fishpondsvoice December, 2018 — ISSUE 47
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'Let's pull together to curb crimes' POLICE, councillors, community and church groups and residents are coming together to combat anti-social behaviour and crime in Fishponds. Officers have stepped up patrols in both Hillfields and Oldbury Court in response to recent incidents and calls from the public for a greater presence. Public meetings have been held in both areas, at which there were calls to help the police by reporting crimes promptly and also a willingness to try to organise more positive activities for young people. It was recognised that the majority of people in the area are law-abiding. In St George, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy is holding a joint surgery with the police and councillors on December 1.
Joan bows out of role at 91 Joan Seville, 91, is standing down after more than 50 years fundraising for the Children's Society at St John's Church. PAGE 7
Safety concerns at McD's site
TV Prue's an inspiration She might be a Great British Bake Off judge, novelist, cookery expert and businesswoman but Prue Leith found time to come to Fishponds to open the new building for Minerva Primary Academy, where she found that her colourful TV personality had inspired some Warhol-style artwork. Full story: Page 12
Vow to rebuild: Page 5
The Star pub has cordoned off its play area because of broken glass from the demolition site next door - where McDonald's is to be built. PAGE 9
Hockey's Lane: police crackdown Police plan a three-week blitz on drivers who flout the 'no left turn' restriction at Hockey's Lane. PAGE 19
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fishpondsvoice Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148
Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579
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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. DEADLINES January edition deadline is December 12. L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
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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.
December, 2018
n NEWS
Plans to turn disused PEOPLE living in Fishponds are being invited to find out more about plans to turn a disused council car park into 'mobile' living accommodation for 34 young people. Housing association United Communities has been looking at creative solutions to the housing crisis facing young people. They say their 'LaunchPad' development, on the car park at the bottom of Alexandra Park, will offer young people the chance to break out of student rentals, supported housing and overpriced accommodation. Members of the community are being invited to a drop-in session on December 1 to look at the proposals for the 'creative' scheme. The development, which includes accommodation for students and key workers such as nurses and teachers, will stay on the site for a maximum of 10 years and can be relocated. The land is owned by Bristol City Council but has
been declared surplus to requirements. The proposed scheme is for 34 one-bed apartments with shared communal space as well as a laundry, binstore and secure cycle parking. No car parking is provided as residents will not be allowed to have vehicles as part of their tenancy agreement. The apartments are arranged over three storeys, accessed off a covered secure walkway. Each apartment is self-contained with a bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen/dining area. United Communities says the homes are fully constructed in a factory and delivered to site by lorry to minimise disruption and site works, as well as to shorten the construction period. They have been designed to be energy efficient to minimise costs for the residents. The LaunchPad project is a partnership between United Communities, 1625 Independent People, the University of Bristol
e n! se ctio nd n a a e ol i m o CoSch r ou
COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Fishponds Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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Wednesday, 12th December 9.00am-11.30am If you are unable to be at our Open Morning but would like to visit the school, please telephone for an appointment. 266 Overndale Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2RG Telephone: 0117 956 7977 www.gracefieldschool.co.uk enquiries@gracefieldschool.co.uk
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December, 2018
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d car park into 'mobile' accommodation Students Union and Bristol City Council with the support of the property industry charity LandAid. Publicity material for the scheme says: "Alexandra Park is the first pilot scheme and will house 34 residents. Bringing students, residents and key workers together brings many benefits, enabling the stability of a safe and affordable home whilst also expanding young people’s horizons by enabling experiences that they may never have otherwise encountered. The scheme will be affordable and target young people and students in financial hardship. All young people will be able to access university facilities and support." It also adds: "Members, through self-management of the scheme, will contribute to their community, become active citizens, gain valuable skills, make friendships and take ownership of decisions and their lives." Jayne Whittlestone, comm-
How the new accommodation could look unities manager for United Communities, said: "It's a really exciting opportunity that we're working on. It's not just
developing homes, it's a new community concept and a new way of working. "It will be for a mix of young
National Award winners of the Good Garage Scheme
people, including students and key workers. It's not a homeless project but it will also be for people who have been living in supported housing with another housing association. "Everything is ready to roll, we just need to hear people's views." United Communities is hosting a drop-in session for members of the community to pop along to find out more. It will take place on Saturday December 1 from 10am-noon at St Matthias Academy, opposite the car park. A planning application is expected to be submitted to Bristol City Council in mid December with a view to moving the first young people in during September 2019. Further information found on www.unitedcommunites.org.uk If you have any further queries or feedback regarding the consultation, email launchpad@ unitedcommunites.org.uk
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December, 2018
n NEWS
£1,000 reward on offer in hunt for killer A REWARD of £1,000 is being offered to help identify the people responsible for the killing of a man in Fishponds. Police have launched a new social media campaign using messaging app Snapchat, to take their search for information about the death of Ronald Leigh to people who may have not seen earlier appeals. Six out of 10 Snapchat users are aged under 24. Officers have created a Snapchat story in the hope of identifying those involved in the death of 21-year-old Mr Leigh, who was stabbed in Gill Avenue, and a serious assault on Oneil Yearde, 46. Mr Yearde, who was attacked on Downend Road, was named for the first time in the Snapchat appeal. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Mike Buck said: “We’ve issued several appeals through traditional media, as well as on Facebook
and Twitter, but we’re now using Snapchat as we felt we needed to reach another audience. “We believe there are people who have information which could help us provide answers to both families and obtain justice for them but, for whatever reason, have not come forward with it.” Police believe the attack on Mr Leigh, shortly before 7pm on October 9, “led directly” to the assault on Mr Yearde by “multiple people” at a bus stop near the Downend Road shops at 8.40pm the same evening. The £1,000 reward, for anyone who provides information leading to a charge in the case, has been offered by charity Crimestoppers. Mr Leigh died of his injuries three days after being attacked, while Avon and Somerset police say Mr Yearde remains in hospital with life changing injuries. Six people have been arrested
in connection with the assault on Mr Yearde but no charges have yet been brought. Mr Buck said: “If you have any information about either incident, in particular who was involved, please get in touch with us or provide it to Crimestoppers. “You don’t have to provide your name and you could earn yourself a reward of £1,000 if the
information you provide leads to someone being charged.” People with information should contact the major crime investigation team online at www.mipp.police.uk or call 101, quoting the crime reference number 5218 226 466. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
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December, 2018
n NEWS
PEOPLE living in Oldbury Court have vowed to come together to rebuild their community following a fatal stabbing. Ronald Leigh, 21, died from his injuries after a knife attack in Gill Avenue on October 9. More than 20 people attended a meeting at the Vassall Centre four weeks later to discuss ways to move on after the tragedy. The meeting was called by the police and led by PC Pete Jones, supported by Sergeant Alan Gentry and PCSOs Gary Cottle and Nwanna Egwuonwu. Residents and officers spoke of the need to listen to young people on the estate and build relationships. One resident said: “Some of those young people have lost a friend. They are grieving.” Another said: “Somebody has lost a son or grandson. No one should grieve alone.” The meeting agreed that rather than being fearful or resentful, people should accept help on offer and try to ensure something positive came out of the incident.
5
Residents vow to rebuild community after tragedy
Ronald Leigh PC Jones said the scene of the stabbing had become a gathering point for teenagers, many of whom were aged 12 to 14. Drugs and anti-social behaviour were a concern, so the aim was to provide alternative activities for some of the youngsters. Residents suggested a basketball court, karate or boxing. They said the first
priority was a space the young people could call their own. Police presence on the estate has increased since the knife attack and officers stressed the importance of all incidents of anti-social behaviour, such as dangerous use of dirt bikes, being reported as this would help ensure continued resource was given to the area. Fishponds Police Station is now open again on weekdays and incidents can be reported anonymously online as well as by phone, they said. Resident Susan Grandfield said fear stopped some people from calling the police. “If you don't speak out you can't change anything. If you see something going on, you have to do something about it,” she said. Representatives of the city council, Fishponds Baptist
Church and the People's Republic of Oldbury Court spoke of the need to work together to establish what youth provision might work for the estate and seek funding for it. Michelle Meredith, from the youth empowerment project Babbasa, said she would seek views from young people and others who might support them. PC Jones and Sgt Gentry said they were very encouraged by the wide cross section of people at the meeting and the wish to bring about improvements. The team also thanked the community for the support they had given officers investigating the killing. Young people can have their say at https://bit.ly/2ziainF The survey for parents and guardians is at https://bit. ly/2zgdQXm
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Do you recognise this pair? POLICE are appealing for help to identify these two following robberies and anti-social behaviour in and near St George Park. Three boys – two 14 and one 15 – arrested on suspicion of robbery have been released under police investigation. A police spokesman said: "We have been providing high profile patrols in the area to provide community reassurance and also receive information from members of the public. We would like members of the public to continue to be our eyes and ears and report any incidents so we can respond. We will make use of whatever powers we have at our disposal – including dispersal notices - to ensure St George’s Park and the surrounding area remains a pleasant area for the local community to enjoy. If you are either of the people pictured or know them we would like you to contact us on 101, quoting reference 5218238297." Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or report on-line at bit.ly/1pwX4Zm quoting the reference number.
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December, 2018
n NEWS
Pupils pay respects PUPILS from Fishponds C of E Academy have paid their respects to those who fought for their country. As part of their learning on World War II, children in Years 5 and 6 walked to the war memorial in Fishponds Park. They learnt about the symbol of the poppy and all the variation of colours that symbolised the sacrifice of different groups during the war. Each child made a poppy and took it to the war memorial to help them reflect upon those no longer with us and the sacrifice all who are involved with war make when serving their countries. Academy principal Debbie Coker said: "The war memorial is a special place for all of us at Fishponds CE Academy after previous Year 6 children worked with Mrs Benarous, our humanities lead, and English Heritage Education to get the monument listed. "This important work will ensure that future generations of children in Fishponds will be able to visit the war memorial and remember those who gave their lives for many years to come."
Remembrance parade returns in special year THOUSANDS of people came together in Page Park for Staple Hill’s bestattended remembrance parade in living memory. On a crisp, clear morning marking the centenary of the end of the First World War, hundreds of members of uniformed organisations marched along the High Street. Crowds of people followed the parade, which included veterans and civic representatives, and it is believed at least 2,000 gathered around the park’s war memorial for the service. The crowd was so large that it was impossible for many to hear the service, although once the Last Post was played, as the park’s clock struck 11, the two minute silence was impeccably observed. Among the organisations taking part in the parade were the Royal British Legion, Police Cadets, Air Cadets, the Salvation Army, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs,
Scouts and Explorers. Wreaths from community and political groups were laid, alongside wooden crosses from individuals and families remembering relatives. South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Boulton, who chaired the group organising the parade, said: “Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 11.The size of the crowd was unprecedented and made us all proud of our community as we demonstrated our desire to remember our fallen and honour our Armed Forces, past and present.” Remembrance celebrations across the area saw huge turnouts this year. As well as the usual services at cenotaphs, beacons were lit across the country, including at Pomphrey Hill, Siston and Downend, and church bells rang out simultaneously. All the churches in the East Bristol Partnership took part in this ringing for peace to mark 100 years since the Armistice.
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December, 2018
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n NEWS
Joan, 91, bows out of fundraising role A FISHPONDS woman who has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for a children's charity is standing down from her fundraising role after 56 years. Kindhearted Joan Seville, 91, was appointed representative for the Children's Society at St John's Church in Lodge Causeway back in June 1962. Her role involves organising and running events to raise money for the charity, which supports vulnerable children in England and Wales who face poverty, abuse and neglect. Joan's main fundraiser is the annual Christingle service, an event held in thousands of churches, cathedrals, schools and communities to support the Children's Society. Joan said: "Years ago all the churches in the Bristol diocese got together to hold the Bristol Bazaar to raise money for the Children's Society. "I got interested in the charity after attending a meeting at Bristol Cathedral. The vicar at St John's at the time asked me if I would consider taking on the job as the parish representative for the charity because the lady who was doing it at the time was retiring. "I said yes and became more and more involved, becoming the Bazaar secretary. I did that role for 25 years. When I gave it up, no one else wanted to do it so the Bazaar gradually petered out and stopped in the mid 1980s. "My husband totalled up how much was raised through the Bazaars and it came to ÂŁ57,000! I didn't make all that, of course, but I helped make it by getting people to come in and run their stalls. "I kept on with the work for the Children's Society at St John's and our main fundraising event was, and still is, the annual Christingle service." Christingle is the name given to oranges, decorated with red tape, sweets or fruits and a candle which form the centre of a religious service. The orange represents the world, the candle the light of Christ and the red ribbon the blood and love of Christ. The sweets and fruits, placed on four sticks around the orange, symbolise the fruits of the Earth from the four corners of the world.
Joan, who has been attending St John's for 61 years, said the Christingle involves local children, as well as the usual church congregation, who collect money from their family and friends. She said: "After the service the children can eat the orange, usually the sweets are gone before they get out of the door! They can also use it as a centrepiece for the table at Christmas. "Christingle is vital to get the money in. We usually make around ÂŁ400 and the money goes to good use." Joan also boosts funds further with coffee mornings and by giving out small plastic boxes so people can put in spare change and save for the charity all year. "There's so many charities about today so it gets harder to raise money. Every one of them does good work but people can't support them all. "A few years ago, I was very ill and my husband Derek said I had to give up some of the things I did. But I would not give up raising money for the Children's Society! It's a charity that's always been part of our married lives. We were both members and would travel up to their big meetings in London." Joan was born in St Paul's but moved to Greenbank during the war before settling in Fishponds in 1953 when she married. "Adolf Hitler chucked us out of St Paul's when he dropped a bomb on our house in 1940," Joan said. Joan and her husband both worked at paper, printing and packaging company ES & A Robinson in Filwood Road, Fishponds which later became DRG. Sadly Derek passed away last December. The couple have a son and daughter, a grandson and two great grandchildren. Joan's last Christingle event as representative for the Children's Society took place on Sunday November 25 but she will continue to regularly attend St John's. "I feel very sad to be retiring but I'm 91 now so I think it's about time I hung up my boots! "I will still attend church after all, the Almighty doesn't retire!"
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Merry Christmas
The Petshop and Designer Dogz Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all our customers 792 Fishponds Road Bristol BS16 3TE 0117 336 8519
Christmas at St John’s Church Carols By Candlelight 6.30pm Sunday 16th December Beer and Carols (Spotted Cow) 7.00pm Wednesday 19th December Crib Service – 5.30pm Christmas Eve Midnight Mass – 11.30pm Christmas Eve Christmas Service – 10.30am Christmas Day
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Nativity Service – 4.30pm on Sunday 16th December Carols by Candlelight – 6.30pm on Sunday 23rd December Midnight Candlelight Holy Communion – 11.30pm on Christmas Eve All Age Family Communion – 10.30am on Christmas Day Please come and join us to celebrate
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THE NEW MOON Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Thanking you for your support in 2018
St Mary’s Church Carols by Candlelight – 6.30pm on Sunday 23rd December Family Carols and Christingle – 4.00pm on Christmas Eve Midnight Mass – 11.30pm on Christmas Eve Christmas Communion – 10.00am on Christmas Day Please come and join us to celebrate
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Thanking all our readers and advertisers for supporting us in 2018
Have a wonderful Christmas & A Happy new Year
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December, 2018
9
n NEWS
Safety concerns at McDonald’s site NEIGHBOURS of a controversial McDonald’s restaurant being built in Fishponds have raised safety concerns after broken glass fell into a children’s play area. Eimear Hawes, who runs the Star pub next to the site on Fishponds Road, has had to close the play area in the garden after shards of glass from a window in a building being demolished on the McDonald’s site landed there. Other people living near the site have raised concerns over the removal asbestos which has been found in the roof and guttering of the former Bristol Tile Company building. Eimear said his brother Oisin, who owns the Star, made it clear about six months ago that they did not want to demolition work to impact on their business and asked contractors to secure glass panels on the building before they fell out: a request followed
The Star pub's play area sealed off after broken glass was found up in writing three times by solicitors. Despite this, the glass was not secured and crashed into the play area, which has now had to be closed off. Although as much glass as they could find was removed by Eimear and his staff, he believes there could be more in the grass. He and his brother are waiting for McDonald’s to propose a satisfactory arrangement for removing the
glass and the wall of the building which borders the pub’s garden. Eimear said: “It’s prudent to close the play area down for the moment until we know what they are going to do.” Residents writing on the Say No to McDonald’s in Fishponds Facebook page have raised concerns that asbestos could fall from the building and break. A McDonald’s spokesman said: “We’re aware of some complaints made about our
Fishponds development, but we are confident that all work being carried out by our contractors is being done so in a professional manner and in the confines of our property and land. “Asbestos was found on the site which we are developing; safety is our paramount concern and it is important that its removal is carried out by certified and specialist contractors. “The majority of this has been removed, and we are now addressing the final elements. This has been done in accordance with the appropriate guidelines and regulations.” Complaints have also been made to the Health and Safety Executive about work at the site. An HSE spokesperson said: “HSE is aware of the concerns raised and making enquiries.” The two-storey drive-through McDonald's restaurant and takeaway is due to open next year.
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n FEATURE DID you know that in the UK alone more than six million rolls of plastic wrapping tape will be sold in the run-up to Christmasand 227,000 miles of wrapping paper will end up being thrown away? In fact, the UK produces 30 per cent more waste over the festive period - a sobering thought when the rest of the year most of us are consciously trying to reduce the amount of rubbish which could end up clogging up our waterways and oceans and harming our wildlife. So what should we do? Throw caution to the wind just because it's Christmas? No way, argues Cath Moore, a passionate campaigner for the reduction of single use plastics which she says are literally killing our planet. You can read her tips on how to cut down on plastics at this time of year on these pages. Cath, who lives in Fishponds, founded The Plastic Free Shop - www.theplasticfreeshop.co.uk back in February after watching the premiere of A Plastic Ocean in Bristol. The film, a documentary about the amount of plastic in the world's oceans, horrified her and she vowed to become part of the solution - not part of the problem. So far, Cath has been staggered by the interest shown in the business both in the UK and Europe, but especially locally, with people living in the area arranging to pick up items from Cath to cut down on packaging. So far she has sold 550 packs of plastic free cotton buds (they are made of cotton and bamboo
December, 2018
Tips for a plastic-free Christmas
Cath Moore, founder of the internet-based The Plastic Free Shop, with Claire Stone and are compostable) and more than 1,000 bamboo toothbrushes (interesting fact - toothbrushes don't biodegrade so every one ever made still exists somewhere on our planet). Cath, 54, said she never expected the public to ditch plastics overnight - what she hoped for was that people would make simple swaps. Cath said: "It has been quite a journey! Thanks to the support of local people, as well as the growing public interest in reducing single-use plastic, not only have orders to the shop grown dramatically but I've also been involved in a lot of interesting initiatives. "Even though we are now reaching more people, the ethos
of making simple swaps and not trying to change everything all at once are still key to the way that we are doing things. "I've also started doing popup shops for corporates and businesses in Bristol – basically setting up a market stall in their foyer so that staff can see some of our products, and I’ve run plastic free parties in the evenings for people in Fishponds, a bit like Tupperware parties of old! I’ve also had stalls at markets, including B-Bees in Fishponds, St Nicks Market and the Festival of Nature in Bristol." Cath has been so busy she's taken on an extra pair of hands, 44-year-old Claire Stone from Emersons Green who helps out in the week. The duo are rushed
off their feet, preparing to meet their last order deadline of December 18. The pair are so passionate about the environment, they can't stop litter-picking. Cath is a member of Fishponds Clean Streets and Claire removes every bit of litter she sees. Gratifyingly, Cath's work is not going unnoticed. She says it was "thrilling" to be mentioned in 12 Small Acts To Save Our World - international book for the WWF which is proving really popular as a beginner's resource for reducing plastic. "It has also been great to collaborate with other local businesses and charities - such as City to Sea, Refill Bristol and thismug.life "I'm encouraged to see how some of our local big retailers such as Tesco, Morrisons and Iceland are getting on board (the giants are trialling deposit return schemes for plastic bottles) and playing an ever increasing role in reducing plastic usage - it's amazing to think that so much progress has been made in the past few months. As a small example, just through my small business alone we have sold over 1,000 bamboo toothbrushes, totally mind-blowing to think that there are now 1,000 fewer plastic toothbrushes clogging up the world and the oceans. "It is amazing that just that one simple swap really does add up - collectively we really can make a difference."
Some of Cath's creative ideas for eco-friendly festivities Wrapping parcels: • Choose wrapping paper which is actually made of paper (ideally recycled), but at the very least consider avoiding the paper which is shiny or covered in glitter. You could even try wrapping parcels with fabric. • Be creative with decorating gifts - try reusable string, paper strips or ribbon bows rather that plastic pre-made bows or decorations. • Use last year's cards (or any cards at all really), cut up to make tags for your gifts. • See if you can use less plastic tape to secure your parcels - unless they are being sent in the post, you don't need to cover every single edge with tape. Also consider using paper-based tape, or even just ditching the tape altogether and getting inventive with string.
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Decorations: • Look after the decorations you already have - chances are you've got a big stash in the attic, and with a bit of love, they'll last for a very long time. • Get crafty and go old fashioned - try making your own paper chains or hanging decorations and or head outside to collect fallen pine cones, twigs and holly. • Eat the decorations - take inspiration from Europe where edible decorations are everywhere. From dried orange slices with cloves stuck in them (they make your house smell amazing) to gingerbread tree decorations, you'll find there are plenty of ways of making decorations that also taste fab! And if you aren't feeling creative, chocolate coins are a good first step.
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Festive food: • Take your own containers to the deli or supermarket so that you don't end up with loads of packaging by Boxing Day. • Have a go at home baking for cakes, snacks and nibbles - savoury dips are super easy to make too. • Ditch the plastic cups and plates - yes, they are convenient, but if you really can't face the washing up, consider paper plates and cups instead. Relax - enjoy the season, be conscious of what you are buying and who you are buying for, and see if you can make things a tad more simple and back to basics. Most of all, don't stress. You can't save the world all by yourself so try to remember that every swap you make is a step in the right direction.
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
11
n NEWS
Adventurer Kelly aces ice challenge A FISHPONDS woman who took on a tough running challenge inside the Arctic Circle has come through with flying colours. Kelly Sheldrick went to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland to take part in the Polar Circle Marathon. If that wasn’t tough enough, when she got there she decided to run a half-marathon as well, on a course which went over and ice sheet and passed through snow and tundra. Kelly, who works for Bristol financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown, took on the challenge despite admitting that she hates the cold. She said: “I’m not going to lie, in the week leading up to the run I was extremely nervous. “My training had not really gone to plan, and even my work mate kept telling me she was concerned for my safety. “Originally I had signed up to just the full marathon. However, once I met a couple of the other runners and discovered they were signed up to do the Polar Challenge (both a marathon and half marathon) I decided I had better just sign up, too.” The kit Kelly took with her included a face mask to prevent frostbite from the cold air and some crampons to fit to her trainers for running on the ice cap. Kelly finished the marathon in 5th place in around 4 hours 30 minutes, the half-
marathon in 14th at around 2hr 30min and the overall challenge in 12th, from a field of about 120 runners. She said: “Running on the ice cap was by far my favourite part of the run. My heavyduty spikes were awesome! “Apart from getting a bit carried away and running in the complete wrong direction, it couldn’t have gone much better. I also managed not to freeze – so that was a bit of a bonus.”
Kelly is collecting sponsorship to support Ometepe Bilingual School in Nicaragua, which teaches children in Spanish and English to give them better opportunities and has been built from ‘ecobricks’ made from plastic bottles and other recycled waste. So far she has raised almost £500. She is now on the lookout for a new challenge and is looking for suggestions. You can donate to Kelly’s fundraising campaign online at bit.ly/2OeIoBB
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Do you need more storage space? Then why not maximise the potential under your own roof? Is your small bedroom now the ‘box room’? Is your garage so full you can’t get to the back of it? Did you know that a typical 3 bedroom house can provide you with well in excess of 10 square metres of strong, clean, dry, easily accessible storage? That’s about the size of a modern double bedroom worth of boxes, suitcases, Christmas decorations and treasured memories all safely stored away. LETS CLEAR UP THE CLUTTER!
Attic Alert are here to help. We’re a family run Bristol based company who have specialised in loft boarding and attic access exclusively for over 6 years now. Father and son team Jeff and Ryan specialise in the supply and fit of loft ladders, attic boarding, access hatches and insulation upgrades to suit all properties and all pockets. If you have the time for a FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY we’ll give you a guaranteed fixed
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if you prefer, visit our website to use our ONLINE QUOTE BUILDER and look at all our current SPECIAL OFFERS.
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12
fishpondsvoice
n NEWS
December, 2018
Not a soggy bottom in sight as TV's Prue opens marvellous new Minerva CHILDREN, staff and families cooked up a storm for the official opening of Minerva Primary Academy’s new building. Pupils welcomed their special guest, the television personality Prue Leith, in style, with songs from the Key Stage 2 choir and African drumming by Year 1. Year 5 children presented Prue with some jewellery they designed after noticing the trademark jumbo beads she wears as a judge on Channel 4's Great British Bake Off. “You can never have enough necklaces,” she responded. The pupils also gave her a book of artwork inspired by
Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith unveils the plaque at the formal opening of the new Minerva Primary Academy buildings Right: Prue receives a necklace designed by pupils
Thanking all our clients for their support through the past year, and wishing them a very happy Christmas
her colourful career, which has included writing 12 cookery books, seven novels and running restaurants and other businesses. “This is the biggest ego trip I have ever had,” she joked, before unveiling a commemorative plaque. Prue, who appropriately was wearing blue, the school's new colour told the children about the importance of learning to eat and learning to cook, not only cupcakes but meals too, and she said she was impressed with their school and the support it received from its community. Pete Hallam, Minerva's
Give your child a GOOD start in life! Open term time Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 16.00pm 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.
Children love Happy Dayz because it is fun why don’t you join us? For further information contact us on Tel: 01173 360 516 email: happydayzpreschool@gmail.com
Harry Crook Centre, Moorlands Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3LF
www.happydayzpreschool.co.uk
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
principal, said it had been an emotional time, saying goodbye to the old Hillfields schools that had served the area for nearly
100 years, while welcoming the new 21st century facilities. “I am absolutely delighted that we have a school that the
13
children and the community deserve,” he told opening event, whose audience included leaders of the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school. “The bit I am most excited about is what we are going to do with the fantastic new playground, which will bring opportunities for outdoor learning as well as play.” Over the next year, the grounds will be developed to provide a stimulating environment including a construction area, outdoor cooking space, an amphitheatre for performances, sand and water play. The new build boasts amazing spaces for pupils to thrive and develop. These include a dance studio, project break out spaces and an enrichment room with a fully functioning kitchen for cookery and baking. Award-winning artist Toby Paterson has worked with the school and the contractors to create elements that have transformed the building. Among
them are fabulous huge stairwell paintings, specially designed screens, facade design and Minerva owl sculptures. Mr Hallam added: “We are all very excited about our new building, but above all we’re very proud of our pupils and staff. Minerva has seen sustained continuous improvement in performance over the last few years. We believe that children should enjoy their learning and develop into resilient and confident individuals. This building will help them achieve that and it will be a truly amazing asset for our local and wider community.”
Prue Leith and Minerva Primary Academy principal Pete Hallam with pupils outside the impressive entrance to the new school in Hillfields
Consistent, thoughtful care. Tailor made for you. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC...
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...exceptionally caring. ...care that was kind, respectful and dignified. ...staff went above and beyond their roles.
”
...very flexible and based on clients’ personal wishes and preferences. Comments taken from Home Instead Bristol North’s CQC Report, February 2018. ● ● ●
Companionship & conversation Meal preparation & tidy away Specialist dementia care
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Caring - Outstanding ★ Responsive - Outstanding ★ Well-led - Outstanding ★ Safe - Good ● Effective - Good ●
To find out more about our reliable, relationship centred service, please call 0117 989 8210 or visit our website www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
15
n NEWS A CAMPAIGN to save a historic pub from being turned into maisonettes has been launched. The Merchants Arms in Bell Hill, Stapleton has been trading since 1938 but was sold in December 2016 and suddenly closed. In recent years it had been managed by national pub chain Greene King as part of their Hungry Horse brand. Now Bristol City Council has received a planning application for change of use so the building can be turned into six maisonettes. The application, put forward by Red Rock Developments, has met with fierce opposition from people who would like to see it kept as a pub. Chris Faulkner Gibson, representing Colston Estate Community Association, said: "It's the only pub of its kind in the area. You have to go quite a long way to find another pub which is as family-friendly, with as big a garden and which has the same food offering as the Merchants Arms did.
Our pub is greatly missed, say campaigning residents "It just leaves such a big area without a family-friendly pub. We know of at least one local person who wanted to operate it as a pub but the developers said there was no interest at all, which isn't correct. They also haven't showed any hard evidence to show that the pub wasn't viable. It's greatly missed." So far more than 35 people have objected to the proposals. In July campaigners managed to get the building listed as "an asset to community value" which gives it some protection against development. The owners, however, challenged the listing, which led to a review hearing on November 2. Mr Faulkner Gibson said:
"We've been waiting to hear but we don't know what the outcome is at the moment. If the listing is upheld, it will be significant in terms of the current planning application." If the status is upheld, it won't necessarily stop the planning application but it will give more weight to the objectors' case. Mr Faulkner Gibson said: "It also means there is the possibility that there could be a community buy-out. The community would have to be offered the opportunity to make a bid under the community rightto-buy scheme. At the moment we are in limbo but in the meantime we are asking anyone who feels as we do to support us and lodge an objection to the
planning application. "If change of use is granted, that's the last opportunity we have to save the pub. It will be gone forever so this is really the last ditch attempt to try and stop it happening." Eastville councillor Mhairi Threlfall has said the application will be "called in" for a committee decision should council officers recommend approval. If you would like to comment on the plans, visit www. bristol.gov.uk and search for planning application reference 18/04935/F. Comments should be made by December 12 but residents may have longer if the application is called in.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM
TURNERS OPTICIANS Thorough Eye Care | 57 Henleaze Road Bristol BS9 4JT
0117 962 2474
See You In 2019
768 Fishponds Road Bristol BS16 3UA
eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk
0117 965 4434
Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
Rajani Superstore Tel: 0117 9655201
THE LARGEST STORE IN FISHPONDS
Enjoy shopping instore and online www.rajanis.co.uk
Free parking up to two hours - After the two hours, you need to provide your registration number at customer service
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
17
n NEWS
Food poverty hits rising number of families AS many as one in four children in Bristol suffers at some point from food poverty – and help needs to be extended to every school in the city. That was the message as chefs from some of Bristol’s top restaurants got together at the fruit market to show their support for Big Breakfast Week run by the charity FareShare. The chefs gathered at the start of a week of visits to schools. FareShare has 100 volunteers in Bristol, helping supply breakfast clubs at 20 schools across Bristol, including Frome Vale Academy and The Nest in Oldbury Court, Fishponds. It costs only £7 to run a breakfast club for 28 children - partly because all the food FareShare hands out is donated. Much of it is surplus from wholesalers but also sources such as missed deliveries from Ocado, which have to be returned. Bristol’s cabinet councillor for schools, Anna Keen, who represents Hillfields ward
and is a teacher in South Gloucestershire, said she has seen the difference a good breakfast makes to individual children. Schools with FareShare breakfast clubs report children have better concentration and behaviour – and even poor attenders are sometimes seen queuing outside in the mornings. The charity also provides meals for children during school holidays.
HOW YOU CAN HELP FARESHARE is asking companies to consider sponsoring its work – for example by linking with a school, where they could help pay for a Breakfast or After School Club, and by providing volunteers. Individuals can also help FareShare, which has a warehouse at St Jude’s near Cabot Circus. It has around 100 volunteers, and all the food is donated by big suppliers, which means it is run on a shoestring and can provide a breakfast for only 25p. There is a JustGiving page for donations. Details at: www. faresharesouthwest.org.uk/bristol-chefs-big-breakfast-week/ HOW DONATIONS COULD HELP • £7 could enable FareShare South West to provide 28 meals for children at a Breakfast Club • £60 could enable FareShare South West to feed a group of 24 children breakfast every weekday morning for two weeks • £1,000 would sponsor a Breakfast Club for a year WHAT IS FOOD POVERTY? A 2014 study by the 5K Partnership found that one in four children was at risk of food poverty. This doesn’t always mean that children don’t get anything to eat, but often their parents don’t have access to healthy options. Often the problem is a sudden one, caused by a delay in benefits – something that is likely to get worse with the continued rollout of Universal Credit across Bristol.
“FareShare and Feed Bristol were able to provide 13,000 meals over the summer holidays for children that otherwise would not have eaten,” said Councillor Keen. “However, we should not be proud of the fact that that is needed. We will feel successful in Bristol when we are able to move people out of food poverty for good, not by putting a sticking plaster on it. Families in need of food are not to blame – they simply can’t make ends meet, she added. “We know that many people using food banks and FareShare and other food charities are working, these are not people who are choosing not to work or are unemployed. “This is targeted now at the schools with the highest number of children entitled to free school meals. “We would like to see that rolled out to all schools across the city and we would like involvement from as many corporate firms as possible.”
THE STAR
539 Fishponds Road, Fishponds BS16 3AF Tel. 01179 9654297 “OLD WORLD TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY BAR” (IRISH FREE HOUSE)
DECEMBER EVENTS
Open Mic Set Dancing Evening Sat 8th 8.30pm. Tasmine and Rowen Solana Sun 2nd 4pm.
Thurs 6th. 8pm.
(East European / Balkan Folk)
Sun 9th 4pm.
Mark Cardwell and Daughter (Folk, Blues, Bluegrass)
Tues 11th 8pm. Music Quiz Lewis Craven & Patrick Farrell (Rock & Blues) Sat 15th 8.30pm. The Freaks (Marillion tribute band) Thurs 20th 8.30pm The Firepit Collective Fri 21st 8.30pm. Nasrudin (Scandinavian, Balkan, Gypsy) Sat 22nd 8.30pm. The Star Christmas Extravaganza Sun 23rd 4pm. Open Mic Wed 26th 8.30pm. F.F.T.P. (Chezney & Maxine) Thurs 27th 8.30pm. Mac Seka & Marick Baxter
Fri 14th 8.30pm.
(A brilliant Senegalese singer and guitar player accompanied by Marick on flute).
Visit us on facebook – The Star Fishponds
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
18
December, 2018
n NEWS FREEMASONS are supporting babies born with a cleft lip and palate following a chance conversation in a Stapleton pub. Dick Smith, a freemason, had popped into the Masons Arms, a pub near Stapleton Masonic Hall, and starting chatting to landlord and landlady John and Julia Edgeworth. Dick said: "Julia was aware that we masons raise an enormous amount of money for charity, so she suggested to me we might consider contributing to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association as it doesn’t get too much exposure. "She also explained that her grandson, Stan, had been born with a cleft and CLAPA had been of great support. I did a little research and was surprised to learn how prevalent the condition was." The conversation was food for thought for Dick, who found himself in a prime position to be able to help. Dick said: "I was about to be installed into the chair of Gloucestershire Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge so I
Chance conversation brings big benefits for charity
Catherine Dougherty, CLAPA regional engagement officer, Stan Harvey, freemason Dick Smith and landlord John Edgeworth needed to select a charity to benefit from the evening’s raffle. Here was my chance! As usual,
we welcomed masons visiting from other lodges far afield and amongst them I found a dental
surgeon who had specialised in cleft palate operations. He was hugely complimentary about the work of CLAPA. There was also another mason whose wife gave awareness-raising talks for CLAPA. The response from the brethren was overwhelming and £360 was raised there and then." Stan and grandad John joined Dick at the pub where a cheque was handed over to the charity’s regional engagement officer, Catherine Dougherty. "This will pay for the purchase of 18 special feeding kits," she said. Dick is now looking for other ways of raising money for CLAPA and is considering an approach to Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action for a substantial donation.
Local Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants
ousing lH
Loc a
G
rums Fo
Invoet lved
Forums in East & Central Bristol Area 3: 5 December 2018, 5.45–8pm
Area 4: 17 December 2018, 6.15–8.30pm
Eastville, Frome Vale, Hillfields, Lockleaze
Ashley, Central, Lawrence Hill, St George, Central, St George, Troopers Hill, St George, West, Easton.
At Lockleaze Youth & Play Space, Romney Avenue, Bristol, BS7 9TD
At City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR
If you are a council tenant in the areas listed, come and discuss local housing services with your landlord. Get involved in your new Local Housing Forum. December’s meeting topic: anti-social behaviour. Free tea & coffee provided. Travel expenses can also be reimbursed. For further information contact: Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums. To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
n NEWS POLICE will now be called in to tackle drivers who flout the rules at the notorious Hockey's Lane junction in Fishponds. It follows a long campaign by residents calling for action against drivers who ignore the no left turn sign. There have been numerous near-misses with pedestrians who cross the road on the pelican crossing immediately around the corner from the junction and campaigners say it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed. One recent suggestion had been that the council introduce an ‘everybody walk’ stage in the traffic light signal sequence, where all traffic is held on red to allow all the crossings to turn green at the same time. But the authority says this would just lead to congestion and rat running, creating more pollution and threatening road safety. Instead the council will work with police in a bid to enforce the sign with a possibility of introducing cameras if this fails to get the message across. Don Wilson, a member of the Stoke Lane Action Group, contacted the authority about exploring the 'everybody walk' option. But a response from the council's traffic signals team has made it clear this would not work, and says prevention - and enforcement - is the answer. The online reply said the traffic signals team used special software to replicate the impact an "everybody walk" stage would have on the junction and surrounding roads. However, they found the junction would become congested and would no longer be able to handle the amount of traffic that is trying to get through. "The clear impact of this is increased queue lengths on Fishponds Road between Lodge Causeway and Straits Parade. Congestion such as this will always then have a knockon effect on the surrounding network, creating problems such as traffic queuing through pedestrian crossings and blocking give-way junctions, delays to public transport, increased ‘rat-running’ and so on. All of which has a detrimental impact on road safety and air quality. As such the ‘everybody walk’ crossing
19
Beware: Police to crack down on Hockey's Lane offenders
would create numerous issues and it is deemed that the better approach to resolve the issue is through effective prevention and enforcement of the existing arrangement." The team says that the council is now working with the police to develop a multiagency approach to tackle the issue. As part of the strategy they will carry out a three-week enforcement operation and, if this fails to work, the council will write to the government requesting powers to use cameras to enforce the no left turn request. The reply continued: "This approach will reduce the number of turning violations as it will put the emphasis on the offending driver being made aware of the danger they are causing and being held responsible for their actions." Eastville councillor Mhairi Threlfall has been supporting residents in their quest to make the junction safer. She said: "The Hockey’s Lane issue has been long-standing and is incredibly dangerous for pedestrians who are crossing the road, as although the majority of drivers approach as signposted, a few drivers are still turning illegally left at the junction. "After reviewing all the options at the junction and increasing the visibility of signs to highlight the banned turn, it’s clear there is a need to ensure that this junction is
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
properly enforced. The council is now working with the police in order to tackle this issue. This of course is the first step, and I would like to see it continued
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
to be actively monitored and the signs effectively changed for drivers but also cyclists to make it even more explicit. It also opens a wider conversation around local powers. I believe local authorities should have the power to enforce on banned left hand turns in the same way as they enforce on bus lanes with cameras, and will continue to press government along with councillors across the country, to get this additional power." A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: "We have listened to local people who have raised concerns about the crossing and outlined the measures we are going to take. We are working with the police to carry enforcement and hope to finalise the details and roll out soon."
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
PRICES FROM:
Quarry Court
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with the reassurance of extra care on site Luxury modern kitchens
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0117 965 3003
For more information or to book a viewing of our stunning apartments, please call: Email Ross.Vickerman@taylorsestateagents.co.uk | www.quarrycourt.co.uk
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
21
n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
We're leading way in battle for cash to tackle air pollution AIR pollution is a public health crisis, with Bristol being one of many UK in cities breach of legal limits. Estimates suggest that in Bristol around 300 deaths every year are attributable to air quality, with many more suffering poorer respiratory health. Westminster has placed a requirement on us to develop a Clean Air Plan to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollution. Our plan will look at ways to improve air quality, including investment in public transport and cycling, changes in traffic management, greater use of existing regulatory powers such as taxi licensing and ways to support and encourage a shift to cleaner vehicles. We are working through all the options, taking into account the costs and anticipating consequences of each. A failure to do this would not only risk a disproportionate financial impact on those least able to pay, it would also risk the plan failing to deliver the improved air
quality it was designed for. Around this we are still working through feasibility studies for a mass transit system including underground/overground. This would be transformational, offering a chapter change in Bristol’s transport system and a genuine alternative to private car use. But it’s not enough for central government to set a standard and then walk away without lifting a finger to help. Success in tackling poor air quality will be dependent on adequate funding. At the Global Parliament of Mayors, Bristol hosted the first ever joint meeting of the UK’s Core Cities and Metro Mayors. Air quality was an agreed area for us to focus. As city leaders we are on the front line of the battle for air quality and we are committed to real delivery. We are calling for government action in two areas to enable us to protect the people we represent from an avoidable threat. First was to make an additional £1.5bn investment in the
Parkw ay automobile engineering
The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice
Clean Air Fund (taking the total to £1.75bn) for Local Authorities and Cities to use in mitigation. Secondly, a national targeted vehicle renewal scheme, prioritising the help for the least well off. An enhanced Clean Air Fund will be the decisive factor in determining success or failure for this national issue. Local Government, and Bristol, wants to and will lead on this. But we all need the resources that will enable us to do so.
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 WE NEVER and roofing problems.
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To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
Stoke Gifford Retirement Village An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village
Discover how good LATER LIFE CAN BE Our inspiring new retirement village offers endless opportunities to be more active, with spacious, affordable apartments built around a range of social, leisure and well-being facilities. Gym Bar Bistro Shop Hair and beauty salon Village hall Hobby room IT suite and library Greenhouse
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0117 321 6632
www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk stokegifford@extracare.org.uk
As seen on TV - Channel 4’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds
*Subject to availability. Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright © 2018 – The ExtraCare Charitable Trust.
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
23
n NEWS
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Bristol film becomes a Do you want a phenomenal best-seller council tax freeze? SIR Tony Robinson’s History of Bristol DVD breaks records ‘No one else does history like him, we are so lucky the city has this unique of record of its history, presented by such a big national star.’ Martin Weitz of Bristol’s Focus Productions. Last year it became one of the fastest-selling DVDs on Amazon and at Waterstones ( at both The Galleries and Cribbs Causeway branches) . Now it has become available again - but probably for the last time ever, say the producers. Sir Tony Robinson’s famed History of Bristol was a remarkable sensation last year, wherever it went on sale. ‘It was phenomenal, we couldn’t cope with the demand,’ says producer Weitz. Orders were coming in from all over the country, not only from the Bristol and the South West, but from Sussex to Surrey, Scotland to Stratford-on-Avon, it seemed as if everyone just wanted to have a copy or give it as a gift to someone they love, we even had orders from Australia!’ ‘I think it’s become such a popular DVD because it’s presented so entertainingly by TV’s favourite historian. Sir Tony’s passion and enthusiasm for Bristol really shines through’, says producer Weitz. ‘It’s such a pleasure to be able to sing the praises of my favourite British city, show you its magnificent architecture, and tell you some of its fascinating stories.’ says Tony who, not so many years ago, used to live in Clifton. The original film was made just over 20 years ago and the producers have restored the master onto a high quality DVD format so it can be enjoyed again in this special anniversary edition. Historic places in Bristol visited by Tony in the DVD include: *Tony’s visit deep into the mysterious Redcliffe Caves *Tony inside the ruins of the pump room of the 18th century Hotwells Spa. * A visit to the Clifton Rocks Railway * Tony on board The SS Great Britain *A breathtaking ascent to the top of the Cabot Tower *An eye-opening visit to St Mary Redcliffe Church where Tony meets up with Blackadder character Baldrick’s ‘old friend Queenie’. * Bristol’s role in the Slave Trade *The Matthew sailing down the River Avon, into open sea for the first time. Sir Tony Robinson’s famed History of Bristol is available from Waterstones, The Galleries, and Waterstones Cabot Circus, Bristol Tourist Office, Canon’s Rd (next to The Watershed), Bristol Bridge Visitor Centre, at all branches of Romantica AND it can also be ordered online from Amazon. co.uk for only £9.99.
PEOPLE are being asked to have their say on Bristol City Council’s next budget. The council has already agreed to make £41.9 million of cuts to be made in its spending over the next four years. It is now asking residents whether they think next year’s council tax should be frozen or whether it should be increased by up to four per cent from April next year. Freezing council tax and not making the cuts next year would leave the authority with a £23.2m hole in its budget. It says every increase of 1% in council tax would add around £16 per year to a Band D bill, so a 4% rise would add £64. The council says it can balance its books by bringing in a 3% increase and going ahead
with the planned cuts. It wants residents to have their say by taking part in a survey, which closes on December 17. The consultation survey can be found online at www.bristol. gov.uk/budget2019-2020, or residents can call 0117 922 2848 or email consultation@bristol. gov.uk to ask for a paper version or other alternative format. Mayor Marvin Rees said: “We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to take part in this consultation, which is a chance to have your say about the money we raise through council tax.”
The phenomenal best selling DVD on Bristol’s history
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fishpondsvoice
24
December, 2018
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm feels the heat THE exceptionally hot and dry summer this year hit Christmas tree growers at Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm particularly hard, causing thousands of baby trees to die during the relentless drought and scorching weather. “We saved what we could,” said Simon Maughan, “But the ground was utterly parched and we have to use water responsibly.” The heat was felt right across Europe, and
industry experts believe that almost an entire season’s crop of Christmas trees has been lost, with Denmark, Germany and Poland being the areas hit the worst. A systematic replanting programme has already begun (see picture), but as Simon admits, “It won’t cover all our losses – we’ll just have to write 2018 off as a bad year.” “Customers mustn’t worry about tree shortages, however,” says Simon. “It takes at least 6 years for a Christmas tree to grow to the appropriate height, so the affects of this heatwave will not be felt before 2023.” A silver lining, perhaps, is that because of the heat, many Christmas trees this year are showing first-class foliage. Another Europe-wide phenomenon this year is the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May. “We can no longer hold people’s information without their consent, which means that this year there will be no Christmas cards sent out to our customers. Rest assured we’ll be back in 2019 – all you have to do is enter our free Christmas Raffle, in which three £100 shopping vouchers are up for grabs.” With the drought behind them, hundreds of Christmas Trees now await harvest at Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. Nordman Firs continue to be their biggest seller, with
the Norwegian Spruces a close second. “The benefit of a freshly cut tree is that it will last much longer once you bring it into the house. The latest research still tells us that it is worth watering a cut tree after it has been felled, particularly for Norwegian Spruce, because it keeps the foliage glossier for much longer.” Eager customers wanting to reserve their trees for later cutting are welcome at the Christmas Tree Farm from late November onwards. Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open until Christmas Eve, 9am-5pm every day. “Choose and Cut” runs for as long as stocks last. Prices start from just £20. www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk
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fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
25
n FROM OUR MP
Support is growing for People's Vote IT'S been well over two years since the referendum, and Theresa May has finally agreed a Brexit deal with the European Union. A huge 585-page Withdrawal Agreement has been produced: the result of protracted and sometimes painful negotiations between European and British diplomats. People could be forgiven for thinking that this is the beginning of the end of the Brexit process. In reality, it is merely the end of the beginning. Untangling 45 years of legal, economic and political integration between the UK and 27 other countries is not a simple task, to say the least. The main proponents of the UK leaving the EU – the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg and Liam Fox – promised us all that it would all be so easy. The German car makers would force the EU to capitulate to British demands. The trade deals we enjoy by being part of the EU with the likes of South Korea, Japan, and Canada would automatically roll over the day after Brexit. We could enjoy all the benefits of the EU without
any of the obligations, financial or otherwise. Regrettably, none of this has come to pass. A sizeable minority of MPs, including me, voted against the triggering of Article 50, not because we wanted to stop or thwart Brexit, but because it was patently obvious that the Government had no plan for negotiating a deal that would safeguard our economy, protect workers’ and environmental rights and ultimately, be in the interests of the entire country, rather than just the Conservative Party. Brexit has now taken up virtually all breathing space in politics. In Parliament, legislation in the Commons and Select Committee hearings are dominated by Brexit or the effects thereof, including contemplating the worst case scenario of “no deal”. The time has come for choices. I’ve been talking to local small businesses, who are being forced to move operations and jobs overseas in order to remain financially viable through access to the EU market
VACANCY VACANCY VACANCY VACANCY We are still looking for a School Crossing Patrols. This could be the best way to get back to work by taking on a satisfying job that means you meet loads of new people and really make a difference to your local community.
St Josephs RC Primary, Chester Park Infant, St Barnabas Primary and Glenfrome Primary This is a school term time only role. This is a paid position and you are paid for ten hours per week term time. The hourly rate is £8.75. Full training and uniform will be provided. You will need to be a good communicator with an ability and understanding of working with the general public. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Frances Dansie on 07500120320 or by email frances.dansie@bristol.gov.uk
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
writes for Fishponds Voice Ultimately, all decisions I make in relation to Brexit or any other policy matter are done so with the best interests of citizens and businesses in east Bristol at their core. I will not support anything that makes my constituency, our city, or our country poorer.
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and the European workforce. This is because Theresa May decided to go for a deal that will ultimately see us out of the Single Market and out of the Customs Union. MPs will be voting to accept or reject the prime minister’s Brexit deal, and then what to do should the deal be defeated. I think that a People’s Vote is inevitable in that scenario, and believe it would be a perfectly sensible way to resolved what would be a major constitutional and political impasse. That means that local residents, too, may have choices to make. A recent poll indicated that 62 per cent of residents in east Bristol support a People’s Vote, and 59 per cent of residents want to see the UK remain in the EU, which both show an increase in support for the EU since 2016. I’ve held Brexit Q+A sessions across the constituency, to try to answer any questions that local residents have had on this issue. My office has also dealt with several hundred individual enquiries about Brexit over the last year.
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fishpondsvoice
26
December, 2018
n FISHPONDS MUM
Stage is set for seasonal fun with your little ones IT seems like such an effort amid the Christmas rush to make some time for an afternoon of entertainment, followed by some cheeky little mulled something or other. These past few years, I have been perfecting the art of sneaking off mid-Christmas-fastapproaching-Saturday to see something that will appeal to a toddler. I can highly recommend it; it is such fun, especially with friends, and you end up buying and spending much less! Here are the some picks that might tempt you and your toddler away from the busy streets of Christmas shopping. Best to book early – nothing worse than that meltdown at the door of the venue when all the tickets have sold out, in November…
& Funky Baby DisKo,’ expect good tunes, face painting, bubbles and a cross section of the city busting some moves. It works well for those aged five and under. Dress to impress. The dates are December 1 and 15, both Saturdays, and the show runs from 2-4pm. Tickets cost £9 plus booking fee. More details at bit.ly/2Dt5n66
Christmas at Spiegeltent
The Mall’s Winter Wonderland at Cribbs Causeway
Taking up a corner of Millennium Square, the Spiegeltent is a huge circus big top that hosts adult and children’s discos. Billed as the ‘Fun
An ideal way to break up shopping, the large ice rink looks tempting as you are dashing into Cribbs Causeway. There are two paid
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Hatha Yoga incorporates postures, breathing techniques and meditation. The poses are usually held, rather than flowing in and out of postures. Hatha Yoga moves at a slow pace, allowing time to experience each posture. Hatha Yoga is accessible for everyone. You don’t have to be super fit or bendy. This traditional style of yoga can be an aid to improving strength, flexibility, posture and general wellbeing.
Hatha Yoga Classes are held at Portland Therapy Staple Hill every Saturday 9.15 – 10.15am, all levels welcome. Equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own mat if you have one. For more information contact Bob on 07514 298827 or email info@AhimsaYogaBristol.co.uk
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options: a 3D adventure through Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle in which one can visit Santa himself; and a big ice rink. There are little bunnies on skates that your toddler can sit on and you can push around (and hold onto!) They call it the largest open-air ice rink and hauls in a big crowd and gets pretty busy. Skating sessions last 45 minutes and start on the hour. It is best to book online in advance, to avoid the aforementioned meltdown. Now open until January 6. Children’s tickets cost £7.50, with first accompanying adult free. More details at bit.ly/2TqlzuE Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome Pantomime is a British institution and we are chancing The Hippodrome offering this year (the child is three; I’ll let you know how that goes…) Gok Wan and Brian Conley are on the posters and there is a countdown clock on the Hippodrome itself – it has created tension city–wide, they say. It is not cheap, but it is an event and either a great, easy way to pass an afternoon or alternatively your worst nightmare. You choose! December 8 to January 6. Tickets cost £12 to £40. More details at bit.ly/2TjWb9T Christmas Tales With Granddad at The Wardrobe Theatre,
Shiatsu Massage Relaxing healing (fully clothed) massage useful for all sorts of conditions including back problems and feeling tired, low or anxious Derrick Purdue MRSS
Igloo at Bristol Old Vic, Coopers’ Loft The Old Vic has opened its doors again post refurbishment and has a host of Christmas theatre productions to share. Igloo is a collaboration of the Old Vic and Travelling Light Theatre Company, a long-standing Bristol theatre company who have pretty much cornered the market in children’s theatre. This production is aimed at 0-3 years and is described as a sensory experience filled with sights, sounds and texturised play, suitable for babes in arms and toddlers, accompanied by their carers. December 8 to January 6. Tickets: £6, with one in 20 tickets free for group bookings. More details at bit.ly/2qSWHPb
NLP Life Coaching and Lightning Process courses Stuck with illness, pain, anxiety, life? Pippa Adamson DipClinHypNLP Coach Advanced Lightning Process Practioner
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Price per class £7 (drop in) or £6 (block booking) Portland Therapy Centre, Church Court, North View, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 4NQ
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Old Market Assembly You’ve probably heard of Wardrobe Theatre at Old Market Assembly gaining some momentum locally this past year and they offer something more original and enchanting for Christmas. Pickled Image present puppetry and captivating story telling for children aged three to eight and it looks to be pretty magical. What better than actors showing off their artistry and writing in a unique way? It is lovely to support local Bristol talent and we are lucky to have it on our doorstep. December 22 to January 6. Tickets: £8 (£6 for groups of 20+, ages 2 and under go free) More details at bit.ly/2Ducn2M
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Tel. 0117-9658459 www.newleaf-changes.co.uk The Fishponds Practice, Tel. 0117- 9491290 www.fishpondspractice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
27
n NEWS
New move in pesticides battle CALLS for Bristol to ban a weedkiller at the centre of a cancer controversy will be debated by the city council. More than 20 environment and community groups published an open letter to Mayor Marvin Rees, calling on him to set up a task force with other major landowners to phase out glyphosate from Bristol’s public spaces. The chemical weedkiller, sold under the brand name Roundup, has been in use around the world for 40 years. But exposure to glyphosate has been linked to cancer: a US court awarded more than £200 million in damages this year to a school groundskeeper who sued manufacturer Monsanto after developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer says it is “probably carcinogenic”. Monsanto insists the product is
safe, after undergoing hundreds of scientific studies, but a number of councils have stopped using it. Mr Rees pledged in his 2016 election manifesto to stop using “harmful pesticides” and a petition calling on the council to stop using glyphosate has now been signed by more than 3,800 people. The open letter, organised by the Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance (PSBA), comes after glyphosate was sprayed on verges outside schools in Fishponds, including Begbrook Primary Academy and Little Hayes Nursery School, as children arrived earlier this year – despite advice to minimise its use in public spaces, especially those used by children. The council has previously insisted glyphosate is an approved, safe product and said there are “no current plans to use alternative methods”.
A year-long trial of vinegar as an alternative weedkiller found it was less effective and would cost three times more than using glyphosate, as it needed to be applied more often. PSBA spokesperson Emma Rose said: “Marvin Rees promised action on pesticides in 2016, but the job is unfinished and progress has stalled. A task force could break the stalemate by getting other land managers to work alongside the council in phasing out toxic glyphosate in favour of safer alternatives. We know this is possible because other local authorities are already doing it.” A council spokeswoman said: “As this petition has reached the required number of signatures, it can now be debated at a full council meeting.” A date for the debate has yet to be announced but the next full council meeting is on January 15.
Woman rescued from blaze A 92-YEAR-old woman was rescued from her home after a fire broke out in the kitchen. The pensioner was in a house in Queensholm Drive, Downend, when the fire broke out. Avon Fire and Rescue said the woman was brought out of her home before crews arrived. She and two men needed treatment for smoke inhalation from ambulance crews called to the semi-detached house. A fire service spokesman said the fire broke out accidentally and a 999 call was made at around 2.50pm on November 1. Crews from Kingswood and Temple fire stations were called to the scene and went into the house in breathing apparatus to put out the blaze, before clearing the smoke from the building. The fire service asks residents who need on kitchen safety advice to visit bit.ly/2JVUPME
A Happy 100th Christmas from 1918
HOLMANS
2018
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fishpondsvoice
28
December, 2018
n PLANNING
The suburban space race
N
O Christmas themed article this month. I am writing this wearing a Santa hat but that is as far as it goes. The government recently opened a consultation on their intention to allow upwards extensions - additional storeys, without having to apply for planning permission. This is put forward to apply to flats, shops and offices and would have the likely result of changing the country’s urban landscape forever. And yet this would potentially occur without the involvement of the planning system or scrutiny from those who may be directly affected... The Santa hat is off. The previous scheme not even of similar magnitude was to sanction the conversion of farm buildings across the country, while at the same time insisting that all other residential development should be in sustainable locations. I fear that this latest idea will suffer from a similar lack of joined up thinking. That is the Christmas spirit showing itself, when I use the word „thinking“. I doubt that this latest wheeze will find much favour among the planning profession, although it would no doubt be a shot in the arm for the scaffolding industry. It does have the potential, however, to provide a great deal of housing, even if all of it would be in the form of top floor flats.
fishpondssvvooiicece December,
FREE EVERY
MONTH IN
2017 — ISSUE
THE OLD POST OFFICE Eat, drink and be merry
The fightback starts here!Craig
and of Shaun Luther behind a revivalin a new Amos are Boxing Club Kingswood Causeway. HQ in Lodge & 15 PAGES14
to Water wayClaus see Santa is
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ivor's Cancer surv stolen plea over rings wedding
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traditional thinking under these circumstances, due to the complexity, has been to leave well alone. The chances of the community coming together unanimously (and it has to be unanimous) are so slim as to be non-existent. Times are changing, however. The first step onto the housing ladder is out of reach of so many young people, even with parental help, that I would argue that something has to give. Parents are often not just property-rich but land-rich as well. However they lack a way of making that count because they don”t individually have enough land to build a house on. Looking at the bigger picture, opportunities emerge. Long gardens that back onto access lanes may be too narrow to build individual houses on, but a row of five could perhaps yield a terrace of three or four houses providing modern internal space standards, fronting the access lane. This is not so fanciful, as long as there is consensus to make it happen. Such consensus could be achieved through either the wish to help their own children or the financial opportunities. The overheated London property market has already led to such initiatives in the capital. Given the character of housing in Fishponds and the established community groups, maybe we are not that
Chris Gosling far away from a local response. Of course, such schemes would only happen with the proper scrutiny of both planning and the public. Such a safeguard, I would argue, makes more sense than a free-for-all race to the sky - this Century“s Space Race. And potentially one small step backwards. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com
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On a similar theme, I am going to have a look at a way that Fishponds could play its part in providing more housing towards the nation’s needs, outside of this new potential building boom. Bristol is severely constrained by a lack of land. The city centre has regeneration sites which have been able to deliver blocks of flats and the trend towards a resident central population has already been marked by building higher. The Harvey Nicholls tower is a landmark case in point. Meanwhile, on the city outskirts, the major constraint is the Green Belt, although some inroads have been made there. Most of the rest of Bristol is either urban or suburban. There are few areas of empty land large enough to provide blocks of flats. The reason for the lack of contribution from the suburbs since the wave of converting houses into two flats has subsided is largely land-ownership. Suburban areas are characterised by houses largely owned by their occupiers. If rented, it is not common for the owner to own more than a single house and two next to each other is rarer still. This makes for a patchwork pattern of ownership and control where wholesale change would rely on a consensus where everyone wants the same outcome. The
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December,
2017 — ISSUE
THE GREAT
THE OLD POST OFFICE Eat, drink and be merry
786 Fishponds Fishponds, Road, Bristol BS16 Tel: 0117 965 5730 3TT
35
ER FISHPO
NDS AREA
Singer Frankie has completed Johns his mission to raise million pennies a Help for Heroes. for Frankie, aka Billitteri, has John been collecting the from people coins east Bristol around 2013 and since his is 1,018,784. total celebrated He with, left to right: nine, Harris, Marion, eight, and 11, Colby, Hollie, also eight, at St Stephen's Junior School. Full story: Page 7
The fightback starts here!
Shaun Luther and Craig Amos are behind a revival Kingswood Boxing Club of HQ in Lodge in a new Causeway. PAGES14 & 15
Cancer surv plea over ivor's wedding stolen rings
Water way see Santa to Claus
A new Christmas venture is planned this Park where year for Eastville volunteers planning to are create a Santa's Grotto on the lake.
BRYONY Bateman, 28, from Fishponds, return her has appealed to thieves wedding and to rings. engagement
Bryony, 2013 after who married Neal in beating cancer, jewellery reminds them says the who lost his of a friend Full story: battle with the disease. Pages 16 and 17
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Youth club's future in doubt
Grove Road Youth Club Fishponds in is after seven facing closure years because shortage of of a funds.
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December, 2018
fishpondsvoice
29
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Christmas comes early at our fabulous ‘extra care’ apartments in Fishponds CAROL singers, mulled wine, gifts – Christmas is coming at Quarry Court in Fishponds. The ‘extra care’ apartment development is hosting ‘Quarry Court Carols and Christmas Cheer’ on Wednesday, December 5 at 1pm, and everyone is welcome. Quarry Court, owned by Bristol Care Homes and near Fishponds Road, has 17 luxury flats aimed at independent-minded people over 65 who may need a bit of support from time to time. The Christmas event is a chance for prospective residents and their families to come in, have a look around and meet the current residents. And a packed programme of events has been laid on for visitors’ enjoyment. There will be: • A welcome drink of bucks fizz • Canapes, mulled wine, sherry, tea or coffee • Stalls offering gifts, cards, chocolate, cake and plants • Carol singers from nearby St Joseph’s Primary followed by gifts for the children • A Spanish guitar recital
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
•
A prize draw and finish at 4.30pm Quarry Court was built for people seeking independent living with an element of care 24 hours a day if needed. Bristol Care Homes chairman Geoff Crocker said: “Moving to Quarry Court offers a couple or an individual a special kind of independent living. “We are really looking forward to meeting visitors at our Christmas event and they will have the chance to see what we have to offer.” Quarry Court has all the amenities needed
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
for quality living – high standard 1 and 2 bed apartments, a spa, a hair salon and a restaurant. Prospective owners can also visit the complex at other times to suit and help can be provided with transport. The team at Quarry Court can offer support with moving house and selling their existing home. For those wishing to buy, prices start at £240,000. Geoff added: “These apartments really are superb. And they are in a lovely, quiet location but also close enough to cafes, shops and other services on Fishponds High Street. “We are always happy to welcome prospective residents and their families to show them what we have to offer.” For more information, contact ann.pinnock@ bristolcarehomes.co.uk or ross.vickerman@ taylorsestateagents.co.uk, or call 01179 653003 or 07498 919315 Directions, from Fishponds Road, take Channons Hill (Opposite Aldi) and take a right turn onto Station Avenue. BS16 2FX. For more information, see advert on Page 54.
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fishpondsvoice
30
n NEWS
December, 2018
Men jailed after violent break-in THREE gang members have been jailed following a violent break-in at a house in Fishponds. Abdul Mohamed, Ronaldo Simmonds and Maxwell Silwano, from London, were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after all three pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. Simmonds was sentenced to two years and six months and Silwano was given four years on Monday November 19. Mohamed had already been sentenced to three years and 10 months on December 18 last year. The incident place on July 8, 2017 on Thicket Road when the three men, armed with a crowbar and machete, knocked on a man’s door and forced their way into the property when it was opened. The men searched the house and demanded money but couldn’t find any, so they took cannabis plants that they found. Repeated threats were made to kill the victim and he was
Abdul Mohamed
Ronaldo Simmonds
heard pleading with his attackers by a passer-by who called the police. Officers arrived and the men ran out of the back of the house into a car, which crashed while they were trying to escape. Mohamed was arrested from the vehicle, the other two men escaped but Simmonds was identified from CCTV by Metropolitan police officers and
Silwano was linked forensically to the getaway vehicle when his DNA was found on a half-eaten baguette. Both were later identified by the victim and mobile phone analysis showed all three defendants had travelled together from London on the day of the incident, in the car which crashed at the scene. The victim was also separately convicted of producing cannabis
Maxwell Silwano and abstracting electricity. He received a 32 week sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £10,017 compensation. Detective Dan Godfrey said: "These convictions are the result of a determined investigation and shows how we will work closely with our colleagues across the country to protect our communities and bring offenders to justice."
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December, 2018
31
n LETTERS A time of increased financial burden CHRISTMAS is a time when families should be together, celebrating, yet the reality for lots of families of young cancer patients means ongoing treatment far from home, increasing financial burden and emotional pain. This festive season, CLIC Sargent is calling on people in Fishponds to raise money for young cancer patients and their families and help them stay together this Christmas by doing their Christmas shopping at CLIC Sargent’s shop on Straits Parade. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people with cancer providing vital practical, emotional and financial support to help limit the damage causes beyond a young person’s health. This Christmas, make your festive period as charitable as possible, and do your Christmas shopping with CLIC Sargent. As well as a wide range of generously donated items, there are also toys, Christmas gifts and cards, with all the profits going to help young cancer patients. The money raised can help CLIC Sargent to help pay for a family to stay in one of our ten Homes from Home which are located close to principal treatment centres around the UK. Our Homes from Home
mean families can be together during treatment, something so vitally important, especially at Christmas time. Hannah Spawls CLIC Sargent Fishponds shop manager
Lucky to live in Fishponds I FEEL lucky to live in Fishponds. With Vassals Park (Oldbury Court Estate) on the doorstep, its acres and acres of open space and woodland, leading down to the beautiful River Frome, its steep sides lined with trees, and in addition our little but lovely Fishponds Park and the adjacent St Mary’s churchyard, both with some wonderful specimen trees, there is always green space to escape to. I am lucky, too, to live on a road which, a century ago, a far-sighted council planted with street trees, so that I look out of my front window on the spreading boughs of a mature London Plane. At this time of year, as the leaves thin and turn yellow, the low sun casts a beautiful dappled light on my living room walls. But many of our streets are not so blessed. I look out of my back kitchen window on a different street. There are no trees and, with front gardens so tiny, there is little green at all. I imagine it
planted with street trees – half-a dozen on either side would do. Small trees to match the scale of the street, something like the Rowan with its bright red winter berries, or a compact Field Maple with its autumn gold. They would cast shade in summer (remember the heatwave we lived through so recently?) and give us a sense of living in a more natural environment. Council budgets are tight and Bristol has a very limited treeplanting programme. However, in the recent budget, the chancellor allocated £60m for planting trees, and perhaps there are ways of accessing some of this money, as well as finding other sources of funding, and persuading our council to allocate some more of its limited resources to street trees. If you would like to help bring more street trees to Fishponds, please get in touch with me. Alone we can do little, but together we can pool ideas, skills and energy and make something happen. Please email me in the first place on david.goldstein1@ outlook.com. I finish with a poem I wrote
for a tree in Vassals Park. It shows something of what trees can teach us. Talking to a tree Ash, I come to you Full of anguish and rage Loneliness and grief I sit amongst your roots Lay my back against your trunk And listen You speak to me of deep-rootedness Of being solid and enduring Of surviving being tossed By storm and gale You speak to me of what remains When all seems lost. Ash, I feel a deep kinship Between you and me We are both ancient And of this earth Fed by the sun and rain We are both Life All else falls away When under your shade There is nothing to be afraid of Nothing to need Let us appreciate this brief moment Let us appreciate these three-scoreand-ten David Goldstein
BEFORE
Shop at CLIC Sargent in Straits Parade and help families of children with cancer, says Hannah Sprawls. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's worth going along to see this stunning dress. There's a competition to guess the number of baubles ...
AFTER
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Email: sales@
fishpondsvoice
32
n NEWS COMMUNITY champion Shirley Potts will stand down in the May local elections after 36 years as a councillor. Cllr Potts has represented the ward of Staple Hill since South Gloucestershire Council was set up in 1996, fighting tirelessly for a better deal for people living in the ward. Prior to that she was a councillor for Soundwell under the old Kingswood District Council. The Labour stalwart grew up in Barton Hill but moved to Staple Hill in 1972. Shirley's achievements are numerous - she helped set up Christmas on the Hill, Staple Hill Regeneration Partnership and Friends of Page Park as well as campaigning on local issues like bus services and facilities for young people. In recognition of her service, Cllr Potts was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List this year. Cllr Potts will step down at the end of April 2019, prior to the local elections on Thursday
December, 2018
Shirley to stand down after 36 years as councillor May 2. Cllr Potts said: "It will be with a feeling of sadness but also of gratitude that I step down as a councillor for Staple Hill after serving for thirty six years. "I would like to thank those wonderful residents who through their support of the campaigning and the setting up of community projects have helped to improve the quality of life of people in Staple Hill. Finally I would like to say that I have valued the friendliness of our constituents, their understanding and humour in the face of difficulties. "It has been an honour to be their councillor." The elections will see revised boundaries and the number of elected council representatives reduced from 70 to 61.
Thingwall park allotment shop
Come by for a friendly chat and to see how you might and on Sunday 10 - 12 plot benefit Saturday from taking an allottment
Come by for a friendly chat, find out about the allotment and see how you can help. • Organic peat free compost • Grow bags • Flower and vegetable seeds • Fertilisers • Local honey • Netting and ground cover • Seed trays • Bird feeders and seed
Shirley Potts The current Staple Hill and Rodway wards are to be scrapped and will be known as the ward of Staple Hill and Mangotsfield. The Labour Party has just announced its candidates for the new ward - existing Staple Hill councillor Ian Boulton, existing Rodway councillor Michael Bell and campaigner Katie Cooper. Cllr Boulton, who has represented the ward of Staple Hill alongside Cllr Potts since 2011 and stood as the Labour candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke in the 2010 and 2015 general elections, said: "It feels like a genuine privilege to serve our community as a South
Gloucestershire councillor. I’m absolutely delighted that I have been chosen as a candidate again and hope that I can continue in my efforts to make Staple Hill, and now also Mangotsfield, an even better place for us all to live." Cllr Bell said he felt "privileged" to have been selected. He said: "I have worked hard serving the residents of Rodway ward since 2011 and will continue with the same commitment if elected." Foster carer Katie Cooper who lives in Downend said: "I am really proud to have been selected to represent Labour. Shirley Potts has been a great local councillor and has set a really high standard for representing the local community. I am really looking forward to the challenge." Cllr Potts, who hopes to still be active in the community after standing down, congratulated the trio on their selection: "I know that they are keen to promote our community and serve the people and I wish them every success in the forthcoming election," she said. The boundary shake-up will also see the ward of Downend disappear, as will Frenchay and Stoke Park, to make way for the new ward of Frenchay and Downend.
This month:
Solent wight and Elephant Garlic bulbs and onion sets Shop
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bu es wk Ha Ro ad
Ian Boulton, Katie Cooper and Michael Bell
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
33
n NEWS
Bristol tops homelessness list in South West BRISTOL has topped a list of homeless hotspots in the South West. New figures from Shelter reveal that one in 48 people in the city are homeless and sleeping on the streets or stuck in temporary accommodation, including hostels and B&Bs. The charity says that 10,653 people are recorded as homeless in the South West and argues the figure lays bare the true scale of the region’s housing crisis, despite repeated Government pledges to tackle the problem. To identify where the problem is most acute in the South West, the charity mapped the top five hotspots in the region with the highest levels of homelessness. Bristol, at the top, was followed by Gloucester, Weymouth and Portland, Purbeck and Plymouth. Shelter has launched an urgent appeal calling on the public to support its frontline advisers as they work to help the
growing number of people trying to find or keep their home. In its annual landmark review, the housing charity combined official rough-sleeping, temporary accommodation and social services figures. As these records are not definitive, the true figure of homelessness is likely even higher. Overall, almost 320,000 people in Britain are now homeless - an increase of 13,000 people since last year. Shelter’s report ‘Homelessness in Great
You’ve got the skills to foster…
Britain: the numbers behind the story’ warns this is due to a combination unaffordable rents, frozen housing benefits and a severe shortage of social housing. Penny Walster, Shelter Bristol hub manager, said: "It’s unforgivable that thousands of people in the South West have been swept up by the housing crisis and now have no place to call home. These new figures show that homelessness is having a devastating impact on the lives of people right across the region.
"Due to the perfect storm of spiralling rents, welfare cuts and a total lack of social housing, record numbers of people are sleeping out on the streets or stuck in the cramped confines of a hostel room. We desperately need action now to change tomorrow for the hundreds of thousands whose lives will be blighted by homelessness this winter." To support Shelter’s appeal please visit www.shelter.org.uk or text SHELTER to 70020 to donate £3.
Mince pies at the ready
you may not know it yet
“I wIsh we’d done It years ago” Fatima, Foster Carer
Become a foster carer with South Gloucestershire Council and make a real difference. We’re looking for foster carers for children of all age groups. If you have a spare room, childcare experience and the time, we’d love to hear from you. 01454 866423 fostering@southglos.gov.uk www.fostersouthglos.org.uk
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Downend Folk House at Lincombe Barn had a successful Christmas Fair, where the offering from the catering team of Merle, Sandra, Margaret, Pat and Doreen were much appreciated.
We love to highlight groups serving the community. Send your news and photos to news@downendvoice.co.uk
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
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fishpondsvoice
34
December, 2018
n PETER'S VISION IT’S almost here, just a few more sleeps then shebang… presents, food and drink galore. Well for some anyhow! Whilst in many ways I’m from a traditional family, and we celebrate Christmas the way we have for years; Church in the morning, a hearty lunch and then presents in the afternoon. A brisk walk or a nap then follows we’re split about 50:50 on this one! This year’s different. I’m being challenged to change the way I think about our relatively short time on earth. No doubt we all know that if we choose we can impact both positively and negatively on those nearby and not so nearby. Whether a kind word, helping hand or something more, every time we do a random act of kindness (as our Vicar calls them) it’s a chance to make a positive impact in someone else's life - a chance to show to others the love that God’s shown to each of us. My plan - for each of us to be able to make a positive impact on the vision of other people in Bristol, Britain and beyond. It’s quite simple really, and a first for us. In a way, it’s an offer with a genuine difference - an opportunity to give clearer vision to a person in need. It’s Christmas after all! In December it’s ‘buy one give one free’. Each time you buy new glasses we’ll donate a pair to a person in need. If you’re local to Henleaze you’ll no doubt know all about the super Christmas Festival, happening on the 5th December on Henleaze Road (BS9). If you’ve never been then why not come along this year! There’s lots to see, eat and
Precious gifts of sight
drink. Whether you like roast chestnuts, hot chocolate or even strudel, you’re sure to find a great choice. We’ve a few surprises in our practice - if you’re passing do pop in and say hi. You’ll even get a free drink on us! If you’re not sure what to buy your loved one then I have a few suggestions, and no, I’m not going to recommend the pot of nothing for the person who has it all (yes, you really can buy one of these).
How about picking up a bargain in our end of season designer sunglass sale, or you can even buy them a gift voucher towards a new pair of glasses. Please remember; glasses are not just for Christmas! As well as wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas, a gentle reminder to please make sure yourself and those you love have regular thorough eye care. If you’d like to see us please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Eye exam
appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
n MUD PIE EXPLORERS
Sleigh bells are ringing in the woods ... WE have had confirmation from the North Pole that Santa will be popping into Downend just before he travels home to start packing his sleigh. To coincide with his visit Mud Pie Explorers CIC have teamed up with The Friends of Lincombe Barn Park and Woods to put on a fantastic FREE Christmas event for local families. This is the fourth year that Santa has visited Lincombe Barn Woods in the run-up to Christmas where he collects lichen to feed his reindeer. Santa loves the woods and in his email to Nickie at Mud Pie Explorers he said “I am so very, very excited to visit the children of Downend again this year. Oh, how I do love those woods, they are so full of Christmassy magic”. Families are invited to come along to the
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
woods on Saturday 22nd December 1030 to 12. There will be: • Hot chocolate over the campfire • Festive Mud Kitchen • Christmas decoration making •A festive trail to follow through the woods •A visit from Santa! The woods are accessible to wheelchair users and those bringing pushchairs. There are no toilets on site. Please do dress for the weather and wear sensible footwear. There is no need to book but if you wish to contact us before the event here are our details: nickie@mud-pies.co.uk / 07753 636705. Nickie Corr
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
35
n VET BLOG
Pet Passports and how Brexit will affect them AT current we do not have any final decisions on how Brexit is going to affect the current Pet Passports Scheme (PETS), however there are a few possible outcomes. The scheme currently allows free movement of pets between EU countries and listed countries subject to a pet passport, rabies vaccination and required parasite treatment (varies between countries). After Brexit, we would not automatically be enrolled into this scheme. This will affect anyone travelling with their cat, dog or ferret within the EU or listed countries after 29th March 2019. After negotiations there are a few ways the agreement may arise: 1. The United Kingdom becomes a ‘Part 1 Third Country’. Under the PETS it means we would be subject to the same requirements as current with very minor changes. The ideal situation for those wishing to
take their pets to Europe. 2. We are listed as a ‘Part 2 Third Country’. Pets would need a medical health certificate to travel around the EU. This is valid for a much shorter time than the passport and a new health certificate would need to be issued for every trip. 3. We become an ‘unlisted Third Country’. This is a case of ‘no deal’. This would lead to pets needing a rabies antibody titre at least 30 days after vaccination, if this fails then another rabies vaccination would be required followed by another blood test 30 days later. Following a sufficient titre result the pet would have to wait 30 days before being able to travel around the EU. The shortest amount of time between vaccinating and being able to travel is 4 months. If the initial blood titre is insufficient it can be much longer.
This means if you are unavoidably travelling with your pet after 29th March 2019 (e.g. emigration or a holiday you may cancel if your pet is unable to go with you), we would recommend you begin thinking about you travel preparations as soon as possible. If you need any help, please call us at Kingswood Vets4Pets on 0117 9616417 and we will advise as much as we can.
Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets
Willowdean Court, 247a Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1LT Telephone: 0117 961 6417
A complete care plan for your pet’s continued good health Protection for your dog, cat or rabbit
From £12 per month
From £10 per month
Complete Care* Health Plan includes:
£8 per month
• Annual vaccination • Vet consultation • Worming, flea and tick or flystrike protection • RHD2 Vaccination for rabbits Save at least 20% on preventative treatments in a 12 month period
Pay Monthly via Direct Debit
Vets4Pets Kingswood - Just off Lodge Causeway
Willowdean Court, 247A Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 1LT
Call us: 0117 961 6417 or visit: vets4pets.com/kingswood Terms and conditions including exclusions apply. Please ask in practice for more details or visit www.vets4pets.com/completecare
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
36
December, 2018
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Saturday December 1 n St. Michael’s Church Hall (behind church), Two Mile Hill. Christmas Fair from 10am-1pm. Father Christmas will be with us! Also lots of books, bric a brac, cakes, jams, food to eat and lots more. Monday December 3 n Memory cafe afternoon tea at Holy Trinity Stapleton church hall, 2-4pm. For people with dementia and their carers to enjoy music and company. For details call Ros Hathaway 0117 9518980 Tuesday December 4 n Speaker morning. Camera Club Christmas presentation at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at the door £2.50. Coffee extra. Also cake stalls. Tuesday December 4 n Outing to Redgrave Theatre, 2pm matinee. "The Railway Children" Coach leaves Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn at 1pm. Tickets £20 available in advance from Barn Office 956 2367. Wednesday December 5 n Downend Local History Society meets at Downend Folk House, Overndale Road, Downend at 7.30pm. Yvonne Bell will talk about The Edwardian Christmas. . Yvonne will bring along Christmas ephemera in the form of cards, music, books, magazines. decorations,, which will be displayed. Visitors very welcome at £3 including refreshments. Friday December 7 Christmas with the Salvation Army, 7.30pm featuring Band, Choir and special Guests, Boscombe Timbrels tickets £5 - Tel 0117 9702283 Friday December 7 n Tea Dance. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn.1.453.45pm. Pay at the door. Enquiries 0117 972 1426. Sunday December 9 n Light up a Life Service 5pm in aid of St Peters Hospice – StapleHill Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN - Tel 0117 9569733. Your chance to remember a loved one. Friday December 14 n Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council has teamed up with St Augustine's to hold a Christmas Carol Sing Along, 6.30 to 7.30pm at St Augustines Church Car Park Boscombe Cresent Downend. Live Music to sing along with and refreshments provided. Wrap up warm and wear that Christmas Hat. All welcome Sunday December 16 n Family Carol Service with Musicians and children - Staple Hill
Salvation Army, Broad Street, BS16 5LN - Tel 0117 9569733 Friday December 14 n Activate drop-in concert at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 1-2pm featuring The Bristol Veterans' Band. Tea/Coffee, biscuits. Mince Pies available. Free entry. Retiring collection. Contact 0117 654521. Friday December 14 n Christmas concert with the Cleeve Singers and the Barn Bells Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm. Supporting Paul's Place at Coalpit Heath.Tickets £5 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or at the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door. Saturday December 15 n Christmas concert with the Cleeve Singers and the Barn Bells. Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. 7.30pm. Supporting Paul's Place at Coalpit Heath. Tickets £5 from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend, or at the Barn office 956 2367, or at the door. Tuesday December 18 n Community Carol Singing outside Nelson House, followed by hot chocolate & mince pies at the Staple Hill Community Hub, 1a Berkeley House, Nelson Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5HS . 6-6.45pm Everyone welcome. Organised by Pendennis Good News Church, Sanctuary Church & Christ Church Downend. Sunday December 16 n Fingerprints – Messy Sunday for children of all ages with parents/ carers, 3 – 4.30pm at Speedwell Methodist Church BS15 1ES. Christian themed arts and crafts followed by light refreshments.
Pilates
Posture me right with Pilates Tuesdays 7 to 8pm
St Matthias Park Pupil Referral Unit 17 Alexandra Park BS16 2BG
Book 6 x classes £42 FIRST CLASS FREE
Rachel Russell Tel: 07952941531 Facebook: Silverfox den pilates
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
We would love to publicise your event
Sunday December 23 n Carols by Candlelight 6pm at Speedwell Methodist Church BS15 1ES, followed by light refreshments. All are welcome.
Send details of your events and activities (non profitmaking only) in the following format:
n Spine Safe Pilates Course 6 weeks - £42 - limited participants (pre-booking required) - 30 minute classes Next course starts early January www.gentlefitness.co.uk samantha@gentlefitness.co.uk Samantha 07736309272
WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words:
REGULAR EVENTS Mondays
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 Table Tennis for over 55’s, St Ambrose Beehive Centre 2pm n Welcome Club for Retireds+, St Aidan’s Church Hall 2pm n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 9.30-10.30am For details call 0734 1813 559. n Pilates class. The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30 8.30 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. 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. n 4-8pm Ages 3 -15yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 7-8pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699.
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
email us at: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk or call us on 07770 700579 / 07880 731148 n 252 Beaver Scouts 6 - 7 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Sarah 0789 2852226 n Hatha Flow Yoga, gentle and nurturing. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.15 - 8.15 pm. All levels, ideal for beginners. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me n 4-4.45pm, introduction to exercise, All Saints Church, Grove Road, Fishponds, BS16 2BW. Also aimed at meeting people in the area. Run by Southmead Development Trust. First session free, £3.50 there after. Venue is wheelchair accessible and sessions are open to all. People can just turn up or contact Colette on 0117 950 3335 for more details. n Bristol Community Cafe at Barton Hill Rugby Club, Dunscombe Lane Speedwell 113pm. Come join us for a cuppa, a bite to eat, activities and make new friends,everyone welcome. Tel Gill 0117 9025779 for details
Tuesdays
n Bristol Blues Club. Live blues/ rock music at 9pm in the Downend Tavern. Local, national and
Gentle Hatha Flow & Well Woman Yoga
Find more freedom, flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit Restore balance and energy
Fishponds Vassal Centre
5:45-6:45pm (Gentle Hatha Flow) 7-8pm (Women’s Hatha Yoga)
Frenchay Quaker House
Thursdays 10-11am & 11.15-12.15pm (Gentle Hatha Flow)
Block price £6/Drop in £7/6.50 concession Beginners welcome
How to book/contact details:
www.letgoyoga.co.uk/07904073535
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018 international musicians. https://bristolbluesclub.wixsite. com/mysite n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Email: bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book your place n Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club.Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday. Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954. 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 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 8.15pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net 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 Pilates classes, Steiner Academy, Oldbury Court Road, 7-8pm, £6.50 Bring an exercise/yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. 07952 941 531 n 4-8pm Ages 8 -25 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159. n Willow Ladies Club Downend, meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11.30am at the Assembly Rooms, Salisbury Road, Downend. Guest speakers, outings, new members welcome for ladies of any age. n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n New session for Under 5s has space for structured making, free play and exploration - 1.45-2.45pm every week £5 / £4 extra siblings www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002 n Monthly social meet up for disabled people at the Old Post Office pub, Fishponds Road. Open and friendly group, meets second Tuesday of month 6-7.30pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - www.wecil.co.uk. n 10.15am, Under 5s Make A Mess session, Children's Scrapstore, Sevier Street, St Werburghs. £5 / £4 extra siblings, www. childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 914 3002. n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Bristol, BS16 4HL n Shared reading group, 3.30-5pm, Hillfields Library, Summerleaze, Speedwell, BS16 4HL. Ask at the library for more details: 0117 9038576
Wednesdays
n 252 Cubs 6.45 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n 7.30-8.30pm, Zumba Dance for fitness with Lisa at Bristol Dance Company, Brook Road, Fishponds, BS16 3SQ. Tel 0117 965 6699. n Weekly Salsa class for complete beginners with Cressida. Starting
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
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Sep 6. Cross Hands Pub, 1 Staple Hill Road. 7.30-9pm includes social and dancing. No partner needed. Ffi call 07808 581739 n Shared reading group is taking place at Hillfields and Little Hayes Family Hub and Library 12,30-2pm. Contact Emma Crago for details, 07970 247410, emmacrago@ thereader.org.uk 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 5.45pm Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net 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
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BE ORGANISED! W E A R E TA K I N G C H R I S T M A S B O O K I N G S N O W. . . 607 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3AA
Call us on: 0117 9650829
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
OPENING HOURS Closed Monday 9am-5pm Tuesday 9am-3pm Wednesday 10am-8pm Thursday 9am-7pm Friday 8.30am-4pm Saturday
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
38
December, 2018
n WHAT’S ON 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 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 Frenchay Folk Dance Club meets 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 Pilates classes. The Life Church, Forest Road. 10.15 - 11.15 a.m. and 6.45 7.45 p.m. Booking essential. £42 for six sessions. All levels welcome. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates. n Hatha Flow Yoga. St Matthias (Former UWE Campus). Steiner Academy Bristol. 7.00 - 8.00 pm. All
levels welcome. Contact Yolanda 07982418847 or email at hola@ yogawithyolanda.me. n 10-1130am Oldland Common Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at The Community Building (rear of Redfield Edge School), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9TL. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Frenchay Probus Club meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Frenchay Village Hall. 10 am to noon. Visitors welcome. n 6-6.50pm All Boys Ages 7 -15 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Diamond fellowship at Fishponds Baptist Church hall, Downend Road, 10.30am. Open to everyone, first and third Wednesdays every month. Variety of speakers, coffee mornings and annual day out and Christmas meal. Contact 0117 9653421. n Phoenix Art Club, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds 10am to noon. All mediums, all abilities, all 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. Starting Sep 7. 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 252 Scouts 6.30 - 8 Scout HQ, Stonechat Gardens call Graham 956 6996 n Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church 9:15am n Body toning/conditioning , Beechwood Club 9.30-10.30am. Call Sabrina 0794 1353 735
LA PORTA BARBERING COMPANY
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 Come and try Taoist Tai Chi, a moving meditation to improve the health of our bodies and minds. We have classes in Fishponds and Kingswood - come and try your first class for free! Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB Thursdays 7-8.30 Kingswood Community Centre, High Street BS15 4AB Tuesdays 1012 or Wednesdays 7-8.30pm For more information see www. taoist.org or call Crispin on 07407175127 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club, The Langley Arms, Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA, evening. Full details on website - Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. n Baby Bebop Mums, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 11am-1pm, babies up to one year.
Call Ruth 0796 6032 414 n East Park Residents meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at May Park School from 6-7pm. . Further information from Hazel Durn on 0117 9513868 or Tony Locke on 07919 173450 n 4.15-7pm Competition Crew Ages 7-18 yrs Hip Hop classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities welcome. Contact Patsy Holdsworth 01179078994 n 9.30am Fitness Yoga (beginners & improvers) at Beechwood Club. Your first class is free! To book call/text Nikki 07525 735500 or email nikki@urban-yoga.net n Under 5s Make a Mess session Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am £5 / £4 extra siblings. www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk / 0117 9143002. n Fishponds Probus Club, Fishponds Club, Fishponds Road at 10 am. on the first and third. Thursdays in each month.For information, please telephone the Secretary, Malcolm Forbes, on 01179 836886. Vacancies available for retired professional/business gentlemen. Call Graham Hawkins 0117 956 1846. n Riff Raff Choir - The Cross Hands Pub. 7.30-9.30pm. Pop and rock, mixed choir. All voice parts taught by ear. Everyone welcome - no audition. Booking essential. FREE taster session at start of term. £80 for 10 week term. www. RiffRaffChoir.co.uk n 930-11am or 1115-1245pm Staple Hill Friendship & Exercise Club meet weekly for gentle exercise at Staple Hill Methodist Church (Hall), High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HQ. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club. We meet at the Langley Arms
EST 1974
Traditional Gents Barbers 525 FISHPONDS ROAD, FISHPONDS, BRISTOL BS16 3AH
TEL: 0117 965 1220
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
n WHAT’S ON
on Guest Avenue and welcome visitors on the following Thursdays: 1st and 4th Thursday - Fellowship Meetings 19:00 for 19:15, 3rd Thursday - Speaker Meeting 19:00 for 19:30. Please email Contact@ FandDRotary.Club to make arrangements.
Fridays
n Coffee Morning from 10.30am11.30am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Entrance through main church door. Greeting cards and preserves on sale in aid of St Peter's Hospice. n Nordic Walking Classes, Oldbury Court 9.30-10.30am. Contact bristolnordicwalking.co.uk to book. n The Friday Playgroup, All Saints Community Hal 10-11.30 am in termtime. £2.50 + 50p per sibling; includes kids' snacks and drinks and tea and coffee. See the Facebook page or email fishpondsfridayplaygroup@gmail. com 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 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 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 Road BS16 6UE. 10amnoon on alternate Fridays. Alternate Fridays. £5 per session
and materials are supplied. 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 4.10-8pm Ages 6-18 yrs Hip Hop & Contemporary dance classes, RedX Dance, Staple Hill, 07722 128159 n Living After Loss, St Mary's Parish Rooms, back entrance of church, every other Friday, 11am-noon. Next sessions 22/6,6/7,20/7,3/8,17 /8,31/8,14/9,28/9 Contact Lizzie on 0117 9650856 n Every second Friday of the month, 4-6 pm. Messy church with crafts, celebration and meal. Stapleton church hall, Park Road. Further details on Facebook or you can email youngpeople@ holytrinitystapleton.org.uk
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 n Life Universecity LC soul health and wellness education classes, 12.30 -2pm Fishponds Old Library, Fishponds Rd. Rolling Administration 1st Saturdays of the month (except Breaks: Summer Jul –Aug / Winter Dec –Jan) For info or to register Tel: 07508390298/Email: life.universecity@gmail.com n 10-11 am Saturday Sports Club for 4-8 year olds at Mangotsfield Primary School, Church Farm Road, Emersons Green, BS16 7EY. Introducing children to sport through a range of activities/ sports. £5 per session. Discounted if pay termly. Contact Spencer on 07825 155954 / info@ sportingchance-pt.co.uk n Monthly Bric a Brac and Clothing Sale at Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill, Stapleton. It is held on the 1st Saturday of each month, from 10am til 12pm. Refreshments available in the Hall. Dog friendly, everyone welcome. n Pilates class. All Saints Church Hall, Grove Road. 9.15 - 10.15 a.m. Drop-in class, no booking necessary. All levels welcome. £7 per class. Contact Emily on 07974 252486; email: info@ teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook: Emily Osborne Pilates.
Sundays
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activities, Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. 10.30am Friendly, informal and lively. n Morning Worship, New Place, Eastville Methodist Church, Fishponds Road. 10.45am. Holy Communion once a month. 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 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 second Sunday evening of month and communion first morning and evening of month. 0117 957 5221 n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - 10.30am. Children and youth provision for all ages. 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month which is ‘Messy church’ at 4pm y.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, call Terry King 0117 965 020, after 4pm. email: tk007h9736@blueyonder. co.uk n Morning Worship, Fishponds Methodist Church, 10.30am n R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood
Walks for Single People December 2018
Tuesday December 4: Meet Sandie 11am at the Rose & Crown, Parkfield Road, Pucklechurch. BS16 9PS. A walk steeped in the industrial past. Sunday December 9: Meet Sandie 11.00am in the layby near Grenville monument. Refreshments at the Blaythwayt Arms, Lansdown. BA1 9BT. A flat walk along the Cotswold Escarpment to enjoy very fine views over the River Severn. Those wanting a shorter walk meat at the Blaythwayt Arms 12.30pm. Lifts available back to your car. Sunday December 30: Meet Sandie 11.000am in the centre of Wickwar High Street, Wickwar for a circular walk through ancient woodlands. Refreshments at the Buthay. Tel: Sandie 01454 775508 or 0786 659 7104 Tuesday January 1: New Year’s Day Walk. Join Ray 1.00pm in the car park between Aldi & The Hollow Tree P/H. BS329DA (Bradley Stoke North) for a walk along Country & Woodland paths an ideal walk for new walkers. Tel: Ray 0791 922 1125 or 01179 236870
L L L OY D B O T T OM S chartered accountants
118 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH www.lloydbottoms.co.uk Local accountants, offering a friendly and personal accountancy and taxation service to individuals and businesses.
Contact us now! — Free initial consultation
n Morning Worship and children’s
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 1-3pm n Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 4-6pm. n Weekly Meeting for Worship 10.30 - 11.30, all welcome, With Children's Meeting 1st. and 3rd. Sundays, Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT n All Age Worship featuring the band, choir and children at Staple Hill Salvation Army, Staple Hill n Shortwood Methodist Church worship, 2.45pm, all welcome n Morning Worship, Mangotsfield and Castle Green United Reformed Church, Cossham Street, Mangotsfield10.30am.
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Freephone 0800 781 8783
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
40
December, 2018
n NEWS
n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK
RESIDENTS from Whitelodge care home in Fishponds will enjoy festive activities with children from a nearby school thanks to an initiative that brings young and old together. The residents from the Downend Road care home are being paired up with pupils from Gracefields School through the Bristol charity Alive. The charity's Access All Ages scheme arranges for children to come for regular visits at care homes in the city where they take part in hands-on creative activities with older people whilst making new friendships. One seasonal activity involves using iPads to explore each other’s memories of Christmas and make festive digital collages. Marta Haire, care home activities coordinator, said: "It is so heart-warming to see how
THE rich, varied and fascinating history of Eastville Park came alive recently with sight of The Cry of the Poor, a seven-page pamphlet tucked away in Central Library amongst a grand collection of public documents chronicling and preserving the records of the City of Bristol. Written in 1870, this, ‘Being a letter from sixteen working men of Bristol to the sixteen aldermen of the city’ called on the city’s leaders to address the various needs and desperate circumstances of the many working class, and especially the poor, citizens. The letter asked for controls on factory pollution, the building of public swimming baths and libraries, an end to toll bridges and a fish market. The document also laid the foundation for the creation of our very own park under the title We Want a People's Park, which chastises the rich for their easy access to Clifton and Durdham Downs while mocking the suggestion that the poor should be
Young and old people Fulfilling our legacy united in festive fun the children interact with the residents. It’s also lovely for the staff to see the interaction, it makes our jobs feel so worthwhile and rewarding to see the residents so happy." Alive’s chief executive Simon Bernstein said: "Alive’s mission is to put older people’s wellbeing at the heart of care. Our intergenerational projects have transformed the lives of many socially isolated older people in Bristol care homes during the past five years and has helped forge lasting relationships between the generations. We want all older people in care to be connected to younger people in their community, and Alive is at the forefront of driving this change forwards." The long-term aim of Access All Ages is for every care home to be connected with a school.
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happy to make the journey from East Bristol and back again after a hard day’s work! ‘For us and our children it might just as well be in China’ they say. ‘What we want is a place near at hand, where we can feel the grass under our feet, or sit with our wives on a summer’s eve and watch our children play’.
Fascinating ‘Breathing places’ and ‘the lungs of great cities’ indeed. Twenty years or so on from this letter, work started on the building of Eastville Park and Boating Lake, employing large numbers of unemployed men under a work scheme initiated by Ernest Bevin. More fascinating stories about our park’s history to come and if you’d like to read the full document and see our collection of black and white photographs from a hundred years ago, you can find them on our FB ‘A History of Eastville Park’. We're hoping to make our own history in December with Santa’s
Sunday 16th December 2018
11am- 5pm
Santa’s Grotto on the Lake A fantastic Christmas experience for the whole family! The Most Enchanting Themed Grotto in Bristol. Festive Food and Drink.
Live Music.
Children’s Games, activities and adventures. Christmas Decorations.
Selfies with Santa.
Calendar Sales.
Santa’s BookShelf.
Art & Photography Exhibitions.
Light Shows
Christmas Tree Sales.
Competitions.
Runaway Reindeers! And Lots More!!!!!!!!!!!
Call Alison on
07812 730346
or 0117 9114099 www.acarpet.cleaning To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
‘Quiet Session’ 10-1030am. Limited places, pre book only. Last admission to Grotto 4pm. All children must be accompanied. Facebook. Santa’s Grotto on the Lake 2018. Tel. 07591748548 Admission to Grotto. £3 child (incl. small present) Under 3's go free! A Friends of Eastville Park Community Event- supporting our park projects
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
41
- People's Park is ready for you! Grotto on the Lake 2018! In this our second year, we’re confident that our signature event will be even better, bigger and brighter than 2017! Marquees have replaced the hotch- potch Heath Robinson scaffolding of last year and we’ll be having a great line-up of music on stage to keep you jigging along throughout the day. There’ll be lots of exciting crafts, games and activities to get you in the Christmas spirit and we guarantee a Grotto Experience like you’ve never seen before. We’re also adding to our soup, bread and cake menu with a great selection of food so why not come and stay for lunch with us? We rely on donations of homemade veggie soups and cakes, so if you’d like to help with an offering we’d be really delighted.And we’re really excited to try something this year that we hope will prove a great success with a Grotto and Santa Experience for autistic children and others with similar needs. Our ‘Quiet Session’ is designed to meet the challenge presented by a noisy and crowded event by dropping everything down a notch to suit. Pre- booking is essential for this morning slot. By now you’ll have seen our posters and banners up all over the area. All the info you need is there. You can also find all the information and details of our Festive Winter Lantern Competition right here on these pages of the Voice.
Trees The Friends' Facebook page is the place to go for regular updates. We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday 16th. And look no further for your Christmas Trees this year! You’ll be able to order from us at a fabulous price of £35, your soft needled, sweet smelling, non-drop Fraser Fir delivered to your door locally. Available now through our group page. We’ll also have a selection of freshly cut Spruce on sale at Santa’s Grotto for delivery on 17th Dec. 6ft £30 5ft £25 3ft £20. All proceeds to park funds. Our Friends Calendar is selling well! Full of amazing pictures by park users you’ll struggle to get through 2019 without it for sure. With a membership over 2500, you’d expect some very good artists and photographers among you but we really have hit
Friends of
EASTVILLE PARK
This striking photo is by Jacob Horncastle the jackpot this year with some stunning examples of the talent of our members. We’re certainly going to be showcasing the very best during the coming year and have some exciting ideas for exhibitions and workshops during 2019. We’ve been working hard over the year to organise some wildflower meadow seeding in the park and we’re delighted to say that the first ‘patch’ has been prepared and seeded in Everest Road field. On a very wet and soggy Saturday morning a group of park volunteers under the guidance of Becky Belfin, our Parks Development Officer forked, shovelled and wheelbarrowed over two ton of clod in preparation for the sowing of perennial and annual varieties. The project has been supported by the Bristol Urban Buzz Project( which is led by the charity Buglife) who generously supplied the seed and we very much hope that we’ll be able to collaborate for the next phase of seeding in the Spring. We were intent on avoiding the use of the herbicide Glyphosate on the project and are grateful to BCC for preparing the ground in advance. In practice, this means that we’ll be hard at work with scythes and on weed-pulling duties for the foreseeable future but hopefully a small price to pay for a field full of meadow flowers including some such as Lady’s Bedstraw, Hoary Plantain, Wild Carrot and Yellow Rattle! The long awaited installation of the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at the top of the park near the
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
bowling greens should be under way very soon and bring a much needed boost to sport facilities for youngsters in the area. It’s been a long time coming and we’re certain it’ll be very well used and a popular addition to our facilities along with improvements to the tennis courts.
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
With fallen leaves and the potential of icy paths, we urge all our park users to take care while travelling through the park. On a very cold day, cyclists might be keen to pass through as quickly as possible so we would ask you all to exercise extreme caution in icy conditions to avoid hurting yourselves and anyone else! As we head on towards the festivities, the Friends of Eastville Park wish a Happy Christmas to all our park users and friends in the local area and look forward to a fine and event-full 2019! The Parkie
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
42
December, 2018
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Celebrating diversity OUR world today has become a global village where people from all walks of life, background, race, sex, age, religion etc., are able to meet together and interchange ideas, sometimes for the betterment of our world. It is paramount that we understand and appreciate the value that diversity and inclusion brings to our society. It is incredible to know that, despite the fact that there are billions of us on earth, everyone is unique! There’s no one like you! In our diversity we need to recognise our individual differences. God the Creator has shown us his love of variety in creation - plants, flowers, animals, fish, birds, insects etc., and He created us humans male and female. (Genesis 1) We are very blessed to live in such a multicultural community; and people living in some other parts of Britain are often amazed when they come here to visit and experience the rich diversity.
Why is diversity important in our local community of Fishponds? We can learn from each other. We all have different opinions and ideas – some ideas we would never in a million years have thought of ourselves! We see different people dress in different clothing or speaking different languages, which can make us pause and appreciate the gift of God in the other. We can learn patience and tolerance – giving time to understand one another. We can learn by educating ourselves, be it our language skills, experiencing new cultures, new arts or just noticing the beauty of our world. We support each other. We can support each other by standing up for those suffering abuse or bullying. We can support each other by listening and caring. This is support in a different way: - when we walk down our high street we see many different shops and businesses, from Halal Food to Indian Boutique; from Chinese
20 Years Experience Quality u.P.V.C. Replacement, New Installation
to Caribbean Takeaways; from International Food Centre to Fish & Chips etc., – all of these are part of our community and as well as providing a valuable service they all pay taxes to local government which helps fund our schools, police, local parks, toilets and so on; thus helping to create a good locality for us all. Sadly there are those who do not like difference or change. They just want everything to be the way they want it. This leads to unkindness and bullying (e.g. prejudice, racism, sexism, etc.) and even violence. We pray for peace in our community and for unity in our diversity. In conclusion, ‘for in Him all thing were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, thrones and rulers… all things have been created through Him and for Him’ (Colossians 1:1617). Our God has always and will always be a God who welcomes all, irrespective of our gender, culture,
Beatrice Anayo Pastor of Stapleton Baptist Church
race, religious beliefs, political beliefs, financial strength etc. He sees us all as His loving children. Merry Christmas and may your 2019 be blessed by Him who is able ... Rev Beatrice Anayo Stapleton Baptist Church
Come and sing with us!
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RESIDENTS at a retirement development are inviting the community to a Christmas carols event. Quarry Court in Adelaide Place will be throwing open its doors to visitors, including neighbours and potential new residents, at the Carols and Christmas Cheer event on December 5. Youngsters from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School will be singing carols at the celebration, which lasts from 1pm until 5pm. Visitors are also being offered mulled wine, canapés and a chance to mingle with residents while looking at the Christmas stalls at the new apartments development for over-60s. There will also be a performance from a Spanish guitar player and a charity raffle.
S&S
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Do you need reliable, trustworthy cleaners for your business or home? We cater for all your cleaning needs and offer a friendly top class service. No job to big or small, we are here to help. Free consultation to meet us first and to discuss your requirements.
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Tel: Ewan: 07957360927 E-mail: info@1staztec.com www.1staztec.com 18 Drummond Road, Fishponds, Bristol
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Please call 07746823297 Or email sscleaningservices7@gmail.com
We will put the sparkle back in to your home or business!!
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
43
n NEWS
Extra £1 a month for policing? RESIDENTS are being asked whether they are prepared to pay an extra £1 a month towards policing from next April. Last year the Government unexpectedly gave all police and crime commissioners (PCCs) across the country the flexibility to raise the policing part of the council tax by an additional £1 a month for the average band D household. Sue Mountstevens is hoping that PCCs will be given that flexibility again this year and says priority will be in tackling serious violent crime, burglary and drug gangs. "With last year’s £1 rise we were able to start an ambitious programme of recruitment and commit to employing up to 300 police officers. We were also able to protect neighbourhood policing, the police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) in your local area, all thanks to your support
for the rise. "The Chief Constable and I have agreed that next year’s focus will concentrate on serious violence. The threat from serious and organised crime has changed rapidly, increasing in both volume and complexity and preying on the most vulnerable in society. "If we are able to increase the policing part of the council tax by £1 a month next year and the Government grant for policing stays the same and there are no additional surprises we are committed to a new focus on burglary and drugs. We must continue to dismantle the recruitment of vulnerable young people into ‘county lines’ drugs gangs. It’s clear that this leads to an increase in knife-crime and serious violence, including stabbings and gang-related disorder and it must be tackled and given the right resources." The main source of police
funding is from the government with further income being raised through council tax bills. This year (2018/19), Bristol City Council, on behalf of the PCC, asked Band D householders to pay £193.81 for policing. Ms Mountstevens said it is difficult to ask for extra money in the current climate and urged people to get in touch with their thoughts on what they would be prepared to pay. "I absolutely recognise that any increase in household bills will be felt by residents and it’s not easy to keep asking local people to contribute to the issues that we are facing in policing and as a society. It’s really important that residents tell me what they would be prepared to pay. These are difficult decisions and I need to be sure that I have heard from as many local people as possible." Ms Mountstevens is asking for people’s views in an online
Sue Mountstevens survey on her website www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk which closes at midnight on January 14, 2019. For further information or to request a copy of the survey please call 01278 646188.
Will Writing & Estate Planning
A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –
if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.
Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk
Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
44
December, 2018
n TAKE A BREAK PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles For serious sudoku fans
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Each 4x4 box, every row and every column must contain the numbers 1-16, with each used only once. Can you crack it?
13 5 7 16 15 8
1
E
6
L
O T N
E
S
I
H
U
C
M
I
2
E
3
7
P
P
E L A H
A W 4
TXT PERT
2 1
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Call Sam on 0117 9146727 / 07799 206067 Or E-mail shieldscarpentry@hotmail.com
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To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
E
7
8
• 1st & 2nd Fix • Bedrooms • Kitchens • Flooring • Bathrooms • Fencing
T
6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z
6
N
1 5
T
3
A
4
5
3
G
2
SOLUTIONS U
1
EASY for children
A
2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L
Down 1 6878264 (7) 2 2433824 (7) 3 74686 (5) 4 94253 (5) 6 5969 (4) 7 784 (3)
SUDOKU
Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.
Y
Across 1 6423 (4) 3 729 (3) 5 26835673 (8) 8 624 (3)
© www.123rf.com/ profile_zakowski
A
This month: Animals
The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad
The answers are below – but no peeking until you have finished!
N
TXT PERT
There are 10 differences between these two pictures – can you find them all?
X
6 16 5 11 15 16 3 8 2 6 7 4 10 11 13 15 12 16 1 15 16 3 6 5 8 2 14 7 11 12 11 6 1 5 10 3 13 8 14 3 5 1 12 13 16 11 15 12 13 3 16 10 14 15 6 8 2 14 4 12 1 6 9 12 8 6 14 2 7 1 8 15 14 5 4 10 13 4 14 12 1 7 3 11 3 9 1 13 14 12 4 8 10 4 13 5 1 12 16 2
N
3 6 4
8
10
6 1 15 5
H
7 9
G
THE FIEND
Lodge Causeway, Fishponds Sundays at 10.30 am with activities through the week Serving the community - worshipping God
www.stjohnsfishponds.com
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
45
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
My night as 'Oscars' host
S
O the nights are drawing in, the summer has well and truly left us as the winter season is beginning. Patients have been regularly coming in with all sorts of injuries from winter sports like rugby and football. They are always varied, from back and neck injuries to ankles and knees. Our chiropractors, physios and sports therapists have been rushed off their feet patching up players and athletes so they get back out there, only to come back the next week with a new one for us! I’m not complaining, exercise is great and all sports have an inherent risk. Even when the Wii Fit first came out we saw plenty of injuries sustained in the front room from vigorous virtual tennis or crazy bowling techniques that took out the lamp shade and dislocated their shoulder at the same time. For some unknown reason the weather also makes people feel their joint pains more. Nobody knows why, but we see it every year. Maybe it’s a lack of vitamin D, that seems to be the answer for everything these days. I take it in winter just in case! This month saw the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) have its annual conference. I had the great idea that we should have an awards ceremony for all chiropractors, clinics reception teams etc. The idea was well received and then inevitably I was asked to get on and organise it, as if I’m not busy enough. But then, as always, I start to think about it and
I actually enjoy organising these things despite my grumblings. I always think, ‘If I was going to do that, I would do it this way’, so that’s what I did and why I hired an actor who could do an amazing Gandalf from Lord of the Rings impression to do the introduction to the audience. You should have seen the stunned faces. People are still asking me how I managed to get Sir Ian McKellen to do the recording. A stuffy old chiropractic conference has never been so perplexed. Needless to say I thought it was hilarious. After the BCA President was introduced as the half elf princess of Eriador and me as her slave, we got on with our ‘Ant and Dec’ performance. It went really well as we went all out ‘Oscars style’ with the shiny awards, videos and music. We even had an Olympic athlete called Marilyn Okoro handing out the awards in front of the giant Ice sculpture I had procured. There were speeches, tears and standing ovations. Now that’s how you should do it I thought! I can’t wait for next year…maybe I could hire Darth Vader? It was a big month this month for the Molly and the Mollyettes as we had our first ever parents evening. It’s a strange feeling going into a parents evening as a parent for the first time. For the whole time in secondary school when my mum and dad went for me, I used to sit at home waiting for them to come back with the inevitable lecture about how I didn’t
concentrate enough and talked too much in class. So I was pleasantly surprised when I was told that Molly was very good at writing the letter ‘k’ which is apparently hard when you are still only 4. I was just feeling confident that my child could well be a genius and I should start thinking about sending her to a special school for the gifted when reality struck home as the lovely Mrs R, then told us that she had a class full of day dreamers but Molly was definitely the biggest day dreamer of them all. Ah yes, I could well believe it. I often catch her day dreaming at home and to be fair it does run in the family. Both my dad and I have been famous day dreamers in our time. I’m not worried as it just seems like she is an excellent thinker, last time I caught her staring out of the window, she turned to me and asked ‘It’s amazing…I just don’t understand it, it just stays there all the time. How does the moon not fall down out of the sky’? I didn’t
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388 drtimbutton@ clevechiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
think she was ready for the chat about orbits, gravity and tidal pull so I just told her it was magic and if she was a good girl then Father Christmas might take her there one day…
Dr Timothy Button MSc (Chiro) DC FRCC (Sports)
A Team approach to healthcare.
Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games
To advertise, call Gary on
07799 461169
l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced
The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association
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
www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20 St James's Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JB
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
:
fishpondsvoice
46 AERIALS
ELECTRICIANS
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December, 2018
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Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148
fishpondsvoice
December, 2018
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PAINTING & DECORATING
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To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
HELP BRISTOL WASTE NOTHING THIS HOLIDAY! Get tips on how to enjoy a sustainable festive season & find out when your holiday waste and recycling collection days are.
www.bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive
Download your calendar to find out your collection dates
In the interest of reducing our impact on the environment we are encouraging residents to download calendars online. If you are unable to do so please email hello@bristolwastecompany.co.uk or call 0117 922 2100.
#WASTENOTHING