FISHPONDS VOICE OCTOBER 2015 by Fishponds Voice

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fishpondsvoice October, 2015 — ISSUE 8

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE - PAGES 26-27 | BUSINESS OF THE MONTH PAGE 38

Just rewards for HEFs in Bloom

Battle for the buses ALMOST 500 people have signed petitions calling for bus services to be restored to all of Lodge Causeway and Hillfields. Shops in the Causeway say their trade has been hit because some people cannot get to them since routes were changed at the end of August. There are also concerns that elderly and infirm residents are becoming isolated, unable to travel to Fishponds or Kingswood. The cuts in services have also reduced links between Kingswood and the university, colleges and Parkway Station in Bristol’s north fringe. Campaigners are calling on Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils to subsidise routes so that people in deprived parts of east Bristol are not put at further disadvantage. Bus operator First said when it introduced the new timetable that it was aimed at improving punctuality and providing better access to hospitals, schools and railway stations.

Hillfields, Eastville and Fishponds in Bloom (HEFs) won a silver gilt pennant at the regional awards ceremony.

Page 5 New principal’s vow for school

The new principal of Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields is determined to make sure its rising standards are kept up. Before and after … Labour councillors Craig Cheney (Hillfields), Mhairi Threlfall (Eastville) and Rhian Greaves (Brislington West) take part in the first Oldbury Court Colour Fun Run to raise money for addiction recovery charity St Vincent’s

Full story: Page 3

Page 13 Bat conservation in the kitchen

Animal lover Kiri Green devotes her spare time to rescuing bats and has transformed her Fishponds home into a sanctuary.

Pages 36 & 37

LATE NEWS

JUST as Fishponds Voice was going to print, confirmation was received that a public inquiry will be held over McDonald’s bid for a drive-thru at the old tile factory. This follows the company’s appeal against Bristol City Council’s refusal of planning permission.

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fishpondsvoice October, 2015 — ISSUE 8

WHAT’S ON GUIDE - PAGES

GIFT VOUCHERS

105 HIGH STREET, STAPLE HILL, BS16 5HF www.ecigguk.co.uk

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26-27 | BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

PAGE 38

Just rewards for HEFs in Bloom

Battle for the buses

ALMOST 500 people have signed petitions calling for bus services to be restored to all of Lodge Causeway and Hillfields. Shops in the Causeway say their trade has been hit because some people cannot get to them since routes were changed at the end of August. There are also concerns that elderly and infirm residents are becoming isolated, unable to travel to Fishponds or Kingswood. The cuts in services have also reduced links between Kingswood and the university, colleges and Parkway Station in Bristol’s north fringe. Campaigners are calling on Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils to subsidise routes so that people in deprived parts of east Bristol are not put at further disadvantage. Bus operator First said when it introduced the new timetable that it was aimed at improving punctuality and providing better access to hospitals, schools and railway stations.

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Hillfields, Eastville and Fishponds in Bloom (HEFs) won a silver gilt pennant at the regional awards ceremony.

Page 5 New principal’s vow for school

The new principal of Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields is determined to make sure its rising standards are kept up.

Craig Cheney Before and after … Labour councillors and Rhian Greaves (Hillfields), Mhairi Threlfall (Eastville) in the first Oldbury Court (Brislington West) take part for addiction recovery Colour Fun Run to raise money charity St Vincent’s

Page 13 Bat conservation in the kitchen

Animal lover Kiri Green devotes her spare time to rescuing bats and has transformed her Fishponds home into a sanctuary.

Pages 36 & 37

LATE NEWS Voice was

JUST as Fishponds going to print, confirmation was received that a public inquiry will be held over McDonald’s bid for a drive-thru at the old tile factory. This follows the company’s appeal against Bristol City Council’s refusal of planning permission.

Full story: Page 3

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October, 2015

Community spirit in abundance here I LOVE reading my monthly copy of Fishponds Voice – it makes me feel as though I’m part of a community. This comment received from a reader sums up why we, too, so much enjoy gathering the news from around the area. The growing sense of community spirit is evident all around us. Look at this year’s Scarecrow Trail, which attracted a record 28 entries and brought people out on to the streets to chat and have fun. The Colour Fun Run in Oldbury Court also drew the crowds and certainly lived up to its name. This edition brings news of many who are making a difference in our neighbourhoods – groups such as

fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 E D I TO R I A 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. DEADLINES Our November edition will go to print on Monday November 2. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us at the

HEFs in Bloom and Protect Frome Valley @ Stapleton and individuals including bat conservationist Kiri Green and diabetes campaigner Jane Knight. Congratulations, too, to local MP Kerry McCarthy, who has become a member of the Shadow Cabinet. Our aim is to reflect the news from all sections of our community. If you have a tale for us, do get in touch to share your tales and photos. We’d love to hear from you via email, Facebook or Twitter or you can write to us at 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6JT. Our email address is news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk. 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 more than 7,500 free copies to homes in the area every month and aim to increase our circulation area over time. But if your street is not covered yet, you can also pick up the Voice at libraries and cafes in the area.

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latest by October 28. 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 Anti social behaviour team

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Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

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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October, 2015

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Bus cuts having a major impact on people’s lives, say campaigners ISOLATION and hardship for people in parts of Fishponds has been caused by cuts to bus services, campaigners say. In August, bus operator First withdrew the 83 bus from Kingswood to Thornbury and axed the section of the 81 route between Kingswood and UWE. This means there is no service along a large stretch of Lodge Causeway. Residents who are elderly or infirm cannot manage the walk to the nearest bus links to Kingswood or Fishponds, and those wanting to get to Bristol’s north fringe face a long journey on two buses. Petitions placed in shops on Lodge Causeway, including the post office, the St Peter’s Hospice shop, the newsagent, the cafe, the two hairdressing salons Le Trim and Changes, Emma Jane Florist and Oddzies, have gathered more than 420 signatures. Transport campaigners have also launched an online petition urging First to restore services to

disadvantaged parts of east Bristol. Hillfields Labour councillor Craig Cheney is calling on cabinet member Simon Cook, Bristol’s assistant mayor with responsibility for transport, to take the matter up with the West of England Transport Board. He believes the best and simplest solution would be to extend the route of the new 48A service to take in the Causeway, Thicket Avenue and Staple Hill Road, as well as taking it on from UWE to Parkway Station. Councillor Cheney said that if such a route was not considered commercially viable, it should be subsidised by Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils. “It is not right that we should be making the journey to colleges, university and employment opportunities more difficult for young people in an already deprived area, “ he said. “In the year that Bristol is European Green Capital, why are we forcing people into cars

by cutting public transport?” Veteran campaigner Rita Blanchard has been co-ordinating the petitions at the shops after being approached by a number of residents. “The shops on the Causeway have really come up trumps,” she said. “They have been absolutely brilliant. Business at some of the shops is beginning to suffer as people can’t get there because there are no buses. “These changes have isolated us; they have truncated the Causeway. Older people can’t get to Cossham Hospital or the surgery next to it and they can’t get to Fishponds for the shops and health centres there.” Mrs Blanchard, 78, has had three mini-strokes and uses a tripod

walker. “I have to go to the doctor in Manor Road every week and it is costing me £16 a time for a taxi. It is causing hardship,” she said. When the changes were introduced, First said they were “the result of extended talks and consultation with local residents”. The new routes are aimed better punctuality and at improving access to schools, hospitals and railway stations. The company said people in the Hillfields area could use the 17A or 319 services in place of the 81 and 83. The online petition can be found at http://epetitions.bristol. gov.uk/epetition_core/community/ sign/3236

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October, 2015

Pre-school set to shut after poor Ofsted

Fishponds to be a mass of Christmas lights

A FISHPONDS pre-school is to close this month after again being found inadequate by Ofsted. Little Explorers Pre-School, which operates from St John’s Church Hall on Lodge Causeway, will shut on October 21. The decision means that parents, some of whose children started at the pre-school only a few weeks ago, will have to find alternative provision. Nicola Long, one of the directors of the privately-run pre-school, said they had wanted to persevere but had been unable to achieve the right inspection outcomes. “I am really sad about it,” she said. “We have tried to make it work.” Little Explorers opened in 2012 and had 32 children aged two to four when it was inspected in May. Last week, there were 18 children on the books. The pre-school was rated inadequate in its first inspection in 2013 and achieved one grade higher “requires improvement” - a year later. But Dominique Bird, who carried out the 2015 inspection, gave it the lowest rating once more. She said standards of teaching and leadership were poor, staff did not give consistent messages to children about expected behaviour and partnerships with parents were weak. The setting did not meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, she said. “Management has not done enough to address the actions set at the previous inspection to improve outcomes for children,” Ms Bird reported.. The problems were having a negative impact on children’s welfare, learning and development, she added. However, Ms Bird also noted some strengths, saying that children were generally happy and had the opportunity to lead their own play. Staff planned regular times for outdoor play, which helps promote children’s physical development and wellbeing.

THE evenings might be getting darker, but Fishponds can look forward to a sparkling lights display in the run-up to Christmas. Traders are rallying round the plans for festive decorations and schools and community organisations are also getting involved. Fishponds Business Forum is spearheading the light-up scheme – the first since 2003. It says it already has more than 20 people who have signed up to have a tree outside their shop. Leigh Cooper, from the forum, said supporters included new and established businesses. Local outlets of national chains also hope to join in, once they have received approval

from their head offices. There are also hopes of lights in Fishponds park around the old library building, which has been refurbished by its new owners, Fishponds Church of England Primary School. A Find Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer competition will be organised to capture the interest of children and families, and a big launch night is planned, with local children conducting the switch-on and a small Victorian market in the park. Mr Cooper said the scheme had received a boost from Bristol City Council, which was waiving the cost of a licence application for the lights this year.

Whatever you want to say, write to us and we will make sure everyone in the Fishponds area knows about it

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October, 2015

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Silver success for HEFs in Bloom THE fantastic efforts of volunteer gardeners across the Fishponds area have been rewarded with great success in the South West in Bloom awards. HEFs – Hillfields, Eastville and Fishponds – was awarded a Silver Gilt, the second highest level in the Pennant category. Six community groups were recognised as Outstanding in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards. They are the Brook Road Gardening Group, Elm Tree Farm, Feed Bristol, Snuff Mills Action

Group, Little Hayes and Hillfields Early Years & Family Centre and Little Hayes Children’s Centre, Downend. The Brook Road group, who call themselves the Back Lane Gardeners, are worthy of special mention, having moved up several levels in a year. As well as brightening up the fronts of their terraced homes with flowers and organising community days, they have worked to recreate an ancient country lane at the heart of their urban area, planting wild flowers and Spring flowers in the shopping area were followed by colourful blooms all around Fishponds throughout the summer

plants that attract bees. Denise James, one of the leaders of HEFs in Bloom, who attended the awards ceremony at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, said she was delighted with the success. “This is a fantastic achievement by everyone involved,” she said. “Greater Fishponds should be extremely proud of its communities. Everyone involved played a key role in this year’ s competition. They should all be very

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proud of their achievements and applauded for their efforts. “It is down to the hard work of volunteers, who are committed to making Greater Fishponds a cleaner, greener and better place to live and work.” HEFs was also visited by national judges from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom contest this summer. The results of that competition will be announced this month.

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HEROES and villains have been lurking around the streets of Fishponds. The colourful paper-mache creations were part of this year’s scarecrow trail which took place on the weekend of September 19-20. A total of 28 scarecrows formed a trail across the district and people were given maps to find them and try to guess their characters. Among the favourites was the offering from the Star pub of a little girl wearing a babygro with ‘I love hamburgers’ on and clutching an evil-looking Ronald McDonald under her arm. It seemed the McDonald’s theme was popular as another scary looking Ronald McDonald also formed part of the trail.

October, 2015

Scarecrows served up with relish Another striking character was Silence of the Lambs’ Hannibal Lecter who left parents tongue tied trying to explain to their children who he was. But there were plenty of good guys too, including Superman, Toy Story’s Woody and Mr Fox. Kate Brooks, one of the organisers, said: “It helped that it was sunny or all that paper-mache would have a fallen apart! “We had quite a few more scarecrows than last year and the trail was a lot wider, reaching different parts of Fishponds. We ran

out of paper maps by lunch time of the first day so that was a good sign that a lot of people were out and about. “There was a fantastic range of scarecrows so we were really pleased. We’ve had lots of very positive feedback from people saying how entertaining it was and that

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they had bumped into lots of their neighbours. “We had a bit of an issue when Mr Tod went missing overnight. His top half was found in Lodore Road and his legs in Thingwall so everyone reckoned he’d gone out and got legless on Saturday night!”

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October, 2015

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Reg, 99, is still playing bowls

New role for Kerry

REG Buston, president of Begbrook Green Bowling Club, celebrated his 99th birthday in the club’s pavilion during a break in the annual triples tournament. Reg, a founder member of the club, cut his birthday cake to share with fellow members. He said: “When I helped to set up this bowling club in 1994 at the tender age of 78 I had no idea that I would still be playing some 21 years later”. Reg puts his longevity down to a healthy lifestyle. In his younger days he was an enthusiastic gymnast and also played hockey regularly. He maintains a healthy diet (meat and two veg daily) and a nightly tot of whisky before going to bed. Begbrook Green Bowling Club (situated off Frenchay Park Road, Stapleton) is a thriving mixed club which welcomes those who wish to try the game for the first time as well as more experienced bowlers. Further information can be obtained via its website or phoning Ken on 01454 312464.

BRISTOL East MP Kerry McCarthy has been in the national spotlight after being given a post in the Shadow Cabinet. The new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn selected her to be the party’s spokeswoman on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Ms McCarthy, who has represented the Fishponds area for ten years, is a vegan and has been challenged over how these beliefs could conflict with representing British farmers. In her regular column for Fishponds Voice, she says she looks forward to working with farmers to make the agricultural industry more economically viable and sustainable, while improving welfare standards. She says she is delighted to have been given the role as she has long standing interests in issues such as food waste, animal welfare, marine conservation and protecting the environment. Ms McCarthy, who has a reputation as one of the most hard-working Mps at Westminster, also stresses that working for the people of Bristol East remains her priority. Column: Page 31

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SMOKERS in Bristol are being encouraged to take this year’s Stoptober challenge and go smokefree during October. Stoptober, the 28 day quit challenge run by Public Health England, will help many of the 63,000 smokers in Bristol to kick their habit by providing the support people need to quit. Research shows that people are four times more likely to succeed with backing from a local stop smoking service. This year Stoptober coincides with new legislation coming into force which will make it illegal to smoke in vehicles when children are present. A recent YouGov poll showed 85 per cent of people in the South West support the new laws which will protect children from second-hand smoke and the associated health problems such as asthma, glue ear, headaches, coughs and nausea. Councillor Daniella Radice, Assistant Mayor for Neighbourhoods with responsibility for Public Health, said: “Stoptober is a great initiative, which helps to motivate and support smokers who want to quit. We’re working to raise awareness about the impact of smoking and provide as much encouragement and help as possible for people to kick the habit. More and more people are trying to give up for health and financial reasons, which is fantastic.

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Time to go to smoke-free “With new laws coming into force around smoking in cars there’s more reason than ever to quit. In Bristol we’re welcoming the legislation to protect children from second-hand smoke and supporting smokers to change their behaviour accordingly.” There is a range of support available via Stoptober including special advice packs, mobile apps and motivational text messages. It is a great opportunity to join with friends and colleagues to all quit together. Ann Nelson, a Bristol resident, gave up smoking during Stoptober last year. She said, “I would thoroughly recommend the local support to stop smoking service. I know it would have been a lot harder if I was doing it on my own. This time, it really worked for me and it can for other smokers out there too.” If you want to quit this Stoptober, search “Stoptober” online and sign up to the 28 day quit challenge. For more local advice and support contact Smokefree Bristol on 922 2255 or text READY to 60060. More information and details of support groups in Bristol can be found at www.smokefreebristol.com

Case study ANN Nelson first tried smoking when she was 17-years-old and went on to smoke around 10 cigarettes a day. Having tried to stop several times before, this time she joined a local support group run by her local stop smoking service. “It was around the time of Stoptober last year and I received a letter about quitting from my GP who had always advised me against smoking. I decided to join a group which meant I was able to listen to other people’s stories and there was also a competition element. “Jasmine, one of the advisors, gave me support and encouragement and arranged nicotine replacement products such as an inhalator to help along the way. “I would thoroughly recommend the local stop smoking service. I know it would have been a lot harder if I was doing it on my own. This time, it really worked for me and it can for other smokers out there too.” Ann has noticed the benefits of stopping smoking, not only for her health but financially too. “I used to wake up wheezy and with a tickly cough at the back of my throat. That doesn’t happen any more and I know it is thanks to the fact I am now smoke-free. I’ve just completed an eight-week boot camp with my daughter at the local gym and am now going to try spinning classes and swimming, things I wouldn’t have attempted before. “The £130 a month I save from not smoking has enabled me to save up for a once in a lifetime family trip to America.You can really notice the difference if you put the money aside.”

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October, 2015

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Morrisons safe at Fishponds

Can you help with poppy collection?

STAPLE Hill Royal British Legion require volunteers to help with the poppy collection from October 24th to November 7th. There are various locations that need covering so help at any of these would be greatly appreciated. Staple Hill Tesco, Downend Co-op, Emerson Green Sainsbury’s, Fishponds Morrison’s, Co-op, Lidl, Aldi and Eastville Ikea. If you could spare some time please contact the Legion on 0117 956 0805 or 07519 717372.

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JOBS at Morrisons supermarket in Fishponds are safe following speculation over the store’s possible closure. The chain had announced it would close 11 stores with the potential loss of 900 jobs, leading to concern the closures could effect its Bristol stores including the large store in Fishponds Road. Originally chief executive David Potts would not reveal the locations of the 11 stores because managers were in the process of informing staff. It has now been confirmed no Bristol stores will close, however two stores in the South West, Burnham on Sea and Clevedon, will close as part of the shake-up. Morrisons had announced a 47 per cent drop in yearly profits. Mr Potts, who took up the role in March, said: “This is a difficult decision but we cannot see any way to make those stores viable.”

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TWO doctors surgeries in Fishponds are involved in a new pilot aimed at delivering improvements in the management and treatment of diabetes. Both Beechwood Medical Practice in Beechwood Road and the Old School Surgery in Manor Road will take part in the year-long project, named HG Wells after the founder of the Diabetes Society (Diabetes UK). The initiative will look to improve the life of patients with the condition and ensure they have access to the best care possible. Around 18,500 people in Bristol have been diagnosed with diabetes, and a recent Public Health England report revealed that 35,000 people in the city are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A total of 28 GP practices across the city are involved - Armada Family Practice and The Green Practice (Whitchurch Health Centre); Avonmouth Medical Centre; Bedminster Family Practice; Beechwood Medical Practice; Birchwood Medical Practice; Bishopston Medical Practice; Bradgate Surgery; Charlotte Keel Health Centre; The Crest Family Practice; Gaywood House Surgery; Grange Road Surgery; Lawrence Hill Health Centre; The Lennard Surgery; The Malago Surgery; Monks Park Surgery; Montpelier Health Centre; Nightingale Valley Practice; The Old School Surgery; Ridingleaze Medical Centre; Sea Mills Surgery; Shirehampton Group Practice; Southmead and Henbury Family Practice; St George Health Centre; Stockwood Medical Centre; The Wedmore Practice; The Wellspring Surgery; The Family Practice Western College and Wells Road Surgery More than 350 practices have already benefited from this programme across England, resulting in improved outcomes for patients. It also resulted in cost savings at practice level. The initiative, commissioned by Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), launched in September and, if successful, will be rolled out across Bristol. Dr Gill Jenkins, Clinical Lead for Diabetes at Bristol CCG, said: “The aim of this project is to deliver significant and sustained improvements in how we manage and treat diabetes. “Improving the management of diabetes as a long-term condition is a priority for Bristol CCG. This project is just one part of a broader five-year programme of activity we have planned to improve diabetes care in the city.” Diabetes feature on Page 14.

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Barnardo’s celebrates 10th anniversary FISHPONDS fundraisers enjoyed a special party to celebrate a decade of donations to a children’s charity. Barnardo’s opened a shop in Fishponds Road in the autumn of 2005 and has since received tens of thousands of items including clothes, books, toys and games. In the last financial year alone it received more than 1,900 bags of donations, as well as 2,750 hours of support from local volunteers. To celebrate the shop’s tenth anniversary on September 22, the team cut a specially-decorated cake. Barnardo’s manager Caroline Gregory only took up the role this year but was already familiar with the shop after it played an important role in her own wedding. She said: “I had a vintage tea party theme when I got married and we managed to find almost everything in this shop – teacups, teapots, decorations and even the wedding dress itself! “It was an absolutely beautiful day thanks to being able to find so many things at such great prices, so it was fantastic when I managed to get a job as the manager. “We’ve got lots of regular donors and customers, and a really friendly team of volunteers aged  from their teens to their 70s. It’s a lovely atmosphere.”

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Caroline added: “We’ve had lots of unusual donations, but the most surprising was when an elderly lady had passed away and the relatives were clearing out her entire house. They generously donated lots of items, including an urn - but they hadn’t realised that it contained someone’s ashes. “Luckily the relatives were

Barnardo’s Fishponds manager Caroline Gregory (right) with volunteers Janette King, Nicola Clarke, Lyn Bullock and Tony Cook signed up for Gift Aid which meant we had their contact details, and they quickly returned to reclaim it!” The team also celebrated the shop’s anniversary by throwing a party for local supporters on September 26 which included face-painting, refreshments and free party bags for the first customers who made a purchase.

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There was also a raffle with prizes which included a family pass for Avon Valley Railway. * The shop always welcome donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac, as well as offers of help from potential volunteers. Call 0117 965 8846 or visit www.barnardos. org.uk to find out more.

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October, 2015

Bristol Met wins national praise

D SA V

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Should I get my pet neutered? IN most cases the answer to this is yes! Female cats are prolific breeders- they can have three or more litters in a year, and can even get pregnant whilst they are still feeding their last litter of kittens. Obviously this is quite a drain on the cat – and on you to find loving homes for all the kittens! We strongly advise spaying cats at 5-6 months old, before they start breeding. Entire female cats kept inside will have repeated heats and many cats get quite distressed (and noisy!) Entire tom cats tend to spray in the house, and can go off for days on end, looking for females and fighting. Getting them castrated saves them and you a lot of stress, and reduces the risk of catching viral diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV.) We recommend castrating at 5-6 months before they start getting into bad habits. Bitches will have seasons roughly every 6 months, and they can last about 3 weeks, for which

time it is important to keep them away from unneutered male dogs. Apart from solving this problem, spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumours, and prevents womb infections which leave the dog very ill and often in need of emergency surgery. Castrating male dogs can help with aggression towards other dogs or people, reduces unwanted sexual behaviour and reduces the risks of prostatic and testicular cancers. Rabbits also benefit from neutering – rabbits love company, neutering makes this possible and will also prevent uterine cancers which are relatively common in does. If you would like to talk about the pro’s and con’s of neutering your pet, please give us a call at Vets4Pets Kingswood on 0117 9616417.

Bristol Met principal Sally Apps with students BRISTOL Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds has won national praise for the way it teaches students aged 11 to 14. A report from Ofsted expressed concerns that the first three years of secondary school – known as Key Stage 3 – were the “poor relation” in education, with priority being given to older students. But the inspectors singled out a few schools where they had seen excellent practice – and Bristol Met was one of them. The report highlighted the way that literacy and maths skills were developed at the academy during lessons in other subjects such as history and design technology as well as in English and maths classes. “The [Bristol Met] Key Stage 3 curriculum develops pupils’ confidence and their ability to learn. It helps them to think independently and communicate effectively in a range of contexts. The impact of this is clear to see as the pupils move through Key Stage 4, 5 and beyond,” it said. The inspectors also noted that being part of the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs primary and secondary schools, was improving the transition for children moving up from Year 6. Sally Apps, the school’s principal, said: “It is really pleasing for our staff and students to be recognised for their excellent and innovative work at Key Stage 3. At Bristol Met we have a strong focus on quality and on creating the right curriculum to allow students to make rapid progress - indeed in 2014 our Year 11 students made such exceptional progress throughout their five years with us that our school was ranked third in the country for value added. “Getting learning right from the first day in Year 7 is our priority and we continue to refine our practice so that we are always meeting the needs of our students. I am very proud of our staff team and those who have led on shaping our Key Stage 3 curriculum so that no time is wasted during the learning journey.”

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October, 2015

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New principal at Minerva Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields has a new principal this term: Pete Hallam,We caught up with him to hear about his first few weeks at the school, which earlier this year was rated as Good by Ofsted. What are your first impressions of Minerva Primary Academy? I am very excited to be here. The children have been very welcoming and have impressed me with the way they contribute to the school. The staff have embraced my vision for education really quickly. I have also enjoyed meeting parents. I have a very good feeling about Minerva. What is your immediate educational priority for the school? A lot of hard work has gone on at Minerva over the last few years to make sure teaching and learning is good, and this has led to a raising of standards. We need to make sure that this ongoing improvement is sustained and that all children make progress in every lesson. We must also continue to close the gap between the attainment of disavantaged children and the rest.

What changes might we see in lessons? The new primary curriculum has reduced the breadth of what is taught, which allows us to support children to think more deeply and to gain a solid understanding of what lies behind concepts. What has not changed is the need for really good teaching and learning and I want to give teachers confidence to help children really engage with their learning. Do you plan any other changes around the school? I want to enhance outdoor play. We already have a PlayPod and I have ordered games such as giant Jenga and giant Connect 4 as well as hula hoops. I also plan to get the ball game area, which has been shut for a year or so, back into use. Better play facilities reduce incidents and mean children come back to lessons ready to learn. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a covered area where we will install picnic benches and make it into an arts and crafts area. Unfortunately, our rebuild has been delayed so for now we need to make the most of what we have got. What else do you bring to Minerva? I am an engineer by degree and

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worked for a plastics manufacturer for four years. I was asked to do schools liaison work and enjoyed it so much I decided to train as a teacher. I taught science in secondary schools for 16 years and worked as a teaching and learning consultant before going back into schools as assistant head at Bedminster Down School. I was asked to help out one of its partner primaries, Headley Park School, after the head and deputy won promotions elsewhere and it was a revelation. I loved it and became convinced I wanted to remain in the primary sector. How will you build relationships with parents

and the community? I am holding weekly coffee mornings every Tuesday at 9am, when people are welcome to come in and talk to me about what is working well and how they think we could make the school even better. I am keen to support the Friends of Minerva group, which started last year. I also plan to hold some information evenings to explain to parents about some of the changes in what and how we teach. Not everyone has had a good experience of school or knows what goes on in the classroom. I want to involve them more and to help them to support their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning in a fun way at home.

All of our engineers are Gas Safe registered (Reg no. 1800), fully qualified and highly experienced. To ensure our work standards are modern and cost effective we always use the latest equipment and techniques available. We are pioneers in environmentally friendly installations and have undertaken various award-winning green projects. Our aim is to provide our customers with in-depth guidance and exceptional service regarding all types of sustainable energy.

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October, 2015

‘I concentrate on the things I can still do’

The number of diabetes-related amputations each week in England had reached an all-time high of 135. Jane Knight knows only too well the realities of losing limbs to the disease. She tells Jayne Taylor her story and urges people who suffer from diabetes to take action now to stop it from happening to them AT the age of 10 most young girls have nothing to worry about other than getting their homework in on time and what to wear at the school disco. Not Jane Knight. She hadn’t even reached senior school when she learnt the harsh realities of living with diabetes. Injecting herself with insulin and testing her urine soon became as normal a daily ritual as brushing her teeth and combing her hair. “18th of December 1973,” says Jane, whose razor sharp mind recalls her diagnosis as if it were yesterday. “I can remember it vividly. Leading up to that date my mum took me to the doctors several times because I was getting thinner and thinner, going down to four stone. I was drinking loads, I was thirsty all the time. I’d come home from school and just stick my mouth under the tap; I wouldn’t even bother to get a glass.”

‘

There are 135 amputations because of diabetes a week but 80 per cent of those are preventable

‘

Jane was also feeling tired and sick but her doctor put the symptoms down to the fact she was growing. “After the third visit my mother insisted they did a urine test to see if I was diabetic.” The following day, diagnosis as a Type 1 diabetic confirmed, Jane found herself in Bristol Children’s Hospital where she stayed during Christmas. You could be forgiven for thinking a 10-year-old would had been devastated to spend Christmas Day in hospital but Jane set the tone for how she would cope with that and all her subsequent hospitalisations. “People donate presents to the hospital so I’d never had so many Christmas presents in my life! I had

Christmas dinner with all the nurses - it was amazing!” Her cheerful ‘business as usual’ attitude may have just saved her sanity because in the future she would face 40 operations, including multiple amputations. “I’ve always accepted things that have happened to me,” Jane said. “I’ve thought ‘Right, that’s happened to me and now I’ve got to get on with things’.You either get on with things or you don’t, and I have always got on with things.” Jane, an only child, coped well through her teens, wanting to prove herself. She attended ballet, tap and jazz dancing classes as well as going to Brownies and Guides. She was playing badminton five times a week, played the violin in an orchestra and went to youth club. “I was a really, really active teenager. My diabetes didn’t stop me at all.” As long as she injected herself with insulin, a hormone to control blood glucose levels, and tested her urine for sugar three times a day, Jane was in control. Or so she thought. Back in the 1970s there was a lot of ignorance about diabetes so when Jane was told by medics to eat a family-sized bar chocolate when exercising, that’s what she did. “We now know that’s not needed, today you would just have a row of squares or a small sugary drink. But I would have my large bar of chocolate when I exercised, which was virtually every day, so consequently my sugar levels were running way too high. That’s when the damage started.” Jane, who is now 52, went on to study fashion textiles at university and after a few dead-end jobs started her own ball-gown hire business in Clifton. “The shop would be so busy, I wouldn’t have time to eat so I would just grab a can of Coke but I was doing even more damage to myself. I know now that the food I was eating wasn’t at all healthy.” Jane found herself being invited to balls and thought nothing of wearing high shoes with her elegant

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gowns. But, because people with diabetes have little feeling in their feet, blisters can turn to ulcers which can become infected. A diabetic’s immune system can’t fight back by producing white blood cells in the same way a healthy person’s would. “One night after a ball an ulcer which had developed was so bad I ended up in A and E. The doctor who saw me said ‘You’re going to have to rest this because if you don’t you will end up losing your leg’. I just thought that happens to other people, it’s not going to happen to me.” She was plagued by foot problems over the next few years but because she considered herself fit and healthy she paid little heed to them. After a particularly stressful time when her boyfriend at the time ended their relationship two months before they were due to get married, Jane moved on with her life, eventually meeting her future husband Ian on a blind date. When she was 18-weeks pregnant, Jane’s appendix burst and she lost the waters around the baby. Thomas was born in August 1992 at 28 weeks, weighing just three pounds. He was blind and Jane was to find out a few years later that he

was also autistic. Doctors would take no chances when Jane and Ian decided they wanted a brother or sister for Thomas. “I had to go to pre-conception clinics at the hospital for two years before they would even let me get pregnant again.” Jane managed to get to 32 weeks with Alex but had liver and kidney failure as well as pre-eclampsia. But despite the problems endured by Jane, Alex was born fit and healthy. Jane gave up her shop to spend more time at home with her sons, eventually qualifying as a complementary therapist and working part-time around her boys. “I carried on trying to look after myself the best I could. I thought I was doing OK but gradually I started losing sensation in my feet. I always walked around bare foot, which as a diabetic is one of the worst sins you can commit. Generally diabetics haven’t got any sensation in their feet so if you stand on something, you wouldn’t even know.” It was only when she was being examined by vascular surgeon David Mitchell to test her suitability for a kidney transplant, she was alerted to the fact something was seriously wrong.

DIABETES FACTFILE

Diabetes occurs when the body loses the ability to use or make insulin, a hormone that helps regulate the amount of sugar in blood. Diabetes UK says more than 3.3 million people have some form of the condition, up from 2.1 million in 2005. There are two main types of diabetes – Type 1 diabetes and Type 2. The latter is far more common: 90 per cent of all adult cases in the UK. Up to five million people in England are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to diet and obesity. People with Type 1 generally develop it in childhood, as Jane did. If you are diagnosed with Type 1 you will need insulin injections for the rest of your life. The inability to control the level of sugar in the blood can lead to blindness and amputations. Diabetes causes 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS more than £8bn each year. People with diabetes are 15 times more likely to undergo amputation. Key factors that usually predispose ulceration and ultimately amputation include neuropathy, circulation problems, foot ulcers and Charcot foot (a condition which weakens bones in the foot). All people with diabetes should have education in footcare.

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October, 2015

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“He examined my legs to feel for a pulse to see which was the strongest side to put a kidney in,” Jane explained. “He told me he couldn’t feel a single pulse in my right leg and could only just feel one in my left leg.” The following week Jane underwent an angioplasty where a balloon was blown up in her arteries to re-inflate them. “The diabetes and dialysis I was doing meant my body was taking calcium out of my bones and dumping it in my arteries. Basically my arteries were being furred up with chalk so they had to crack that to get them to open again. Basically it was too little too late. “I had a toe injury and my toe turned black and had to be cut off. Then the next one went. Then the one next to it. It was like I had a pig’s trotter for a foot. I actually named him Rodney after Rodney Trotter.” A plaster cast was put around the bones in Jane’s foot but because the cast was rubbing on the back of Jane’s heel, an ulcer developed. “It got worse under the plaster cast and started eating away at my foot. Eventually Mr Mitchell said it wasn’t going to heal and it would be better if they cut my leg off below the knee.” The operation, on August 18, 2004 at Southmead Hospital, went to plan and Jane was back out of hospital in just five days.

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Within six weeks Jane had a prosthetic leg fitted. “A few weeks later I was walking around the Mall shopping on it. I thought, ‘Yeah, this is great’. I can honestly say I never even cried about losing my leg. I just thought I can still walk, still go to dance classes and still drive.” The following April Jane had her other leg removed below the knee, the result of another ulcer which would not heal.

‘

I just thought that happens to other people, it’s not going to happen to me

‘

“I took a little bit longer to heal this time but got another prosthetic leg so I could still walk around and drive. I was still living a relatively normal life as a mum with two boys.” In 2009 Jane underwent a successful kidney transplant which made a huge difference to the quality of her life. “I’m eternally grateful to the family of the person who donated their kidney. It changed my life. I was so ill before and picked up every infection going. I instantly felt amazing. It was like I’d won the lottery.” Her euphoria was short lived when Jane was given more bad news. An infection led to the

amputation of several fingers until eventually her right hand was so infected that her arm had to be removed below the elbow. “The surgeon’s words were ‘We’re sorry we had to take it that far up but your arm was mush’.” This time Jane found it harder to take in her stride. “It was the first time I got upset. Everything I did, I used my hands. I played the violin, the piano, I painted, sewed and knitted. I had to learn to adapt to doing everything left handed.” And adapt Jane did, which made it an even bitter blow when, in December 2010, Jane had the little finger of her left hand removed. Her index finger was next to go gangrenous and that too was cut off. Her surgeon managed to save her middle finger by just cutting the end off but that eventually that too had to be completely removed. “I now have a whole thumb and a one centimetre stump on my ring finger. I’ve just learnt to adapt,” said Jane. Earlier this year Jane had to have her left leg amputated above the knee. Jane will be wheelchair-bound until she gets her full leg prosthesis in the near future. She has a cosmetic arm for her right side which she uses to drive her wheelchair. “I deliberately don’t think about the things I used to do like dancing

and badminton; I concentrate on the things I can do. I still cook and weave with help. I’m a member of Bromley Heath WI and I’m organising a charity ball for next April in aid of Mothers for Mothers. I make sure I get lots of vitamin D by having 15-20 minutes of unprotected sunlight every day. I grow as many fruit and vegetables as I can and keep five chickens. I eat all organic or from the farm shop and really have got a healthy diet now.” Jane urged people with diabetes to check food labels as there are hidden sugars in so many foods. “There are 135 amputations because of diabetes a week but 80 per cent of those are preventable. There’s lots of information, support groups and educational courses out there today to help people with diabetes. It just wasn’t there when I was diagnosed. People need to start taking responsibility for their own health. “It’s also really important to buy comfortable, supportive footwear and not wear heels that are too high because that can cause blisters which can lead to ulcers and infection. “A lot of people are in denial, like I was. They think an amputation could never happen to them but I want to tell them ‘Yes, it can happen to you but there are things you can do to minimise that happening’. If I can stop just one person from ending up like I have, I’ll be happy.”

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Illustrator Lucea Eldemire

October, 2015

Fishponds illustrator celebrating after securing publishing deal A FISHPONDS illustrator is celebrating after finding out her first book will be published. Lucea Eldemire is responsible for the beautiful frost pastel drawings in children’s Christmas book, Sing Gabriel Sing. The mum-of-four teamed up with Downend musician and author Jayni Tremaine to produce the hardback book which tells the story of the Nativity through words and illustrations and comes with a CD. The book had attracted interest from an independent publisher called Britain’s Next Bestseller where readers decide the books that get published, essentially giving them the power to launch an author’s career. But this meant in order for them to publish the book and its accompanying CD, Lucea and Jayni had to prove there was enough interest in it by generating a minimum of 350 pre-sale orders in just six weeks. Luckily Lucea and Jayni smashed their target by their deadline of September 25 and the book will now become available online and

from selected bookshops from mid November. The book came to life following a chance meeting between Lucea and Jayni in a supermarket. “We literally met in the Co-op in Fishponds!” said 37-year-old Lucea. “I was pushing a pushchair and sighing and a voice said ‘I know that sigh!’ We didn’t know what each did; we just got together one night and discovered each other’s talents.” A few months after meeting Lucea, Jayni was reading a carol she had written to one of her grandchildren and had an idea about using the lyrics of the carol to form the basis of a book. When she asked her new friend if she would be interested in illustrating the book, Lucea jumped at the chance. “It just flowed from there and came together perfectly,” said Lucea. Sing Gabriel Sing quickly went from being a song to a fully illustrated book. The CD features Jayni’s 3.30-minute carol which she sings and plays guitar on. As well being a stand alone book, it can also be used as a teaching

The front cover of the book

aid and features a Sing Together page with sheet music and lyrics so that anyone who plays guitar can perform the carol. “It’s just incredible that the book is going to be published,” said Lucea.

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EDA, 744 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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0117 958 4769

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

October, 2015

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“It’s daunting as well.You complain all your life about not getting anywhere with your talent and now it’s here, it’s scary!” In a bid to reach the 350 presales required, Lucea and Jayni gave presentations about the book to various pre-schools and churches including Little Hayes and Staple Hill Methodist Church pre-schools, Fishponds Baptist Church and the Vintage Community Church. The presentations included a film which showed the pages of the book being turned while Jayni sang and played the carol live on guitar. The first 350 people who pre-ordered the 24-page book will have their name or the name of a nominated child or organisation printed in the final published version. They also benefited from a reduced price of £9.99 instead of £14.99 and will get the book two weeks ahead of publication. Lucea said: “The book is about the truth of Christmas. I feel the meaning of Christmas has been lost and now it’s all about finances, toys, Santa and reindeers - but nothing about what the word Christ-mas means. It’s really sad because it’s one of the most beautiful stories. For me, it was about getting the real story back out there into the hearts of children and getting them excited about the meaning of it. On the back of that are all the emotions which go with it like forgiveness

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and love.” Lucea has already ordered her copy, which will be dedicated to a three-year-old child in India, called Prapanjan, who she sponsors. “He will have his name on the front cover and Jayni and I will write special messages to him on the inside and both sign it. For a child who receives this book for Christmas in this country, it will just be a lovely book but for him, it will be his whole world. It will be something special to treasure that will give him hope and make him smile every day.” Lucea and Jayni are now working on a series of books each containing a subject which effects children during their lives.

Author and musician Jayni Tremaine

Good rating from Ofsted for Oldbury Court Out of School Club OLDBURY Court Out of School Club is celebrating after being given a Good rating by Ofsted. Inspectors said: “Children benefit from a stimulating and wellorganised environment indoors and enjoy access to an outside area. They choose from a wide range of resources and enjoy some exciting activities that strengthen their skills for school.” Another positive comment was: “Partnerships with parents and carers are well established and used to support children’s individual needs successfully. Parents spoken to on the day of the inspection praised the club highly. They said that their children loved coming to the club and thoroughly enjoyed the range of activities available.” Oldbury Court Out of School Club is a non-profit community group providing reliable, safe childcare services for out-of- school hours through a Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Clubs. OCOSC is primarily based out of The Old Oldbury Court Youth Centre but also operates a service on site at Christ Church. OCOSC caters for children from age four to 14 . OCOSC drops children into school and collects children post school from Chester Park (Infants & Juniors), Frome Vale, Staple Hill and Fishponds C of E schools. OCOSC aims to provide a affordable, safe and stimulating play setting for the children that attend. The club offers a wide range of creative play activities that are specifically designed to deliver the key elements of the Early Years Development Framework for the child’s stage of development If you’re interested in finding out more about using the club or hiring the Hub for an event or club please contact OCOSC on tel: 0774 7650611, email to enquiries@oldburycourtclubs.org.uk, visit the website http://www.oldburycourtclubs.org.uk/ or find them on Facebook.

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October, 2015

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Children delight in new community garden A COMMUNITY garden has been created at Fishponds Baptist Church and is already proving a great success with the children at Sticky Fish Pre-School. The two to four-year-olds have the benefit of daily access to a large green space with mature trees, natural planting and a seating area, which can be used for exploring, adventure, play, relaxation and storytelling. Fishponds Baptist Church agreed to allow the former overgrown wasteland to be transformed for the benefit of the community. Sticky Fish led the revamp, which was funded by local authority grants and informed by advice from the Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND). Manager Liz Tomlinson said it would enable the pre-school to meet the requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for “freedom to explore in natural environments”. |She said: “It’s just a joy to see everyone making the most of this brilliant garden. It is a real success story of everyone working together to make a difference to the daily experiences of children”. Parents, staff, children and

invited guests celebrated the official opening of the garden with a party. Sticky Fish is a fully inclusive

pre-school which achieved Ofsted “Good” towards “Outstanding” in January 2014, self-evaluates through

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20 T: 0779 9461169 fishpondsvoice October, 2015 Restaurant given the go-ahead Tickets now available for

Round Table fireworks display

AN empty shop in the centre of Fishponds will be turned into an upmarket burger restaurant after being given the go-ahead by planners. The Burger Joint, which already has branches in Whiteladies Road and in Bedminster, is set to open in the former Fishponds Cards and Gift shop in the New Year. The proposal went before Bristol City Council’s development control committee because of concerns that it would mean the area had too many eating places and takeaways. Three out of seven units in the rank of shops will be restaurants. However, a report to councillors said that “on balance, the proposal would overall contribute towards

the viability and vitality of the town centre and is acceptable.” Councillors heard that 134 letters had been received backing the development, as well as five objections. Supporters said a restaurant selling quality home-made food would enhance Fishponds and draw in custom, boosting the economy and vitality of the area. The committee voted to approve the scheme, subject to conditions over noise, ventilation and the garden area. After the meeting, the chain’s owner said on Twitter: “Great news the council have just voted unanimously to support our application to open in Fishponds. So it is official. Hope to open January.”

TICKETS for Bristol’s biggest charity firework display are now available to buy online. The Downend Round Table event, which takes place on Friday November 6, raises vital funds for charity and draws crowds from across the South West. Organisers say they expect this year’s display to be another sellout success and are urging people to get their tickets sooner rather than later. Jon Payne, 43, is one of the Downend Round Table members who helps to arrange the show each year. He said: “We’ve put online tickets up a lot earlier this year to give people chance to plan ahead. We’ve also absorbed the handling fees into the price making it more cost effective for people to buy online. “We are the largest charity display in Bristol and people travel far and wide to come so we’re urging those interested to get their tickets soon. “Tickets will still be available from local shops and PTAs by early-mid October.” “We continue our relationship with Skyburst and have increased our spend by significantly over last year so it’s guaranteed to be a spectacular show.” Held at the King George V playing fields in Sutherland Avenue, the event is set to attract thousands of visitors. Since the first Downend fireworks night in 1971 the Round Table has raised more than half a million pounds, which has been ploughed back into the community. This year the headline charity is the Jessie May Trust, with several other local charities benefiting as well as Children In Need. Once again there will be much more than just fireworks at the event. BBC Radio Bristol are on board to provide presenters and entertainment acts and there will be a selection of attractions and entertainment for children including a special children’s firework display. More details on ticket prices and where you can get them is available on the website http://www.downendrt.co.uk or via Facebook @ facebook.com/ downendrt

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October, 2015

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Blaze at printers

FIREFIGHTERS have tackled a fire which broke out in an industrial sized printing press in Filwood Road, Fishponds. Crews from Kingswood and Temple fire stations were alerted after the blaze started while the machine was being used. Staff at the site used extinguishers in an attempt to control the fire before the building was safely evacuated. Once on scene firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the large warehouse, which was bigger than a football pitch. The fire had caused the building to fill with thick smoke. Breathing apparatus teams used high pressure hose reels to bring the fire under control. The fire was contained to the printing press and did not spread further within the building. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of September 15, is thought to have started accidentally.

Capital Air Travel A DANCE teacher from Fishponds is celebrating after winning a national title. Sonia Repetto and Patrick Moreno, also from Bristol, recently became the 2015 UK Senior Latin Champions at the UK Closed Championship in Bournemouth. The title follows wins at the South of England championship and City of Bristol championship. The pair also came fourth at this year’s European Championships in Blackpool. Patrick and Sonia have both been dancing since they were teenagers. Both have won individual titles, and they started dancing together in 2011. They will soon be competing at the International Championships in London and later this year at the British National Championship. Sonia teaches Beginners Ballroom and Latin classes at the Kingswood Foundation. For more information, visit www.dancefactorybristol.com.

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October, 2015

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Farmers’ market plans moving ahead PLANS for a farmers’ market have been quietly steaming ahead. A small band of people in the area are busy putting together an application to the city council to host a market at Straits Parade. It is expected the application will be submitted around the end of the year or beginning of next year and it is hoped the first market will take place in March. Although it is not definite, the market could take place weekly on Sundays from mid morning to mid afternoon. Staff from the Kingfisher Cafe, at the top end of Straits Parade, have been supporting the plans by hosting meetings for interested parties. The cafe has also been holding mini markets to give people a taste of what will be on offer when the outdoor farmers’ market gets off the ground. Items for sell include Jamaican jerk chicken, fish, picnic foods, cakes, preserves and beeswax gifts. Lucy Atkins, 22, the cafe’s events coordinator, said: “There’s a small group of us who meet every few weeks to discuss ideas and the application process. “At the moment we are writing the council application and we’re

A market like this one at Bristol’s Tobacco Factory could set up in Fishponds hoping to get that in December/ January time for the outdoor market to start in March. “In the meantime we’re going to keep doing the mini markets in the Kingfisher to raise awareness. These have been popular which proves people in the area want a market. “There is a lot of excitement about a farmers’ market; I haven’t had any negative feedback from customers. We’ve also had lots of

nice comments on the blog section of our website. “There wouldn’t be a threat to existing businesses; it would even help them by bringing more consumers into the area. “People like the fact it will be like an event so they can come out for the day and spend time looking around and meeting people. It will be a place for families to come rather than for people to do a quick

shop.” The next mini market will take place at the Kingfisher Cafe on October 15 from 6-9pm. The cafe would like to hear from anyone interested in selling produce, particularly cheeses, at the mini markets and farmers’ market. They would also welcome support in organising the market.You can contact the cafe via its Facebook page.

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October, 2015

Celebrating 120 years of Crofts End Church A STREET party to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Crofts End Church has been hailed a huge success. The church threw a special event complete with children’s entertainer, inflatable assault course, music, afternoon tea, silver band, DJ, barn dance and hog roast. There was also an exhibition chronicling how the church was started by a young miner called George Brown back in 1895. The party drew large crowds from all generations of the community and by the evening everyone was dancing in the street, soaking up the relaxed community atmosphere. Pastor Andrew Yelland said: “Crofts End Road was buzzing with excitement and fun. The street party was even more successful than we anticipated with a real sense of community being displayed.” Lynn Davis, member of the church leadership team, said: “Seeing local people experience the benefit of coming together gave real insight into the importance of our continuing role as the local church in the heart of this community.” The church is currently fundraising for an ambitious

project to create a community hub as church leaders say the local population is expanding rapidly yet there are no community facilities in the area. During the street party the

church received £400 in donations towards its fundraising target of £1.5million, bringing the current building fund to more than £525,000. The plans include a building

which will incorporate a new church on the first floor and coffee house and community space on the ground floor. There are proposals to provide a lunch club for the elderly, a play

Stapleton Pharmacy WE DELIVER! Free Prescription Collection & Delivery Service From the following surgeries: Fishponds Family Practice Maytree’s Family Practice Seymour Family Practice

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Telephone 01179 585 895 Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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October, 2015

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fishpondsvoice

Police appeal for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a JCB digger was set on fire in a field near Stoke Lane. Officers say the the digger was damaged after some form of accelerant was poured into the cabin and set alight. The incident, which happened sometime between 9.30pm and 10pm on September 17, was at a site near the junction with Frenchay Park Road, close to where protests were held earlier this year by people opposed to the Metrobus transport scheme. Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information, to call 101 quoting 103149/15. space for toddlers and rooms for counselling services. Also in the pipeline are more opportunities for community youth work and health and well-being activities such as fitness classes. The plans will enable the church to re-lease the recently renovated original Mission Hall as a full-time community centre. Building work will start in January 2017. To find out more about the project visit the church’s fundraising website www.1inamillion.org.uk

If it’s news email Linda or Jayne at news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk

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October 2 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Tea Dance (1.45-3.45 pm) Pay at door. October 2 n Fred’s Live Band, 8pm, Staple Hill Royal British Legion. October 3 n Casualty simulation make-up, adults workshop. Staple Hill Royal British Legion. October 3 n Family history taster sessions, Staple Hill Library, 9.30am – 4.30pm. October 4 n Avon Harmony ladies four-part singing workship. Downend Library, 2pm. October 4 n Tea Dance in aid of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. 2-4pm at Christchurch Church Hall, North St, Downend. £5 per person, including tea and cake. Popular sequence and ballroom dancing. October 5 n Westerly Showband open evening, 7.30pm, Downend Library. October 7 n Potted Opera looks at Bellini’s I Puritani. Badminton Gardens, Downend, 2pm. October 7 n Floral demonstration by Julia Russett, entitled My Life in Flowers. Downend Flower Club, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road.Visitors welcome. £6. Pay at door. October 8 n Downend Horticultural Society AGM at Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, Downend at 7.30pm. Talk by Gloucestershire Federation of Garden Societies. Open to non members. For information call Roger Davis 9571703 or Hilary Walton 9792832. October 8 n Showtime! Looks at Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Yeoman of the Guard. 2pm, Badminton Gardens, Downend October 8 n Talk at Downend Library by Councillor Martyn Poole about feeding the homeless on the Bristol Soup Run. Starts 7.30pm. Free. October 9 n Activate Drop-in lunchtime Concert will be held at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds. 1-2pm featuring “The Bromley Duo”. Refreshments available from noon-1pm. Free admission. Retiring collection. Contact 9654521 October 10 n Quiz Night in aid of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. 2-4pm at Christchurch Church Hall, North St, Downend. £7 per adult, £3 under

October, 2015

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

Send details of your events and activities to

news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 and we will make sure thousands of people in the area know about them.

16, to include buffet. BYO drink. Maximum of eight adults per team. For information and tickets contact Pete Naish 07747 475814. October 10 n Art Exhibition by the Fishponds based Phoenix Art Club. At the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green.(opposite Aldi supermarket) 10am - 4pm. Free admission. Refreshments available. Original paintings for sale at affordable prices. October 10 n Bats and books with Avon Bat Group. 2pm. Staple Hill Library. October 13 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Speaker morning plus coffee – Peter Taylor on Guernsey in War and Peace (10 for 10:30 am) Pay at door. October 13 n Illustrated talk about Mangotsfield volunteer fire brigade, by Roger Angerson, at Staple Hill Library. 7.30pm. October 13 n Paint and paper art workshop, 2pm, Downend Library. October 14 n The sky’s the limit astronomy workshop, Downend Library. 6pm. October 14 n Phoenix Art Club invite you to a demonstration of watercolour painting by local artist Paul Weaver. Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane. 10am -noon. Non members welcome. £5. Pay at door. October 16 n Pamper Night, St Joseph’s preschool, Forest Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3QT. 7pm-10pm. £4 a ticket includes wine and nibbles. October 17 n Concert by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Male Voice choir at Holy Trinity Church Stapleton to raise money for the roof repair fund. Tickets are£8 each and are available from 0117 9652001 or on the door. October 17 n Bats and books with Avon Bat Group, 2-4pm, Downend Library. October 17 n Get to grips with your tablet or smartphone, 10am-4pm, Staple Hill Library. October 20 n Downend Local History Society meets at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, at 7.30pm Visitors welcome - £3. Andre Coutanche is talking about ‘The Harman Family’s Lundy 1925-1969’. £3

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

October 18 n Kung Fu for flexibility, fitness and meditation, 10.30am, Downend Library. October 21 n Potted Opera looks at Donizetti’s The Siege of Calais, Badminton Gardens, 10.15am October 22 n Showtime! Looks at Johann Strauss’s Wiener Blut, Badminton Gardens, 2pm. October 25 n The playalong orchestra, Staple Hill Royal British Legion, 9.30am – 12.30pm. Age 14 plus. October 28 n Talk by Roger Angerson about Cleve Hill VAD Hospital; Downend’s WW1 Military Hospital, Downend Library, 7.30pm. £3 October 28 n Messy Church: Exploring faith and fun with the whole family. Hot meal provided. 4.30-6.30 pm Parish Hall, Christ Church Downend, North St. Ring Tracie on 07753233951 for info October 31 n Light Party – a bright alternative to Hallowe’en for primary school children. This year with a Rugby world cup final theme. 4.30-6.30 pm Parish Hall, Christ Church Downend, North St. Ring Tracie on 07753233951 for info October 31 n Breakfast 10am to noon at Speedwell Methodist Church 378 Speedwell Road. Come and enjoy just cake and a cuppa, a bacon roll or a full breakfast. Relaxed time to chat, and an opportunity to ask for prayer if there’s a need. November 5 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Coach to National Exhibitions Centre, Birmingham, for Art Materials, Hobbycrafts and Crafts for Christmas. Details and bookings from Barn Office 0117 956 2367.

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

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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 n 9.30-10.30am Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2pm Improve your Ballroom dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. Tel 965 0203 for details n 7/7.30pm, Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Zumba keep fit. Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30-10.30am. Contact Sally 07712776753 n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 5pm. Contact Teresa 0117 965 0203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 07462 727229 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 n 7pm Evening Prayer - St Ambrose Church 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 n 7-8pm Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 9.30am, Slimming World,

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

October, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Townswomen’s Guild (1st Tuesday in month), Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm . 01179 656660 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Contact Ami 07462 727229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15- 8.15pm. Meeting in small room. n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Anna 07799180437 n Badminton at Downend Sports Centre, 8 - 10pm. Call 0117 9400706 or email ridgewaydownend@yahoo.co.uk n 2 - 4pm ‘Friends and Neighbours’, a friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea, meets in Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, on alternate Tuesdays, commencing September 8th. New members welcome. 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. n 10-11am Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road n 2-4pm Hannah More Club for senior citizens, 2 weekly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2 -3.30pm Reading group 4 weekly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 7-8 pm Keep Fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Eric 07914 006589 n Hannah More senior citizen Fun and Entertainment (fortnightly),

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Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 4pm. 965 0356 n Fishponds Reading Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR (four-weekly) 2-3.30pm. Contact gwenczek@yahoo.co.uk n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm. Contact Beryl 0117 977 4534. n Cycle CCTV, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 8-10pm. Winter months only n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm at Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. (except August). Different speaker each month plus handicrafts and walking group. For further details, please call 07799 108890 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 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 n 3.30-5pm Friendship club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n The senior citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5pm Spencer@ sporting-change.biz 07825155954 n Sequence Dance class. Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR . 7.30- 9.30pm. Contact John 01454 261498 n Beginner’s Taoist Tai Chi, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane 7-8.30pm. Come and enjoy better balance through Taoist Tai Chi practice. Moving meditation for body, mind and spirit. taoist. org.uk n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm n Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students.Special offer -first class £3. Tel 01173 309549 / 07808 581739 n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students.Special offer -first class £3. Tel 01173 309549 / 07808 581739 Fridays

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n 10.30 - 11.30 am. Weekly Coffee Morning every Friday in Fishponds Methodist Church Hall. Greeting cards sold in aid of St Peter’s Hospice. 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. n 11am-12noon, St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group. Please note this group is fortnightly with the next sessions taking place on June 12 and 26. For further details call Lizzy on 965 0856. n 9.30-10.30pm Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 7-9pm History group, 1st Friday in month, Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30-10.30am. Contact Sally 07712 776753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am to 1pm Contact Ruth 07966 032414 n Alzheimer’s meetings ( 2nd Friday in each month) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm 0117 9756 441 n Fishponds History society ( 1st Friday monthly) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-9 pm Contact John 0117 965 8110 n 11am-12noon in St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church). Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group. Meetings are fortnightly, with the next dates being the next meetings are August 7 and 21 and September 4 and 18. for further details call Lizzy on 065 0856 Saturdays n 2-4pm 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly <September > Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. Sundays n 10.30am Morning Worship and children’s group at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n 8am Eucharist - All Saints Church n 10am Eucharist - St Mary’s Church with Giggle Sunday Club in

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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 10.30am 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, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - we are a friendly, welcoming church with people from a range of backgrounds, nationalities and ages. We warmly welcome you to join us at 10.30am every Sunday, with children and youth provision for all ages. We meet at 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month when we have our ‘Messy church’ at 4pm with crafts, food and fun for all the family! There is a songs of praise service on the 4th Sunday at 3pm. n Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 9.30am to 1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1-pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30- 5.30pm or 7- 9pm * For bookings and other inquiries about Beechwood Club, contact Terry King, tk007h9736@ blueyonder.co.uk 0117 965 020, after 4pm. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane.

Help required with garden maintenance Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB are looking for someone to maintain their church gardens. If you are interested please contact the church steward on 0117 9654521 for more details.

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TER T E

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If you would like to make a point - email your views to news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Community spirit is really thriving I’VE just picked up my first copy of this magazine, posted recently through our letterbox. We moved to Stapleton a year ago and it’s always useful to find out about local activities. I’m very impressed by the quality, community spirit, consumer relevance and upbeat tone and by the campaign against another giant McDo - you have our total support and let’s hope their appeal fails. We try to support local and small quality businesses wherever we can. There are useful articles

and ads about local services so will definitely use some of them and go to the Kingfisher Cafe! Best wishes Brigid B

Why challenge to faith is welcomed IN response to Robbie Allen’s letter (September): I agree with the fair points you made regarding demand driving Sunday trading and also that different religions have different Sabbath days making a Sunday ‘nonworking enforcement’ unfair. Secondly, Tim Minchin is a hugely funny guy, and a brilliant musician, I take it you have heard his superb song Prejudice? As I’m sure you know, the guy can also act as well, and was excellent as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. As a Christian I welcome challenge to my faith, and although we may disagree on the existence of the Christian God I wish you all the best as you continue to question and challenge the big questions of life. Gavin, “Bible basher”, Fishponds

Look no further for your inspiration ROBBIE Allen and Tim Minchin

October, 2015

need look no further than Bristol to find someone who has proved the existence of a higher being who cares about the human race: George Mueller He determined to ask no one but God for all that was needed to care for and build homes for thousands of orphans back in the 19th century. He even kept a detailed account of all that was prayed for and all that was received - its an amazing on-going story which is part of our local history. Worth investigating! Dee W

Not all atheists think same way IN response to “ modern atheist” of Fishponds (September):You say you don’t want to start an argument or engage in theological debate whilst polishing off your letter with a patronising stance of “your life is being dictated by a 1,400 year old book…” You say that they should “stick to veg, or deal with humanely procured meat like the rest of us.” Not only is over 80 per cent of Halal and Kosher meat pre-stunned anyway (BVA, supported by RSPCA), but the animal is required to lead a “free range” life before its slaughter. This is more than I can say for countless battery farms and abattoirs up and down the UK.

I’m not saying all Halal/Kosher meat is treated ethically, but the same can be said for our meats. As someone who is also not religious and from Fishponds, I completely disagree with your stance on the matter, and I hope that Muslims reading this don’t assume that all atheists think the same way as you do. Lee McGavin

Simple way may be hard to follow ROBBIE Allen’s dislike of Christianity and putting God before one’s own or others’ demands, leads him to write with a vigorous pen (September). I was fairly out of breath by the time I reached the end of his second run-on sentence. Quick and ready refreshment and rejuvenation were at hand, however, in the form of the clear, simple and unequivocal inscription at the top of an American dollar bill in my wallet. It reads: ‘In God We Trust.’ Clear, simple, unequivocal but like so many things in life not always easy to follow. Dr Stephen Buston Kingfisher Drive, Stapleton

This correspondence is now closed

The Fishponds Conservative Club 761 Fishponds Road BS16 3UP Telephone 0117 965 2532 www.fishpondsconservativeclub.co.uk SERVING THE COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF FISHPONDS A place to relax with friends or fellow members during your busy day. We have two bars with large spacious comfortable lounges as well as three snooker tables, carpet bowls, pool and darts. We offer a full range of social events including live entertainment, theme nights, tribute nights, quizzes, bingo and raffles.

FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR MORE DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE, TELEPHONE OR CALL IN TO DISCUSS 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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118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

October, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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Sarah and Jude Brave the Shave

TWO Fishponds residents might be needing to wear hats as the colder weather arrives. Both took part in the Brave the Shave event for the cancer charity Macmillan. Sarah Brennan, from Le Trim hair and beauty salon on Lodge Causeway, got involved in memory of two friends and in support of two more friends who are having treatment for the disease. “I am lucky enough to be in good health so shaving off my barnet is a small sacrifice compared to what others go through.” she said. Sarah raised more than £1,500, thanks to the support of friends and customers, and presented a giant cheque to Macmillan. Judith Pettigrew sacrificed her extremely long locks at a street party and is considering donating the hair for wigs for children who have lost their hair. She decided to take part because she lost her father to cancer and knows others who have been affected. Jude has raised more than £500 and her fundraising page is still open at bravetheshave.org The campaign has brought in more than £2.5m.

Jude, during and after her shave Photos: Martin Steer

Sarah, before and after, and, below, presenting her cheque

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Hillfields Young Mothers Group is a friendly and supportive space for pregnant young women and young mothers aged 16-25 years. Excellent free creche for under 5’s Free use of the Gym • Arts, Crafts & Cooking Summer trips & holidays • Assertiveness courses

Meeting at Hillfields Youth Centre Monday & Friday 12 noon to 2.30pm Please contact George or Jan on 07799 521007 or text 07799 521007 Hillfields Youth Centre, Thickete Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 4EH e-mail: info@hymg.org website http://www.hymg.org

0117 956 6556 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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NEW CARE HOME OPENING SOON

Quarry House Adelaide Place, Fishponds Bristol Care Homes is pleased to announce the opening of our 65 bed care home Quarry House and 17 extra care homes in Adelaide Place, Fishponds in October 2015.

OPENING OCTOBER 2015

We are now recruiting nurses, carers, administration managers, domestic staff, activities coordinators, chefs and maintenance staff. To find out more about care at Quarry House, including plans of the Extra Care homes, or to apply to join our staff team please contact our commissioning manager Aubrey Sibiya at aubrey.sibiya@bristolcarehomes.co.uk

Bristol Care Homes is a well-established provider of top quality care in Bristol. See our web site at www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk

October, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

N September, I was delighted to be given the position of shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. While a lot of emphasi is sometimes placed on the rural

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aspects of this role, many of the issues I will be dealing with are of direct relevance to people living in Fishponds. You may remember the ‘Blue Finger’ campaign to protect the Feed Bristol site and Stapleton Allotments from building works under the MetroBus scheme. Support for urban food growing and protecting good quality agricultural land from development is something I will continue to push for as shadow Environment Secretary. As well as boosting biodiversity, providing a habitat for wildlife and pollinators, promoting healthy diets, and reducing waste, urban agriculture is also an opportunity to teach people, particularly children, more about how food is grown and prepared. Some of you may be aware of the 35-acre Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, which I have visited a number of times. I am keen to support the farm’s efforts to open up to local people so they can see its work. In recent years, there has been more emphasis on where our food comes from, and the importance of local sourcing. This has been particularly true since the horsemeat scandal, with recent statistics showing that 34% of people saying they would be more likely to buy products of British origin, with concern for animal

welfare standards being close behind. Independent shops in Bristol have led the way on this, and the supermarkets are increasingly becoming aware of consumers’ desire for information about where their food comes from. I will be campaigning for better food labelling, so that people can make choices about their diet which not only benefit their health, but also the environment and the British economy. I know this is also a cause which farmers can get behind. I look forward to working with farmers, particularly in the West Country, on how we can make farming more economically viable, environmentally sustainable, while improving welfare standards. The subject which I receive the most emails about as an MP is animal welfare, which also falls under my new portfolio. I will continue to resist the Government’s determination to push through inhumane, unpopular and ineffective policies, such as the badger cull and reintroducing fox hunting. Finally, please be reassured that despite the responsibilities that come with my new role, my priority will continue to be fighting for a better deal for everybody in east Bristol, and helping people whenever they need me.

Teacher joins maths exchange

A TEACHER from Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds has visited Shanghai in the second phase of an exchange project aimed at improving maths standards. Mansukh Mann was one of a group that spent a fortnight in China last month. Bristol Met will host visitors from Shanghai in November. The link follows an exchange last year by three primary school teachers from the Cabot Learning Federation. The research project involving the Bristol-based Boolean Maths Hub is funded by the Department for Education and is exploring ways to enable students to have a deeper understanding of maths in an approach known as mastery. Miss Mann said: “Having seen the Shanghai teachers teach at primary, their emphasis on conceptual understanding and how well our primaries have adapted and adopted the things they have learned from phase one of the programme, I am thrilled to be a part of the second phase of this research project. “This gives us an opportunity to objectively look at and exchange ideas with practitioners from one of the world’s best performing maths education systems and adapt what we see to cater for the needs of our students.”

Christmas at The Acorn PRE-CHRISTMAS PARTY LUNCH MENU

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The Acorn Café at Westerleigh Hill Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QZ Tel: 0117 9109464

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Passionate about Stone . . . .

Nothing comes close to the beauty and practicality of natural stone and quartz for kitchen worktops, bathrooms, fireplaces and hearths. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take our word for it; come and see the most exciting, extensive range of classic and unique stone in the region. Here at our six and a half acre site in Fishponds Bristol close to the M32 we have the largest and best selection of quality stone in the region. Come and browse our showroom and slabs to see the true beauty of our granite, marble, slate and quartz along with other types of stone in finished kitchen and bathroom environments. At Bristol Marble & Granite, we understand the importance of your choice of material and colour, and we

feel a visit to view our slabs is essential! Our extensive stone yard is open to the trade and public. Here you will have the opportunity to be shown around our complete range of truly amazing, full sized slabs by our helpful and knowledgeable staff. From here you can not only choose the kind of stone that you prefer; you can hand pick the individual slabs that you would like our craftsmen to cut and finish to your requirements. Seeing the large slabs,

you will be able to appreciate the range of colour, texture and tonality of the stone. For the best experience and choice, please come and visit. No appointment is necessary and we are open all day Monday to Friday plus Saturday mornings, excluding bank holiday weekends. Bristol Marble & Granite Co Ltd in Filwood Road Fishponds Bristol is a family business established in 1937

Bristol Marble & Granite Co Ltd Is one of the largest and best trusted suppliers of finished stone products to the trade and retail. Visit our Filwood Road Fishponds showroom and warehouse to see the true beauty of our granite, marble, slate, quartz and other stones. Bristol Marble & Granite Co. Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a family run business with 80 years experience

Vast stocks of stone slabs available for you to view, or if you are trade your customers can visit to select their stone. Bristol Marble & Granite Co. Limited, Verona House, Filwood Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3RY Call 01179 656565 email sales@bristolmarble.com www.bristolmarble.com

October, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Don’t drive the morning after!

fishpondsvoice

Eye Blog . . .

with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians

ROAD safety campaigners are warning rugby fans about driving while still over the limit the morning after drinking alcohol during the Rugby World Cup 2015. The tournament, which continues until October 31, will be enjoyed and celebrated by millions, with alcohol playing a part in those celebrations. With this in mind, the team behind the Morning After drink drive campaign is urging people to wise up to how long it takes for alcohol to pass through the body. Earlier this year the Morning After team launched a new app designed to help people calculate when their body is likely to be alcohol-free. The app, which is available free of charge from Google play and the Apple App Store, has achieved 3,000 downloads since being launched in March 2015. Called the ‘Morning After Calculator’, the app is not intended to help people work out how much they can drink on a night out before driving home. The advice on the Morning After website is: “If you are drinking any amount of alcohol on a night out - even one drink - you should leave the car at home and make alternative arrangements.” Chair of the West of England Road Safety Partnership, Matt Peskett of Avon Fire & Rescue Service, said: “It takes much longer than most people think for alcohol to pass through the body which means there is often a danger of people unwittingly driving while still over the legal limit the morning after drinking. “We are urging anyone watching the rugby, and celebrating with a drinking session after the match, to plan ahead and arrange alternative transport the following morning if they have to travel to work, for the school run, or any other engagements. “The penalties for being caught drink driving the morning after are exactly the same as at any other time – it’s no excuse to say you thought you were fine to drive because of the length of time since your last drink.” The Rugby World Cup, which kicked off on September 18, is being held at 12 stadiums across England and one in Wales.

How does the app work? THE app has been produced to help people calculate roughly when it will be safe to drive the morning after drinking alcohol - and to help calculate when they should stop drinking alcohol in order to be safe to drive the following morning. The calculator allows one hour for each unit of alcohol, plus an additional hour for the first drink to allow for the alcohol to enter the bloodstream. It then rounds up the calculation to the nearest half hour. It bases its calculation from the time the user stops drinking. Some people say this is over-cautious, but the Morning After team says it would rather be safe than sorry. The ‘hours before driving’ calculation is not based on any drink drive limit - it is the length of time when the alcohol in the drinks consumed is likely to have passed through the body. This is when the Morning After team suggests it is ‘safe to drive’.

Autumnal Lights Ernest Downson once wrote about autumn: ‘Let misty autumn be our part! The twilight of the year is sweet: Where shadow and the darkness meet Our love, a twilight of the heart Eludes a little time’s deceit.’ How true are those words! As the month of October starts, you may have noticed just like Ernest that it’s starting to get darker earlier and the sun is low in the sky, the ‘twilight’ as Ernest put it. I certainly have. Lots of clients tell me they don’t enjoy night driving or autumn driving. It’s usually the same comments such as ‘those headlights are more dazzling than they used to be’ or ‘my eyes feel like sandpaper, especially when the heater is on’. You could be experiencing glare for several reasons:Your eyes could be too dry or you could need glasses to help make your long distance vision better. Some people may have an eye condition such as cataract that scatters light causing glare. Here’s some top tips when driving at night this Autumn and Winter: • The only lens that truly gets rid of glare is a polarised lens – it works by cutting out unwanted light that is being scattered in the wrong direction. If the Sun is low in the sky these are a fantastic way to help reduce glare. • You should always wear your

glasses or contact lenses when driving if you need them. • Make sure you get regular eye checks with your local Optometrist - I can tell you whether you are having problems due to dry eyes, needing glasses or other eye conditions like cataracts. • Try adding an anti-reflection coating to your glasses - it will reduce reflections in your glasses when driving at night • Try wearing a baseball cap if having problems with glare - this can reduce scatter from other lights • If your eyes are dry, keep some artificial tears in the dashboard and put a few drops in your eyes before you go on your journey. You can get them from your optician or your local pharmacy. If you feel signs are blurry check! The law in the UK states that you are legally required to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres in normal conditions. Make sure that you don’t get caught out when it comes to driving. At Marian Blake Opticians we will ensure that your eye prescription is correct, up-to-date and we will answer any queries you may have about driving and the law. We will also recommend certain lenses if we feel they would benefit you depending on your lifestyle. Call us today on 0117 9651861.

Jonathan Best Bsc (Hons)MCOptom Optometrist ‘Jonathan qualified in Optometry from the University of Manchester and recently moved to Bristol to be closer to family. He lives with his wife and 18 month old boy Noah in Staple Hill’.

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October, 2015

Victory in Frome Valley campaign A HUGE community campaign against a proposed housing development in the grounds of Colston’s School in Stapleton looks to have ended in victory. Bristol City Council planners threw out the scheme from developers Woodstock Homes for nine luxury houses off Welsford Avenue. Colston’s School, in a statement after the development control decision on September 2, said the plans “would not now be taken forward”. Members of the Protect Frome Valley @ Stapleton group said if the developers did decide to go to appeal they would continue their fight. They are also pressing ahead with a bid for the site, on the edge of Colston’s 30-acre grounds, to be given further protection by being declared a town green. The campaigners attended the meeting in force, as they had done at a full council meeting in August, and they were delighed with the outcome. Chris Faulkner Gibson, one of the organisers, said; “The application was incompatible with a very wide range of planning policies and

specific designations – exactly the ones we had campaigned on. The extent of the rejection is clear and unambiguous: as one of our supporters remarked, ‘That’s a whole lotta ‘No’!” He added: “We would like to publicly thank all the organisations and individuals who supported, helped and guided us throughout this campaign.” Another campaigner, Lisa Merrett, said: “We are ecstatic to have won our long hard slog against homes on this important open space. We are over the moon with the planning committee’s unanimous decision.” The councillors agreed with the protesters and with planning officers that the proposed development was incompatible with the Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Area and with the local historic park and garden and its setting. The committee’s six reasons for refusal included concerns over flooding and traffic. Councillors were told that more than 260 letters of objection to the plans had been received. Ninety people had written in support. Residents of all ages took part in the campaign against the plans,

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The campaigners’ banners at the Colston’s site on the day of the committee’s decision which were originally for 12 houses. They said the scheme would wreck the view from Eastville Park and would be detrimental to wildlife. The campaigners said that

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they understood the need for more homes in Bristol but that these should not be created at the expense of natural resources.

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October, 2015

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Art helps children reflect their community CHILDREN at Glenfrome Primary School are working on an art project for Black History Month. Copies of portraits of seven founders of the St Paul’s Carnival are on show at the school during October and pupils are taking part in a workshop with their creator Michele Curtis to develop some some accompanying artwork. The original charcoal and graphite portraits are on display at Bristol University. The idea is that giant replicas will eventually go up as murals on walls in St Paul’s. The characters depicted by Miss Curtis, a student at Cikty of Bristol College, are Owen Henry, Carmen Beckford MBE, Roy Hackett, Barbara Dettering, Delores Campbell, Audley Evans and Clifford Drummond. Miss Curtis said: “It’s great to see the amount of interest shown in the project and hopefully these two exhibitions will spread the interest further. “I have made canvas prints for the school to exhibit and the originals will be at the university. It’s also going to be great working with the school pupils on additional artwork for the portrait murals - reflecting the community they represent as well as their AfroCaribbean ties.”

Michele Curtis with her portrait of Owen Henry, one of the seven founders of the St Paul’s Carnival; and how the mural might look in St Paul’s

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BY her own admission, Kiri Green is totally batty. She doesn’t see it as insult though, for animal lover Kiri has transformed her Fishponds home into a sanctuary for bats. At any one time Kiri and husband Stewart share their home with anything up to 43 of the nocturnal creatures. As members of Avon Bat Group, Kiri and Stewart are on 24-hour call to rescue injured bats and their mercy missions can easily involve three-hour round trips. When you consider the couple both work in a voluntary capacity, their dedication to the bat cause is

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October, 2015

Kiri’s just batty about bats testament to their love of the tiny mammals. Kiri, 34, has always been a fan of animals and has volunteered in the past with Avon Wildlife Trust but it was only when someone gave her a bat to look after while they went on holiday, that Kiri became well and truly addicted. “After looking after one bat, I ended up taking on more bats and eventually I signed up with the Bat Conservation Trust which is the

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organisation you call if you find an injured bat anywhere in the UK,” she said. If such a scenario should occur, the trust will put you in touch with a local bat carer like Kiri who will rescue the bat with the aim of releasing it back into the wild when it is well again. Kiri calls these phone calls “bat calls” and every time the couple receives one, the adrenalin kicks in. “When we get a bat call one of us will go out to do a two or three-hour round trip to rescue the bat while the other one stays at home to feed the 20 or so other bats we have at home. “We go up to about 30 miles to rescue a bat. We take with us gloves to handle the bat; a box with a towel to put the bat in; heat mats, which Kiri at her Fishponds home are usually used for reptile care, in case the bat is cold The bats are kept in dog cages and needs warming up; and and need to be cleaned out every dehydration fluid. We also like to few days. take information leaflets to give out “You can’t clean them all out at to the public.” once because the bats get stressed. An injured bat will need to be They like their own batty smell,” nursed to full health before it’s said Kiri. returned to its natural habitat. And To keep them happy, Kiri puts where else to nurse a poorly bat logs at the bottom of the cages and than at a bat hospital, otherwise throws in some hamster toys for known as Kiri and Stewart’s spare good measure. room. When the bats are feeling better, “We were lucky we found a Kiri has another treat in store for house that had been adapted by them. a couple for one of their elderly “We adapted the lounge so we parents so there were two kitchens. can fly the bats to see if they are The estate agent was a little ready to be released,” she said. surprised of my plan to turn the Kiri uses masking tape to stop spare kitchen into a bat care room. them going behind the bookcase “We have our own bat fridge and also across the door to prevent freezer, microwave and kettle; it’s them getting out as the creatures all fairly self-contained so we can are able to fit through surprisingly keep the things we need for the bats small spaces. completely separate. It’s like a little Kiri said: “It’s great because you hospital room.”

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October, 2015

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get to spend the evening flying a bat around your living room to get its fitness levels up or to see if it’s ready to be released. It’s an interesting way to spend the night compared to watching TV.” Bats, or at least the injured variety, are pretty high maintenance. “They need quite a lot of care,” explained Kiri. “If, for example, a bat has been injured, it will need medication twice a day and they will need to be kept on heat mats. Bats need to be kept warm or they go into ‘torpor’ where their body functions shut down.” Kiri also keeps captive bats under licence for educational purposes, taking them to schools and wildlife events. She gives talks and presentations throughout the former Avon area but will also travel to Wiltshire and Somerset. During Halloween, Kiri has even been known to dress up as Batgirl if she has a talk but usually she wears a t-shirt with a bat-related motif. As well as looking after dozens of bats, Kiri also keeps four hamsters and two cats. She clearly is a sucker for a good sob story.

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“When I go to a pet shop to buy live food for the bats, I see all these cute little hamsters who need a home. They’re in the adoption section because no-one’s bought them. There was one who was going to be euthanased (put down) because they said he was really savage. I said ‘That’s because he’s in a tiny cage with no toys. Let me have him!’ I’ve adopted seven in total, although three of them have died. “It’s quite an interesting exercise keeping the cats and hamsters away from the bats.” At the moment the couple are caring for 19 bats of various species including pipistrelles, leisler’s, serotines and brown long-eared bats. Their work is largely self-funded; 40-year-old Stewart works for Natural Resources Wales and Kiri is an ecologist, although most of the work she does is voluntary. They also fundraise and welcome donations where appropriate. “There’s no way that donations come anywhere near covering the money we spend, but we’re working on it!” said Kiri. The couple may soon be able

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The bat hospital, aka Kiri’s spare kitchen to get a good night’s sleep as it’s coming up to hibernation time. “Hibernation depends on the weather and how many insects there are around for the bats to eat but it’s usually between November and April. The theory is we are coming up to our quiet period but we still get an average of one phone call every day. We usually get two or three calls most days but some days we’ve had as many as five. Sometimes I get calls at six o’clock in the morning.” The best part for Kiri is when the bats are well enough to be released back into the wild, although it’s tinged with sadness as she knows each of them so well, even to the point of naming them. Splodge, Pebble, Harold, Brian (after Queen’s Brian May) and Freddie are among the affectionate monikers awarded to Kiri’s furry friends. “We always take them back to where they came from. If a bat comes from a vet and we don’t know where it originated from, we try to find a suitable habitat for that species nearby. It’s fantastic to get them back into the wild.”

Such is their passion for bats, Kiri and Stewart spent their wedding anniversary last month travelling to Wiltshire to rescue one. “We also rescued a bat on our honeymoon in Cornwall,” said Kiri, with not a hint of disappointment in her voice. “We both totally love bats. We’ve already looked after 120 this year, have spent hundreds of pounds on them and have travelled hundreds of miles driving to rescue them.” So what’s the appeal of the little critters? “Once bats get used to being handled after a few days most of them are quite friendly.You do get some grumpy ones but they all have their own personalities.You get to know them and it’s such a privilege to look after them and hopefully get them back into the wild.” And for those of you thinking Kiri might just be a bit mad. “I am mad,” she admits. “Who else does this amount of work for free? It’s just normal for me to be called batty or Batgirl, I don’t mind at all.”

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344 Dance School based at Dance Station, Alexandra Park, Fishponds BS16 2BG

Kathy Plaster - the Principal

Tell us about your company? The Dance School was set up in 1984 in a studio at the back of 344 Fishponds Road - hence the name! I set up my school and my dancewear shop ‘Kathy’s Dancewear’ whilst still working as a secretary in a Solicitors office in town. So I was working 24/7 - day in the office, evening in the dance studio, weekends in the dance studio. Eventually my own businesses grew so that I had to give up my day job and just focus on my dance business which was the love of my life. I trained locally at Fishponds School of Dance which was run by Margaret Pearce who had a studio in an orchard in Marlborough Street before the houses were built on it. I now have about 20 teachers working for me, all specialists in their own field of dance, plus admin staff.

fishpondsvoice

October, 2015

Wide selection of dance classes at 344 Dance School What service do you provide to the people of Fishponds? The dance school provides classes for children from age 2.5 years in Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Irish, Contemporary, Music Theatre, Hip Hop, Street and B-Boy, Singing and Drama. We also run adult classes in all styles and for all levels. You can take exams with the ISTD, RAD, LAMDA and LCM; take part in shows, enter competitions, or just dance for fun. In 1995, when the local authorities cut all grants for the arts, I set up my own full-time dance college called Dance Academy South West (DASW) training professional dancers, music theatre and teacher training in dance. Kathy’s Dancewear is upstairs and this supplies footwear and dance clothes for all dance styles and is open 12 - 7.30 p.m. Mondays & Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays and 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturdays.

What is the best part of running your business and working in the area: Seeing children achieve to their full potential, helping to build their confidence, develop poise and posture, and understanding of how to work in a group and develop their creative talents within a

disciplined environment. Seeing audiences response to their performances, the performers all having a great time and enjoying themselves, and the fun we all have when teachers and students pool their efforts for the cabaret shows run for charity each year, or participate in the Tapathon Event for Children in Need.

What makes your service different from other companies?: We cater for all ages and all levels and have one of the widest

selection of adult dance classes in the City and a great social calendar too. If they wish to pursue dance as a career, we can offer options to take their training to the next level within our own full time vocational course. We are an Approved ISTD Teacher Training Centre. We have 3 fully-equipped dance studios and our own performance space. We often hold master classes with West End performers and these are open to all dancers, not just those training at Dance Station.

What are your plans for the future of the business?: Although Dance Station in Fishponds is our main venue, we have 8 branches in total throughout Bristol and South Glos. As we train more good teachers, we take on more branches so we are growing all the time and giving more children and adults the chance to experience dancing, singing and acting. We like to keep pace with current trends so we have recently started acrobatic and aerial workshops which help dancers to improve their flexibility and also to use hoop and silks. These skills combined with dance are in demand and often seen in shows. 344 Dance School, Dance Station, Alexandra Park, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2BG 0117 9655660 admin@dancestation.org.uk www.dancestation.org.uk

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October, 2015

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Ian marks retirement with half marathon MANY people look forward to putting their feet up in retirement – but not the Rev Ian Wills. He marked the end of more than 30 years in Church of England minister by tackling the Severn Bridge Half Marathon. Ian, 66, the vicar of St Stephen’s Church in Soundwell, completed the 13-mile challenge in less than two and a half hours – despite the fact he has not competed over the distance for 30 years. “I have been running fairly constantly all my adult life, but in recent years it has usually just been two or three miles at a time,” he said. “ I ran the full Kingswood Festival Marathon, which started and finished at Page Park, in 1985. It was two laps of a course around the borough of Kingswood. A year later I ran one lap, which was a half marathon. “Last year, I heard about the first Severn Bridge Half Marathon and I had the idea that I would run it in 2015 and ask for sponsors. I was thrilled to finish in 2hr 29 mins and 05 secs! The money I raise will help pay for the upkeep of the church after I’ve gone and will be my parting gift to the church community here.” The Severn Bridge route particularly appealed to Ian, who was born in Almondsbury, watched the suspension bridge being built during his teenage years, and has lived within close view of it almost all his life. The half marathon starts in Chepstow, crosses what is now known as the old Severn Bridge into England then goes around the lanes of Elberton, Littleton upon Severn and Kington before returning on the closed motorway across the bridge to the start point. The route includes Mumbleys Hill, which Ian recalls he and his friends used to dare one another to cycle down without touching their brakes. His 97-year-old mother’s memories go further back still: as a child she and her siblings were told to get out and walk because it was too steep for the pony and trap. “When my brothers and I were

very young, if she couldn’t get us to sleep, she would put us all in the big old pram and walk the three miles from Almondsbury to New Passage. If the dog got tired, she’d put the dog in as well. She always said the Severn air sent us to sleep. “We later moved to Alveston and when I was 11 or 12 I used to explore the lanes around the Severn village on my bike. We watched the bridge being built. My friends and I used to cycle to Aust services for a coffee. “I have pedalled across it, walked across it, been on it with my children, watched the sun come up at dawn at it – the bridge has always been there in the background. It is a part of my history.” Ian has been at St Stephen’s for 16 years and was previously vicar of St Thomas a Becket in Pucklechurch and St James in Abson for 13 years. He worked as a hospital engineer in Bristol and Middlesex before leaving in 1976 to train for ministry. He was ordained in 1980 and had two placements as a curate before moving to Pucklechurch, where he also served as chaplain to the remand centre for a decade. He has also been a long-serving school governor and chair of governors, first at Pucklechurch Primary and then at St Stephen’s Junior School. Ian has a lifelong passion for playing electric guitar and says one of the highlights of his career was at St Augustine’s in Whitchurch where he helped the youth group stage a production that ran for a week at the Little Theatre in Bristol. He has played in various rock groups at his churches and while at St Stephen’s has written and performed three rock communions, which are all available on CD. In the Diocese of Bristol, Ian served for many years as chair of the Bishop’s advisory group on healing ministry. He had bowel cancer five years ago and underwent five months of chemotherapy but made a full recovery. He and his wife Helen, who between them have four children

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and four grandchildren, also enjoy long distance walking and have walked the Ridgeway Path, the south half of Offa’s Dyke and 65 miles of the Thames Path. More walking is part of his retirement plan, as well as running, reading, and listening to music as well as performing it. Ian’s legacy at Pucklechurch includes a stained glass window commissioned for the Millennium and at St Stephen’s he leaves a

church that regularly welcomes 130 adults to its main Sunday morning service and also runs an all age service on Sunday afternoons. Ian’s official retirement date is September 30 and the milestone is being marked at an evening service on September 27 at 6.30pm. * You can sponsor Ian by typing his name into the Make a Donation box on the VirginMoney Giving web page.

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October, 2015

Work to begin before winter on Holy Trinity Church WORK will begin before the winter on some of the most urgent repairs to the roof of Holy Trinity Church in Stapleton. The congregation at the landmark church needs to raise £240,000 to make the building watertight. Donations have been

coming in for the appeal fund, which has now topped £34,000. Churchwarden Delia Beake said that, while there was a long way to go, the generous support meant that some work could start. “We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed so far,” she said. “The church is such a beautiful and well known part of the landscape and we are determined to preserve it.” There has been a church on the site for at least 500 years. The present Holy Trinity was was

built in the mid 19th century from pennant stone quarried at Broom Hill and was dedicated in 1857. It is recognised as a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The Grade ll starred listed building's most notable feature is its 170ft spire, which can be seen from the M32 and from many parts of the city. One way of supporting the fundraising is to pay for the spire to be floodlit for an evening at a cost of £15. Paying £5 to sponsor one of the 13,000 slates that will be needed for

the new roof is another option. The next big fund-raising event is a concert on Saturday October 17 by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Male Voice Choir. It starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and are available from 0117 9652001 or on the door. To donate to the fund, go to www.holytrinitystapleton. org click Giving on the Holyn Trinity homepage and follow the instructions. For further information, email deliajbeake@hotmail.com

Princess Campbell dies aged 76 PRINCESS Campbell, a strong campaigner in Bristol over many decades, has died at the age of 76. Princess, who arrived in England from Jamaica in 1962, challenged inequality and prejudice to become the first black ward sister at Glenside Hospital in Bristol. She had worked her way up after training at Manor Park hospital. Before that, she was the first black person to work at the Wills tobacco factory. Princess campaigned on behalf of African-Caribbean people over housing and jobs and was on the management committee of the

Malcolm X Community Centre in St Paul’s. She was a founder member of the Bristol Black Archives Project and has contributed to films and history projects, as well as visiting many schools to help young people understand their heritage. Princess played an active role at the Golden Agers club in Easton and with the Bristol Older People’s Forum. She received an MBE for services to the community in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours list and an honorary degree from

Bristol University in 2014. Judith Brown, chairwoman of the Bristol Older People’s Forum, said: “Princess is a woman who literally changed lives for the better. She blazed a trail in Bristol’s history when black citizens were fighting for real recognition for their worth, trying to break through that glass ceiling over their heads.”

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October, 2015

O celebrate the arrival of our new loose chocolate counter - an easy chocolate recipe. This is the original Australian Crunch recipe that we now make with gluten and dairy free ingredients for the shop. It was found in a little postcard book that I inherited at some point. I have converted the original Imperial weights (ounces) into Metric ones. We always cover the crunch with Montezuma’s or Divine Dark chocolate but feel free to use your favourite brand in milk or dark or even white. It is also good naked and can be served with custard like old fashioned school lunches!

Ingredients 225g margarine or butter (hard block is best or Pure, lower fat content spreads will not give as

fishpondsvoice

Australian Crunchie

with Mel of Melanie’s Kitchen crunchy a result) 140g caster sugar 85g dessicated coconut 75g crushed cornflakes 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 140g self-raising flour Rectangular cake tin (30cmx23cm)

Method

Line the tin with silicone baking paper or grease it well Preheat oven to 180c Gas 4 (160c fan oven) Melt margarine/butter and sugar in saucepan, add cocoa, coconut, and crushed cornflakes stir well. Add flour and mix well. Put in to tin press down with back of a spoon to level it off. Bake for 30 minutes. When cold cover in melted chocolate if liked (approx. 100-150g is required). Cut into triangles to serve. This keeps well in an airtight tin in a cool place (up to 10 days).

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Book Review from Fishponds Library The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee

THIS is quite a difficult novel to get into as it moves from one time period to another and from one character to another. It takes a while before the reader can work out who is who and what is going on in their lives. The novel is a family saga centred on the Ghosh family who live in a spacious building in Calcutta and begins with a short prologue set in May 1966 where a poverty stricken farmer driven by hunger and despair slaughters his wife and children and the first chapter takes you into the Ghosh’s family home in 1967. There is political turmoil on the streets of Calcutta and a Maoist uprising in the countryside. The Lives of Others examines in detail the tensions and strife that encompass members of the extended Ghosh family who all live on different floors of the Calcutta mansion home. One of the sons has joined the Maoist uprising and is showing is revolutionary credentials by living and working in a small rural community experiencing at first hand the brutal existence that the inhabitants of this small village endure. Part of the novel is made up of a journal that he keeps of his experiences. The Lives of Others also digs deep into the rivalries that exist between the women in the Ghosh household and the financial difficulties that the business which provides their high standard of living face. Neel Mukharjee brings to life in this novel what Calcutta would have been like in the 1960’s describing one of the Ghosh son’s coming home to listen to an early Beatle’s LP and the heavy drug taking which occurred on student campus’s at that time as well as the changing nature of Indian society from pre-independence to life 20 years afterwards and the religious tensions which still existed between the Muslim and Hindu communities. I recommend this book and Fishponds Library does have a copy. Rupert Hopkins Knit and Knatter sessions take place at 2pm on 1st October, 15th October and 29th October and 12th November Storytime is on Tuesday during the school term at 2.15pm-2.45pm

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

October, 2015

Eastville library may be kept for community use THE Eastville library building in Muller Road will be retained for community use if at all possible, Bristol’s Mayor George Ferguson has pledged. As expected, the council’s cabinet agreed last month to shut the library, which was said to be poorly located. Appeals from local people and councillors to save it fell on deaf ears and it will close next year. Eastville was the only one of Bristol’s 27 libraries to be axed. Six others that had been under threat because of cuts were reprieved as councillors agreed a revised package of reduced opening hours and further use of volunteers. Mr Ferguson said the new proposals were a firm base for the future. “There has been a great deal of passion shown for local libraries, with communities coming together to make strong, valid and heartfelt representations, in particular from children who can benefit so much from a local library.” he said. “With regards to Eastville Library on Muller Road, we are committed to relocating library services to a location in Lockleaze, that will better serve the local community. “Bristol is blessed with more libraries per head of population than almost any other major city in the UK, but local libraries serve an important purpose beyond the borrowing of books and we must make sure we continue to diversify and modernise the service, to best serve the people of Bristol.”

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news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

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October, 2015

Downend Road, Bristol Offers In Region Of £265,000 A SPECIAL period 2 bedroom semi detached cottage of outstanding quality and unique style with beautifully presented accommodation and a stunning 120ft long rear garden. Close to the Fishponds/Downend border this lovely home has been refurbished and sympathetically furnished to a high standard. This stunning home features tastefully decorated rooms in a ‘Kath Kidston’ style with considerable original features and character alongside an exclusive bespoke kitchen with solid stone working surfaces and lovely ‘Victorian style’ shower room. Essential viewing recommended.

Besley Hill

764 Fishponds Road Bristol BS16 3UA Tel: 0117 965 3162

The Kingfisher Café 17-18 Straits Parade, Fishponds, Bristol

Tel: 0117 965 1001 The Kingfisher is a friendly, independent café created by Fishponds locals, Jane Rose and Sarah Baird. It provides a welcoming comfortable environment where you can relax with friends and family.

WE ARE SELLING

We are selling

this Autumn this Autumn Contact us today and find out why now is a great Contact us today and find out whytime now to is amove great time to move

We serve a range of delicious homemade cakes, breakfasts, lunches, daily specials and Sunday lunches. We hold regular events for all age groups! The Kingfisher is currently hosting Songs for Little People by local Richard Lobb every Wednesday morning. Age: Pre-school Time: 9.45am - 10.30am Cost: £4 per little person (6 sessions for £20). Siblings £2

Opening times: Monday - Wednesday- 9am - 5pm (food 9am - 4pm) Thursday - Saturday - 9am - 11pm (food 9am - 4pm 6pm - 10pm) Sundays - 10am - 10pm (food 10am - 3pm 5pm - 8pm)

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

0117 9653162 0117 965 3162

Call now for a free valuation Call now for a free valuation 764 / 766 Fishponds road, Fishponds, Bristol Bs16 3Ua 764 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3UA fishponds@besleyhill.co.uk fishponds@besleyhill.co.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

T: 0779 9461169

fishpondsvoice

October, 2015

Countess of Wessex visits Jessie May headquarters

A CHARITY which provides hospice at home services to terminally ill children received a very special visit this week from HRH Sophie the Countess of Wessex. The Countess attended a reception at Jessie May Trust’s Kingswood headquarters where she met with nurses, volunteers, supporters and families cared for by the charity. The occasion marked what would have been the 21st birthday of Jessica May Purrington who died in 1994 aged four-and-a-half months after being born with the genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The charity was subsequently established by Jessica’s parents Chris and Philippa, who wanted to support other families in caring for their terminally ill child at home. During the visit the Countess also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion. Chris Roys, chief executive of Jessie May, said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to welcome the Countess of Wessex to our charity. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the short life of the child who inspired the pioneering work of Jessie May nurses in the South West. “The Countess of Wessex has a special interest in children’s charities and we are already lucky enough to receive some funding from the Wessex Youth Trust so it is lovely to thank her in person.” Jessie May provides care to families in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath. It costs around £1 million for the charity to provide this care yearly and as it is almost entirely dependent on public support. For more information about Jessie May please visit www.jessiemay.org. uk Lily Farr presenting HRH with flowers

‘OFFER OF THE MONTH’

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT PRESENT WORLD CONDITIONS?

5 Doors Fitted in Your Home For Only

Any 5 white primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 2-panel ‘Classique’ doors, complete with 3 choices of brass handles, 2 chrome handles, hinges, mortice catch & fitted in your home. Extra doors available.

Have they been foretold?

IS THERE AN ETERNAL PURPOSE FOR THE EARTH? What is it? You are invited to attend two Bible Addresses on these subjects

October 24th 2015 at 3.30pm at St George Community Centre, Church Road, Bristol BS5 8AA

DOOR EXPRESS 08000 973333 07767 376770

A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR ORDER FITTING DATE

This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27”. Other sizes available for a small extra charge

dayz e e ks

eNGLIsH & JaMaICaN CUIsINe 662 Fishponds Road, Bristol

For further information: The Household of Faith 31 Mayfield Park, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3NH

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

£339

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

079999 00875

EAT-IN & TAKEAWAY DAILY SPECIALS OUTSIDE CATERING AVAILABLE Call in on Sundays for Traditional Roast Dinners and a selection of Homemade Puddings

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

October, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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Free sports sessions Dings move now approved for women WOMEN in Fishponds are being invited to take advantage of an offer of free sports sessions. The team behind the Bristol Girls Can campaign, which was launched in March, is offering 800 vouchers for activities at leisure centres across the city, ranging from body pump to boxfit, spin, sway dance, badminton and netball. Half of the vouchers offer the opportunity to try a new exercise class at one of the six SLM leisure centres in Bristol - Everyone Active Horfield Leisure Centre, Henbury Leisure Centre, St Pauls Community Sports Academy, Easton Leisure Centre, Kingdown Leisure Centre and Bristol South Swimming pool. A further 400 vouchers are for Parkwood Leisure Hengrove centre. The scheme is aimed at women who have never visited the leisure centres or those who have not been in a while. Councillor Daniella Radice, Assistant Mayor for Neighbourhoods with responsibility for sport, said: “Many of us need a gentle nudge to go and exercise, and enjoying a free session at one of the city’s leisure centres can be just the ticket to kick start a healthy habit. “Exercise not only boosts health and wellbeing, but is a great way to meet people and make new friends too. This is a great opportunity to try out a new sport or activity.” The Bristol Girls Can campaign is supported by Bristol City Council and Sport England. The council has also worked with Rife magazine and Bristol Roller Derby to launch a new video to promote the campaign, which can be found at http://rife.at/rollerderby. According to Sport England statistics, around 38.3 per cent of women in Bristol undertake one 30 minute activity a week, with more than 60 per cent not taking part in any regular activity.

LONG-AWAITED plans for Dings Crusaders RFC to move from Lockleaze to Frenchay have taken a major step forward. South Gloucestershire Council's planning committee has approved the club's Shaftesbury Park development on Frenchay Park Road opposite the Frenchay Hospital site. The current ground at Landseer Avenue, the club's base for more than 60 years, is unsuitable and has been deemed beyond repair. It is being sold to housing developers Redrow Homes to finance the club's scheme for a centre to accommodate its playing, training and community facilities at the former market garden site. In an announcement on the club website, Dings Crusaders president Ray Bowden said the planning decision was a great result for the club, delivering “an unbelievable location for a fantastic new facility.

Put your FEET first! Mrs Sara Turner MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Professional Appointments available in your home during the day, evening or weekend. Ring or email for an appointment. General foot care, diabetic foot care, corns and calluses, verrucae, ingrown toe nails, infections etc.

0117 9569928 or 077917 62208 saralouise.turner@btinternet.com

www.putyourfeetfirst.co.uk

Staple Hill Royal British Legion KENDALL ROAD, STAPLE HILL, BRISTOL BS16 4NB all events listed are open to all to come and join in

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Saturday, October 3rd 10am - Table £5 please book

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

Indoor Flea Market

A Team approach to healthcare.

Wednesday October 7th - 10am-2pm

Pay your Legion Subscription and stay for lunch (bar also open)

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games

Friday October 9th - 7pm-10pm

Family Fun Night

Enjoy drink and food while the children have a great disco and fun games - Children £3, Adults £2

l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced

Sunday October 11th

Sunday Lunch

3 course roast dinner for £10 - Please book 1.00pm

Friday October 23rd

Poppy Launch Social Night

Music-50s to 70s with pictures on screen, 8pm, £5

Saturday October 24th

Poppy Launch & Town Criers Competition Fountain Square, Staple Hill from 11am-3pm

Saturday October 31st

Halloween Family Fun Night

Come dressed up - fun for all the family - Twisted Disco & Entertainer 7pm-10pm - Adults £5, Children £3.00 See our website for more details: www.staplehillbritishlegion.co.uk Staple Hill Legion open for tickets Monday & Friday 10.00am to 12.30pm or tel 0117 9560805 07519717372 or visit Sheen Studios, High St Staple Hill (Shop hours)

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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

Contact

0117 957 5388

w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

T: 0779 9461169

International treat for cricket ace Izzy A DOWNEND primary school pupil has taken to the pitch for an International cricket match. Isobel Patel, 10, from St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, was chosen as the mascot for England Women v Australia One Day international at the Bristol County Ground to lead out the

teams. It was all part of the Chance to Shine Scheme by Frenchay Cricket Club. Izzy joined the club three years ago after taking part in an after school club, and played a leading role in both the mixed and girls teams. She recently jointly led Frenchay U11 Girls to the Lady

October, 2015

Taverners County Championship. Her commitment, enthusiasm and skill has seen Izzy moved up to the Frenchay Girls U13 ‘Hardball’ Squad this season, two years early. Izzy said: “It was a great experience, meeting all the England team and some of the Australian squad.”

May Park celebrate the Rugby World Cup CHILDREN from May Park Primary School have been tackling a different kind of subject - rugby. They marked the start of the Rugby World Cup, and the beginning of the new school year, with a day of cross curricular activities based on tag rugby. The donned colourful rugby kits and sported painted faces to get them into the World Cup spirit. The children dressed as rugby players in the colour of the country their class had chosen to support in the tournament. Each of the pupils donated £1 to take part in the special day, with all proceeds going to help Syrian refugees. Year 6 pupils Suado, Zuhayb

and Shazib turned news hounds for the day, interviewing fellow pupils to find out what they liked about the game and what players inspired them. Most answered by saying Jonny Wilkinson when he scored the winning try back in the 2003

Rugby World Cup final. Three lucky pupils also got the chance to interview five faces from the world of rugby. Elias Caven, Joe Joyce, Abbie Parsons, Callum Sheedy and Sian Moore were onhand to answer questions from pupils.

BUILDING SERVICES

AERIALS

DISTRIBUTOR REQUIRED

Can you help distribute

fishpondsvoice

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS Tel: 0117 3771450 Mobile: 07921 543814 Email: info@infinitysouthwest.co.uk

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR

Mike’s Domestics Reconditioned washing machines • Electric cookers • Tumble dryers etc

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical specialist domestic installers

All guaranteed - from £60.00

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.

Repairs to all appliances

For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

Call Mike on

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

07813 532065 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

We have a small round available around Radley Road, Beechwood Road, Brook Road, Fishponds E-Mail Gary at

sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk FUNERAL CELEBRANT

Clare Hayes

Funeral Celebrant

Providing personalised, tailor made funeral ceremonies for your loved ones 14 Mayfield Avenue Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3NL

07551 404214 clarabel14@talktalk.net www.bristolfuneralcelebrant.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

October, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

GARDEN SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

Ben Valentine Garden Services

Services include: Garden Tidy ups • Grass and hedge cutting • Domestic and commercial maintenance • Waste Removal • Fencing • Turfing •Plus more. For a free quote at competitive prices please contact

07513147694 or 0117 9396068 Email bvgardens@outlook.com

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Handyman Services & General Maintenance Happy to accept small jobs. inside and outside. General decorating services, jobs around the house, gardening services

Please contact Ryan on

07936 230440 GRASS CUTTING

ACCOUNTANTS

SJM DECORATING Local Qualified tradesmen Internal / external decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service No hidden extras FREE QUOTES

Call Scott 07515523623 Tel 0117 3824411 PLUMBING & HEATING

£7.50

Tel: 0117 9109 609

HYPNOTHERAPY

Want to

Feel relaxed and free from anxiety and stress Have a good night’s sleep Stop smoking, lose weight Overcome fear of flying, dentists or other phobias Get relief from migraine, irritable bowl syndrome

Hypnotherapy can help For more information and a free initial consultation contact Gerry Monaghan Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

Tel/text: 07719 553 587

www.gerrymonaghanhypnotherapist.com

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

(Accountants and Tax Consultants) www.ruhid-accountancy.co.uk

We offer professional, friendly and reliable Accounting & Taxation Services for Sole Traders, Partnerships, Limited Companies, Charities and Landlords. Fixed fees for all inclusive services that’s tailored to suit you. We guide your business towards success. Please contact us for no obligation quote on:

Tel: 0117 941 5311, Mob: 0772 3372010

EASTON BUSINESS CENTRE FELIX ROAD, BRISTOL BS5 0HE

HOLISTIC THERAPIES

Affordable Holistic Therapies PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS • Gas safe registered • Boiler Service & Repairs • Boiler installations • Landlord gas checks • 2 Hour Appointment Time Slots • OAP Discounts • Gas fire servicing • Hot water cylinders

• All gas appliances installed • Green Deal - Eco free boilers • Oftec registered - Service, repair and install oil boilers. • Service, repair and install LPG appliances.

10% OFF

E-mail: info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk

Your Local Gas, Boiler and Heating Engineers We install, • Boiler Installation Repair & • Central Heating Installation Maintain • Gas Boiler Servicing Boilers all over Bristol • Boiler Repairs • Gas Fires Call Dan on • Safety Certificates 0117 214 0949

Tel: 0117 214 0949 assistplumbingandheating.co.uk

IN FISHPONDS

Massage and bodywork treatments can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, aches and pains, fatigue, insomnia and digestive problems. Chose from a range of therapies to suit your needs – traditional holistic massage with oils, bodywork, 1-1 Yoga, Reiki. All therapies are offered on a sliding scale for payment, from £25 - £45 – you pay what you feel you can afford each time. For more information or to book a treatment please contact Sheena on

Boiler Service when you quote Fishponds Voice

TEL: 0117 939 1389

e-mail: contact@just-lawns.co.uk

www.just-lawns.co.uk

RUHID ACCOUNTANCY

Professional Decorating

PLUMBING & HEATING

GRASS CUTTING SERVICE from only ■ Have your grass cut for you ■ One offs ■ Long term ■ Any lawn ■ Any size

fishpondsvoice

Park House 10 Park Street BS1 5HX

PLUMBING

07854326729

www.yamyoga.co.uk facebook.com/yamyogabristol

or email sheenatutt@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/yamyogabristol

WASTE REMOVAL

Acute Waste

www.acutewaste.co.uk

Professional waste removal, building, garden and general waste removal. Garden and site clearance and tree removal.

Tel: 0117 9574820 Mob: 0797 1078003 acutewaste@gmail.com

ZUMBA CLASSES

LOCAL PLUMBER

• REPAIRS/BURSTS • STOPTAPS • TANKS, TOILETS • TAPS, WASHERS • BALL VALVES • LEAD-PIPES

0117 9564912 **NO VAT** **O.A.P. DISCOUNTS**

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

NEW CLASS

at the Beechwood Club

FIRST CLASS IS FREE

Every Tuesday from 7pm and every Saturday from 10.30 am.

Email bristolzumbies@gmail.com

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

treat yourself to branches dining room furniture this christmas

cornwall painted oak

manhattan contemporary oak

weston rustic oak

nevada light oak