective commitment of our entire college community."

Hard work pays off at Winterbourne Academy

WINTERBOURNE Academy students produced "some truly impressive results" in this year's A-level and vocational exams.

The school, which has many young people from Downend, Frenchay, Emersons Green and Lyde Green among its pupils, highlighted successes in a wide range of subjects, from English to engineering and sport.

A spokesperson said the 67% of further maths candidates had achieved an A* or A grade, with 58% of English literature grades also at A* or A.

In BTEC courses, every sport student achieved a distinction* or distinction grade, as did 78% of engineering candidates.

All of the school's A-level art and drama students received A*-B grades, with 69% of geography and 67% of physics grades at A* to B.

Among the individual success stories highlighted by the school were:

Charlotte Allam, who will study maths at Exeter University after achieving an A* in maths and As in chemistry, further maths and physics.

Ella Parry, who will study

Winterbourne Academy students Sam Bennion, Archit Prakash and Josh Barraclough celebrate their results

biological sciences at Oxford University after gaining A*s in biology and maths, and As in chemistry and further maths.

Archit Prakash, who will study law at the London School of Economics after achieving three A*s in further maths, maths and physics and an A in English Language.

Ella Anderson, who will study law at Bristol University after gaining As in history, law and sociology.

Louisa Dare, who will

also study law at Bristol after achieving A*s in history and sociology and an A in classical civilisation.

Joshua Barraclough, who will study English language and linguistics at the University of the West of England after gaining As in English language, psychology and sociology.

Sam Bennion, who will study biological sciences at Sheffield University after achieving an A* in biology and As in psychology and Spanish.

Jacob Campbell, who will study physics at Manchester University after gaining A*s in physics and maths, and As in further maths and chemistry.

Head teacher Jenny Cartwright said: "I am so proud of all the results of our students this year.

"They are testament to the hard work and commitment of the impressive young people and the fantastic staff at Winterbourne, where the outcomes for every student matter."

Head of Post 16 and assistant head Charlie Peake said she was "thrilled" at students' achievements, adding: "There are some truly impressive results that will support them in their next steps for the future."

Dave Baker, chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: "It is easy to forget that this cohort of students had a challenging experience during their secondary education because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This makes their achievements all the more impressive."

Joseph Westwood is heading to Manchester University

Ben Todd is heading to Oxford University

Meeting you in our community

I HOPE you are enjoying the summer and, like me, many of the brilliant community events put on by great local organisations.

My first month as your new MP has flown by. I’ve been hitting the ground running, both giving us a strong voice in Westminster and getting things set up here too.

It’s not widely known, but when you’re elected you set up a small business from scratch, from creating job adverts to recruit a team, to finding an office – that’s all me –

alongside attending inductions, speaking and voting in parliament, attending events, asking questions of ministers, and working to solve urgent casework for people locally.

I’ve now recruited a great and full team, all starting across the next month, who share my commitment to serving you well. Thank you for your patience while it’s just me.

Despite a challenging financial backdrop, we’ve been making quick progress wherever possible in this first month.

Here’s just some of the change our new government has already brought about:

• Voted to bring our railways into public ownership

• Met NHS leaders to get the 40,000 extra appointments each week and 700,000 urgent dental appointments in place as quickly as possible

• Started hiring 6,500 new teachers

• Lifted the ban on onshore wind

• Scrapped the Rwanda scheme and started setting up a new Border Security Command

• Created a national wealth fund to help grow our economy.

I’ve asked questions for our community in the House of Commons, both on ensuring that we can have improved access to vital infrastructure, including GP

appointments and NHS dentists, as our communities grow, and of the previous government about the £22 billion financial black hole impacting our services.

I’ve also taken part in important briefings, including on special educational needs and disabilities, raising our local challenges with the Education Secretary, and on the recent violent disorder. I’d like to thank Avon and Somerset Police and all involved in protecting our communities and country in the face of this.

As the Prime Minister made clear, those who took part will now face firm justice.

From Frenchay’s Flower Show to Lyde Green’s Summer Sizzler and Patchway’s Throwback Festival, alongside brilliant school fairs, it has been lovely to see and speak with so many of you at community events.

We’ve had some big celebrations too, marking Coniston Community Centre’s 20 years of service and ten years of FACE (Foundation for Active Community Engagement) in Filton. Thank you to everyone involved.

If you have any challenges that you need support with, or any other enquiries, please email claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.

Claire Hazelgrove with Patchway mayor Dayley Lawrence and FACE director Debbie Teml at the charity’s 10th birthday celebrations

Hard work to improve nursery is recognised

AN inspector has highlighted the “ongoing improvements” made at an Emersons Green pre-school and nursery.

Ofsted says Your Co-op Little Pioneers, at Fieldfare, off Folly Brook Road, is ‘good’ in all areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.

It is the first time the nursery, which opened in 2021, has achieved a ‘good’ rating, having been told it needed to improve in two reports from the regulator last year.

Inspector Marie Swindells, who visited the nursery in June, said: “Since the last inspection, leaders have thoroughly reflected on the care and education children receive, to drive ongoing improvements.

She said “appropriate changes” have been made to the environment, routines and number of children, with leaders “upskilling” current and recruiting new staff.

The inspector said: “Leaders and staff have devised an

ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum.

“They support children’s progress and help them to develop a good range of skills to support their future learning, including for those with special educational needs or disabilities.”

The report said staff at the nursery, which has 169 children aged four and under on its roll, help children gain knowledge and build skills ready for school.

The inspector said: “Children have wonderful opportunities to be curious, to investigate and to develop their independence to lead their own learning.”

She said staff are sensitive to children’s needs, talk to them with respect and also quickly get to know the children and their families, helping them to settle.

The inspector said: “Partnerships with parents are good. Parents comment positively on the staff and say

their children are safe and well cared for.”

Staff themselves “feel supported and valued”, the report said, adding: “They know their ideas and suggestions are welcomed.”

To improve further, the inspector recommended that interactions with children during outdoor play are improved and transitions between activities for younger children managed to keep them focused and engaged.

Little Pioneers is run by the member-owned Midcounties CoOperative.

Nursery manager Becky Stanway said: “We are thrilled with the report. It’s a testament to our dedicated team’s hard work and continual enthusiasm to go the extra mile for our children and parents.

“We’re grateful that the inspectors have recognised our ongoing efforts to continue to make improvements to the nursery whilst nurturing children into confident young people, providing them with the best possible start in life.”

Staff and children at Your Co-op Little Pioneers nursery spell out their new rating

BUS operator First is extending its ‘express’ 49x service to Lyde Green when a new timetable comes into effect this month.

But another local service, the 462 run by rival firm Stagecoach, is being axed.

First says its half-hourly 49x service, which goes through Emersons Green, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Fishponds before diverting onto the M32 from Eastville to the city centre, is being extended to the Bristol & Bath Science Park and Willowherb Road “following customer demand”.

Buses will only serve Lyde Green before 8pm, after which they will terminate at Emersons Green in the evenings and Staple Hill through the night, with no Sunday services reaching Lyde Green.

First says it is also introducing “express” 48x and 49x services, which use the bottom of the M32 instead of travelling along Stapleton Road and Old Market, outbound from the Centre from September 1 onwards.

Until now the 48x and 49x services, whose journey times

More buses for Lyde Green – but 462 route is axed

are around 10 to 15 minutes shorter than the 48 and 49, have only operated into town from Emersons Green.

First says it is introducing outbound services “following customer feedback”.

On weekdays there will be two 48x, two 49x, two 48 and two 49 services per hour in each direction.

The 48 and 49 will only start and finish at Emersons Green during the early morning and evenings.

Stagecoach says its decision to axe the 462, which linked Emersons Green, Mangotsfield and Bromley Heath to the Centre via the ring road and M32, has been made “due to declining customer numbers”.

The commuter service ran three times inbound in the morning and twice outbound in the afternoon: journeys had

already been cut back from four in each direction in April.

Bromley Heath commuter Claire Lewis, who used the 462 to travel to and from her job at a city centre school, said the service “has been very busy in the mornings” and is often full, although afternoon services were quiet because it only ran at 4.05pm and 6.25pm.

When Stagecoach cut the 4.45pm and 5.25pm return journeys in April, Emersons Green commuter Nicola Davis, who relied on the 462 to travel to and from her job working for the NHS in the city centre, said many key workers living along the route would no longer be able to rely on it to get home after finishing day shifts.

The Voice asked Stagecoach if it had figures on passenger numbers.

A spokesperson said:

“Unfortunately, the usage on this service is still very low over the course of the day and whilst there is a busy journey there is still not a sufficient number of customers over the course of the day to cover the costs of operation. We have therefore had to make the difficult decision to withdraw this service.”

• First Bus is introducing two new services to take students from the Emersons Green area to St Brendan’s Sixth Form College

The SB4 will link Lyde Green, Emersons Green and Mangotsfield to the college in Brislington, via Warmley.

The SB6 will pick up students in Pucklechurch and travel via Wick, Cadbury Heath and Willsbridge.

For more details visit tinyurl.com/yx6tssu7.

New

operator for school bus service

A SCHOOL bus service used by children in Lyde Green and Emersons Green has a new operator in time for the new term.

But parents have warned that there are more families wanting to use the 459 to Winterbourne Academy for their children than there are seats available – raising the prospect of a “lottery” for places.

Stagecoach, which previously ran the 459 to and from Winterbourne Academy, withdrew at the end of the summer term, saying it was no longer able to run it on a commercial basis.

South Gloucestershire Council, which is responsible for funding transport for children entitled to free school travel, asked the West of England Combined Authority, which has overall responsibility for transport, to find a new operator.

A WECA spokesperson told the Voice that from September 2, the 459 will be run by Eurocoaches.

The spokesperson said WECA would be liaising with Winterbourne Academy to help provide information to parents about the new arrangements.

The bus will accommodate a total of 93 people, 78 sitting and 15 standing.

But parents who have been campaigning to protect school buses say 132 children from 94 families would use the 459 bus service from September, if enough seats were available.

That would leave the families of 39 children having to make alternative arrangements such as lift shares.

And demand would be even higher if no replacement is found for the 458 from Fishponds and Downend to Winterbourne Academy, which was run by the school last year but currently has no operator, after the council and WECA said they could not subsidise it.

Another 49 children, from 32 families, would use it.

Parent Libby Rogers said: “Families are having to change working hours and try and sort lift shares but there are going to be children who will struggle to get to school on time – or at all.”

‘So what are we paying for?’

RESIDENTS of flats in Lyde Green want their money back after paying for shared services that are not being delivered.

People living in Harebell Road say they have had next to no gardening service and an unreliable cleaning service from Trinity Estates Management at their block, despite paying £96 per month.

They say outdoor areas have become overgrown with weeds and some indoor communal areas are being left uncleaned.

People who bought leasehold flats are obliged to pay for “landscape maintenance” and cleaning every two weeks by Trinity, which holds a contract from freeholder Taylor Wimpey.

Resident Rebecca Sparey, who bought her flat in June last year, says one patch of grass behind the building was cut only once between then and July this year.

She said: “There are still some areas of the grounds that have never been tended to.

“The weeds and thistles are out of control, covering the path to communal bins, and some cars have been scratched in the rear car park.

“Cleaning of the communal areas did not take place until January, after numerous

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Thistles growing on one of the outdoor areas in Harebell Road residents are paying a contractor to maintain

complaints. My neighbour said a stain on the second-floor carpet has never been cleaned, suggesting that the cleaning company do not clean this floor.”

Rebecca said that since last August, she and several other residents have complained to the Hertfordshire-based estates company

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but their first acknowledgment was in July – a few weeks after they were told Trinity was planning to raise its charges by £22 per month.

In the meantime Rebecca contacted dispute resolution service the Property Ombudsman, which logged a complaint in December last year but said no-one had been assigned to look at it because of backlogs.

She said: “If some services don’t get delivered Trinity are supposed to credit us, but we’re still waiting for refunds from 2023.

“I don’t know how they think it can be OK to charge us for services and not bother providing them.”

The Voice asked Trinity and Taylor Wimpey to respond to the residents’ complaints.

Trinity said the issues would be “reviewed with the management team for this development”, adding: “We would encourage any resident who has queries or concerns relating to the managed areas of this development to contact us directly.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We are aware of the concerns that local residents have raised regarding maintenance at our Lyde Green development and are sorry that the gardening and cleaning services have not matched the high standards we expect.

“We have instructed the management company, Trinity Estates Management, to resolve these issues as soon as possible and we will continue to monitor progress at the site.”

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A ROW over a garden wall in Emersons Green has been settled by planners.

The row was sparked when a homeowner in Colliers Break cut down hedges and replaced them with a 2.43m (8ft) garden fence, which neighbours said spoiled the distinctive “open plan” look of the area.

South Gloucestershire Council says the fence should be removed – but has granted planning permission for a wall of the same height to replace it.

The new wall will be set back from the pavement and shrubs will be planted in front of it.

Neighbours said the planned wall would still be “too tall”.

Councillors on the development management committee heard from both sides of the argument during a meeting on August 1.

Applicant Robert Ecott said: “I believe we’re entitled to both security and reasonable privacy within our rear garden.

“I don’t feel that simply wanting a level rear garden, which forms part of the requirement for a 2.43-metre wall, is an unfair request.

“We never imagined it would escalate to this level.

“We feel it’s now become more of a personal attack, and simply no longer relates to an objection to a development.”

Walls up to 2m high can be built under permitted development rights, without

Wall row divides neighbours

This hedge was removed during building work and replaced with a fence

getting planning permission from the local council, but anything taller needs permission.

A planning officer went around the estate “with a measuring tape”, the meeting heard, and said other boundary walls measure from 1.9m to 2.2m.

Neighbour Yvonne Jarrold said the wall “interrupts the natural flow of open frontages”.

She said: “Emersons Green was designed as an open plan estate, its distinctiveness being the number of open spaces, open frontages to houses, and landscaped amenity areas with hedges and natural habitats, all

HAIR DESIGNERS

of which contribute to character, appearance and openness of the streets.

“During construction of approved extensions, the shrubs and hedges were removed and were not replaced upon completion of the works, contrary to planning conditions.

“Instead, unauthorised fencing was erected on two separate occasions.

“The wall appears to be at an awkward angle to the extension, which follows the building line to the townhouses to the east, so it appears awkward and a dominant vertical projection.”

Councillors on the committee voted in favour of granting permission.

June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said: “It’s a difficult one and I do understand what the neighbours are saying. These estates were built basically to be open plan.

“But of course, human nature being what it is, after so many years everybody wants their own privacy, so it then causes problems.

“But there are many other areas with fences, with walls. I don’t believe it will actually be out of character with the area.

“A wall always looks better than a fence.” By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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James is new vicar for Mangotsfield

MANGOTSFIELD'S St James church has a new vicar – but he is a familiar face to members of the congregation and community.

The Diocese of Bristol announced in August that Rev James Cannan has been appointed as the next vicar of the church in St James Street, whose parish also includes Emersons Green and Lyde Green.

James has been the curate at St James for two and a half years, having previously been leader of the Resound church in Blackhorse Road.

Rev Teresa Taylor, who had been the vicar since 2012, retired last October, and James has been curate in charge since then.

James has lived in the area for the past seven years, having moved from California in 2017 with his English wife and three children, who are 16, 18 and 20 years old.

Among the innovations he has introduced at St James since becoming curate are the Wild series of outdoor services, which follow ancient Celtic Christian traditions and raise awareness of the environment and seasons.

James said: "I’m entering into my first incumbency with the Church of England, having walked this vocational path, both in my home country of USA as well as here in the UK, for nearly forty years.

"From the moment of my connection to Jesus I have had both a modern and ancient connection. A draw to a charismatic, a catholic, Celtic, and a global expression of our faith.

"This calling is a direction to service, and to sacrament, to community and to God, and I am both excited and sober before the responsibility I have been given to serve the parish in Mangotsfield and Emersons Green.

"I thank God for the team at St James, and look forward to continuing to build an inclusive sacred place for all to experience something of the love of God.”

James will be licensed by the Bishop of Swindon the Rt Rev Neil Warwick on September 25 at 7.30pm in St James’ Church.

The bishop said: "I am thrilled to welcome James as the new vicar of St James Mangotsfield.

"His experience as assistant curate at St James and over forty years in this vocational

New minister for Baptist church

EMERSONS Green Baptist Church will also have a new leader this month.

Members of the church, which meets at Emersons Green Village Hall, will welcome Jutta Cowie as their new church minister on Sunday September 1.

Jutta, who previously worked as a missionary overseas, is joining the church as a minister in training and will be combining her role with studying for a theology degree.

Church services are held at the village hall on Sundays at 10.30am.

Heritage on display

PEOPLE are being invited to look round a church which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this month.

Staple Hill Methodist Church is taking part in the national Heritage Open Days event.

The doors of the traditional Victorian chapel on Staple Hill High Street are open on September 7, from 10am-4pm; September 8, from noon-4pm; September 11, 10am-4pm; September 14, 10am-4pm; September 15, noon-4pm.

As well as touring the building visitors can look at a special anniversary exhibition, looking at how life at the church in Staple Hill and in the world around it has changed, along with displays by local schools.

Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

For more details about Heritage Open Days, including other local buildings open to the public, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

path, provides him with the tools needed to serve as vicar there, and I look forward to licensing him.”

Jutta Cowie and husband Andy

Rev James Cannan

September 10

n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER arrangement society practice class, Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Create a design using three blooms. Also on September 24, national demonstrator Katherine Kear, same time and venue. £5 for non-members. More information on 0777 353 7148 or email katebryant186@gmail.com.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT

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

Tuesday

n RIDGEWAY BADMINTON CLUB

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

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

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

n MESSY SPACE at Badminton Road Methodist Church, Downend, 10-11.45am. Term-time group for toddlers and carers. Toys, books, crafts, singing and refreshments. First visit free. More information at badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk or 0117 956 1106.

Wednesday

n THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the old

school hall now known as the YOU Foundation by the car park in Page Road Staple Hill. Speakers, quiz’s and handy craft afternoon finish’s with tea. If you are interested please telephone Madeleine Bills Secretary. 0117 9560805.

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

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

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

n CLEEVESINGERS OF DOWNEND Enjoy singing, then come and join this four part choir who meet on Wednesday evenings at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m. from September until July. For more information contact the Secretary on 0117 9561881.

Thursday

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

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

n WALKING WITH FRIENDS,

free group walks at a gentle pace around Siston Commons. Start and finish at Kingsmeadow@ Madeforever Community Centre, Fisher Road, BS15 4RQ, 1-2pm. For more details email kingsmeadowmade4ever.org.uk or call 07588 622 372

Friday

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

n RAINBOW TOTS parent and toddler group meets at Emersons Green Village Hall on term-time Friday mornings, 10-11.30am. All welcome. For more details email church.egbc@outlook.com.

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED

CHURCH regular coffee mornings, held on the first Thursday of the month, 10.30am-noon at the church in Cossham Street. Coffee, cake and a chat.

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

Saturday

n STAPLE HILL METHODIST

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

badmintonroadmethodist.org. uk In-person Sunday worship continues weekly at 10.30am, all are welcome. For information contact: Revd Samuel Uwimana: 0117 239 5984 or www. badmintonroadmethodist.org.uk

n MANGOTSFIELD AND CASTLE GREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH hold regular weekly Sunday morning worship at Cossham Street. Services start at 10.30 a.m.with different speakers each week. New members very welcome. For more details please contact Peter Redding (Ch.Sec.) on 0117 9657075.

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

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

Group - Lyde Green Community Centre. Thistle Close, Lyde Green, Bristol. BS16 7GW Group Times- Wednesday 6pm & 7:30pm. Thursday 9:30am

Sunday

n BADMINTON ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH Sunday worship followed by sharing refreshments, 10.30am – all welcome. Service of Holy Communion usually fourth Sunday of the month. More information from www.

n LYDE GREEN LITTER PICKERS meet at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month outside Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. Spend an hour litter picking to help make Lyde Green look more tidy and beautiful! See www. cleanupuk.org.uk/groups/lydegreen-litter-pickers for information.

EMERSONS GREEN VILLAGE HALL

Food donations flow in

EMERSONS Green residents have answered a call to donate food and essentials to help people in need.

A new donation station for the Mangotsfield food bank at Resound in Blackhorse Road has been set up at Emersons Green Village Hall.

People have been invited to donate items on a shopping list, ranging from tinned food and pasta to shower gel.

Staple Hill & Mangotsfield parish councillor Tracy Cannard helped organise the first collection at the end of July.

Tracy said: “Thank you all for your kind donations. Come along to the village hall – every little bit helps.

“We are working to make this a regular event in the community.”

• In last month’s Voice an update from the village hall stated that a new community café to help support families during the summer holidays was being launched.

We have been asked to clarify that a new café has not been set up at this stage.

The hall’s informal community cafe, for tea, coffee, cake and socialising, continues to be held every Thursday from 11am-1pm.

BEECHMERE BELLES WI

THE children are going back to school and the nights are drawing in.

The year is speeding by, but we Beechmere Belles have three more meetings to look forward to in 2024.

We’ve had some amazing talks recently – but our August meeting was very different.

Four teams set off with guidance, clues and a map.

It wasn’t strictly speaking a race, as they had to identify and answer questions en-route, but it turns out our members are very competitive and arrived back at the hall in good time, having navigated their way round Emersons Green: did you see five or six women behaving strangely on your street on August 22?

Don’t worry though, if you are thinking about coming along to a meeting, our September meeting will be back in our room in Emersons Green Village Hall.

The lovely Katie is coming to talk to us about reiki, an energy healing technique.

Katie was previously a member with us and found a talk we had on healing therapies so interesting that she re-trained and is now qualified to practice reiki – and so busy that unfortunately she doesn’t have time to come to meetings regularly – but we’re very happy to welcome her on September 26.

Our committee is now busy planning our 2025 programme but this year we still have our AGM in October and a craft evening in November to look forward to.

If you would like to know more about our WI please contact us via email at beechmerebelles@gmail.com or follow our Facebook page.

Or why not come along as a guest for the evening? It’s free for your first visit (unless it’s a craft evening, when we have a charge of £5 to cover materials used) and we promise you a warm welcome, as well as tea or coffee and cake!

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

Bathing a problem?

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•

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BRISTOL u3a

U3A has been active in Bristol for 40 years, and September marks the start of our anniversary celebrations.

The first event is at The Foundation, Triodos Bank in Deanery Road on September 17. This is our regular monthly talk, and is open to all.

Doors open at 10am, and there’ll be a speaker talking about the British Raj in India from 10.30am.

As it's our 40th anniversary, a few long-term members will share their experiences of u3a over the years. The Lord Mayor of Bristol will also be there to say a few words, and the event will round off with a celebratory buffet lunch.

Don’t worry if you can’t attend, as we’ll be in the Crafty Egg in Fishponds from 2.30pm on September 18 and the Orchard Cafe in Clouds Hill Road, St George, from 2.30pm on September 20.

Do drop in for an informal chat over a cuppa.

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

Bristol u3a members have access to over 170 interest groups across greater Bristol and around 30 that are local to East and North East Bristol.

This month’s feature group is Ukulele For Fun, which meets on the second and fourth Friday afternoon of the month at All Saints Parish Church in Fishponds. The group started in January and is enjoying playing popular songs chosen by the members. The group does not offer formal tuition, so everyone pitches in to help each other.

No prior skills are required to join, and new members are welcome.

There's a spare ukulele to try, the songs are mostly well-known favourites and there are chord sheets to practice at home if you want. Contact Bev Weekes at popnted@googlemail.com.

To find out more about u3a, contact learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org. uk.

Lindsay Gough

Will Writing

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Survey highlights strains for GP practices

PATIENTS of most GP practices in the Emersons Green area are continuing to have problems contacting their surgery – both by phone and online.

The 2024 NHS GP Patient Survey found that just 9% of patients at Emersons Green Medical Centre said it was easy to get through by phone –against a national average of 50% - with 79% saying it was difficult.

Only 25% of respondents said it was easy to use the practice website to get in touch, and 11% found it easy to use the NHS app, compared with national averages of 48% and 45% respectively.

At Leap Valley Medical Centre, 14% found it easy to get through by phone, 33% found it easy to contact the surgery online and 24% said it was easy to use the app.

At Downend Health Group, which runs the Willow Surgery and Christchurch Family Medical

Centre, just 6% of patients found it easy to contact the practice on the phone, 19% online and 23% using the app.

Bucking the trend was Three Shires Medical Practice in Wick, which serves many Pucklechurch residents: 91% found it easy to get through by phone, 70% online and 74% using the app.

When making appointments, 31% of Emersons Green patients were offered a choice of time or day for their appointment, against a national average of 53%.

Asked how long they waited, 6% were offered a same-day appointment, 4% next day and 57% waited a week or more, with 57% of survey respondents feeling they waited too long.

At Leap Valley, 51% of patients were offered a choice of time or day, with 19% being seen on the same day, 5% the next day and 53% a week or more later –

61% felt they waited too long.

At Downend, 22% were offered a choice of time or day and 51% said they waited too long, with same-day appointments offered to 17%, 11% next day and 42% waiting a week or more.

At Three Shires, 68% were offered a choice of time or day, 25% were seen on the same day, 8% on the next day and 30% a week or more later: 77% said they waited the right amount of time.

Overall, 51% of Emersons Green and Leap Valley patients said their experience of the practice was good, against a national average of 74%.

At Downend, the proportion was 54%, while at Three Shires, 90% of patients said their experience was good.

The survey was published as GPs voted overwhelmingly to take ‘work-to-rule’ action,

including limiting the number of patient appointments per day, as representative body the British Medical Association warned practices had reached a “desperate point” due to underfunding and extra pressures.

A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding surgeries, said results across the region were above the national average in many areas, including overall experience and trust in professionals.

The spokesperson added: “We also recognise there are areas for improvement, and we are continuing to work together with all our practices and wider partners to share learning and support each other to deliver high-quality services to patients.”

Pupils praised for ‘extraordinary achievements’

PUPILS from Downend, Mangotsfield and Lyde Green schools were among those whose “extraordinary achievements” were celebrated at an awards ceremony.

The awards were staged by Castle School Education Trust, which runs all three schools, along with six other secondaries and primaries in South Gloucestershire.

The ceremony at the University of the West of England, held at the end of the summer term, saw awards made to reflect a wide range of achievements in areas from sports and teamwork to community service and kindness.

Alice Garside, from Lyde Green Primary School, won the sporting achievement award. A talented cross country runner, Alice also led the school’s mixed football team to success during the last academic year.

Downend School pupil Jake McKnight was recognised for the weekly work that he does in a homeless shelter.

Leo Smith, who left Downend in the summer after sitting his A-levels, won the award for outstanding personal achievement for overcoming a “host of challenges” throughout his education.

Mangotsfield School pupil Emily King won the creativity award in recognition of her achievements in the arts.

As well as taking part in the recent school

production of Matilda, the trust said she was recognised for her “encouragement and inspiration of others”.

CSET deputy director Clare Bradford said: “The event was a source of enormous pride for all involved.

“Young people can sometimes be given a bad press, but we are inspired by them, and the commitment they show to making their communities and the world a better place.

“It is so important to recognise the good they do.”

Emily King with CSET director of secondary education Joe Docherty

Jake McKnight

Alice Garside

Luca recognised

A TEENAGER from Mangotsfield has been recognised for his "courageous journey" and good influence on others.

Luca Jackson was named a runner-up in the Avon and Somerset police Children and Young People Policing Awards in July.

He was one of 11 finalists recognised for their "significant community contribution" at the awards, at Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier.

A police spokesperson said: "Luca has been on his own courageous journey over the last couple of years.

"He was taken on as a participant of Wheels – an alternative education provision that offers highly supervised courses in motor vehicle repair and road safety – as well as engaging with the Violence Reduction Partnership.

"During his time with Wheels, Luca was positive, respectful and helpful to others.

"He was, and still is, a good influence on other young people around him and should be commended for his self-reflection and effort to achieve."

Organised by the force's youth project and engagement coordinators, the awards aimed to promote four key values of caring, courage, inclusivity and learning, shown in hard work, kind deeds and public-spiritedness of young people.

Police lead for children and young people Detective Chief Inspector Larisa Hunt said: "It’s heart-warming to hear the amazing work our young community members have been doing, and to be able to thank and reward them."

Schools camp together

TWO primary schools celebrated their close partnership by staging a joint summer camp.

Year 4 pupils from Emersons Green Primary School and Blackhorse Primary School camped together on the Blackhorse field, sharing a day and night of activities, at the end of the summer term.

The schools have been part of a formal partnership since September 2022, when the governing bodies voted to create a new joint leadership structure.

Executive head teacher Simon Botten said the partnership has “gone from strength to strength”, with the two schools jointly improving teaching and learning in reading, writing and maths.

Children at both schools train together in athletics teams training together, winning a number of trophies across the school year.

Mr Botten said: “The partnership allows our staff to benefit from belonging to a larger professional team which, in turn, has allowed us to achieve more together than we could alone. It also allows each school to keep its very distinct identity and ethos, whilst benefiting from being part of a larger organisation.”

Luca Jackson

The camp at Blackhorse Primary School

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

It’s just too complicated!

Free Legal Stock Take meeting

Nowadays we all have so much life admin to sort out – it is easy for things to get out of date.

We all lead complicated lives:perhaps second marriages, a family member with addiction issues, a family falling out, children from previous relationships or stepgrandchildren.

Book a FREE Will Review meeting with local specialists Simpson Solicitors.

A FREE review meeting with our local, friendly team at Simpson Solicitors is like a Free Legal Stock Take meeting. Being a fully regulated law firm there is no pushy follow up as there is no obligation to instruct them. Just the peace of mind that you have received proper legal advice.

Also we may need to protect an adult child from themselves (if they are not good with money) or need to find a fair way to balance up gifts already made from “the bank of Mum and Dad”.

√ Checking any existing documents are legally valid: Checking your Will or Powers of Attorney are signed in accordance with the complex rules that apply, with advice to make sure they still reflect your current family arrangements.

Michelle says “We will take as long as you need, so we understand your priorities- we will then suggest ways to make sure your Will works in the best way for you and your family. “

The Free Legal Stock Take meeting focusses on making sure your legal affairs are in order and if needed they can help you with a new Will or Lasting Powers of Attorney. It is all about making life as easy as possible for those that you care about - if you were to become seriously ill or die unexpectedly.

This is the new normal. Don’t let this be a blocker! Situations like these need a proper Will to avoid you leaving behind a mess that could cause future family disputes.

Your Will is such an important document. It needs to be kept up to date to make sure your wishes are followed and those you care about are provided for when you die.

√ Property ownership: Advice to make sure it’s owned in the best way to prevent problems. There is a £3 charge from HM Land Registry.

John says, “To stop it being too complicated my advice is to just prepare your Will to cover your situation for just the next 3 years. Then we will get back in touch to offer a further FREE review meeting to help you update it again.”

√ Reviewing what you own: Making sure those you trust can find and are legally able to access

√ Inheritance Tax and Care Home Fees: Applying the current rules to your situation with advice so your family don’t receive an avoidable bill for tax or care home fees.

Simpson Solicitors will often also help you prepare a private side letter to explain your wishes and reasons to help avoid successful challenge to your Will. All part of Simpson’s peace of mind service and at no extra cost.

√ Free secure storage service: Offered for your legal documents and the information you might want your family to be able to access.

Simpson Solicitors can help you with FREE review meetings, clear fixed price costs and even a FREE home visit service if getting to your local office is difficult.

Contact Simpson Solicitors for a FREE Will Review Meeting. Call them on 0117 960 8594

To arrange your Free Review meeting you can pop in to their Kingswood Office or email message@simpsonslawuk.com or call 0117 960 8594

Free Will Review

We make it easy to get up-to-date Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney to make sure it is your wishes that are followed. Have peace of mind that everything is done

On your own: You choose who you want to inherit from you

Living together: Decide if and how your partner is protected

Parent Wills: Provide for children & name Guardians to raise them

Later Life Wills: Protect inheritance from Tax and Care Home Fees

Lasting Powers of Attorney: Appoint those you trust to make decisions, in case of serious illness or injury

Or visit our ground floor offices (opposite Costa with

“We were made to feel very welcome

“You

OFF full price if you buy 2 Powers of Attorney

Positives and negatives Downend’s unicorn

A FEW volunteers and about an hour’s work.

The result is four benches looking nice and shiny.

Another coat of paint to go on and they’ll be ready to withstand whatever weather the next few years has in store for us.

I know we’ve said this before, more than once, but it just goes to show the positive impact a few people can have in just an hour or two.

So if you see anything in your immediate area that needs some TLC, why not get a few people together and do it?

We are here to help if you want or need it: just get in touch.

It’s taken a while but we have now submitted our formal planning application to erect a flagpole at the war memorial.

We are hopeful it’ll be approved in time to get everything in place for this years Remembrance service.

It was sad to see the Mangotsfield Station information board be the subject of an act of mindless vandalism.

It has been repaired, but it’s not the first time this has happened. If you see this sort of thing going on don’t just turn a blind eye, please report it.

Our next monthly Red Lion Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday September 4 at 10am, and all are welcome. We are now getting a really good turnout, so why not come along?

If you want to get in touch then please do so by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page, telephone our chair, Clive Heath, on 07507 168700 or me on 07918 701881.

Chris Amos,

Secretary

HAVE you ever noticed the unicorn in Downend?

Take a look at the carving on the right-hand side of the entrance to the playing fields on Westerleigh Road.

The unicorn plaque there is actually a sign that this is one of 471 King George’s Fields in the UK.

When King George V died on January 30, 1936, a committee was formed to design a national memorial.

As well as putting up a statue in London, the committee decided to celebrate the king’s passion for accessible green spaces by setting up a new scheme across the country.

This was the King George’s Fields Foundation, whose remit was to preserve open spaces for public recreation.

This was at a time of urbanisation and mass house building, when there was concern about increased building, loss of countryside and the need to protect certain areas so that people would have room to exercise, play games and sports, and enjoy a walk in the fresh air.

As every King George’s field forms part of a national memorial to King George V, the foundation stipulated that they must all be marked by official emblems.

Two heraldic panels, designed by George Kruger Gray (who studied locally at Bath School of Art), have to be displayed at the main entrance to every King George’s field.

The lion panel includes the words “George V” and “A.D. 1910–1936”, while the unicorn’s says “King George’s Field”.

The King George’s Fields Foundation is now part of Fields in Trust, which champions and supports our parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy. For more details visit tinyurl.com/4n6rnpyb.

So next time you’re spending time in the playing field, remember that it’s there in memory of the king who reigned from 1910 to 1936, and who loved the outdoors!

For more information on CHAP visit www.downendchap.org.

Helen Rana

Here to Help Emersons Green!

Are you finding the lack of a public bus difficult? Do you need help with transport?

Call Green Community Travel!

We travel in and around Emersons and Downend and then towards Yate, but we have a team of volunteers to help with hospital appointments!

Shopping, GP/Hospital and Dental Appointments, Hairdressers and much more! We even do trips out!

Book in advance!

We are here for anyone that can’t access public transport,

need to travel door to door, may be disabled or have a health or mobility concern.

Our buses are fully accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. If you’re unsure — give us a call!

Friendly team, accessible travel and discount for bus pass holders.

You can even book a regular slot with us!

Call or email us to find out more, we’re also on Facebook!

Issy races to national titles

EMERSONS Green teenager Isabelle Walkey could be a star of future Olympics after winning two national 100m sprint titles.

The 16-year-old former Winterbourne Academy pupil, who has just sat her GCSEs, represented the school and Team Avon at the 93rd English Schools Athletics Track and Field Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in July.

One of more than 1,700 athletes competing, Issy won her heat convincingly before taking the under-17s women’s title in the final, with a time of 12.07 seconds.

She then took part in her first international competition, representing England at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) event at Carmarthen, where she won a silver medal competing against athletes from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Issy then returned to Birmingham for the England Athletics U17 championships,

winning the 100m final in a personal best time of 11.79 seconds to become national champion.

Mum Claire said Issy’s time puts her second in the UK and first in England for her age group.

Issy first developed a love of running at the age of six, both at Yate Athletics Club, where she is coached by Sandra Woodman, and at Blackhorse Primary School.

One of her first tastes of competition was taking part in the MAD Olympiad athletics event for local primary schools and she was encouraged by Blackhorse head teacher Simon Botten, who has been following her career since she left.

Issy hopes to continue her development at SGS College, where she plans to study sport at the WISE campus in Filton from September.

Claire said: “Her future aim is to train hard, remain focused and run faster!

“We are so proud of her.”

Issy said: “I have thought about my future in athletics – however, as I am still young I just want to carry on enjoying it and take each season as it comes.”

Asked if she had taken inspiration for the future from watching the Paris Olympics, she said: “I have really enjoyed watching the Olympics, especially Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita, who are two GB athletes I think inspire and represent female sprinting well in this country.”

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SPORT

Cleve blow off the cobwebs

CLEVE RFC's first preseason game saw our senior squad take on St Mary’s at the Hayfields.

It was a great contest from both sides, with Cleve winning 38-17 in an absolutely packed ground!

Head Coach Paul Vinicombe said: "It was fantastic to see a mix of our established players, graduating colts, debutants and returning players pull on the maroon stripes and blow out the cobwebs!

"The game was far from perfect but wow, am I excited for what the future holds?

"Everyone in the matchday 25 took their chance with both hands, and has left the coaching team with some serious selection headaches.

"We want to say a big thank you to St Mary's, who provided not only an enjoyable, hard-fought game but were a great craic in the bar after!"

It was also great to see the Hayfields packed with supporters cheering us on: we can’t thank them enough and can’t wait to see them again.

Steve Bateman

Action from Cleve's friendly win over St Mary's

Issy Walkey in her England kit with her gold medals

Positive start to Mangos' long road trip

MANGOTSFIELD United's long run of away games, as work to replace their pitch continues apace, has started well.

The team has seven points from its first four matches of the season in the Hellenic League Premier Division – although the Mangos have already made an exit from the FA Cup.

An opening day defeat to Corsham Town, one of the early promotion favourites, saw Mangotsfield defender Micea Ilea give the visitors the lead in the third minute, scrambling the ball over the line after a free kick. But Corsham equalised in the 18th minute and went ahead in the 84th minute, with the Mangos denied an equaliser in added time by the home keeper.

Four days later Mangotsfield were knocked out of the FA Cup in the

preliminary round by Royal Wootton Bassett Town, who went ahead in the 10th minute.

The Mangos equalised 11 minutes before half time after Michael Barry was fouled in the box and Will Ashton converted the resulting penalty.

Mangotsfield went behind in the second half, also losing captain Harley Purnell to injury and, despite hitting the crossbar near to full time, were unable to get an equaliser.

The team picked up their first points of the season away at Thornbury Town on August 6.

Level at half time despite plenty of possession, Mangotsfield finally took the lead just before the hour mark, when Jack Ball beat the offside trap and played in Will Ashton, who calmly slotted home.

James White doubled the lead in the 68th minute with a shot from 20 yards and new signing Joe Cattermole sealed the victory in the last minute of normal time, with a low shot into the corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area.

Four days later the Mangos gained revenge for their FA Cup exit by beating Royal Wootton Bassett in a very competitive league match.

Man-of-the-match Jack Ball's first-time strike from the edge of the area in the 37th

minute proved to be the difference, with Bassett hitting the post in the second half as they piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

On August 13 Mangotsfield made Fairford Town drop their first points of the season.

An injury-hit Mangos competed well against strong opposition, with the first half ending goalless as Ball had an effort ruled out for offside and Ilea produced a goalsaving tackle to deny the hosts.

Fairford went ahead from a penalty awarded in the first minute of the second half, but Mangotsfield pressed hard and, in the 78th minute, Ball beat the offside trap to rifle home the equaliser.

The Mangos have six away league fixtures during September, with a home FA Vase fixture on September 21 to be played at a venue to be arranged.

For more details visit tinyurl. com/2m6fftbn.

Work to install the club's new artificial is progressing well and was ahead of schedule as the Voice went to print, with levelling work nearly finished and the new floodlight columns ready for testing.

The first team is due to complete all of its away league fixtures by mid-November. Match details courtesy of Shaun Lecrass/Mangotsfield United

Tackling that pain in the neck

We’re all hampered by a few aches and pains now and again but my message this month is: Don’t suffer in silence.

I want to tell you about one of the most common conditions treated by chiropractors – it’s known as upper cross syndrome. Have you ever suffered from pain between your shoulder blades? Do you sometimes feel that you have to move around to get comfortable when you are sitting? Do you have occasional neck and shoulder aches or headaches? Maybe you feel

hunched over all the time, with the base or your neck feeling larger than it should.

If any of this applies to you, then you may have upper cross syndrome, which is basically an imbalance of the muscles in your neck, shoulders and chest. Over time, some of these will have become too weak or too tight. This results in the classic poor posture appearance of rounded shoulders and an anterior head carriage, often referred to as a stooped or hunched back.

The severity of upper cross syndrome can vary a huge amount from mild poor posture to a severe stoop. Our aim is always to try and prevent the most serious cases – so how can we do that?

The obvious place to start is to strengthen the weaker muscles and loosen the tighter ones. While this can be a long process, it’s possible to achieve a lot just in a few weeks of consistent stretching and exercising. In addition to this, your practitioner can direct you to some excellent mobilisation methods.

Over the last year or so at Cleve Chiropractic, we have introduced our patients to a new piece of equipment called The Balance Wedge. We have successfully learned and developed a 10-minute routine that is amazing for helping to correct upper cross syndrome and its associated aches and pains.

Combined with a few sessions of hands-on therapy, the wedge helps patients make a first move to feeling better. First, your chiropractor might adjust your cervical and thoracic spine, ribs and even your lower back. This can have a huge impact in reducing your aches and pains. Then there are lots of techniques to loosen the tight pec and neck muscles to help relieve the pain and stiffness. Normally patients will notice an improvement as soon as they get off the treatment table and, after a handful of sessions, they report a consistent improvement in their symptoms, from headaches to neck and shoulder problems. So the good news is that there are many straightforward methods

that can help prevent the upper cross hunched back. The first and foremost is to make sure that we don’t sit for hours on end. Always do your best to move, move and then move some more! No amount of moving is too much when you have a job that requires you to sit for most of the day.

Take the time to set up your desk properly – there’s so much advice now available online for this. If you enjoy the gym, try to do more back strengthening or pulling style exercise than pushing, maybe with a ratio of 3 to 1, to help achieve a strong looking posture.

Remember, if you want the best chance of staying young and healthy at heart, stay strong and keep moving!

Cup triumph for Carsons & Mangotsfield

CARSONS and Mangotsfield

1st Xl have won the Bristol and District Cricket Association Bateman Cup for the first time since 1994.

The team received a bye in the first round, progressing to meet Stoke Gifford in the quarterfinal. Struggling at 52-7, captain Sam Braley took the score to 114-9.

The bowling unit restricted Stoke Gifford to 48 all out, with Sam Wilson taking 4-8.

The semi-final was against Stoke Bishop and whilst initially under the cosh, a flurry of late wickets saw them restrict the opposition to 132.

The run chase was led by Kieran Gallagher, hitting 62 off 45 balls.

When he fell in the 16th over, victory was far from certain. The team lost quick wickets, and seven runs were required off the last over. Vice-captain Craig Woodland and George Sutton managed to eke out the runs to win.

The final was against

Stapleton, with Carsons and Mangotsfield opting to bowl first, having won the toss. Stapleton scored a total of 129-3 following several good partnerships.

The run chase was led by

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openers Tom King and George Britton, who put on 47 for the first wicket in seven overs.

The side lost quick wickets and there was some panic, despite having large club support

who had come to watch.

However youth player Ollie Catton, who has been at the club since the age of nine, hit the winning boundary – ensuring pandemonium from the players and supporters.

In the league the 1st Xl are sitting at the top of the table with three games left, but with only a handful of points separating the top three teams.

The crunch game is likely to be the final match against Bristol Aces, who are second.

Meanwhile the 2nd Xl are all but promoted and on the verge of winning the division.

The 3rd team, following a loss of form, need a couple of wins in the final matches to secure their position for next season. The 4th team have had a good season, finishing in the top half of the table.

The Sunday team are also having a mixed season and, like the 3rd Xl, require a couple of victories in their final three games to secure their status.

Ian Coles

Carsons & Mangotsfield 1st XI players celebrate their victory

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