fishpondsvoice December, 2016 — ISSUE 23
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Victory for people power as road closure is halted STOKE Lane Action Group has forced Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council and their contractors to change their minds and reopen the link from Stapleton through to the University of the West of England campus. The group has been campaigning since last spring, when the councils announced that Stoke Lane would shut to northbound traffic as part of plans to build an M32 bus link for the £216m MetroBus. It won two delays to the original closure date but the road shut in June, potentially for a year. As the group had predicted, traffic problems came to a head in September and people were reporting long delays. Bristol's Mayor Marvin Rees and transport cabinet member Mark Bradshaw visited the site and last week Colin Hunt, from South Gloucestershire Council, announced that the northbound route would reopen on December 12. Full story: Page 5
Putting Pudsey on the spot Children in Fishponds schools have been spotted giving enthusiastic support to the BBC Children in Need appeal. PAGE 34
Further delay for McD's appeal Campaigners against a McDonald's drive-through in Fishponds Road have seen the Planning Inquiry into the scheme adjourned until April. PAGE 3
Baby Bank Network arrives Internationally renowned artist Ulf Pedersen is bringing a unique light show to Fishponds for a seasonal Glow in the Park. Full story: Page 7
A charity that distributes baby essentials to families in need has moved to a new headquarters in Fishponds. PAGE 11
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DS AREA
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le power Victory for peopis halted as road closure has Action Group STOKE Lane City Council, forced Bristol tershire Council South Glouces ors to change and their contract reopen the their minds and n through to link from Stapletothe West of of ity the Univers . England campus been The group has last spring, since campaigning announced when the councils would shut to that Stoke Lane c as part of northbound traffi M32 bus link an plans to build MetroBus. for the £216m to the It won two delays but the road date original closure a potentially for shut in June, had predicted, year. As the group s came to a head traffic problem and people were in September delays. long g reportin Marvin Rees Bristol's Mayor cabinet member t transpor and w visited the Mark Bradsha Colin Hunt, site and last week tershire from South Glouces ed that the Council, announc would reopen northbound route 12. on December 5 Full story: Page
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distributes baby A charity that in need has essentials to families in headquarters moved to a new Fishponds. PAGE 11
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December, 2016
Season's greetings to all our readers MERRY Christmas and a happy new year everyone! It looks as though it will be a fun season in Fishponds, thanks to the Glow in the Park, the reindeer trail and lots of trees and decorations in shops and domestic front windows. As always, we salute the many local people who put themselves out at this busy time of year to brighten up life for the community, whether by stringing up a few lights, giving some supplies to a food bank or campaigning in a good-humoured but determined way to bring about changes (yes, we're talking about you, Stoke Lane pants protesters). The road campaigners, involving not only MetroBus but also the continuing Hockeys Lane and McDonald's battles, deserve recognition for refusing to give up.
fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169
ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 EDITORIAL 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.
Many other volunteers are worthy of mention this month too – the hospice shop staff, the Baby Bank network, guide dog trainers and charity supporters, to name but a few. It's also great to hear about some of the folk who have made their homes here from various parts of the world. Fishponds Voice is here to share news about our whole community, so please keep getting in touch with your stories and photos. We hand-deliver more than 7,500 free copies to homes every month. If you live outside our delivery area, look out for the paper in local shops, cafes and libraries. We have a website - www.fishpondsvoice.co.uk – as well as a Facebook page and Twitter feed. Many people contact us through social media to share their news. You can also get in touch by email: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk. You can even write to us! The address is 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6JT.
Follow us on Twitter @fishpondsvoice
Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579
Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ fishpondsvoice
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
January edition deadline is December 14.
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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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
3
n NEWS Protesters outside MShed before the inquiry was opened and adjourned
McDonald's Inquiry delayed until April THE Planning Inquiry into McDonald's appeal against Bristol City Council's decision to reject plans for a huge drivethrough restaurant on the busy Fishponds Road has been adjourned until April 2017 with no evidence being heard. The barrister acting for the multi-national company was taken ill the night before the appeal started on Tuesday November 8. James Pereira was still out of action when the inquiry resumed the next day, when McDonald's indicated that the appeal could last as long as eight days rather than the four
days originally scheduled. The planning inspector Martin Whitehead proposed that hearings restart on Monday December 5, but local residents from the Say No to McDonald's in Fishponds (NoMacInF) group objected on the grounds that most of their key witnesses could not be available. As the group has won 'Rule 6' status, putting it on an equal footing with McDonald's and the city council, the Inspector rescheduled the Inquiry to take place over six days from Thursday April 20, 2017. No venue has yet been set.
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"It has all been really inconvenient for us," said NoMacInF group chairman Mike Jempson. "We were all geared up to go in November having spent months preparing for the Inquiry. People had given up work to be present. Even Kerry McCarthy MP's time was wasted when she turned up to give evidence. Now we have to start all over again." Bristol City Council rejected McDonald's plan for the former tile warehouse in February last year for traffic and road safety reasons. Local residents are also
concerned about health and environmental issues and had waged an eight-month campaign against the proposals leading up to the decision. The principal of Bristol Metropolitan Academy Sally Apps and some students were among those who expressed concerns. McDonald's announced in August last year that it would appeal. It said the two-storey restaurant would be open from 6am to 11pm, not for 24 hours a day, and would create jobs for people from the area.
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fishpondsvoice
4
December, 2016
n NEWS
Sharing memories
ABOUT 60 old boys and girls turned up for a last look at the Hillfields schools before they are demolished to make way for new buildings for Minerva Primary Academy. Among them were former pupils from 1948 through to 2015. Two characters from the 50s
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realised that they were in the same class and had not seen each other for 50 years. Some long lost cousins were also reunited on the day. If you were there and would like to be invited back to see the new school please leave email or phone details with the office.
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
5
n NEWS
They've listened at last! Campaigners welcome U-turn on Stoke Lane closure THE energetic campaign to stop the closure of a vital link between Fishponds and Bristol’s north fringe has paid off: Stoke Lane is to be reopened to northbound traffic from December 12. The route from Frenchay Park Road to UWE has been shut to traffic since the end of June, causing lengthy delays for drivers, just as protesters had predicted. Now the one-way system is to be reversed for seven weeks and should then become a two-way route with traffic lights until the road works are completed. Amanda Vinall, one of the leading campaigners, said the Stoke Lane Action Group members recognised that their victory would mean people wanting to travel towards Fishponds would be disadvantaged in the short term. She said the group would
keep up the pressure to ensure the traffic lights were installed as soon as possible and would continue to monitor the impact of the changes, particularly for bus users. The road works are part of the preparations for the £216m MetroBus transport system aimed at shortening journey times. Further public meetings will be arranged in January to review the changes and gain feedback from local residents and community groups. Councillor Colin Hunt, leader of the Joint Transport Board, said: “We have listened to what residents and commuters have been telling us.Traffic officers at both South Gloucestershire and Bristol councils have been working together to find an alternative that would address concerns of both commuters and local residents without causing
more congestion on the wider road network. “We have taken into consideration the correspondence that we have received on this matter and held a number of public consultation meetings before reaching this decision. It is our belief that this option will provide the greatest benefit to the largest number of residents and commuters. MetroBus will be a great asset when completed, providing a smarter way of travelling that will speed up journey times, relieve congestion and reduce pollution levels. It will provide direct routes to key destinations around the area, enabling thousands of people to access employment, education and leisure opportunities from densely populated areas without using their cars." Mrs Vinall said: “We are very
pleased that we've been listened to, but sorry that people have suffered for so long.” Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “I promised residents we would investigate their concerns about Stoke Lane and that’s what we have done in conjunction with South Gloucestershire and the contractors. We listened carefully to the community and we’re hopeful these changes will reduce traffic disruption in this area. "I’d like to thank everyone affected by these works for their patience whilst we have agreed the most suitable revised programme. We’ll review how the new changes are operating. I remain optimistic MetroBus improvements will improve journeys for all road users in Bristol and our neighbouring authority areas."
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fishpondsvoice
6
December, 2016
n NEWS
Red noses ready to sniff out reindeer? EAGLED-EYED readers may have started to notice shop windows in Fishponds have not only been trimmed up - many have a visiting reindeer. It is part of this year's festive Reindeer Trail and boys, girls, mums and dads are being encouraged to pick up an entry form and see how many of the creatures they can find. Answers will be entered into a special draw with some fabulous prizes up for grabs. Most reindeers will have been put in place by December 1 and will be displayed until December 31. This year's event has been organised by hair stylist Mandy Hoyle who works at Anthony James, with the help of Jackie Emery-Adams, from Ambertone Health and Beauty. Mandy said: "There will be 40 reindeer in windows from the Fire Basket right up to the Kingfisher Cafe. Each one has a number and people can fill out on entry forms where they've
Sparkles the reindeer in the window of the Fire Basket certainly attracted lots of attention last year
seen the reindeers. There will be a special reindeer with some presents which is up high and that's the one people will be especially looking out for. "Entries will all be entered into a draw and then in January we will have a special event at the New Moon pub where we invite the winners to pick up their prizes."
Entry forms can be obtained from Anthony James, the Kingfisher Cafe and the Card Shop in Fishponds. Mandy said: "It was a great success last year with lots of people taking part. The main aim is to get people to realise what they have on their doorstep here in Fishponds. If you are out walking or shopping, taking
part in the Reindeer Trail might make you notice shops that you may not have noticed before. It's a community event, aimed at bringing the community together and having fun." Mandy said she has been "overwhelmed" with how many traders wanted to get involved and the number of prizes donated by local businesses. These include chocolates; gift vouchers from Anthony James, Grounded, Fabio barbers, Ambertone and the Kingfisher Cafe; a Manchester City football kit from Doug Hillard; a snooker cue in a case from World Snooker Services; a voucher for a group of four for Cheeky Monkeys; a 5ft teddy from the New Moon and two adult tickets for Noah's Ark. Fishponds Voice publisher Gary Brindle has donated five toys vouchers each to the value of £10. More prizes are expected to be donated in the coming weeks.
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
n NEWS
7
Tripping switch on the lights fantastic! Illuminations in the trees - some of Ulf Pedersen's work
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ON OW ON FISHPONDS Park will play host to a unique light show this Christmas thanks to international artist Ulf Pedersen. Ulf, who lives near the park, is taking time out from his work installing illuminations in New Zealand, London and Tyntesfield in North Somerset to creae a display for local residents to enjoy. The first Glow in the Park is being organised by the Friends of Fishponds Park, a group started earlier this year which has big plans for revamping the green space at the heart of Fishponds. It has received some funding and has also been collecting donations via crowdfunding. Brian Smith, chairman of the Friends, said: “We are very grateful to Ulf for bringing his creative flair to help raise the profile of the park. The lights will be switched on on December 2 and will shine nightly from 4pm until midnight. “ I am very pleased with the response so far. This is the first
time we have done this and it is a big learning curve for us. We are already planning an even better display for next year.” Ulf said he and his family moved to Fishponds about this time last year and liked the illuminated Christmas trees outside the shops and those in the trees at the park entrance. “I noticed there was a big dark hole in the park and thought it would be nice to light it up in some way. My wife Graina ended up joining the Friends; they were talking about lighting, she explained what I did, and we decided to give it a try,” he said. A world of quality “In Victorian times, parks Opening times were lit and people would A world of choice Monday - Friday 9 - 5.30pm Monday - Friday 9-5.30pm promenadeOpening in them. times Now they Saturday 9 - 5pm A world of value have become no-go areas. I am Saturday 9-5pm Sunday 10-4pm Sunday 10 - 4pm lighting the trees in the centre of the park to invite people in to the space and to celebrate the Discover a range of: park a bit more. If people like it, • Karndean we could build on this for future • Carpets years and include more of the • Commercial • Vinyls park and the churchyard."
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fishpondsvoice
8
December, 2016
n NEWS
Charity shop remains shut after fire A CHARITY shop on Straits Parade remains closed more than two weeks after the building and stock were damaged by fire. The blaze at the Clic Sargent ship happened early on Saturday November 12. Six firefighters in breathing apparatus used highpowered hose reels to put out the fire. Police and fire investigation officers are investigating the cause. A spokesman for Clic Sargent said the fire started at the back of the shop at about 8am. "No one was injured in the incident but there was significant damage to both the stock in the shop and the building. "We are still working with the police who are investigating and the shop will remain closed for the foreseeable future.” A notice in the shop window asks supporters to take their donations to the shops in Staple Hill or Downend. Clic Sargent is a charity close
to the hearts of many people in the area, as the original Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood was started by Bob Woodward, from Frenchay, in the 1970s.
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
9
n NEWS
House burglars break man's arm
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A MAN in his 60s has been left with head injuries and a broken arm following an aggravated burglary in St George. The incident took place at around 9.30pm on Friday November 18 when two men forced their way into a property in Whiteway Road and threatened a couple, both who are in their 60s. The two men went onto seriously assault the man, leaving him with head injuries and a broken arm. His wife managed to escape the property and raise the alarm. Det Sgt Nicholas Lawson, of Bristol Investigations, said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the couple, who were threatened in their own home. “The man suffered some serious injuries during a sustained assault, but he’s been treated at hospital and has since been discharged. “The offenders were wearing masks and hooded tops during the incident. “They made off with four men’s gold chains, one with the Star of David on, a woman’s gold wedding ring and a handbag. “If you are offered any items like this for sale, if you saw or heard anything suspicious in the Whiteway Road area that night, or if you saw two men running away from the scene, please call us as soon as possible.” If you can help, call Bristol Investigations on 101 and quote reference number 5216257102.
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fishpondsvoice
10
December, 2016
n NEWS POLICE are continuing to warn members of the Asian community to take extra care of their jewellery and valuables after thieves ransacked the home of a Fishponds family. The burglary took place in Honiton Road after family members went out to the cinema at 4.45pm on Monday November 14. When they returned home at around 10.30pm they discovered they had been burgled. Among items stolen were several pieces of high value gold jewellery, including a ‘Shangar’, a piece of jewellery worn at Sikh weddings which had been given to the victim by her parents. Investigating officer Dai Nicholas said: "It’s every family’s nightmare, to return and find that your family home has been ransacked by thieves and items that you simply cannot replace have been stolen. "I’d ask anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area on Monday afternoon to get in touch. Also, anyone who has information about the distinctive items stolen." All of the items were stored in a light green-coloured metal safe which, despite being very heavy, was taken from the house. There have been a number of incidents across Bristol in the past month where thieves have targeted homes because they believe there is valuable jewellery or high value gold inside. Bristol community liaison officer PC Keith Openshaw said: “Many Asian families have precious jewellery and gold items in their homes, some of which are family heirlooms, handed down through several generations.
Raiders ransack family's home and snatch jewels
"Unfortunately, burglars are unaware of cultural traditions and they do not hold them
sacred. They know that many Asian families invest in the highest quality gold, which they
can sell on for large sums of cash, with relative ease and anonymity. “Of course, these items of jewellery have a very high sentimental value and if they’re stolen, the victims may feel as though they have lost part of their family history. This is why we are urging Asian communities to take extra care and to report anything suspicious to us immediately. "You are our eyes and ears on the ground and without your support, we cannot catch these heartless criminals who see your family heirlooms as a quick way to make some cash." Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to call 101 quoting reference 5216253731.
Haul of gold includes many treasures As well as the Shangar, also stolen were: • A ‘Bassa’, a piece of gold jewellery worn on the side of the head • Gold earrings with red stones in • Choker style necklace with gold squares hanging off • A ‘Pannchangla, four gold rings attached to a bracelet • A ‘Nath’, a large gold nose ring with a chain attached • A matching gold jewellery set in a red suede box, consisting of a thin gold necklace, flowershaped ring and hooped earrings, all with
small diamonds • Man’s gold bangle • Two men’s gold rings, one with a maze pattern on the front and filled with diamonds, one with a square on the top and filled with white stones • A child’s gold ring, again with a square design on the top • Small plain gold ring with a star design engraved on top • Gold chain with a Kanda (Sikh religious symbol) on four small children’s silver bangles
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
n NEWS PLANS to create student accommodation in Fishponds will be of little benefit to residents, according to Frome Vale councillor Nicola BowdenJones. Greensky Developments wants to transform a disused building next to the police station in Straits Parade into 31 studio spaces and four two-bedroomed flats, known as 'twodios'. But Councillor BowdenJones, who attended a meeting about the proposals at the Kingfisher Cafe, says the benefits to the community are "minimal" and accused the developer of trying to maximise profits. She said: "National housing regulations require properties for single residents to be a minimum of 52 square metres there is no minimum for student accommodation, so developers are able to maximise their profits by making smaller dwellings. "As students don't pay council tax or live locally for 52 weeks of the year, the benefits to the local economy are minimal." The plans, which were due to be submitted to Bristol City Council at the end of November, feature a communal laundry, bins spaces and secure cycle storage. There are plans to install solar panels to generate a significant proportion of solar-powered energy. Each studio would be self contained with a kitchen and bathroom. "There is no requirement for affordable homes with student developments and my concerns are that local residents will suffer," said Cllr Bowden-Jones. "I understand students need accommodation, but we need to build balanced communities and I do not feel that this development will make
11
Student flats won't benefit residents, says councillor
Rank of shops in Straits Parade a contribution to this, although it would bring custom to the existing businesses located within the current site." The Labour councillor is also querying the materials used and their future impact on Fishponds street scene: "It has also been pointed out that the intended rendering on the property is of a low standard, and the appearance of the development with deteriorate significantly due to the effects of weather and pollution." Residents have commented on Cllr Bowden-Jones' Facebook page after she posted details about the plans. One said: "Is student accommodation really the highest priority for housing in Bristol or is it the most profitable?" Another argued: "Why is Bristol turning into a student housing estate? I appreciate that students have to live somewhere but affordable housing for all should be a priority."
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But some are in favour of the plans with one woman saying: "It'd be be nice to see the area spruced up" and another stating: "The existing building is an eyesore therefore some sort of development will be good." Another poster agreed with Cllr Bowden-Jones concerns about the building's proposed
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fishpondsvoice
12
December, 2016
n NEWS
Baby Bank network moves into Fishponds A CHARITY that distributes baby essentials has moved into Fishponds, enabling it to help even more families in need. Baby Bank Network, which was established last summer, initially operated out of a donated unit in St Philip’s but soon outgrew the space. The team moved to a temporary premises in Southmead but has now secured a more permanent home in Fishponds at Stoke View Business Park. The move was made possible thanks to a grant from Foundation for Children which will cover the charity’s rent and business rates for three years. It means that the volunteerrun charity has a secure space to collect and store pre-loved items such as nappies, cots, clothes and pushchairs which its team of volunteers can sort and prepare into packages for babies in need. A quarter of babies in Bristol live below the poverty line,
Baby Bank volunteers celebrate arriving in their new home according to figures from End Child Poverty. As part of action against child poverty, the Baby Bank Network
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was set up in Bristol in June 2015 by two local mums. Distributing pre-loved baby essentials to families in need such as refugees, victims of domestic violence and homeless families, as well as low income families and teenage mums, the charity needs funds to help pay its low overheads, and buy items that can’t be reused such as bottle teats and cot mattresses. Baby Bank Network’s new home comprises 1,800sq foot of warehouse and office space. It is here that the team of volunteers mostly mums of young children can collect, sort, clean, repair and sort the donated items ready for collection by a citywide network of referral partners who deliver the items to the families in need. Referral partners include midwives, health visitors and charity partners. Since it started collecting and distributing baby essentials last autumn, Baby Bank Network has helped more than 300 families in Bristol. It is now helping the equivalent of one family per day in Bristol and remains run entirely by volunteers. Baby Bank Network hosted a donations event at its new premises. People were encouraged to drop off good quality baby essentials featured on a wishlist which will be packaged up and sent to families in need. Founder Becky Gilbert said: "We’re over the moon to have a
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
more permanent home. "We’ve been amazed with the sheer amount of donations parents in Bristol have given us and we’d been making do with what we had until now but were operating under the risk of suddenly having nowhere to store and sort all the items people kindly donate. Now we can relax a little and up our efforts to help more babies in Bristol." Stefan Watts, trustee at Foundation for Children, said: “We are delighted to fund such a well deserving charity that involves the whole community being involved in helping those who need it the most, almost all families have a used high-chair or toy that they could donate. We know the charity will do some amazing things over the coming years and we look forward to visiting them in their new home." Foundation for Children was set up in 2010 to help tackle child poverty in the UK and give disadvantaged children opportunities they otherwise would not have. It is predominantly a funding body, which supports community organisations pursuing goals which align with the foundation’s aims. It works with employers and businesses to secure funding. Baby Bank Network has been named Volunteer Team of the Year and Becky Gilbert named Trustee of the Year at the 2016 Voscurs - annual awards run by Voscur, which celebrate the voluntary sector work in Bristol. Becky said: "It’s been an incredible journey so far and for every family we’re reaching, we know there are hundreds more who need help. Our mission is to help ensure no baby in Bristol goes without the basics. Securing a home allows us to grow as a charity and help more babies in need." She added: "As well as a huge thanks to Foundation for Children for making this possible, I’d like to say a huge thanks to the volunteers who gave up their weekend to help us with this move - we would be nothing without our volunteers." For more information, visit: http://www.babybanknetwork. com or search ‘Baby Bank Network’ on Facebook and Instagram or Twitter @ BabyBankNetwork
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
13
n NEWS
Water Babies go wild for fund YOUNG swimmers have been making a splash to help a Fishponds-based charity which supports babies in need. Hundreds of Water Babies swimmers donned animal outfits for the Bristol Zoo-inspired ‘Really Wild Swim’, collecting sponsorship which has amounted to almost £5,000 for Baby Bank Network, which has premises at Stoke View Business Park. The fundraiser, which took place in private pools across Bristol, Bath and North Somerset from November 7-14, saw 1,250 babies, toddlers and their families taking part in animalthemed underwater swims. Dressed up as their favourite
Animal magic as babies and parents take part in the Really Wild Swim for Baby Bank Network animals, babies swam through submerged hoops and dived underwater for toys with their parents. They collected sponsorship from family and friends, with one family raising over £650 alone. “The ‘Really Wild Swim’ was so much fun, and it was wonderful to see our little swimmers and their families getting so involved,” said Bryony Johnstone who has been running Water Babies in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset since 2003. “I think that the families who
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raised money were touched by an issue that’s not only close to their hearts, but also so close to home. It really is community action at its best.” All money raised will go to Baby Bank Network, which helps babies in need. Eva Fernandes, co-founder of Baby Bank Network, said: “The incredible amount of money Water Babies families have raised will enable us to help so many more babies in need.” “Baby Bank Network is a simple idea. Nearly everything
we give to families in need is second hand,” said Eva. “It does not cost us a lot to run, so for every £10 raised, we can help alleviate the symptoms of poverty for one more family with up to £1,000 of baby items they would not be able to otherwise afford. We can’t thank Water Babies enough.” To donate to Baby Bank Network via the ‘Really Wild Swim’, see: https://www. justgiving.com/campaigns/ charity/babybanknetwork/ waterbabiesreallywildswim.
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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
14
December, 2016
n NEWS
Appeal for guide dog boarding pals COULD you give a loving and temporary home to a guide dog just like this one? Animal lovers from the Fishponds area are being asked to consider looking after a young guide dog, like Peppa on the right, so they are used to being in a domestic environment. Guide Dogs for the Blind is recruiting volunteer boarders and are looking for local people who have a garden or yard.
Neil Howe, from the charity, said: "When our dogs are being trained we like them to live with a volunteer boarder in a domestic environment as this makes it easier for them to settle into home life with their new guide dog owner when they have completed their training. "If you live in the Fishponds area and your home has a garden or yard we would love to hear from you. Most weekdays our trainer would pick up and drop off your dog and you would be responsible for walking and exercising him or her at weekends and on days when the dogs are not being trained." Each dog is likely to stay with a volunteer for twelve to fourteen weeks. Steve, a volunteer boarder, said: “Boarding a trainee dog means that I can enjoy having a dog in the evening and at weekends and at the same time I know that I am playing a part in enabling a blind person to become more independent." Guide dog Alfie at Sainsbury's in Kingswood with his puppy walker Chris Cummings. The store raised money to sponsor him.
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Guide Dogs for the Blind also needs respite boarders who can provide a full-time home for some of the dogs for a short period, often at short notice. This could be for a young dog that has been withdrawn from training for a health or behaviour related reason or it could be an older dog that has retired and is waiting for a new permanent home. To be a boarder you don’t need any previous experience of dogs as the charity provides full
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training and ongoing support, but you would need to follow the charity's rules for dog care and behaviour. Guide Dogs for the Blind will provide all necessary equipment and cover the cost of food and vet bills. For more information about these volunteering opportunities please call Amanda Bealing at the local Guide Dogs’ office on 03451 430204 or email amanda. bealing@guidedogs.org.uk
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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
15
n NEWS
Somme centenary Remembrance Day YOUNG and old stood side by side to pay their respects to the men and women who lost their lives during conflict. Wearing their poppies with pride, visitors to Fishponds war memorial paid their respects during a two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday. This year's service at Fishponds Park was particularly
poignant as it marked the 100th centenary of the Battle of the Somme, in which more than a million men were killed or wounded on all sides. The event started with a service at St Mary's Church before moving to the newly listed war memorial in the park for hymns and commemoration around the cenotaph.
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Funding places available for all eligible 2, 3, & 4 year olds Set in a quiet location of Fishponds with a beautiful secure garden for outdoor learning, make friends secure relationships in a warm, stimulating and nurturing environment.
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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
THE NEW MOON 780 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL BS16 3TT www.thenewmoonfishponds.com 01179 658 077
Paul, Emma and the team at the New Moon would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our loyal customers that have been with us in our first year. We are now leading up to our first Christmas in the pub and we are very much looking forward to seeing old and new faces. We have been made very welcome in the pub and we thank the Fishponds community spirit for this. We are looking forward to the new year and would like to wish our customers a very happy Christmas. Please join us over the festive season for our 3 course dinner or maybe a Babycham or snowball. Once again thank you for your support. Our customers are what makes the New Moon a community pub.
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
17
n NEWS
Historic chapel renews fundraising appeal A FURTHER fundraising drive has been launched to secure the future of an architectural gem in the heart of Frenchay. The Frenchay Unitarian Chapel is a Grade 2* Listed Building and a rare example of a 17th century non-conformist building. It is still in regular use for worship today and its supporters need help to make sure it can be preserved for future generations. Since 2012, they have raised £29,000, which has paid for the front two windows to be replaced and the four others to be repaired, but the congregation has been told that two of the side windows will need to be replaced soon. Ongoing repairs and maintenance also have to be funded. Many people have already backed the chapel’s Sponsor a Pane appeal but more are being urged to support the fundraising. Fundraising secretary Pauline Furnivall said the chapel, behind a stone wall and a yew tree, was steeped in history. It dates back
to 1691 and boasts a crinoline door, which allowed ladies with crinoline skirts ease of passage into worship. The weathervane over the chapel tower is said to commemorate the spectacular visit of Halley’s Comet in 1759 and there are many interesting memorials in the graveyard, as well as a large unmarked stone known as the Body Snatcher’s Stone. This was placed over newly made graves to prevent the practice of stealing bodies for the purpose of dissection. The repair of the front two windows was carried out by specialists from Bath. “All the historic window panes, which we are advised could well be original, were carefully removed without breakages from the existing windows and reinstalled into the new ones,” said Pauline. Dedication services were held to celebrate the completion of the work on the restoration and repairs of the windows. Candles were lit for everyone who had
sponsored a pane, and plaques with the names of sponsors were unveiled.
“We feel that it is imperative that our heritage is preserved. We have been entrusted with the task of handing this precious ‘jewel’ on to future generations to admire, enjoy and appreciate,” she said. Sponsors who pay £100 perhaps to honour a loved one , celebrate a special event or simply make a contribution to the chapel and wider commuity - can have their name on one of the plaques. The Minister, the Rev Lindy Latham, added: “Increasingly in this world of rapid change, the timeless beauty and simplicity of Frenchay chapel has been a source of comfort, challenge, inspiration and peace to those who visit. "We are fortunate to have a congregation committed to the care of the chapel, wanting to pass it on as a legacy – but we cannot do this alone.” To help, contact fundraising secretary Pauline Furnivall by emailing frenchayfund@gmail. com
Could you foster a child and help them fulfil their dreams? Our foster carers come from a wide range of lifestyles – they are married, single, in same gender partnerships and from diverse ethnic backgrounds. We are now recruiting for foster carers in the Bristol area. Five Rivers Chid Care is a leading Social Enterprise for looked after children. We offer professional support, very competitive fostering rates, dedicated 24/7 support and training. If you would like an informal chat and to find out more information, please come to our Drop in Coffee Morning next month on Tuesday 17th January 2017, 10am - 12pm This will be held at our offices at Five Rivers Child Care Ltd, Suite 7, Westbury Court, Church Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3EF
If you would like more information please call 01858 412765 or email: fostering@five-rivers.org www.five-rivers.org/fostering To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
Quarry Court FISHPONDS
Luxury Independent Living with Extra Care in Fishponds Quarry Court Fishponds is now open, offering elderly residents who need care at hand: • 17 luxury affordable independent apartments • a secure beautiful environment • extra care and home support services - all making life easier. Each apartment includes • One or two bedrooms, lounge/diner and kitchen • Balcony or patio for most apartments • Jack and Jill bathroom with wet room shower • Fitted kitchen with thoughtful features such as a specialist NEFF oven • Quality carpets in your choice of colour, fitted ready for you to move in • Video entrance and 24 hour emergency call bell • Wheelchair and mobility scooter access Plus lots of superb facilities • Stylish restaurant with terrace and garden view • Stunning leisure suite, including gym, Jacuzzi and spa pool • Hairdressing salon • Roof patio garden • Communal lounge for socialising and activities Easy walking access to Fishponds with its vibrant community and wide range of shops and cafes.
Contact Ross Vickerman Talyors Estate Agents 770 Fishponds Road BS16 3UA CALL 0 0 17 322 6026 FOR A FREE BROC HURE
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
19
n NEWS Gruffalo gang
RECEPTION pupils from Begbrook Primary Academy dressed up as their favourite Julia Donaldson book characters .Students, who have been learning about the different stories written by the author, took part in
various book-related activities throughout the day, including making Gruffalo crumble and writing and creating their own books. Sarah Godding, reception class teacher, said: "It was a wonderful opportunity for
the children to learn more about a fantastic author. It is also a chance for colleagues to promote literacy and the importance of reading in a fun way."
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
21
n MP COLUMN
Keep fast food away from schools
Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
writes for Fishponds Voice
OVER the last few weeks and months, I have been very busy with casework right across east Bristol – including here in Fishponds. I turned up at the Planning Inspectorate hearing on the McDonald’s drive-thru proposed for Fishponds Road, to speak against it, but unfortunately the hearing was postponed until next summer. I have already submitted written objections at every possible stage, including at the start of November. While we are waiting for the hearing to resume, I will be pushing for a change in council planning regulations, so that we do not allow fast-food outlets to spring up within a ten-minute walk/ 800 metres of schools in the vicinity. I have spoken to the Mayor, Marvin Rees, about this, and hope to be able to raise it in the House of Commons too, to ensure that all councils, and not just those which are proactive, are mandated to stand up for public health.
Many of us, in particular the elderly and disabled members of our community, or those with small children, will know of the near misses which result from illegal leftturns from the Fishponds Road into Hockey’s Lane. Nobody should have to risk serious injury – or worse – when crossing the road. A legal left-turn needs to be reinstated, complete with a safe sequence of lights, so that all road users can feel, and be, safe. I have been putting pressure on the council for this to be done and I appreciate the level of frustration out there. We shouldn’t have to wait for a serious accident before the council acts. In the meantime, and as always, I would urge all drivers to observe the signage and for pedestrian to exercise caution when crossing at this junction. Finally, I am sure that everyone is looking forward not only to Christmas and the New Year, but
also to the end of the current one-way closure on Stoke Lane in December. This disruption was halved to six months after the intervention of Councillor Mark Bradshaw, assistant Mayor for Transport, after being initially scheduled to last a year. I am glad that local residents’ voices are now being heard, thanks to the sterling work of the Stoke Lane Action Group and Frome Vale Councillor Nicola Bowden-Jones. After public consultation meetings, the one-way closure will be reversed – on a trial basis, beginning on December 12 – so that traffic flows north instead of south until the scheduled reopening of two-way traffic in February. These arrangements will be reviewed by a further series of public meetings in the New Year and I encourage everyone to attend to ensure that local views are taken into account.
If it’s news, email Linda or Jayne at news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Vets4Pets Kingswood Caring for your pets as if they were our own
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FREE Vet Consultation for new clients
Offer valid for new clients of Vets4Pets Kingswood only. This offer is promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Handforth, Cheshire, SK9 3RN. Voucher entitles you to a free veterinary consultation. Vet will perform a physical examination of your pet; further consultations, treatment or medication will be charged at full price. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Appointment to be booked in advance and you must present this voucher at your appointment. Single use voucher. No cash alternative. Valid only at the surgery where the offer is purchased. Expires 30.09.16.
Book your appointment today Vets4Pets Kingswood, Willowdean Court, 247A Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1LT Opening times: 8.30am - 7pm Mon- Fri, 9am - 12pm Sat Call: 0117 961 6417 Visit: www.vets4pets.com/kingswood
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
22
December, 2016
n FISHPONDS FACES
The Rev Lizzie Kesteven So Lizzie, tell us a bit about yourself
What’s changed in Fishponds since you started in your role?
Well, I come from Newbury, I’ve been the vicar of All Saints and St. Mary’s churches for nearly four years, and I live with my husband Simon and our three children, aged 11, eight and five, who attend St Mary Redcliffe and Fishponds Academy. Oh, and we have an old dog called Manny.
There are more shops, more coffee bars, there’s more of a buzz. It feels like a place to go now and more people are choosing to move here.
What’s the best part of your job?
I go running a lot, we do the Bristol to Bath cycle path up to Warmley sometimes, and we go to the cinema with the kids. They loved the live action remake of The Jungle Book.
What do you do when you’re ‘off-duty’?
I really enjoy meeting people, and how every day can bring fifteen completely different conversations which can be happy, sad, exciting, worrying…I get to be invited into people’s lives at key points, from birth, through weddings, all the way to the end of life. It’s a privilege to be there for people to mark these important occasions.
Tell us something about you we wouldn’t expect I have to admit I'm a massive Aston Villa fan.
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session the Record (6 Piece band) Sunday 11th at 6pm - Anti War night
Saturday 10th at 8.30pm - Off
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Thursday 15th at 8.30pm - Irish
Traditional session Friday 16th at 8.30pm - Open Mic Saturday 17th at 8.30 pm - Petty Hegglers Sunday 18th at 4pm - Open Mic Wednesday 21st at 8pm - Music Quiz Thursday 22nd 8.30pm - The anarchist Christmas Choir Friday 23rd at 8.30pm - Chasing Whisky (All girl band) Saturday 24th at 8.30pm - Ben Harrison Friday 30th at 8.30 pm - Jimmi Can (Funky Latin Reggae) Saturday 31st at 8 pm - Open Mic and Open Decks Visit us on facebook – The Star Fishponds
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
place in Fishponds?
with children breaks it even more. People are often surprised, but in a good way, so perceptions are changing.
It has to be when I’m running - my favourite spot is the view of the whole area at night, from the top of the hill by Cossham Hospital. It’s like I’ve said ‘Fishponds, I love you!’ and then I run home.
Have you ever cheated death? I crash my car quite a lot. I don’t pay enough attention to walls. Don’t park next to me in the supermarket.
You must be busy this time of year… I love Christmas! How could anyone do my job and not love Christmas? I love the trappings of it, the tinsel and turkey, but at the heart of it for me is the Nativity story – a motley crew of people with the vulnerability of a tiny little baby at the centre. We may not all have children, but we’ve all been the baby – that’s why I do what I do.
Any rebellious deeds from your past? None that are printable.
23
Worst vice? Favourite treat?
Lateness. And swearing.
Morrisons' own brand vanilla icecream – it’s really nice. [other icecreams are available – S.H.]
Best virtue?
What do you like most about the area? I get to see the all the community groups and the brilliant work they do, I love the little conversations people have at the pelican crossing by the park, and I love talking with people who’ve lived here a long time. They have a sense of real affection for the place and that we should be proud of it.
Where’s your favourite
Wigs Bristol
LOCATED IN DOWNEND
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I’m quite funny? We’ll be the judge of that, thanks
What would you like to see more of in the area? More people in church! More community events like The Big Sing, and Make Sunday Special. And more random acts of kindness like the ones I often see – people holding doors open, people keeping an eye out for kids if they’re on scooters and getting close to the road, people picking up litter and putting it in the bin.
What might surprise people who aren’t familiar with your work? There’s a prayer request box in the entrance of Morrisons. Every single request that goes in the box is sent to seven local churches and included in the prayers at the Sunday service that week. Whatever you need help with, whatever you might want to give thanks for, you should know that you’re not alone, and this box can help shine a light on your situation.
Best piece of advice you’ve received? Don’t take drugs. Come on Rev, you can do better than that There’s a little bit of divine in everyone. Look for it in yourself and go find it in others. Do you have an idea for a Fishponds Face? Email your suggestions to: news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Staple Hill Royal British Legion KENDALL ROAD, STAPLE HILL, BRISTOL BS16 4NB all events listed are open to all to come and join in
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Great New Years Eve
with great music and entertainment £10.00 Well stocked bar with ale on draught 8.00pm to 1.00am Tickets from 0117 9560805 or Sheen’s Sat 3rd December
Christmas Fayre and Entertainment
0117 956 6556
11.00pm
Sat 3rd December
Jays Social Dance 8.00pm
Shields Carpentry
Friday 9th December
Family Fun Night
All Carpentry and Maintenance
MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS
• 1st & 2nd Fix • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Bedrooms • Flooring • Fencing • Timber Decking • All UPVC Products • Free Quotations
Call Sam on 0117 9146727 / 07799 206067 Or E-mail shieldcarpentry@hotmail.co.uk To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Don’t forget our regular weekly sessions Tuesday 2.00pm Short Matt Bowls Wednesday 8.00pm Pheonix Social Dance Thursday 7.30pm Bingo Sunday 7.30pm Tom’s Social Night (open mike)
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)
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
24
December, 2016
n PEOPLE
Meet the new neighbours forced to live in exile
Didi Onwu, above, reports on an event in Fishponds in celebration of the people from around the world who have made their homes here among us
“I AM an eternal other. As a woman, as a Kurd and as a stateless person.” This was what Dr Nazand Begikhani told a packed Kingfisher cafe in Fishponds at an event where locals had gathered to meet their new neighbours - refugees from countries in conflict. Stranger Stories was an evening filled with tales of horror and excerpts of hope. Part of a series organised by The People’s University of Fishponds, it provided a glimpse of the world through the eyes of those who fled their homes just to survive. Anti-honour killings campaigner Dr. Beghikani left Iraqi Kurdistan in 1987 to escape Saddam Hussein’s assault on the Kurds. But her three brothers perished. “I carry inside of me a lot of wounds of survival,” she said. Deported from Budapest to Yugoslavia, she finally reached
REINDEER TRAIL
Paris, via Denmark, where she studied at the Sorbonne. Now a research fellow at Bristol University, she told of falling into a deep depression on the birth of her son, whom she named after one of her deceased brothers. She was finally mourning the loss she had endured for so many years. Poetry became her saving grace. “I had to move on. I had to become the voice of my people and those who died. Poetry became my homeland. Through poetry, I am settled. I am myself,” she said. Another Kurdish poet, local photographer Houri Ghamian broke down as she recalled her latest humiliation as an exile. After the Brexit vote, the English grandparents of her son asked her when she would be leaving the UK. “Something has gone wrong with this country,” she sobbed. Fishponds newcomer Mahsa Aseman, 25, who dare not return to Iran having converted to Christianity, spoke of the eight years it took her and mother to obtain refugee status. Her brother Hassan, who was only 14 when they came to the UK, is still waiting. She said she had been turned away from her studies in
Follow the festive Fishponds Reindeer trail!
Can you find the reindeer with the presents in his sleigh? If you can, you could win a prize Prizes include: Man City Football shirt • Snooker cue and case • 2 Adult tickets Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm • 2 Cheeky Monkeys Voucher (free entry, tea, coffee, squash and cake for a group of 4) • 5 foot teddy bear • £20 Grounded Vouchers • £10 Kingfisher Voucher • Anthony James Voucher • Fabio Voucher • Ambertone Voucher • Chocolates from Cardzone (Hallmark) • 5 £10 toyshop vouchers Plus smaller prizes..
Pick up your trail sheets at: Anthony James | Kingfisher Cafe | Hallmarks
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Norbert Mbu-Mputu
Nazand Begikhani Bristol midway through a course because her status forbade free tuition. Derrick Purdue recalled obtaining ‘leave to remain’ in the UK after refusing to serve in the South African army during the apartheid regime, way back in 1978. He has since made his life in Bristol. Norbert Mbu-Mputu, an exiled Congolese journalist who had worked in UN refugee camps after the Rwandan genocide, opened the evening with a story about the seven years he spent as an asylum-seeker in the UK, including a year living rough on the streets of London. “I got to know all the night bus routes when there was no room in the night shelter,” he said. He told of a doomed attempt to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo to see his mother, who had begged him not to risk it. He was quickly picked up by the security forces. “You are stupid to have come back,” said a friend. “We have Google. They know what you are writing on the outside.” “My mother died three months after I returned to the
Bristol Hospitality Network: https://bristolhospitalitynetwork. wordpress.com/ Borderlands: borderlands.uk.com/ Bristol Bike Project: www.thebristolbikeproject.org/ Bristol Refugee Rights:w ww.bristolrefugeerights.org/ and Fishponds Foodbank: www.gracechurchbristol.org/foodbank/
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
25
Mahsa Aseman, right, and, left, the speakers at The Kingfisher for the Stranger Stories event UK. I haven’t been to her grave,” Norbert explained tearfully. Over a bowl of chilli, and to music from the Sweet Spokes, the 60 people present discussed what they had heard. A single asylum seeker gets just over £5 a day (£36.96 a week) to pay for food, travel, clothing, toiletries and other expenses excluding housing and fuel bills. That is 50 per cent of the income support British citizens are entitled to. One man asked: “Can’t we
write to our local MPs about the mistreatment of refugees and asylum seekers?” “They know about it. They don’t give a damn!” came the reply. They were encouraged to support schemes like Bristol Hospitality Network, Borderlands, and the Bristol Bike Project. The UK asylum system has become controversial and complex. According to the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees, 59 per cent of initial decisions in 2014 were refusals. Some 75 per cent of these decisions were appealed with a 28 per cent success rate. Those for whom it is too unsafe to return home may be granted exceptional leave to remain, which can be temporary. Event organiser Kate Brooks said: “It was a privilege to listen to stories, songs, and poetry about the refugee experience. Feedback has been great: people
Winter Warmers
As the evenings draw in and our thoughts turn once again to pulling on warm fluffy slippers, cosy nights in and comforting foods, Wiltshire Farm Foods have some hearty winter warmers just for you. Wiltshire Farm Foods have been delivering delicious and nutritious meals
to the more senior people of Bristol, and the surrounding areas for nearly 25 years. Whatever tempts your taste buds we have something that will excite your palate. Try our classic dishes such as stews and hot-pots, roast dinners in rich gravies, or try something a little more exotic from the Far East with our Lemon & Ginger Chicken or a Chicken Tikka Masala. And for when you feel like something a little special, how about a steamed pudding or a syrup sponge with custard to warm you up. All our meals are delivered free of charge, direct to your freezer by your friendly weekday delivery driver. For those who prefer something a little lighter, or require a special diet,
said it was ‘powerful’, moving’, ‘an eye opener'. “We hope we can build on this and encourage more communities to be welcoming and inclusive, to listen and learn and benefit from those who come bringing new skills, perspectives and experiences.” Proceeds from the evening are going to Bristol Refugee Rights and Fishponds Foodbank, and a follow-up event is planned in the new year with a short film.
• Your own FREE daily delivery driver who you know and trust • Delivered nutritious, delicious meals • Convenient - no pots and pans to wash up
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• Easy to cook - ready in minutes • Prepared by our team of chefs our fish, vegetarian and Free From menus offer an excellent choice too. With over 300 meals to choose from, including dishes from around the world, our weekday delivery service brings you freedom and convenience all at a price you can afford. To order a FREE sample meal from our extensive range and a copy of our brochure call 01275 371993 or visit us online at wiltshirefarmfoods.com
For more information call 01275 371993
or visit wiltshirefarmfoods.com
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
26
December, 2016
n FISHPONDS MUM
Eye Blog . . .
FISHPONDS
with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians
Mu m
Eyesight secrets of some big-name The Hungry Caterpillar Hollywood stars shows appetite for fun IF you’re anything like me, I enjoy watching a good film over the Christmas period, especially when it’s cold and dark (and usually raining!) outside. So here’s your first Christmas Trivia question of the season - Aside from being three of the most famous actors in the world, what do Dame Judi Dench, Johnny Depp and Mila Kunis all have in common? That’s right; you guessed it (as this is an eye healthcare blog!) – They’ve all experienced vision problems. But you would never guess to look at them, would you? Mila Kunis is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful women in the world – with her eyes being one of her defining features, so it might surprise you to learn that she was blind in one eye for many years, due to a chronic eye condition called Iritis. Iritis causes inflammation to the coloured part of the eye, the iris. And like Mila Kunis, many sufferers can go on to develop cataracts and vision loss as a result of the condition. But in 2011, Mila had lens replacement surgery – where the damaged lens was removed and replaced by a new artificial lens that she says saved her sight and restored her vision. As for Johnny Depp – everyone’s favourite hero from the Pirates of the Caribbean - you probably thought he wore those tinted glasses to make him look even cooler than he already does, right? Wrong. Depp is actually almost 100% blind in one eye and near sighted in the other. And without his prescription glasses he is unable to see very much at all,
which makes his performance in the Pirates of the Caribbean and other Hollywood blockbusters even more impressive. Unfortunately he has to make do with the blue-tinted lenses. But I think he pulls them off pretty well! In the case of Judi Dench - unlike younger actors Mila Kunis and Johnny Depp - she suffers from a more common eye condition that often affects people over the age of 65: age-related macular degeneration or AMD. When talking about her condition, Judi was recently reported as saying she “falls all over the place”. She’s making light of it, of course, in true Dame Judi style, but agerelated macular degeneration can be a serious condition that results in central vision loss for many sufferers. And these three actors are not alone; here are some other big names from Hollywood that suffer from vision problems that might surprise you, too: • Whoopi Goldberg suffers from Glaucoma • And the action hero of all action heroes, Brad Pitt, has had his vision corrected with laser eye treatment, too If you have any questions about your eye health or prescription eyewear this Christmas, make an appointment with me. At Marian Blake Opticians we pride ourselves on giving a thorough personalised service and expert advice. Book now on 0117 9651861 today.
A
T last there is a permanent play café that has opened in Downend. The Hungry Caterpillar Play Café is a fantastic resource locally for pre-schoolers. It is run by owners, Melody and her husband, and is very much a family business by people who have and know small children. This team is the brains and vision behind the very successful and very busy Bedminster branch. There is no large chain, just a careful couple trying to make a difference to the experience of parents and children. Having themselves moved to Fishponds, they are keen to provide a brilliant resource for parents and carers locally. The Play Café is unique because it is a play café first – the focus is on the play. You have to pay a small amount to visit it but I find I end up staying much longer because of the amount of things to do for my toddler, who loves going there. She enjoys the beautifully made child-sized rope bridge connecting two wooden houses, a little kitchen and the new food market. There is also a baby sensory room (formerly a vault), darkened, cosy and more private for tiny babies, and there are good quality, clean toys to play with in a very relaxed atmosphere. A local artist has adorned the walls with information, there’s a community board for fliers and there are workshops taking place
weekly. Most impressive is the good quality and range of food, especially focused on babies and little ones, and the happy go lucky, positive attitude. Each time I visit, there is more and more on offer. If you haven’t been yet, my advice is: make some time to go. If supported, this café can really make a difference to the experience of children and families. http://hungrycaterpillarbristol. co.uk/#AboutUs Prices are free for under six months, six months to five years £2. 18 Badminton Road, Downend, BS16 6BQ Parking is accessible either in the Co-op (free) or on the main street. Claire Stewart-Hall
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.
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
27
n NEWS
Community is the strength of our city AS many of you will now know, our city is facing a budget gap of £92million over the next five years and together we face tough choices in order to address this. We’ve released a document called our Draft Corporate Strategy which spells out some of these choices and our ideas for how we could approach this challenge. You can read this in full at www.bristol.gov.uk/corpstrategy or request a hard copy on 0117 922 2848. We are currently running a public consultation to get your thoughts on this plan and to hear your ideas for how we can address this budget deficit. During November we conducted a series of public events across the city and I am grateful to all those who attended and took part in the discussion. Your thoughts and ideas will be considered carefully alongside the results of
The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice
the consultation survey. The changes we’ve proposed will affect us all and it’s important that we get input from as many people as possible to make sure that we make the right decisions. We hope that our strategy recognises the strength and resource that you as communities already possess in Bristol. Local volunteer and community-led organisations regularly prove
LICENSING ACT 2003
their ability to make a significant contribution to a range of services in the city. In this way, you as individuals can be part of the solution. Please do share your ideas with us at www. bristol.gov.uk/corpstrategy before Thursday 5 January 2017. Also in November, I was pleased to launch the city’s first Clean Streets campaign, in partnership with Bristol Waste Company. This three year campaign aims to make Bristol measurably cleaner by 2020, working with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses to take collective responsibility for keeping the streets clean. We should and we can be as clean as cities such as Zurich, Tokyo and Singapore. We can achieve this if everyone who lives, works, learns or plays here takes pride in the city and works with us and with those who have the job of keeping the city clean, tidy and working. You can find out more at www. bristolwastecompany.co.uk Whether it is through the discussions we are having together on the draft corporate strategy, or through new campaigns like Clean Streets – we have an opportunity to reassess the way we run this city and make sure that it can work for everyone. I was elected on the promise of trying to make this city a cleaner, fairer place to live and I still strongly believe that together we can make this happen.
The Beauty Retreat
Beauty Salon & Makeup Studio
Application for Grant of a Premises Licence I Rajani Superstore Ltd
Of Rajani Superstore Ltd, Maggs Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, Bristol, BS5 7EW I have submitted an application for the grant of a premises licence to Bristol City Council, Licensing Authority 100 Temple Street, Bristol BS1 6AG. The record of the application may also be inspected at this address between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Mon – Friday, or on the Council’s website at www.bristol.gov.uk.
Beauty Salon for Women & Men Threading, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Shellac, Tinting, Eyelash Extensions, Massage, Facials, Tanning, Hopi Ear Candles, Makeup Application & Lessons
Details of application- Retail Store with license to sell alcohol. Relevant persons and responsible authorities may make written representation to the relevant Licensing Authority by 12/12/2016 such representation shall be made in writing to Licensing Team(100TS) PO BOX 3176 Bristol BS3 9FS or via email: licensing@bristol.gov.uk It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fee for which a person is liable assuming conviction for the offence is level 5 on the standard scale.
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
1 Averay Road, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1BL 0117 951 6020 |info@thebeautyretreatbristol.co.uk www.thebeautyretreatbristol.co.uk
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
28
December, 2016
n BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Bool’s Bicycles Daniel Bool, Owner
Focus on Bool's Bicycles
Tell us about your company I came to the cycle trade later in life, though cycling had always been a passion for me. I previously worked as a bike mechanic for the Bristol based cycling charity, Lifecycle, and also Halfords. I opened Bool’s Bicycles in November 2007. I owe a debt of gratitude to my two grandfathers who helped set up the business. Ron Pamely assisted me financially and George Bool (a lifelong cyclist himself ), turned up with a transit van full of used bikes and parts. Along with money I had saved, I set up the whole thing on £1,800. It is my first business, and I was very naive, which in hindsight wasn’t a bad thing in many ways. I know that some say that you wouldn’t expect to draw a wage within the first year, but I gave myself six months. I have employed other bike mechanics over the years. Adam Faraday who works here on Saturdays, has been here for five years and is great to work with.
What service do you provide to the people of Fishponds? We are primarily an LBS (Local Bike Shop). Our main ‘bread and butter’ is repair work and we have the knowledge and expertise to fix almost anything, old or new. We also sell bikes, from children’s to adult bikes, with more of an emphasis towards road,
touring and hybrid, rather than mountain and BMX bikes. I stock two brands, Adventure Bikes, which are a good value, good quality budget brand that covers most people’s needs. The other is Spa Cycles, who are a British company that specialise in producing high quality touring and fast long distance (audax) bikes. We are one of only two shops in the UK that stock them. We sell parts and accessories. It’s a fairly small shop, but we stock all the cycling essentials such as locks, lights, helmets and panniers. There are also a good selection of spares available too. I also carry out restoration of vintage bicycles – something that has come about purely through my interest in old bikes. People send them from all over the country, sometimes from as far away as Scotland. These bikes often have huge sentimental value, as they
may have been owned and ridden by a family member. It’s great to see the look on the customer’s face when they collect a machine that has been transformed from a rusty heap into something beautiful again.
What is the best part of running your business and working in the area? I grew up in Fishponds but moved away when I was 16 to study and work elsewhere. When I returned around 2003, I knew very few people aside from my family, so it was like starting again. Since opening the shop, I have got to know a great many people in the area and made some good friends. It’s been really positive to feel that I’m part of a community and assisting others to participate in an activity which is so beneficial, both to their own health and well-being and also in the greater sense, in helping to reduce car usage, which is good for everyone.
What makes your service different from other companies?: I think we are perceived as an old-fashioned type shop. By that I mean we are friendly and helpful. Both Adam and I enjoy talking to customers, offering help and advice about cycling. The emphasis is definitely on service
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
and the quality of our work. I take what I do seriously as after all, the bicycle is a road-going vehicle and as such, needs to be safe and reliable. Whilst I’m passionate about bikes and cycling, I’m not a snob about it – I understand that people cycle for all sorts of reasons. For some it’s a passion, for others just a means to an ends in getting from A to B. We endeavour to give all our customers the same high level of service.
What are your plans for the future of the business? Owning a small business can be difficult today, particularly as the internet has brought down the barrier between trade and public pricing on goods. I feel that I’ve built a sustainable business mainly through the servicing and repairs side, which is something that the internet cannot compete with. A lot of customers say that they like to support local business which is fantastic. I’ve grown the business slowly and steadily and not taken lots of risks. I think I’ll continue that way and keep the pedals turning. Bool’s Bicycles 5 Staple Hill Road Fishponds Bristol BS165AA Tel 0117 939 2746 www.boolsbicycles.co.uk email: sales@boolsbicycles.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
29
Thirty years behind the hospice shop till A KINDHEARTED woman is celebrating 30 years of volunteering for Bristol's muchloved charity St Peter’s Hospice. The charity, which has branches in Fishponds, Lodge Causeway and Staple Hill, has honoured Sheila Williamson for her years of dedicated service and hope her story will encourage more people to help out at the city's numerous shops. Sheila, 73, began volunteering at the hospice shop in Regent Street, Kingswood on the very first day it opened after learning about it from friends who supported the hospice. She was in her 40s then and has now clocked up a whopping three decades of volunteering service for the charity. Now helping the team at the Kings Chase branch, Sheila says the role has changed her life, giving her more confidence and a way to meet new friends. “I absolutely love volunteering for St Peter’s Hospice, it’s been brilliant for me. It gets me out, it’s given me confidence and I’ve learnt how to work in a shop, which I’d never done before. There was a time when I wouldn’t say boo to a goose but now I make a point of having a little bit of conversation with everyone I serve. I’ve made great friends with colleagues and regular customers. “When I had a hip operation I made it in on crutches and when there was a fire in the shop a few years ago I signed up to volunteer in another shop until it was reopened because I didn’t want to miss out! It’s my favourite day of the week,” said Sheila.
And it seems Sheila has passed her love of volunteering on to her family. At one time Sheila, her mother and her daughter all worked in the Kingswood shop together on a Friday. She said: “That was a lovely time, my granddaughter had just started school so my daughter had more time on her hands and my mother needed to get out the house. She volunteered for 20 years and is in her late 80s now so it obviously did her good! “Of course the shops have changed a lot since the early days. We used to have two people to a till and one would take the money and one would write it in the book. What a difference to the tills now, but we didn’t know any different.” Sheila is one of 151 volunteers who was honoured at the annual St Peter’s Hospice Long Service Awards in November. The volunteers, who have given 5,10,15,20,25 and 30 years of service have collectively clocked up 1500 years between them. If the excitement of the ceremony wasn’t enough, this year the awards were handed out by actress Sunetra Sarker from Casualty, Sheila’s favourite programme. Sheila added: “I was so excited to hear that Sunetra would be there; I watch Casualty every week without fail! “It’s lovely to be recognised for our contribution. I always encourage others to take up volunteering, if anyone is lonely or looking for a new hobby, do some charity work, it will do the world of good. “We are short staffed at the
Kingswood shop at the moment so we’d love to see some new faces volunteering.” As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members. All services are provided free of charge for patients and their families and this care costs around £19,000 a day. In order to continue providing vital care for the people of Bristol, St Peter’s Hospice relies on donations from fundraising and money generated by the 50 hospice charity shops in Bristol and surrounding districts. Over 1500 volunteers are signed up to help St Peter’s Hospice but more are always needed. You can contact Russell directly to find out about volunteering roles across the organisation on 0117 915 9448 or email russell.cowan@ stpetershospice.org.
Dr Timothy Button MSc (Chiro) DC FRCC (Sports)
A Team approach to healthcare.
Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced
Christine English
BSc (Hons) Podiatry, M Ch S, HCPC Registered
Chiropodist / Podiatrist All aspects of foot care from a degree trained professional
0117 956 3978
Pendennis Clinic, 11 Haynes Lane, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JE FRee PARking oPPoSite CliniC
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
The practice of pain relief Home visits also available
Member of the British Chiropractic Association
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20 St James's Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JB
Contact
0117 957 5388
w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
Merry Christmas to all our Customers Remember this Christmas you will be dry and damp free after having Coping Covers repair your roof Like us on Facebook copingcovers - keep updated with pictures and videos of our latest jobs We have 30 years experience in manufacturing and construction, mainly in the renovation of Victorian properties. Over this period we have realised that damp occuring in these properties is mainly a result of poor conditions of chimneys, parapet walls, felt and tiles on roofs. That is when we came up with the idea of using covers over coping stones on parapet walls and chimney capping. Coping covers have a complete success rate, with customers reporting that their damp issues have disappeared. Our aim is to stop damp at source. Our Coversto come a variety at Coping Covers.com. Speak theinexperts of colours, adds strength to your We can stop damp at source at a fraction of the cost of walls and are 100% water tight, best of all they make your damp treatments. other property look fantastic and increase your property value. All of our work is guaranteed. Coping Covers for Not only will we solve all your damp your damp issues, we are also experts in all aspects of and roofing roofing work. needs With many happy We are customers in the Bristol area, we are proud to have a 100% Visit us at success rate in solving damp AND W E NEVER and roofing problems.
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
31 December, 2016
n ON THE BEAT
You can be our eyes and ears on the ground
Sergeant Anthony Westwell OUR team continues to work hard with colleagues covering other areas of east and central Bristol to reduce the harm being caused by drugs in our communities. This time last year, we’d just run a major operation in east Bristol that saw more than 85 drug dealers sentenced to a combined total of 220 years in prison. We
promised you back then that we were in this for the long term, with the focus on preventing new dealers moving in. The teams have worked so hard since, carrying out plain clothes work to catch dealers redhanded, as well as working with treatment services to get drug users engaged with the support they need and Catch22 to divert young people away from gangs, drugs and violence. Recently, a man in his 20s from Oldbury Court was sentenced to two years in prison following a warrant at his home on Lanaway Road. He’d stashed hundreds of individual ‘deals’ of heroin worth around £4,000, in safes behind a fireplace. Our success really does depend on people working with us to tell us what they know. We can’t be on every street corner, every day, to see what’s happening, but if local people like you work with us we have extra eyes and ears noticing
suspicious behaviour that could be really useful to us. If you have information about anyone you suspect of dealing drugs, or are concerned about a young person at risk of getting involved in gangs, please speak to us. Last time, I highlighted a burglary on Radley Road where high value gold was targeted. We had another similar incident last month, this time on Honiton Road, where a family had precious family heirlooms stolen, including jewellery worn at the Sikh victim’s wedding. Please store such valuables in a ground-anchored safe which has been tested and approved by locksmiths – find out more at www.soldsecure.com The end of November saw Road Safety Week, when we carried out speed checks at several roads in Hillfields, as well as in Frenchay Park Road. Drivers were given advice, and local people came to talk to us about other roads
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where speeding is a problem. We’ll continue to carry out speed checks in problem roads in the area next year. PCSOs also gave road safety talks in local primary schools and increased their patrols around schools during the week at drop off and pick up times. We also carried out a road safety operation in Stapleton on a busy Saturday at the end of last month, in which we stopped six drivers for a range of offences including driving without insurance / without a licence which led to us seizing a number of cars. Finally, we’re running a campaign in the run up to Christmas aimed at increasing reporting of domestic abuse, including among men, the LGBT+ community and the elderly, who all remain underrepresented. It also aims to challenge understanding about what domestic abuse is. The advice to everyone is look, listen, ask and ask again. Wishing you all a safe, happy Christmas.
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33
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
A journey like no other JOURNEYS – we all have to make them! We journey to see family and friends, we journey to work or make journeys away on holiday. Sometimes going on journeys can be fun but at other times it can be stressful – particularly if you are stuck in a traffic jam with bored kids in the back of the car! Life itself is a journey as we seek to find fulfillment and happiness. Sometimes life’s journey can be enjoyable but at other times it involves unexpected twists and turns that can throw us off course for a time. We may have experienced an unhappy childhood, battled with illness, lost a loved one or experienced work place difficulties. Whatever you have gone through, the truth is that what happens to us on the journey of life is not nearly as important as how we handle what happens. As someone once
said, just because you are given a cactus it doesn’t mean you have to sit on it! I was reminded of this a few months ago while leading a team of volunteers on a visit to serve at the former ‘Calais jungle’. While there, we heard many inspiring stories of courage and perseverance from individuals who had known appalling difficulties in countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea and Sudan. Being manager of Fishponds Foodbank (based at Fishponds Baptist Church) has also reminded me of both the richness and toughness of life as myself and our team of volunteers have the privilege of sometimes listening to the life stories of clients as they freely choose to talk about different aspects of their life journey. Both at Christmas time and throughout the year, I take
encouragement from the story of the greatest journey there has ever been – that of God’s journey into this world in the form of a human being – Jesus. It is a journey from eternity into the present, a journey from the unseen to the seen, a journey from riches to poverty, and a journey from glory to humility. This journey is like no other. Yet, it is the most relevant journey of all. It is a journey that God invites us to participate in that our lives might be touched by an eternal perspective and not just our present-day concerns. As we trust in the one who was born as a vulnerable baby, became a man and ultimately our risen Saviour, we can see and experience God’s riches in our poverty and his glory in our humility and weakness. This is the journey that God makes to us and which enables us all to always journey forward
despite life’s unexpected moments. So this Christmas time forget the traffic jams, the screaming kids in the car and the barking dog; may we all be encouraged and shaped by God’s journey to us. Richard Pollard Fishponds Baptist Church
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December, 2016
n CHILDREN IN NEED
Spotacular! Pupils go potty for Pudsey HUNDREDS of students from John Cabot Learning Federation raised money for a good cause and had an absolute blast at the same time. Academies in the federation, including Begbrook Primary, Minerva Primary, Frome Vale, Bristol Metropolitan and Bristol Brunel, allowed students to ditch their uniforms in favour of more colourful outfits for BBC's Children In Need. In-keeping with Pudsey Bear's very own headband many chose spotty outfits but pupils from Begbrook Primary Academy went all out and transformed into superheroes for the day. Superheroes at Begbrook
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
Planning matters Columnist Chris Gosling has a wasted journey Following on from last month’s article about the appeal process, I resolved to visit the M Shed to sit in for a while on the Fishponds Road tile warehouse public inquiry in November. Having little at stake personally, I wouldn’t wish to compare my own disappointment with that of the many Fishponds residents eager to have their say and see this long-running saga brought to a close. However it was a wasted journey. I was informed that the inquiry had been cancelled. I have nothing more to report than what was subsequently in the paper that the appellants’ legal advisor was not available to attend this inquiry. Unlike many of
the participants, the only thing that I wasted was my time. Time, however, is an important feature in the planning system. Local authority targets are based around it, because time is crucial for developers as well. The standard situation is that a developer buys a piece of land, often but not always with an outline planning permission on it. From that moment, the bank is looking for a return on its investment. Over the time that it takes to achieve the appropriate planning permission, interest has to be repaid. Until that happens there is no return for the developer, only risk. The wait for planning permission can be nerve-jangling. For householder and minor development there is an eight- week period in which the local planning authority needs to make a decision on an application. For major development (10 or more flats or houses, otherwise based on the size of the site) this limit goes up to 13 weeks. However, the more complicated the proposal is, the more likely that legal agreements (Section 106s) become necessary and need to be negotiated along with every other aspect of the proposal. With the best will in the world, with
Coats for homeless WARM winter coats are being collected in Bristol as part of an appeal to help rough sleepers. You can take them to City Hall or the council’s other main city centre office, 100 Temple Street, to be passed on the the charity Caring in Bristol. Volunteer council staff are also collecting food and clothing for the Julian Trust. Official figures showed the numbers sleeping on the streets rose to nearly 100 a night last November. Meanwhile, more volunteers are needed to help run night shelters in Bristol. The Rough Sleeping Partnership has opened 65 extra bed spaces for people since last Christmas but a spokesman for the charity St Mungo’s said: “The night shelters rely heavily on the goodwill of volunteers to stay open.” Contact themon 07736 887052 or email volunteers@mungos.org marking it Bristol Night Shelter.
35
or without the current understaffing in councils, dealing with such proposals can easily exceed six months. Other departments become involved and corporate as well as planning objectives need to be met: Which units should become affordable housing, what should the appropriate contribution towards education be and is it appropriate to look for contributions towards subsidising the bus service, for instance. The planning officer has to oversee and co-ordinate this process, balancing all the, often competing, factors. Developers are looking for certainty, while the council will be seeking to ensure that the development pays its way according to the impact it will have. A further factor is ensuring that the scheme remains financially viable. You may have seen reports recently that the former Elizabeth Shaw chocolate factory conversion in Greenbank may lose its affordable housing element over this issue. The time limit to determine planning applications therefore becomes a balance between competing forces. Developers and the council can agree for individual deadlines to be extended, allowing sufficient time for the
Chris Gosling Council to reach a decision. But a developer is only likely to accede to it when there is a likelihood of a recommendation for approval. The sanction for an overdue decision is an appeal against nondetermination. Although that was not the reason for the McDonald's appeal, when you consider the likely two years between Bristol’s decision and the appeal’s resolution, it is fair to assume that the delay and uncertainty will take its toll on both public and appellants. I would venture to say that in this case it is the public who will be experiencing the uncertainty more keenly. chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com
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December, 2016
n GARDENING IN the horticultural calendar we’re coming to probably the time when there is less to do than at any other point in the year. It’s a time, I think, to look back over the last 12 months and to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, what I’m going to move in the garden and planning what I’ll be planting in the year to come. Most plants become dormant during the winter months and so it makes an ideal time to start moving them about, after a summer of leaves and flowers, these now bare, skeletal structures can be rearranged with minimal disturbance. I have a Prostanthera ovalifolia that has been crying out for a better aspect, that finally has been positioned in a sunny clear space, far better for a plant that is know as the Australian mint, not best suited to a damp, shady corner by the back door. It’s also a time to start looking through seed catalogs and thinking about what you fancy, that you haven’t managed to forage from the plants that are retiring around you. It’s tempting to pick hundreds of different genus, thinking that I’ll get so many more plants for my money, 200 seeds for a few pounds. But what will I do with
The
city gardener By Tim Barton
the many that I get to germinate and keep from the slugs? I already have a stock that I can’t give away quick enough, so this year will be much more reserved, much better to have a few nicer things than hundreds of pots cluttering up my nursery area. There is a rare plant fair that happens across the country throughout the year, and will be coming to Hanham Court in 2017, this is definitely in my calendar as one problem with common plant sales in the UK is the usual suspects appearing time after time. The same chain stores churning out Heucheras and Heleniums at any given time of the year, Heucheras incidentally are one of my favourites. You will
Heucheras
find me however, on occasion in a garden centre, but on whole I find the places to be akin to supermarkets. They are undoubtedly more expensive than any independent nursery and one will always come out lighter of pocket that you intended to be when you went in. This time of year is worse than any when the focus turns from plants, as there is little of interest, to tinsel and gaudy festive novelties. The autumnal days have been really wonderful this year, with some welcome signs of crisp and wintry months to come. It has rained intensely for days on end now and the ground is turning to a homogeneous soup of mud and rotting leaves wherever I walk. I’ve got back into a fervour of construction with new paths and raised beds at the allotment and the mud just makes me feel a little more connected to it all. Unfortunately one of the beds has already been planted up with garlic and onion sets so that one will have to remain unfilled until next year, this is a good thing as finding enough soil to fill three 13’ x 6’ raised beds is proving quite a challenge. I have also taken delivery of an enormous pile of well rotted cow manure that is slowly migrating to the vegetable
beds, there is unfortunately a fair distance between the two so this may take a little while. There is a pleasure in the routine of returning home from the wet, cleaning the tools and changing back into clean clothes that separates the horticulture from my indoor life. Not that the two need keeping apart but like walking into a warm room from the chilling drizzle and vice versa, it’s a pleasant thing to have the change. As we end another year in the Gregorian calendar, I’d like to thank everyone for reading this since April and I look forward to the next 12 months. Happy Christmas everyone and I wish you all a happy new year. I’m going to suggest that you don’t do anything in the garden unless you have to, and if you must, just get some mulch down in preparation for the end of winter, in January it starts to get busy again.
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December, 2016
37
n NEWS
Schools praised for making reading a pleasure FISHPONDS Church of England Academy and Begbrook Primary Academy are among seven schools that have now achieved the Bristol Every Child a Reader standard. The ECaR leaders from the two schools, Grace Wakelin and Rachael Symons, were presented with plaques by the Bristol Lord MayorJeff Lovell at the Mansion House. The ECaR programme identifies children struggling to get to grips with reading and offers intensive one-to-one support with a specialist Reading Recovery teacher to help them get back on track. Books are carefully ‘banded’ to ensure children are reading at exactly the right level to help them improve. Some schools also have reading partners who are trained to understand the skills children need to be good readers. About 2,500 children in Bristol primary schools benefited from the scheme last year. Of these children, more than eight
Grace Wakelin, Rachael Symons, Amy Culverwell and the other reading leaders with the Lord Mayor Jeff Lovell out of 10 were successfully helped to achieve the reading level appropriate for their age. Tracking of children who received Reading Recovery at the start of primary school six years ago, because their reading was below expected levels for their age, shows they continued to maintain the gains made during the programme at the end of KS2 (age 11). Rachael Symons said:
“Achieving the ECaR standard is proof that as a school we ensure that all pupils are given the best opportunities to read for pleasure as well as to achieve the highest standards of reading. We are very proud to have been awarded the ECaR standard and will continue to develop a deep love of reading among our pupils.” Wallscourt Farm Academy in Cheswick Village also achieved
the ECaR standard. Lead reading teacher Amy Culverwell said Amy Culverwell from Wallscourt Farm Academy said: “Reading is a key part of life and learning at Wallscourt Farm Academy, and we are determined to ensure all children benefit from the opportunities and joy that reading brings.We are so pleased that this has been recognised through the ECAR award. “
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38
December, 2016
nNEWS
Housebuilder gives £10k to Barnardo's CHILDREN’S charity Barnardo’s has received an early Christmas present from a local housebuilder. Staff at the charity’s regional office in Filwood Road, Fishponds, recently received a £10,000 cheque from Redcliffe Homes. The money will be used to support some of the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people. Hugh Sherriffe, director of Barnardo’s South West, received the cheque from Suzanne Jones and Mandy Parker of Redcliffe Homes. He said: “We are sincerely grateful for this very generous donation which will help to transform the lives of so many children and their families. “Every Barnardo’s service is different but each believes in the potential of every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through.
Barnardo’s staff Clare Durojaye and Hugh Sherriffe, centre, receive £10,000 from Suzanne Jones and Mandy Parker of Redcliffe Homes
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and exploited, plus work in the areas of advocacy, young carers, care-leavers, mental health, employment and training, and fostering and adoption. “Thanks to the support of Redcliffe Homes, we will be able to help even more children and young people to enjoy a better life.” Redcliffe Homes has been making an annual donation to
Barnardo’s since 2010 but this is the largest sum so far. Tom O’Connor, managing director, said: “Barnardo’s is a long-established charity which provides tremendous support to disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people. “We are delighted to be able to support them during the year of their 150th anniversary.”
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fishpondsvoice
39
n CULTURAL FIX WITH ANNA BLIGHTMAN
D
ECEMBER. The manic month of gift buying, market shopping, Santa seeing and more excuses to wear fluffy jumpers than ever! So where shall we start… I was lucky enough to host the Fishponds Food Assembly recently, usually run by Kola and Rosie at All Saints Community Hall. It was quite an experience, including wearing a rather fetching apron, and it was interesting to find out more about how the food chain works, from producer to consumer. The Food Assembly offers the chance for local residents to order from, collect from and meet their food producers. The suppliers present varied from preserves and pickles courtesy of Gingerbeard's, to a brand new nut butter company Nutcessity, micro
greens from Grow Bristol and Model Farm which had the most delicious range of meat, dairy and vegetables. The yoghurt I order from Jess’s Ladies Farm every week is particularly delicious! It’s a really lovely way to bring the community together, especially if you stop for dinner, cooked by the lovely Alana of Bizzy Bees Fresh Foods. To make Christmas special they will be taking over the Steiner School on December 6 from 5-8pm, to hold the fabulous Fishponds Food Assembly Christmas Fayre. During December there will be special Christmas products on offer via the website including gift boxes, special orders, Christmas treats, crafts and more. These will all be available for collection, alongside sample and tasters of other products. The fayre will also welcome other local craft and gift makers to come and showcase their products, with stalls ranging from photography to local charity fundraisers. There will be something for everyone including tasty mulled wine (what Christmas event is complete without that?!), enchanting and captivating storytelling for children (read by a local Fishponds Voice columnist!) and live music to sway to once the mulled wine kicks in. It will be the first of many magical evenings in the build up to Christmas. Christmas also brings with it the love and kindness of giving. I urge you all to give of yourself at some point during the festive period. Be this a lift to a friend, a chat to an
elderly relative or a dance with a loved one… do something for nothing. And smile whilst you do it ! Happy Christmas to one and all… look out for some exciting news in the New Year, including the next Supper Club at the end of January. Please get in touch for more information… Anna Blightman Feel free to contact me with any ideas / suggestions or comments: annathedistant futurealwayssoundslovely.com For more information on the Fishponds Food Assembly visit the Facebook page www.facebook. com/FishpondsFoodAssembly/
LOWER SCHOOL OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 20TH JANUARY, 09.30AM – 11.30AM Places available in: • Nursery • Reception 2017 • Selected other year groups
For further information visit www.colstons.org Email: admissions@colstons.org Telephone: 0117 965 5207
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40
n NEWS
Caroline's making a Splash for Cash MANY of us feel the need to take extra exercise before the Christmas indulgence (not to mention after!) but one Frenchay woman aims to ensure her fitness drive helps others too. Caroline Tarbuck is doing a sponsored swim this month to raise money for two charities that make a difference to people's lives – Young Enterprise and A Life for a Cure. Caroline is the area organiser for Young Enterprise, which links young people in schools with industry mentors who help them develop their own businesses.
News or views? Email us at: news@ fishpondsvoice.co.uk
One of the not-for-profit organisation's board members and biggest supporters is Michelle Bresnahan, who set up A Life for a Cure after the sudden death of her 16-year-old son Ryan in 2010. Caroline said: “I have always loved to swim, especially sea swimming, and I swim to keep fit at my local pool at the Spirit Club in Hambrook. I've worked in education supporting young people fro over 25 years and our Young Enterprise programmes challenge and enthuse young people and prepare them for life
ahead. Some schools are not able to afford to take part, so I hope My 'Splash for Cash' will help them.. “A Life for a Cure is a charity dear to our hearts and I want to do all I can to help Michell's campaign to find 'the ultimate vaccine' against meningitis. “I will swim one mile each Wednesday in December. That's 134 lengths of the 12-metre pool so there will be a lot of turns!” To support Caroline, look for her fundraising page on Virgin Money Giving.
Caroline Tarbuck
School puts out call for singing coaches THEIR production of The Lion King was hailed as a triumph earlier this year - and now the performers at Bristol Metropolitan Academy hope to take their talents to the next level. The school is looking for singing coaches to help make sure the next musical it stages is even better. Teacher Michelle Lambert Vince said: “We are already renowned for staging professional quality
shows. We’d now like to find a female and a male coach to work on our next whole school musical following the success of Lion King. “ Volunteers must be DBS checked and able to commit to sessions every Tuesday from 3-6pm. If you can help, please contact Ms Vince at mlambertvince990@bristolmet.net or get in touch with the school.
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
41
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next step in Mangotsfield
Blog 35 – Sneezing! ACCORDING to WebMD sneezes can reach up to 100mph and generates huge forces in the body equivalent to one eighth of an orgasm (!). Struggle as I do to remain on topic, the change in weather and the massive increase in coughs and colds that patients are coming in with, makes me think of all of the injuries caused by people getting ill at this time
of year. It may be surprising to note that not only is autumn full of football and rugby injuries but one of the most common cause of sprains and strains in these dark, grey and generally wet months is actually sneezing. Yes, sneezing. If a nice healthy sneeze doesn’t simply make you crash your car as you go around a roundabout causing good old fashioned whiplash, then it could, even more easily, strain your low back. Honestly I have had 3 patients with painful bulging discs (that we confirmed on MRI) that the symptoms started when they had a sneezing or coughing fit in the last month! It seems that the violent forces involved in sneezing and even coughing is enough, if you are unlucky and in a poor posture, to cause serious low back problems. It may be that the disc was on the verge of going anyway and the sneeze was just the last straw. It doesn’t have to be as serious as a disc problem, it could just cause low back, chest or even neck pain. A very common side effect of repetitive coughing is a sprained rib. These present with varying
symptoms that include pain between the shoulder blades, shoulder pain, neck pain and chest pain that can be so bad that it mimics a heart attack style pain. These are often easily treatable with chiropractic but please if you think you may be having a heart attack please go to A&E!! Coughs and sneezes have even been known to break bones in the elderly. To add to the usual colds, a bout of stomach bugs seems to be doing the unpleasant rounds. Now these can hurt you in a different way. The hours spent lying in bed or on the sofa isn’t good for us. We are designed to stand, walk and generally move about. Slouching, sitting and even lying down for hours on end leads to inevitable back pain. The good news is that chiropractic, physiotherapy and sports massage is a great reliever for these problems and we have the best therapists in town! I got more than one email this month from the Mollyettes complaining that I haven’t let you know how she is for ages. I thank you for your thoughtful inquisitiveness, as many of you
Grants for young people CHARITIES, individuals and voluntary groups working with young people are being invited to apply for grants in memory of Bristol man Dan Hickey, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver last year. His family has set up a fund, managed by the Quartet Community Foundation, to support initiatives that benefit people in the Bristol area who are aged up to 25. The focus is on drama and sport projects, because these were two of Dan's great passions. Applications for grants of between £1,000 and £2,500 must be submitted by December 19. A panel including Dan's brother and sister and seven friends will decide who will receive funds. To find out more, go to http://quartetcf.org.uk/grantprogrammes/dan-hickey-fund-grant/
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have been there as I have described Jen’s pregnancy to, and in slightly less detail, her birth and watched her grow over the last 2 and a half years. I am pleased to announce that she is potty trained. To save time and effort I even got her this cool set of integrated steps and baby toilet seat that enables her to use the actual loo, saving us all time and effort! She is now old enough to make herself heard and give us the run around. She loves her younger 11-month old brother Harry to death…it’s been close but we have managed to stop her killing him…so far… #stoppingattwo Personally life is well as we gear up for another rock and roll Christmas at home and in the clinics. I can absolutely say that life is never dull.
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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
or email moneyadvice@ stpaulsadvice.org.uk
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December, 2016
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday December 3 n Christmas Fair at St Mary's Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 11am - 2pm. All the usual stalls plus light refreshments. Email: stmarysfishponds@hotmail.co.uk Sunday December 4 n Christingle service, St Mary’s Church, Fishponds, 4pm Thursday December 8 n Author event at Fishponds Library in Hockeys Lane to mark the publication of an anthology of shorts stories by the Bristol Fiction Writers Group entitled A Hint of Crime. 7-9pm. Booking recommended. Friday December 9 n Activate Drop-in lunch time concert at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds from 1-2pm. featuring the Bristol Veterans Band. Tea and coffee. Free entrance. Retiring collection. Contact 0117 9654521. Friday December 9 n Frenchay School PTA Christmas Fair, 4-6pm, games, activities, stalls, storytime with Santa, tombola Friday December 9 n Christmas Coffee Morning 10.30 - 11.30 am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entertainment by Year 5 from Chester Park Junior School. Christmas Cards on sale in aid of St Peter's Hospice. Sunday December 11 n Children’s Carols & Nativity Service, All Saints Church, Fishponds, 4.30pm Wednesday December 14 n Carols in the Park,in Fishponds Park, opposite the Porto Lounge) 6.30 pm. Salvation Army Band, All welcome. Free. Organised by Fishponds Churches. Thursday December 15 n An evening of entertainment presented by the Concord Wind
Band and the Airbus Choir. 7.30pm at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entrance free. Refreshments in the interval. Retiring collection. Thursday December 15 n Christmas Carols, Carers Support Centre, The Vassal Centre, Fishponds, BS16 2QQ. Festive fun for carers, their families and friends and all supporters. 2-3.30pm, Singing will be led by the Saltford Village Choir. Mince pies. No need to book, just turn up. The event is free, but donations welcome.Call 0117 958 9975 or email emmaj@ carerssupportcentre.org.uk Friday December 16 n Downend Folk Club, Belshazzar’s Feast, Christ Church Downend, Tickets £14 or £12 Early Bird doors open 7.30pm http://www. downendfolkclub.co.uk/ Friday December 16 Christmas concert with Cleeve Singers and Handbell Ringers. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door. Saturday December 17 Christmas concert with Cleeve Singers and Handbell Ringers. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm. Tickets £3.50 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door. Sunday December 18 n Fishponds Methodist Church in Guinea Lane, invite you to join them for their Christmas Carol Service at 3pm, followed by light refreshments. The service will be led by minister, Rev Jane Ashplant. Sunday December 18 n Speedwell Methodist Church BS15 1ES.10.30am Nativity for All. 6pm Carols by Candlelight followed by mince pies. Everyone welcome.
Sunday December 18 n Carols by Candlelight St Mary’s Church, Fishponds, 6.30pm Sunday December 18 n Carols by Candlelight, All Saints Church, Fishponds, 6.30pm Friday December 23 n Carols round the Yew Tree, All Saints Church, Fishponds, 7pm followed by refreshments in church Saturday December 24 n Christmas Eve Family Carol Service, St Mary’s Church, Fishponds, 4pm Midnight Mass, 11pm Sunday December 25 n Christmas Day Celebration Service,St Mary’s Church, Fishponds, 10am
REGULAR EVENTS IN THE FISHPONDS AREA
Mondays
n Gentle/beginners drop-in yoga class, Kingfisher Cafe, Straits Parade, 6.45pm - 8pm. £8. Contact Debbie: 0796 8223670 or visit www.omkariyoga.com n Holistic Massage, St Ambrose 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 keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Alzheimer’s choir, Beechwood Club, 11am to 1pm, Paula Shears 0117 9610693 n Sequence dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road 2pm. Tel 0117 965 0203 for details. n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3pm. Contact Teresa 0117 9650203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 0746 2727 229 n Social badminton, Kingswood Leisure Centre 2-4 pm, intermediate level.
Tuesdays
Classes for age 2.5 upwards!
www.344danceschool.com To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
n Art workshops with GreenFox Workshops, Kingfisher Cafe, Straits Parade, 7.30-9pm. Call to book (gemmalane99@gmail. com/07532327810). First Tuesday of the month.
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 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 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 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
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
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December, 2016 n Scouts (10-14 years), Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. 7.309pm (Term Time only) Email: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Call 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. 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. n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Staple Hill Probus Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Downend Cricket Club. 10.30am-12.45pm. Tea and coffee from 10am n Pilate classes, St John's Church Hall, next door to Chester Park School on Lodge Causeway, 7-8pm, £6. Bring an exercise/yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. 07952 941 531
Wednesdays
n New weekly Salsa class for complete beginners with Cressida. Cross Hands Pub, 1 Staple Hill Road. 7.30-9pm includes social and dancing. No partner needed. Ffi call 07808 581739 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 Women’s Reading Group, Beechwood Club, 1.30-3 pm, fourth Wednesday of every month. Call Anne 0117 9041875 for information. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, 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 UK (CTC). For all cyclists from beginners to professionals, commuters to sports. Beechwood Club, Fishponds, BS16 3TR. 8-10PM winter months only (other months are rides, see http://www. cyclebristolctc.org.uk/) 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 Yoga, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 5.456.45pm. Call Nikki 0752 5735 500 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 Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. Calling from Alan Davies and music by Mike Elsom. Dancers of all abilities and experience are welcome. Information at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n Walks for single people. Solo Rendezvous meet at Downend Cricket Club, every Wednesday, 8.30pm, entrance £3, and walk every Sunday. Please phone for walk details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210. n Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
43
in Frenchay Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays at 7.45pm. More information is available at www. frenchayfdc.co.uk or by emailing FFDCSecretary@outlook.com. n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome.
Thursdays
n Dance Fit with Cressida. Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd. Easy pace weekly exercise class with range of dance steps and music. 2pm-3pm plus tea and chat. Ffi call 07808 581739. n Yoga class for beginners. Lincombe Barn, Overndale Rd, Downend. 6.30-8pm.Traditional yoga postures with focus on breathing and relaxation. Contact before: katarzyna48@hotmail.com or 0752 5937201. n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am. Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735 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 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 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 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
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
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 East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. All welcome. Further 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. n Community art club at Castle Suite, Badminton Gardens, Beaufort
Continued on next page Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
44
December, 2016
n WHAT’S ON CONTINUED Road BS16 6UE. 10am-noon on alternate Fridays. Professional tuition. Sessions will be held on alternate Fridays. Cost is £5 per session and materials are supplied. Limited numbers so please, in the first place, contact Paul Foss on pobble57@yahoo.co.uk or 0117 957 0045 n Kingswood Photographic Society, St Barnabas Church Hall, Church Avenue, Warmley, BS30 5JJ, 7-9.30pm. We welcome and support all levels of experience including beginners. n Elfin Factory: cosy gift-making evenings for adults, simple crocheting/sewing patterns, different each week. 7pm. See "Elfin Factory" on Facebook or call Dotka 07821 628 888 for details
Saturdays
n Diabetes group, Beechwood
Club, Beechwood Road 2-4pm, 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly, September n Rehabilitation Pilates (Beginners), Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House, in Britannia room. 9am. £7. Samantha 07736 309272, www.gentlefitness.co.uk
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 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
Christmas Services St Mary’s Church Sunday 27th November
Sunday 18th December
- 10am Sung Eucharist - 6.30pm Advent Carols by Candlelight
10.00am Sung Eucharist 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight
Saturday 3rd December
Saturday 24th December Christmas Eve
- 11.00am-2.00pm Christmas Fayre
Sunday 4th December 10.00am Sung Eucharist 4.00pm Christingle
4.00pm Family Carol Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass
Sunday 25th December Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Day Celebration Service
All Saints Church Sunday 27th November
6.30pm Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 4th December
7.00pm Carol round the Yew Tree followed by refreshments in Church
Sunday 11th December
Saturday 24th December Christmas Eve
Sunday 18th December
Sunday 25th December Christmas Day
10.30am Service of the word 4.30pm Christingle 10.30am Holy Communion with Hymns 10.30am Service of the Word 4.30pm Children’s Carols & Nativity Service 10.30am Holy Communion with Hymns
Friday 23rd December
11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion 10.30am Family Holy Communion
Come and join the celebrations!
Est 1984
La Porta Barbering Company
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
Free health and wellbeing service A FREE health and wellbeing telephone information service will be open on weekdays throughout Christmas and the New Year. Lines to Well Aware, based at the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, will be open from from 9am to 4.30pm, apart from during the bank holidays on December 26 and 27 and January 2. People in Bristol and South Gloucestershire can also find advice on the Well Aware website (www.wellaware.org.uk ), with categories ranging from ‘support around the home’ and ‘socialising’ to ‘getting around’ and ‘personal health services’. Although the website is used extensively by individuals and professionals many people don’t have access to a computer and others prefer to talk to another human being. Spokesman David Harwood said: "When you phone, all you have to do is tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll look up the information for you and tell you on the phone, by email or print it out and put it in the post. It’s as simple as that." To get in touch with the charity's small team, call freephone 0808 808 5252 during weekday office hours.
Est 1984
Traditional Gents Barbers 525 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3AH
0117 965 1220
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2016
n NEWS
45
Construction work begins on new cafe IT'S taken years of hard work and dedication to get there but construction work on Page Park's much anticipated new cafe and community building has finally begun. To signal the good news, tots from Page Park pre-school nursery joined in the fun in a ceremonial turf cutting event held at the Staple Hill green space. Members of Friends of Page Park, who have been instrumental in the success of a £1.6m lottery bid to improve the park, were also on hand to join in the celebrations along with Cllr Erica Williams, chair of South Gloucestershire Council, and Environment and Community Services chair Cllr Heather Goddard. Additional improvements to be made during the fiveyear refurbishment project include the restoration of the historic clock tower and chiming clock, restoration of the tennis pavilion, resurfacing pathways, new gates and railings, new
Jonathan Park, from Quattro Design Architects, chair of Environment and Community Services committee Cllr Heather Goddard, chair of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Erica Williams and Neil Pritchard, director of contractors H Mealing and Sons with children from Page Park preschool nursery planting schemes, park warden, a programme of activities and training for volunteers. These have been made possible thanks to a Heritage Lottery grant of £1.6million as well as further funding including council grants, which brings the
total to a whopping £2.2million. The Friends worked closely with South Gloucestershire Council for many years, ensuring the lottery bid had the best chance of success. Cllr Williams said: “This is a historic milestone for Page
Park and all the people who have worked so hard to bring their dreams to a reality. All those involved should feel very proud that their campaigning and fundraising to restore and refurbish the clock tower and tennis pavilion .
WE’RE RECRUITING CARE WORKERS Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
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LOCAL SERVICES
December, 2016 ELECTRICAL SERVICES
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GARDEN SERVICES
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ELECTRICAL SERVICES
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December, 2016 HYPNOTHERAPY
47 PLUMBING
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assistplumbingandheating.co.uk
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PHONE WORLD
J L Painting & Decorating Jason Lee Qualified Painter & Decorator
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
No Job too small Free No obligation quote Telephone:
07474573780 0117 2792264
10% OFF
Boiler Service when you quote Fishponds Voice
E-mail: info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk
PLUMBING
ADVERTISE HERE
Advertise your business here
just
£16
• 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
e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com
per month
Call Gary on 07799 461169
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
0117
UNLOCKING • REPAIRS ALL ACCESSORIES • PAY AS YOU GO PHONES
957 5092
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
WATCH BATTERIES
CHARGERS
HEADPHONES
PHONE BATTERIES
PHONE CASES
679 Fishponds Road, Fishponds 0117 939 0647 REMOVALS & COURIER SERVICE
5★ Removals & Courier Service
Available for all your moving needs
Tel: Tel:
07765 297496 07824 643649
www.5starremoval@weebly.com
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
SHOW YOUR HOME SOME LOVE WITH THIS GREAT DINING SET OFFER ON ALL STYLES! Buy any dining table and four matching chairs and enjoy 25% off anything else from the same range for a limited time only!*
25% OFF
Example Buy this Winchester dining set and then receive 25% off this sideboard, or any other matching item of your choice. LIMITED TIME OFFER ONLY!
Example Buy this Manton dining set and then receive 25% off this wine cabinet, or any other matching item of your choice.
25% OFF
LIMITED TIME OFFER ONLY!
MORE STYLES IN STOCK AND PRE-CHRISTMAS DELIVERY GUARANTEED! *Excludes clearance and items already discounted. 25% discount applies to only one item in the matching range, other items purchased not discounted. Must end 23rd December 2016
The Showrooms City Point, Temple Gate Bristol BS1 6PL Store Opening times Monday - Saturday: 9.30am -5.30pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm
0117 934 9200
Stay up-to-date with offers on our Facebook page or visit
WWW.THEOLDMILLINTERIORS.CO.UK
On the site of the old Branches of Bristol store, you can find a world of oak, pine and painted furniture for all rooms in your home in every look imaginable, from stylish classics to ultra-modern industrial looks. But we don’t stop there, with leather and fabric sofas and chairs, mattresses and more. There’s also a great range of rugs, lighting, homewares and gifts.