Emersons Green Voice February 2018

emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018 — ISSUE 17

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Dozens rush to offer help after vandals strike at sports ground GOOD neighbours are rallying round to support a community sports centre after an act of vandalism turned several of its pitches into a “mud bath”.

A vehicle was driven on to three sports fields at Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield in the early hours of January 13, leaving muddy tyre tracks across seven football pitches. As a result, some may not be able to be used

by Bromley Heath Football Club and Mangotsfield United for the rest of the season, leaving the hundreds of youngsters who play matches there every week potentially disappointed.

The vandalism is devastating for the volunteers who run the facilities and who give up time to coach the teams that play there - but the public support has cheered them.

As the Voice went to print, a crowdfunding appeal had collected nearly £3,000 and many organisations, businesses and individuals, including Bristol Rovers and Bristol City representatives, had offered help.

Turn to Page 3

Nicole’s China trek for copter Nicole Beebee has swapped prosecco, crisps and chocolates for water and health food as she prepares for a trek on the Great Wall of China in aid of Great Western Air Ambulance.

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It’s next stop Las Vegas for Mangotsfield School student Jude Moore who has earned a return international bout against Ashton Superman Sylve of the US Full story: Page 36

We’re not a slip road for the city People in St George are opposing the idea of an eastern option for a junction 18a on the M4 because they say it would increase traffic in their area.

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Road crossing ‘is so dangerous’ People living in Lyde Green say they fear for their lives when they cross the road near Sainsbury’s petrol station.

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n NEWS

February, 2018

£12,500 grant for sports pavilion IT’S not all bad news for Pomphrey Hill Community Sports Association this month: the organisation has been successful in its bid to receive a £12,500 grant from Emersons Green Town Council.

The grant application was made for two large windows to be installed into a room in the association’s pavilion, which was previously used by a boxing club, and is currently used by Carsons Cricket and Bromley Heath United as a club room.

Although the room has previously been decorated and a bar has been installed, it is hoped that by adding windows PHCSA will be

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

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able to create another function room which it can hire out for events, enabling them to generate further income at a time when it is greatly needed.

Chairman Jamie Andrews-Britton said: “We are delighted to have received this grant from Emersons Green Town Council, and it was great to hear that they thought our presentation was very professional too.

“This new function room will benefit the whole community, and we hope that the windows will be installed by the time the next cricket season starts in May.”

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We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk.

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February, 2018

n NEWS

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Vandals strike at Pomphrey From Page 1 Jamie Andrews-Britton, chairman of the board of trustees for Pomphrey Hill Community Sports Association (PHCSA), said: “Although it’s hard to see a silver lining at a time like this, one thing I feel positive about is that the story has got the community talking about Pomphrey Hill and the facilities that we offer. We’re so grateful for their support, and hope that it won’t be too long before all of our pitches can be used again.”

Jamie, who has been involved in the group since it was formed in 2001, said: “We first became aware of the vandalism when our Senior Secretary checked the pitches early on the Saturday morning to establish whether it was safe to hold games in light of the recent bad weather. The amount of damage that has been done is unbelievable – it’s completely brainless.

“At this stage we aren’t sure of the total cost of the damage, but imagine that it could run into the thousands. As a charity, it is something that we will really struggle to pay for, on top of the pitch and maintenance fees that we already pay for with limited funds. We also know that at least three or four pitches on the bottom field definitely won’t be able to be used by our junior teams for the rest of the season, and the others will take the rest

of the season to repair. At this time of year, the rain will make this 10 times more difficult too.”

Following the incident, Jamie posted about the damage on Facebook. He told the Voice: “So far we have received over 500 comments and 1000 shares on Facebook, and reached over 100,000 people which is amazing. We have had an overwhelming response from people offering ideas, as well as making donations to the Go Fund Me page. " Councillor for Emersons Green Rachael Hunt added: “This is a disgraceful act against a community facility, well used by residents, including many children’s teams. While hoping the police are able to track down the offender(s), we will be in touch with the Association to offer any assistance we are able to provide.”

Speaking about the vandalism at Pomphrey Hill,

a spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: “A vehicle got on to the grassed area overnight on Friday January 12 in the Pomphrey Hill area of Mangotsfield and damaged a football pitch.

“Police enquiries are continuing into the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call us quoting 5218009691.”

To support PHCSA’s fundraising appeal following the damage to their sports fields, please visit their Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme. com/pomphrey-pitch-repairs

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n NEWS FURTHER opposition to the idea of a Pucklechurch junction on the M4 has come from people who fear it would bring additional traffic to Kingswood and St George.

Labour councillors have launched a petition called "We're no slip road into the city”.

They say the so-called “eastern option”, involving a new junction 18a and a link road from the motorway to the Avon Ring Road at Siston, would bring thousands of additional cars on to the A420 and Church Road. They say this would be devastating to public health and would make local travel at peak hours impossible.

They are backed by Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy in their call for South Gloucestershire Council to scrap the suggestion, which was put forward last summer in a £500,000 feasibility study carried out for the council and Highways England by contractors.

Ms McCarthy said: “We need to cut the number of cars coming into the city while providing a viable, affordable

February, 2018

We're no slip road into city: east Bristol opposes J18a public transport system for people for whom driving is not essential, and not increase traffic on already congested roads. I am also deeply concerned about air pollution, which is a hidden killer, particularly in poorer inner-city areas.”

Councillor Pat Rooney, who representsWoodstock ward and is leader of the Labour group on South Gloucestershire Council, said:"Kingswood residents already suffer health problems due to excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide from traffic pollution. The Tory Government has told South Gloucestershire to put an action plan in place to reduce traffic along the A420. Adding a new motorway junction at Pucklechurch would blatantly ignore Kingswood residents' health and well-being.

Locally we are working hard to regenerate Kingswood, making it a better place to live and work.”

Nicola Beech and Steve Pearce, Bristol city councillors for St George Central ward, which sits either side of the A420, added: “Too little consideration seems to be given to impacts in Bristol. We will campaign hard for to abandon these plans to protect St George and the health of our community.

“Two Mile Hill is not a slip road into the city and St George will not support any proposals which brings more through traffic down the A420. East Bristol’s road network is already too congested. Apparently, the health of our constituents in Two Mile Hill and residents and visitors to Church Road are of no concern as they are

to be compelled to continue to sit in mainly stationary traffic, breathing in the killer exhaust fumes of even more vehicles from the new motorway junction.”

The feasibility study, which came up with two eastern options and a western option at Emersons Green, provoked a large public response, which is now being analysed.

Results of the consultation are expected next month, when South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet will decide whether there is a case to be put to the Department for Transport for the junction and link road.

Supporters say it is needed to reduce traffic congestion and unlock economic potential in the area. The earliest it could open would be 2027.

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February, 2018

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n NEWS

'If you survive this, tell other people what you have seen' MEET Hella Hewison - a 93-year-old with quite an extraordinary life story.

She came to Bristol when she was 14 , having grown up in Berlin. Hella escaped from Nazi Germany in June 1939 when her parents put her on the KinderTransport.

She was fostered by a family, went to Colston Girls School, quickly learned English and subsequently trained to be a nurse and a health visitor.

In January 2017, BBC Radio Bristol released a short film on Facebook with Hella talking about her escape from Germany and what happened to her and her family.

One year on, this film has been viewed over 750,000 times.

If you search on Google: Hella Hewison BBC England, “I have to speak because this world has not changed.” You should find

this amazing film. Echoing in my head are her father’s powerful words, “If you survive this, tell other people what you have seen.”

Hella has survived, lived a very full life and still attends the Downend Christ Church Fellowship.

She took her father’s words to heart and has shared again and again her survival story and the tragic events of the holocaust which affected her family.

Her sister also escaped, but both her parents and her grandmother were killed in concentration camps.

I count it a privilege to know this lady and to share her story as the world remembers on Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January.

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n NEWS PLANS to demolish the old Mangotsfield Church of England Primary School and replace it with 21 homes have been given the go-ahead.

Attempts to retain the Victorian facade of the old building in the village centre were ruled out.

A report to South Gloucestershire councillors said: “The original school building is considered to be circa 1870 and can be regarded as a typical example of a late Victorian school with regards to its neo- gothic architectural style.

Moreover, considering its age it may be one of the first phases of new schools constructed under the 1870 Elementary Education Act.” The council’s conservation officer favoured retaining the building, but the report concluded that the proposed development would be a better use of the site.

It said that the “significance of the building lies not so much in its architectural merits but more in its historic connections to the village and its social

February, 2018

Homes on old school site are given the go-ahead

sentimental value for former pupils of the school still living locally.”

houses, three two-bedroom flats and three single-bedroom flats.

The agreement will include a large contribution towards play areas and allotments nearby.

Ward councillor Michael Bell, who had campaigned for the building to be retained for community use, said he was disappointed that the facade could not be retained. However, he said Cotswold Homes had offered to donate up to £10,000 for an artwork to keep alive the memory of the old school.

“I would welcome any input from former pupils, staff and local residents, in particular those who attended a farewell tour of the school that I arranged a few years ago, on the form this artwork should take,” he said.

Anyone interested is asked to contact him on michael.bell@ southglos.gov.uk

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February, 2018

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n NEWS

‘We take our lives in our hands here’ RESIDENTS have raised concerns over the safety of the pedestrian crossing next to Sainsbury’s petrol station in Emersons Green.

Comments on the Lyde Green Local Facebook group express worries over the speed at which drivers approach the crossing, and the fact that it is hard for pedestrians to know when it is safe to cross because of vegetation causing limited visibility on the blind bend.

There have been suggestions for a mirror or more formal pedestrian crossing to be installed, as well as for the vegetation to be cut back.

Lucy Bailey, who has lived in Lyde Green since March 2016 with her husband and two year old daughter, said: “My husband and I take our lives and the life of our daughter in our hands when we use the crossing by Sainsbury’s petrol station. I have lost count of the number of near misses we have had. It is a blind bend with a constant flow of cars flying around, and to be fair to vehicle drivers it’s not a place where you’d expect to see pedestrians ‘pop’ out.

“I contacted South Gloucestershire Council in December 2016 to flag the danger and ask about the possibility of a zebra crossing.

Their response was that there had been no injury or accidents there in the last 10 years and a zebra crossing or other similar engineering scheme would be costly and difficult to justify. They believed the most effective solution was to

remove all vegetation, which was subsequently cut back but not removed.

“I contacted the council again in September 2017 to advise that although the vegetation had been trimmed back it was still a very dangerous blind spot, and asked about signage. They agreed to upgrade the signage on the immediate approach and install a ‘SLOW’ marking immediately after the exit on the roundabout.

“I feel the safest solution for everyone, pedestrians and drivers, is for a zebra crossing to be installed. The council are always encouraging people to be

greener, but the current crossing does not encourage people to walk. Despite my love of walking I often find myself driving to Sainsbury’s as I feel it is the safest option.”

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that it has a long standing policy of opposing mirrors on the public highway as the image the driver sees in a mirror of an approaching vehicle can be misleading with regard to vehicle position and direction, the danger of reflected glare from headlamps or the sun and there might be a tendency for a driver to concentrate their attention

What other Lyde Green pedestrians have to say Lily Pawley: “I personally find the crossing very dangerous as often drivers are distracted after finishing their shopping. It’s a daily crossing point for me to reach the shops and I cross it with my two year old, who I now make walk on the other side of me in case a car comes around the corner too quickly. It can take quite a while to cross because you need to wait until you are as sure as you can be that no cars are coming.

I’m currently pregnant and have been nearly hit twice while I had the pram (the driver had to brake quite suddenly as they weren’t paying attention).

“In my opinion the foliage needs to be cut back dramatically and signs put up, I don’t even

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think a lot of drivers realise it is a crossing point at the moment.”

Zoe Michelle: “I regularly walk from Lyde Green to Sainsbury’s, and the quickest way to go is to cross at the lights on the roundabout and then walk up past the petrol station. However, the crossing by the petrol station is very dangerous as it is on a sharp bend and there is a big bush obstructing the view of the cars which shoot around the corner. It is fine to walk back from Sainsbury’s to Lyde Green as you have a full view of the road but going towards Sainsbury’s you have to hope for the best and run across. I try not to go this way if I can help it as it is very unsafe.”

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on the mirror and ignore their immediate surroundings.

In response to the concerns raised by residents, a council spokesman said: “Our records show that there have never been any recorded injury accidents at this location. We have installed a warning sign near the filling station, plans are in place to add road markings, and we have arranged for the overgrown vegetation to be removed as soon as possible to improve forward visibility of the crossing point.

“If any resident would like to request a highway improvement, such as a new formal pedestrian crossing facility, we have an agreed process where requests for highway improvement measures can be submitted for possible inclusion on the Local Transport Priority List.

If a proposal is submitted and selected for investigation, we would initially carry out a pedestrian crossing survey at the location to determine whether a formal crossing is justified at this location.”

If residents wish to submit a request, they should visit:www. southglos.gov.uk/transportand-streets/streets/road-safetytraffic-schemes/local-transportpriority-list/ which also explains the scheme prioritisation process in more detail.

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February, 2018

n NEWS

Join 'Jolly at the Folly' Introducing Sadik Al-Hassan: WITH the end of a long cold winter almost in sight, two community groups in Lyde Green are organising events to help residents meet their neighbours and make the development a happy, clean and tidy place to live.

On Thursday February 22 at 7.30pm, the ‘Jolly at the Folly’ social event will take place at the Folly pub on Westerleigh Road. Organised

by Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch, the aim is to encourage people to meet other Lyde Green residents and hopefully make some new friends over a drink or two. There will also be the chance to meet the Zone Coordinators from the Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch, and residents are asked to confirm their attendance on the event’s Facebook group if they would like to come along.

Chairman James Blackwood said: “In addition to promoting safety and security in Lyde Green, one of the key objectives of the Neighbourhood Watch is to promote community cohesion, and we want to stress that we will not be using this event to push leaflets or the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch on residents.

“Whether you are brand new to Lyde Green or an old timer here, this is simply an opportunity to go and have a drink and meet someone new. After all, we all want to live in a happy close-knit community.”

Lyde Green Community Association and Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch are also joining forces to organise a ‘Big Spring Clean’ in Lyde Green on Saturday March 17. Both groups want to encourage residents to get involved, and if you’d like to help organise the litter picking event, or to involve your community group, please contact lydegreenonline@gmail.com for more details.

In addition, the Walking Map Project for Emersons Green, Lyde Green and the surrounding area has been handed over to Mark Humphrey to manage. If you’d like to get involved, contact Mark Humphrey by emailing lydegreenonline@gmail.com

Sadik Al-Hassan is the first councillor on Emersons Green Town Council from Lyde Green. He was elected without contest to the Blackhorse Ward at the start of January, and The Voice caught up with him to find out more about his background and his plans for his new role Tell us a bit more about you I have lived in Lyde Green for three years, moving here with my wife Katrina not long after the site opened. We have two sons: Lynton who is three years old and Eli who is nine months. I am a pharmacist by trade.

Why did you want to become a councillor?

In the 10 years of my career I have developed quite a detailed understanding of the health landscape but it was not until the

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birth of my first son that I really started to think about how we are served by the health service around us. Lynton was born at Southmead at 28 weeks and when I held him in my one hand it really opened my eyes. The fantastic work of those at the hospital meant that after many weeks of careful care, my boy came home but I was different. I had this precious tiny delicate life to care for now and I saw everything differently. The world around me was different.

It was at that time that I began to think about the changing the world around me, as every parent does, to make it better for my son.

Time moved on and with the birth of my second son at 32 weeks at Southmead two years later I decided there and then to act. I decided that I wanted to change things, I had two boys and I had to think about their future and what they would have. I didn’t want them to have to choose between paying for healthcare or paying rent, I wanted them to have the

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February, 2018

9

the newest member of Emersons Green Town Council same safety nets I had growing up to pick them up if they fell down.

After my second son had settled at home I filled in a form online and joined my local Labour Party branch, Siston and Emersons Green. I was quite surprised to receive a very kind invite to meet some of the senior members for coffee on a Saturday to welcome new members. At the coffee morning I spoke about my concern for the services around us, the impact of the cuts, the affect on the NHS and the fact that I wanted to do something about it. With support from the constituency party I organised an NHS Public Meeting in Emersons Green Hall in October 2017. We got healthcare professionals from the area in one place to talk about the crisis affecting the NHS and the impact on the people in our area. I was quite surprised that the public meeting was a huge success as I was quite expecting to be sitting

Christmas Lighting committee with the goal of trying to get lighting for Lyde Green next Christmas.

I also proposed that the Town Council donate office furniture to the new Community Hall and have discussed the use of some of the green spaces in Lyde Green to encourage wildlife. I am also investigating the decisions around the health centre in Lyde Green, which are a South Gloucestershire Council matter.

Sadik with Katrina, Lynton and Eli in a hall on my own but even then I knew that I needed to do more.

What do you hope to achieve in your new role?

Now I have become a councillor, I can represent the views of Lyde Green and my ward to other authorities; help promote the area

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and work to make it the best place for my two boys to grow up in. I have already had my first Town Council meeting and I am really looking forward to the next in February where I am going to raise some more issues brought to me by residents. I hope to bring balance to the council, and so far I have asked to be on the

Sadik would like residents to get in touch with him to discuss any issues concerning Lyde Green. You can contact him on Twitter: @ Sadik4Pharmacy while his council email address is being set up. If residents are also interested in getting involved with local politics, Sadik suggests that they should also sign up to a party and contact their local branch for an opportunity to talk about what is important to them.

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

n NEWS

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Nicole swaps tasty treats for training A LOCAL woman has had a lifestyle change for 2018 in preparation for a trek on the Great Wall of China.

Nicole Beebee, 43, from Winterbourne, is taking part in the challenge in September in aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Nicole said: “I’ve never done anything like this before.

Normally my weekends consist of a takeaway, box of maltesers, glass of prosecco and a film. Now I’m up early, clear headed and out for a run – my friends are all shocked and impressed in equal measures!”

Since New Year Nicole has embarked on a healthy eating routine to get her ready for the trek. She’s also going on regular walks, has been doing ‘dry January’, and has started the ‘Couch to 5K’ challenge to improve her fitness levels.

So what prompted this drastic decision? Nicole said: “The Great Wall of China is one of those bucket-list adventures. It’s not every day you get to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and this is a great way to do something amazing while raising money for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and helping to save lives.”

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) provides the air ambulance and critical care service across Bristol, Bath and

needs.

The charity still has places to fill on the trek. Further information can be found on its website: www.gwaac.com/china Nicole continued: “I feel very excited to take part in this amazing experience. China is a fantastic country and I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the culture. We have a really friendly group going and I’d love for you to come and join us! I’d say to anyone thinking about taking the plunge – go for it! You only live once so make it count, plus you’ll be saving lives with Great Western Air Ambulance Charity too.”

For more information about joining the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity China Trek 2018 visit www.gwaac.com North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, North Somerset and parts of Wiltshire. It operates 365 days a year from its helicopter or critical care car, providing a life-saving service to 2.1 million people, and ensuring a specialist critical care doctor and paramedic are on the scene as fast as possible.

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• Full diagnostic equipment • Factory trained technicians • Collection/delivery service • Courtesy car on request

• MOT’s • Servicing • Gearbox repairs • Electrical faults

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Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English at the same time. The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you.

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

Locations and dates available: • Cardiff Castle, Cardiff - 24th/25th February • Longleat, Wiltshire - 24th/25th March • Ashmolean Museum, Oxford - 14th/15th April • Exeter Food and Drink Festival, Exeter - 5th/6th May • Malvern Spring Festival, Worcestershire - 12th/13th May

FREE COURSE AND DAY TRIP

• Stratford-upon-Avon/Warwick Castle - 16th/17th June • All Aboard! Watersports Centre, Bristol - 7th/8th July For further information please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

13

nNEWS EVERY year, the St Augustine’s community in Downend runs events to raise money for a national and an international charity.

This year, the UK charity is very local - a Bristol charity founded by Tina Mitchell Skinner. Tina set up Brain Tumour Support in memory of her husband Paul Mitchell after he died of a high grade brain tumour in 2003.

Tina, who worked in training and development for a leading building society, has grown and shaped the charity into what it is today.

Brain Tumour Support is dedicated to providing support for patients, families and carers so that no-one feels alone after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

It provides tailored and specialist information, guidance and emotional support for as long as it is needed.

The charity is close to the heart of the St Augustine’s community which has lost loved ones as a result of brain tumours.

St Augustine's gives backing to Brain Tumour Support charity The first major event being held for the charity is One Night Only, a festival night of music and dancing on Friday February 9 from 6.30pm in St Augustine’s School Hall.

It features guitarist Joe Kelly, acapella group The Tonic (www. thetonic.live) and the popular covers band Limited Edition (www.ltdedition.co.uk).

Tickets cost £6 for adults, £3 for under 16s or £15 for a family ticket (two adults and children) if booked before February 5 and £8 for adults, £4 for under 16s and £20 for a family ticket after. They are available from Clare Davis by emailing clare@novaassociates. co.uk All proceeds go to Brain Tumour Support.

Tina Mitchell Skinner (left) set up Brain Tumour Support after her husband died in 2003

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

www.kipmcgrathbristolcentral.co.uk

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

emersonsgreenvoice

14

February, 2018

n TRAVEL

Experiencing ‘Aloha Spirit’ in Hawaii Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe

THROUGHOUT my travels, I’m always intent on learning more about the local culture. This was no different during my time in Hawaii.

While there, I quickly realised just how deep their love and respect for nature really is. One particularly profound moment for me was when I was exploring Kīlauea Iki crater on The Big Island - a volcanic crater you can hike around (and even inside).

As Hawaii is an archipelago formed out of volcanic rock itself, one of their most famous legends involves Pele (or Pelehonuamea) - the Volcano Goddess. My tour guide said it is taboo to steal lava rock from the island, as legend dictates that if you steal anything related to the land such as lava rock or even a grain of sand then

you will be cursed!

Although The Big Island was where I began to understand this respect for nature, it was prevalent when touring the other islands too.

During my time on O’ahu, perhaps Hawaii’s most popular island, I spent some time exploring Byodo-In Temple. This is a Buddhist Temple found near Kaneohe, a 30 minute drive from world-renowned Waikiki Beach. When arriving at the temple, you’re expected to ring a

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gong and are asked to take off your shoes as a sign of respect.

I can’t help but wonder that this respect for nature and their beliefs has driven Hawaiians to also respect each other. And this is why.

Whilst at Byodo-In Temple, you have the opportunity to feed the birds and koi fish with a small bag of food that can be purchased in the gift shop for $2. I was watching a family feed the wildlife when they spotted me watching and actually gave me the rest of their bag of food. The mother must have been struck by my apparent surprise at their kindness as her words were simply: “Someone else gave us this bag of food so we’re just paying it forward.” Here was a family who seemed to be completely embodying everything I now hold dear about Hawaii’s culture respect nature, respect each other.

I’ve since learned that “Aloha” is more than just a greeting. It’s actually a common state law in Hawaii known as the ‘Aloha Spirit’, which insists each person must think positively and display positive feelings to others. There are a few ways you can show positivity according to these laws, such as “Akahai” (kindness and tenderness), “Ha’aha’a” (humility and modesty) and “Ahonui” (patience and perseverance).

This is a culture entirely centred around respecting nature, loving one another and showing positivity. And when you combine this with a set of islands that are diverse, dramatic and stunning, Hawaii quickly becomes an amazing place and one I won’t hesitate to recommend to globetrotters.

But I have just one more thought to leave you with today.

Next time you think of your significant other, neighbour or friend, I implore you to remember the words of the ‘Aloha Spirit’ and respect one another! “A Hui Hou Kākou” (until we meet again)...

Justine Cross is a travel writer and business blogger based in Emersons Green. You can read more of her travel stories at www. wandereroftheworld.co.uk. And don’t forget to look out for the next instalment of her travel column in our March issue!

A View of Kīlauea Iki Crater

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Denture Clinic Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

15

nNEWS

At last! Future is settled for Ridings A NEW era begins for Winterbourne’s secondary school this month as it joins a new academy trust.

Winterbourne International Academy was due officially to become part of Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) on February 1.

It joins Abbeywood and Patchway secondaries, the all-through Bradley Stoke community school and five primaries in the locally-based group of schools.

Staff, children and parents are unlikely to see many immediate changes as WIA has already been working closely with OAT for some time.

Dave Baker, Olympus chief executive, announced at the start of term that following lengthy discussions involving the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the Department for Education a deal had been agreed for WIA to join OAT without any financial burden to other schools in the trust.

The move ends a long period of instability at WIA, whose students include many from Downend and Emersons Green.

As the former Ridings High School, it became an academy in September 2009 - along with the then King Edmund School in Yate - under the umbrella of the Ridings’ Federation of Academies.

The two academies were created through a scheme in

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

which stronger schools were invited to partner weaker ones and both got new buildings as a result.

However, the federation experienced a string of problems, from a financial crisis surrounding a potential £1 million deficit, poor Ofsted ratings for both academies and the departure of two shortlived chief executive principals.

WIA was later placed in special

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measures by Ofsted, although its exam results continue to be among the best in the area.

A consortium of Olympus and Castle School Education Trust (CSET) applied to take over sponsorship of WIA and provided interim leadership at the school.

Meanwhile, the Yate academy split away and has transferred to the Greenshaw Learning Trust.

OAT and CSET continue to work in partnership and are setting up a training organisation called North Avon Teaching School Alliance, which will be based at Bradley Stoke Community School.

Olympus is also looking to set up a centre at Patchway called the Concorde Learning Intervention Centre for students who struggle to learn effectively in a standard classroom environment. Shoppers at local Tesco stores can vote using the token scheme until the end of the month to support this provision.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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16

February, 2018

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday February 2 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door.

Enquiries 0117 972 1424.

Monday February 5 n Police Beat Surgery, 5-6pm, St James Church Hall, Mangotsfield Thursday February 8 n Downend Horticultural Society meeting at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, BS16 5RA, 7.30pm.

Call Roger Davis 0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton 0117 9792832.

Friday February 9 n Music for Enjoyment at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 2-4pm. A programme of recorded classical music. “Parlezvous Francais” presented by Pam. Visitors welcome £2.

Tuesday February 13 n Speaker morning with coffee. Dr Ruth Cromie, Wetlands and Wildlife Trust. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at door.

Thursday February 22 n Natural History Society at Lincombe Barn. Speaker, Ian McGuire on The Wild Owl TV Garden - A wildlife haven in suburbia. 7.30pm, Concorde Hall, Downend Folk House, Overndale Road. Visitors welcome £3.

Friday February 23 n Music for Enjoyment at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 2-4pm. A programme of recorded classical music. “Out of this World” presented by Jeanette. Visitors welcome £2.

REGULAR EVENTS Please check these events are still running

Mondays n Am/pm Star Jumpers-Pre-school

gym classes, village hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.30—11.30, Coffee Drop-In session—village hall, Free tea or coffee, contact Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.00—12.00, Knit & Natter— Knitting Group, Village Hall. Tel 01454 862182 n 10.00—11.45, and 13.45-14.45, Diddi Dance—Preschool dance class, Village Hall contact Emily Norman 07850 983821 n 13.30 -14.20 Debutots, children’s story group, contact Geri McKenna, 0117 3257801 n 16.15 -17.15 Ballet, tap and modern dance contact Kathy Plaster, 0117 9655660 n 18.00—21.00, Wrestling Tuition - for children & adults, Village Hall contact David Sharp 07825 298823 n 19.30—21.00 The Daisy Foundation—Antenatal class Village Hall, Carrie Cherrington 07752 467535 n 20.00—21.00 Pilates Village Hall, contact Miriam Roberts 07889 243998 n 19.00 – 20.00 Flow Yoga, Village Hall, Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 7-8pm, Downend School n Phoenix Wind Band (20+ concert level players). Emersons Green Library, 7.30-9.30 p.m.

Varied, challenging, will appeal to Grade 6 players or above.

Call Keith 0117 9049125, e-mail phoenixwindband@hotmail.com. n Royal Naval Association, South Glos branch. Downend Cricket Cub, 7.30pm for 8pm 2nd Monday of every month. Call Bob Walker 0117 9567617. n Social badminton. Kingswood Leisure Centre, 2-4pm, intermediate level. n Drop in art group, Page Hall, Page Road, Staple Hill (please use side entrance), every Monday, 10am-12.30pm. No tuition. A friendly welcome guaranteed. Call Judith on 0117 957 0327.

n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

Established and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159

Tuesdays n Morning Jo Jingles—music for babies & young children. Village Hall, Tracy Bees 077139 43666 n Am/pm Star Jumpers—Preschool gym classes, Village Hall, contact Steve Denny 0117 9570009 n 10.00—11.00, Pilates, Village Hall, contact Emma Hunter 07787 563775 n 10.30--11.40, Sing & Sign-Baby signing class, Village Hall, contact Katherine Amor 07594 460448 n 12.00-13.00 Book club for carers, Stacey Vallis 0117 9652200 n 13.15-14.45 Health Visitor Drop in Clinic, Village Hall – contact Sirona Care & Health on 01225 831511 n Afternoon/Evening, Ballet, Tap & Modern Dance—for children & Adults, Village Hall, contact Kathy Plaster 0117 9655660 n 19.15—21.00, Downend Art Club—for adults, Village Hall, contact Steve Wheeler 07928 799835 n 18.30-19.30, Weight Watchers Village Hall, contact 0345 345 1500 n 19.30—20.30 Boogie Bounce— Fitness class for adults, Village Hall, contact Claire Boon 07805 360411 n 20.00—20.55, Emersons Green Community Choir—For adults, Village Hall, contact Rachael Hunt 07908 211174 n Downend Camera Club. 7.4510pm, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, BS16 5RA. All abilities and interests catered for but beginners particularly welcome. n Pucklechurch Handbell Ringers meet from 7-8pm, termtime only.

You don’t need to be able to read music. Call Marion on 0117-

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

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 9373528. We welcome all ages but to join in our activities, we would prefer members to be over 16. n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 Tuesdays n Pucklechurch Folk Dance club. English Folk Dancing Club that meets alternate Tuesdays, 7.45pm to 10-15pm. Pucklechurch Community Centre. All ages and abilities are welcome .Contact details, Von 0117 937 2818 n Meditation group, Soundwell Road Spiritual church, Staple Hill.

Every Tuesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

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

Wednesdays n Flower Arranging – Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, 7.30 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September

News from Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green libraries Downend Library

Staple Hill Library

Emersons Green Library

Mondays: 10.15am Knitter Knatter - wool, patterns & needles provided Wednesdays: 10.30am Rhyme time – free singing & nursery rhyme sessions Fridays: 10.30am Coffee Morning – pop in for refreshments and a chat Fridays: 2.15pm Friday Fun Time - free preschool play session Saturday December 16: 11am Lego Club – suitable for primary school children and their parents

Mondays: 10.30am Messy Play - free preschool activity Tuesdays: 10.30am Shared Reading Group make new friends and share stories. You can just drop in, sit down and enjoy listening to a great story or poem. There’s no pressure to talk or read) Thursdays: 10.30am Rhyme Time – free singing & nursery rhyme sessions Saturday December 9: 10.30am Lego Club – suitable for primary school children and their parents too

Tuesdays: 2pm Free Pre-school story time (term time only) Thursdays: 10.30am Rhyme Time - free singing session for pre-school children – (term time only) Saturday December 2: 11am Lego Club – suitable for primary school children and their parents too

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

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February, 2018 – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel 0117-9568504 n PIYO (Mixture of Pilates and Yoga) – Contact Caroline Aqui on 07946 201923 n Am/pm Music with Mummy pre-school music group, Village Hall, contact Debra Denny 0117 9574443 n 10.00—11.30 Rainbow Tots— Parent & Toddler Group, Village Hall, contact Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.00—11.25 Book Club, Village Hall, contact Diane Roberts 0117 9566963, Monthly n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk n 13.45— 14.30, Diddi Dance, pre-school dance class, village hall, Emily Norman, 07850 983821 n 13.30— 15.30, Bingo—Win Prizes, Village Hall Tel 01454 862182 Fortnightly n 16.00—19.00, Affordable Theatre Company -Children’s Theatre Group Village Hall, Sarah Haworth 07496 550534 n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 17.30—19.30 T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do, Village Hall, Lee David Newman Tel. 07795 467262 n 18.00—2100 Pilates, Village Hall, contact Emma Hunter 07787 563775 n 19.00—20.00, Flow Yoga Village Hall, contact Hayley McAlinden 07748 452956 n 20.00—21.00 Zumba—Dance Fitness Village Hall, Amy Millard 07971 901686 n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Contact 0117 9653421.

Thursdays n 09.30-10.30, Weight Watchers Village Hall, Sarah Hills 07837 096297 n Am/pm, Baby Sensory—Early

Learning for Babies, Village Hall, contact Gemma Irwin-Porter bristoleast@babysensory.co.uk n Am, Mini Professors, science for pre-school children, Emily Hellewell, 07848 930513 n 10.00-11.00, Tai Chi, Village Hall, Donna Bull, 07749 375100 n 11.15—12.15, Diddi Dance— Preschool dance class Village Hall, Emily Norman 07850 983821 n 11.30—15.00 Senior Citizens Social Club Village Hall, 01454 862182, Monthly n 12.45—13.45 Ballet & Modern Dance for Children Village Hall, contact Kathy Plaster 0117 9655660 n 14.00—16.30 Whist Club—Card game group for all abilities. Village Hall, Contact Pat Weymouth 0117 3732017 n 16.00—18.30. 3D Street Dancing—for ages 8—13 yrs Village Hall, Louise Hopton 07754 039059 n 17.30—18.30, Emersons Green Rainbows Village Hall, Lindsey Naldrett 078755 47434 n 18.30—19.30, Legs, bums and tums fitness class, Caroline Aqui, 07946 201923 n 18.45—20:00, Qi Gong class every Thursday evening from 6:45pm to 8pm at Emersons Green village hall, cost £5. for further details email: donna@ lotusneigongbristol.co.uk or call 07968 158918 n 19.00-21,00, Spanish language sessions, village hall, Fabiola Doano, 07960 426326 n From 7pm Emersons Green Town Council Monthly Meetings. Village Hall, Contact Clerk 01454 862180.

Monthly n 19.30— 21.15, Beechmere Belles W.I. Evening Group, Village Hall, contact Katie Bateman 07800 981777. Monthly n 19.30—21.00 Real Fitness with Sarah—Fitness class Village Hall, Sarah Buscemi 07975 943589 n 20.00—21.15 Karate—for adults Village Hall, Allan Harris 01179 323249

EMERSONS TAXIS Emersons Green, Downend & Surrounding Areas

ALL UK AIRPORTS, PORTS & STATIONS COVERED 4, 5 & 6 SEATERS AVAILABLE H Lady Driver available on request H

17

n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7- 18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Zumba Fitness with Sam & Karen, 6.45-7.45pm Christchurch Infant School n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. Pomphrey Hill Sports Pavillon. 10.45 - 11.45 am. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@yogawithyolanda.me

Fridays n 9.35 -10.25 Debutots, children’s story group, contact Geri McKenna, 0117 3257801 n 10.00—11.30, Rainbow tots, parent and toddler group, village hall, Kevin Donaghy 0117 9575418 n 10.45—12.00 Pilates , village hall, Karen Mayor, 07946 201923 n morning, Hartbeeps, music and sensory for under 5s, Liz Smale, 07985 935662, Village Hall, nS13.15-14.45, Splatt Messy Play, baby and toddler group, Contact Lynsey Abbott on 07713 480102 n PIYO (Mixture of Pilates and Yoga) – Contact Caroline Aqui on 07946 201923 n African Dance – Contact Florence Allen on 07474 896271 n 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 13.30—14.30, Over 50s KeepFit—gentle exercise. Village Hall, Louise Hopton 07754 039059 n 13.30—16.00. Positive Steps— Adult Support Group Village Hall, Tim Dunton 01225 287431 n 14.00 –16.00 W.I Daytime Group Village Hall, Edith Anderson 0117 9573422 Monthly n 18.00—19.15 GKR Karate Village Hall, Mark Woods 07951 947280

n Zumba Fitness with Karen, 9.1510.15am, Winterbourne Community Centre n Zumba Gold with Karen, 10.3011.15am, Winterbourne Community Centre n 7-9.30pm Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, welcomes and supports all levels of experience including beginners. n Kingswood Probus Club, Warmley Community Centre, Deanery Road, Warmley, second, fourth and fifth Thursdays www. kingswoodprobus.co.uk n Spiritual healing at Soundwell Road church Staple Hill every Friday 7pm -8pm. Free entry. Details 01454 320179

Saturdays n Theatre Group – Contact Sarah Howarth on 07496 550534 n 11.00—14.30. Worldwide Church of God Service, Village Hall, Barry Davies 0117 9676054 n From 12pm T.A.G.B. Tae Kwon Do Village Hall, Lee David Newman 07795 467262

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

Lots of families. All welcome!

Jill Young

Therapeutic Counselling for children and young people free initial 30 minute consultation

For a Friendly Prompt Service call or e-mail

07960 067 767 framptontaxis@tiscali.co.uk www.framptontaxis.co.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

tel: 0749 853 1213 email: jill.young9987@gmail.com

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

Discover your future Could you see yourself as a scientist or biomedical engineer?

Perhaps an applied scientist, engineer or forensic analyst?

Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy enables you to study BTEC qualifications or A-Levels across science, technology, maths and engineering in the sixth form or a range of specialist science, engineering and technology courses alongside core GCSEs in Year 10.

Book a visit during the school day or secure a place on one of our Open Evenings which start at 6.30pm to find out more about BTE Academy. Apply now for a place in Year 10 or Year 12 for September 2018.

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

n NEWS

URGENT action is needed to improve the provision of services for children and young people in South Gloucestershire who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), inspectors say.

Council and NHS leaders have been given 70 days to come up with a Written Statement of action to tackle their “significant areas of weakness”.

This follows a joint inspection in November by Ofsted and the Cre Quality Commission.

Their report, published in late December, found some strengths but said that “a lack of strategic direction, frequent staff changes and changes to the roles and responsibilities of senior leaders” meant there was a lack of capacity to deliber improvements.

In a letter to parents of children with SEND, the council and the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “We do appreciate that the majority of positives highlighted in the report aren’t yet visible to families and how difficult this must feel, but we hope you’ll begin to see the impact

19

Children with special needs are being let down - report of those changes once they’re implemented soon.”

Councillor Jon Hunt, Cabinet Member responsible for Children and Young People, said: “We fully accept the overall findings of the report, which highlights many strengths to build on and recognises the progress made in improving services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND, particularly in recent months.

“To better meet the needs of these children, we set up an Improvement Board to drive positive change because we recognised from an early stage that more needed to be done to plan and deliver high-quality services.

“By investing around £845,000 in the 0 to 25 service, the council has been able to take on new staff and set up a transitions team. The process

for getting Education, Health and Care Plans in place has been drastically improved as the 20 week statutory process for completing these plans is being met.

“We are already working closely with our NHS partners and education settings to bring about rapid improvements to the outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.

"We are running a consultation on the revised SEND strategy so that parents and carers can have their say on this important area of work which will help shape the way services are provided by the council and our partners in the health service.”

Anne Morris, of the CCG, said: “The report highlights the strengths of the current system and documents areas of

improvement, whilst recognising areas of concern and the need for improvement in others.

“The CCG has already taken action in many of these areas including targeting waiting times in key therapeutic services, and investment in a waiting list initiative to reduce waiting times for assessment of children who may have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“Services for young people with special educational needs and disabilities are among our top priorities. We look forward to working with our partners in South Gloucestershire Council and community health providers to implement our agreed service development and improvement plan, improve South Gloucestershire SEND services and provide the highest quality care for children and their families.”

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20

February, 2018

n AROUND THE WIs

MNGOTSFIELD WI HAPPY New Year to all our members and to all our future members.

A huge congratulations to Carol and her family, they welcomed a baby girl, a great granddaughter, on Christmas Day. Our January meeting was a great success with various crafting demonstrations and activities.

We like to try our hands at new skills and there is opportunity for all members of the WI to take advantage of our very own residential courses. Members can travel to Denman and do anything from crafting skills, cookery and fencing right up to learning to drum.

Courses are residential and non-

residential and we have always had a warm welcome at Denman and been fed well, and watered!

On February 26 we will be learning about foot care and how we can look after and love our feet.

Becky will be coming to meet us and offer us some advice on how to keep our tootsies tip top!

We welcome women of all ages and from any area, you don’t have to live in or around Mangotsfield to join us.

Our meetings start at 7.30pm and we do not charge for our visitors, you can find out more out our meetings by contacting: mangotsfieldwi@gmail.com or looking at our website: www. mangotsfieldwi.org.uk you can also follow us on Twitter @ mangotsfieldwi or you can check out our Facebook page.

Kate Tarr

Send reports to news@downendvoice.co.uk

BEECHMERE BELLES WI OUR New Year got off to a great start with a very informative talk from a member of the fire brigade on fire prevention.

We are now looking forward to a demonstration from Geeta Delish Cook on February 22. Geeta will be talking to us all about spices in Indian cookery and hopefully we will be tasting some of her wonderful dishes.

In March we have another of our very popular craft evenings, this time we shall be making Easter baskets out of Alpaca felt.

Emersons Green & Lyde Green Beechmere Belles meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at Emersons Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. There is no waiting list so all new member are very welcome.

Our email is beechmerebelles@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Beechmere Belles Emersons Green WI

OUR first meeting of the year is on January 30 where, by popular demand, we have returning Juliette Hughes, who is a lead nurse in the Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital. As it is the first meeting of the year, it is also registration time and we look forward to seeing our current members together with some new faces. The registration fee of £41 can be paid by cheque or in cash, and this covers all meetings in 2018.

We have our programme set for the year, which includes some Burlesque dancing, gardening, local history and much more, if you want to pop along to find out all about us then it’s just £3 as a guest.

We meet at 7.30pm in Christchurch Hall on the last Tuesday of the month and we would love to have some new members join us.

Julie

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February, 2018

21

n NEWS CAMPAIGNERS for a new community hospital at Frenchay fear it will never be built.

Their anger has been fuelled by the news that developers have sought permission for 23 homes on the land earmarked for the provision.

Barbara Harris, from the Save Frenchay Hospital group, said the NHS had wasted public money and betrayed people’s trust over the 13 years since the decision was taken to shut the acute hospital at Frenchay.

“We have waited long enough.

We need the community hospital at Frenchay now,” said Mrs Harris, from Downend, who has been involved with the campaign throughout.

Three local MPs, Chris Skidmore, Jack Lopresti and Luke Hall, say they are deeply concerned about the plans

by North Bristol NHS Trust, which owns the land, and the developers Redrow, who are building hundreds of homes on the Frenchay site.

In a joint statement, they said: “We urge the Trust and Redrow to withdraw the

Shock over bid to build on community hospital site planning application and to get round the table, so we can ensure that what health land remains in Frenchay is used for the new health facilities we have been promised.”

The MPs are seeking a meeting with a junior Health Minister to discuss their concerns.

Councillors from all parties are also angry at the proposals.

Marian Lewis, Conservative chair of the Health Scrutiny committee, at whose meeting the plans were revealed, said: “This represents a blow to the people of South Gloucestershire, who have been patiently awaiting promised facilities. We are now left questioning whether the Trust ever had any intentions of implementing these new health facilities, and whether this has all been a charade.”

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NBT says the intention remains to provide health and social care beds and extra-care housing at Frenchay, but the trust no longer thinks it will need all the land that has been set aside.

Mrs Harris told the Voice that the new super-hospital at Southmead was under pressure because of the failure to provide the promised intermediate care beds at Frenchay.

This was of great concern, she said, because South Gloucestershire already has a very high proportion of elderly residents and the population overall is expected to grow rapidly.

Meanwhile, the site for the community hospital - which was scheduled to open this summer - is covered with waste from the housing development.

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Labour’s Councillor Ian Scott said: “This is an inevitable effect of the government’s austerity programme. The community and councillors need to keep pressure on the NHS to ensure that the plan for health and social care services promised for Frenchay over many years does not suffer or get scaled back as a result of this or any other deal with housing developers.”

Lib Dem Councillor Claire Young said:”We think it is outrageous that the NBT are considering allowing houses to be built on land that was supposed to be used for community health facilities before they’ve worked out how they are going to provide those facilities. It's a sad reflection on Government underfunding of our local NHS that they feel under pressure to do this.”

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emersonsgreenvoice

22

February, 2018

n MESSAGE FROM OUR MP ONE month into 2018, and it’s clear that already, its set to be a busy year, with several key issues and decisions that are about to be taken that will affect the future of our local area.

This month, new local boundaries for our area were finalised, ensuring that for the next local elections in 2019, Lyde Green and Emersons Green will be recognised as being in the same ward. This makes good sense when the two communities have shared priorities, such as schools, transport and community facilities, as well as sharing the same Emersons Green Town Council.

On schools, while the new £5million Lyde Green Primary School is going from strength to strength, I am still campaigning to ensure that we get the additional secondary school for our local area- that was promised as part of the development. As part of the planning permission for the Lyde Green development following a campaign by local Conservatives, land has been reserved for an all-

Chris Skidmore

through school; while the primary has opened, plans are being made to bid for the capital funding needed to build the secondary phase to ensure that the Emersons Green and Lyde Green areas have their own secondary school. This will remain one of my priorities to help facilitate this school, just as I did with the primary school several years back.

Another priority of mine has

been to campaign for an M4 Link to the Ring Road. I managed to obtain funding for a feasibility study into a new road, and have since campaigned for the Western option, near the Science Park, rather than build on greenbelt land near Pucklechurch. It makes sense that any link road should be near where the ring road almost touches the motorway- the consultation, which finished late last year, will make its final decision on the best route later this year, but thank you to the 2100 residents who signed my petition calling for the Western, and not the Eastern route.

I am determined to keep up the pressure for better transport infrastructure, but of course it must be the right transport infrastructure.

I’m delighted that the plans for a new £50 million Automotive Academy on the Bristol and Bath Science Park site are still progressing well- I have been leading the campaign working with the University of Bath to ensure that we received the

government funding to kickstart the project. I recently met with the Homes and Communities Agency to get an update about the site itself, which has now come into possession of the University, so I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress over the next few years, which will bring with it 400 new jobs.

Aside from regular surgeries that I hold in my office, I’m keen to ensure that I get around the constituency for ward surgeries, so that local people can drop in to see me closer to home. I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that I will be holding a surgery in Emersons Green on Friday 2nd February. We will have a booth reserved in the lounge of the Beefeater on Westerleigh Road from 1:30pm-3pm.

If there are any local issues which you would like to discuss or if you would like more information then please call my office in Hanham on 0117 9081524 who will be more than happy to arrange an appointment.

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

23

n NEWS

n LYDE GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION We’re already one month in to the New Year and what a year it’s promising to be with plenty to look forward to and much to be grateful for.

Community Spring Clean – Saturday March 17 We are looking to our fantastic Lyde Green residents to help organise a repeat of our Lyde Green Community Spring Clean, picking up that pesky litter from around our lovely roads and open spaces.

South Gloucestershire Council’s annual Spring Clean initiative will be running between Feb 12 and May 14 and Lyde Green’s cleanup event will be held right in the middle, on Saturday March 17. We’ll be running it in partnership with Lyde Green Neighbourhood Watch and residents. If you’d like to get involved with the organising of this, or if your group would like to take part, please get in touch with Cate at lydegreenonline@gmail. com. Everyone is welcome - the more the merrier!

Cash for swings

Summer Sizzler – Saturday July 7 Please save the date of Saturday July 7 as the Lyde Green Summer Sizzler returns again to bring the community together for a day of family fun and food. There will be lots of local community businesses and organisations as well as plenty of activities for all ages and interests. Please get in touch if you’d like to take part or have a stall – in particular, we’re looking for extra hands to be part of our Events team. Contact Kelly at lydegreenca@hotmail.com for more info.

Could you shape the future of Lyde Green?

Whilst the nights are still dark why not come along to one of our Community Association meetings and see how you can help shape the future of what we do here for one and all? More information about what we do can be found on our website: www.lydegreenca.

org/GetInvolved

Lyde Green Community Centre We are still answering enquiries and taking bookings for the new Lyde Green Community Centre via our Centre Manager, Alv Hirst, who you can contact via email at info@ lydegreenca.org. Fingers crossed we’ll have news of an opening date soon!

Website:

www.lydegreenca.org Email:

lydegreenca@hotmail.com

A CROWDFUNDING appeal has been launched to raise funds for a major upgrade to the facilities in Fishponds Park.

This well-loved park has been at the heart of the community for over 80 years, but the play area is now in desperate need of renovation.

Brian Smith, from the Friends of Fishponds Park says: “The play equipment is tired and long overdue for replacement. ” The group is aiming to raise £5,000 to purchase and install new swings. So far they have raised 22% of their target.

They are now looking to the community of Fishponds to get behind their appeal and make a donation via www.localgiving. com/fishponds You can also get involved with the appeal via their Facebook Page

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February, 2018

n VET’S ADVICE

l vet Lungworm – more than just a worm YOU’VE probably heard your vet talk about lungworm and how serious it is but in such a limited time in can be hard to tell you all the facts so here are the important bits.

ons Green

It’s here, in your back garden.

It is carried in slugs and snails, even the small ones, so even just chewing on a ball can result in Your Vet and infection.

Bristol is a high risk area Practice Owner: so infection is definitely a risk.

Carla Puime Costoya MRCVS What does it do?

It can be as mild as a cough or your dog seeming more tired; or as serious as your dog bleeding uncontrollably nside Pets at Home, and leading to death.

If you’re concerned then ons Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE contact your vet as soon as pets.com/bristol-emersons-green possible as early identification will really help your dog’s chances.

Prevention is easier than treatment.

If severely affected your dog may need intensive care and blood transplants which is very stressful and also possibly costly. It can be prevented with routine flea and worm treatment with the right products.

Get the right stuff Non-prescription flea and worm treatments do not affect lungworm. The only proven drugs able to prevent and treat lungworm need a veterinary prescription. Your vet can help advise you on the best product and suggest ways to get it that suit your individual needs

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

25

n ON THE BEAT with PC JAMES ROCHFORD

This unacceptable conduct by young people must stop WE’VE now arrested a number of teenagers over their involvement in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill.

We and South Gloucestershire Council’s ASB team have been working with local residents, businesses, schools, youth services and families to deal with the issues.

A number of young people have been identified as being involved in ASB including verbal and physical abuse such as spitting. Several have already been given warning notices about their behaviour or signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.

Two have been arrested for breaching the Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) imposed on them

by Bristol Youth Court. Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence for

which an under-18 could be given a sentence of up to two years in a detention centre. Others have been arrested for assault, theft and damage to cars.

No one wants to see young people going through the courts but this behaviour is unacceptable and must stop. These teenagers have been offered chances to change and will now face the consequences of their continued anti-social behaviour.

We’re working closely with local schools as a longer-term approach to preventing young people from getting involved in ASB. My colleagues PC Paul Fortune and PCSO Katrina Sheldrake recently visited Bromley Heath School, while Christchurch Infants School is also working with us.

We hope that by getting to

know us in their primary school years the children will have a better understanding of our role and will be less likely to get into trouble.

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emersonsgreenvoice

26

February, 2018

n PETER'S VISION

Looking good and feeling great SO why go see an Optician? Well I can give you two good reasons - looking after your eye health & vision! Its our pleasure to help you see life as clearly as you can and also feel great in your glasses or contact lenses.

From the simple remembering to blink while reading at the end of every sentence (I will try and write short to medium ones), to sophisticated 3D imagine scans of the back and front of your eyes, we have many ways to help you care for your eyes and vision.

The cornerstone of your eye care with us is a through and in-depth eye exam, which will be tailored to your unique eye and vision requirements. At a recent count we got to over 100 possible eye checks you could have. Clearly most of us could find it a little tedious to under go each of these which is why we tailoring your eye care to your unique eye and vision requirements!

A patient who we have

enjoyed seeing for many years encouraged me to write and share her experience of one of the many extra eye care services we provide.

Every so often she has a persistent irritation to one eye, which remains unabated no matter what she tries. The problem - ingrowing eye lashes. The solution - I remove the offending lashes, which lets our patient feel great again!

As a spectacle wearer myself I understand the importance of not only seeing clearly but also looking the part in glasses - the second part to you looking good & feeling great. Our latest range of British designed Tom Davies glasses are just sublime. For both ladies & gents, you have the choice of a frame hand made ready for you to wear or we can design a unique pair just for you. You can choose from an amazing collection of natural (& ethical) horn, cotton acetate or titanium. These combinations offer great looks, amazing comfort and will bring a

smile to your face!

I hope you are remembering to blink at the end of every sentence.

Even the short ones. Well are you?

Just keep trying! It could take four weeks to develop new habits. The second top tip for you is to ensure that you drink enough water during the day - before you rush off or a glass just finish reading this blog first!

To book an extended eye exam for yourself or your family, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117

965 4434. You can also book an appointment via our website, or you are very welcome to pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! I look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

27

n NEWS

Smaller bins: a boon or a blessing?

A DEBATE is raging on social media after the introduction of smaller black waste bins.

South Gloucestershire Council began delivering the 140 litre bins on Monday January 15, although it will be several months before every household receives one.

The authority says around half - 52 per cent - of the household waste in the current 240 litre refuse bins could be recycled so smaller bins will encourage people to recycle more.

But some residents aren't happy about the changes, with one person calling the new bins 'a load of rubbish'.

Disgruntled residents have been taking to the council's Facebook page to express their concerns about the shrunken bins, which measure 50.5cm x 55.5cm x 110cm.

One said: "Our new bins are going to be 140 litres down from 240. I have 6 adults in my household. Even Bristol City Council downsized to 180 litres which looks small. This is going to be a real struggle!"

Some argued that it will lead to people dumping their excess waste illegally and end up costing the council more in the long run.

"What a waste of tax payers money. Watch the fly tipping get even worse," one man said.

Another poster said: "How is an allowance of 2 litres per adult per day, in my household, reasonable?" with the council responding: "Most household waste can be recycled from home and the smaller bin should be

adequate for the majority of households if they are making full use of the weekly recycling collections. We recommend that you try the new bin for at least two collections and if you are still struggling, let us know."

But it wasn't all negative as some residents were in support of the green measures, with one reflecting: "I remember when we had 1 small metal bin for a family of 6. Everything went in there and somehow we survived.

Could the real problem be not the size of the bin, but the amount of waste we generate?"

Residents who can't fit all their household waste into the new bins can apply for another bin but will have to pay £32 a year, unless the extra bin space is needed because of a medical condition.

A 50 per cent reduction applies to those getting Income Support, Pension Guarantee Credit, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance or Income-

based Employment and Support Allowance.

However, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and the council can arrange a visit to check if households are recycling as much waste as possible.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: “We will be exchanging bins on two collection routes per day and

complete the process for the whole of South Gloucestershire.

“We are starting with areas covered by our Yate depot and will move on to those covered by our other depot in Warmley during March and the beginning of April.”

Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism, Councillor Heather Goddard, said: “There’s no doubt that the amount of waste put into the black bins could be reduced by recycling more from home.

Recycling is the right thing to do for our environment and our economy and I would encourage everyone to recycle even more in 2018.” * What do you think of the bins change? Have you changed your views about recycling after watching Blue Planet? Why not write to our letters page at news@emersonsgreenvoice. co.uk?

Recycling: facts and figures n 106,000 new 140 litre bins will be delivered to residents across South Gloucestershire n The old bins will be recycled at no additional cost. The average weight of the old 240 litre bin is 13kg, which will mean around 1,378 tonnes of plastic which will be recycled into new bins and other hard plastic containers; enough to fill 69 articulated lorries n The crews following the black bin collection vehicles remove the wheels from the old bins and stack them at the roadside n Since weekly kerbside recycling collections were introduced last June, an additional 1,300 tonnes of recycling has been collected.

This represents a 14 per cent increase on recycling rates, including an extra 660 tonnes of paper and cardboard, 364 extra tonnes of food waste and an extra 315 tonnes made up of plastics, cans and textiles

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emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

n NEWS

Ward boundary changes unveiled

THE number of councillors on South Gloucestershire Council will be cut next year from 70 to 61. The elections in May 2019 will be fought on new ward boundaries, which have been created to take account of population shifts.

Because South Gloucestershire’s overall population is set to rise, the changes will mean that the average number of electors served by each councillor will increase by 25 per cent, from 3,008 to 3,773 per councillor.

Final recommendations for the revised boundaries have been announced by the Local Government Boundary Commission. They are subject to formal confirmation by the parliamentary authorities.

Some familiar ward names, such as Rodway, Siston and Westerleigh, are destined to disappear while new ones will be created including Charlton &

Cribbs and New Cheltenham.

Downend and Frenchay will have three councillors, as will Emersons Green and Staple Hill and Mangotsfield.

Councillor Pat Rooney, leader of the Labour group on South Gloucestershire, said: “At a time when the council is cutting hundreds of jobs and those staff that remain are working harder, I feel that elected councillors should not be exempt. A reduction in the number of councillors will also help to reduce costs, although it will only make a tiny dent given the size of the black hole in the council’s finances.

“Reducing the size of the council at a time of population growth was always going to trigger some big changes, and although I don’t like all of the proposals I do commend the Boundary Commission for their tidy solution overall.”

29

Sirona seeks 'critical friends' PEOPLE in the communities served by Sirona care & health are being asked to help shape services now and for the future.

Individuals, families and carers often know the services well and have ideas on what could make them even better, says Sirona’s chairman Simon Knighton.

He said: “We have always said that it is those who use their services that should most influence how they are shaped and delivered and as part of this we want to bring together a number of people who have experience of the services we provide or whose friends or loved ones have received support.”

The not-for-profit social enterprise which runs community health and care services in South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and residential care in Bath and North East Somerset wants to hear about the experiences people have had or wish to have.

Mr Knighton added: “We want people to be our critical friends both in terms of what we currently do and when we are developing plans for new services or exploring changes to existing services. Sirona is about making a difference to individuals and to communities and we want people in those communities to be part of that and be part of our Forum.”

The Forum will meet for the first time shortly and will itself determine how it thinks it can best influence service planning and delivery including how often it will meet; the type of meetings; how to engage with a wider group of people and any other areas.

Involvement is voluntary but Sirona will pay travelling expenses. If you would like to get involved you can pick up a card at clinics or email engagement@sirona-cic.org.uk

Tower Road North, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8XQ Tel: 0117 9927100

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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30

February, 2018

n DOWNEND ROUND TABLE THROUGHOUT December, Downend Round Table helped Santa and his elves greet the good children of Downend and surrounding areas. Along with other charities and support such as The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal, a fantastic total of £4,983 was raised for local charities and good causes!!

Before he went back to his grotto, Santa asked us to pass on his thanks to all those that came out to greet us, those who kindly gave donations, as well as everyone who volunteered to support the sleigh.

With 2018 now under way, plans for another year packed with plenty of fun and social events has started. From sporting weekends, family camping, go karting, to pottery, gin tours, fireworks and Santa sleigh, we have a programme for everyone!

Aged 18-45, if you know anyone interested in taking time out from busy lives, meeting some new mates and making a difference in their community, we usually meet

Enjoy a fun year ahead with Downend Round Table

Facebook: Downend Round Table Twitter: @Downend_RT Instagram: DownendRT

every other Thursday evening and always seeking new members. Find out more about Downend Round

Table by visiting www.downendrt. co.uk, or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Email us: hello@downendrt. co.uk, phone us: 0121 456 4567 or text: Join and your post code to 60066.

Chris Kucharski

Are you passionate about helping people?

At Sirona care & health we have a number of Rehabilitation Support Worker roles available working with service users in your local community. There are a number of shift options and, as we are NHS funded, we offer a range of great employee benefits. Hourly day rates are £7.58 to £9.01 per hour dependent upon experience (enhancements offered on the weekend) and full training will be given.

Small classes Affordable fees Caring environment 4 year old boys and girls Before & after school care

The role will involve supporting people in their own homes and care homes to help work towards their personal goals, therefore access to a vehicle is essential.

Sirona care & health is a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to providing local communities with a range of high quality specialist health and social care services across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

For more information visit www.sirona-cic.org.uk, call 0300 1245444 or email recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

CORONAT

Gracefield School Finding the brilliance in every child

266 Overndale Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2RG Telephone: 0117 956 7977 enquiries@gracefieldschool.co.uk www.gracefieldschool.co.uk

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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31

n NEWS

Calling all daredevils

Phil sets ambitious target

and has also been created as a new competition by the international governing body to encourage participation in a multi-event sport. All ages and genders can take part in Laser Run, with the shooting/ running distances and number of repetitions adjusted accordingly.”

Mr Hobbs, who is South West regional chair and Laser Run coach for PentathlonGB, is

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

1067 WWM AS Larger Poster:Strawbs

20/5/09

1067 WWM AS Larger Poster:Strawbs

Live music series continues with visit of The Acoustic Strawbs COTSWOLD Edge Events continue to bring live music to the area with The Acoustic Strawbs featuring in a first concert of 2018.

With hits such as Lay Down and Part of the Union, seven consecutive albums in America’s Billboard Top 200 and global sales in excess of three million albums, the Acoustic Strawbs have an impressive pedigree.

The band’s leading light Dave Cousins began his creative career by serving his apprenticeship in the world of British traditional folk.

In their previous incarnation as The Strawberry Hill Boys, they included vocalist Sandy Denny in the line-up. Decades on, the Strawbs are still going strong.

The Acoustic Strawbs are in concert at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Friday 16 March.

In June The Blues Band featuring Paul Jones will appear in concert at the Armstrong Hall in Thornbury and Clare Teal returns to Sodbury Town Hall on 30 November.

Tickets are now available. To book call 07733 898762 or email marklloyd56@virginmedia.com

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

asking anyone who can help to make a donation at https://www. gofundme.com/south-westpentathletes-laser-fund.

Modern pentathlon comprises swimming, running, shooting, fencing and horse riding. To find out more contact Philip Hobbs via prhcoaching@outlook.com or look at the PentathlonGB website https://www.pentathlongb. org/events/intro for details of training sessions.

11:55

CANCER charity Penny Brohn UK has places at two events next week - neither for the fainthearted.

It is seeking people to take part in Abseil Cabot Circus, in which daredevils descend from the shopping centre’s top floor on Saturday, March 10, from 9am-4pm.

Participants must be aged 14plus. Registration is £20 and the charity asks for £50 minimum sponsorship.

The charity also has places available for runners in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday March 4.

Registration costs £29 and Penny Brohn asks for £250 minimum sponsorship.

To sign up for either or more information, please call Emma Gilmore on 01275 370075, email emma.gilmore@pennybrohn. org.uk or visit www.pennybrohn. org.uk

Page 1

StrawBs StrawBs

20/5/09

acou s acou tic

11:55

Page 1

sDavid t Cousins i Cousins c • David • DavidLambert Lambert •• Chas Chas Cronk David Cronk David Cousins • David Lambert • Chas Cronk

Photo: Joelle

A FITNESS enthusiast believes Yate could become a regional centre for training for the new sport of Laser Run. Phil Hobbs, from Emersons Green, is trying to drum up funds and interest in shooting with laser pistols, which now forms the fifth discipline in the modern pentathlon as well as beng a sport in its own right.

Yate Outdoor Sports Centre, where a 22-point outdor range has been created alongside the running track, was the venue for the first National Laser Run Championships last August.

But as yet there is not enough kit in the South West to enable participants of any age to train in the sport.

Mr Hobbs wants to raise £8,000 to buy a set of six laser pistols and targets for use in training sessions at the centre as well as to take out to schools and youth groups for taster sessions.

He said: “Laser Run is the final element of modern pentathlon seen at the Olympics,

Photo: Joelle

February, 2018

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THE ACOUSTIC STRAWBS IN CONCERT

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at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Friday 16th March 2018 - 7.30pm

TICKETS NOW ON SALE Contact: marklloyd56@virginmedia.com Tel: 07733 898762

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32

February, 2018

n ADVERTISING FEATURE AS we get older, we often complain that we can no longer do the things we could ‘when we were young’, but most people want to enjoy an active lifestyle well into old age. In fact, it is important to maintain activity as this not only keeps our joints healthy and in good working order, but it also keeps other parts of our bodies healthy too.

Mr Evert Smith, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital, finds that many of us believe that you have to be ‘of a certain age’ to contemplate having a joint replacement.

However, if a joint such as a hip or knee is no longer working properly, a joint replacement is sometimes the best option and putting off replacement surgery can often cause more problems.

Mr Smith answers some frequently asked questions about joint health and joint replacement surgery: Question: When seeking a specialist opinion, what do patients typically complain of and what can be done?

Answer: Joint pain is increasingly common as we age. It is important that patients do not to ignore joint pain that is worsened by walking.

Pain is the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. However, many people ignore the warning signs and battle through the pain with the help of analgesics, or through sheer grit.

Joint pain can be managed in many ways, and does not

Putting up with joint pain is not the healthy option

necessarily mean you will need a joint replacement operation. A course of physiotherapy may be all that is needed to get you back on track. The important thing is to get it checked out, first by your GP and then with a scan or x-ray investigation.

Putting up with the pain is not a sensible option. Persistent or increasing pain is a warning sign and it should be investigated.

Question: What might happen if joint pain is ignored and can it worsen over time such that surgery becomes a necessity?

Answer: It is a fact of life that as we get older our joints are likely to become stiffer and can cause pain.

However, putting off treatment will only worsen the situation and may have a detrimental effect on other joints, as they try to take the strain of the malfunctioning or painful joint.

For example, If you limp due to a painful knee, you are likely to alter the way you walk, and this in turn will put a strain on other joints such as your hips, your other knee or your back as these joints try to accommodate an altered posture or style of walking.

This may be acceptable in the case of a short-term injury, but

when this occurs over a prolonged period, it will affect other parts of your body.

Question: Do people stop undertaking physical activity to avoid the pain of damaged joints, and can this affect general health?

Answer: If carrying out your normal everyday functions, such as walking, exercising or performing ordinary tasks becomes too painful such that you avoid or stop doing things, it is important to get treatment because reducing activity can affect ones health.

For example, Your heart and lungs can be adversely affected if you do not take regular exercise and you may also gain weight.

Benefits of joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement operations have an excellent success rate. A new hip or knee can give you a completely new lease of life. Walking and other activities that you previously loved but could no longer do, not only become possible again but are actually enjoyable.

Many people in their 50s and 60s who are suffering joint pain come to me having given up their

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

favourite activity such as golf or tennis. Following successful surgery, they can return to their former favourite activities.

Depending on age and general fitness, low impact activities are possible.

I always advise my patients not to let painful joints dictate their lifestyle when there are so many treatment options available to resolve these issues.

Spire Bristol Hospital offer a range of diagnostic scans, including x-rays, MRI and CT scans, whilst providing access to a consultant of your choice. If you or someone you know is suffering from joint pain and needs to see a specialist, a private consultation can be an option for everyone.

Spire Bristol Hospital are able to provide finance options through Zebre Health Finance. So, you don’t necessarily need to have private insurance to access private healthcare.

Call Spire’s patient treatment advisors today on 0117 980 4080 or email info@spirebristol.com for more information on how to book an appointment or obtain information on the finance options available to you.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

February, 2018

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33

n NEWS

Police say thanks for years of building trust POLICE have thanked a community member for her service to the South Gloucestershire Police Independent Advisory Group.

Lady Danusia Trotman-Dickenson MBE, who lives in Siston, recently retired from the group after many years.

Chief Inspector Mark Evans said: “Lady Trotman-Dickenson has been a stalwart of the IAG, where she has represented the Polish community. Her involvement has made a real difference and helped to build support and trust between the community and local police.

“She has offered practical support to many people who have come into contact with police, whether as victims, witnesses or offenders, as well as acting as a critical friend to officers, helping us to better understand our community.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Darren Warr presented Lady Trotman-Dickenson with a bouquet of flowers in the red and white colours of the Polish flag.

As a child, Danusia fled Poland with her parents and came to the UK by boat in 1940.

Later, on moving to South Gloucestershire,

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Lady Trotman-Dickenson joined the AngloPolish Society and became a trustee.

She said: “I volunteered as an interpreter for the Polish community and found many were mistrustful of the police. I felt very privileged to be a member of the IAG. It was great to be able to help build trust between the police and the community. It was good to feel that I was doing something useful as a link between the community and the police.

I have very much enjoyed working with the local officers.”

A former lecturer in economics at the University of South Wales, Lady TrotmanDickenson is the author of 10 books on the subject and now plans to spend her time writing.

The South Gloucestershire Police IAG is made up of volunteers from diverse backgrounds who advise officers on policing issues which may be of concern to local communities. Its members play a vital role in helping us build trust and confidence.

More information about the police IAGs and how you can get involved: http://bit. ly/2ksotio

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Sergant Darren Warr makes the presentation to Lady Trotman-Dickenson

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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34

February, 2018

n NEWS

Bank backs Soup Run A BIG thank-you to the very generous customers of Barclays Emersons Green who donated £213.76 for Christmas themed cakes and goodies in aid of the Bristol Soup Run Trust.

The bank matched the donations under its employee scheme, meaning this very worthwhile charity received £427.52 to help them with their nightly work of providing much more than just soup to the homeless in Bristol.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Time to retune your digital boxes MANY television viewers in the Downend area will need to retune their digital boxes at the end of the month.

Work is being carried out on the Mendip transmitter, which serves the whole of Bristol, resulting in changes to some Freeview channels.

Three dates have been set aside for the work, which is required by the watchdog Ofcom to allow changes in bandwidth for future mobile services.

The main date for this area is February 27. The others are February 7 and March 1.

Richard McKenzie, operations manager for The Aerial Man (Dan Grace) said: “We cannot predict what the fallout of this work will be but we can say most Freeview users will have to retune, some may have to re-position their aerial and an unfortunate few may have to have their aerials replaced.

“Naturally we are here to help with any issues people may have and we hope to have caught up with the current backlog of work to winddamaged aerials so should be able to respond to people’s needs very quickly.”

Further changes may be made to the transmitter late next year.

For information about digital changes, visit http://bit.ly/2mR2GSd

www.theaerialman.co.uk

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

Join us, say the Bristol Ramblers IF you enjoy walking for leisure and exercise, and you would like to walk with other people led by an experienced leader, then you might consider walking with Bristol Ramblers.

One of the largest walking groups in the country, Bristol Ramblers was founded in 1979 and has around 800 members.

It is part of ‘The Ramblers’, a national walking organisation.

The number of walkers on these walks is usually between 10 and 20. Bristol Ramblers provides around 300 walks a year, all with a leader. Many of these are on Sundays, but there are also Saturday and midweek walks, and evening walks in the Summer. Walks vary from a few miles over flat terrain to 15 miles of hard hillwalking in the Brecon Beacons, and although most are in the countryside there are also some town walks.. Although to become a regular walker with the group you would need to join The Ramblers, you are welcome to come on three walks at no cost and no commitment. So, if you are interested, t take a look at our programme on http://www. bristolramblers.org.uk/.

Day walks are often outside Bristol and sometimes as far afield as South Wales, Exmoor, and the Cotswolds, but you do not have to be a car owner to enjoy these walks as there

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

is a central meeting point in Bristol, where car-sharing is organised. Sometimes public transport is used, but this is often not feasible, and a couple of times a year coach trips are arranged. Bristol Ramblers also organises holidays ranging from long weekends to whole weeks away, usually in Britain, but occasionally abroad.

Recently a group of walkers enjoyed a five-mile walk from Downend to Fishponds, passing through the Leap Valley and along lanes to join the Frome Valley Walkway, before following the river past Frenchay Common and Oldbury Court Park to Fishponds.

Bristol Ramblers is not only about organising and leading walks. We put a lot of effort into improving footpaths and developing walking routes inside Bristol and further afield into areas where Bristolians may wish to go walking. In addition, Bristol Ramblers is involved in campaigning for improved parks and open spaces in Bristol, an uphill struggle in times of austerity. If you feel that you would like to become involved in anything mentioned in this article, please take a look at the Bristol Ramblers website (http:// www.bristolramblers.org.uk/) or contact Carew at secretary@ bristolramblers.org.uk.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018

35

n CRAFT COLUMN

Valentine’s heart pin cushion – with Liz Freke of Hattie’s Hooray’s This Valentine’s inspired pin cushion is a very simple make but includes methods and tips that will enhance your sewing repertoire! Create as a handy piece of toolkit for yourself or give as a gift - or why not adapt them and make a few to decorate your home!

You will need: Fabric Fabric scissors Paper scissors Paper Pencil/pen Sewing machine Sewing needle Thread Knitting needle Polyester wadding

3. Now machine or hand stitch a 0.5 cm seam around the edge of the heart shape, leaving a gap of approximately 5cms for turning and stuffing.

4. Turn your heart right side out and push out the rounded tops and pointy bottom of the heart with a knitting needle. Stuff the heart very firmly with the wadding.

7. Lastly take a button of your choice and place on the front of your heart. Secure a thread with a sewing needle at the back of the heart and pass the thread through the heart and button to sew the button to the heart. As you use the back of the heart to anchor the button to the front, this will pull the heart flat to make it easier to stand when you are sewing.

8. And there you have it! Your own heart pin cushion! Practical, beautiful and hand crafted by you!

Share your stories: email: news@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Professional

Carpet Cleaning Domestic & Commercial

1. First of all create your heart template in the size of your choice - our heart template was 12cm at its widest and 11cm long. To begin, fold a piece of paper in half, measure out and draw half of your heart shape to the fold of the paper, cut out the shape then open up to reveal your heart shape. Transfer your heart shape to the reverse of your fabric. Now repeat so that you have 2 identical heart shapes on your fabric. Cut out.

2. Pin the heart shapes with the right sides of fabric together.

5. You will now sew up the rest of the seam to close the heart shape.

Fold each rough edge in on itself to create a seam and pin in place.

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Fabric & Leather

6. Now take your needle and thread and close up the seam using a ladder stitch, which should disappear into the fabric - you might want to have a practice at this first! First pick up a small portion of the folded fabric from one side of the seam with your sewing needle, now repeat with the other folded side and pull to close. Repeat until you have closed the seam. Fasten off any loose edges.

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Upholstery Cleaning FABRIC Dining Chair Armchair 2 Seater 3 Seater 3 Piece Suite

LEATHER £5 Dining Chair £30 Armchair £40 2 Seater £45 3 Seater £85 3 Piece Suite FULLY CERTIFIED AND TRAINED

£10 £40 £50 £60 £95

Call Alison on 07535 445835 www.acarpet.cleaning

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

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36

February, 2018

n SPORT

Next stop Las Vegas for boxing champ Jude BOXER Jude Moore emerged victorious in his second international contest for England.

Jude, a student at Mangotsfield School, was selected to represent his country against the USA at the tournament in Blackpool, which featured all the full glitz and glamour associated with an international event.

The 14-year-old faced opponent Ashton 'Superman' Sylve of Long Beach California, who boasted an impressive record of 83 wins with only five losses.

The Hillfields teenager made a confident start with fast counter punches against the aggressive American.

The second round saw

Sylve force the pace and took the action to close quarters, smothering the long range work of the Bristolian.

The third and last session was the decisive round and the action continued at a fast pace with Moore catching the American with straight fast shots.

Not to be denied, Sylve continued his aggressive onslaught right until the final bell.

After three superb rounds a split judges' decision went in favour of England and Jude Moore.

After the match Jude said: "It was such a hard contest, Ashton was so strong and fit.

I am buzzing to have won for England."

The return match is

scheduled for June in Las Vegas.

Under the watchful eye of coach Craig Turner, Jude boxes for Downend Boxing Club, based at the Harry Crook Centre.

Jude won a national title

last year, followed by the GB championships and represented England in the European championships, which took place in Romania.

THE CLASSES TIMETABLE Winter to Spring 2017

Dr Timothy Button MSc (Chiro) DC FRCC (Sports)

A Team approach to healthcare.

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20 St James's Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JB

Contact

0117 957 5388

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Bootcamp TRX Suspension Training

09:30 – 10:30 18:15 – 19:00

Wednesday

Pilates Postural Exercise Course Fitball

12:00 – 13:00 17:30 – 18:30 18:30 – 19:15

Friday

session

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10:00 – 11:00

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£30

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With Keith Graham

£5 for TRX and Fitball – Buy 5 get 6th free. £6 for Bootcamp – Buy 5 get 6th free. £45 for a block of 6 Pilates sessions.

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£10 per

TIME

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0117 956 0323

w w w. n e x t s t e p c e n t r e . c o m

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February, 2018

37

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Rapid action as the boss slopes off ...

Blog 48: Stress, saunas and sardines WITH Tim and Mike both away enjoying the snowy slopes of Morzine I have the pleasure of holding down the fort for the chiros and writing this month’s blog.

Since joining the gang at Cleve last September I’ve had a brilliant time and learned a hell of a lot. The team are great and the clinic has a buzz about it, which has made me feel very welcome. It’s also a bonus that I only live five minutes’ walk away, so those extra few minutes in bed always makes things a little sweeter!

Time really is flying by and I can’t believe its 2018 already.

After eating my body weight in chocolate and cheese it’s time to try and remember what a vegetable or gym looks like…and like many others I’m sure I’m not the only one setting some new year’s resolutions.

One of mine is to add more fish into my diet such as sardines, salmon, mackerel and cod, as they include healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for healthy joints. Being a chiropractor I need to make sure I look after my own joints as well. Another one is learning to cook some tasty veggie dishes. I’m making the goals realistic though, as I know I’m not going to be the next Gordon Ramsay.

That’s the main thing about new year’s resolutions or changes in lifestyle, they need to be realistic and achievable. Especially if the change is exercise based.

Increasing physical activity is always a good thing for the body, but trying too much too quickly can lead to aches and pains as your body’s not used to it. There’s

nothing worse than a niggling injury that’s stopping someone from achieving their fitness goals! A steadier progression with good technique always trumps overloading the body without proper form. The World Health Organisation recommends that we should spend at least 150 minutes a week doing moderate exercise.

Don’t worry though, that doesn’t mean running a half marathon every week! That can be broken down into multiple 10 minute walks to the shop, or taking the stairs instead of that shaky elevator.

Times relaxing can be just as important as well (and a lot easier).

Last weekend I spent the day at Center Parcs spa as a present from my lovely girlfriend Beth. We spent the day in saunas and steam rooms trying to sweat out the remainder of that Christmas bubbly. After some delicious food we then had a back and shoulders massage. It was nice to get some treatment on my back for a change! I’ve never been so relaxed in all my life, I’m pretty sure I dozed off after 10 minutes. At this busy time of the year it’s important to reduce stress and tension as much as possible, as they can have a huge effect on physical health. When we’re stressed our body releases a hormone called cortisol (stress hormone). Initially this can be helpful, reducing inflammation and breaking down nutrients for the body to use. But if stress continues over a long period of time, too much stress hormone can have negative effects such as tightness of the neck and shoulders, headaches, feeling tired or low on energy and generally feeling wound up. So it definitely helps giving the body some TLC. I know my shoulders feel five times lighter after my treatment.

Soon after the treatment and a quick slide down the famous Center Parcs rapids, the inevitable

Cricket club winter training CARSONS & Mangotsfield Cricket Club are looking for new senior players. Winter training/net sessions are at Mangotsfield School.

Come along on February 5, 12, 19, 26; March 19 and 25 and April 2.

Sessions cost £2 per person. The club also runs youth teams from age five to 17 but is in particular need of players in school years 5 and 6. The club plays at Pomphrey Hill with three Saturday teams and one Sunday team, with two cricket squares and three outdoor cricket nets with bowling machine. Contact Andy King 07988 745985 or andrewzking@sky.com

To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

happened. The smell of the local Indian restaurant pulled me in and my 2018 health kick was held back slightly as I finished off an amazing curry and mountain of poppadoms…but ah well like I said, those new year’s resolutions need to realistic.

Jack Withey

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

0117 957 5388

drtimbutton@clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro

MOT testing for Cars Light Vans & Motorcycles 50 CASSELL ROAD BS16 5DE Tel 0117 9565618 Find us on

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emersonsgreenvoice LOC AL SERVICES

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To advertise, contact Gary on 07799 461169

COMPLETE RENDER SYSTEMS & BEADS GRAB ADHESIVES INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SCREWS HAMMER FIXINGS • CONCRETE SCREWS CONCRETE BOLTS • FASTENERS SCRATCH BEADS • SILICONE MASTIC • WALL STARTER KITS SKIM BEADS • TAPES PROTECTION • EXPANDING FOAM PPE AND MUCH MUCH MORE

LOWEST PRICE AROUND FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY 30 DAY ACCOUNTS EXPERT ADVICE LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS OPEN: MON-FRI 8-5PM UNIT 10 YELVERTON ROAD BRISLINGTON BRISTOL BS4 5HP TEL: 0117 937 3910 www.wbconstructionsupplies.co.uk

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS DOWNEND

NEW LEATHER CLEANING & RESTORATION

Misted Unit Replacement Service

Professional Carpet/ Upholstery Cleaning CARPETS DRY IN 30 MINUTES!

Current

CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES

DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

MARK EVANS

February, 2018

CARPETS

1 Room £50* 3 Rooms £75* 1 Bed House/Flat £80* 2 Bed+ from £100*

UPHOLSTERY

1 Armchair 2 Seater Sofa 3 Seater 3 Piece Suite

£30* £35* £40* £80*

Nick / Alison at A Carpet Cleaning Service Ltd

07812 730346 www.acarpet.cleaning

*PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT

CARPENTRY

For the replacement of misted or broken glass units Window hinges & handles replaced/door adjustments Air trickle vents fitted to window frames to reduce condensation / mould problems All parts guaranteed Full window refurbishment service All areas of Bristol covered - No job too small / call Tom

07968 261344 / 0117 9567318 Enquiries@fitzgeraldglazing.co.uk

www.fitzgeraldglazing.co.uk ELECTRICIANS

PHILIP PERKINS

Carpentry General Carpenter/Kitchen Fitter (Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen)

• Kitchens supplied & fitted or supply only • Full kitchen or fronts only • Worktops • Fitted Wardrobes • Door Hanging • Skirting • Stairs & Balustrades • Laminate & Wood Flooring • All aspects of general carpentry work

CALL FOR A QUOTE - NO JOB TOO SMALL

0117 9373941 OR 07788 115945

Email: sales@emersonsgreenvoice.co.uk

Call Nick on 0117 2872371 0117 303 9000

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

emersonsgreenvoice

February, 2018 GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

HOUSE CLEARANCE

PAINTING & DECORATING

House, Garden, Office Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! all other cheaper than a skip. waste removalOn-Average On average cheaper than a skip

Tel: 003 Tel:07592 07592 506 506 003

General handyman for the home and garden

1/4 Load £89

Honest reliable and trustworthy

www.junkmonsters.co.uk

FENCING

MAN & A VAN

0797 6711 290 or 0117 935 2332 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

Shifting Gear

MAN & A VAN

Anything, anywhere. single or multiple items

NO JOB TOO SMALL 30 years experience

(Motorcycle transport also available)

Call Phil 07980 731113 PLUMBING

GUTTER CLEANING

Affordable, Reliable, Professional

Facebook: www.facebook.com/southgloss

PLUMBING

DAMAGED OR NEED REPLACING For all your Property and Garden Maintenance Give Todd Marsden a call on

Interior and Exterior

E-Mail: davebeauchamp@msn.com

Full Load £199

GARDEN SERVICES & FENCING

Painters & Decorators

Tel: 0117 956 9932 Mob: 07739 382 524

3/4 Load £179

07771 868884 inoutgavin@gmail.com

South Gloss Decorating Contact: Dave Beauchamp

Half Load £139

Talk to Gavin to discuss your needs

39

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

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

OsbOrne & sOns

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning

Handyman & Property Services

Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning

No job tooosmall ur - Inside 4 -Hgive and 2out encusya shout

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e ut Call TonyEm- 0777 all O6188595

Call or Book online

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

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

GUTTERING REPAIRS

GUTTER REPAIRS DOWNEND

Why replace when we can repair Gutter clearance/unblocking/cleaning Free quotes NO JOB TOO SMALL CALL TOM

BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

TREE SURGERY 24 Hgency r

Some of the services we offer:

aspects of garden and Orders tree work...

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0117 382 5463 - 07985 285157

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0117 382 5463 - 07985 285157

Got Call Linda On 0777bristoltreedoc@gmail.co 0700579 find us News? on facebook and twitter ...and see our feedback

bristoltreeservic

We’re truly local & proudly independent… oceanhome.co.uk

Downend Office: 11a Badminton Road, BS16 6BD Call: 0117 244 1050 Search: oceanhome.co.uk Sion Hill, Clifton, from Bridge Road