Fishponds Voice December 2021

fishpondsvoice December, 2021 — ISSUE 81

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Ambitious bid to buy pub for community A RESIDENTS' campaign has been launched to buy and reopen a pub as a new 'community hub'.

The last pint was pulled at the Merchants Arms five years ago.

Since then the pub in Bell Hill, Stapleton, has belonged to a developer who has submitted a series of plans for the site, most recently to turn the ground floor into a "function hall" and make permanent a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) on the first floor.

Residents have campaigned for the building to reopen as a pub and it was officially listed as an Asset of Community Value in 2018, to give it some protection from development and allow an opportunity for a community bid, should the site be put up for sale.

Now the Colston Estate Community Association, which led the 2018 campaign, has formed a community interest company (CIC) to try to buy the building from owner Red Rock Developments.

New life for Vassall Centre Homes for older people and families and new modern workspaces could replace the 1945 buildings at the Vassall Centre, the new owners say.

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Champion!

Hillfields boxer Ethan Moore, 16, has been crowned the England Boxing under 80kg National Junior Champion.

Sport: Page 37

5G mast bid is thrown out Planning officers have refused a plan for a 5G mobile phone mast in Lodge Causeway.

PAGE 4

Pupils make film about bias Children at Frome Vale Academy have made a film about discrimination.

PAGE11

WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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EDITORIAL Ken McCormick 07715 770377 news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council

http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000

Police

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n NEWS

Campaign launched From Page 1 The Merchants Arms Community Project CIC has until the end of February next year to work up a bid.

Resident Chris Faulkner Gibson, one of the CIC directors, said: "There's quite an appetite in the community to have a go at it and we've triggered a moratorium period so they can't sell it to anyone else."

Chris said the idea was to create a business run by the community for the benefit of the community, providing a cafe and community space as well as a pub, with other possibilities including a post office.

He said: "We want to restore it not just as a pub but as a community hub, and the inclusion of a cafe will make it much more inclusive for the community as a whole."

Crowdfunding sites have been set up to meet the costs of putting together a business plan, including website and professional advice fees, and the CIC is working on its bid with the Plunkett Foundation, a charity that helps create and run community-owned businesses.

More than 200 people have expressed an interest in the project and 30 have already donated to the fighting fund.

The current asking price for the Merchants Arms site is £975,000 – more than twice the £475,000 Red Rock Developments paid for the site in 2016, according to Land Registry figures.

The community bid would be funded by a share offer.

While there is no guarantee the CIC will be able to raise the funds, Chris said: "If we don't succeed, it won't be for want of

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December, 2021

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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 Kingswood 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 obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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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 in Fishponds and the surrounding areas. 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 Brookfield Publishing on 07540 383870 or email news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk. This month 9,000 copies will be distributed in Fishponds and the local area.

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How the pub looked at its opening in 1938

Teens charged after knives pulled at shops TWO teenagers from Fishponds have been charged in connection with a disturbance involving knives at a retail park.

The 17-year-old and 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested along with two 18-year-old men after an incident at Avonmeads Retail Park on October 17.

Police say they were called to a store at the park at around 3.45pm "after reports of a disturbance involving a number of people with a bladed article".

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said no-one had reported being injured in the incident.

The 17-year-old Fishponds boy has been charged with affray and possession of a bladed article. He was given bail and is due before Bristol Youth Court on December 1.

The 15-year-old boy from Fishponds, was charged with affray and possessing drugs with intent to supply. He appeared at Bristol Crown Court on November 17.

Two men aged 18 have also been arrested. One of them, from Easton, has been charged with affray and possession of a bladed article, while the other has been released under investigation.

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December, 2021

3

to buy Merchants Arms for community trying. We're quite convinced it could be viable.

"There are over 150 community-owned pubs in the country – not one of them has gone bust, but most were previously written off by pub companies. As long as you're meeting your costs, your need for a big profit margin is less than it is for commercial companies.

"We don't at the moment have a local pub or somewhere to meet up with our neighbours."

After the latest plans were submitted in February the developers said they hoped the planned privately-owned and run function hall would become a "valued facility for the local community".

Two previous plans have been rejected and the latest application is awaiting a decision. The Voice understands that it was due to be discussed by councillors in early November but was taken off the agenda at the request of Red Rock Developments.

CIC directors Mervyn Hill, Ian Blackwell, Steve Parkhouse and Chris Faulkner Gibson with Colston Estate Community Association treasurer Louise Blackwell outside the Merchants Arms with the group."

A meeting between the site's The residents have been owners, the CIC and a council backed by Eastville ward city planning officer is expected to councillor Marley Bennett, who take place soon. said: "There is no other pub in Agent Stuart Rackham, of the local area, and I think this is Rackham Planning, said: "We an ideal location. are working with the city council "Pubs play a crucial role in to meet and discuss this directly

bringing communities together and the rate that pubs are closing is a great concern to me, so it’s good to back such an important campaign to re-open a former pub.

"I am doing all I can to support this and have raised the issue of the support given to community pubs with the Mayor and hope to secure a meeting between the relevant Cabinet Member and local CAMRA representatives to discuss what more can be done."

The Merchants Arms opened in 1938 and was most recently operated by brewery Greene King as part of its Hungry Horse chain before it closed in December 2016.

Campaigners have discovered that the site was once home to another pub, the Rose & Crown, which appeared in records from the 1830s.

For more information on the CIC and links to its donation pages visit the website www. themerchantsarmscp.co.uk.

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December, 2021

n NEWS

It's No to Lodge Causeway 5G mast plan A MOBILE phone operator's bid to build a new mast for its 5G network on a busy Fishponds street has been thrown out.

An application to Bristol City Council on behalf of 3's parent company CK Hutchison Networks (UK) to site the mast in Lodge Causeway has been rejected by planning officers using delegated powers.

The 15m (49ft) antenna would have stood on the pavement near the junction with Chester Park Road, between the SM Gauge Company and the pedestrian crossing.

Agents WHP Telecoms said the antenna would "provide improved coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services" and the site chosen met "specific technical and operational requirements".

They said 5G needed different equipment to existing networks, and antennas needed to be separated from other equipment, including those belonging to a different operator.

The agents said the antenna was the "absolute minimum" size needed and the site had been chosen because there were already other "vertical elements of street furniture" nearby, such as street lights.

After the plans were published on the council's website, 33 people wrote to object,

The red line shows the size and position of the planned mast

with two writing letters of support.

Many of the objectors said they were concerned that 5G signals could affect health and the environment. However the council report detailing the decision said: "It is noted that the application cannot be considered on health grounds as these do not form part of the relevant criteria."

Council officers said the applicants had confirmed the equipment would conform to the International Commission on NonIonizing Radiation Protection's guidelines for public health exposure.

Instead they rejected the scheme on the grounds of the mast's physical appearance and position.

They said: "The proposed development would result in unjustified harm upon

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the character and appearance of Lodge Causeway.

"The scale of the proposed telecommunications equipment would be disproportionate when compared with other built structures in the surrounding area and would subsequently appear incongruous.

"The position of the equipment adjacent to the public highway and within direct view of neighbouring residential development would make it highly visible and prominent in the surrounding area. This would be discordant within the wider streetscene."

The officers went on to say that the siting of the mast "would not allow sufficient room for footway users to pass the installation along an established desire line and would be a severe obstruction, which could also prejudice the usability of adjacent cycle parking".

They added: "It has not been demonstrated that these harmful impacts are essential to deliver the associated benefits."

Officers pointed to a recent appeal in Stockwood where an inspector included the "significant, negative visual impact" and "incongruous and dominant height of the mast" among the reasons for refusing to allow it.

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n NEWS

School sports tournaments are back

YOUNG footballers at Fishponds CE Academy enjoyed the return of inter-school matches after more than a year away.

Teams of children from the school's Key Stage 2 competed in a competition at City Academy in Redfield playing futsal, a version of football played on a hard court, with teams of five, a smaller ball and different rules – including no off-sides.

It was part of a return to matches against other schools, which were suspended at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Academy principal Debbie Coker said:

"It was so good to be able to attend our first competition in over a year!

"It was wonderful to be able to compete against other schools again and enjoy taking part in futsal. The children were great and showed incredible team work with everyone trying their best in their matches.

"We managed to win three games and draw one whilst scoring nine goals in total.

"We look forward to seeing our children take part in more local sporting competitions as the year continues."

After-school activities are back in a big

way at the school, with teachers running drama, choir, craft, homework help, cooking and board games clubs this term.

Next term music lessons and a 'Stomp'style dance club are planned.

Mrs Coker added: "Fishponds is definitely an exciting place to be and it's good to have the buzz of excitement back in the building."

The school is currently offering visits to families looking for reception places next September. Anyone interested should call the school office team on 0117 903 0491 to book a space.

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December, 2021

n NEWS

Unveiled: a transformation for Vassall Centre THE charity that owns the Vassall Centre has revealed plans to redevelop the site at the heart of Oldbury Court.

Bristol Charities says it wants to create a "vibrant new neighbourhood centre for multigenerational living and working", with "muchneeded, affordable, high-quality homes for older people and families, along with accessible, contemporary workspace for businesses and charities, and a range of new community facilities".

Now it is asking residents and users of the site to look at its outline proposals and have their say.

The Vassall Centre provides affordable and accessible working areas for businesses, charities and non-profit organisations.

But Bristol Charities, which bought the centre in April, says the single-storey buildings, built in 1945 as a base for American

A map shows how the new site could be redeveloped, with the replacement work spaces in yellow and a combination of affordable housing (brown), supported housing (green) and housing for older people (blue)

soldiers, "are now at the end of their practical lifespan and offer very low levels of energy efficiency and sustainability".

It is working with architects AWW on plans to build a variety of two and three-storey homes on the site, with new workspace and community facilities.

The development would have three areas, with homes for older people at the Vassall Road end

Now taking reservations for 2022 and 2023

of the site, the new workspace and community facilities in the middle, and affordable homes for families at the other end.

Bristol Charities says the development would have a "high-quality design" and include landscaped, outdoor space for tenants' and residents' use, and increased public access through the site.

Housing association Brighter Places would develop and manage the affordable housing for families, while Bristol Charities, which already runs several other sheltered and retirement home sites in the city, will own and manage the housing for older people, community facilities and workspace.

Current Vassall Centre tenants will be able to carry on working at the site until their new "upgraded" workspace is ready to move in to.

Community facilities planned include a nursery, café and landscaped courtyard, and the plans also include new trees, plants and wildlife areas.

PLEASE CONTACT THE MANAGER LIZ FOR MORE DETAILS ON 07746404262 We are a long established pre-school and are fully inclusive, offering a happy, caring and friendly environment to all our children and families.

The nursery could be built on the ground floor of the housing for older people, to encourage "interaction" between older people and children and staff.

A survey on the plans is running until December 10.

People are being encouraged to look at the outline proposals online at www.bristolcharities. org.uk/projects/ or drop in to the Vassall Centre during opening hours on Mondays to Fridays to look at the display.

Accessible formats of the plans are available by emailing info@abc-pr.co.uk or calling 0117 977 2002.

Bristol Charities chair of trustees Richard Gore said: "We believe these proposed new facilities will breathe new life into the site."

The proposals have been welcomed by city council cabinet member for housing Tom Renhard, who said: "It's great to see such a strong focus on integrating supported homes for older people with affordable housing for families."

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n NEWS

First look at new Hillfields homes THE team behind plans for new affordable community-owned homes in Hillfields has unveiled an image showing how the finished project could look.

Bristol City Council has agreed to hand over land next to the Hillfields Community Hub, off Thicket Avenue, to the Hillfields Family & Community Trust to create new homes for social rent and shared ownership.

The land has been blighted by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour and the trust, which runs the Hub, has been working for more than two years on plans for 11 affordable homes.

A formal planning application was due to be submitted by the end of November for five onebedroom flats, four two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses. One of the two-bed homes is being designed to be adaptable for people with additional needs.

If the scheme wins planning

How the new homes next to the Community Hub could look.

Picture courtesy of Hillfields Family & Community Trust

permission the trust anticipates being able to start work on site in the autumn of next year.

Trust board member Victoria Robinson said: "This is a really exciting time for the project and we are so pleased that we are at this stage. "It seemed a long way away when we first started but we have been encouraged by all the support we have had from the council, our consultants and of course our wonderful community."

The trust says its vision is to provide "affordable, attractive,

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good quality and welcoming homes for local people".

The site is one of six which the city council is transferring to community groups for a nominal sum for affordable housing projects.

The council is developing a new plan to accelerate the building of affordable homes in the city, called Project 1000, which will set out how the council will try to ensure 1,000 affordable homes are built each year from 2024 – a key election pledge of Bristol Mayor Marvin

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Rees.

A council growth and regeneration scrutiny commission meeting in November heard that "realistic conversations" were needed about whether new homes were built on green spaces or in tower blocks on land where buildings already exist.

Council head of housing delivery Elaine Olphert said a “big step change” in the rate of building affordable homes was needed to meet the mayor’s “ambitious” target.

Only 188 to 400 new affordable homes have been built each year for the past five years in Bristol. Meanwhile, more than 16,000 people are waiting for a council house, 930 households are in temporary accommodation, and the average Bristol resident now needs almost nine times their annual salary to be able to buy a house in the city, according to a report prepared for the meeting.

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n NEWS OWNERS of older vehicles will be charged to drive into the centre of Bristol from next summer, the city council has confirmed.

The city's Clean Air Zone has received government backing and will see cars, vans and taxis with petrol engines made before 2006 and diesel engines made before the end of 2016 pay £9 a day to enter an area including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, the Centre, Temple Quay and Spike Island.

Larger "older and more polluting" vehicles such as lorries and buses will be charged £100 a day to drive on central roads including Bond Street, Temple Way, Marlborough Street, Hotwell Road, Brunel Way, Coronation Road, York Road and Bath Road below the Three Lamps junction.

The council estimates that about three in every 10 vehicles in Bristol will be liable for the charges, and around 75,000 of them currently enter the CAZ area each day.

Charges would not be paid by

December, 2021

Charges to drive into Bristol are on the way The new Clean Air Zone includes main roads through and around the Centre as well as Broadmead and the Cabot Circus car park owners of vehicles with Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol engines or with Euro 6 diesel engines.

Exemptions will be available to some drivers, including: • People on incomes of £27,000 or below who have to travel into the zone for work.

• Patients and visitors to hospitals in the zone.

• Blue Badge holders and people with a disabled or disabled passenger tax class vehicle.

• Community transport providers • People with commercial vehicles subject to finance agreements.

• Council-funded buses, minibuses or coaches used as home-to-school vehicles.

• Families who receive Personal Travel Budgets who travel through the zone on their school route.

The council says it will use £42 million of government funding to help people switch to greener modes of transport, including a £5.9m scheme to provide free bus tickets and

electric bike loans, £1.8m to help people on low incomes upgrade their vehicles, £32m for businesses to upgrade HGVs, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles, and a £2m freight consolidation project to help businesses switch to zeroemission goods deliveries.

An exact date for the introduction of the scheme has yet to be confirmed.

Mayor Marvin Rees said: "We are tackling a climate emergency but we also have people facing financial crisis. We can’t look at these two things in isolation.

"We have taken our time to find a way to clean up our air while not adding huge financial strain to people that live and work in our city."

It is four years since the government ordered the city council to reduce the city’s toxic NO2 pollution levels to within legal limits as quickly as possible.

The CAZ is expected to do this in 2023.

An earlier plan to ban all diesel cars from the city centre was rejected by the government.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Workplace parking charges 'kicked down the road'

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A CHARGE on company car parking spaces is unlikely to be introduced in Bristol any time soon following a city council vote.

The opposition Greens tabled a motion calling for a workplace parking levy, saying a scheme in Nottingham had ploughed millions of pounds into public transport and improved air quality.

But a Labour amendment, removing a requirement for Bristol City Council to bring it in, was backed by the Conservatives after both parties criticised the fees as a "tax" that firms could pass on to staff.

The amended proposal said it would be “negligent” of the council to introduce a levy without knowing how much it would raise and ordered an appraisal report before any decisions are considered.

Green councillor David Wilcox said afterwards: "I'm really disappointed that Labour and Conservatives voted to weaken our motion, which would use a levy on large businesses' staff parking to fund transport upgrades our city desperately needs. By amending our motion to refer action back to the administration I’m afraid that this fantastic policy could be kicked down the road."

Labour cabinet member for transport Don Alexander told the meeting: “It would be wrong to commit to a tax rise in a public forum without consulting the public or knowing the costs or benefits."

Cllr Alexander said in Nottingham teachers were charged £428 a year to park, while care home workers could also face the fees.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2021

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n NEWS

Grant for group's growing work in Hillfields Park A VOLUNTEER-run group bringing new life to Hillfields Park has been awarded a grant to support its growing work.

Hillfields Community Garden is now running four regular groups in the park off Thicket Avenue: a volunteer gardening group, Gardening for Wellbeing, Wild Women and Mini Explorers for young children.

To help fund a project to create two more raised beds, to grow for herbs and vegetables in the park, the group has been awarded a grant of almost £1,000 from the Love Your Park Community Fund, set up using donations to the Your Park Bristol and Bath charity.

Hillfields Community Garden was set up earlier this year by four local women – Rhianna Micciche, Rebecca Jenkins, Teodora Aldridge and Sarah Rogers – to build the garden, help people grow food together and connect with nature and each other.

As well as the raised beds, the group hopes to create a wildflower area, two living willow play domes and an orchard of 18 fruit trees.

Your Park Bristol & Bath chair of trustees Rob Acton-

Sarah Rogers from Hillfields Community Garden with Rob ActonCampbell of Your Park Bristol & Bath, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and Hillfields councillor Ellie King Campbell said: "Enthusiastic groups of volunteers like this, making things happen in their local parks, bring huge benefits to the community, and this project is a wonderful example."

To celebrate the grant Rob visited the park with Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and Hillfields ward city councillor

Ellie King.

Ms McCarthy said: "I was really impressed by the efforts of volunteers in creating the Community Garden and finding imaginative ways to ensure that the whole community can benefit, be that encouraging kids to play outside and explore nature or giving adults

somewhere to escape the pressures of everyday life."

The volunteer gardening group runs on the third Saturday of each month from 10.30am to midday, and most recently planted bulbs, built a shed and put in tractor tyre planters. The next session is on February 19.

The Gardening for Wellbeing group runs every other Friday, providing activities to support mental well-being. The next sessions are on December 3 and 17, from 10.30am to midday.

The Wild Women group is for women who are experiencing the menopause or are perimenopausal and meets once a month – the next session is on December 7 at 10am.

Mini Explorers is for children aged from two to four and their parents or carers, on the last Monday of the month at 10am – the next sessions are on November 29 and January 31.

The group is also looking for more volunteers to help with its running.

For more details email hillfieldscommunitygarden@ gmail.com, visit hillfieldsgarden. fishpondsbristol.uk or the Hillfields Community Garden Facebook page.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Handmade in Bristol GET your winter wardrobe ready, put on your hats, gloves and scarves and start planning your Festive Trail Route. We have many outdoor venues and some indoor ones too. Applications for exhibitors are now closed and we have an exciting and extensive list of over 120 artists, makers and designers for you to visit over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of December - between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

There will be many festive gift ideas for you to choose from and plenty of decorations and homewares to give your home a bit of a luxury boost. Or, you may want to treat yourself to something special that has been locally handmade with great skill and creativity. Follow our instagram

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Maps are available online and on paper from mid-November from various community venues and shops, tell your neighbours, friends and family and help make this another successful BSpoke16

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Don’t forget our pop-up shops continue through December. Many thanks to Snuffy Jacks Alehouse, Fishponds and The Wooden Walls Micropub, Staple Hill for their continued support.

and Facebook pages or visit our website www.bspoke16.co.uk for profiles of all our artists and makers so you can visit them and support local businesses.

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n NEWS

'Epidemic' of violence against women and girls

BRISTOL is in the grip of an “epidemic” of male violence against women and girls, rights campaigners have warned.

Council leaders have pledged to restore the city’s place among organisations recognised for making a commitment to end violence against women. The city council’s “White Ribbon” status lapsed in 2015, two years after it became part of an accreditation scheme run by the charity of the same name.

More than 20 Bristol schools and colleges were named earlier this year on a website called Everyone’s Invited, where thousands of anonymous reports of sexual assault and harassment were posted by victims to expose “rape culture” in the UK. Presenting Bristol Women’s Commission's annual report at a council meeting in November, chairwoman Penny Gane said: “In terms of women’s rights, equality and safety, we find ourselves in the middle of a perfect storm.

“In a single year in Avon & Somerset there were five domestic homicides and six suicides in the context of domestic abuse.

“In 2019 in Bristol more than 11,000 incidents of domestic violence were recorded where women were the victims, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Chairwoman Penny Gane presents Bristol Women’s Commission's report to the city council

She said the real figure was five times greater, and that black, Asian and minority ethnic and disabled sufferers of abuse were less likely to report it.

Ms Gane said: “Economic inequality facilitates violence. Poor households have three-and-a-half times higher rates of domestic violence and abuse.

“Women leaving abuse suffer greater poverty. Schoolgirls are at increased risk of sexual harassment and rape.

“There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls at the hands of men and boys.

“This needs to be at the top of everyone’s agenda, every council department, all our partners and stakeholders, our businesses

and our communities.

“The council’s White Ribbon status should not have been allowed to lapse.”

Frome Vale ward councillor Lesley Alexander told the meeting: “Covid has contributed some disproportionate harmful outcomes for women, particularly around domestic violence and greater exposure to health risks because of their representation in social care and the NHS. “The elimination of harassment and violence against women and girls must remain key priorities in this city.”

Council cabinet member for women Helen Holland told the meeting that the women’s commission, with representatives from education, health, unions, business, police, transport and support groups, was the longest-running Bristol mayoral commission and it was easy to presume all the issues about domestic violence and street safety had been heard before and resolved.

But she said: "The time is absolutely right to redouble our efforts. And I agree it’s shocking the council didn’t regain its White Ribbon status, and that is something I am definitely going to do something about.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2021

11

n NEWS

Frome Vale Academy staff and pupils with Bristol's Deputy Lord Mayor after their film was shown to an audience

Children's film speaks out against discrimination PUPILS at a primary school at Oldbury Court have made a "powerful" film about racial and sexual discrimination.

Frome Vale Academy was one of two schools in Bristol picked to make a film with community interest drama company Unique Voice as part of a project funded

by Crimestoppers.

The academy chose discrimination as a focus for the film, as it tied in with the launch of the school's equalities, diversity and inclusion group, and other work related to the Frome Vale Citizenship programme.

Pupils were then invited to expand on the proposals through workshops, and chose to focus specifically on race, gender and sexuality, as these were the topics they felt were most pertinent to them.

Frome Vale pupils and staff worked with Unique Voice over a number of days, writing a script and drawing images. Children were then filmed delivering

the message with the drawings animated to reinforce their words.

The film was then showcased at the St Michaels Centre in Stoke Gifford in front of an audience including pupils' family and friends, Bristol Deputy Mayor Asher Craig and Deputy Lord Mayor Andrew Varney.

The project was part of the Crimestoppers What Would You Do? programme which helps encourage crime reporting and tackle safety issues affecting children. It has been running for six years and more than 3,000 children have taken part.

Frome Vale Academy principal Jan Saunders said: "I am immensely proud of this piece of work in conjunction with Unique Voice. It epitomises all the work we do at Frome Vale around citizenship and reflects our pupil’s understanding of these important issues."

The video can be viewed online at vimeo. com/587816233/b5bc60e7a9.

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Mondays 19:15 at The Life Church Wednesdays 8.45 and 10.15 at Lincombe Barn Saturdays 9.15 at All Saints Church Hall Please contact Emily to book your place on 07974252486 email: info@teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook and Instagram: Emily Osborne Pilates

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12

December, 2021

n NEWS A SCHEME to help residents turn their streets into low-traffic areas is facing a lengthy delay.

Liveable or low-traffic neighbourhoods reduce or block through traffic and introduce features such as children’s play space, cycle hangars, trees, benches and ‘parklets’.

Bristol City Council has said for a number of years it would produce a strategy for creating them as a way to solve local traffic and parking problems, and said the programme would also be the answer to any rat runs that develop around the edges of the Clean Air Zone starting next June.

Last year a group of residents of Ridgeway Road, which runs between Fishponds Road and Lodge Causeway, expressed an interest in taking part in a Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme to make it safer.

Meetings were held to discuss traffic issues and a survey carried out to find out the level of support for closing the road on a trial basis and find alternative suggestions.

Members of two of the council’s scrutiny commissions

Delay for neighbourhood low traffic schemes were due to receive an update on the long-awaited strategy on November 16, with a report prepared indicating it would go out for consultation early next year and be adopted by next May. But the council's cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, said the strategy would be delayed to incorporate “learning” from a trial scheme in the Barton Hill, Redfield and St George area that is not expected to be in place until March 2023.

Cllr Alexander said he felt the existing draft strategy would impose ideas on communities instead of allowing councillors and residents to bring their own ideas about what they wanted in their neighbourhoods.

He said: “I imagine the learning from East Bristol is going to take a year and a half, or something like that, and I don’t want people to sit for a year and

a half waiting for that before they get on with trying to create a vision for their own wards and their communities that can be applied to any funding that comes along.

“Hopefully, in about three months’ time, you will have a handbook Ridgeway Road residents discussed which lays out how making their road part of a Liveable you can proceed, and Neighbourhoods project last year then we’ll move onto a strategy when we’ve got some clear learning Neighbourhoods strategy would and not just good ideas.” start to solve those problems.

He said the approach would He said: "It’s frustrating to "cause a little delay". be told ‘we’ll wait to see what the Green scrutiny commission pilot finds out and then we’ll find member and Redland councillor a strategy, and there will be a Martin Fodor said residents had handbook’." been frustrated at the absence of a strategy to deal with traffic and road safety for about five years, and have been told for about the last two years that the Liveable

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Remarkable effort and sacrifice by those who keep us safe AS we approach the end of another year, I want to reflect on the last seven months of being your PCC. It’s been a whirlwind and there are numerous achievements since being appointed that the team and I are proud of.

I’m lucky enough to have met with officers, staff, local people, community groups and organisations across Avon and Somerset, and have gained an understanding of their concerns and views around policing and crime in their area.

I will continue to meet with communities, MPs and councillors every Friday to ensure we are working in collaboration for our communities.

I’m also proud to be the PCC lead for economic and cyber crime, including fraud: one in ten people fall victim to fraud and it is because of such statistics I was

inspired to take on this role.

I will continue to work at a local, regional and national level to raise the profile of this lifedestroying crime, and get a grip of it to protect vulnerable people from harm.

Following a rigorous selection process, I’m also delighted to announce my preferred chief constable candidate – Sarah Crew. At the time of writing this column, I am waiting for the Police and Crime Panel hearing to take place on November 25, where I will seek confirmation of appointment of my preferred candidate.

At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative chief constable, who is able to inspire their workforce, and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are

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dedicated and hard-working, and I believe that Sarah can enhance their considerable efforts and skills.

Moving on, I want to take a moment to reflect on the start of the year, which was a difficult time for all of us as we entered another lockdown. During this time – and still to this day – I was blown away by the remarkable efforts of local people and the sacrifices you made.

Unfortunately, as we enter the winter, coronavirus cases continue to increase and it is a stark reminder that the virus is still out there. Although the vast majority of the population are vaccinated and many are receiving their booster jab, please continue to exercise caution over the coming months.

Finally, I want to thank the police, NHS and other emergency and volunteer services who

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford will be working over the festive season to ensure local people and communities are safe. It’s always a busy time of year for those who work in the emergency services, and their work does not go unrecognised.

I wish you all the best with your celebrations and may you have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

December, 2021

13

n NEWS

New East Bristol police inspector takes charge A NEW inspector has taken charge of policing in the Fishponds area.

Kris Harris says antisocial behaviour in the Lodge Causeway area, shoplifting and illegal e-scooters are among the issues his teams are currently working on.

But his top priority is tackling the root causes of problems by engaging with the community.

Kris has been a police officer for 22 years, starting his career New neighbourhood inspector Kris in South Wales and transferring Harris to Avon and Somerset in 2016, although he was born and grew up in London.

The new East Bristol neighbourhood inspector has had a varied career to date, working in incident response, the force control room, custody, training, community safety, professional standards and inclusion and diversity.

Kris said: “Having previously worked at Trinity Road Police Station as Avon and Somerset police’s Inclusion and Diversity Officer, I am very excited to be returning to the area to lead the neighbourhood policing team.

"Having previously worked in Cardiff Bay, South Wales and having grown up on a council estate in Clapham, inner London, I have a good understanding of the issues affecting our diverse communities.

"My number one priority is building on the fantastic engagement work that my teams are already involved with in communities, schools, youth groups and other locations, so that we can get to the root causes of problems like anti-social behaviour, which cause misery for ordinary people who want to live their lives in a safe community free from crime.

"In Fishponds we currently have issues with shoplifting from supermarkets, street drinking and begging at Lodge Causeway, and reports of illegal e-scooters on Stapleton Road, which my teams are working to resolve."

Kris takes over the role from Deepak Kenth, who has been promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector and is still based at Trinity Road police station, overseeing Kris and his teams as the local area commander for East Bristol.

PCSOs talk to a Year 6 class at Minerva Primary Academy

Pupils are given safety advice YEAR 6 pupils at Minerva Primary Academy learned about online safety when they were visited by local police community support officers.

Children at the school in Hillfields were encouraged to show their parents the websites they frequently visit.

They also learned how to protect their online identity and not to give out any personal information, as well as finding out how websites work, in particular the safety features and privacy settings, to make sure they are set appropriately.

Academy principal Jennifer Harvey said: “At Team MPA we really value how safe access to the internet can enrich and support learning in and out of school.

"We recognise the importance of teaching online safety through our curriculum for everyday life, for future learning and careers.

"Therefore, the link with our PCSOs supported this message from trusted adults in the community.”

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

'Cheaper and simpler' bus service vow A MAJOR revamp of bus services across the region will see daily and weekly fares capped and improved daytime and evening services.

Contactless London-style tap-on, tapoff payments will allow passengers to hop across different operators, under-11s will ride for free and under-18s will get half-price discounts.

Five months of talks have begun between transport authorities and bus companies to move towards seamless travel, which will eventually include trains, with new local lowfare zones.

One common transport brand will be created for the West of England, inspired by Transport for London, with the same livery on all single and double-deckers.

Most buses already accept contactless cards but tickets are only valid on services run by the same firm, while ‘tap and cap’ is available only on First buses for daily and weekly tickets in flat-fare zones.

The improvements are outlined in the region's Bus Service Improvement Plan, submitted to the government by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council at the end of October.

It envisages an “enhanced partnership” with operators, primarily First because of

its dominance in the region. Negotiations with companies are due to be completed by March 31 before the plan undergoes public consultation, with a view to coming into force 70 days later, on June 10.

First Bus has welcomed the plan’s “level of ambition” and says it is committed to rolling out tap-on, tap-off capping and more flexible tickets.

Up to 1,000 contactless card readers, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, will be installed on vehicles, allowing customers to tap on entry and exit, with the correct, cheapest fare calculated and

boarding times reduced.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the plan would make bus travel "simpler and cheaper", with "one set daily price" for passengers.

He said: "I want to make it as easy as possible for people to do the right thing so they can greatly reduce car journeys and use public transport, walk, cycle and wheel, so we can reach our very ambitious net zero 2030 target and deal with congestion, pollution, and obesity."

First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said the company welcomed the improvement plan's "level of ambition".

He said: “Our focus is on improving the experience for our customers, with a commitment to a zero emission fleet by 2035, the roll-out of tap-on, tap-off contactless capping across our network in 2022, a more flexible ticket offer that meets changing travel needs and ultimately, the operation of faster, more reliable services made possible by the delivery of the bus priority measures set out in the BSIP.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2021

15

n NEWS

Will Bee talks to children at Chester Park about his life and work to improve the rights of people with disabilities

Artwork produced by the children inspired by artists with disabilities

Disability pioneers inspire children CHILDREN at Fishponds' Chester Park Federation have been learning about disabilities and difference.

The theme for their personal, social and health education studies this term is 'celebrating difference' and as part of their community week pupils at the infant school in Ridgeway Road and junior school in Abingdon Road found out more about disability and gender equality.

They were visited by Will Bee, who was born with the physical condition spina bifida at a time when many techniques and

procedures now developed to treat it did not exist.

Will spoke about growing up as a wheelchair user and the campaigning he has done to improve the rights of people with a disability, working at the disability rights commission and developing policy for making public transport accessible.

Also speaking to pupils was Paralympic archery gold medallist Phoebe Paterson Pine, who spoke about some of the challenges she faced being different while at school and inspired the children with her perseverance

and resilience.

A school spokesperson said: "This highlighted to the children how important it is to celebrate our differences and learn about diversity, equality and inclusion."

Each year group produced a self-portrait in the style of an artist with a disability and learnt stories where the main character was different in some way.

At the end of the week children brought in different types of food from their own cultures to share with classmates.

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All Saints Church Sunday 19th December 4.30pm – Nativity Service Wednesday 22nd December 6.30pm – Outdoor carols and candles Christmas Eve 6.30pm – Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 10.30pm – Family Communion Sunday 26th December 8am – Holy Communion

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Sunday 5th December 6.30pm – Advent Carol Service Sunday 19th December 6.30pm – Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 4pm – Family Carol Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm – Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10am – Christmas Day Service Sunday 26th December 10am Holy Communion

Thanking all our readers and advertisers for supporting us in 2021

Have a wonderful Christmas & A Happy new Year

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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FESTIVE WASTE COLLECTIONS Over the festive season your waste collection dates change slightly to allow for bank holidays. Check when we’ll be coming to you on the calendar below.

Thank you and happy holidays!

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Revised collection day Wed 29 Dec Thur 30 Dec Fri 31 Dec Tues 4 Jan Wed 5 Jan Thur 6 Jan Fri 7 Jan Sat 8 Jan Mon 10 Jan Tues 11 Jan Wed 12 Jan Thur 13 Jan Fri 14 Jan Sat 15 Jan Mon 17 Jan Tues 18 Jan Wed 19 Jan Thur 20 Jan Fri 21 Jan Sat 22 Jan

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For top tips and festive hacks visit: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive Normal collections from Mon 24 January

fishpondsvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

17

Left is best on cycle path

E-scooter trial extended

SIGNS have been put up on a stretch of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path to encourage all users to keep to the left side.

Signs with the 'keep left' message, along with others encouraging cyclists to slow down, have been put up in the trial area between Clay Bottom and Trinity Street.

The move is part of charity Sustrans' One Path BS5 project to improve the busiest stretches of the path.

Sustrans said: "From our engagement with the communities along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, we know there are concerns about overtaking behaviour and conflict on the route.

"Some said they didn’t know how best to use it, needing greater clarity on what’s best.

"This trial of ‘left is best’ is to provide a clear line of guidance, prompting considerate and safe behaviour."

Sustrans is encouraging people to comment on the One Path BS5 Facebook page and will have surveyors on the path next month to collect feedback.

The path between Fishponds and Staple Hill has been shut for up to eight weeks to repair damage caused by badgers.

South Gloucestershire Council's Streetcare department said a section of the path almost a mile long – from the entrance between Acacia Road and Thicket Avenue to Charnhill Drive in Staple Hill – would be closed to cyclists and pedestrians from mid-November onwards.

The council said: "On this stretch we have a badgers’ sett, and badgers digging the soil over the retaining wall has caused the main drainage ditch to become blocked.

"We will therefore install a pipe in the ditch to stop the soil from the badgers affecting the drainage in the future, as well as carry out ditch clearance and widening works to help hold extra rainfall in prolonged spells of very wet weather."

A TRIAL allowing the legal hire and use of e-scooters in the Fishponds area is being extended until next year.

The scheme, run by the West of England Combined Authority, councils and e-scooter operator Voi, was first launched in the area a year ago.

The red and black scooters have become a familiar sight on streets and parked on pavements.

Voi says they have been ridden almost 2.5 million times in the first year of the scheme, making the region "one of Europe's largest and most successful areas of e-scooter operations".

Weca has now approved an extension to the trial until next March in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire.

Voi says the e-scooters are helping reduce pollution and tackle congestion, with around three quarters of riders reporting they use them to commute, shop or visit friends and family, and others using them to reach public transport stops.

The company estimates e-scooter journeys have saved the emission of 480 tonnes of CO2 in the area over the past year.

There have also been complaints about misuse of the scooters but Voi says it has been working with WECA, councils and the police to improve safety for riders and pedestrians alike, including measures to encourage good parking and a page to report bad riding on the company's website.

Voi general manager Jack Samler said: "The West of England has shown incredible demand for sustainable transport options."

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: "E-scooters are a great way to travel around the city and they are proving popular in Bristol and our wider region. It is particularly important that we are providing another low-emission alternative to short car journeys, alongside our ongoing improvements to bus, walking and cycling journeys across the city and plans for a mass transit system.”

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18

December, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

Christmas is coming!

An Early Christmas Present

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WELL the title says it all really! My inner child is definitely getting excited this year, perhaps more than usual, which from speaking to friends & family sounds to be a reflection on the times we’ve all been through. I appreciate life isn’t back to normal and there could be rocky paths ahead, but for a short period, conveniently called Advent, I’d like to focus a little more inwards than usual and plan to thoroughly enjoy myself.

Advent is an interesting word, meaning coming. Probably not a word we use most of the year, and although we could do we tend not to, perhaps subconsciously reserving advent for this most magical time of year. Whether you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus or as a family winter celebration I’m sure we all have our own ways of relaxing and enjoying ourselves with those we love.

It’s probably no great surprise to know that I have Christmas glasses, reserved for one day of the year, and one day only. They come with antlers, tinsel, holly… you may see why I only wear them on Christmas day! They are definitely a good way to bring cheer to those who see me wearing them, not least my dear wife Jo who ‘treated’ me to a pair, and insists I wear them, much to her amusement!

Keeping on theme a little longer, my top eye survival tips for Christmas include; remembering to blink while watching all your favourite Christmas TV shows, wear glasses while decorating your Christmas tree to avoid needle spikes, wear (prescription) glasses when driving in the seasonally low sun and continue to drink a good amount of water to keep your tears topped up!

If you’re in the Henleaze area on the 1st December, you're most welcome to pop in and see us for drinks. We’ll be offering our usual service, free of charge of course, to keep you warm & fuelled for looking around the street stalls, watching the entertainment & sampling the local cuisine.

When it comes to your eyes, we’re here to look after you through the festive season. Whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses (we don’t do glasses with antlers I’m afraid) we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too!

To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you soon!

eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.

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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.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

fishpondsvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS A FISHPONDS community activist and businessman is backing a special event to celebrate the contribution made to Britain by its 'curry pioneers'.

British Curry Day on December 1 commemorates the people who introduced millions of Britons to a taste of the Indian subcontinent in the 1960s and 70s.

The event will also raise money for charities, as restaurants across the country donate £1 from every tikka masala they sell on the day to local causes.

Naseem Talukdar, who manages the Rajastan Royal in Downend, highlighted his own father's journey from Bangladesh to the UK in the early 1970s.

Hazi Mohammed Siddik Ali opened his first restaurant, the Prince of India, in Bath; his Kingswood restaurant, Rupali, was one of the first to use a clay oven tandoor, in 1981.

Naseem, who studied an IT degree at UWE and has worked as a software engineer, would often help out in the kitchen.

His father retired in 1995

19

Tribute to the curry pioneers

Naseem Talukdar

Naseem's father Hazi Mohammed Siddik Ali

and returned to Bangladesh, where he carries out charity and community work.

Naseem said: “He was hardworking and helped to provide for our future, both supporting our education and instilling a strong work ethic.

“British curry has been a key culinary and cultural contribution made by migrants from the Indian subcontinent.

“In turn, it has helped to

support future generations in the industry – as well as doctors, teachers, engineers and other professions which help their communities.”

Naseem's own community work has seen him receive a Bristol High Sheriff’s Award.

He is a project manager for charity Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects, and his takeaway joined a pilot scheme to reduce its use of

single-use plastic.

Rajastan Royal also took part in the Food4NHS project, which delivered thousands of free hot meals to NHS staff during the coronavirus lockdown.

Naseem has organised the provision of hot meals and essentials for people on the street, and has donated to 1625 Independent People, which supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming so.

He said: “It’s important to recognise the help we had from those who came before us and to give back where we can.”

The British Curry Day event is expected to raise thousands of pounds for small community groups through #AskingBristol, which connects charities with supporters.

As well as Rajastan Royal, restaurants Curry Supreme, in Staple Hill, Arjee Bhajee in Soundwell Road and Tikka Raaz, in Downend, are also taking part.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community.

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fishpondsvoice

20

December, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Avoid seasonal stresses and strains

C

HRISTMAS is a time of year to be with our loved ones and indulge in the festivities of the season.

However it can also be quite stressful and full of pitfalls, so hopefully I’ll be able to help you avoid some of them.

The stress and strain of Christmas prep often manifest in our bodies and we see a large amount of neck and lower back tension at this time of year.

We tailor patient care to ensure everyone is healthy happy and feeling comfortable on the lead up to Christmas.

Ready to handle what comes their way over the festive period.

Here’s some tips to keep

you in the best shape over Christmas:

feeling drags on. It certainly helps blow the cobwebs out the next day.

Christmas shopping

Stay active

Load the bags evenly; carry one in each hand so you’re not unbalanced and causing undue strain on the neck and back.

Better yet order presents online and get them delivered.

Have a Christmas or Boxingday walk. Make sure your don’t become too sedentary.

By all means put your feet up but balance it off with some activity each day. Get those teenagers outside and off the computer too!

Keep it simple Opt for a relaxed atmosphere this year, don’t strive for the ‘picture perfect’ Christmas.

Enjoy each other’s company and make sure everyone

Matt Sutton

mucks in with the jobs to keep the stress low and your body better rested.

Have an amazing Christmas period and if in doubt or you’re suffering don’t hesitate to contact us.

Everything in moderation Enjoy your food and drink but make sure you have some water in there between the stronger stuff. I tend to have a lighter day of eating and drinking on Boxing Day so my body recovers nicely, otherwise I find the ropey Christmas

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December, 2021

21

n NEWS

£40,000 for improvement projects PROJECTS to tackle parking problems, protect a nature reserve and improve park access have won funding from the city council.

More than £40,000 has been allocated by a council area committee to projects in the Eastville ward.

The money includes £12,000 to introduce parking improvements on Honeysuckle Lane, near Blackberry Hill.

Ward councillor Marley Bennett said the scheme would "address a long-standing issue" for residents, adding: "Residents have raised concerns about people visiting the area and parking on the lane, which has left little space for local residents, so I’m pleased to see we’ve got the funding to help resolve this."

New fencing around Coombe Brook nature reserve, which borders the council's Hillfields ward, will be put up at a cost of £16,000, to protect it from fly-tipping and litter being blown on to the site.

Hillfields ward councillor Craig Cheney said: "Fly-tipping and litter has been a problem in Coombe Brook for some time.

Recognising this, I helped found the Friends of Coombe Brook group with local residents, in order to help co-ordinate community efforts to clean up the reserve and funding bids.

"I’m delighted to see that councillors unanimously backed the bid to have a fence installed around the reserve – this will help prevent fly tipping and litter, helping to

ensure Coombe Brook’s vibrant biodiversity continues to thrive."

Another £14,000 will be spent on new safe pedestrian routes, notice boards, and park benches at Royate Hill.

A project to improve access at Barton Fields has also been given the go-ahead, extending and resurfacing a path to make it easier for wheelchair users and parents with prams to use it.

Hillfields councillor Ellie King said: "We’ve been working to make our parks and green spaces more accessible, and I’m pleased to see that other councillors recognised how important this is and voted unanimously to approve it."

New Stoke Park path on the way WORK is starting on a new allweather path to improve access to Stoke Park.

The path will follow the route of the old cart track to the Dower House, linking Romney Avenue and the Purdown gun battery to Jellicoe Avenue.

The city council say the path will be similar in appearance to one already runs through the park from Jellicoe Avenue to the Duchess Pond and Park Road, and will make it easier for cyclists and people with wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushchairs to enjoy the park and improve connections to Lockleaze and the Stoke Park estate.

The mile-long path was given planning permission two years ago despite 50 objections over development in the Stapleton

and Frome Valley Conservation Area, concerns about conflict between pedestrians and cyclists, and a 480-name protest petition.

It is expected to take to take nine months to complete, as contractors attempt to minimise damage to the landscape and to preserve an old carriage track underneath the path.

Bat and bird boxes will also be installed along the route.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “This new path will make Stoke Park more accessible, helping more people to enjoy exercise, nature and Bristol’s heritage in this iconic green space. We know that visiting green spaces can help people’s physical and mental health, so I am delighted to make it easier for people to enjoy the area and benefit from our work to boost

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and protect nature in the park.

“The path is also part of our vision to create a more inclusive and connected city, as it will make it easier for people living to the north of the city to walk or

cycle when travelling to work, education, shops and leisure."

Barriers will be installed to prevent motorbikes using the new path to access the park.

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December, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Net Zeroat FrenchayChristmasTreeFarm If COP26 has got you worried about what you can do about the climate crisis, an easy way to start is to visit Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm for your Christmas tree. Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, namely carbon dioxide and methane. Buying local means you can really reduce your carbon footprint.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is home to 40,000 Christmas trees spread over approximately 18 acres of green belt land next to the M32 motorway. All plants actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the Christmas trees - which are evergreen – do this all year round. With the heavy motorway traffic nearby, there certainly is no shortage of carbon dioxide for the trees to mop up.

“I think all of us are wondering what we can do on a personal level when it comes to climate change,” says Simon Maughan, managing director of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. “A good way to start

Kate and Simon Maughan, owners of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm invite you to buy your tree locally this year this Christmas is to make sure that we buy as much as we can for the festive season from local suppliers, whether it is food for the table, presents for the tree, or the tree itself.”

“As for the Christmas tree, it’s

also important to consider what to do with it in the New Year. Burning it probably is the worst thing to do as it releases all that stored carbon directly back into the atmosphere.

Many of our customers find a second use for their tree, as a bird

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feeder for example, but by far the most common thing to do with it is to recycle it as chipped mulch.”

“We accept hundreds of returned trees in January, and they all get put through the shredder.

The bits rot down naturally on the ground, keeping the carbon in the ground, and also making homes for insects and food for fungi.”

The Christmas tree site has in itself become a bit of a haven for wildlife. Birds nest in the trees, animals shelter under the trees, wild flowers such as orchids have begun to seed themselves in the grass around trees. 2021 saw the addition of a big pond, which is set to attract all sorts of other interesting residents, such as dragonflies.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm from Saturday 20th November. You can visit in person or order your tree online at www. frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk – either for delivery or click and collect.

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fishpondsvoice

December, 2021

23

n NEWS

Mental health support group reopens COMMUNITY mental health charity Changes Bristol is reopening a group where Fishponds people can share their feelings and experiences.

The charity provides free support to help improve people’s mental well-being.

It is currently running 18 online and in-person weekly peer support groups, a 'walkand-talk' service and telephone befriending for one-to-one support.

It says demand for mental health services has increased hugely recently, with its intake of new members over the past 12 months more than double the previous year's.

Half of new members reported a combination of anxiety and depression when signing up.

Now after delivering most services virtually during the pandemic, Changes Bristol is running a face-to-face peer support group in Fishponds.

Changes Bristol peer support

Mental health charity Changes Bristol runs peer support groups in the city groups are free to attend and available to anyone, with no need for a diagnosis or referral.

There is also no obligation to attend a number of groups – people can attend as many or as few as they wish.

The charity says peer support groups allow people to "create a network of support from the group community", adding: "Long-standing Changes Bristol members have reported an

increase of confidence, resilience and self esteem."

The Changes Bristol Fishponds peer support group is running every Wednesday evening from 7pm-9pm, outside of Christmas holiday dates, at St John’s Church, in Lodge Causeway.

Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers, allowing people to speak about their feelings with others who have

experience of poor mental health.

A charity spokesperson said: "We create our groups to be as accessible as possible.

"Our aim is to be able to offer support without creating barriers, such as sign-up forms, which may prevent some people from joining.

"People are welcome to just turn up to the in-person groups on the day and there isn’t a signup form or waiting list for this service.

"Our in-person peer support groups are vital, especially for people who are digitally excluded or vulnerable."

Changes Bristol will continue to run their other services, including virtual groups, telephone befriending and walkand-talk for people who do not feel ready to be in a room with others.

For more information or to contact the charity's team email service@changesbristol.org.uk.

Where can I buy a calendar?

The Friends of Eastville Park

Christmas Tree Sale Types of Tree vailable

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4' 5' 6' 7' 8' £46 £54 £61 £69 £36 £41 £46 £51 £60 £32 £37 £42 £49 £53

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Collection Dates/Times

27th Nov 11-12 & 4-5 1st Dec 4-5 4th/5th Dec 11-12 & 4-5 8th Dec 11-12 11th/12th Dec 11-12 & 4-5 15th Dec 11-12 19th Dec 11-12 & 4-5

Stands

Red/Green wrought iron: Small £17 Medium £21 Green Cinco: Small £21 Medium £25 You will also be able to buy a Friends' Calendar & bottle of Elderflower Cordial when you collect your tree!

The collection point is the car park off Park

Avenue.

Payment by cash or card on collection

We can deliver within 1.5 miles to those with no

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transport or who are housebound. There is a

charge of £5/£8 depending on distance.

Email friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com with your order & collection time/date.

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December, 2021

25

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

Bringing the Nissen hut in the park back to life IN 2018, a small group of us scratched our heads and wondered out loud: "Where on earth do we start?"

The Nissen hut was used regularly during the season by the bowling club, providing tea and biscuits at half time during home matches once or twice a week, but remained empty, unused, and unloved at all other times.

With no heating, the hut was unusable throughout the colder months. Retaining most of the original internal features and décor, it was a poignant reminder of its history, having been used as accommodation for the Army or maybe as a hospital ward for the many injured soldiers who returned from Dunkirk in 1940.

When the war had ended, the hut was re-located to the current site and gable end walls built to provide changing facilities for a flourishing bowling club, later becoming a refreshments room when a purpose-built extension was added to the back of the pavilion with men and women’s changing rooms.

In the early days, the buildings were well maintained by the council but as the years rolled by, very little more work was done, with rust and decay setting in. The garden area became a dumping ground for spoil and waste from the maintenance of the site and was a sorry sight for passers-by and visitors.

We were determined to improve the building to make it more comfortable for the ageing bowling club members, and formed a team of volunteers to spring clean and decorate.

Within a few weeks everything inside was a little brighter, so we turned our efforts to clearing the garden, which took an awful lot of effort but was soon taking shape and revealing its potential for becoming a nice relaxing, colourful space for lawn and planting.

Over the subsequent months the bowling club sadly struggled to survive with so few members, and was closed in late 2019. From the ashes, a new club was formed in association with the Friends, a

partnership that continues to grow today.

We are very proud of the progress we have made together to bring life back into the buildings, with a vision to create a vibrant community hub that offers local residents a wide range of activities and events, with a comfortable and bright space for groups and gatherings, along with a great home for the bowling club.

Many hundreds of volunteer hours later, the hut is transformed and ready for one final makeover!

Many of you will have enjoyed the activities and events that we have organised over the last few years: Santa’s grottos, pop-up cafes, film nights, activity days, volunteer sessions and various other ‘enterprises’, many of which have helped us to raise funds to take the next step forward for developing the community hub.

We are delighted that we are now embarking, in cooperation with the council, on a hut refurbishment project that will see the building insulated, re-wired, new kitchen facilities, a heating system and new windows and doors fitted to create a warm, comfortable and useable space for all of the ambitious activities we have planned for the New Year and beyond, to bring our community together in this space, so rich in heritage and history going back over 100 years.

Alongside the generous and heart-warming funds that come from our activities, we have been successful in several grant applications that support the works and we are confident that our proposal, as part of the expression of interest in the Future Parks initiative, will not only be sustainable but a great community asset that will be of real value, accessible to all and long-lasting with the support and encouragement of everyone who uses Eastville park.

Our proposal is being finetuned ready for submission and we’re really excited about the opportunity to create a busy, vibrant and inclusive community hub for Eastville Park.

Friends of

EASTVILLE PARK

Eastville Park's Nissen hut before and after its transformation

The Nissen hut is quaint, quirky and full of charm and character, with a unique ‘step back in time’ experience for everyone who visits.

Along with the art deco pavilion and the lovely bowling green it is one of the few remaining heritage jewels in the park’s crown.

We believe we should be doing everything possible to hold onto them, and our refurbishment programme will provide muchneeded improvements that will enhance the use and appearance of the building, whilst retaining it’s unquestionable charm. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Please support us in our efforts where you can.

We recently bid farewell to

the lovely Hilda Brace, who lived all of her 93 years on the edge of the park, shared with us many wonderful stories of her life here and supported the Friends right until the end. We will miss her adorable sense of humour – much of it coming from her experiences in the park as a young girl!

Our Christmas tree sales fundraiser is well under way.

You can order your tree through our Facebook page or get in touch with us by email at friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com for more details.

A very Happy Christmas to you all.

The Parkie

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Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

December, 2021

26

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Getting away from the corruption and lies IN my last column I wrote about how politicians had come together across the House to mourn the killing of Sir David Amess. Sadly, we are now very much back to business as usual.

In fact, we’ve seen politics at its worst, with the Government getting itself embroiled in a corruption scandal after its ill-fated attempt to scrap the Standards Committee, to defend disgraced former MP Owen Paterson, and the revelations about MPs with highly lucrative second jobs.

So, it’s been good to have the chance to spend some time away from Westminster in Fishponds meeting with constituents.

Many readers will be aware of problems with criminal and anti-social behaviour on and around Lodge Causeway, which is largely the result of drug and alcohol misuse. I invited the Police

and Crime Commissioner to meet with local business owners, along with the ward councillors, Craig Cheney and Ellie King, who did a great job explaining the issues at hand, and the local beat officers who told us how they have been responding to these challenges.

Officers did say they’ve only had a few reports of anti-social behaviour in the area in recent months, when anecdotally we are aware of many more incidents than this, some of which are very serious. I’d encourage everyone who witnesses illegal activity to please report it to the police. You might not see immediate action, but it all helps the police to build a picture of where the anti-social behaviour hotspots are.

During UK Parliament Week, I visited pupils at May Park Primary School. By chance it was November 5, and I explained to school pupils the history of

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Guy Fawkes Night and how our parliamentary democracy works.

I also said why it is important to have a strong sense of public service and answered a wide range of questions, covering issues like climate change, the challenges of being involved in politics, and how I became an MP. I also visited Hillfields Community Garden, again with Cllr Ellie King. I was really impressed by what the volunteers have done to create the community garden, encouraging kids to discover the wonders of nature in their mini-explorers club, and giving adults somewhere to escape the pressures of everyday life. It was exciting to hear about future plans for the project, including planting an orchard in a ward that has fewer trees than almost anywhere else in the city.

If you are aware of any local

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice community projects you think I should visit, then please get in touch by email at Kerry.mccarthy. mp@parliament.uk, call 0117 939 9901 or write to Kerry McCarthy MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA.

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December, 2021

27

n HISTORY

Christmas cheer at Glenside Hospital Mike Jempson discovers how staff pulled out all the stops to lift spirits among patients CHRISTMAS in hospital is no one’s idea of festive fun, but imagine if hospital had become your home from home.

That was the reality for some staff and patients at Glenside Psychiatric Hospital. It was a time to inject some frivolity into proceedings.

Each ward would have its own carol concert, laid on by staff or visiting choristers, and there were raffles, special outings and Christmas socials.

In the post-war years, the Bristol Bus Company’s carol bus made a regular appearance. On Saturday December 18, 1971, it serenaded patients and staff at teatime. And for more than 30 years the City of Bristol Band would turn up on Boxing Day to deliver a Christmas concert.

One long-standing tradition was the annual Christmas pantomime put on by staff. It appears to have gone into decline during the 1960s.

In 1970, while the Glenside carollers were rehearsing for a tour of the wards, patients were being ferried by coach to Barrow Hospital in Somerset where the Barrow Players were putting on a performance of Mother Goose.

The panto was revived after the editor of the staff newsletter, Les Button, bemoaned its disappearance in a Christmas edition of The Glensider, saying: "The carollers are touring the wards, the staff and patients' parties are underway, and one look at the programme of festivities is enough to bring about that warm cosy Christmas atmosphere.

"The only item missing…is the staff pantomime, which…used to be enjoyed by everyone who took part, as well as the packed audiences…what a price to pay for television!

"Perhaps next year some of our artistically-minded staff…might be moved to bring about a revival of this traditional masterpiece.

Then Christmas would be really complete."

Nonetheless, that year there

A classy rendition of ‘There's No Business Like Show Business’ at a post-war Christmas show

was a Grand Festival Night in the social club, with ‘swingalong’ music from the Lloyd Whitehouse Group.

The editor’s plea seems to have struck a chord, because Gwyn Birt, one of the current Glenside Museum trustees, remembers “doing the lights” for the Yuletide variety shows and pantomimes put on by staff in the 1970s.

“It was entertainment for the patients,” says Gwyn, who was an engineer in the hospital Works Department. “The slogan was ‘Patients First’, and that was applied in every department from Works to the medical staff.”

In 1987 the staff of Ward 13 laid on a Christmas social with music entertainment for three of the hospital wards, and in addition to a show with a western theme in the social club, there was a pantomime in the cinema hall. Tickets for Cinderella were £1 for adults, 50p for children. All proceeds went to the patients.

That year The Glensider ended with an uncredited poem by American inspirational writer Wildferd Peterson: Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show The secret lies in inner glow, It’s lighting a fire inside the heart, Goodwill and joy a vital part Its higher thought and a greater plan,

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All aboard 'HMS Disgusting' for the 1989 Christmas concert, Thursday 21 December, followed by a disco party with Mobile Music It’s glorious dream in the soul of man Christmas begins deep down inside…

Then engulfs the world like a mighty tide.

Perhaps more to the point was the message from porter Ron Harvey, on behalf of his colleagues: "Christmas wishes to all and may peace of mind, contentment of spirit and love for each other

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

extend far beyond the festive season."

• The People's University of Fishponds presents 'A History of Christmas Songs' at the museum on Sunday December 19, at 7pm.

Tickets cost £5 and include a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.

The museum will then be closed until Wednesday January 5.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

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fishpondsvoice

29

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Thanks to all who will be working in festive season IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! My office has turned into a winter wonderland full of drawings of reindeer, holly and elves from talented local children entering my Christmas card competition.

There is a definite chill in the air. In our local shopping streets beautiful store window displays tempt us in, while carols bring muchneeded cheer. And I keep thinking, as I do every single year, I really must get a move on with my Christmas shopping!

Christmas is a truly magical time for many.

As a child I remember being so excited to find out what Father Christmas had left for me and my brother and sisters. My best ever present was when I was nearly four and got a red ride-on Tri-ang Puff Puff train. I had seen it in a shop window and instantly fell in love. But I also knew it was too big an ask, as it was far too expensive, and I was told that it wouldn’t become mine. So when it was there under the tree on Christmas day it was the most exciting day of my life and it still is!

When I was a bit older it remained trains

for me! Christmas was a waiting game to see what extra bits I might get for my Hornby train set. I loved the Brunswick green Great Western Railway engines and their chocolate and cream coaches. Sometimes I’d get some track and points in my stocking or tiny model passengers for the station and trackside. As you can tell, I was super keen on great public transport systems even back then!

Nowadays it’s my working cocker spaniel Angel that makes my Christmas special. She loves long walks, her toy pheasant, and best of all, sausages! Boxing Day is obviously a big deal too – I often go to Ashton Gate with my fellow Bristol City fans, and winning hopefully means vital bragging rights over my Rovers mates!

For some, Christmas doesn’t mean time off and I’d like to thank our amazing NHS staff, our firefighters and police, those working in retail at their busiest time of the year, and our posties who sort and deliver all the mail. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who works over Christmas!

A special Christmas wish also goes to those

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice who are spending the holiday alone – perhaps because of fate or circumstance, or maybe because they have lost a cherished partner.

If this is you, you will be particularly in my thoughts.

It’s also a time for New Year’s resolutions, but as I’ve got the best job ever, mine is simple.

In 2022 I want to really put the brilliant West of England even more firmly on the national and global map and ensure our region thrives.

So from Angel and me, we wish you and your family the happiest of Christmases, and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you in 2022.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

What makes Bristol? A new project is trying to find out We’d like you to be part of a citywide project called Bridging Histories We’re inviting people of all ages, political views, and social groups to join in 6 activities and share what they make. We’re offering £100-£300 for you to run events getting people sharing recipes and stories, street history, family history, ‘I am from’ poetry, monument detectives and changemaking. We will feature what you make in a We Are Bristol exhibit next year. We’re particularly keen to bring people together of different ages! Let us know what you’d like to do and why.

We’ll support as many projects as we can.

Visit www.bridginghistories.com and email activities@bridginghistories.com To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

WHAT is the tastiest recipe in all of Bristol and beyond? Who do you know with the wildest family legends? What are the songs you and your family grew up with?

Bridging Histories is inviting people across the Bristol region to join in activities and share what they make. They are asking families, schools and workplaces to get involved in exploring what makes Bristol tick.

Groups across Bristol have already been getting stuck in. Barton Hill History Group is creating new heritage trails. At Hoo Haw Children’s Art Festival, Scrapstore and Bristol Beacon created a Bristol skyline and got kids filling it with their own monuments. People have shared poems and their history.

Dr Joanna Burch-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Bristol is part of the team behind the Bridging Histories project. They are looking to get as many people as possible involved.

She said: “We especially love seeing activities that bring people together across the generations. It helps us be connected and gain a perspective we could never get on our own.”

“We are coming through the pandemic having grown and changed, and we are learning so much more about each other as a city.”

“Over the summer nearly 14,000 people shared their views on the future of the Colston statue and plinth.”

“This is a great moment for us to come together across the city and region, to connect over food, dip into our history, and get inspired to make positive change for the future.”

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December, 2021

31

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING

Good COP, bad COP? IT can’t have escaped your notice that COP26 has taken place in Glasgow.

In the build-up it seemed at times that the focus was simply on being proud it was happening in Britain, rather than reducing the impact of global warming.

Later we were treated to speculation about which guests would turn up and how action could be agreed without Russia and China’s leaders.

Once it got started, following the process was not easy. I was under the impression that the main aim was to keep the rise in global average temperature post-Industrial Revolution to 1.5C. What we ended up with was an agreement to keep that aim alive, but for the next conference to agree on how to achieve it.

After two weeks of discussion, whether this was a triumph or a disappointment may depend on how close to half full your glass ever is.

Of course there is only so much that can be achieved through negotiation when the only effective sanction is peer pressure, especially when some of the participants seemed to be immune from shame.

It could turn out that the only real takeaways from COP26 will be politicians encouraging activists to hold them to account, the PM taking a jet back to London and the term "phase down", introduced to avoid committing to "phasing out" coal.

What the world needed was agreement to establish regulations with teeth. The direction of travel towards a greener future is clear, but without regulation, no firm will want to risk losing competitive advantage by, for instance, cutting use of fossil fuels. A global market needs a level playing field worldwide, or all that will happen is sporadic voluntary improvements undermined by

everyone else.

In planning we are used to this process. Regulation and change comes from the top down, starting with Westminster. There is much debate over what should change and how, but ultimately we all have to abide by what the government sets out.

There are priorities that can be brought to bear right away, to ensure that the climate crisis is fully recognised through policies in plans. That requires transferring national targets into local plans.

Planning can help to implement targets in decisionmaking, not just by approving wind turbines, for instance, but also through fully considering factors like sustainable travel and flood resilience. This should really come as standard, as planning aims to leave the world in better shape and make a positive difference, but in practice it is one concern among many.

So, good COP or bad COP? The

nW HAT’S ON IN OUR AREA November 29 n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY GARDEN MINI EXPLORERS is for children aged from 2-4, parents or carers, 10am at Hillfields Park.

December 3 n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY GARDEN GARDENING FOR WELLBEING GROUP, activities to support mental well-being, Hillfields Park, 10.30am-midday.

December 4 n CHRISTMAS FAIR at St Mary's Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, from 11am. Books, tombola, white elephant, raffle and cakes, plus light refreshments.

December 4 n WINTER CELEBRATION Avanti Gardens School, 11am-3pm. Craft stalls, live music, workshops, raffle and home-made food. Free entry, from Oldbury Court Road entrance, everyone welcome.

4-5 Dec, 11-12 Dec & 18-19 Dec n VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS: Step back in time at Brunel’s SS Great Britain to celebrate a Victorian Christmas.

December 5 n BETHESDA I.M CHURCH, Soundwell Road Staple Hill Christmas fair 10.00 - 11.30.

December 5 n 5pm - STAPLE HILL SALVATION ARMY, Broad Street

BS16 5LN - ‘Light up a Life’ with St Peters Hospice staff, friends and Staple Hill Band and Songsters.

Places must be booked on www. staplehillsa.uk or Tel: 0117 9569733 December 7 n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY GARDEN WILD WOMEN GROUP, for women who are experiencing the menopause or are peri-menopausal, Hillfields Park, 10am.

December 10 n LUNCHTIME CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Manor Road, Fishponds, 12.30-2pm; performance from 1-2pm. Monthly concerts on the second Friday of the month return after an 18-month break, with a performance from Bristol Veterans Band. Entry is free – retiring collection towards expenses.

December 17 THE CLEEVE SINGERS AND GUESTS SIMPLY UKES in concert, 7.30pm at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Saturday Matinee next day (December 18) at 2pm. Limited tickets, £4, includes light refreshments, available from Melanie's Kitchen, Downend Folk House and choir members. Charity collection for dementia.

December 17 n HILLFIELDS COMMUNITY GARDEN GARDENING FOR WELLBEING GROUP, activities to

To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

support mental well-being, Hillfields Park, 10.30am-midday.

December 19 n 10am – FAMILY CAROL SERVICE – Staple Hill Salvation Army, Broad Street, Bristol BS16 5LN with Staple Hill Junior Band, Choir and Children. Tel 0117 9569733 December 19 n 5pm – COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE – Staple Hill Salvation Army with Band, Songsters and Children. Places must be booked on www.staplehillsa.uk or Tel: 0117 9569733 December 24 n 5pm – CAROLS IN THE SQUARE – Fountain Square, Staple Hill with Staple Hill Salvation Army Band.

January 8 KINGSWOOD Y'S MEN CLUB COFFEE MORNING, raising funds for local charities, Staple Hill Methodist Church (main entrance), 10am until noon. Further dates on January 29, March 5 and April 2.

January 14 LUNCHTIME CONCERT BY THE CONCORDE CLARINETS, St Mary’s Church, Manor Road, 1pm-2pm.

No admission charge but a retiring collection to cover expenses. Tea/ coffee served from 12.30pm.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

choice is yours. Whether it was all just 'blah blah blah' in the end, as predicted by Greta Thunberg, will need to be determined by firstly what has been kept alive to be decided in the next COP meeting and secondly by proper monitoring, so targets can actually achieve what they set out to.

We have regularly been told that time is running out: whether we can all pull together to achieve anything, time will tell.

Happy Christmas and New Year.

Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

REGULAR EVENTS

n BRISTOL U3A: Have you reached a point in your life where you have fewer responsibilities and more time for yourself? Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Why not become a member and find an interest group to join. Go to www. bristolu3a.org.uk for details.

Monday n SOCIAL BADMINTON every Monday at Kingswood Leisure Centre from 2-4pm. Intermediate level, all welcome. n EDDS & TALES Baby & Toddler Group Every Monday, Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street, Downend.

10.00 - 11.30 (term time only) £3 per family (first visit free) including drinks, snacks and craft activity ALL WELCOME - Just turn up Join our Facebook group Edds and Tales Wednesday n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets Wednesday evening at 7.15pm at Upper Horfield community Centre (next to Eden Grove Church) New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try.

For more info contact Sheila on 01179570792 or shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk.

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

December, 2021

32

n MAYOR'S VIEW

Working together to keep our city safe

DECEMBER is a busy time for our city’s restaurants, cafes, pubs, theatres and night time venues.

And this year in particular, when so many of us are looking forward to being able to socialise more freely in the run up to Christmas, we want everyone in the city to feel safe when enjoying Bristol’s nightlife.

That’s why we’ve been working with partners in the city in recent months to drive a series of projects and campaigns to make sure everyone is confident returning to our city’s thriving nightlife scene.

You may have seen posters across the city as part of our award-winning Bristol Rules campaign. These set out information on how to have a great and safe night out in our city, from looking after your mates to calling out inappropriate behaviour and respecting others.

Building on the success of

this campaign, we have launched a new initiative to stop drink spiking in the city. Despite carrying a sentence of up to ten years in prison, prosecution rates are shockingly low. We know many people in the city are concerned about drink-spiking, and that’s why even before stories about this issue hit the headlines, we were taking action to raise awareness and put a stop to it.

As well as reassuring people that reports of drink spiking will be taken seriously, guidance has been issued to venues so staff know how to handle incidents and support the police in their investigations. Crucially, police will be equipped with testing kits to test both victims and drinks.

This is especially important as the window for gathering evidence is short, with some drugs leaving the person’s system in as little as 12 hours, making early testing critical.

I am particularly pleased that our leadership on this work has been recognised by government. We have recently been awarded £282,000 by the Home Office Each month Bristol mayor to improve women’s safety Marvin Rees shares his views in the city at night. This will with Fishponds Voice see us implement a women’s safety charter, deliver training to staff in venues on tackling sexual harassment and provide additional drink spiking testing kits. our Night Time Economy Advisor, This funding is testament Carly Heath, for her dedication in to the way we have worked in driving this crucial work. partnership not only with our I hope that through this city’s venues, but with Avon and work, and our ongoing efforts to Somerset Police, the City Centre keep Bristol open and accessible Business Improvement District, this winter, Bristolians will have our universities and the NHS. The the opportunity to enjoy our expertise of the Bristol@Night city’s incredible nightlife over Panel, and organisations such as this festive season. However One25, SARSAS, and the Bristol you choose to celebrate, I wish Women’s Commission have been everyone a safe and merry crucial in shaping our response. I Christmas. want to pay particular tribute to

The Mayor’s View

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December, 2021

33

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Treat everyone with kindness

K

INDNESS is one of the fruits of the Spirit as stated in Galatians 5:22. It is the quality of compassion and generosity, a characteristic of God’s dealing with humanity and fellow humans dealing with one another. As we approach Christmas, it’s a time when humanity flashes black to remember how kindness was, and is, expressed in the work and deeds of Jesus Christ. How He came to the world in bodily form to show us that all of humanity is both spiritual as well as physical.

The kindness of Christ is showered on all men, whether we have come to know Him or not, He may allow men to follow their own ways. That is, he has given human-beings the right of choice. Yet, he has not left himself without a witness in

doing good. He has given us rain, seasons, hope in the resurrection of Christ; the Savior of the world.

Kindness is giving hope to others, it is seeing the best in others when they cannot see it for themselves. Kindness is something we can all give without losing anything ourselves, yet we gain a deep feeling of being a blessing to someone. Hence, kindness is not just what we do, but it is who we are because kindness has no boundaries.

There is a saying that ‘one good turn deserves another’, meaning good-heartedness always has a way of rewarding the one who offers it.

A good example is the story in our text (Acts 9:36-42); The Bible named this woman as Tabitha or Dorcas, she was ill and died, yet her acts of kindness were rewarded and Christ raised

her from death to life. Dorcas helped her community with her talent and skill without expecting anything back. Too often people miss the opportunity of being a blessing, this might be because of indifference, they say to themselves, the other is not my kind or my friend, while some would think they don’t see the need to help anyone with reasons best known to themselves.

My brothers and sisters, let us treat everyone with kindness, not because they are nice, but because we are! We should offer a random act of kindness to others, no matter how small because it can make a tremendous impact on someone’s life. Let us remember a time when someone showed kindness towards us and we had that big smile on our faces and it made our day! Friends let us do like-wise by making

RevBeatrice Anayo StapletonBaptist church random acts of kindness towards others, we never know, it might just be the thing that would make a difference in their lives. Let’s put a smile on someone’s face with our little or big act of kindness.

God bless you.

Rev Beatrice Anayo Stapleton Baptist church

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December, 2021

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n HOME CARE & FUNDING

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

We Care & Repair

Reducing your home energy bills and carbon footprint with support from Bristol City Council IN light of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, you may be wondering what you can do to support a reduction in carbon emissions. With the rising costs of energy, many are also wondering how they can cut their household energy bills.

Some properties are tricky to heat, others have poor energy efficiency measures, and some are just difficult to heat because of their age.

Whether you are looking to invest in renewable technologies such as solar and or heat pumps, or install energy-saving measures for your home, you may be eligible for an energy efficiency grant or loan to support you with funding the upfront costs.

For more information, visit Bristol City Council’s Energy Service Website https://www. energyservicebristol.co.uk/funding/ or call 0117 352 1180.

Working in partnership with Lendology, a Social Enterprise lender, Bristol City Council provide loans to homeowners for home

repairs, improvements, and energy efficiency measures. Lendology always encourage applicants to explore grant funding in the first instance.

For those not able to access grant funding, a loan funded by Bristol City Council could be the solution to funding works to increase the energy efficiency of your home, helping to lower your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.

5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk Ellie Lister Service Delivery Manager

Lendology

www.lendology.org.uk, loans@lendology.org.uk, and 01823 461099

To apply for a loan, visit www.lendology. org.uk or call 01823 461099.

For homeowners over 60 looking to future-proof their homes to remain independent, or for anyone who requires an adaptation to meet existing needs, We Care Home Improvements are the charity for you. Providing tailored advice and support, the team at We Care are at hand to support you with small repairs or manage large-scale projects on your behalf.

To contact We Care Home Improvements for advice on your adaptations needs, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

Up to

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Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners? *

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Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations.

If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.

For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk

For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk

*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value.

Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225.

Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

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36

December, 2021

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Who doesn’t like an awards ceremony? Ask Ant and Dec! It’s been a strange month for my Cleve Chiropractic colleague Catherine Quinn and I. We hosted the equivalent of the chiro Oscars, doing our best to impersonate the popular Geordie duo.

And I think there was just as much pressure on us. We were in charge of delivering and helping to host the national British Chiropractic Association (BCA) conference. During the past nine months, we’ve been heading up the repositioning and rebranding of the chiropractic profession through the BCA and have now launched this huge piece of work to the membership.

The project is much too involved to go into details here.

Suffice to say, the take home message is that we want to support all chiropractors to put their patients first and practise with the very highest levels of ethics and standards of care.

There’s a lot more to digest on this subject so, if you’re interested, please follow the BCA on social media channels.

During the conference I was asked to represent chiropractic during an excellent debate with Jack Chew, one of the country’s leading physiotherapists, and Ollie Coburn, who is the registrar for the British Association of Sport

Rehabilitators (BASRaT).

We considered the benefits of working alone as a practitioner in our chosen field. The thinking is that you get to learn more techniques to help treat many different conditions. That’s against working as part of a team of professionals but always with the same goal – doing your very best for the patient.

I’m fortunate to have worked both on a solo basis and within a team. During my first seven years as a chiropractor, I had my own business but also worked for Bath Rugby in the Premiership – so I enjoyed the best of both worlds.

During these early formative years, I spent some time dreaming of the ‘gold standard’ way of working in private practice – and always trying to answer the same question: what is the best environment in which to treat patients? I kept coming up with the same answer. The ‘professional sport way’ seemed like the best solution.

At Bath, every player would come and see me, followed by a visit to the physio and the sport therapist, then go to the gym with the sports rehabilitator, or out training on the practice pitches. They had access to the team doctor, pilates, yoga and a nutritional therapist. We had the

first laser machine I had ever seen, with access to X-rays, MRI and ultrasound scans.

So back in the days of no kids or grey hair, I formulated a plan of interdisciplinary working with a big enough clinic that could house everyone and enough equipment to match an elite sports environment. During the next 19 years or so, I formed a ‘collection’ of experts who I knew I could work with.

The friends I made at Bath Rugby, then with Bristol Rovers, would become my future colleagues. These people are leaders in their fields and have hugely varied skill sets. They already respect each other and know how to work together effectively to give the patient the best possible treatment.

I saved hard to buy and build in stages. This enabled me to furnish my clinic and buy a full range of medical equipment. It’s not just about chiropractic gear – we now have an X-ray machine, 3 diagnostic ultrasound machines, 3 shockwave machines, 2 laser therapy machines, 10 chiropractic and physio beds, an anti-gravity treadmill and we refer out for MRI scans…I haven’t quite afforded one of those yet!

I believe we’ve made great strides but we’re still improving.

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

0117 957 5388

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

Keith Graham, our lead physiotherapist, has completed his prescribing qualifications and can now perform ultrasound guided injections. We’ve taken on acupuncturist Jennie Abraham and we are about to partner with a very experienced nutritional therapist.

So you can tell that the conference debate sparked a huge amount of feeling for me as I proudly supported the idea of interdisciplinary working. I love what we’ve created with nearly two decades of hard work and determination. It means each patient at our clinic can be treated like a Premier League elite sports person, whatever their age, sex or physical ability.

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December, 2021

37

n SPORT

Ethan is crowned England junior champion HILLFIELDS boxer Ethan Moore has been crowned the Junior 80 kg England Boxing national champion.

Ethan, who is 16, won the national schools title in 2019, so to come back and claim the juniors after such a long lay-off is a fantastic achievement.

The semi-finals and final were held on the same weekend in Hereford at the end of October, with Ethan's semi-final opponent being Riley Hinds from Eastwood Boxing club in Nottingham – a very tough lad who had won three jiu-jitsu world titles previously before turning his hand to boxing.

It was rugged fight but Ethan forced the ref to step in for a standing count in the first round with a solid right-hand straight.

Although his opponent was tough and very game, it was clear that the experience and superior boxing skills from Ethan would see him gain a wide unanimous decision and take him into the

Coach Bailey Phillip, Alexa Smith, Jude Moore, Ethan Moore, Eloise Edwards, Jake Edwards and coach Bradley Smith at the Lonsdale Box Cup finals the following day.

Standing in the way of Ethan’s dream was the current GB champion Joe Hodgkinson, from Newcastle's Olympian Boxing club. The two had met the weekend before at the MTK Lonsdale Box cup in Cumbria, with Ethan winning by a split decision to claim the belt that day in a close but scrappy bout.

This final was very different, with Ethan more on his toes and using his southpaw jab to

better effect, teeing up some powerful backhand counters, A very confident and punch-perfect display saw Ethan claim the decision and win the title.

He said: "To be able to get back to boxing after such a long lay-off due to the pandemic is great but it has been extremely tough to get back in fighting shape, after needing to shed nearly 15kg since the early summer to make the weight class I wanted to win."

Ethan thanked his family, Downend Boxing Club and coaches Craig and Jo Turner, Bradley Smith and Tracey Hayne.

Ethan’s drive and commitment to his sport is quite simply outstanding. He conducts himself both in and out of competition superbly. He's a credit to the club and our city.

The week before a team of five from the club headed to the Lonsdale Box Cup in Cumbria and returned with three tournament champions.

Ethan’s brother Jude Moore, 18, beat Tyler Simpson of Southside Boxing Academy, Eloise Edwards beat Monea Smith MTK and Ethan himself beat Callum Slater of Doonhamers.

Alexa Smith and Jake Edwards also competed but lost in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.

Craig Turner

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December, 2021

38

n LETTERS We want your ideas for park

MY name is Hayley Swift, I’m a Community Development Practitioner for Parks and Green Spaces, currently supporting the Bristol Future Parks project.

Bristol Future Parks is piloting a new approach which looks at how we manage and look after our parks. Eastville park has been chosen as one of five sites across the city for the first phase of the project.

If you have an idea for a project that you would like to start in Eastville park – please take a look at the Future Parks website, www.bristol. gov.uk/futureparks, where you will find more information, examples of resident led parks

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projects and the expression of interest form, which is open until December 31.

This is an opportunity for residents and community groups to take a lead on making great things happen in Eastville park. If you’d like to have a conversation about your project before submitting your form, please email me at hayley. swift2@bristol.gov.uk.

Hayley Swift

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0117 925 6828

We would be pleased to help you with your

Boiler/Heating systems installed Unvented Cylinders, Electric Boilers Underfloor heating Boiler repairs Boiler servicing Gas & PAT safety testing

UP TO 10 YEAR FINANCE PLANS AVAILABLE Contact us via:

* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES

0117 9600296 or 07970122137 info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk FULLY ACCREDITED WITH

Mobile:

07765 208690 OVEN CLEANING

 

PLUMBING

ADVERTISE HERE

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS From as little as

£18

.30 +VAT

Per month EMAIL

sales@fishpondsvoice. co.uk To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

CREST HEATING & PLUMBING

BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE

TEL: 07765 250816

56746

Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377

Wholesale and Retail Bakery Orders taken • Large orders 2 days notice

Open Monday to Friday 6am-4pm Sat 6am-2pm

Everything baked fresh on the premises Pies, pasties, bread, rolls & cakes Fresh filled rolls made daily Hot and cold drinks to take away

E: Brizzlebornandbread@gmail.com 97 Summerhill Road, St George, BS5 8JT

Tel: 0117 9551137

WE ARE HERE