Fishponds Voice Newspaper June 2016 by Fishponds Voice

fishpondsvoice June, 2016 — ISSUE 17

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Dave’s lightbulb moment revealed Dave Williams has been collecting lightbulbs since 1974. He will shed light on his hobby at a Festival of Collecting in Fishponds this month. PAGES 18 & 19

Bristol Starlight cheer squad, based in Frenchay, won a regional trophy Page 33

Make Sunday Special right here

Lights are still at amber … CAMPAIGNERS seeking to keep Stoke Lane open to two-way traffic won a second stay of execution in May. Following the elections, Bristol’s cabinet member for transport Mark Bradshaw ordered that the road be kept

open both ways for further discussion of the impact and alternatives. He ordered contractors working on the MetroBus junction to scrap plans to bring in a ban on northbound traffic from May 23. Discussions were still being

held as Voice went to print but it was looking likely that the one-way scheme would come in for the summer. The hope is that the closure will not now be for anything like as long as the 12 months that had been proposed. Full story: Page 5

A group of local people have successfully bid for funding to bring Bristol’s Make Sunday Special event to our area in September. PAGES 12 & 13

Oldbury Court car park plan A revised plan has been unveiled for a permanent 66-space overflow car park at the popular Oldbury Court Estate. PAGE 39

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dsvoioiccee ﬁshpondsv June, 2016 — ISSUE 17

THE NEW MOON The Best Carvery in Fishponds Only £7.50 780 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL BS16 3TT TEL: 01179 658 077

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Dave’s lightbulb moment revealed

Dave Williams has been collecting lightbulbs since 1974. He will shed light on his hobby at a Festival of Collecting in Fishponds this month. PAGES 18 & 19

Bristol Starlight cheer squad, based in Frenchay, won a regional trophy Page 33

Make Sunday Special right here

Lights are still at amber … CAMPAIGNERS seeking to keep Stoke Lane open to two-way traﬃc won a second stay of execution in May. Following the elections, Bristol’s cabinet member for transport Mark Bradshaw ordered that the road be kept

open both ways for further discussion of the impact and alternatives. He ordered contractors working on the MetroBus junction to scrap plans to bring in a ban on northbound traﬃc from May 23. Discussions were still being

A group of local people have successfully bid for funding to bring Bristol’s Make Sunday Special event to our area in September. PAGES 12 & 13

Oldbury Court car park plan

A revised plan has been unveiled for a permanent 66-space overflow car park at the popular Oldbury Court Estate. PAGE 39

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June, 2016

It’s well worth seeking us out! WHERE can I get a copy? That’s what people regularly call us to ask, as the popularity of Fishponds Voice continues to spread. We hand-deliver more than 7,500 free copies to homes every month and are increasing our circulation but we can’t go everywhere. So if you live outside our delivery area, look out for the paper in local shops, cafes and libraries. We have a website now - www. fishpondsvoice.co.uk – as well as a Facebook page and Twitter feed. Many people contact us through social media to share their news. We are trying to get out and about to meet more of our readers but in the meantime do please get in touch by email: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk. You can even write to us! The address is 6

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.

Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6JT. If you are planning an event, we will be happy to list it free of charge in our What’s On pages. This month’s edition is our biggest yet, at 56 pages, thanks to the support of businesses who recognise the value of truly local advertising. Our news coverage is as broad as ever, proving once again the amazing diversity that makes Fishponds such a great place to live. It’s great that a group has won funding for Make Sunday Special in the Ponds – another event for us all look to forward to – but there’s plenty going on before that! The Festival of Collecting sounds as though it will be a fascinating event. Many schools and charities will be holding fairs, fetes and fun days in the coming weeks – let’s hope for sunshine! And good luck to all those raising money for good causes, especially the family of Conor Hall, who have worked tirelessly for five years to increase awareness of road safety as well as supporting charities.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ fishpondsvoice

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www. wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999

DEADLINES

NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Our July edition deadline is June 29..

Anti social behaviour team

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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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June, 2016

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fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

n NEWS IN BRIEF A UNIQUE Bristol venture called 91 Ways is aiming to raise £20,000 to fund Peace Cafés: ground-breaking popups that unite Bristol’s 91 language communities through the common language of food. To pledge money visit: www. fundsurfer.com/91ways n n n n

n Celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday are in full swing this spring. Children at Gracefield School held a traditional tea party - complete with cakes designed for the occasion by pupils. They also held their own version of a Red Arrows flypast - with paper aeroplanes.

MOTS & REPAIRS

A NEW appointment service for debt advice funded by the Money Advice Service has been launched. The organisation Talking Money is based at Staple Hill Citizens Advice, 96 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HL every Tuesday 1 – 4pm. Drop-in sessions are also available; at Kingswood One Stop shop, Thursday, 9.30am12.30pm and Yate One Stop shop, Thursday, 2-4pm.To find out more visit www. talkingmoney.org.uk , email mail@talkingmoney.org.uk or call 0117 954 3990.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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June, 2016

n NEWS

Heartfelt campaign by Conor’s family IT’S five years this month since Conor Hall died after a scooter accident and his family are still raising money for good causes. Conor, 16, died five days after the crash on Lodge Causeway on June 16, 2011. Although he had been wearing a helmet, it was not clipped up because “it wasn’t cool”, and he suffered a fatal head injury. His relatives have devoted their lives to raising awareness among young people of the need to fasten helmets, whether riding a bike, horse, scooter or skateboard. Their Clip Up for Conor campaign has attracted support from far and wide and the family have also raised an incredible £25,000 for various charities including Brake, Headway and The Children’s Trust. Their latest mission is to fund defibrillators in Fishponds and Downend to help save the lives of people who have sudden cardiac arrests.

They have already raised £3,000 for two of the devices and on June 18 they are undertaking a sponsored bike

ride to bring in more money and buy more defibrillators and locked cabinets. Their hope is that one can

be placed at Chester Park School, which Conor attended, and another at Morrisons supermarket. Above the cabinets would be a sign to say they have been donated by Clip Up for Conor, thus continuing to raise awareness of the helmets campaign. Conor’s sister Kayleigh Hall said: “The defibrillators could offer a lifeline to anyone that ever needs it, so another family could possibly avoid tragic loss. Our aim is to save lives. This would mean a great deal to our family.” The defibrillators would be supported by South Western Ambulance Service. Clip Up for Conor is also selling wrist bands for the campaign. Find out more on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Clipupforconor/ or their fundraising page https://www.gofundme.com/ fhz5sh4g

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June, 2016

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fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

Are we being sacrificed for the greater good? THE battle over Stoke Lane has moved into its third phase this month following two significant victories by local campaigners. They swung into action in April after discovering that the team building Bristol’s £200m MetroBus planned to close the road - a vital link between Frenchay and Bristol’s north fringe - for 12 months. Stoke Lane Action Group SLAG - was quickly formed and managed to achieve a four-week delay for the proposed ban on northbound traffic. As reported in last month’s Fishponds Voice, hundreds of people attended the group’s public meeting, after which the closure was delayed from April 24 to May 22. Following the local elections, and just three days before

the second proposed date, Bristol’s new cabinet member for transport, Mark Bradshaw, ordered a further delay so that more discussions could be held about the impact of making Stoke Lane one way and possible alternatives. The campaigners said MetroBus’s modelling of the proposed effect of stopping traffic going up Stoke Lane was faulty as it failed to take account of the closure of Hambrook Lane - also for MetroBus works - the new housing developments at Highbrook Park, Cheswick Village and Lyde Green, and the move of UWE departments from Fishponds to Frenchay. But MetroBus continues to argue that it needs to shut the road so it can complete work on

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

a retaining wall without risking delays to the MetroBus launch, which is scheduled for autumn 2017. MetroBus, a new bus rapid transport system for the West of England, is aimed at reducing journey times across the city. It is estimated that travelling from UWE to the city centre will take 15 minutes instead of the current 27. It is being delivered by Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council and their contractors. Representatives of all sides met on May 22 to share ideas. Among those at the meeting were Frome Vale ward councillors Nicola Bowden Jones and Lesley Alexander, Lockleaze councillor Gill Kirk, South Gloucestershire transport lead Councillor Ian Boulton, Councillor Bradshaw, council officers and the contractors, and Neil Collard, Fiona Gleed and Amanda Vinall, from SLAG. Further talks were still being held as the Voice went to print but it looks likely that traffic will be restricted to one-way over the summer, when the roads

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

are less busy, and reviewed in September. SLAG will continue to press for two-way with traffic lights in time for the start of the academic year and the return to work. Schools and commuters have already expressed concerns about how long their journeys will take if they cannot use Stoke Lane northbound. Meanwhile, experts are monitoring the traffic lights in the area and have asked motorists not to jump red lights, as this makes them reset and cause longer delays. Talks are also continuing about bus routes and diversions, as the original plans risked isolating people in Stapleton and Frenchay. Mrs Vinall said: “ This oneway will have a detrimental effect on the wider Bristol network, but we believe that Stapleton and Frenchay residents, including the elderly and infirm, are being sacrificed for the long term ‘greater good’. Proper working traffic lights could avoid all of this.”

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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n ELECTION

June, 2016

Craig lands a leading role in new Mayor’s cabinet HILLFIELDS councillor Craig Cheney has been given a leading role in the new Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees’s cabinet. Councillor Cheney, who was re-elected as a Labour member for the ward in May, has been named as cabinet cember for finance, governance and performance. Mr Rees was voted into the top role in the Mayoral elections, defeating the independent George Ferguson, who became Bristol’s first Mayor in 2012. In his inauguration address Mr Rees outlined his focus on tackling deprivation and inequality in Bristol, addressing the city’s housing shortage and working collaboratively between city partners. The mayor chose to share the stage with invited guests including performance poet Miles Chambers, Deborah Evans from the West of England Academic Health

Science Network, police Bristol Area Commander Chief Superintendent Jon Reilly and University of the West of England Vice-Chancellor Steve West. In a day of change for Bristol City Council, 70 city councillors were also sworn in to office for their four-year terms. Labour now controls the council chamber with a total of 37 seats, while the Conservatives have 14, the Green Party 11 and Liberal Democrats eight. Five of the six seats in Greater Fishponds went to Labour, with long-serving Conservative Lesley Alexander being re-elected as one of the representatives for Frome Vale ward. In spite of his party’s majority, Mr Rees named three councillors from other parties as cabinet members: Claire Hiscott (Conservative), education and skills; Fi Hance (Green) city, health and wellbeing and Clare

Campion-Smith (Lib Dem) people. The Mayor said: “This is a strong Cabinet who will be empowered to get on with the job and deliver the goods for the people of Bristol. I’m pleased to be standing by my word in creating a cross-party Cabinet and working across political boundaries in the interest of

Bristol and its people. “Together we will form a strong team which gets things done for this city. Our top priority will be tackling inequality in all its forms, particularly in how we deliver new homes, address Bristol’s poverty gap and ensure that the city’s success can benefit everybody.”

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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

June, 2016

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n ELECTION

fishpondsvoice

A message from Hillfields councillors Craig Cheney and Anna Keen FIRST of all we would both like to thank all those that voted for us and gave us the opportunity to represent Hillfields. We learnt so much about some of the great things that already happen in this area and it was great to talk to and get to know so many people in the community throughout the election campaign. There is so much potential in Hillfields and Fishponds in general that as local residents we are keen to make sure that potential is maximised for the benefit of all of us. Our priorities over the next four years will be: * Representing all of the community - from young people through youth groups and community groups like Hillfields Community Trust; to improving provisions for elderly people in the area, especially those who are or feel isolated, working in partnership with initiatives like Bristol Ageing Better. * We will work on creating a

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cleaner community - we will run campaigns against fly-tipping, dog mess, general litter and work to improve our green spaces as we have been doing at Coombe Brook nature reserve. * We will work with local groups and local people commemorating the 100 year anniversary of Hillfields. * We will continue to support the fight to keep Hillfields youth centre/community hub open and fit for purpose and run in the interests of the local community.

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* We will hold regular surgeries, sessions where you can come and talk to us across the ward, in the library, near schools, in pubs and cafes, in parks and out & about. * We will work to ensure the services we rely on remain fit for service. * We will continue to work with local schools to improve parking and speeding around schools during drop off and pick up times. Should you have any problems or issues with which we can help please contact us at any time on cllr.Craig.Cheney@ Bristol.gov.uk or cllr.Anna. Keen@Bristol.gov.uk Interested in getting involved in any of the above? More details on Hillfields Community Trust can be found athttp://www. hillfields.org. More details on the Friends of Coombe Brook can be found at http://www. FriendsOfCoombeBrookValley. weebly.com.

* We will be the voice of Hillfields in City Hall making sure your concerns are heard, and working closely with our MP Kerry McCarthy we will ensure Hillfields voice is heard nationally. * We will work with the Mayor to deliver his key manifesto pledges such as building more homes, protecting the vulnerable, fighting for community facilities, making Bristol cleaner and greener and getting Bristol moving.

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June, 2016

n ELECTION

Hello Frome Vale from Nicola Bowden-Jones DURING my election campaign I called on over 2000 households in Frome Vale, and met so many lovely people. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me and for the support I have had since being elected as one of your Councillors. Since being elected, I have wasted no time in gaining the support of Mayor Marvin Rees and Councillor Mark Bradshaw to delay and review the closure of the North carriageway on Stoke Lane. I am working with the excellent Stapleton and Begbrook Community Centre to improve the sports facilities they offer and you should notice these soon. My key interests for the ward are for improvements which support family life, whether this is housing, transport, medical services, groups you might want to set up, or improving education. In February I

Thank you from Lesley Alexander

helped set up the ‘Friends of Fishponds Park’, and we are really getting going with our improvement for the park. We will be contacting local groups for their ideas about the park so that everyone has a chance to contribute. Once we have finished this I will be looking at other parks and open spaces in our area to improve. I will make sure any concerns you have raised with me are dealt with. If you wish to contact me there are a number of ways you can do so, my email is: cllr.nicola.bowdenjones@bristol.gov.uk, or you can call me on 07584480590. I will be arranging drop in surgeries for you to come and visit me if you have any ideas for improving the area or concerns about our community or the services you are receiving from the council.

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THANK you for voting for me again and I am privileged to serve you all for another four years. It was apparent during the campaign that the following issues were of importance to local people and I will continue to campaign for them. The cleanliness and condition of the roads Scrap the 20mph on main routes End the banned left turn into Hockeys Lane Supportive of a new M junction 18A Want a rejuvenated Fishponds Park Against a one-way system for Stoke Lane for 12 months I also want older people to have a happy and fulfilled retirement in the company of others and they may wish to join the Begbrook Retirement Club. There is a varied programme of events and I have obtained

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some funding for transport for house bound people. There are also monthly tea parties for housebound people and both hostesses and drivers are needed for this. Please ring me if you are interested in helping or if you are housebound and would like to attend. Stoke Lane is a problem and the latest is that the traffic lights are now re-installed but the oneway system is not expected to be put into place until late July when Hambrook Lane should be re-opened and the school holidays have started. Its future will depend on the outcome of reassessed traffic statistics which the Councils are undertaking but other options are being considered. My contact details are tel. 0117 9651935 or cllr. lesley.alexander@bristol.gov.uk .

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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June, 2016

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n ELECTION

To the community of Eastville ward: from Mhairi Threlfall and Mahmadur Khan THANK you very much for supporting myself and Councillor Mahmadur Khan, and for giving both of us the opportunity to represent you over the next four years as your councillors for Eastville. As well as day to day casework and representing our community at a city wide level, we have been actively involved over the past few years in a number of community campaigns. We pledge to continue to support these campaigns and work to deliver resolutions. We pledge to continue to: 1. Work with community groups to tackle flytipping, littering and improve street cleaning, whilst increasing recycling and reuse options 2. Work with the Highways England to get noise barriers installed along the M32, and with Litterarti and other organisations

in improving the currently empty space under it 3. Work with Fishponds Planning in the production of a Neighbourhood Plan to promote positive local development, and continue to oppose damaging ones 4. Work with the new areas in our ward, seeking out opportunities for community development

Sue returns as ASPCC

5. Tackle dangerous or inappropriate traffic schemes (such as Hockey’s Lane and East Park), and promote positive schemes that will enable our residents to move around safely 6. Work with Friends of Eastville park to deliver new facilities and access to our park 7. To deliver a new pool for East Bristol

SUE Mountstevens has been reelected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. The Independent candidate triumphed over her closest challenger, Labour’s Kerry Barker, in the final count last month. The turn-out for the vote was 26.64%, which was over five percentage points higher than in the first PCC elections in 2012 . Ms Mountstevens said: “Thank you to the residents of Avon and Somerset who once again chose me as your Police and Crime Commissioner, we will keep politics out of policing for another four years. “I will continue to be independent, honest and transparent and fulfil the role without fear or favour – and that’s my promise.” Ms Mountstevens, 60, is married with three children and lives in North Somerset.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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June, 2016

n NEWS

Poor parking blocks drive of disabled man AN EASTVILLE school has renewed its plea for traffic calming measures after it emerged parents have been blocking the entrance to the home of a severely disabled man. Marlon Thomas was left needing round-the-clock care after he was beaten up by a gang of fairground workers at Durdhams Downs in 1984. Since 1997 Marlon, who was 18 at the time of the attack, has been cared for at a house near May Park Primary School. But parents dropping off and picking up their children have blocked the driveway to the house which means in a medical emergency, paramedics could be delayed in treating Marlon. The school was made aware of the situation when they received a letter from the Justice for Marlon Thomas Campaign. Staff at the school say they are upset to hear about the latest turn of events, especially as they

have been urging Bristol City Council for the past year to take action before a child is seriously injured or killed. As reported in last month’s Fishponds Voice, staff at the school have made repeated contact with the authority suggesting measures which they feel would help the problem including introducing a one-way system and a pelican crossing, extending zig-zag lines and raising the speed table outside the school, which they say is too low to be effective. The letter from the campaign group to headteacher Paul Bull said parents are either blocking or parking on the drive of Marlon’s home on a daily basis. It said: “Things have escalated from frequent polite reminders to frequent arguments as some of the parents responsible are either repeat offenders or very disrespectful when asked to move, and have proven that

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they do not care, even when it is explained to them the importance of keeping our driveway free.” The letter went on to say there have been occasions when Marlon has had to go out for, or return from, therapy sessions and the drive has been blocked by parents. It also said in a medical emergency paramedics could be obstructed or delayed in getting to Marlon which could have serious consequences.

Narrow After receiving the letter, Mr Bull has visited Marlon’s family to explain he too is exasperated by the situation and outlined what the school has been trying to do to get the council to take action. The main problem is the width of Coombe Road, which is too narrow for two vehicles to pass safely, resulting in severe congestion and frayed tempers. However the situation has been made worse because the school has expanded to help accommodate the shortage of primary school places in Bristol. Deputy headteacher Stuart Albery said a copy of the letter has been included in the school’s latest newsletter so all parents would now be aware of Marlon’s situation. He has organised a meeting at the school on June 15 and invited members of the campaign group, neighbours, parents and council representatives. Mr Albery said: “We want to get as many people together to discuss the situation and the

way forward. We are also open to suggestions about what can be done. “The family of Marlon are at their wits’ ends. It’s really serious and is upsetting and embarrassing. Our parents are not only parking there, they’re being rude. We are 100 per cent behind Marlon’s family.” The council pointed the school in the direction of Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership however each neighbour partnership can only implement one traffic scheme per year and a scheme has already been allocated for this year. Mr Albery said: “We are really frustrated as everywhere we go we seem to get to a dead end. Nothing has changed. I’m worried for our pupils, for our neighbours and for Marlon and his family. It really is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.” Unless action is taken soon, problems could escalate as the school is due to accommodate an additional 60 pupils in September with a further 90 extra pupils the following year. This would bring pupil numbers up to just over 800, the size of many secondary schools.

Hope There is a glimmer of hope, however, as re-elected Eastville councillor Mhairi Threlfall has called upon assistant mayor Mark Bradshaw to look at the issue. Cllr Threlfall witnessed the problems first hand whilst she was canvassing by the school for the mayoral elections.

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She said: “We have had issues related to parents parking in front of drives or on drives of a number of residents. I think it is important now, that we all come together on this, and work towards a sensible traffic scheme, that protects all children using or crossing the road, that protects residents from undue stress and that protects individuals like Marlon Thomas from a blocked driveway that could have a number of implications. “I have explained the situation to Mark Bradshaw and asked if there is anything we can do about it even if it is just traffic mitigation methods which would prevent an accident from happening.” A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of local concerns regarding traffic outside May Park Primary School. Since its expansion and as part of its planning approval, Bristol City Council has installed a raised speed table to reduce speeds and provide safer crossing points, enforceable School Keep Clear markings and double yellow lines to deter inappropriate parking. “The council has limited

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resources available to deal with road safety and we have to prioritise as effectively as we can. We focus on where incidents occur that result in injuries to pedestrians, cyclists or vehicle users and where we can make changes that are likely to improve conditions. There has been only one slight injury from road traffic collisions in the last three years in this area which could be attributed to school movements, compared to higher occurrences at other locations around the city.

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Safety “Bristol’s neighbourhood partnerships can help improve the safety and feel of roads in their area and are given money every year from the city council to fund traffic schemes. The Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership can consider measures in this area once the current scheme for 2016/17 nears completion. “In the meantime, we will continue to work with the school on practical road safety education activities, including speed awareness and pedestrian training.”

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Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

Tackle that itchy skin THIS time of year we see an increase of the itchy cases. Most pets will have an episode of itchy skin at some point in their lives, but what is it that sets that back foot pedalling? Signs of itchiness are typically scratching, but you will often see redness, swelling and sores on the skin. Brown saliva staining can be seen, particularly in dogs. Itchiness can be caused by a variety of triggers. Flea infestations and allergies are probably the most common seen but other causes include bacterial, yeast or fungal infection, and other parasites such as mites or lice. Sometimes it’s something as simple as over-bathing. Always use a pet shampoo as animal have a different skin pH to us, so human shampoo can irritate them. Using a good quality flea and tick treatment can help rule out parasitic infestations. Skin scrapes and swabs may identify bacterial, yeasts or a fungal infection and special medicated shampoos can be prescribed. Allergies can be to the environment, such as pollens and grasses, or to food components such as certain meats or cereals. Allergies can often be diagnosed by a blood test or a food trial which

June, 2016

n NEWS

D SA V

E IC

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involves using a special diet, under veterinary supervision. Management may be dietary or with allergy ‘vaccinations’. Allergies are often worse at this time of year, which is why June 6-12th has been designated Pet Allergy Week. If your pet is showing signs of itchy skins, please seek veterinary advice. Here at Kingswood Vets4Pets we can talk to you finding the cause, and treatment options. Itchiness can unfortunately be quite distressing for both pet and owner, so feel free to call us on 0117 9616417 so we can help to make your pet more comfortable.

Make Sunday Special is coming to Fishponds! SCHOOLCHILDREN are being asked to bring their artistic skills to the table and design a logo for a Make Sunday Special event in Fishponds. Funding has been secured for a community event on September 11 celebrating the diversity of the area. It will be based in and around Fishponds Park and Manor Road from 12-6pm and will include a farmers-style market, music, dance, performance, children’s activities and much more. Although more details will be released in the near future, organisers - a small group of local people who were successful in applying for funding from the city council - are calling on pupils in schools in the area to come up with a design for a logo. There are two categories: Children up to 11 years old are being asked to design a logo which must include the word ‘Fishponds’ Those who are 11 years and over are being asked to design a poster for the event which must include the words ‘Make Sunday Special in Fishponds’ and the date, time and location of the event The closing date for entries

is Friday June 17 and winners will be announced on Sunday June 19. Winner of the first category will receive a meal for two adults and two children courtesy of La Piazza 1. The prize for the second category is yet to be confirmed. Each entry must include the child’s name, address, age and school. The designs can be emailed to logoMSSIF@hotmail.com or posted or delivered to 26 Lodore Road, Fishponds, BS16 2DH. Entries can be in any medium. For further information, email logoMSSIF@hotmail.com. The event aims to utilise Fishponds Park and close Manor Road from the junction with Fishponds Road, near Porto Lounge, up to the junction with College Road, just past the zebra crossing by the surgery. There will be a stage at the park which will feature various performances such as singing, dancing and acting. Various food and beverage stalls and arts and crafts from local producers will be available. Market stalls will set up along the closed road and there will be a chalk race track for go-cart/ soap box races.

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MAKE Sunday Special was launched by former Bristol mayor George Ferguson in June 2013 as a way of opening up streets to people and the novel initiative has made headlines across the world. It will return this summer with a programme of events and activities as well as a series of markets taking place in the Old City, all of which aim to bring people together to celebrate Bristol’s distinct heritage and unique spirit. This year Make Sunday Special will extend further into communities, with local groups holding their own events across the city. Groups were able to apply for a maximum of £3,000 with the aim of holding one event per neighbourhood partnership area. The first city event takes place on Sunday June 12 from 11am4.30pm at Bristol’s Old City which includes the areas Corn Street, Small Street, Clare Street, St Stephen’s Street and the Glass Arcade. Visitors are being encouraged to jump on their bikes, scooters

or skateboards and enjoy a traffic-free environment in the Old City. Make Sunday Special has teamed up with two other events taking place in the city on the same day - the Festival of Nature at the Harbourside and Celebrating Sanctuary at Queen Square, where refugee music, arts and information will be on offer. It is hoped visitors will enjoy these two events before heading to the Old City for food, entertainment, live bands and activities, including a children’s area run by charity the Baby Bank Network. Further Make Sundays Special dates in the city are July 24 and September 18. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I am pleased to see Make Sunday Special back this year with a new, fresh focus. “Bristol has a great programme of cultural events, but we need to ensure that they are all fully inclusive and open to everyone in the city.“It is great to see that this first event of the year is linking up with Celebrating

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Sanctuary to highlight the important role refugees play in our society.” The city council is looking for performers, producers, musicians

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and street food vendors to come on board and get involved. Contact makesundayspecial@ gmail.com for more information.

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June, 2016

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n NEWS

Life sentence for Melanie murderer A FISHPONDS man who sexually assaulted and stabbed a girl to death 32 years ago has been given a life sentence. Christopher Hampton, 64, pleaded guilty to the murder of Bath teenager Melanie Road at Bristol Crown Court. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years. At the hearing, Judge Andrew Popplewell said Hampton committed a “sexually motivated and brutal attack” on Melanie, resulting in her family being forced to suffer the agony of losing her in horrific circumstances for the past 32 years. He said this agony was compounded by the fact the killer had not been found. Melanie, who was 17, was stabbed to death following a night out with friends in Bath on June 8, 1984. Her body was found in St Stephen’s Court, Lansdown, by a milkman and his

n Christopher Hampton son the following morning. Samples secured at the time were preserved and as forensic science evolved so did the development of the DNA profile. Following mass swabbing, another DNA cycle was conducted in 2015. This identified a familial match – someone on the national

database who was closely related to the person whose profile it was. Resulting enquiries led to the arrest and charge of Christopher Hampton. Judge Popplewell commended the 700 police officers and staff involved in the investigation over the years and praised the leadership of senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Julie Mackay. He added the work of crime investigator Gary Mason had been the “backbone of the case”. DCI MacKay has been working on the case since 2009 – the 25th anniversary of Melanie’s murder. She said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to Melanie’s family who have been searching for the truth since 1984. “They’ve conducted themselves with the utmost dignity and composure. Their faith in us to find the person who

n Melanie Road murdered Melanie has certainly given us the extra drive to keep going. “The key to solving this case has been a combination of traditional police enquiries, advances in forensic science and the tenacity of a small group of officers and police staff. “They have been supported

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by the wider constabulary and our forensic providers, originally the Forensic Science Service and latterly Cellmark. “Although Hampton has now admitted to murdering Melanie, he has spent more than 30 years living a lie, able to conceal his dark secret from all those around him. “The breakthrough for us in

this case was a re-run of familial DNA profiling in 2015. “This process matches DNA recovered from Melanie’s clothing with DNA profiles on the national database and this can indicate whether there’s the possibility of a match with that person, their parents, siblings or children. “Aside from the devastating

impact this has had on Melanie’s friends and family, the after effects of this case have been felt by many in the Bath community. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them and everyone who has assisted in our investigation since the mid1980s. “Without the hard work of the police officers in 1984 and the

support of the public from then until today, the progress we have achieved would not have been possible. “I hope this case sends out a strong message that it doesn’t matter how long ago an offence took place, we will never give up on trying to find those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Investigation timeline

The tragic events of June 8 and 9, 1984 ON Friday June 8, 1984 Melanie went out for the evening with her boyfriend and other friends to Beau Nash, a local nightclub in Kingston Parade. Melanie left that venue at 1.30am on Saturday June 9, and was last seen alive by her friends a short time later in Broad Street. She decided to walk home alone, a journey that should have taken between 15 and 20 minutes. Melanie’s body was discovered at 5.30am that morning by a milkman and his son, close to a block of garages in St Stephen’s Court, Lansdown, a short distance from her home.

•June 9 1984: Melanie’s body found on St Stephens Court, Lansdown •1984-1989: Five year media campaign continued to appeal for information regarding her murder •1995: A DNA review was conducted •2000: New review was conducted looking at familial DNA matches and profiles •2009: On the 25th anniversary, a renewed media appeal was issued and featured on BBC Crimewatch •2012: Case was handed over to the Brunel Major Crime Team. They carried out a DNA swabbing process to eliminate suspects •2015: The familial DNA testing was re-run and a match was found. Christopher Hampton was arrested and charged with Melanie’s murder

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Grounded - the perfect alfresco dining experience

ITH the arrival of some warmer weather and the promise of a sunny summer ahead, our attention turns to the alfresco spaces of our local hotspots. Grounded, situated in the bustling heart of Fishponds Road, boasts a lovely outside space at the rear, complete with a raised decking area and climbing frame. The café bar is known for its welcoming atmosphere and wide range of food. The staff are accommodating and friendly, and address many of the customers by

name. By day, you’ll find an array of freshly made lunch specials on offer, alongside their signature all-day breakfasts. In the evening, Grounded serves authentic stonebaked pizzas, and an impressive range of small plates, burgers and salads. The Summer menu is perfect for a spot of alfresco dining, with many of the dishes designed for the warmer months. Highlights include the caramelised goats’ cheese and roasted sweet potato salad, and the pan-fried sea bass with new potatoes, green beans and chilli and ginger butter. The drinks offers include wine that had been chosen to compliment the menu, alongside locally brewed craft beer and cider. Kids are also well catered for at Grounded.

After working up an appetite on the climbing frame, there are lots of freshly made dishes to choose from. Particular favourites include the homemade lasagne, and the Pepperoni Kenobi pizza. Barbeques and other outside events are scheduled for the summer months at Grounded, alongside the regular acoustic music nights. The open mic nights are proving popular - local musicians from Fishponds and the surrounding area are given the chance to strut their stuff, with the possibility of gaining a regular slot at one of the monthly music nights. So, if you want somewhere with an outside space that works for the whole family, and a range of food that will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters, then Grounded is the ideal choice. To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at your local Grounded, follow Grounded -Fishponds on Facebook, and @ Cafe_ Grounded on Twitter.

www.cafegrounded.co.uk Grounded Fishponds, 747-749 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3UP 0117 9656 555

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n NEWS STUDENTS at Bristol Metropolitan Academy are benefiting from the school’s strong partnership with the law firm DAC Beachcroft. Year 11 students have been working with mentors from the firm in preparation for their exams and Year 10 students have been working with six volunteers as part of a new Lawyers in Schools initiative. The school and the volunteers took part in the national Give and Gain Day, the UK’s only national day of employee volunteering. Tim Holmes, advice and guidance leader at the academy in Fishponds, said: “We would like to thank staff from DAC Beachcroft for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and work with our students. The positive impact it is having on our students is immeasurable. Helping our students make informed decisions about their next steps is something we take very seriously here at Bristol Met and this project is one of many academy initiatives of this type.”

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Link with lawyers proves the case for supporting students

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n FEATURE

June, 2016

Even the Queen knows about my light bulbs, says collector Dave MOST young males in the 1970s spent their spare time playing with Action Man, riding their Chopper bikes or playing Subbuteo. Not Fishponds’ Dave Williams. From the age of ten he had better fish to fry, for Dave was busy amassing his collection of light bulbs. Incredibly, 42 years later, he is still a huge collector of the delicate objects, which he describes as “fascinating”. His interest was stirred after reading about a collection in the 1974 edition of the Blue Peter annual. Bit by bit, he built his collection up and now owns at least 1,500 different bulbs. Even the Queen has heard about Dave’s remarkable collection.

Downing Street or the White House, he did, however, receive a box of bulbs all the way from Sydney Opera House in Australia. “They took the time to make a small collection of bulbs and sent them over to me. People all round the world know I’m mad now!” Among the more unusual items is one of the spare lamps from the famous Eddystone Lighthouse, off the coast of Devon. It also happens to be his most expensive purchase at £40. Dave, an undertaker by day and pyrotechnician by night, also has World War II bulbs and gunsight bulbs from Hurricane and Lancaster bombers.

n Dave with his collection of light bulbs, some of which have come from the Sydney Opera House in Australia

“It was my 50th birthday two years ago and I had an idea to see

if I could get 50 light bulbs with some sort of provenance,” Dave said. “So I wrote to lots of famous people and places and explained what I did and asked if they could possibly send a light bulb to me. I wrote to places like 10 Downing Street, the White House and Buckingham Palace. “I had a letter back from Buckingham Palace saying the Queen was very interested to hear about my collection. The letter explained that as the palace gets lots of requests for items they couldn’t actually send me a light bulb but they wished me well with the collection.” Whilst 52-year-old Dave didn’t get anything from

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n FEATURE “The smallest bulb I have is one from a wrist watch and the biggest one is either the lighthouse bulb or one of the big sodium street light bulbs. There’s also the most powerful one, which is about five kilowatts. There’s various different ways you can look at their levels of unusualness.” Most of the bulbs have been given to Dave but it’s not unheard of for him to accost the odd workman he sees replacing bulbs. “They don’t all necessarily work,” he says. “Many of them have been discarded because they no longer work.” So what is it about light bulbs that Dave finds so fascinating? “They’re works of art. When you actually look at the different shapes of the bulbs, the different filament shapes and the gas discharge ones with different internal parts, they’re just fascinating things to look at. People automatically think of a domestic light bulb and don’t realise that there are tens of thousands of different shapes, sizes and styles for every possible application.” Dave finds it increasingly difficult to get hold of original bulbs. “There’s a huge resurgence

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n This collection of Mr Men memorabilia belongs to Dave’s wife Elisa now in the antique-style bulb and so many places have bulbs that look like the ones from the early 1900s as they’re great for recreating that olde worlde feel in pubs and restaurants. It makes it difficult to find old light bulbs. If you go to eBay and search ‘antique light bulbs’ you’ll get pages and pages of reproduction ones!” Dave says it’s difficult to put a value on his collection.

“I have about 500 projector lamps included in the collection and they can sell for anything from £15 to £30 each so collectively they’re worth a lot of money. As with anything which has a hint of being old or collectable, the prices are going up and up. “I’ve never actually counted them but I must have collected about 1,500. In one wooden drawer unit alone, there are 157

bulbs.” By now, you’re probably wondering if Dave has a wife and, if so, how she puts up with vast swathes of cupboard space being taken over by light bulbs. For the record Dave is happily married to Elisa, who herself is no stranger to the collecting bug. “She has quite a substantial collection of Mr Men,” Dave says. “If you can’t beat them, join them!”

Festival of Collecting in Fishponds marks royal birthday YOU can meet Dave and see some of the light bulbs from his collection at a special event he has organised to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday. The Festival of Collecting takes place at All Saints community hall, Grove Road, Fishponds on June 11 and will feature a diverse mix of collections. Previous events have included metal detector finds, tea towels, Scouting badges, Mr Men, Thomas the Tank Engine, rocks and minerals, tickets, model trains, cameras, old newspapers, Wedgwood miniatures and ornamental Hippos. The event has been arranged in response to a call from the Bristol Diocese to see churches around Bristol hosting events to celebrate Her Majesty’s landmark birthday. The idea isn’t entirely new as Dave usually helps organise

a Celebration of Collecting in May as a member of Fishponds Activate, a community group whose calendar of events includes Fishponds Horticultural Show and St George in the Park. Dave said: “We felt this would be a good event to hold in support of the birthday celebrations and we were able to change our normal date. All Saints is a great venue for this as we intend to follow the exhibition with a bring and share afternoon tea party in the grounds.” Dave is hoping his enthusiasm for collecting will rub off on some of the younger visitors to the festival. He said: “The idea is to try to engage young people into collecting stuff and make them realise it doesn’t have to be something which costs them lots of money. The ideal things to collect are the things most people would throw away. As no-

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

one’s making the effort to keep anything, in 20 years’ time you’ll never see them and that’s where collectors come in. “Collecting is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. I hope that others may be inspired to take up

the hobby if they come along and see what is on display.” The event will run from 12-3pm. Anyone wishing to exhibit a collection, can contact Dave on 0117 958 4164 or via pyronaught2000@yahoo.co.uk

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T: 0779 9461169

June, 2016

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

No more spit and sawdust - new Moon is a family pub MYSELF and partner Emma took over the lease at The New Moon in March. We had heard about the reputation that came with the pub and we knew we had our work cut out. Between us we have seven children and some of them live at the pub with us so it is very important that we made the pub a safe friendly environment in which to raise our family. We said from day one that if we would not invite a person into our front room then they would not be welcome in our pub. We immediately set about making changes. Firstly we politely asked anyone involved with drugs to find somewhere else to drink. This was our first positive step on the way to turning this wonderful pub into somewhere the whole community could come and feel safe and welcome. The pub itself is beautifully decorated and has a trendy feel to it. We introduced a brand new grill menu that we serve daily and also a carvery on a Sunday. This has bought in a whole new customer base.

The introduction karaoke on Thursday nights brings out all kinds of talent. We have bands every Saturday night and bank holidays. Every day we get new people through our doors and they are all pleasantly surprised with what they find. This is no longer a spit and sawdust pub where people go for a fight. Come and see for yourself. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Emma was talking with a

customer in our first week in the pub and he asked what was our vision for the place. She replied that she wants the pub to be somewhere you could bring your wife and children or your mum for a meal or a drink and feel completely comfortable. We said we would stop the bad language that was bandied around the bar as this is not acceptable in a family environment. The customer replied that this will never happen: “This is

the Full Moon in Fishponds and it will never change,” he said. Emma replied that it is The New Moon now and it will happen. There is no tolerance for uncouth and undignified behaviour in here and one by one people will be asked to leave if they cannot behave. Now, two months on, the very same customer brings his wife and children in on a regular basis and has congratulated us on the massive change in the pub. He is now more than happy to bring his family in. Emma and I are both really enjoying our time here and we look forward to many happy years here. Emma has a son in the army so we support Help the Heroes charity and we fundraise at the pub. We will looking to lay on barbecues in the summer months and fun days involving the whole community. We are also looking to raise funds for a defibrillator to put the outside the pub. We often raise money for causes miles from home but we can also make a difference on our own doorstep. Paul Heyward

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June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

Can you help me make a better city? AS I settle in to my first few weeks as Bristol Mayor I am reminded constantly how important it is to harness the energy, ideas and distinctiveness of our communities to create a Bristol in which every person has equal opportunities and can thrive and prosper. Local people know best what they need from their council and Mayor. I believe in a style of leadership that is broader and wiser than the city council alone and want to encourage a more consensual and collaborative relationship with the city. My focus is on what’s best for Bristol and its communities. So I will be asking you, as individuals and communities, to work with me in deciding how we deal with major challenges. Bristol is a great city but it is far from perfect. I believe we can all play a role in

The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice

making it a city in which children get the best possible start in life; where economic background is not a factor in education and work opportunities, where we break the link between wealth and health and do development in a way that reduces inequality and makes the city more not less affordable. That’s why I will set up a City Office in which I hope you will all play a full part. It’s here

that your expertise and priorities can come together to deliver the city we all want and need. It’s here we will ensure that all the major elements that make up civil society will not just be consulted, they will be empowered to lead. This is the only way we will be able to exploit the opportunities and tackle the challenges of building homes the city desperately needs; making our urban spaces cleaner, greener and congestion free; tackling inequality; rolling back the child poverty that blights so many young lives and create decently paid jobs and meaningful careers for our young people. Yes, these are big themes and challenges and different parts of the city each have concerns that are unique to them. Realistically there is often no quick fix. However, I believe solutions often lie in creative, collaborative thinking from the people who face these challenges. We don’t need a ‘one size fits all’ city, but a city that works for everyone and can give them the life and opportunities they want and deserve. Give me your thoughts and ideas about what works for your neighbourhood and community. Help me build a better Bristol. mayor@bristol.gov.uk

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

E BE H T

June, 2016

E recently ran a road safety operation to educate drivers about the dangers of ignoring the no left turn sign at the junction from Fishponds Road and Hockey’s Lane near Morrisons. If drivers ignore the instruction not to turn left they will drive directly into the path of a pedestrian crossing, which understandably is an issue the community is very concerned about.

fishpondsvoice

No second chances at Hockey’s Lane turn During the course of two hours we spotted six people ignoring the no left turn sign, all of whom were spoken to. Primarily we want to educate people about the dangers of their actions, but if problems persist then drivers will not be given a second chance and we will prosecute them. We now plan to run this road operation at least once a month. I have already had community feedback about other problem

road areas and if you are concerned about a particular road, where drivers are routinely flouting the signals, then please do let us know so we can look into it. Summer brings warmer days and lighter evenings but unfortunately it can also bring a spike in anti-social behaviour (ASB). We recently worked with Bristol City Council to obtain an injunction against a man who has been causing problems at Ledbury Road

flats in Hillfields. The 21 year-old man from Emersons Green is now forbidden from entering any area of the flats, using or supplying drugs there, or intimidating or threatening anybody who lives there. The injunction lasts for a year and will hopefully bring local residents some respite from the ASB problems he has been causing. All this goes to show that we do act on the information you give us, so please do contact us via 101 or on the force website (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ contact-us) if you are experiencing ASB problems. The warmer weather also means we are more likely to have windows and doors open, which can make things easier for thieves. Please remember to shut and lock them when you are away from the house. It’s also worth doing this when you are in another part of the house or even in the garden, as more than a third of burglaries in the force area are opportunistic, where a thief gains access through an open window or unlocked door when the householder is out, in the garden or in another part of the house. Enjoy the sunshine but please do help yourself to stay safe. Sergeant Anthony Westwell

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June, 2016

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

AST month, the government announced what new laws it intends to introduce in the coming Parliament in the Queen’s Speech. Among other things, there were announcements on the government’s schools academisation scheme, counterterrorism measures, relaxations of planning regulations, and the introduction of a sugar tax, which I wrote about in a previous Fishponds Voice column. The government, pandering to the eurosceptics in its ranks, intends to move forward with the scrapping of the Human Rights Act, which I will strongly oppose. I am proud of our country’s history of civil liberties. It was British legal experts which helped to write the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) which underpins the Human Rights Act, protecting important rights like freedom of speech, belief and privacy. Leaving the ECHR would make

Britain one of only two countries in the whole of Europe not a member – the other being Belarus. I would cautiously welcome plans to reform prisons, though this cannot work without addressing prison overcrowding and understaffing. Too many people with mental health problems end up in our prison system, and any efforts to address this would have my full support. Plans to give metro mayors the powers to take control of bus services in their area are also interesting, and will no doubt feed into the devolution debate happening in the West of England at the moment. Overall though, what was most notable about this Queen’s Speech was what was missing. I know that many people in Fishponds, and across east Bristol, are deeply concerned about the housing crisis, which was practically ignored in the Queen’s Speech.

The housing crisis has led to soaring rents – with Bristol tying with Brighton for the steepest rent increases in the last year – and new buyers finding it almost impossible to get on the housing ladder. There are thousands of people in our city looking for social housing too. Housing is the number one priority for our new mayor, Marvin Rees, and I have already met with the new assistant mayor for Homes, Councillor Paul Smith, to outline the specific needs, and potential for development, in East Bristol. All the new laws announced in the Queen’s Speech will be debated and voted on in Parliament in the coming year. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that these are properly scrutinised, trying to limit any negative impact on my constituents, while pushing for action on the issues which truly matter to people in east Bristol.

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

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T: 0779 9461169

June, 2016

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA

Friday June 3

n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at door.

Saturday June 4

n 999 Community Fun Day, Barton Fields, Duncombe Lane, 12noon-4pm. Attractions include takes place this year on Saturday 4th June. Attractions include fun dog show, face painting, stalls, play workers, emergency vehicles, fairground rides, tag rugby and barbecue. Free entry.

Sunday June 5

n Street party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, The Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 2-4pm.Tickets available from the Legion and from Sheen Studios, Staple Hill.

Sunday June 5

n Find out more about growing apple trees, Fishponds Community Orchard will be open as part of the ‘Get Growing Trail’, Thingwall Park allotment site, 12-5pm. Refreshments and produce available. More information via iblessitt@hotmail.com.

Tuesday June 7

n Coach outing to Salisbury. Opportunity to visit Cathedral, and much else (own arrangements). Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn – Depart 9am. Return at Barn about 5.30pm. Ticket £16 plus £4 for non Barn members (Ticket covers coach only). Purchase in advance at Barn Office – 0117 9562367.

Friday June 10

Booking essential. Call 965 0156.

Thursday June 23

n Coach outing to The Cotswolds with Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Coffee stop at Fairford, break covering lunch and tea times at Cirencester. Depart 9.30am, leave Cirencester 4pm. Return to barn 5.30pm. Tickets £15 plus £4 for non-barn members. Purchase in advance at Barn Office, 0117 956 2367.

Saturday June 25

n Community fun day and sponsored head shave in aid of charity Jessie May, All Saints Church, Grove Road, Fishponds, 3-7pm with headshave around 5.30pm. Band, children’s games, raffle, magician, children’s talent show and dance troop.

Saturday June 25

n Breakfast, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road, 10noon. Come and enjoy just cake and a cuppa, an egg roll or a full breakfast. An opportunity to ask for prayer if there’s a need. Come along and bring a friend.

Saturday June 25

n The enchanted witch fayre and ball, all day, Cleve Rugby Club, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield. A fayre for witches pagans and muggles. Stalls, readers, therapists, music, bar, fancy dress for children with prizes, story tellers, face painting and more. Followed by The Enchanted Witch Ball in the evening. Call 0786 4744018 for details/tickets or see http:// theenchantedwitchfayre.com

n Drop-in lunchtime concert hosted by Activate Fishponds, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds, featuring The Bristol Veterans Band, 1-2pm. Tea/coffee available. Free entrance. Retiring collection. Contact 0117 965 4521.

Sunday June 26

n For Queen and Countryside Fun Day, Grimsbury Farm, Kingswood, BS15 9SE, 11am-4pm. Free admission. Donkey rides, bouncy castles, BBQ, meerkats, alpacas, falcons, live music, Punch and Judy, stalls, Disney’s Belle plus much more. Regret no dogs. www.fogf. co.uk.

n Coach outing to Weymouth with Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Depart 8.30am, leave 4pm for return at barn 6.30pm. Tickets £17.50 plus £4 for non-barn members. Purchase in advance at Barn Office, 0117 956 2367.

Saturday June 11

Saturday June 18

n Coffee morning to raise money for Christian Aid, Argyle Morley URC, Whitefield Road, St George, 10am-12noon.

Sunday June 19

n Wildflower & Plants Walk. Leisurely two-hour walk through beautiful Snuff Mills led by botanist Rupert Higgins. Meet at the mill at 3pm. Sponsored by Snuff Mills Action Group. All are welcome. £2.

n Car boot sale, May Park Primary School, Coombe Road, Eastville, gates open 9am. Entrance 50p per adult, no unaccompanied children. Set up time 8.30am. Cars £7, vans £10. To book a space call 0117 903 0075.

Wednesday July 6

Wednesday July 20

n Coach outing to Cardiff with optional visit Cardiff Castle with Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Depart 9am, return to barn 5.30pm. Tickets £14, £11 (senior citizen Castle and House), plus £4 for non-barn members. Purchase in advance at Barn Office, 0117 956 2367.

REGULAR EVENTS IN THE FISHPONDS AREA

Mondays

n Holistic Massage, St Ambrose

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Beehive Centre 9am n Tiny Tots, All Saints Community Hall 10:30am n Bereavement and Well-being support, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Computer Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ping Pong (Table Tennis) for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Messy Church , St John’s Church 3pm n Prayers, St John’s Church 6:30pm n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. 9.30-10.30am Improve your Ballroom dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel no. 0117 965 0203 for details. n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. 7/7.30pm, n Zumba keep fit. Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.3010.30am. Contact Sally 0771 2776 753 n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 5pm. Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n U3A social history members only. Seconds Monday member’s only , Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. 11am-12.30pm n Ballroom tuition Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. 2-5pm. Call Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds, 6.30-9pm. Call Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level.

Tuesdays

n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Email: bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place n Morning Prayer, St John’s Church 9:15am n Fishponds Play Café, All Saints Community Hall 9:30am n Foot Care Sessions, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 9:30am n Coffee and Craft Morning, St John’s Church 10am n Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers, All Saints Community Hall 10am n Level 1 Walking Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Music for Toddlers, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 10:30am n Lunch Club, St Ambrose Beehive

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 Centre 12:30pm n Film Club for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Pre-school Storytime/ Rhymetime, Fishponds Library 2.15-2.45pm n Eucharist with signing for the Deaf, Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL 3pm n Messy Church, Fishponds CofE Academy 3:15pm n Woodcraft , All Saints Church Hall/Link 6pm n Evening Prayer, St Aidan’s Church 7pm n Evening Prayer, St Ambrose Church 7pm n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, first Tuesday of the month 2pm. The programme changes monthly but includes coffee afternoons and outings. For details call Barbara Davies on 0117 9653557. n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild, Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds , second Tuesday of the month 7.15pm. Call 0779 9108 890 Scouts (10-14 years), Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. 7.309pm (Term Time only) Email: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 7-8pm n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30am n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 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 0779 9180 437 n Badminton, Downend Sports Centre 8 -10pm. Call 0117 9400706. Email: ridgewaydownend@yahoo.

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

co.uk n ‘Friends and Neighbours’, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, 2 - 4pm alternate Tuesdays. A friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea.

Wednesdays

n Fishponds Play Café, All Saints Community Hall 9:30am n Songs for Little People, The Kingfisher Café 9.45pm £4 per little person, siblings £2. n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Coffee Morning, St Ambrose Church 10:30am n Tai Chi, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 11am n Level 3 Walking Group, starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1pm n Arts and Crafts, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 1:30pm n Punjabi Dance and Song, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Support and Activity Group, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Chair based exercise class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Ladies Circle, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2:30pm n Wives Group, St John’s Church 2:30pm n Messy Church, Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George 3:30pm n Home Group, Location varies 6:30pm n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am-noon. All mediums, all abilities. n Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 10-11am n Hannah More Club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm (fortnightly) n Reading group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2 -3.30pm 4 weekly. Email: gwenczek@yahoo. co.uk n Keep Fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 7-8 pm n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club,

Office: 12 Chewton Close Fishponds Bristol BS16 3SR

fishpondsvoice

Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-8pm. Contact Eric 0791 4006 589 n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm. Contact Beryl 0117 9774534. n Cycle CCTV, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 8-10pm. Winter months only n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild, Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. Second Wednesday of the month (except August) 7.15pm. Different speaker each month plus handicrafts and walking group. Call 0779 9108 890 n Living after Loss, St Mary’s Parish Rooms, back entrance of church 11am-noon. An informal bereavement group. Please note this group is fortnightly. Call Lizzy on 0117 9650856. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9-11am. Call Eric 0791 4006589 n Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 n Keep Fit class, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 7-8pm. Call Beryl 0117 9774534 n Flower Arranging practice classes, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road 7.30 p.m, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May. All levels welcome. Call Isabel Cooke on 0117 9568504 n Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 2-3.30pm third Wednesday of every month. Call Margaret 0117 9028007.

Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Ballroom Dance Class, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Fit Steps, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Dance, Latin Rhythm, and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club 2-3pm. Call Cressida 0780 8587 39 n Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library 2-4 pm (fortnightly) n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n The Senior Citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 3.30-5pm. Call 0782 5155 954. Email: Spencer@sportingchange.biz n Sequence Dance class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7.30-9.30pm. Call John 0145 4261 498 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 Fun Fitness Thursdays 2-3pm. Variety dance and fitness class including Zumba Gold, Line dance, Salsa etc! Suitable over 50’s or those looking for fun & easy class.

£4 or £20 for 6. ffi Tel Cressida 0117 9391672 or 0780 8581 739 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 no. 0117 330 9549 / 0780 8581 739 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA, evening. The club is actively seeking new members to share fun, fellowship and community service. Full details on website - Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year. Call Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Cressida dance keep fit and Zumba gold, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 2-3pm. Tel no. 0780 8581 739 n Sequence dance class, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 7.30-9.30pm. Call John 0145 4261 498 n East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. All welcome. Further

Continued on next page

Thursdays

n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am. Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 n Fishponds Play Café, All Saints Community Hall 9.30am n Coffee and Craft Morning , St Aidan’s Church 10am n Free Beginners Computer Classes, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10am n Eucharist, St John’s Church 10am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am n Parent and Toddler Group, St

MOT testing for Cars Light Vans & Motorcycles

Tel: 0117 904 2890 Mobile: 07703 347726

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Email: fixit00@msn.com

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For all your private and commercial scaffolding needs, for a free no obligation quote please contact us.

WHY CHOOSE US? Local Family Run Business • 30 Years Experience • CITB Trained • Fully Insured • Reliable and Professional

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

50 CASSELL ROAD BS16 5DE Tel 0117 9565618 Find us on

Very long established with a modern approach www.downendautos.co.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

T: 0779 9461169

June, 2016

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA information from Hazel Durn on 0117 9513868 or Tony Locke on 07919 173450.

Fridays

n Greeting cards sold in aid of St Peter’s Hospice, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, morning. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hall 9:30am n Line Dancing, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am n Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library 11.30amnoon n Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 12pm n The First Friday Film Club - All Saints Church Hall, 2pm n Taekwondo, St John’s Church Hall 5:30pm n Silent Meditation, St Mary’s Parish Rooms 6pm n Grove Road Youth Club, All Saints Community Hall 7pm n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds

9am. Good company and a chat over coffee. Call 0117 9561231. n High density Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds 6.157.15pm. Call Anna 0779 9180 437 n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 9.30-10.30pm n Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.3010.30am. Call Sally 0771 2776 753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am-1pm. Contact Ruth 0796 6032 414 n Alzheimer’s meetings Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm (2nd Friday in each month). Tel no. 0117 9756 441 n Fishponds History society Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-9 pm ( 1st Friday monthly). Contact John 0117 965 8110 n Coffee Morning, Speedwell Methodist Church, 10am-noon. Open to all. Friendly and caring. Lunch once a month.

Saturdays

n Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm, 2nd

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 Bowls

every Tuesday 2.00pm to 4.00pm All ages and ability’s welcome. We are a social group who are happy to help beginners as well as welcome seasoned players.

Celebrating the Queens Birthday

Sunday June 5th - Free event for all 2.00pm to 4.00pm Sunday June 5th Tickets from Sheens or the Legion Free sandwich and cake. Bar and cafe open to purchase other items

Family Fun Night

Our monthly disco for all the family. Theme this month Queens Birthday. Adults £3.50 Children £2.50 (under 3rs free) Friday June 10th 7.00pm to 12pm Bar and refreshments available.

Visit our stall at the Mangotsfield Village Festival Cleve Rugby Club, Mangotsfield. (Limited parking ) Saturday June 11th from 12.00pm

Royal Race Night Come and have a flutter watch your horse on a big screen Saturday 18th June 8.00pm

We are raising our Armed Forces Flag at our headquarters on Monday 20th June with a short ceremony followed by a lunch. Please be there it starts at 12.00

Remembering the Somme

July 11 a free afternoon at our headquarters 2.00pm to 4.00pm Entertainment and remembernce Please get a ticket from Sheens in the High St or the Legion or telephone 0117 9560805 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

Saturday, 2 monthly, September

Sundays

n Morning Worship and children’s group, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. 10.30am Friendly, informal and lively. n Eucharist, All Saints Church 8am n Eucharist, St Mary’s Church 10am with Giggle Sunday Club in Parish Rooms n Eucharist, St Ambrose Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Michael’s Church 10am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St Aidan’s Church 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, St John’s 10:30am n Eucharist or Lay-Led Service, All Saints Church 10.30am n All Sorts Youth Group, St Aidan’s Church hall 6pm(fortnightly) n Evensong , St Mary’s Church 6:30pm n Worship, Staple Hill Methodist Church 10.30am and 6pm. 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. Call 0117 9575221

n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - 10.30am. Friendly, welcoming church with people from a range of backgrounds, nationalities and ages. Children and youth provision for all ages. 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, BS16 3TR 9.30am-1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm For bookings and other inquiries about Beechwood Club, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. email: tk007h9736@ blueyonder.co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. Call Stella 0117 9586168.

Open Farm Sunday at Elm Tree Farm ELM Tree Farm in Stapleton is opening its gates for Open Farm Sunday on June 5. This is a national annual event which provides the public with the opportunity to visit a working farm. Elm Tree Farm is one of Bristol’s hidden treasures and provides support for people with learning disabilities. The event will give residents the chance to visit the new farm shop and enjoy a barbecue, music, plants and crafts sale, family games, children’s crafts and a petting area.

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes. Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

Deanery Dash brings in cash for choristers CHORISTERS from Frenchay Parish Church came up with a novel way to raise funds for new choir robes. They staged a Deanery Dash in which they sang a humn in each of the 32 churches in the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery in one day. The marathon began at 8am in Stapleton and finished in the evening in Frenchay, having taken in 60 miles and a lot of verses. The sponsored event has already brought in more than £1,000 for the choir, which has 25 adult members and nearly 20 junior choristers. The children’s choir was established in 2011 and has grown rapidly. Andrew Morgan, from the church, said: “The adult choir has

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DAD

been in existence since the late 19th century, and some of the robes appear to be equally old!” The aim is to replace the adult choir robes with new ones to match the juniors’ outfits. You can sponsore them via BTMyDonate at: https:// mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ deanerydash30 or by texting DASH30£10 to 70070. The attached pictures show the route taken. Can you work out which church is which?

THE STAR

539 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3AF Tel. 01179 9654297 “OLD WORLD TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY BAR” (IRISH FREE HOUSE)

What’s on in June

BOOKING ADVISABLE As well as our Special Father’s Day lunch we offer great food everyday of the week Open From 9am Daily Serving Traditional English Breakfasts With A Free House Tea Or House Coffee Hot food served until 4pm New Vegetarian Breakfast Available Come And Try Our Delicious Homecooked Lunches - Specials Everyday Afternoon Cream Teas & Homemade Cakes

Fri 3rd. 9pm. The Terraplanes (acoustic blues)

New Range Of Natural Drinks Including Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

Sat 4th. 8.30pm. Flamenco Loco (Spanish classical guitar & flamenco dancing)

More Vegetarian Options Including Sunday Roasts

Sat 11th. 8.30pm. The Dunbars (acoustic blues/rock) Thurs 16th 8.30pm. Traditional Irish music session (16 musicians at the last session) Fri 17th 8pm. Vintage Vinyl Night (Hosted by Kim & Cillian, great and some rare vinyls) Thurs 23rd. 8pm. Magic Tim’s Music Quiz. Fri 24th 8pm. Indi/Alternative Night (Hosted by Piston Paul Davis The Welch Romeo & DJ Timski) Sat 25th 8.30pm. Ben Harrison (Front bar acoustic session) Thurs 30th 8.30pm. Bring Your Own Vinyl Night (Hosted by Cillian) A chance to dust down your vinyl and play your favourite tracks on the Star’s sound system. Sun 12th & 26th from 3pm. The Garden Open Mic Sessions (Outdoors weather permitting, indoors otherwise) Every Tues 8pm. Fun Skittle Nights (Social skittle nights for all including novices, come along and have a go)

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

To celebrate Father’s Day this year why not give the Acorn Cafe a visit

THE

acorn cafe

RESTAURANT

The Acorn Café at Westerleigh Hill Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QZ

Telephone 0117 9109464

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

T: 0779 9461169

June, 2016

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

VER the last decade, we’ve seen an explosion in the use of smartphones, tablets, e-book readers and mobile devices. People on average use four separate handheld devices for work, education, socializing or leisure in a variety of postures (for example sitting, standing or lying), switching frequently from one to another. It’s created a new multiscreening behaviour. Our eyes can get tired from the effort of using several screens over long periods of time. More than 6 in 10 adults spend five or more hours on digital devices each day*. Since digital media is composed of tiny pixels and can often produce a pixilated image, the eyes have to work double-time to process the image. All that extra effort can lead to digital eyestrain. Common symptoms include headaches, tired, burning or stinging eyes, neck or back pain and difficulty focusing after extended periods of time. Digital eyestrain is particularly linked to the mid to very close-range distances at which people view the screens of digital devices. Increased use of these digital devices has also amplified our exposure to the blue light emitted by LED screens. Most of blue light emission is beneficial to human health, but part of this light spectrum can also be dangerous for eye health, posing a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration More than 90% of 20-65 year olds use digital devices every day. These handheld devices can be used anywhere from standing on a bus, sitting on a couch or lying in bed, and thus significantly change the way our eyes interact. Essilor’s R&D team set out to study this behavioural shift. A protocol was created to analyse usage of three types of device: smartphone, tablet computer and ebook reader in seven types of task from searching for weather forecast, reading an email to playing a video game and or watching a video. At Essilor‘s Motion and Vision Science Lab in Paris, infrared cameras were set up to observe the posture of people performing these tasks in three positions: standing, sitting and reclining. Testers aged between 24 and 51 were equipped with retroreflective markers enabling Essilor researchers to record postural data including distance to the device, eye declination and head declination. This analysis of postural data discovered a new zone of ultra-near vision. While a natural distance for reading on paper is usually 40cm, on smartphones this distance shrinks to an average of 33cm, and sometimes up to 23cm. Researchers also noted a significant difference in the angle of eye declination in reading on a smartphone compared to traditional media such as newspapers, which was even more marked standing up

How long do you spend on digital devices? versus sitting down.. Digital devices and usages are increasing the demands on our eyes. Closer and variable reading distances, smaller and more pixelated characters and longer exposure to screen glare are causing tired eyes and potentially exposing our eyes to the longer-term consequences of harmful blue-violet light. As many as three out of four people feel that they suffer from

visual fatigue. Eyezen is a new range of lenses designed for a connected life. It draws on extensive Essilor research, and includes two important technologies. The first: Eyezen Focus lens technology brings extra power optimized according to wearers’ profiles in the bottom part of the lens to support the eye’s effort in focusing at ultra-near distances that are typical of handheld devices. The

second is Light Scan, a unique light filtering technology drawn from Essilor’s landmark Crizal Prevencia innovation, which protects eyes from the harmful blue-violet light emitted by digital screens. Eyezen lenses represents the latest in Essilor technological innovation – both relaxing eyes from digital eyestrain and contribute to protecting visual health over the long-term.

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Ey ez en ™ F o cus t echn ol ogy SUPPORT S E Y E FOC US E FFORT

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

Calling all carers we’re here to help

Eye Blog . . .

with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians

Computers and visual health

A FISHPONDS-based charity is encouraging people to get in touch as part of Carers Week which runs from June 6-12. The Carers Support Centre is based at the Vassall Centre in Gill Avenue, Fishponds and helps people who look after a friend or family member. They are hoping to reach out to people who may be struggling to cope in a caring role. A spokesperson from the centre said: “A carer is someone who provides support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. All the care they give is unpaid. “Anyone can become a carer. Many feel they are doing what anyone else would in the same situation; looking after their mother, son, or best friend and just getting on with it. “Caring can have a big impact on your life, and this is only likely to increase as time goes by. Even if you are managing now, don’t put off asking for help. Find out what support is available now, don’t wait until your situation reaches a crisis point.” The Carers Support Centre can help with benefits and financial advice as well as give support in gaining access to services and information about breaks and training. They can also give you information about the Carers Emergency Card, a free service that can provide up to 72 hours of emergency support to the person being cared for in the event of the carer having an accident or emergency. To find out more visit www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk or ring 0117 965 2200.

Adele’s community event supports Jessie May charity A FUN community event to support the charity Jessie May takes place in Fishponds later this month. The event will include a band, raffle, children’s games, magician, children’s talent show and dance troop. But the main highlight will be a sponsored headshave. Mum Adele Hamilton will have her brunette locks shorn as a thank you after the charity looked after her daughter Shannon who died last year at the age of 18. Shannon had Rett’s Syndrome which meant she suffered from severe epilepsy as well as motor, physical and mental disabilities. Adele, 42, said the charity had been amazing and she wanted to raise money so other families could benefit from the charity’s support. “Jessie May are absolutely brilliant. I don’t know what I would have done without them,” she said. The event takes place in the grounds of All Saints Church, Fishponds on Saturday June 25 and will run from 3-7pm. The main event - Adele’s headshave - will take place at around 5.30pm. The raffle boasts some impressive prizes including a child’s one-hour driving lesson at Cribbs Causeway, a boiler service and vouchers for Fishponds’ Kingfisher Cafe. Entry is free but visitors will be asked for donations on the gate. If you can’t make it, you can still donate to Jessie May by visiting Adele’s Just Giving page, www.justgiving.com/adele-hamilton2

Digital devices and usages are increasing the demands on our eyes. Closer and variable reading distances, smaller and more pixelated characters and longer exposure to screen glare are causing tired eyes and potentially exposing our eyes to the longer-term consequences of harmful blue-violet light. As many as three out of four people feel that they suffer from visual fatigue. These problems can range from physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors, to minor annoyances like eye twitching and red eyes. Here are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of computer eye strain and other common symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS): 1. Get an eye examination Having a routine comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems. Computer users should have an eye exam before they start working on a computer and then every two years. During your exam, make sure you tell your optometrist how often you use a computer at work and at home. Measure how far your eyes are from your screen when you sit at your computer, and bring this measurement to your exam so your optometrist can test your eyes at that specific working distance. 2. Minimize glare Glare on walls and finished surfaces, as well as reflections on your computer screen also can cause computer eye strain. Consider installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor and, if possible, paint bright white walls a darker colour with a matte finish. If you wear glasses, purchase lenses with anti-reflective (AR) coating. AR coating reduces glare by minimizing the amount of light reflecting off the front and back surfaces of your lenses. 3. Blink more often. Blinking is very important when working at a computer; blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation. When working at a computer, people blink less frequently — about one-third as often as they normally do — and many blinks performed during computer work are only partial lid closures, according to studies. Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and this can cause dry eyes. Also, the air in many office environments is dry, which can increase how quickly your tears evaporate, placing you at

Check us out online at:

www.fishpondsvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

greater risk for dry eye problems. If you experience dry eye symptoms, ask your optometrist about artificial tears for use during the day. To reduce your risk of dry eyes during computer use, try this exercise: Every 20 minutes, blink 10 times by closing your eyes as if falling asleep (very slowly). This will help re-wet your eyes. 4. Take frequent breaks To reduce your risk for computer vision syndrome and neck, back and shoulder pain, take frequent breaks during your computer work day. With our constant exposure to digital devices, not only young adults, but children and older folks, too, are experiencing symptoms like eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and pain in the neck, shoulder and back .More than 30 percent of adults 60 and older have used digital devices for two or more hours per day for more than 15 years. And nearly nine of 10 young adults use two or more devices at a time. During your computer breaks, stand up, move about and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders to reduce tension and muscle fatigue. 5. Consider computer eyewear For the greatest comfort at your computer, you might benefit from a new product called Eyezen. This is designed for adults who specially use digital devices – whether you have a glasses prescription or not. Eyezen is a new range of lenses designed for a connected life. It draws on extensive Essilor research, and includes two important technologies. The first: Eyezen Focus lens technology brings extra power optimized according to wearers’ profiles in the bottom part of the lens to support the eye’s effort in focusing at ultra-near distances that are typical of handheld devices. The second is Light Scan, a unique light filtering technology drawn from Essilor’s landmark Crizal Prevencia innovation, which protects eyes from the harmful blue-violet light emitted by digital screens. Eyezen lenses represents the latest in Essilor technological innovation – both relaxing eyes from digital eyestrain and contribute to protecting visual health over the long-term. At Marian Blake Opticians we can supply you with Eyezen lenses in partnership with Essilor. If you feel you need to speak with me about purchasing an Eyezen lens or just need advice about eyestrain please get in touch with me 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 two small children in Staple Hill’.

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

T: 0779 9461169

June, 2016

TER T E

Returns to Bristol Hippodrome for the first time in 15 years

Duty to children of Fishponds RE the letter from Keith Barr (May Fishponds Voice) in support of McDonald’s: I signed the petition. I live in Fishponds. In fact, I live right behind the former tiles site. I agree with you that the site looks like an untidy scrap yard and is in need of redevelopment. However, McDonald’s is not the answer. I previously lived next to a McDonalds franchise and they were a menace to the community. A huge lorry would arrive at 5.30am every morning, block the road and noisily resupply the franchise. The smell of the cooking oil was vile and the food waste that always accompanies McDonalds would attract vermin and noisy seagulls, which took to nesting close to site. The gulls would often pick out the litter from the bins, leaving an untidy mess. There were also several occasions when cooking fats blocked the drains, causing horrendous smells and disruption to the local residents. Beyond McDonald’s being a terrible neighbour, they pay their staff poorly and have often been

in court for failing to pay their staff for the hours worked. The environmental damage caused by intensive cattle farming, single-use packaging and goods transport to supply McDonald’s is nothing short of catastrophic. Then there’s the issue of the proposed drive-through, which means idling car fumes next to family back gardens. Air pollution is a global killer, causing the early deaths of 40,000 people per year in the UK alone, and there is a lot of traffic on Fishponds high street as it is. The twice daily gridlock outside the former tiles site is testament to that. Finally, a study by the British Medical Journal in March 2014 revealed that people were nearly twice as likely to be obese if they live or work in close proximity to a takeaway. There are already a lot of takeaways along Fishponds high street but none of them directly market to children like McDonald’s. Given there are schools nearby, we have a duty to the children of Fishponds to ensure they are not constantly tempted to make unhealthy choices by a McDonald’s on their way to and from school. I’m all for tidying up Fishponds and redeveloping the site for the benefit of the community, but not with a diabolical corporation like McDonald’s. Let’s back sustainable development that supports local businesses and residents, which keeps the money in Bristol. For more information about fast food chains like McDonald’s, see the link below. www.ethicalconsumer.org/ buyersguides/food/fastfoodchains. aspx Sarah West Fishponds

New cafe at Vassall Centre Wednesday – Saturday

29 June – 2 July

0844 871 3012

www.atgtickets.com/bristol Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge Booking charges apply

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

A CAFE has opened in the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, run by members of the Brandon Trust. Vassall’s Cafe enables people with learning disabilities and autism to gain work experience, not just in catering but learning wider transferable employment skills such as teamwork, customer service, time management, money handling and retail skills.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

June, 2016

n NEWS

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

Huge interest in shared ownership houses COMPETITION was intense for four new shared ownership homes on the former St Matthias College site in Fishponds. Housing association Merlin had 26 applications to buy the properties - nearly seven per home - and all were snapped up within seven days. The properties are being built in partnership with Barratt Homes as part of a larger development of more than 200 houses. Merlin’s sales & home ownership officer Samantha Dore said: “There is huge demand for shared ownership homes at the moment. People are finding that they cannot afford to buy a home outright and so shared ownership offers them an opportunity to own part of a home. “These homes in Fishponds are still being built, but should

be ready for the lucky four applicants to move into in July.” Of the 65 homes Merlin are building on the site of the former college, 15 will be for shared ownership. The next home on the site will be available later

this autumn. Merlin, which owns or manages more than 8,200 homes, mostly in South Gloucestershire but also in Bristol and B&NES, is planning to start work on 350 new homes this year.

Cheer squad takes title

A CHEERLEADING squad based in Frenchay and Bromley Heath are celebrating two recent successes. Bristol Starlight entered two of their teams into the inaugural Gloucester Cheer Competition and jumped for joy when the under 7s scooped first prize. During the same event, the under nines won the trophy for highest score in the entire competition – top out of all 27 teams throughout the South West that took part. The squad, for children aged three to nine, was set up in 2010 by Deb Denny and her daughter Ally after the pair qualified as UK Cheerleading Association coaches. Deb will run an introduction to cheerleading workshop for four to seven year olds in August. Call her on 0117 957 0009 or email starjumpersgymclub@ gmail.com.

M32 project lands £10,000 Tesco grant A PROJECT to regenerate the area under the M32 at Eastville has won a £10,000 grant from Tesco. The money comes from the proceeds of the 5p plastic bag charge introduced on large retailers last year under the store chain’s Bags of Help scheme. Appropriately, it has gone to LitterARTI, which comes up with creative schemes to educate people about waste and litter issues. The organisation intends to work with the skateboarders who use the underpass to encourage

them to become “guardians” of the space and to make the environment even better. “We would like to provide them with bins, better lighting, and further exposure and support to help this place to develop,” a spokesman said. LitterARTI’s plans also include working with Bristol City Council to tackle fly tipping in BS5 and to clear litter on the concrete banks of the river Frome. Its aim, 50 years after the M32 was built, is to highlight Eastville as a gateway to the city.

The closure of the motorway for a weekend for MetroBus works offers an opportunity for the project, known as M32 SPOT. It is holding an event on June 11, which will involve banner making, litter picking and exploring ideas about what could be done to improve the space. Ideas already put forward include planters, murals, benches and bike racks. Activities are taking place

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To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

T: 0779 9461169

June, 2016

n NEWS

Day nursery improves its Ofsted rating MAMA Bear’s Day Nursery in Soundwell has improved its Ofsted rating to Good, which means it can now offer free places for eligible two-year-olds. The latest inspection report praises nursery staff for confidently assessing children’s abilities, needs, interests and future learning using information from regular observations of children as they play. Emma Plucknett, manager of the nursery inPembroke Road, said: “We are delighted to have achieved a Good Ofsted rating in our latest inspection. We have worked really hard to develop the nursery over the past year both in terms of the setting itself and in our teaching practises. For example we have used extra funding to help children make better progress in their mathematical development. “I was really pleased to see that the inspector noted

the children as motivated and enjoying their time at nursery and that the leadership and management are good. We are committed to finding the very best childcare practitioners so to be named ‘highly motivated, caring and enthusiastic’ is great. “At Mama Bear’s we pride ourselves on offering outstanding care and tailoring that care to each individual child’s needs. It is so lovely to see each child develop during their time with us before they go off to school. “We currently have spaces in our Baby Room and we’d love new families to join us as a result of our new rating.” The nursery, which is a purpose-built setting with an impressive custom garden, is divided into three age groups – a Baby Room for under twos, a Bouncy Room for two to three year olds and a Pre-school for three to five year olds. Eligible

children would be entitled to 12 hours of free childcare per week. Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a Bristol-based family-run childcare organisation, which

was established in 2002 with the aim of making high-quality, affordable childcare available to families living, working or studying in the South West.

Capital Air Travel

Care home nursing

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June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

n NEWS

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Why silent comedy will always make Tony smile A FAN of silent comedy has battled several life-threatening illnesses - but it seems nothing will keep him away from his favourite festival celebrating the golden age. Granddad Tony White, 79, who was left with left side paralysis after having a stroke, has battled cancer twice, pneumonia and been in a coma for nearly a month. But he has only missed the Slapstick Festival once since it started 12 years ago – when he was rushed to hospital with heart failure. Tony, from Esson Road, Kingswood, attends with his wife of 55 years Sheleagh, who claims it has given him a new lease of life. Tony, who has met the likes of Laurel and Hardy, Frank Sinatra and Marlene Dietrich, said: “I am lucky to be here. I may be unwell, but it’s not going to stop me living the good life. The Slapstick Festival has definitely brought more interest and joy into my life. “I was brought up in the war years, when going to the theatre or cinema was a big source of entertainment. The Slapstick Festival, with its live orchestra, brings back the old memories. “I love comedy and could even go to a funeral and laugh. There’s something about physical humour which really makes me giggle.” Tony, who has had kidney and throat cancer and was put in an induced coma after he contracted pneumonia, missed the 10th

Est 1984

anniversary celebratory show when he suffered heart failure. He said: “It was midday and I was breathless and dizzy. I was rushed to Southmead. I was really sad to miss it, but it was very much unavoidable. But I am lucky to be here.” Tony even has his own honorary seat at the Colston Hall – the first seat on the aisle – in recognition of his dedication. The festival, held in midJanuary, includes around 20 events over four days and Tony and Sheleagh always attend the annual Gala. Sheleagh said: “I think the Slapstick Festival has given Tony a new lease of life. We both laugh out and have a great time.” Tony has been a friend of the festival founder, Chris Daniels, for nearly 30 years. Chris had cared for Tony’s late son, Richard, who was blind and had learning disabilities after catching meningitis as a child. Sadly, Richard died aged 29, from tuberculosis. Tony encouraged Chris to set up the Slapstick Festival and to this day Chris seeks his guidance. Tony said: “Chris has put Bristol on the comedy map. I think it’s as important as the Balloon Festival. I’ve seen it grow over the years – from not being able to half fill the auditorium to sell out success.” A fundraiser event, Stand-up for Slapstick, boasts an array of comedians and takes place on Sunday June 12. For more information visit www.slapstick. org.uk/

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n NEWS

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

THE FATE of Kingswood Civic Centre will be decided at a council meeting later this month. South Gloucestershire Council has asked the public for their thoughts on closing the civic centre, despite the fact it was only refurbished in 2011 at a cost of £6m. The consultation, which has now closed, has provoked 150 responses which be looked at ahead of the council’s Policy and Resources Committee on June 27 where a decision is expected to be made. One of the options put forward is to sell off the civic centre and move the 200 plus staff to council offices in Badminton Road, Yate. Another option is for the council to keep part of the building and rent other parts out. The centre costs the council around £600,000 a year to run. It is in need of new windows which would cost £250,000. The consultation outlined the Conservative administration’s preferred option which is to: •Consolidate and rationalise office accommodation at Badminton Road, building an extension for a flexible council chamber and meeting rooms, and to •Extend and remodel the existing Kingswood library to form a community hub including the One Stop Shop and other council and potentially partner services, and to •Dispose of the Kingswood Civic Centre, investigating options for commercial use to create employment opportunities in the area. The consultation document says that this combination “maintains a civic presence and delivers strong annual

fishpondsvoice

Kingswood Civic Centre fate to be decided this month

n Cllr Pat Rooney says the move would be a further downgrading of Kingswood

in 2014, aims to deliver £36m of savings by 2019/20 on top of the £43m which has been saved so far. Conservatives say more than £400,000 a year could be saved by closing the civic centre. The proposals have however provoked fury from Labour councillors who set up a petition to fight the “short-sighted” plans. They presented a 1,675 name petition back in February with Labour’s leader on the council Pat Rooney saying the closure of the centre would signal a further downgrading of Kingswood following the recent closure of Soundwell College and the withdrawal of the promise of a Minor Injury Unit at Cossham Hospital. She said the site on the outskirts of Yate has limited

parking and is poorly served by buses from most parts of South Gloucestershire. Council leader, Matthew Riddle, said: “I would like to thank the public, staff and other stakeholders including the trade unions, who have taken the time to respond to this process. The council’s priority is to protect frontline services wherever possible and the options presented so far show that we can do that, while at the same time saving money on building costs and bills, etc. “Any options that include changes to the way we deliver services or that impact on our staff will mean further conversations about how we manage that, but we are committed to serving the people of Kingswood and to our staff.”

cost savings whilst offering good flexibility to meet future accommodation requirements”. All options involve maintaining a presence in Kingswood to deliver local frontline services including library services and the One Stop Shop. It is likely that any changes would take up to two to three years to implement. The council is under increasing pressure to cut budgets in order to make huge savings. The Council Savings Programme (CSP), which began

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June, 2016

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June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

n NEWS

Revised plans for Oldbury Court car park REVISED plans for a permanent overflow car park at Oldbury Court have been unveiled. The new proposals come a year after the city council’s parks department withdrew its original scheme following protests from people living near the popular leisure destination in Fishponds. Now the council has come up with plans that it says have been welcomed by neighbours as using the best possible site in the park and having the least impact on the beautiful environment. The permanent 66-space overflow car park will be a type of hard standing which allows grass to grow through the stone material. Currently, an area of grass is being used for overflow parking on busy days, but this often becomes muddy and the council wants a better solution. Until 2014, people using the children’s play area and park at peak times were able to part at UWE’s St Matthias Campus

nearby but this is now being developed for housing, making it necessary to create more spaces within the park to ease the pressure on roads nearby. “The proposal for a permanent overflow car park facility within the estate is a direct response to calls from residents, users and councillors to improve visitor experience and alleviate parking congestion,” the council report says. The council is inviting comments on its planning website – reference number 16/02301/FB before a decision to go ahead is taken. Dog walker Kathleen Kigwana wants to see the park preserved. “This is supposed to be a green city so everything should be done to preserve its green spaces. The area proposed is next to a beautiful wooded place full of wildlife. The increased activity of a new car park would interfere with its present tranquility and beauty. When Oldbury Court

was designed our ancestors had the foresight to plan for us. Note the 300 year old trees. Please keep this a green space for future generations,” she said. David Mock, writing on the Fishponds Voice Facebook page, said that while the overflow car park was necessary, it might not solve the problem of visitors parking in Oldbury Court Road and adjoining streets.

“My suggestion is a sign somewhere near the top of Oldbury Court Road and Vassalls Road saying ‘Park Car Park Full’, ‘ No Parking Available Between Here and the Park’ or ‘On sunny summer days you may already have passed the last parking space to the park!’. Just might make some people avoid a long frustrating round trip and park a little further away,” he said.

Swift action could help save endangered birds PEOPLE in Fishponds are being urged to take action this month to help save endangered birds. Swifts fly to Britain from Africa every year and nest here in early June, staying for just three months before flying back, but their numbers in Bristol have been declining over the last 25 years. Mark Glanville, of Bristol Swifts, says: “Unless we do something to help them we could lose them forever. One of the main reasons is the loss of suitable nesting sites. The Bristol Swift Survey 2015 identified over 30 swift nest sites in Bristol, but we imagine that there are more that we don’t know about. The principal aim for the Bristol Swift Survey in 2016 is to ask local residents to try to identify as many swift nest sites as possible in Bristol, so we can take measures to protect them in the future.” Yvonne Sadler, of Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership, said: “We would really like people in Fishponds to look in the sky and see if they can spot these little migrant birds or hear them screeching, and let us know.

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“Once we know where they are nesting, we make sure we put nesting boxes in those places in future years. “This gives people in Fishponds the opportunity to contribute to international conservation.” FACTFILE Swifts often nest under roof tiles of behind fascia/soffit boards. Parties of screaming birds indicate swifts entering . Windy days in early June are best times to see swifts returning with nesting material. Dusk is when swifts return to roost. During late June and July breeding adults will return every hour with food for their young. For more information, visit www. bristolswifts.co.uk

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June, 2016

n CULTURAL FIX WITH ANNA BLIGHTMAN

Bristol in Rainbows comes to the Kingsfisher DID I blink and miss the summer?! Oh yes, of course, the driving rain and howling wind, with occasional glimpses of sunshine ...I had forgotten how wonderful the British summer can be. And it seems we all

forget, year after year, and like with football and politics, we remain ever hopeful. And with summer comes colour. The featured artist at The Kingfisher Cafe is the Bristol-based

photographer Jessica Siggers aka the best will be selected to feature Porthjess who has reclaimed the as part of Fishfest and October’s rainbows of Bristol as her own. exhibition at The Kingfisher! Jessica uses Instagram as her In other news, I have been medium to reach a wide audience asked to come and view the work and focuses on the often missed of Year 11 photography students parts of the city. The show will at Bristol Met with the hope of preview on the June 9 at 6pm with giving them an exhibition later in the exhibition running until July 6. the year. Supporting young and Jessica has also created a local photographers is an exciting wonderful series of Instagram proposal to me and I am looking photo walks in and around the most forward to seeing their work. colourful districts of Bristol. As part I was excited to read in last of her month-long exhibition Jessica month’s Voice about the proposed will host an exclusive Fishponds indoor market and am hoping photo walk on Saturday June 25. this can bring with it more The walk will start at St George’s artists, creatives and chances for Park, travel along the Frome Valley performance and exhibition to the Walkway, up to Fishponds Park via area. It gets my full support! St Mary’s Church and end at The Until next time...hope to see Kingfisher (for much needed tea you on the walk on June 25! and cake!). The walk is open to all For more info and to register and I highly recommend getting for the Fishponds colour walk involved. visit Jessica’s Facebook page www. I had a little look through what facebook.com/porthjess or contact existed already on Instagram for her directly on porthjess@outlook. Fishponds and, as the content was com lacking, I think there is place here Anna Blightman for a new beginning. Any images anna@ posted from themost day withofhashtag Right at Home is one of the Right atUK’s Home is one the UK’s most thedistantfuturealwayssoundslovely. #fishpondsbristol will be viewed andlocal com n Photos by Jessica Siggers aka Porthjess trusted care companies. trusted Our carelocal companies. Our team of friendly, reliable CareGiver’s team of friendly, reliable CareGiver’s Right at Home is one of the UK’s most Right at Home is one of the UK’s most specialiseOur in assisting people who may specialise in assisting peopleOur who local may trusted care companies. local trusted care companies. 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June, 2016

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Planning matters

2,000 new homes? 40% affordable? Good luck with that, Marvin As part of his election manifesto Bristol’s new mayor Marvin Rees promised more affordable housing. Independent planning consultant and Downend Voice columnist Chris Gosling tells us why this may be far easier said than done IT CAN’T have escaped anyone’s notice that Bristol has a new mayor. This column is going to get political this month as I will look at some of the smoke and mirrors used in housing policy. If you are completely fed up with politics, between the mayoral election and the referendum, I invite you to turn the page now. Marvin Rees’s manifesto seemed to be very similar to most of the other candidates. He recognised a growing problem in the city – lack of available housing driving up rents. His solution, along with most of the other candidates, was to promise more housing. Recently it was reported that Mayor Rees pledged to see 2,000 homes a year built by 2020, with 800 (40%) of them being affordable. I wish him the best of luck with achieving

fishpondsvoice

that aim. There is a chance that reaching this target will increase the housing stock to an extent where market forces dictate that private rents can stabilise.

Costs The government seems hell-bent on house-building, to make up for more than a decade of underprovision in the sector. In Bristol, the maximum proportion of 40% affordable housing only applies to large scale development in North West, Inner West and Inner East areas of the city. Other areas and smaller schemes are expected to provide less, or nothing at all. The council can seek affordable housing as long as it does not affect the viability of an individual development. Another important factor is the cost involved in decontaminating land. The more brownfield sites that come forward, the more the resultant affordable housing proportion will be whittled down due to the costs of ‘abnormal’ preparatory work.

Profits For developers, providing affordable housing is the most expensive element in the cost of building new homes and therefore the biggest burden when it comes to working out the viability of undertaking the building work at all. It is a crucial element in assessing the risk of buying land and developing it. If there is no reasonable profit to be made in the process, why take the risk of ending up with half built houses and still having to repay the bank for the cost of having progressed that far?

Beacon Tower On top of this, when it comes to development such as at Beacon Tower at the end of Lodge Causeway, there will be no affordable housing provision as part of the 44 new flats. This development did not require planning permission, following relaxation of the change of use from offices to residential. Without requiring planning permission there is no requirement for any of

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the flats to be affordable. This is a symptom of the government’s current aim to get as much housing built as possible. In general terms, rather than subsidise it to make some of it affordable, instead it prefers to lend money to first time buyers in order to bring spiralling house prices back within the grasp of would-be homeowners. This is no easy task as house prices rise unabated and this approach will expose more and more taxpayers’ money to the risk of a fall in house prices.

Problems The government’s stated aim is to help meet people’s desire to own a home and this is the climate in which the new mayor hopes to see the delivery of 40% of affordable housing as part of 2,000 homes in 2020. However, that percentage is the most that can be achieved on favourable sites, in parts of the city where the conditions are not generally favourable. The problems he will face in ensuring delivery are a combination of general economic conditions; ensuring that provision of affordable housing does not make any individual scheme unviable to build; changes to planning policy at a national level and the effects of government policy promoting home ownership,

Chris Gosling not to mention the lack of available land within the city boundaries - all factors which are outside of the mayor’s control. The new mayor has a different plan to tackle the problem, which is just as well. The council will set up a company to get the houses built, with the rents going towards future housing development in a virtuous circle. That prompts the question where the massive amount of initial money will come from. Best of luck, Mr Mayor. I think you are going to need it. ChrisGoslingPlanning@Gmail.com

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n FEATURE

June, 2016

I started chemo on day of husband's funeral What moves someone to devote their life to raising money to help others? In Jenny Wookey's case, it was the treatment she received when she was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago. Jenny's story is one of 25 tales of courage and strength found in a new book, 25 Stories, 25 Years, to support BUST, a charity which raises money to buy state-of-the-art medical equipment for Bristol's only Breast Care Centre. Jenny, from Downend, tells Jayne Taylor, her story and why the odds on beating breast cancer are better than ever JENNY was a busy woman. She had a husband, two sons and a high profile job as HR manager for Avon and Wiltshire NHS Mental Heath Trust and, frankly, there were not enough hours in the day to attend a routine mammogram. "I told my secretary to cancel it as I didn't have time," said Jenny, 69. "She said 'We've cancelled it twice already. I think you better go'." After the X-ray at Tower Hill Clinic, Jenny was called back but she wasn't unduly concerned. "They told me they weren't sure about my result and I ought

to see the surgeon. Off I went to Frenchay Breast Care Centre to see consultant Simon Cawthorn. He put my results up on a light screen and said: "You'll need a mastectomy". I said 'What? You mean I've got cancer?' "I asked him if I couldn't just have it taken away but as there was cancer in the top and bottom half of my breast he told me I would need to have it removed." Jenny returned to work the following day but the reaction of colleagues threw her. "It's very difficult coping with the way other people cope with it. I almost felt everyone was ready to start collecting for a wreath.

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It's not so bad these days but breast cancer wasn't really talked about back then. "People still find it difficult to tell others because everyone panics. The connotations are horrendous but actually 80 per cent of people get over breast cancer now." Originally Jenny was told she wouldn't need chemotherapy, which came as a relief as she seemed more worried about losing her hair than her breast. "I can't believe now I was so matter of fact about losing my breast and just relieved about not having to have the chemotherapy. I was almost happy." Within two weeks Jenny had her breast removed and had an immediate reconstruction. But she was dealt a huge blow after her breast tissue was analysed. "I was told I would now need chemotherapy. I actually burst into tears. The nurse, who had got to know me, told me to pull myself together and that was just what I needed." Three weeks after Jenny had her breast removed, her husband was diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer. "I tried to put my chemo off a few months until Christmas because I knew my husband wouldn't live very long. I was told if I wanted to be all right for my boys, Nick and Dominic, I needed to start the chemo within six weeks or it would be too late. "I started the radiotherapy the day of my husband's funeral. It was a difficult time but it's difficult for everyone." Jenny's fears about

chemotherapy proved founded - she suffered from nausea, extreme tiredness and mouth ulcers so severe she couldn't bear to put a cup to her lips. But worse of all was getting 'chemo-brain'. "I didn't understand anything. It was as if my brain cells had been thrown in the air and had come back down muddled up. Lots of people get it but are fine after the chemo finishes." Jenny wasn't fine though and brain scans revealed she was suffering from memory loss, but thankfully there were no signs of dementia. "I actually felt vindicated. I wasn't stupid - this was something that has happened as a result of breast cancer. "I can't be sorry about having chemotherapy. It gave me an extra four to five per cent of surviving. It was worth that." Sadly it meant Jenny could no longer hold down such a responsible job so she took medical retirement at the age of 57. She was left with a void in her life which, unbeknown to her, would quickly be filled. "One of the breast nurses knew of my background working in the NHS. Suddenly I was asked if I'd like to go along to a BUST meeting and join the committee, which I did. Less than six weeks later, I was the chairwoman." BUST - Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust - was set up 25 years ago by three breast cancer patients who were grateful for the treatment they received. They were the first patients of surgeon Simon Cawthorn when he started

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n FEATURE

his consultant post at Frenchay Hospital in October 1990. They asked how they could repay him. Jenny, who more than a decade later is still chairwoman, said: "I'd lost my husband and career but the work I do with BUST helped me fill that void." BUST is made up of eight incredible women who give their time to run the charity. They don't even claim expenses. "No expenses ever. Not for anything," Jenny emphasises. "Ninety nine pence of every pound people donate to us goes on advanced state-of-the-art equipment not available on the NHS." To date they have raised, and supported other fundraisers to raise, more than £1.2million. When BUST members were told Frenchay Hospital was to close, Jenny sat on committees looking at setting up a breast centre at the new Southmead Hospital. The resulting Bristol Breast Care Centre is something Jenny is extremely proud of. "It is a separate unit at the hospital and everything is in

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one place. The great thing about the unit is that the nurses get to know their patients very quickly. They work so hard and care so much. It's a lovely place with a lovely atmosphere. It really is incredible." You can read more about Jenny's story along with the stories of 24 others in the book 25 Stories, 25 Years, produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of BUST. Jenny said: "This book shows what it's like to have breast cancer. The stories are so inspiring. The women and men have all had breast cancer, have had treatment and have come out the other side. They aren't celebrities but every single one of them is a star." 25 Years, 25 Stories is available for a minimum donation of £5 from the Breast Care Centre at Southmead Hospital or from Pam @Christine Peters in Staple Hill. You can also obtain a copy by post by emailing details to 25years25stories@ gmail.com. There is an additional fee of £2 for books sent via post.

n Jenny Wookey with the inspirational book 25 Years, 25 Stories

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n GARDENING

ROM spring to summer, the transition has been a swift one this year. With sleet and snow at the end of March to some of the warmest days in relation to the entire of last year. The first few weeks of May have been beautifully clement with a welcome dose of sunshine albeit with it’s fair share of heavy rain. This has created a warm and humid environment that has been perfect for plants to get growing. You only have to look at the hedgerows to see the change and can almost watch some things growing, like the cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) that go from a few leaves to 4 feet tall in what seems like only a few days. The railway path is now a verdant passage into the city, so full of the joy that this time of year brings it would take the coldest of hearts to not be lifted. From my house I look across the Frome valley to Purdown and can only dream of how beautiful the area between must have been before the M32. The river there is a haven for a huge variety of wildlife and I like to feel it is a hidden gem reserved for those that live locally. The reality is that I think very few people know it's there and how nice it is. To walk up the river from Eastville Park is a delight at almost any time of the year and there is a marked footpath that leads from the city centre all the way to Chipping Sodbury.

The city

the organic ones are used very sparingly, one thing seems to be winning. Beer. It seems sacrilege to offer the pests a decent beer but from the experiments (very scientifically) that I’ve conducted they do seem to prefer a good ale. I thought that once I had given them a taste for it they would be content with an own brand lager, at 26p per can this was going to prove an economic investment. Unfortunately they liked it as much as I did and the cans remain unopened on a shelf. A cheap bitter from one of the supermarkets in Fishponds has proved a success but better still is homebrew. It’s the yeast that attracts them so apparently you can use baking yeast, water and sugar but as my homebrewed beer tends to be a little yeasty anyway, it’s by far the cheapest solution. You can buy a pack of six glasses from Ikea for 89p, bury them to within a half inch of the

gardener

rim, top up with beer and cover with something to keep the rain off. I used three or four sticks around the side with a small piece of glass on top, heavy enough that the wind won’t dislodge it. We’re currently playing a game of ‘Beer or Hosta’ whereby the traps are placed strategically near some of my most vulnerable plants. Currently the beer is winning, at least the hostas are still standing anyway. If you find time away from battling with rampant fauna here are some other things to get on with. • L ift and divide snowdrops, bluebells and other spring bulbs now that the leaves are yellowing and dying back • Plant out summer bedding plants • Make some beer traps •A s soon as sweet peas flower start picking them to encourage more •P inch out side shoots from tomato plants • I f not done already plant out

BY TIM BARTON

tender vegetables such as courgette and squashes • There’s still time to stick some beans in the ground • Keep mowing any lawns but raise the blades if there is prolonged dry weather to prevent stress • Erect some protection around carrots to protect against carrot fly • Install a water butt because you’re going to need a lot of water over the coming months

Slugs This weather however brings with it a favourite of every gardener, more so at this time of year when all of the seedlings are so fleshy and young. This is of course the slugs. Like most people I’ve tried numerous defences from pellets to chopped sheep wool. So far apart from the pellets which only

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fishpondsvoice

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

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

Blog 29 – my poorly toe, oh and Rovers…

O its with extreme delight that I am writing this latest blog after the meteoric rise to League One by Bristol Rovers. It’s been an eventful few seasons working at Rovers with demotion to the conference followed by back to back promotions. It’s been incredible. The reason for their success from my point of view is the team spirit that has been built primarily by the fantastic leadership of Darrell Clarke but is backed up by a special group of players that look after each other, love dressing room banter and support each other on and off the field. I have been in many many

professional teams dressing rooms and this one is best. Success and team spirit is no coincidence. For those that were there the scenes were amazing. Lee Brown, a close friend, scored the winner that took them up in the last minute of injury time and the crowd erupted. It was real Roy of the Rovers Stuff (for those old enough to remember the magazine) as we then had to wait for the Accrington Stanley game to finish. With a second cheer (this time more of relief and wonderment) as we realised that Accrington had drawn. And I think that is all anybody can remember as this part of Bristol went wild in celebration that lasted days and put a spring into the step of thousands as the sun finally started to shine on Bristol. I for one cannot wait to see what next season brings for Bristol Rovers with the new owners and the promise of something better. Now all we need is Bristol Rugby to get the monkey off its back and win the Play off final against a tough Doncaster. I would be amiss if I didn’t admit to a short break away in Lanzarote this month. Jen and I, the two little ones and the in-laws (#babysitters) for a week’s sunshine and battery recharge in the Canaries. The reason I bring it up is not to brag, I promise, but to highlight the increased injury rate actually from holidays as the season cranks up. I did exactly one of the things I warn people about as they partake in the seasons sunshine frivolity. I had a drink or two and on my way back into the villa, to get another beer from the fridge, I tripped up the marble steps in my flip flops and broke my

big toe (well it felt like I broke it). The pain was indescribable and I rolled round on the floor like a baby. The agony made me temporarily mute as everybody rushed over asking me if I had broken my leg… or my arm… my head? ‘No my toe’ I said as they turned and walked away muttering how they ‘thought it was serious’… ‘the way he went down’… ‘what a fuss’…Thanks loved ones. I’ll hobble to get my own beer then. But the bigger point is that on holiday injuries happen. So be careful. You can’t do much about a hard mattress but you can take care lifting heavy suitcases and walk carefully on marble floors (and up steps) - you have been warned. Another little tip is sunscreen. What is now becoming more well known is that sunscreen has a large amount of chemicals in it that can be potentially harmful to our skin. Sometimes the heat rash that people get is entirely down to the sunscreen that we put on (higher than factor 15) and there is growing evidence of worse skin conditions that are attributable

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to our high factor sun cream protection. The higher the factor, the more chemicals that are in it that could be harmful. Getting burnt is also obviously bad for you so what are we to do? Especially when it comes to putting cream all over the children’s delicate skin? Well we researched and found some sun creams that don’t have many of the harmful attributes of the more well know brands. We have previously used a company called Lavera but this holiday we used a lovely one by Green People called Organic Children, factor 30. They do adult ones too, sorted. Not much to talk about next month apart from Iain and Hannah’s wedding…oh and that trip to Vegas…

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n NEWS

A SALVATION Army officer with a terminal brain tumour has completed a mega man vs food challenge to raise money for Bristol’s St Peter’s Hospice. Shaun Skinner, who was told in January this year that he only had 12 months to live, organised the Shaun’s Big Breakfast event in aid of the charity which has helped to care for him. The challenge was completed at the Staple Hill Salvation Army where Shaun cleared his monster plate of sausage, bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomato, hash browns and black pudding, while friends and family enjoyed more modest portions in return for a donation. Having completed the event, Shaun can now tick it off of the bucket list of things he wants to achieve while he is still well enough. He said: “I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007 and given five years to live. St. Peter's Hospice became a much needed place of care and friendship. “In January 2016 I was given 12 months to live, so I decided to raise money for the charities that

Shaun’s big breakfast for the hospice

have helped me over the last nine years by organising two eating challenges, the first in Hereford, where I am from originally, for brainstrust and the second in Bristol for St Peter’s Hospice. “The steroids I am on make me really hungry so I thought I would take advantage of that and see if I could do some food challenges!” Shaun was a Salvation Army Officer who at the time of his diagnosis was based in Ireland. The Salvation Army sent him back to the UK and to Bristol

where his sister lives. Landing at Bristol Airport he was admitted immediately to St Peter’s Hospice where he spent a long spell followed by two further lengthy admissions. Shaun has now been medically retired by the Salvation Army and lives in Hereford to be closer to his parents who help care for him and where he has become the Chaplain of Hereford United. His efforts have so far raised about £2,400, with help from Barclays Bank whose employees took part in the event.

Hospice community fundraiser Louisa James said: “Shaun has done amazingly well to complete his food challenge and raise such a fantastic amount for St Peter’s Hospice. “To see such positivity and determination in the face of such devastating news is truly inspirational and we all take our hats off to Shaun. “The money raised will be used to continue to care for our patients, both at the hospice and in the community, when they need us.” As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,000 patients each year as well as supporting family members. All services are provided free of charge but this care costs around £19,000 a day. For around £14,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops. For more visit www. stpetershospice.org.uk

Ways to Wellbeing

Social Prescribing Service in Greater Fishponds Ways to Wellbeing is a service which aims to help improve quality of life and social and emotional wellbeing. We provide free and confidential services to adults living in and around Fishponds in Bristol.

Would you like… • Support to improve self-confidence? • Information about services in your area? • To learn new skills and find hobbies ? • To meet new people? You can volunteer with us and gain skills in front line health and social care Receive training and support to help others to improve their lives, make friends and build their community, by becoming a Wellbeing Supporter. A Wellbeing Supporter is a volunteer who meets with an individual for a limited number of sessions. They will talk about the person’s interests, find opportunities to suit them and help them to take part. If you are interested in our service or in volunteering for Ways to Wellbeing, please get in touch.

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n NEWS

Page Court opens NEW retirement flats on the site of the former Staple Hill Police Station have been formally opened. Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, cut the ribbon at a launch event at William Page Court. The McCarthy and Stone development close to Page Park is well under way. Most of the homes have already been sold and the first homeowners are expected to move in during the summer. The complex comprises 43 one and two bedroom ageexclusive apartments aimed exclusively at those aged 60 and over. Mr Lopresti MP said: “It

n Jack Lopresti MP marking the official opening of William Page Court with the help of. Martin Weedon-Hare, MS Sales Exec. was a pleasure to visit William Page Court and formally mark its grand opening. Living independently and securely is so important and, with a growing number of people reaching retirement age, we must ensure developments like this are top of the list when it comes to local town planning.”

Debby Pavitt, sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone South West, added: “With the number of people over the age of 65 due to increase by 50 per cent to 17.2 million over the next 20 years, the latest figures show that the UK will run out of homes for this demographic."

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South Glos Show brewing up a storm VISITORS to the South Gloucestershire Show this summer will have the chance to decide which is the area’s best beer. The annual event, which runs on 6 and 7 August at a site in Henfield, is holding its first beer competition. Five breweries that are based in South Gloucestershire are going head to head to see which brew comes out on top. Great Western Brewery, Cotswolds Spring Brewery, Bath Ales, Severn Vale and Wickwar Brewery have all entered a pale ale and a bitter into the competition, which was launched by the Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall. The beers will be available at the show as well as at local pubs. Ballot forms will be available to pick up at pubs and the ballot box will be in the Beer Festival area at the Show. Pictured above: Let the beer battle begin, (L-R): Neil Challis Wickwar Wessex Brewing Co. Mark Frankcom – Cotswold Spring Brewery Luke Hall – MP Darren Hawkins – Event Manager, South Gloucestershire Show Sandra Stone and Leanne Stone - GWB Mark Harding - Bath Ales Rab Clarke – Bath Ales

Meningitis Now set to benefit from 2016 event THIS year’s South Glos Show is to help raise funds for the Meningitis Now charity. The Gloucestershire based charity replaces the Great Western Air Ambulance as the nominated charity for the event, which last year attracted over 24,000 visitors. The Show returns to the Westerleigh Showground over the weekend of 6 and 7 August. Meningitis Now, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will have an awareness stand at the show and interactive attractions for the public to donate to the charity. Liz Brown, the Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, said: “Events like this, as well as being wonderful fundraising opportunities, are also valuable ways to spread awareness about the disease and make sure people know the signs and symptoms and how to look out for themselves and their loved ones.” The show’s headline this year, The Knights of the Damned, will be staging a Joust in the main arena, and 2016 sees the return of motorbike stunt man, Flyin’ Ryan. Other attractions include a music festival, motor show, country fair and a BMX stunt arena.

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Medicinal plants in the Frome Valley HAWTHORN – Crataegus monogyna (deeply lobed leaves, flowers in a cluster) and Midland Hawthorn – Crataegus laevigata (more rounded leaves, fewer flowers in a cluster). Hawthorn can be found both in the parks and near the river in the Frome Valley. The flowers smell unpleasant to some people, and in the past it was considered bad luck to bring them into the house – some said they smelled of the plague! In his article on gardening in May’s edition of Fishponds Voice, Tim Barton described the hawthorn in his own garden, and its name May tree, since that is when it usually flowers. On a journey from London to Bristol in the last week of May, the hedgerows were still full of hawthorn blossom and were wonderful to behold. The saying “Ne’er cast a clout ‘til May is out” probably means you shouldn’t change to summer clothes until the May tree is in flower. I’ve mentioned Dr Fernie (1897),

n Hawthorn who published his book in Bristol. He says little about its medicinal use other than that the the berries, or haws, act on the kidneys and with the flowers can help a sore throat. However, a contemporary doctor in Ireland, Dr Green, was using it as a ‘secret’ ingredient in treating heart disease. Just over 50 years later, it appears in the Martindale Extra Pharmacopoeia as a medicine for lowering blood pressure, so research had clearly been carried out in the interim period. It is primarily as a heart

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and circulation medicine that we use hawthorn today, and there is a wealth of literature and evidence supporting this use. We generally use the flowers, which are also a mild sedative, the fruit, and sometimes the leaves. Hawthorn dilates the coronary arteries, thus improving blood supply to the heart, reduces high blood pressure and also increases oxygen supply to the heart. It also helps in angina and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and strengthens the heart muscle.

With Ruth Baker Medical Herbalist

It is safe to use long-term, but if you know you have heart disease you should see your GP, and herbalists advise caution and close supervision if you are on betablockers. Herbalists usually combine it with several other plants, including yarrow (growing in Wickham Glen) and Lime flowers (a splendid tree near Eastville Park lake). Give that the flowers will be fading by the time you read this article, you may prefer to wait until the Autumn for the berries and make a syrup from them. This recipe is from Hedgerow Medicine by Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal, a book I highly recommend: 500 gr berries, 500 ml water, slowly bring to the boil. Turn off heat, leave overnight. Bring back to the boil, simmer until half its volume. Squeeze out juice, weigh and add equal quantity of sugar. Boil, pour while warm into sterilised bottles. Make sure you leave some berries on the tree for the birds!

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Excellent first Ofsted report for Wallscourt Farm Academy WALLSCOURT Farm Academy, a new primary school on the border of South Gloucestershire and Bristol, has been highly praised in its first Ofsted report. Inspectors rated the academy, which opened in Cheswick Village in September 2013, as good with outstanding features and said it showed sustained and continuing improvement. “This inclusive school is at the heart of the community. Pupils are thriving,” they said. The Ofsted team spent two days in April at the academy, which currently has 170 pupils and will eventually take in up to 420. The inspectors noted that: “All staff have ‘bought into’ the Wallscourt Farm approach to teaching, learning and assessment. “They strongly believe that every child has the potential to achieve and become an active, independent learner. This approach ... is resulting in inquisitive and motivated learners. Great consideration and

care have gone into making this school a safe and exciting place to learn. “The school’s unique ‘enquiryled curriculum’ provides a wealth of learning opportunities for pupils to explore and discover. Nonetheless, leaders ensure a rigorous focus on the teaching and learning of key mathematical and literacy skills.” Lead inspector Catherine Leahy added that the planned, whole-school approach supported all pupils to think deeply and learn about the world around them. Children took pride in their work and had very positive attitudes to learning. The most able were challenged to ‘deepen their learning’ and showed perseverance and resilience, while children with special educational needs made outstanding progress and disadvantaged pupils made good progress. Teachers were said to be continually building on already good subject knowledge so

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they could plan learning that would engage the children. The contribution of experienced and well-trained teaching partners was acknowledged, as well as the good use of opportunities to learn from other academies in the Cabot Learning Federation and through the link with the University of West of England. The inspectors highlighted the relentless drive and ambition of the school’s principal Susie Weaver, to ensure that all children received a high quality education. “Leaders and all staff are uncompromising in their absolute belief that every child can and will succeed at this school as a result of the highquality care and support each receives.” The inspectors described pupils’ behaviour as exemplary. “In the school’s open-plan learning environment, there is a calm and purposeful atmosphere that encourages pupils to learn effectively,” the report said. Strong relationships between

children and staff and with families were found to be key to Wallscourt Farm’s success. Children had absolute trust in their teachers and parents were overwhelmingly supportive .The school’s early years provision was judged to be outstanding. “Teachers plan exciting and engaging learning opportunities in the well-resourced indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children quickly develop their imagination, independence and love for learning,” Ofsted reported. Miss Weaver said that everyone at Wallscourt Farm was thrilled with the report. “We are immensely proud of the report and feel it really reflects us, as a new and growing school, and where we are on our journey. We were so delighted that the children’s attitudes towards learning and life shone out and that the contribution of all involved has been recognised by the inspectors,” she said.

Could you offer these pets a new home? THIS is Furgus, he’s 13 weeks old and castrated. He’s a fun, loving, playful chap who’s looking for a girlfriend and a home to call his own. This is Bella, she’s two- yearsold and spayed. Bella is looking for a special home, one where she can live indoors and be someone’s companion. She needs someone of whom she can trust and live along side. Bella doesn’t like other bunnies so need human company to keep her happy. If you would like anymore information on our rabbits and guinea pigs for adoption please call us on 0117 956 1981 or email us on thelittlestrescue@outlook. org. Adoption fees and home checks apply.

Rose Green Sports and Leisure is a voluntary organisation, all funds generated are reinvested by the company to improve its sports services and facilities for the benefits of its members and users. Your business and support would be greatly appreciated

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3 bedroom mid terraced house Brentry Road £215,000 Auction Guide Price Besley Hill 764 Fishponds Road Bristol BS16 3UA Tel: 0117 965 3162

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0117 965 3162

764 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3UA fishponds@besleyhill.co.uk

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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ESTSH IN N MO BFUTS HE

The Star - just a traditional bar with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

SINE U

June, 2016

T: 0779 9461169

E MO

Tell us about your business THE Star belongs to my brother Oisin, who bought it in May 2014. I came over from the West of Ireland to give him a hand to revamp the building. The bar was in a very run down state and needed a total overhaul. It was my brother’s vision to redevelop it as an old traditional bar. While working on the rebuild my brother asked me if I would be interested in managing the bar when it was complete. I decided it was probably time for a change of life having lived on the wild West coast of Ireland for the last twenty years and agreed to do so. It’s a decision I haven’t regretted once. The Star was reopened in October 2014 and has been building up its trade and reputation ever since. It was a brave decision by my brother to open the Star in the first place going against the present day trend of bar closures but it appears to be working.

What services do you provide? The Star is an old traditional bar in all aspects of the word, we sell alcohol! But we sell only the best quality brands and keep them in good condition by good housekeeping. My brother owns another bar, the Village Inn in Nailsworth. Its cellar is home to Nailsworth Brewery, which Oisin also owns. It produces some great award winning ales using local

spring water from an old well in the cellar. These ales are only available in the Village Inn and the Star. Here at the Star we also also bring in guest ales and still ciders supporting where possible the smaller local breweries. We are a family friendly and a dog friendly bar. In managing the Star I tried to bring it back to old traditional values, to make it a proper community bar and a place where everyone was welcome and respected. I wanted it to be a place where neighbours, friends and strangers alike could gather and enjoy good drink, conversation and company. One of the best decisions I took as manager was to keep the televisions switched off. They go on for rugby matches and when requested for football, otherwise they stay switched off. This in effect has made the Star a conversational and friendly bar where you won’t be left sitting on your own for long unless it’s of your choosing. This is a bar where couples actually talk to one another rather than staring blankly at a television or playing on their phones. The Star is also a live music venue bringing the best of musicianship to the Fishponds area. To date we have had blues, bluegrass, Irish traditional, jazz, flamenco, gypsy and alternative bands amongst others. We also play vinyl here. My son Cillian, who works here, has become a huge fan

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

of rare and vintage vinyl, and we have acquired a large collection of the very best of blues, jazz, soul, world, reggae, rock and rock and roll.

What is the best part of running your business? There are many aspects to running the Star that make it a pleasure more than a job. One of them is my staff. Their enthusiasm and their genuine love of people makes life here so easy. They are also a very talented bunch. Some have been to art and drama colleges and one has an outstanding singing voice; it makes life here very colourful indeed. The other aspect that comes to mind is the number of times customers have thanked us, saying they had been passing neighbours for years with barely a word and they have now become best of friends here at the Star. But it is the customers too; we have great customers here. Everybody comes here to simply enjoy themselves, to have a good time and make friends. They watch out for one another and watch out for my staff as well. We don’t have problems here at the Star because everybody mixes and respects one another. On a weekend we can have the working man, the business class, families, those who choose an alternative lifestyle and every nationality all

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mixing together and enjoying one another’s company.

What are your plans for the future? We have already developed the garden which is a real oasis in Fishponds. We have also built a playground for children and a separate area for other customers. The front has been developed and the next stage is to landscape it and light it up properly. We want to continue to make the Star known as a place of musical excellence and diversity. But it is the community, conversational and alternative thinking aspects of the Star we would like to progress. We have just held our first “Chilli & Chat” nights which was highly successful. This was held in conjunction with mental health awareness week, where some of our customers chatted about the positive traits and supports to combat depression and anxiety. Some of our customers have for the first time brought in their own vinyl and taken part in DJ nights. They have thoroughly enjoyed it. But most of all we just simply want to have fun and enjoy the experience, staff and customers alike. Eimear Hawes

THE STAR

539 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3AF Tel. 01179 9654297

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

n PHOTOS

Colour popping THESE striking images were created by members of the Lincombe Barn Camera Club using a technique known as colour popping. Ted Foster, who used it on his photo of the Merchant Navy Memorial at Welsh Back, said: “This is rather an eye-catching effect. The whole picture is reduced to monochrome, with only the main point of interest still in full colour. It is easy to do, with the appropriate editing programme, the picture is duplicated, the top copy reduced to monochrome, then the parts to be coloured are erased from the monochrome copy.” Rachel Domleo created the Triptych ‘trio of Red’ using the same technique on three photographs from a series depicting hands. She said that although the images worked in terms of scale and subject, some of the colours were rather dull and uninteresting. To try and remedy this, she removed the entire colour spectrum except red. “It was the missing element that linked the pictures together successfully. A complementary tone was added to the mono elements for a slightly more artistic look,” she added. The club is happy to demonstrate the technique at one of its meetings. If you are interested, find out details atwww.lincombebarncameraclub. co.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

June, 2016

T: 0779 9461169

LOCAL SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Rates start as little as under £16 per month

Home Audio • Domestic • Commercial Industrial Contractor

Contact Caroline on 07458 954261

W: orbelectrical.co.uk E: info@orbelectrical.co.uk

Why not advertise your business

AERIALS

DOUBLE GLAZING SERVICES

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS DOWNEND

T: 07894 685 623

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical specialist domestic installers

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

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

www.fitzgeraldglazing.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

Carpets dry in 30 minutes!

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

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT

CARPETS

1 Room 3 Rooms Whole House

£35* £60* £80*

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

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

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

GARDEN SERVICES

Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning Current Offer

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

UPHOLSTERY

GRASS CUTTING SERVICE from only Tel: 0117 9109 609

1 Armchair £20* 1 Sofa £30* Rugs £5 to £20*

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

Call Nick / Alison at A.Cleaning Service on:

07812 730346

www.a-cleaningservice.com

*PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR

£7.50

■ Have your grass cut for you ■ One offs ■ Long term ■ Any lawn ■ Any size

www.just-lawns.co.uk GARDEN SERVICES

Mike’s Domestics • Plastering • Plumbing • Landscape Gardening • Painting & Decorating

• General Rubbish Clearance

Reconditioned washing machines • Electric cookers • Tumble dryers etc All guaranteed - from £60.00

Repairs to all appliances Call Mike on

Tel: Simon 07766838872 0117 9850537

07813 532065

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All aspects of Landscaping, patios, decking, fencing, natural stone work, turfing and more, as well as all aspects of garden maintenance. With 12 years landscaping experince, no job to small, working to bring our clients ideas to life. Contact Mike for a free quote on:

07789274943

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June, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

GARDEN SERVICES

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

fishpondsvoice

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLUMBING

J L Painting & Decorating

LOW COST PLUMBING

Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:

07474573780 0117 2792264 e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com

GUTTERING REPAIRS

PAINTING & DECORATING

GUTTER REPAIRS DOWNEND

SJM DECORATING

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

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

HOUSE CLEARANCE

Taps, Taps,Washers Washers ✓ Toilets, Toilets,Cisterns Cisterns ✓ Leaks, Blockages Leaks, Blockages ✓ Tanks,Overflows Overflows ✓ Tanks, Lead Pipes, Stopcocks...etc... Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… ✓ OAP OAPDISCOUNTS DISCOUNTSand andNO NO VAT VAT

0117 0117

957 5092

PLUMBING

Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service No hidden extras Free Quotations Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411 www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING

YOUR LOCAL House, Garden, Office Clearance

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

Tel: 003 Tel:07592 07592 506 506 003 1/4 Load £89 Half Load £139 3/4 Load £179 Full Load £199

GAS & HEATING ENGINEERS

Is it time for a new A rated energy efficient boiler? • Extended Warranties • Top brands available • All work Guaranteed Call and book your FREE survey

0117 214 0949

assistplumbingandheating.co.uk

www.junkmonsters.co.uk

HYPNOTHERAPY

RECORDS WANTED

PLUMBING & HEATING

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: 0771 955 3587

www.gerrymonaghanhypnotherapist.com

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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.

TEL: 0117 939 1389

10% OFF

Boiler Service when you quote Fishponds Voice

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

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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make your house a home . . .

. . . with beautiful furniture to suit your individual style

branches The home of beautiful wood furniture

Tel: 0117 934 9200

Opposite Temple Meads Station, Bristol BS1 6PL Free parking at rear www.branchesofbristol.co.uk

Opening Times: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm; Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm