Fishponds Voice May 2015 by Fishponds Voice

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MAY 2015 — Issue 4

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE - PAGES 26-27 | BUSINESS OF THE MONTH PAGE 34

Don’t take our lovely park RESIDENTS in Abingdon Road are calling on Bristol City Council to consider an alternative site for additional primary places. They would like to see the Chester Park schools expand on to a brownfield site rather than on the open space behind their homes. Alison Cross, who is campaigning on the issue, said she had been shocked to learn from the April issue of Fishponds Voice that the expansion was to go ahead. She and her neighbours had been under the impression that the development, first suggested five years ago, had been halted. No planning application has yet been submitted for the scheme, which would see a new junior school block on the open space, but the schools and council hope the extra places will be available from September 2016. The scheme will mean the two schools can take up to 630 children, but residents say it will bring additional traffic to an area that is already struggling to cope. Ms Cross said there were other disused industrial sites close to the schools that would be more suitable. Full story: Page 3

Brothers make family proud Sgt Adam Butler, from Stapleton, received the MBE from the Queen in the same week his brother Danny won a boxing medal.

Page 3 Rethink demand over danger turn

Bristol City Council is being urged to think again about its refusal to change the ban on turning left into Hockeys Lane.

Page 8 Five hopefuls for Bristol East seat

Five candidates are contesting the Bristol East constitudency at the general election this month. We bring you details of them all.

Pages 13 to 16 Share your best Fishponds secrets Student James Bryan wants local people to help him create an interactive map highlighting the significance of our landmarks. Alison Cross with her dog on the Abingdon Road open space

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE

MAY 2015 — ISSUE

- PAGES 26-27 | BUSIN

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H PAGE 34

Brothers make family proud

Sgt Adam Butler, from Stapleton, received the MBE from the Queen in the same week his brother Danny won a boxing medal.

Page 3 Rethink demand over danger turn Bristol

City Council is being urged to think again about its refusal to change the ban on turning left into Hockeys Lane.

Page 8 Five hopefuls for Bristol East seat

Five candidates are contesting the Bristol East constitudency at general election this month. the bring you details of them We all.

Pages 13 to 16 Share your best Fishponds secrets

Alison Cross with her

Your Local Community

dog on the Abingdon

Road open space

Student James Bryan wants people to help him create local an interactive map highlighting the signiﬁcance of our landmarks.

Pages 20 & 21

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Don’t take our lovely park

RESIDENTS in Abingdon Road are calling on Bristol City Council to consider an alternative site for additional primary places. They would like to see the Chester Park schools expand on to a brownfield site rather than on the open space behind their homes. Alison Cross, who is campaigning on the issue, said she had been shocked to learn from the April issue of Fishponds Voice that the expansion was to go ahead. She and her neighbours had been under the impression that the development, first suggested fi years ago, had been halted. ve No planning application has yet been submitted for the scheme, which would see a new junior school block on the open space, but the schools and council hope extra places will be available the from September 2016. The scheme will mean the two schools can take up to 630 children, but residents say it will bring additional traffic to an area that is already struggling to cope. Ms Cross said there were disused industrial sites close other to the schools that would be more suitable. Full story: Page 3

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Putting down roots in our community What a creative community we have in Greater Fishponds – arts, crafts and growing things seem to be among the many talents in the area. This month we spotlight a local gardener’s first show garden for the Malvern Show, ten years of the Fishponds Community Orchard and the forthcoming BioBlitz at Oldbury Court Park. We’re also delighted to see Edible Fishponds - featured in our first issue – getting established at the Straits. They were appealing for people to water the crops as we went to print; by the time you read this it will probably be pouring down!

fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

AD V E R T ISI N G sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 E DI T O R IA L news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. D E AD L I N E S Our June edition will go to print on Monday June 1. To ensure your news or letter is

There seems to be lots of support for a community market there too. Wouldn’t it be great to see this thriving in Fishponds as it does at the Tobacco Factory? James Bryan’s Finding Fishponds is yet another unique project in our area. We have been contacted by a number of people adding to the vibrancy and diversity of the community and we look forward to hearing from more of you. Do email us at news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or get in touch via Facebook or Twitter. If you are planning an event, we will be happy to list it free of charge in our What’s On pages. We hand-deliver thousands of free copies to homes every month.You can also pick up the Voice at libraries and cafes in the area.

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

included, please contact us at the latest by May 25. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date. LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

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Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www. wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Fishponds Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk.

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May, 2015

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School ‘should go on brownfield site’ ALISON Cross says she opens her curtains with dread every day, wondering if she will see bulldozers behind her home. She lives in Abingdon Road, which backs on to open space where Bristol City Council plans to build new classrooms for the Chester Park schools. Ms Cross and her neighbours had thought the proposal, put forward five years ago, had been dropped so were surprised and dismayed to read in Fishponds Voice last month that it was going ahead. The plan is for a new building for the junior school children, which will enable the infant school to expand into all the existing buildings, which will be refurbished. This will enable the schools to grow to accommodate a total of 630 children. “I have been trying to find out about this from the council for five years,” Ms Cross said. “I understand the need for additional school places but there is a lot of more suitable land near the school – nearer than our park in fact – which has more parking and links to the cycle track and bus routes. “It is ironic that in the year that Bristol is European Green Capital, the council feels it’s OK to destroy parkland, and put all the strain on already overcrowded roads and neighbourhoods, instead of re-using land that is derelict and needs development.” Ms Cross said she would be lobbying local councillors and those standing for election to try to find out more about the proposals. Bristol City Council and the school developer,

Skanska, are expected to put forward a planning application for the site soon. The hope is that the juniors can move to the new building in September 2016. The council told the Voice last month: “Every effort is being made to meet the earliest possible completion date of the junior school.” The heads of the two schools, Susan Tyte, from the infants, and Tony Phillips, from the juniors, say their governing bodies are working

closely on the project. “This plan has taken a long time to get to this stage but we are very excited about the future for both of the schools,” they said. Bristol City Council has been working to create additional school places in the centre and east of the city to meet the needs of the rising population. It struggles to find sites in builtup areas and tries to use land it owns where possible.

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May, 2015

It’s a double celebration for the Butler family WHEN Sgt Adam Butler received an MBE from the Queen for his military courage in Afghanistan, there wasn’t even the slightest hint of sibling rivalry from brother Danny. For during the very same week, boxer Danny boasted his own

amazing achievement, taking the IBO international light middleweight title and giving him the chance of a shot of the British title. Needless to say the family home in Stapleton was the scene of much celebration and tears of joy. Dad Ronnie said: “It’s brilliant.

Danny Butler

Adam received his medal from the Queen on the Tuesday and on the Saturday Danny won his fight at Whitchurch Sports Centre. “We couldn’t have asked for two better sons. They both work hard and have never been in trouble.” Adam, travelled to Windsor Castle with Ronnie, mum Lyn, girlfriend Denise and their son Alfie, 8, on April 14 to receive the MBE. The prestigious award recognises the former Ridings School pupil’s bravery in the Royal Engineers’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment. Although Adam was a corporeal at the time, he was carrying out a higher ranking job training a team in how to identify and deal with bombs. The 31-year-old spent three tours of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq and currently has a twoyear post training army recruits at Pirbright, Surrey. Ronnie said Adam’s time overseas was a huge worry for the family. “We were always waiting for a knock on the door. If we heard a knock late at night we would think something had happened to Adam. “It’s absolutely fantastic what he’s done for his country. His

dedication is spot on - it’s got to be. It has to be mind-boggling what he does. I think he’s mad though. I never ever thought he would end up doing that.” Just four days later, 27-year-old Danny beat Georgian opponent Giorgi Ungiadze. The win will hopefully open the door for the former Whitefield Fishponds School pupil to have a crack at a British title. Ronnie said: “Danny did wrestling for eight years when he was eight-years-old and was English and British champion for six years. He turned to amateur boxing when he was 13, won the junior ABA’s championships and turned professional when he was 18. “He worked really hard for this title. It’s really hard work what he does but you have to work hard in professional boxing.” Danny, who lives in Frenchay and trains at Paddy John’s boxing gym in Kingswood, said the pressure was on to make it a double celebration. He said: “The guy I was fighting was very tough. All the eastern European guys are so we knew what to expect but I didn’t expect him to be that tough. He just kept coming forward. “It’s a great win for me. I’m

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May, 2015

ranked number three in Great Britain now so I’m hoping to get a crack at the British title.” Danny said it was the perfect end to a fantastic week. “To get an MBE is a massive achievement for Adam. I’m so proud of him. When he told me I was over the moon. It’s a risky job but he’s doing really well. “It was a big week for the family. With Adam receiving the award, I felt quite a bit of pressure on me toward the end of the week because I wanted to make it a double celebration.” Adam said being honoured by the Queen was an experience he would never forget. “It was unreal, just amazing. I felt proud it was in recognition for the job I was doing. I was running a training team which worked hard for months out in Afghanistan. “The first time I went to there I was scared but the fear goes. It’s not complacency but a case of getting used to it.” Adam said all eyes turned to Danny at the weekend. “After my investiture on the Tuesday the pressure was massively on Danny to polish off the week. But he pulled it out the bag. It was a massive achievement and I’m really proud of him.” Ronnie said: “We really couldn’t be any prouder of Adam and Danny.”

5 Drone incident sparks investigation

REPORTS of a drone flying close to windows and buildings in Fishponds has sparked a police investigation. Officers are appealing for the public’s help following reports of a drone in Station Avenue at around 7.30am on Wednesday March 18. A police spokesperson said: “We would like to speak to a man who may have information about the incident. He was wearing white trainers, jeans, a red jumper and a black jacket with grey collar and details.” Police have released a photo of the man that they would like to speak with. If anyone recognises him or has any information about the incident you can report it on-line quoting reference 29418/15 or by calling 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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The world’s bikers know Charlie’s AN Eastville business established nearly 60 years ago is known by motorcyclists across the globe. Reg Hall, who lives in Forest Road, Fishponds, set up Charlie’s Motorcycles in 1957, ran it until 1996 and still owns it. He was presented with a plaque by Triumph in the 1980s proclaiming him “the world’s number 1 spares dealer” and was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2005. In its heyday, the shop was supplying spares for British motorbikes to enthusiasts all over the world. It had 11 rooms and a

Est 1984

fantastic range of stock. “People knew that if they came to our place and they couldn’t get the part they wanted, they wouldn’t get it anywhere. “I had four people on the counter packing spares all day long. If you rang us before 4pm, it would be in the post that day,” Reg recalled. Its mechanics were also renowned, and the shop had a contract to repair any Governmentowned motorbike in the south of England. “We had the most miserable mechanic you could come across, called Robbie, but he was the best mechanic and bike builder you could find.” Reg opened the shop in 1957 in half of the current premises. Next door was a fish and chip shop. “We called him Fred rubber chips,” he said. In 1968, the business expanded into the neighbouring premises. Reg recently had a call out of the blue from a woman who had been the girlfriend of his first mechanic, Fred Granfield. She produced a photo of the shop from its early days. Reg, who still builds motorcycle wheels, was prompted to share his story – and

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Grounded opens

THE Grounded chain of coffee shops has opened a branch in Fishponds. Spokeswoman Katie Taylor said: “We’re really looking forward to becoming a central part of the vibrant community in Fishponds.” The Fishponds cafe, in the former Britannia Building Society at 747-749 Fishponds Road, is the seventh Grounded. The first was opened by owner Tobie Holbrook in Redfield. Others have followed in Horfield, Bedminster, Brislington, Keynsham, and Corsham. The cafe will include a garden space and a play area at the back of the building. It will feature a typical Grounded menu, with coffee, ales and bread from Bristol suppliers. In the evenings, stone-baked pizzas will be served. Grounded will also showcase local live acoustic music.

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May, 2015

‘Think again’ call on Hockeys Lane turn THINK again – that’s the message from Fishponds to Bristol City Council about the Hockey’s Lane junction. Many drivers heading for Morrisons ignore the ban on turning left off Fishponds Road, endangering the lives of people using the pedestrian crossing near the supermarket. But Bristol’s transport director Peter Mann has turned down requests from local people to drop the restriction. He acknowledges that drivers do ignore the ban but says ending it would increase congestion on Fishponds Road, cause delays for buses and for pedestrians. In a statement to the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership, Mr Mann said there had been no reported accidents involving pedestrians in the three years since the ban was introduced as part of the Greater Bristol Bus Network scheme. He said fewer drivers were ignoring the ban following improved signs and some police enforcement action. “Hockey’s Lane is a key junction on the Fishponds Road GBBN route and as such determines the operation of the traffic signals along the whole corridor,” he explained.

“Various options have been explored for the removal of the banned left turn. “While it is accepted that driver behaviour is creating a hazard, the hazard is not significant enough to warrant removal of the left turn. Other hazards would be created by removing the left turn ban and the impacts on bus reliability and journey times would be significant. It has therefore been decided to

retain the left turn ban and leave the junction layout as it is currently.” Members of the partnership, at their meeting on April 2, agreed with their transport and traffic sub group that Mr Mann’s response was very disappointing. Removal of the ban is part of their Neighbourhood Plan. David Mock, of the group, said: “ Hockey’s Lane is still a danger. One in every ten drivers from that

direction is now ignoring that left turn. Quite often there are people crossing on the green man.” Businesses representative Leigh Cooper said it was a “ridiculous situation” that council officers were not heeding the wishes of the community and called on the partnership to protest. Members then voted to ask Mr Mann to reconsider his decision.

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Love Saves The Day festival comes to Eastville ALL eyes will be on Eastville Park later this month as the Loves Saves The Day festival is named as one of the best festivals taking place in the world this May. Thousands of festival-goers will descend upon the park on May 23 and 24 for the musical extravaganza which will see more than 300 acts perform on six stages. Resident Advisor, one of the world’s largest online music magazines, has named the festival as one of the month’s must-attend festivals, ranking alongside events in Japan, Ibiza and Boston. Around 30,000 people are expected at the park after a move from its previous home at Castle Park where it had been since 2012. Last year’s bad weather left the venue like a mud bath and organisers had to pay to returf the grass. Festival director Tom Paine says plans have been put in place to ensure disruption for residents is kept to a minimum including only using a section of the park so locals will still have access to plenty of green space. There will also be a hotline open during the weekend for residents to discuss any concerns including noise.

“We’ve had a fantastic three years at Castle Park,” he said. “Since we started in 2012, Love Saves The Day has grown in numbers, scale and ambition every year and we want to continue developing the event into the future. “We want to add new venues and develop the non-musical elements of the festival, and whilst this requires a larger space, our emphasis is very much on making the event better, in every single way,

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instead of just bigger. “We have a robust plan in place to minimise our impact on the park and the residents of Eastville. Some of us live in the surrounding areas, so we have a vested interest in keeping the park beautiful and the neighbours happy.” Groove Armada tops a Saturday bill which also includes pop-soul singer Jessie Ware and clubland acts Âme, Craig Richards, Gorgon City and Julio Bashmore.

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Drum and bass collective Roni Size Reprazent headline on the Sunday with further music from Azealia Banks, Wiley, Skepta, Four Tet, Shy FX and Grandmaster Flash. There is plenty of Bristol talent on offer throughout the weekend including Julio Bashmore to Pinch, Joker and Jus Now. Weekend tickets are already sold out but day tickets are available from www.lovesavestheday.org

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May, 2015

Can you help create Straits community market? A COMMUNITY market like the one held at Bristol’s Tobacco Factory could be up and running in Fishponds by this summer. Originally it was thought a farmers’ market could be resurrected in Straits Parade. But now plans have moved forward and it has been suggested a community market would fare better. The market would host farmers’ products but would be extended to include craft stalls and artwork. A similar market at Southville’s Tobacco Factory is thriving with around 40 stalls and is proving a great meet up place for the community. Plans for the market are steaming ahead following a recent meeting of interested parties at the Kingfisher Cafe. Cafe owner Sarah Baird and head chef Lee Osterholm called the meeting after suggesting a farmers’ market on social media. They were encouraged by the positive response they received and are now calling for possible stall holders to get in touch so the project can get off the ground. Sarah, 42, said there would be room for around 10 stalls. “The general consensus is that it needs to be held on Saturdays

as people work in the week and wouldn’t be able to get here. However this means we’re going to be restricted on what sort of goods we can get because a lot of people on the farmers’ market circuit would probably be committed elsewhere on a Saturday. “So we are now thinking of going down the lines of a street market so it would open it out to craft people and artists. We would still like food such as fruit and veg, cheeses, meat and perhaps a cake stall as they can be quite popular. It will be nice to have a bit of variety.” Sarah said the landlord of the site is keen to get a market up and running as soon as possible and already has planning permission. “The ground is quite well prepped for a market as it has got drainage and rubber matting underneath the grass so it’s pretty much ready to go. “I hope it’s going to come off. At the moment I’m wondering how it’s all going to run as we in the cafe wouldn’t be able to run it. It would almost have to run itself. I need to see how people feel about that but it’s looking promising and there’s been lots of interest and enthusiasm.” Stall holders would need to bring their own equipment like

A market like this one at Bristol’s Tobacco Factory could set up in Fishponds as early as this summer tables and marquees and would have to have their own public liability insurance. Sarah said: “Fishponds is now much more of an up and coming community-focussed area and people would like to shop locally and use a market if the facility was there. “It would also be a good meeting point and would increase the footfall at Straits Parade and just give more of a community feel to the area.” Sarah said issues such as safety

and parking would need to be looked at. “There were some concerns about the road as it’s quite busy and is a bus route. There’s no way it’s going to be closed off so people just need to be made aware that it is a busy road with buses going through.” If anyone is interested in hiring a space, you can contact Sarah or Lee via the Kingfisher Cafe’s website or the cafe’s Facebook page.

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May, 2015

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Rabbit Awareness Week (Monday 9th May - 17th May 2015)

abbit Awareness Week takes place annually in May to help promote the welfare of this increasingly popular pet, which is also the aim of this month’s article! Rabbits are social animals and are best kept in pairs or small groups to enable them to express natural behaviour such as mutual grooming. They should not be kept with other species such as guinea pigs, as they have differing husbandry/ dietary needs and ways of communicating. Also bullying can occur. Rabbits are crepuscular which means they are most active at dawn and dusk, similar to their wild counterparts. They should be kept in the biggest hutch/run you can provide. The minimum dimensions should allow the rabbit to fully lie down and stretch out in all directions, be tall enough to allow them to sit up (and ideally stand) in without their ears touching the roof and long enough to make three continuous hops. The hutch should be ideally attached to an outside run or exercise area so that they have the opportunity to stretch their legs when they want to. It is important to check and groom your rabbit regularly in order to keep an eye out for flystrike which is especially common in the warm summer months (flies can be attracted to rabbits bottoms and lay eggs in this area, which hatch into maggots), as well as any other abnormalities. Fibre is crucial to rabbits, and they have an interesting

digestive system to cope with this. They produce two types of faeces, hard round droppings and softer shiny caecotrophs. In a healthy rabbit you shouldn’t see the latter, as caecotrophs are eaten by rabbits directly from their bottoms to allow them to digestive their food for a second time and extract as much nutrition as possible. An ideal rabbits diet should consist of large quantities of good quality hay and grass, with small amounts of complete rabbit pellet food and vegetables such as broccoli, kale and dandelions, with fresh water always available. Vaccination is important to keep your pet healthy and we recommend vaccinating annually against the fatal diseases, myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease. This is advised for indoor rabbits as well as those living outdoors. We also recommend neutering too, which prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces the risk of certain types of cancer and can also help with some behavioural issues (such as territory marking/spraying in males and nesting behaviours in females). For further information about Rabbit Awareness Week and more advice on rabbit care, please visit www. rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk Also as part of rabbit awareness week, we are pleased to offer FREE rabbit health checks*, so give us a call on 01173355999 to book in! *additional charges apply for vaccinations and any advised medication/surgery

PARENTS in Downend, Soundwell and Fishponds have the chance to give their babies, toddlers and pre-school children a glimpse into nursery life this month. All Mama Bear’s day nurseries and pre-schools in Bristol are holding open days on Saturday May 16. This includes the nursery on Downend Road, Downend, and the baby and toddler unit on Coronation Road, Downend as well as nurseries at Pembroke Road, Soundwell, and Thicket Avenue, Fishponds. From 10am-1pm children can enjoy arts and crafts activities, messy play and lots of cakes, while parents will have the chance to see what children get up to during a nursery day, tour facilities and find out more from staff. Mama Bear’s owner Bev Driffield said: “Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a parent has to make and feeling confident with the people you are leaving your child with is so important. Coming to look around a nursery to view the facilities is great but seeing for yourself how well your child fits in, how the staff interact with children and getting a sense of our values is even more useful”. Mama Bear’s is run by Bev and her husband Tony. Established in 2002, the group now includes 21 nursery settings in Bristol, Somerset and Devon.

Fire safety volunteers needed COULD you help save lives in the Fishponds area? Avon Fire and Rescue has teamed up with Fishponds-based charity the Care Forum to recruit community fire safety volunteers. The role includes visiting social groups and speaking at community events to increase awareness of fire safety. You would also be involved in spreading the word about home fire safety visits where firefighters provide advice, equipment, and escape plans to help local people get out safely in the event of a fire. Support and training will be provided. To find out more contact Steffie at the Care Forum on 0117 958 9308 or email volunteering@thecareforum.org.uk

Willowdean Court, 247a Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1LT Telephone: 0117 961 6417 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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May, 2015

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It’s not just your local MP you’re voting for on May 7 ELECTIONS to Bristol City Council are being held at the same time as the general election. One candidate will be selected for each of the wards in the Greater Fishponds area. They will serve for just a year, until the first all-out elections to the council in 2016. The candidates for Frome Vale are: Lesley Alexander, Conservative; Graham Donald, Lib Dem; Pamela Hyde, UKIP; Cath Thomas, Green, Roger Thomas, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition and Erica Wildgoose, Labour. Contenders for Eastville are: Mark Baker, TUSC; Chris Harris, Lib Dem; Mahmadur Khan, Labour; Simon Stafford-Townsend, Green and Mike Williams, Conservative. Those contesting Hillfields are: Craig Cheney, Labour; Elsie Danaan, Green; Matt Gordon, TUSC; Roger Laxon Uki[; Andy Morgan, Lib Dem; Roy Towler, Conservative.

ELECTION 2015

AFTER all the months of campaigning, election time is almost here. As residents prepare to go to the polls on May 7, Fishponds Voice has asked each of the prospective candidates for Bristol East to tell us in their own words what they hope to achieve if elected as our MP. Bristol East comprises the council wards of Brislington East, Brislington West, Eastville, Frome Vale, Hillfields, St George East, St George West, and Stockwood.

Women voters to the fore at candidates face questions FOUR of the Bristol East candidates took part in a hustings event at the Vassall Centre organised by Bristol Women’s Vote. Labour’s Kerry McCarthy, the Tories’ Theo Clarke and Lorraine Francis, of the Greens were joined on the panel by Matt Gordon, of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Party. They answered questions from an audience of about 30 on topics including childcare,Sure Start centres, healthcare, sexual harassment and prostitution.

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May, 2015

General Election - Bristol East

Theodora Clarke Conservative

Matt Gordon TUSC My name is Matt Gordon, I’m 29 years old and I’ve lived in Hillfields for 5 years, I’m a member of Unite the Union and have record of standing for election to Bristol Council. I’m standing for TUSC, which was co-founded by the late Bob Crow of the RMT, the Socialist Party and others. We are the newest and only anti-austerity alternative in these elections. We’re standing 135 parliamentary and 650 council candidates. In January Conservative, LibDem and Labour MPs voted for £30 billion of cuts which is planned poverty for the working class and the 99%. Every party on George Ferguson’s Rainbow Cabinet has passed on cuts to the people of Bristol without a fight back. We reject austerity. Privatisation is a way to shift the wealth from the many to the few and take away local, democratic control. Britain is the 6th richest country in the world but this wealth is held by a superrich 1%. By stopping £120 billion of annual wealthy tax avoidance and using the £750 billion held by big business, we’ll stop cuts to services, jobs, pay, disability and welfare benefits. We’ll solve the housing crisis with rent controls to stop private landlord exploitation and undertake massive building programme of environmentally sustainable publicly owned homes. We stand for an immediate minimum wage of £10 an hour, an end to free schools and academies and a publicly run, quality education, with no university tuition fees. For a fully funded NHS, Minor Injuries Unit at Cossham Hospital and an end to privatisation and PFI, used at Southmead Hospital, that is bankrupting the NHS.

Bristol East deserves someone who is going to stand up for our area and get things done. I decided to go into politics because I believe it’s about time we had people who have real jobs outside of politics representing Bristol East in Parliament. I’m a Conservative because I believe we are the party of aspiration who back people who want to work hard and get on in life. As someone who has successfully set up and run their own business, while studying in Bristol, I understand the challenges small business owners face. That’s why I’m focused on supporting our local entrepreneurs in order to bolster our local economy and create jobs. I’m proud to have organised the first Bristol East Jobs Fair bringing employers and job seekers together. I have run many employability courses and given free training to disadvantaged children as well as acted as a mentor to sixth form students and run employability courses. I believe in positive politics. We need to support people’s aspirations. Bristol is the business and tech hub for the SW and we must continue to create an atmosphere where they can flourish. But we must also remember to look after the most vulnerable in our society. And nothing is more important than supporting the NHS. I will be a strong voice for the whole of East Bristol and accountable to you. I will be championing improved transport infrastructure, an MIU at Cossham, more affordable and sustainable housing, and helping people realise their potential.

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May, 2015

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fishpondsvoice

General Election - Bristol East

Abdul Malik Liberal Democrat

Kerry McCarthy Labour I have had the privilege of being MP for Bristol East for ten years and am now seeking re-election on May 7. During this time I have spoken up for Bristol in Parliament, supported local campaigns like Stop McDonalds and Rethink Metrobus, and dealt with numerous individual cases on behalf of local people. Areas like Fishponds are too often overlooked when it comes to Bristol-wide initiatives like Bristol 2015 (Green Capital) and funding for community facilities. Much more still needs to be done to bridge social and economic divides, and create real opportunities for our young people. I have supported Labour councillors’ calls for a new swimming pool and for more investment in our parks. Poor public transport is still a major issue. I have recently met with the new boss of First Bus Bristol, and pressed him on the need for lower fares, more reliable services and new routes. Another pressing issue is the need for more affordable housing, both for renters and those who want to buy their first homes. Labour will introduce longer-term tenancies and capped rents for private tenants, and will build 200,000 homes a year by 2020 to meet housing demand. Our public services have been put under great strain due to Government cuts. Protecting the NHS and supporting Labour’s plans for a National Care Service it, for those who need care rather than medical attention, will be an absolute priority for me and one of the first acts of a Labour Government.

Abdul Malik, 41, was born in Bristol and attended Whitehall Primary School and then went to Whitefield Fishponds School which is now known as the Metropolitan Academy. Married with four children and a grandson, he was one of Bristol’s first Muslim and Asian city councillors when elected in 2005. He lives with his family in Easton. Since the age of 20, he has been actively involved in community work on a voluntary basis, particularly with Black, Asian and Multi Ethnic people.. He says: “I am Bristolian; my interest is Bristol, I have been offered several “safe seats” being chosen by the Lib Dems to be trained on their leadership programme, however, I would rather lose 10 times in Bristol then be elected first time away from my great city and my home. I have lived and traded in the inner city all my life, I understand the needs of ordinary residents, local businesses, and service providers. I understand the fundamental issues that can make a successful community. As a Liberal Democrat, I believe their manifesto has the potential to shape our city for a vibrant and cohesive future; we have seen their success now both in local politics as well as the national coalition. I believe in lower taxes for the less well off; in providing opportunities through apprenticeships. I believe in a greener, cleaner future and I believe we must trust the people who have proven they can move us out of recession into progression!

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Do you have any collectables for sale? Cash paid for things that are of interest I am looking for toys pre 1990 (Star Wars/He Man), records (LPs 12” and 7”), Ceramics, War memorabilia anything really. I can also arrange house/room clearances (sometimes I’ll even pay you), and would consider selling items for you on a commission basis. If you have something taking up space or you just need some money, please call me or e mail me with photos and I’ll come around and go from there.

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May, 2015

General Election - Bristol East

Lorraine Francis Green

James McMurray UKIP James is a 33-year-old teacher. He is Bristol born and bred, and grew up in St George and Portishead, where he attended Gordano School. He studied at the City of Bristol College and the University of West of England (UWE) where he completed his teacher training. In 2003, James was elected to Portishead Town Council at the age of 21. He has served as a Councillor for nearly twelve years in both North Somerset and Devon. James teaches in North Somerset. His priorities: Investment in Bristol’s infrastructure. Other cities such as Sheffield and Manchester have had £millions for tram and light railway systems. Nottingham, a city smaller than Bristol, is having over £500 million spent on expanding its current tram system. Where’s Bristol’s £millions? Control our borders. UKIP wants a fairer Australian-style pointsbased system to decide who comes to work and settle here. Invest in the NHS. UKIP will pour £3 billion a year extra into the NHS to keep it as a free public service, funded by scrapping our £55 million a day EU membership fee. Help working families achieve their aspirations. Scrap tuition fees for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medical degrees. Fairer tax system. UKIP will scrap income tax on the minimum wage, scrap the bedroom tax, and scrap the tax on your children when you die. Spend here, not abroad. By stopping our EU membership fee and clawing back the £23 million a day spent on foreign aid, UKIP is the only party with money to spend at home. Protect the green belt around Bristol for future generations

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I am standing as the Green Party candidate in Bristol East because I believe that we have the right to have access to a decent education, the opportunity to find a job and to have the to live in flourishing communities. I am a strong believer in equality issues and fairness. I grew up in an era of prejudice and inequalities and I feel that change has been difficult to measure. Not only is The Green Party opposed to austerity measures that are affecting families and whole communities, it is making a real tangible stand to develop a party for all. I want to listen to what people across Bristol East want and do my part in helping make better choices for this diverse and rich community. There are a growing number of people today who feel ‘cut-off and adrift’, disaffected by the more established parties. I am not clear if the traditional Westminster parties are offering us a positive distinct vison for the future. There appears to be a common acceptance that big business and the wealthy are dictating to the traditional parties: ignoring the rising levels of inequalities and financial anxieties that the public are experiencing. I have attended hustings and often, people will ask questions that are personal to them or ask questions that affect people in far reaching countries. Can I solve those problems? No. Will I try and make an impact? I will do my best.

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May, 2015

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fishpondsvoice

Lisa designs first show garden for Malvern THIS garden design from Fishpondsbased designer Lisa Burchill will spring to life at next week's RHS Malvern Spring Festival. Lisa has teamed up with Northamptonshire-based Robin Ideson to create the 'Out of Darkness Garden'. It will be the first show garden from both designers who chose Malvern as they love the backdrop of the Malvern Hills and the slightly wild feel to the showground which compliments their garden design. The show, which takes place from May 7-10, attracts more than 80,000 garden enthusiasts nationally and features 30 acres of show gardens as well as a floral marquee, food and crafts. Lisa said both her and Robin want the garden to be "a real garden for real people". She said: "So many clients say that they have an uninspiring difficult area of garden in the shade where nothing grows so we want to demonstrate that with a strong simple design and good choice of plant material these areas can be made usable and attractive.

"The planting scheme highlights the wonderful array of shadetolerant plants available to any garden enthusiast and demonstrates how they can be used to create an attractive blend of colour and texture." The fresh, vibrant planting is combined with light, clean and crisp hard landscaping to create a dynamic combination of light and dark. The showcase piece within the garden is the innovative moss graffiti, which when viewed in perspective alongside the decked trunk feature, creates a striking tree image. Lisa, who designs gardens all around Bristol, Bath and the South West, said: "The Out of Darkness garden hopes to inspire visitors to the RHS Malvern Spring Show to re-think those neglected shady areas and demonstrate that out of darkness something beautiful can be created." Lisa teamed up with Robin after they trained together at the Garden Design School in Devizes. They found early on that their

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approach and styles compliment each other and decided during their training that one day they would like

to do a show garden together. To find out more about Lisa's work visit www.lisaburchill.co.uk

Chance to say Cheers Drive!

ONLY three members of the public turned up to a meeting to discuss the future of libraries in the Fishponds area. This was in a stark contrast to some other parts of Bristol, which have seen hundreds of people attend. Bristol City Council needs to save £1.1 million on its libraries budget and is proposing a number of closures, including Eastville. Opening hours could be reduced at Fishponds Library and the council is seeking alternative premises for Hillfields Library. Following the initial outcry, the council has extended its public consultation and promised that no library will close before April 2016. The officials at the Fishponds meeting at the Vassall Centre were asked about the possibility of having swipe cards to enter unstaffed libraries and about using volunteers. They said volunteers would not replace paid staff but could “help support the core offer”. They explained that in some disadvantaged districts libraries would not be shut even if they were underused, as this might well mean taking away the last remaining council building in the area.

CHEERS Drive! It’s what Bristolians say as they get off the bus, thanking the man or woman at the wheel for a pleasant journey. Now the informal greeting has become the name of a scheme in the city to recognise and reward the friendliest drivers in Bristol. Bus operator First West of England is working with Destination Bristol and Bristol Shopping Quarter (Broadmead, The Galleries and Cabot Circus) to drive up standards of customer service. James Freeman, of First, said: “Those who make a difference to the lives of their passengers, either stepping in when something has gone wrong, or simply by delivering excellent service with a smile day in day out, deserve to be acknowledged.” You can nominate someone for a Cheers Drive award via the First website at www.firstgroup.com/cheersdrive Those without internet access can call customer services on 0117 244 4040, providing details over the phone about the driver they wish to nominate and why. A winner will be chosen each month. The person who nominates the successful driver will win free bus travel worth £66.

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May, 2015

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hen a kitchen is old and worn out, it does not have to be ripped it out! Most kitchen units remain sound for decades so it’s usually just your worktops – and maybe doors – that need replacing to make it good as new again. Refurbishing a kitchen is faster than a new fit-out, it involves a lot less waste and allows you to spend your money on those extra touches that make a kitchen a great place to be. When you don’t have an entire kitchen to rip out and replace, you can fit new worktops and doors faster than you would believe – all the time maintaining the highest standards. Gone are the days when a replacement kitchen meant weeks of takeaways! miniQ quartz is a superior engineered stone made of 93% quartz, set in a special resin polymer with coloured pigmentation. Originally developed in Italy, miniQ quartz engineered stone

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Community orchard celebrates first decade Fishponds Community Orchard is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Tucked away on Thingwall Park Allotment Site, it grows old and local varieties of apple such as Cheddar Cross and Slack Ma Girdle, as well as some soft fruit. Supporters meet regularly for work sessions when they tidy, weed and take care of the trees and also celebrate the orchard with activities including a Wassail and an Apple Day when they taste and press apples for juice and cider. At a recent session they sowed wild flower seeds to encourage insect pollinators, staked some trees

and made a scarecrow. The next big event to which all are invited is when the orchard is involved in ‘The Get Growing Garden Trail’ on Sunday June 7 from noon to 5pm. It’s an opportunity to find out more about the orchard and refreshments will be available. Spokeswoman Irene Blessitt said: “Membership is £5 per annum but you don’t have to be a member to enjoy this lovely green space. Thingwall Park Allotment Site is the biggest in Bristol. It’s a beautiful site and at the moment is full of blossoming plum trees. “This year, inspired by ‘ The Get Bristol Buzzing ‘ with Pollinators Campaign the council have agreed not to use pesticides on the haulingways. Many allotment holders, including the orchard, would like to see the site and the whole of Fishponds become pesticide free and to encourage this are sowing lots of insectfriendly plants.” For further information email iblessitt@hotmail.com

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What makes Fishponds great? WHAT makes Fishponds great? Do you have a special place which holds fond memories? Or is there a building which you love - or even hate? If so James Bryan would love to hear from you. The UWE architecture student has embarked on an ambitious project to create an interactive map of the neighbourhood highlighting landmarks which mean something to the people of Fishponds. Perhaps you had your first kiss at the Fishponds lido. Or maybe you met your husband or wife at the Cross Hands pub. Did you have the best days of your life at one of the schools in the area? These are all stories James can use to document Fishponds through the eyes of its community. James, 25, said: “It started off as a university project which had a really open brief. My project broadens the subject of architecture; it’s about finding and mapping people’s local landmarks around the area like buildings and places people think are significant. “It’s also about getting personal stories associated with these places and including them on the map. Memories are great because they are so interesting but it could just be about a building or a place someone likes for a particular reason. “I have spoken to people aged from eight to 80 and there’s a real diverse range of places, which is great.” The project has come to life as an interactive website - www.

James Bryan findingfishponds.com - where visitors to the site can click on landmarks on a map to view photographs, read comments and even take a trip down memory lane. “At the moment I’ve been mapping it as a Google Maps interface but the next stage I’m working on is a hand drawn map where you can click various landmarks and it comes up with different stories which have been submitted. That stage is work in progress.” James, who is in the first year of a two-year master’s degree, said the project is about the past as much as the present. “It’s not just about finding

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places that are still here but about places which have been lost or have changed throughout the years. It’s up to interpretation.” One 57-year-old lady shared her memories and a photo of Fishponds lido: “I remember visiting the Fishponds lido (the old quarry) in the summers during the 1960s and 1970s as a child - swimming to the platforms (and) chatting to the locals. “I then worked on a bar that floated on the water on the side of the lake owned by a Greek gentlemen for some time during my teen years. It was always so busy!” ‘Tom’, who is 27, tells you that Victoria Park War Memorial is his special place: “The statue of the soldier is not only artistically brilliant but connects Fishponds with the past.” Other photos and memories include Thingwall Park Allotments, St Matthias Campus and a shrine to Elvis Presley - to be found in the front garden of a home in Grove Park Terrace. But life in Fishponds isn’t always

rosy and the map doesn’t shy away from that. It also features landmarks people associate with danger, like the junction at the Cross Hands pub. “A black spot for accidents,” one lady shares. “I’ll hear a loud crunch and watch out of the window. I’ll always go down and offer help - happens more than a couple of times a year.” Restaurants and cafes also come in for attention with ‘Georgina’ rating La Piazza for its excellent food and service and ‘Ryan’ raving about the cheesecake served at Coffee #1. James, who has lived in Fishponds for three years but originally comes from Oldland Common, said one of the ideas behind the project was that if people were given the chance to say how they feel about Fishponds - good and bad - then it would help shape the area’s future. James said: “The whole antiMcDonald’s protest seemed to highlight how much people are interested in development in their neighbourhood and the direction the area will take in the future. “By getting people’s personal

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opinions it helps to know how to push forward for change.” James has been so inspired by the project he plans to continue it even after his looming university deadline. He is also hoping the project will evolve and feature actual artwork charting the landmarks around the neighbourhood. “The idea is that it’s not just a university project but that it will carry on into something bigger depending on the amount of interest. I’ve been thinking of making some physical signs to go up around the area which would include some of the stories and would go up in the place the story is about. “I’ve been talking to someone from Grove Road Youth Centre who is quite keen to get involved. We’ve spoken about the possibility of getting funding later in the summer and perhaps commission local artists to get involved.”

To view James’ project visit www.findingfishponds.com where you can click on the survey tab to share any memories or register your thoughts on local landmarks. You can also get in touch by email james2.bryan@uwe.ac.uk or Twitter @jct_bryan

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No one polices the 20mph limit Congratulations on the Fishponds Voice. May it go from strength to strength. Re 20mph, it is hard for drivers to keep to this limit, and will cause more fumes etc. We have 20mph and weight limit on Forest Road; no one to police them. I’ve even seen police cars overspeeding (no blue lights). Congratulations to Kingfisher Cafe bar - excellent food and service. It would be great to see the farmers’ market revival on the Straits Parade. Would it be possible to use the old Regal Garage for market and perhaps carboot sale. Would also like more info on memorial off Rosemary Green.

Keep up the good work! Reginald King Forest Road, Fishponds

Fight slaughter, not McDonald’s I am amazed at my fellow residents of Fishponds and also the editors of this magazine. After a very prolonged campaign they managed to restrict the personal choice of others and stop McDonalds from utilising a derelict area for a drivethrough restaurant. They do however actively encourage the painful slaughter of animals and this magazine even takes advertisements from such establishments. Instead of fighting McDonalds, we should be campaigning against Halal meat and Halal butchers at all opportunities. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike should join against an animal having its throat cut and being allowed to JUST bleed to death with its heart still beating (in order to pump ALL the blood out if the body) in the presence of a man of the cloth saying a prayer. This is disgusting. If slaughtered under RSPCA standards an animal is killed by

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electric shock before having its throat cut and allowing gravity to drain the blood from its body. This Halal practice is nothing short of barbaric and I believe that the new government of this country should ban it with immediate effect. Stewart Hemmings

More on the Post Office Rifles I read with interest the article by Oliver Davey about his Great Great Uncles (Cook) The 8th City of London Regiment - Post Office Rifles (Terriers in the Trenches) had 3 Battalions. The 1st Btn was part of the 47th London Division. Following the battle of Messines in June 1917, the btn was rested before returning to the trenches on the 8th of July. There followed 10 days of intense artillery fire including gas shells which resulted in the death of two officers. Additional information can be gleaned from ‘The History of The Post Office Rifles’ by Charles Messenger. Also of note, the Regimental Badge of the P.O.R. can be seen in the chalk hills overlooking the

village of Fovant nr Salisbury. Hope this is of interest to Oliver. Andrew Griggs

Exhibition in Frenchay FRENCHAY Village Museum is hosting an exhibition by the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership. It will feature, among t other things, the Snuff Mills Action Group, the work of the Cabot Learning Federation, and fossils from the Frome Valley. The display will run from the beginning of May until August. Frenchay Village Museum is just inside Entrance ‘B’ of Frenchay Hospital, and is open Saturdays and Sundays. 2-5pm, and Wednesdays 1-4pm. Entrance is free. For further information call 0117 9570942 Whatever you want to say, write to us and we will make sure everyone in the Fishponds area knows about it

e-mail: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk The editor reserves the right to edit your letter

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Boxing club Spotlight on . . . Elm Tree Farm bids to return to glory days PLANS to create a boxing gym and a neighbourhood hub at the former Oldbury Court Community Centre have won backing. Downend Amateur Boxing Club has already carried out some voluntary restoration work at the disused Oldbury Court Community Centre and hopes to be granted a lease for the building. Bristol City Council intends to hand over the centre for 15 years through a community asset transfer, allowing the club to use the building for a peppercorn rent. Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership backs the proposal for the centre, which has been out of use for three years and has fallen prey to vandals. Councillor Lesley Alexander said: “I think it would be a good idea to pass it over to the boxing club. As a community centre it was not well used or well supported.” Councillor Bill Payne added: “It will be great to see the building back in use.” Boxing coach and expoliceman Craig Turner, the driving force behind the project, told the partnership meeting that the aim was to carry out the transformation of the building in three phases. Once the lease is granted, the club will seek funding from Sport England, the National Lottery and others for the work. He said: “We have got fond memories from 1993 when we trained at the community centre. The response from the local young people back then was phenomenal. “We have got a strong enough team to take the centre back to its glory days. We believe the centre can thrive again and will be a very very good asset to the community. “It can be used for community space as well. We want to take it back to a friendly meeting place.”

ELM Tree Farm is a working farm in Stapleton run by the learning disability charity Brandon Trust. They rear pigs, sheep and cattle, and keep a flock of free range hens. The farm is used to create training and employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism, with people learning and working in all aspects of the running of the farm. The 35-acre site is also home to a nursery, where adults with learning disabilities and autism work gain skills in horticulture from seed sowing to sales, and a market garden which produces vegetables and flowers that are taken to market each week. There are also woodwork and bike maintenance projects, and a small Grounds and Garden business that provides services across the local area. This year in the school summer holidays Elm Tree Farm will be running a holiday club for 11- 18-year olds with mild to moderate support needs, providing activities based on the day-to-day farm work. The club will give children and young people a chance to try new activities, learn new skills, make friends and most importantly have fun. If you would like more information about the holiday club please call Eleanor or Julie at the farm on 0117 958 6206 or email holidayclub@brandontrust.org

Brandon Trust is a charity supporting adults and children with learning disabilities and autism. The charity believes that all people with learning disabilities should be able to live a life of freedom with fewer limitations. For more information about the Brandon Trust’s services visit www.brandontrust.org

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The Festival of Nature starts here WILDLIFE explorers of all ages will have the chance to discover the natural world at an event at Oldbury Court Estate this month. The BioBlitz on May 15-16 will launch Bristol’s annual Festival of Nature programme, which is particularly significant in 2015 because of Bristol’s role as European Green Capital. Visitors will work alongside a team of naturalists and wildlife watchers to find and identify different species of birds, bugs, plants and beasties before the clock runs out. There will be interactive activities for kids, grown-ups, beginners and experts including worm charming, spider spotting, pond dipping, moth trapping and bug hunting. It will also include the chance to go on a dawn chorus walk, stroll along a tree trail, follow tracks and signs and look out for wildflowers. Throughout the weekend the public will also be able to attend talks and demonstrations, visit a range of stalls, enter competitions and do arts and crafts. Everything found during the BioBlitz will be documented and passed on to local and national databases that monitor the UK’s local wildlife. Activities run from 5pm on Friday to 5pm on Saturday. Some can be booked in advance; for others you can just turn up at the Base Camp near the play park. Savita Custead, chief executive of Bristol Natural History Consortium, which organises the festival said: “We are really excited to kick off our European Green Capital celebrations with a BioBlitz at Oldbury Court, one of Bristol’s hidden natural gems. It is a fantastic location packed full of wildlife and there will be a range of exciting activities so we can’t wait to explore it with

nature lovers of all ages.” “Once again the Festival of Nature will have a packed summer schedule with events taking place across Bristol and the wider region. This is such a significant year for the city and we’re delighted that the festival will be playing a key part in showcasing Bristol as a green hub.”

The festival continues over the following weeks, culminating in the Wild Weekend on the harbourside from June 12-14, All events are free to enter, but some may require advance booking so visit www. festivalofnature.org.uk for a full listing and more information. ADVERTISEMENT

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fantastic children’s trail and much more! Run entirely by volunteers through a not-for-profit organisation, the event supports the Royal Voluntary Service, SSAFA and Springboard charities. Family tickets to The Dig For Victory Show are only £22 plus early bird deals available. Dress up for The Victory Dance on the Saturday night! Enjoy a dance lesson, live 40s music, bar and delicious food. A perfect English summer event. Dance tickets are only £10. All ticket types and further information at: www.digforvictoryshow.com

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AT’S

May 2 n Bristol Repair Cafe, May 16, All Saints Church Hall, Grove Road, 10.30am May 6 n Hillfields neighbourhood forum meeting, Harry Crook Centre, 7pm. You can bring up any issues about living in and around the Hillfields area. May 7 n Toddlers Hair dresser at Fishponds Play Cafe, All Saints Church Hall, Fishponds, 1-2pm. £5 per cut with Cher from Inspirations May 9 n Family Fun Day to celebrate 40th anniversary, St Joseph’s Pre School, Forest Road, 2-5pm May 9 n Crohn’s and Colitis UK – Avon & North Somerset social event in Fishponds at Coffee #1at 10:30am May 16 n Spring Fayre, All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds, 12-3pm. Fun, lunch, plants, crafts, games. Entrance fee 50 pence per adult. May 17 n Page Park Praise in Page Park, 3.30pm. With Staple Hill Salvation Army Band, songsters and junior musicians. Children’s entertainment and lots of good music and singing. Admission free. Tel 0117 9569733 for more information May 21 n South Glos Decorative and fine Arts Society - Douglas Skeggs will give a slide illustrated talk about Picasso and Cubism. Bradley Stoke Community School. 7.30pm. Guests and new members welcome. Call Sally Kitching on 01454 774401 sallykitching@googlemail.com or Mary Nash on 01454 418598

May, 2015

Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club or society in the Fishponds area?

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bsnadfas@outlook.com http:// sgdfas.org.uk May 21 n Dragonbird Theatre, Fishponds Play Cafe, All Saints Church Hall, Fishponds, 11.30am and 1.30pm shows May 23 n Yomping Lincombe Barn Woods. Women only campfire catch up. For more details please contact Nickie 07753 636705. May 27 n Mud Pie Explorers perfume making session for children 4+ at Lincombe Barn Woods. Contact Nickie 07753 636705/ nickie@mudpies.co.uk to book your place. May 27 n Holiday Club 10am to noon followed by optional lunch at Speedwell Methodist Church 378 Speedwell Road. Parent/carer stays with children. Lots of craft, toddler toys, some singing and a story. Morning activities £1.50 per family and a small donation for lunch. May 28 n Mud Pie Explorers Gruffalo inspired session for children 4+ at Lincombe Barn Woods. Contact Nickie 07753 636705/ nickie@mudpies.co.uk to book your place. May 29 n Mud Pie Explorers survival session for children 4+ at Lincombe Barn Woods. Contact Nickie 07753 636705/ nickie@mud-pies.co.uk to book your place. May 30 n Breakfast 10am to noon at Speedwell Methodist Church 378 Speedwell Road. Come and enjoy just cake and a cuppa, a bacon roll

Fishponds and Hillfields Library What’s On What’s On in Local Libraries on a regular basis Tuesday Pre-school Storytime/Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15 – 2.45 pm (term time only) Thursday Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 7th + 21st May all welcome 2-4 pm (fortnightly) Friday Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30-12.00 (term time only) All Bristol Libraries will be closed on Monday 4th May & Monday 25th May

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or a full breakfast. Plenty of time to chat, and an opportunity to ask for prayer if there’s something concerning you. June 9 n Fathers day gift making at Fishponds Play Cafe, All Saints Church Hall, Fishponds, with Inspiration Ceramics 10am -2pm

Regular events in the Fishponds area Mondays n 9am Holistic Massage - St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am Tiny Tots - All Saints Community Hall n 11am Bereavement and Wellbeing support - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Computer Group - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Ping Pong (Table Tennis) for over 55’s - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Welcome Club for Retireds+ - St Aidan’s Church Hall n 3pm Messy Church - St John’s Church n 6:30pm Prayers - St John’s Church Tuesdays n 9:15am Morning Prayer - St John’s Church n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 9:30am Foot Care Sessions - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10am Coffee and Craft Morning St John’s Church n 10am Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers - All Saints Community Hall n 10am Level 1 Walking Group - starting at St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10:30am Music for Toddlers - St Mary’s Parish Rooms n 12:30pm Lunch Club - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Film Club for over 55’s - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2.15-2.45 pm Pre-school Storytime/Rhymetime, Fishponds Library n 3pm Eucharist with signing for the Deaf - Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL n 3:15pm Messy Church Fishponds CofE Academy n 6pm Woodcraft - All Saints Church Hall / Link n 7pm Evening Prayer - St Aidan’s Church

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n 7pm Evening Prayer - St Ambrose Church n Townswomen’s Guild, 2pm, first Tuesday of the month, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm at the Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. The programme changes monthly but includes coffee afternoons and outings. All welcome. For details call Barbara Davies on 965 3557. n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild, second Tuesday of the month, 7.15pm at Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. For further information please call 07799 108890 n 7.30-9pm (Term Time only) Scouts (10-14 years) at Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. Contact: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com Wednesdays n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 9.45pm Songs for Little People – The Kingfisher Cafe. £4 per little person, siblings £2. n 10am Eucharist - St Ambrose Church n 10:30am Arts and Crafts - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10:30am Coffee Morning - St Ambrose Church n 11am Tai Chi - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 1pm Level 3 Walking Group starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 1:30pm Arts and Crafts - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Punjabi Dance and Song - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Support and Activity Group - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Chair based exercise class St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2:30pm Ladies Circle - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2:30pm Wives Group - St John’s Church n 3:30pm Messy Church - Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George n 6:30pm Home Group - Location varies n Phoenix Art Club. Every Wednesday morning, 10am --12noon, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds. All mediums, all abilities. New members welcome. Thursdays n 9:15am Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 10am Coffee and Craft Morning St Aidan’s Church n 10am Free Beginners Computer Classes - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10am Eucharist - St John’s Church n 10am Eucharist - St Mary’s Church n 10am Parent and Toddler Group St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 12pm Ballroom Dance Class - St

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May, 2015

Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Fit Steps - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2-4 pm (fortnightly) Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am Fridays n 9:30am The Friday Playgroup - All Saints Community Hall n 10:30am Line Dancing - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 11.30am-noon Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library n 12pm Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm The First Friday Film Club All Saints Church Hall n 5:30pm Taekwondo - St John’s Church Hall n 6pm Silent Meditation - St Mary’s Parish Rooms n 7pm Grove Road Youth Club - All Saints Community Hall n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Good company and a chat over coffee. From 9am at Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds. For further details call 956 1231. Sundays n 8am Eucharist - All Saints Church

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n 9:30am Eucharist - St Mary’s Church with Giggle Sunday Club in Parish Rooms n 10am Eucharist - St Ambrose Church n 10am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - St Michael’s Church n 10:30am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - St Aidan’s Church n 10:30am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - St John’s n 11am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - All Saints Church n 6pm All Sorts Youth Group (fortnightly) St Aidan’s Church hall n 6:30pm Evensong - St Mary’s Church n Staple Hill Methodist Church invite you to join them in worship at 10.30am and 6pm every Sunday. A creche is available for little ones and Sunday Club. Taize Worship is held on second Sunday evening of the month and communion is taken on first morning and evening of the month. All are welcome, come and join us on the High Street. If you would like any further information please ring 0117 9575221 and leave a message and someone will get back to you. n 10.30am Morning Worship and children’s group at Speedwell Methodist Church. Friendly, informal and lively. n 10.30am Morning Worship and children’s group at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively.

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Revd Lizzie Vicar of All Saints and St Mary’s Fishponds

fishpondsvoice May, 2015 Faith will affect the way I cast my vote

o we are now right in the thick of it and it seems impossible to move without being confronted with leaflets, news reports, posters, and hustings. Election 2015 is sweeping through the nations and polling day will nearly be upon us. I rather enjoy the lead up to an election as it reminds me of the need to take my place alongside everyone else in casting my vote. Although it is not the case for some; I still feel empowered by making that mark in a private booth. Although it might not be that the person I voted for is elected, I have been given the chance to make that statement. I have been invited to be involved. With voting comes a huge responsibility, for it not just my own family and friends that I bear on my heart and in my mind, but my neighbours and those who I share this small community. In fact it goes even beyond the wards of East Bristol and Fishponds, because it means that I am drawn not to think of what is just best for this place, but what might be the best thing for people who stretch beyond this nation, and across the waters. Some people will take the view that religion and politics should not be mixed. However, I am with Archbishop Desmund Tutu on this one, where I believe that I should hold my bible in one hand and the newspapers in the other. I hope that my Christian faith will be one that affects the way in which I make my mark on the 7th May. I hope

that the values of generosity that I grew up to know through my church community that God is a God of love and abundance; will be reflected in the cross that I make that day. I hope and pray that the teachings of others about the beauty and goodness of this earth and my responsibility to be a good steward of that same wonderfully created world; are present when I make my mark that Thursday. I will carry my faith teaching that each and every person is made in the image of that same God, and that my brothers and sisters extend beyond that of my own flesh and blood; and it is also for their good and flourishing that I vote on the 7th May. I hope and pray that we will all take the values that have inspired us in life to the polling booth. For myself, I will carry my bible in one hand and my voting pencil in the other, and hope and pray that we will see justice and mercy, compassion and goodness and the flourishing of all people in the weeks, months and years to come. I will remember those who have fought for the right to vote, and for those who still have no vote. I will bring all that God has made me up to this point in time into that polling booth and make my mark. Sign my cross. I hope and pray that you also do so. Revd Lizzie – Vicar of All Saints and St Mary’s Fishponds.

Bridge Community Church meets every Sunday at 10:30am at Downend school for vibrant modern worship and relevant talks on life and faith. We also provide a crèche for tots, and fun activities for older kids. Find us at : Downend School, Westerleigh Road , Downend, Bristol BS16 6XA

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May, 2015

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Spring revival at St Michael’s ST Michael’s Church in Two Mile Hill has been experiencing its own spring revival. The church was decorated with floral displays for Easter for the first time in many years. Graham and Glyn Harris-Morgan created more than 20 displays throughout the church. The main arrangement was around the font, which dates back over 150 years.

Concert raises £13,500 for hospice

St Michael’s, which in full is St Michael the Archangel’s Church was consecrated in August, 1848, and has always been a Tractarian or “High” Church. It maintains this tradition to this day, offering regular Sunday services with Holy Communion, as well as morning services of Communion with prayers for healing on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

The congregation also raised money for a new St George flag for the church tower and huge efforts have been made to clear graves of overgrown trees and brambles. The Rev Nicola Callen has been appointed as the church’s Focal Minister. “Tea, coffee and cake” gatherings began in February, from 2-4pm on Friday and from 10am to noon on Saturday and the church is planning to hold its summer fair on Saturday June 13.

A CONCERT at Colston Hall hosted by the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra has raised £13,500 for Bristol’s only adult hospice. The first half of the concert was orchestral under the baton of William Goodchild, and the second half was a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with singers from the City of Bristol Choir, Westbury-on-Trym Parish Choir, Bristol Grammar School Choir, the Senior and Junior Schools Chamber Choirs and St Peter’s Hospice Choir conducted by David Ogden. St Peter’s Hospice music therapist Jane Lings, who is also a flautist for the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, led the hospice choir in the first public performance of ‘Who will be there?’ a song composed by the group to movingly describe the hospice’s work. Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra’s next concert is an all-French programme to be performed at St George’s Bristol on Saturday June 20. For detailed information please see: www.bristolmetropol itanorchestra.com

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Parents demand action on school traffic “TAKE action before a child is injured” is the message staff and parents at May Park Primary School are sending to the city council. They say traffic around the Coombe Road school has reached crisis point and fear a child or a parent will be seriously injured. Already there have been a series of near misses and now the school has launched a petition asking Bristol City Council to introduce a five-point action plan to quell the danger. The petition follows a risk assessment carried out by the school which has indentified a serious risk of accident. Pupil numbers at the Eastville school have increased year on year and is currently up to 680. And predictions show the school will reach a maximum capacity of 870 in two years - the size of many secondary schools. This has led to a dramatic increase in traffic along Coombe Road, which is too narrow for two vehicles to pass safely. The situation is also making life a misery for residents who have to endure some parents who park in disabled bays and in front of drives. Complaints have already been

made to councillors and the council’s highways department but the school says nothing has been done. The schools says existing safety measures such as zig-zag lines and a speed table just aren’t working and want more drastic action.

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Their request includes: • The introduction of a one-way system, possibly up Coombe Road and down Freeland Buildings • A pelican crossing outside the school across East Park Road • Replacing the white zig-zag road markings with enforceable yellow ones • Extending the zig-zags significantly further along East Park Road • Increasing the height of the raised speed table outside the school as the current low level one is ineffective Deputy headteacher Stuart Albery said: “At the front of the school is a very narrow residential road and there are cars parked along it all day long. “Its like a three way junction with cars coming up to Coombe Road and Freeland Buildings on to Eastgate Drive but there’s only enough space for one car to go down at a time; it’s not a two-way street. It’s a real mess with cars coming in all directions. “The highways department has given us some zig-zag lines on the

road but they are white so aren’t enforceable. In one direction they only go for about five metres so it’s very difficult to cross the road without standing out and looking down the road. “It’s a 20mph speed limit but unfortunately a lot of people ignore it however it’s more the sheer volume of traffic that’s the problem. “There have been some near misses including a couple of weeks ago when one of our parents was hit by a car’s wing mirror when the car lurched up on one of the pavements. “We have carried out a proper risk assessment and it came out as a high risk of injury so we think it’s not going to be long before one of our parents or children gets hurt by a car.” Mr Albery, who is one of two deputies at the school under the headship of Jan O’Hara, said encouraging more parents to walk to school is not viable because many travel long distances. “A lot of parents walk but because we are a multi-cultural

CROFTS END MISSION SILVER BAND

New members required Crofts End Mission Silver Band has relocated to Hanham Tabernacle Church, Tabernacle Road, Hanham we meet for rehearsal on Fridays at 7:30pm. We would welcome anyone interested in joining our band whether past members or totally new people regardless of sex, age or experience. We are able to train new inexperienced players and loan instruments to anyone genuinely interested.

Telephone Viv on 01179671491 or Reg on 01179652229 for further details

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Join us at the Hillfields Community Trust We are a community group for the good of Hillfields Ward, we have hosted a number of events ranging from a Diamond Jubilee in Hillfields Park to Harvest events in Hillfields Library, Winter Wondland in Hillfields Youth Hub through to Coach Outings locally and nationally for disadvantaged families from Minerva Primary Academy and Hillfields Ward. We are always looking for new members to join us and make a great difference for Hillfields in Fishponds. All ideas are good ideas, people from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures are very welcome.

Please email george@hillfieldscommunitytrust.org.uk Tel our mobile: 07954416465

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May, 2015

school parents chose it for its divesity. This means we have parents coming in from all parts of Bristol.” More than 100 staff and parents have signed the petition, which is on the school’s website. The school says this figure would be much higher if more parents had access to the internet. Mr Albery said: “A lot of our community don’t speak English and don’t have access to the internet. Although they might care about the issue, it is quite hard to get them to log onto the petition.” The petition is accompanied by comments which highlight just how serious the issue is. One parent said: “My child attends this school and I see every day the dangers our children and parents face when trying to enter and leave school. The risk needs to be addressed before somebody is injured.” Another comment said: “It’s dangerous and people drive too fast and park in the wrong places, very scary for kids.” Richard Merrill, a parent and former chair of governors at the school, was also vocal in his concerns: “Despite representations from the school, they (the council) has failed to come up with an elegant solution to protect the well being of those who use the school. “Who, from the local authority, will sit with and admit to parents that their child was seriously injured

fishpondsvoice

or died because the highways department would not commit funds to keep that child safe?” Mr Albery said the next step is to give pupils a voice by asking members of the school council to write to the council in the hope the highways department will be spurred into action. Mr Albery said: “A few years ago Ofsted said we were a school which required improvement but we now have an Ofsted grading of good. We’re working hard to try to be a real focus point for our community

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but parents and children need to feel safe and at the moment the situation is a real concern for them.” A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “The highway measures outside May Park School were implemented as a condition of the school’s expansion. “While a one-way system was considered as part of the planning approval process, such a measure was deemed unsuitable. “Planning approval included a condition for May Park to update their school travel plan to consider

measures to reduce the impact of any additional traffic generated by the expansion. “We have not yet received the updated plan and officers will be contacting the school to remind them of their responsibilities and offer guidance. “Requests for further highway measures, such as a pedestrian crossing, would need to be considered by the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership in the first instance.”

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Book review from staff of Fishponds and Hillfields libraries

‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ By Richard Bach Firstly, I hope you forgive me for reviewing a book decades after it was first published, but this is no ordinary book. If you read it years ago, it certainly deserves more recent attention. If you have not read it, please do, I promise it will be a good use of your time. That said, in October 2014 the book was reissued including a fourth part of the story, showing it undeniably stands the test of time.

Could you offer these pets a new home?

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May, 2015

It is dedicated ‘To the real Jonathan Seagull, who lives within us all’. Superficially it is a tale about a seagull (Jonathan) learning to fly, but fundamentally it is a spiritual fable exploring the quest for individuality, perfection, knowledge and the pursuit of freedom and transcendence into life beyond the ordinary. The book is short and easy to read but this does not detract from the fact that the ideas contained within it are huge in scope and unforgettable. For those of you who have ever felt, ‘there must be more to life than this’ – there is! Follow Jonathan’s lead ……. ‘No limits’!

Meet Dave and Milly. They lived together at their previous home and accidently had 12 babies before bringing their whole family to the Littlest Rescue! The babies have been rehomed now and this lovely pair have now been neutered and can live together happily ever after! They are only 9 months old themselves so still young and have a lot to give to a new family. Angel and Carmichael are friendly pair of male guinea pigs who are 3 years old. They are very easy to handle and love eating hay! Could you offer them a new home? For further information on rehoming or fostering rabbits or guinea pigs please contact us on 956 1981 or check out our website www. thelittlestrescue.org/ We have new animals coming in all the time and may have the perfect pets for you.

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Personal touch is what makes AWS the place for safety wear

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AWS Limited Safety equipment and workwear 2 Woodland Way Fishponds BS15 1QL

Tell us about your business AWS is an independent shop selling safety and workwear built upon 10 years’ experience and a fantastic knowledge of safety products. AWS is owned by Dave Chick and has been in its current premises at the top of Lodge Causeway for the past eight years. Dave and his four staff members, including his son, pride themselves on their brilliant customer service and going the extra mile for customers.

How did it start? Dave has worked within the welding, safety wear and equipment sector for many years. Having worked previously for a large company and watched customers being let down and orders not followed through correctly, Dave decided to start working for Avon Welding Supplies, a small local business. After a short while Dave bought out the company and changed it to AWS in 2002 with support from his wife and children - a true family business.

What services do you provide for local people? With welding supplies in decline, AWS now mainly sells workwear, safety equipment, school uniforms and provides printing where you can have clothing and items personalised. What makes the business stand out? Staff are happy to help and advise, whatever your needs. The business prides itself on going above and beyond to make the sure the customer has the product that meets their

needs - whether it is a large order from a big company or a one off item. AWS loves keeping it local and enjoys being part of the community and providing a value for money place for the residents of Fishponds and surrounding areas. Dave has a ‘no job is too big, no job is too small’ attitude. Dave said: “I enjoy what I do and hopefully it shows through in my products. I love the artwork side of the business and can spend hours drawing and designing logos and art work, it is a great feeling seeing the finished product.”

Any plans for the future? Dave’s plan for the future is to the grow the business. He would like to open another premises locally and duplicate the success of continuing to provide a great service to residents.

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May, 2015

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A VOLUNTEER-RUN club for children of working parents in Downend and Fishponds has secured its future. Oldbury Court Out of Schools Club has taken on the lease of Oldbury Court Youth Centre from Bristol City Council. The club has been running for more than 25 years, helping parents by providing a breakfast club, an after schools club and a holiday club for children aged between four and 12. It also operates on school in-service training days. The children are collected from and dropped off at eight schools in the area. The club was at risk after the council decided to outsource its youth provision across the city, but officials worked with the authority and others to win control of the building. Graham Thompson, from Downend, chairman of the OCOSC, said he was pleased that the long and gradual process had been successful. “We pleased to announce that we have signed the five-year lease of the Oldbury Court Youth Centre,” he said. “Our vision is that parents and carers living or working within Oldbury Court and surrounding areas should have access to quality affordable childcare in the local community, regardless of wealth,

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Boost for childcare club gender, ethnicity, belief or disability. “The key to OCOSC’s service provision is to provide a range of activities for children that meet their educational, cultural, social and physical needs in a secure, safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.” Bristol Mayor, George Ferguson, said: “I inherited an extremely difficult youth contract that has resulted in a real challenge to some of our youth provision across the city. However, rather than close youth centres and sell off the buildings as was a very real possibility, we have tried extremely hard to find new imaginative uses for them, by passing the buildings over to local community organisations. “We have worked very closely with the Oldbury Court Out of Schools Club, and are delighted to have found a satisfactory solution that allows them to continue to provide their vital services. “It is vitally important that we do all we can to protect youth and play facilities, and this is a great example of what can be achieved when we all work together. “I hope the local children, and parents, will continue to enjoy these

facilities for many years to come.” OCOSC, which was founded in 1989, intends to make the hall, two meeting rooms, music recording studio and floodlit ball court available to other organisations and charities at reasonable and affordable rates. The building is being renovated

to make it more energy efficient and lower the building running costs, with assistance provided by Capricorn Plumbing Ltd, Specialist Lighting Services (UK) Ltd and CR Windows Avon Ltd. For further information visit www.oldburycourtclubs.org.uk

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Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-school Join us for our open day on Saturday 16th May, 10.00am-1.00pm! Every Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Preschool will be open for parents to explore and there will be lots of fantastic activities for your little ones to enjoy. There is free registration on the day and you may even qualify for a free place! To find out more and to let us know you will be joining us, please visit www.mamabear.co.uk

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May, 2015

Kingswood Old Scholars share memories Former pupils of Kingswood Grammar School are proving that school days really are the best days of your life. The school’s Old Scholars’ Association has more than 1,000 members across the globe and many of them meet regularly to share memories and discuss their carefree childhoods. Downend Voice delves into the association’s history and finds out how it continues to go from strength to strength CAN you remember Kingswood Grammar School? The single storey wooden building in Brook Road, Warmley started life in 1921 as Kingswood Secondary School. It became a mixed grammar school six years later before morphing into Kingsfield School, a comprehensive, in 1967. During an arson attack in August 1976, the main building was completely destroyed. Out of its ashes rose Kingsfield School, rebuilt as a modern two-storey

TORS U B I R DIST ANTED W

building in 1977. Thirty four years later - in 2011 - it was to change again to King’s Oak Academy, its name testament to the giant oak tree in the grounds of the original secondary school. And things are still changing and moving forward today. A new primary school is currently being built on a site opposite the academy which, when finished in September 2015, will enable education from the ages of four to 18 to be available on the Brook Road site. Since 1921, thousands upon thousands of pupils - including scientist Colin Pillinger - have poured through the school’s gates, some perhaps a little more enthusiastically than others. Keeping past students up to date with news is the job of former pupil Mike Bendrey, of Downend. As editor of KOSA News (Kingswood Old Scholars’ Association News), Mike produces a 28-page newsletter twice a year, in the spring and autumn. KOSA News was first published in 1992 when an appeal and a cash collection at a school reunion enabled an eight-page edition to be produced. This inaugural edition went to around 200 former pupils but as membership is now up to 1,100, the production and distribution is a much more time consuming - and costly - affair. The A5 newsletter is made up of news, photographs, anecdotes and memories of life at school. Copies are distributed throughout the UK but many are also sent to members in France, Spain, Australia Canada, New Zealand, the USA and South Africa. Mike said: “One of the major aims of KOSA is to reunite old friends from school days and many stories of happy reunions as a result of KOSA’s activities have been submitted for publication.” Two reunion lunches are arranged annually at Lincombe Barn in Downend to which all are invited. At a recent reunion, one visitor, Derek Bailey, came as far as Denver,

A recent reunion provided a chance for old school chums to catch up Colorado in the USA and many travelled from across England, including some from Aylesbury and Hertfordshire. The luncheon, which took place on Saturday April 11, kicked off with an AGM where KOSA’s commitee was re-elected with three new members. Mike said: “We have our regulars and people who come occasionally. We didn’t have as many people as we have had in the past - we usually have about 60 people attend but this time it was about 40. I think it was because the event was tagged on to the end of the holiday week and people were still away so we’ll be careful with that next year. “The whole reason for the organisation is to get people to meet up with people from their school days. “I had a lettter from someone in Australia as a result of our website and she’s now in touch with someone in the UK that she hasn’t seen for 30 years. That’s the sort of thing we try to do.” Uniquely, KOSA does not charge a membership subscription even though each edition costs more

than £1,000 to print and distribute world-wide. Instead, members are invited to make an annual donation of £10 towards production costs. “No one is struck off the distribution list for non-payment!” Mike said. KOSA welcomes new members so if you attended any of the schools and would like to join and receive the newsletter, email Mike at kosanews@tiscali.co.uk or phone 0117 956 5689. Photos courtesy of Derek Bailey, Denver, Colorado.

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May, 2015

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Bristol Met champions of Bristol THE under 16 girls basketball team from Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds are now champions of Bristol. With 18 schools in their league, Bristol Met beat some tough opposition to win through to the final, in which they defeated St Bede’s Catholic College 28-24. This is only the second time Bristol Metropolitan has entered a girls’ team. The girls train once a week in the academy gym and are coached by Sian Angell, teacher of PE and Dance, who said: “ The PE department’s aim to get more girls involved with after school clubs and if this is what we can achieve in two years, we are excited for the future of girls’ sport at Bristol Metropolitan.”

Open day for Flyers DOWNEND Flyers are holding an open day on May 10 at their home ground in Emersons Green in an effort to recruit girls to their teams for next season. The event takes place from 10am to 4pm, and offers the chance to meet team managers, coaches, trainers and players. The U9s, U10s,U12s, U13s, U14s, U15s, U16s,U17s, U18s and ladies teams are all seeking new players. The girls train on grass in Page Park in the summer, from 6.30 to 8pm on Tuesday evenings. In winter they train on the all-weather pitch at Mangotsfield School from 7-8pm, also on Tuesdays. They play their Bristol Girls’ league home matches on Sundays at Bromley Heath FC, off Johnson Road. For further information, call Sue Hiscox on 07773 672152 or email suehiscox@btinternet.com

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May, 2015

On the treatment table with Dr Tim Button of Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step Centre

Florida blog

’m sure that I’m solar powered, I think that we all are. The winter in the UK is so long and grey and depressing. Call it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADs) or whatever you like, the sunshine does me good. So as I sit here by my friends Stuart (ex Bristol Rovers Captain) and Tammy Campbell’s pool, under super hot Florida sun, I’m feeling energised and ready for the World Hip Hop Championships that start at the end of the week. Hopefully I can help the ‘Dark Angels’ to full physical fitness and strength to win once again against the best dance groups on the globe. The Button Family made it across the pond without too much of a problem. Baby Button was well behaved on the flight and wasn’t too put out by the long journey and time difference. We spent our first week with our friends Paul and Kristen near Orlando which was great to get us acclimatised. Molly loved spending time in the pool with her new pool float. Then we took the short drive to Tampa to stay with Stu and Tammy and their 3 lovely daughters who are growing up so fast and have adopted a very cute American accent. Molly celebrated her 1st birthday in style by having her first ever “Dunkin Donut” followed by a trip to the stunning white sandy beaches of the golf coast near Tampa. I wish I was so lucky on

my birthday. Not that she will appreciate it but we plan to take her to Disney at some point in the trip, it seems a shame not too. Plus Jen still secretly likes Mickey Mouse! It’s almost easy to forget that this is a work trip but it is work that I have to do. My primary goal is to help the “Dark Angels” to victory but it is also an opportunity to see how professional football (Soccer if you prefer) is run out here with Stu. I’m going in to have a look round tomorrow but Stu (who now doesn’t play anymore and is the assistant coach to the Tampa Bay Rowdies) has told me a lot already. The Rowdies are a team in the league below the MLS but still get huge support. It’s different here as it becomes very entertainment oriented like in baseball and American football. He says that the standard has come on in leaps and bounds even in the few years that he has been here. On the weekend they played a New York team that had old mega star Spaniard Raul playing! Back home I keep an eye on what’s happening through our wonderful team of therapists and receptionists and they have told me how much high end use the anti gravity machine is getting with current Olympians and Paralympians taking advantage of the AlterG’s almost magical abilities to recover from injuries and boost performance. On a chiropractic note, with the changing

weather the week before I left for Florida we had no less than 35 new patients who had hurt their backs gardening. This happens every year after a long winter when people are aching to get their gardens back into shape. That’s fine but please set yourself realistic goals. Don’t try and re-landscape your whole garden in a weekend and don’t lift heavy things by yourself. That said if you do hurt yourself, then that’s what we are here for just give us a call or book online. Next time I will let you know how the “Dark Angels” got on, for now I will see you when I’m back.

Tim Button 0117 957 5388

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

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